Earlier today, a delegation from Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration wrapped up a productive visit to Belize. Over the past two weeks, they conducted thorough site inspections at various shrimp farms nationwide. Belizean producers are keen to export shrimp and other fisheries products to Taiwan. Acting Director for Food and Safety, Natalie Gibson, noted that the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) has been instrumental in facilitating the Taiwanese team’s visit.
Natalie Gibson
Natalie Gibson, Acting Director, Food Safety, BAHA
“Our shrimp production sector was very interested in accessing this market and it’s one of the products that’s included in the agreement with Taiwan. We have been exporting lobster, historically, to Taiwan, so this is an effort to expand the scope of products that we can export.”
Isani Cayetano
“And what was included in this process, in terms of, perhaps, inspections and what have you?”
Natalie Gibson
“So we started out with documentation, where we had to submit documentation for them to evaluate, our regulations, what authority we have, what are our standards for different fisheries products, the processing, food safety standards, specifically. So we’ve passed that phase now and now we’ve gone to the onsite inspection where we have three FDA inspectors that came in to physically identify, inspecting our facilities. We’ve been to the port and the airport where the exportations happen. And for the last two weeks, they’ve been to the aquaculture farms and in some of the processing facilities, conducting theirevaluation.”
Isani Cayetano
“Do we know when we can either get can get a report or an update from them to determine whether we are export ready, in terms of our shrimp products?”
Natalie Gibson
“YOU know we have been exporting shrimps to other countries, but in terms of accessing the Taiwan market and meeting their food safety requirements, we have received a few findings but they will actually complete their reports over the next three months and then we will have a definitive answer.”
At the remarkable age of ninety, Henrietta Gill remains a vibrant and dedicated contributor to Belize. For decades, we’ve been inspired by Gill, who first gained recognition in the nineties as a pioneering boxing coach. Her influence extended beyond the ring, as she played a crucial role in mediating conflicts between rival gangs in Belize City. In 2023, this spirited nonagenarian was honored with the title of Ms. Y, a prestigious accolade she will hold until 2025.
Henrietta Gill
Henrietta Gill, Belizean Patron
“I was giving up the crown on October 29th, but they have extended it to sometime in May. So I’ll be reigning from 2023 to 2025. And my daughters they decided, it was a surprise for me, they decided to bring something and you saw the card that they have there. They decided to come and give something to the children. I use to teach here many years aback, and slow readers, and so I decided that Holy Redeemer and Muslim [Community School]. So I gave Muslim this morning and now, we are doing Holy Redeemer, giving back.”
Isani Cayetano
“How do you feel, at ninety years old, still being able to contribute to Belizean society?”
Henrietta Gill
“I feel great. You know, it brings back for me, my prime minister, the Father of the Nation. Mr. Price, he knew me from a child in Corozal, he has been with us, shared with us and giving back here to my children. To tell you the truth, children are my passion. When I work with the children and I get what I want, I know we are going to get a better Belize.”
Glenda Nicks
Glenda Nicks, Dental Office Manager
“We are very aware that oral health is not something that’s prominent a lot oftimes, especially in countries like these, people that are forty or fifty years old that have never been to a dentist before. So we know that at an early age is when we should start doing this. So we have this here, but last year we were in Costa Rica and we had a really huge health fair where we actually treated people. Ms. Henrietta Gill, for many of us here in Belize, stands out as one of those who has contributed to our society in so many different ways.
Isani Cayetano
“How does it feel to know that at ninety years old, your mom has this drive to want to give back to her beloved Belize?”
Glenda Nicks
“It’s a great honor to know that she is a pioneer as far as helping and giving back to society and basically what it is, is God puts us here for some reason and her reason is to be of service to her human mankind.”
