Culture - Greater Belize Media

Pablo Lambey Foundation Fuels Dreams and Preserves Culture

It’s a story of legacy, culture, and opportunity, all rooted in the heart of Dangriga. The Pablo Lambey Foundation, named after a cultural icon from southern Belize, is doing more than just preserving Garifuna traditions, it’s helping young people thrive. From scholarships to cultural immersion, the foundation is shaping futures while honoring the past. Tonight, we take you inside the movement that’s keeping the Garifuna spirit alive, one drumbeat, one student, and one powerful story at a time. Here’s this week’s Kolcha Tuesday with Paul Lopez.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Think legacy meets opportunity, that’s what the Pablo Lambey Foundation is all about. Named after a beloved cultural icon from southern Belize, this foundation has become a powerful force for good in the Garifuna community. It’s helping young Garifuna students chase their academic dreams while keeping their rich heritage alive. At the heart of it all is Sheryl Devaney, Pablo Lambey’s granddaughter. She started the foundation to carry on his legacy and she’s doing just that by offering scholarships to students of Garifuna descent. Dozens of young people have already benefited, and the impact is growing. It’s about education, yes, but it’s also about pride, culture, and a future rooted in tradition.

Sheryl Devaney, Founder, Pablo Lambey Foundation

“I was born and raised here in Dangriga an in my early years my grandpa raised me. As I grew up, and became older I realized in hindsight all of the things he was doing to instill culture, a sense of unity and community. So the foundation was established to honor his legacy. Through the foundation we offer scholarships to deserving Garifuna students. Our focus is primarily Garifuna but we have scholarship recipients who are not Garifuna. So the whole concept is how can you drive the culture forward and how do we continue to preserve the Garifuna culture.”

For Carlee Martinez, the foundation has been a huge financial support in her academic pursuits. It has also provided a space for her to strengthen her cultural identity. She has also witnessed the foundation’s transformative impact on her peers.

Carlee Martinez, Student, Ecumenical Junior High School

“There is a lot to it. First they really play a huge role in your education. For my first year I did not have to worry about anything. The support is there. If you have something you don’t know they are there to assist you. If you don’t have something, they are there to assist you. I am a naturally a person that gives into my culture. I play a huge role in different activities, like going in different dance groups, I am in a cultural group where we do signing and performance. I have been in many competitions, like the jankunu competition, the battle of the drums and different festivities they have, I partake in.”

Georgette Lambey is keeping her father’s legacy alive, one drumbeat at a time. Despite her mother’s disapproval, Pablo Lambey taught her to play the drums. Now, Georgette’s passing those cultural lessons on, inspiring the next generation and becoming a role model in her community.

Georgette Lambey, Cultural Activist, Pablo Lambey Foundation.

“When I was four years old, he put me on his shoulder, and we would go to the reenactment to do the Yurumei where we come in. My father, his friends, and we both would come. That is where I held my first drum. I listened to the drum, and he said just listen to the rhythm and let the rhythm take your hands. No one taught me how to play drums. My dad said listen to it and let it take your hands. I bought my first drum, and my mom did not want it. My mom said, girls are not supposed to play drums, they open their legs for drums. My dad said, at least it is for the drums, so we know she is safe. So, we had that weird sense of humor, so my dad bought me drums.”

Georgette spends less time playing the drums these days. She gives her time and energy to raise the next generation of Garifuna musicians and composers. Lambey is wholly invested in keeping her culture alive.

Georgette Lambey

“Preservation for me is very important and I got that from my dad, even though he did not want me to be a composer. Garifuna song is like country song, instead of fighting you put it into words, but you don’t put names so you don’t get sue. So he said, don’t be a composer, his mother was a composer.”

