Economy - Greater Belize Media

Miss Universe Belize: Halima Hoy Returns Home

It’s been a month since Belize’s very own Halima Hoy left to compete in the Miss Universe 2024 Pageant. After shining on one of the world’s biggest stages, Hoy has returned home. Today, News Five’s Britney Gordon caught up with her at the airport to find out how she’s feeling now that the pageant is over.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Today, the Philip Goldson International Airport buzzed with excitement as the rhythmic beats of the Wabagari Dance Group welcomed Miss Universe Belize 2024 back home. After a whirlwind month in Mexico, Halima Hoy is thrilled to be back. She shared her feelings about the days leading up to the big night.

Halima Hoy, Miss Universe Belize 2024

“It was like emotions building up. We had a lot of emotions and I felt sad at some point, not sad, but just more like doubting myself a little bit. And then at some point, I felt excited, just normal emotions that you go through when you’re about to experience a huge life event. But when I got on the stage, I can tell you that all of that went away. The pride of my country took over and I felt pretty comfortable on that stage. So I’m proud of that.”

Meeting new people was the highlight of Hoy’s Miss Universe experience. While most Belizeans praised her performance, there were some criticisms after the pageant. On Thursday, the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) released an open letter, expressing concerns that Hoy’s presentation of the Deer Dance didn’t honor the ritual’s sanctity. Hoy shared her initial thoughts on the letter.

Halima Hoy

“We released sketches of the costumes that were submitted to us since late April, early May, I believe, and they all had a wonderful description of what it represents, and the sketches have been circulating since then, and we also released photos of the costume a couple, a couple weeks prior to me leaving, maybe a couple days, sorry, prior to me leaving, so I am proud to have represented something that beautiful something that is rooted in the Belizean culture and I just feel like moving forward, we do need to maybe you know, look consult or something like that, but I I am very proud of the performance I have I got a lot of positive feedback from the costume, a lot of the young women were asking me what it meant and my eyes just lit up when I was sharing the store with them and I believe that a lot of people will know that part of our tradition in Belize.”

Much like the Miss Universe team, many Belizeans wondered why SATIIM waited so long to condemn the presentation. Executive Director, Maya Ch’oc explains that the timing of the statement is not as crucial as its message.

Maya Ch’oc, Executive Director, SATIIM

“It’s to bring some attention and some education. I think it was to create a learning opportunity for everyone and it’s certainly not to blame anybody or to cause an upset, but it’s really to create an opportunity to learn so that we can reconnect to share with the Belizean public and with everyone that there is something about this dare dance that is sacred to us as Maya people, and it’s important for us to respect these practices, these traditions, and these values and it’s important to why we want to showcase police to ensure that it’s done in a respectful manner and that we at least seek, I wouldn’t say permission, but to have a conversation with other people, this is an idea that I have. What are your thoughts on this?”

Despite the criticism, Hoy is thankful for the chance to showcase Belize’s rich culture and advocate for climate action. She sees this as a learning experience for the entire team.

Halima Hoy

“That is a, you know, a group effort from the entire organization, but we had no mal intentions when we did it. That we had all good intentions to represent our country and represent something that is deeply rooted in our history that we all share as Belizeans.”

SATIIM acknowledges that Hoy and her team meant no harm with the presentation but maintains that better protocols should be taken when choosing to showcase sacred parts of culture. Ch’oc also encourages all members of the Mayan community to reconnect with their culture.

Maya Ch’oc

“I see this as an opportunity for us, and I call on all of us Maya people, to reconnect with our culture, our tradition. You know, I perhaps, maybe if this had been an issue that happened ten years ago, my perspective would have shifted. You know, it would have been different but I think it I would say to them is that the question is, why is this dance so valuable to us? You know, how do we respect it? You know, there has been a lot of traditions that have been lost throughout the years because of external forces, because we’ve had this disconnect between ourselves on our culture.”

Halima plans to keep championing her platform and making Belize proud throughout the rest of her reign. She also has some words of wisdom for the next Miss Universe.

