2025-06-20 - Greater Belize Media

Tour Operator Says Belize Experience Too Costly

David Almendarez isn’t just talking politics; he’s also raising concerns about the state of Belize’s tourism industry. At his solo press conference, he claimed things are so slow right now that some tour guides are being forced to look for other ways to make a living. But is this just the usual off-season dip, or is there something deeper going on?

David Almendarez, Tour Operator

“We deh two months in the slow season. Generally, the slow season is six months. Depending on how the easter flows, it will tell you the length of the seasons. This year the season went all the way to April twentieth. That normally demarcates the end of the season. If you listen to the critics, then you would think we are doing wonderful. Check unu change today. Around this time last year I could not get a tour guide to work for me. Now I could get a tour guide to wash my vehicle. You have tour guides doing construction. Not even two months in the high season do we have that happening. I think it is the fact that we keep increasing the cost of a Belizean experience. We keep increasing the cost. I was in Cancun for Easter and to visit Chichen Itza which is a whole day tour, we leave six in the morning and return eight in the evening, sixty U.S. dollars. The entrance fees to Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), dah over fifty dollars, just the entrance fees. It goes to show the market research being done before people implement changes.”

Quality Poultry Celebrates 50 Years of Chicken in Belize

If you’ve ever enjoyed a plate of rice and beans with that perfectly crispy piece of chicken, chances are it came from Quality Poultry. And this year, they’re not just celebrating, they’re celebrating big. Quality Poultry Products is marking its fiftieth anniversary, and instead of throwing one fancy event in one location, they’re hitting the road. The company is rolling out motorcades across the country, bringing the celebration to every district and this weekend, it’s Belize City’s turn. But this isn’t just about balloons and banners. It’s a chance to shine a light on the journey your chicken takes before it hits your plate. From farm to fryer, Quality wants you to see the story behind the sizzle.

Andre Selgado, Manager, Quality Poultry Products

“This year, Quality celebrates our legacy year which is fifty years in existence as Quality Poultry Products. We were established in 1975, and we’ve been in operation continuously, nonstop being the number one poultry provider in Belize. So, we wanted to do something different, every company that does reach fifty years, they normally just have one event and at a centralized location. So, what we’re trying to do is celebrate with the entire country, which makes everyone an active participant in what we’re doing. So, what we decided to do is that every district, the main city or town in that district, will be having a motorcade in celebration of Quality. So, we’re celebrating it with you as our customers, as our supporters and we’re giving back to you. So, this Saturday in Belize City is going to be the motorcade. We start at eleven a.m. and we go through the principal streets of Belize City. We’re kind of taking the same route as the fire engine parade. What is the motorcade about? Again, some people take it for granted, not knowing how, when they go and buy that plate of rice and beans and chicken, or when they go to the shop and buy dehn lee fry chicken, they don’t know what it takes for us to get that chicken to you. So Quality Poultry, the motorcade, it highlights a little bit of the process of how we get stuff to your plate.”

Gayla Lopez’s Story: From Pageant Stage to Healing Pages

Back in 1988, she wore the crown, the sash, and the smile that lit up a nation, Gayla Lopez, Belize’s Queen of the Bay. But what if I told you that was just the beginning of her story? Today, we’re turning the page on a journey that’s far deeper than pageantry. From the grace of the stage to the quiet power of a journal, Gayla has transformed her platform into a mission: helping others heal, grow, and express themselves through creativity and reflection. It’s a story of elegance, empathy, and emotional empowerment, and it’s all coming up in this week’s inspiring edition of The Bright Side.

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

She was just a young woman in 1988 poised, graceful, and full of promise when she stepped into the national spotlight as Belize’s Queen of the Bay. Her name? Gayla Lopez. The crown and sash made her a symbol of pride for an entire country, but that moment was only the beginning.

Gayla Lopez, Mental Health Advocate

“Queen of the Bay, back then, in my days, it had a lot to do with your elegance, your poise, your grace, your intellect, how intelligent you were, because we did have to answer questions. Um, but a lot to do with your grace, your elegance, your beauty, your poise, and um. That was pretty much a scene then 37 years ago.”

