Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

Miss Universe Belize Responds to Maya Costume Controversy

Yesterday, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) condemned Miss Universe Belize’s (MUB) decision to use the Mayan Deer Dance costume in the Miss Universe 2024 Pageant held in Mexico City this earlier this month.

In its statement, SATIIM said, “No Maya person brought up in their culture would ever put on a Deer Dance mask or clothing outside of the rituals.” SATIIM added, “Inspiration should not be used as an excuse for exploitation,” and further criticised that the Mayan traditional attire was reduced to mere “entertainment” and “desecrated” it for a beauty contest.

Today MUB Halima Hoy arrived back in Belize and addressed the controversy. “We released sketches of the costumes that were submitted to us since late April, early May… the sketches have been circulating since then. And we also released photos of the costume a couple weeks prior to me leaving,” Hoy said. She added, “I am proud to have represented something that I love, something that is rooted in Belizean culture.”

She stated that the costume had a positive reception, with many young women asking about its meaning, and shared how it conveyed a message of climate action, aligning with Belize’s advocacy at COP29.

While acknowledging the controversy, Halima stated, “We had no mal intentions… we had all good intentions to represent our country and something that is deeply rooted in our history.”

Miss Universe Belize Halima Hoy Back in Belize

Miss Universe Belize Halima Hoy Back in Belize

Miss Universe Belize, Halima Hoy, is back in the country after representing Belize in Mexico City for the 73rd Miss Universe pageant. She was warmly welcomed at the Philip Goldson International Airport by representatives from the Belize Tourism Board and the sounds of Garifuna music played by the Wabagari Dance Group.

In an interview with News 5, Hoy opened up about her emotional journey during the pageant. “I feel so proud to be back home after representing my country,” she said, describing the rush of emotions she experienced in the lead-up to the event. “When I got on the stage, I can tell you that all of that went away. The pride of my country took over, and I felt pretty comfortable.”

Hoy described the experience as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity, adding that while pageantry can be competitive, “everybody was friendly and accommodating.”

Daughter of Property Owner Charged with San Pedro Arson

A 28-year-old woman, Isela Catzim, has been charged with five counts of arson after setting a fire in San Pedro that destroyed four homes and a shop. She was arrested on November 21. The fire, which broke out on November 19 in the DFC area, caused an estimated $200,000 in damage.

News 5 spoke with the property owner, Sandra Isela Catzim, who said that her daughter, who carries the same name as her, was charged for the incident. “My daughter was charged; my daughter’s name is like mine,” she said.

The blaze quickly spread and destroyed three homes, including a two-story house, a four-bedroom home, and a small shop with a bedroom. “The houses were already lost by the time we arrived,” said a local firefighter after controlling the fire.

Authorities have not revealed a motive for the fire.

NEMO Deploys Teams to Assist Flood Victims

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has deployed teams and resources across Belize to assist those impacted by recent weather events. In its statement on Thursday, the organisation said it is working closely with the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to monitor weather and flood conditions.

“NEMO continues to closely monitor daily weather forecasts and flood conditions in collaboration with the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services of Belize,” the agency stated.

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) and Belize Coast Guard (BCG) have already assisted residents in Flowers Bank and Rancho Dolores with transportation. Regional teams in Cayo and Belmopan are actively assessing flood-affected areas and providing humanitarian aid.

“NEMO assures the public that efforts will continue until all affected communities have been reached,” the update stated.

Flood Warnings Issued as Water Levels Rise in Multiple Regions

COP29 Negotiations Hit Overtime on Final Day

It’s officially the last day of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the frustration has grown to new levels. The UN reported that on the final day, negotiators received a new draft proposal aimed at tackling climate change financing. The deal suggests rich countries should commit $250 billion annually to help vulnerable nations deal with climate impacts and transition to renewable energy. It sets a broader goal of reaching $1.3 trillion per year by 2035, but crucial details about how the money will be raised remain unclear.

“This is disappointing at the very least,” said Namrata Chowdhary from 350.org, expressing frustration at the lack of concrete solutions. Many developing nations and environmental groups are critical of the deal, with Lidy Nacpil of the Asian Peoples’ Movement warning that climate finance should not be in the form of loans, as it increases debt burdens.

Civil society groups have called the proposal a “slap in the face,” while others like Jacobo Ocharan from the Climate Action Network urged negotiators to continue pushing for a better deal.

Sindra Sharma from the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network, an activist coalition, expressed “a complete sense of frustration” at the talks. “I’ve never seen a presidency like this, I’ve never seen a process like this,” she said.

The goal of COP29 is to establish a new global climate finance target known as the new collective quantified goal (NCQG) to replace the expiring $100 billion annual goal. The draft outlines a funding target ranging between $1 trillion and $1.3 trillion per year to help vulnerable nations adapt to climate change. However, the specifics of how to achieve this target remain unresolved, with divisions between developed countries and emerging economies, including China, over the role of private investment and which nations should contribute.

Azerbaijan, the host country, has been under pressure to mediate the talks and provide a balanced proposal. With negotiations running into overtime, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that “failure is not an option” and urged all parties to compromise. The outcome of these crucial talks will shape future climate action and determine the support available for nations like Belize that are most at risk from climate change.

16 Days of Activism of #NoExcuse Against Gender-Based Violence

Belize is joining the global community in observing the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, marking important dates such as the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women (November 25), World AIDS Day (December 1), and Human Rights Day (December 10). This year’s theme is #NoExcuse, calling for action to eliminate gender-based violence.

The Ministry of Human Development Families and Indigenous People’s Affairs, alongside the National Women’s Commission (NWC), is hosting a parade today, November 22, at 10 in the morning. The event will start at Regent Street, continue along Albert Street, and end at the House of Culture. The event will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend directly from the NWC’s Facebook platform.

