Environment - Greater Belize Media

A Dream Come True: Single Mother Receives New Home

In a heartwarming collaboration, Hand in Hand Ministries and Heritage Bank have once again made a family’s dream come true. Today, they handed over a new house to a single mother, allowing her to finally live under the same roof with her three children after five long years. The emotional moment brought tears to her eyes as she expressed her gratitude for the life-changing gift. News Five’s Marion Ali reports on this touching story of generosity and hope.

Rashshida Messam, New Homeowner

“I really appreciate you guys so much. Now I have a home fi me and my kids dehn. (Kids hug her)”

Marion Ali, Reporting

Rashshida Messam’s heartfelt “thank you” to Hand in Hand Ministries and Heritage Bank captures the joy of a single mother who can now live under the same roof with her three young children. After a challenging five-year journey, Messam received the keys to her new home today. She shared with News Five the struggles she overcame to reach this moment, making her new beginning even more meaningful.

Rashshida Messam

“Five years ago I was with my kids’ father and we had something, well – long story short, ih mi arite fi back then, but afterwards it went downhill. So, I had a friend that got a house from Hand in Hands and she encouraged me to go in. So I went in, I did their procedures and everything. And I hadn’t had the help to fill the land, but this time I got the help and it went through.”

Messam’s dream of a new home became a reality thanks to Hand in Hand Ministries. Shannon Stuart explained that Messam’s application was carefully reviewed, and after meeting all the requirements, she received helpful recommendations that led to her success. This thoughtful process ensured that Messam and her three children now have a place to call home.

Shannon Stuart, Social Worker, Hand in Hand Ministries

“We have quite a few people that applied for housing assistance each and every year. Okay. But we provided them with the three that we thought would fit the criteria that they were looking for, which was basically families that are in dire need of housing assistance. Once we were able to identify those families, we then started proceeded to start our process whereby we did our application process. Um, we conducted interviews. We went into the family’s homes just to get a better understanding of what their living conditions were. And we have a financial limit that you have to have a certain set – in terms of income in order to be qualified for one of our homes.”

Hand in Hand Ministries, with the help of past and future home recipients, builds homes for those in need. Once a recipient is chosen, recommendations are sent to the donor, Heritage Bank. At today’s handover, Managing Director Stephen Duncan proudly announced that this marks the bank’s twentieth home donation to a deserving family. This ongoing partnership continues to transform lives, one home at a time.

Stephen Duncan, Managing Director, Heritage Bank

“People are in need out there. They cannot necessarily wait to be able to save to build a house. They cannot wait for a cement house. They cannot wait for different reasons. These houses, for us, serve a very important purpose when people are able to move into their own home. They won’t have a mortgage to pay. So there is no cost to them in that context, and they’re able to start to live a normal life with their family again. It really makes a difference for people. And we have seen over the years that these houses have been able to withstand the test of time. For 20 years, Hand in Hand has been doing these houses. None fall down yet; none blow down yet.”

Today, a two-bedroom wooden house worth around twenty-five thousand dollars was donated, bringing immense relief to its new owner. The single mother shared the emotional toll of spending nights away from her children before receiving this life-changing gift. Her heartfelt words highlighted the profound impact of finally having a place to call home, where she and her children can be together under one roof.

Rashshida Messam

“I could finally have my kids with me because they weren’t living with me; they were living with their father because of the living situation that I was in, which was – it was with my sister. We had like six of us in the house, just a two bedroom house. And we hadn’t had that much space to house them, so I had to leave them with their father. But now they can be with me, which I am very grateful for that I have my kids home with me in our home, our own space.”

The only person happier than Rashshida Messam today is her mom, who received her own home through Hand in Hand Ministries several years ago.

Marion Ali

“When you got yours, she was a kid playing in that house.”

Anna Pratt, Mother

“Yeah.”

Marion Ali

“Now she got her own.”

Anna Pratt

“Yeah, soh that me wa play eena fi she one now. (Laughs)”

Marion Ali for News Five.

