Belizeans have been demanding renovations to the Marion Jones Sporting Complex for years. Athletes and other users have had to make do with worn-down tracks surrounded by overgrown mangroves. Earlier this year, the neglected state of the area led to sightings of snakes and crocodiles. But today, there’s finally some good news—the mangroves are being trimmed, marking the first step in addressing the issue. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth and Sports shared more details about the mission to revamp the facilities.
On the Phone: Devin Daly, Minister of State, Youth and Sports
“Basically myself and Minister Mahler we’ve initiated a cleanup for the Ion Jones Sporting Complex program that we’re planning on rolling out for the entire country, but starting off in a city and it’s basically sanitizing and getting the era cleaned and more suitable for people in the city to interact and workout.”
Britney Gordon
“So when did this begin?”
On the Phone: Devin Daly
“We’ve started I would say about two days after the Prime Minister appointed the portfolios.”
Britney Gordon
“And so when can we expect them to be ready to use?”
On the Phone: Devin Daly
“We’re not necessarily stopping from the residents from using the Marion Jones while we’re doing the works. The works usually start from the morning and we have the necessary cautionary tips and cones while the works is being carried out, but we’re not stopping anyone from using the facility. We don’t necessarily have an end date as yet for the complete renovations of the Marion Jones, however, it’s a work in progress.”
Today was a special day for the upper division students at Holy Redeemer Primary School—they got to inaugurate their brand-new playground. This fantastic addition was generously donated and built by the Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise and the Interact Club of Belize High School. It’s all part of their ongoing mission to improve school facilities across the country. Britney Gordon was on the scene to bring us all the details.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Over the past few days, the Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise and its partners have been busy building an exciting new addition to the Holy Redeemer Primary School Upper Division campus. Today, the school proudly unveiled a fantastic new playground, complete with a slide, monkey bars, and other fun amenities. Dinesh Bhojwani, President of the Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise, praised the team’s dedication and hard work in making this dream come true.
Dinesh Bhojwani
Dinesh Bhojwani, President, Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise
“I can tell you there’s blood, sweat, and some tears for sure. Literally. They’ve been working since Thursday coming out here out, drawing out the plans, where it’s all gonna go. The build started on Saturday. On Saturday and Sunday, all those individuals that I Mentioned were out here digging, taking stuff to wheelbarrows building that wood wall that you see over there. Everybody was outside their comfort zone, especially me, I can tell you that. I’m not a big push stuff, physical stuff guy around but we did it.”
In addition to the playground, the school also received a donation of sporting equipment for the over three hundred students attending the upper division to utilize.
“ We are over the moon because it is very vital for us to offer our children a well-rounded education. And while academia is something that we are known for, we are also pride ourselves in sports and so this is a great opportunity for the children to express themselves and get stronger too and play.”
One enthusiastic student has already picked out her favorite spot in the new playground. She can’t wait to dive into the fun and start playing.
Adaija Burke
Adaija Burke, Student, Holy Redeemer Primary School
“I am excited about the monkey bars because I really love to climb and it’s very fun.”
Britney Gordon
“How grateful are you to have received it”
Adaija Burke
“I am really grateful and I want to give a big thank you to everyone who made this happen for us and I really love it so much.”
Bhojwani explained that this initiative is a part of a larger project to upgrade amenities in schools across Belize City.
Dinesh Bhojwani
“ For several years now, the Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise focuses lot of their projects in education, so whether it’s our wash program where we do bathroom locks for various schools throughout Belize City. One of the other initiatives is the playgrounds and this is probably our fourth maybe fifth playground. And this one comes, as many of them have, through Hope Mission in Canada,”
The Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise teamed up with the Belize High School Interact Club and the Rotary and Interact Club of VegreVille in Canada for this project. Seventeen-year-old Mady Nichol expressed her pride in being part of such a meaningful experience.
Mady Nichol
Mady Nichol, President, VegreVille Interact Club
“It’s very exciting. We came out on Saturday morning and worked all day. We had so much help. It was so great, and through all the obstacles, because it is a used playground, we conquered through it and it was just, it’s very exciting to see now that all the kids playing on it. Very rewarding and I think as a group, it’s very inspiring to see what we can do as a club of eighteen to eighteen-year-olds.”
The Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise has been busy upgrading playgrounds at other schools in the city too, including Saint Joseph Primary School and Saint John’s Anglican Primary School. Their efforts are making a big difference for students all around.
