2025-02-20 - Channel 5 Belize

Handmadeinbze Art Exhibition Launched in Belize City

Artworks from twenty-five artisans across the country are now on display at the Museum of Belizean Art. The exhibit, called ‘Hand Made in Belize,’ was launched today by the Institute of Creative Arts in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture. News Five’s Paul Lopez was at the launch and filed this report.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The Institute of Creative Art, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, has launched an art exhibit showcasing work from twenty-five artisans. The pieces range from calabash shell lamps to embroidery and wood carvings. Minister of Culture Francis Fonseca mentioned that the National Institute of Culture and History is supporting these artisans by helping them market their work for potential export.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Culture

“Absolutely fantastic project. It is an exciting initiative by NICH. We pay tribute to the artist, the artisans who are really behind this development project. As I pointed out it is a project that has three objectives. We want to document who the artisans are in Belize. So we want to have an accurate database of artisans in Belize. We want to work with them on marketability, how can we help them to promote that, to market that. Then as I pointed out, at the end of the day we really want to make sure our creative people can make a living. So the export market, how can we work with them to provide opportunities for their product in the export market. Culture is my business and this is a key initiatives we have focused at NICH because we understand that so many of our artist are creative people, but they need support in terms of marketing their products.”

Baron Neal, a resident of the Cayo District, makes what he refers to as butterfly collages. It’s a creative process that needs delicate tools. The end result is a stunning piece with vibrant colors and amazing designs.

Baron Neal, Artisan, Iry’s Butterfly Art

“It means a lot. I started this art from my brother in 2004. I have been doing it for twenty years. It took me about twelve years to reach this skill level that I am at. At this moment I have taught ten different persons and they have learned this skill and are helping their family. I have hired a local carpenter and a local glass shop. But at this moment with my art, I feel very great because I am inspiring my youth. Everybody is seeing me make a living off of art work. I was a math teacher and I quit that job because I believe my art work can help people in this world and people in Belize.”

Meet Keith Francisco, the artist behind this stunning Jankunu crown. Francisco shared that his talent stems from his deep love for Garifuna culture and the demand for these beautiful crowns. Today, he is proud to have his work displayed inside the art exhibit.

Keith Francisco, Artist

“Dah wah nice feeling or me to see my art on exhibit in this exhibition here. This dah wah Jankunu crown. This crown, we use this piece for when it’s Christmas this is the gear we use for that festive season to dance and do our display, like a house to house thing. I have been doing this from like 2013. What make me get into it, because anytime I need crown for me and my kids I need to spend money and make crown. So I put my interest into it. My bigger brother taught me how to get started and it is from then I started to do this jankunu crown. To make one of these could be like two days. It is a lot of time because when I get started I start with the roses. This is the hardest for this. It would take me a whole day to make all these roses. Then I wrap my hard box and put on the rest of pieces.”

Francis Fonseca

“All in all it is fantastic initiative and I pay full tribute to Gilvanno Swasey, Yassir Musa, the entire team at ICA, Kim Vasquez, the artisans who are from every districts, so many different communities coming together to make this a reality.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Stella Maris to Get New Principal and Infrastructure Upgrade

The Ministry of Education is nearly done with its investigation into the death of Stella Maris student Gabriel Orellano. Today, Minister of Education Francis Fonseca confirmed that the investigation is wrapping up, and the findings will be shared with the public after the family is informed. When asked about a possible leadership change at the school, he mentioned that the current principal is set to retire in April.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education

“I think the report is almost complete. The ministry either today or tomorrow is having a meeting with the Belize Police Department. So that we can finalize our own report. So that is where it is. I expect that sometime next week we will have a final report. We have committed to meeting with the family first. We want to meet with he family, share that report, address it with them, share any questions or concerns they have regarding that report and it is an internal report. But as I have promised and committed after we done that, we will share that report with the public.”

Paul Lopez

“We have heard the principal in a recording makes some statements that does not sit well with certain members of the general public regarding autistic children. Talk about your knowledge of the principal, your understanding of her reputation and if she is fit to be in that position.”

Francis Fonseca

“I did not hear the comments, but principal Cantun has a long history in special education. She came from Orange Walk where she is serving at a special education institution. She came highly recommended. But we are reviewing everything. The truth is she will retire very shortly, at the end of April actually. So, in a sense it is a moot question because we will have to find new leadership for Stella Maris.”

CARICOM Leaders Debate Haiti Elections Amid Escalating Security Crisis

CARICOM leaders kicked off the 48th Regular Summit in Barbados today. The meeting officially started Wednesday evening with a regional leader back in office, ready to make waves. One of the key topics was the escalating crisis in Haiti. CARICOM Chair and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley stressed the need for a democratic transition but warned that just setting an election date for November fifteenth wouldn’t be enough. From Bridgetown, Peter Richards has the details.