Just like her father, Georgette Lambey doesn’t back down. She’s now a composer, and she’s written a powerful song to celebrate his legacy. This Thursday, the Pablo Lambey Foundation is turning up the culture with a special immersion event. Then on Saturday, it’s all about the future, thirty-four students will be awarded scholarships at a ceremony in Dangriga. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Ancient Maya Artifacts Return to Belize After 12-Year U.S. Tour

It’s an exciting day at the Museum of Belize. After twelve years, over a hundred and fifty ancient Mayan artifacts have returned to Belize after spending the last twelve years touring across the United States. The artifacts were loaned to the Science Museum of Minnesota as part of a partnership aimed at promoting Belize’s rich Maya heritage internationally. These artifacts are now back in country and ready to be appreciated by Belizeans everywhere. In today’s edition of Belize on Reel, News Five’s Britney Gordon takes a closer look at these artifacts and their value to the National Collection.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

In 2012, the world waited with bated breath to see what world-shattering event would unfold when the Mayan calendar came to an end. Many believed that the conclusion of the calendar signaled the end of the world. 2012 came and went and the world kept spinning but public interest in Mayan culture had increased significantly. It is around that time that Belize entered into an agreement with the Science Museum of Minnesota to take about one hundred and fifty pieces of ancient Mayan artifacts found in Belize on a tour around the United States. Now, they’re back. Director of the Museum of Belize, Ilona Smiling, tells us that the team is excited to show them off to the public.

Ilona Smiling, Director, Museum of Belize

“Of course this is just the first phase. The bigger idea is to have most of the items that have returned incorporated into the existing Maya creating civilization exhibit.”

Britney Gordon

“So what type of artifacts are we looking at?”

Ilona Smiling

“So we’re looking at our ceramics or jades, and one of the most beautiful things about the exhibition was a lot of the interactives that we were able to work with the science museum, and we have some of those that will be on display as well. We have two for the viewing that you guys can see. And again, we look forward to incorporating most of these into the exhibits that we have here and some of the welcome centers that we have at the different archeological sites.”

There are about one hundred and fifty pieces that toured the United States and while all of them are back in country, only a select few were chosen for display today. These include items such as the Buena Vista vase, which dates back to around 900 A.D. and depicts two young corn gods and a collection of high-end pieces known as eccentrics. NICH Director, Melissa Badillo, has more details on the pieces.

Melissa Badillo, Director, National Institute of Art and History

“It is crossing various time periods from the ancient Maya civilization and different types of artifacts showcasing their artistry with multiple kinds of materials including shells, jade stone artifacts. And of course we have to feature some ceramics in the entire collection. There are both painted and unpainted. I think what we will have on display today is. Some painted pottery.”

As a part of the artifacts grand return, two shamans were invited to the museum to welcome the pieces back into the space. These artifacts will now be reintegrated into displays across the country, giving Belizeans to appreciate their beauty and deep history.

Ilona Smiling

“The significance is that we are able to view our history and we are able to do our own research and have that be a part of our own culture, that we get to view and see one of the more beautiful things that we had with the exhibition was the exchange that we were able to do with the science museum. A lot of the conservation work was done in partnership with them. We had staff from the museum and from the Institute of Archeology that was able to work on them. So it’s a very beautiful thing that we are able to have them back home. And we have our own people that can get to view these artifacts.”

The collaboration between Belize and the Science Museum of Minnesota also provided the team at NICH capacity building for the long-term preservation of the artifacts and funds used to keep NICH in operation. Minister of Culture, Francis Fonseca says that the Belize welcomes more mutually beneficial opportunities such as these in the future.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Culture

“We’re trying to do more of that of that. We’re engaging and collaborating. As niche has a long history in the Institute of Archeology in particular has a long history of collaboration with universities primarily in North America. But that’s the whole idea of trying to gain knowledge, experience, support. They helped over the twelve years to preserve some of these artifacts. So that’s a benefit to Belize. But of course we want, as I said, our primary mandate is public education. We want to share these artifacts with the people of Belize, especially our young people. They’ve been out there for a long time, so it’s good to have them back home so that we can put them on display, which we will be doing. In a few weeks time.”

The Museum of Belize welcomes Belize to visit the exhibit and learn more about some of the pieces already integrated into the National Collection. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Garifuna Beats and Language Revival at Leo Bradley Library

This afternoon, the Leo Bradley Library turned into a vibrant hub of culture and connection, as the sounds of Garifuna music fill the air. It’s all part of a unique “Train the Trainer” session hosted at the Belize National Library Service. The focus was a powerful initiative called Garifuna Language Retrieval Through Music, a creative and meaningful way to revive a language rich with history and identity. And leading the charge is Angela Palacio, the driving force behind today’s session. We caught up with her earlier to learn more about this cultural revival in action.

