Belizean authorities have confirmed the cause of death of three American women at a resort in San Pedro. Executive Director of the Belize National Forensic Science Service, Gian Cho, confirmed that Kaoutar Naqqad, Imane Mallah, and Wafae El-Arar died of acute pulmonary edema. According to Sho, authorities are still investigating what led to that cause. Carbon monoxide has been ruled out because fire officials conducted two separate tests that yielded no results. Sho says that investigators are now working to confirm whether controlled substances were at the scene.
Gian Cho
Gian Cho, Executive Director, B.N.F.S.S.
“The autopsies of the three women were conducted on Monday, twenty-fourth February so we did the three autopsies, starting in the morning and continuing one after the other. We had our three medical examiners be present during the autopsy. The lead examiner concluded the cause of that, the terminal cause of that to be acute pulmonary edema and the antecedent causes, we would call them or due to, is still pending investigation. So acute pulmonary edema was determined by the medical examiner to have been because of that for all three victims. And what led to acute preliminary edema is what is pending investigation. That term simply means that we need to do further testing on samples taken from the bodies during autopsy. So, as part of the standard process for the postmortem examination, samples are taken not only of blood, but also vitreous humor, some tissue samples, stomach contents as well and so to be able to provide the laboratory testing for the medical examiner to get that information as to what may have led to acute pulmonary edema. Further testing involves three different sections or scopes if you will. That we will start this week is to try to identify what types of controlled substances or drugs, if any, were in some of the samples taken from the scene. These were from different items that would’ve been collected from the hotel room to see if there were any controlled substances found in those.”
Port Loyola voters are in for a unique race! On March twelfth, they’ll see three U.D.P candidates on the ballot – the only division with that many U.D.P hopefuls vying for the seat. All three are aiming to defeat the People’s United Party’s incumbent, Gilroy Usher Sr. It’s definitely one of the races to watch. News Five’s Paul Lopez has been on the ground, chatting with all four candidates. Here’s his report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The political race in Port Loyola is really heating up. Three United Democratic Party candidates are challenging the People’s United Party incumbent, Gilroy Usher Sr., who is seeking a second term after his first win in the 2020 general election. So, who will come out on top?
Gilroy Usher
Gilroy Usher, P.U.P. Candidate, Port Loyola
“It was a tremendous honor to serve the people of Port Loyola. I want to say thanks for giving me that opportunity. In serving them I have been able to address a number of things, land, housing, educational opportunities, improvement of sporting facilities and promotion of small businesses.”
In an interesting twist, Gilroy Usher will be going head-to-head with his son-in-law, Phillip “Superman” Willoughby, who is one of the three U.D.P candidates in the race.
Phillip Willoughby
Phillip Willoughby, U.D.P Candidate, Port Loyola
“People will look and criticize my marriage. Paul I think everybody suppose to celebrate a marriage. It is a union before God and man. I don’t know if they would rather see the type of politicians run around, frolicking around, messing around.”
Willoughby emphasizes that his candidacy is all about addressing residents’ needs. He took us to the home of Brenda Usher, a local resident, who passionately voiced her frustrations about the poor condition of her streets.
Brenda Usher
Brenda Usher, Port Loyola Resident
“Oh, I nuh healthy, ih nuh healthy. I beg mih area rep. I don’t know if dah the area rep fih fix it, or the city council. But I know somebody need fuh come help we,because we the tek lick dah back yah.”
Phillip Willoughby
“The houses from the Esquivel era, the three-bedroom, two-bedroom houses were the best of the best of UDP at the time. That is what I want to bring back to the people of Port Loyola. That is what they deserve. They need and deserve their land. They need and deserve their homes.”
During the Esquivel era, Anthony “Boots” Martinez, one of the three U.D.P candidates, had the government write off homes for owners facing financial difficulties. However, Martinez is now facing heavy criticism from his opponents over the current condition of those homes he built during his time as a four-time area representative.