The 16 Days of Activism, which began in 1991, is now in its 33rd year and involves a wide range of organisations, both governmental and non-governmental, as well as the private sector and individuals focused on addressing gender-based violence.

SATIIM Blasts Belize’s Deer Dance Display at Miss Universe

It’s been less than a week since Miss Universe 2024 took place in Mexico. Miss Universe Belize, Halima Hoy, was praised for her performance, even though she did not secure a placement in the top 30.
The Miss Universe Belize 2024 national costume was unveiled on October 23 and combines cultural heritage and artistry. It draws inspiration from the traditional Mayan Deer Dance. While, Belizeans across the country supported the concept, today, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) fired off a press release, blasting the recent performance of the Deer Dance at the pageant.
The national costume that was showcased at Miss Universe on November 14 has sparked an “important conversation about how to protect Maya cultural values and heritage,” said SATIIM. The institute added, “No Maya person brought up in their culture would ever put on a Deer Dance mask or clothing outside of the rituals.”

SATIIM explained that the traditional clothes worn in the Deer Dance, known as unok/nok’, are spiritually significant and should not be treated as “trendy, decorative costumes.”
The open letter further explained that the Deer Dance is a multi-day ritual that requires preparation, fasting, and prayer, and cannot simply be “cut and pasted” for public displays.
The institute condemned the use of the Deer Dance in the pageant, calling it “desecrated for a beauty pageant.” They also pointed out how the “revealing bustier” of the costume offends Maya women’s conservative values. The performance was criticised for reducing this sacred ritual into entertainment.

SATIIM further said that the Deer Dance is “not theatrical” but a “community ritual,” and using it outside its proper context is seen as sacrilegious. “To mimic the dance is to mock the sacred values of an entire culture,” SATIIM said.
The Sarstoon Temash Institute also stressed that Maya people should decide what parts of their culture to share, noting that “inspiration” should not be used as an excuse for exploitation. They called for stronger protections for Maya culture and urged the creation of cultural policies and laws that reflect the values and needs of Maya communities.

Miss Universe Belize: ‘She’s Representing Us All’

Brodies Responds to Running W Over $320 Smoked Ham Leg

Earlier today, Running W Brand posted on its Facebook page a statement in which it acknowledged a photo circulating on social media that features one of their products. The company said that while the item in question is a Running W product, it has exceeded its shelf life. It added that the price and mark-up shown in the photo do not reflect the company’s retail pricing.

The image quickly circulated social media and triggered widespread discussion about prices and product quality in Belize with one user saying, “With the price of ham these days I might continue with Hudut all through Christmas.” The ham was priced at $17.95 per pound, making the total cost of the Smoked Ham Leg $320.41.

This particular ham was sold by Brodies, which also took to Facebook to respond to Running W Brand’s post. Brodies said that the product did not exceed its shelf life and that the pricing was accurate at the time of stocking. “We are aware of a social media post claiming that a product sold at our stores exceeded its shelf life and displayed incorrect pricing. We would like to clarify that the product in question did not exceed its shelf life. The pricing on the tags accurately reflected the price at the time of ordering and stocking.”

Running W Brands Meats also said, “We encourage all our valued customers to always check the “Best By” date on our products to ensure freshness and quality.”

Can “The Honourable Shyne” Sway Voters?

Rotary Club Launches Zee & Al Edgell Scholarship in Literature

The Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise, in partnership with the family of literary icon Zee Edgell, has launched the Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise / Zee & Al Edgell Scholarship to honour Zee and her late husband, Al Edgell.

This new scholarship will support Belizean students with a passion for English, literature, and the arts.

Zee Edgell, a celebrated author, is known for her novel Beka Lamb, a Belizean literary classic, while her husband, Al, was a respected educator and development specialist. Together, their legacy highlights their dedication to literature and education in Belize.

The scholarship will cover tuition, fees, and an annual grant for books and supplies. It is open to high school students attending St. Catherine’s Academy or St. John’s College in Belize City. Candidates are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their love for literature.

The first recipient of the scholarship is Jahzara Brooks, a sophomore at St. Catherine’s Academy. Brooks said, “My sincere gratitude extends out to the Zee and Al Edgell Scholarship Foundation for selecting me for this award… I will continue to pursue my studies with as much determination as I can.”

Misty Michael, Chairlady of the Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise Scholarship Committee, stated, “We look forward to seeing the impact that this scholarship will have on Belize’s future generations.” Holly Edgell, daughter of Zee and Al, added, “We hope this news spurs more students and families to consider applying for the next school year.”

From Belize to the World: Honouring the Remarkable Life and Revolutionary Writing of Zee Edgell

Can “The Honourable Shyne” Sway Voters?

‘The Honourable Shyne’ debuted at number 1 on Hulu earlier this week. The documentary takes a look at the life of Belizean politician Moses “Shyne” Barrow.

Since his last #1 record in the past 20 years, Barrow calls his “life documentary a “Belizean success story, a global success story.”

As the 2025 elections approach, some wonder if the documentary could influence Belize’s political arena.

Prime Minister John Briceño has publicly criticised the film, questioning its portrayal of Barrow’s story. In response, Barrow dismissed the criticism, saying, “Fool is talking, but it’s not fool-listening. I’m happy he’ll be tuning in.”

Barrow said that the documentary isn’t about campaigning for political office but about resilience and second chances. He said, “I don’t believe that the documentary is campaigning for me to be the next Prime Minister.” However, when asked about a possible sequel, he said, “The part two is me being the prime minister of Belize.” He added, “Even if it doesn’t happen, it will be part two because it will document the journey.”

He added, “My story is the Briceño story, the Barrow story, the Musa story, the Hyde story. It’s your story.”

Shyne Remains Confident in His Candidates Ahead of Upcoming Elections