Angela Palacio, Organizer

“The summer program started on Monday from nine to nine every day and every day we taught them something different about the aspect of Garifuna, including songs and stuff like that. Yesterday we had at guest appearance, Mr. Josh Arana taught them about drumming and music. And today we have Mr. James Lovell, teaching them gar true songs and you hear them pronouncing the words, right? They’re doing a great job.”

Britney Gordon

“And how receptive have they been to that and on the other activities that they’ve been doing throughout, are they learning? Are they advancing? Are they enjoying it?”

Angela Palacio

“They learn so quickly. I prepared a lot of informative things for them to do. And the first day Mr. James said, you’re gonna teach the all that. They won’t be able to do it, man. They suck it up. I almost went out of material to teach them, so they’re very excited.”

A New Discovery in Caracol Highlights Site’s Significance

A major discovery at the Caracol Archaeological Site is making headlines internationally, and for good reason. Researchers have uncovered what they believe to be the tomb of Caracol’s very first king, a find that’s shedding new light on the ancient Maya world and its complex network of diplomacy and power. Led by renowned archaeologists Doctors Arlen and Diane Chase, the Caracol Archaeological Project is once again putting Belize on the map for groundbreaking Maya research. And as News Five’s Paul Lopez shows us in this week’s Belize on Reel, this discovery could change how we understand Caracol’s role in Mesoamerican history.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

A discovery nearly seventeen hundred years in the making is turning heads at the Caracol Archaeological Site. Archaeologists have uncovered a burial site dating all the way back to 331 AD—and it’s no ordinary tomb. It’s believed to belong to Te K’ab Chaak, the very first known ruler of Caracol and the founder of its royal dynasty. The exciting find was made by the Caracol Archaeological Project, led by the husband-and-wife team, Drs. Arlen and Diane Chase, who’ve been uncovering the secrets of Caracol for decades.

Diane Chase, Provost, University of Houston

“One of the question is how important was Teotihuacan to the establishment of rulership in the Maya era. We selected one area, the northeast acropolis, that we have worked on for many years overtime because we knew it had remains of the correct time period to answer those exact questions.”

The tomb that archaeologists discovered contained an assortment of jadeite ornaments, carved bone tubes, pottery vessels and more. Doctor Melissa Badillo, the Director at the Institute of Archaeology explained that all these items reflected local and traditional connections with central Mexico, suggesting diplomatic relations at the highest level.

Dr. Melissa Badillo, Director, Institute of Archaeology

“One of the more significant features of the tomb is that there are some pottery vessels and other obsidian artifacts that clearly show that connection to central Mexico. It shows that Teotihuacan influence early on. So, it pushes back the time for that Mexican influence and it shows that even as early as the first founder of Caracol and his reign that there was networking happening between Belize and the Maya area. Even though they were not, they did not have the comfort of modern transportation as we do now. There was significant trading, networking happening still within the region.”

Arlen Chase, Professor, University of Houston

“What we discovered this past year is the tomb of someone that we believe was the first member of the royal dynasty at Caracol. This would be the first individual we found that actually matches with the hieroglyphic text. Not just the first ruler in name because it matches the monuments, but the first one we actually found. That, in and of itself, is huge.”

Doctor Badillo says the discovery is of national importance. She explains that it reinforces the country’s critical role in the ancient Mesoamerican networks, while highlighting the value of preserving our archaeological heritage. The discovery also adds a new layer of intrigue to a site that draws visitors from across the world.

Dr. Melissa Badillo

“For sure it will put Belize on the forefront of Maya archaeology. It shows the significance of the development that we had early on in the development fo the maya history within this region, the networking and everything that came along with it. It shows the political significance and the strategies that Caracol had in place and linking with these regional cities across the Mesoamerican Area. It will provide another intriguing feature for visitors to Caracol. Of course these things are not yet on display as we working through more analysis and gather all the information we need to. In the near future we can expect to have this information available in the public.”

Arlen Chase

“There are eleven ceramic vessels, a lot of them are polychrome. Eleven vessels in the tomb dating to 350 AD is a lot of vessels. What is even more impressive is the iconography that is on top of or painted on top of the lids, because one of the lids shows a portrait of the god Ek Chuah, the Maya merchant god who is generally not known from the classic period, and there he is at 350 AD, the god of trade.”

