Category: Entertainment

KTV the Remix, Season Six is still underway and the competition is heating up. Last week, we saw contestants pay tribute to the Latin artist we all know and love. Tonight, the remaining singers will engage in a battle for their places on live TV. Five contestants remain and tonight, one will go home. KTV. Producer Viannie Reyes tells us about what we can expect in tonight’s episode.

 

Britney Gordon

“KTV is tonight. We’re on episode five of season six: The remix. Talk to me about what we’re in for.”

 

Viannie Reyes, KTV Producer

“So the difference between last week and this week. Last week was the last night of sending two people home. Tonight, it’s different. Tonight is where we battle on stage, on live TV. The two contestants with the lowest votes will battle for their space on KTV the Remix season six. It’s a bittersweet moment because we have a really, a list of really good singers. So it’s going to be sad to see one of them go home tonight, but this is where the judges will have their say. But it also piggybacks on all the votes that came in throughout the entire week. So we still want to encourage all of our viewers at home. At the bliss to keep on voting. The competition will only get better and we’re looking forward to a fun night because it’s disco. So I’m hoping that we can see a lot of entertainment a lot of different color clothing and just a bunch of different things that we can look forward to seeing on the stage tonight.

 

Britney Gordon

“And we have a guest judge coming in. Who is our special guest and how excited are we for tonight?”

 

Viannie Reyes

“Chris Bradshaw. He’s our guest judge. He’s worked with Jenny before and a lot of different artists, specifically in disco as well too. So we thought that he would have been a good decision for tonight. So far, we have been pleased with the decisions that we’ve made for the past couple of weeks. So we’re looking forward to seeing what tonight brings with him, Tremont, and also Ondazi. And lastly, Just give us the rundown of where we can get tickets and where should we come out to enjoy this. So you can get tickets here at Channel 5 at 88 Shopping Centre. Or you can also get them at 6 o’clock at The Bliss as well too. It starts at 8 o’clock, so I suggest that everybody come out, get their tickets, get those parking, and come pick a nice seat and come enjoy the show with us at the Bliss.”

This morning, the Hub Resource and Community Center held a closing ceremony for its “Summer of Fun” program. The camp proved to be a resounding success, engaging children in a range of activities and classes designed to enhance their social, educational, and cultural development. News Five’s Azain Heredia visited the camp at Lake Independence Boulevard to capture the highlights. Here’s the story.

 

Azain Heredia, Reporting

At the start of summer, fifteen-year-old Jamesha Arnold was shy and uneasy in crowds, but fast-forward four weeks, and tonight, she thrives in social settings. It was during her time spent at the Summer of Fun programme that she was able to break out of her shell and be a social butterfly. She says that learning to interact with others was her biggest takeaway from the camp.

 

Jamesha Arnold, Participant

“From the beginning, I was a little bit nervous to be around a lot of people, but then, during the middle and the ending I started warming up to people. We played sports together, we went swimming, we went on trips, we had fun, we talked, and everything.”

 

 

 

 

 

The success of the “Summer of Fun” programme attracted many children from outside the camp’s designated communities. Arthur Usher, Manager of the Hub Resource and Community Center, told News Five that this is the largest programme the team runs annually. However, it’s not their only initiative. During the school year, the Hub also offers a range of after-school programmes.

 

 

 

 

Arthur Usher, Manager, The Hub & Resource Center

“These types of programs, I think are extremely important, generally for outside school learning. So some things that you might not have picked up during school you can pick up during the summer, things that you learned during the school you can apply during the summer, so it’s a cohesive, coherent programming that consistently push these kids to another level.”

 

 

 

 

The programme attracted participants from across Belize City, fostering a strong sense of community. It provided opportunities for individuals to share their opinions, step out of their comfort zones, and enhance their social interactions.

 

Paul Lopez

“Why is it important to have these types of events for kids to come together and have fun and get to know each other?”

 

 

 

Jamesha Arnold

“Because it gets us out of our shell. We get to connect more, talk, get more social, and what’s not.”

 

One of the activities featured a visit to the Mayan archaeological site of Altun Ha. Arnold says that this experience provided valuable insight into how the Maya utilized ponds as a crucial water source.

 

Jamesha Arnold

“The Mayans used a pond for their source of water income.”

 

Azain Heredia for News Five.

The Belize International Music and Food Festival is almost here. The highly anticipated two-day event kicks off in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, on Saturday and promises good music, food, and atmosphere all day long. This afternoon, a few of the performers landed at the Philip Goldson International Airport, where we caught up with Reggae Artist, Collie Buddz, and promoter John Marsden for more details on the big event.

