May, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Brain Drain Persists in Health Sector

Brain drain is when a significant number of persons leave an industry in search of better opportunities or working conditions. Over the past two years, the K.H.M.H. has lost around fifty nurses and doctors and, during COVID, twenty-five staff members stepped away, placing a heavy burden on those who were left behind to cope with the growing number of patients. Brain drain is the focus of our story for our Belize on Reel segment this week and we’ll use the nursing profession as one example of how brain drain can affect a system of work. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Developing countries like Belize face fierce competition in meeting the payscale and benefit standards that exist for employees in specialized fields of work in developed countries. The nursing profession is one area that has lost a lot of workers over the last three years.

Andrew Baird is a practical nurse at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and sits on the board of directors as President of the KHMH Workers Union. He says the benefits in developed countries are far greater.

Andrew Baird, Practical Nurse, K.H.M.H.

“In Belize nurses do not have as much benefits as one would think. Out in the U.S. and other parts of the world, prior to leaving Belize, these nurses are offered signed bonuses. And signed bonuses are around $3,000 to $5,000 U.S. per nurse, per month. And these nurses are also being offered homes – a place to stay. The benefits and the conditions are even much more and the least to say, the salary that is being given to the various nurses in the outer world.”

Renita Pop is the President of the Nurses Association of Belize. She shared statistics with us, indicating that nurses who study in Belize are still leaving the field. She compares the migration of nurses from 2021 to 2024.

Via phone: Nurse Renita Pop, President, Nurses Association of Belize

“It has been noted that more nurses are requesting license verification and most of the times when our nurses do this it’s because they’re preparing to leave Belize, not necessarily leaving the profession, but leaving the country to practice nursing elsewhere. There has been an 11 percent decline from 2001 to 2024, practically saying that we’ve lost over 100 nurses from 2021 to present.”

According to Pop, registered nurses have recorded the highest number of healthcare professions that have left in search of greener pastures. Nonetheless, there are efforts by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to fill the void.

Andrew Baird

“I know that the Ministry of Health has been trying to come up with ways to get nurses from other countries like within Central America and even back to the Philippines.”

Via phone: Nurse Renita Pop

“What we have done from the association part is the lays with the Ministry of Health and Wellness – retention packages to keep our nurses home. And at our last conference a proposed retention package was presented, which we are hoping that it comes through, where the chief nurse and the Minister of Health are working hand in hand to present a paper to Cabinet, which will include a variety of incentives for the remaining nurses that are here in Belize. And of course, the ministry continues to assist by providing scholarships for speciality fields such as midwifery, operating room nurses, scrub nurse, and public health nursing.”

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has been offering scholarships to attract nursing students; however, Baird says that even at the end of a four-year program, there aren’t enough nurses in the healthcare sector. At the K.H.M.H., there is still a shortage of about thirty nurses in various areas. What it does, according to Baird, is extend their shifts. He looks to the ministry to find quick workable solutions.

Nurse Andrew Baird

“In reference to scholarships, scholarships – you’re looking at four years from now. I’m saying the ministry. along with all the stakeholders must prepare a long term and a short-term plan to fix the issue of nurse shortage.”

Marion Ali

“What would be your suggestion for a short-term solution?”

Nurse Andrew Baird

“Maybe we should dig back into some of the retirees.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

B.M.D.C. Says No Import Permits for Carrots

Earlier this week, the United Democratic Party raised an issue about carrots purportedly wasting away on farms in San Carlos Village. The Ministry of Agriculture was quick to refute those claims made by Opposition Leader Shyne Barrow and pointed out that no importation permits have been issued for carrots to be brought into the country since November 2023. This morning, representatives from the Belize Marketing and Distribution Cooperation, B.M.D.C., also weighed in on the issue, reiterating government’s position.

Sergio Tillett, Senior Projects Officer, B.M.D.C.

“The B.M.D.C. as one of the main arms when it comes to the distribution and marketing of produce does its best to ensure that our farmers do have the market whenever it comes to local production. And, as such, our ministry has done quite a job to ensure that we do site inspections, we do field visits to ensure that when we have enough production we don’t apply for an import permit. And even if we did, the ministry monitors that and they will never give us either because they have their extension services that monitor the amount of production in the country. We have figures as to what is the weekly consumption of every vegetable, so once we notice there is enough in the field there is no import permit. And that’s how we control what is there. So, one of the concerns that we have is that lots of the times whenever there is local production, the prices tend to be high and carrots is not really a necessity.”

Controller of Supplies Says B.M.D.C. is Regulated

Also speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture was Lennox Nicholson, Controller of Supplies. According to Nicholson, the import quantities requested by B.M.D.C. are often reduced and in some cases not approved, as a means of regulating the importation of vegetables into the country.