Future analysis will include ancient DNA studies, isotope testing and the reconstruction of artifacts such as the jadeite mask. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Garifuna History Comes Alive at Imagination Factri

Today, imagination met history at Belize City’s Imagination Factri, where author and researcher Myrtle Palacio brought the Garifuna story to life in a powerful and visually striking way. Through bold graphics on genocide, forced migration, and cultural resilience, Palacio peeled back the layers of Garifuna identity, not just to educate, but to inspire. Her session, based on her work The Primer on the People Called Garifuna, challenged participants to rethink history, embrace advocacy, and celebrate the enduring legacy of the Garinagu people. Here’s more on that impactful presentation.

Tanya Arceo, Reporting

From the painful legacy of genocide and displacement to the vibrant contributions of the Garifuna community, Myrtle Palacio’s presentation didn’t shy away from the hard truths. Instead, it called for action, urging participants to embrace decolonizing language and step into advocacy. The event opened with a welcome from cultural advocate Yasser Musa, setting the tone for a day of reflection, learning, and empowerment.

Voice of: Yaser Musa

“This is, in my mind, intellectual logic for this book but what’s incredible to me is what she wrote in the forward thirty plus years later, her updated forward, she says “The new and updated Primer Is the outcome of secondary or library research through an extensive literature review and narrative analysis. For that, I have provided a list of references. Identifying as Garifuna and as a member of the community, I applied the Feminist Standpoint Theory and the Theory of Indigenous Anthropology, as both research techniques empower the researcher to investigate one’s own. I maintained an emic perspective throughout and remained sympathetic to the Garinagu, a viewpoint that may be a novel undertaking in the literature on ethnicity.”

Myrtle Palacio, Author

“It is a belief that there are more than one spiritual beings, our ancestors, our Ahary group so we believe in several, innumerable ancestral spirits, that is animism. However, aspects of Christianity has entered Garifuna spirituality, we have accepted it and a part of our spirituality, a part of our belief systems, we have assimilated it into Garifuna spiritualism.”

Graphic panels told the Garifuna story in vivid visuals, all while the sound of traditional drums filled the air with pride and purpose. The event wasn’t just a feast for the senses, it also honored key contributors in an award ceremony, with guests including representatives from NICH joining the celebration. And this is just the beginning. These striking visuals are set to tour Houses of Culture and libraries across Belize, bringing this vital history to communities and classrooms nationwide.

Tanya Arceo

“If there is one thing you wish that every Belizean and every reader would truly understand about Garifuna history or identity what would that be?”

Myrtle Palacio

“I would like I am learning I mentioned the date of seventeen ninety-nine I would like that to resonate because that is a contribution to nation building another area is teaching the educators where our men from late eighteen hundred were dying in villages just to teach that was a job that they had accepted leaving their families for months for the whole term and that contribution to nation building I want us to understand that and to understand nineteenth of November those two areas to me are very much important.”

Storytelling has always been central to the Garifuna and Creole experiences, a powerful way of preserving history, identity, and resilience. From the days of enslavement to the blending of Arawak, Kalinago, and West African cultures, these stories reflect how two peoples became one. Rooted in the island of St. Vincent and the Lesser Antilles, this shared legacy is a living memory of survival, connection, and cultural fusion, inviting us all to listen, learn, and remember.

Hailey Williams, Storyteller

“Amerindian, thirty thousand years ago a group of Amerindians including the Kalinago and Arawak’s crossed the bearing straight from Eastern Asia and made their way from Alaska to South America at fifteen hundred BC the bearing structury as a voice to other theories.”

Voice of: Giovanni Pinelo, Storyteller

“We realized that what we call colonial expansionism in some books beautiful words and I know somebody else is going to speak about words but it was about total encroachment it was about dispossessing of people, displacing them of their lands, divesting them of their heritage of their caught Genocide, the definition of genocide under the union convention speaks to the radication of a people and this was precisely what was happening.”

As the event came to a close, there was a heartfelt reminder of why these stories matter. Minister of State Dolores Balderamos-García took a moment to reflect on the power of preserving and sharing the Garifuna narrative — calling it not just history, but a vital part of who we are. Her words capped off a day filled with culture, connection, and a renewed commitment to keeping these stories alive for generations to come.