Times have changed and so has the crown. Gayla Lopez has watched the evolution of the pageant with pride—where today’s contestants are not just symbols of grace, but voices for change, championing causes and stepping into advocacy roles.

Gayla Lopez

“It gives you a sense of pride, you know, to be a part of history, to be, it’s a part of our heritage. Like I said, queen of the Bay is just something that’s, um, kind of embedded, you know, so it does, it brings a smile to your face.”

For Gayla, that pride also planted the seeds for something deeper, a journey of healing and self-discovery that led her to help others, beginning with children. Out of her personal journey came a powerful idea, one that’s now helping young people navigate their own emotional worlds. Inspired by her transformation, Gayla Lopez created 5 Journal, a guided tool that blends creativity with reflection.

Gayla Lopez

“I created a children’s journal called, called Five Journal. It deals with, um, children being able to recognize, to express and to embrace their emotions. It’s a way for them, because a lot of people are not able to verbalize, they can’t articulate what they’re feeling and to be able to articulate what you’re feeling, it empowers you as well, because the emotions are messengers.”

Gayla’s personal journey of healing and self-expression inspired her to use creativity as a bridge for emotional growth. Through her work, she encourages children to find their own voice, often turning to art to communicate feelings that words alone can’t capture.

Gayla Lopez

“I’ve used art as a tool, a part of my life. When I was processing my own life growing up, I resorted to art as my escape. So what I’ve done is incorporate art as a tool for children to verbalize what they’re feeling and express themselves. It’s kind of like speaking colors when words cannot.”

And while her focus initially began with children, Gayla Lopez acknowledges that her work has revealed a deeper truth—adults, too, can benefit from the resource as they learn to better understand and process their emotions.

Gayla Lopez

“Since then to now I’ve had to step back, like I said, because I recognize that adults are not able to articulate or to verbalize their own feelings, and they’re the people that I need to be able to assist children in this journey as well. So I’ve had to step back and I, so I offer sessions for adults primarily, but also for children.

I think a lot of it has to do with how we were brought up as adults. We’re from different generations, so the way I was raised is very different from how my children are being raised now—or how their children will be. It’s like different stages. And I think one of the hindrances is how we often tell boys, for example, that they have to be tough—“you’re not supposed to cry.” I mean, that’s basically telling them not to feel. But they’re human beings too.”

After nearly four decades of service, reflection, and impact, Gayla Lopez sees her journey as more than personal, it’s patriotic. For her, patriotism isn’t just about waving a flag; it’s about rolling up your sleeves and doing the hard work to move your country forward.

Gayla Lopez, Mental Health Advocate

“For me, patriotism means love of country, right? Um, there’s lots of work that needs to be done. I try to live my life as best as possible to be patriotic. Uh, for the love of my country, but there’s, to be real honest, there’s lots of work to be done. Um, I don’t think one person can do that. You can try.”

While being a beauty queen can be an empowering experience, it’s important to remember that a title does not define your true worth. Crowns and sashes may fade with time, but the strength of your character is the crown you wear for life. That’s the real legacy—one of resilience, growth, and purpose beyond the spotlight. Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.

UBFSU Calls on GOB to Restore Subvention

Among the growing number of unions voicing their discontent with the Briceño administration, the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union (UBFSU) added their voice in solidarity during Thursday’s National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) press conference.

UBFSU called on the government to fulfil its pledge to increase the university’s subvention to $10 million. UBFSU Acting President Julianne Pasos said the current $7.65 million subvention is insufficient to meet the university’s needs and called on the government to restore its pledge to increase funding to $10 million.

“They promised to restore the $10 million subvention and increase that by $1 million every year should they become the government of Belize. They have been in power since 2020, if I’m not mistaken. Ironically, the subvention of the university from 2021 to 2024 has been at its lowest at $7.65 million,” Pasos said.

She added that despite official statements committing to sustainable development and funding increases, the 2025/2026 budget again allocates only $7.65 million with no increase projected.

