2025-02-20 - Channel 5 Belize

NICH Launches Initiative to Support Belizean Artists

Today, the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) unveiled an exciting new project to support Belize’s local artisans. Minister of Culture Francis Fonseca called it “an exciting project” with three key objectives: creating a database of artisans, helping them market their products, and providing opportunities for international export.

Fonseca said, “We want to work with them on marketability; how can we help them to promote that, to market that… We really want to make sure our creative people can make a living.”

He pointed out the importance of supporting Belize’s creative community and added that many artists struggle with marketing their work. “Culture is my business, and this is a key initiative we have focused on at NICH because we understand that so many of our artists are creative people, but they need support in terms of marketing their products,” he added.

The project also highlights the successes of individual artisans, such as Baron Neal, who started his art career in 2004. Neal specialises in Iry’s Butterfly Art and said he enjoys teaching others and creating jobs. “I feel very great because I am inspiring my youth,” he said. His journey went from teaching math to becoming a full-time artist. “I believe my artwork can help people in this world and people in Belize,” he added.

Another artist, Keith Fransisco, said he has been doing his art since 2013. Francisco said this “fantastic initiative” has brought “so many different communities coming together to make this a reality.”

Stella Maris School Construction Set for Later This Year, Says Fonseca

A few days ago, the government of Belize officially announced that the bidding process for the infrastructure remodelling of Stella Maris School and the Belize Academy for the Deaf opened. Today, News 5 asked Education Minister Francis Fonseca when the school is expected to start construction. He said that the bidding process is expected to last about two months, followed by a few additional months for preparations.

“Probably the latter quarter of this year is when you’re likely to see work start,” Fonseca said.

During a house meeting on February 7, Fonseca had announced that an $800,000 investment would be made to rehabilitate and refurbish the school grounds, with a focus on increasing security measures. “We are absolutely committed to ensuring that something like this does not happen again,” Fonseca said, referring to Little Gabriel Orellano’s tragic death after walking out of the school’s compound unnoticed.

In his announcement on February 7, Fonseca detailed that upgrades would include reinforcing the school’s fencing, improving accessibility, and enhancing security measures, such as the installation of gates and hiring more wardens.

Little Gabriel’s Death Investigation “Almost Complete”

The investigation into the tragic death of little Gabriel Orellano’s case is “almost complete,” Education Minister Francis Fonseca told reporters today. Fonseca stated that “the ministry either today or tomorrow is having a meeting with the Belize Police Department so that we can then finalise our own report.”

He added that once the report is complete, the government plans to first meet with the Orellano family to share the details and address any questions or concerns they may have. “After we’ve done that and we’ve responded to their questions, we’ll be very happy to share that report with the public,” Fonseca said.

When asked about the Principal of Stella Maris, Francelia Cantun, and her comments that raised questions about the school’s security protocols, Fonseca responded, “She came highly recommended,” but that the ministry is “reviewing everything.”

Fonseca added that Cantun’s upcoming retirement is at the end of April. “In a sense, it’s a moot question, because we will be looking for new leadership for Stella Maris,” he said. “The team at the Ministry of Education and the CEO are preparing for that. We’ll deal with it; perhaps late in March, we’ll be in a position to name a successor.”

Minister Mai: “The Mill has Not Closed Because of Sugar Roads”

On Wednesday night, the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) reported that it is temporarily halting sugar production for the 2024-2025 crop season due to poor-quality sugarcane caused by heavy rains. To compound this, the poor road conditions have further exacerbated the situation.

This morning, Minister of Agriculture Jose Abelardo Mai clarified during his appearance on Open Your Eyes that the mill’s closure is due to insufficient cane reaching the mill, not the state of the sugar roads, and called it a “political mischief.”

He explained that excessive rainfall has left fields waterlogged, leading to poor cane quality.

“The mill has not closed because of the sugar roads; the mill has closed because of insufficient cane reaching the mill. The fields are excessively wet. The quality of the cane is horrible. The mill will run out of bagasse—reserved bagasse—they burn bagasse to generate energy,” Mai said.

