Miss Universe Belize, Halima Hoy, faced backlash from the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) over her national costume and presentation of the Deer Dance on stage. SATIIM called her presentation sacrilegious, explaining that the Deer Dance is a sacred religious ceremony for Maya communities. They emphasized that no Maya person who follows their traditions would wear a Deer Dance mask or clothing outside of the rituals. Hoy has since apologized, stating she meant no harm or offense. Today, Kim Vasquez, Director of the Institute of Creative Arts, shared her perspective, highlighting that as a melting pot of cultures, Belize’s diversity and inclusion mean we can embrace all aspects of our heritage without disrespect.
Kim Vasquez
Kim Vasquez, Director, Institute of Creative Arts
“I think when we look at Belize, we have to really reflect on the fact that we are very diverse. We’re blessed. We have a wealth of different ethnicities, and as we move forward, you are going to see that culture continues to be dynamic. Culture is alive at NICH we talk about living heritage. We don’t have any control over that. Culture, like I said, is alive. And it’s hard to really say you are appropriating what is yours? You know, like I said, if you look at some of our backgrounds, we are a mixture. Many of us, most of us – few of us can say, I am a hundred percent Garifuna, or I am a hundred percent, Maya. We share and we appreciate, and we elevate, but I don’t know if we are actively trying to or even intending to appropriate because it is Belizean.”
At the beginning of the year, Wesley Junior College jumped into the Plastic Tide Turners Challenge, a worldwide youth initiative aimed at tackling plastic pollution by spreading awareness and taking action in their communities. Teaming up with the Sea of Life Organization, students got tech-savvy, using technology to clean up their campus and conduct waste audits. Fast forward nearly a year, and the school is making impressive strides toward eliminating single-use plastics on campus. We visited the school today to catch up on their progress. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with story.
Britney Gordon
Wesley Junior College is making great progress in cutting down on single-use plastics on campus. Back in January, students rolled up their sleeves for a campus cleanup and used the Trash Blitz app to track the most common litter. Since then, they’ve installed a refillable water station and stopped selling plastic water bags on campus. Paulita Bennett-Martin, the Director of Programs at Sea of Life, shared that they’ve conducted four Trash Blitz exercises since then, and the results are looking very promising.
Paulita Bennett-Martin
Paulita Bennett-Martin, Director of Programs, Sea of Life
“We’ve done four waste audits on the campus and back last time you were here, we were finding hundreds of the shilling water or ideals pouches, right? And now I will say that number has decreased dramatically. I can’t give that number because we’re gonna have a report in February that tracks waste across the nation. But we’re seeing huge improvements to the amount of single use plastic water pollution on campus. And we’re also starting to see more awareness of plastic pollution as a whole because we’re also incorporating murals on the campus. We’re also doing classroom education. So there’s a few different things happening in addition to the refillable campus.”
To further increase awareness about the projects, the school partnered with local artist Keon Griffith, who was commissioned to paint three murals on the outside of the school. He has been working on the murals for about a month.
Keon Griffith
Keon Griffith, Artist
“It’s more like a give back type of stuff. So I asked her that, yes, I know you want a concept with this, but I think instead of formulating a concept, let’s just go on the school grounds and engage with these students and Let me bring in a photographer to capture these pictures so I can fully showcase my talent and fully be comfortable with the style that I do so we can have the best results partnering for this campaign. So that’s what we’re doing out here. So there is real students, actual students that goes to the school here. It’s on, it’s plastered on the wall, big, lifelike. And they love so far. They love the interaction is nice with the students engaging with the mural passing, identifying their classmates, so it’s nice.”
A key part of the project is getting young people excited about conservation. Fourth-form student Kayla Choc shares that she’s made a big effort to cut down on single-use plastics in her daily life.
Kayla Choc
Kayla Choc, Student, Wesley Junior College
“I’ve grown to know that single-use plastic is making our environment unhealthy, where it’s an unhealthy space to learn in, and if we have a healthier space to learn in, we can be more open-minded about what’s going on. And not only that, but we’re against this, we’re, our school is right across by the sea. It’s our neighbor. So we want to not only think about us, But think about the sea life. So those are some stuff that I’ve learned.”
