Brianna Bennett - Greater Belize Media

Students In Crooked Tree Board School Boat at 4 in the Morning

Tonight, a second-form student at Edward P. York High School is sharing her struggle to get to school on time from Crooked Tree Village. The extensive flooding caused by Tropical Storm Sara means villagers can only travel in and out by boat. Previously, students relied on local water taxis, but now they’re getting help from NEMO and the Belize Coast Guard. However, fourteen-year-old Hannah Perriott says the inconvenience is starting to wear on the students in the area.

Britney Gordon

“So can you tell me a little bit about the struggle that you have been experiencing to get to class? When you have to get up in the morning, what do you see when you’re out there?”

Hannah Perriott, Resident, Crooked Tree

“Well, when we mi di go down di other day, we had to walk in our water, fi get to the boat. And all different type of things like that.”

Britney Gordon

“How early do you have to get up to go to class?”

Hannah Perriott

“Like three o’clock we have fi get up fi get ready and go to catch the boat.”

Britney Gordon

“And when you get to school, are you finding it difficult to stay awake and pay attention?”

Hannah Perriott

“Yes, ma’am very difficult because like, wake up to early and then when yo sleep on the bus, it feel like yo noh have enough time for sleep and recover from things like that.”

Britney Gordon

“And, by the time you get home, what’s the struggle like then, when it’s time to come home after school?”

Hannah Perriott

“The boat come and go and come and go, some times you reach home, like six-thirty soh.”

Britney Gordon

“And then, you have to do homework after that as well?”

Hannah Perriott

“Yes ma’am.”

Britney Gordon

“Do you think it would be easier if you were taking online classes instead?”

Hannah Perriott

“I think it would be easier because you don’t have to up and down and wake up like that early anymore.”

Britney Gordon

“Do you have any classmates that haven’t been coming to school, or any friends that you know in the area that hasn’t been going to school because it’s too difficult?”

Hannah Perriott

“Yes ma’am. A few friends weh noh di go da school.”

TS Sara Related Floods Take Over Crooked Tree Road

Crooked Tree Resident Pleads for Long-Term Flood Relief Efforts

While the residents of Crooked Tree appreciate the government’s efforts to ease the challenges of getting in and out of the village, they’re still hoping for long-term solutions. Resident Steve Anthony Perriott shared that villagers face significant hardships after every storm. He emphasized the need for better solutions to reduce the struggles faced by the younger generations.

Steve Anthony Perriott, Resident, Crooked Tree

“The kids were trying to get to school because the Ministry of Education failed to put out any directive on the kids that are in the flooded areas. So they had kids getting up, lining up out there, you know, bare feet and eventually some of them missed the bus or they missed the boat. So that was a problem. But again, we act surprised. And when I say we, I mean everybody in flooded areas. We act surprised when this happen. This is happening a lot. So, I watch people trying to figure out where the water gonna go. We know where it’s gonna go. We know how long it’s gonna take to get there. But every time the water go down, we forget about it. We go about, and the next time it happen, we surprised again.”

Should Crooked Tree Lagoon Connect to New River?

Two People Drown in Separate Incidents on Monday

Tonight, police are looking into the apparent drowning of two individuals in Belize. The first victim, Rafael Vasquez from western Belize, was found on Monday around three p.m. in the Paslow Falls area of Bullet Tree Village. When officers arrived, they found Vasquez’s lifeless body in the river. Initial reports suggest that residents, who were out fishing, discovered him. The second victim, Manuel Choc from San Pedro, was found later that same day around seven p.m. at Central Park on Barrier Reef Drive. Witnesses say Choc, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol, mentioned he was going for a swim. Moments later, he was seen floating in the sea. A bystander pulled him out and attempted CPR, but Choc was unresponsive. His body showed no signs of injuries or physical violence. Both bodies are now awaiting post-mortem examinations.

A Visit with a Mennonite Family in Shipyard Village

Belize is home to over twelve thousand Mennonites who migrated from Canada and Mexico in the 1950s. Drawn by our fertile land and the chance to practice their faith and culture in peace, they settled in remote areas and became cattle ranchers, dairy farmers, carpenters, and mechanics. In today’s edition of Kolcha Tuesday, we take a brief visit to Shipyard in Orange Walk, a Mennonite community deeply rooted in their Christian faith and traditional way of life. While many men engage in business and use cell phones and fuel-operated vehicles to transport their cattle for export, their lives at home remain simple. There’s no television to watch the news, no cell phones in use, and instead of a 2024 Ford SUV parked out front, you’ll find a horse and buggy. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Katarina Dyck, a Mennonite wife, mother, and grandmother, lives in Shipyard Village, Orange Walk. She has dedicated her life to her culture’s traditional lifestyle, embracing her role as a homemaker. For Katarina, this means staying home to cook meals, do laundry, clean the house, and sew traditional clothing for her family. She loves what she does, saying it’s simply her way of life.