State of Emergency Declared in Belize City and Surrounding Areas

In response to a recent surge in murders, the Government of Belize has declared a state of emergency. The violence erupted on Saturday following an attempt on the life of well-known street figure Jimmy Rojas. Since then, three people have been killed in what police confirm is a feud between rival gangs. As a result, the entire southside of Belize City, along with Ladyville, the Eight Mile Community, Roaring Creek Village, and part of Camalote Village, are now under a one-month state of emergency. News Five’s Paul Lopez delves deeper into the unfolding situation.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

In response to a surge in gang violence that claimed three lives within twenty-four hours, a state of emergency has been declared in parts of Belize City, the Belize District, and the Cayo District. The affected areas in Belize City include the entire southside and parts of the northside, covering Queen Street, Handyside Street, and North Front Street. The SOE also extends to Ladyville, the Eight Miles Community, Sunset Community, and Western Pines Community. In the Cayo District, Roaring Creek Village and Young Bank in Camalote Village are under emergency measures. Authorities are taking swift action to restore peace and safety in these communities.

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police (File: May 6^th, 2025)

“With the death of Brandon Baptist the security threat was high and with the shooting of Rojas it has now escalated to a critical level.”

Belize City is reeling from a wave of violence after well-known street figure Jimy Rojas was shot on Saturday on Croton Lane. Rojas, who was accused of the January 2024 murder of Jose Matus, survived the attack, but the incident ignited a series of retaliatory shootings. Just two days later, thirty-six-year-old Aaron Lindo was shot and killed in Double Head Cabbage. Lindo was reportedly linked to one of the rival gangs in Belize City. Hours after Lindo’s murder, thirty-seven-year-old Nelson “Mung” Henry was gunned down on Yellowtail Street in Ladyville. Authorities have confirmed that both murders are connected to the ongoing gang feud. The community remains on edge as law enforcement works to quell violence and restore order.

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division (File: May 6^th, 2025)

“Yes we have some information to suggest that it is, that is why we have sixty persons in detention at this time. We are conducting several operations across the Belize District and continue with our work on the ground.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero reported a third casualty in the ongoing gang feud. Thirty-one-year-old Kadeem Orosco was tragically shot and killed on Ebony Street Tuesday morning, just moments after dropping off his seven-year-old daughter at school. The news of his murder has devastated his family, with one of his aunts calling for a state of emergency and the reinstatement of capital punishment. The community is in shock as authorities work to address the escalating violence.

Teresita Orosco, Aunt of Deceased (File: May 6^th, 2025)

“Hang them, we as families have to cry out for justice. We have to cry out for capital punishment to come back. Hang them ok.”

The state of emergency declared in response to the recent surge in gang violence is now in full effect and will initially last for one month. While it is likely to be extended, the exact duration remains uncertain. Commissioner Rosado has indicated that, if it were up to him, those detained under the SOE would remain behind bars for at least six months.

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police (File: May 5^th, 2025)

“I do believe there is a need for state of emergency to address security concerns when violence is at a critical situation. Present we do have a critical situation in the Martins area and the guys need a time out, but rather than doing a one month or a three months we need to pursue a six months period.”

As the state of emergency takes effect, residents of Belize City’s southside, Ladyville, the Eight Mile Community, Roaring Creek, and Young Bank can expect heightened police presence for the next four weeks. Authorities are stepping up their efforts to ensure safety and restore order in these areas. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez

At-Risk Kids Find Hope and Adventure at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

On Saturday, a group of at-risk children from Belize City embarked on an exciting adventure at the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Guided by dedicated mentors, the kids explored the sanctuary’s diverse landscapes and wildlife, finding inspiration and hope in nature’s beauty. This memorable trip was part of an initiative to support and uplift vulnerable children from crime-ridden neighborhoods. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the following story.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Over the weekend, a group of at-risk kids from Belize City enjoyed a day of adventure at the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, thanks to the mentorship of Timmy Stamp and Perry Smith. The children participated in various activities, including birdwatching, as part of an initiative by the Jah Love Foundation. This grassroots organization, founded by Stamp and Smith, aims to support vulnerable children from crime-ridden neighborhoods, offering them a chance to experience nature and find hope for a brighter future.

Timmy Stamp, Manager, Jah Love Foundation

“Jah Love da wah group weh work with kids, weh try sih that we have a better future for the kids them because if dehn da di leaders ah tomorrow then it’s only right that we try our best to try guide dehn eena tomorrow.”

