Earlier, we shared a butcher’s perspective on ham prices and highlighted some locations in Belize City where you can snag a decent slice for your plate. But the big question remains: can Belizeans afford to buy ham this season? To find out, we hit the streets to get their thoughts on ham prices. Here’s what they had to say.
Benita Palacio
“What do you have to say to the people preparing for Christmas having to pay a higher amount now for ham?”
Belizean
“Once a year, I would say that’s once a year,’
Benita Palacio
“But what about those people who stick to a paycheck to paycheck life?”
Belizean
“That’s a good one.”
Benita Palacio
“If you can’t afford the ham? You wouldn’t substitute it?”
Belizean
“Yes I would substitute it.”
Benita Palacio
“What you would substitute it with?”
Belizean
“Well normally people but Dak Ham or something else. Just something.”
Benita Palacio
“What if you can’t afford it this year because ham gone up?”
Belizean
“Well I wa have to depend pan mi area fi mi free ham.”
Benita Palacio
“So you wouldn’t substitute your ham?”
Belizean
“Noh really.”
Benita Palacio
“So you wa try do your best to find a ham?”
Belizean
“Find a ham. But like I said, the ham weh da right fah yeah cost more than the ham weh da from next place.”
Benita Palacio
“Weh next place.”
Belizean
“Imported and exported ham.”
Benita Palacio
“So the ham weh we produce here in the country cost more? You noh think it should be in reverse?”
Belizean
“Maybe eleven dollars and change per pound compared to the next one weh da maybe like five ninety-nine.”
Benita Palacio
“So what you’re saying is that when you buy it imported, you normally get it at cheaper price?”
Belizean
“Yes ma’am. Because I could afford it, and it nice to.”
Benita Palacio
“Would you substitute the ham this year for something else that is more affordable?”
Belizean
“Maybe yes, with tamales and everything.”
Benita Palacio
“Did you hear anything about the ham price these days?”
Belizean
“Well I hear about it but my concern, I celebrate thanksgiving and hen I buy ham, da fi me and mi family/ From Southside minimarket.”
Benita Palacio
“So what’s the budget you stick with?”
Belizean
“I stick with sixty dollars for my ham. Da weh I get from Southside.”
Benita Palacio
“How much pound of ham that?”
Belizean
“That da three pound.”
Benita Palacio
“Three pound. Fi how much?”
Belizean
“Sixty dollars.”
Benita Palacio
“So you stick to that amount and done?”
Belizean
“Yes from Southside minimarket.”
Benita Palacio
“What if the ham gone up and you get less pound now?”
Belizean
“Well if it gone up, better I go look fi wa turte or wa hiccitee or wa two chicken.”
Benita Palacio
“So you wouldn’t waste your time getting a ham?”
Belizean
“Well I only eat ham once a year for thanksgiving. Cuz I no really celebrate Christmas. Iwould not pay that because if you got fifty dollars, it done right away”
It’s been a month since Belize’s very own Halima Hoy left to compete in the Miss Universe 2024 Pageant. After shining on one of the world’s biggest stages, Hoy has returned home. Today, News Five’s Britney Gordon caught up with her at the airport to find out how she’s feeling now that the pageant is over.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Today, the Philip Goldson International Airport buzzed with excitement as the rhythmic beats of the Wabagari Dance Group welcomed Miss Universe Belize 2024 back home. After a whirlwind month in Mexico, Halima Hoy is thrilled to be back. She shared her feelings about the days leading up to the big night.
Halima Hoy
Halima Hoy, Miss Universe Belize 2024
“It was like emotions building up. We had a lot of emotions and I felt sad at some point, not sad, but just more like doubting myself a little bit. And then at some point, I felt excited, just normal emotions that you go through when you’re about to experience a huge life event. But 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 on that stage. So I’m proud of that.”
Meeting new people was the highlight of Hoy’s Miss Universe experience. While most Belizeans praised her performance, there were some criticisms after the pageant. On Thursday, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) released an open letter, expressing concerns that Hoy’s presentation of the Deer Dance didn’t honor the ritual’s sanctity. Hoy shared her initial thoughts on the letter.