Dinesh Bhojwani
“This is part of the commitment that the club has. The Rotarians from Vegreville, the interactors, that’s commitment to service above yourself. It’s taking yourself to put in the work, I mean look at that. These kids are having a great time. And that’s what it’s really about. That’s where, that’s the reward for all of us. To see kids get something, it’s a simple thing for all of us. It’s a simple thing. It’s a playground. It’s not that big in the grand scheme, but it really brings a lot of joy. It’s part of the development of the children.”
The Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Belize Business Bureau have given their thumbs up for Kevin Herrera to continue serving as the Business Sector Senator in the Upper House. The B.C.C.I. and the BBB are thrilled to congratulate Senator Herrera on his endorsement for a second term as the Business Sector Senator. They’re confident he’ll keep representing the private sector with integrity and excellence. Senator Herrera gratefully accepted the endorsement, expressing his heartfelt thanks for the ongoing trust the business community has placed in him.
Today, the University of Belize proudly unveiled its latest venture, the Belize Policy Research Institute. This new institute is set to become a key player in public policy research, with a vision of earning widespread respect and becoming an essential policy influencer. The goal is to shape public policies and behaviors to foster a prosperous, just, equitable, and peaceful Belizean society. The launch event took place in Belmopan, where we heard from the institute’s Executive Director, Doctor Dylan Vernon.
Dr. Vincent Palacio, President, University of Belize
“This institute reflects our commitment to placing knowledge at the heart of decision making. It represents a deliberate step forward, one that strengthens U.B.’s role as a leader in policy research and public service. We come together at a significant national moment. The people of Belize have spoken through the democratic process and the current administration has returned to office. I extend my congratulations. The University of Belize will continue to support national development through partnership, research and the training of capable leaders.”
Dr. Dylan Vernon, Executive Director, B.E.L.P.R.I. – UB
“Of course this concept of BELPRI is not new. Universities around the world, including in our own region all have think tanks, policy institutes attached to them. And the whole idea is that they generally generate public policy research, analysis and advice on selected issues with the goal of enabling policy makers and the public to make informed policy decision. This is in essence exactly what BELPRI seeks to do. You may ask why and the simple answer is because there is a need. Just think for a second about the ongoing policy messiness surrounding cruise ship docking and national ports and think about the lack of policies in certain areas such as migration and weak policies in such areas as public transportation.”
You’ve seen the Briceño administration’s Cabinet and C.E.O. appointments. Today, the Office of the Prime Minister announced the new government senators. Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay will continue as Lead Senator for Government Business, and Minister of State Christopher Coye is returning to the Senate. Additionally, four new faces have been appointed, including two women. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the details.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The Briceño administration has announced its Senate appointments, with only two senators returning from the previous administration: Lead Senator for Government Business Eamon Courtenay and Senator Christopher Coye, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance. The other four appointments are fresh faces in permanent senator roles. Brittney Galvez, the youngest female senator to be appointed, is described by the Belize Youth Movement as a dedicated and active member of the P.U.P., Belize Youth Movement, and the United Women’s Group. She holds a Master of Arts in Public Health, and her appointment is seen as a sign that young people are ready and capable of stepping into governance roles. Rozel Arana, a former Orange Walk Town Councilor, is another new addition.
She served under the former Orange Walk Mayor, now area representative, Kevin Bernard, and is known as a cultural activist passionate about promoting the Garifuna culture. Hector Guerra, the third new senator, is a Managing Partner at Marin Parade Chambers LLP, a member of the Bar Association of Belize, and a member of the Board of Governors of St. Ignatius High School in Santa Elena. He is described as a young Belizean with strong leadership potential and a staunch supporter of the P.U.P. Lastly, Linsford Castillo, who has previously served as a temporary senator, is now appointed to a permanent role. He is well-acquainted with politics within the Briceno administration and currently serves as Secretary General of the People’s United Party. The opposition has yet to announce its three Senate appointments, but News Five has confirmed that Patrick Faber will be appointed as the opposition’s lead senator. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
Prime Minister John Briceño has announced the new Chief Executive Officer appointments for all seventeen government ministries. There are some notable changes from the Briceño administration’s first term. Beverly Wade, who previously led the Blue Bond Unit, has been appointed as the CEO in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation. Belize Defense Force Captain and Pilot Francis Usher is now the CEO in the Ministry of Defense and Border Security. Economist Carlos Pol has been appointed as the CEO in Economic Development, while Milagro Matus will serve as the CEO in the Ministry of Sustainable Development. Joseph Waight is returning as Financial Secretary. Aside from these four new faces, all CEOs from the previous administration are returning to their posts.
