V O A Site in Belize, Voz de América Belize

VOA Belize Radio site

Voz de América, VOA BLZ (Punta Gorda, Belize )

In the past, I've utilized the former Voice of America (VOA) site in Belize as my antenna farm for V31KW. Rank and Being a Broadcast Engineer has its perks, and I've had the opportunity to visit numerous fascinating RF sites over the years also. Punta Gorda (PG) is the largest town in the southern part of the country, with a population of approximately 5,000. Located along the Caribbean Sea near the Bay of Honduras, and with the imposing Maya Mountains as a backdrop, Punta Gorda—commonly referred to as "PG"—is a small town in southern Belize.

With the conclusion of the Cold War and the subsequent decline of associated proxy conflicts in Central America, the operations of the U.S. Voice of America (VOA) underwent significant changes. The once-critical propaganda broadcasts that had been a cornerstone of U.S. communication strategies were no longer deemed a top priority for the VOA, leading to a reevaluation of resources and focus. This shift marked a pivotal moment in the history of international broadcasting, as the geopolitical landscape transformed dramatically. The VOA site in Belize, notable for its unique saltwater waterfront property, was particularly well-suited for the installation of broadcasting antennas. Spanning an impressive 220 acres, this cleared and fully fenced land provided the ideal environment for the construction and maintenance of broadcasting infrastructure. The strategic location not only enhanced signal transmission capabilities but also ensured that the antennas could operate effectively without the interference that might arise from urban development or natural obstructions. The facilities at this site included several well-constructed buildings that housed essential operational equipment and personnel. In addition to the buildings, the site was equipped with robust generators and fuel tanks, ensuring a reliable power supply for uninterrupted broadcasts. A key feature of the infrastructure was the twenty well-anchored broadcast towers, each towering at least two hundred feet tall. These substantial structures were designed to support a variety of antenna types, including Rhombics and Distributed-fed Curtain Antennas, which were chosen for their efficiency in transmitting signals across vast distances. The importance of these antennas cannot be overstated, as they played a crucial role in the dissemination of information to audiences in regions where access to accurate news was limited. The capabilities of the VOA's antenna farm in Belize were unparalleled, making it a significant asset during its operational peak. The site served not only as a broadcasting hub but also as a symbol of the United States' commitment to providing information and fostering democracy in areas affected by misinformation and propaganda.

Reflecting on my experiences, I can confidently say that I have utilized the old Voice of America (VOA) site in Belize as my antenna farm, and it remains etched in my memory as "my best antenna farm ever". Operating under the call sign V31KW, I was able to harness the exceptional infrastructure and location of the site to achieve remarkable results in my Ham radio endeavors. The combination of technical excellence, strategic positioning, and historical significance of the site made it an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the field of radio communications.

In Punta Gorda, the International Bureau of Broadcasting/Voice of America (IBB/VOA) operated a medium-wave radio relay station which broadcasts to the neighboring countries of Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and others.

The site also had a local MW on1530/1580 BELIZE VOA (50 kW) - this station VOA Punta Gorda (PG) was also closed, 15 September, 2002. The proposal to convert to R.Martí was denied. The IBB relay station near Punta Gorda, Belize, ceased operation on September 15, 2002 at 0500 UTC. It consisted of two 100-kilowatt medium wave transmitters operating on 1530 and 1580 kHz. It was used for Voice of America (VOA) Spanish and English (News Now) to Central America and southern Mexico. There was also a low power FM transmitter at the site, which relayed VOA News 

VOA BELIZE SITE and Compound

It had been a significant fixture on the southern coast of Belize for almost two decades, the Voice of America (V.O.A.) compound located south of Punta Gorda, which has now been officially handed back to the Government of Belize. This notable transition marks a pivotal moment in the history of broadcasting in the region. The shortwave facility, which began broadcasting its signals in 1984, was not merely a station; it was a beacon of information that served to inform and influence audiences far beyond the borders of Belize. The facility ceased operations on the notable date of 15 September 2002, a date that would come to symbolize not only the end of an era for V.O.A. but also a profound shift in the geopolitical landscape of Central America.