Lennox Nicholson, Controller of Supplies, MAFSE

“The licensing regime provides space to local producers, a buffer between them and imports, in that when local production is there we don’t allow the imports. But we’re not there to pick winners and losers between San Carlos in Orange Walk and maybe a producer in Stann Creek. They are both Belizeans. Both sets of producers are Belizeans. So they have to compete among themselves and that’s one the things that they mentioned. This idea, the licensing for these products also come out of my office and I can tell you, once local production is in, none is issued. There’s a process, oftentimes licenses that are applied for by BMDC, the quantities are cut and in some instances they are not approved outright. So as I mentioned, as I indicated earlier, I actually act as a regulator for them as well and oftentimes when people suggest that licenses have been issued and I ask, “Can I see a copy of it?” There is none.”

ComPol Williams: Police Maintain Strong Presence in the North

Cartel-related violence in southern Mexico has abated considerably, according to Commissioner of Police Chester Williams. In allaying the fears of Belizean travelers who are concerned about crossing the northern border into Chetumal, ComPol Williams told reporters that there is still a strong law enforcement presence along regular and irregular crossing points in Corozal and Orange Walk districts.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“The situation in Chetumal certainly has decreased tremendously. We’re not hearing much about the activities of the cartels in that city and so that is something good for us. Notwithstanding that, though, we still maintain our strong presence along our border, both irregular and regular crossing areas. Again, maintaining integrity of our country is important to us and so, our actions are not going to be dictated by what happens in Chetumal but basically what we believe is in the best interest of our people. And so, we remain in place, we continue to do our operations daily, going after persons we believe are involved in any way with the cartels over in Mexico side to make sure that we minimize the activities in our country.”

Is Party Politics in ComPol Williams’ Future?

There is no political future in sight for Commissioner of Police Chester Williams. That’s what he told reporters on Wednesday. According to the top cop, who has locked horns with Opposition Leader Shyne Barrow recently, he is focusing on reducing crime in the country.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I have never once said that I am running for politics. I have only said that I was contemplating, and to think of something is not wrong, contrary to what my good friend, Mr. Mose Hyde said, that once I start to think, I must resign. If that be the case then I don’t think some of you would be here if you’re thinking about not being here. We have to think, we are creatures of thinking and so, yes, to think of my future, in terms of what I believe is best for me and my country, I don’t think it’s wrong to do that. And if I believe that I can better serve this country in a political manner then I will do that, but at this time, I am focused on my duties as a police officer and as the Commissioner of Police to see what I can do along with my officers to continue to decrease crime in this country and to make our country as safe as we can. But if the gentleman from Mesop continues to poke the bear then the bear might just likely give him what he wants.”

Peace Movement Writes G-G on Redistricting & Elections

The Belize Peace Movement has written to the Governor-General, asking her intervention should the Prime Minister decide to call elections before the High Court rules on a matter that is before it. On Wednesday, the B.P.M, through its attorney, Arthur Saldivar, concluded its arguments before Justice Nadine Nabie in which it asked the court to order the Elections and Boundaries Commission to expedite the redistricting exercise. And today, the Movement wrote to Governor-General, Dame Froyla Tzalam, asking her to use her powers afforded under the Constitution. The B.P.M pointed to the previous government’s decision to hold elections without a redistricting exercise and in anticipation of a possible repeat of that scenario, sought the G-G’s intervention. The letter states in part, “We respectfully urge that should the Prime Minister advise your office to dissolve the National Assembly prior to the conclusion of the said litigation in the High Court, that you invoke your power under the Belize Constitution, section eighty-four-four-A.” That section of the Constitution reads, “If the Prime Minister advises a dissolution and the Governor-General, acting in his own deliberate judgment, considers that the Government of Belize can be carried on without a dissolution and that a dissolution would not be in the interests of deliberate judgement, refuse to dissolve the National Assembly.” Today, Leader of the Belize Peace Movement, Bobby Lopez explained to News Five that they are contemplating all the avenues that the Constitution provides for to get the redistricting to occur before the next General Elections and the Governor-General was one way.

Via phone: Robert Bobby Lopez, Leader, Belize Peace Movement

“We have also been considering what other safeguards we can have in place, and one that we have been looking at for some time is the office of the Governor General that constitutionally, she does have certain powers, certain responsibilities with regards to safeguarding our democracy and how we are governed. And so we decided to also send her a letter and apprise her of what is happening currently with the case of redivisioning in the court and also just requesting that should the Prime Minister decide to call early elections and redistricting has not been done to the satisfaction of our Constitution she has the power to say not quite yet, Mr. Prime Minister, this needs to be taken care of first, so that it ensures that we have free and fair elections. So that’s a constitutional responsibility that the Governor General holds. And that’s why we quoted it in the letter to her.”

Will Redistricting Proposal Bill be Batted Down in the House?

The House of Representatives is scheduled to meet in special sitting on May thirtieth. High on the agenda is the introduction of a Redistricting Proposal Bill. As we reported earlier this week, the Belize Peace Movement was before the High Court in a matter that involves a consent order to be carried out by Elections and Boundaries. When we caught up with him this afternoon, attorney Arthur Saldivar spoke about the latest developments in parliament, in light of the ongoing legal matter.

