President Vladimir Putin has taken the oath of office for a new six-year term at the Grand Kremlin Palace, inaugurating his record fifth presidential term. Notably absent were representatives from the United States and several Western countries, boycotting the ceremony due to Russia’s involvement in Ukraine.
Putin, a dominant figure in Russian politics since 1999, begins his new term amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Russian forces have made gains and are seeking further advancements in the east.
During the inauguration, Putin expressed confidence that Russia would emerge stronger from the current challenges. He emphasized unity and determination, stating, “We are a united and great nation, and together we will overcome all obstacles, realize our plans, and emerge victorious.”
At 71, Putin holds significant influence within Russia, while internationally, he remains in conflict with Western nations, accusing them of using Ukraine to undermine Russia.
Putin places his hand on the Constitution as he he is sworn in for a record fifth presidential term. [Handout/Kremlin.ru via Reuters]
In March, Putin won a decisive victory in an election from which anti-war candidates were excluded. Alexey Navalny, a prominent critic, died suddenly in custody, and others faced imprisonment or exile.
Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny’s widow, urged supporters to continue opposing Putin, describing him as “a liar, a thief, and a murderer.”
Ukraine condemned the inauguration, asserting that it aimed to legitimize Putin’s prolonged rule amid accusations of aggression and dictatorship…
By Ángela Blanco, Emergency and Resilience Officer at FAO for Latin America and the Caribbean Marion Khamis, Specialist in Resilience and Disaster Risk Management
The forecast of the La Niña phenomenon for the second half of 2024 revives the urgency of strengthening the resilience of agri-food systems against extreme weather events in Latin America and the Caribbean.
After a year marked by El Niño, which brought droughts, heatwaves, and floods, we now face a new phenomenon, the potential effects of which we must understand to act and protect agriculture, a pillar of our economies and livelihood for millions in the region.
From FAO, we warn about the increasing risk to global agriculture from multiple threats, including extreme climate events like El Niño and La Niña and pests and diseases affecting animals and plants.
Currently, agriculture and its subsectors absorb 23% of the total economic losses caused by these events, i.e., almost a quarter of the losses caused by disasters globally are concentrated in the agricultural sector. In our region, this represents an average loss of 975 calories per capita per day, directly impacting the population’s food security.
Marion Khamis, Specialist in Resilience and Disaster Risk Management
In this context, it is imperative not only to respond to current emergencies but also to prepare for future ones, strengthening our capacities to prevent and mitigate their impacts through a holistic approach. This includes profoundly understanding the consequences of climate phenomena on agri-food systems and developing targeted strategies to increase the resilience of vulnerable communities.
Today, we face significant challenges in identifying and measuring how these phenomena affect agri-food systems. This requires methodologies to capture the differentiated effects of threats and consider ethnic-racial, gender, age, and geographical variables to ensure inclusive and effective responses. Moreover, the results of these measurements must be used operationally to formulate public policies and social assistance and protection programs.
In this scenario, the Emergency Data Information System (DIEM) from FAO emerges as a crucial tool, acting as a thermometer for the situation of the agri-food systems and offering key input for assessing the potential impact of adverse climate events on agricultural production and livelihoods. DIEM identifies particularly vulnerable areas and communities, such as those that have already suffered losses in their livelihoods and food security in previous records and are located in areas exposed to the new threat.
Additionally, DIEM can measure immediate impacts through its DIEM Impact version. A successful example of this tool is the use by FAO in assessing the impact of fires in Colombia during 2024 on agriculture and livelihoods through the Southern Oscillation Index (El Niño). This allowed a precise allocation of resources and recovery efforts toward the most vulnerable areas and communities, demonstrating the importance of assessment tools for effective emergency management and impact mitigation on agri-food systems.
Ángela Blanco, Emergency and Resilience Officer at FAO for Latin America and the Caribbean
As we prepare to face La Niña, it is essential to recognize the importance of advancing in the generation of impact data, implementing anticipatory measures such as reinforcing infrastructure, and distributing agricultural inputs resistant to adverse conditions to minimize the scale of damage. It is also important to establish rapid response systems in emergencies that allow the agile distribution of support and provide direct financial assistance to affected families to meet their immediate needs.
This requires close collaboration between governments, international organizations, donors, academia, and civil society organizations, as well as the participation of family farmers, rural women, youth, indigenous peoples, and Afro-descendants.
As we progress, the goal must be to improve and increase the assessment of disaster impacts. DIEM is a step forward in this direction, and the information it provides will help us commit to continuous improvement and collective action to face the challenges ahead.
Only in this way can we adequately prepare for La Niña or other events that may impact food security and agricultural livelihoods, ensuring a safer, sustainable, and resilient future for all and guaranteeing better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
Belize, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have become the latest countries in the Americas to receive certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating the mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. This milestone was celebrated at a special event organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Kingston, Jamaica, with support from UNICEF and UNAIDS, and with the participation of health ministers from these three nations.
