On Friday, the village of San Jose Succotz in the Cayo District celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated welcome center. As the gateway to the Xunantunich Archaeological Site, this building is strategically designed to be a central hub for visitors and tour guides. It will facilitate organized tours and provide access to cultural and archaeological information, helping to promote Belize’s rich cultural heritage. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more details.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
San Jose Succotz, one of Belize’s most popular Mayan communities, serves as the gateway to the Xunantunich Archaeological Site. The village is vibrant with locals who keep the culture alive. On Friday, the community celebrated the grand opening of a new welcome center, designed to help visitors learn more about the area and its rich heritage.
Jorge Espat
Jorge Espat, Area Rep., Cayo West
“ This facility is being built here in San Jose Succotz, but it’s going to assist many Belizeans. And the way that I say this is because we have two guides, not only from San Jose Succotz, We have tour guides from Benque Viejo, San Ignacio. Belize is a diverse country. Full of culture. Full of opportunities. And we are not here, myself is not here to stop that growth. I am here to assist, to help, to continue the growth. For the betterment of the future of those coming behind.”
This project came to life thanks to the combined efforts of Cayo West Area Representative Jorge Espat, Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler, and the Belize Tourism Board. Nicole Usher-Solano, CEO in the Ministry of Tourism, explains how the new welcome center will help forge stronger connections between visitors and locals.
Nicole Usher-Solano
Nicole Usher-Solano, C.E.O., Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations
“Cayo is one of the most important destinations for tourism in Belize. People come here all the time. People come to visit Xunantunich, but do they come to just visit Mayan temples? No, they come here to connect with the people. They want to come in here. I know that a lot of people are coming in. There are some beautiful restaurants in the area and they want to come in and they want to not only meet you, but they want to share in the beautiful culture of this community. And this space is created so that we can share that with our visitors.”
The center is perfectly situated to welcome tourists, while also deeply rooted in the village’s rich history.
Francisco Torres
Francisco Torres, Succotz Resident
“I am certain, and there is no doubt about it, that the villagers of Succotz are proud to have an exceptional center. This center is located in the plaza of the village, where it was known to be the Alcalde’s court justice, the jail, the British flag, the old time Catholic church, and the primary schools. In this same place, the dance of the morals, The Mestizadas dance and the comedies took place. The history of San Jose’s Succotz has its origin from the Mayas. Hence, we can say that this village was the cradle of our ancestors.”
As a token of appreciation, local tour guide Rosario Vasquez presented Jorge Espat with a hand-carved sculpture depicting Belize’s national symbols.
Rosario Vasquez
Rosario Vasquez, Tour Guide
“I am happy, guys, with everybody, BTB, and mister Milin, and all the workers who did this, he put everything what he got here. I am offering this beautiful present for this welcome center is the national symbol of Belize, made from slate or sedimentary rock. So we find it here in Black Rock. But this is my gift to mister Milin Espat because he appreciates everything what he brought, what he give to him,”
Great news for long-distance travelers! E-buses are now available for inter-district travel, thanks to the success of the E-Mobility Pilot Project launched in Belize City this past July. These new buses offer eco-friendly and disability-accessible transportation, complete with air conditioning, charging ports, and on-board Wi-Fi. The Government of Belize has received three new e-buses, with two already unveiled in Belmopan. These buses will operate routes from Belize City to the north and west. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving several government ministries, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the European Union, and the Belize City Council, all working together to provide a more sustainable and accessible transportation option across the country.
Fifteen-year-old Anthony Leslie from Belize High School has made a name for himself by becoming one of the youngest students to win an award at the Model OAS Conference last month. This event simulates the International Organization of American States conference, where representatives discuss regional issues. Anthony is determined to be a trailblazer and has his sights set on a political career. We caught up with Anthony today to learn more about his exciting experience and his dreams of becoming one of Belize’s great leaders. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Fifteen-year-old Anthony Leslie has big dreams of becoming a politician, but even bigger dreams of changing the world. As a sophomore at Belize High School, he’s already thinking about the future of Belize. His passion for politics was sparked a few years ago during a school project simulating an election, where he naturally ran for Prime Minister. Now, Anthony is making waves in international debates, like the Model Organization of American States conference, where his talent for debate truly shines.
