The Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) says that more than 10,000 visitors flocked to the Expo grounds over the two days. In a release, BCCI said, “This year’s Expo provided exhibitors the opportunity to network, build their consumer base, and showcase their talents and services on a grand scale – all of which aligns with our Triple C Philosophy – to Connect, Capacitate, and Champion.”
The event also featured the annual “Best Booth” competition, which evaluated exhibitors based on creativity, professionalism, innovation, and efficiency. The winners of the 2024 competition are:
Best Overall Booth: Smart Belize
Most Outstanding Up & Coming Entrepreneur: Little Ceramic Painters
Best Micro Booth: HEYABBZ
Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner delivered the welcome address. Dr. Henry Canton, Executive Director of Silk Grass Farms, gave the keynote speech, focussing on his company’s conservation and sustainability efforts and highlighting the potential for local businesses to collaborate in enhancing their products. Kim Vasquez, Director of the Institute of Creative Arts (ICA-NICH), followed with an insightful presentation on the “Culture is My Business” initiative, underscoring the dynamic relationship between commerce and culture.
BCCI President Katherine Meighan also took to the stage. She emphasised the significance of the Expo in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and opportunity. Meighan also highlighted the BCCI’s role in supporting businesses through every step of the planning process.
Children from primary schools across the nation celebrated Belize through the annual children’s rally. Students participated in various local events, with a notable gathering in Belize City at the Civic Centre.
The Civic Centre was nearly at full capacity as students from twenty-five primary schools filled the venue. The energy was high as the children sang patriotic songs, danced to Belizean music, and waved the Belizean flag throughout the morning.
Margaret Smith, a teacher from Central Christian School, emphasised the importance of the event. She stated, “I think it is important because it is an opportunity for us to bring the kids together and for them to see that it is not just your school, it is all the schools. We come together, and it is a form of teaching them civic pride, love for country, and respect.” Smith also appreciated the break from the classroom, noting, “It is a warmer time of the year, so just being out of the class and enjoying this AC at the Civic is lovely.”
Smith also highlighted the significance of the Belizean flag, saying, “I think that the flag, it is just important for them to know that we show respect for our country and loving our country in the way we just not only our school compound but even outside, the way you carry yourself, wearing your uniform, showing love for your country. ”
Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner was the keynote speaker. He used the occasion to highlight key values for the youth. “This is what shapes our youths, shape our children, being able to have all of them in one space and being able to have leaders of the community share values to them,” Wagner said. He also quizzed the students and awarded five-hundred-dollar prizes for correct answers.
If you enjoyed the activities from last week, get ready for even more excitement because Belize is barely half way through its most patriotic month. With our nation’s 43rd Independence Day just around the corner, Belize is bursting with patriotic fervor and exciting events this weekend. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Belize City:
September 12-15: Groove to the Electric 80’s at the Francis Reneau Concert Series, Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts, 8 PM. (Ticketed)
September 14: Reconnect with history at the Belize Volunteer Guard Reunion 2024, Price Barracks, 10 AM.
September 14: Dance the night away at Pan Yaad, Government House Compound, 8 PM. (Ticketed)
September 14: Enjoy the Old School Dance at Bird’s Isle Restaurant, 10 PM. (Ticketed)
September 14: Savor a Caribbean Night Dinner Dance at Old Belize Pavilion, 7 PM. (Ticketed)
September 15: Join the BTB September Criterion at the BTB Office, Dr. Dame Minita Gordon Drive, 8 AM.
Belmopan:
September 13: Kids Movie Night and Camp Fire at Market Plaza, 6 PM.
September 14: Experience the Emergency Services Display and Sports Fun Day at Devon Beaton Park, 10 AM.
San Ignacio and Santa Elena:
September 13: Celebrate Colours Day at SISE Town Hall, all day.
September 13: Explore local art at the Art Walk, Cayo Welcome Centre, 9 AM.
September 14: Enjoy an Adult Talent Show at Cayo Welcome Centre, 7 PM.
September 15: Witness the Ms. Chiquitita Queen pageant at Cayo Welcome Centre, 7 PM.
