June, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Belize Ramping up Support for the Equal Opportunities Bill

The Belize Network of N.G.O.’s, B.N.N., has kicked off a new campaign and it’s called Belize Wi Ready. This initiative supports the Equal Opportunities Bill aims to create a leveled playing in Belizean society by introducing protections against discrimination. B.N.N. hopes that this will afford all Belizeans an equal and fair chance at success. The bill contains twenty-two key points outlined for protection against discrimination. Here’s News Fives Britney Gordon with more details on the endeavor.

Britney Gordon, reporting

Belize is on the verge of change and the Belize Network of NGO’s hopes to be the driving force behind that change. By launching the Wi Ready Campaign, the organization is bolstering its support for the Equal Opportunities Bill. NGO Senator Janelle Chanona explains why this piece of law should be passed.

Janelle Chanona, Senator for NGO’s

“The bill in its name describes what it’s trying to do and it’s creating equal opportunities for all. And I think as we just heard, even as specific as the bill is trying to be, twenty-two characteristics, we’re just hearing that, specific to the violence aspects. Maybe it is that we’re looking at gender based violence as a part of specific categories of who the bill is looking at and I think that’s why I like the name the equal opportunities for all because it doesn’t matter then how we are different. It is that the bill is working to address and be inclusive and protect and enshrine the rights that as We just heard some of the panelists reference that we were led to believe we were born with, but that now we know we have to legislate in order to get to the point that we feel like we have those rights.”

According to Chanona, there are laws that provide certain protections against discrimination; however, Belize does not have comprehensive legislation to address the issue. The Belize Wi Ready Campaign is aimed at creating public awareness and knowledge of the status of the bill. Doctor Elma Kay, chair of the BNN, further explains the campaign.

Dr. Elma Kay, Chair, Belize Network of NGO’s

“And we as the Belize Network of NGOs, we advocate for good governance for sustainable human development. So it is our mandate to look at laws like this that help us advance our human rights agenda and that help us reach our potential, in terms of human development. We can’t have true human development if we still have discrimination rampant in our society. And I think discrimination is something that we can all identify with, either because we’re too young, we’re too old, we’re women, we are, from a different race or a different culture. So discrimination exists in our society and it’s a reality. So this is just saying we are ready for a law that promotes equal opportunities for all and creates a more just society for Belize.”

The bill was originally drafted in 2019 but has since been updated. There are twenty-two points outlined for protection, including gender, HIV status, race, and religious beliefs. Chanona says that the change is long overdue, but the BNN is prepared to put in the work to ensure that every Belizean has the chance to live up to their fullest potential without being hindered by discriminatory practices.

Janelle Chanona

“The name of the campaign speaks to it, it’s that we’re ready for it, and that if we’re ready for it, then we should be working to make sure that legislation takes form and is enacted as soon as possible, because we need to be ready to address, I think as a Belizean it’s really difficult to hear that one of the principal factors underpinning our challenges is stigma and discrimination. And if that doesn’t give all of us pause to see where we can, in our respective roles, address stigma and discrimination, it’s really and truly what we need to be doing as Belizeans for each other.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

B.N.N. Speaks out Against Alleged Illegal Land Distribution

On Monday, members of the Maya Forest Corridor Coalition sent an open letter to Deputy Prime Minister, Cordel Hyde and Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet expressing concern regarding deforestation within the Manatee Forest Reserve. These activities are due to alleged illegal encroachments and the issuance of lands. The letter states quote, these activities are causing significant environmental damage and are being carried out seemingly unimpeded by the relevant authorities, without public knowledge or consultation with key stakeholders, end quote. N.G.O. Senator Janelle Chanona and Doctor Elma Kay, Chair of the Belize Network of N.G.O.s, provided further details on the situation.

Janelle Chanona, Senator for NGO’s

“I think that is the fundamental question, and it’s cross, not just from this perspective, but across that. Who is actually making these decisions? Who is actually in charge? Who is managing? Because if we’re saying on one hand we’re committed to biological corridors, we’re committed to protected areas, we’re committed to the integrity, knowing the goods and services that those areas are protecting, how is it that people are coming out of left field saying, but I have a title and I am doing this and this isn’t a land grab. This is that. That is really the fundamental issue, I believe from where I’m sitting in terms of. Making sure we know who is making these decisions, why are these decisions being made, how come the decision isn’t being shared in terms of informed decision making, consultative processes. Because at the end of the day, these are not questions that we should be asking after the fact.”