 

Collie Buddz, Reggae Performer

“Yo, I’m feeling great, I’m feeling great. It’s been a long time since I’ve been back in Belize. I think the last time was, I think I said 2009, but it’s 2012 I think it was at the Princess Hotel. Downstairs. It’s like the hottest show I’ve ever done, ever in my life. Sweat through. Everybody yeah, temperature hot but it feels good to be back in Belize. Belize has always been good to me. I think I’ve been there three or four times, but yeah. Last time, it’s been a long time.”

 

John Marsden, Promoter

“If you can’t find a hotel, it’s not a problem, we have San Pedro Belize Express, who is doing two runs. One Saturday, it leaves at four p.m. It returns at four a.m. After the show done, you can catch back the boat to come back. You don’t have to spend on a hotel.”

July thirtieth is internationally recognised as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, and Belize is ready to show its support for the cause. On Saturday morning, RET International and its partners are hosting a human trafficking awareness walk and ride-athon. We spoke with Eve Banks, Community Engagement Officer at Ret International, to hear why Belizeans are being encouraged to show support for the event.

 

Eve Banks, Community Engagement Officer, RET International

“We are going to start with a warmup from the StoneFit crew at the B.T.L. Park. After the warm up, we will then make our way straight up Marine Parade, going down to Memorial Park. Take a spin right back around. If you do not want to walk, you can always ride because I have walk-ride-athon there. and that’s about it. After the walk or the ride, you guys can make your way back to the B.T.L. park where we have some surprises, raffles, refreshments for you guys. Just thanking you for your support, which we really hope we do actually meet the target of the amount of people that we are catering for this year.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And just on the importance of supporting a cause like this.”

 

Eve Banks

“On the importance, often times we look human trafficking right in the eyes and not know that it is actually that. And the fact that we need to raise awareness and holistically take a look at what it is, how to identify the signs, symptoms, and knowing who or what to report or where to report, I believe this is the purpose or the sole cause for us to do this Walk.”

School may be out for the summer, but the learning continues for most children. Today, the STEAM Summer Academy wrapped up its four-week programme, culminating in a vibrant showcase where nearly fifty young minds displayed the skills and knowledge they’ve gained in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. From fascinating science experiments to creative art projects, these children are ready to shine! In tonight’s episode of Belize on Reel, News Five’s Britney Gordon takes us to the Edward P. York compound to celebrate their incredible talents and achievements. Here’s the story.

 

Britney Gordon

“Did you like dancing before you joined this class?”

 

Avon Richards, Camper

“Well no, usually I didn’t like to dance because sometimes when I dance, I would just do some things that were not necessary but for this, that I did this, I do like to dance now.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So you feel like you’re going to keep dancing now that you’ve discovered that you like it?”

 

Avon Richards

“Yes.”

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Do you remember your childhood dreams of what you wanted to be when you grew up? Or the moment you decided on that career path? Discovering your passion is one of life’s most memorable milestones. This summer at the STEAM Summer Academy in Belize City, children experienced just that. Over the course of four weeks, participants explored the fascinating realms of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Co-director Joseph Stamp-Romero emphasized that, while academics were crucial, fostering a sense of community among the children was a key focus of the curriculum.

 

Joseph Stamp-Romero, Co-director

“I think one of the biggest one of the biggest thing about the camp was just how kids can learn how to work together. I think how kids can learn how to plan, how they can learn how to design, and how they can critically look at the things that they do from a standpoint of trying to improve it. So I think one of the biggest topics that we always talked about a lot is just working together. Collaboration was huge. I think from teachers right down to right down to students. And I think that was, I think one of the most important details for the camp.”

 

No matter how big or small, finding a way to express themselves is a valuable lesson for every child to learn. Twelve-year-old Mia Meneses has found her way, Art.

 

Mia Meneses, Camper

“I learned in this summer camp that we have to be confident. That we have to be confident for the most things. That we can’t really be afraid about the art. It’s a free will that you are able to choose and it’s never too late to learn or practice art.”

 

 

 

Mia has always loved creating art, but she told us that being able to share the experience with others has made it an even better one.

 

Mia Meneses

“I also really like everyone’s art piece because everyone has a unique way of doing their art.”

 

It is this sense of creativity that art instructor, Shaira Young has tried to instill in the hearts of her students.

 

Shahira Young, Art Instructor

“I believe that expressing ourselves. Don’t be afraid of who you are as an artist. You don’t have to paint exactly as you see the photo. Try to be unique. Try to be different. Use shape, use style, use techniques to express yourself.”

