Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

Weather Outlook: NHC Monitors a Weather System in Central Atlantic

This morning, the National Hurricane Centre reported a tropical wave in the central Tropical Atlantic Ocean, producing disorganised showers and thunderstorms. The system is expected to move westward towards the Lesser Antilles. Environmental conditions could support gradual development, with a tropical depression potentially forming by early next week.

The chance of formation within 48 hours is low, near 0 percent, while the chance over the next 7 days is medium, at 40 percent.

The National Meteorological Service of Belize reports sunny skies with cloudy intervals today with occasional outbreaks of showers and thunderstorms in the southern part of the country.

Teresita Ulloa Honoured with the Beverley Smith Lopez Prize for Acting

Teresita Ulloa has been awarded the Beverley Smith Lopez Prize for Acting in Theatre and Film. The announcement was made on the National Institute of Culture and History’s official Facebook. Ulloa, a senior library assistant at the San Ignacio Public Library, has worked in the public library system for over 15 years.

The Beverley Smith Lopez Prize honours the late Beverley Smith Lopez, a renowned actress and advocate for the arts. Lopez was celebrated for her significant contributions to theatre and film and her dedication to promoting the arts within her community.

Ulloa is known for using drama and theatrical elements to encourage reading. She creates engaging videos as “Teresita The Librarian” on social media, where she combines humour and creativity to promote literacy.

In addition to her work at the library, Ulloa trains teachers and parents on storytelling techniques to boost children’s reading habits. Her efforts highlight the role of parental involvement in literacy development.

Fusion CX Invests in RCC BPO: A Strategic Move to Enhance Global Customer Experience Services

The call centre industry in Belize is taking a big step in the international arena by partnering with the global workforce Fusion CX. Fusion CX announced its strategic investment in RCC BPO, a leading outsourcing services provider based in Belize. This investment is set to enhance Fusion CX’s international presence and improve its customer experience (CX) services.

Nubia Ramirez, Co-Founder and CEO of RCC BPO, stated, “Joining forces with a global customer experience solutions provider like Fusion CX will also allow us to enhance our service portfolio in international markets and enjoy organic growth with minimal or no change in our existing working environment. We will benefit from Fusion CX’s strong presence in the APAC, EMEA, North American, and Latin American markets.”

“The integration of RCC BPO epitomizes our commitment to expanding our reach while delivering innovative and culturally aligned customer service solutions. With RCC BPO’s expertise and regional insights, we are set to redefine the customer service landscape.” Pankaj Dhanuka, Co-founder, CEO, and Director of Fusion CX, added.

David Long, Executive Vice President of RCC BPO, noted, “We are leaping forward in our mission to provide outstanding BPO and CX services. Our clients will greatly benefit from this partnership’s advanced technologies and resources.”

The announcement praised Belize’s native English and Spanish proficiency, competitive pricing, and favourable time zones, making it an ideal location for customer service operations. The addition of Belize to Fusion CX’s delivery locations will enhance its nearshore solutions for global clients.

Chelsy Castro is KTV the Remix Season 6 Winner, Claims $10,000 Prize

After weeks of intense competition featuring 12 talented contestants, Chelsy Castro emerged as the standout winner of KTV the Remix Season 6, securing the $10,000 grand prize. The Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts in Belize City was abuzz with excitement last night as fans cheered the final three contestants: Chelsy Castro, Flor Augustin, and Elijah Norales.

Castro, 19, who discovered her passion for singing at just nine years old, admitted on stage that the road to victory was fraught with obstacles. “I almost dropped out, but I really wanted to push for it,” she shared candidly.

In an interview this morning on Open Your Eyes (OYE), Castro reflected on her journey throughout the competition. She revealed that, despite lacking a sponsor, she was committed to delivering her best performances every Tuesday. Castro performed at nightclubs and various events to gather votes and build her fan base, all while juggling her business management studies and a job at the Belizean Melody Art Gallery in San Pedro.

She also highlighted her efforts to build her reputation beyond her island home. “My name was not that well known, and I had been singing for my island for quite some time… I wanted to show Belize what I had to offer, not just for San Pedro,” she said on OYE.

Castro also mentioned her initial struggles with securing sponsorship, noting that she effectively had to be her own sponsor until the finals. “I was actually my votes. I didn’t have a sponsor up until the finals… I really really worked for where I am,” she added.

Castro acknowledged the sponsors who supported her during the final stage of the competition, and her responsibility to be a great role model for children who aspire to pursue a musical career.

Not ‘Very Demure:’ TikTok Creator Faces Legal Battle Over Catchphrase

The internet has not been “Very Mindful, Very Demure” to Jools Lebron, a popular TikTok creator with over 2 million followers facing a legal battle over the viral catchphrase “Very Demure, Very Mindful.” The viral catchphrase had already secured Lebron many partnerships with brands like Verizon and Netflix and mentions from celebrities.

In a deleted TikTok video, Lebron revealed that she “didn’t trademark fast enough.”

TMZ reported that Jefferson Bates, from Washington State, applied to trademark the phrase “Very Demure, very Mindful” in an apparent attempt to cash in on Lebron’s success. This action can potentially block Lebron from using the phrase in Washington.

Raluca Pop, founder of Hive Social, stepped in to support Lebron by applying for the trademark “Very Demure, very cutesy” in California. Pop stated she intends to transfer this trademark to Lebron: “Once I saw that this other guy tried to steal it out from under her, I realised that he didn’t trademark the remainder of her phrase, “very cutesy…” And that’s why I went and did it; instead… she should be the one to reap the benefits,” Pop reported to NBC.

Trademark experts believe Lebron has a strong chance of opposing Bates’ application and securing her own rights.

