Forty-eight-year-old Osmar Correa, a businessman from Belmopan, will be extradited to the United States where he will be tried in a court of law in the state of Texas. Earlier today, Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola handed down that decision in a sixteen-page document and concluded that, “I am satisfied that the evidence contained is sufficient according to the laws of Belize to justify the committal for trial of the defendant, Osman Eliasar Correa, as if the offense of which he is charged had been committed in the territory of Belize”. Correa is wanted in Texas on a charge of intoxication manslaughter, following an incident on March twenty-third, 1998 that resulted in the death of two persons, including someone inside an ambulance. Before leaving the courtroom, Correa was informed that he has fifteen days before the proper proceedings for his extradition are concluded, referring to all the documents that are needed to be prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Correa was represented by attorney Bryan Neal, while the state was represented by the DPP and Senior Crown Counsel Stacy Martinez.
Month: April 2024
Joseph Camp Asks Kareem Musa to Investigate Police Department
Julius Espat Minces No Words on Late Cousin’s Disrespect
Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat is the first cousin of the late Toledo East Area Rep. Mike Espat. He is also an executive of the People’s United Party. This morning, Espat did not hold back his thoughts and feelings regarding the untimely death of his relative, as well as what he considers to be an act of contempt and disrespect by C.E.O. Osmond Martinez when he openly announced his interest in challenging Mike Espat in the Toledo East constituency. Here’s what the outspoken deputy leader had to say.
Julius Espat, Executive, People’s United Party
“He was disrespected. His CEO went out to do something that was not authorized by the executive of the People’s United Party. I am an executive member and nothing was told to us, and he was disrespected. His dignity was taken away and that’s not good, for anybody. As a nation, we have to look out for our elders. We have to give them respect. This man has won five times, six times. This man beats us up in Cabinet whenever he comes or whenever ih sih we, nothing for himself. Always for ih village, for ih people. He was disrespected and I stand by that and I called him and said, “Mike, what’s happening?” And I could feel it in his… Mike noh emotional, I am, he isn’t. But I sensed it, and my God, one week after that di man dropped dead.”
Isani Cayetano
“How do you reconcile that with one’s personal, political ambitions though because if we’re looking at what the CEO aspires to and how he went about it…”
Julius Espat
“The People’s United Party has rules and conventions are not open. We haven’t even. Today, we are having a meeting at two o’clock to decide if conventions will be open or not. I wahn sih di cherry-picking, I really wahn see it. But I called Mike and I said, “Mike, anybody that goes after you, I am willing to go with you to a convention and stand beside you. Cayo South will stand with you.” He said, “Bwai, di last man I think mi wahn call me and tell me that.” I tell ahn, it’s a matter of principle, it’s a matter of respect, it’s a matter of dignity and if we can’t have that, we are lost. That’s how I feel.”
B.D.F. Commander Addresses Guatemalan Incursion in Colombia Forest Reserve
On Tuesday night, we told you that members of the Belize Territorial Volunteers came across an illegal logging site within the Columbia Forest Reserve. They reportedly came across a road that leads into the reserve from Guatemala. They also came across hundreds of logwoods along that roadway. BTV called on the Belize Defense Force and the Belize Forestry Department to act swiftly and arrest the situation. We asked Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commander of the Belize Defense Force about it when we caught up with him today.
Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commander, Belize Defense Force
“The Belize Defense Force as the minister mentioned some time ago during an interview, the BDF is operating in Machil Ha to maintain the territorial integrity the sovereignty of Belize, because of that and the confidence building measures the countries enter, we have the primary responsibility to patrol and ensure we are abiding by the set of regulations. The Colombia Forest Reserve is not like the Chiquibul where there is a group of environmentalist that looks after the forest. In the Colombia Forest there is none. We were trying to encourage others to try to link up to coordinate with eh Forest Department so they could comanage and we could assess. We believe that is the primary responsibility of the forest department. The Colombia Forest Reserve is vast, acres, a lot of jungle, and we have two observation post, the Santa Rosa Observation Post and Machakil Ha. We acknowledge there is a lot of illegal logging going on and that is not for this year. All the years it is the sawm thing during the dry season, that is when the villagers from across because they have villages strategically set up along the border.”
Greater Law Enforcement Presence Needed in Colombia Forest Reserve
According to Brigadier General Azariel Loria, two bridges created by illegal Guatemalan logwood cutters within the Columbia Forest Reserve have been destroyed recently. He noted that the bridges are rebuilt by Guatemalans immediately after destruction. Brigadier General Loria acknowledged that greater law enforcement is needed within the vast expanse of the reserve.
Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commander of the Belize Defense Force
“We try to arrest the situation where it merits it. The bridges that were erected, the road runs to the North of Machakil Ha. One of the bridges falls within that one kilometer. We have reported that bridge from last year, sometime last year and it had not been verified. We couldn’t wait any longer and it was destroyed. They had constructed another bridge, so it was two bridges that were at that trail. So, we went and destroyed and they came back and the same Guatemalans built it over again. WE went back and destroyed it yet again and we are monitoring the areas. We need more assistance from the forest department and co-management of NGO that is willing to do like what FCD does in preserving the environment to come and assist.”
Sarstoon Forward Operating Base Receives Needed Upgraded
The Belize Defense Force organized a media trip today to the recently renovated Sarstoon Forward Operating Base. Viewers will recall that B.D.F. soldiers had to vacate the base and relocate to Barranco Village due to its deteriorated state. There is once again a permanent B.D.F. presence at the base. And it is needed, because of the illicit activities that occur in the area, such as illegal fishing and human trafficking. News Five’s Paul Lopez was on that trip today. Here is his report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The Sarstoon Forward Operating Bases was established in 2016 as a means of deterring illicit activities in the area from the Guatemalan side. It has recently underwent major renovations and today we are taking a tour of this forward operating base.
Major Miguel Tuyub, Belize Defense Force
“This is the current situation and the current renovation as you see here at this location, two structures and an observation booth at the front. It serves as an immediate warning at this site. We have a vessel harbor that can harbor up to two vessels at a time. This site has a helicopter landing site, main purpose for that site is for emergency extractions that happens at this location, also for resupply of soldiers if needs be. The site itself also has an ample area that can serve as physical training while soldiers are deployed.”
The FOB was constructed in 2016 to deter threats and to keep military presence in the immediate vicinity to maintain the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Belize. But the base quickly fell into disrepair and risks to law enforcement officers increased. As a result, BDF personnel were relocated to Barranco. A team, comprised of engineers from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing, the Belize Defense Force, and a private construction company, came together to find a solution.
Ray Ogaldez, Operations Manager, AK Aggregates and Concrete Supplies
“One of the challenged we really faced was that the material we used to stabilize the erosion was far different than what we used in the south. It was all slush. It was all muck that would take forever to stabilize. We search other ways and we found something suitable enough and we stabilized the island. The construction lasted from November and through Christmas and the New Years and we were early enough to finish in February. So when they did the soft launch in February the island was accessible. We did a test with the helicopter, to see how stable the heli-pad was and fortunately it all worked out well.”
The base is equipped with an observation post that gives soldiers an almost three-hundred-and-sixty-degree view of their surroundings. It is situated directly across from Guatemala’s military base along the Sarstoon River. These soldiers also received a newly constructed dormitory that houses ten. A conference room is now on the property as well.
Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commander, BDF
“When we started ibn 29016 there were mangroves and it was not that bad. The building in front was not that remodeled. It was rudimentary. Still is in some aspects but it is far better than 2016. The erosion was something we couldn’t control and eventually the sea and the river ended up under the building. But now it is like a big difference. The soldiers are at peace. They can have a good night’s rest not knowing that the building will collapse anymore. I remember one that was injured and lost an eye about six, seven years ago and that was our concern and it is a reflection that had to do with the ministry. The minister visited and was really unhappy and the result is this.”
Major Miguel Tuyub
“Our commanders have orders and protocols to deescalate any encounter that the Guatemalan forces do have. At the end of the day the Guatemalans don’t come this side and we don’t go that side. We have amicable relations at this point time.”
“If they want to venture, if Belizeans want to venture into Guatemala, the last point of entry is Punta Gorda town. But if they are visiting the area here it is advisable that they visit the FOB to say, hey I am in the area so that we know that they are in the area and they can use the Sarstoon but just have in mind that we have the GAF on the other side, have in mind that this area not too long ago we destroyed cocoa plantations and these activities are still occurring. It is not safe for people to traversing the Sarstoon and unfortunately, we cannot provide security for each and everyone that visits.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
Guatemalan Armed Forces Tells Belizeans to Leave Sarstoon River
The Belize Defense Force organized a media trip today to the recently renovated Sarstoon Forward Operating Base. Viewers will recall that B.D.F. soldiers had to vacate the base and relocate to Barranco Village due to its deteriorated state. There is once again a permanent B.D.F. presence at the base. And it is needed, because of the illicit activities that occur in the area, such as illegal fishing and human trafficking. And as we found out firsthand, Guatemala is claiming the entirety of the Sarstoon River. Here is News Five’s Paul Lopez with more on what reporters encountered during their trip around the hotly contested island.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The Belize Defense Force organized a media trip to the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base to cover the recently completed renovations at the location. Following the ceremony, Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commander of the Belize Defense Force, organized a tour around Sarstoon island. Immediately after launching from the base, members of the Guatemalan Armed Forces deployed two vessels. Their military base is erected directly across from the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base. The Guatemalan vessel made initial contact with a BDF vessel that was trailing behind. The Guatemalan armed forces then approached our vessel.
