Last night, we shared the excitement surrounding the screening of Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow’s documentary at the Princess Cinema, which received rave reviews from attendees. However, tonight, the documentary is facing some criticism. Maya Cultural Activist Juan Caal, who runs the Maya Culture Belize Facebook page, has accused Barrow of exploiting Maya cultural heritage. Caal is particularly upset about the cover art, which shows Barrow sitting in front of a Maya temple, and the fact that Barrow conducted an interview for the documentary at the same location. Here’s how Caal explained his objections to the image.
Juan Caal
Juan Caal, Maya Cultural Activist
“If you look at it, I don’t know him personally. I have only been hearing about the documentary on the media as well. But, one must think like, is it not a logical question, what does the Maya temple have to do with your story? How does it relate? It is only logic, I would have seen him sitting down in front of the National Assembly. It is more relatable to the power that he seeks to become prime minister. That is my question when I share. It results in nothing else, but like some would say, publicity. But, I am not sure publicity for who. Publicity for him, publicity for the Maya people, but we have to look at it from a very in depth perspective. For you to do that, you have to be grounded in culture, you have to look at the respect you must have for your own culture and the culture of others.”
Paul Lopez
“So do you believe that his use of the Maya temple is a form of cultural exploitation?”
Juan Caal
“I think, these scenarios has been going on. His one is not just the first. We have seen so many times when we have seen artist, we have seen where in the name of so many things they use our cultural heritage. And, it continues to happen. I think this is the time we need to start dialogue with the cultural gate keepers on how we go about promoting the cultural heritage of Belize. We have to revisit policies that promotes appreciation of people’s culture.”
Cultural Activist Juan Caal explained that Barrow’s photo in front of the Maya temple doesn’t reflect the values and principles of the Maya people at all. He argues that those in charge of cultural heritage, who grant permission for using these sites, need to reform their policies. Monica Magnusson, sister of Christina Coc, the spokesperson for the Maya Leaders Alliance and the Toledo Alcalde Alliance, also criticized Barrow. In a fiery Facebook post, Magnusson called it a blatant example of the elites disrespecting, exploiting, and appropriating their sacred temple. Interestingly, the MLA/TAA hasn’t taken a stance on this issue. Caal believes Barrow’s photo shows an egotistical mindset.
Juan Caal
Juan Caal, Maya Cultural Activist
“If I describe to you the picture I saw, it is someone portraying power, portraying for the lack of a better word, an egoistic way of thinking. That is what I got and that is my interpretation of it.”
Paul Lopez, Reporter
“Does the image and its portrayal on a global platform offend you?”
Juan Caal
“Well, this is where it becomes very interesting because you hear people saying it is being marketed on a global stage. Well, this is not the first. He is doing it. Ms. Universe did it. Our own tourism board do it all the time. But if you ask the question, how do we as a people, as Maya people, beside the fact we want to know how it reflects our values, principles, how we benefit form all of this. Is it for the sake of just giving me a voice to be represented. I can tell you, I do not need anyone to represent my Maya culture. I can do it by myself. And while we appreciate others representing it, it has to be done in such a way that promotes respect.”
Paul Lopez
“How would you respond to questions such as who has ownership over the Maya temples in Belize and to whom must permission be asked to take a picture or do an interview in front of a Maya temple?”
Juan Caal
“As you know the United National Declaration of Indigenous People, shares that these policies must be shaped with consultation or the Maya people involved, to consult. And this has to happen in a way that policies need to be revisited. Whoever the relevant stakeholders that hold the gates to our cultural heritage must have a dialogue and this dialogue must start now where we sit down and promote policies that promotes respect, and appreciation for our culture, not just Maya culture, culture on a whole. I’ll give you an example, how would you feel if your great grand mother’s tomb was behind Shyne’s backdrop. How does it relate to your grandmother. How does that relate to the story you are telling. That is a simple question.”
On Sunday, the Mexican government announced that the U.S. has hit the pause button on importing Mexican cattle. This decision came after a case of New World screwworm was found in the lakeside town of Catazaja, located in southern Chiapas. On Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture shared that Mexico’s top vet had alerted them about a screwworm found in a cow at a checkpoint near the Guatemala border. These pesky maggots sneak in through open wounds and feast on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals, including humans. The USDA cautioned that these infestations can be tricky to spot initially but can show up as growing wounds, creamy larvae, and signs of discomfort. So, what does this mean for Belize and its cattle industry? Earlier today, we had a chat with Fermin Blanco, the country rep for OIRSA in Belize, to get the scoop.
