Belizeans Split Over New Ruta Maya Finish

Debate over the new La Ruta Maya finish line has jumped off social media and onto the streets of Belize City. Today, we asked residents how they feel about ending the race at the Grand Resort instead of the Belcan Bridge. Vendors worry they’ll lose one of their biggest earning weekends. Longtime fans say the switch chips away at a tradition they’ve honored for decades. Others welcome the change, arguing it could make the finish safer and fairer for paddlers. One thing is clear; however, Belizeans care and they have plenty to say about how this move affects community spirit and livelihoods. Here’s what we heard.

                  Belize City Resident #1

Belize City Resident #1

“People weh really want see the race and done get into it like Cross Country, it turn tradition, people would to go out there, especially the ice man weh shub ih cart and go out there to sell. The small vendors that they call mom and pop. Those are the people that will suffer, because they are looking forward to the day when they can do their special hustle. So, I don’t know what is in it. You have to consult with people that are the organizers.”

                    Belize City Resident #2

Belize City Resident # 2

“One of the main problems is that I watch the race for several years and they often have problems coming into the creek because it is narrow. And some of the athletes they are so close to win, that by the time they fall out the boat, it is an advantage. So if they have the finish line where it is clear then everybody have a fair chance of winning the race. I agree with the change.”

              Belize City Resident #3

Belize City Resident #3

“I nuh really watch that like that. So, at the end of the day, if they want to change it then they can change it. I don’t have the power to change that back. So, I just leave everything and I stress pan things weh I can change you know. Anything I cant change I don’t stress on.”

                Belize City Resident #4

Belize City Resident #4

“I don’t think that is something that should have been done, because that is the route of the Mayans. That is the original route. So, they should not change it you know. This only have ten miles. I cant go up there and come back. It might shut down on me and I can’t come back home. So, I might have to watch it on TV now.”

                Belize City Resident #5

Belize City Resident #5

“Basically I think that the people have the say and the contestants that are in the competition. So I think if they don’t feel pleased about what is happening then they should voice their opinion and do something about it. I don’t really guh watch La Ruta Maya, but the city nuh agree with, so more than likely it’s something they are not please by.”

                  Belize City Resident #6

Belize City Resident #6

“Why they don’t keep on doing it they way they were doing, because all of us already use to watching it at Civic every year. So why will they change it for, why?”

Belize City Resident #7

“Basically they are doing it where they are making money and we poor people nuh wah make none. So they are doing it where they are making money. So it change us from making money and surviving.”

As public reaction grows, the finish‑line dispute has become less about location and more about fairness, tradition, and who the change really serves.

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The post BCA Warns of Major Action Against Ruta Maya first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

It’s the biggest shake‑up to La Ruta Maya in nearly three decades and it’s already turning heads. The race committee has decided to move the iconic finish line from Belcan Bridge to the Grand Resort near the Haulover Creek Bridge. Vice Chair Roberto Harrison confirmed the switch to News Five today, setting off fresh debate about what this change means for the legendary river challenge.

                   Roberto Harrison

Roberto Harrison, Vice Chair, La Ruta Maya Committee

“It is final that the fourth leg of the race will finish at Grand Resort. After a lot of debate and back and forth the decision is final.”

According to Harrison, the safety and security of spectators are among the primary driving force behind the decision to change the finish line’s location.

Roberto Harrison

“And that can’t be overlooked. When you have an open space where anything can flare up in the natural course of having these big events. So, we said we had to do it and I think that is final as far as the race committee is concerned.”

But what does this change mean for the hundreds of spectators that traditionally view the ending of the race on the Belcan Bridge and inside the Belize Civic Center compound free of cost. Well, an entrance fee will be charged at the Grand Resort.

Roberto Harrison

“Keeping the police force in place at all levels is a very costly one for us. Surely I think we will, I don’t have the final figure of what it will cost to get in their, but in the same way we recover some of the cost at Burrell Boom. The same will be done at Grand Resort.”

A News Five Facebook poll shows the public strongly rejecting the finish‑line change. By two this afternoon, more than eleven hundred people had voted, and ninety‑three percent said they oppose the move. Only fifty‑one supported it, while thirty‑two were undecided. But the controversy doesn’t stop there. Race‑day vendors in the Belize River Valley are also frustrated, this time over a Forest Department rule that requires them to buy a hundred‑dollar permit to sell game meat.