Guatemalan Armed Forces
“Good Afternoon, Do you speak spanish? Welcome to Guatemalan waters. What is the purpose of your visit?”
Paul Lopez
“This is Belize’s River. This is our river.”
“No, this is Guatemala’s River.”
Paul Lopez
“No this is our river.”
Guatemalan Armed Forces
“What is your purpose of visit?”
Guatemalan Armed Forces
“This river is the property of Guatemala.”
“This is for Belize. You don’t have permission.”
Guatemalan Armed Forces
“Please respect the protocol. I’m inviting you to leave Guatemala’s river please.”
At this point we were all in the northern channel which runs directly along Belize’s coast. Brigadier General Azariel Lorria intervened.
Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commander, Belize Defense Force
“They say, you have heard it, that the whole river belongs to them. We are telling them no it is not so, it belongs to Belize. They are saying that it is undisputed there is no discussion. But we are at the ICJ at this moment so. It is not frustrating to me because this is not the first time that they are there following us. I have been here on numerous occasions and they always follow us. What we need to do is have a bit of common sense and report it through the channels. It is not for me to decide what to do here. So this, I have directed by commanders to document it, send it to the Ministry of National Defense and Border Security and they will send it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then it will become diplomatic and they will know what to do.”
Guatemalan Armed Forces followed our vessels until we reached the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base. They then stopped, in Belize’s territory, and observed until our vessel left the river. Reporting for News 5, I am Paul Lopez.
Celebrating Girls in ICT Day With Lead Like a Girl
International Girls in ICT Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in April. The day aims to create awareness on the need for more girls and women in the information and communications technology sector. It provides opportunities for them to be exposed to the benefits of ICT in enabling their career and aspirations. In alignment with these goals, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, together with UNICEF, hosted an event with the slogan “Lead Like a Girl”. Today, one hundred female high school students from across Belize will participate in interactive challenges and learned from powerful women what it means to lead like a girl. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more on that story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
For the past decade, people all over the world have participated in the celebration of Girls in ICT Day. It is meant to draw attention to the critical need for more girls and women in the ICT sector, both in education and the workforce. It is estimated that only seventeen percent of ICT specialists are women. To counter this issue, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology and UNICEF hosted the Lead Like a Girl event where they listened to and interacted with women in positions of power to gain inspirations.
Nicole Solano, CEO, Ministry of Tourism Diaspora Relations
“It takes a lot of courage to lead like a girl. I think that we’re cultured, and today’s a little bit different than when I was growing up, right? But, we’re cultured to, I think, be a little bit more in a supporting role as women. And I think that girls have to realize that they’re natural leaders. So, to be confident and to know. that a lot of the challenges that they face are similar to the challenges that men face, except men tend to handle these challenges a little bit different. So I think girls really do need to look at how to be courageous and how to be confident. And those are, you know, being bold and not afraid. Those are some of the qualities I think it takes to lead like a girl.”
With technology playing a vital role in all kinds of careers, from art and history to law, primary teaching and graphic design, learning tech skills at a young age will set girls up for economic independence. The objective of this event was not only to encourage girls to pursue fields in STEM, but also give young women the confidence to step into these fields, even if they are dominated by men. Allison Parker, the UNICEF representative to Belize, shared with the girls, three tips to lead like a girl.
Allison Parker, UNICEF representative to Belize
“Be unique. For you to lead like a girl, you can never follow the crowd. You’ll have to be unique. Step out of your comfort zone. Step out of what is familiar. Step out of what you know, because that’s the only way we break the glass ceilings. Number two, follow your passion. If you don’t have passion, When these blocks begin to hit you like CEO Santos says, you will almost give up. But whenever you wake up in the morning and say, why am I doing this? Your passion tells you, there is another day. And that’s why we have electricity today. Somebody tried 99 times, and it didn’t work. But because of passion, they did one more time. And today, we have what we have. Let’s go one more time. Let’s go one more effort. Let’s dig another well and let’s see what we can do together. And the final thing that I want you to do is to show up and voice up no matter where you are. It doesn’t matter your color, your race, your background, no matter what you are here because you have a value addition.”