The Statistical Institute of Belize is celebrating a significant boost to its capacity with the official handover of two hundred and ninety thousand dollars’ worth of IT equipment and two brand-new Ford Everest SUVs. This generous donation was made possible through the Enabling of Belize’s Statistical System Project, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, in collaboration with UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the following story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
The Statistical Institute of Belize is essential for shaping policy decisions and understanding the country’s development. They provide valuable data on everything from population and labor force to consumer prices and GDP, giving us a clear picture of Belize’s progress. The SIB, an independent organization, has been actively involved in the Enabling of Belize’s Statistical Systems Project. This initiative also includes the United Nations Development Programme and the Korea International Cooperation Agency.
Diana Castillo-Trejo
Diana Castillo-Trejo, Director General, S.I.B.
“Secured with the full endorsement of the Government of Belize, this project was carefully designed to address some of the urgent capacity gaps within the SIB and our wider national statistical system. Over the course of its two-and-a-half-year life, it will provide for the upgrading of equipment and IT systems, the upskilling of SIB staff through numerous scholarships and short training programs, capacity development for our other data producers within the national statistical system.”
Earlier today in Belmopan, Michael Lund, the Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, was on hand to present two vehicles and IT equipment to the SIB. Lund mentioned that this donation will significantly boost the institute’s ability to collect data across the country.
Michael Lund
Michael Lund, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP
“It’s a significant day where we donate about two hundred and ninety thousand Belize dollars’ worth of equipment which includes a lot of IT equipment and these two beautiful vehicles. I was told by Ms. Diana that this increases the fleet of SIB by infinity because it goes from zero to two and the goal is to have six vehicles in the fleet so all the districts can be covered and it’s an enormously important investment so data can be collected in all the districts in a timely manner. And this, of course, is part of the larger project of enabling the statistical system in Belize.”
KOICA is a key organization set up by the South Korean government to make its grant aid programs for developing countries more effective. They focus on sustainable development, reducing poverty, and building strong partnerships with developing nations.
Sohui Cho
Sohui Cho, Director, KOICA
“This is one of the many activities under the supervision of the UNDP team that improves the SIB’s resource capabilities and contributes to the overall project goals supporting SIB and other institutions from the Government of Belize to provide relevant, accurate and timely data in support of evidence-based development planning and effective monitoring of national problems. With these new tools, the Statistical Institute of Belize will also be empowered to accomplish this very important role as the coordinator of the country’s national statistical system as the equipment will enable efficient and fast communication and mobility of officials throughout the territory.”
Diana Castillo-Trejo points out that this initiative comes at a time when securing funds for data collection has become tougher than ever worldwide.
Diana Castillo-Trejo
“Valued at US$2.7M, this project represents the single largest grant to date for the development of our country’s NSS. At a time when funding for data is becoming more and more constrained globally, it stands out as an acknowledgement of the critical role that robust data systems play in supporting evidence-based policy making. The SIB believes firmly that such decisions based on sound information always has the greatest likelihood of achieving positive results for our people.”
On Monday night, the Belize Tourism Industry Association Toledo Chapter announced the cancellation of the 2025 Chocolate Festival. According to a BTIA release, Mayor Carlos Galvez and the Punta Gorda Town Council have undermined the event, despite efforts to engage in dialogue. News Five has learned that the association is upset about a Christopher Martin concert being promoted by the council, using the name Chocolate Fest, for the same weekend. BTIA Toledo fears that the event will divert attention and revenue from the actual Chocolate Festival. Today, we spoke with Mayor Galvez to address BTIA’s concerns and asked about his connection with CG Promotions, one of the companies behind the Christopher Martin concert.
On the Phone: Carlos Galvez, Mayor, Punta Gorda
“Let me say this, it is sad. It is unfortunate. I believe very respectfully that it was done immaturely. There must be some room for dialogue. There is in no way Punta Gorda Town Council or the office of the mayor, my colleague, the councilors would ever want to undermine, sabotage, such an event that brings a lot of attraction, revenue in every aspect of tourism to promote the Toledo District. What happened is that we found out that there is a block or a spot that is left empty in terms of the weekend events for the Chocolate Festival. In that I say that the wine and chocolate is on Friday night. During that period we expect everyday to attend. The concert that the town council plan, the Christopher Martin concert that is the following day, on Saturday. In no way we believe that would undermined the wine and chocolate. It complements the wine and chocolate and the wine and chocolate also compliments the Christopher Martin show.”
Paul Lopez
“I see that on the flier it speaks to a CG Promotions. Are you behind the CG promotions? The inference I draw is that it is a Carlos Galvez Promotions. Are you behind that?”
On the Phone: Carlos Galvez
“That promotion exists from long years, from 2003 that promotion exist. But this is nothing personal. This is for the public.”
Paul Lopez
“The criticism is also that you personally, you are winning, because the CG Promotions, the Carlos Galvez Promotions is pushing this concert organized by the council you lead.”
