2025-06-09 - Greater Belize Media

William Dawson Peace Cup, Promoting Peace and Unity

In the fight against crime, sometimes the best weapon is a football. That’s the idea behind the Williams Dawson Peace Cup, launched four years ago by the Leadership Intervention Unit. It’s more than just a tournament. It’s a movement. Young men from across Belize City and nearby villages come together on the pitch, not just to compete, but to build peace and unity through sport. Now heading into its fourth season, the Peace Cup has already made a big impact and this year’s edition is shaping up to be just as powerful. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The William Dawson Peace Cup is back for its fourth season. Carrying on the legacy of peace and unity left by the late William Dawson, this football tournament is doing more than just scoring goals. It’s bringing together young men from neighborhoods deeply affected by gang violence, giving them a chance to connect, compete, and build something positive through the power of sport. The Belize Police Department and the Leadership Intervention Unit leads this initiative.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“This particular program just offers that outlet, that opportunity, instead of the life of crime and violence. Borther Williams Dawson had a clear vision on where he wanted to take this program. And some might see he even died in the line of duty fighting for what he truly loved to do.”

And, Minister Kareem Musa will likely stick to his day job after stretching did not help him when he took the first shot of the season. This year’s tournament is off to a strong start with twelve teams hitting the field. And they’re not just showing up—they’re showing out, thanks to full support from the organizers who provided each team with gear, including balls and fresh jerseys. Kicking things off in the season opener were Ebony Lake Football Club and Leaders of Tomorrow Football Club, setting the tone for what’s shaping up to be an exciting competition. The first goal of the match came some thirty-three minutes into it.

A throw in for Ebony Lake FC. A little bounce there and the ball finds its way to number nine. He gets through to defenders and passes off to his open teammate…… in front of the goal. This one finished two goals to zero in favor of Ebony Lake. Sand Hill Warriors also faced off against Graveyard FC, while Survivors FC took on Jane Usher FC. Gang fueled violent crimes saw a sharp increase in Belize City and nearby rural communities recently. This led to the declaration of a state of emergency. These men are from some of those very communities. This tournament serves as a less heavy-handed approach to combating the same issues. Douglas Hyde reflected on the impact gang intervention through sports has had on the communities the players are from.

Douglas Hyde, Tournament Organizer

“Our intervention through sports such as the basketball and football tournaments fostering healthy minds, teamwork, comadre, unity and life skills are some of the many ways in which we have seen a lot of positivity in our rural and urban communities.”

Kareem Musa

“The players, you all here are the messengers of Borther William Dawson. You are to carry the message of hope and peace and unity. So, when you go out on that field to play your hearts out, you pick him up and hug him. Don’t fight, we don’t need to fight.”

We also heard from the brother of the late William Dawson and Acting Chairman of the LIU, Andrew Dawson.

Andrew Dawson, Acting Chair, LIU

“As we come together of this special, we are reminded of the core values that this tournament embodies, the pursuit of peace, respect and collaboration. Whether we are here as players, coaches, sponsors or spectators, we are united by a common goal, to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and to honor the legacy of my beloved brother, William Dawson whose efforts to promote peace continue to inspire us all.”

The tournament kicked off at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex, but games will be played at different venues throughout the course of the next season. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

A Review of the Weekend in Sports from Across the Country

Hey, good evening and welcome to another exciting edition of Sports Monday! I’m Paul Lopez and trust me, we’ve got a lot to cover tonight. So, let’s dive right in. We’re kicking things off down south in the Culture Capital, where history was made with the first overtime showdown in the Belize Premier Basketball League. The EZ Investments Dangriga Dream Ballers had their home crowd fired up inside the Russel Chiste Garcia Stadium, but they weren’t the only ones bringing the energy. San Pedro Tiger Sharks fans made the trip too, turning the arena into a battleground of cheers and chants.

This is five minutes into the first quarter. Dream Ballers were holding the Tiger Sharks to three points and Deshawn Bracket comes in with the layup to extend their lead to nine points. Six minutes into the first, the Tiger Sharks have five points, and Brackett nails a two-point jump shot to give his team eleven. But the Tigers Sharks went on a seven-to-nothing run in the last two minutes to tie the game at the end of that quarter. At the end of the first half, the EZ Investments Dangriga Dream Ballers had a one-point lead with thirty-two points. The second quarter saw both teams exchange blows. That kept the game close.