Dolores Balderamos, Minister of State

“There is so much of our history as I have said before that we need to fill in all the gaps and I like the idea that we have to look at our history not only from the point of view of the hunter but also from the point of view of the hunted so we must remember the victims of the colonial system in addition to reading the book from a European perspective of what the history of Belize is so we must know our history from the indigenous people, from people who have been victims but from people who have contributed so much to what Belize is today.”

Reporting For News Five I am Tanya Arceo.

Keeping Culture Alive: Emilio Thomas and the Art of Belize

Belize is more than just beautiful landscapes, it’s a vibrant blend of cultures, stories, and traditions. And at the heart of that cultural identity is art. From music and dance to photography and painting, the arts help us celebrate who we are and where we come from. One artist who’s making sure that Belize’s cultural heartbeat continues to echo for generations to come is Emilio Thomas, a talented musician and photographer with a passion for preserving heritage. In tonight’s edition of Kolcha Tuesday, News Five’s Britney Gordon takes us into Emilio’s world and explores how Belize is supporting artists like him who are keeping our culture alive.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Since 2007, the Garifuna Collective has been doing something truly special, blending the deep roots of ancestral Garifuna rhythms with modern sounds to create a musical experience that’s both timeless and fresh. The group was originally formed to support the legendary Andy Palacio, and even after his passing, they’ve carried the torch, keeping Garifuna language and culture alive through music. Today, the Collective is more than just a band, it’s a movement. And among its passionate members is Emilio Thomas, a musician who’s been making music since he was just twelve years old.

Emilio Thomas, Cultural Practitioner

“I used to rap and sing in high school. I used to do drumming, like the marching band and then Garifuna drumming with my cousin Shawn Mariano in primary school. He is the one who introduced me to drumming. I play many other instruments because I don’t see the difference between them, except that they work differently and I love creating rhythms and experimenting. So I play like twenty something instruments, and every time I see the opportunity to learn another one, I do. So just to vibe along with it and play along with other people.”

When he’s not performing with the Garifuna Collective, Emilio Thomas is still making waves through music, photography, and a deep passion for culture. He’s the frontman of his own band, Project Inebesei, and behind the lens, he captures powerful moments that reflect Belize’s rich identity. For Emilio, it’s all about connection—using art to inspire others to engage more meaningfully with their roots, their stories, and each other.

Emilio Thomas

“People are always in need of something different in life. And so when you go into a space or people come into your space, they want to be inspired or give meaning to. The continuity of their lives and music can in inspire someone in the present in order for them to do something special for themselves and others. Because it starts from home.”

Being an artist isn’t easy. Most start out funding their own work, often for years, before seeing any real success. But Emilio Thomas stayed true to his passion, and it’s taken him around the world doing what he loves. Now, there’s new support for artists like him. The Institute of Creative Arts (ICA) has teamed up with UNESCO to help grow Belize’s creative sector. The goal? To make it easier for artists to follow their dreams and earn a living from their craft. ICA Director Kim Vasquez says she hopes this initiative will inspire more creatives to take that leap, just like Emilio did.

Kim Vasquez, Director, Institute of Creative Arts

“It’s looking at issues of preservation. Yes. But because there’s so much focus and so much emphasis. On linking preservation and the work that we have and the cultural heritage to economic activity. There is a need for us as partners, as government partners to come together to form a unified plan so that we can support the activities and support the goals and ambitions of the creative sector.”

It’s all part of a global initiative called the National Strategy and Roadmap for the Cultural Creative Sector, aimed at growing what’s known as the “orange economy”, that’s the creative economy built on art, culture, and innovation. Dr. Deborah Hickling Gordon explains that for this mission to succeed, it takes more than just talent. It requires balance and strong technical support from industry leaders to help artists not only thrive, but sustain their careers.

Dr. Deborah Hickling Gordon, UNESCO

“As the sector becomes more established and begins to grow, people will be able to see the advantages of becoming a part of the cultural and creative industries. And it’s not only as a creative, there is our technical elements. There are business elements. There are a number of ways in which people can become involved in cultural and creative industries. It is a three trillion US dollar industry and we need to determine what is Belize’s piece of that pie, even as we retain the rich and robust culture of the Belizean people.”