Katarina Dyck, Mennonite Housewife, Shipyard Village

“Eso es mi vida.”

Shy of the camera and able to speak only Spanish, Katarina shared just a few words with our camera. The rest of her skills she showed us.

We arrived at the Dyck residence at 10:30, just in time for lunch—yes, lunch! Instead of the usual dairy-based Mennonite meal, we were treated to a delicious serving of traditional Creole rice and beans. Instead of having a single person lead the prayers, everyone individually offers their own thanks. Katarina’s husband, Cornelius Dyck, let us in during their mealtime hours.

Cornelius Dyck, Mennonite Businessman, Shipyard Village

“We eat seven o’clock a.m., and we don’t do snacks from seven to ten or ten thirty. Then from ten-thirty to two o’clock we eat again. The Mennonites do everything like Belizeans.”

We believe Cornelius when his daughter, Maria Thiessen lists off the dishes they also cook and eat.

Maria Thiessen, Mennonite Housewife, Shipyard Village

“We make rice and beans or relleno or barbeque.”

Cornelius shared that many Mennonites in Shipyard continue to uphold their traditions by avoiding television sets and speaker systems for home entertainment. Instead, they prefer the simplicity of horse and carriage for transportation, rather than fuel-powered vehicles.

Cornelius Dyck

“It’s for tradition and religion. We use the horse and carriage because it’s cheaper and our religion does not permit us to use cars and technology. We don’t use televisions, computers and cell phones at home. But there are other younger Mennonites who use these things. The family we visited are all Belizean-born, but they don’t speak much English. Their only languages are German and Spanish. Why? Their first language was Spanish from their Mexican ancestors and when they settled in Belize, the first people who they had interaction with were the Mestizos in neighbouring communities who they hired to work as farm hands. That too became a part of their Belizean tradition. I didn’t learn Spanish in school.”

Today, Katarina was making a pair of work pants for one of her sons. She explained through her daughter, Maria what occasions these outfits are used for.

Maria Thiessen

“We use this design for all occasions, but for weddings we use dark colours and for regular occasions we use purple and blue and other colours. For our head dress, married women use only black and unmarried women use white. When we go out of the village we use shoes with socks but when we go right in the village we wear our slippers.”

Maria’s husband, Peter Thiessen, who is also camera-shy, took us on a ride to a cattle ranch just a quarter mile away. A mechanic by trade, Peter shared that he crafts carriages for sale and is sometimes called to Belize City to repair heavy-duty vehicles. Although their family won’t be watching this story on a television set tonight, they warmly welcome Belizeans to their community for business. Marion Ali for News Five.

Moses “Shyne” Barrow Appoints New Standard Bearers

Leader of the Opposition, Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow, has been shaking things up within the party, naming standard bearers for key constituencies. On Monday, Barrow’s team took to Facebook to announce that David Almendarez will be running for the U.D.P. in Belize Rural North. Additionally, Tyrone Louriano has been tapped as Barrow’s candidate for Caribbean Shores. However, Tracy Taegar-Panton has criticized these appointments, calling them arbitrary, unilateral, and a complete mockery of the U.D.P.’s constitution. We caught up with Tyrone Louriano, who lost in the March 2023 municipal election under the U.D.P.’s Nelma Mortis slate in Belize City, to hear about his aspirations.

Tyrone Louriano, UDP Standard Bearer, Caribbean Shores

“I entered the political arena as a city councilor candidate earlier this year and it has always been my ambition or passion to enter into service. I am currently a career educator, so I am living a life of service, through my profession. So, I want to, like I said, for me it is all about doing more. When I did the municipal election, I wanted to say thanks for the voters who voted for me. On my slate, among my colleagues, I ended coming in second in terms of the most number of votes. The only person ahead of me was Alisha Craig. So, that gave me the drive or the push I need to say you know what, you can do this. So, when I saw what I taking place in the UDP at this time, being the educator I am I asked all the hard questions. So, honorable Shyne and I had dialogue throughout this. So some of my principles and his principles align. So, I see the alliance at this time on Facebook and some of the things they are saying and perpetrating to the public is a bit disheartening to me but it is not surprising. It is a bit expected. I am a novice. I am not new to the word novice. IN everything we do, each expert was a novice. So for me it is nothing new. I am willing to face the challenges ahead. I know it is going to be rough and tough. But while all this infighting is taking place, the people are the ones being neglected.”

Political Novice to Face Political Giant in Caribbean Shores

We asked Louriano about his chances against the current Area Representative for Caribbean Shores, Kareem Musa. Lauriano admitted that Musa is a political heavyweight but confidently added that he’s ready for the challenge.