Halima Hoy

“It’s not only about the glitz and the glams that you see on social media, There’s a lot of hard work that goes behind the scene. You have to be resilient, you have to be strong and confident in the woman that you are. It gets tough at times, you’re gonna doubt yourself at times, but it’s all about the comeback. How having a strong source of like, where your hope comes from. Like for me, I’m a firm believer in Jesus Christ and I feel like praying and staying grounded was really important, but the next Miss Universe Belize just has to be a woman who is sure of herself, who has great character and who’s not afraid to shine that light even in a room with a hundred and twenty-five women.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Lobster Experts Say Lobster Stocks Near Coast Are Depleted First

Earlier this week, marine experts raised alarm about Belize’s lobster stocks being overfished, warning that without urgent action, this valuable resource could soon be depleted. A former fisheries officer, however, had a different take, suggesting that climate effects and boat interference might be to blame for the lobster scarcity in some areas. He also pointed out that there isn’t enough research yet to definitively say overfishing is the cause. But the fishermen we spoke with, along with lobster expert Doctor Daniel Pauly, disagreed. Here’s Part Three of the Lobster Stocks story by Marion Ali.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Dr. Pauly debunks this theory and says there are indeed studies that have shown how and why lobsters disappear from certain areas, and it’s as simple as over-exploitation. That factor, Pauly says, has driven lobster stocks to the point of depletion in those areas.

Dr. Daniel Pauly

“When a fishery begins, it is always the ones that are closer to the coast, closer to the cities, closer to the ports that are depleted first, that are fished first. Why? Because you have a low cost of transport with a boat and fuel costs and so on. So, it’s always like that, that in fisheries as the fishery develops, the fishers must go further off because the ones that were near are depleted, are gone. So, this is not because the animals move; this is because humans have removed the animals that were close, so you have to go further off. And anybody who tells you that the fish have moved, or the lobster have moved, this is the reason why they are not there anymore – anybody who says that doesn’t know anything about fisheries, because this is the strongest pattern that happens in fisheries.”

The Sea Around Us Initiative conducted its own independent research to bolster this position, and the results of the study were published in March of this year. In agreement with the data coming out of these research exercises (slides attached in Dr Pauly’s folder) are the findings of lobster expert, Dr Mark Butler. He shared information about how lobsters breed.

Mark Butler, Lobster Expert

“Quite literally, the female produces an odor, a scent, that’s released into the water column. And that is what the males are then attracted to the females and come to find the females. But the mating process requires female acceptance.

They tend to mate sort of size-assorted. What that means is the smaller lobsters tend to mate with smaller lobsters. The bigger lobsters tend to mate with bigger lobsters. And one of the reasons for this, and a lot of our research has shown, is that, for example, if a small lobster mates with her, he cannot fertilize all her eggs because bigger lobsters produce more sperm to fertilize than do small lobsters. So big females have to have a big male to mate with.”

After the male transfers the sperm in a black packet on the underside of the female, she releases her eggs and scratches the tar spot open, which releases the sperm from the packet. She fertilizes her eggs, and they attach to her tail for approximately three weeks while they develop. During that time, the female lobsters take care of the eggs, grooms them and oxygenates them and releases them, usually further offshore, since larvae can’t survive in inshore waters. The eggs travel in the sea ocean for about 7 months and go through 24 stages. Depending on ocean currents, the last larvae stage called the perilous post larvae can literally smell the inshore and come in at night on a flood tide around the new moon. They seek inshore habitats in shallow waters that have algae, mangroves and rocks. This is why Butler says it is important for the Fisheries Department to protect these areas, to give the baby lobsters a chance to mature and reproduce. The maturation stage takes 18 to 24 months before they can reproduce. Lobsters reproduce every year and can live up to about 15 years, once they are not caught.

Back out on the patrol, the team searched the two fishing camps, but nothing illegal materialized. They pressed on, looking for more boats returning with their catch for the day. There was none that afternoon. The Ministry of the Blue Economy and the Belize Fisheries Department provided us with data that shows the most recent statistics on lobster tail production. Their slides show that the production of lobster tails increased over the past 22 years and claim that in 2001, Belize produced 440,000 pounds of tails for export, while in 2023, the figure increased to 636,877 pounds. This converts to US $11.7 million in export revenues, though the government did not explain the methodology upon which their results are based.