On the Phone: Carlos Galvez
“I find that to be, in now way shape and form there is a winning for Carlos Galvez, I will rule that our point blank.”
On Friday morning, a Central Transit commuter bus overturned on the Philip Goldson Highway near mile six and a half. Around thirty passengers were injured and rushed to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for emergency care. Over the weekend, three of the company’s buses were destroyed by fire in what appears to be an arson attack. The buses were parked in the company’s lot when they went up in flames.
“On Sunday, March ninth, police responded to a report of three buses on fire in Lord’s Bank Village. Upon their arrival, they spoke with Pedro Guzman, a watchman, who was taking care of the buses. He reported that he heard some noises inside one of the buses and, thereafter, he saw fire. The three buses were burnt. The fire department responded and extinguished the flames. An investigation is being carried out at this time to determine the cause of the fire and we are awaiting the report from the fire department.”
Reporter
“Was anybody injured?”
Hilberto Romero
“No one was injured.”
Reporter
“The circumstances, as I understand it, the watchman mi di sleep and then ih hear one ah di engine strike up and next thing, there was a fire. Are you all looking at arson, especially since a Central Transit bus almost went into the river on Friday morning?”
Hilberto Romero
“We are conducting an investigation, but at this time we await the report from the fire department. So far we have no evidence suggesting that it is arson. That is what the caretaker reported, hearing a noise and he did not see anyone in the area.”
On Sunday, residents of Placencia Village acted when some property owners ignored a D.O.E. order to remove some breakwater along the beach. The Department of Environment had given them until March seventh to take it down. Three days after the deadline, over a dozen residents showed up and dismantled the wall themselves. News Five’s Paul Lopez has more on this issue affecting coastal and island communities in Belize.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
On Sunday morning, residents gathered at a beachfront property to dismantle a breakwater that posed an environmental threat. The Department of Environment had sent a letter on February twenty-seventh to the property owners, stating that no proper assessments or studies had been done to prove the breakwater’s effectiveness. The letter also noted that the owners had not consulted with relevant authorities, including the DOE, before erecting it. The DOE ordered the owners to remove the structure by March seventh. When they didn’t comply, the residents acted themselves.
Warren Garbutt
Warren Garbutt, Chairman, Placencia Village
“The issue we are having is that people are not respecting these letters given by these different entities. So, villagers were aware of our attempts through public meetings, and we expressed people have these concerns, ask us. We do what we can. People just got tired and enforcement is extremely lacking. We wait forever for action to be taken. Residents just went out, had enough yesterday and went out.”
Tensions flared briefly between residents and the police when a few men tried to move a massive boulder. Amateur video captured a police officer pushing a resident causing him to fall. His fellow villagers rushed to his aid.
Warren Garbutt
“It is evident, as soon as these structures go up we see the effects of them. The erosion is rapid and especially to the south and changes to the beach in the north as well. It does not obstruct people passing as much, but the issue is the rapid erosion cause by the structures. That is why whenever we see them going up I personally go out to these owners and ask them to go through the proper procedure of applying to the physical planning unit, because it is on public beach.”
Belize’s beachfront properties, with their paradise-like appeal, attract investors from all over. However, these developments often cause conflicts between residents and property owners. Placencia isn’t alone in this struggle. In January, we reported a similar incident in Caye Caulker, where the village council dismantled a fence built in the beach reserve. At the time, Chairlady, Seleny Villanueva-Pott, shared her thoughts on the matter.
Seleny Villanueva- Pott
Seleny Villanueva- Pott, Chairlady, Caye Caulker Village
“Many people do not adhere to the process, and they just go in and do their stuff. We really need to put a stop to that. If we just sit down and watch, we will be taken over. And the island has been pressuring us on numerous occasions to claim what is rightfully for the people of Caye Caulker.”
Belize Rural South Area Representative, Andre Perez, mentioned that Ambergris Caye is also facing controversial developments that could harm the environment.
Andre Perez
Andre Perez, Former Area Rep, Belize Rural South
“It is not only Caye Caulker, it is Ambergris Caye and even down in Placencia we are having these issues as well where we have the private investors coming in and believing these areas are just designed for their guest. We cannot. We can make that clear out there that the beach or sea front is public access anywhere.”
In Placencia, Chairman Garbutt explained that although residents still had access, environmental concerns prompted action. He emphasized that the village welcomes investors but urges them to consult with the relevant authorities during construction.
Warren Garbutt
“The action yesterday was geared towards one specific property, but it is a huge mess, the entire peninsula and it is not only Placencia being impacted, it is the entire peninsula.”