Halima Hoy
“We released sketches of the costumes that were submitted to us since late April, early May, I believe, and they all had a wonderful description of what it represents, and the sketches have been circulating since then, and we also released photos of the costume a couple, a couple weeks prior to me leaving, maybe a couple days, sorry, prior to me leaving, so I am proud to have represented something that beautiful something that is rooted in the Belizean culture and I just feel like moving forward, we do need to maybe you know, look consult or something like that, but I I am very proud of the performance I have I got a lot of positive feedback from the costume, a lot of the young women were asking me what it meant and my eyes just lit up when I was sharing the store with them and I believe that a lot of people will know that part of our tradition in Belize.”
Much like the Miss Universe team, many Belizeans wondered why SATIIM waited so long to condemn the presentation. Executive Director, Maya Ch’oc explains that the timing of the statement is not as crucial as its message.
Maya Ch’oc
Maya Ch’oc, Executive Director, SATIIM
“It’s to bring some attention and some education. I think it was to create a learning opportunity for everyone and it’s certainly not to blame anybody or to cause an upset, but it’s really to create an opportunity to learn so that we can reconnect to share with the Belizean public and with everyone that there is something about this dare dance that is sacred to us as Maya people, and it’s important for us to respect these practices, these traditions, and these values and it’s important to why we want to showcase police to ensure that it’s done in a respectful manner and that we at least seek, I wouldn’t say permission, but to have a conversation with other people, this is an idea that I have. What are your thoughts on this?”
Despite the criticism, Hoy is thankful for the chance to showcase Belize’s rich culture and advocate for climate action. She sees this as a learning experience for the entire team.
Halima Hoy
“That is a, you know, a group effort from the entire organization, but we had no mal intentions when we did it. That we had all good intentions to represent our country and represent something that is deeply rooted in our history that we all share as Belizeans.”
SATIIM acknowledges that Hoy and her team meant no harm with the presentation but maintains that better protocols should be taken when choosing to showcase sacred parts of culture. Ch’oc also encourages all members of the Mayan community to reconnect with their culture.
Maya Ch’oc
“I see this as an opportunity for us, and I call on all of us Maya people, to reconnect with our culture, our tradition. You know, I perhaps, maybe if this had been an issue that happened ten years ago, my perspective would have shifted. You know, it would have been different but I think it I would say to them is that the question is, why is this dance so valuable to us? You know, how do we respect it? You know, there has been a lot of traditions that have been lost throughout the years because of external forces, because we’ve had this disconnect between ourselves on our culture.”
Halima plans to keep championing her platform and making Belize proud throughout the rest of her reign. She also has some words of wisdom for the next Miss Universe.
Halima Hoy
“It’s not only about the glitz and the glams that you see on social media, There’s a lot of hard work that goes behind the scene. You have to be resilient, you have to be strong and confident in the woman that you are. It gets tough at times, you’re gonna doubt yourself at times, but it’s all about the comeback. How having a strong source of like, where your hope comes from. Like for me, I’m a firm believer in Jesus Christ and I feel like praying and staying grounded was really important, but the next Miss Universe Belize just has to be a woman who is sure of herself, who has great character and who’s not afraid to shine that light even in a room with a hundred and twenty-five women.”
Earlier this week, marine experts raised alarm about Belize’s lobster stocks being overfished, warning that without urgent action, this valuable resource could soon be depleted. A former fisheries officer, however, had a different take, suggesting that climate effects and boat interference might be to blame for the lobster scarcity in some areas. He also pointed out that there isn’t enough research yet to definitively say overfishing is the cause. But the fishermen we spoke with, along with lobster expert Doctor Daniel Pauly, disagreed. Here’s Part Three of the Lobster Stocks story by Marion Ali.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Dr. Pauly debunks this theory and says there are indeed studies that have shown how and why lobsters disappear from certain areas, and it’s as simple as over-exploitation. That factor, Pauly says, has driven lobster stocks to the point of depletion in those areas.
