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Sugar Impasse Ends: Agreement Signed Between B.S.I. and Cane Farmers

Tonight, there is good news related to the sugar dispute coming out of the north. A.S.R./B.S.I. this evening agreed to strike a compromise with B.S.C.F.A.  Andrew Westby, Chairman of the Management Committee at B.S.C.F.A. told us over the phone that an interim agreement was signed just after three p.m. today.  The agreement, says Westby, will […]

Sugar Mill Had Been Concerned About Blockade

That signing was today, but on Thursday, A.S.R./B.S.I. was still concerned about the blockade and the interruption of the 2021/2022 sugar crop. The company issued a release saying it was concerned that if the delay was prolonged, it would mean there would be cane left on the ground at the end of the sugar crop. […]

G.O.B. Takes Responsibility for Potential Lawsuit from Blockade

B.S.C.F.A. says is not concerned about any legal challenges that A.S.R./B.S.I. may bring as a result of the blockade and interruption of the sugar crop. According to Westby, the Prime Minister also guaranteed the farmers that the Government of Belize is prepared to take these on should they arise.   On the Phone: Andrew Westby, […]

Angry Cane Farmers Wanted Three-Year Agreement

A.S.R./B.S.I. was not the only ones feeling the pressure from B.S.C.F.A. farmers over the last three days. Prime Minister John Briceño received his fair share of criticism. He had been one of the main facilitators in bringing both parties to the table to come to an agreement. Yesterday, however, when it appeared that A.S.R./B.S.I. was […]

Cane Farmers Protest in Front of PM’s House

On Thursday evening, cane farmers took the streets of Orange Walk and protested in front of the Prime Minister’s house. ComPol Chester Williams says that a permit was issued for the peaceful walk that was limited in terms of participants.   Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police “Yes, they have asked for permission for a peaceful […]

Maintaining Civility during Sugar Protest

For the past few days, the police have been maintaining order in the north where cane farmers have been protesting and agitated.  ComPol Chester Williams said on Thursday the Belize Police Department would maintain a presence to keep the peace, but he appreciated the good communication with cane farmers during this tense time.    Chester […]

Umbrella Union Organization Supports Cane Farmers

Unions, including the Belize National Trade Union, as well as the National Trade Union Congress of Belize were out in support B.S.C.F.A. members throughout the week.  Luke Martinez, President of the N.T.U.C.B., called for more meaningful intervention in the issues farmers face throughout the crop season annually.   Luke Martinez, President, N.T.U.C.B. “We continue to […]

Chester to Rain on Parties & Illegal Events

As most Belizeans prepare to usher in 2022 in a far more subdued way than they had hoped, the Commissioner of Police is cautioning those who do plan to party like its 2019 to hold it down. He says just because you don’t think you are going to get COVID, the police will be enforcing […]

Resorts & Hotels Not Exempted from COVID-19 Regulations

And, if you are planning to play tourist and go to a resort or hotel to find a party, ComPol Williams says these places are not exempt from the ban on illegal gatherings of more than ten people.  And, those who allow large numbers to gather on their premises will not just get a ticket, […]

Families from Same Home Can Celebrate, Just Don’t Go to Large Gatherings

One doctor at least is glad to see the Police Department is planning to crack down on planned New Year’s Eve gatherings. Dr. Shanna Pott, a general physician, was a guest on Open Your Eyes Morning Show. She says she grew concerned seeing the advertisements on social media.   Dr. Shanna Pott, General Physician “I […]

What Are Symptoms of Omicron?

And, in case you are wondering about some of the symptoms associated with the Omicron variant, Dr. Pott spoke about the common ones she has been seeing in her patients, some of which are different than with Delta. She says even those with mild symptoms or asymptomatic need to protect the vulnerable.   Dr. Shanna […]

Seven Belizeans Receive New Year’s Honours

Seven notable Belizeans, who have contributed to Belize’s development, are this year’s recipients of awards bestowed by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second. The announcement of the appointments to the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George and the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire came earlier today from the Office of […]