Benque Viejo:
September 14: Check out the Business Expo and Dance at Cancha Marshalleck. Time to be announced.
Orange Walk:
September 13: Attend the Youth Concert at Fort Cairns, 2 PM. (Free)
September 14: Rock out at the Rock Concert/Food Truck Festival, Fort Cairns Market Plaza, 7 PM.
Dangriga:
September 13: Tune into the Hamalali Talk Show at Hamalali, 9 AM.
September 13: Don’t miss the National School Children’s Rally along Principal Streets, 9 AM.
A sudden roof collapse at the Belize City Bus Terminal has sent Ana Moralez to the emergency room. Her husband, Filito Chanim, told News Five that a piece of falling cement struck her without warning.
Chanim explained that he, his wife, and his son-in-law were preparing to catch a bus back to Belmopan when a section of the terminal’s cement roof collapsed unexpectedly. The piece of cement struck Moralez on the shoulder and injured another woman.
Chanim said he did not initially realise the extent of Moralez’s injuries due to the shock. “I was terrorised; I was frightened,” Chanim stated. “I didn’t even realise it had fallen on her at first,” Chanim said, still shaken by the incident. He added, “I didn’t even know that the thing fell on her. Because I think the impact that she got at the moment, she didn’t react. She reacted a couple minutes after she realised that she got hurt. and that’s when she jumped and hugged me. And when she hugged me, she was falling.”
Following the collapse, people inside the terminal feared further pieces would fall.
When asked if any assistance was rendered by employees at the terminal, Chanim said, “No, there was none. There was a couple of employees sitting at the top, laughing. I don’t know what was funny.”
A taxi driver provided transportation to the hospital, where Moralez and the other injured woman are now being treated. Chanim, who is currently unemployed, is calling for those responsible for the terminal’s maintenance to address the situation and assist with the medical expenses.
Venezuela has abruptly ended Brazil’s authority to manage Argentina’s Embassy in Caracas, effective immediately. The Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, announced the decision in a statement issued by the foreign ministry on Saturday, citing unproven claims of planned assassination attempts within the diplomatic facility.
The move follows Venezuela’s increasingly strained international position after a controversial presidential election in July. For weeks, the opposition has accused Maduro of election fraud, sparking widespread protests and unrest.
Brazil, which had been overseeing the Argentine embassy since Argentina cut ties with Venezuela, has refused to cede control. The Brazilian government released its own statement, insisting that international law, including the Vienna Conventions, protects the diplomatic mission. “The Brazilian government highlights in this context, under the terms of the Vienna Conventions, the inviolability of the facilities of the Argentine diplomatic mission,” it stated.
Reports indicate that the Argentine embassy has faced power outages and surveillance, with Venezuelan intelligence agents patrolling outside.
The situation remains volatile, with a number of South American governments and ongoing protests demanding greater transparency and calling for Maduro’s resignation.
On Monday night, we told you that the Alliance for Democracy, a faction of the United Democratic Party led by Tracy Panton, is seeking to mend fences with party leader, Moses “Shyne” Barrow. The party recently took a decision to deem four of the alliance’s members, including Panton and Patrick Faber, constructively resigned. The alliance is now looking to have that declaration rescinded. When reporters asked Peyrefitte about all that has played out to date, his response was that the U.D.P. is not worried because the party will be fine.
Michael Peyrefitte
Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, U.D.P.
“I know of the United Democratic Party. And I have seen a couple side shows over the past years and I won’t entertain or dignify any of that with any response. I think the internal matters of the UDP can easily be left in UDP. We will figure it out. We have always figured it out. We have had situations where when you compare that, this, this is nothing. I mean, we’ve had a national hero of this country belonging to the UDP break away from the National Alliance for Belizean Rights and then join with the UDP a couple of months before a general election and we win. So, I’m not even concerned about that.”
Reporter
“Okay, so are you going to retract this? They’re calling it an effective expulsion. Is that what it is?”
