May 10, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Itz’at STEAM Academy is Officially Launched

This morning here in Belize City, government officials, including Prime Minister John Briceño and Education Minister Francis Fonseca, were on hand for the official opening of Itz’at STEAM Academy. The secondary school opened its doors to the first cohort of students at the start of the academic calendar in September of last year. News Five was there for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Here’s that story.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

STEAM education is a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to learning that is crucial for high school students. At Itz’at STEAM Academy, young people are prepared with knowledge, skills, and integrated experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to build a sustainable future for themselves and their communities. STEAM education encourages students to think creatively and apply their knowledge in innovative ways.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education

“It’s an absolutely exciting day for education in our country, you know, we’ve talked for a long time about STEAM education and the importance of investing in STEAM education for the future development of Belize and that’s what Itz’at STEAM Academy high school is all about. It’s about providing a space in our education structure and education system for young people to develop the skills and aptitudes that they need to participate in the future of Belize’s development.”

With rapid technological advancements, STEAM programs such as the one offered at Itz’at, help prepare students for future careers that require a blend of technical skills and creative thinking. It also emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, skills that are highly valued in the modern workforce.

John Newport, Principal, Itz’at STEAM Academy

“At Itz’at STEAM Academy, our ambition is to create a diverse and inclusive school community that inspires young people, including girls, those from marginalized, social, economic and cultural groups, those with special needs to advance their knowledge and understanding of the world and to engage in concrete actions that lead to the improvement not only of their lives, but the lives of those around them.”

Construction for the new secondary institution began in September 2022 and was completed last year. The facility, with its two buildings, covers a total of thirty-five thousand square feet. STEAM education allows for personalized learning experiences, catering to diverse interests and strengths of students.

Francis Fonseca

“We talk all the time about the green economy, the blue economy, and the orange economy. Well we can’t just talk about it, we have to prepare our people to participate in that new economy, new emerging economy. And so, education has to lead the way and we have to be at the cutting edge of technology and science, and art. So I am very, very proud of the fact that, you know, over the past three years we have spent a lot of time and effort focused on this project.”

Itz’at is the first school in the country designed in conformity with Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiency or EDGE standards for resource efficiency. It has a bioengineering lab, art room, media lab, maker studio, silent rooms and typical collaborative learning rooms.

John Newport

“Our campus is not just this, our campus is the wider community and our students are engaging in it. And so, at the end of this ceremony you will get a chance to see some of these students in action. And again, remember they are first formers, as you see them engage in transformative mathematics that lead to qualitative reasoning, as you see the robotics group. And I’d like to say, a school does not turn students into robots, a school is where students make robots out of Lego and machines and wires and they show that we in Belize can really do some cutting-edge, technological, transformative action.”

Isani Cayetano for News Five.

FM Fonseca Discusses Latest Sarstoon Encounter with GAF

Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca was in Guatemala recently on an official visit where he met with several diplomatic counterparts, including the foreign minister of Guatemala, as well as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He was there to discuss the regional issue of migration, but took the opportunity to raise Belize’s concern in the wake of the latest face-off between the Guatemalan Armed Forces and the Belize Defense Force on Sarstoon River.

Francis Fonseca, Foreign Minister

“I was in Guatemala from Monday to Wednesday participating in the follow-up meeting of what they call the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection. The prime minister had attended the first meeting last year and this was a follow-up meeting with foreign ministers from Central America, Latin America and a few from the Caribbean, as well, along with the U.S Secretary of State, Secretary Blinken. So that’s why I was there. So Belize was able to make a presentation on the challenges we are facing in terms of migration and border security. But I also used the opportunity as well to meet with representatives of the U.S. Secretary of State and the U.S. Homeland Security Department, as well, to share with them some of these challenges. And of course I had the opportunity to meet with my counterpart in Guatemala, the Guatemalan foreign minister, and we had a very frank, open dialogue. I, of course, raised the issue of, as you describe it, these flare-ups that have been taking place and I really think we had a very positive, constructive dialogue and discussion on this matter. I made it very clear, Belize’s position in terms of our sovereignty and territorial integrity and we agreed that it was important for us to have a more structured approach to communicating, both at the military level and at the diplomatic level. But I think what’s most important is that both of the foreign ministers agreed that these matters are to be resolved diplomatically.”