 

 

 

In a nearby room, eight aspiring roboticists proudly showcased the machines they assembled during the camp. Their impressive creations included devices for testing humidity levels and controlling stoplights. Robotic instructor Dr. Abraham Flowers emphasised that as technology continues to evolve, gaining experience with computers has become essential for success in today’s world.

 

 

 

Dr. Abraham Flowers, Robotics Instructor

“We know every day we see that there is improvement when it comes to development in technology itself, right? So having the kids to basically have the ground level or the foundation would help them or prompt them to become much more better because today even our economy depends on the improvement of technology. And we’re talking from all the way from industrial all the way to personal or domestic. So doing this, I think is a huge step forward.”

 

 

After four weeks of science, math, and arts, all students went home having learned the important lesson of being themselves and cheering for others.

 

Avon Richards

“I feel pretty good because it’s how Is it not that how I am doing myself? Cause if I would do it myself, I would probably feel embarrassed. But with people here that I’m doing it, like I could finally express how I could be like alive and how I am doing the way of the dance that we have been practicing.”

 

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.

This morning marked the conclusion of the free life-saving swimming lessons provided by the Belize Police Department and the Belize Coast Guard. The camp successfully equipped children with essential swimming skills for survival in emergencies. News Five’s Azain Heredia visited the classes at the Princess Ramada to learn more. Here’s that story.

 

Azain Heredia, Reporting

At the start of the summer, none of the children you’re seeing here knew how to swim, but by the end of it, all of the participants in the Community Policing Unit Swimming Camp were confident in their ability to do so. The annual programme concluded today after bringing together coast guards and the community policing unit to assist children with free swimming lessons.

 

A.C.P. Howard Gillett, Commander of the National Community Police Center says that this programme is vital because many children may not be able to afford lessons due to their circumstances.

 

 

 

 

A.C.P. Howell Gillett, Nat’l Commander, Community Policing Unit

“It builds a better relationship with young people because oftentimes young people see law enforcement as, people who are making arrests or they see the bad side of what happens in law enforcement, But we are not all about that, we are here to work with our young people, so that we can deliver them to successful adulthood. The idea is to have no need for policing or policing reason for arresting our young people.”

 

 

For years, the Belize Coast Guard has coordinated with the Belize Police Department to carry out the program. Lieutenant Junior Moody told us how the programme has evolved over the years to strengthen its approach.

 

Lieutenant, Junior Andrew Moody, Swim Coordinator

“What I’ve seen is that the children are more eager to learn. Alright, they’re not afraid as the previous classes. We have seen that the children were a little bit afraid. In this class here we seen that they’ve become a little more excited t learn how to swim.”

 

 

 

 

After completing the programme, the participants walked away with exceptional swimming skills.

 

 

 

 

 

Azain Heredia

“How was your experience with this camp?”

 

Nathan Lambey, Participant 

“I just feel like I didn’t know how to swim, but when I believed myself.”

 

Azain Heredia for News Five.

Today a Belizean medical student who lives in the U.S. introduced one of several books that she has authored. Madeline Dyer told News Five at the Angelus Press that the book, “My Mom, the Cook” was inspired by her daughter, who is autistic. She says that she is also giving back to her community that she needed when she was going to school in Belize.

 

Madeline Dyer, Author, “My Mom, the Cook”

“I got into writing as an author because of my daughter. But the one, “My Inspiration” is literally talking about a time where I had to juggle both mom life and school with my little one, and she’s looking at me like I’m strong. And I said to her, no, you actually inspire me to be a better person than I was before. So my inspiration is literally about a mother’s love towards her child. I have an autistic child. She’s 12 years old and a part of why I became a writer was because of her.  Because she’s taught me so much about the way to look at life and just parenting itself is very different. So what I decided to do when I came this summer was to partner with Autism Awareness here in Belize and try to give back to them because I know that autism is, seeming like something that’s just coming around, even though it existed prior to and those individual need a lot of support in whatever way they can get it. I feel like most people that pick up that book, they connect with certain pages. Parenting is difficult. It’s hard and it’s a topic I feel like a lot of people don’t really talk about. They don’t really give you much information on how to navigate parenthood, etc, so when you open the pages of one of my books whether it be my inspiration or my mom, the cook, you will definitely find a page or two that you will feel connected to. I’ve had a review from a thirteen-year-old once where she connected with the page that said I love her most even when I think she’s not fair. My book, if you’re in the U.S. can be purchased at Barnes and Noble, Target, Walmart, and on Amazon. In in Belize, they’re going to be available at every Angelus Press in the different districts. The “My Inspiration” is, I believe that they’re going to be doing it for twenty dollars and then My Mom, the Cook” is going to be twenty-five dollars. Alongside with the book I wanted to do a little bit more for my community and I’ve decided to give away school supplies as well while doing the book signing. The purpose of this is because I really do appreciate giving back. I was once one of those students that needed support when going to school and I’m sure there are still a lot of bullies and parents that can use that support as well. I’ve partnered with a few other individuals Phenomenal Nails. So I’m here to be giving away gift vouchers for high school students to get their nails done. She’s at 37 Mapp Street, and then I also have B.C.V.I. that donated vouchers for students to get their eyes checked. As it pertains to the school supplies, I don’t have a dollar amount really put on it, but each book bag is filled with school supplies.”