Paul Lopez

“Having lost at the municipal level, what gives you confidence that you can unseat the honorable Kareem Musa?”

Tyrone Louriano, U.D.P. Standard Bearer, Caribbean Shores

“Well, there are a lot of things that the People’s United Party has taken for granted. While we are here divided, there are certain things they are doing going unchecked. We cannot continue to ignore the things we are doing. Kareem Musa is a political giant, but that does not deter me from putting my best foot forward. I am a career educator, and I have interacted with a lot of young people. So, I am leaning on their ability to see what is taking place at this time, if they are watching. Come out, and this is the time for young people to have a voice. I am passionate about change. I am an agent of change. And when the UDP was going through their change after the previous leader I said this is a good time for us to make some change. And I am hoping to be one of those changes, a beacon of positive change.”

New Book for Children and People of All Ages

Kids have a new book to spark their imaginations! Today, author Karryn Dawson launched her children’s book, Dream Powers: Where Dreams Become Reality. The launch event was held at the Lake Independence Public Library in Belize City. According to the author’s daughter, Zyrah Noralez, the book’s themes resonate with readers of all ages. Here’s News Five’s Marion Ali with the full report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Today, Karryn Dawson launched her debut book, Where Dreams Become Reality. This inspiring book encourages children to chase their dreams. Dawson’s daughter, who helped with the project, shared that it all began with a dream.

Zyrah Noralez, Daughter of Author

“It really generally started off when my mom had this dream and she has a lot of dreams and so, and she has this thing where she’s dreaming, she’s feeling so she knows how to dictate and how to express what’s happening. So, this was a dream that she had. And she said it was after many more than she had. And she said, why would I keep holding this in? I could make a book out of this and out of many life stories.”

The author explained what she did after she had the dream and that the dream included some suspense.

Karryn Dawson, Author

“I dreamt it two to three years ago. I wrote it immediately, but I never put it in a book form until about, uh, last year. And then I officially made it a publication in January of this year.”

Britney Gordon

“So this entire story was inspired by a dream you have. What can readers expect when they dive into this story? What are we truly following?”

Karryn Dawson

“Well, we’re expecting suspense. We’re expecting excitement. The reality is that the book encourages you to dream. It’s letting you know that it’s okay to dream. And I’m trying to think of the right words to say without revealing what’s going to happen in the book, because it is a short book. You can sit and read it in one sit down, but what I can tell you is that there’s a part two coming.”

Zyrah Noralez explained that she and her mom share some real-life challenges that some of us can relate to.

Zyrah Noralez

“We are both clumsy people. So we could make a reality show out of our lives at this point. And this book was written by my mom and I oversee it. And I thought that It would be beneficial for her to turn it into a book, and I think it’s nice, and I think that, um, even if you’re above the age range, which is 6 to 10 years old, I think that children before the age of 6 could also read it, because you know they have some children who are advanced, and also children who may not be able to read it themselves, but their parents or guardians may be able to read it to them, and I feel like they would find it very amusing.”

The book is available in both Spanish and French. Dawson’s second book, Less is More, offers a faith-driven perspective on redefining success through purpose, impact, and balance. Marion Ali for News Five.

Woman and Man Shot at Home in Libertad

A shooting in Libertad Village on Sunday night left two people injured. The victims, a man and a woman, were shot in the legs during a violent attack around 7:20 p.m. The couple was ambushed by unknown assailants but, fortunately, their injuries weren’t severe. Police have one suspect in custody but are still working to determine a motive as the investigation continues. News Five’s Marion Ali has the details.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Edwin Gomez and Reyna Tobar were rushed to Corozal Town Hospital after being shot at their home in Libertad Village on Sunday night. Fortunately, the couple, who work at the Corozal Free Zone, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. They’ve since been transferred to the Northern Regional Hospital for further care. Tobar’s father, Eulalio Tobar, told News Five that the family is baffled as to why his daughter and her common-law husband were targeted. They did learn, however, that the gunmen were two men on separate motorbikes.

Eulalio Tobar, Father of Shooting Victim

“The incident happened around 7:30 when 12 gunshots were fired. Three of those shots hit her—one in each leg and one in her buttocks. The other person was shot twice in the feet. That was it.”

Reporter

“Were these gunmen on bicycles, in a vehicle, or on foot?”

Eulalio Tobar

“They were on a motorcycle. In two motorcycles.”

Reporter

“Two motorcycles?”

Eulalio Tobar

“Yes, two motorcycles: a big and a small motorcycle.”

Reporter

“Were they wearing masks, caps?”

Eulalio Tobar

“Yes, they were completely covered, hooded outfits. I have no idea what the reason behind them getting targeted is. I don’t know if they have some disagreement; I don’t know.”

Chairman of Libertad Village, Areini Swazo, mentioned that this isn’t the first time violence has struck their neighborhood. It brings a sense of fear to an otherwise peaceful village. He said he has tried to engage the youths in positive recreation.