                     Victoria Chi

Victoria Chi, Forest Officer, Belize Forest Department

“The people who are going to go and sell game meat for Ruta Maya will need to come into the Forest Department to get a dealer’s permit to actually allow them to legally be selling game meat for Ruta Maya. But they still need to respect the closed season.”

We spoke with one vendor who has decided not to sell her food during this year’s race, after participating in the event since its inception.

           Voice of: Belize River Valley Vendor

Voice of: Belize River Valley Vendor

“From back then I sold my food. We could have cooked anything, game meat, any game meat, deer meat, gibnut, hicatee, anything because that is what the people they come out to look for. And we never had to pay no fee then, we never use to pay no permit for anything and nobody use to come harass us. This harassment started when it went to Henderson Bank. Police come check sih if you have hicatee and all kind of thing. From then they start with that. But, we never had no problem before. We could have sold anything. But the stall fee was only fifty dollars then. Last year we paid a hundred and fifty dollars. They raised it to seventy-five and then they went to a hundred- and fifty-dollars last year. Now when I call and they said the fee is now a hundred dollars, so they drop it back down, but they still did not drop it to where it was.”

The vendor argues organizers want to boost profits without factoring in rising food costs. And with the finish line moving to the Grand Resort, what happens to the vendors who’ve long relied on selling at the traditional Belize City endpoint?

Roberto Harrison

“They will be allowed to go in there. That is not an issue. Just like how they do it at Burrell Boom, Banana Bank, it is the same conditions that will be applied using the Grand Resort. At the end of the day tradition has to be changed sometime in the interest of success. At least, that is how I see it.”

The Haulover Creek Bridge is the main gateway into Belize City along the George Price Highway, and some worry the new finish line could snarl traffic on race day. Harrison says the committee will leave those traffic concerns to the experts, the Traffic Department and the Belize Police Department. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

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The post Iconic Ruta Maya Finish Relocated, Fans Push Back first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

                    Roberto Harrison

Roberto Harrison, Vice Chair, La Ruta Maya Committee

“No I don’t think so, and I have been in this race for twenty-nine years and I don’t think we have ever shied away, even from the original creators that the environment, or bringing awareness to the environment is an essential part of the “it’s more than just a race”. We have definitely brought that awareness and attention that there are a lot of activities going on along the river, a lot of garbage being thrown in the river, a lot of agricultural development being done down to the banks of the river. I think we have maintained that momentum and I will admit, and I have said this that perhaps yes, we need to do more from a committee standpoint. But it takes, it will take another committee to address those issues, in particular the environment. We will have to partner with government and other NGOs that share the same idea and the love of the Belize River.”

As organizers defend the race’s mission, Harrison says they’ve never strayed from highlighting the river’s environmental challenges, even if he admits there’s still more work to do.

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The post Ruta Maya Organizers Defend Race’s True Purpose first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Opening night in Belize City saw two matches. In the first match the San Pedro Tiger Sharks had homecourt advantage against the Cayo Western Ballaz. The Tiger Sharks secured their first W of the season, defeating the Western Ballaz ninety-one to eighty-five points.

And in the second game of the night, the highly anticipated matchup between the Belize City Defenders and the Orange Walk Running Rebels, left Defenders fans underwhelmed and wanting more. Running Rebels fans on the other hand liked everything they saw with this new team. The Orange Walk Running Rebels ran over Defenders, leaving them looking as defeated as some soggy Orange Walk tacos. That one ended with eighty-two points for the Running Rebels and sixty-five for the Belize City Defenders.

On Saturday night, the attention switched over to the Capital City for the Belmopan Trojans and Corozal Spartans’ season debut. After four quarters of thrilling basketball, Belmopan Trojans successfully defended homecourt, defeating the Spartans by six points, in a game that ended eighty to seventy-four. This coming weekend, Belmopan will host the San Pedro Tigersharks. Cayo Western Ballers will host the Defenders, and Orange Walk Running Rebels will host the EZ Investment Dream Ballers.

And from basketball we move into some cycling action. Yes, we are talking about the Fourth Annual, Alfred Parks Memorial Race. Ninety-five miles of racing from Cotton Tree, to Santa Elena and then all the way back to Belize City. Well we were at the finish line in front of Leslie’s Import on the George Price Highway when a group of riders made the turn towards the finish and began to sprint for the grand prize. Head down, unleashing all ounce of energy left, two-time champion Jyven Gonzalez finished in first place, securing his third consecutive victory. Heriberto Guitterez followed closely behind to secure the second place prize. Tarique Flowers finished in third place, while David Castano rounded off the top four. Here is a brief word from the three-time Alfred Parks Memorial Race Champion, Jyven Gonzalez.