While its members have been individually playing music for decades, the Latin combo that will play your favourite musical Latin hits in San Pedro this weekend have only been playing together for a few days. They will be the main feature for Belize on Latino Night at the 2024 Belize International Music and Food Festival. The two-day show festival will take place at the Saca Chispas Field, and to ensure that their sound is on point, the group has been rehearsing at the Artist Development Centre on King Street in Belize City. Today, the media showed up for day two to listen in and to talk with the band members and those who put it together. News Five’s Marion Ali serves you this week’s edition of Kolcha Tuesday in this report on the Latin Combo.

 

Marion Ali, Reporting

The Belize International Music and Food Festival is an international show that aims to help sell the Belize tourism product internationally, and on occasions like these, it gives people like our musicians another chance to shine on that level among invited international artists in the hopes of making it big at some other international stage. Sunday, the Latin Combo takes the stage.

 

Josue Carballo, Director, Industry Development, B.T.B

“Sunday, we’re starting off early from 3 to 12, and we’ll be having Punta Rock Legends and the Latin Explosion Combo both on that night. They will actually be entertaining us and we hope know that is all our hope that these combos and then eventually use the Music fest as a platform to then showcase to the world and who knows they’ll be invited in other places as a time goes by.”

 

 

The B.T.B.’s Director of Industry Development, Josue Carballo, says the band will be the prelude to the main event on Sunday night. These are the three vocalists who plan to wow you with their singing talents. What they and their band members describe as work was today literally music to our ears.

 

 

 

Philbert Leslie, Vocalist

“We work hard to blend and get the music going together, but yeah, it’s going well.”

 

 

 

 

Bernadette Gilharry, Vocalist

“I just feel excited and I’m proud of being part of the group.”

 

 

 

 

 

Roman Canul, Vocalist

“I started from when I was much younger and right now we’re taking it back into the music again.”

 

 

 

 

For more mature folks, these tunes are gems, but they are also tunes that most youths are not familiar with because they have been shelved and replaced with modern genres.

 

Philbert Leslie

“Bringing back music first that has played so many years when they placed it on the table, it was like, a lot of youths haven’t heard it ever. And I think it would be wonderful to let them know the music that was played before and enjoy what the elderly people used to play. They can look out for one of my singles in Mi Barrio. They can look for Miss Bernadette, one of her singles as well.”

 

 

Marion Ali

“Which is?”

 

Bernadette Gilharry

“Vete, vete.”

 

Philbert Leslie

“And the music from the Professionals that was given to us to rehearse and show the public and the world the kind of music we’re portraying and showing now.”

 

The whole show will come together through the efforts of people like Al Obando, a seasoned musician who has attended music festivals the world over. We asked him how they get their individual sounds to blend into that one harmonic tune that fans love.

 

Al Obando, Organizer, Belize Music Project

“This group is made up of members of five different groups. One love band, Mr. Watson group.  Lucio and his original generation. And who else? Gilharry, Miss Bernadette, and Mr. Evan, one of the elders from the Gilharry 7 band. He’s been there from 1973, 74, one of them. Each combo has a leader. The leader of the Punta Rock Legends group is Chico Ramos. Carlos, Carlitos, I call him, is the curator for this group. You have Denmark Flores with the Paranda Soul group. And you have James, it’s a James Sanker for the Bruk Dong Roots Combo.”

 

The songs were carefully selected based on their popularity back in the day, and Al Obando says they hope to take you back to memory lane if you were around then, or delight your soul, if you weren’t here when these songs made the music charts.

 

Al Obando

“Many of us, all of us actually are happy to be playing these songs. We have never been played before. Like I asked the question, right? How come bands never play these songs from the professional harmonies? What happened? And so when you actually start playing it, we see all the challenges and then we say, man, those guys must have been like sick musicians that where they come from, because even for us to play it and the love back there, he have so many hours playing the saxophone, but you give him a challenge and then everything turned to reality, right, like it’s a serious stuff.”

 

Reporting for News Five, I’m Marion Ali.