On the afternoon we accompanied the team, and it did not find any undersized lobster during their raids and searches. Belize’s revised fisheries law stipulates that for every undersized lobster tail found, there is a fine of a minimum of $50 per tail, along with a minimum of $1,000 for fishing for undersized commercial species. Marion Ali for News Five.

Belize Federation of Fishers Advisor Concerned Over Lobster Population

The Art of handcrafting Fine Jewelry

In the dazzling world of fine jewelry, it’s easy to get lost in the sparkle of beautiful displays. But the real magic happens behind the scenes, where dedication and passion fuel the craftsmanship. For the Martinez family, owners of Nancy’s Jewelry, what started as a modest dream to serve their community has grown into something truly special. Tonight, we delve into the art of handcrafting exquisite jewelry and discover why this family business is a shining example of trust and lasting relationships with their customers. It’s a reminder that the true value of their pieces goes far beyond the glitter. Here’s their story.

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

For the past twenty years, Nancy’s Jewelry has been a beloved name, known for its stunning silver and gold pieces. Their displays are filled with beautiful designs that draw in customers looking for the perfect addition to their collection. But, like many of us, customers often overlook the dedication and craftsmanship behind each piece. It all began thirty-five years ago, in 1979, when Jose Martinez first discovered the world of jewelry. After arriving in Belize, he started out as a watch repairman. However, his curiosity soon led him to the intricate art of jewelry making, igniting a passion that would shape his future and the future of Nancy’s Jewelry.

Jose Martinez Sr., Co-owner, Nancy’s Jewelry
“The places that used to be in operation in those days, they used to buy and sell; not really manufacture. I saw a big opportunity in that situation there. So I decided to start learning more and open my own jewelry store.”

Sabreena Daly

“Tell me about the uniqueness of your job, Mr. Martinez. I think what a lot of people tend to think of when they purchase jewelry is that it’s just there. Not a lot of us think of where it comes from.”

Jose Martinez Sr

“Yes. And in my case, I put a lot of effort into whichever piece of jewelry the customer asked me to make for them.”

Nancy’s Jewelry is named after Jose Martinez’s muse and inspiration—his beloved wife, Nancy. Over the years, their sons—Jose, Miguel, and Francis—have not only joined the family business but have also become skilled artisans. They’ve grown into the trade, playing a crucial role in keeping their father’s legacy alive and thriving.

Jose Martinez Jr., Son
“I actually started the jewelry industry when I was 15. I was still in high school at that time. But what really drew me to the industry was the appearance, the appeal of gold, um, prior to silver. For What I mean by appeal is gold is a metal that has malleability, workability, durability. It’s, uh, it doesn’t corrode and it’s just such a beautiful color that when compared to any product in the market, you know, it’s second to none. You know, um, the other thing that really brought me into the industry was looking at the time, the effort that my dad put into this and the pride that he really had whenever he made that piece for the, for the customer.”

Jewelry is more than adornment—it also symbolizes luxury, love, and style. But in Belize, certain jewelry reflects our rich culture and identity. Iconic pieces like our petaled earrings, Mayan hoops, and braided bangles are treasured symbols of our rich heritage. And what sets them apart is the artistry: each piece, handcrafted with skill and passion, preserves a tradition unique to Belize.

Jose Martinez
“Here in Belize, jewelry is something cultural. A lot of us may overlook it because the younger generation is into modern jewelry; the stones and you know that big flash. But if you take a look at our traditional Belizean bangles, whether it be gold or silver, you can identify that someone is Belizean just by a pair of bangles, no matter where you see them.”

Nancy’s Jewelry also blends modern manufacturing techniques with traditional craftsmanship. According to Martinez’s son, these innovations enhance efficiency, streamline production, and reduce time while ensuring that the quality and artistry of each piece remain uncompromised. By blending old-world craftsmanship with modern techniques, the business can keep up with growing demand while still maintaining the unique charm and meticulous attention to detail that make their work so special.

