4th Belize Creative & Cultural Excellence Awards

The National Celebrations Commission recognized 7 exceptional individuals at the 4th Belize Creative & Cultural Excellence Awards. Teresita Ulloa, Rowland Parks, Horace Mohobub Flores, Adela Vallejos, Mercy Sabal, Alfonso Tzul, and Mathew and Virgin Martinez were honoured for their remarkable contributions to Belize’s cultural and creative sectors.

The Beverly Smith Lopez Prize for Acting in Theatre and Film to Teresita Ulloa

For more than a decade and a half, Teresita Ulloa has been a dedicated advocate within the Public Library System, serving as a senior Library Assistant at the San Ignacio Public Library. She ingeniously incorporates drama and theatrical elements to ignite a passion for reading among patrons. Teresita’s remarkable ability to infuse creativity into her initiatives has garnered widespread praise. In addition to her on-site endeavors, she leverages the power of social media as a dynamic platform to engage audiences, regularly producing captivating videos featuring herself in the role of “Teresita The Librarian.” Through these videos, she not only entertains but also educates, employing humour and wit to convey the importance of literacy and the value of libraries in an engaging and accessible manner.

Teresita’s commitment to fostering a culture of reading extends beyond the confines of the library walls, as she continues to inspire and uplift individuals of all ages through her dramatic and transformative work as “The Librarian.” Ms. Teresita also does training with teachers and parents on how to bring a story alive for children to encourage them to read. Her creativity promotes the importance of parents being involved in the literacy development of their children.

The Zee Edgell Prize for Literary Arts to Rowland Parks

Born and raised in the picturesque Pomona Valley, Rowland Parks embarked on a journey that would see him emerge as a distinguished journalist and poet. Despite initially leaving school at a young age, his passion for learning led him to resume his education later in life, culminating in the attainment of a journalism degree from the esteemed Baruch College City University of New York. Parks’ literary prowess first garnered attention in 1977 when his evocative poems were prominently featured in “An Anthology of Belizean Poetry: Vol 2.” However, it was his seminal work, “Poems of Passion, Patriotism, and Protest,” co-authored with luminaries Dickie Bradley and Evan X Hyde, that truly cemented his place in Belize’s literary landscape. Leading up to his recent retirement in 2021, Parks distinguished himself as one of Belize’s preeminent photojournalists, capturing the essence of his homeland through his lens.

Earlier this year, a powerful tribute brought together over 20 of Belize’s most esteemed poets and writers to honor the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Rowland Parks, underscoring his profound impact on Belizean literature and journalism.

The Andy Palacio Prize for Belizean Music to Mohobub Flores

Mohobub Flores is a celebrated Belizean singer and percussionist, widely recognized for his contributions to Garifuna music and the genre of Punta Rock. Born in Dangriga, Flores started his musical journey in 1979 with Pen Cayetano’s Turtle Shell Band and has since enjoyed a prolific solo career while continuing to collaborate with other influential musicians. His work has helped to preserve and promote Garifuna culture worldwide. Mohobub Flores remains a key figure in Belize’s musical landscape, celebrated for his dedication to his cultural roots and his role in bringing Garifuna music to a global audience. As a senior member of The Garifuna Collective, Mohobub has performed in the last decade in over 25 countries on 5 continents.

The George Gabb Prize for Visual Arts to Mercy Sabal

For over four decades, Mercy Sabal has dedicated herself to honing her craft as an artist and quilt maker, earning recognition as one of Belize’s foremost masters in her field. With a rich history of participation in group exhibitions at esteemed venues like the Image Factory and the Belisle Art Gallery, as well as showcasing her work internationally in locations such as Taiwan, New Orleans, and Mexico. Sabal’s artistry has garnered widespread acclaim. Collaborating with fellow artist Katie Usher, their joint exhibit “Mothers of Creation” (2021) broke new ground as the first Belizean art show to be transformed into a virtual 360 tour, showcasing Sabal’s innovative spirit. Recognising her contributions, NICH selected one of Sabal’s quilts in 2021 for permanent display at the entrance of the National Assembly, cementing her legacy in Belizean art history.

Most recently, in April 2024, one of Sabal’s pieces was chosen for the inaugural exhibition at the Museum of Belizean Art, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the country’s vibrant artistic community.

The Rosita Baltazar Prize for Dance to Mathew and Virgin Martinez

The Ugundani Garifuna Dance Group, established in 1986, stands as a resilient and enduring pillar in Belize’s cultural landscape, dedicated to the promotion and preservation of traditional Garifuna music and dance. With the UNESCO declaration in 2001 recognizing the Garifuna language, music, and dance as a masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Ugundani has remained steadfast in keeping this proclamation alive and relevant in contemporary cultural discourse. Led by longstanding members Mathew and Virgin Martinez, the group exemplifies a profound commitment to their cultural heritage, utilising dance as a means to celebrate and affirm Garifuna identity and tenacity.

With a blend of managerial prowess and artistic vision, this dynamic husband-and-wife duo has adeptly guided Ugundani to showcase their talents across Belize and in numerous countries, embodying the essence of Garifuna cultural strength on international stages. The Ugundani Group was the brain child of Ms. Naomi Guzman along with Ms. Rosel, Virgin and Matthew later became co-founders and the members who continue the mandate of what Ms. Guzman and Ms. Flowers started. They continue to promote and persevere so that the group and their mission can remain active.

The Don Elijio Panti Prize for the Protection and Development of Traditional Knowledge to Alfonso Tzul

Alfonso Tzul, an 83-year-old retired agriculture extension officer and Yucatec Maya farmer, boasts a distinguished career serving Belizeans as a public servant, cultural historian, linguist, and botanist. Renowned for his historical research, including the publication of “An Oral History of the Maya of San Antonio, Cayo” in 1993 and “Chomon: The Orphan Boy,” Tzul offers invaluable insights into Maya history and culture. Additionally, he has tirelessly promoted the Yucatec Maya language, producing educational materials for both children and adults and collaborating with institutions to preserve Yucatec Maya identity. Moreover, Tzul is an expert in Maya Forest Gardens, sharing traditional milpa practices and collaborating on research projects, showcasing his extensive knowledge of forest ecosystems and cultivation techniques.

The Don Elijio Panti Prize for the Protection and Development of Traditional Knowledge to Alfonso Tzul

Adela Pederson Vallejos, a native of Libertad Village, Corozal, has become a beacon of community and cultural activism in Belize. Despite early challenges, including dropping out of school before later pursuing higher education in California. After retirement, she dedicated herself to various community initiatives, founding a chapter of the Consortium for Belizean Development in San Diego. Her passion for preserving Maya heritage led her to learn the Yucatec Maya language and establish To’one Masehaulo’on NGO, promoting Maya culture and language through educational initiatives and events, including the Belize national anthem translated into Yucatec Maya. Adela’s tireless efforts culminated in the inauguration of the U Kuuchil Uucben Mayaya Ba’alo’ob Yucatec Maya Museum in Cristo Rey Village, showcasing her dedication to cultural preservation.

Adela Pederson Vallejos epitomizes the spirit of cultural stewardship and community engagement, inspiring others through her unwavering commitment to enriching Belizean society.