Anthony “Boots” Martinez
Anthony “Boots” Martinez, U.D.P Candidate, Port Loyola
“In thirteen years I have built over five hundred houses, cement and wood houses for the residents of Port Loyola and they don’t owe N.O.T.H.I.N.G, nothing. What is important, your services. If you notice I didn’t single handedly call nobody. I didn’t mention on person I build a house for. I will mention things that happened in the community across. Like for example, from Fabers, by the long barracks, corner of Ceasar Ridge Road to the George Price Highway was cemented under my tenure. Nurse Finely, Allan Pitts Gill Street where Mr. Usher has his office. So I left the area under good standards. I took Port Loyola from a poor constituency to a semi-middle class as we speak right now.”
Career Educator, Dr. Nelma Mortis, is the only woman in the Port Loyola race. She emphasized that her approach isn’t about exploiting residents’ struggles for political gain. Instead, she invited us to meet in an office to discuss her vision for the constituency.
Nelma Mortis
Nelma Mortis, U.D.P Candidate, Port Loyola
“I see a lot of environmental conditions. There is a need for job growth in the constituency and additional to that, there is need for more social interaction with the environment and people in there. I am very confident in this we in, because the people of Port needs a change. The people of Port has been neglected by my direct opponent, Mr. Usher. Mister Boots Martinez has completed my task and he needs to retire gracefully. And, Mr. Willoughby does have good intention, but he seems to be a little bit laid back and tardy in his approach to doing the work as to what should be done.”
On Nomination Day, the country watched in shock as four of the thirty U.D.P. candidates under the leadership of Moses “Shyne” Barrow failed to show up for their nominations. This means you won’t see the names of Dean Samuels for Pickstock, Melvin Hewlett for Fort George, Norman Usher for Dangriga, and Dennis Williams for Toledo East on the ballot come election day. They pulled out of the race at the last minute, and when asked about it that evening, Barrow seemed completely unaware. While some have suggested that the P.U.P. might have influenced the candidates’ withdrawal, Prime Minister John Briceño dismissed this as a desperate allegation. When asked about the impact of these withdrawals on democracy in Belize, the PM confidently stated that it proves democracy is alive and well.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“It’s not a failure of democracy. People vote for who they want. In this instance, they quite likely feel that Anthony Mahler has been doing a great job, so why would I want to go and challenge Anthony Mahler if he’s doing a good job? Why would I challenge him if I believe that the people are supporting him> I’d be wasting my time, my effort and the lee bit ah resources, it’s not a failure. It is a true testament to the democratic process of Belize.”
Reporter
“The Opposition Leader is suggesting that you guys paid off his candidates to not show up.”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I guess desperate statements during desperate times and I guess trying to find an excuse. It is obvious that the person who was there felt he doesn’t have a chance to win and felt that Anthony, by any measurement, has been doing a tremendous job as the Area Representative in the Pickstock division, so why would you go with a person if you know you’re going to lose? If you look at it, what the Leader of the Opposition is trying to do, he’s thinking beyond this general election. He’s thinking about his election as leader of the party because after this general election it is well known that the U.D.P. is going to have a national convention and it is important for him to field candidates just to field candidates, knowing they’re not going to win but he needs to do that to control the delegates, so I don’t expect anything else from the Leader of the Opposition.”
Our Meet the Candidates coverage continues in the Cayo District! Tonight, we’ll also hear from candidates in the Port Loyola constituency. But first, let’s head to the Cayo Central and Cayo North constituencies. Each of these divisions will feature a candidate from both major parties, plus a third-party contender. Once known as the Red Hills, these areas turned blue in 2020. Will that change on March 12, or will it stay the same? News Five’s Paul Lopez has the report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
With the third largest number of registered voters in the Cayo District, this constituency will see three political candidates face off in the March twelfth general election. Alex Balona, the People’s United Party candidate, is hoping to win back the voters’ trust and secure a second consecutive term in office.
