July 19, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Ministry of Sustainable Development responds to APAMO

On Thursday, the Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations, APAMO, held a press conference to voice complaints about proposals made by the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change. On June twenty-fifth, the organization sent a seven-page letter to the ministry voicing these complaints, however, they were met with no response. That is until today. We spoke with C.E.O. Kenrick Williams, who told us that the complaints from APAMO have been heard and that the ministry is working carefully to address them.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

After weeks of going unheard by the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, the complaints made by the Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations are being addressed. On Thursday, APAMO held a press conference to reiterate concerns previously outlined in a seven-page letter to the ministry that went unanswered. Today, the CEO Kenrick Williams says they have been heard loud and clear. He explains that the ministry is currently revising strategies to strengthen collaboration and facilitation between the government and comanagers, however, he acknowledges the need for clear communication between the parties at all stages of the process.

Kenrick Williams, CEO, Ministry Sustainable Development & Climate change

“So we came with initial consultations, initial engagement to say to the pro co-managers, this is what government is looking at. Let’s give us some initial feedback. No, I recognize that. Maybe the approach, maybe the timeline, the notification. Definitely some guts in the communication from our side and we acknowledge that. And so we are going to continue to make sure that as we go through this process is really just a start. This is not the final draft and say, here you go, give me your input, what part you fit in on this. This is the first part. This is what we are contemplating as a government to address all of those things. Coordination, the collaboration, ensuring that we get the financial investment, ensuring that government is able to meet its part of the bargain. And ensure that there is transparency and accountability on all parts of the partnership.”

Among the complaints voiced were difficulties in accessing funding and resources from the government. Eli Miller, Managing Director of Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighted how this change affected fire relief efforts earlier this year.

Eli Miller, Managing Director, Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

“We had a lot of fires this year, and I will say it’s gonna happen again. We’re gonna have the consistent hotter, drier conditions coming. And as we’ve discussed with some of the ministers and the coordinator for Nemo. The highest, the best capacity for fire suppression and fire management believes rests with our co-management entities. They have rangers who deal with fire on an annual basis. And that’s where the, that’s where the knowledge lies. That’s how we’re gonna be able, those people are gonna be able to transcribe that knowledge to the communities who, those who don’t already have it, and we can be a better country for it. We can manage our fire situation better. And that doesn’t happen without some kind of support from government and some leadership as well.”

According to the ministry, PACT has since provided four hundred and sixty-one thousand dollars in emergency support for fire management. However, APAMO noted the difficulties in accessing grants over the past two years. Williams says that PACT and the ministry are working towards a solution.

Kenrick Williams

“PACT itself and its partners has Conservation Services. Has been trying to see how we are targeted in investment, so we’ve created a conservation investment program. That has been. We’ve been working with the protected areas co managers over the last two years to try to ensure that again. The point is that we have a little bit of money. So we have to make sure that we have the type of impact that we want to create from those investments. So we’re changing the way how we do that. That indeed has been taking some time. We’ve been working closely with the we’ve been working closely with our co managers, we’ve been working closely with the government partners, but that has largely been slow. The board recently took a decision that we need to fast track that process, and we’re going to be providing about a million dollars in bridge financing in the next two weeks or so in order to get some investments on the ground.”

Williams also maintains that the intention of the changes is not to micromanage the work of the co-managers, but rather improve the relationship between parties involved.

Kenrick Williams

“There are responsibilities on both parts. Government as a regulatory agency have to make sure that there’s accountability, there’s transparency, there’s reporting. Right now that is a framework that is missing, right? We are not reporting against funds collected. We are not I cannot be able to go out and say or protected areas report against this or leverage this amount of money to the system.I know one figure put out was about 16 million, but there’s no clear report. We, government and co-managers can’t, have not been able to come together and say. This is a type of impact we’re having on the ground collectively and nationally. The intent, therefore, is not to micromanage, it’s to improve how we do things.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

23 Youths Empowered by Sports Peace Corps Volunteers

A team of twenty-three Peace Corps Belize volunteers were sworn in today to serve as youth development volunteers with the National Sports Council. The group recently completed several weeks of rigorous training in Belize to better understand the country’s needs and how best they can contribute. Today, that group officially began their twenty-four months of service to Belize under a program called Youths Empowered by Sports, or the YES Project. A swearing-in ceremony was held in Belmopan where we heard from Marvin Ottley, the Deputy Director of the National Sports Council and Nadine Rogers, the Country Director for Peace Corps Belize.