Anthony Leslie
Anthony Leslie, MOAS Award Winner
“The conference was held in Washington, D.C., of all places, at the real OAS. Headquarters. So what I loved about that is that you are sitting in the spots that real diplomats were sitting at. So you could really get into the zone there. You could feel as if you’re actually making a difference. And that’s the purpose of the model. OAS, it’s bringing youth together just like me to solve real world issues. And that’s what I hope to see from future youth in Belize. and the Americas as a whole for a better democracy in our world.”
Every year, Belize High School sends a delegation to the conference, with guidance from their teachers and parents. Usually, first-year students aren’t included, as they’re still getting used to high school life. But Anthony was an exception. Selected as a freshman, his teachers saw something special in him—his undeniable passion.
Judy Carillo
Judy Carillo, Teacher, B.H.S.
“ Last year, I was teaching the freshmen, and Anthony was one of those students who told me they’re interested in doing the Model OAS. And one thing that stood out to me about Anthony is that whenever he would address an audience, he naturally has a command of voice. He’s able to project his voice, bring his points across persuasively and passionately. And anytime that he speaks, he always has a strong message for the audience.”
The conference was centered on youth, a topic that greatly concerns Anthony. He became one of the youngest students from his school to receive an award for his exemplary performance during the debate.
Thanks to his impressive performance, Anthony was offered an internship at the OAS organization, giving him the chance to further develop his skills and expand his network. He attributes his success in debate to the unwavering support and encouragement from his school and parents. His father, Antony Leslie, shared that the family has always nurtured Anthony’s academic interests and taught him how to balance his studies with his mental health.
Anthony Leslie
Anthony Leslie, Anthony’s Father
“ You can never be prepared for greatness. It just comes, right? But, we see how studious he is. In Standard six, he was valedictorian, right? He missed out on valedictorian by point zero five, right? So that even drove him to want to accomplish greatness. And do more, right? He’s a perfectionist he’s a perfectionist and we tell him Anthony, you can’t win and come in first all the time But if you work hard enough if you study hard enough If you prepare more than anybody else You could win, I’m coming first, most of the times.”
Anthony says that he will keep dreaming big, for himself and the other trailblazers to come after him. He takes every win as an opportunity to push his country towards further greatness.
Anthony Leslie
“I don’t only feel proud of myself, but I feel proud of my peers. And my parents because II couldn’t have done this without them because all my peers, my advisors, they’re cheering me on. They’re training me. They’re showing me how to do this. And I feel that I can be a catalyst, a catalyst that can change this world.”
This Saturday, December 14, the doors of the newly renovated welcome centre in San Jose Succotz were officially opened. The transformation of this once-dilapidated structure promises to offer tourists a more organised, informative, and enjoyable start to their journey while also benefiting the local community.
The centre features a staging area, restrooms, a playground, and a pergola, serving as a central hub for visitors and tour guides to share cultural and historical information. The Belize Tourism Board expressed their excitement, stating, “We are excited to announce the official opening of the San Jose Succotz Welcome Centre, a modern 5,000-square-foot facility.”
This project was a collaborative effort between Cayo West Area Representative Jorge Espat, the Belize Tourism Board, and the Succotz Village Council.
As we wrap up 2024, News 5 is excited to bring you our digital Year in Review! This year, we're diving into the highlights and challenges of the past twelve months, all organised by themes. Join us as we look back at the stories that shaped our year…
As 2024 comes to a close, Belize’s sports landscape has been defined by moments of triumph, challenges, and stories of unwavering resilience. From historic victories to internal conflicts, the year was a testament to the grit and determination of athletes, administrators, and fans alike. Amid financial constraints and organisational disputes, Belizean sports faced its share of trials. Yet, these hurdles also revealed the enduring spirit of the sporting community.