Jose Martinez, Son
“My dad whenever he started in the industry, he started manufacturing strictly by hand. And by hand I mean You start Assemble and finish a product using handmade tools, right? Like your pliers, your hammers, those are the tools you use whenever you’re referring to handmade pieces. Now, from then, which was in the 1980s, when he started in this trade, up until today, the industry has evolved, and we have had to evolve with it in order to keep up with trends. When he started in the industry, as mentioned, he did hand manufactured jewelry. But throughout this time, we’ve also embraced other methods such as the loss wax casting, which is a very popular method for most of the pieces that you see around. We’ve also embraced the dye striking method. And lately we’ve also come on board with the CAD manufacturing process, which is computer aided design manufacturing. So using either these methods individually or combined, um, We actually mass produce or create that unique piece for the customer.”

Every sparkling piece in this jewelry store has a deeper story to tell. While the showroom dazzles with glamor, the real magic happens behind the scenes in the workshop, where skilled craftsmanship brings each piece to life. The Martinez family began with a humble goal of serving their community as jewelers, and they’ve far exceeded that dream with stores nationwide. They owe their success to the trust and strong relationships they’ve built with their customers over the years.

Jose Martinez Sr.
“Well, it represents hard work and effort. From those days until now. A lot of things happened and it took a lot of sacrifices to be at this point that we are at the moment. but we cannot regret anything, we are blessed with everything that we have and hopefully my children will continue for generations to come.”

Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.

Senate Passes Amendment to Marriage Act, Making Marriage Legal at 18

In a historic session today, the Senate, joined by youth parliamentarians, passed a Bill to amend the Marriage Act, Chapter 174 of Belize’s laws. This amendment raises the legal marriage age to eighteen and eliminates the provision allowing parents or guardians to consent to the marriage of minors. This significant change was driven by a group of passionate teens who brought the issue to the House of Representatives, highlighting its importance on the national stage. The Bill received unanimous support from the Senate, including endorsements from the Leader of Government Business, Eamon Courtenay, and the Lead Opposition Senator, Mike Peyrefitte.

Eamon Courtenay, Senator, P.U.P.

“Madam President without any contradiction or condition, it is the position of the members of the senate and indeed the Government of Belize that this Bill is important. It is transformative, it is in the Belizean people’s interest, and we seek the support of the entire Senate for this modernizing piece of social legislation. Madam President, we are debating a matter of constitutional importance. This is a human rights issue. I put it as high as that because for too long, we have allowed in our country infants to be married and infants to be married with the consent of their parents.”

Mike Peyrefitte, Senator, U.D.P.

“There have been instances when children are pressured to, in some cases some would say practically sold off to grown men who want to marry little girls, especially because that’s the target of that criminal activities that have been taking place in terms of this consent. Madam President, what I know for sure, in the criminal courts in particular, you would have these men who would commit the crime of unlawful carnal knowledge, who would be engaged in sexual acts that young girls under sixteen, to protect from prosecution, they would go and bribe the parents or bribe the people to have these children marry them so that they can’t under the law, as their wide, testify against them in a court of law, which gets them Scott free from that very egregious crime. It is a very good piece of legislation, Madam President, I think that marriage is such as serious act and a serious responsibility that you can only be engaged in that act on your own free will.”

Business Senator Raises Concern over NHI Amendment

The Senate also addressed the Social Security Amendment Bill, which permits the retroactive appointment of a general manager for the National Health Insurance Scheme and a Chair for the N.H.I. Committee. Business Senator Kevin Herrera voiced concerns about the amendment, highlighting that it shifts more power to the government instead of balancing it with other sectors in the decision-making process.

Kevin Herrera, Senator, Business Sector

“I come to realize within Government that we need a lot of oversight and a lot more oversight than we currently have and I just see what we have here as increasing the power of government and perhaps things that might balance that power we’re almost taking it out or nullifying it to a certain extent. We see here, Madam President, in the same Clause Seventy A-2 that Senator Peyrefitte referred to, says that “the General Manager shall be subject to this Act and any directions by the Minister.” Even though she should be reporting to a board and I would imagine that’s what a board is there for – to oversee the functions of the general manager. Still you have this clause in there where it states that “subject to the directions by the Minister.” It can give the Minister tremendous power over the scheme and this is compounded even so, Madam President, because the government also appoints the Chair of the Board.”