Heads of Government Meeting Attended Virtually as Election Nears

Belize is skipping the in-person CARICOM meeting in Barbados. With the General Election just weeks away, the ruling party decided to join virtually to stay in the country and keep campaigning. Minister Fonseca explains their choice.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“We are participating virtually as other countries are. We are participating virtually, Ambassador Lawrence, C.E.O Mai, Ambassador Mai are participating in everything. The only thing we wont be participating is the closed meeting, what they call the summit, which is a few hours where the leaders are alone, completely alone. Not even the foreign ministers are in that meeting. But we are participating in everything else virtually and other countries are doing the same. So, of course not, we have not stopped that at all. Everybody knows we are in election, we have an election and over the years we have been to meetings where other countries have had election and their leaders have not participated because you have to be on the ground. Belize is firmly committed to the work of CARICOM. We are strong effective members of that group and we have strong respect for that grouping.”

Will Belize Become a “Stopover” Nation for U.S. Deportees?

Will the U.S. ask Belize to take in deportees, both Belizean and foreign, like they have with other Central American countries? Costa Rica and Panama have already accepted hundreds. Could Belize be next? We spoke with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca, to find out.

Franis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“We have had discussion with the charge’ d affairs here. No such request has been made to Belize as yet. if it is made, it is something we would have to see the details of that proposal. It is something we would have to take to Cabinet. Cabinet will ultimately make that decision depending on the details of that proposal.”

Francis Fonseca and His Many Ministerial Portfolios

And finally, Minister Fonseca, as you know, wears many hats. He juggles at least five portfolios, including Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science, and Technology. He admits it’s too much for one person. Today, he was asked if this will change if the P.U.P. is re-elected and if he wants to keep his role in education, culture, science, and technology. Here’s what he had to say.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education

“Obviously I love culture. Given the opportunity I would want to continue that work. We have started a lot of important exciting initiatives. The Belize Music Project. The George Price House we are working on. So many different projects we are working on. As you rightly said. That is not my decision. That is a decision for the prime minister, but if given the opportunity, then certainly I would want to continue that work along with all the amazing people we have at NICH, the Director, that really made it happen.”

Reporter

“You are currently the MOFA, MOCEST, would you in another administration, retain all those portfolios?”

Francis Fonseca

“As you absolutely and rightly pointed out, that is not my decision at all. But no I don’t think so. Those are very important ministries, very serious work, dedicated attention. So I think that was a short term arrangement given the circumstance. I don’t see that happening in another term of government. Ideally you want a minister responsible for education and culture and you want a minister focusing on foreign affairs and foreign trade.”

John Greif Municipal Airport Gets a Much-needed Facelift

San Pedro’s John Greif II Municipal Airport has just completed a major runway upgrade, marking a significant milestone for Belize’s aviation sector. Funded by the Belize Airports Authority, the project includes new thermoplastic markings, modern LED runway lights, and enhanced taxiway lights. These improvements aim to boost safety and efficiency, ensuring a smoother experience for both pilots and passengers. This upgrade is expected to support the growing tourism industry and strengthen the local economy. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the following story.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

The John Greif Municipal Airport in San Pedro has undergone a major facelift, with a newly upgraded runway now ready for action. Improved aerodrome facilities such as this can attract more airlines and passengers, boosting tourism and business travel. This, in turn, stimulates the local economy. On Wednesday, several government officials, including the Minister of Civil Aviation, Andre Perez, gathered for an inauguration ceremony.

Andre Perez, Minister of Civil Aviation

“This rehabilitation project which consisted of the resurfacing of the runway and the introduction of a taxiway to allow for smoother flow of traffic is an important and timely gift to the people of Ambergris Caye. As we continue to enjoy this distinction of being the number one tourist destination in our country, it is an honor that comes with an important responsibility to ensure the safety of our visitors.”

Upgrading an aerodrome is a strategic investment that enhances safety, efficiency, and economic benefits while supporting sustainable practices.

Chris Sosa, C.E.O., Maya Island Air

“As you all know, San Pedro remains one of the nation’s foremost tourism destinations. According to statistics from the BTB and the BAA, in 2024, the island possessed some three thousand, four hundred rooms for rent, received nearly twenty thousand flights and hosted two hundred thousand ticketed air travelers. Not only is La Isla Bonita a major center for investment but also for civil aviation. The national airline careers that are so much a part of San Pedrano culture have contributed to this investment with terminals.”

Updating the airport keeps it in line with global aviation rules, which is crucial for keeping its licenses and certifications. Realizing this, the Belize Airports Authority devised a strategy to improve several facilities across the country.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“They came up with a plan, a plan on how we’re going to upgrade all of these [aerodromes] because we were already foreseeing that the traffic that was coming in was increasing by leaps and bounds, and the more flights we have the more risk we take if we don’t put the proper investments in these runways.”

