Besides the services that mental health patients will need, there’s also a need for new infrastructure and a Central Medical Store. The Minister explained that this facility was already under construction before the elections.
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness
“Through the Ministry of Finance and the Government, there were plans that we had identified there was the need, I’ve been saying, I said this even in an interview long before that there is a need for us to build a proper Central Medical Store that will have the necessary systems in place and because right now, as you know, Jules, many of the suppliers house our supplies and storage is limited. So the point is that we want to centralize this so it’ll be proper manage as well. We’ll put in all necessary software that will come: warehousing, accounting, distribution, software so that it is properly managed and works along with the BHIS system. And so that at the end of the day, it’s much more a control, environment, that will have the more updated systems that will be able to manage and track these supplies and medical equipment that come into the country to be able to provide the services.”
Reporter
“But is this building being built or is it contracted to be built by an entity which happens to be also one of your largest medical providers, your lot of pharmaceutical providers?”
Kevin Bernard
“I’m not sure who had the contract that was done through the Ministry of Finance. I can’t tell you the full details of that. I’m not too sure who actually is building the facility.”
The Trump administration has warned government officials in the region that they might lose their U.S. visas if they keep supporting what they call ‘forced labor’ by the Cuban brigades. The U.S. Government argues that these missions ‘enrich the Cuban regime.’ Belize has been welcoming these medical missions from Cuba for a long time, with doctors, nurses, and other medical staff coming to work here for a while. Today, Minister Bernard wasn’t sweating over his U.S. visa and assured that the Cubans involved in these missions are paid.
Kevin Bernard
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness
“The Cuban people have assisted Belize for many, many decades. In fact, they’re here in this country providing a service towards very rural populations and we don’t own the rights to whether or not the U.S. issues or grants or denies persons. We said that’s the right of the United States government. I don’t want to get into that diplomatic issue but all I can say is that I know that Belize continues to enjoy the relationship we have with Cuba. We also have a good relationship with the United States of America, and I’m very sure that two Foreign Affairs Ministries are working out and having the discussions with the government, clearing up some of the concerns that the U.S. Government had as it relates to the area of what they’re claiming, human trafficking in terms of the Cuban nationals.”
Reporter
“But are you concerned for your own visa or that of your…”
Kevin Bernard
“Jules, I’m a Belizean and a Belizean first. I live in Belize. That’s where my love is and so my focus is to ensure that our Belizean people can continue to benefit from the work that we’re doing as a government, whether or not I travel, the US is far from the most important issue in my life. For now as a minister of government, I’m here to work for my people to ensure we can deliver for the Belizean people. These Cuban doctors get paid a salary in Belize to their own personal accounts that they have in. And so, I don’t see where that is forced labor, but people coming to provide a service and being in for that.”
Among Prime Minister John Briceño’s Senate appointments is the youngest woman parliamentarian for this new term, thirty-year-old Brittney Galvez, from Belize City. With an Associates Degree in Biology, Bachelors in Psychology with First Class Honors from UWI Global Campus and her pursuit to obtain a Master of Art in Public Health, she has been actively involved in various People’s United Party and women’s organizations. Galvez, an avid lover of the arts, is now channeling her experiences and knowledge from the past three decades to serve her country as a senator. In honor of Women’s Month, News Five’s Paul Lopez explores the journey that led Galvez to this remarkable achievement. Here’s the report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
At just nine years old, Brittney Galvez faced the heartbreaking loss of her mother. Her father stepped up to raise her and her four siblings. Tragically, at fourteen, she lost her brother to gun violence. Despite these hardships, Galvez has also experienced triumph. She began serving her country through the People’s United Party’s youth arm, the Belize Youth Movement. She was later elected to the Caribbean Women in Leadership Organization and became a member of the United Women’s Group. As the Program Coordinator in the Office of the Special Envoy for Women and Children, Brittney Galvez has now been appointed as a government senator in parliament, making her the youngest woman parliamentarian.
Brittney Galvez
Brittney Galvez, Government Senator
“My dad was the one who really instilled in me leadership and to lead like a girl and to not compromise who you are to become something. With BYM a lot of our work was to inspire youths, especially with voting, because we find that a lot of times are not ones to go out and vote, but from a young age I was always interested in exercising that right, as I turned eighteen, I registered to vote. And yes I am young but I am determined, driven, passionate and I come with a very love for my country. I have always been someone who think about what I can do to better Belize.”