Tyrone Harris, the Head of the Science Department, assured us that the campus water is top-notch, thanks to a reverse-osmosis process that filters out all sediments and purifies it. Plus, the school has exciting plans to install a second water fountain in the coming months.
Tyrone Harris
Tyrone Harris, Department of Science, Wesley Junior College
“We definitely want them to be more aware and so it’s the goal of having them being aware of having a clean environment, having participating in conservation and also being an institution that is near the sea, have a care for the marine ecosystems and the flora and the fauna that play a vital role in us surviving, providing food and also jobs as well.”
With more funding, Sea of Life hopes to expand this project to other schools across the country. Britney Gordon for News Five.
Today, over a thousand students from all over the country came together for the ninth annual GeoEducation Expo. This interactive event is all about inspiring the next generation of educators and students to dive into the world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and see how it plays a crucial role in education and advancing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Earlier today, News Five’s Britney Gordon stopped by the Ramada Hotel in Belize City to get the scoop. Here’s her report.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
To most people, the term Geographic Information Systems (GIS) might not sound familiar. But these powerful databases are used in many areas of our lives, like population surveys, weather tracking, and land assessment. Since 2011, Total Business Solutions Limited has been shining a light on the importance of GIS through the GeoEducation Expo. Managing Director Loretta Palacio explains how these systems can be lifesavers in times of crisis.
Loretta Palacio
Loretta Palacio, Managing Director, T.B.S.L.
“We’re all familiar with an Excel file, a database file. GIS makes it geographic. So you can look at the waters. You can look at low-lying areas. We’re experiencing floods right now. We’re talking about a digital terrain model that’s updated for additional evasion data that is accurate. So we can help the government, the organizations villagers, and residents, to understand why the flooding is happening and what we can do to mitigate the risk.”
Presenting at the event were representatives from the Belize Defense Force, the Department of the Environment, and other organizations that utilize G.I.S. in their daily operations.
Loretta Palacio
“We have on display several maps, digital maps, physical maps showing the constituencies, what are the latest numbers. Which constituency have the smallest number of voters for the upcoming general election? You know, which constituency have the highest number? And so we’ve updated that and that’s on display. We also got data from the National Meteorological Service for the rains that came from November 14th to the seventeenth. And NMS, with Shirley Young, for helping us with that data. We have a beautiful map dashboard that shows the areas that received most of the rains.”
The event took place at the Ramada Hotel in Belize City, but participants came from all corners of the country. Students from Toledo Community College were up bright and early, boarding the bus at 5:30 a.m. to get there. Fourth Form student Fabian Solarzano shared that the trip was definitely worth it.
Fabian Solorzano
Fabian Solorzano, Student, Toledo Community College
“I’m excited to be here today, even though the sacrifice is big, to get up early and stuff. Yeah but it’s worth the trip, it’s good to learn a lot of things, especially when it comes to G.I.S. The different platforms you can use it in, how it is applied like maybe in fields like geography, or maybe analyzing data, gathering a lot of information and placing it in one thing so you can display it to people and it makes life easier.”
Britney Gordon
“What’s been the most exciting part of today’s experience?”
Fabian Solorzano
“Something that caught my attention today was how they use G.I.S. to interpret 3D models. For example, like the one just previewed, we just passed now, the one with the forecast, so they can predict what can happen over a long period of time. Maybe if there’s severe rainfall, how it gets 3D scale and imagery uses is very interesting.”
Another TCC student, Jeffrey Sho has a passion for technology. He hopes that in the future, more Belizeans are afforded the opportunity to foster a love for the field as he did.
Jeffrey Sho
Jeffrey Sho, Student, Toledo Community College
“Well, I absolutely love technology, I love the fact that ArcGIS as the organization has taken their time to teach Belize or educate Belize about these topics, because I do feel that most Belizeans aren’t tech-savvy, and I appreciate them. I do wish that more schools would be available to partake in these events.”
The aspiring technician explains that events such as the GeoEducation fair expose him to different fields where he can apply his skills.