                           Jyven Gonzalez

Jyven Gonzalez, Champion, 4^th Alfred Parks Memorial Race

“First and foremost, thank God first. Through Christ I ended up putting off this victory. Honestly, today I didn’t have my best legs at all. I just really mih the try play smart.”

From the nation’s highways we take you to Sand Hill Village where the Belize Softball Federation is hosting its Inter-Office Tournament. The 2026 season officially got underway on Friday night with a double header. In the first match, B&B Brewers took on Maritime Enforcers in a five-inning game that ended in a complete blowout. B&B Brewers won the match with twenty-seven runs to their opponents, five runs. It is safe to say that the Brewers is among the top teams to watch this season after Friday night’s performance.

And finally for tonight, following a thrilling weekend of volleyball in the Under-Twenty-One National Volleyball Tournament, two teams rose to the top. In the male category, EA Junior Warriors secured the gold medal, continuing a dominant run in the discipline. And in the female category, Lady Jaguars took home gold, reminding fans why they are a force to be reckoned with. Well folks, that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.

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The post Disappointing Loses and Surprising Victories in NEBL Opening Weekend   first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

                         Karim Juan

Dr. Karim Juan, Coach, Cayo Western Ballerz

“Tonight. Honestly, we are expecting one of the biggest basketball events in Belize over the last ten years. So we are expecting a packed Civic Center tonight. We have so many giveaways. I think it’s about ten or fifteen cell phones, three tv. We have packages for resorts. We have bar tabs, after party tickets. So there’s so, so many giveaways tonight. We’re expecting a huge crowd. Supa G will be here entertaining the fans. We’ll be having the five thousand dollars shooting contest. And we get a double header. So fans get two excellent games for the price of one.”

Shane Williams

“And the games?”

Dr. Karim Juan

“So first game starts at seven thirty. That will be the rematch from last tournament’s finals. So San Pedro Tiger Sharks will be hosting Cayo Western Ballerz. And then in the Night Cup Belize City Defenders will be hosting Orange Walk Running Rebels.”

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The post NEBL Season Opens Tonight with Major Hype 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.

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

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The plan to change the finish line for the twenty‑ninth La Ruta Maya is facing firm resistance from the Belize Canoe Association and race participants. On Wednesday, committee vice chair Roberto Harrison told News Five they’re already in talks to move the race’s final finish line to the Grand Resort.

Roberto Harrison

Roberto Harrison, Vice Chair, La Ruta Maya Committee

“We are considering that the race would end now at the Grand Resort, right there at the entrance of Haulover Creek. That itself would be a change of its own, because traditionally we have ended this race in Belize City, over the last twenty-nine years that we have held the race.”

Harrison says the push to move the finish line is about tightening security, arguing that the Civic Center is too open and hard to control. But paddlers say the bigger issue is safety on the water. The proposed spot sits near the estuary where the Belize River meets the Caribbean Sea, an area known for rough currents that shift with weather and time of day. A youth, family, or elderly team capsizing there could face real danger, and even seasoned paddlers struggle with strong undercurrents.

On the Phone: Elvin Penner, Vice President, Belize Canoe Association

“I have yet to hear the real reasons why they wanted to move that finishing line. It will bring about change, so there could be some real positive things that come about with change. Or it could be something that is not necessarily represent the best interest of the paddlers.”

Elvin Penner, vice president of the Belize Canoe Association, is questioning whether organizers are putting profits ahead of paddlers. He says the move raises worries about charging spectators an entrance fee at the new finish lines, something that isn’t possible at the Civic Center, an open public space where anyone can watch for free, even from the bridge. Penner also points out that the current finish is easy for city residents to access and sits on calm water, unlike the Grand Resort, which is farther out and harder for fans to reach.

On the Phone: Elvin Penner

“My speculations, my pure speculation, and I am not saving any words, cause I am disturbed, very disturbed about how things are running when it comes to the Ruta Maya, my take on it, but this is speculation, they cannot charge an entrance fee for people to go an finish the race at Belcan Bridge. There is no boundary, there is no gate. It is a free for all for whoever wants to go there.”

Paddlers are also questioning the move. Longtime paddler Carlos Linares says the move will strip fans of the thrilling city‑center finish they’ve come to love.