“Our issue is the government keeps making promises. The subvention is not just something we are calling for; it’s something that the university needs,” she added. “The subvention goes towards the operational costs of the university. Without the subvention, it adds the constraints to the institution.”

Pasos revealed that Belize’s national university is facing serious challenges, including difficulty retaining faculty and staff due to brain drain and uncompetitive salaries.

PSU President Demands Full Financial Disclosures from Statutory Bodies

Public Service Union President Dean Flowers is once again calling out government spending, this time on vehicles. In Thursday’s NTUCB press conference, Flowers said the Government of Belize is spending $17 million annually on overtime payments. He pointed to what he called a “continuous hustle” in vehicle purchases between 2021 and 2025.

Flowers said $10.2 million was spent on vehicles in the 2021–2022 fiscal year alone, just after the pandemic. What stood out, he said, is that 20% of those funds, roughly $2.2 million, went not to established car dealers but to a group of 16 private individuals.

“There wasn’t much purchasing in 2022–2023,” he added, “but by 2023–2024 and again in 2024–2025, the same group, this time only five individuals, were responsible for selling $1.2 million worth of vehicles to the government.”

“I am saying that that’s another area of abuse and corruption that the Ministry of Finance is well aware of. Over the three years, they would have spent almost 22 million dollars,” he stated.

Flowers also demanded that the Briceño administration table financial statements from statutory bodies such as the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), IMMARBE, the Financial Services Commission, and the Belize Airport Authority. He extended the call to include BELTRAIDE, the Social Investment Fund (SIF), COCESNA funds, the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), Belize Port Authority, Pesticide Control Board, NICH, and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

He said, “These organisations are all mandated by law to lay on the table their financial statements.”

“Make it public, or your integrity will continue to be called into question along with those associated to you,” Flowers said to the Briceño government.

David Almendarez: 8.5% Salary Adjustment Dates Back to Previous Administration

Former UDP candidate David Almendarez has re-entered the public arena with sharp criticism of the Briceño administration’s handling of union protests. This morning, Almendarez held a press conference under his new title as the founder of the Belize Local Tourism Guides and Operators Association.

Almendarez criticised the government for “union busting” and crossing the line with police action against public servants.

“Police, listen to me, you are out here arresting the teachers; put their vehicles on a tow truck. Never in my life, and I am a seasoned fighter, but there are some barriers that you don’t cross, some things you don’t touch,” he said.

He pointed out that the fight of the teachers and public servants for a salary adjustment dates back more than a decade, which also includes negotiations with the previous administration. “It’s not only this administration, it’s from the previous administration they’re negotiating that same 8.5%.”

“I remember when the teachers were picketing to the then prime minister and the then the leader of the opposition, he was front stage and center with them,” Almendarez said, referring to John Briceño, who now serves as Prime Minister.

Carnival 2025 to Follow Same Route as Last Year

Minister of Culture Francis Fonseca has confirmed that this year’s Carnival parade will follow the same route as last year’s, running along Marine Parade in Belize City.

Fonseca expressed full confidence in the decision, citing strong support from all stakeholders.

“Absolutely, 100%, we are sticking with the route we had last year,” Fonseca said. “I think we’ve received unanimous support for that route. The Carnival Association is very happy, and most Belizeans who participated in or watched the carnival last year believe it was a great idea.”

Fonseca added that the Belize Police Department also favoured the change, noting the improved ability to manage the crowd and ensure safety.

“The police certainly loved the fact that they were able to have more control over the carnival,” he said. “So yes, we are full steam ahead with the route from last year.”

Smelly Sargassum Invades La Isla Bonita

The Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation hosted its Blue Economy Climate Resilience Forum in Belize City today. The event brought together environmental experts, policymakers, and key stakeholders to address the growing threats of climate change on Belize’s coastal and marine ecosystems.

“In essence, it’s just to put our hands together, because climate change is real; it’s happening,” said Minister of Blue Economy Andre Perez. “I’m hoping that by the end of the day, this panel discussion will come out with one comprehensive plan.”