Dr. Daniel Pauly
Dr. Daniel Pauly
“When a fishery begins, it is always the ones that are closer to the coast, closer to the cities, closer to the ports that are depleted first, that are fished first. Why? Because you have a low cost of transport with a boat and fuel costs and so on. So, it’s always like that, that in fisheries as the fishery develops, the fishers must go further off because the ones that were near are depleted, are gone. So, this is not because the animals move; this is because humans have removed the animals that were close, so you have to go further off. And anybody who tells you that the fish have moved, or the lobster have moved, this is the reason why they are not there anymore – anybody who says that doesn’t know anything about fisheries, because this is the strongest pattern that happens in fisheries.”
The Sea Around Us Initiative conducted its own independent research to bolster this position, and the results of the study were published in March of this year. In agreement with the data coming out of these research exercises (slides attached in Dr Pauly’s folder) are the findings of lobster expert, Dr Mark Butler. He shared information about how lobsters breed.
Mark Butler
Mark Butler, Lobster Expert
“Quite literally, the female produces an odor, a scent, that’s released into the water column. And that is what the males are then attracted to the females and come to find the females. But the mating process requires female acceptance.
They tend to mate sort of size-assorted. What that means is the smaller lobsters tend to mate with smaller lobsters. The bigger lobsters tend to mate with bigger lobsters. And one of the reasons for this, and a lot of our research has shown, is that, for example, if a small lobster mates with her, he cannot fertilize all her eggs because bigger lobsters produce more sperm to fertilize than do small lobsters. So big females have to have a big male to mate with.”
After the male transfers the sperm in a black packet on the underside of the female, she releases her eggs and scratches the tar spot open, which releases the sperm from the packet. She fertilizes her eggs, and they attach to her tail for approximately three weeks while they develop. During that time, the female lobsters take care of the eggs, grooms them and oxygenates them and releases them, usually further offshore, since larvae can’t survive in inshore waters. The eggs travel in the sea ocean for about 7 months and go through 24 stages. Depending on ocean currents, the last larvae stage called the perilous post larvae can literally smell the inshore and come in at night on a flood tide around the new moon. They seek inshore habitats in shallow waters that have algae, mangroves and rocks. This is why Butler says it is important for the Fisheries Department to protect these areas, to give the baby lobsters a chance to mature and reproduce. The maturation stage takes 18 to 24 months before they can reproduce. Lobsters reproduce every year and can live up to about 15 years, once they are not caught.
Back out on the patrol, the team searched the two fishing camps, but nothing illegal materialized. They pressed on, looking for more boats returning with their catch for the day. There was none that afternoon. The Ministry of the Blue Economy and the Belize Fisheries Department provided us with data that shows the most recent statistics on lobster tail production. Their slides show that the production of lobster tails increased over the past 22 years and claim that in 2001, Belize produced 440,000 pounds of tails for export, while in 2023, the figure increased to 636,877 pounds. This converts to US $11.7 million in export revenues, though the government did not explain the methodology upon which their results are based.
On the afternoon we accompanied the team, and it did not find any undersized lobster during their raids and searches. Belize’s revised fisheries law stipulates that for every undersized lobster tail found, there is a fine of a minimum of $50 per tail, along with a minimum of $1,000 for fishing for undersized commercial species. Marion Ali for News Five.
In the dazzling world of fine jewelry, it’s easy to get lost in the sparkle of beautiful displays. But the real magic happens behind the scenes, where dedication and passion fuel the craftsmanship. For the Martinez family, owners of Nancy’s Jewelry, what started as a modest dream to serve their community has grown into something truly special. Tonight, we delve into the art of handcrafting exquisite jewelry and discover why this family business is a shining example of trust and lasting relationships with their customers. It’s a reminder that the true value of their pieces goes far beyond the glitter. Here’s their story.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
For the past twenty years, Nancy’s Jewelry has been a beloved name, known for its stunning silver and gold pieces. Their displays are filled with beautiful designs that draw in customers looking for the perfect addition to their collection. But, like many of us, customers often overlook the dedication and craftsmanship behind each piece. It all began thirty-five years ago, in 1979, when Jose Martinez first discovered the world of jewelry. After arriving in Belize, he started out as a watch repairman. However, his curiosity soon led him to the intricate art of jewelry making, igniting a passion that would shape his future and the future of Nancy’s Jewelry.