And they kept exchanging those blows at the start of the third quarter. Here is Francis Arana with a smooth three-point shot two minutes in to tie the game at thirty-six. Tyrell Grifith followed shortly after with a wide-open dunk that set the Tiger Sharks on an eight-to-nothing run. But the Dream Ballers has a weapon that is not talked about enough. He goes by Deshawn Bracket. Two minutes to end the third, down by eight. Brackett, clutch three-point jumper. The game is now forty-five to fifty. Less than a minute later, Brackett from the three-point line again and that is good. The Sharks’ lead is now cut to two. Eighteen seconds on the clock and Brackett breaks through two defenders on his way to the basket and gets up over two other defenders to tie the game.

Let’s go to the last three minutes of the fourth. Deshawn Brackett with another three to give his team the sixty-one to sixty points lead. Keon Rowland responds on the other end with a driving layup. Daniel Conorquie with a massive three on the other end to take back the lead. A Malik Hunt driving layup and Keon Rowland layup gives the Tigers Sharks a two point lead, with forty second left in the game. Deshawn Brackett tries, he is fouled inside the paint and goes to the line to shoot the two most critical free throws of this season so far. He makes both clutch free throws and sent the game into overtime. After a hard fought five minutes of overtime, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks came out on top with seventy-seven to their opponents seventy-four. Let’s quickly look at some of the tops stats from this one. Look at Brian White finishing with twenty-one rebounds for the Tiger Sharks. Keon Rowland had nineteen and made some big plays. Francis Arana finished with twenty-two. But the top scorer of the night was Deshawn Brackett, with thirty-three points.The Tiger Sharks also won against the Capital City Kings on Sunday inside the Belize City Civic Center. The Kings defeated the Belize City Thunderbolt on Friday night in Belmopan. And the Punta Gorda Panthers and Corozal Cerros Suns double header weekend in PG saw the Panthers victorious in both games.

Let’s go overseas for a bit to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where some of our well-known pro cyclists have been competing in the three-day Tulsa Tough Race. On day one, Jyven Gonzalez secured the victory for Legion in the Men’s Category one and two race with a sprint-off to the finish line. On day two, Derrick Chavarria won in the same category for Legions with a similar sprint finish. Chavarria also dominated on day three. These are exciting wins for both of our cyclists.

And the Belize District Football Association’s First Division Finals turned the light on inside the Marion Jones Sporting Complex on Sunday night. Tut Bay Football Club faced off against Ceasar Ridge Football Club in the Championship matchup. We now know who the big dogs in town this season are. Tut Bay Football Club with a dominant performance over their opponents. Thirteen minutes into this one, ball towards goal. Tut Bay’s Tom Moguel and the goalkeeper face off. The extra push by Moguel and the goal is scored. Early second half of the action, a Tut Bay player goes down inside the penalty box. Francis Arana called for heavy contact. The referee was awarded a penalty shot to Tut Bay. Devin Thurton puts it in. Less than ten minutes later, Tut Bay gets possession on the far side. They control the ball down the line until it finds a sprinting Shamar Thomas. He took the shot, and it was just too much for the goalkeeper, Thomas, to celebrate.

At the seventieth minute, Ceasar Ridge FC has possession inside the penalty box, a hard tackle and their player hits the ground. Whitefield Fisher secured Ceasar Ridge’s only goal in this one. Tut Bay Football Club is your Belize District First Division Champions. Staying on football, Belize’s Senior Men’s National Team fell to Panama on Saturday night inside the FFB Stadium in Belmopan. Home field advantage was a non-factor in this one for Belize. On the other hand, many fans are commending the team for what is being described as marked improvement. Well folks, that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.

Raccoon Street Police Station Infested with Rats

Raccoon Street Police Station is now dealing with a rat infestation, just days after a severe leakage flooded the building. While authorities say that the flooding captured in a video was caused by a hatch that had been left open, “the issue of rodents is one that is common in the city,” Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stacy Smith said during this afternoon’s police briefing.

She confirmed that efforts are underway to deal with the rodent problem. “The department has taken the necessary steps to address the issue, and we are confident a resolution will be brought about shortly. We have contacted the relevant authorities and relevant experts in the field to assist,” she said.

Smith reiterated initial comments by the Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa, that there are plans to relocate the officers as these issues are addressed. Minister Musa had told News 5 that building a new police station is a long-term plan that will require a significant investment.

“In the interim, the police officers are taking the necessary steps to protect themselves, as their health is certainly of paramount interest, and we certainly need them to be in the best of conditions to provide the service the Belizean people deserve,” Smith added.