One of the clearest examples of climate impacts being felt in Belize these days is the overwhelming invasion of sargassum along the caye shorelines. It’s an issue that Perez described as a “relentless” issue this year compared to previous years.

“Sometimes it extends across the shorelines, sometimes as much as 40-50 feet and it’s horrible,” Perez said. “San Pedro doesn’t have a beach; it’s full of sargassum.”

The buildup has led to an increase in the use of sargassum harvesters to help manage the situation. Perez defended the approach after he was questioned about concerns of its effectiveness.

He stated that the excess of sargassum and the public complaints of its foul smell have proven a need to even hire more sargassum harvesters and increase clean-up partnerships with resorts in the islands.

Meanwhile, other residents have voiced concerns that the sargassum being harvested is used as landfill, affecting specific parts of the island. Perez defended this approach as well, stating, “The area where the San Pedro Town Council is covering is part of a street that should have been like a boulevard, and they’re filling it up, and I’m more than sure that they will be filling it up with sand.”

He added, “It has to be gotten rid of, and that area that they’re using, I agree with it.”

Belizean BDF Cadet Reevie Ysaguirre Shines in Taiwan, Earns Degree and Recognition

Clad in her BDF uniform and speaking fluent Mandarin, 26-year-old Belize Defence Force (BDF) cadet Reevie Ysaguirre has captured attention both at home and abroad after a viral interview highlighted her academic and military achievements in Taiwan.

On Wednesday, Ysaguirre officially earned her undergraduate degree in Foreign Languages from the prestigious Republic of China Military Academy. This marked the culmination of four intense years of study and military training. Her success, she says, is the result of relentless dedication, discipline, and a promise to fulfill her late father’s dream.

“During my four years in Taiwan, what kept me motivated was the fact that I know that I am exactly where my dad wanted to be,” she told News 5.

“Before he passed, he always wanted me to study in Taiwan. And he was the one who told me to go apply in the BDF because I might get an opportunity to study abroad.”

In addition to a full university course load, she undertook rigorous military training year-round, including special forces training, weapons handling, emergency medical technician (EMT 1) certification, and even served as a training officer for new recruits.

“This semester was like six months, and every summer and winter we had training,” she explained. “Sometimes I felt like giving up, but I said, ‘Hey, I am honouring my dad; I cannot give up.’”

Her message to young Belizean women is clear: don’t let fear define your limits. “You might say, ‘Oh, I am just a young lady; their training is too rigorous for me,’ but if you push yourself, you’ll be able to see your true abilities.”

BEL Loses $9.7 Million Amid Energy Market Volatility

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has reported a significant financial loss of $9.7 million for the fiscal year ending December 2024.

Chairman of the Board of Directors Andrew Marshalleck attributed the downturn to “volatility of the energy environment rather than a failure of operational management.”

Unusually high temperatures and supply constraints from Mexico, its primary external energy provider, were also contributing factors.

Marshalleck called 2024 the most unpredictable year to date, noting that the company experienced both its highest single-month profit and its steepest single-month loss within the same period.

Despite the mounting financial strain, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) rejected BEL’s application for a rate increase in its Final Decision for the tariff period July 2025 to June 2026. The PUC cited its legal responsibility to ensure reasonably stable and affordable electricity rates, and opted not to alter any regulated charges or fees.

Instead, the PUC has instructed BEL to submit a comprehensive filing by June 30, 2025, including a plan to establish a new wholesale generation subsidiary, Synergy Power Belize Limited, as well as a detailed proposal for a cost-reflective tariff structure.

“The energy sector must adapt,” Marshalleck stated, calling for a new model that abandons the idea of unlimited low-cost electricity and instead prioritises.

He said, “A paradigm shift is required – one that rebalances our national priorities and reimagines how we organise to meet our energy needs. That shift must focus on reliability, stability, and empowering Customers to make informed energy choices. That paradigm shift is not the responsibility of BEL alone; policymakers, regulators and Customers must also play their part if we are to navigate even more challenging times ahead.”