With the mill running out of reserve bagasse, the mill “will be forced to close down,” he said, which will “put at risk the entire sugar industry crop for the year 2025.”

Mai added that the sugar roads are being continuously worked on, but unpredictable weather conditions make maintenance difficult. He said, “Climate change is putting a serious beating on the industry.” Given the challenging conditions, he said it was in the best interest of all parties—the cane farmer, the sugar mill, and the government—to halt the season and wait for better weather to resume production.

He also projected this year to be “a very bad year for the cane farmers,” stating that the compounding affecting sugarcane quality also includes the current Fusarium fungal disease affecting sugarcane fields.

Dane Gillett Acquitted in Dwayne Gabourel Murder Case

27-year-old Dane Khalil Gillett has been acquitted of the murder charge in the case of 15-year-old St. John’s College student, Dwayne Darwin Gabourel. The High Court judge upheld a no-case submission, leading to Gillett’s release.

The tragic incident occurred on September 27, 2021, when Gabourel was fatally shot while purchasing items at a local store in Belize City. The assailant, whose face was concealed with a white cloth, approached Gabourel and fired four shots before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. Authorities suggested that the attack was a retaliatory act linked to the murder of Michael Henry, though Gabourel was not involved in any gang activities.

Gillett was arrested and charged in October 2021. During his initial court appearance, he denied involvement. The prosecution’s case relied heavily on circumstantial evidence, including surveillance footage and witness testimonies. However, the defence argued that the evidence was insufficient to conclusively identify Gillett as the shooter.

Following the court’s decision, Gillett extended his condolences to Gabourel’s family, maintaining his innocence and asserting that the authorities had apprehended the wrong individual.

CARICOM Summit Opens with Calls for Reform and Action

CARICOM leaders officially opened their 48th Regular Summit on Wednesday evening, setting the stage for crucial deliberations in the days ahead. Among the key voices was Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade, who returned to office in November after a decade-long hiatus and wasted no time in calling for action on long-standing regional issues.

Addressing a full house at the opening ceremony, Meade urged leaders to reconsider the effectiveness of some CARICOM institutions, stating that they were no longer providing value for money. “We do need to make decisions and implement them within the agreed timelines; however, in order for us to be in a position to do so, it is time for us to examine and review the institutions and organs of CARICOM.”

His sentiments found an ally in Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who, in an unscripted response, acknowledged the need to reform regional institutions. She stressed that CARICOM leaders have a responsibility to ensure these institutions remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. She said, “We have a responsibility to reform this institution. We have spoken for too long as to the need for an independent funding mechanism…The time is upon for settling the independent funding of this Caribbean community.”

The summit also saw an admission from Grenada’s Prime Minister and outgoing CARICOM Chair, Dickon Mitchell, who confessed that he did not initially enter office as a strong believer in CARICOM. His reflection underscored a broader discussion on the need for commitment and follow-through among member states.

Adding a global perspective to the discussions, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the gathering, highlighting the need for international support in securing stability in Haiti. “It is my intention to present to the Security Council a proposal that is very similar to the one we have presented to Somalia in which the UN assumes the responsibility of the structural and logistical expenditures that are necessary that are to put the force in place and the salaries of the force as paid through the trust funds that already exist,” he said.

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke about the evolving global landscape and the shared values between CARICOM and Europe. She said, “We are not in a race against each other. We are in a race against time. So even in the moment of harsh competition, we need to join forces and this is what brings me here today.”

The leaders are meeting amidst shifting policies in the United States, one of CARICOM’s largest trading partners and source market for its visitors. The changes in Washington come as leaders are due to discuss expanding the categories of people who can move freely among CARICOM nations.

Belize is participating virtually.

Tracy Panton Announces Candidates for General Election 2025

The Alliance of Democracy under the United Democratic Party (UDP), led by Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar-Panton, has officially launched its campaign for the upcoming March 12 general elections.