There’s A Dire Need for Campaign Finance Legislation

Earlier this week, developer David Gegg appeared before the Senate Special Select Committee where he was grilled about the definitive agreement that was awarded under the previous administration. During his interrogation, Gegg, the principal of Portico Enterprises Limited, told the panel that a request for campaign financing was presented to him as a quid pro quo for the definitive agreement. The revelation once again has raised questions about the need for campaign finance legislation to be enacted. Prime Minister John Briceño shared his thoughts on the matter.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“That’s something that has to be taken [into consideration], we have to take a hard look at. We’ve been trying to find ways on how we can come up with some form of campaign finance legalization because there is no legislation, but it’s important that we be able to put something that can work. The United States, for instance, as an example, for the presidential elections, you know, they have campaign finance legislation and it’s running them over a billion dollars per candidate. Is that campaign financing legislation working? Absolutely not. So we need to find one that can work, I wish we could find one that would limit the amount of ads that you give, and t-shirts and everything else because it will make it easier for the political parties. So it’s something that I support and we’re looking at, and hopefully we can come up with something that can work for Belize.”

Isani Cayetano

“It requires political will, nonetheless, and you guys have a super majority in the house.”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“But it’s not about the will, it’s about having something that can work. As I said all along, it is something I support. Don’t you think I’d want to be able to have, to run a campaign where we would spend a fraction of what is necessary? Of course we would, and we would make it so much easier for all the political parties.”

What is the Future of PACT?

The Protected Areas Conservation Management Trust, PACT, is the subject of concerns being raised APAMO. Representatives of the umbrella association met with Prime Minister John Briceño recently to discuss the future of PACT.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I met with APAMO, along with the minister and we were discussing, not necessarily on the legislation. They were concerned about the future of PACT and which direction it is going and questioning whether the changing of the executive director was at the right time. The minister explained and I think we have a good understanding on how to make sure that we ensure that PACT works the way it was envisioned. To give you a little bit of history, the UDP implemented PACT, but it was under my care that PACT really became the institution it was. And I remember when the past administration was making changes to the PACT legislation, I called the minister back then and I said why are we making these changes, because then you are opening it up for then even the government to be able to access funds. And he said, no, don’t worry about it and then here we are today. So yes, we need to take a look at how we can continue to improve PACT.”

Belizean Chef Gains Culinary Diploma Alongside Professionals

In late April, twelve Belizean chefs from across the country completed a diploma in a culinary arts program through the B.T.B., the Ministry of Education and the Florida International University. Over the course of nine sessions, these chefs were trained in various culinary skills with assistance from Belize’s own Chef Sean Kuylen, who blended Belizean culture into the experience. We spoke with a recent graduate today, to hear how they plan to make use of the knowledge and skills imparted on them. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Part of Belize’s reputation as a melting pot of cultures, includes the wide variety of food offered throughout the country. Across various hotels, restaurants and vendors, food tourism is a large contributor to Belize’s economy. Thus, creating opportunities for more people to hone their skills in the kitchen is a necessary part of keeping Belizean chefs in business. Recently, twelve people were able to gain a diploma in a culinary arts program through the BTB, the Ministry of Education and the Florida International University. Mirna Paul Greenidge chose not to become a professional chef but wanted to join in on the experience to gain the skills and knowledge.

Mirna Paul Greenidge, Culinary Arts Program Graduate

“It was a culinary arts class and it was a basic skills learning about different aspects and techniques of cooking and preparation of food and also doing safety, which is very important.”

Britney Gordon

“So how did you get involved in this program?”

Mirna Paul Greenidge

“I got involved because I saw an advertisement from BTB, kudos to the people at BTB, the minister for his vision and his entire team, Mister Enriquez, who is the person that do all the training for the different aspects of hospitality in the country. Miss Tracy, who was very helpful for us, for encourage us and get us to get this training completed.”