Alex Balona
Alex Balona, P.U.P Candidate, Cayo Central
“Well our executive as you can see behind me, they are an excellent team and they have been with me throughout the four and a half years. And they know exactly what to go and tell our constituents. I know the people are wise. The next government will be a PUP government and Cayo Central will remain P.U.P.”
Balona is facing some heat after a 2020 election day video resurfaced on social media, showing him spitting in the face of a U.D.P. member. Balona recently explained that he was first assaulted with a phone. So, the big question is: will March twelfth be free of any spitting incidents as United Democratic Party candidate Mark O’Brien takes on Balona?
Mark O’Brien
Mark O’Brien, U.D.P Candidate, Cayo Central
“The people has eyes to see, ears to hear, and they also feel what is going on. Across the nation the people are complaining about high cost of living. In our area, the farmers are telling us they love farming. They are not asking for ham, turkey, handouts or money. They are not even asking for seeds. They are asking for that opportunity to have better road access to be able to harvest their crops and come out and make a return on their hard work they have invested in their agriculture field.”
Elections in Belize have always been a tough climb for third parties. But that doesn’t deter Roody Wade, the leader of the Belize Justice Movement. Despite having little to no resources, he’s been putting his name on the ballot for decades and is ready to do it again in Cayo Central.
Roody Wade
Roody Wade, B.J.M Candidate, Cayo Central
“What is working in my favor, I am glad you ask it, because people are tired of that two party system. You will find out that people are showing that energy that yes, I will take their fifty dollars and a hundred and they will be surprised what will catch them. We see the constant flooding never stop. The neglect per say totally. People utter to me I don’t even see this area representative from the time he got elected. I have not seen him.”
Keep an eye on Cayo North. As the second largest constituency in Cayo, it’s definitely one to watch. Michel “Micho” Chebat is feeling confident about being reelected for a second consecutive term.
Michel “Micho” Chebat
Michel “Micho” Chebat, P.U.P Candidate, Cayo North
“This has been an honor of a lifetime for me. The people of Cayo North entrusted their faith and trust in me and that is something we take very seriously. We have been working over the past four years. We have been delivering to them on ourpromises. We are very confident that we will be returned on the twelfth of March.”
In 2020, Chebat defeated former U.D.P Area Representative Omar Figueroa. The one-term representative has returned to challenge Chebat, in hopes of a victory.
Omar Figueroa
Dr. Omar Figueroa, U.D.P. Candidate, Cayo North
“There was a wide tsunami in 2020, no one will deny that. But when you look at what has happened from 2020 to now, that is what is at stake here. That is the report card that people will evaluate. So it is not about what happened din 2020. It is about what happened since 2020 up until March twelfth. And as you walk the streets, you sense what the people of Cayo North are feeling and I am telling you Paul we have every confidence that in Cayo North I will deliver.”
The Belize Justice Movement has introduced their candidate for Cayo North, Leroy Lisbey. As a retired public officer, Leroy believes he’s the fresh face and change that the people have been eagerly waiting for.
Leroy Lisbey
Leroy Lisbey, B.J.M. Candidate, Cayo North
“I am very optimistic because I am running grass root, people centered campaign. I am not like the two political parties who are running on broken, empty promises. I am walking the streets and hearing what people need. That is my passion. I will work for them on the basic things. I will ensure that fair land distribution is there. Improve the healthcare system, unlimited opportunities for the youth and promote economic growth.”
This afternoon, Prime Minister John Briceño toured the Mesopotamia constituency with the People’s United Party candidate, Lawrence Ellis. The residents of Mesopotamia have been loyal to the United Democratic Party since 1979. With just thirteen days left until the March twelfth general election, the P.U.P. is hopeful that this time, the majority will rally behind their candidate.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I am convinced we have a very good candidate here in Mesopotamia and this division has been represented by the U.D.P. since 1979. When you look at what has happened over those years, it is a shame that the U.D.P. has controlled this division, yet they have done very little. Now we have a candidate that grew up in this area. While he did not grow up in Mesopotamia he grew up in Queen square, next door. When he came to talk to me and say this is something he wants to do, I grilled him and said, are you sure this is something you want to do, because you are going to go into a division that is very tough, traditional U.D.P. But he explained that he live sin the area, knows the people and understand what is the challenges and he believes that being a business person he can come up with innovative ways to help people in Mesopotamia division.”