Also speaking at the event was UNICEF youth ambassador, Alaine Perdomo. The Belize High School student is dedicated to creating a positive change in the world and her community. Perdomo is an international coding gold medalist who has used her talents to create the Safescape app. This app creates a secure online platform for women and girls who have experienced sexual assault to share their experience and seek help and comfort.
Alaine Perdomo, UNICEF Youth Ambassador
“So with this, you can log your feelings, and it gives you suggestions and what you can do, and over time, this teaches you how to regulate and deal with your emotions. Thanks. It also, to the next slide, provides a resource section which allows you to find the resources near you so that you know where you can get help from. And it also provides a forum which allows you to connect with other people who have been in similar situations because it, um, tackles feelings of isolation and allows you to learn from others. and their diverse experiences. So, there’s also different groups. For example, if you’re a family member and you’re looking to see how other people might have, other family members might have dealt with helping people who they love and are close to deal with this, you can find, uh, support from other people through here.”
Alaine Perdomo
“There are many, many issues, and the diverse perspectives of women can be Tackle these issues through similar recognition, research, planning, and development. Issues that you too have the power to tackle with your incredible and unique ideas as girls. By leading like a girl, you are intelligent, you are passionate, you are brave, and you are determined and you have the power to follow your passions and create an incredible future for your community and world.”
Britney Gordon for News Five.
Annual Labor Day Park Fest This Sunday
The annual Labor Day Park Fest has come around once again, giving Belizean performers an opportunity to showcase their talents and for the public to enjoy to an outing with family and friends. The event will have music, rides, food, and prizes to entertain every attendee. This year boast a complete line up of performers and DJ’s with exclusive prizes and giveaways available. Public Relations Director of Flavaz Entertainment, Andazi, told News Five more about the event.
Andazi, Public Relations Director, Flavaz Entertainment
“So this Sunday, April twenty-eighth we’re having our annual Belize Labor Day Park Fest. It’s an event that we have every year around this time, because you know there’s a holiday on Monday. So we take advantage of the day on Sunday to have this big fest that’s really a full lineup of our top Belizean artists and DJs and the vibe is really nice because It starts early starts from three p.m. And it goes all the way until about one a.m. So, you know in the early hours You’ll see more, it’s like families coming out, you can bring your kids, you know, you can come and hang out with friends. And then as we get on into the evening, it’s a little more exciting with more high performances on stage. And of course, the DJs will be playing all day long. We also have rides and games for the kids. So, um, it’s really like a family friendly, family friendly, kind of fun event. The park fest happens at the Digi Park and doors open at three p.m. Kids twelve and under are free. There’s a minimal charge for adults, it’s ten. And one thing that we’re doing for the kids as well is that the first two hundred kids who come to the park will be getting a free meal. And that free meal is courtesy of one of the nonprofits. organizations that we work with as well as some other partners.”
Promoting Sustainable Growth and Digital Transformation in Belize
Through the Sustainable and Inclusive Belize Project, six extension officers were contracted to support the Ministry of Agriculture by providing technical guidance and coordination support to the project activities at the district level. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Economic Development, in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank, handed over six motorcycles, desks, chairs and laptops at a value of fifty-one thousand, six hundred and sixty-one dollars to the project.
Rocio Medina Bolivar, Group Country Manager, IDB
“This was a very special and very important milestone for the Government of Belize and actually for the whole of Belize. It was an equipment handing over related to two very important projects that is part of our portfolio and we’re really proud to be partnering with the Government of Belize. One is related to Sustainable and Inclusive Belize that really focuses on two very important sector, like agriculture and tourism and digital innovation. Through these two projects, I think we are going to really, in the agriculture sector, for instance, we are going to really impact the farmers, more than two thousand, eight hundred farmers that will be impacted and we are providing equipment that will really help the extension officers at the Ministry of Agriculture and other ministries, for instance, to have access to the logistics that are required and all the equipment also for digital and innovation. So it’s very important.”
Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture
“Agriculture is a verb, it’s in the field. No extension officer is supposed to be in the office, except when they are writing their reports. The donation today, the contribution of motorcycles for extension officers is very, very important. Farmers need all the help that they can get in these very difficult times of climate change and this project focuses around that, mitigating the effects of climate change. Many of the programs and projects we have now are resilient agriculture . How do we produce under difficult circumstances, you know, higher temperatures lead to quick infestations of insects. We have the experience with low pollination when temperatures are very high in corn and so climate change is real.”