Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa and Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre appeared on Open Your Eyes this morning, diving deep into the proposed constitutional change that’s stirring controversy across the country. Minister Musa says the Thirteenth Amendment isn’t introducing anything new, it’s simply giving constitutional backing to a law that’s been on the books since 1993. He argues that while critics fear government overreach, the amendment actually adds more oversight than current emergency powers. Still, not everyone’s convinced. With public resistance growing, will this move strengthen public safety or weaken civil liberties?
Kareem Musa
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
“So since 2018 to present both successive governments have been utilizing the state of emergency as a lifesaving tool because essentially that is what it has become, when crime and violence among feuding gangs becomes so intense that there is constant retaliation among these groups and that often times leads to the lose of innocent lives in Belize, not just gang members, because there is this school of thought that says, just let gang members kill themselves out. There is collateral damage. In this year alone think of Mr. Avilar who died right here on Coney Drive. Think of the young man Orosco who was taking his child to school. Think of Ms. Jones and her handicap son. Those are four lives lost in just this year as you describe, collateral damage. So, the question is, what do you do when you have this escalation in violence that leads to the loss of gang member lives, but also the lose of innocent citizens lives. That is why we say we need to have legislation that can counter this because in the streets there is a code, if I kill Isani, his family will not say its me, even if they witness it. They will take out the retaliation themselves. There is a street and a gang code that we have to recognize.”
Minister Musa broke it down like this: the proposed Thirteenth Amendment is all about clearing up confusion around the current state of emergency laws in the Constitution. To do that, the government is leaning on parts of the existing Crime Control and Criminal Justice Act, specifically the section that talks about creating what they call ‘special areas.’ But here’s the key part, Minister Musa says the amendment also adds an extra layer of oversight. That means stricter checks and balances before any area can be declared ‘special’ under a state of emergency.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
“We are fleshing out the state of emergency into the constitution but in a way we are saying specifically, because the state of emergency is only for public safety. It is very vague. Now you think of natural disasters and the looting that happens and you may say well maybe that is what the framers of the constitution wanted, for us to have legislation that address that. We are saying in 2025, as was recognized in 1993 that we need to flesh it out more to say that this is a crime fighting, life saving tool that we want to keep in our tool box as a measure of last resort, not something to be used everyday but something to say listen this is getting our of control, the public is not giving statements, we need to hit the pause button. Its not just the minister, it’s not just the prime minister, it is not just the police that gets to decide anymore under this law. It is an entire security council made up of the military, the coast guard, foreign affairs, all of these parties must now listen to the report from the police and say whether it is justifiable tat we now call an area a special area for one month, similar to the provision for state of emergency now with greater oversight.”
One of the proposed legislations in the Thirteenth Amendment is the establishment of a Gun and Gang Court. So, how will this specialized court assist in combat gun violence and gang warfare? We asked Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre this morning. Here is his response.
Anthony Sylvestre
Anthony Sylvestre, Attorney General
“As things currently stand, matters are being dealt with in the magistrate’s court. The idea is to have these be dealt with in a specialized gang and gun court. In the Magistrates Court, the Magistrates deal with all kind of matters, traffic, and all other types of matters, including civil matters. A case may have started in January but it is not completed, through no faulty of the Magistracy, until maybe a year, because it is adjourned a number of times. The idea is to move that and have these cases dealt with as similar to the High Court which is why the amendment is to have the court has the powers of both a magistrate and a High Court judge. So, with respect to a specialized court, it is nothing new in Belize and other countries to have specialized court that deals with family matters, revenue matters, administration, estate matters, the idea is to have a specialized court that deals with gun and gang matters and that will allow for expedited hearing.”
The government says it’s not just making changes for change’s sake. In defending the Thirteenth Amendment, Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre pointed to a real-world example, Trinidad and Tobago’s recent use of its state of emergency laws. According to the AG, Belize’s proposed legislation goes a step further. He says it strikes a better balance, protecting the rights of citizens while still giving the government the tools it needs to act in the public’s interest. So, how exactly does it work?