St. Matthew’s Government School Welcomes New Building

Today, the residents of Saint Matthew’s Village joyfully celebrated the opening of a brand-new school building, replacing the one that was destroyed by fire over a year ago. This project was a collaborative effort, with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing and the business community pitching in to complete the construction. Earlier today, the school principal, the village chairlady, and Area Representative Julius Espat were all on hand for the inauguration ceremony. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the story.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

It’s been more than a year and a half since a devastating overnight fire in St. Matthew’s Village wiped out a section of the government primary school. The blaze, likely caused by an electrical short, left over one hundred and ninety students without a school. In the aftermath, Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat, who also serves as the Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing, promised to rebuild. Today, that promise was fulfilled with the inauguration of the brand-new school building.

Shakera Berry, Principal, St. Matthew’s Government School

“Today, we gather on this momentous occasion to celebrate not just a new building but a renewed sense of strength, resilience and hope. This very location, once marked by loss and heartbreak, now stands transformed into a symbol of triumph and new beginnings. The fire that destroyed our previous building was a painful chapter in our history. It took away a place that held countless memories, laughter and learning. But from that disaster, we have risen stronger. This new building does more than replace what was lost, it allows us to forget the weight of our loss and embrace the magnitude of what we have gained.”

Espat attended the opening of the new building, reflecting on the devastating fire that destroyed the original structure. He shared his relentless efforts to lobby the government for the necessary support to rebuild, ensuring the community could rise from the ashes.

Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development & Housing

“When the fire happened, it was a very sad situation. We felt it. That had the possibility of destroying this community. That had the possibility of destroying the future of our children and we did not have a choice. We rolled up our sleeves and we made a decision, we’ll get it done. We spoke to the chief, we spoke to the CEO, I did my part, I went and I lobbied and I lobbied, and I lobbied and I lobbied hard. In all honesty, the Government of Belize did not give us too much negative feedback because they also saw that it was important and they left it in our hands to do it properly, and properly it was done.”

Esperanza Arriaza, the chairwoman of St. Matthew’s Village, echoed the heartfelt sentiments of her area representative. She spoke passionately about how much the school means to their community, highlighting its vital role in bringing everyone together.

Esperanza Arriaza, Chairlady, St. Matthew’s Village

“Today marks the turning of a new page in the history of St. Matthew’s Government School, a day of triumph born out of resilience. On March twentieth, 2023, our community faced a devastating loss when the school building was reduced to ashes. For our students and teachers, it was not just a loss of a physical structure, but of their second home filled with cherished memories. However, out of this tragedy came hope. This remarkable, new structure is a testament of a collaboration and vision. The building can now accommodate eight spacious classrooms, each thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable and conducive learning environment. It is a space where our students can thrive academically and personally. This through success would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of some truly remarkable leaders.”

Espat mentioned that to finish the project, they had to reach out to the business community for help in furnishing the school grounds.

Julius Espat

“That is what people don’t realize when a project is done, it is not just the facade that you are seeing, it is all the human effort, the technical effort and what is behind the scenes that at times is not given the recognition but it is the backbone and the essence of projects we work tirelessly.”

Isani Cayetano for News Five.

Fishermen Agree that Overfishing is Occurring in Belize

On Wednesday night, News Five’s Marion Ali kicked off an environmental series on the state of Belize’s lobster stocks. Research from independent NGOs like the Sea Around Us and the Belize Federation of Fishers warns that overfishing has pushed our lobster populations to dangerously low levels, and without strict measures, they could be wiped out. These findings have been presented to the Government. We also hear from two experienced fishermen who confirm that overfishing is indeed a problem. Tonight, we’ll hear from the experts representing these organizations. Here’s News Five’s Marion Ali with more.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Authorities are relying on a shift in its management policy that now require the legal-size of lobster tails fished to weigh more than four ounces, along with ramped-up patrols as part of the Blue Bond arrangement (a debt for nature swap) that Belize and The Nature Conservancy signed to in 2021 to give the lobster stocks time to multiply. As a result of the agreement with The Nature Conservancy, Belize must declare and protect at least 30% of our sea spaces. It’s an exercise that Dr Butler says is necessary to protect the stocks that are there now.