Lawrence Ellis
Lawrence Ellis, P.U.P. Candidate, Mesopotamia
“This visit is a clear indication that the leadership of the P.U.P. is willing to work and take back Mesop. I am working hard n this division every day. The people of Mesop need to understand that there is no future in the U.D.P. They have been here for forty-six years and this division is lacking in many ways. So, my presence and the prime minister’s presence is a clear indication that the P.U.P. is ready to take back Mesop for the people of Mesop.”
Back in 2013, former Prime Minister Dean Barrow didn’t mince words when he called out the Ministry of Natural Resources, especially the Lands Department, as a breeding ground for corruption. There were stories of desk clerks practically demanding “incentives” or gifts just to do their job of processing land documents. If you didn’t play along with this corrupt game, your paperwork could take forever or even mysteriously disappear. Fast forward to today, the P.U.P. Government is promising to clean up this mess. They’re planning to digitize the land registry, push through new land laws, and improve the land tax collection system. Prime Minister John Briceño shared more details about these plans today.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“There is a process when you are transferring land from one person to the other, maybe the people at Lands could have been more vigilant, probably. maybe some may be involved, I don’t know, but yes, I think there’s a lot that has to be left to be done in the Lands Department. There are a number of things that we want to put into place. First of all, the DPM has given me a copy of the proposed legislation for real estate agents – to regulate that industry. It is something that I started working, I had it pretty much ready when I resigned back then in 2007, but it seems that the previous government had no interest in working on that. Or D.P M obviously got carried away – well, I shouldn’t say got carried away but was tied up with all of these land cleanings that he continues to do. And then he finally has this bill ready to take to Cabinet and then to the National Assembly when the elections came upon us. In his mind, the timeline I think he was working was November, 2025. So he did not have it ready, but to take it to the National Assembly. But we’re working on that, so we have that ready and that’s going to be a priority in the next government. Secondly, we’re looking at digitizing the land registry on the titles unit because once we can digitize that, it slows down. It makes the issue off fraudulent transactions more difficult because then there is a digital imprint of what is happening. And so we want to do that, not only to prevent fraud, but also to provide a more effective and efficient service for the private sector. And thirdly, we need to be able to digitize the land tax unit of the ministry and see once we can digitize that. And maybe look at how the Lands Department can partner with the Belize Tax Service to be able to have a more effective and efficient ways to be able to collect land tax. I am told, and I may be wrong, that we have as much as a hundred million dollars in land tax to collect. But we collect maybe ten or twenty percent of that. So we have to be able to digitize it, modernize it, and then to be able to collect that money is in a timely fashion.”
Today marked the grand opening of the new Dorothy Menzies Child Care Centre in the Maya Mopan area. This impressive facility, which replaces the former Dorothy Menzies Children’s Home in Belize City, comes with a price tag of $2.1 million. The children here will now enjoy spacious amenities that were previously unavailable, including an open activity area a playground. News Five’s Marion Ali was on the scene to capture the event.
Marion Ali, Reporting
This brand-new, bright yellow building, known as the Dorothy Menzies Child Care Center, in the Maya Mopan area of Belmopan, is now home to Belize’s most vulnerable victims of abuse. Named after Dorothy Menzies, a dedicated member of the first Board of Directors, the facility honors her tireless efforts and passion for supporting abused and neglected children since the original children’s home opened in Belize City.