Over 94% of PSU Members Reject GOB’s Wage Proposal, Trade Dispute Declared

The Public Service Union (PSU) of Belize has declared a trade dispute with the Government of Belize (GOB) following an overwhelming rejection of the government’s latest wage and pension proposals by union members.

In a circular issued today, PSU President Dean Flowers expressed strong disappointment over GOB’s response to the Joint Unions Negotiating Team (JUNT), accusing the government of showing “blatant disregard for our essential workers.” The government rejected the union’s request for a $6 minimum wage for nearly 900 essential workers, including school wardens, cleaners, and security officers. It also denied an 8.5% salary increase for public officers during the current fiscal year, instead offering two incremental raises phased over three years and linking them to a 5% pension contribution for new public service entrants starting October 1, 2025.

The PSU revealed that 94.35% of its members voted to reject the government’s offer, while 91.94% supported declaring a trade dispute effective June 10, 2025.

The PSU announced it would formally notify the Minister of Labour by invoking Section 11 of the Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act. Union members in Belmopan and neighboring towns are being called to peacefully walk with union leadership to the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government to personally deliver the declaration.

The PSU also reminded public officers that, under Regulation 173 91.94% supported declaring a trade dispute effective June 10, 2025. of the Public Service Regulations, department heads are expected to grant time-off with full pay for union-sanctioned activities “where feasible.” The union will formally request releases for members participating in this critical demonstration.

“Solidarity Forever,” the circular concluded.

Belizean in L.A. Speaks Out on Immigration Fears

As concerns continue to swirl around U.S. immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, one Belizean living in Los Angeles says fear among immigrants is largely driven by misinformation.

Faron Smith Jr., a Belizean resident of Palmdale, California, has lived in the L.A. area since 1998. Though he holds a U.S. green card, he has chosen not to pursue American citizenship. “I didn’t want to become a citizen of the U.S., you know, so I just stay with my green card,” Smith told News Five in an interview.

When asked about recent reports of ICE enforcement operations, Smith admitted he was skeptical at first. “At first I didn’t even believe it. I thought it was just people overreacting and just spreading misinformation. But then I end up seeing it, man, and I was like, whoa, just unbelievable.”

Despite the reports, Smith said he doesn’t live in fear of being deported. “Unlike what you see on Facebook, it’s not like they’re just targeting anybody and everybody,” he explained. “They deport a lot of people because… when they open up the border, you get good people coming in, but then you also get bad people… Any people that love their country, they don’t want that. So I completely understand what they’re saying.”

While Smith hasn’t altered his daily routine, he recognizes that others are fearful though he believes much of that fear is unnecessary. “I haven’t changed anything… I’m a veteran out of the United States Navy. I don’t live in fear none whatsoever. But I know, I see other people that are afraid.”

He believes much of the fear stems from a lack of accurate information. “If you have the information, you have no reason to be afraid. They can’t do you anything if you have your stuff together, if you’re not a criminal.”

Smith said he hasn’t personally heard of any Belizeans being picked up by immigration authorities in L.A. “I asked the owner of a Belizean store if she knew anyone it happened to. She said no. And I said, ‘Okay, I haven’t heard of one either.’ I know a lot of illegals here, a lot of Belizeans that are illegal. And guess what? If we don’t have even one person… what is that saying to you?”

He said that fear persists in the community, leading to the cancellation of cultural events.

Smith also criticised the violent actions during recent protests in downtown LA. “You could go out and protest something and you don’t have to vandalize, rob, hurt people, burn stuff. You can’t expect that you’ll be breaking the law and the police won’t come.”

Despite the challenges, Smith says the U.S. still offers opportunity, if approached legally and responsibly. “If you feel like you need more opportunity and you’re not getting it at home, there’s a lot more opportunity in America. But… if that’s their law, just go with it, man. Because that’s where you are.”

Downtown Los Angeles erupted in large-scale unrest this weekend as thousands of demonstrators protest recent ICE raids and the deployment of federal forces.

AGRIC 2025 Attendance Drops by Thousands

The buzz was still strong, but the numbers were down. The 2025 National Agriculture and Trade Show (NATS), held from May 30 to June 1, pulled in 34,042 visitors, down more than 7,000 from last year’s crowd of over 41,000.

Hosted under the theme “Integrating Sustainable Food Systems: Mitigating Climate Change, Strengthening Agricultural Resilience,” the event still saw solid regional participation and enthusiastic public turnout, despite blazing heat over the weekend.