Jeffrey Sho
“I love technology, and my future career is to be a computer technician or IT major. So, I love G.I.S. I find it interesting, and I find it very useful. Find it interesting how they use it in crime, Belize Defense Force, and other organizations.”
With technology advancing at lightning speed, it’s essential for kids to learn how these systems work and how they’re used in the real world.
Loretta Palacio
“We’re in a digital world. When we hear about digital transformation. So, digital transformation in education is here, has been here. But are we really serious about it? Are we using the available technologies to help our students learn better? To help our. educators teach better? And also to expose our students to careers? Because with G.I.S, it’s not only for you to be a tech person, but if you’re a marketing analyst, if you’re an agronomist, you’re a doctor, you need GIS, right? You’re a disaster management expert, whichever profession that you choose, GIS is relevant.”
This Friday and Saturday nights, the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts is launching an exciting new dance initiative led by the Institute of Creative Arts. Called “Brok Maka Chista,” it’s inspired by a Creole folk dance that kids used to play during break time at elementary school. The Creoles of Gales Point Manatee Village, along with the late Myrna Manzanares, created their own choreography, which was later adopted by the Belize National Dance Company. According to Kim Vasquez, the Director of the Institute of Creative Arts, this initiative aims to celebrate all the diverse cultures of Belize. News Five’s Marion Ali has the story.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Belizean cultures will be featured in a dance project being spearheaded by the Institute of Creative Arts this weekend at the Bliss. ICA Director Kim Vasquez shares the idea of the Brok Maka Chista Dance initiative.
Kim Vasquez
Kim Vasquez, Director, Institute of Creative Arts
“For this year, we are starting it off with a showcase. I can tell you with certainty that it is our plan that it will grow and that come next year we will have an expanded program that will not only have a showcase, but will be open up to regional and international participation and we want to have as well components like a forum, some discussions as well as training and workshop for the dance community.”
Vasquez says that every culture will be reflected in the project.
Kim Vasquez
“When we are looking at developing a new dance festival or a new dance showcase for Belize, we definitely wanted to go in two directions. We wanted to make sure that it was inclusive of all dance styles. In other words, modern, contemporary, as well as the wealth of traditional and folkloric dance that we have in Belize. But we also wanted to make an emphasis on youth engagement and involvement and really make it a dance movement about dance education.”
The initiative gets its name, Brok Maka Chista, from a childhood game that girls used to play decades ago. Althea Sealy, Director of the Belize National Dance Company, believes it’s the perfect name for the project. Jillian Fuller, Director of the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts, gave a short demonstration of the Brok Maka Chista dance.
Althea Sealy
Althea Sealy, Director, Belize National Dance Company
“Back in the days when I was a little bit younger, Mr. Bob was very artistic and he used as I say, everyday life movements, games, whatever, he does choreography to that. So, he would make us do, okay, brok yoh body, brok it up, brok it up So then we utilize the whole body and that’s what we end up with Brok Makachista.”
Kim Vasquez
“Interestingly enough, Belize National Dance Company actually has Brock Makachista as a dance move within their repertoire as well. So, it is a recognized dance move.”
Sealy appeal to all artists to attend the weekend events for your own benefit.
Kim Vasquez
“If you’re a musician, if you’re a drama, drama person dance, I’m sure you want to continue to show your talent. So, you all need to come out and support so that we could have a stage for the younger generation to enjoy just the same way we did. So please come out, support us. It’s going to be good.”
Vasquez says all the proceeds from the dance will go towards the work and continued renovations and upkeep of the Bliss Theater. Marion Ali for News Five.
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center has announced a revision of its entrance fees, effective Sunday, December 1, 2024. This marks the first adjustment in over a decade, prompted by an 85% increase in operational costs during that time.
Under the new fee structure, Belizean adults will pay $10 BZD, while children aged 3-12 will be charged $2 BZD. For non-residents, admission will be $40 BZD for adults and $10 BZD for children aged 3-12.
The Belize Zoo said that the adjustment is essential to maintaining its high standards of care for wildlife and its ongoing education and conservation efforts.