Jose Martinez Sr.
Jose Martinez Sr., Co-owner, Nancy’s Jewelry “The places that used to be in operation in those days, they used to buy and sell; not really manufacture. I saw a big opportunity in that situation there. So I decided to start learning more and open my own jewelry store.”
Sabreena Daly
“Tell me about the uniqueness of your job, Mr. Martinez. I think what a lot of people tend to think of when they purchase jewelry is that it’s just there. Not a lot of us think of where it comes from.”
Jose Martinez Sr
“Yes. And in my case, I put a lot of effort into whichever piece of jewelry the customer asked me to make for them.”
Nancy’s Jewelry is named after Jose Martinez’s muse and inspiration—his beloved wife, Nancy. Over the years, their sons—Jose, Miguel, and Francis—have not only joined the family business but have also become skilled artisans. They’ve grown into the trade, playing a crucial role in keeping their father’s legacy alive and thriving.
Jose Martinez
Jose Martinez Jr., Son “I actually started the jewelry industry when I was 15. I was still in high school at that time. But what really drew me to the industry was the appearance, the appeal of gold, um, prior to silver. For What I mean by appeal is gold is a metal that has malleability, workability, durability. It’s, uh, it doesn’t corrode and it’s just such a beautiful color that when compared to any product in the market, you know, it’s second to none. You know, um, the other thing that really brought me into the industry was looking at the time, the effort that my dad put into this and the pride that he really had whenever he made that piece for the, for the customer.”
Jewelry is more than adornment—it also symbolizes luxury, love, and style. But in Belize, certain jewelry reflects our rich culture and identity. Iconic pieces like our petaled earrings, Mayan hoops, and braided bangles are treasured symbols of our rich heritage. And what sets them apart is the artistry: each piece, handcrafted with skill and passion, preserves a tradition unique to Belize.
Jose Martinez “Here in Belize, jewelry is something cultural. A lot of us may overlook it because the younger generation is into modern jewelry; the stones and you know that big flash. But if you take a look at our traditional Belizean bangles, whether it be gold or silver, you can identify that someone is Belizean just by a pair of bangles, no matter where you see them.”
Nancy’s Jewelry also blends modern manufacturing techniques with traditional craftsmanship. According to Martinez’s son, these innovations enhance efficiency, streamline production, and reduce time while ensuring that the quality and artistry of each piece remain uncompromised. By blending old-world craftsmanship with modern techniques, the business can keep up with growing demand while still maintaining the unique charm and meticulous attention to detail that make their work so special.
Jose Martinez, Son “My dad whenever he started in the industry, he started manufacturing strictly by hand. And by hand I mean You start Assemble and finish a product using handmade tools, right? Like your pliers, your hammers, those are the tools you use whenever you’re referring to handmade pieces. Now, from then, which was in the 1980s, when he started in this trade, up until today, the industry has evolved, and we have had to evolve with it in order to keep up with trends. When he started in the industry, as mentioned, he did hand manufactured jewelry. But throughout this time, we’ve also embraced other methods such as the loss wax casting, which is a very popular method for most of the pieces that you see around. We’ve also embraced the dye striking method. And lately we’ve also come on board with the CAD manufacturing process, which is computer aided design manufacturing. So using either these methods individually or combined, um, We actually mass produce or create that unique piece for the customer.”
Every sparkling piece in this jewelry store has a deeper story to tell. While the showroom dazzles with glamor, the real magic happens behind the scenes in the workshop, where skilled craftsmanship brings each piece to life. The Martinez family began with a humble goal of serving their community as jewelers, and they’ve far exceeded that dream with stores nationwide. They owe their success to the trust and strong relationships they’ve built with their customers over the years.