Dolores Balderamos-Garcia
Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of Human Development
“Some of the stories of what happens sometimes to our children is absolutely heart wrenching; the type of neglect, the type of sexual abuse, the type of difficulties of discrimination because of special needs or any kind of handicap. Some of these stories are heart wrenching, You can’t even sleep at night sometimes. It is important for us as a country to have a facility supported by the staff who can really dedicate themselves to some of us who are most in need – some of these children who have been through so much.”
Minister of Human Development, Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, emphasized the need to move away from the cramped and unsuitable building in Belize City. The new center, which opens its doors to seventy-one children, offers a much-needed upgrade. Back in the early nineties, Dorothy Menzies worked tirelessly on a shoestring budget provided by the government, dedicating nearly three decades to healing emotionally and physically wounded children. Now ninety-two and unable to leave her home, Dorothy’s legacy lives on through her daughter, Kay, who shared stories of her mother’s unwavering commitment and the remarkable successes the facility has achieved over the years.
Kay Menzies
Kay Menzies, Daughter of Dorothy Menzies
“The institution was always there. It is government-owned, and my mother was asked to serve as the chairman of the board I’d say in the early nineties and jumped in with a dedication that you don’t see very often. Her motivation was always the children. Her view was: If you don’t address the children of society and bring them up in the best way possible and take care of them, you’ve failed society because we have no future to go to. She took that very seriously up until Healthwise she couldn’t anymore. I’ve spent a lot of years hearing stories around the dinner table and trying to help in anyway we could, but it was mom’s passion.”
Menzies says that there have been quite a few success stories coming out of the children’s home, and many of these people are now upstanding members of society.
Kay Menzies
“I’ve met young professionals who are employed at companies like B.T.L.; officers making good progress within the Police Department, people from all walks of life but young professionals doing well and proud to say that they were in the centre and that the centre was part of their success stories. And I wish that at some level they would come out and say this is how you can be, having gone through a process ike the centre.”
Prime Minister John Briceño emphasized that the government prioritized creating a nurturing environment for children, one that would help them heal and recover from their past experiences. The goal is to rehabilitate these children so they can re-enter society and eventually move in with loving families.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“We need to set a place where they can feel loved, they can feel safe and we can try to fix them because many of them have been mentally abused, physically abused. So having a special centre with all the amenities, we’re hoping that we can fix them. Kay Menzies mentioned that she has seen boys and girls, young men and women professionals who have been at the centre and who have managed to do something with their lives. We want to offer hope to these children. The centre in Belize City got too small and they felt that we need to find somewhere bigger. This is only a portion of the land. This is two and a half acres so there’s a lot more land for expansion to be able to provide a basketball court, volleyball court, things for the kids to live happy and productive childhoods.”
Kay Menzies confidently shared that the opening of this beautiful and welcoming space for Belize’s most traumatized and neglected children is bound to bring a smile to her mom’s face.
Kay Menzies
“I think it puts a smile on her face, even though she can’t be directly involved anymore. It’s dear to her heart, it’s always a part of who she is and who she has been. I wish I could bring her here today but hearing how the centre has progressed and hearing where its going now, I think she will be pleased when I give her the update.”
The center is located on a plot of land donated by RECONDEV. Marion Ali for News Five.
This morning, fifteen small businesses from all over Belize received a boost of seven thousand dollars each through BELTRAIDE’s Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project (BEEP). Supported by the CARICOM Development Fund, this initiative aims to help growing businesses expand their reach and enhance their products. News Five’s Britney Gordon was at the seed capital ceremony in Belize to bring us more details.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Seed capital is the initial funding that a new business gathers to develop its product. It’s a crucial investment needed to get the company off the ground. This morning, the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) hosted a Seed Capital grant ceremony, where fifteen growing businesses were awarded seven thousand dollars each. Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director of BELTRAIDE, mentioned that the recipients were carefully selected to represent a diverse range of industries.