Dr. Mark Butler

“If it’s done right, they can support really healthy fisheries, you know, and it’s, and it’s, and we, as scientists, it’s one of the things we certainly want to do. We, we’re not trying to protect lobsters. We want to protect the long-term sustainability of the fisheries for the fishermen. We recognize that. But, you know, we humans, if we are not watched and regulated and so on and so forth, we tend to overuse our resources. And that’s why fishermen are just like the rest of us. And if there aren’t regulations, you know, then there could be problems with the fishery. So that’s why we need fishery regulations, not that we’re not trying to keep fishermen from catching fishes or lobsters in this case, we’re simply trying to manage it for the long term.”

Benedicto Perez has been a fisherman for 21 years. He told News Five that there are young fishermen who fish undersized marine products.

Benedicto Perez, Fisherman

“Sometimes it does happen that the newcomers, the new fishermen coming into the industry, don’t have much experience about where to find them and how to find lobster. So they will come and they will just target the easiest thing out there, whatever it is fish, Illegal stuff, whatever – they’ll just go and target the easiest thing because they want to make money.”

Supporting Perez’ observation is Humberto Avilez, who has been fishing for 38 years. He agrees that there is overfishing of lobsters, and he attributes that to what he thinks is an overabundance of fishing licenses and not enough patrols.

Humberto Avilez, Fisherman

“Right now there’s too many fishermen, not like when I used to fish. It was a little bit of fishermen. The boats now are carrying 15 men in one boat. Some are carrying 10 men in one boat. The sea is getting more populated, too many men, overfishing. They got one boat patrol in the morning. By the time he goh to five miles and come back, man, already … then it takes a whole day to come back. They need more patrols. That’s the only way they stop illegal fishing.”

Boat license. two, three, four, five, six; two more persons. Hampton Gamboa told News Five that asking fishermen to produce their fishing licenses has become standard procedure for every patrol, as well as is documenting what they find, including the names of the vessels moored at the locations where they are found. If anything is found to be awry, arrests follow, he assured.

Hampton Gamboa

“The highest registered commercial fishers for any one given year was 3,800 fishers, and that was a couple years ago – about 2021 or 22. This year so far, we are a little bit more than halfway through the year and we still haven’t had 3,000 fishermen come in as yet. So last year’s number dropped significantly.”

Benedicto Perez said that he has discovered that areas where lobster once populated are bare now and has also seen areas that never had them are populated now.

Benedicto Perez

“This year I have seen more abundant lobster in this particular area because the lobster – you need to understand and I have a lot of knowledge about lobster. My first two trips of this season I did it down south. Lobster was scarcely bad. Some people are saying that it’s because of illegal fishing – people from the neighboring countries coming close because it was all the way down south, so people are saying that. Maybe it could be or maybe it’s just the way lobsters migrate. Okay for me in that case it depends on the weather, tropical storms, cold fronts and things like that.”

Dwight Neal says he believes that there have not been sufficient independent studies done to definitively pinpoint the reasons why the lobsters now populate different areas, but he offered his opinion.

Dwight Neal, Marine Biologist

“There are several variables, climate change being one of them, changes in user patterns or usage patterns because if you notice, years ago, there were not as many boats around. There was not as much traffic, particularly between Belize City and San Pedro, that entire corridor that goes just west of St. George’s Caye and goes through Port of Stock and goes to Caye Caulker. When I started with the Fisheries Department many years ago, there were very few boats that were trafficking that area. Now there are boats almost every hour, almost every half an hour. So that in itself is a disturbance to the habitat. It’s incumbent on the scientists and the managers to investigate what’s happening there.”

This story was produced with support from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network.

