Earlier this week, people worldwide celebrated World Children’s Day, a special occasion dedicated to giving kids a platform to voice their opinions on issues that matter to them. But the festivities don’t stop there! Throughout this month, UNICEF is hosting various programs and events where children can come together, express themselves, and share their views. This year is extra special as it marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We caught up with Stephanie Daniels from UNICEF to get the scoop on how Belize is joining in the celebrations this year.
Stephanie Daniels
Stephanie Daniels, UNICEF
“So this year marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and so UNICEF Belize and our partners have kind of scheduled a year worth of activities to mark this milestone. And some of them have already passed, so you’re looking at consultations that have happened in the past, like the General 27 consultations on access to justice and effective remedies. We also recently, just last week, did the International Day of the Girl Adolescent Town Hall, which looked at allowing girls the space to ask for the things they need to feel empowered and to have the future they want for themselves. Also on the pipeline tomorrow actually is the VNR national consultations where we’re looking at young people’s participation in the SDGs. And then we’re also looking at a geo education for a forum expo that is coming up on the 27th that looks at children engagement in geo technology. And so today we launched our art ambassador, Mr. Keon Griffiths, and he was able to showcase his piece today. So there’s just been a host of activities. Because children’s rights and advocating for them can’t be just one day. This is a continuous thing that we have to do. Every year we acknowledge where we have grown and what we have accomplished, but then we’re also visioning and looking towards what are the other things we need to change.”
On Wednesday, a picture of a Christmas ham went viral on social media in Belize. At first glance, it seemed harmless, but people quickly noticed the hefty three-hundred-and-twenty-dollar price tag. This ham, produced by Running W and sold at Brodie’s supermarket for seventeen dollars and ninety-five cents per pound, sparked concerns about the rising cost of ham as Christmas approaches. Today, News Five’s Britney Gordon chatted with a few Belize City butchers to find out what Belizeans can expect to pay for their holiday ham this season.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Every Belizean knows that a true local Christmas dinner isn’t complete without a generous slice of Christmas ham. With the holiday season just around the corner, many are on the hunt for an affordable ham to complete their festive feast. Today, we chatted with the owner of Campos Smiling Meats on New Road to find out what customers can expect to pay.
Alyssa Campus
Alyssa Campus, Owner, Campos Smiling Meats
“So this year we’re, thank God the hams aren’t expensive. So we’re doing picnic hams at six fifty a pound. And we’re doing the leg hams at eight fifty a pound. But I mean, if you’re a company and you’re gonna buy, I mean, a nice amount, we could definitely do a wholesale price on that. It’s not a problem. There’s also going to be boneless hams because there’s, you know, some people don’t like the bone and the skin and all of that. We will have those available.”
Smiling Meats also caters to those who don’t eat pork by offering turkey ham. The owner mentioned that her customers often opt for picnic hams because they’re more budget friendly.
Alyssa Campus
“The most popular one would be the picnics because it’s affordable. They could come in smaller sizes rather than getting the big ones. Like if it’s a family of two, most people would go for the picnics. So we will have those available too.”
When we visited Southside Meats on Albert Street, we found their prices to be a bit higher than those at Smiling Meats. However, Ashlee Habet, the Director of Southside Meats, assured us that every purchase can be customized to fit the customer’s budget.
Ashlee Habet
Ashlee Habet, Director, Southside Meats
“For the Christmas hams, we have four kinds of hams that we make here in-house. We have two ham legs, bone-in, boneless. We also have smoked pork loin, and shoulder picnic ham as well the hams range, we have a variety of hams that range. So the ham is from eleven to eighteen. However, if the customers do have a budget, they can tell us what their budget is and we can cut the hams to suit their budget range.”
Habet mentioned that they offer Christmas hams year-round because they’re a popular and convenient choice for events like weddings and parties.
Ashlee Habet
“So for people who like meat, we would recommend the boneless ham loin or the bone-in ham leg, which has a long, narrow bone. The bone will also have the picnic shoulder ham for those who like a little bit more fat, um, and a little bit more marbling in their hands.”
While the seventeen dollars may seem too high of a price to pay for ham, butchers explain that it depends largely on the cut and size of the meat.
