Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

The Dark History Behind Valentine’s Day

The day of “love and friendship” is finally here, and while some may hate the day, there are those who look forward to it. Every February 14 is known for love, roses, and heart-shaped cards—but you may be surprised to know that its origins are far from romantic. And just like other well-celebrated holidays, it’s an opportune time for businesses to commercialise the holiday and maximise profits.

But what is the history behind Valentine’s Day? Well, it dates back thousands of years, and its origins are rooted in ancient Roman history and Saint Valentine’s legacy. For centuries, Romans observed “Lupercalia,” a pagan festival that celebrated fertility, until the 5th century when the Catholic Church ended it. The church then established February 14 as the feast day for Saint Valentine, though historians debate if it was a replacement for Lupercalia.

But who was Saint Valentine? Why is he linked to the day of “love?” According to CBS News, Saint Valentine was a Roman priest in the 3rd century who defied Emperor Claudius II. The emperor forbade marriages for young men because he thought that men without family burdens were better soldiers and ensured a strong army. Valentinus secretly married couples, angering the emperor. He was imprisoned and later martyred on February 14. Valentine’s martyrdom for his religion is what strongly resonated with people.

Pope Gelasius I established February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day in 494, and though removed from the Catholic calendar in 1969, the day remains a global celebration of love. The iconic symbol of love—Cupid—also has ancient Roman roots. The word comes from the Latin word “Cupido” and is both the offspring and helper of Aphrodite or Venus. Cupid embodies desire and the timeless nature of human attraction, CBS News reported.

Freetown’s Francis Fonseca Confident his Work Speaks for Itself

In the lead-up to the March 12, 2025, general elections, Freetown P.U.P. Standard Bearer Francis Fonseca remains unfazed by his opponent. Despite the intense campaign season, Fonseca told News 5 that he is carrying out his ministerial duties, and his focus is squarely on his constituents and ongoing projects. “I also have ministerial duties, which I have to carry out. I’m doing that today. So, it’s a balance,” Fonseca said.

He openly admitted that he is not acquainted with his challenger from the United Democratic Party, Abraham Flowers. Fonseca stated, “I don’t know the gentleman, so I cannot comment on it. I don’t know him. I understand he’s the UDP candidate. But like every candidate, I respect all my candidates.”

Flowers was sworn in as the UDP standard bearer for the Freetown division in August 2024 under Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s leadership.

With six elections under his belt, Fonseca says his strategy has always centred on his work and his strong relationship with the people of Freetown, not the competition. He said he has “a great relationship with the people of Freetown,” adding that he’s had discussions with the people of his area and acknowledged the concerns they have brought up.

Briceño Administration Remains in Power as ‘Caretaker Government’

Following the dissolution of parliament on Tuesday, Prime Minister John Briceño advised the Governor General to issue a writ for general elections. Statutory Instrument Number 24 of 2025 was issued, which set the countdown to March 12 in effect.

Briceño officially announced the election date alongside his cabinet and candidates on Tuesday, giving a brief recap of his government’s work over the past four years and urging Belize for a renewal of their electoral mandate.

But what happens to the powers of the executive branch during this period? Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre told reporters that the current administration will operate under a “caretaker government” status, as outlined in section 84 of Belize’s constitution. Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre explained that the executive branch—comprising the Prime Minister and other ministers—will continue in power until a new prime minister is appointed post-elections.

He said that Belize’s constitution “makes provisions that the ministers and ministers of state continue to act. You need to have a government that ensures that national security issues, and other issues, that those are being addressed. In the interim, we are a caretaker government at the time.”

Mexico Threatens Lawsuit Over Gulf Name Change

If you are located in Belize, open your Google Maps, zoom out, and scroll up a tiny bit. What do you see? You’ll notice that the Gulf of Mexico appears to have an additional name—Gulf of America.

This title change is just one more of President Donald J. Trump’s executive orders taking effect. Since before his inauguration, Trump made his intentions clear regarding the change of name, stating that this would be one of the first things on his to-do list.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had criticised the proposal and instead suggested that North America be renamed to “Mexican America,” as she cited historical documents that used the term before Mexico’s constitution.

Well, the name has changed, and it’s been changed for some days now. U.S. citizens are able to see “Gulf of America,” while the rest of the world sees “Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America).” With billions of people relying on Google Maps’ as their ideal mapping platform, it plays a fundamental role in shaping perceptions of geography.

During a morning press briefing, Sheinbaum revealed that she had sent a diplomatic letter to Google and urged the tech giant to reconsider the change. She added that Mexico’s concerns were dismissed.

Mexico is now considering a civil lawsuit if the name persists on Google’s platforms. Sheinbaum argues that the name change is unjustified, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which restricts territorial changes to a nation’s waters up to 12 nautical miles from its coastline.

Sheinbaum stated that the Gulf of Mexico spans beyond U.S. territory and includes Mexican and Cuban waters.

Fishermen Shot at Near San Pedro; 2 of 3 Suspects Detained

Police are investigating a shooting incident in which two local fishermen were targeted while fishing off the coast of Ambergris Caye on Tuesday, February 11. According to The San Pedro Sun, brothers Luis Pablo Diaz, 26, and Janel Silvino Diaz, 24, were targeted by gunmen in a small boat while near the Tuffy Channel, south of San Pedro.

The San Pedro Sun added that the brothers claimed to recognise the suspects. The brothers reported being alert of the boat for over an hour before firing at them.

Authorities have arrested two suspects. The boat used in the attack has been impounded as the investigation continues, and police are still searching for a third suspect.