Marvin Ottley, Deputy Director, National Sports Council

“We know they hit the ground running right away. But they have been training for a period of time to familiarize themselves with what Belize has to offer. What we at the national sports council has to offer. So from the chairman, director, minister, all our staff at the National Sports Council we welcome the new cohort and we expect to have a wonderful working relationship.”

Nadine Rogers, Country Director, Peace Corps Belize

“The YES Project, Youths Empowered by Sports. It is now over a year old. Some of the volunteers I swore in back in November, the YES 1 cohort, are actually here in the room. I am so proud of the work they have been doing in partnership with the National Sports Council, school principals, community partners and I am thinking about the support they offered to the primary school soccer tournament in Orange Walk a few weeks ago. My special words to you are these, first be focused. This work is rewarding and real. Be kind, empathetic, be yourself, your best self, be present. Community can be changed forever by your contribution. For example, when a volunteer and a principal started and N.G.O. to address the impacts of trauma and violence of youths in their community. Or, when a staff member named Anthony Williams served for thirty-six years and forever changed the lives of volunteers, community and co-workers.”

Kady Miller, Peace Corp Volunteer

“My name dah Kady. I dah wah Peace Corp Volunteer. Like Bella mih seh, we proud fih be yah. We proud ah we family and new friends. I the yah fih seh thank you for all the lesson all ah unu mih teach we.”

Single Mother Receives Keys to Fully Furnished Home

A single mother of two, Heidi Rivas, received the keys to a brand new, fully furnished, home today in Belize City. The house was constructed and furnished through a partnership with God Cares Outreach and the Young Black Leaders Alliance from the United States. It comes as a gift to Rivas and her two sons, who have been sharing space with her mother. She is also being equipped with the necessary tools to start her own business to financially empower her family. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Earlier today, Belize City resident Heidi Rivas received the keys to her brand new fully furnished home on Antelope Street extension. God Cares Outreach in Belize collaborated with the Young Black Leaders Alliance from the United States to bring this project to life.

Derrick Pitts, Founder, God Cares Outreach

“As an organization, one of our desires is to see how we can help single mothers in our community. In every community that we work in we work with the local church, and we have a strategy which is to reach, connect, impact.”

Derrick Pitts, the Founder of God Cares Outreach, explained that Rivas is very involved in the local church within her community. He told us that she has been volunteering her time over the last six years to feed children in impoverished communities. Rivas did not own a house and was living with her mom, until today.

Derrick Pitts

“Miss Heidi today believes that she is just receiving a house, but little does she know that it is a fully furnished house. Everything is in there. So, it is a turnkey, I can sleep in my bed kind of thing. We purchased this property, and our plan is to put at least two or three of the houses on this property. And to build the house with furnishing and everything is like sixty thousand dollars.”

The amazement on Heidi Rivas’s face was priceless when she opened the door to her new home and found that that it was fully furnished. She now has a living room area, a kitchen, an indoor bathroom and two bedrooms. The master bedroom is hers. It has been equipped with a sewing machine that she will use to generate income to pay her utility bills. Her two sons now have their own room with a bunk bed.

Heidi Rivas, New Homeowner

“Me and my family will never be the same because of you guys love and continues support. Home is a place blessed and where you and your family can be secure and have all you need, share your sadness and happiness, where you can help each other as a family. And, I will always remember the kindness and support that made this opportunity possible.”

We also heard from a couple of the student ambassadors from the Young Black Leaders Alliance that have been at the site working to build and furnish Rivas’ new home.

Eryn Glover, Student Ambassador, Y.L.B.A.

“The Young Black Leadership Alliance is basically an organization in the U.S. that targets highschoolers into college students and building them as leaders, helping us to get scholarships to university, helping us to become service leaders like today, helping us to help others. So we actually had the responsibility as leaders to fundraise. It is actually a really good skill they teach us, how to fundraise and how to ask people in the community around us, hey would you mind helping us to help others. So we went through a fundraising process for a few months, hit our goals, then we were able to come out here and serve.”

Jevarrie Carlton, Student College Ambassador, Y.B.L.A.