Michael Peyrefitte
“Me? I think you already are aware of what the central executive decided, but like I said, things can, I’m always the hopeless romantic in the bunch. I always think that things can work out and we can talk through things, and we can unite and we can heal. I will always want to believe that up to a certain point. And I could also want that, but it takes two to tangle. So, let’s see how it progresses from here. But what I’m saying, what I will maintain is this, the internal business of the UDP in comparison to what’s happening in this nation right now, and the PUP always sorts itself out. The PUP always, the UDP always figures away. The UDP always sorts itself out. And so, I’m not worried about that, we’ve seen bigger problems than this and we worked our way through it. So, I think it is proven that nothing and no person can destroy the UDP. Nobody ever will. So, we’re not worried about the UDP. The UDP will be fine.”
After weeks of intense competition featuring 12 talented contestants, Chelsy Castro emerged as the standout winner of KTV the Remix Season 6, securing the $10,000 grand prize. The Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts in Belize City was abuzz with excitement last night as fans cheered the final three contestants: Chelsy Castro, Flor Augustin, and Elijah Norales.
Castro, 19, who discovered her passion for singing at just nine years old, admitted on stage that the road to victory was fraught with obstacles. “I almost dropped out, but I really wanted to push for it,” she shared candidly.
In an interview this morning on Open Your Eyes (OYE), Castro reflected on her journey throughout the competition. She revealed that, despite lacking a sponsor, she was committed to delivering her best performances every Tuesday. Castro performed at nightclubs and various events to gather votes and build her fan base, all while juggling her business management studies and a job at the Belizean Melody Art Gallery in San Pedro.
She also highlighted her efforts to build her reputation beyond her island home. “My name was not that well known, and I had been singing for my island for quite some time… I wanted to show Belize what I had to offer, not just for San Pedro,” she said on OYE.
Castro also mentioned her initial struggles with securing sponsorship, noting that she effectively had to be her own sponsor until the finals. “I was actually my votes. I didn’t have a sponsor up until the finals… I really really worked for where I am,” she added.
Castro acknowledged the sponsors who supported her during the final stage of the competition, and her responsibility to be a great role model for children who aspire to pursue a musical career.
The Belize City Council announced earlier today that vending on Marine Parade, Newtown Barracks and Princess Margaret Drive will be strictly prohibited on Carnival Day. That is if you intend to set up stalls to sell food and drinks on the stretch of road to be used for the actual road march. The announcement, however, may not have been clear to many who believed it to mean that vendors are prohibited from selling along the carnival route altogether. Communications Manager Michelle Smith explains.
Michelle Smith
Michelle Smith, Communications Manager, CitCo
“After consulting with the Carnival Association, it was agreed that yes, no vending will be allowed on the street, on the carnival route, but you are allowed to vend on the shoulder of the street, meaning that you are allowed to vend on what we call the reserve space. Or, if for instance, there is a private property and you get permission from the owner to vend on the property, you are allowed to vend. But we are saying that you’re not allowed to vend on the street and the purpose behind that is just for safety reasons. In the event that the police need to come out, we want to leave the street open so they have access to come out. So basically, it’s not that you’re not allowed to vend, but not on the street of the carnival route.”
Isani Cayetano
“Does the street, just for the purpose of clarity, include both sidewalks?”
Michelle Smith
“Yes, both sides of the street. Yes, we know the carnival is coming from Memorial Park to Marion Jones Stadium, so we have to leave the other half open for safety precaution. and I just want to add that we have vendors who are vending on Rock Park. You have the Sandlighter’s Promenade by Moe’s Pizza where you have people vending and it’s bars and people who are selling food. When it comes to DigiPark, as you may know, we have an agreement with the DigiPark vendors whereby only the vendors in DigiPark can vend. This is nothing new, and so, if we allow vendors to go in the park, it will impact the vendors that are in there and we only find it fair that only the vendors at DigiPark can vend.”
A family is left grieving as bloodshed erupted in the Old Capital on Sunday night. The deadly shooting happened a stone’s throw from one of Belize City’s main arteries, near Cemetery Road, adjacent to the Constitution Park. Surveillance cameras captured the incident and police have detained one suspect, as they continue their investigations. The victim was a father-to-be and a football player whose only fault may have been his past neighbourhood. News Five’s Marion Ali has this report on the murder of Demitri Usher.