Anthony Sylvestre, Attorney General
“It is a necessary and important tool that the state must have. Recent events in Trinidad, the current government I think it is only two months in its administration and it had to implement a state of emergency that it was critical of in the previous administration. What this shows to me is that it is an important tool that a state needs and comments, criticism, critiques may be made but ultimately it has to and is necessary where justifiable and upon reasonable suspicion and those mechanism that has been inbuilt in the Thirteenth Amendment is not there in the current SOE regime in the constitution. So, it is actually an enhanced and improved way in which addressing crime, detecting, investigation and controlling crime would be able to be done in a balance way both in terms of the citizen’s rights and the public interest for the general citizenry.”
Last week, we followed up on Aaron Guzman’s seventy-thousand-dollar advisory contract with the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, a deal that raised more than a few eyebrows. Well, there’s an update. Today, Minister Kareem Musa told us that Guzman’s contract likely won’t be renewed when it expires in February 2026. Guzman’s role is to advise on policing and economic growth. But with that kind of paycheck, we’re still asking, was this hire really necessary? We put that to Minister Musa earlier today.
Kareem Musa
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
“We found it necessary. Like I mentioned on the last occasion, there is great value coming out of Mr. Guzman. It was a recommendation from the former police commissioner. He wanted Mr. Guzman to be attached to the police department as opposed to the ministry. But we saw where it would have been a better fit in terms of providing guidance and council to our ministry in his duty as a special advisor. And so, there was a lot of work still left unfinished that he still required an additional year to finish up. He has assisted in identifying countrywide repairs to police stations that were necessary. He assisted retirees, in clearing all the backlog with pensions and retirement benefits for retirees. There is such a huge backlog and he has worked well there. He is working on our animal welfare bill. These are things that will be tied up in the coming months and his contract expires in February of next year. We don’t foresee the need to hire him for an additional year next year, but certainly his contribution has been invaluable and perhaps raises the discussion as to whether age fifty-five is really the age we should look at as the retirement age, because I know he still has so much to offer.”
On Monday night, we took you deep into the heart of San Pedro, Columbia, where subsistence farmers are facing a growing threat, an aggressive rodent infestation that’s putting their crops, and their livelihoods, at risk. But as our team ventured further into the deep south, we uncovered more than just a pest problem. What we found was a rich tapestry of tradition, age-old farming practices rooted in Maya culture, where every planting, every harvest, is guided by ancestral wisdom. Tonight, in our latest installment of Kolcha Tuesday, News Five’s Paul Lopez takes us beyond the fields and into the soul of southern Belize’s farming heritage.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
A rodent infestation is sweeping across small farms in the Toledo District and it’s not only threatening crops and livelihoods. It’s shaking the very roots of a farming tradition passed down through generations of Maya families. And while stories of rats in the milpas have been whispered for years, farmers say this is different. This time, it’s not just folklore. It’s real. And it’s right in front of them.
Sylvano Tesecum
Sylvano Tesecum, Farmer, Toledo District
“My ancestors from long time, my grandmother use to tell us the story of lots of rats before, until now I am seeing it.”
So, we hit the road and made our way to San Pedro Columbia to see it all for ourselves. But what we found wasn’t just farmers going about their daily grind. We stepped into a world where farming is more than just planting and harvesting, it’s a way of life. It’s a system deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs, a respectful partnership with nature, and a strong sense of community. Preparation for planting begins the day before. Raphael Choc, an experienced farmer, acted as our cultural guide for the day.
Raphael Choc
Raphael Choc, Farmer, Toledo
“Before the planting, the owner will need to go out there and find workers, most of the time family members.”
Before planting begins, there’s a sacred commitment. The men chosen for the task take a vow of purity, abstaining from sexual activity the night before. It’s a spiritual preparation, rooted in deep respect for the land and the traditions that guide their way of life.
