A group of Belize City artists is using music to spark motivation and reflection. Their new song, “Changes,” dives into the challenges and growth that come with embracing life’s transitions. The track features local talents Unlmtd (Unlimited), J Monie, and Vince the Prince, with production led by Kenneth “Big Tom” Flowers of Rod Mack Records. The artists stopped by our office today to share the inspiration behind the project, describing it as a message of hope and resilience for anyone navigating change.
Kenneth “Big Tom” Flowers
Kenneth “Big Tom” Flowers, Owner, Rod Mack Records
“My involvement in this is to make sure the youth they keep a positive mind and start forward positivity to the other youths so that we can make a difference in our country and make changes. The song named changes. We are trying to show the youth you need to work together, because if you have a talent you have to work behind it, cause usually people have the time but they don’t want to work.”
Unlmtd
Unlmtd, Artist
“Overall everything dah bout changes. J Monie came in with a different perspective. I came in with a different perspective. We dah kings eena the earth. A lot of us want the change but we don’t want to work on it. A lot of us have entitled behavior. A lot of us want things to drop in our lap that we don’t work for. So, we need to put in the work. A lot of us see the muscle but we don’t know how to use it.”
Vince the Prince
Vince the Prince, Artist
“The message we the try send across dah fuh build hope and motivation, inspire the youths. A lot of youths have a dream but discouraged because of the lack of support and help from the communities people in places that could give that help, so we have to do it by we self.”
The stage was set, the lights were bright, and creativity was flowing today at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts, where hundreds of primary school students gathered for this year’s National Festival of Arts. But this year’s celebration comes with something extra special; after more than two decades, the literary arts are back in the spotlight! From poetry to short stories, young writers are finally getting their moments to shine. And that’s not all, an inspiring visual arts exhibit is also turning heads. Tonight, we take you inside the festival that’s bringing Belize’s youngest talents to center stage. Kim Vasquez, Director of the Institute of Creative Arts, shares her excitement over showcasing these talented young artists.
Kim Vasquez
Kim Vasquez, Director, Institute of Creative Arts
“Simultaneous Festival of Arts happening across the country. And we also have some exciting news. We have the literary arts returning to the Festival of Arts after a very long break, almost two decades. I think the last time we had the literary arts a creative writing publication was back in the late 1990s. And so that had gone dormant for a while in the Festival of Arts and we were determined to get it, that this was going to be the year we got back creative writing in the National Festival of Arts. And this morning we presented a publication with the participation of forty-four students from both primary and secondary, short stories and poetry. But for us it’s also making sure that the Festival of Arts is as inclusive as possible. And this is why it was so important for us to have the literary arts. We heard one of the young writers earlier today said that this means a lot to them because they feel included finally. And we are also seeing as, as well more participation with the visual art we have today as well. The launch of the Festival of Arts National Visual Art Exhibit upstairs in the gallery. And we have, again, that’s from preschool. Participating up to secondary, we have over eighty pieces of art on display. And the wonderful thing about the Festival of Arts Art exhibit is that it is viewed mainly by their peers because all next week we have the Golden Showcase of the Festiva of Arts, which is the highlight, and whenever they’re done performing and they’re done inside the theater, third, they go up and they look at the art and they can give that support to their peers as well.”
On Wednesday, the Belisle Art Gallery opens its doors to the Visual Arts Exhibit which features an inspiring collection of paintings, sketches, woodwork, and handicrafts created by Secondary school students.
This morning, sparks flew on live television as Moses “Shyne” Barrow and Wave TV’s Fus Ting Da Mawnin host Alfonso Noble engaged in a heated confrontation. The now-viral clash erupted when Barrow appeared on the show to discuss Justice Towanda Hondora’s recent ruling on the party. Wave TV and Radio, a U.D.P. media outlet located at the party’s headquarters, often hosts Barrow as a guest. However, today’s encounter was anything but routine. Noble had some grievances to air, and Barrow didn’t hold back, leading to an explosive exchange that has everyone talking.
Alfonso Noble
Alfonso Noble, Host, Fus Ting Da Mawnin
“That is the problem we have, you cannot take no for an answer, you cannot willingly accept, I have lost my position, I have lost my grounding, the general membership of the party is not behind you.”
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Former Leader of the Opposition
“That is your opinion, because you are biased and team Tracy, make no doubt about it.”