Cabinet approved several key initiatives aimed at enhancing tourism, modernising governance, and strengthening national security. Among the measures was the extension of weekend operating hours at the Punta Gorda Port of Entry, paired with targeted marketing to attract more traffic to Southern Belize and capitalise on Toledo’s cultural and natural appeal. Cabinet approved infrastructure upgrades and marina development in Punta Gorda to bolster tourism offerings and stimulate economic growth in the south.
In a move toward improving national standards, the Cabinet established a National Quality Council under the Bureau of Standards to oversee the implementation of Belize’s National Quality Policy. This Council will address areas such as standardisation, technical regulations, accreditation, and market surveillance. Modernisation efforts also include comprehensive amendments to the Labour Act and updates to the Trade Licensing Act, with new regulations for the latter set to take effect on October 1, 2025. Additionally, the Law Revision Act will be repealed and replaced to improve the consolidation of Belize’s laws, with the establishment of a Law Reform Commission to guide future reforms.
In the realm of security and efficiency, Cabinet approved Belize’s National Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment Report to align with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and mitigate risks in the public and private sectors. Further advancing its modernisation agenda under #PlanBelize, the government will introduce electronic immigration and customs forms at the Philip Goldson International Airport starting December 1, 2024. This initiative will expand to all ports of entry by January 2025, with paper forms fully phased out by March 31, 2025.
Over the past few weeks, News Five has uncovered several troubling issues surrounding Caribi Bleu Casino in San Pedro, including its owner’s alleged connection to an illegal gaming spot in Lady Lake, Florida, and the discovery of an unauthorised ATM that dispenses U.S. currency on the casino premises. However, to understand the full context of these developments, it’s essential to explore how casinos operate in Belize, the regulatory frameworks in place, and the multiple authorities overseeing the industry.
While the exact value of Belize’s casino market remains undisclosed, the local industry is undoubtedly significant, bolstered by the influx of half a million tourists in 2023. According to a recent study, the global casino market was valued at $163 billion in 2023, with Latin America contributing an estimated $8.7 billion. This suggests that Belize’s casino industry could be poised for substantial growth, attracting significant investments.
The Road to Opening a Casino in Belize
Belize’s casino industry is governed by a complex regulatory framework, originating from the first recorded legislation, the Gaming Control Act, introduced in 1999. During the National Assembly debate on the bill, then Prime Minister Said Musa noted that the legislation would establish a system for licensing and regulating casinos, allowing the government to impose taxes on gaming revenues. Since then, the Gaming Control Act has undergone multiple amendments, evolving into a comprehensive sixty-one-page document.
To open a casino in Belize, an operator must apply to the Gaming Control Board. Applicants must meet several stringent requirements, including significant investment in a four- or five-star hotel or resort. They must also submit a detailed business plan, provide clearance from the Belize Tourism Board, offer a set of fingerprints for background checks, and secure approval from local authorities such as the area representative, mayor, and the police.
According to Bob Bounahra, Chairman of the Gaming Control Board, “If all the checks are not crossed, you are not getting a license.” He further explained that the clearance from the Belize Tourism Board is crucial to ensure casinos contribute positively to the country’s tourism industry. Additionally, obtaining a no-objection letter from local officials is critical, as the Gaming Control Board relies on their knowledge of local conditions to make informed decisions about casino licensing.
The Role of the Gaming Control Board
The Gaming Control Board, a nine-member body composed of representatives from various government ministries, is tasked with regulating the casino industry, granting and revoking licenses, and ensuring compliance with gaming laws. Bounahra noted that the board conducts compliance checks about two or three times a year, though the Gaming Control Act does not specify the frequency of these visits. The Ministry of Investment’s compliance unit is responsible for performing these on-site checks.
Despite the board’s oversight, one pressing concern in the casino industry is the risk of money laundering. According to a 2009 study by the Financial Action Task Force, casinos are a high-risk sector for money laundering activities. As a result, Belize’s Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) Act includes casinos in its scope, with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) overseeing compliance with anti-money laundering laws.