On the phone: Fermin Blanco, Country Representative, OIRSA
“The detection of that screwworm fly in Mexico has put everybody on alert because of damages that it causes, but that ban that the US puts on Mexico, that stays between both countries. In our case, we export to Mexico. Belize is still free of screwworm, so our protocols for exportation remains the same until there is a detection in Belize then the whole protocol will change and they will add in more restrictions. Since CENASICA knew of the detection in Guatemala, they have heightened their protocols, they have increased their inspections and sanitation and everything that it’s kind of difficult for export from Guatemala to Mexico, but because Guatemala has reported officially the presence of the screwworm. Belize has not, up to now, we are still free. In the region, the OIRSA region, El Salvador and Belize are still free, so our protocols for export to Mexico remains the same, unless there is a detection which we don’t have at the moment.”
Isani Cayetano
“What changes in respect of the protocols should there be a detection in Belize?”
Fermin Blanco
“CENASICA has indicated that they might heighten sanitary measures which will include each animal being inspected and has to be certified free of any wound, any ticks, any flies that can attract the flies. Plus, they’ll have to spray the animals with insecticides, including an ivermectin injection to guarantee that the fly does not travel with the animals. That protocol is not in place for Belize. That protocol has been placed for animals in Guatemala that’s coming in from that area to Mexico.”
Belize is staying on high alert with preventative measures in place, but Blanco told News Five that keeping screwworm at bay needs teamwork from everyone in the cattle industry, including the Belize Livestock Producers Association. He pointed out that the spread of this pesky parasitic fly is linked to the illegal movement of cattle across the region.
On the phone: Fermin Blanco, Country Representative, OIRSA
“It is a joint effort that the organization is doing with BAHA. It’s a team effort, it is the Ministry of Agriculture, it’s BAHA, it’s IICA, it’s OIRSA, it’s the Belize Livestock Producers Association. Everybody has to come on board to prevent the entrance of this pest into Belize. So it’s not a one entity thing, it’s a combined effort and our bet here is to prevent as much as possible the entrance of this fly. What happened is that this fly moves along with the illegal movement of cattle in Central America and Belize is not a route for those animals. It travels from Nicaragua, to Honduras, to Guatemala, to Mexico. So that has been the pattern of the fly where it has been detected. So, for us here, we just have to strengthen the securities at the border points and the unofficial border points so as to prevent as much as possible the entrance of this pest into Belize. So we are working hand in hand with BAHA, with IICA, and the Ministry of Agriculture, like I said.”
Even with current protocols in place, stopping the spread of screwworms means cattle farmers need to change their ways. Meanwhile, Belize is staying vigilant and closely monitoring trade relations between the U.S. and Mexico.
On the phone: Fermin Blanco, Country Representative, OIRSA
“It’s a change of practices that the user has to adopt now because, since it was eradicated in the early nineties, the management of cattle has changed. But now with this new pest, everything has changed again and we have to treat all wounds in animals, even when you brand, when you do ear-tagging, when you dehorning, all those practices now, you have to kill those pests that you past to the animals so as to avoid the pests because the pest is attracted by blood. So if it’s around and there is a wound then they will definitely go there. So prevention is the best method and we just have to see what happens with the trade relations between the US and Mexico to see what would be the permanent sanitary measure that would be imposed to Mexico. So we have to be vigilant and we need to update ourselves as to what is happening. That might have repercussions on our trade.”
Over the past few weeks, News Five has been digging into the operations at Caribi Bleu Casino in San Pedro. So far, we’ve discovered that the casino’s owner has connections to an alleged illegal gaming spot in Lady Lake, Florida. We’ve also found an unauthorized ATM inside Caribi Bleu Casino on the island town that dispenses U.S. currency. But before we dive deeper into our investigation, it’s crucial to understand how casinos are set up in Belize and why there’s a maze of legislation and multiple authorities overseeing the industry. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
A recent study reveals that the global casino market was worth a staggering one hundred and sixty-three billion dollars in 2023, with Latin America’s share estimated at eight point seven billion dollars. While the exact value of Belize’s casino market remains undisclosed, the influx of half a million tourists in 2023 suggests that the local casino industry is poised to deliver significant returns for investors.
The first recorded legislation to regulate casinos in Belize dates back to April thirtieth, 1999, during a National Assembly debate led by then Prime Minister Said Musa. During the discussion on the proposed Gaming Control Bill, he remarked, quote, It would provide a system for the licensing and control of this business and allow for the imposition of a very serious tax on gaming. Under the law any operator of such machines must first obtain a license, otherwise the establishment will be closed down.” unquote
Since then, the Gaming Control Act has undergone numerous amendments, evolving into the comprehensive sixty-one-page document it is today. A quick Google search for casinos in Belize now yields eight results. These establishments cater to thrill-seekers and gambling enthusiasts, offering a variety of traditional casino games like slot machines, blackjack, baccarat, and more.