Alfonso Noble
“You are holding the UDP hostage. When will we hold a national convention, when?”
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
“We will have a convention in October, but it is as Justice Hondora has said, it is for the party to decide who are members and who will be qualified to run in that convention.”
Alfonso Noble
“You cannot just come out of the blues and want to bully-reg a political party that has been here for years.”
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
“You believe that you can do what you want to do, but the rest of us cant do what they want to do. You are a criminal.”
Alfonso Noble
“No I am not a criminal, you are sir. I have never been incarcerated.”
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
“You should have been incarcerated for knocking that person down.”
Alfonso Noble
“That was tried at the court. The court dealt with that in the manner it was suppose to have been dealt with.”
Following a heated exchange on live television between Alfonso Noble and Moses “Shyne” Barrow, acting U.D.P. Chairman Alberto August has announced the suspension of the morning show. August stated that such public confrontations will not be tolerated. However, Tracy Taegar-Panton argues that August cannot make this decision without proper consultation. Both Panton and attorney Sheena Pitts have weighed in on the dramatic on-air clash, adding to the ongoing tensions within the party.
Tracy Taegar-Panton
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“I don’t want to be unkind to the former party leader, in fact I have a great deal of empathy for him, because what I saw on display this morning is indicative of why the delegates of this party and the standard bearers and caretakers felt compelled to convene a national convention on October twentieth. The Wave Radio and the Guardian Newspaper are the organs of the party that help us to do that work, in terms of keeping a functional democracy. It is not just Jules. All of us are a part of that process to hold an administration to account, to make sure we ventilate the national issues that are causing concern, and anxiety and strife to the Belizean people. The acting chair has issued a statement you say, that requires further discussion with other members of the leadership team before we can all be in agreement. What we do agree on is that the circus has come to an end. And this appetite for sensationalism that the media seems to gravitate to will not be entertained.”
Sheena Pitts
Sheena Pitts, Attorney-at-law
“For the first time I can agree with the media that their antics and shenanigans being carried on by the former leader that could be properly characterized by the former leader, because this morning, I am told he was properly in full form with the red nose and colorful hair.”
Movie fans are up in arms online after claiming that Ramada Princess Cinema showed a pirated version of the much-awaited film Sinners during its recent screening. Many attendees took to social media, posting photos and videos that seemed to show a watermark logo bouncing around the screen throughout the movie — a telltale sign of an unauthorized copy. To make matters worse, viewers reported that the video and audio quality were horrible, likening the experience to watching a low-grade “camrip.” In one Facebook post, a disappointed customer wrote: “I didn’t watch this home because I wanted the HD experience, and I completely regret that decision.” Another upset moviegoer described the experience as “beyond low,” stating: “Your services have disappointed me time and time again, but this will not be tolerated. How many Belizeans did you punk last night?” Many expressed frustration that they were charged full ticket price despite the quality issues, with one poster questioning: “Isn’t that illegal?” News Five tried to reach out to Ramada Princess Cinema via Facebook for a comment, but we haven’t heard back yet. We also tried calling the number listed on their Facebook page, but that didn’t work either.
In just an hour, the community will come together for a public meeting. The hot topic? The proposed development of Cayo Rosario, which plans to introduce overwater structures right within the cherished Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Last week, key environmental agencies gave the green light to the Cayo Rosario project, sparking objections from several tourism-related groups in San Pedro. The project was initially approved in 2018 after meeting various environmental requirements, and its Environmental Compliance Plan was updated in 2020. At their recent meeting, the Department of the Environment and other regulatory agencies assured that the project would be closely monitored to ensure compliance with environmental standards. However, concerned groups argue that the project is already violating environmental laws protecting the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where Cayo Rosario is located. News Five’s Marion Ali has more on this story.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Welcome to Cayo Rosario, a six-acre island located west of San Pedro Town, about six miles away, and just a couple of miles across the sea from the newly developed Secret Beach. This privately owned island is at the center of a controversial development proposal to build forty rooms over the sea, which involves driving piles into the seabed to support the structures and piers. This interference with the marine environment is what has islanders up in arms. Roberto Canul, chairman of the San Pedro Tour Operators Association, shares their concerns.