The participants mastered a variety of skills, including cold food preparation and menu design.

Britney Gordon

“So I know you’re not a chef by profession. What made you decide that? Okay, I’m going to go and try this.”

Mirna Paul Greenidge

“I have a passion for cooking. I’m really interested in being a barrister. And, of course, you understand that there is a principle of preparation, meeting, opportunity. So, I believe that we always have to learn new skills. That’s how I became also a masseuse. So, in that quest of trying to get self development.That is how I end up in this course. And of course, I plan to use it at home and who knows, maybe sometime doing some catering.”

Paul said that although this was all new to her, she was able to become adept through the guidance of her mentors and fellow classmates.

Mirna Paul Greenidge

“Well, basically you learn techniques and you don’t take for granted especially in food preparation. There is a lot of measures of safety that you have to take, um, the purchasing of the food, how you store your food costing if you’re interested in being a chef, because many of my classmates were chefs, of course, and they’re working already in restaurants or resorts and it’s very important because at the end of the day, we are able to handle food properly and be able to cost it and do everything that we need to do in a good measure.”

She explained that the environment was welcoming to diverse participants, which only made her enthusiasm for the experience grow.

Mirna Paul Greenidge

“It was very inclusive and we had good integration because we were very helpful. Those who had a little bit more experience, we were able to gain from that because we did a lot of group sessions. We also had theory in the few months that we were doing it and We’re at the commissary at Boeing and Boeing. That is where we did the practice. Level four kitchen. That’s the best of the best, the top. So we were able to even be exposed to what is expected in a real scenario of a restaurant. So everybody pitching, we did several things. We had chef Kuylen with us. That was very interesting. Putting the Belizean flavor to the French cuisine because that’s basically what we learn a lot about.”

The program began in June 2023 and concluded in April of this year. The BTB said that they are planning to make the course available again for more Belizeans to participate in. Paul said that she encourages Belizeans to participate so that they can become asset to Belize’s growing hospitality industry.

Mirna Paul Greenidge

“The course is very interesting. It’s a way of enhancing your skills. And of course the better prepared people are for the hospitality and to serve the tourists. I think that is a plus for Belize. And I think that everybody you shouldn’t just be educated or just. You should be very much in tune to what you’re doing and have the skills and the qualifications to back it up.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Tackling Road Safety Concerns as Fatal Accidents Increase

In April, there was an increase in road traffic accidents across the country, many of which involved the deaths of motorcyclists. It’s alarming, and the Ministry of Economic Development wants to curb the number of traffic fatalities. A program specifically designed to spread awareness of motorcycle safety is expected to be launched soon. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the first look.

Survivor, Road Traffic Accident

“I was on the roundabout heading home, when I saw this car just merging into the roundabout as well. I thought it would stop as it’s supposed to, right? But it didn’t stop, so that’s when it hit the back of my bike. Then I went flying into the air, and at that moment I, the only thing I could do was put my hands down to protect myself as well as I can. Because of the lack of protective gear. I suffered some really deep cuts, some abrasions, really bad scrapes, the nurses really had to clean me out really well. They had to scrub all my injuries. That was one of the worst experiences and worst pains I’ve ever felt.”

Britney Gordon, Reporting

If you’ve noticed an alarming increase in road traffic incidents across the country, you’re not alone. April alone registered a record number of road traffic fatalities, several of which involved motorcyclists. To address the increase in these incidents, the Ministry of Economic Development launched its second phase of the Belize Road Safety Initiative, which works to increase public safety on the road through the spread of information and training. Sylvian Neal, office administrator of the project, spoke with us today about the initiative.

Sylvian Neal, Office Administrator, Second Belize Road Safety Project

“We deal with initiatives such as a road user and education awareness component. We have an enforcement component. We have post-crash care as one of the components. And many of our activities, they go under one of these components, and the basic idea is again to improve road safety in Belize, build the awareness of everybody in Belize, and to improve the culture on our world.”