The cessation of broadcasts from the V.O.A. compound marked a significant turning point, particularly in light of the end of the Cold War and its related proxy battles that had historically embroiled Central America. With the geopolitical climate shifting, the U.S. propaganda broadcasts that once held strategic importance were no longer deemed a high priority. This change in focus was particularly evident as America’s attention gradually shifted toward emerging events in the Middle East, where new conflicts were beginning to take shape and demand resources, both human and financial. The U.S. government found itself redirecting its priorities, investing efforts and funding into regions where instability was escalating, thus leaving behind the once-vital role of the V.O.A. in Central America.

The agreement signed today, which formalizes this transition, was executed between Foreign Minister Assad Shoman and U.S. Ambassador Russell Freeman. This agreement effectively terminates the lease on the facility that had been in place for many years, signifying the end of an era for both the V.O.A. and the local community that had grown accustomed to its presence. The signing of the agreement was attended by various dignitaries and local stakeholders, who recognized the historical significance of this moment. It was not just a legal formality; it was a recognition of the evolving relationships between nations and the changing tides of international communication.

As part of the withdrawal process, the sophisticated electronic equipment that had been integral to the broadcasting operations was carefully dismantled and shipped out by V.O.A. personnel. This equipment, which once buzzed with the energy of live broadcasts and the hum of technology, was an essential part of the infrastructure that allowed the V.O.A. to reach audiences across the globe. The meticulous dismantling process was a poignant reminder of the vibrant activity that had once characterized the compound, as well as the technological advancements that had made it possible.

In the wake of this departure, the Government of Belize has been left with a substantial piece of property—220 acres of cleared land that is fully fenced and secured. This land contains a number of buildings that were once bustling with activity, housing offices, studios, and maintenance facilities that supported the broadcasting operations. The compound is also marked by twenty well-anchored broadcast towers, each towering at an impressive height of two hundred feet, a testament to the scale and ambition of the broadcasting operations that once took place there. These towers, once symbols of communication prowess, now stand as silent sentinels, witnessing the transformation of the site from a hub of international broadcasting to a newly available asset for the Belizean government.

However, the departure of V.O.A. does not come without its consequences. It signifies the loss of around twenty-five jobs, a number of which were held by security personnel who had dedicated years to safeguarding the compound and its operations. These individuals had become familiar faces in the community, and their roles extended beyond mere employment; they were integral to the local fabric, contributing to the economy and the social structure of the area. The local economy, which had benefited from the presence of these jobs, now faces the challenge of absorbing this sudden loss of employment. The community must now navigate the repercussions of this transition, seeking new avenues for economic stability and growth.

Fortunately, some of the workers have found new opportunities at the U.S. Embassy in Belize City, allowing them to continue their careers in a different capacity, albeit in a new environment. This transition reflects both the resilience of the workforce and the ongoing relationship between Belize and the United States, even as the dynamics of their partnership evolve in response to changing global circumstances. The ability of these workers to adapt to new roles underscores the importance of skill development and the potential for future collaboration between the two nations. As Belize moves forward, the legacy of the V.O.A. will remain in the collective memory of the community, serving as a reminder of a time when the airwaves were filled with messages of hope, information, and the complexities of international relations.

QSL Card from VOA Belize V31-VOA

Below the land has now grown back to jungle

The old VOA site is now called the Toledo Free Zone

VOA Belize site south of Punta Gorda Belize

View of the VOA site to the north from Amatique Bay, Orange Point is on the right

This site is now called the Toledo Free Zone

In the past I have used the old Voice of America (VOA) site in Belize as my antenna farm. This was my best antenna farm ever!!!! as V31KW

VOA BELIZE QSL CARD

The Main VOA Belize Compound

Towers for the VOA Rhombic and Curtain Arrays

The VOA North Rhombic towers

This view is to the south, to Amatique Bay, Look and you can see some of the towers. Also you can see a few towns in Guatemala at night.