In addition to the FIU, the Gaming Control Board conducts its own compliance assessments, receiving monthly financial reports from casinos. While Bounahra stated that the board does not directly monitor financial transactions, he emphasised the importance of progress in anti-money laundering efforts, noting, “We were at zero before taking over this last board in 2021, and now we’re almost there.”
The Unauthorised ATM at Caribi Bleu Casino
Amidst these regulations, one question continues to loom: How did Caribi Bleu Casino manage to operate an unauthorised ATM that dispenses U.S. dollars on its premises? According to the Exchange Control Regulations Act, establishments that deal in foreign currency must receive authorisation from the Central Bank of Belize. Additionally, the Payment Systems Act requires a license for operating ATMs, which must be clearly displayed within the establishment.
News Five’s investigation revealed that Caribi Bleu Casino’s ATM was dispensing U.S. currency, but the casino does not have the necessary authorisation from the Central Bank of Belize. Bounahra, when asked about the ATM, stated that the Gaming Control Board does not have authority over such matters, as the Central Bank is responsible for regulating payment systems and foreign currency dealings.
As we continue our investigation into Caribi Bleu Casino, many questions remain unanswered. Did the Central Bank of Belize authorise the casino to operate the ATM and deal in U.S. currency? Has the casino been subject to proper regulatory oversight, and are authorities aware of any potential money laundering risks associated with its operations?
News Five is committed to uncovering the truth and will continue to seek answers from the relevant authorities.
Following News Five’s previous explosive interview with San Pedro’s Mayor Wally Nunez about allegations of up to two hundred golf cart permits issued to Caribi Bleu Casino, News Five has uncovered new revelations, including video footage that raises further concerns about the casino’s operations. Our latest investigation has exposed that Caribi Bleu Casino may not only be involved in questionable golf cart permit dealings but is also illegally operating an ATM that dispenses U.S. currency without the necessary authorisation.
In our previous report, News Five challenged Mayor Nunez about the claims that Caribi Bleu had been granted an excessive number of golf cart permits. The mayor firmly denied the allegations, asserting that only twenty golf carts were approved for the casino as part of a renewal process for existing permits.
Today, we were given access to the San Pedro Town Council’s Vehicle Master List, which reveals a total of 14,467 registered vehicles on Ambergris Caye. However, the list only indicates the number of registered vehicles, not how many permits were issued. After a thorough search, we found that Caribi Bleu Casino had twenty golf carts registered under the name “Caribi Bleu Limited” as of May 28, 2024—confirming the mayor’s claim that the casino holds twenty permits.
Despite this, our investigation continues to raise questions. The Vehicle Master List does not show the full extent of permits granted to businesses, so we cannot yet confirm if additional permits were issued to Caribi Bleu outside of the official record. Furthermore, during a visit to the casino’s premises, News Five discovered multiple golf carts being stored in a neighbouring building currently under development. Although Caribi Bleu’s spokesperson denied that any golf carts were stored there, video footage from early October painted a different picture, showing several golf carts parked on the first floor of the building.
The most alarming revelation, however, involves an ATM inside Caribi Bleu Casino that dispenses U.S. dollars. Under Belize’s Exchange Control Regulations Act, any establishment dealing in foreign currency must be authorised by the Central Bank. In a covert operation, a bank card was used to withdraw funds from the casino’s ATM, which promptly dispensed two U.S. bills. Our investigation has confirmed that Caribi Bleu Casino does not have the necessary Central Bank authorisation for the ATM, violating both the Exchange Control Regulations Act and the Payment Systems Act, which requires a license for ATM operations. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in heavy fines, jail time, or administrative penalties.
Questions abound regarding the origins of the U.S. currency dispensed by the ATM and whether Caribi Bleu’s operations are being properly scrutinised by the authorities. Has the Gaming Control Board conducted adequate compliance checks? And are they ensuring that Caribi Bleu adheres to anti-money laundering regulations? These are just some of the questions that remain unanswered.
As we continue our investigation, the story of Caribi Bleu Casino and its potentially illegal activities is far from over. News Five will keep digging to uncover the full extent of these troubling developments.