Lebron’s situation highlights the broader issue of content creators facing challenges in protecting their original work once it goes viral.

Alfonso Tzul Receives the Don Elijio Panti Prize for the Protection and Development of Traditional Knowledge

The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) has awarded the Don Elijio Panti Prize for the Protection and Development of Traditional Knowledge to 83-year-old Alfonso Tzul. Tzul, a retired agriculture extension officer and Yucatec Maya farmer, has made remarkable contributions to the Belizean community.

Tzul’s career includes work as a public servant, cultural historian, linguist, and botanist. He is well-known for his historical research and publications, including “An Oral History of the Maya of San Antonio, Cayo” (1993) and “Chomon: The Orphan Boy.”

“He has tirelessly promoted the Yucatec Maya language, producing educational materials for both children and adults and collaborating with institutions to preserve Yucatec Maya identity,” stated NICH in the announcement post on its Facebook.

In addition to his linguistic and educational contributions, Tzul has significantly advanced the understanding of Maya Forest Gardens and traditional milpa practices. His extensive knowledge of forest ecosystems and cultivation techniques has been influential in both educational and research contexts.

The Don Elijio Panti Prize, named in honour of the healer Don Elijio Panti, recognises exceptional contributions to traditional knowledge. Panti, originally from Guatemala and brought to Belize as an infant, became renowned for his expertise in Maya medicine and healing practices in San Antonio, a community of Mopan and Yucatecan Maya people.

Injured Police Constable Albina Teck Needs Your Help

Police Constable Albina Teck, stationed at the Seine Bight sub-station, was seriously injured in a road traffic accident while on duty on August 23rd. According to reports, she is currently in critical condition at the hospital with severe head injuries.

To support PC Teck’s medical expenses, the Seine Bight community has organised a fundraising BBQ. The event will be held at the Seine Bight Police substation on Wednesday, August 28th, starting at 10:30 AM until plates are sold out. Plates are priced at $10 each, with all proceeds going towards PC Teck’s medical bills.

Community members are encouraged to participate and purchase lunch. Pre-orders can be made via WhatsApp at 671-2659. Payments and pickups will be available during the BBQ on Wednesday.

The Seine Bight sub-station invites everyone to attend and support PC Teck.

Mathew and Virgin Martinez Honoured with Rosita Baltazar Prize for Dance

Mathew and Virgin Martinez of the Ugundani Garifuna Dance Group were awarded the Rosita Baltazar Prize for Dance. The Ugundani Garifuna Dance Group was founded in 1986 by Naomi Guzman, Rosel, Virgin, and Mathew Martinez. This recognition, announced on the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) official Facebook page, honours the Virgins’ significant contributions to preserving and promoting Garifuna culture through traditional dance and music.

NICH praised the Martinez duo for their “blend of managerial prowess and artistic vision” in showcasing Garifuna culture both in Belize and internationally.

Rosita Baltazar, the award’s namesake, was a renowned Belizean choreographer and dance instructor, recognised for her efforts in safeguarding Garifuna culture.

Similarly, the Ugundani Garifuna Dance Group has remained influential for preserving Garifuna heritage since UNESCO recognised Garifuna cultural elements as a masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001.

NSUB Slams Belize Government Over $6.9 Million Land Deal Amid Corruption Claims

In an official statement today, the National Students’ Union of Belize (NSUB) expressed strong opposition to the government’s $6.9 million land acquisition for the now controversial University Hospital. NSUB alleged inflated valuations and potential corruption behind the deal, stating, “This decision, marred by allegations of inflated valuations and speculation of corruption, is not only an affront to the Belizean people but also highlights a much deeper issue in our society: the systemic inflation of land prices that locks out ordinary citizens from owning property.”

The union argued that the expenditure represents a misuse of public funds and criticised the government’s choice to invest in private land rather than enhance public assets. While NSUB supports the construction of the University Hospital, it calls for a reassessment of the project’s location, emphasising, “We call for a reevaluation of the project’s location with a focus on long-term benefits rather than short-term convenience or private gain. The UB campus remains the most logical choice—it is already the heart of higher education in Belize, and positioning a teaching hospital there would create a synergy that benefits both students and the wider community.”

NSUB also highlighted the broader issue of rising land prices in Belize, which they believe obstructs property ownership for many Belizeans. They stated, “The unchecked inflation of land prices that makes property ownership a distant dream for many Belizeans. The time has come for the Government to tackle this crisis head-on by introducing regulations that prevent land speculation and prioritise access to affordable land for Belizean families.”

The NSUB stressed that the new hospital should be a symbol of progress, not a sign of mismanagement.

Health and Wellness Ministry to Address $6.9 Million Land Controversy in Press Conference

The Ministry of Health and Wellness will host a press conference this afternoon in Belize City to address its controversial $6.9 million land acquisition. The conference is intended “to clarify the land purchase for the new hospital.”

News 5 will carry the press conference live on our social media platforms.

This follows Friday’s protest in Belmopan led by land activist Nigel Petillo, which gathered the participation of various groups demanding a reversal of the land purchase that was initially earmarked for a teaching hospital and accusing officials of ‘lacking transparency.’

Former Health Minister Jose Coye during an online talk show voiced his opinion. Coye expressed his support for the initial plan to develop a faculty of medicine at the university. He criticised the decision to relocate the faculty and questioned the rationale behind the land purchase, urging that the funds be used as originally intended to enhance Belize’s healthcare system and support health tourism.

“It’s not about partisan politics. This is about the good of Belize. Let’s put Belize first. That money must be spent on what it was intended for. And if we, the people, decide it is, then it must be. So it’s not about whether they will do it or not. No, we must be committed to letting the government be held accountable to the citizens,” Coye asserted.