Jose Martinez Sr. “Well, it represents hard work and effort. From those days until now. A lot of things happened and it took a lot of sacrifices to be at this point that we are at the moment. but we cannot regret anything, we are blessed with everything that we have and hopefully my children will continue for generations to come.”
Tonight, a family is in deep sorrow after the tragic discovery of sixty-three-year-old Miriam Castellanos’ lifeless body, found with multiple stab wounds. Her own daughter made the heartbreaking find inside their Santa Elena home. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more details.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
On Wednesday afternoon, around 1:30 p.m., a woman went to visit her mother’s home in Santa Elena. Instead of the usual warm greeting, she was confronted with a horrifying scene—her mother’s lifeless body, covered in stab wounds. The sixty-three-year-old’s tragic end left her daughter in shock. Nearby, her sister recalls the devastating moment she received the heartbreaking news.
Voice of: Miriam’s Sister
Voice of: Miriam’s Sister
“I mi de deh work. My son call me and tell me that they kill my sister. I come like five thirty so. That’s when I hear that yes ney kill ah. Ih daughter yes they kill ah and stab up ah and thing. But like I told you, I no know good weh happen. I no know good weh happen right now. I no know noithing weh ney di do.”
Castellanos comes from a large family, having several siblings and four children. Her loved ones are struggling to come to terms with her death, especially her daughter, who had the traumatic experience of finding her.
Britney Gordon
“How have you guys been helping her cope with this as a family during this moment?”
Voice of: Miriam’s Sister
“Well I deh right yah di help ah and support ah and ney thing. Di move bout and thing. I done tell ah mek ih be strong you know because she have kids too. Mek ih be strong towards ney weh di happen. I no no know why ney hurt ah so bad. I noh know why ney hurt ah so bad.”
The family is unsure of what could have led to Miriam’s untimely death as she was friendly and lively.
Voice of: Miriam’s Sister
“Well, when ih go, ih always call me fi go. When ih walk ih she gyal I gwen buy da market or gyal I gwen buy a bread out there or something. And then when ig come ih sit down when ih come in and talk. I know everybody have ney ups and downs I know everybody you know. But me swear to God ney neva shoulda mi hurt ah so bad. Ney neva should mi hurt ah soh bad. I no know who do it or whateva. I no know. I no why ney hurt ah fi wat you know. Cuz she neva tell we nothing. If ih mi have a misundersdtanding with anybody. Nothing like that. I no know why ney hurt ah.”
Castellanos’ sister shares that her grief is deepened by the profound loneliness she feels without her sister by her side.
Voice of: Miriam’s Sister
“Whosoever do it and hurt ah like that and left me especially wiyhout ah sister. And I no have nobody else. Yeah me and she we have ups and downs but yes ig lkeft me without one.bI no know why ney do it to ah. I don’t kniow.”
While police continue to investigate the incident Miriam’s family have come together to lend each other’s support and pray that justice is served.
Voice of: Miriam’s Sister
“Anytime there is a death inna the family we always come together. Noh care how badis is. Like that, we always come together.”
Police are actively searching for a person of interest in the tragic killing of an eighteen-year-old in western Belize. The investigation began when officers responded to a shooting at an establishment at Mile forty-seven on the George Price Highway late Wednesday night, just before midnight. Upon arrival, they found the lifeless body of Jonathan Josue Leonardo, a young Belizean driver from the Cayo District, in the back of a vehicle, riddled with gunshot wounds. Initial investigations revealed that around 10:30 p.m., Jonathan was socializing with friends at a bar when he had a confrontation with a known male individual. Moments later, Jonathan allegedly left the bar and got into his vehicle with his friends. The suspect then approached the vehicle and fired shots at him, inflicting fatal injuries. Jonathan’s body is now awaiting a post-mortem examination. Earlier today, we visited Duck Run 2 where we spoke with Juan Leonardo, the victim’s father, off camera.