Belize other SW , AM and FM early Stations some operating on the "Tropical Short Wave Band"

According to the established regulations and guidelines governing radio frequency allocations, there are three distinct and well-defined frequency ranges designated for specific uses: 2300 to 2495 kilohertz, 3200 to 3400 kilohertz, and 4750 to 5060 kilohertz. These frequencies have been earmarked for broadcasting stations that are strategically located in the regions between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, an area known for its unique climatic and geographical characteristics that influence radio wave propagation. These allocations are the result of long-standing international agreements and treaties, which have been carefully negotiated to ensure that broadcasting services operate without interference and maintain a high level of signal quality. While the majority of countries around the world have committed to adhering to these guidelines, there are notable exceptions. Some nations may not strictly follow these rules, which can lead to a variety of broadcasting practices that deviate from the established norms. One of the most common exceptions to these frequency allocations is the phenomenon known as "out of band" broadcasting. This practice occurs when radio stations utilize adjacent frequencies that have been allocated for other types of radio services, rather than sticking to the designated ranges. For instance, there are several dozen tropical band stations operating within the 5200 to 5700 kHz range. These stations often exploit the available bandwidth outside of the prescribed limits to expand their reach and improve their broadcasting capabilities. In addition to the tropical band stations, the area is also notable for the presence of high-power AM broadcast stations. These powerful transmitters are capable of covering vast distances, making them a vital source of information and entertainment for listeners in remote areas. The use of high power in AM broadcasting allows these stations to penetrate through various environmental obstacles, ensuring that their signals remain strong and clear even in challenging reception conditions.

Overall, the allocation of these frequencies and the practices surrounding their use reflect a complex interplay of international cooperation, technological advancement, and the diverse needs of different broadcasting entities. As the landscape of radio broadcasting continues to evolve, ongoing discussions and adjustments to these regulations may be necessary to accommodate new technologies and changing listener preferences.

ZIK 2

Amandala columnist Selvin "Smokey Joe" Wade recalls the station by its original callsign, ZIK 2, under which it began broadcasting in the 1930s. Initially, it primarily featured music from overseas. As the nationalist movement grew, efforts were made to align BHBS more closely with Belizean identity, leading to its rebranding as Radio Belize.

Radio Belize ZIK 2 in 1972, those were the glory days of Radio Belize: Eustace Usher, Everal Waight, Seferino Coleman, Guy Sandyford, Anita Chong. Anthony (Mac) Moreno used to work there as a technician. And remember that Gerald Garbutt also worked there. There was another announcer named Howell Hulse. Sergio Gomez broadcast in Spanish. Frank J Spooner was the Architect for that building, known as The Albert Cattouse Building, it was built in the mid to late 1960's and housed Radio Belize (later BCB), Cable & Wireless. One of the pioneers of that station was Monrad Metzgen. That must have been in the late '30s or early '40s. The transmission tower was at Newtown Barracks. 

This was the new Transmitting Station for Radio Belize. It was located in Ladyville, and was formerly Cable and Wireless overseas telephone facilities in 1978.

In the 90s, the Radio Belize and Friends FM studios and offices were situated on the first and third floors, with BTL on the second floor and the studios on the third floor. Carol Ann Moore and Therese Pollard Matus worked there as international telephone operators with Cable & Wireless, known as Operator 105. BTL and C&W utilized the same switchboard. Cable & Wireless occupied the ground floor until 1981, with Gustavo Mahler serving as Executive Assistant. C&W moved when they built their own facility on St. Thomas Street, within the current BTL compound.