Ishmael Quiroz
Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director, BELTRAIDE
“So it’s a wide range of businesses. Spanning from agro-processors to artisans to service providers, people operating in the cosmetics industry. And so it’s quite diverse and it’s fantastic to see such innovative ideas coming up. Things involving people, providing photography services, for example. And so it’s, it really is inspirational and we hope that it opens the minds of entrepreneurs out there, especially young people to not be afraid of your new ideas, go after it.”
To qualify for the grant, recipients had to go through a tough selection process, which included multiple rounds of applications and training, submitting detailed proposals, and delivering a two-minute pitch to a panel of judges. Herbalist Aurora Saqui, is one of the lucky fifteen chosen from a pool of two hundred and thirty applicants.
Aurora Saqui
Aurora Saqui, Grant Recipient
“I have a small business and I am, my ideas is to grow and maybe one day, be trademark in Belize and not only in Belize, maybe for the world. And I am promoting the natural remedies. So I have been struggling with my business. from when I was younger. And today, I feel very excited because it is the first time I am getting a little help to do a little bit more of my footsteps that I always dream of, and I feel that good, more good things gonna start to happen.”
With the grant money, she plans to broaden her reach by offering more ready-made, pre-packaged products. She also aims to cut down on preparation time by investing in better machinery.
Aurora Saqui
“I have oil, soap, tinctures. More ready to use creams. Beauty products too. I even have Colgate’s deodorants, and so far I am doing good. I have over eighty different products ready to use in my shop. And I am now promoting my product as the Kittal remedies, which is I have branded it. I have registered and so from now on I want Al Remedies to be known like in Belize and abroad.”
Another grant recipient is Orissa Molina, the proud owner of Treasured Memories Photobooth, which offers instant photobooth and three hundred and sixty photo services for events. Molina shared that part of the application process involved creating a detailed investment plan.
Orissa Moline
Orissa Moline, Grant Recipient
“So when we got the news, we were elated because we know that we were up against really good businesses and we were hoping that everybody could get the funding, but we were so happy and so elated and proud of our accomplishments really and truly for receiving this fund. And this is going to provide the funding or the initial investment that we need to provide the 360 overhead booth and we’re going solar. Our booths are now going to be powered solely by the sun. It’s solar powered photo boots, which means, Britney, that we can go to any part of Belize. You don’t have to have electricity.”
Molina also plans to make her services more inclusive and accessible to people in wheelchairs and with mobility issues.
Orissa Moline
“We wanted to create the overhead 360 for persons who have mobility issues who cannot step on a traditional platform. I’m sure you guys have seen the 360 videos, and you have to step onto a platform. But people who are in wheelchairs, or people who have mobility issues, or seniors, can’t step on a platform. And so we wanted to include everybody in what we do.”
The Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project, funded by the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), started as a loan but was later converted into a grant at the government’s request. CDF has provided BELTRAIDE with four hundred thousand dollars for grant distribution. CDF CEO, Rodinald Soomer, highlighted the fund’s long-standing relationship with Belize, noting that Belize was the site of the fund’s first country program back in 2010.
Rodinald Soomer
Rodinald Soomer, CEO, CARICOM Development Fund
“We’ve come to realize that these SMEs in the region are just Belize, require a lot of support if it’s concessional financing to either get their operation started or to grow their businesses. So, you know, we are really happy to be part of this process. But what we what we like about the about the program is the rigorous approach to selection of these businesses so that there is an assurance that once they receive the financial support that it is going to be put to good use in terms of building their competitiveness, enhancing their product development and innovation so that they can successfully trade in the domestic market, the regional market and the international market.”
On Thursday, Steinway artist Byron “BK” Davis will take the stage for a solo performance at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. His show, titled ‘Invisible Secret,’ will feature his original music, including a song dedicated to the beauty of Belize, as well as covers of classics by Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder. All proceeds from the concert will go to the Bliss Center for Performing Arts to support the theatre and its programs. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more details.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
After just one visit, Byron “BK” Davis fell head over heels for Belize. Hailing from the United States, this talented musician specializes in jazz, R&B, gospel, and soul, and can play over a dozen instruments. His first trip was in 2017, and now he’s back, ready to use his musical talents to express his love for this beautiful country.