Beyond her passion for service, Galvez thrives in the creative realm. She’s a talented visual artist, crafting vibrant and realistic pieces that celebrate Belize’s natural wonders. Galvez is also a poet, adding another layer to her artistic expression. In a poem entitled, This One Is For the Girls, she wrote, “Look at the girls in your life, tell em what you see. Do you see the girl, the child, or the woman to be? Or do you see the challenges she must endure, from bullying, sexual harassment, to so much more?”. In another piece titled Who Would They Become, she wrote, “And so we can never forget their names, as we must honor Dwayne, Laddie and so many others by making a change”.
Brittney Galvez
“I commend the government, I commend Prime Minister Honorable John Briceno for this appointment, because this is not just about me, this is about youths and women all over this country. Having this appointment is not just a personal achievement. It is an achievement for everyone to be able to see me there as a youth, other youths and women can now envision that as well. What can be expected is that I will carry the spirit of youth from all across the country in my roll. This is not just about me, this is about all of us and I am committed to serve my country in this roll.”
While Galvez views her appointment as a victory for women and youth across the country, we asked if she sees it as a steppingstone to greater political aspirations. She admits she hasn’t given it much thought. But is Galvez ready for the challenges of being a parliamentarian—the personal attacks, intimidation tactics, and the constant pressure to align with the party’s stance?
Brittney Galvez
“For me I have always been a positive person, so like what Michelle Obama says, when they go low we go high. So that is what I am committed to doing. I am someone who believes in being respectful, honest and spreading positivity. I am not about the negative.”
Garifuna musician Aurelio Martinez was laid to rest today after a heartfelt funeral in La Ceiba, Honduras. The journey from Dangriga to La Ceiba began with a boat trip on Thursday, followed by a bus ride. Aurelio’s son, Newani, played a big role in the service. He picked up his father’s guitar during the trip and started singing Aurelio’s hit songs, shining brightly at the wake. Today, the eighteen-year-old led the procession, walking beside his father’s casket through the streets of La Ceiba, where Aurelio was buried. Music promoter Cyril Uruwei Garcia described Newani’s performances at the wake as a beautiful tribute to his father.
Voice of: Cyril Uruwei Garcia, Musical Promoter
“He just got into gear, even at the wake the night when we arrived. His set was beautiful. He was well received. He sang alongside Aurelio’s nephew Junior, who is a heavy hitter here in La Ceiba. So yeah, Newani is his father’s son. He’s Aurelio’s son, indeed, a wonderful, sweet young man. It has been a very sobering journey. There is a lot to chew on. There’s a lot to digest. Personally for me, I’ve known him personally, we spent a lot of time together. So in my own little head, I’m still trying to just process everything, and being here, the journey from leaving Dangriga leaving Belize, just see everyone, sharing their own stories, everyone looking so pensive, not knowing what to expect when we arrived, but finally when we arrive in Honduras, in La Ceiba, it was as if I was born here, all the individuals that I’ve met, everybody just so welcoming, everybody looking forward to see us to welcome us, for those who were staying at the facility that they provided, you know, everything was just, everyone was just together. You felt this sense that togetherness, unity.”
Women are making waves at the Belize Coast Guard, breaking barriers and shattering expectations in a field traditionally dominated by men. Alma Pinelo, a true trailblazer, has climbed the ranks to become the first female Acting Vice Commandant in the force’s history. As we explore the progress and the challenges that remain, Sabreena Daly brings us the inspiring stories of women who are not just serving but leading. This week, we spotlight a leader who is shaping the future of Belize’s maritime defense. Here’s this week’s look On the Bright Side.
Meet the Belize Coast Guard, the elite guardians of Belize’s shores. They’re the men and women defending the nation’s maritime borders, intercepting illegal activities, and carrying out life-saving search-and-rescue missions. In the ongoing fight to protect Belize’s waters, they are the steadfast first line of defense, crucial to the country’s safety and security. With a team of five hundred and twenty-six active-duty members, the Coast Guard operates with strict military discipline, demanding both physical and mental toughness. But here’s a standout fact—only fifty-nine of these brave members are women.
Sabreena Daly
Sabreena Daly, Reporting “With a male-dominated history and rigid military traditions, leadership within the Belize Coast Guard has been reserved for a select few. But with barriers being broken, can a woman make her mark within this elite force?”
“ When you apply for the Belize Coast Guard you’re looked upon as an applicant and not necessarily a gender. We are not filling spaces based on numbers. We’re filling spaces based on merit, on your performance.”
Women make up just eleven percent of the force, but they rise to the challenge every day. They shatter biases and prove their worth through their outstanding performance.