Raphael Choc
“Of course the planters must make sure they are pure and for them to be pure we ask them not to sleep with their women the night before of the planting and whoever cheats we will know. We will see the results in the corn field.”
Before sunrise, the men set of on their journey to the farm through mountainous, densely forested terrain. The route kicks off with a steep, fifteen-minute uphill climb that really puts your endurance to the test. And just when you think you’ve conquered it, the trail drops into an even steeper descent on the other side, challenging your footing and your focus every step of the way. The Maya people have, for generations, been making use of the plants this jungle provides.
Raphael Choc
“Smell this, this is the cow foot leaf, this is the cow foot leaf. So what we do is put this in the lancha. The waha leaves. So, people need to understand we need to start to go green. We the buy aluminum foil and plastic wrapper. We the grow this here. It does not rip. We call it the green wrapper.”
On the farm, the men wear a sling bag known as a kuxtal, across their shoulders that is filled with corn. They traverse the land together, poking holes in the ground and placing the seeds in an orderly fashion.
Raphael Choc
“Of course when everybody comes together, he will not pay them financially, what he will do is give back that working day. So if he gets five people to plant, that means he owes five days work, one day for person. It does not have to be planting, but any work he has at the farm.”
We enjoyed a refreshing bowl of a traditional corn-based beverage, before the return trip. After a long day in the fields, these farmers don’t just head home. They hoist their harvest onto their backs and tackle that same steep incline all over again; this time, weighed down by the fruits of their labor. It’s a grueling climb that shows just how much heart and strength goes into every crop.
Paul Lopez
“Now you imagine this climb, with a sack of corn on your back. That is what they have to do to transport the corn from this area out to where they can sell it, eat it and feed it to their animals.”
Ultimately, the struggles pale in comparison to the reward. It’s customary for the farm owner to host a feast, a heartfelt thank-you to the workers who’ve toiled alongside him. A freshly prepared bowl of chicken caldo is on today’s menu.
Raphael Choc
“So this is the reward of the planters. You have a hot dish of the local chicken caldo, a cup. That is for the chocolate drink. We also have the hot corn tortillas and we also have the hot pepper. As you can see we feed the kids first, then the planters around the table and after when the planters leave the room that is when the women will take over the table and they will have their own feast. And whatever left over food they have they will take it to the family.”
The belief is that if they adhere to these Maya practices then they will experience a favorable harvest.
Raphael Choc
“So now what we are facing is these rats. So we want to know if they are not following the traditional rules or if the rats are just there.”
In any event, the rodents must be eradicated in order for these cultural practices to thrive across seasons. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
Belize just hit a major milestone in the fight against climate change. The Belize Maya Forest, one of the last intact tropical forests in northern Central America, has officially been validated under global carbon credit standards. That means the country can now trade nearly thirty million carbon credits, essentially turning forest conservation into a revenue stream. The Government of Belize, the Belize Maya Forest Trust, and The Nature Conservancy are celebrating this as a win for the environment, the economy, and local communities. The forest is now permanently protected, and the first payout, roughly one-point-five million Belize dollars, is already on its way. But here’s where the conservation conversation gets interesting: How will the long-term proceeds from these carbon credits be managed? Will the communities living near and depending on the forest see real, lasting benefits? And as Belize enters the global carbon market, how do we ensure transparency and equity in how these funds are used? This project is being hailed as a model for the region. But like any model, it’s worth asking: who’s at the center of success and who might be left out?