In response to the pervasive gang violence gripping many communities in Belize City, the Jah Love Foundation has stepped up with a powerful solution: mentorship.

Perry “Stix” Smith, Jah Love Foundation

“Todeh we have youths from George Street, Taylor’s Alley, Third World, PIV. We integrated youths from different communities and bring dehn out ya da Crooked Tree to be a part of the wildlife sanctuary; view the birds, get to see cashew roasting, and to me it’s a beautiful experience, a beautiful experience.”

Nestled just off the Phillip Goldson Highway, the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a sprawling sixteen-thousand-acre haven of natural beauty. This sanctuary features a diverse landscape of lagoons, creeks, logwood swamps, broadleaf forests, and pine savannas. It’s not just a birdwatcher’s paradise; the sanctuary is also home to crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, and turtles. This adventure provided them with a unique opportunity to interact with nature, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the sanctuary.

Derek Hendy, Site Manager, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

“We usually work with school groups. As they come here we give them a little education outreach about the types of vegetation within our wetland system and give them a little tour, show them some different species of birds so that they can appreciate the nature of the environment.”

The experience aimed to inspire and uplift these children, offering them a refreshing escape from their everyday challenges.

Dajahaun Hope, Participant

“I like it because we gaan and see di sea, di river, di animal tracks, foot tracks.”

Mentorship is crucial for at-risk children because it provides them with guidance, support, and positive role models. Having a mentor can steer children away from harmful activities and towards healthier, more productive choices.

Timmy Stamp

“We try open different lee evening schools eena different communities fi try organize di youths dehn fi come together, bring dehn together, yoh undastand me, bring dehn together instead ah have dehn fight gainst one another, just bring dehn together. We have da problem fi forty-two years, you know, weh nobody seem to care about. By we bringing di evening schools together we could have di kids dehn from different communities and ker dehn pan different lee trips and have dehn mingle with one another.”

This sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers, boasting over two hundred and fifty species of resident and migratory birds. The Jabiru stork, one of the sanctuary’s most famous residents, nests here from November to April.

Derek Hendy

“What happened, we covered the boatbill heron trails and we covered the limpkin trails. Again, the basic things that we try to find are the different species of animals that we can find on the trails and the different plants.”

Limpkins, those intriguing large wading birds, are a common sight in the wetlands of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. With their long legs, elongated necks, and distinctive heavy, slightly curved bills, they might look a bit awkward at first glance. However, these birds are surprisingly graceful in their wetland homes, effortlessly navigating floating vegetation and foraging in shallow waters. Their unique appearance and elegant movements make them a fascinating subject for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Janelli, Participant

“I see lots of birds. We went by the riverside and we went over bridges.”

Kenjay Thomas, Participant

“What I like bout di trip [is] that we had fun and we got to see a lot of things.”

Field trips provide a holistic approach to learning and personal development, making them an invaluable tool for supporting at-risk children. These excursions offer new experiences, hands-on learning, and social interaction, helping kids build confidence, relieve stress, and find inspiration. Isani Cayetano for News Five.

U.D.P. Commits to Protecting Cayo Rosario Island

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing issued a stop order to halt construction on Cayo Rosario near Ambergris Caye. This action came after San Pedro residents raised concerns about the potential harm to marine life and the integrity of the seabed. The stop order will remain in effect until all necessary permits are obtained from the Central Building Authority and other relevant agencies. U.D.P. Senator Designate Gabriel Zetina, who is a resident of San Pedro, expressed his commitment to protecting the area. He criticized the government for allowing such developments to continue in Belize without proper oversight. Zetina emphasized the importance of safeguarding the environment and ensuring that all construction projects comply with regulations.

Gabriel Zetina, U.D.P. Senator Designate

“The government believes that destroying these flats will go unnoticed or unchallenge, they’re mistaken. The people of San Pedro, the people of Ambergis Caye and I invite all Belizeans everywhere. We will push back. Against the government if they allow this to happen because we’re seeing a government, this government that listens to developers or should I say, they listen to a public of one and not to its people, the people that elected them. We see a government that says one thing to the public, but does another behind closed doors. We see a government that is willing to risk our future for short-term gains, and we see a government that stays silent. They have no, they have given us no accountability, no answers whatsoever, and this is simply unacceptable. We demand transparency. We demand a government that will release all the documents, all the contracts, and all the environmental assessments related to this project. They asked me to write a proposal. I’m not gonna be kind to this government.”