On the Phone: Areini Swazo, Chairman, Libertad Village

“That does put fear in our people. I mean, in our villages, to be honest, we had a previous shooting, I think right around the same area. And, honestly, people shed concerns. People spoke about it. I tried to get the youth involved in sports so as to get them off of violence on different things and also, I think bring on negative impact on our village. Actually, it’s hard to even continue. I mean, what can I do. So, to deal with these situations, I’m trying my best to try get the youth them off the street and get them more into sporting activities, get them more Involved in the village, you know.”

The police forensic team has recovered several spent nine-millimeter shell casings from the scene, backing up neighbors’ reports of hearing multiple shots. At first, they thought it was just dynamite going off. A.C.P. Hilberto Romero shared what investigators have gathered so far.

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Edwin Gomez reported he was at home when he heard his dogs barking. He came out to make checks. That is when he heard several gunshots and realized he was shot. Uh, the person followed him and fired more shots. And also injured was his common-law-wife, Reina Tobar. We have one person in custody in regard to this shooting. They both remain in stable condition at the hospital. We do not have a motive. Uh, follow ups are being done at this time.”

Currently, police officers use the upper flat of the Libertad Health Clinic to keep a presence in the village, but Chairman Swazo says he has asked for a police station.

On the Phone: Areini Swazo

“We tried to get police into the area and, I think they moved the police from this side. So I mean, it’s somethivery hard for a village.”

Marion Ali

“Okay, so you’ve been seeking police presence as in a booth?”

On the Phone: Areini Swazo

“Well, not a booth, but at least a station, you know, and more police presence, I mean, patrols and thing within the village.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

Belmopan Man Charged for Murder of Teenager

Last Thursday, we reported the tragic killing of eighteen-year-old Jonathon Leonardo. Over the weekend, police arrested and charged thirty-three-year-old Abraham Shal from Belmopan with murder. According to our earlier report, Leonardo was out socializing with friends at a bar when he had a confrontation with Shal. After Leonardo left the bar and got into his vehicle, Shal allegedly followed him and inflicted fatal injuries. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, confirmed Shal’s arrest.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Reference the murder of Jonathon Leonardo that occurred on the twentieth day of November. On Saturday, Abraham Shal, thirty-three years of Belmopan, was charged for the crime of murder.”

Minster’s Driver and Councilor Targeted in Armed Robbery

On Sunday, three armed men attempted a daring robbery, targeting the owner of a Toyota Hilux. The victim, Jody Adolphus, who is the driver for the Minister of Tourism, was parking his vehicle at home when the trio approached. One of the attackers reportedly assaulted him with a firearm before they sped off in the pickup truck. Fortunately, the police quickly intercepted the vehicle with the suspects still inside. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more details.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Police are currently investigating a robbery and assault that occurred on Sunday night at the home of Jody Adolphus, the driver for Minister Anthony Mahler. The incident took place in the Blackberry Ridge Estate in Burrell Boom. ACP Hilberto Romero has more on this developing story.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Sunday the twenty-fourth day of November 2024, around nine-thirty p.m., Jody Adolphus reported that he was driving a Toyota Hilux in the Black Berry area of Burrell Boom when he was approached by three make persons armed with firearms. They attacked him and hit him with one of the firearms and proceeded to steal the Toyota Hilux. Police responded to the report and came across the Hilux on the Burrell Boom Road where the vehicle was intercepted, and the vehicle came to a stop. The three male occupants ran away from the vehicle and made good their escape. The vehicle was processed, and we are seeking three suspects in regards to this robbery.”

We spoke with Burrell Boom village councilor, Ellis Metzgen about the incident.

Ellis Metzgen, Councilor, Burrell Boom

“They saw one of our fellow counselors going home that resides in Blackberry in a bus and attempted to rob him too. But he locked the door in time and reversed out of Blackberry, meanwhile, trying to call the authorities. And so the police they met the stolen vehicle going out and pursued it. And so the robbers ended up going off the side of the road and running into the bush. But it was actually the police that did the firing of weapons or whatever to I guess to scare these people to let them stop.”

The incident has alarmed long-time residents, who are now worried that the village’s peaceful atmosphere might be increasingly disrupted by newcomers.

Ellis Metzgen

“It’s been something that we’ve been talking about from the initial mentioning of the community, it’s good that we want to help and assist all these people, but at the same time the type of people that are coming into the community, it’s jeopardizing the peace of our community, we we’ve always been a peaceful community and more than eighty percent of the time, some things happen within our village. It’s not normal. With the people that live or reside here. It’s people that come from outside to do these type of things.”

Metzgen commends the police for their quick action in the incident and their continued protection of the community. Britney Gordon for News Five.