Voice of: Juan Leonardo
Voice of: Juan Leonardo, Father of Deceased
“Well, I suddenly didn’t know anything because they told me at about 11 at night. They told me what had happened. They only told me to go to the hospital, but without any answer as to what had happened. I found him when I arrived at the scene because I saw that he had already passed away what every father goes through. I was devastated. Very sad. Not because he is a son who has grown up with me by my side, working since he was little every day and I have been with him every day. They have never given him away for anything. I don’t understand why he is there. Why? Ah, well for me he is a person who, as I tell him, has been with me every day. For me, I have never seen anything bad in him. I can guarantee that because he is with me every day. I had to know something, but nothing. He simply came home from work. As always, we leave every day at dawn. In the afternoon he went out to the store, but with whom I don’t know who he went with, I don’t know what problem he had or they had with him or I don’t know. I still don’t understand. I have a lot of, eh, eh? Let’s say unanswered questions. He never said he has problems with anyone or that someone wants to hurt him. Not at all. Because as I repeat, he only spent his whole life with me since he was 13 years old. He let me go to school. He hung out with me and until now that he was 18, he got his license. So now he helps me make deliveries as he goes. I make deliveries all over the country. So, from what I know, he has never said anything to me and I have never seen him do anything. As far as I know, he has never, ever been involved in anything. He doesn’t even play soccer. He doesn’t leave the house. I don’t know what brought him here, no, I didn’t even know where he was. When I called him I realized that something had happened to him, and I’m still on that, that. I don’t know why and I would like to know who did it or why they did it or justice. Well, more than anything, that’s what I need. They don’t know that that person has a reason to hurt you or. I think they were drinking. And why is that, eh? Well, I don’t think they have reasons, because we give ourselves reasons for someone to hurt me, eh? I don’t know, no, I’m still in shock that I don’t understand why. I don’t even know any of them. I don’t know anyone, no one. I don’t know why that happens. No? He is the third of my children, two girls and then he becomes a boy. But I have always, always been with me, as I tell him, I’ve been with him all the time.”
It’s been five days since Sabela Brakeman endured a brutal attack and kidnapping in her San Pedro home. Her estranged husband, Kenny Brakeman, allegedly broke in, beat her severely, and then took her on a jet ski. Sabela managed to escape near Caye Caulker and sought help from the police, identifying Kenny as her attacker. She had left him due to domestic violence and was living with a roommate. They shared custody of their three kids, aged eleven, nine, and four. Around one a.m. on Saturday, he allegedly broke in and beat her so badly she felt dizzy and nauseous. Kenny is still on the run, and the police are actively searching for him. Meanwhile, Sabela needs urgent surgical and dental treatment to fix a broken cheekbone, and teeth damaged during the assault. Her terrifying ordeal is, unfortunately, a reality for many facing domestic violence. Tonight, we’ll hear from an official at the National Women’s Commission about the support they offer to victims, and from Sabela herself, who has relocated with her children out of fear for their safety. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.
On the Phone: Sabela Brakeman, Kidnap Victim
“All I wish is get him a message, let him turn himself in, let him turn himself in. I won’t deny my kids the right to visit him, if that is what he fears about, for giving himself in.”
Kenny Brakeman
Marion Ali, Reporting
Tonight, Sabela Brakeman recounts the terrifying ordeal where her estranged husband viciously beat her, dragged her from her home, and took her on a seemingly endless jet ski ride. He threatened to kill her but then changed his mind, saying he’d drop her off at the Corozal shores. Seizing a moment of courage, Sabela struck him, jumped into the sea, and swam to safety, finding help at a nearby dock. Though she survived, Sabela’s injuries are severe, requiring urgent medical and dental care. Her story is a stark reminder of the many who endure gender-based violence. Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Chairwoman of the National Women’s Council, sheds light on the complex and often dangerous process of leaving an abusive relationship.
Thea Garcia-Ramirez
Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Chair, National Women’s Commission
“A victim of domestic abuse or gender based violence will try to leave a bad situation an average of eight to nine times before they’re finally successful. The problem with it is that violence keeps escalating. So you will notice that where it started out as a push or a slap, after a few times it turns into punches, it turns into more serious injuries. And every time you go through it, it gets worse and worse. And that’s the problem that we have in the sense that then sometimes you don’t make it out alive because you get caught up in the violence.”