This morning, Panton revealed that 13 candidates are under her leadership, with one new addition confirmed this morning. On Friday, the Belize High Court ruled in favour of Panton, dismissing two contempt claims from Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow. Despite multiple attempts to mediate, Barrow refused every time, and Panton said that the “ship has sailed.”

Panton said her team tried their best to mediate and keep things united for as long as possible. However, the final chance for unity will be on Monday, Nomination Day.

With the 2025 general elections just around the corner, Panton said that her faction “seeks to successfully contest the general elections.”

Panton who is running as the candidate for Albert, unveiled her slate of candidates “running for the United Democratic Party in 14 constituencies.”

In her address, she stated that her candidates will take on their opponents, no matter what “incentives” their opponents may offer.

Here’s her list of candidates:

Lee Mark Chan—Mesopotamia

Second Deputy Leader, Beverly Williams—Belize Rural Central

Patrick Faber—Collet

Godwin Haylock—Queen’s Square

Manuel Heredia—Belize Rural South

Denny Grijalva—Orange Walk Central

Dr. June Young—Cayo South

Marlo Perera—Orange Walk East

Ivan Williams—Stann Creek West

Cecil Jenkins—Lake Independence

Phillip Willoughby—Port Loyola

Andrew Bradley—Caribbean Shores

John Saldivar—Belmopan

Hernan Riverol—Corozal Bay

Belize Has 3 New High Court Commissioners

Chief Justice Louise Esther Blenman officially swore in three new Commissioners of the High Court of Belize: Errol Norman Flowers, George Lincoln Gomez, and Mr. Ion Cacho Sr.

The ceremony marks the beginning of their important roles in serving the legal community and the people of Belize.

In a statement, the court stated, “The Honourable Chief Justice and the Senior Courts of Belize extend best wishes to the newly appointed Commissioners of the High Court as they embark on this important responsibility in service to the people of Belize and the legal community.”

Commissioners are tasked with taking affidavits and declarations in legal matters. When granted special permission by the court or a judge, they may also conduct witness examinations or accept document submissions. If assigned a specific duty by the court and authorised to do so, a commissioner can also exercise certain powers typically held by a judge.

Long-Awaited License Plates and Stickers To Be Distributed

The long wait is finally over. A week after CEO Valentino Shal announced on his Facebook that the “major order we have placed is almost ready,” the Department of Transport has officially announced that it is launching a nationwide distribution of license plates, stickers, and driver’s license cards for individuals who have already made payments.

News 5 had reported previously that many drivers, particularly those in rural areas, had been left without their credentials for months, and some even for years.

The distribution will kick off today in Belmopan, Spanish Lookout, and Santa Elena. Tomorrow, it will shift to Belize City, followed by Corozal and Orange Walk on Monday. Finally, residents of Dangriga, Independence, and Punta Gorda can collect their items on Tuesday.

Customers will need to present their receipt as proof of payment and the original Certificate of Title to collect their license plates. Additionally, they must pick up their items from the same office where the payment was made.

The Transport Department added that all offices will remain open during regular working hours, including the lunch hour, on these scheduled dates.

During his appearance on the Open Your Eyes morning show, Transport Minister Rodwell Ferguson explained that the delays stemmed from an ordering issue, not a shortage of supplies. He stated that this “will not happen again on my watch.”

Convicted Criminal Hurls Fan at Magistrate

Tensions flared at the Punta Gorda Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday when prisoner Mason Kelly attacked Magistrate Sashawna Jody-Ann Thompson. Kelly has a history of violent offences, including burglary and attempted murder. He lashed out during his court appearance.

According to police, Kelly was arraigned at 3:30 PM on Wednesday, February 19, where Magistrate Baha Shoman appeared virtually. Kelly recently completed a 15-year sentence for attempted murder and pleaded guilty to contempt of court. He denied the aggravated assault charge, claiming he threw a fan but did not aim it at the magistrate.

Magistrate Shoman accepted the guilty plea for contempt of court and imposed a fine of $175.00 or six weeks imprisonment. The aggravated assault case was adjourned to April 16.

It has been reported that the out-district magistrates are left to fend for themselves without proper security measures in place.