Dr. Elma Kay, Chair, BNN

“A forest reserve is a category of protected area and by our National Protected Areas legislation, lands shouldn’t be issued there, nor should there be any clearing that is happening. So clearly, there is something happening in this reserve. And like I say, we are aware that there has been some land issuance. Now, we don’t know who issued those lands. It could have been a previous administration. It could have been this admin, this government administration at a different time. We don’t know how the land was issued. We don’t have all those details, but we do know that there are titles granted within this protected area and so what we are saying is this is very detrimental to all the work that we have actually been doing with those very same ministries and the government of Belize to protect the Maya forest corridor, because in fact, the corridor and manatee forest reserve. are one large pathway, if you want to call it, that connects Belize’s two largest forest blocks. And there’s no point in saving a portion if another portion is getting destroyed.”

Co-managers in Need of Additional Support for Protected Areas

In the wake of the onslaught of wildfires that destroyed thousands of acres of land during the dry season, co-managers of protected areas are now grappling with the intense flooding that has now commenced amidst the rainy season. After such devastation, a few co-managers have expressed frustration with the lack of funding and support. N.G.O. Senator Janelle Chanona and Doctor Elma Kay, Chair of the Belize Network of N.G.O.s, say that the support needs to be a collective effort.

Janelle Chanona, Senator for NGO’s

“The national conversation has to be how do we make sure that the co-managers are bolstered, are supported, are enhanced, that is called out. It’s really tough, I think to see all of this kind of international accolade and we embrace our reputation, but how do we make sure that we can maintain that integrity and as you said make sure that nobody feels abandoned when they’re doing work that has national implication benefits, goods and services across the board and it is that you know we have to make sure because they’re there because they’re rendering this service on behalf of everyone that they get the resources they need but that is the support and If it is that it comes across as criticism, then yes, but it is certainly a collective response that has to be in place.”

Dr. Elma Kay, Chair, BNN

“I think wildfires was something that it was always protected area managers and comanagers that we’re bringing to the forefront. But I think this fire season has absolutely shown us that this is something that touches human lives in a very direct way. It’s no longer an indirect way where we would say, Oh, it’s just our forest burning, and now we will have reduced areas for capturing water or watershed protection. Now, it’s actually affecting people’s homes, people’s livelihoods. people’s farms. So I think it’s really pointing out to the very the gaps in capacity that we have. I think there’s a lot of hope NGOs and other comanagers have for a long time been training in this aspect of fire management. And so I think the capacity is in country for us to help communities and others to build that capacity. But obviously, there is also a responsibility of the state and, our social responsibility as communities to want to improve our capacities to be able to deal with this in a proactive, not a reactive way, as we have always done.”

Mayor Says We Have to Prepare for Climate Change

The heavy rains that were expected over the weekend didn’t arrive. Had they come, the streets of the Old Capital may have drained off in very little time. Mayor Bernard Wagner told reporters on Monday that prior to the March municipal elections, the Belize City Council had carried out a robust drainage project across the city. The mayor also encourages residents to clean the drain in front of their homes to keep the water flowing and recede quickly. Even so, he cautioned that climate change will bring floods that we will have to adapt to.

Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City

“We did 127 streets out of 730 streets in the city and those 127 streets, we ensure that we had addressed the drainage, that we had addressed the culvert situation, ensuring that culverts form a part of your rehabilitation of streets. We reshaped lot of the earth and drains – the drains that have the concrete bottom – we, I had some MIT members on Central American Boulevard digging out sludge that has been accumulating for years in so many areas, and from streets behind West Landivar. This has been a consistent, ongoing drainage maintenance, drainage rehabilitation. I don’t see the flooding, and flooding will become a part of our life. That’s a reality now. It’s climate change. You see it happening in Florida. You see it happening in New York. You see it happening in Chetumal, right close to us. It will become a part of our lives. We can’t stick our head in the sand and play like it will not happen to us. You have to now look at how you mitigate and how you adapt to this climate change that is upon us. At the city we will continue to do our part and we ask that the residents do their part as well in ensuring that the drains in front of the house get clean. Clean it out, dig it out. I do, my drain in my area every two weeks. It has to become ownership from us and the residents together. We will be able to put in place a sort of mitigating action and adaptation action to really begin to change that trend that is occurring.”