The ministry also praised law enforcement for keeping the grounds safe and incident-free.

However, one major highlight, the Ford Ranger raffle draw, was postponed after falling short of the minimum ticket sales. “We assure the public that this is a legitimate undertaking for which there will be a winner,” the Ministry said, adding that all purchased tickets remain valid. The new draw date is set for July 11, 2025, with ticket sales now back underway.

GOB Warns Against Illegal Online Gaming Operations

The government is warning the public about several online gaming websites falsely claiming to hold gaming licences from Belize or spreading misinformation about the country’s gaming regulations.

The government said that all online gaming activities in Belize are regulated and require proper licensing from the Gaming Control Board under the Gaming Control Act.

However, Belize currently maintains a moratorium on issuing online gaming licences, meaning no online gaming companies are currently authorised to operate from the country. The government confirmed that no new licences will be issued until further notice.

“All entities claiming to possess an online gaming licence from Belize must immediately cease and desist, as their operations are unauthorised and illegal,” the government stated.

The Ministry of Investment is urging internet users to avoid conducting business with companies making false licensing claims, as these operations pose potential risks to consumers.

15-Year-Old Attempts to Assassinate Colombian Presidential Candidate

Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe remains in critical condition after being shot in the head at close range during a public rally in Bogotá’s Modelia neighbourhood on Saturday. The 39-year-old conservative senator underwent emergency brain surgery and has shown minimal response to medical interventions, according to ABC News.

Reports are that the attack was carried out by a 15-year-old suspect now in custody. Videos circulated on social media show the gunman firing at Uribe from just metres away. The Associated Press reported that the teenager was injured during the arrest and is being treated in a separate clinic.

“It feels like we’re going back to the 1990s,” said Walter Jimenez, a lawyer who joined hundreds outside the hospital on Sunday. He was referring to a violent era when drug cartels and rebel groups carried out killings of judges, journalists, and presidential candidates without consequence.

President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack, warning against political exploitation, but has also come under fire for his heated rhetoric.

In a message on X on Monday, Petro revealed Uribe’s security team was “strangely” reduced from seven to three bodyguards on the day of the attack.

Belizean-American Kara Young Makes Tony History with Back-to-Back Wins

Belizean-American actress Kara Young made Broadway history Sunday night, becoming the first Black performer to win Tony Awards in back-to-back years after earning Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performance in “Purpose.” Born to Belizean parents in Harlem, the first-generation American actress has shattered multiple records on Broadway’s biggest stage.

Young has already made history as the first Black actress to be nominated for a Tony in four consecutive years (2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025), breaking her own record for most consecutive nominations for a Black actress. Her previous nominations were for “Clyde’s” in 2022 and “Cost of Living” in 2023.

Last season, Young won her first Tony Award for “Purlie Victorious,” making this her second consecutive win in the same category. She became the first Black performer to win back-to-back Tony Awards for Best Featured Actress in a Play.

“In this world, we are so divided,” she said while accepting her award. “Theater is a sacred space. It’s a sacred space that we have to honor and treasure.”

Minister Usher: It’s Not If But How the 8.5% Salary Adjustment Will Be Rolled Out

Minister of Public Service Henry Charles Usher says the government is still waiting on a formal response from public sector unions, despite Friday’s preliminary strong rejection of the proposed 4% salary increase.

“I would prefer to see what their formal response is to us,” Usher stated. The Joint Union Negotiating Team (JUNT), representing the BNTU, PSU, and APSSM, called the offer “insulting” and “a step backwards.”

Usher explained that the government’s proposal included an adjustment that would begin with a 4% increase on 1 October 2025, with an additional 4.5% to be considered over the following two fiscal years. “Government has never said that it was a situation that they would not get the 8.5%. It’s just that we want to know how it can be properly implemented,” Usher said.

He supports the unions’ right to express dissatisfaction but urged continued dialogue. “What is critical is that we find that mutual ground; we have that discussion… to find that ability to agree,” he said.

The goal, Usher says, is to find a formula that allows the government to fairly pay public servants and teachers while balancing the administration’s goals.

“If we can find that formula, looking at cost of living adjustment, looking at the CPI, at the inflation, but also on the opposite side, looking at the productivity, looking at performance targets and goals that we want to achieve in the public service, educational goals and targets that we want to achieve in our education system, that to me is more important, to find that ability to agree on that,” he said.