March 27, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Ecuador’s youngest mayor shot dead

The youngest mayor of Ecuador, 27-year-old Brigitte García, and her communications director, Jairo Loor, were found shot dead Sunday morning. García, who served as the mayor of San Vicente, a small coastal city, was discovered in what appeared to be a rental car, alongside Loor, both having sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

Initial investigations indicate that the shots were fired from within the vehicle. The Ecuadorian Ministry of Government characterized the occurrence as a “criminal action”. No specific individual or group has been implicated in the killings.

Ecuador has been confronting a surge in violence perpetrated by armed gangs. In January, the nation declared a state of emergency following the escape of notorious gang leader José Adolfo Macías, also known as ‘Fito’, from a prison in Guayaquil. President Daniel Noboa subsequently declared an “internal armed conflict” and ordered military operations to curb the violence, resulting in the apprehension of over 2,000 individuals within two weeks of the decree.

Reinstatement of Emergency/24-Hour Passport Service

The Ministry of Immigration announced on Tuesday the reinstatement of the emergency/24-hour passport service. The ministry says that following diligent efforts to resolve technical issues affecting the passport system, the service is now fully operational.

A release from the ministry says that effective immediately, individuals requiring urgent passport services can once again access the emergency/24-hour service.

“The Ministry apologizes for any inconvenience caused during the temporary suspension and appreciates your patience and understanding. Our priority remains providing efficient and reliable passport services to all our citizens and residents.”

Belize Becomes First Caribbean Nation to Ratify Ocean Biodiversity Agreement

Belize made history by being the first Caribbean nation to officially ratify the ocean biodiversity agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).

The global commitment to safeguard 30 percent of the ocean by 2030 hinges greatly on the implementation of the BBNJ agreement, which spans two-thirds of the world’s oceans. This agreement is designed to promote the conservation and sustainable utilization of marine biodiversity, presenting opportunities for deep-sea research, capacity building, and the development and transfer of marine technology, particularly beneficial for small developing countries like Belize.

Belize’s ratification now sets the pace for the Caribbean’s engagement. The nation is actively collaborating with other Caribbean Community member states to raise awareness and build momentum for regional participation. A workshop in the Caribbean is scheduled for April 11 to 12, 2024, to further bolster the region’s efforts towards ratification, with Belize also slated to host a Caribbean BBNJ workshop later in the year.

Belize joins Chile and Palau to have ratified it so far. The BBNJ will “enter into force” when at least 60 countries ratify it. The agreement was opened for signature on September 20, 2023. It will be closed on September 20, 2025

Happiest Countries in the World List Shared, Belize Not on It

In the 2024 World Happiness Report, Finland clinches the title of the happiest country for the seventh consecutive year. Following closely are Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Israel, and the Netherlands, as revealed in the annual survey released on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. This survey ranks countries based on the perceived happiness of their citizens. European nations, including Norway, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, continue to dominate the top 10.

An interesting note from the report is that the survey in Israel was conducted after the attacks on October 7, 2023, but before the subsequent escalation in the conflict.

Australia stands out as the sole non-European country in the top 10 for 2024, securing the 10th position. The United States experienced a notable decline, dropping to 23rd place from its 15th position last year.

Similarly, the United Kingdom slips one spot to 20th place compared to the previous year’s rankings.

Belize did not make the list and this may be because of a lack of data.

World’s 20 happiest countries in 2024

1. Finland

2. Denmark

3. Iceland

4. Sweden

5. Israel

6. Netherlands

7. Norway

8. Luxembourg

9. Switzerland

10. Australia

11. New Zealand

12. Costa Rica

13. Kuwait

14. Austria

15. Canada

16. Belgium

17. Ireland

18. Czechia

19. Lithuania

20. United Kingdom

At the bottom of the list

Afghanistan remains the world’s lowest-ranked country for happiness. Lebanon, Lesotho, Sierra Leone and Congo also ranked at the bottom.