November has just kicked off, and the Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations are already in full swing! Today, the National Garifuna Council brought the streets of Belize City to life with a vibrant motorcade, marking the start of the festivities. News Five’s Britney Gordon was on the scene to capture all the excitement. Here’s the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
It’s been two hundred and one years since the Garifuna people made their way to Belize, and the National Garifuna Council is starting this year’s celebrations with a bang! Today, the Belize City branch hosted a lively motorcade, filled with the vibrant colors and sounds of Garifuna culture. Raphael Martinez, President of the NGC in Belize City, shared more details about the festivities.
Raphael Martinez Sr.
Raphael Martinez Sr., President, NGC Belize City
“This is the advent of the national celebrations, our November celebrations. And as you rightly mentioned just a while ago, we starting off at three o’clock or maybe a little thereafter with the motorcade. And the motorcade is actually heralding, as I mentioned before, the advent of the November celebrations for Belize city. And we are expecting quite a few vehicles to be parked outside in a short while with the Garifuna flag with the drums. We have about three or four drum groups. From Belize City and not to mention some of the schools who will be actually joining the motorcade. This should be something very beautiful to watch and to listen to. Because, whenever the drums make a little noise, everybody wants to shake ney waist.”
The theme for this year’s celebrations is afeduha wamèi wagücha, afareinha waméi wanichigu, which translates to celebrating our roots, sharing our culture.
Raphael Martinez Sr.
“It’s two hundred and one years since the arrival of the Garifuna girl people here in Belize. It has been a big struggle, coming all the way from St. Vincent having fought with the British for so many years and being rooted and set adrift. And from Baliceaux Balisu where half of us died, there was five thousand of us. who were exiled to Balasore and all the other 5, 000, we had about just over two thousand probably two thousand five hundred who were shipped all the way to Roatan, Honduras. And they thought they, they could have killed out. It was a genocidal attempt, but it did not happen.it did not happen.”
The motorcade kicked off at the House of Culture and looped back to its starting point, setting the stage for a night filled with dancing and feasting. The National Garifuna Council is inviting all Belizeans to join in celebrating the resilience of the Garifuna people and the vibrant community they’ve built over the past two hundred years.
Raphael Martinez Sr.
“Immediately after the official ceremonies, which should last about say thirty minutes, we will go straight into Larabea and some very other talented bands from Belize City. So it’s this party all night until midnight. We have Sahou. We have Garifuna food. We have Garifuna music. Just come out and have some fun. And this is the first day of November and this is the advent of our celebration, nineteenth November celebration. Come and learn what we have to offer until nineteenth of November. of November.”
Diwali, originating from the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’ meaning a row of lights, is a vibrant Indian festival where celebrants illuminate their homes with rows of traditional clay oil lamps. These glowing lights symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, creating a magical and enlightening atmosphere. In Beize, the Indian community has been observing Diwali since the festival began earlier this week.
Rakhi Bhujwani
Rakhi Bhujwani, Member, Indian Community
“Diwali is the festival of lights, prosperity, we have the goddess of wealth. This is our Indian New Year and Christmas where family and friends come together. We celebrate, exchange gifts and enjoy. It’s a three-day festival.”
Benita Keme-Palacio
“When is this taking place?”
Rakhi Bhujwani
“Today is the final day. We have it for three days. It started day before, yesterday, and today.”
Benita Keme-Palacio
“So it started on Wednesday.”
Rakhi Bhujwani
“We started with Dhanteras, small Diwali which was yesterday and today is the actual Diwali.”
Benita Keme-Palacio
“Okay, can you explain to me what’s the difference between those three days?”
Rakhi Bhujwani
“This was where god Rhama came to Iotia and that’s when they had the festival for three days.”
Benita Keme-Palacio
“What type of events go for each of those days?”
Rakhi Bhujwani
“The first day, Dhanteras is when everybody buys gold and exchange gifts. The second day is the small Diwali when you light candles. The third day, we all come together as family and we pray and exchange gifts, have dinners, etc.”
The Day of the Dead, traditionally celebrated on November first and second, sometimes extends to dates like October thirty-first or November sixth, depending on the locality. This vibrant multi-day holiday brings together family and friends to honor and remember their departed loved ones, creating a heartfelt and festive atmosphere filled with memories and respect. In Belize, the Mexican Institute has erected an altar to remember the dead.