Garcia-Ramirez points out that abusers often try to isolate their victims, cutting them off from friends and family. That’s why it’s so important for victims to keep a strong support network around them as they navigate their way out of these harmful situations.
Thea Garcia-Ramirez
“As a friend and family of a survivor, your job is not to ensure that the person goes to court and somebody goes to jail. It should, the foremost thing in your mind should be The stability and the integrity of the person who has undergone such a traumatic event and that they are well and that they get the help, the psychosocial help that they need. We’re not there to make sure that certain things happen because that’s what we want to see. We’re there to support. We’re there to help. Ensure that the person has as many of the options as possible and support them with the decisions whether or not they align with ours.”
Sabela Brakeman is asking for your help to deal with her medical needs so she can get her life back on track.
On the Phone: Sabela Brakeman
“I have trouble for eating still since all my teeth are shaking. I have received some support from people from the key for some bedroom that are there supporting me and some people that watch the news. I’m just here taking medication that I get from the hospital in KHMH. I haven’t started any treatment. My sister is the one that has been cleaning my injuries. My nose is broken. My top gum is broken. All my teeth are shaking. They’re very soft.”
Marion Ali
“So you also need dental work?”
Sabela Brakeman
“Yes.”
Thea Garcia-Ramirez shares some crucial signs to watch out for to help prevent situations like Sabela’s. She emphasizes that anyone feeling unsafe should seek help immediately, reassuring that support is available for those in need.
Thea Garcia-Ramirez
“At all the human services departments in each and every municipality, and in the cities, there’s one. You can seek out help through a different civil society organizations in different areas of the country. There’s, for example, POA in the south that does a lot of these things. In the north, there are some as well. You can ask for help through the police department through health services, and at your local Health facilities, government health facilities, they are required by law to call in a social worker when they suspect that something is wrong.”
Sabela Brakeman can be reached at 665 5083 if you want to help. Marion Ali for News Five.
In a historic session today, the Senate, joined by youth parliamentarians, passed a Bill to amend the Marriage Act, Chapter 174 of Belize’s laws. This amendment raises the legal marriage age to eighteen and eliminates the provision allowing parents or guardians to consent to the marriage of minors. This significant change was driven by a group of passionate teens who brought the issue to the House of Representatives, highlighting its importance on the national stage. The Bill received unanimous support from the Senate, including endorsements from the Leader of Government Business, Eamon Courtenay, and the Lead Opposition Senator, Mike Peyrefitte.
Eamon Courtenay, Senator, P.U.P.
“Madam President without any contradiction or condition, it is the position of the members of the senate and indeed the Government of Belize that this Bill is important. It is transformative, it is in the Belizean people’s interest, and we seek the support of the entire Senate for this modernizing piece of social legislation. Madam President, we are debating a matter of constitutional importance. This is a human rights issue. I put it as high as that because for too long, we have allowed in our country infants to be married and infants to be married with the consent of their parents.”
Mike Peyrefitte
Mike Peyrefitte, Senator, U.D.P.
“There have been instances when children are pressured to, in some cases some would say practically sold off to grown men who want to marry little girls, especially because that’s the target of that criminal activities that have been taking place in terms of this consent. Madam President, what I know for sure, in the criminal courts in particular, you would have these men who would commit the crime of unlawful carnal knowledge, who would be engaged in sexual acts that young girls under sixteen, to protect from prosecution, they would go and bribe the parents or bribe the people to have these children marry them so that they can’t under the law, as their wide, testify against them in a court of law, which gets them Scott free from that very egregious crime. It is a very good piece of legislation, Madam President, I think that marriage is such as serious act and a serious responsibility that you can only be engaged in that act on your own free will.”