Roberto Canul
Roberto Canul, Chairman, San Pedro Tour Operators Association
“They are building right now a demo building. That means that they are going to show these demo buildings to future buyers. So that means that they’re here to cash in. They’re going to sell these buildings. There’s 40 of them that will go up for sale. And where are they positioned? Where are they being built over the waters. If you need to fill your land, fine, you need to fill your land. But how will you fill your land? Will you fill your land by destroying the ecosystem around it for your benefit? I believe that no. I believe that if you need to develop your land, you need to do it in a way that is not affecting the livelihood of other people, especially the local people in the community.”
Today, we took a boat trip around Cayo Rosario and saw some concerning developments. On the left side of the island, heavy duty equipment was in the sea, with about twenty piles driven into the seabed. Further left, there was a strip of sand bordered by cement blocks. On the right side, a concrete structure was under construction over the sea, about two hundred feet from the island, supported by piles and connected to a pier. This pier in the seabed is what has tour operators and fishermen from nearby San Pedro upset. The former Director of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Miguel Alamilla, is backing their concerns.
Miguel Alamilla
Miguel Alamilla, Former Director, Hol Chan Marine Reserve
“I think we need to scrutinize those environmental impact assessments in greater detail. You know, those researchers are maybe not questionable, but they’re not doing in-depth research that would actually give us proper information about those sites, not only onsite biological research, but social research, local knowledge, traditional knowledge that is here. It’s present and it’s valuable. We worked very hard from 2011 and onwards to extend the marine reserve to include all those areas. So it was a lot of hard work and when it was established in 2015, the reserve was extended. We thought, well, it was a big win for us for conservation, and we thought that, okay, everything was nice and beautiful, safe for conservation. But as you can see today, there are some gaps in the legislation, I believe that is allowing this to proceed.”
Minister of Blue Economy and Area Representative for Belize Rural South, Andre Perez, declined our interview request today. Instead, he pointed us to his appearance on Reef Radio and TV this morning. During the show, Perez emphasized that the Cayo Rosario project would require close monitoring and expressed his belief that the island should never have been sold in the first place.
Andre Perez
Andre Perez, Area Representative, Belize Rural South
“Yes, the issue of Cayo Rosario in the very beginning should have never occurred, but it did. And it changed hands, sold. So a lot of people made money before it got to us, from the previous government back then in the P.U.P. days, if you want to call it, that’s when it was sold for land compensation. And then the next government continued when it could have stopped it and said, listen, if you are going to sell this to another person, you must inform who whoever is buying, you must tell them about the requirements. The not only requirements, but the risk that entails buying an island in terms of being on a marine reserve.”
News Five spoke with a representative from the Cayo Rosario project who wished to remain anonymous. While they declined an interview, they mentioned that Cayo Rosario was purchased before that section was declared part of the marine reserve, which was expanded in 2015. Tonight, concerned tourism groups are holding a public meeting in San Pedro to discuss the project. Marion Ali for News Five.
Belizeans from all walks of life are gathered at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts to honor the memory of Aurelio Martinez, the beloved Paranda legend whose music transcended borders and touched countless hearts. It’s an evening filled with heartfelt tributes, soulful performances, and poignant reflections on Martinez’s enduring legacy. As the community comes together to celebrate his life and contributions, the atmosphere is one of both sorrow and gratitude, a testament to the profound impact he had on Belizean culture and beyond. Here are the sights and sounds from the Bliss.
Since the 1950s, the Festival of Arts has been a cherished national stage for creative expression. Students from preschool, primary, and secondary schools get to shine, showcasing their talents in drama, dance, singing, and various arts. Earlier today, the excitement kicked off with the Preschool Festival of Arts, featuring delightful performances from thirty-one urban and twenty-eight rural preschools from the Belize District. The festivities will continue into Friday, promising two days of inspiring and heartwarming displays of young talent.
Kim Vasquez, Director, Institute of Creative Arts
“Today is the opening of the Preschool Festival of Arts and it’s starting with the Belize District Festival of Arts, but it is also the opening of the entire season for 2025 for the Festival of Arts. And so this is a time of excitement for us, it’s my favorite time and we are just here in support of the Belize District Education Center. This is Belize Rural happening here, simultaneously out in San Pedro as well, it’s underway already and tomorrow we are going to be back for the city schools and then it takes off from there. Toledo on Monday, and thereafter Stann Creek and then they go west and then up north and then we are straight into the Secondary [School] Festival of Arts at the end of the month, taking a couple weeks break and then continuing with primary and in April and then we expect to be back here, of course, for the exciting golden showcase at the end of the month of May.”