Is it creativity, or just code? That’s the question lighting up social media across the country after the Miss Universe Belize Committee unveiled the top three finalists in its National Costume Design Competition. The theme centered around our vibrant national bird, the keel-billed toucan. The designs are bold, intricate, and eye-catching. But some artists and Belizeans are questioning what they see, pointing out odd similarities and inconsistencies that suggest these costumes may not have been sketched by hand, but generated by artificial intelligence. So, what really goes into creating a costume that represents Belize on the world stage? And does AI have a place in that process? News Five’s Britney Gordon takes a closer look at the controversy and the craftsmanship behind national pride.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
The countdown is on, just five months to go until Isabella Zabaneh, Miss Universe Belize 2025, steps onto the global stage to represent the Jewel. She’s got the poise, the presence, and the personality, but there’s one piece of the puzzle still in progress: her national costume. Earlier this week, the Miss Universe Belize Committee revealed the top three finalists in the costume design competition. Belize’s majestic toucan is this year’s theme. But instead of applause, the designs have set off a heated online debate. Belizeans, especially local artists, are questioning whether these intricate creations were made by human hands or generated by artificial intelligence. Among the critics is Alex Sanker, a well-known artist who’s supported the pageant in the past with hand-painted pieces.
Alex Sanker
Alex Sanker, Visual Artist
“For me it’s obvious because, I’ve been doing this for a long time, but I’m pretty sure like I mentioned, I did a post this morning and I said, AI should not be presented in something like this. First of all, you have artists that could design these, we’d be doing for decades. Generally, I think I have a saying to doing this because I took a burden on myself to paint the last seven Miss Universes, which we saw something traditional. But when I saw the images, yes, it’s pretty. But there’s nothing there. It’s like a kid, ten years old. I have the knowledge of AI could create something like that.”
The selected designs have all incorporated the national bird; nonetheless, social media users were quick to point out the similarities in style and color scheme. Curious to see what AI could do; we decided to test it ourselves. We entered our own prompt into ChatGPT, and the results were strikingly similar to the designs online. To get a better sense of how these costumes came to life, we reached out to Monilee Aspinall, one of the designers. She teamed up with visual artist Nissa Sanchez to co-design their submission, and shared insight into their creative process, raising even more questions about where human creativity ends and machine-generated art begins.
Monilee Aspinall
Monilee Aspinall, Costume Designer
“My first thought was, I don’t want to do regular toucan, where there’s like that beacon that hit that gives like children’s costume. We’re so tired of seeing that. So I wanted something where you would be able to incorporate the tuan within the body. My next thing was I didn’t want to do like over the shoulder or something that’s also done so regularly. So I wanted it where. Bella is so tall and slim, I wanted to be able to use that to our advantage. So using her arms to create the bee and her body to simulate the body.”
Other artists like Maureen Navarrette and Khashief King brought bold, creative flair to the competition, one with a toucan in flight, the other blending flowers and the national flag. But critics aren’t impressed with the finalists. They’ve pointed out mismatched colors, awkward feather details, and even the wrong species of toucan, fueling suspicions that AI, not artists, may be behind the designs.
Alex Sanker
“I went on the web on Miss Universe, and I saw they’re getting the most votes, but then I don’t want to hear, oh they could adjust it. No, that was something I was selected to be the top three. And it’s not even our toucan, it’s not our national bird. It’s a toucan. Yes. It’s a keel-billed. That’s not what it is. And that’s the one that’s getting the most vote because. Again, people do think without considering the value of what they’re presenting to the world.”
The popularity of these pieces highlights the subjectivity of art. Whether the sketch is created by a human or not, some people will still gravitate towards the designs overall aesthetic. But there is more to a costume design than just its looks. An artist must consider the practicality of the costume and how it can be executed off the page.
Monilee Aspinall
“I know we love a like huge costume, and I love the idea of that as well. And I think that sometimes. That large costume, we don’t want it to overpower the toucan, that’s the theme that they’re going for. So we had to think about small things like if we use the arms for beak that means that certain parts of the body will have to be softer or easily moved. So we thought about like gymnastic costumes where there’s that beading and bedazzlement in certain areas, but then there’s still that, flesh tone fabric under the arms that allows them to move, but gives them that continuity or down the arms, down the legs.”
Artist Alex Sanker is speaking out against what he sees as a troubling trend, AI-generated art taking the spotlight from real, human creativity. He hopes that by continuing his work and advocacy, young artists will not become demotivated to pursue their passions in art.