Smoked Ham Leg Spikes to $320

Earlier today, Running W Brand took to Facebook to address a photo making the rounds on social media featuring one of their products. They confirmed that while the item is indeed theirs, it had exceeded its shelf life. They also clarified that the price and mark-up shown in the photo don’t reflect their retail pricing. The image quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion about prices and product quality in Belize. One user humorously commented, “With the price of ham these days, I might stick with Hudut all through Christmas”. The ham in question was priced at almost eighteen dollars per pound, totaling a whopping three hundred and twenty dollars for the Smoked Ham Leg. Brodies, the store selling the ham, also responded on Facebook. They stated that the product had not exceeded its shelf life and that the pricing was accurate at the time of stocking. It said, “we are aware of a social media post claiming that a product sold at our stores exceeded its shelf life and displayed incorrect pricing. We would like to clarify that the product in question did not exceed its shelf life. The pricing on the tags accurately reflected the price at the time of ordering and stocking”. Running W Brands Meats added, “We encourage all our valued customers to always check the “Best By” date on our products to ensure freshness and quality”.

TS Sara Related Flooding Affecting Rural Belize Days Later

Tonight, hundreds of residents in Belize River Valley are grappling with floodwaters that have surged in from western Belize. In Rancho Dolores, a community of two hundred and fifty villagers, everyone is hunkering down. The bridge leading into the village and a large stretch of the road are submerged. The river has been swollen for days, but it started rising rapidly overnight. Today, the Coast Guard had to step in to help residents receive basic necessities. During our visit, we saw floodwater creeping dangerously close to several homes, with a few already underwater. How long will the villagers be stuck? It’s anyone’s guess. News Five’s Paul Lopez visited the community today and filed this report.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Most days, you can easily drive to Rancho Dolores Village. But today, the road and the bridge leading to this rural community are completely submerged under water.

Rudolph Reyes, Resident, Rancho Dolores

“I live dah Rancho and ih come like this four, five different times. But, for the past ten years before ih come like this again.”

Paul Lopez

“What we are on right now is the road.”

Rudolph Reyes

“Yes, this is the road. It is right here this morning that the Coast Guard truck stuck. Well ih nuh stuck, ih shet down and they had to get something to haul it. But, if deh haul it back way it stuck. So, they get a tractor and ih the over that side right now.”

Coast Guard personnel were dispatched to help transport residents. Navigating from one side of the bridge to the village is no easy task. The boat captain carefully steers along the flooded road, getting as close to the bridge as possible before crossing the swollen river.

Howard Casasola, Petty Officer, B.C.G.

“The call came to us about sixteen hundred yesterday. We got our crew, got ready and we deployed from our base our three hundred hours this morning. It was a lot of water. It was not the way that we thought, because we were told that it was only small vehicles that cannot pass. But when we got here we realized we do need a vessel. So, we get a vessel to come to this location. We had a schedule that we are running from right now, that is four-thirty in the morning, five thirty and six thirty, then we take a break and come back at four o’clock, five fifteen and six forty.”

These residents gathered by the riverside, eagerly waiting for the Bowen and Bowen truck to deliver cases of soda and beer. When they got the call that the truck was on the other side of the bridge, they quickly deployed a canoe from the village. The entire exchange felt like a throwback to the old days, before there was a bridge in the area.

Jude Joseph, Resident, Rancho Dolores

“Actually this water start come down yesterday between couple hours and now ih the look fuh tek over the bridge and right now we just the wait fuh we lee soft drink and water. I wah tell yo, to be truthful, in 2020 we had the same amount of water for election 2020. And we wait atleast three months before we could walk cross the bridge. So, Christmas we the look pan right deh, that is our Christmas right there coming. No access cross unless you go and come in the boat.”

Christmas is weeks ahead. And it is the least of Martina Belisle’s concern today. Floodwaters have crept into her backyard, threatening to invade her home. The sight brought back memories of November 2020, when floodwaters rose several feet inside her house.

Martina Belisle, Resident, Rancho Dolores

“Every time it comes like this it’s the same headache I have, every time. But I cannot do better, because I have to move everting out of my house and I don’t know where I will lay my head right now. I the watch the water because ih mih deh right back deh, And yesterday is the most it has raised dah last night. I get up twelve oclock and check water and I get up again four o’clock and never gone back gone sleep. Same way I start to pack.”