Basketball: Highs and Lows On/Off the Court
Belize vs. Argentina: The national under-18 team faced a tough challenge in the AmeriCup 2024, trailing Argentina at halftime with a score of 57-42. Josiah Moseley was a standout player, contributing 19 points, with 17 of those in the first quarter. Despite a strong effort, Belize struggled to keep up with the host team, highlighting areas for improvement in defence and strategy.
USA vs. Belize: In a more daunting encounter, Belize’s Under-18 team suffered a heavy defeat against the USA, losing 150-54. This came after a victorious first day against Brazil, where Belize showcased their potential. The loss to the USA, however, underscored the gap between Belize and top-tier teams, emphasising the need for more rigorous training and development programs.
Douglas Langford’s Harvard Commitment: A beacon of hope emerged as Douglas Langford Jr. committed to playing college basketball at Harvard University. Securing a four-year scholarship valued at approximately $700,000 BZD, Langford’s journey from Dangriga to the Ivy League is a testament to his hard work and talent. His success story serves as an inspiration for young athletes across Belize, demonstrating that dedication and perseverance can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
B.E.B.L. Player Controversy: The Belize Elite Basketball League (B.E.B.L.) found itself embroiled in controversy when the Orange Walk Running Rebels withdrew from the 2024 season. The team cited several reasons for their withdrawal, including dissatisfaction with league management and the handling of player contracts. A key point of contention was the signing of American player Jeremiah Toney, who was initially on the Belmopan Trojans’ roster. The Running Rebels claimed that B.E.B.L. Commissioner Glenn Gill had assured them that Toney was not under contract, only to later suspend Toney for signing with two teams. This incident highlighted the need for clearer communication and stricter adherence to league rules.
BEBL Seeks 50% Cut in Civic Fees:The Belize Elite Basketball League (BEBL) pushed for a 50% reduction in the $5,000-per-game rental fee for the Belize City Civic Centre, citing financial strain on teams. With three teams using the facility, total expenses for the season amount to $90,000. In response, Minister of Sports Rodwell Ferguson announced a $4,000 monthly subsidy for the BEBL, split between the Sports Council and the Department of Youth Services. While Ferguson defended the rental fee as necessary for facility maintenance, BEBL officials insist a reduction is essential for the league’s sustainability.
Athletics: Strides and Struggles
Belize Athletics Association (BAA): Governance and accountability issues within the BAA have been a recurring theme. Allegations of mismanagement and lack of transparency have plagued the association, leading to calls for greater accountability and better governance practices. An unendorsed letter criticised the BAA President, Cojac Smith, for not providing necessary funds for the national track and field team. Smith explained that the lack of funding was due to delays in expected funds and emphasised efforts to build corporate relationships for future support. The internal disputes and financial challenges faced by the BAA reflect the need for structural reforms to ensure that the association can effectively support its athletes and fulfil its mandate. Despite these challenges, the BAA continued to focus on positive changes, such as improving the track at the Marion Jones Stadium and securing scholarships for young athletes.
Scholarships to Jamaica: Two Belizean students, Norman Sutherland and Jadeen Williams, received athletic scholarships to study and train at Saint Elizabeth Technical High School in Jamaica. This opportunity allows them to further their education and athletic careers under the guidance of experienced coaches.
Shaun in Paris: Shaun Gill, Belize’s sole athlete at the 2024 Paris Olympics, returned home after a memorable but challenging experience. Although he did not qualify for track and field events, Gill shared that adjusting to the time zone and conditions impacted his performance. Despite this, he felt immense pride representing Belize, particularly during the opening ceremony when he waved the Belize flag. After completing his engineering studies, Gill announced his retirement from athletics, focusing now on pursuing a career in his field. However, he expressed his commitment to participating in a future relay team before fully stepping away from sports.