Alex Sanker
“ I have a lot of parents, this is the new thing now where parents will bring their kids that an artist and they just blown by your work. And I tell them one thing, them and their parents, don’t do this for the money, don’t do it for the fame. Do it because you love it. If you do it because you love it, everything gonna fall into place. Listen, we have top of the line, international type level of talent here.”
The spotlight remains firmly on the designs, but not just for their bold colors or toucan-inspired flair. The real debate is whether artificial intelligence has a place in creating a costume meant to represent Belize on the world stage. As the public casts their votes to decide which design will come to life, questions are swirling: What are the rules for submissions? And is AI a fair reflection of Belizean artistry? To get some answers, we spoke with Miss Universe Belize Director, Destinee Arnold. She says the committee is open to criticism but sees AI as just another tool in the creative process. Here’s more on that conversation.
On the Phone: Destinee Arnold, Director, Miss Universe Belize
“Artificial intelligence is a tool that multiple people from multiple industries can utilize for whatever purpose they deem fit. In this case, there were some designers or creatives that utilize this tool to bring their vision to life. We did not anticipate an uproar from the public in response to someone utilizing that tool. Nor were we looking out to distinguish drawn designs versus artificial intelligence. We do recognize that we are in a modern age of technology. There are different ways in which you can present whatever your vision is, and we appreciate people being resourceful and we also appreciate those who take their pen to paper and draw out the designs. The focus is making sure that we include the public in national costume design because this is a costume that represents our culture, and we want to make sure that we are maintaining the focus on that goal. We don’t want to feed into any type of negativity. We want to continue to celebrate the fact that Bella is making waves right now in the pageant industry. She’s receiving a lot of positive international attention and we want to make sure that we maintain that celebration. And just recognizing that I. We can’t run away from artificial intelligence. We can’t run away from the evolution of technology. We can embrace it and just make sure that we are properly utilizing tools that are now at our disposal.”
Arnold also assures that the team will work with a Belizean designer to ensure that the costume is accurate to Belizean culture and can be worn comfortably on stage.
There’s some good news on the public health front tonight, Belize’s recent measles outbreak has officially been contained. That’s the word from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, which says it’s been two full incubation cycles without a single new case. The outbreak, which started back in April, was traced to unvaccinated travelers returning from Mexico. It quickly spread through the Corozal and Cayo districts, infecting 34 people and sending one to the hospital. Thankfully, everyone has recovered. So, how did health officials manage to stop the spread? We spoke with Doctor Laura Friesen from the Ministry of Health to find out what worked.
Laura Friesen
Dr. Laura Friesen, Medical Officer, MOHW
“This of course was due to the efforts of public health and also all the healthcare workers on the ground and also the communities that were affected. So it included a lot of different. Text, there was a communication component, just educating the public, letting people know what’s happening, what they should do to protect themself, what they should do to if they get ill. And also vaccination campaigns were a big part of the strategy. Because the best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated. The vaccine is very safe, very effective. So that was a very large part of our strategy as well. So it was mostly vaccination and communication. And then we had our surveillance teams on the ground as well where we monitored and reviewed cases of fever and rash to make sure. If it was a measles case and how we should be managing them if they were confirmed as measles cases. So it was a multi-dimensional strategy. So the most important advice right now is to get vaccinated. If you are not vaccinated, make sure that your children especially those the age of one and one and a half, get their scheduled measles vaccines. And also, if you are intending to travel to any country in the Americas, every country is right now somewhat at risk. But if you’re traveling. Planning to leave Belize. it is the best that you get your vaccine two weeks ahead of time if you have never been vaccinated for measles, which will then give you that protection, should you go into a situation where you get exposure that you don’t get sick and bring that back into the country. So that is what we are strongly recommending. Vaccination is the safe the safest and the most effective way to prevent outbreaks in in Belize right now.”