Earlier, we shared a butcher’s perspective on ham prices and highlighted some locations in Belize City where you can snag a decent slice for your plate. But the big question remains: can Belizeans afford to buy ham this season? To find out, we hit the streets to get their thoughts on ham prices. Here’s what they had to say.
Benita Palacio
“What do you have to say to the people preparing for Christmas having to pay a higher amount now for ham?”
Belizean
“Once a year, I would say that’s once a year,’
Benita Palacio
“But what about those people who stick to a paycheck to paycheck life?”
Belizean
“That’s a good one.”
Benita Palacio
“If you can’t afford the ham? You wouldn’t substitute it?”
Belizean
“Yes I would substitute it.”
Benita Palacio
“What you would substitute it with?”
Belizean
“Well normally people but Dak Ham or something else. Just something.”
Benita Palacio
“What if you can’t afford it this year because ham gone up?”
Belizean
“Well I wa have to depend pan mi area fi mi free ham.”
Benita Palacio
“So you wouldn’t substitute your ham?”
Belizean
“Noh really.”
Benita Palacio
“So you wa try do your best to find a ham?”
Belizean
“Find a ham. But like I said, the ham weh da right fah yeah cost more than the ham weh da from next place.”
Benita Palacio
“Weh next place.”
Belizean
“Imported and exported ham.”
Benita Palacio
“So the ham weh we produce here in the country cost more? You noh think it should be in reverse?”
Belizean
“Maybe eleven dollars and change per pound compared to the next one weh da maybe like five ninety-nine.”
Benita Palacio
“So what you’re saying is that when you buy it imported, you normally get it at cheaper price?”
Belizean
“Yes ma’am. Because I could afford it, and it nice to.”
Benita Palacio
“Would you substitute the ham this year for something else that is more affordable?”
Belizean
“Maybe yes, with tamales and everything.”
Benita Palacio
“Did you hear anything about the ham price these days?”
Belizean
“Well I hear about it but my concern, I celebrate thanksgiving and hen I buy ham, da fi me and mi family/ From Southside minimarket.”
Benita Palacio
“So what’s the budget you stick with?”
Belizean
“I stick with sixty dollars for my ham. Da weh I get from Southside.”
Benita Palacio
“How much pound of ham that?”
Belizean
“That da three pound.”
Benita Palacio
“Three pound. Fi how much?”
Belizean
“Sixty dollars.”
Benita Palacio
“So you stick to that amount and done?”
Belizean
“Yes from Southside minimarket.”
Benita Palacio
“What if the ham gone up and you get less pound now?”
Belizean
“Well if it gone up, better I go look fi wa turte or wa hiccitee or wa two chicken.”
Benita Palacio
“So you wouldn’t waste your time getting a ham?”
Belizean
“Well I only eat ham once a year for thanksgiving. Cuz I no really celebrate Christmas. Iwould not pay that because if you got fifty dollars, it done right away”
It’s been a month since Belize’s very own Halima Hoy left to compete in the Miss Universe 2024 Pageant. After shining on one of the world’s biggest stages, Hoy has returned home. Today, News Five’s Britney Gordon caught up with her at the airport to find out how she’s feeling now that the pageant is over.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Today, the Philip Goldson International Airport buzzed with excitement as the rhythmic beats of the Wabagari Dance Group welcomed Miss Universe Belize 2024 back home. After a whirlwind month in Mexico, Halima Hoy is thrilled to be back. She shared her feelings about the days leading up to the big night.
Halima Hoy
Halima Hoy, Miss Universe Belize 2024
“It was like emotions building up. We had a lot of emotions and I felt sad at some point, not sad, but just more like doubting myself a little bit. And then at some point, I felt excited, just normal emotions that you go through when you’re about to experience a huge life event. But when I got on the stage, I can tell you that all of that went away. The pride of my country took over and I felt pretty comfortable on that stage. So I’m proud of that.”
Meeting new people was the highlight of Hoy’s Miss Universe experience. While most Belizeans praised her performance, there were some criticisms after the pageant. On Thursday, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) released an open letter, expressing concerns that Hoy’s presentation of the Deer Dance didn’t honor the ritual’s sanctity. Hoy shared her initial thoughts on the letter.