Woman Farmer of the Year is Wife, Mother, Employee & Trainer

Each year, the National Agriculture and Trade Show Committee selects a woman farmer of the year. This person needs to meet a list of criteria to even be considered for the prestigious recognition. Noemi Requena is the committee’s pick for 2025 and as we found out, she did not only meet the requirements but surpassed them. Requena, as we learned, is a full-time manager of a business, but for the past several years, she has been successfully juggling full-time employment with diversified farming, voluntarily training young farmers in sustainable farming techniques, while still looking after her family. She was happy to give us a tour of her farm when we visited on Saturday. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.

Noemi Requena, Woman Farmer of the Year, 2025

“Compost material – what I do, I practice a lot of composting, so I make my own compost.”

Marion Ali, Reporting

Noemi Requena of Punta Gorda is this year’s Woman Farmer of the Year. She attained that recognition by farming and managing a three-acre plot of land on an eight-acre ranch in Cattle Landing Village, a few miles out of the town. We visited Requena on Saturday, which was coincidentally her birthday. We found her busily caring for the crops and animals that she grows there.

Noemi Requena

“We would come early in the morning, sometimes at five in the morning and we start to water our plants. After finishing the watering, we feed our chickens, then our pigs, ensure the animals all the feed and water they need. We would harvest what needs to be harvested, then we start preparing beds to put in a new crop, different than what we had there.”

Requena farms on a three-acre plot of land, but she has an impressive line of crops that she harvests there.

Noemi Requena

“We have coconuts, plantain, banana, okra, tomato, I have protein banks for my livestock. I have the nacedero and I have the mulberry bank. I have sweet potato – the two varieties.”

The system of farming Requena uses is called “mixed farming,” rotating the spots.

Marion Ali

“Why is it important to rotate?

Noemi Requena

“Because the different crops that we have draw different amounts of nutrients from the soil. So you don’t want to be using the same nutrients on the same crop. For example, where I harvested corn, I’m going to plant beans. Why, because beans gives back legume nitrogen to our soil. If we give back the nutrients to our soil, we can use the same area over and over.”

This type of farming does not only keep the soil nutrient-rich but also promotes space efficiency.

Noemi Requena

“I constantly hear people say “Oh, I don’t have land. We need ten acres; we need 150 acres.” In my opinion and experience, we can produce food and make an income out of a small area, as I have.”

For her, the added income from her farm helps to educate her three children. The 2025 Woman Farmer of the Year is assisted by her common-law husband, Evan Williams, who also has a full-time job elsewhere. We found him plowing when we showed up and asked him thereafter to explain that process to us.

Evan Williams, Common-law husband, Noemi Requena

“That job is necessary to aerate the soil and then loosen up the soil. So, the plants have no struggle getting it roots down, anchoring itself. We are preparing for yams. It’s better known as purple yams; iIt’s a tumor; it bears the fruit under the ground, so that’s why we are plowing the place, so if the soil is more loose, we get a bigger yield.”

About ten years ago, Requena earned a scholarship to take an agriculture course in the U.S. That was where she learned the basics of efficiently using the intercropping technique. Now she uses what she has learned to teach others during whatever spare time her full-time job, the family, and farming allows. A part of the farm system that Requena uses is solar-powered irrigation.

Noemi Requena

“We have a solar powered well, so we have two solar panels that pump our water from the well spot to the farm. And we have a small generator that gives us the pressure to be able to water our plants.”

Like with every other farmer, there are challenges that Requena faces. She must constantly find a way to naturally eliminate pests and to create proper drainage. And she uses all organic fertilizers that she also makes. A plus for her is that she uses pepper and cassava she harvests to make value-added products, such as pepper sauces and cassava dough. It is these kinds of efficient farming practices that the Director of Extension at the Ministry of Agriculture, Andre Mejia, told us impressed the judges who selected her for the award. He says Requena satisfied the rigorous criteria.