Derelict Vehicles are A Recurring Problem

The mayor explained that the pumping station near the Yarborough Bridge is ready to kick into action whenever there is excessive rains that cause widespread flooding in Belize City. But one other issue that is a bit trickier to deal with is derelict vehicles. The mayor says that the council has an ongoing program to remove derelict vehicles. It’s a recurring issue because as soon as they remove the vehicles, more are parked on the streetside again. There is an area on the Faber’s Road Extension that the council is paying keen attention to and they will put traffic markers on the street to try to prevent the problem from repeating.

Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City

“We are looking through our traffic committee and are putting together some sort of recommendation, where we will look at really redlining that entire stretch up to, I think Rio Grande Crescent. But we will – we have done a study for all the residential homes along the Faber’s Road and in that study, our city planner found that there are spaces for people to park on the area that is owned by the city for most of the homes. So we are looking to pass a required S.I after the consultations with the residents in that area in the Faber’s Road area. But we are looking to redline that entire stretch right from the Boulevard. We are redlining it up to Rio Grande Crescent. No one will be allowed to park on that street once we have completed the consultations. But that is where we want to go because we have seen that is a main thoroughfare for many of the big trucks going into the Port Area. And many times people traversing that area have to be waiting while the next vehicle comes out. And so that is one of the solutions that has come out of the traffic committee to really address that situation that has been long pending and has really been a pain for residents and pedestrians and motorists driving in that area.”

CitCo Looks to Expand Parking Meters Project

The parking meters that the Belize City Council introduced during their last term of office was met with reservation by many motorists. There was objection by families who visited the B.T.L. Park and refused to pay the parking fee. Now the Belize City Council wants to expand the project to other areas in the city. On Monday, Mayor Bernard Wagner explained what their intentions are with the parking meters.

Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City

“The parking meters are here to stay. They will not go anywhere. The parking meters, actually we want to see how we can expand those parking meters. We are currently in negotiation with the principal owners of both of these two vendors because we want to really buy them out and to see how the city can really take charge. We have the in house capabilities to really manage it in a more efficient manner and so we are having those discussions.”

Belize Collaborates with Brazil to Eradicate Child Labour

Belize is hosting a delegation from Brazil with the aim to exchange knowledge on how to eradicate child labor. The delegation will be in the country for four days.

On Monday, the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government issued a press release announcing the “commencement of a historic in-person knowledge exchange mission with representatives from the Brazilian Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of Social Development, and the Brazilian Cooperation Agency.”

This initiative began on June 24, and is facilitated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Brazil and the Regional Initiative Technical Secretariat.

According to the government, this partnership will involve local authorities, labour representatives, and civil society stakeholders, and aims to eliminate child labour through collaborative workshops and advocacy sessions. Activities that the Ministry says will, “support Belize in developing robust, evidence-based programmes and improving the enforcement of child labour laws”

As the latest signatory to the Regional Initiative for Latin America and the Caribbean Free of Child Labour, Belize demonstrates proactive efforts in addressing child labour issues in Belize.

This partnership will streamline the knowledge between the two countries, contributing to better integration with social protection and social security programmes, “This approach seeks to enhance the support and economic resilience of children and their families, thereby preventing engagement in child labour,” the Ministry says.

Belize Official Host Destination for this Inaugural Global Awards

Belize is set to host the first annual World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards Gala Ceremony on Friday, September 27, 2024. The privilege is seen as a recognition of Belize’s leadership in encouraging conscientious and sustainable initiatives in tourism.

News Five was present at the launching of the award last year in Dubai, UAE. According to the official announcement made by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), this global event is scheduled to happen this year on the same day as World Tourism Day, September 27.

Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Anthony Mahler, said, “These new awards from the World Travel Awards will shine a light on the biggest players in sustainability from across the globe…Responsible tourism is central to everything we do in Belize. From leading the way for the conservation of Jaguars in Central America with the Maya Forest Corridor, to the development of community-based tourism clusters that promote the preservation of our Indigenous Communities and our work rolling out our Sustainable Tourism Certification Program for Protected Areas and tourism-based businesses in the next couple of years, Belize is committed to sustainable tourism development.”.

Nicole Solano, C.E.O. of the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, told News Five, “This is the first of its kind under the World Travel Awards banner… We will be welcoming the winners in the categories for this big event in September.”

In addition to hosting, Belize has lined up nominations in various categories. “Belize companies have submitted as well, but remember they are competing with all of these global companies,” Solano said.

In addition, Belize has been nominated for World’s Leading Sustainable Destination 2024. Various Belize companies have been nominated under the following categories: World’s Leading Sustainable Female Empowerment Initiative 2024, Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project 2024, Leading Sustainable Marine Conservation Initiative 2024, Leading Sustainable Community Engagement Programme 2024.