Halima Hoy
“We released sketches of the costumes that were submitted to us since late April, early May, I believe, and they all had a wonderful description of what it represents, and the sketches have been circulating since then, and we also released photos of the costume a couple, a couple weeks prior to me leaving, maybe a couple days, sorry, prior to me leaving, so I am proud to have represented something that beautiful something that is rooted in the Belizean culture and I just feel like moving forward, we do need to maybe you know, look consult or something like that, but I I am very proud of the performance I have I got a lot of positive feedback from the costume, a lot of the young women were asking me what it meant and my eyes just lit up when I was sharing the store with them and I believe that a lot of people will know that part of our tradition in Belize.”
Much like the Miss Universe team, many Belizeans wondered why SATIIM waited so long to condemn the presentation. Executive Director, Maya Ch’oc explains that the timing of the statement is not as crucial as its message.
Maya Ch’oc
Maya Ch’oc, Executive Director, SATIIM
“It’s to bring some attention and some education. I think it was to create a learning opportunity for everyone and it’s certainly not to blame anybody or to cause an upset, but it’s really to create an opportunity to learn so that we can reconnect to share with the Belizean public and with everyone that there is something about this dare dance that is sacred to us as Maya people, and it’s important for us to respect these practices, these traditions, and these values and it’s important to why we want to showcase police to ensure that it’s done in a respectful manner and that we at least seek, I wouldn’t say permission, but to have a conversation with other people, this is an idea that I have. What are your thoughts on this?”
Despite the criticism, Hoy is thankful for the chance to showcase Belize’s rich culture and advocate for climate action. She sees this as a learning experience for the entire team.
Halima Hoy
“That is a, you know, a group effort from the entire organization, but we had no mal intentions when we did it. That we had all good intentions to represent our country and represent something that is deeply rooted in our history that we all share as Belizeans.”
SATIIM acknowledges that Hoy and her team meant no harm with the presentation but maintains that better protocols should be taken when choosing to showcase sacred parts of culture. Ch’oc also encourages all members of the Mayan community to reconnect with their culture.
Maya Ch’oc
“I see this as an opportunity for us, and I call on all of us Maya people, to reconnect with our culture, our tradition. You know, I perhaps, maybe if this had been an issue that happened ten years ago, my perspective would have shifted. You know, it would have been different but I think it I would say to them is that the question is, why is this dance so valuable to us? You know, how do we respect it? You know, there has been a lot of traditions that have been lost throughout the years because of external forces, because we’ve had this disconnect between ourselves on our culture.”
Halima plans to keep championing her platform and making Belize proud throughout the rest of her reign. She also has some words of wisdom for the next Miss Universe.
Halima Hoy
“It’s not only about the glitz and the glams that you see on social media, There’s a lot of hard work that goes behind the scene. You have to be resilient, you have to be strong and confident in the woman that you are. It gets tough at times, you’re gonna doubt yourself at times, but it’s all about the comeback. How having a strong source of like, where your hope comes from. Like for me, I’m a firm believer in Jesus Christ and I feel like praying and staying grounded was really important, but the next Miss Universe Belize just has to be a woman who is sure of herself, who has great character and who’s not afraid to shine that light even in a room with a hundred and twenty-five women.”
Earlier this week, marine experts raised alarm about Belize’s lobster stocks being overfished, warning that without urgent action, this valuable resource could soon be depleted. A former fisheries officer, however, had a different take, suggesting that climate effects and boat interference might be to blame for the lobster scarcity in some areas. He also pointed out that there isn’t enough research yet to definitively say overfishing is the cause. But the fishermen we spoke with, along with lobster expert Doctor Daniel Pauly, disagreed. Here’s Part Three of the Lobster Stocks story by Marion Ali.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Dr. Pauly debunks this theory and says there are indeed studies that have shown how and why lobsters disappear from certain areas, and it’s as simple as over-exploitation. That factor, Pauly says, has driven lobster stocks to the point of depletion in those areas.
