Eluide Miller

Eluide Miller, Member, Belize Carnival Commission

“Now, I can’t speak to the allegations that were made directly, but again, we work in tandem with the Belize Carnival Association. And I must highlight that carnival is bigger than any one individual, any one group. It’s bigger than me, any member of the commission, right? It belongs to the people of Belize. And so our only focus remains on unity, collaboration and ensuring that we could deliver a safe and successful celebration. Now, in terms of that specific allegation that you cited earlier, I can confirm that a third place prize for that specific category was not issued to the Carnival Association nor to any of the bands. How it works is that the Carnival Association usually informs the NCC of the winners of the respective categories, and the NCC would remit direct payments to those bands that are to be awarded. And so in that case, on the advice of the association because they did not meet a specific threshold, it was agreed that a third place price for that category would not be issued. And so in that instance, the NCC did not make any payments to any bands, given that none of the bands qualified under the advice of the association, none of the bands qualified to be rewarded that specific price. And so those monies were not issued by the NCC.”

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

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Cameron Tillett & Alysia Norales

Cameron Tillett, Belizean Student

“I actually think I had the idea for it longer than five years, probably around third form when I was going to Wesley. But, five years ago I put pen to paper and started writing and working on it. There are interesting ways to tell stories about history and one of the stories I always thought about was Nora Parham story. And I thought people don’t know about it and it would be the perfect story to adapt. The more we worked on it and the deeper we researched we learned more.”

Alysia Norales, Belizean Student

“So the musical pieces are going to incorporate a lot of bruk down, punta, mostly Belizean sounds. But it’s going to have a modern twist to it as well just to have the theatrical aspect in there. But for example, our intro song purely Belizean bruk down and we expand from there with the rest of the songs.”

Cameron Tillett

“This is a Belizean musical and it is the first Belizean musical done abroad and what is really cool is that we submitted it to our Theater Faculty and the chair told us that he is impressed by what we shared with them, especially considering we have no actual experience in theater. So. He is excited for people to see it.”

Alysia Norales

“With Nora this is completely us. We are in charge of the funding, the props, etc. Sadly we are international students, so in America we cannot work legally. So in our video we actually provided an email themusicalnora@gmail.com. This is where if anybody would like to make a donation you can reach us there and we can sort it out.”

Tillett and Norales will be hosting auditions on their school campus next week. They intend to one day bring the musical home to Belize.

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

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The post Belizean Students Turn Nora Parham Tragedy into Musical first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

                      Anthony Mahler

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism

“Our goal is to make it much bigger and better. I think we brought an expert from Trinidad to look at it and they say we are a long ways from making it export ready and internationalize it. And so we, one of the changes was the route. We did that already. And so I understand that in a few months there should be change in leadership or something.  There are elections and we’ll see where that goes. But we are willing to work with any group, and I did it many years ago when I was at the B-B-T-B-I, I supported the carnival bands. Um, and I think it’s a good thing for Belize now, how we modernize it and how we become creative in terms of the costumes we can get training for that and all of that. Right? That’s one. Those are some of the things that we’re looking at.”

Facility Overhaul Aims to Boost Sports in Belize

And as that uncertainty plays out, another transformation is underway, this time in Belize’s sporting landscape. Mahler, also Minister of Sports, says the redevelopment of Rogers Stadium has entered a new phase, starting with interior upgrades that will allow the venue to host both little league baseball and softball. He argues that modern facilities are essential if Belize is to compete regionally, pointing to the overwhelming demand at Berger Field as evidence that investment is long overdue.

                        Anthony Mahler

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Sports

“We are working on the plans. We have some resources to start the interior fence and the field. And then we’ll go to the outter fence and then we’ll start the bleachers and the other facilities that, but we will shift out the fence a little bit more with some architectural design. And so it could be used as a little league baseball field and as a softball field. So, for me, baseball was my first love that I grew up playing that. And then I moved out into football and other and basketball specifically. But I, I believe that we can compete with this region if we have the proper facilities and we have the proper training.”