Jose Francisco Zamora
Jose Francisco Zamora, Consular, Mexican Embassy
“ The idea of Dia de Los Muertos is that you have to believe that your ancestors, your friends, your relatives, every person you love that has passed away is not dead, they just continue their trip in another realm and they are going to be living forever, as long as you remember them. So the Dia de Los Muertos is a kind of remembrance is to remember to enjoy the life of your ancestors and your relatives and your loved ones and, according to the Hispanic tradition, on Dia de Los Muertos, they are allowed to leave the underworld or the heaven and come back to earth to spend time with their relatives and their loved ones. So that’s why we prepare the Altar de Los Muertos, as you can see, behind me. The altar has several elements, the most important, of course, is on the top. It’s the pictures of the people that you are dedicating the altar, they are usually your relatives or your grandmother, godmother or even your pets. So it’s the people you love or admire that have already started the trip to the eternal life, so you put the pictures to remember them. Then you have to put some special souvenirs, something that makes remembering them special and make you proud of them, for example, a medal if they used to do sports and they won a race and you keep the medal. Every time you look, you remember, “Oh, my grandpa was a very good athlete. So that’s an important element of the altar. And also, on the Dia de Los Muertos which is today and tomorrow, you have to put the food that they liked in life because the idea of the tradition is that their spirit is coming back and you are going to enjoy one more meal with them.”
Tonight, the Bliss Center for Performing Arts will come alive with a benefit concert to raise funds for the beloved Belizean musician, Sam Hamilton. The stage will be graced by performers, including the legendary Mighty Lord Rhaburn, who will delight the audience with a medley of hits. Organized by the Institute of Creative Arts, this heartfelt event aims to support Hamilton during his battle with illness. Kim Vasquez, the director of ICA, shares more about this special evening.
This month, we’re on a quest to discover Belizean handicrafts and artists whose work embodies resilience and inspiration. This week’s feature on The Bright Side highlights just that: a tale of self-belief, breaking the mold—or even creating one’s own—and embracing the zest for life. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Aesha Garel, the creative mind behind Zest Handcrafted Jewelry, to share her inspiring journey. Here’s more.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
When we think of “Zest,” we imagine that special ingredient that infuses vibrancy and flavor into everything it touches. It’s the extra spark, the perfect finishing touch that brings a concept to life. This is the essence of Zest Handcraft—a jewelry line meticulously crafted by a talented local artisan in Belize. Each piece embodies artistry, elegance, and the authentic soul of Belize. At the heart of this handcrafted line is Aesha Garel, the visionary owner whose creativity and passion shine through every design.
Aesha Garel
Aesha Garel, Owner, Zest Handcrafted Jewelry
“I think it just, you just add an extra little zest to your outfit and, and that’s, and the zest is something we don’t use very often and it’s mostly used for food, I know, but it’s that extra, extra something that is missing that will add your personality or your statement to your day and your outfit, but your outlook and what you want to project.”
Her entrepreneurial journey began nearly five years ago, blossoming from what started as a college hobby—a creative lifeline during her student years. What was once a pastime has now flourished into a thriving business, showcasing her passion and dedication. As she pursued her goal of becoming a forensic scientist, she found herself drawn down a path she hadn’t anticipated, one that led her to the world of business and artistry.
Aesha Garel
“This is definitely not what I thought I would be doing with my life. It started just basically, I would look at earrings and go like, Hmm, I wonder if I could make that. Hmm, I wonder if I could make that. And then I started to make jewelry for myself. And then my mom would tell her friends, and then her friends would order earrings. And it really started as a hobby and a side, like a side job. And I did enjoy the science aspect of everything, and I love forensic science. But I am super grateful that I get to do this every day because I never thought that I could do something wake up and create And use my artistic side of myself to be able to make a living.”