Dr. Daniel Pauly
Dr. Daniel Pauly
“When a fishery begins, it is always the ones that are closer to the coast, closer to the cities, closer to the ports that are depleted first, that are fished first. Why? Because you have a low cost of transport with a boat and fuel costs and so on. So, it’s always like that, that in fisheries as the fishery develops, the fishers must go further off because the ones that were near are depleted, are gone. So, this is not because the animals move; this is because humans have removed the animals that were close, so you have to go further off. And anybody who tells you that the fish have moved, or the lobster have moved, this is the reason why they are not there anymore – anybody who says that doesn’t know anything about fisheries, because this is the strongest pattern that happens in fisheries.”
The Sea Around Us Initiative conducted its own independent research to bolster this position, and the results of the study were published in March of this year. In agreement with the data coming out of these research exercises (slides attached in Dr Pauly’s folder) are the findings of lobster expert, Dr Mark Butler. He shared information about how lobsters breed.
Mark Butler
Mark Butler, Lobster Expert
“Quite literally, the female produces an odor, a scent, that’s released into the water column. And that is what the males are then attracted to the females and come to find the females. But the mating process requires female acceptance.
They tend to mate sort of size-assorted. What that means is the smaller lobsters tend to mate with smaller lobsters. The bigger lobsters tend to mate with bigger lobsters. And one of the reasons for this, and a lot of our research has shown, is that, for example, if a small lobster mates with her, he cannot fertilize all her eggs because bigger lobsters produce more sperm to fertilize than do small lobsters. So big females have to have a big male to mate with.”
After the male transfers the sperm in a black packet on the underside of the female, she releases her eggs and scratches the tar spot open, which releases the sperm from the packet. She fertilizes her eggs, and they attach to her tail for approximately three weeks while they develop. During that time, the female lobsters take care of the eggs, grooms them and oxygenates them and releases them, usually further offshore, since larvae can’t survive in inshore waters. The eggs travel in the sea ocean for about 7 months and go through 24 stages. Depending on ocean currents, the last larvae stage called the perilous post larvae can literally smell the inshore and come in at night on a flood tide around the new moon. They seek inshore habitats in shallow waters that have algae, mangroves and rocks. This is why Butler says it is important for the Fisheries Department to protect these areas, to give the baby lobsters a chance to mature and reproduce. The maturation stage takes 18 to 24 months before they can reproduce. Lobsters reproduce every year and can live up to about 15 years, once they are not caught.
Back out on the patrol, the team searched the two fishing camps, but nothing illegal materialized. They pressed on, looking for more boats returning with their catch for the day. There was none that afternoon. The Ministry of the Blue Economy and the Belize Fisheries Department provided us with data that shows the most recent statistics on lobster tail production. Their slides show that the production of lobster tails increased over the past 22 years and claim that in 2001, Belize produced 440,000 pounds of tails for export, while in 2023, the figure increased to 636,877 pounds. This converts to US $11.7 million in export revenues, though the government did not explain the methodology upon which their results are based.
On the afternoon we accompanied the team, and it did not find any undersized lobster during their raids and searches. Belize’s revised fisheries law stipulates that for every undersized lobster tail found, there is a fine of a minimum of $50 per tail, along with a minimum of $1,000 for fishing for undersized commercial species. Marion Ali for News Five.
In the dazzling world of fine jewelry, it’s easy to get lost in the sparkle of beautiful displays. But the real magic happens behind the scenes, where dedication and passion fuel the craftsmanship. For the Martinez family, owners of Nancy’s Jewelry, what started as a modest dream to serve their community has grown into something truly special. Tonight, we delve into the art of handcrafting exquisite jewelry and discover why this family business is a shining example of trust and lasting relationships with their customers. It’s a reminder that the true value of their pieces goes far beyond the glitter. Here’s their story.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
For the past twenty years, Nancy’s Jewelry has been a beloved name, known for its stunning silver and gold pieces. Their displays are filled with beautiful designs that draw in customers looking for the perfect addition to their collection. But, like many of us, customers often overlook the dedication and craftsmanship behind each piece. It all began thirty-five years ago, in 1979, when Jose Martinez first discovered the world of jewelry. After arriving in Belize, he started out as a watch repairman. However, his curiosity soon led him to the intricate art of jewelry making, igniting a passion that would shape his future and the future of Nancy’s Jewelry.