“This is my second time serving here with the Young Black Leadership Alliance. The first time was a little bit different for me. That was the first time I actually left my home country to serve in another country. This time was more personal to me because of where I come from and how fortunate I would have been to receive something similar and if not something great. So just being here at this moment and being able to serve others at this point in my life is just amazing and I would not trade this experience for anything.”

This is the second project that God Cares Outreach and the Young Black Leaders Alliance have collaborated to complete.

Derrick Pitts

“It is also adding dignity but understanding the work, you got to get some skin in the game. So, Ms. Heidi had to put in some sweat. So, she and the boys came and worked on the house, preparing the property. So, she is responsible for her own utilities. Even with that we are providing a business package so that she can make money. She loves to sew so we are teaching her. We got a brand-new sewing machine so that she can work around the church and that kind of stuff.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Dr. Eck – A Champion of Children’s Health

This week’s Bright Side takes a different approach by highlighting someone who has administered life-saving care for the past twenty years. Doctor Cecelio Eck, affectionately known as Doctor Shrek, has dedicated his life to pediatric care, touching countless lives with his selflessness and compassion. From volunteering with medical organizations to treating daily patients at Coral Grove Medical Center, Doctor Eck’s dedication is widely recognized. In 2020, he faced a severe bout of Covid-19, and now, four years later, he battles stage four cancer. The public has rallied around him once again, offering unwavering support. We spoke with those who have experienced Doctor Shrek’s incredible kindness and service. Here are their stories.

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

Ten-year-old Khailyn Tillett has been under Dr. Eck’s care since birth. Like many of his young patients, her experience reflects a common sentiment. Dr. Cecilio Eck, known for his boundless energy, has an uncanny ability to capture the hearts of children the moment they step into his medical office.

Khailyn Tillett, patient

“One of my favorite days was a time when I went for a checkup and he was being really goofy with me and I got a lot of stickers and I got a lollipop.”

As a first-time mother a decade ago, Khailyn’s mother also felt an immediate connection with Dr. Eck. She recalls how comforting it was to reach out to him whenever she felt anxious about her baby’s health, finding reassurance in his acceptance and support.

Candice Joseph, Parent

“From day one, we were very comfortable with him. And being a first time mom, you know that we would have, like, so many questions. And I needed to have a pediatrician that I felt comfortable with. I could call him at any time, and he would not have problems. Any type of attitude, like I would start off by saying, you know, I’m sorry to be calling you this late. I know it’s a Sunday, but Kai has a fever or something is happening. He has a spin wheel of lollipops that he turns and it has like so many different options and the kids just light up right away when they see that. Then he has a book of stickers that he pulls out. I remember my daughter going and when she left the office, she had stickers like every part of her all over her face, all over her hands, and she didn’t even remember that she was feeling sick.”

For the past twenty years, Dr. Eck has dedicated himself to pediatric care. At the Coral Grove Medical Center, his office creates a warm and welcoming environment for his young patients. His stethoscope, embraced by a stuffed animal, symbolizes the comfort he provides as he listens to the tiniest heartbeats. A shelf adorned with a figurine of Disney’s Shrek serves as a charming reminder of his nickname, Dr. Shrek, sparking joyful conversations with his patients. These touches are all testament to the sense of safety and trust that Dr. Eck fosters with every child he treats. Dr. Luis Chulin witnesses this magic on a daily basis.

Luis Chulin, Pediatrician

“I even asked Dr. Eck, what are the tricks? Because I want to learn how, how the kids love you so much. They even call him Dr. Shrek. Now, everybody knows Dr. Eck as Dr. Shrek. He has taught me how to deal with certain critical patients as well. So, even though I have had some problems initially with dealing with certain types of patients, I would always call him and he would always be there to answer his phone for any other challenges that I might have had. So in any case, either be just a general check or an intensive care patient, he would always be available.”

Dr. Eck is also deeply involved in charitable work, assisting children and families who cannot afford medical care for severe illnesses. He serves as the Medical Director for World Pediatrics and the President of Friends of Pediatrics. Milagro Garel, of World Pediatrics, shares that Dr. Eck’s contributions are immeasurable.