Voice of: Stepfather
Voice of: Stepfather
“He had just bathed and eaten and gone down to the store to buy a lighter and come back in and when ih come back in, ih look like the person mi di wait by deh soh.”
Marion Ali
“Which is right over the fence.”
Voice of: Stepfather
“Right over the fence and when dehn shot ah he got shot in the head and in his chest and one in his back.”
Marion Ali, Reporting
Demitri Usher was not supposed to be in Belize City on Sunday night. In fact, he was supposed to begin working with a construction company and was just awaiting his police record to leave and take on a new job. On Sunday night, just before eight, he returned from the shop and entered his yard on Wood Street, adjacent to the Constitution Park on Cemetery Road when a gunman shot him dead.
Voice of: Stepfather
“We hear the gunshot and we hear “ma ma” and she jump up and we run out and then when she mi deh down deh ih look like the person mi deh by the gate and ih fire two more shot again.”
Surveillance footage shows that the assailant stood just a few feet away in the park, arms stretched over the fence, aimed at Usher, and then the gun discharging several shots. Usher’s stepfather told News Five that his stepson called out for help. His mom ran to his aid but could not resuscitate her son. The gunman was not quite finished after he shot Usher. Another relative was just entering the yard behind Usher and he too came under fire but managed to escape.
Voice of: Stepfather
“Ih run into his uncle and his uncle’s stone ah with a pint and he fire shot back at his uncle again and then he went back.”
It appears that the shooter was one of two persons on a motorcycle that waited on Wood Street near the shop where Usher had gone to purchase. The gunman walked from there into the park and waited near the fence where he knew Usher would soon pass on his way into his house. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero shared what investigators have gathered so far.
“Around 8 p.m., police responded to a shooting incident at Wood Street in Belize City. Upon their arrival, they found a male person with gunshot injuries. He was identified as Dimitri Osher, twenty-three years. He was immediately taken to the K.H.M.H. for treatment, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Information received is that Dimitri was sitting on the steps at the house by his apartment when a male person came and fired several shots towards his direction. The male person then got onto a motorcycle and fled from the area. We have one suspect in custody and we are doing follow up regarding this murder.”
By all accounts, Usher was a positive young man. His first child is expected to be born in two months, and he would have turned twenty-four in November. Today, the Ebony Lake Football Club expressed regret at the senseless killing of the athlete on their Facebook page.
Voice of: Stepfather
“He always deh out da the Berger Field di play football. That one and the things weh ih like do to. Ih always deh out ya.”
This was the second time that someone made an attempt on Usher’s life. The first time was two years ago. His family believes that it was because of his previous address on Banak Street.
Voice of: Stepfather
“He used to hang out with the guys from through deh, yes and it stop.”
Marion Ali
“Where is that?”
Voice of: Stepfather
“Banak Street. And ih stop hang out around deh from four or five years ih stop hang out around deh.”
Police are reviewing surveillance recordings of the murder captured from different angles. Marion Ali for News Five.
Miss Belize Rural, Deannie Janae Laing, reclaimed the Queen of the Bay (QOTB) crown for the rural communities in the Belize District at this year’s prestigious pageant that was held on Saturday at the Belize City’s Civic Center. The event showcased an impressive lineup of 11 accomplished and eloquent delegates, each demonstrating poise and grace on a fiercely competitive stage.
Laing succeeds Queen Keely Faux, whose reign has only been shy of two weeks. Faux assumed her title as the seventy-eighth Queen of the Bay on August 14, 2024, after Kendall Morgan was dismissed from the role due to controversial allegations for violating several sections of her contract with the QOTB national franchise.
The Queen of the Bay pageant, renowned as Belize’s longest-running historical pageant, has ‘celebrated elegance, empowered women, and honoured Belizean tradition for 79 years.’
In one of QOTB’s biggest classes of delegates, Laing distinguished herself not only by winning the crown as the seventy-ninth Queen of the Bay, but also by securing three additional awards: Miss Eloquence, Best Dress, and Best Curtsy. The pageant, which spanned six hours, concluded in Laing’s triumph. She will officially be crowned on September 10, a day dedicated to Belize’s national St. George’s Caye Day celebrations.