As an artist, every day for Thomas is a new day to create. His latest exhibit, titled Portraits, views Belizeans as living pieces of art capturing the essence of their culture and heritage in a single photo. It is his hope that inspired Belizeans can one day bridge the gap between a creative passion and a career.

Emilio Thomas

“The work that I do, because I’m not just a representation of the music industry, but the culture and creative. Whatever we do is an art form. Even cooking. It’s creative work. Even how you do business is creative work. So my role would be to present the relationship among all the things that we practice in Belize and all the things or the possibilities of practicing things in a different way and practicing new things as we go along.”

Belize is growing and now is the time to uplift artists and creatives along with the rest of society, by safeguarding living heritage through art, traditions, expressions and the heartbeat of Belizean culture will continue to live on in generations to come. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Garifuna Leaders, Government Unite for Historic Talks in Belmopan

A powerful conversation took center stage in Belmopan this week, as the Ministry of Constitution and Religious Affairs, Indigenous Affairs, and Transportation welcomed some of the most respected voices from the Garifuna community. It all happened on Monday, right at the Ministry’s headquarters—where leaders, advocates, and government officials came together to talk about real issues, real solutions, and a shared vision for the future. From land rights to cultural preservation, the dialogue was open, honest, and full of purpose. And with names like Roy Cayetano, Mayor Robert Mariano, and Cynthia Ellis Topsey at the table, alongside Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh and his team, it was clear this wasn’t just another meeting. It was a meaningful step toward deeper collaboration and lasting change.

Unearthing the Wonders of Xunantunich

When we think of national treasures, few things rival the majesty and mystery of our ancient Mayan heritage. Towering above the lush jungle canopy, these awe-inspiring structures are more than just stone, they’re silent storytellers of a civilization that once thrived in our very own backyard. Tonight, on Belize on Reel, News Five’s Britney Gordon takes us deep into the heart of the Cayo District, where the iconic Xunantunich site stands tall once more, thanks to the tireless efforts of conservationists and archaeologists. Join us as we uncover the secrets of the past and celebrate the legacy that continues to shape our identity. Here’s that story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

“Xunantunich. Its one of Belize’s most popular archaeological sites. Known for its many majestic structures that are still in great condition. What I’m standing in right now is the El Castillo, which was used for a multitude of reasons, But primarily, it was the living quarters of royalty. But did you know that just over a hundred years ago, all this was completely underground.”

El Castillo stands at one hundred and thirty feet, overlooking an altar and residential structures in the plaza.

Britney Gordon

“From the top of the El Castillo structure, you can see the towers in San Ignacio, Santa Elena, but take just a few steps over and you can start to see San Jose Succutz, Benque Viejo, and Melchor.”

So, how do incredible structures like El Castillo rise from the jungle once again? It’s all thanks to the careful and determined work of archaeologists like Antonio Beardall. Back in 2022, Beardall and a group of students rolled up their sleeves and began the painstaking process of uncovering one of the smaller buildings at the site. He explains what makes Xunantunich stand out from other ancient structures and why it continues to capture the imagination of so many.

Antonio Beardall, Archeologist

“What is most unique about this is that Xunantunich did not really come to power until very late. And it was a huge city at that time for about one hundred and fifty years. So you have other sites around the place like Cahal Pech a site called Actun Kan to the North. And these sites had people for centuries, people were living here, but it took a while for them to establish dominance in the region. And that’s what makes it interesting is that some of these structures were built in a single construction phase, whereas other sites, the structures have many different phases going down. On the El Castillo, there are many interesting parts of it that people might not notice at first. Right here, we have the sun god called Kinich Ahau, which can be identified by its crossed eyes and its buck teeth.”

Once these ancient structures are uncovered, the real challenge begins: keeping them standing. Belize’s national conservationist, Jorge Can, leads the team in charge of that mission. They don’t rebuild anything new; instead, they focus on strengthening what’s already there using special materials. But figuring out exactly what works best takes careful testing and analysis.

Jorge Can, National Conservator, Institute of Archeology

“They were using cement and sand. But then later on we began to see that no, it is damaging the structure, the stability of the structure, although the cement and the sand is very hard for a modern building. But over here we have to use soft materials that could bend contracts with the structure.”