Neal said that the team has observed an increase in the number of motorcycle crashes and is preparing to launch a campaign specifically geared towards motorcycle safety.

Sylvian Neal

“It’s more of an educational campaign because we do have various campaigns geared towards speeding. are geared towards not drinking and driving. We have been rolling out many of those campaigns as the year has progressed up to now, no? And the specific campaign that I am referring to with regards to the motorcycle riders or users is basically one that we are still undergoing right now, and that includes developing flyers pamphlets, and then of course we have the videos that we try to send out to the media and also post on our social platform on the Facebook pages and TikToks and whatnot, no? All of that campaign includes those different aspects.”

Also working on the project is a member of the Belizean Youth for Road Safety, Jada Brown, who was trained by the team to educate drivers and assist in making Belize’s roads safer.

Jada Brown, Member, Belizean Youth for Road Safety

“So now we have more people wanting to know about road safety, they’re interested in learning about road safety. So a big part of what we do is share important messages for fellow drivers and also people. Just road users on a whole, not only drivers.”

Britney Gordon

“How about when it’s closer to the holidays? Do you guys increase your efforts around that time in order to combat, the increase of traffic and alcohol usage?”

Jada Brown

“Yes. A big part of what we do, we around those times we would spread more messages like the infographics and commercials geared around those times because there’s a spike of crashes and incidents around those times. So we tend to push more messages around those times, especially for people drinking and driving, wearing helmets and seatbelts.”

The Road Safety Initiative also aids in promoting road safety through the training of public service members who operate vehicles daily. Krishner Ramirez from the Department of Transportation shared his experience with the program.

Krishner Ramirez, Traffic Warden II, Department of Transportation

“It gives me a lot more knowledge on a broader sense to basically educate the public and have the public have an insight of what Really traffic and what basically everything that has to do with traffic on the road and the highways, the vehicles. It gives more knowledge to them to the work that we’re doing. So I praise these guys for basically having this energy to do this kind of work for us so that the public can have more knowledge of what’s going on.”

Ramirez said that the initiative is a noble cause, as lives can be saved through sharing information, no matter how small.

Krishner Ramirez

“To tell you the truth I would have to go with educating the public. Like I said we in Belize tend to have a tendency, me working on the ground in the field, and you stop and check these guys at the checkpoint scene. They give you information like, Oh, we didn’t know this. We didn’t know that. We didn’t know this, so with these guys, influentials, bringing these flyers out and educating the youths, them from a younger age and even the adults, it’s a beautiful thing. I think it’s one of the best things we’ve been doing since years. We’re just trying to promote more safety and more safety because of the fact that exactly what you just said, we’ve been seeing a lot more higher percentage in these incidents, especially on the motorbikes. And it’s sad, it leaves family broken, kids alone, and it’s a sad thing.”

As the number of drivers on the roads increases , Neil reminds motorists to be diligent and abide by traffic laws.

Sylvian Neil

“To motorcyclists, we urge our motorcycle riders to try and wear proper helmets, right? Wear the fully covered helmets, the ones that fully cover your face, DOT certified helmets, because those are the ones that are going to better protect you in case you crash, in case of a collision, right? It fully protects your head from head injuries, right? And We don’t want to see people riding with helmets on their handles, right? Because the helmet isn’t really there just for style. It’s really something to protect you, right? From impact. So we ask that you wear seatbelts, lock it, reduce speeding, don’t overtake”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Eden SDA is being MoRe Healthy

For the past few months, the Ministry of Education’s MoRe Campaign has been rolled out across the country, highlighting schools doing “more” through five main pillars. Schools across the region eagerly submitted their accounts of how they’ve surpassed expectations in these areas. Among the standout submissions was Eden S.D.A. Primary School, whose exemplary efforts we’re excited to showcase tonight. One particularly inspiring aspect of Eden S.D.A.’s commitment was its holistic approach to promoting healthy dietary habits among students. Their dedication to not just healthier eating, but a vegetarian lifestyle, caught our immediate attention. Sabreena Daly found out more in this week’s Look on the Bright Side.