Jose Martinez Sr.
Jose Martinez Sr., Co-owner, Nancy’s Jewelry “The places that used to be in operation in those days, they used to buy and sell; not really manufacture. I saw a big opportunity in that situation there. So I decided to start learning more and open my own jewelry store.”
Sabreena Daly
“Tell me about the uniqueness of your job, Mr. Martinez. I think what a lot of people tend to think of when they purchase jewelry is that it’s just there. Not a lot of us think of where it comes from.”
Jose Martinez Sr
“Yes. And in my case, I put a lot of effort into whichever piece of jewelry the customer asked me to make for them.”
Nancy’s Jewelry is named after Jose Martinez’s muse and inspiration—his beloved wife, Nancy. Over the years, their sons—Jose, Miguel, and Francis—have not only joined the family business but have also become skilled artisans. They’ve grown into the trade, playing a crucial role in keeping their father’s legacy alive and thriving.
Jose Martinez
Jose Martinez Jr., Son “I actually started the jewelry industry when I was 15. I was still in high school at that time. But what really drew me to the industry was the appearance, the appeal of gold, um, prior to silver. For What I mean by appeal is gold is a metal that has malleability, workability, durability. It’s, uh, it doesn’t corrode and it’s just such a beautiful color that when compared to any product in the market, you know, it’s second to none. You know, um, the other thing that really brought me into the industry was looking at the time, the effort that my dad put into this and the pride that he really had whenever he made that piece for the, for the customer.”
Jewelry is more than adornment—it also symbolizes luxury, love, and style. But in Belize, certain jewelry reflects our rich culture and identity. Iconic pieces like our petaled earrings, Mayan hoops, and braided bangles are treasured symbols of our rich heritage. And what sets them apart is the artistry: each piece, handcrafted with skill and passion, preserves a tradition unique to Belize.
Jose Martinez “Here in Belize, jewelry is something cultural. A lot of us may overlook it because the younger generation is into modern jewelry; the stones and you know that big flash. But if you take a look at our traditional Belizean bangles, whether it be gold or silver, you can identify that someone is Belizean just by a pair of bangles, no matter where you see them.”
Nancy’s Jewelry also blends modern manufacturing techniques with traditional craftsmanship. According to Martinez’s son, these innovations enhance efficiency, streamline production, and reduce time while ensuring that the quality and artistry of each piece remain uncompromised. By blending old-world craftsmanship with modern techniques, the business can keep up with growing demand while still maintaining the unique charm and meticulous attention to detail that make their work so special.
Jose Martinez, Son “My dad whenever he started in the industry, he started manufacturing strictly by hand. And by hand I mean You start Assemble and finish a product using handmade tools, right? Like your pliers, your hammers, those are the tools you use whenever you’re referring to handmade pieces. Now, from then, which was in the 1980s, when he started in this trade, up until today, the industry has evolved, and we have had to evolve with it in order to keep up with trends. When he started in the industry, as mentioned, he did hand manufactured jewelry. But throughout this time, we’ve also embraced other methods such as the loss wax casting, which is a very popular method for most of the pieces that you see around. We’ve also embraced the dye striking method. And lately we’ve also come on board with the CAD manufacturing process, which is computer aided design manufacturing. So using either these methods individually or combined, um, We actually mass produce or create that unique piece for the customer.”
Every sparkling piece in this jewelry store has a deeper story to tell. While the showroom dazzles with glamor, the real magic happens behind the scenes in the workshop, where skilled craftsmanship brings each piece to life. The Martinez family began with a humble goal of serving their community as jewelers, and they’ve far exceeded that dream with stores nationwide. They owe their success to the trust and strong relationships they’ve built with their customers over the years.
Jose Martinez Sr. “Well, it represents hard work and effort. From those days until now. A lot of things happened and it took a lot of sacrifices to be at this point that we are at the moment. but we cannot regret anything, we are blessed with everything that we have and hopefully my children will continue for generations to come.”
Yesterday, the Senate approved a new income tax exemption threshold, raising it from $26,000 to $29,000. This change means that workers earning less than $29,000 per year will no longer have to pay income tax.