Carlos Casanova Missing for Days

Family and friends are growing concerned after Carlos Casanova, a resident of San Pedro Town, went missing on Saturday.

Police confirmed that they are “in the process of recording a statement.”

News 5 reached out to a friend of Casanova, who described him as “very cautious and never made irrational decisions,” which makes his sudden disappearance “alarming and shocking to all of us.”

The friend added that Casanova’s landlady reached out to his sister after Casanova failed to return home. “He left his phone and wallet at home, which Carlos was never the type to leave without his phone,” the friend added.

News 5 also spoke with Casanova’s sister, Telma Corado, who confirmed that the police have recently taken her report and launched an investigation.

“We’re a bit relieved since the police have taken our report seriously, because at first they weren’t really paying mind to it,” Corado said.

She added that authorities are currently reviewing nearby footage to determine a timeline for when Casanova might have left his residence.

This is a developing story.

Belize’s Judicial AI Reform Hinged on March Vote?

The introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the judiciary is expected to transform the legal processes in Belize. According to the Attorney General, Anthony Sylvestre, plans are in place for the coming fiscal year to incorporate AI in court operations, specifically in managing document submissions and court hearings. This move is seen as an important step in addressing the ongoing shortage of human resources within the judicial system.

“We will need legislation for that, and technology advances are at such a pace that it behoves us,” Sylvestre said. He added that there is the need for AI-assisted submissions to be closely reviewed by attorneys to ensure legal compliance.

A key benefit of this initiative is its potential to improve access to justice, particularly in rural areas. Virtual hearings would allow individuals from distant communities like Sarteneja and Chunox to attend court sessions without the need to travel long distances. “One of the most heart-wrenching things is to see persons sit out in the sun and have to wait for an adjournment,” Sylvestre said.

He added that the proposed reforms, including virtual hearings, hinge on the Briceno administration’s re-election on March 12. “We have plans in plans… and as I’ve said, at this point in time, those are things that are left up to the good wishes and will of the people.”

Ministry of Education Opens 7th U Space Hub

The Leo Bradley Library in Belize City unveiled the seventh U Space Hub this morning. This “creative space” now brings the ambitious initiative to inspire children’s curiosity in science and technology to the heart of the city.

Minister of Education Francis Fonseca spoke on the importance of making these spaces accessible to young people and future generations as libraries evolve with time.

“This is the education zone, the education community… I’m very, very happy that the library service partnered with us to allow us to have this space,” Fonseca said. “All these wonderful young people around here can benefit from this space.”

With over 42 libraries across the country, Fonseca said there is the need to transform them into dynamic, interactive spaces. These hubs, he said, will provide young people with opportunities to learn about Belizean culture, history, and music while exchanging ideas in a creative environment.

“We’re used to visiting the library, and we see a lot of dusty books… We have to make sure that especially our young people understand that these libraries are for them,” he added.

Belize Courts Struggle with Mould Infestations

Despite renovations to its sister building, the oldest courthouse in Belize continues to face issues of rats and mould. Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre confirmed that plans are in place to refurbish the structure, similar to the work done on the adjacent building, which previously housed the Prime Minister’s and Chief Justice’s offices.

He stated that the renovation project is expected to cost approximately $2 million, a price tag that is consistent with the cost of previous renovations. Sylvestre told reporters that the previous repairs, “ran about 3 million, a little bit over 3 million… I would say in the range of 2 million” for the current one.

When asked about the recent closure of the Magistrate’s Court due to severe mould infestation. He explained that the closure would last until Monday and assured the public that a temporary facility is in place for affected individuals. “That is just a temporary facility. There is still a plan, but of course, it’s all subject to the will of the people, and if the government were to be re-elected,” he said.

Earlier this week, News 5 reported on the complaints from court staff from the Belize City Magistrate Court on Coney Drive. One employee told News 5 on Tuesday, “They have said that they’re trying to work on it, but it’s nothing so far. So, we just decide as a staff that we need to take action to make them decide what they will do now. Don’t give us no small solutions. We need a big solution to fix the problem right away.”

On Wednesday, the Belize City Magistrate Court announced its closure from midday today until Monday, February 17, 2025.

In Punta Gorda, similar mould issues are affecting the Family Court, which is expected to be addressed in the new fiscal year. “The family court issue at Punta Gorda, that is an issue that would be addressed in a new fiscal year,” Sylvestre added.

PNP Announces Candidate for Belize Rural North

Election bells went off on Tuesday after Prime Minister John Briceño announced the date for general elections, and political parties are now gearing up for March 12.

Today, the People’s National Party (PNP) officially named Andrew “Lion Truth” Reynolds as their candidate for Belize Rural North, a division long contested by major political parties. Specific details about his background and campaign plans were not shared.

Reynolds will be challenging Marconi Leal Jr., the new Standard Bearer for the People’s United Party (PUP) in Belize Rural North. Just a few weeks ago, Leal Jr. took charge of the division after his father, Marconi Leal Sr., announced that he would not be seeking re-election.

Meanwhile, the United Democratic Party (UDP) is still facing internal turmoil. Tracy Panton told News 5 on Tuesday that her faction is “absolutely prepared” for the upcoming elections, but the party is still yet to see progress in its mediation process.

Panton specifically blamed Moses “Shyne” Barrow, the area representative for Mesopotamia, for the delay. She accused him of having “no interest in sitting and talking” and obstructing the party’s efforts to unify. “If we are in limbo, it is because he is adamant and he refuses to respect the voices of the people,” Panton said.