RADIO ONE, Now the BTL building downtown

BELIZE RADIO ONE

In 1984, Radio Belize boldly transitioned to a culture-focused station, moving beyond just playing music. Now known as Belize Radio One, it skillfully blended modern music with insightful commentary from prominent local radio personalities like Debbie Tillett, Mike Nicholson, Rudy Aguilar, Andy Palacio, Paul Mahung, and in the 1990s, Silvana Woods, Clover Broderick, and Brian Mossiah. Despite its dynamic transformation and the launch of a television branch, Belize Radio One faced challenges in competing with the all-music format of KREM Radio, which emerged in 1989. The government made efforts to privatize the BCB and launched an all-music station called Friends FM, but with the increasing number of radio stations in Belize and rapid technological advancements, the BCB quickly became outdated.

Radio Belize provided entertainment to Belizeans with a range of music. During that time, television broadcasting was not available in Belize, so people relied on the country's sole radio station for entertainment and news. Popular programs from the BBC lineup included "Portia Faces Life" and Doctor Paul, which were broadcast daily and nightly.

QSL Card Radio Belize 1940s

3285

Belize Radio One

Belize

Belmopan

British Honduras Broadcasting Service

Radio Belize was the government monopoly radio station until 1989. During the 1930s on, the station was known as the British Honduras Broadcasting Service (BHBS).

ZIK 2

The history of radio in Belize is characterized by the pioneering contributions of George McKesey, a central figure in the evolution of Belizean radio. His storytelling and use of Kriol in broadcasts played a crucial role in establishing the language and culture of Belize. The first radio station in Belize, ZIK2, was founded in the late 1930s and was situated on Newtown Barracks. This marked a significant milestone in the country's radio broadcasting history.

Radio Belize QSL Card ZIK-2, from 1937

BELIZE  Radio Belize, Belize City (20 kW) - Moved to 830 kHz. Shut down all operations November 30, 1998.

Radio announcer and comedian George McKesey broadcasting from his studios in the 1950's. It was located behind the Paslow Building. He was a very funny guy, all the Belize people listened to "Story Times"

George McKesey epitomized the spirit of Belizean radio during its formative years. Alongside other pioneers from the colonial British Kriol establishment, who adeptly and eloquently used the Queen’s English, he helped lay the groundwork for Radio Belize (formerly the British Honduras Broadcasting Service – BHBS), elevating it to one of the leading broadcasting networks in the Caribbean.

Radio Belize offered a wide range of content, from entertainment to local and international news sourced from the BBC, American radio soap operas like “Doctor Paul” and “Chee Chi,” as well as Belizean Kriol folklore.

Legend has it that McKesey created a style of Belizean theater that began on Radio Belize in the 1960s and later moved to the stage at the Bliss Institute in the 1970s. Written, produced, and directed in traditional Belizean Kriol, this linguistic expert skillfully wove the Kriol lingua franca into the fabric of Belizean life, which is now celebrated as truly “Belizean.” His broadcasting techniques, employing the spoken language of the Belizean people, established Kriol as a language in its own right, rather than just a dialect.

First radio station in Belize ZIK2 located on Newtown Barracks. It was pioneered by Major Donald Fairweather. in the 1930s.

SEE:

Radio Belize: George McKesey and old photos from the history of radio in Belize

Radio Belize

• Ladyville, Belize District: AM 834 kHz (shifted to 830 in the early 1980s), FM 91.1 MHz.

• Punta Gorda, Toledo District: FM 88.3 MHz

• International: shortwave radio (90 m "tropical band") 3.285 MHz

Friends FM

(all frequencies in MHz)

• Belize City, Belize District: 91.3

• Independence, Stann Creek District: 94.7

• Ladyville, Belize District: 88.9

  
  

List of Radio stations in Belize - FamousFix List

Guide to the Belize Radio Stations and Frequencies

http://www.puntagordabelize.com/pg/index.htm

An airshow banner used with "Miss Belize" the O-2 Skymaster airplane in the 1990s

The KØUO Rhombic Antenna Farm and Antenna Test Range: Home to the World's Largest amateur radio (ham), High Frequency (HF) Wire Arrays, miles of wire in the air and on the air daily.

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73

V31KW/K0UO

General Steve Walz

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