Reporter
“How important is this to keep the creative juices of our young students flowing?”
Kim Vasquez
“It’s so important. As I just said in there, it starts right here with the Preschool Festival of Arts. This is the nurturing and the fun and enjoying introduction to the arts that we want for the young students, and we want to see this continue and we want them to have the support and the recognition even at this young age. We know that along with their teachers, they have put in the work and preparation and they are passionate, and they are so vibrant and creative. When you see them on stage, you can’t help but get cold seed. And so, it’s really important that we have this national platform for all our children, from pre-school, all the way up until secondary and beyond.”
Today marks a significant milestone for Belizean music as the legendary Gerald “Lord” Rhaburn celebrates his eighty-ninth birthday. Known for his vibrant performances and contributions to calypso, soca, reggae, and brukdown music, Lord Rhaburn has been a cornerstone of Belizean culture since the 1970s. His band, the Lord Rhaburn Combo, became a household name, captivating audiences both locally and internationally. As he reaches this remarkable age, we honor his enduring legacy and the indelible mark he has left on the world of music.
On Thursday, Steinway artist Byron “BK” Davis will take the stage for a solo performance at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. His show, titled ‘Invisible Secret,’ will feature his original music, including a song dedicated to the beauty of Belize, as well as covers of classics by Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder. All proceeds from the concert will go to the Bliss Center for Performing Arts to support the theatre and its programs. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more details.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
After just one visit, Byron “BK” Davis fell head over heels for Belize. Hailing from the United States, this talented musician specializes in jazz, R&B, gospel, and soul, and can play over a dozen instruments. His first trip was in 2017, and now he’s back, ready to use his musical talents to express his love for this beautiful country.
Byron “BK” Davis
Byron “BK” Davis, Musician
“ When I came to Belize, it was more like a sabbatical after thirty years of hard work as a musician and everything. So I came to Belize just to kick back and to have some time. I don’t know how long I stayed. It was like nine months or better than a year. And I fell in love with Belize. It’s just a wonderful place, wonderful people. The food is matchless. You can’t, it’s just amazing. The food’s amazing. Everybody’s nice. Everybody’s nice. And I decided, I said geez, I’m gonna go back to Belize and finish my audiobook.”
Davis returned to Belize to record an audiobook for his memoir, ‘B.K. Davis Ivory Towers.’ During his visit, he chatted with Kim Vasquez, the director of the Institute of Creative Arts, to brainstorm ways he could give back to the creative community.
Kim Vasquez
Kim Vasquez, Director, ICA
“Having released that album and having the song about Belize he wanted to come back here to spend some time to do his audio book that he’s working on. And as well, just be back here. He really loves Belize loves our culture, our people, our food, our music. And naturally, he found his way back here to the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts to connect with us. That was just before Christmas, and he had barely sat down with me five minutes when he said Kim, whatever you’re doing here at the Bliss. I really want to support it. How can I help? And I said you have an amazing voice. You are a fantastic composer. And if you would just simply do a performance for us, that would go a long way.”
Davis is set to perform a ninety-minute solo concert, showcasing his incredible musical talent as one of the select few Steinway artists in the world. These musicians are handpicked to perform exclusively on Steinway instruments. During the concert, Davis will play his song ‘Down in Belize,’ a track he created to celebrate his love for Belize’s serene beaches.
Byron “BK” Davis
“When I feel like sunbathing nude down in Belize. In the moonlight undulatingsmooth right by the sea you and I both feel so tropical down in Belize where only lovers go. Second verse is dolphins dancing, scarlet macaws singing love themes, mangoes falling, coconut milks oh so sweet, you and I both feel tropical, feel so tropical, down in Belize, where only lovers go. That’s my contribution. And these are really my thoughts my feelings. Belize is the perfect getaway for anybody who wants to take a vacation. Anybody who wants to close, to close things off and study. As for me, this particular trip, I’m completing my audio book.”
Tickets will be sold at fifteen dollars for adults and five dollars for children. The profits will be used to assist with the refurbishing of the Bliss Center and its theatrical projects. Britney Gordon for News Five.