The Senate also addressed the Social Security Amendment Bill, which permits the retroactive appointment of a general manager for the National Health Insurance Scheme and a Chair for the N.H.I. Committee. Business Senator Kevin Herrera voiced concerns about the amendment, highlighting that it shifts more power to the government instead of balancing it with other sectors in the decision-making process.
Kevin Herrera, Senator, Business Sector
“I come to realize within Government that we need a lot of oversight and a lot more oversight than we currently have and I just see what we have here as increasing the power of government and perhaps things that might balance that power we’re almost taking it out or nullifying it to a certain extent. We see here, Madam President, in the same Clause Seventy A-2 that Senator Peyrefitte referred to, says that “the General Manager shall be subject to this Act and any directions by the Minister.” Even though she should be reporting to a board and I would imagine that’s what a board is there for – to oversee the functions of the general manager. Still you have this clause in there where it states that “subject to the directions by the Minister.” It can give the Minister tremendous power over the scheme and this is compounded even so, Madam President, because the government also appoints the Chair of the Board.”
Today, the residents of Saint Matthew’s Village joyfully celebrated the opening of a brand-new school building, replacing the one that was destroyed by fire over a year ago. This project was a collaborative effort, with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing and the business community pitching in to complete the construction. Earlier today, the school principal, the village chairlady, and Area Representative Julius Espat were all on hand for the inauguration ceremony. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
It’s been more than a year and a half since a devastating overnight fire in St. Matthew’s Village wiped out a section of the government primary school. The blaze, likely caused by an electrical short, left over one hundred and ninety students without a school. In the aftermath, Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat, who also serves as the Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing, promised to rebuild. Today, that promise was fulfilled with the inauguration of the brand-new school building.
Shakera Berry
Shakera Berry, Principal, St. Matthew’s Government School
“Today, we gather on this momentous occasion to celebrate not just a new building but a renewed sense of strength, resilience and hope. This very location, once marked by loss and heartbreak, now stands transformed into a symbol of triumph and new beginnings. The fire that destroyed our previous building was a painful chapter in our history. It took away a place that held countless memories, laughter and learning. But from that disaster, we have risen stronger. This new building does more than replace what was lost, it allows us to forget the weight of our loss and embrace the magnitude of what we have gained.”
Espat attended the opening of the new building, reflecting on the devastating fire that destroyed the original structure. He shared his relentless efforts to lobby the government for the necessary support to rebuild, ensuring the community could rise from the ashes.
Julius Espat
Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development & Housing
“When the fire happened, it was a very sad situation. We felt it. That had the possibility of destroying this community. That had the possibility of destroying the future of our children and we did not have a choice. We rolled up our sleeves and we made a decision, we’ll get it done. We spoke to the chief, we spoke to the CEO, I did my part, I went and I lobbied and I lobbied, and I lobbied and I lobbied hard. In all honesty, the Government of Belize did not give us too much negative feedback because they also saw that it was important and they left it in our hands to do it properly, and properly it was done.”
Esperanza Arriaza, the chairwoman of St. Matthew’s Village, echoed the heartfelt sentiments of her area representative. She spoke passionately about how much the school means to their community, highlighting its vital role in bringing everyone together.
Esperanza Arriaza
Esperanza Arriaza, Chairlady, St. Matthew’s Village
“Today marks the turning of a new page in the history of St. Matthew’s Government School, a day of triumph born out of resilience. On March twentieth, 2023, our community faced a devastating loss when the school building was reduced to ashes. For our students and teachers, it was not just a loss of a physical structure, but of their second home filled with cherished memories. However, out of this tragedy came hope. This remarkable, new structure is a testament of a collaboration and vision. The building can now accommodate eight spacious classrooms, each thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable and conducive learning environment. It is a space where our students can thrive academically and personally. This through success would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of some truly remarkable leaders.”
Espat mentioned that to finish the project, they had to reach out to the business community for help in furnishing the school grounds.
Julius Espat
“That is what people don’t realize when a project is done, it is not just the facade that you are seeing, it is all the human effort, the technical effort and what is behind the scenes that at times is not given the recognition but it is the backbone and the essence of projects we work tirelessly.”