Andrew Mejia, Director of Extension, Ministry of Agriculture

“The judges go there, they ask questions to ensure that that is the actual farmer. No one can be a farmer of the year if they’re not the actual farmer, or if the crops on the ground are not for them. The criteria calls that she must be making a percentage of income from the farm and what she wowed the judges with is all the activities that she has going on.”

Noemi Requena

“I want us to use this platform to encourage other females that yes, we can do whatever we put our minds to, and I relate it to us being mothers to care for the little plants. We are mothers, we care for our babies, and that is what our plants need. We transplant them with care, we see them grow and they give us fruit, food, which is life.”

Noemi Requena will be presented with her prizes as Woman Farmer of the Year at the National Agriculture and Trade Show, set for May 30, 31 and June 1. Reporting for News Five, I’m Marion Ali.

Bush Fire Destroys Property; Claims Life

On Saturday, a bush fire in Hattieville Village turned tragic, burning down a small home and claiming the life of its owner. The victim, sixty-three-year-old Gerald Hamilton, was a friend, neighbor, and employee of Godwin Smith. Smith told News Five that Hamilton had helped put out a bush fire in the morning but felt sick afterward and went to lie down. Unfortunately, when another bush fire spread to Hamilton’s house early that afternoon, no one realized he was still inside. The fire quickly engulfed the home, and when villagers checked the scene, Hamilton was already dead. Godwin Smith, who was a close friend of Hamilton, shared this heartbreaking story.

Godwin Smith, Friend of Deceased

“My oldest son is forty-three years old, and he mind him from baby. I was living in Gracie Rock and he was there with me. I come here and we met here. So every day he come at my house, we sit down out there just to wait to see when he get in at his house. He out a first fire then apparently he went in his house. He went in the house and the car. He tell my daughter he feel bad and he went in the house. So. my place start catch over there and my daughter went over there. When he went over there, my son called from Belize and tell the wife to come and hail Gerald mek Gerald help her out the fire. But when they come here, the door was open and the bike was there and they only knock on the wall and we hail Gerald but Gerlad nuh answer, so they said Gerald mussi gone. So when I come, immediately I come and I help them out there. When I start helping them out there, then somebody passed by, one truck passed by and tell wi look, one house di burn down here. So I left the hog pen di burn and when I run come here, my daughter tell me Gerlad bike was there too. And then I tell ah definite if Gerald bike there, then Gerald in the house. The house was burned down. When I look, I see another fire sparks open when I look there, I see Gerald head and I see a pelvis. That’s why I call some people and say a body is down here. Gerald’s body is down here.”

Villager Appeals for Water Bowsers to Fight Fires

The wooden structure was small, measuring just fifteen-by-ten feet, but losing his friend is what really hurts Smith. He shared that Hamilton was always willing to run errands for anyone in the village. Now, the community is planning a candlelight vigil for Tuesday night to honor him. Smith is also appealing for water bowsers to be placed in villages prone to bush fires. This idea is currently being considered by the National Fire Service Belize District Station Officer, Gladstone Bucknor.

Godwin Smith, Friend of Deceased

“This is a major loss. This is hurtful. But like I say, I send message to the village of them and I ask them to please “Whenever, when a light a fire, unu try to protect it, because no use of saying dehn da bush fire and da fire weh people light. I ask – mek wa appeal to the village council and say, for five years I di lobby, at least we could get wa water truck go at the police station. At least when we call the police, they got some kind of equipment fi help wi because the distance ah weh the fire truck deh, when they come, with dehn kinda leaf ya the place done burn down, but if you have a water bowser, the police could save life and house.”

Gladstone Bucknor, Station Officer, Belize District

“The guy went out, they were outing bushfires at the time. He was fatigued, he went inside and he was sleeping and we don’t – well, the investigator hasn’t come back and said, “Yes, that the fire actually run towards the building and started the fire. The department along with the Ministry they’re looking into putting in fire stations throughout the villages, particularly Hattieville and probably through Boom area. They’re looking at that. I haven’t confirmed us yet, but that’s one of the main areas they’re looking at. Bushfires actually cause a lot of damage, especially – you can remember the one in PG just by bushfire alone, cause so many damages.”