Milagro Garrel, Country Director, World Pediatrics

“He refers the patients that need tertiary care that is not available otherwise in Belize. And he guides us and tells us whether that child can receive surgery through one of the teams here in Belize, or the child has to be referred to the region or to the U.S. We can say that on a daily basis, we are calling Dr. Eck 24/7 to the point where he has given so much of himself, where he was the only person that was accompanying every single patient on an airplane, on an air ambulance. Just bagging up, giving oxygen and supportive services on a commercial airline together with the mom to the States. He would go one day, come back the following day with loss of sleep and loss of income.”

It’s a lot to juggle, and recently, Dr. Eck’s lifelong dedication to caring for others has been interrupted as he fights for his own life. Just four years after overcoming a severe bout of Covid-19, he now faces a new battle with an unexpected diagnosis of stage four cancer.

Sabreena Daly

“What would you want the viewers to know about Dr. Eck as a person outside of the profession? You mentioned he’s a friend.”

Luis Chulin

“Yes, he is a friend indeed. That Dr. Eck is always willing to help. Even in cases that there is a need to go that extra mile, he will not do the extra mile, he would go ten miles for any patient.”

Candice Joseph

“I feel like he has done so much for Belize and for the children of Belize. He’s irreplaceable. He’s been at the K.H.M.H. so we have various different sectors experiencing his services and his expertise and having crossed paths with him either in the private or public sector.”

Milagro Garrel

“Dr. Eck is no millionaire. Lots of people have the perception that every physician is full of money, but not Dr. Eck. He does not have lots of funds or extra funds besides what COVID did to their pocket and to their income and financial status. So I believe that it was our responsibility and the least that we could do to at least try to assist him in some way to ask the community to come together for him because now it is the time to give back to someone who has given his entire life to the well-being of the children and the community of Belize.”

Dr. Eck has begun his fight against cancer by departing the country in search of medical answers from other practitioners abroad. At home, his community has started a powerful movement to support him through this costly journey. From organizing charitable donations to hosting events in his honor, everyone Dr. Eck has touched is rallying behind him. And the little people he has impacted are also pitching in, sending heartfelt words of encouragement and special prayers of healing. When we stopped at his office today, we even saw a special delivery dropped off from a patient named Austin. Like the rest of us, written on his letter is a resounding message.

Sabreena Daly

“What do you think people should know about Dr. Eck?”

Khailyn Tillett

“That he’s funny and kind, and I think that he’s going to get better soon.”

Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.

Minister of National Defence and Border Security Meets with Guatemala’s Defence Attaché

Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of National Defence and Border Security, welcomed Brigadier General Edgar Rosendo Lima Reina, Guatemala’s Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Attaché, for a courtesy visit at the Curl Thompson Building in Belmopan today.

During the cordial meeting, they discussed strengthening the relationship between the two militaries, exploring areas of cooperation in humanitarian assistance, and identifying other training opportunities.

Oscar Mira, Minister of State in the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security, and Brigadier General (Ret’d) Dario Tapia, Chief Executive Officer in the ministry, were also present for the meeting.

FFB Terminates Contract of Senior National Team Coach David Perez

The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) announced the termination of Coach David Perez’s contract as Senior Men’s National Team Coach, effective immediately.

During his tenure, Coach Perez demonstrated unwavering dedication and made significant contributions to Belizean football. His commitment to player development and his leadership of the Senior National Team have been commendable. The FFB expressed sincere gratitude to Coach Perez for his service and extended best wishes for his future endeavors, confident that his experience and expertise will continue to positively impact the football community.

The FFB remains steadfast in its commitment to the growth and success of Belizean football and will actively pursue the necessary steps for the vetting and appointment of a new Head Coach to guide the Senior Men’s National Team.

Belize City Launches E-Bus Service and Charging Depot

A significant milestone was achieved today as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics, and E-Governance (MPUELE), the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Transport through the Department of Transport (DoT), and the Belize City Council (BCC), with funding support from the European Union (EU), launched the e-bus service and charging depot of the E-Mobility Pilot Project.

The charging depot, located at the corner of Dean and Regent Streets in Belize City, is equipped with two 220-volt chargers capable of powering the two e-buses, ensuring efficient and reliable service. The bus service is set to begin on Monday, July 22, 2024, providing citizens with a clean and sustainable public transportation option within the city.

“E-Mobility – Our citizens deserve this,” stated Mayor Bernard Wagner. “Our community deserves this, and most importantly, our planet needs this. Today’s launch is as bold as it is electric!”