Arthur Saldivar, Attorney-at-law

“I am thankful that the parliamentarians, the sitting administration has seen it fit to move this along. It is an important step and we look forward to hearing the results of the debate. We want to have free and fair elections in Belize and it gives me hope to be able to appreciate that the parliament is now taking on the mantle and advancing this. There is hope for Belize.”

Reporter

“How do you look at that, once it goes through parliament and it’s been shot down, it has to be done over?”

Arthur Saldivar

“Yes, it has to be done over because again, what was being proposed prior to the tabling was for Election and Boundaries to withdraw that proposal and redo it, but suffice it to say now that parliament has elected to proceed with it through to a debate and we will see how that washes out. I am not privy to the inner sanctums of the decision making of parliament like yourself. I’ve lost my wings, so I don’t know before hand how this debate will turn out, but I do expect, given what I have read, that it doesn’t past muster.”

Belize Calls on U.S. to Remove Cuba from SSOT List

Belize has called on the U.S Government to remove Cuba from its Department of State’s website as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. In a press release issued today, the government expresses deep concern, referring to the U.S. Government’s arbitrary decision to continue to list Cuba as such. The release states in part, quote, The Government of Belize denounces these baseless accusations as there is no evidence that the Government of the Republic of Cuba is involved in any such activities, end quote. In asking the U.S. Government to remove Cuba from the list, Belize urged the U.S to continue the process to normalize bilateral relations with Cuba. Belize says it will continue along with the member states of CARICOM, to call for lifting the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the U.S. Government on Cuba as well.

Eight Women Become Boat Captains in the South

Eight women who participated in the seaweed mariculture sector graduated from a boat captain training program today. The training was provided by the Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association. The initiative was a collaboration involving the Belize Coast Guard, the Belize Defence Force, the Belize Port Authority, and Women in Maritime Association Caribbean, with funding by the Blue Social Challenge Fund and the British High Commission. The training equipped the captains with essential skills in farming seaweed twenty miles off the coast of Placencia. British High Commissioner, Nicole Davidson, along with Akeem Tejeda, the boat captain instructor, and Jalima Gold, president of the Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association, shared their perspectives on the program.

Nicole Davidson, British High Commissioner to Belize

“It’s a very special program for us because it really speaks to engagement in the community, work in the blue economy, and working with communities who are engaged in the blue economy. This has been funded under the United Kingdom Social Challenge Fund, which is a fund specifically aimed at communities and people working in the community space, and particularly, Communities that don’t normally have access to funding.”

Akeem Tejeda, Boat Captain Instructor

“We went over some basic, boat training, which is the seaman terminology – your docking and slipping, also maneuvering the boat in open water as well. I’d say 90 percent of all the women that participated, they have done well. They have made me proud, and I hope they can make themselves proud.”

Jalima Gold, President, Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association

“We had 11 participants from all around the, mostly the southern part of the country. This is a very significant and important training for us. It is the first of its kind done in the country. We are working with Belize Post Guard, Belize Defense Force, Port Authority, and local captains to put together a training that really encourages and empowers women specifically and some youth to become boat captain trainings. In the past it has always been a little bit hard for women to get into this field and kind of push boundaries and barriers when it comes to anything in maritime and so this is something that’s very important to us as an association, and we are very proud of what we’ve accomplished here today.”

Stepfather Pleads Guilty and Remanded for Physical Abuse of Minor

Tonight, a violent stepfather is spending his first night on remand at the Belize Central Prison after pleading guilty to physically abusing a three-year-old child earlier this week. Footage of the repulsive incident sparked public outrage on Monday when thirty-three-year-old Devain Flores was seen getting off a motorcycle before kicking and hitting the little boy repeatedly. The Belize City laborer, who stands accused of mistreating the infant, appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Baja Shoman. The revolting episode prompted Commissioner of Police Chester Williams to show up to the lower courts this afternoon in his capacity as a prosecutor where Flores was brought up on two counts of cruelty to a child. Following Flores’ arraignment, ComPol Williams spoke with the media and explained why the charges against the perpetrator were later upgraded.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“It’s a very important matter I must say, it involves a three-year-old who was being abused, obviously by a thirty-three-year-old, and I think that when we have situations of such, the police department, as well as any other organization that has to do with upholding the rights of children, we must do our best in making sure that those persons are brought to justice. Over and over, we are seeing that our young people are being abused in various ways, shape or form and as a responsible organization we will always do our best in working in conjunction with other organizations such as UNICEF, Department of Youth Services, NCFC, et cetera. So we have to make sure we do what we can to protect our children, so we must send a strong signal to abusers of children that we are not playing, we are serious about this.”

Reporter

“Explain the process of how this was upgraded from common assault to these more serious charges.”

Chester Williams

“Well after having viewed the video footage, myself, I believe that the charge of common assault was inadequate. It was basically putting a slap on the wrist of the perpetrator and so I had directed the investigators to further work to gather more evidence and record more statements. That was done yesterday and I must commend the officers from the Domestic Violence Unit for responding quickly to my request. Having obtained the request from them, I communicated with the Director of Public Prosecutions and we both agreed that the charges should be upgraded from common assault to that of abusing a child, basically.”