Gales Point Chairman Ready to Support Next Chairman

Earlier today, we heard from Jason Altschaft, the Chairman of Gales Point Village, as the community came together to catch a pig that had tragically killed one of the villagers. Altschaft, who has served two terms as Chairman, is not eligible to run for a third term. He shared with News Five that the role is incredibly demanding and often offers no relief. Although he won’t be sitting in the chairman’s seat anymore, he might still serve as a councilor to support the new leader. The date for the village council elections hasn’t been set yet, but the season is fast-approaching, and Altschaft is ready to lend his support to whoever steps up.

Jason Altschaft, Chairman, Gales Point Village

“I did two terms. It’s very challenging, very hard, a lot of stress and everything is on you. And when you reach out for help, a lot of times you just have to tell people, “I’m sorry, there’s no help,” and I don’t like that. I’m now on the DAVCO and we’re trying to make it more of a thing for rural communities to get more money, so that there would be opportunities to make things done correctly. We all want the right thing, but the ways and means are not always there, but you still have desire and ganas to try.”

Zeta Auto Parts, A Six-Decade Escalante Family Legacy

Throughout April, our weekly Belize on Reel segments have been spotlighting longstanding businesses across the country. We’ve featured enterprises in Belize City, San Ignacio, and Punta Gorda. Tonight, we head north to Orange Walk to highlight Zeta Auto Parts, a business born from the Escalante family’s pivot from public transportation and ice production. With a second branch now in western Belize, the company is led by a third-generation family businessman. News Five’s Paul Lopez sat down with him and a long-standing employee to learn how they’ve thrived over the years and met their customers’ needs. Here’s that report.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Three years before Belize gained independence, the Escalante family in Orange Walk Town founded Zeta Auto Parts. Before venturing into auto parts retail, they ran Escalante’s Bus Line and later launched Zeta Ice Factory. Today, thirty-one-year-old Adriel Escalante Jr., a third-generation businessman, is the general manager of Zeta Auto Parts.

Adriel Escalante, General Manager, Zeta Auto Parts

“It all started with my family running the Escalante Bus Line. Eventually the family decided to venture into ice and water business. They have sixty-four years running the business. Then some years passed and that is when they decided to open the Zeta Auto Parts in Town. I would say I was like eight or ten years I started to go with my dad, seeing how my dad worked with the auto parts business and then I said, I enjoyed it.”

Pedro Garcia is Zeta Auto Parts’ longest-serving employee, having been with the company for over two decades. He joined after leaving another auto parts business in town and recalls a time when Zeta Auto Parts was the only game in town for auto parts retail.

Pedro Garcia, Employee, Zeta Auto Parts

“I came to Zeta and I asked for a job and because I already had knowledge on parts it was easy for me. The customer is our number one priority. They come in and we try to give them the best service. They offer things that they would need, not just on the parts they are buying. We try to tell them you need this along with that. Sometimes mechanics send them and tell them just get that and they have to come back. So we try to tell them what would work along with other parts so that they could take it with them first.”

At Zeta Auto Parts, the hustle never stops. During our visit, customers were constantly coming and going. Fifteen years ago, the business moved from Main Street to its current location on Liberty Avenue, expanding storage to offer more products and meet new customer demands. Despite competitors with larger inventories opening up in town, Zeta has maintained its edge thanks to its longstanding reputation.

Adriel Escalante

“This property was owned by my uncle and he passed it own to my grandfather. We are here now at sixty-four Liberty Avenue. I saw it growing. I remember all my past employees and how the business was. It has been growing ever since. Now we decided to open a branch in the Cayo District. We are located in San Ignacio Town. Now, we are also going to expand in another location as well. I won’t say where. It is just coming soon. We have customers throughout the country, Corozal, Belize City, Cayo, down south.”

Pedro Garcia

“I have customers from when I was in Belize with the other company. I come this side and they still call. I have been dealing with them for over nineteen years. They just glad that they could call me and when they need parts I find parts for them. The company is still growing. I heard the boss say they want to expand. I will be here until I can.”