Zest Handcraft Jewelry has blossomed into a celebrated community-based business, known for its unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. The artist behind this success, Aesha Garel, is acclaimed for her meticulous handwork and unique, one-of-a-kind creations. Garel emphasizes that this distinctiveness is no accident—each piece is thoughtfully crafted with intention and purpose, reflecting her dedication to artistry and authenticity.
Aesha Garel
“I really liked the medium, the freedom that resin gives me, and now I create my own molds. I sketch what the seasonal earrings will be and then I get them laser cut from acrylic so that I can make my own molds. And so my designs are completely unique to zest. Um, so that creative freedom and then the colors and you can show the movement with the different colors. So I really fell in love with resin being my medium.”
Like most entrepreneurs, the journey is filled with highs and lows. One universal challenge is understanding and asserting the value of both product and self. Garel acknowledges that this has been a significant hurdle, but one from which she has experienced tremendous personal and professional growth.
Aesha Garel “It was really hard for me to just believe and push and really sell my products. And it was really hard for me to price my products, because I don’t know if you’ve noticed all the little details. Those are done by hand and I live in a constant state of carpal tunnel. So it’s really important to price your time right and you are worth what your time, what you, how much time you spend on your pieces. I kind of sold myself short a lot and said, Oh, but this is just a tiny little thing. And, Oh, you know, people won’t pay that much for earrings or, and there was a lot of self doubt and it just, I guess it comes with time. And, um, Um, growth, but just looking back at it now, you know I’m very grateful to Zest for forcing me to grow as much as I have, you know, in the spotlight, out of the spotlight, but alsoshowing me my self worth.”
The true value of these pieces lies in their exquisite craftsmanship. Each creation is a testament to the skill and dedication poured into every detail, making them not just accessories, but works of art. Each one is distinct, shaped by its own character. Zest jewelry isn’t only for personal enjoyment; the seasonal pieces make thoughtful gifts too. Halloween, a favorite time for the creator, brings out her creativity in unique ways. Customers are drawn to these pieces for the way they express individuality, whether to share with others or keep as a personal statement.
Aesha Garel “A lot of people say that putting on their earrings is such an important part of their day because the earrings kind of help the outfit and the outfit helps the mood and then they get in the mood to go outside. And I never thought about that, but it’s true, even me. I never wear earrings in the house, but when I’m going out, I have to put everything together. And I’d say, I have my cute Halloween earrings. Let me put that in. And then you’re in the mood to go out and conquer whatever is out there. There’s a lot out there that sometimes we need a little extra Zest to help you get through it.”
Eleven days ago, the Alliance for Democracy garnered substantial backing from United Democratic Party delegates. These delegates, transported from all corners of the country, cast their votes decisively in favor of Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar-Panton, electing her as the interim leader of the U.D.P. In the lead-up to the Unity Convention, former party leader Shyne Barrow dismissed the event, claiming it was not officially sanctioned by the United Democratic Party. He consistently referred to the Alliance for Democracy, a faction within the U.D.P., as a third party, underscoring his disapproval. Much has unfolded since last Sunday, with Taegar-Panton firmly establishing her leadership of the embattled party by taking control of the U.D.P. headquarters here in Belize City. On Monday, U.D.P. Cayo North Standard Bearer, Omar Figueroa, wrote to Barrow informing him that U.D.P. supporters in his constituency have decided to recognize Panton’s leadership. In his letter, Figueroa wrote, “given the urgency of the situation, the Cayo North Executive finds it necessary to take a position on the current crisis. In the spirit of achieving unity, we urge all executive committees across the thirty-one constituencies to do the same so that there can be a final and lasting resolution. We join with the call of the delegates as displayed on October twentieth, 2024. Through this medium, we recognize Tracy Taegar Panton as the interim leader, Sheena Pitts as the interim chairman, and their executive as the single executive of the great United Democratic Party”. A similar letter was written to Shyne Barrow on October thirtieth, by Orange Walk East Standard Bearer Elodio Aragon Junior. In the letter, he wrote, “at this time, we believe that Tracy Panton is the leader who can best serve the United Democratic Party and lead the charge into the next general elections of 2025. We know that there are those standard bearers who support Honorable Shyne Barrow, but we also note that many of them do not have the full support of their delegates in that regard”. Earlier today, we had a phone conversation with Panton, who expressed her thoughts on the growing support she’s receiving from various constituencies.