Shane Williams

“And any timeline for the start?”

Anthony Mahler

“Hopefully we can finish the interior fence I think by April or June,  April or May.”

Reporter

“How much has social activity or sporting activity increased as a result of the upgrade at Berger Field?”

Anthony Mahler

“Well, as you can see, that field has become overused, so we are trying to curtail it. Right now, we have to change the pitch already, the turf, and so we’ve ordered it already and then we’ll go in there. But that has created tremendous excitement in Belize City and what we’re doing right now at the National Sports Council is looking at all real estate that is out there, whether it’s a basketball court somewhere; it’s a football field, softball field and how can we go into those communities to improve them so that when you have a Rogers Stadium, then you don’t have to have competitions there. You don’t have to have practices there and everything. You can only have competition. And then you have practice fields where they can go by. Same thing with football, same thing with basketball.”

Fish Fry Project to Boost Economic Activity in Pickstock

Mahler is also pushing a second wave of revitalization, this time on North Front Street. His long‑planned fish market and weekly “fish fry” are finally taking shape, promising new energy and economic activity for Pickstock. He says the project isn’t just about building stalls; it’s more about identity and culture. Inspired by the lively fish markets he’s seen abroad, Mahler wants Belize City to create its own version, authentic, flavorful, and buzzing with community life, where locals and visitors can eat, gather, and experience a true Belizean vibe.

                   Anthony Mahler

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism

“Whenever I travel, I like to go and see the fish markets. And so that came from an idea that I saw in the United States. That why can’t we have a nice fish market for people to go?  The smaller booths, if you want your fry jack and you want your flour tortilla and yo beans and thing da night or da day, da morning – whenever it is you could go there and get it, but it, it’s a fish market. And we’re going to introduce this thing called fish fry. You know, I’ve seen it in the Caribbean in many of the islands. And so maybe a Thursday night or a Saturday night, we have entertainment to bring some vibrancy to the area.”

Mahler says the new fish market and weekly fish‑fry will give North Front Street the lively, authentic Belizean atmosphere he’s seen in places like Barbados, turning the area into a location where people can eat, gather, and feel the neighborhood come alive.

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

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The post Tourism Ministry Investing to Raise Carnival Standards first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Reporter

“Can you tell me how you bought your ticket?”

Voice of: Scratch & Win

“I bought my ticket at Carrefour in Belmopan.”

Reporter

“What were you doing when you scratched it.”

Voice of: Scratch & Win

“I was working essentially, and I couldn’t even believe I was a winner because I usually get the 20x times and such, but I thought it was just a dollar ticket.

Reporter

“And what are you going to do with this big win?”

Voice of: Scratch & Win

“Mainly get some bills paid”

Reporter

“That’s it? Its fifty thousand dollars, and just some bills?”

Voice of: Scratch & Win

“And savings as well”

Reporter

“And for the family?”

Voice of: Scratch & Win

“Probably take them out to eat at a nice restaurant, but mostly savings.”

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

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                            Marina Kay

Marina Kay, San Pedro Resident

“It is a tradition that we inherited here on the island form our parents, great grandparents, my parents, they use to do this, celebrating carnival. And we grew up from primary school days. There were a lot of groups that would come out. And every year right before Ash Wednesday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, we celebrate Carnaval on the island. This year we had three groups and each group picks a theme for each day and we dress as that theme and come out in the streets and go house to house dancing and collect money to help those who are sick in the community. The boys, especially the men who are between thirty and forty, now we see the youths getting involved more, but it has always been the thirty and forty year old men, that again keep with the tradition, they dress up as girls and you know how they can be very sexy and rude with their dancing”

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

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The post San Pedranos Celebrate Juan Carnaval first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The Independence High School Drum Corps has been around for more than a decade, but it truly hit its stride when Band Director Aretha Flores came on board. Under her leadership, the group stepped onto the national stage, winning gold at its first Belize Band Fest in 2023, taking silver in 2024, and reclaiming the top spot at home in 2025. With just a month to go before the 2026 competition, it’s clear that discipline is far more than a pastime for these students. It’s part of who they are.