Byron “BK” Davis
Byron “BK” Davis, Musician
“ When I came to Belize, it was more like a sabbatical after thirty years of hard work as a musician and everything. So I came to Belize just to kick back and to have some time. I don’t know how long I stayed. It was like nine months or better than a year. And I fell in love with Belize. It’s just a wonderful place, wonderful people. The food is matchless. You can’t, it’s just amazing. The food’s amazing. Everybody’s nice. Everybody’s nice. And I decided, I said geez, I’m gonna go back to Belize and finish my audiobook.”
Davis returned to Belize to record an audiobook for his memoir, ‘B.K. Davis Ivory Towers.’ During his visit, he chatted with Kim Vasquez, the director of the Institute of Creative Arts, to brainstorm ways he could give back to the creative community.
Kim Vasquez
Kim Vasquez, Director, ICA
“Having released that album and having the song about Belize he wanted to come back here to spend some time to do his audio book that he’s working on. And as well, just be back here. He really loves Belize loves our culture, our people, our food, our music. And naturally, he found his way back here to the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts to connect with us. That was just before Christmas, and he had barely sat down with me five minutes when he said Kim, whatever you’re doing here at the Bliss. I really want to support it. How can I help? And I said you have an amazing voice. You are a fantastic composer. And if you would just simply do a performance for us, that would go a long way.”
Davis is set to perform a ninety-minute solo concert, showcasing his incredible musical talent as one of the select few Steinway artists in the world. These musicians are handpicked to perform exclusively on Steinway instruments. During the concert, Davis will play his song ‘Down in Belize,’ a track he created to celebrate his love for Belize’s serene beaches.
Byron “BK” Davis
“When I feel like sunbathing nude down in Belize. In the moonlight undulatingsmooth right by the sea you and I both feel so tropical down in Belize where only lovers go. Second verse is dolphins dancing, scarlet macaws singing love themes, mangoes falling, coconut milks oh so sweet, you and I both feel tropical, feel so tropical, down in Belize, where only lovers go. That’s my contribution. And these are really my thoughts my feelings. Belize is the perfect getaway for anybody who wants to take a vacation. Anybody who wants to close, to close things off and study. As for me, this particular trip, I’m completing my audio book.”
Tickets will be sold at fifteen dollars for adults and five dollars for children. The profits will be used to assist with the refurbishing of the Bliss Center and its theatrical projects. Britney Gordon for News Five.
The tragic deaths of three young women at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro, Belize, have been confirmed to be caused by acute pulmonary oedema, according to the Executive Director of the National Forensic Science Service, Gian Sho.
In an interview with CBS News Boston, Sho stated, “”The lead examiner concluded the terminal cause of death to be acute pulmonary oedema… and what led to acute pulmonary oedema is what is pending investigation.”
Also part of the interview was Police Commissioner Chester Williams, who reaffirmed that physical trauma was not observed, as there were “no signs of violence on the bodies of the 3 young women.” Williams added that the vomit found beside each woman led investigations to suspect drug overdose.
Alcohol and gummies were discovered in the room, and forensic tests on these items are being analysed to uncover any potential links to the deaths.
The U.S. Embassy is working closely with Belizean authorities, with toxicology results expected within 7 to 14 days. Samples were taken and will be sent to a laboratory in the US for testing. A complete report could take up to a month, depending on the findings.
Colin Gillet, the Fire Chief of the Belize National Fire Service, confirmed that officers conducted two separate tests for carbon monoxide and “found nothing.”
Sho added that though the fire department has ruled out carbon monoxide as a factor, the forensic department will “still be going to test the samples for carbon monoxide”
The investigation to determine what led to acute pulmonary oedema is still ongoing.