Zeta Auto Parts has thrived since the late Seventies on three key pillars: family legacy, dedicated employees, and customer satisfaction. Sugarcane farmers, a significant part of their customer base, benefit from the store’s strategic location. Adriel Escalante emphasizes that for Zeta Auto Parts to continue thriving for another five decades, they must constantly evolve and meet the changing needs of their customers.

Adriel Escalante

“We are looking to expand and this year we are going to bring more products and we are going to expand our inventory and also along the way we are going to have mechanical services that we are going to offer to our customers as well. We have to keep updated with a lot of things, as technology is growing. We have to stay, how you say it, “top ah things”.

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Deadly Bees and how to Handle Them

Earlier this week, tragedy struck Caye Caulker when a local resident, Japy Perez Senior, originally from Toledo, died after being attacked by a swarm of bees on a farm. Perez was working alongside others when the bees suddenly swarmed, stinging him multiple times. Sadly, he succumbed to the stings shortly after. With bees being particularly active this time of year, it’s crucial to know how to handle them. Today, News Five’s Britney Gordon shares tips on dealing with a bee swarm on your property. Here’s the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

It’s harvest season, and bees are buzzing around, busy making honey for their hives. While these little pollinators are crucial for Belize’s agriculture and honey industry, their stings can be dangerous, especially for those with allergies. Beekeeper Elise Vernon advises that the key to handling bees is to stay calm and avoid panicking when you encounter them.

Elise Vernon, Beekeeper

“ When you panic, you tend to wave your arms, and you tend to run away and you everything goes wrong when you panic. The thing that you should do is stay calm. Try not to make a lot of noise and try not to create a lot of sudden movements. Sudden movements tend to get them more aggressive. They get to be more angered, and that way they come out to you even more.”

Bees can nest in just about anything. Today, Elise was called in by her neighbor Kenroy Jex, who discovered bees in an old appliance in his yard.

Kenroy Jex, Homeowner

“I believe dey mi deh there like wa year. So I get the chopman fi chop the roadside for me, and he bring it to my attention. And I fi mi call Elise from then, but weh I have so much work to do with it slip my mind. So I finally tell her yesterday when Ih come ya. So she say she was come here two o’clock and take care of it fi me”

Jex does mechanical work on his property, so the constant flow of bees has been bothersome to deal with. He also worries about the safety of his animals.

Kenroy Jex

“Dog and cow. And horse. So the horse and the cow, they always come around, so you know what, they sting the house and the cow. So I have to make a least come and deal with ney.”

After suiting up, Vernon gathered her supplies to smoke out the bees. She explained that the smoke tricks the bees into thinking there’s a forest fire, shifting their focus from the person trying to remove them to the young bees at risk inside the hive. Vernon also emphasized that the best way to remove bees is by locating the queen.

Elise Vernon

“We look for the queen first. That is the most important thing because once the queen is in the box, the entire hive tends to follow. So that’s the most complicated thing, especially in harvest season because there can be up to eighty thousand bees in a box. And finding one queen in eighty thousand bees can be quite difficult. But she does look a little bit different, so I can find her, once I find her, I put her in the box in a secure area and I start removing whatever wax they have in there with honey, with pollen, whatever they have in there, I start to remove that and put it into the box as well. And then I leave the box there for the day and then I come back in the evening so that all the other bees that are out getting their pollen and honey, they can return home. And once I know that all the bees are in there for the night, I can move it to my farm.”

Vernon shared some helpful tips for those dealing with stings.

Elise Vernon

“So I get stung once or twice through the suit, but typically I don’t. But overall, if you do get stung, something that we tend to tell other people is to always keep a couple pills of charcoal on hand. Charcoal tends to help to pull out that toxin and relieve the pain that you’re experiencing. You can also take an antihistamine if you get stung.”

Vernon advises removing stingers from the body as they release pheromones. Alerting the hive of a potential threat.

Elise Vernon

“If they are chasing you, run in a straight line to the safest place. So if you have a car that you can run to that is enclosed, run to the car and drive away. If you can go into a house or a shelter and lock up, that’s fine as well. Never ever jump in a pond or a pool because if you go to the bottom and you think that they’re going to fly away and then you can come back up, you are wrong. They wait at the surface for you, and so you could be down there for five minutes and they will be right up there waiting for you.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.