Alyssa Watson

Alyssa Watson, Senior Member, IHS Drum Corps.

“Well I just love dancing overall and I always wanted to be a part of a band. And this band is just super special to me because we all are one. We are a family and I love everyone here at the band. It makes my school life enjoyable and better because some days I can be stressed about schoolwork and just thinking about oh I have practice today and all that stress just leaves when I am dancing.”

Jevon Robateau

Jevon Robateau, Section Leader, IHS Drum Corps

 “I enjoy the discipline. That always comes first. Our band coordinator pushed discipline and the love. We are like a family.”

The IHS Drum Corps is a family. More than one hundred and twenty members move as one, blending crisp rhythms with eye‑catching choreography to create a sound and style all their own. Band Director Aretha Flores is the head of this family, and she runs a tight ship. At the helm is Band Director Aretha Flores, who keeps the entire family running with precision.

Aretha Flores

Aretha Flores, Band Director, IHS Drum Corps

“The first thing we do is create our beats and that is like the hardest, because we don’t duplicate. We don’t do replicas. We try to be very creative. We have a whole world of music out there. So, I stress my students, listen I don’t want to hear what I have heard before. Afterwards it is so easy. Well, I have to have the theme. That is the hardest part for me. I have to know what I will portray out there and as a teacher I want everything to be a lesson. So, I have to create a theme and take it to the band leader, who is my son.”

Iley Flores is the musical mastermind. With some help from his section members, he creates the music that group dances to and the school is proud of calling its unique sound.

Iley Flores

Iley Flores, Band Leader, IHS Drum Corps

“So I really love to listen to music. Me and my mom would play a random beat on the speaker or if we hear songs at parties, my mom would be like oh Iley I will send you this song. I would go in my room and make the song and the next day at practice I would tell my band members and we will grab our instruments and start. To me I love all the genres of music, the Spanish, Soca, Dancehall, Punta.”

Dejaune Cayetano

Dejaune Cayetano, Bass Leader, IHS Drum Corps

“So making a beat is very hard, but Ms. A always come with ideas for us so that we can make new beats.”

Independence High School may have more than nine hundred students and over fifty teachers, but when it comes to the drum corps, everyone, especially the members, keeps things tightly under wraps. That means no phones during practice sessions and a commitment to never sharing band choreography and music with outsiders.

Aretha Flores

“One of the beauties about Independence High School Drum Corps is the diversity. If you look at the members on the band, it’s like Belize. You see Garifuna, East Indian, Mestizo, Maya, Mennonite, Creole, it is beautiful.”

With Aretha Flores leading the Drum Corps, students get one constant reminder: school comes first. Their grades decide how much they get to perform. It’s a sacrifice, but one the students are willing to make.

Veronyka Castillo

Veronyka Castillo, Member, IHS Drum Corps

“The discipline of the band increases my dedication towards my school work because Ms. A always puts the school first before the band.”

Caidyn Pandy

Caidyn Pandy, Flag Leader, IHS Drum Corps

“I came to this band and I had no confidence, and now I have confidence in myself.”

Colleen Thompson

Colleen Thompson, Dancer, IHS Drum Corps

“Creating bonds with a lot of other people, males, females, you meet and you learn and gain experience, and you gain discipline.”