Now, the team at Xunantunich uses mainly materials utilized by the ancient Mayans for conservation. However, this method doesn’t work for everything. The Freize, an intricate carving on the El Castillo, was reconstructed entirely to preserve the original.

Jorge Can

“Everything was disintegrating, deteriorating very fast. So we had to end up with a next technique that we actually, we came about with the, with our neighboring with the Mundo Maya, with Mexico and Guatemala and Copan, which is Honduras. We began to use fiberglass replica. So we are using replica now. So actually, the original stays at the box. We buried the original and we place a replica in front.”

The story of Xunantunich is far from over. As the sun rises over the ancient stones, teams of researchers continue to dig, both literally and figuratively, into Belize’s rich Mayan past. But what’s truly inspiring is who’s doing the digging. Archaeologist Antonio Beardall points out that many of the latest discoveries aren’t just coming from seasoned experts, they’re being made by Belizean students. These young researchers are getting hands-on experience at one of the country’s most iconic sites, helping to uncover buried artifacts and long-lost structures.

Antonio Beardall

“We knew that something was there because the people who had worked in the courtyard previously had documented. That they had found this deposit in front of the structures. So we figured we will probably find something similar. And we did. And it was essentially like a small carpet of artifacts. Everything from stone tools to broken pots, to tools that the Maya women used for weaving all in this one area. And to see these things and for the students to understand like what this small little thing means and how long ago it was it was made unused. It connects who we are in the present to the people who were there in the past.”

It’s a powerful reminder that the future of our history is in good hands. Britney Gordon for News Five.

May Plum: A Seasonal Fruit with Timeless Memories

Tonight, we take a juicy bite into a fruit that’s more than just a seasonal treat, it’s a symbol of our shared childhoods and sun-soaked memories. The may plum, yes, the very name hints at its prime time, bursts onto the scene each year during the blistering month of May. Found in abundance across the country, this tangy-sweet delight has long been a favorite for kids and grown-ups alike, often plucked from a neighbor’s tree with nothing but a shirt to carry the bounty. But beyond its flavor, may plums are deeply rooted in Belizean culture. In tonight’s Kolcha Tuesday feature, News Five’s Paul Lopez takes us on a nostalgic journey through its vibrant colors, rich taste, and the stories that make this humble fruit a national treasure.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The may plum gets its name from the time of year it shows up in full force—May, the hottest month in Belize. This little fruit thrives in the dry season, and if you’ve ever seen a may plum tree, you know it doesn’t hold back when it’s time to bear fruit. For many Belizeans, just the sight or taste of a may plum brings back warm memories of childhood: climbing trees, sharing with friends, and savoring the sweet, tangy flavor straight from the branch.

Albert, Orange Walk Resident

“I does climb, oh lawd we does shake up deh may plum tree, jump eena the neighbor yard and guh wap ih may plum deh. May plum dah the nicest plum.”

These days, spotting a may plum tree might mean taking a trip out to the countryside. In rural communities, they still grow wild and free. But if you’re in the city, you’re more likely to find may plums being sold by friendly vendors along the streetside, bringing a taste of the village right to the Old Capital. But purchasing a bag of plum from a vendor pales in comparison to climbing a tree and picking a handful to consume.

Paul Lopez

“You have some may plum here. Tell me how was it for you this season as a vendor?”

Voice of: Street Side Vendor

“It was ok. I sell a lot because every year this produce, not like two or three times a year, but when this season comes on May it sell a lot and right now it is the last.”

Paul Lopez

“And this right now that we are seeing is the last?”

Voice of: Street Side Vendor

“Yes, it is the last. After this there will be no more.”

Albert, Orange Walk Resident

“But once it start rain it will catch worm. But once it starts to rain. We eat them with the worm sometimes because the worm is the plum.”

And the rainy season is now upon us. That means the fruit will ripen at a faster rate and fall off the trees, bringing an end to the may plum season. But over at Anna’s Fruit Shop on Coney Drive, there’s still plenty of may plum to go around. They just restocked with a fresh batch from a supplier in Corozal—so for now, the sweet season is still going strong.