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness of Belize, described the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis as a significant accomplishment for the country, made possible through the commitment and dedication of health care workers. Bernard said, “Eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV and syphilis is an extremely significant accomplishment for the people and the country of Belize. The activities leading up to this momentous goal were not always easy, however, with the commitment and motivation of our health care workers, in all areas of health, this has become a reality. We continue to work towards achieving public health goals for a healthier and more productive Belize.”
In 2010, countries in the Americas committed to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis and endorsed a regional strategy updated in 2016 under the PAHO Plan of Action for the Prevention and Control of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections. Globally, 19 countries and territories have been certified for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and/or syphilis, with 11 in the Americas. Cuba made history in 2015 by becoming the first country to achieve dual elimination of HIV and syphilis. This progress continued with other countries in subsequent years.
To achieve elimination targets, countries focused on strengthening prevention and treatment services in primary health care and maternal and child health, updating guidelines, ensuring effective screening of pregnant women, monitoring cases, and following up with HIV and syphilis-exposed infants.
A man and a woman were murdered inside their small home in the Hilltop area of Roaring Creek just before nine-thirty on Sunday night. A third person, the woman’s fifteen-year-old son, was shot in his leg but survived. He is in the Western Regional Hospital receiving treatment. The incident has come as a shock to the community because the residents say the couple were peaceful residents who have lived there for the past five years. But while police are looking for leads and suspects, they say it has nothing to do with the recent State of Emergency which also saw some residents of Roaring Creek swept up and incarcerated. The victims are Morcel Neal and Saida Perez. Investigators have different perspectives on who the intended target was. Marion Ali visited Roaring Creek today and has that report.
Voice of: First Responder
Voice of: First Responder
“He said “they just shot Ms Chaya da back deh,” he said “but I afraid fi goh me one. I want somebody to go with me.” So I tell ah right now because the place is relatively dark.”
Son
Marion Ali, Reporting
The voice that this Roaring Creek resident heard calling out in front of his house last night was that of another resident who heard the shots that had just killed two residents and wounded a minor. The victims, Saida Perez and her common-law husband, Morcel Neal, both forty-seven, were at home when they came under attack. Perez’s fifteen-year-old son was also shot in his leg and is in the Western Regional Hospital. The resident told News Five that he accompanied his neighbour to the murder scene and tried to keep the premises secure for police processing.
Voice of: First Responder
“I went with him and then that is when the other people arrived – a lady who identified herself as the daughter and said she wanted to check for her mother so I tell her “you could go in but try not to contaminate the scene. And it went into the metal house, the zinc house. And that’s where she found her mother.”
Saida Perez
Another resident said she was talking to a neighbour when she heard a barrage of gunshots.
Voice of: Neighbour
Voice of: Neighbour
“I was sitting with the next neighbor. We were talking and we heard like a lot of shots. So I nuh count how much and then I tell her that sound like shots, right? And then she said “I’m going home.” So I tell her go home because I wa lock up.”
Today, Police Commissioner, Chester Williams assured that this attack was not related to the recent state of emergency in which a number of Roaring Creek residents were incarcerated. He and Assistant Commissioner, Hilberto Romero said the incident had to do with a dispute.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“The victims are not known to be involved in drugs or gangs or anything other than the fact that we know that the deceased’s husband was somewhat of an alcoholic. What we’re gathering that there was some dispute with some people yesterday, and that is what may have led to that particular murder. We’re still trying to confirm certain things.”
Hilberto Romero
ASP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division
“Information is that both were at their house at Warren Creek when a person with a firearm entered and fired shots towards Syedah Pierce, causing her fatal injuries. Thereafter, Morcel Neal appeared and he was also shot. We are trying to establish a motive for this murder. The information we have got out that the female was the target. She was shot and when the other person showed up, he was also shot.”
Alicia Perez, who lives in Belmopan, told us that her sister visited them two weeks ago and told them she wanted to see her son through high school.
Voice of: Alicia Perez
Voice of: Alicia Perez, Sister of Deceased
“She come here and then she just here, like here, and we was. She was talking about her son that she loved him a lot and she need to work hard for him. And that’s the only because his son father passed away. She was the only one who could help him. She was like two years. She didn’t come here till that day. She come and she was talking to us like, like a normal day and she went.”
On Saturday, a young man was shot while socializing in Majestic Alley in Belize City. Reports are that around ten p.m, twenty-year-old Jahshiel Cervantes was standing in front of a wooden structure when he was approached by someone who fired several shots in his direction. Jahshiel was injured and taken to the K.H.M.H. where he was still recovering today, but was reported to be in a stable condition.
“On Saturday, fourth day of May 2024 around ten fifteen, there was a shooting in Majestic Alley, Belize City. Police responded where they found Jahshiel Cervantes with a gunshot injury. He was taken to the KHMH where he is in a stable condition at this time. Information is that he was Majestic Alley when a vehicle drove by and an occupant from the vehicle fired shots towards his area and causing his injury. Three persons are in custody and the vehicle is impounded and we’re doing follow up investigation at this time.”