Sabreena Daly

“Ava, what’s inside your burrito? “

Ava

“Beans, vegetables, cheese, meat.”

Sabreena Daly

“Meat? And you like it? Is it yummy?”

Ava

“Uh huh.”

Sabreena Daly

“And why do you like your burrito?”

Xaia

“I like it because it tastes nice.”

Reactions of approval from the student body as children munch their afternoon meal prepared by the school’s cafeteria. Only, Ava and Xaia have no idea that it’s not meat in their burrito.

Sabreena Daly

“What’s inside that burrito if there’s no meat? Because the burrito has meat in there.”

Brian Landero, Student, Eden SDA Primary School

“It has soy meat, um, coleslaw and beans.”

Eden SDA Primary School is one of forty primary schools across the country benefitting from the Ministry of Education’s Healthy Start school feeding program. The initiative was developed to ensure that every child receives a nourishing meal during the school day.

Kathleen Juan, National Coordinator for School Feeding, Ministry of Education
“Our students spend a lot of time on school campuses. So that’s our goal as a ministry to enable all of our campuses to make it easier for children to be healthy.”

The World Health Organization reports a significant rise in global obesity, affecting over one billion people, with rates doubling in adults and quadrupling in children and adolescents since 1990. While undernutrition persists as a major concern in regions like South-East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean faces the challenges of high rates of underweight and obesity. This was just one of the conditions in mind when the Ministry of Education considered a way to enforce healthier eating habits within schools, according to Kathleen Juan.

Kathleen Juan
“We offer the school the opportunity for every student in the school to get a free meal. Now, some schools are able to do that because they have the capacity with their kitchens and their cooks because we want every student to be getting the same meal and it’s a healthy meal. We’re looking to kind of Use positive peer pressure. Oh, all of the students are eating this, so I’ll eat it too. Even if I don’t really like fruits or vegetables, this is the school meal. It’s healthy. I’ll eat it. We are also working on the sugar, sweet and beverage ban pilot with the Ministry of Health. So that’s another component. We’re asking schools to stop selling cokes and sugar, sweets and beverages. Give the Children a healthier choice instead because we need these Children not only to be healthy now, but the choice choices and what they’re learning now is hopefully going to follow them into adulthood so that they are healthier adults.”

The implementation of this initiative could not come at a better time if you ask Eden SDA Primary School’s principal, Sharon Carr-Lopez.

Sharon Carr Lopez, Principal, Eden SDA Primary School

“Most of the time our kids used to come to school without eating because we do have kids who come from low income families. And so when we learned of it, we said, this is our chance. And so from January or January of this year, we started the feeding program with the help of the ministry. It has been a blessing.”

This was also an added opportunity for the school to enforce the spiritual belief that the healthiest meal is one without meat.

Sharon Carr Lopez
“So, one of the principles that we have for the Seventh day Adventist church, or schools around the world, is that we don’t offer meat on campus in most schools. We look at it because we want the child to be spiritually minded, we want the child to be healthy. And so we are used to more natural foods.”

Aidan Landero expressed that he was never big on eating his veggies, but with his school removing meat from the menu, he has grown accustomed to the change.

Aidan Landero, Student, Eden SDA Primary School

“Before, I didn’t really used to like veggies much, but, since they started giving it almost every day, it’s only natural that I started to like it. Sometimes I do miss the meat, but, since they give veggies and other stuff, they’re also very healthy, so I don’t really miss it too much.”

Kathleen Juan
“What we tell the principals is it’s okay if the kids aren’t really happy with it at first, but just keep providing them the chance, the opportunity to get more familiar with the fruits and the vegetables in the hopes that they will start accepting it because what we find is that the kids are telling us Well, we don’t get a lot of fruits and vegetables on our campus, so we don’t eat it during the day because it’s not there. We’re saying, give it to them, have it be there for them, let them make that choice, and you might be surprised by the kids, how much they are willing to accept it, and how much they enjoy it.”