The initiative aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UNDP’s Belize Office’s Country Programme. UNDP’s Resident Representative, Kishan Khoday, emphasized the importance of partnerships and innovation in achieving a greener and more inclusive future while addressing climate change.

“Today illustrates the spirit of collaboration and innovation that can be achieved when government departments, development partners, the private sector, and civil society unite towards the national NDC climate plan,” said Khoday.

Aniceto Rodriguez-Ruiz, the EU’s Head of Cooperation, highlighted the role of international cooperation in tackling global environmental challenges. “We are proud to be the first friend and partner of Belize to financially invest in such a modern, smart, green, and clean transport option.”

During the inauguration, guests toured the depot and experienced the intra-city route on the electric buses, witnessing the benefits of e-mobility and its potential to transform the city’s transportation system. The unveiling of the bus wrapping design showcased its brand identity, aimed at raising awareness and fostering a connection between the e-bus service and its environmental benefits.

Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics, and E-Governance, remarked, “The effect of climate change has forced governments worldwide to refocus their energies. The Government of Belize, with this ambitious E-Mobility Pilot Project, underscores our commitment to reducing carbon footprints, enhancing air quality, promoting renewable energy, and fostering a cleaner and greener future for all our citizens. This project is part of the smart energy solutions and energy policies promoted by the Ministry.”

Through the Electric Mobility Pilot Project, Belize is advancing towards sustainable urban transportation, reducing emissions, and providing cleaner air for the country. Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Transport, stated, “In alignment with the United Nations Charter, this marks the initial step in decarbonizing Belize’s public transport sector. Our goal is to meet the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) climate target by reducing 117 ktCO2e annually from the transportation sector.”

Biodiverse Landscapes Fund Launches in Belize

The British High Commission, in partnership with the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change celebrated the launch of the project “Resilient and Biodiverse Landscapes of Northern Mesoamerica,” funded through the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund (BLF).

The launch event, held on July 18th, was followed by a site visit to the Valley of Peace Community Centre in Cayo District.

The project is assisting the development of a Community Climate Resilience Plan and building capacity for regenerative agriculture, fire management, and sustainable livelihoods through training, microgrants, and scholarships. These initiatives are part of the Belize Maya Forest Trust’s Community Stewards Program.

Financed by UK International Development funds from the UK Government, the BLF supports poverty reduction, biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation, and adaptation across six biologically diverse landscapes worldwide, including the Mesoamerica Landscape, which spans areas in Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. In Belize, the BLF will invest approximately USD $3.2 million from September 2023 to October 2029. Activities are being implemented through a consortium of organizations, including the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Belize Maya Forest Trust (BMFT), Programme for Belize (PfB), Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD), and the Julian Cho Society. The BLF supports these organizations in protecting and conserving the Selva Maya Forest in Belize, one of the great forests of the Mesoamerica Landscape.

The program is based on four key components: securing land and resource rights, developing forest-based income streams, and implementing climate-adapted rural development with proper social safeguards; ensuring well-governed conservation areas and targeted protection activities for endangered species; building consensus, fostering multisector collaboration, and enacting policy reforms to incentivize forest protection and strengthen IPLC rights; and implementing a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess impact and guide decision-making.

Microsoft Global Disruption: CrowdStrike Update Sparks Massive Tech Outages

On Friday morning, a flawed software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike triggered widespread outages across Microsoft systems, impacting critical sectors globally. Banks, stock exchanges, airlines, hospitals, and various public services were severely disrupted, with over one thousand and three hundred flights grounded in the U.S. alone, major European airports halting landings, and over twenty-five thousand flights delayed across the world, reported CBS News.

In a statement earlier on Friday, Microsoft said, “We remain committed in treating this event with the highest priority and urgency while we continue to address the lingering impact for the Microsoft 365 apps that are in a degraded state.”

CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz acknowledged the issue stemmed from an update to its Falcon Sensor software, which caused Microsoft systems to crash, but clarified it was not a cyberattack. The glitch affected systems dependent on Microsoft 365 apps, forcing manual operations at airports and healthcare facilities worldwide.

Efforts to resolve the issue are underway, but the full recovery process is expected to take days. Microsoft and CrowdStrike are working to restore services, but disruptions are expected to persist across global operations. The incident highlights the interconnected nature of global technology and the significant repercussions of software vulnerabilities on everyday business operations.