Reporter
“Does he know why anybody would want to shoot him?”
Hilberto Romero
“No, he’s recovering at the KHMH. The suspects will be interviewed, and further information will be obtained.”
Reporter
“How are you able to pinpoint these suspects?”
Hilberto Romero
“The police responded quickly. We had some video footage. A follow up was done. The vehicle was found in an area in Belize City.”
There was a shooting in the Gungulung area of Belize City over the weekend. The victim has been identified as forty-seven-year-old Eugene Gabourel, who is no stranger to the law. He was in the vicinity of CET Site along with several other persons when they came under gunfire. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero provided additional details.
“There was a shooting near CET Site. Police visited [the area] where Eugene Gabourel was seen with one gunshot injury. He was taken to the KHMH where he is now in a stable condition. Information is that he was there along with several other persons working on a vehicle when a male person came by and fired several shots towards the direction. He received a gunshot injury and we are looking for one suspect in regards to this shooting.”
Reporter
“Was he the target?”
Hilberto Romero
“He was along with several other persons, so we are not certain who was the target. There were several persons at the are at the area at the time. No motive at this time.”
Late last week, a father of two was killed in Patchakan Village, at a park near his home. Twenty-eight-year-old Benito Canela and his partner Indy Cruz were socializing with a group of family and friends when a gunman opened fire on him. Amidst an increase in violence near the northern border, speculations arose as to whether this murder was a drug-related incident. Today, these speculations were dispelled by Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, who says that the murder was the result of a personal issue.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“Another point I’d like to clarify is the issue with the murder in Patchakan. Again, the leader of the opposition alluded that it is as a result of the narcos and a whole pile of foolishness. I can say to the Belizean people that the young man murder has nothing to do with the narcos or the whole issue that we’re addressing in the north. It has to do with him, and local people from the We have a suspect in mind that we’re looking for at this time. And we’re hoping that we’ll be able to locate that, individual and bring some closure. I also visited that area over the weekend. I spoke to the family of the deceased person and gave them assurance in terms of what we will do.”
Last week, the cartel warfare reached new levels in Quintana Roo, Mexico and itcreated a sense of insecurity for some Belizeans who travel there frequently. To discourage the increase in cartel activity along the northern border, Belizean law enforcement authorities have also enhanced their presence on the Belizean side of that border. Today, Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams explained that the operations span the northern districts, particularly along the riverbank. And in response to a suggestion by the Leader of the Opposition, Moses Shyne Barrow, Williams explained why civil society cannot be included in the process.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“We have certainly stepped up our presence in the area. I did a tour of the area over the weekend. I made several observations and I will be putting my observations into a document and submit to Cabinet with recommendations in terms of what additional. Efforts I think that we can put into the area to enhance the level of security for our people so there is where we are right now. This is a very highly sensitive operation that we’re conducting and because of the nature of the operations, we cannot include NGOs or persons who are not a part of the security apparatus in the planning for several reasons. One may also has to do with the security of those people. Because once people get to understand who are parties to a plan against them, then they become a target. And so we would not do that. And likewise, to be able to ensure confidentiality in terms of how the operations is going to be executed. Again, there has to be confidentiality because the security of our troops on the ground is important. This is a very highly sensitive operation that we’re conducting and because of the nature of the operations, we cannot include NGOs or persons who are not a part of the security apparatus in the planning for several reasons. One may also has to do with the security of those people. Because once people get to understand who are parties to a plan against them, then they become a target. And so we would not do that. And likewise, to be able to ensure confidentiality in terms of how the operations is going to be executed. Again, there has to be confidentiality because the security of our troops on the ground is important.”
Williams said that contrary to Barrow’s comment that the government has done little to address the issue in the north, the Prime Minister and the relevant ministries have been receptive and have supported the police in the effort and that they have always done so.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“We remain in constant communication with our Mexican counterparts. And again, I must say, I must commend our Prime Minister and the Minister of Home Affairs and the Minister of Defense for the input that they have been putting into this operation and the support. I can say that whenever we approach the Prime Minister for equipment or resources to be able to carry out our mandate, the Prime Minister is always willing to assist. Likewise, Minister Marin and Minister Musa have been with us in on the frontline. We met, we discussed the issues and we planned in terms of how we’re going to execute and we’re doing just that.”
Stake Bank Enterprises Limited, presently in receivership, is suing businessman Michael Feinstein, a director of the company. A notice of application for interim injunction was filed in the High Court on May first. The injunction is being sought to restrain Feinstein, or his agents, from transferring titles to a little over twenty-three acres of reclaimed land, an extension of Stake Bank Island. The application also seeks to restrain Feinstein from transferring other assets, including machinery and equipment belonging to the company. Those assets include a 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser, a Beech King aircraft valued at one point five million dollars, and a list of other items with a combined value of three point eight million dollars.