The Senate discussed various tax laws, including the Income and Business Tax (Amendment) Bill of 2024, which was introduced by the Leader of Government Business, Senator Eamon Courtenay. He explained that this measure would help workers by “exempting a significant number of people from having to pay income and business tax.”
Chris Coye, the Minister of State for Finance, stressed the impact of the change, stating that it would benefit over 2,800 public officers whose average income is between $26,000 and $28,000. These workers will no longer have to pay taxes, effectively increasing their net take-home pay by $900 starting January 1st.
Coye also highlighted how the current tax structure often leads to tax evasion, as workers receiving salary increases end up with lower take-home pay due to higher tax rates. The new threshold aims to reduce this issue and provide more financial relief for hard-working Belizeans.
Yesterday, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) condemned Miss Universe Belize’s (MUB) decision to use the Mayan Deer Dance costume in the Miss Universe 2024 Pageant held in Mexico City this earlier this month.
In its statement, SATIIM said, “No Maya person brought up in their culture would ever put on a Deer Dance mask or clothing outside of the rituals.” SATIIM added, “Inspiration should not be used as an excuse for exploitation,” and further criticised that the Mayan traditional attire was reduced to mere “entertainment” and “desecrated” it for a beauty contest.
Today MUB Halima Hoy arrived back in Belize and addressed the controversy. “We released sketches of the costumes that were submitted to us since late April, early May… the sketches have been circulating since then. And we also released photos of the costume a couple weeks prior to me leaving,” Hoy said. She added, “I am proud to have represented something that I love, something that is rooted in Belizean culture.”
She stated that the costume had a positive reception, with many young women asking about its meaning, and shared how it conveyed a message of climate action, aligning with Belize’s advocacy at COP29.
While acknowledging the controversy, Halima stated, “We had no mal intentions… we had all good intentions to represent our country and something that is deeply rooted in our history.”
Miss Universe Belize, Halima Hoy, is back in the country after representing Belize in Mexico City for the 73rd Miss Universe pageant. She was warmly welcomed at the Philip Goldson International Airport by representatives from the Belize Tourism Board and the sounds of Garifuna music played by the Wabagari Dance Group.
In an interview with News 5, Hoy opened up about her emotional journey during the pageant. “I feel so proud to be back home after representing my country,” she said, describing the rush of emotions she experienced in the lead-up to the event. “When I got on the stage, I can tell you that all of that went away. The pride of my country took over, and I felt pretty comfortable.”
Hoy described the experience as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity, adding that while pageantry can be competitive, “everybody was friendly and accommodating.”
Residents in various regions are advised to monitor waterways and exercise caution due to fluctuating water levels.
In Region 7, the Rio Hondo at Blue Creek North, Santa Cruz, San Antonio, San Roman, and Douglas to the coast is experiencing decreasing flood stage levels. Meanwhile, the New River at Hill Bank, Tower Hill, and Caledonia to the coast is at bankfull stage levels.
In Region 9, extreme caution is urged as the Mopan River at Benque Viejo Town shows receding flood levels nearing Hurricane Mitch levels, with further decreases expected. The Macal River at Fortis facilities, including the Chalillo, Mollejon, and Vaca spillways, is actively spilling. At San Ignacio, flood levels are decreasing, while on the Belize River at More Tomorrow, flood levels are also dropping. However, at Double Run, increasing flood stage levels persist. In Crooked Tree Lagoon, water levels have surpassed the causeway and continue to rise.
In Region 11, decreasing flood stage levels are reported on the Sibun River at Freetown Sibun and the Southern Lagoon at Gales Point Village. Watersheds along the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains and the Sittee River at Kendal Bridge are experiencing minimal decreases in flood levels. However, the branches of the Monkey River at Swasey and Bladen, the Deep River at Medina Bank, and the Rio Grande at San Pedro Columbia and Big Falls South are showing above-normal levels. The Moho River at Blue Creek South and Jordan and the Temash River at Crique Sarco are also reporting above-normal levels.
In Region 13, the Sarstoon River continues to exhibit above-normal levels.
Further updates will be provided as necessary. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions.