Rear Admiral Elton Bennett
“We have women employed in every aspect of the Belize Coast Guard. From logistics to operational duty. We have women driving trucks, driving vessels and employed across the Coast Guard. There are no restrictions whatsoever on where a woman can serve in Ibilis Coast Guard. Once you get in the Coast Guard, we believe in continued career development. The education program in the Belize Coast Guard is a very good one. It’s supported by our Minister of National Defense, where we strived to make opportunities available for people to continue to study. Particularly with Alma Pinelo, she graduated from the Coast Guard Academy perhaps about maybe thirteen or fifteen years ago.”
Lieutenant Commander Alma Pinelo is one of just two female lieutenant commanders in the Belize Coast Guard. With over a decade of dedicated service, she’s made history as Belize’s first female Acting Vice Commandant. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment and trailblazing spirit.
Alma Pinelo
Lieutenant Commander Alma Pinelo, Acting Vice Commandant
“ Dealing with the whole minority aspect of women in the military has always been something that I have been dealing with my entire career. Knowing how to advocate for those that can’t from the onset. And so I said I had to learn how to be an advocate really early and realize that, okay, you’re shy, you gotta get over that because somebody else needs you.”
Belize faces challenges in attracting women to maritime careers due to cultural norms, a lack of female mentors, and concerns about work-life balance. This issue extends to the military, where female representation remains low. The Belize Coast Guard, which combines both sectors as a maritime defense force, struggles even more with recruitment and retention. Pinelo acknowledges that boosting female participation requires focused outreach, mentorship, and strong institutional support.
Lieutenant Commander Alma Pinelo
“ A big part of the challenge in equality and equity is for the men to recognize that they’re the biggest shareholder in this. Having a proper gender champion, somebody that is a male in senior leadership that you look up to that is able to sing the same song that I’m singing. Admiral Bennett is that, Lieutenant Commander Francisco is that. All those people that are in my corner and are able to be proud of women that serve under their leadership and that is what is important too.”
As acting vice commandant, Pinelo is second in command. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett talks about the unique dynamics of having a female leader by his side. He shares insights into any differences that come with her support, highlighting the positive impact of diverse leadership.
Rear Admiral Elton Bennett
“I am very happy to have a very capable commander to support myself as the commandant with my duty. So she deputized as a commandant. She has had opportunities to brief the National Security Council. She has been involved with submitting cabinet papers. So she understands the different levels of commanding the Coast Guard because of the different postings that she has held. So she’s very versatile.”
Lieutenant Commander Alma Pinelo champions women in the security forces by organizing the annual Wonder Women Competition. This event brings together women from various security forces to tackle a series of tough physical challenges, showcasing their strength and resilience. The competition not only tests their physical strength but also their mental resilience under pressure, all for the coveted title of Wonder Woman in the forces and a chance to earn exciting bonuses. This year, Pinelo is taking it up a notch by competing herself, putting her own skills to the ultimate test.
Rear Admiral Elton Bennett Commandant
“ We try to make as many opportunities available for women to, to compete and to participate in regardless of what sporting event it is. Once there is a Coast Guard involvement, we’ll have a female team represented. For example, with La Ruta Maya, we had a male team and a female team, and they did well. So in every aspect, we have women’s participation. Next week, we’re going into a Wonder Woman’s competition. This is, again, one of Alma Pinelo’s projects, where she designed this from concept and is still administering it. And she is participating and competing again this year. She’s really showing solid leadership here, by doing it all.”
Lieutenant Commander Alma Pinelo
“It’s been something that the leaving women out aspect of it brought the Wonder Woman competition to life. We had the Best Warrior competition. I think back before I became an officer, Admiral Borland had an Iron Man competition, but it was only for the men. So it was, because the women felt left out, a couple of them came to my office and they said, Ma’am, we want something for us. Something that has nothing to do with the men. We don’t care if it’s the same thing that they do for Best Warrior, but we want to do it for us. So that was like the brainchild for Wonder Woman, and I said let’s come up with something and come up with a name, and we called it that.”
Leadership in the security forces is vital for inspiring future generations. Female trailblazers pave the way for more women to step into powerful roles and break down barriers. While Alma Pinelo is celebrated as a pioneer, the goal is to normalize women in these positions. We aim for a future where female leadership is the norm, not the exception.
Rear Admiral Elton Bennett
“ She’s the ultimate role model and I’m happy that we have a senior figure in the Coast Guard, a woman of that stature, where Other young women coming into the services, those who can be influenced to join can have someone to look up to and say this is what is achievable, I can do that, and she’s an excellent representation of that.”