How to Open a Casino in Belize
Entering the Belize casino market involves several key steps. First, anyone looking to open a casino must apply to the Gaming Control Board. Since Belizean casinos mainly target tourists, applicants need to be ready to invest significantly in a four- or five-star hotel or resort. This is one of the primary conditions for getting started. To show just how serious they are about vetting applicants and their proposed operations, the Gaming Control Board requires a detailed business plan. Along with this, potential casino owners must provide proof of clearance from the Belize Tourism Board, a full set of fingerprints, and meet twenty other requirements. Additionally, they need approval from the area representative or mayor and the police.
Paul Lopez
“Do you know an individual by the name of Remington Ray, the owner of Caribi Bleu Casino?”
Andre Perez
Andre Perez, Area Representative, Belize Rural South
“No, I don’t.”
Chairman of the Gaming Control Board, Bob Bounahra, emphasized to News Five, ‘If all the checks are not crossed, you are not getting a license.’ He explained that the clearance from the Belize Tourism Board is crucial to boost tourism investment in Belize, stating, ‘Casinos are not our main goal. The casino is to assist the tourism industry.’ When asked about the importance of getting a no-objection letter from the area representative or municipal authority, Nahra said, ‘If you want to put a casino across from a church or in the middle of the ocean, I sit in an office in Belize City and have no idea what happens in San Pedro. I need their help. They run their town or city. They know what is best for them, so we can make the correct decision.’ The no-objection letter must be submitted to the board as a hardcopy.
The Gaming Control Board
Gaming in Belize is a booming industry, overseen by a nine-member Gaming Control Board, primarily made up of representatives from various government ministries. This board has the authority to regulate casino operations, grant and revoke licenses, and ensure that casinos remain free of criminal activities. When we asked Chairman Bounahra about the frequency of compliance checks in Belizean casinos, he explained, ‘We do it about two or three times a year. This is because licenses are issued annually, so we assess everything at the end of the year and review each individual case.’ Interestingly, the Gaming Control Act doesn’t specify how often these checks should occur. According to Bounahra, the compliance unit within the Ministry of Investment handles these visits. He added, ‘If the board were to decide when the department needs to make visits, we’d be wasting our time. It’s the department that conducts the visits. We ask for checks and compliance.’ He clarified that the Board doesn’t give specific directives on what to check during these visits.
Money Laundering in Casinos
One issue that has kept regulatory bodies on high alert in the casino sector for decades is money laundering. A 2009 study by the Financial Action Task Force identified casinos as the highest risk for money laundering activities. This is why Belize’s Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act explicitly covers casinos. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is designated as the supervisory authority for casinos in Belize, tasked with ensuring they comply with anti-money laundering obligations through on-site examinations and other methods.
In addition to the FIU’s role, the Gaming Control Board also conducts compliance visits to assess casinos’ adherence to anti-money laundering laws. When asked about the board’s involvement in monitoring financial transactions, Bounahra explained, ‘The board only looks at what the department is monitoring. We don’t deal directly with individuals or companies.’ He also mentioned that the board receives monthly financial reports from casino establishments.
Regarding the capacity of compliance officers to detect suspicious financial transactions, Bounahra said, ‘We were at zero before taking over this last board in 2021, and now we’re almost there. It took a lot of work, but we’ve made significant progress. There’s no such thing as 100%, but we’re almost where we want to be. Despite all these compliance measures, one burning question remains: how did Caribi Bleu Casino manage to operate an unauthorized ATM dispensing U.S. currency right inside its premises. Bounahra categorically stated that he cannot speak about this, because the Gaming Control Board does not have authority over these matters. He confined his comments only to gaming. The Central Bank of Belize is the body empowered to issue authorization for the operation of payment systems such as automated teller machines as well as authorization to deal in foreign currency. So, did they give Caribi Bleu Casino permission to do both? We continue to seek answers from the Central Bank of Belize. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
Students in Crooked Tree Village are having a tough time getting to school. Last week, during our extensive coverage of the flooding across Belize caused by Tropical Storm Sara, we showed you how residents had to use boats to get in and out of the village. This week, the struggle continues, and it’s the students who are feeling it the most. Today, we spoke with Steve Anthony Perriott, a Crooked Tree resident and parent of a student at Edward P. York High School. He shared his hopes for his child and all the other students in the community.