On the phone: Tracy Taegar-Panton, Interim Leader, U.D.P.
“It has been our commitment, and I think I have made it clear that we would make every effort we can to ensure that we solidify the party by extending a hand of friendship and collaboration with those who were not prepared at the time of the convention to get involved and we have been having these discussions with not only Omar and Elodio, the members for Cayo North and Orange Walk East, but other colleagues as well so we can bridge the unity divide. I am very pleased that these two colleagues have taken the step to come on board. It is important to us in terms of unifying the party, but also for our commitment to defend our democracy.”
Isani Cayetano
“What does this mean now, going forward? You seem to be shoring up support from others who may have been on the fence at the time of the convention.
Tracy Taegar Panton
“I think it is our objective to bring as many people under the tent that we can and that includes the former party leader, the former chairman and the former vice chairman. We are one United Democratic Party and we believe that through a United Front we can competitively compete in the next general elections and that is the objective that we want to win and failing that, we want to ensure that we have a more robust democracy and more robust opposition by having more members at the table than we have now.”
After the October twentieth Unity Convention, Shyne Barrow continued to assert that the delegates’ endorsement of Taegar-Panton during the event did not legitimize her leadership of the United Democratic Party.
On the phone: Tracy Taegar-Panton, Interim Leader, U.D.P.
“Who sanctioned the leadership of Shyne Barrow? How is it that Shyne Barrow is considered the leader of the United Democratic Party? It happened when there was a convention at Bird’s Isle in August 2023 when there was an endorsement convention for the party leader by the same delegates who came to the Unity Convention on October twentieth, 2024. There was a change in position regarding the United Democratic Party and a request by the same delegates to have a leadership reset. And to do that, there had to be a recall of the former leader, the honorable Moses “Shyne” Barrow and also an endorsement of an interim leader. It is the national convention that validates or authenticates and defines my role as leader, as the new interim leader of the United Democratic Party. It certainly helps that more colleagues are coming onboard to affirm their commitment to unifying the party, to supporting the new leadership team and to defending the democracy that we believe is currently in peril without an active and engaged opposition. So I don’t know anyone who is clear thinking can say that Shyne Barrow’s leadership was authenticated by a convention, but Tracy Panton’s leadership was not authenticated at a convention where the same set of delegates voted in both conventions.”
We also had a phone conversation with former area representative Elodio Aragon Junior. Following the Unity Convention, the U.D.P. Orange Walk East Standard Bearer wrote to the party leadership, recognizing the overwhelming support for the Alliance for Democracy. He explained why it was crucial for his constituents to take a stand in the leadership battle.
On the phone: Elodio Aragon Jr.
On the phone: Elodio Aragon Jr., Orange Walk East, U.D.P. Standard Bearer
“You know, after careful thinking and discussions, you know, especially with our delegates and our committee and persons that support us out here in the Orange Walk East division and elsewhere. We decided, we had about three meetings, basically, and last night we had our final meeting and based on the fact that the division in the party does not look as though there will be any resolution as the coming together of these two factions. The reality is that we cannot go into the next general elections in this manner. Based on that, you know, we decided that we have to look at what is best for the party and who is the best leader to lead us into the next general elections. Based on these discussions that we have, you know we unanimously supported the leadership of Tracy Taegar-Panton.”
Isani Cayetano
“This decision also succeeds a letter that you had written to the leadership of the UDP then, in the wake of Unity Convention. Talk to us a bit about that as well.”
Elodio Aragon Jr.
“When I wrote that letter, it was like a last call taken for this matter to be resolved, for us as a party to come together because it’s only in unity that we can look forward, in terms of being able to put a front, a good fight and being able to be elected and form government. You know, if you’re not united it’s a tough call.”