Lieutenant Commander Alma Pinelo
“ We always say you want to break the glass ceiling, and we want to get to a point where it’s no longer a first of, the first female to do this, the first female to be a pilot Captain or Lieutenant Puerto in BDF. There will be a time that we get there, but until we get there, we need to work, constantly at being able to recruit more women, keep more women, train better women, and then have them in these combat, frontline, tactical positions where they want to feel powerful and be powerful and feel empowered to be captains, coxswains, patrol commanders drone operators and all that.”
Martinez tragically died in a plane crash on March 17, 2025. The Lanhsa Airlines Jetstream 41 aircraft, carrying 17 passengers, had just departed from Roatán Island en route to La Ceiba on the Honduran mainland when it veered sharply right and plunged into the Caribbean Sea. Martinez, who considered Belize his second home, had been in Roatán promoting an upcoming festival and had posted a promotional video on Facebook before the accident.
Cyril “Uruwei” Garcia, attended the funeral. Garcia described it as a profoundly sobering journey, filled with deep contemplation and a sense of unity among attendees.
Garcia observed that many travellers were visiting Honduras for the first time but were embraced by the community.
A poignant moment during the ceremonies involved Martínez’s 18-year-old son, Newani Martinez, who spontaneously played his father’s songs on the guitar during a boat ride. Garcia remarked that Newani is truly his father’s son, embodying his spirit and spontaneity.
Just nine days after securing a renewed mandate from Belizean voters, Kevin Bernard was reappointed as Minister of Health and Wellness in the Briceño Administration.
The plan is centred on three core pillars: enhancing leadership and governance, creating an equitable system, and promoting healthier lifestyles.
In an interview with Bernard, he said, “As the minister, I want to see that we can achieve universal health coverage. I want to see that we can bring better service delivery to our Belizean people in health care, that as we roll out NHI, our people are benefiting from these services.”
The ministry’s returning CEO, Dr Julio Sabido, pointed out that the launch “marked the beginning of a shared responsibility”. He added that the plan’s success “depends on all of us, public and private sector, national and international partners.”
The plan also focuses on mental health and addressing the leading causes of death in Belize, such as heart disease and cancer.
March 21st marks World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) 2025, a global celebration of inclusion, advocacy, and the incredible contributions of people with Down syndrome. This year’s theme, “Improve Our Support Systems”, highlights the need for stronger resources, better accessibility, and inclusive opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Across the world, communities are coming together to push for better healthcare, education, and employment opportunities—ensuring that people with Down syndrome have the support they need to thrive. From workshops and awareness campaigns to heartfelt stories of resilience, WDSD 2025 is all about strengthening the systems that empower individuals with Down syndrome.
And, of course, no WDSD celebration would be complete without the beloved Lots of Socks campaign! People everywhere are sporting bright, mismatched socks to symbolise diversity and start conversations about inclusion.
As we celebrate this special day, let’s commit to making the world a more supportive, understanding, and accessible place for everyone. Because when we improve our support systems, we uplift entire communities. Happy World Down Syndrome Day! 💙💛🎉
Allison Mendez of the Belize Port Authority has embarked on a prestigious training opportunity in Suriname. She was selected to participate in the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Level 1 Aids to Navigation (AtoN) Manager Course—a program focused on enhancing maritime safety and efficiency.
In a statement the Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean (WiMAC) Belize Chapter said, “WiMAC Belize is proud to celebrate Ms Allison Mendez from the Belize Port Authority, who has been selected to take the prestigious IALA Level 1 AtoN Manager Course!”
According to WiMAC, Mendez is the first and only Belizean woman to undergo this certification. It said, “We are cheering her on as she represents Belize and embraces this incredible learning opportunity. She is the first and only female from Belize that will be certified after completion. It is truly inspiring to see more women advancing in maritime studies, gaining specialised knowledge, and bringing their experiences back home to make an impact!”
Belize’s healthcare system is set to undergo a thorough overhaul. Today, the government of Belize, through the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), has launched the Belize Health Sector Strategic Plan (BHSSP) 2025-2034.
In a statement, the ministry said that the plan “outlines a clear vision for addressing key health system challenges, including the rise of non-communicable diseases, climate change impacts on public health, gaps in human resources, and the need for stronger governance and digital transformation within the health sector.”
The plan is to strengthen the nation’s healthcare system and promote “Universal Health for all Belizeans” through three key objectives:
Strengthening leadership within the ministry to improve accountability and governance.
Building a people-centred health system with improved services, financing, and workforce.
Promoting healthier lifestyles through targeted initiatives and community engagement.
Some of the contributing partners include PAHO/WHO, the European Union, and civil society in the plan’s development.
A digital copy of the plan is available via a QR code.