On the Phone: Carlos Linares, Participant, La Ruta Maya

“Like I said it is all about the tradition. Since La Ruta Maya started that is the ending point in Belize City. I remember clearly there was a time when they were building he Civic Center they could not end the race there and they still found a way to end it at the Swing Bridge. So there should not be any excuses why it cant end in Belize City. You witness the Ruta Maya for several years, you see the crowd that goes out there. That spot won’t even take half of the people that go out there and support the race. Nobody agrees, absolutely no paddler agrees and even the sponsors and stuff, like I said they are taking away the excitement of the last day.”

The Belize Coast Guard provides safety boats for the race. When we reached out to them today, we were told that they will be meeting with race organizers to finalize their safety measures. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

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The post Fans, Paddlers Clash with Proposed Ruta Maya Change first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Dalia “Coach G” Gomez

Dalia “Coach G” Gomez, Professional Boxing Coach

“It was just like an instant connection like with my young students, like Deshawn Taylor who will be coming up next week to fight in the event on the 28^th in Cayo. He is person that works hard. He is focused. He loves the sport, but most importantly you cant teach hard work and hard work always beats talent. You have these kids that are athletic and talented but they don’t have the grit and tenacity to show up everyday. And that is what  Amir has. And when I left he told me he would turn pro. And he did that and we always kept in contact. So, eight years later he is like coach you need to come and help me. I have an amateur team and I know how you were, how you helped me for a week and a half. I think they need that, they need to see what it takes to become an elite boxer, let alone a professional athlete. But, at the end of the day, even in life, if you don’t show up everyday, if you are not consistent, you will not succeed in anything.”

They are preparing for an upcoming boxing event set for February twenty-eight in San Ignacio.

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On the Phone: Carlos Linares, Paddler, La Ruta Maya

“It is a last-minute thing they are doing. We were not notified. We as paddlers we have a voice and opinion. It is all about the tradition for the race, what it means, history. It is being lost. They are taking away all the excitement, especially for the last day. Everyone know the finish is at the Belcan Bridge in Belize City and for it to be a last-minute call and not considering the paddlers, the spectators, they are doing their own decision. Honestly, Ruta Maya has changed so much. They are changing at the finishing line, charging people to come and witness the race. Like for example in Burrell Boom they purchased a property and still charging. Like fans and family, imagine my kids have to pay and come to watch me race. Years ago none of that use to be.”

On the Phone: Elvin Penner, Vice President, Belize Canoe Association

“The paddler’s concern is twofold, if the change is going to be made for their benefits, then they need to see those benefits. So far, every single la Ruta Maya, since 1998 I believe it started the winning team, the winner of the race, more years than not, the winner has been determined in that channel, after you enter that channel, because that channel is a whole different world. The water is very dense and that is where you separate the men from the boys. Or, as in recent years, that is where you separate the boys from the men. It will definitely take away a good half hour of the climax of the race. The race use to climax entering that channel. Ti would take that away. But of course the race is going to be shorter, which may be good, because a lot of people from the time the first day is half over they cant wait for the race to be finished.”

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The post Canoe Association Opposes La Ruta Maya Finish Line Change first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Elvin Penner, vice president of the Belize Canoe Association, says the association plays no role in planning the Ruta Maya. “We are simply spectators,” he explained, adding that the group should be included since its priority has always been the paddlers.

Penner argues that the race is no longer centred on athletes and sponsors. “It has become very much a personal business, a money-type of thing,” he said.

When it comes to a possible change to the finish line, Penner says he remains unconvinced. “Personally, I cannot speak a whole lot on it because I have yet to hear the real reasons why they wanted to move that finishing line,” he said.

He also believes the change could come with costs for fans. “I believe, and I’m almost sure of this, there will be a pretty hefty charge to enter the grounds where the race is not going to be finishing, which will cut back participation by a lot,” he said.

For him, the biggest concern is losing the excitement that has defined the race for decades. Since it began in 1998, the final stretch through the Belize City channel has often decided the winner. Penner explained that the heavy water makes it tougher, and that’s where “you separate the men from the boys.”

He believes the way forward is to put paddlers and sponsors back at the heart of the race. Organisers, he says, should focus on the athletes who sacrifice on the river and the sponsors who make competition possible. Without sponsors, teams could never afford the ten to fifteen thousand dollars it takes to compete.

Meanwhile, organisers say security concerns at the Civic Center have prompted the review. Roberto Harrison, Vice Chair of the Committee, told News Five, “The Civic Center is too open, and we need to have better control of what happens.”

A final decision on the finish line is still pending.

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