Eden SDA Primary was also recognized for going the extra mile and adding an additional free meal for its student population of approximately three hundred. Every morning, each student gets to start the school day with a fruit juice or a fruit bowl.

Sharon Carr Lopez
“When the feeding program came in we said well this is our chance, let’s do the juicing or the fruit slices as well in the morning so that the kids can have. We have kids who come to school and they don’t eat. Ms. Juan mentioned that we could have chosen which meal to have given the students. But we chose lunch because most times, kids don’t have the time to go home and eat. And even if they go home and eat, there’s nothing there because nobody’s at home. And so we prefer doing lunch for them. And so, having that juice in the morning or a healthy snack and lunch, I mean, you can’t ask for more, right?”

And this all encompassing idea of health and wellness does not stop there. From a playground for the energetic children, to backyard gardening that ensures the feeding program’s sustainability, Eden SDA Primary is an example of doing more and being more healthy. Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.

Caribbean gangs setting up ‘franchises’ around the region

The Caymen Compass is reporting that powerful Caribbean gangs are establishing ‘franchises’. They are using music promoters and performers as a front for their illegal activities, which include drug trafficking, gun smuggling, and human trafficking.

The article says that these powerful gangs are now venturing into smaller islands, introducing unprecedented levels of violence in communities previously untouched by such serious criminal activities. Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jones, head of the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) emphasised that these criminal networks often have ties to Caribbean nationals residing in the United States, who facilitate the influx of weapons into the region.

*Container checks in the Bahamas as part of Operation Trigger. – Photo: Interpol media*

There is a growing sophistication and transnational nature of these criminal groups, stressing the need for law enforcement to match this development to effectively combat organised crime. He warned that the fractured nature of policing across over 30 island nations and territories spanning 1,000 square miles of open sea is being exploited by criminals.

To tackle this challenge, Jones emphasised the necessity of enhanced coordination and cooperation among Caribbean nations, potentially including the establishment of a pan-Caribbean coast guard.

Jones emphasised that transnational organised crime involves a close connection between arms trafficking, drug smuggling, gang activities, and human trafficking throughout the region. He pointed out evidence of gangs composed of multiple nationalities and diaspora groups associated with specific countries, operating in coordination across borders.

BSI says Independent Expert Affirms Justification of Port Charges

Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSI) says that Hugh O’Brien has determined that the terminal handling charges and throughput fees are justified port charges.

In a release, BSI stated, “He also concluded that the industry is saving significant costs from the transition to the Port of Big Creek through more efficient loading. Therefore, based on his findings, these charges remain in the commercial agreement, and cane price estimates issued thus far for the 2023–24 crop stay unchanged.”

BSI and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) commissioned O’Brien to conduct an analysis of terminal handling charges and throughput fees as part of a two-year commercial agreement. The objective was to assess whether these costs, disputed by the BSCFA, qualify as justified port charges. O’Brien was also tasked with comparing the current throughput fee and stevedoring costs at the Port of Big Creek with those previously incurred at the Port of Belize Limited (PBL).

UN General Assembly votes to back Palestinian bid for membership

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has endorsed a Palestinian request to qualify for full membership in the UN, urging the UN Security Council to “reconsider the matter favorably.”

In a vote held on Friday, the 193-member UNGA conducted a global assessment of support for the Palestinian bid to attain full UN membership, which had been blocked by the United States in the UN Security Council the previous month. The assembly passed a resolution on Friday with 143 votes in favor, nine against (including the US and Israel), and 25 abstentions. This resolution does not grant full UN membership to the Palestinians but acknowledges their eligibility to join.

The UNGA resolution “affirms that the State of Palestine … should therefore be admitted to membership” and “recommends that the Security Council reconsider the matter favorably.”

Although the UNGA lacks the authority to confer full UN membership, the adopted resolution on Friday will grant the Palestinians certain additional rights and privileges starting from September 2024, such as a seat among UN members in the assembly hall, although they will not have a vote in the body.