Steve Anthony Perriott
Steve Anthony Perriott, Resident, Crooked Tree
“It’s just getting around the village around the village. It’s the idea that life stops for us, literally, when we have to get Coast Guard and BDF to come into the village. First of all, we want to say enough respect and thank you to the Coast Guard and to the BDF for coming every time. Respect to the MIDH too, because they raised the road up to five feet in some places. And even with the road raised, the water is like two and a half feet in some places above the road. The reason why that is because we have two small bridges. Sixteen feet of opening to flush out this whole lagoon. That’s not enough. It’s a half a mile lagoon, so we need a better drainage for the lagoon. What happened is that I heard the chairman mention that, is it, what’s the place back there? New River or something? That could be a drainage for crooked tree but that’s blocked. So what he’s proposing is that we dig a channel so that could help drain crooked tree. Because the road is higher, the water come in even more, into the village. Normally, before the road was raised, when the water got to a level, the Audubon building used to be the place for the Coast Guard and the BDF. Now what we find out is that, because the roads, the road has been raised, when the flood come, the water come in all the way to the Baptist Church. So now, that should be designated. for the BDF and Coast Guard in times of emergency. The next thing is with the kids. These kids have to get up at three o’clock every morning. They have to get out there four thirty to try to get a boat. There’s like sixty kids at least. Now, a boat carries twenty. One carry eight and one carry six. And for a few days, you know, the kids have been missing the boat. I believe the chairman along with the Coast Guard and the BDF, they worked out something so that the kids are getting there on time. But the problem is they shouldn’t even have to go to school in any of the rural areas or any place that have flooding like this. The kids should be getting home schooling, you know, because if you get up at three o’clock by the time you get to school, you know, you’re in no way for one to learn.”
Tonight, a second-form student at Edward P. York High School is sharing her struggle to get to school on time from Crooked Tree Village. The extensive flooding caused by Tropical Storm Sara means villagers can only travel in and out by boat. Previously, students relied on local water taxis, but now they’re getting help from NEMO and the Belize Coast Guard. However, fourteen-year-old Hannah Perriott says the inconvenience is starting to wear on the students in the area.
Britney Gordon
“So can you tell me a little bit about the struggle that you have been experiencing to get to class? When you have to get up in the morning, what do you see when you’re out there?”
Hannah Perriott
Hannah Perriott, Resident, Crooked Tree
“Well, when we mi di go down di other day, we had to walk in our water, fi get to the boat. And all different type of things like that.”
Britney Gordon
“How early do you have to get up to go to class?”
Hannah Perriott
“Like three o’clock we have fi get up fi get ready and go to catch the boat.”
Britney Gordon
“And when you get to school, are you finding it difficult to stay awake and pay attention?”
Hannah Perriott
“Yes, ma’am very difficult because like, wake up to early and then when yo sleep on the bus, it feel like yo noh have enough time for sleep and recover from things like that.”
Britney Gordon
“And, by the time you get home, what’s the struggle like then, when it’s time to come home after school?”
Hannah Perriott
“The boat come and go and come and go, some times you reach home, like six-thirty soh.”
Britney Gordon
“And then, you have to do homework after that as well?”
Hannah Perriott
“Yes ma’am.”
Britney Gordon
“Do you think it would be easier if you were taking online classes instead?”
Hannah Perriott
“I think it would be easier because you don’t have to up and down and wake up like that early anymore.”
Britney Gordon
“Do you have any classmates that haven’t been coming to school, or any friends that you know in the area that hasn’t been going to school because it’s too difficult?”
Hannah Perriott
“Yes ma’am. A few friends weh noh di go da school.”
While the residents of Crooked Tree appreciate the government’s efforts to ease the challenges of getting in and out of the village, they’re still hoping for long-term solutions. Resident Steve Anthony Perriott shared that villagers face significant hardships after every storm. He emphasized the need for better solutions to reduce the struggles faced by the younger generations.
Steve Anthony Perriott, Resident, Crooked Tree
“The kids were trying to get to school because the Ministry of Education failed to put out any directive on the kids that are in the flooded areas. So they had kids getting up, lining up out there, you know, bare feet and eventually some of them missed the bus or they missed the boat. So that was a problem. But again, we act surprised. And when I say we, I mean everybody in flooded areas. We act surprised when this happen. This is happening a lot. So, I watch people trying to figure out where the water gonna go. We know where it’s gonna go. We know how long it’s gonna take to get there. But every time the water go down, we forget about it. We go about, and the next time it happen, we surprised again.”
Tonight, police are looking into the apparent drowning of two individuals in Belize. The first victim, Rafael Vasquez from western Belize, was found on Monday around three p.m. in the Paslow Falls area of Bullet Tree Village. When officers arrived, they found Vasquez’s lifeless body in the river. Initial reports suggest that residents, who were out fishing, discovered him. The second victim, Manuel Choc from San Pedro, was found later that same day around seven p.m. at Central Park on Barrier Reef Drive. Witnesses say Choc, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol, mentioned he was going for a swim. Moments later, he was seen floating in the sea. A bystander pulled him out and attempted CPR, but Choc was unresponsive. His body showed no signs of injuries or physical violence. Both bodies are now awaiting post-mortem examinations.