As these students get ready to step onto the national stage once again, they’re carrying more than their instruments, they’re carrying the values that define Independence High School. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Watch the full newscast here:

The post Inside the Drum Corps Powering Independence High School first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

                               Nyah Davis

Nyah Davis, Superbowl Backup Dancer

“Belize is an amazing country that everybody needs to know of, and being right in front was very important to me. So I said, I’m gonna be right here in front. And it was a great feeling seeing the flags and knowing that my flag was in there. My grandmother, she’s instilled the culture in me. She’s instilled everything despite growing up in the States. She made sure that I knew my culture. And I wanted to pay my respects to her and be thankful that she didn’t let me forget that or didn’t let me stray away from who I am and let me know that is still a part of me as well. And it’s amazing to see all of the love and all of the support, and I’m just so grateful and thankful to all of you guys. We were able to interact with him, although we didn’t have time for one-on-one conversations, but he was very amazing to work with. Very humble, very thorough with his work and the message that he wanted to portray with his performance to include everybody. This is for all Latin, everybody. And he’s amazing in every single way, shape, and form. He always made sure to acknowledge everybody there. We had so many people on the floor and so many people working to put on this show, and he acknowledged every single one of us, and I’ll always appreciate that.”

Isani Cayetano

“Were you nervous at any point, either leading up to the performance or during the performance itself?”

Nyah Davis

“A hundred percent. A hundred percent. Because I felt that. Especially with the representation that I was trying to bring, I wanted to make sure that I nailed that. I wanted to make sure that I nailed my performance. I was nervous, but I think, I’m very religious, so I prayed before and after I prayed. I didn’t feel anything but happiness, which I’m so grateful for. So once, once I prayed, the nerves went away.”

The post Belize Flag Flies High During Super Bowl Halftime Tribute first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

                 Joel “Dara” Robinson

Joel “Dara” Robinson, Philanthropist

“This year just wa be wa lee different because we call it a festival. Because we starting the event eleven o’clock the morning and we go in till one. It’s a food festival and you could come out early, get food, get your rasta stuff, and then later on, four o’clock the concert start. All of this di happen at the Belize Airport Authority and that’s not the one on the road. It’s right behind Marion Jones right in front of Tropic Air, because most people think on the road we doing it. Just different venues, same vibes, same reggae vibe, same consciousness, you will charge a small fee of fifteen dollars in advance or a ticket, and twenty dollars that the door. All we di ask da people if they come out with good behavior and respect the event and what the event about and who ww di pay tribute to. Beside that, we have some of Belize best selectors pan di lineup, I gone fi old, young, in between. We got this youth Jay Cas very good youth wa deh out deh with he band and thing. It wa be an all day Reggae vibes, nothing but good reggae music and we di pay tribute to one of the greatest reggae artists ever lived. I have one big thing the go ahn where the raffle wa brand new cycle scooter. I kind pimp it rasta colour fi mek it blend in with weh we di do. Fi da scooter bike deh we di  charge a small fee at ten dollars to purchase and ticket. Weh gwen inna the thing weh we di turn for raffle. That will be raffled the very same day somebody was carry that home from the event. Along with the scooter it come with one year insurance, one year license, one helmet and a full tank of gas. Somebody lucky will carry that. You don’t have to be at event to purchase ticket, but I wish the person win it, is there for receive it.”

The post Bob Marley Tribute Supports Local Feeding Program first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

The post Unclaimed Million Dalla Jackpot Leaves $100K for Charity first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Voice of: Scratch & Win Winner

“I actually was going to tour with the ticket because I thought it was a dollar. But when I looked good, I saw five and two zeros. So I said, let’s scratch it more. I thought it was fifty. Then when I saw three more zeros I said, oh wow, I want, thank you,”

Britney Gordon

“How are you planning to use this money?”

Voice of: Scratch & Win Winner

“Help my siblings, no, it’s not a lot, but I’ll give them something. And then from there, the other little moneys from my little child.” 1:24

Britney Gordon

“Do you encourage other people to play?”

Voice of: Scratch & Win Winner

“Of course they should try. They should try. You can win. Try. Perfect. I’ve been trying for a while and I won, so you can.”

The post Man Nearly Threw Away $5K Scratch and Win Ticket first appeared on Greater Belize Media.