Coyi Instrumental in Private and Public Sector

But after Dr. Coyi served in the public service, he turned to the private sector, where he was one of the founding members of the Belize Medical Associates Hospital in Belize City.   Dr. Marcelo Coyi, Recipient, M.B.E. Recognition “I’m proud at the way in which it has developed, from a small four-bedroom hospital to […]

Senator Smith Says M.B.E. Recognition Was Unexpected

Senator Elena Smith who also serves as the President of the Belize National Teachers’ Union said she did not expect the recognition of Ordinary Member of the British Empire. Viewers will recall that Smith, who has been vocal against the past administration in the Senate, has also led teachers in several protests against the current […]

Smith Hopes the B.N.T.U. is Not Labeled Because of Her Recognition

Senator Smith says the struggles have not been easy, with all the labeling that she has endured, and she hopes the recognition now does not lead to more of it.   Senator Elena Smith, Recipient, M.B.E. Recognition “I think for me, Marion, while it should be a time for me to celebrate such an accomplishment, […]

Ras Dara Recieves MBE Recognition for Philanthropy

Another of the 2021 honorees for Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is Joel Robinson. Ras Dara, as he is popularly known, was recognized in the past as an Unsung Hero by First Caribbean Bank in 2011.  He is celebrated nationally for his philanthropic endeavors, particularly through his primary school feeding program.  Since the […]

Are Cruise Passengers a Risk to Belize?

On Thursday, as many as fourteen thousand visitors disembarked from six vessels anchored outside of Belize City, marking a record for cruise arrivals over the past two years.  It’s a significant improvement in numbers in the tourism industry; however, with the Omicron variant wreaking havoc in the United States, many are wary that passengers onboard […]

K.H.M.H. Continues to Fight COVID-19 Pandemic

Chief Executive Officer Chandra Cansino assumed leadership of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in mid-October, amid the throes of a third wave of COVID-19 infections.  At the time, the national referral facility was forced to wage war against the pandemic with limited resources, including beds inside the COVID Unit.  Since then, there has been a […]

ComPol Williams Justifies Ticket to Fire-fighters

ComPol Chester Williams has commented on the five-hundred-dollar ticket slapped on three fire service personnel in Santa Elena. On Thursday morning, the fire-fighters were changing shift, and while on the compound, police came up to the location and charged them for not wearing masks in public. In an interview with News Five, Ebony Wright says […]

New Program for Women through Ahmadiyya

Last week, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community donated sports equipment to the Belize Central Prison and the Wagner’s Youth Facility in Hattieville. And, for the New Year, Imam Naveed Mangla shared with us that they are about to begin another program, this time for women.   Imam Naveed Mangla, Leader, Ahmadiyyah Muslim Jama’at  “We have a […]

Educational Software Boosting Opportunities for Belize’s Incarcerated

And as we head into 2022, the Kolbe Foundation is continuing to offer rehabilitative and educational programs for both youths and adults while they are incarcerated. Prison C.E.O., Virgilio Murillo told News Five that several hundred of the inmates from both the adult and youth populations have been learning different academic and vocational disciplines through […]

Cellular World Raffles $10,000 in Samsung Phones & Buds

The folks over at Cellular World ended the year with a bang, giving away Samsung phones and buds. The Northern Shops branch in Belize City was the venue for the end of year raffle hosted by Open Your Eyes co-host John Palacio. Eight lucky winners hailed from across the country.   Karan Sabnani, Director, Cellular […]

The Champagne Rush on New Year’s Eve

That’s right, it’s countdown time again and to ring in the New Year, lots of people are looking for a bottle of their favorite champagne.  From affordable to pricey, there’s something in the wine rack for everyone. News Five’s Isani Cayetano visited several liquor stores where dozens of shoppers were standing in line to grab […]

What’s Your Resolution for 2022

As 2021 comes to an end, many are reflecting on milestones they have achieved over the past three hundred and sixty-five days, while others are battling with grief from loved ones lost as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This time is also a time when residents set goals for the New Year which begins […]

Could Cruise Ships Be Turned Away Due to Omicron?

Today the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that Americans not travel by cruise ship even if vaccinated for COVID-19. Cases aboard a number of cruise ships using U.S. cruise ports are being investigated. Last week, Mexico prevented a ship from stopping, and several Caribbean countries are also turning ships away as their […]