The voting period is open and will end on August 2 of this year.

Get Ready for KTV The Remix Six, It’s Bigger! It’s Better!

From Thirty-three to Twelve

KTV The Remix is back! It’s bigger, better! It’s season six. We’ve already held the auditions, and wow, Belize! You showed up and showed out! Out of the thirty-three fantastic singers who auditioned, our superstar judges have picked the top twelve. And these aren’t just any judges. We’re talking about the legendary Jenny Lovell, the charismatic Andazi, and the brilliant producer Viannie Reyes. They know talent when they see it, and they’ve chosen the crème de la crème to compete for the ultimate prize.

This year, we had a lot of participants from other districts. Reyes said, “This year we experienced a lot of out district…all the way from PG, all the way from San Pedro. We have three from San Pedro. We have about three from Cayo, San Ignacio, to be specific. And we have two from the south.”

KTV The Remix Season Six Auditions **(Contestants’ images in promotions do not imply selection for KTV The Remix Six.)**

The audition taping airs tonight on Channel 5 at 8 p.m.

And getting the list down to twelve finalists was challenging. “It was really extremely difficult. We took about approximately three hours to really get to the bottom of who we think is best,” shared Reyes.

“They came with talent. So definitely this year will be, I can say, a little bit top, like topping last year’s talent.”

“So they will be getting a call tomorrow after the audition show; they will be getting that phone call tomorrow, telling them that they made it to this season. And the marketing begins for them. We do have Giselle O’Brien, and she’s assisting us with coaching for them.”

The Judges with the Mostest

Our judges are not just experts; they’re icons! Jenny Lovell brings her years of experience and sharp eye for talent. Andazi adds a touch of flair and fun, always keeping it real. And Viannie Reyes? Well, she’s the mastermind behind it all, ensuring that every performance is top-notch.

*The Jenny Lovell and Andazi, KTV The Remix Season Six Judges*

Our twelve finalists will take the stage, each performance more thrilling than the last. And guess what? Each week, we’ll have a surprise guest judge to spice things up even more. It’s going to be a rollercoaster of emotions and excitement!

“Every week we’ll be having a guest judge, and we will be posting a week before guests the judge and giving the audience an opportunity to guess that judge. We’ll have one guest judge every single week. It’s a new guest judge, and the audience will be posting on social media who they think that guest judge is, and if they get it right, they get tickets to enter for free.”

The Journey to 10,000 Belize Dollars

These talented contestants are not just singing for fun. They’re battling it out for a whopping 10,000 Belize dollars! The competition is fierce, the stakes are high, and the talent is off the charts. Who will rise to the occasion and become the grand champion of KTV The Remix Six? You’ve got to watch to find out!

KTV The Remix Six is more than a show; it’s a celebration of Belizean talent, community, and pure entertainment. Whether you’re a die-hard music lover, a proud supporter of local talent, or just in need of some fantastic Tuesday night fun, this show is for you. Expect jaw-dropping performances, heartwarming moments, and a whole lot of fun.

Contestants will also know how to market themselves and earn votes from the audience and viewers. “Not just because you’re able to sing; that means you automatically feel like you’ve won that place. It’s text voting that gets you there. You do benefit if you try hard in a round at night. You come, and you bring your A game to that stage. There’s a possibility that you can walk away with an additional amount of votes if you become that top singer for the night. And that is calculated by the judges score that they give you for the night.”

Showtime Every Tuesday!

Set your reminders, folks! Every Tuesday night at 8 p.m., live from the Bliss Centre for Performing Arts in Belize City. This is one musical journey you don’t want to miss! Tickets can be purchased at Channel 5 on Coney Drive in Belize City.

We want to hear from you! Jump on social media and use #KTVTheRemixSix to share your thoughts, cheer on your favourites, and connect with other fans. Your excitement and support mean the world to our contestants, and they make the show even more special.

Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook

The NWS National Hurricane Center in Miami, FL, has issued a tropical weather outlook for the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico as of 2:00 PM EDT on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. A tropical wave currently located over the southeastern Caribbean Sea is generating disorganized showers and thunderstorms while moving quickly westward at approximately twenty-five miles per hour. Environmental conditions may become conducive to gradual development of the system once it reaches the western Caribbean Sea later this week, with potential for further development over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico during the weekend. The chance of formation through the next forty-eight hours is low at 10 percent, and the chance of formation over the next seven days is also low at twenty percent.