Ambergris Caye, one of Belize’s most popular tourist destinations, is facing a growing traffic issue as golf carts continue to flood the island. Locals have long expressed frustration over the sheer volume of these vehicles, particularly during the busy tourist season. However, new reports suggest that the very officials tasked with regulating the island’s traffic problem might be inadvertently contributing to it.
A recent investigation by News Five uncovered claims that a new company on the island, Caribi Bleu, was granted an unusually large number of golf cart permits. According to sources, the company received as many as two hundred permits earlier this year. This raises questions about the transparency of the island’s permit issuance process, especially when officials have been vocal about the need to curb the number of golf carts on Ambergris Caye.
San Pedro’s Town Mayor, ‘Wally’ Nunez, denies these allegations. In an interview, Nunez stated that the company, formerly known as Monetta, only applied for a renewal of the twenty golf cart permits they held as part of their resort operations. “There has been no approval for any more golf carts other than the twenty,” Nunez said. He also emphasised that the permits were granted to replace old carts and that the company had no more than twenty carts registered.
During a visit to the Caribi Bleu property, News Five spotted over a dozen golf carts parked in the company’s lot, each with a license plate. But what raised further concerns was video footage showing several additional golf carts stored away in a nearby warehouse, seemingly in excess of the official number.
Despite these findings, Nunez maintained that the carts observed were all registered. “We haven’t had any proof per se that there are any other golf carts that are not registered,” he stated, adding that the council’s staff actively monitors the situation. He also acknowledged that some individuals had tried to bribe their way into obtaining golf cart permits, a practice he condemned, stressing that anyone caught offering bribes would be fired.
The issue of golf cart permits has become more contentious due to the moratorium the San Pedro Town Council imposed earlier this year, limiting the issuance of new permits. This makes existing permits even more valuable and raises concerns over how easily they can be manipulated.
Beyond the allegations surrounding golf cart permits, News Five investigated further into the operations of Caribi Bleu Casino. An LLC by the name Caribi Bleu International Limited was registered in the United States as part of American Conglomerate, LLC. The company’s manager, Rima Ray, also operates an internet café in Florida. Allegations have surfaced that Ray’s internet cafe is operating illegal slot machines. According to local sources, Ray is a prominent sponsor of the San Pedro Pirates Football Club, with the Caribi Bleu logo prominently displayed on the team’s jerseys and promotional materials.
When asked about his relationship with Ray, Area Representative Andre Perez, who has previously spoken out about the need for tighter control on golf cart imports, denied any personal knowledge of the businessman. Meanwhile, Ray has yet to respond to requests for comment from News Five.
As the investigation continues, locals on Ambergris Caye remain concerned about the future of their island’s traffic woes and whether the regulations meant to control it are being manipulated by those with the right connections. With golf cart permits in high demand, the transparency of the issuance process will likely be a key issue for both residents and visitors alike in the months to come.
David Almendarez has expressed his commitment to creating opportunities for everyone to advance in life. He stated that if elected in Belize Rural Central and if the UDP, under the leadership of Moses “Shyne” Barrow, forms the next government, he will push for adherence to the UN Convention against Corruption. Almendarez, who launched his campaign a week ago, told News Five that while he does not identify as a UDP, he believes running under the party’s banner offers him the best chance of success.
Almendarez said, “When the majority of us are suffering, that is what brought me into the political arena. I saw the Alliance when they did their move. And when I watched it, I dropped on my knees and I prayed to my God. And I said, everything I see in the Alliance, the whole UDP at that point in time, I have never met Shyne. I don’t know Shyne. I don’t have Shyne’s phone number.”
Almendarez says he later got in contact with Barrow.
Almendarez continued, “I told Shyne, ‘I don’t know you, but I want to tell you something about me. If you’re serious about change, if you just want another little Hulu award, if you don’t need one little crumb on your thing to see you going back to the States like King Jaffe, come holler at me, because I want to join the fight. But if you’re just there for being a politician and being fake, if you don’t know how to clean the house, actually, I told Shyne, go win your court case.”
Almendarez wants to be the candidate for the U.D.P. for Belize Rural Central.