Softball: Overcoming Adversity
National Women’s Softball Tournament:Due to the unfit condition of the Rogers Stadium field, the tournament was relocated to Sand Hill Village. Despite this setback, the competition saw strong performances from teams across the country. The field’s poor state, exacerbated by heavy rains, posed safety risks for players, prompting the move. The incident highlighted the pressing need for greater investment in sports infrastructure to provide safe and suitable venues for competitions. While efforts are underway to upgrade Rogers Stadium—including plans to resurface the field and install new lighting—it also drew attention to the broader issue of inadequate sports facilities across Belize. These limitations continue to hinder athlete development and reduce the country’s capacity to host major sporting events. The defending champions, Beacon Softball Club from Belize City, faced tough competition from teams like Doublehead Cabbage and Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy. The tournament highlighted the resilience and determination of Belizean athletes, who continued to excel despite challenging circumstances.
Boxing: Rising Stars and Tough Battles
Amir Rudon’s Challenge: Twenty-three-year-old boxer Amir Rudon faced his toughest opponent yet, Juan “El Toro” Mendez, in a super lightweight debut match. Mendez, known for his knockout power, presented a significant challenge for Rudon. Despite the odds, Rudon remained confident and focused, viewing this match as a stepping stone towards bigger titles. His preparation and determination were evident as he trained rigorously at the Alpha Boxing Club, showcasing his speed, patience, and precision.
Belize Steps Up Boxing Development: The Belize City Civic Centre hosted a landmark boxing event as Belizean boxer Eduardo “Mecanico” Esquivel faced off against Mexican fighter Albino “Cobra” Meza in a championship bout sanctioned by the World Boxing Council (WBC). The event featured multiple fights with boxers from five countries, marking a significant step forward for boxing in Belize. Adding to the prestige, Hall of Fame referee Joe Cortez was in attendance, lending his expertise to the Belize Boxing Development Council’s efforts to strengthen the sport locally. According to council founder Assad Martinez, the event represented a “threshold moment” for Belizean boxing. Martinez noted that past efforts failed to create a system for Belizean fighters to join the global talent pool, but this event signalled a shift toward establishing the “proper paradigm” for local athletes to succeed internationally. By drawing on the legacy of past boxing icons like Simon Lucas and Fitzroy “Boxer” Lightburn, the council aims to position Belize as a rising force in the sport.
Football: Mixed Fortunes on the Field
Belize vs. Guyana:The National Senior Men’s Football Team fell to Guyana 3-1 in a 2026 World Cup Qualifier match. Despite a strong start, Belize was unable to maintain their momentum against a formidable opponent. Guyana scored three goals in quick succession during the second half, leaving Belize with little time to recover. Carlos Bernardez scored Belize’s only goal, but it was not enough to turn the tide.
Belize vs. Turks and Caicos: In preparation for the Gold Cup, Belize’s National Senior Men’s Football Team faced Turks and Caicos. Head Coach Charlie Slusher emphasised the importance of maintaining a high ranking and playing pressure football. The team’s recent victory against Anguilla boosted their confidence as they aimed to continue their winning streak.
Volleyball: Historic Gold Medal Victory
Belize Women’s Volleyball: In a historic achievement, Belize’s Under-21 Women’s Volleyball Team won gold in the Central American Volleyball Championship. This victory marked the first gold medal for Belize in volleyball, a milestone celebrated with great pride across the nation. The team, led by captain Gareth Bruce and MVP Nisan Martinez, dominated their opponents with strategic plays, height, and strength. Their success was a result of rigorous training and strong team cohesion, setting a new standard for volleyball in Belize.
Tennis: Regional Competitions and Local Talent
Belize Open Men’s Singles Tennis Tournament: The tournament attracted athletes from across Central America, with Mexico’s Braulio Bautista emerging as the champion. Belizean players, including top-ranked Stephan Sosa, demonstrated their skills and competitiveness. Sosa’s performance, particularly his victory over a Guatemalan opponent, showcased the growing talent in Belizean tennis and the potential for future success in regional competitions.
Karate: Young Talent Shines
Oliwia Ruta’s Success:Nine-year-old karate student Oliwia Ruta won three trophies at an international karate tournament in New Mexico. Competing in the intermediate girls’ division, Ruta excelled in KATA, fighting, and weapon categories. Her achievements highlight the potential of young athletes in Belize to excel on the global stage and the importance of supporting youth development in various sports.