The upgrade also boosts the airport’s capacity, letting it handle more flights and passengers. This means less congestion and fewer delays, making air travel smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

Maximiliano Greif

“We have also made investments in maintenance facilities. If you look around the aerodrome, you will see a testament to that investment. We also are operating a combined fleet of some twenty-six aircrafts, providing hundreds of jobs across all technical levels within the community and also across Belize.”

Upgrading the airport can involve adding eco-friendly technologies and practices, which helps cut down its carbon footprint. Modernizing runways, taxiways, and other infrastructure boosts safety for aircraft operations, lowering the chances of accidents and incidents.

Andre Perez

“These improvements that have been funded by the Belize Airports Authority with the support of the Ministry of Infrastructure is a testament to our commitment to improving air travel and safety in Belize. The improvement of this and a number of other aerodromes across this nation form a part of the realization of our Plan Belize commitment to growing our aviation industry and ensure takeoffs and landings safely.”

Isani Cayetano for News Five.

CARICOM Leaders Address Haiti Crisis

The ongoing crisis in Haiti remains a pressing concern for CARICOM leaders, with discussions intensifying at the regional bloc’s summit this week. Addressing the ceremonial opening on Wednesday night, Barbados Prime Minister and CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley cautioned that simply scheduling elections for November 15 would not be sufficient to resolve Haiti’s deep-rooted challenges.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Foreign Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas confirmed that Haiti was a central topic in the CARICOM Foreign Affairs Ministers’ meeting ahead of the three-day summit. “The time has come for us to seriously look at the Haitian situation, work with the international community, and bring about lasting democratic change for the betterment of the people of Haiti,” Douglas stated.

Haiti’s deteriorating security situation remains a significant hurdle. Criminal gangs currently control 90 percent of Port-au-Prince and are expanding their grip, leading to widespread violence and thousands of deaths, including among women and children. Despite this, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne remains cautiously optimistic. “Having a stable government is a prerequisite for stabilising Haiti. CARICOM will give all the support it can to ensure that Haiti returns to political and overall stability,” Browne said.

However, some leaders remain skeptical. Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit described the proposed November elections as “aspirational rather than practical.” He stressed that unless international partners, including the United Nations Security Council, fulfil their commitments, elections this year are unlikely.

CARICOM leaders have agreed on the need to prioritise Haiti’s security before elections can proceed. “We must do everything to ensure elections are held, but before that, we must ensure stability in terms of security and humanitarian aid,” Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali noted.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addressed CARICOM leaders on Wednesday night, proposing a UN-led funding model similar to that used in Somalia. This would see the UN covering structural and logistical expenses while trust funds pay security forces. The proposal’s acceptance by the UN Security Council remains uncertain.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves underscored the critical need for a stable security environment to facilitate elections. “Public gatherings and campaign events must be safe for elections to be credible,” he warned.

Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis echoed concerns about the timeline. “There needs to be a cooling-off period of at least six months to ensure any achieved stability is sustainable,” he said, emphasizing that elections in November would be highly challenging under the current conditions.

As CARICOM leaders continue their summit, the path forward for Haiti remains uncertain, with the regional body grappling with how best to support the troubled nation while ensuring any electoral process is credible, secure, and reflective of the Haitian people’s will. The summit concludes on Friday.

Cayo Low-lying Bridge to Undergo Construction in March

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing announced today that a new bridge will soon replace the existing San Ignacio/Santa Elena low-lying bridge. In a public notice, the ministry confirmed it has signed a contract with M&M Engineering Consultants Ltd. to design and construct the new structure.

Preliminary designs show the new bridge will be made of reinforced concrete and will span 95.5 meters across nine sections. The bridge will include a single traffic lane and a dedicated pedestrian space, measuring 6 meters in width. Construction is expected to take four months starting on March 17, 2025.

The notice advised the public that during construction, the current bridge will be closed to all traffic. Drivers are advised to use the New Macal Bridge and the Hawkesworth Bridge for detours. The Hawkesworth Bridge will be open in one direction only, from San Ignacio to Santa Elena.

Belize Participates Virtually in CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting

The 48th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting started in Barbados on Wednesday and will run through until Friday, February 21. This meeting’s key topics focus on food & nutrition security, climate change & climate finance, the Haiti crisis & security issues, and digital resilience & external relations.

According to Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca, he stated that Belize is participating virtually. He added that despite the lack of in-person attendance, Belize is fully engaged in the summit’s discussions.

Fonseca explained that Belize’s decision to attend the summit remotely is due to the upcoming national elections, with both Prime Minister John Briceño and Fonseca on the ballot.

When asked if the upcoming election was taking priority over national interests, Fonseca rejected the idea, stating, “Absolutely not… We are fully participating in the meeting. We’re not missing out on anything, so there is no question of us putting any interest ahead of any other interests.”

He added, “Ambassador Lawrence, CEO Mai, participated in everything. The only thing we won’t be able to participate in is the ‘closed meeting of the summit,’ which is really a few hours where the leaders are alone, completely alone.”