Voice of: Vendor, Anna’s Fruit Shop

“They call it May plum because it is only on May we see them around. That is why they call it may plum. The way how I grow up, how I work at the fruit shop, I meet them and start to like it. Oh yes it is nice. I prefer it when it is ripe, because it is more sweeter. You can eat it too when it is green. Sometimes it has that little reddish color, like the color of a tomato and sometimes it has the orange touch.”

Paul Lopez

“Some people say that when it gets overripe it has worm. But some people say they don’t mind the worm.”

Voice of: Vendor

“Oh no, I don’t like it with worm.”

No Belizean may plum experience is truly complete without that classic two-dollar bag—tangy, sweet, and sprinkled with a dash of salt and pepper. It’s a simple tradition that packs a flavorful punch and brings generations together over a shared love for this seasonal snack. And if you’re wondering about quality, rest assured. A quick taste test confirmed that these ripe, golden plums are not only bursting with sweetness, but also completely worm-free. That’s right, just pure, juicy goodness in every bite. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez

Stephitas Best Success: “I was Humiliated for Selling Panades”

Stephanie Carcamo turned a humble cultural dish into a thriving business. Once mocked for selling panades under a tent, she now runs Stephitas Best from a permanent location, where panades remain top sellers. Rooted in Belizean tradition and inspired by the Spanish empanada, these crispy, crescent-shaped corn treats, stuffed with meat, cheese, or beans, have become her signature. In tonight’s Kolcha Tuesday, News Five’s Paul Lopez visits Stephitas Best to hear how one woman’s passion for panades helped her rise above the ridicule and build her own success.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Often called Belize’s answer to the empanada, panades trace their roots back to British and Spanish influences. Today, they’re a staple in communities across the country, sold on nearly every corner, much like fast food in the U.S. In Belize City, Stephanie Carcamo has turned this beloved cultural dish into her livelihood, proving that panades are more than just a snack—they’re a symbol of resilience and opportunity.

Stephanie Carcamo, Owner, Stephitas Best

“A couple of years back I was looking for nice panades, I could not find anywhere in the city. I remember growing up my mom used to make. So, I said mom, I think we should open a panades shop and open panades and salbutes. She said, ok I have to teach you and you can go from there.”

Carcamo sticks to the traditional panades recipe, but with a twist: she seasons her masa, adding a flavorful touch that sets her version apart.

Stephanie Carcamo

“With the panades, it is the masa. We usually get it at the corn factory. Then we get it and season it with baking powder, salt reccado. You have to know your measurements. So even as I say it you wont get it like that. We season it, get the masha, mash, and it is flat. Then we get our fish, we season our fish as well. The process for this fish is basically, you boil it until it is soft, take off the skin and season it with the season you want, cook it over again and this is how it stays. Then we put the meat. We nuh stingy with the meat. We should put a little more right. And then you just mash it.”

In just twenty seconds, Carcamo’s panades—crispy pockets of masa filled with fish—are fried to golden perfection. Corn, a staple of the Mestizo diet in Belize, not only flavors the dish but also ties Carcamo to her cultural roots.

Stephanie Carcamo

“For me, I am a mestizo, so corn is mestizo. So, that is basically it. I am a corn lover. I prefer corn over flour any day. I have had people come from LA, the United Kingdom, literally a lot of Belizeans that live abroad tell their friends to try it and they come and say Steph this is the best panades I have ever tried and it makes me feel good.”

Carcamo has turned her panades into a success story. What started as a small operation under a tent on Central American Boulevard in Port Loyola is now a full-fledged eatery called Stephitas Best. But her journey wasn’t always easy, there was a time when she was mocked for selling panades.

Stephanie Carcamo

“It is funny because at the beginning, I would have people try to downgrade me because I am selling panades. It was like, you the sell panades. But, I didn’t give up. I would tell my husband, I feel bad, because people are telling me that I am selling panades. And he is like, Steph don’t give up, do what you do, do the best you can do. I guess because they would see people on the street that sells panades and they would not give them that respect. I felt that I did not have that respect when I had a tent until I have my shop now to be honest.”

Carcamo attributes her success to her faith in God, her husband and of course the demand for this cultural favorite, panades. Despite expanding her menu, Carcamo’s panades remain the star of the show—evident in the nonstop stream of daily orders that keep her kitchen buzzing. Her story is one of economic independence built on the back of a simple traditional recipe. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.