Powerlifting: Strength and Determination
Belizean Powerlifters:Belizean athletes won several medals at the North American Regional Powerlifting Competitions. Amorette Banman, Leo Matura, and Shakira Oxley Tsai were among the standout performers, collectively earning eleven medals. Their success underscores the growing presence of powerlifting in Belize’s sports landscape and the dedication of athletes to achieve excellence in their disciplines.
Cricket: Becoming More Popular
Belize Cricket 2024: In 2024, Belize’s cricket team made notable strides in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Sub Regional Qualifier. The team showcased their growing competitiveness and skill on the international stage. One of the highlights was their impressive victory against Panama on December 14, where Belize won by seven wickets with 37 balls remaining. This win was a testament to the team’s improved performance and strategic play. Earlier in the tournament, Belize also secured a significant win against Mexico, triumphing by five wickets with just two balls to spare. These victories reflect the team’s progress and potential to compete at higher levels. Despite facing tough opponents, Belize’s cricket team demonstrated resilience and determination, marking 2024 as a year of growth and promising performances in the sport.
Sports App
There Is An App For That: The Ministry of Sports launched a new app aimed at allowing Belizeans, both at home and abroad, to contribute towards the preparation of athletes representing the country. The app provides a platform for donations, with contributions starting as low as one dollar. It allows for transparency and easy donations via debit and credit cards or direct bank transfers. The app would support Belize’s athletes and ensure that funds are used properly, with a board overseeing the allocation of donations. Minister of Sports Rodwell Ferguson addressed earlier issues with a previous version of the app, acknowledging technical glitches. He hopes the relaunch, supported by tax incentives for businesses, will boost contributions and help improve the state of sports in Belize.
Today, Trinidad and Tobago is reeling from the tragic loss of Lisa Morris-Julian and two of her children, who perished in a fire early this morning. Morris-Julian, a Member of Parliament for D’Abadie/O’Meara and Minister in the Ministry of Education, died alongside her six-year-old son, Jesiah, and twenty-five-year-old daughter, Xianne. The fire broke out around 6:15 a.m. at their Farfan Street home, destroying it.
Morris-Julian’s husband, Daniel Julian, was injured in the blaze, along with two other relatives. The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago visited the scene to offer condolences to the grieving family. One of Morris-Julian’s colleagues described the loss as “more than just heartbreaking,” adding, “The whole of Arima mourns her passing.”
Morris-Julian had a distinguished political career, serving as Arima mayor, deputy mayor, and a member of Parliament since 2020. Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar expressed the nation’s sorrow, saying, “The nation awoke to the horrific news of the tragic passing of MP Lisa Morris-Julian and her two relatives earlier this morning.”
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
As you deck the halls and prepare for festive meals, fire safety should be at the top of your list. Experts warn that Christmas trees, cooking, and decorations can quickly become hazards. But with a few simple precautions, you can keep your home safe and your celebrations merry.
To prevent accidents, experts recommend using flame-resistant decorations, keeping candles away from flammable materials, and inspecting lights for damage before use. Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) advises monitoring all outlets to ensure they remain “cool to the touch.” BEL added, “Hot outlets should be checked out immediately by a licensed electrician.”
For safe cooking, keep these in mind: never leave food unattended, use timers, and keep children and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand and use caution when frying food.
And did you know that using artificial Christmas trees is better than using the real deal? If opting for a real tree, remember that it will need to get watered daily to prevent it from drying out. Keeping it from drying out keeps your tree from becoming a fire hazard. Consider decorating your tree with LED lights; they are safer than traditional lights.
Another key safety tip is to avoid overloading your electrical outlets. Plugging in too many cords can trip breakers and lead to a fire. Don’t use multi-outlet adapters with cords already in use, as each cord has a limit to how much electricity it can handle. BEL stated that “Overloading it is a bad idea and a common cause of electrical problems. It could even lead to a fire in your home.”
BEL advised the public to “distribute the plugs evenly among outlets” and use “a UL Certified Surge Protector is a great way to help manage the load.”