Chairlady Elsita Gillett says classes were cancelled for the day in the community. The school is now being used as a shelter for residents. At least to one family has sought refuge here.

Elsita Gillett, Chairlady, Rancho Dolores

“Right now we have several homes that the water have not reached inside their home as yet, but the water is very close. We expect it to reach and continue to rise, we expect it to reach inside people’s home just like in 2020. We know every flood is different but we expect the same conditions if not worst. It is normally several feet down from the bridge. So for it to come this height we know it is a lot of water, and it is spreading.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Lemonal Residents Evacuate Homes Due to TS Sara Related Floods

Downriver from Rancho Dolores, in the quiet village of Lemonal, quite a few residents had to pack up and leave their homes due to rising waters. Most of them are spending the night in shelters, but a handful chose to stay put and brave the swelling river. News Five’s Paul Lopez made his way to the village to get an up-close look at the unfolding flood situation. Here’s his report.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

In Lemonal, floodwaters from Tropical Storm Sara have almost reached the levels seen back in November 2020. Many riverside residents are finding their roads completely underwater, making it impossible to reach their homes. Aerial views reveal several roads submerged. Because of this, a boat had to be sent up the river to ferry villagers to a shelter at the village entrance.

Margarie McFadzean, Resident, Lemonal

“Hmp, mih house almost under water. We get here from about nine thirty.”

Paul Lopez

“And what point did you begin to see the water rise?”

Margarie McFadzean

“Water started to rise, well ih mih the up already, but ih come up more, because yesterday we mih the mark regular and when I check the last mark nine oclock it was about and over. Then this morning ih gone triple. Ih done eena kitchen? Sih deh gone home nuh to long.”

Margarie McFadzean is talking to her husband, who is lying on the cold concrete steps of the shelter, deep in thought about having to leave his chickens and sheep behind. And then there is Harrison Duhaney who is also seeking shelter in the church. He explained that the road leading to his house is approximately six feet underwater.

Harrison Duhaney, Resident, Lemonal

“Weh happen If you have a lee skiff you could take a look, but I don’t know how long this water will stay here. A lot of people get affected on both sides. That side and this side and so we are transferring some people right now to get rescue by the church. From there we have people coming down. WE have the boat running up suh. My spot really bad. I cant get no access nothing. I cant do nothing home there, nothing, everything for me is under water.”

Paul Lopez

“How high is the water on the roadway, can you walk it?”

Harrison Duhaney

“That is about five, six feet I will say. No you cant walk it. Ih nuh suh easy. Yo could if you are use to it. All like me, I could walk it, because I use to it. It is coming up very fast. Like every hour it is at a certain level, like maybe six, seven inches every hour.”

There’s no use trying to reach any of the homes where the roads are flooded. The memories of November 2020 still haunt the residents, leaving them fearful of being trapped if they stay inside. Despite this, Albert Banner and his sister have chosen to remain in their home, even as the floodwaters creep up from the river, nearly reaching their porch. They’ve taken to using a canoe to navigate to and from their elevated wooden house.

Albert Banner, Resident, Lemonal

“Well this water come down like four days ago. But, it is the first time I witnessed it like that, because I lived in the states for a while. I’m staying here right now.”

Paul Lopez

“I gather that usually you could walk out.”

Albert Banner

“Nah, well yeah in the dry season you could walk out.”

Albert Banner

“Well I got to use my canoe to help my sister and thing.”

Paul Lopez

“How concerning is it that the water continues to rise?”

Albert Banner

“Well, I was asking her if it ever come this high before. She says yes, it comes here like five years before and higher. She told me it went into her house like a foot and a half.”

Paul Lopez

“What are your plans, what will you do for the rest of the day?”

Albert Banner

“Well we just monitor it you know, and if I got to move her away I will move her to a higher ground.”

During our visit, residents were informed that aid was on its way for those in the shelter.

Albert Banner

“It is the risk of living on the riverside.”

Margarie McFadzean

“Yes, but it is sweet on the riverside, sweet on the riverside.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.