Month: July 2024

US and Panama Sign Deal to Curb Migration Through Darien Gap

The United States and Panama have signed an agreement to significantly curb the flow of migrants traveling through the Darien Gap which is a dangerous jungle between Colombia and Panama. The Darien Gap is the only land route to the US from South America. The announcement came on Monday, coinciding with the inauguration of Panama’s new President, Jose Raul Mulino.

During his first speech as president, Mulino highlighted the severe humanitarian and environmental crisis caused by the massive influx of migrants through the Darien jungle, “I won’t allow Panama to be an open path for thousands of people who enter our country illegally, supported by an international organization related to drug trafficking and human trafficking,” DW reported.

Despite its dangerous nature, the Darien Gap has become a preferred pathway for hundreds of thousands of migrants travelling to the US borders. DW reported that “Last year, a record 520,000 migrants, including thousands of children, traversed the perilous corridor by foot. More than 190,000 people have crossed so far in 2024, with most migrants hailing from Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and China. The route grew in popularity in recent years as smugglers made it an affordable pathway for hundreds of thousands of people.”

The agreement, signed by US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, includes provisions for the US to cover the costs of repatriating migrants who enter Panama illegally.

Latin America Remittance Growth Decreased in 2023

A report from the World Bank states that for the Caribbean region, remittance flows declined in 2023.

It said, “In Latin America and the Caribbean, remittance growth in 2023 slowed to 7.7%, reaching $156 billion, bolstered by a robust U.S. labour market. Mexico remained the top recipient with $66.2 billion, a 7.8% increase. Growth varied widely, from a 44.5% rise in Nicaragua to a 13.4% decline in Argentina. Remittance flows are expected to grow by 2.7% in 2024, with the average cost of sending $200 remaining at 5.9%, similar to the previous year.”

The Dominican Republic, Haiti, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and St. Lucia reported increased remittance inflows over 2022. Countries with no change included Guyana, Barbados, St. Maarten, Aruba, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Cayman Islands. Jamaica, Curacao, The Bahamas, Suriname, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Dominica recorded declines in remittances.

As remittances gain significance, precise data collection is crucial for advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals aimed at reducing costs and enhancing transaction volumes. Yet, current statistical data remains inconsistent and incomplete. The disparity between inbound and outbound remittance flows globally has expanded, primarily due to informal channels like migrants carrying cash when returning home.

Remittance refers to the transfer of money by a foreign worker to an individual, typically a family member, in their home country. These funds are a crucial source of income for many households in developing countries, helping to support their basic needs such as food, housing, education, and healthcare.

Belize Pledges Aid and Electrical Support for Hurricane Beryl Recovery

Prime Minister John Briceño attended the 20th Special Emergency Meeting of CARICOM Heads to address Beryl’s impact. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade shared that PM Briceño announced that Belize would financially contribute to the recovery efforts in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada. Additionally, the Prime Minister offered to send linesmen to help restore electricity.

Hurricane Beryl made landfall on Carriacou Island, Grenada, on Monday, causing heavy rain, life-threatening winds, and flooding as it moved west across the Caribbean. The storm has claimed at least five lives, with officials warning the death toll could rise.

During a media interview, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines raised concerns about accessing international funds for rebuilding efforts and called on wealthier nations to honour their climate commitments. He stressed the importance of concrete support for small island developing states and other vulnerable nations, urging major greenhouse gas emitters to turn pledges into financial aid.

19 Bodies Found in Chiapas Amid Cartel Violence

(MEXICO CITY, July 2) Mexican officials are investigating a grisly scene in La Concordia, Chiapas, where they discovered 19 bodies after videos surfaced on social media showing a dumper truck filled with corpses. The victims, all male and clad in black tactical vests, were found in and around the truck, with most of the bodies inside and three on a nearby dirt track. All had been shot.

The Chiapas prosecutor’s office was alerted to a video on June 28, showing men identifying as members of the Sinaloa cartel displaying the bodies and claiming they were from a rival gang operating near the Guatemala-Mexico border. The next day, locals discovered the bodies and informed authorities. The victims were likely members of a group they identified as the “Chiapas and Guatemala cartel.”

The Mexican government has deployed the National Guard and army to the area, but locals feel abandoned, noting that cartels return as soon as federal forces leave.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador attributed the violence to cartel activity, including drug and human trafficking. He promised a thorough investigation and increased security in Chiapas. The Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel are embroiled in a turf war over lucrative smuggling routes, forcing many to flee their homes last January.

The UK Has a New Prime Minister Following Landslide Win for Labour Party 

Labour has achieved a landslide victory in the UK general election. The new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, promised to guide the nation towards “calmer waters” in his inaugural address. Starmer is now assembling his cabinet and has appointed the UK’s first-ever female finance minister.

Sir Keir Starmer is the UK’s new prime minister following a landslide general election victory by the Labour Party. The Conservative Party suffered a dramatic collapse after 14 years in power, losing 250 seats in a devastating night. Outgoing PM Rishi Sunak accepted responsibility for the result and announced his upcoming resignation as party leader.

In his first speech as prime minister, Sir Keir vowed to lead a “government of service” and initiate a period of “national renewal,” emphasising the need to address insecurity and promising immediate work on change.

Labour won 412 seats, the Conservatives dropped to 121, and the Liberal Democrats secured 71 seats. Reform UK and the Green Party each gained four seats. Labour’s success was partly due to the collapse of the Scottish National Party, which fell to nine seats.

Corozal Town Prepares for Deteriorating Weather Conditions

Tonight, we have a news team in Corozal Town. They will be overnight in that municipality to capture the extent of the winds and rains that residents will likely face when Hurricane Beryl makes landfall in the Yucatan Peninsula. Landfall is expected just after midnight. What News Five’s Paul Lopez found on the ground this evening is residents scrambling to get in some last-minute shopping at the handful of grocery stores that remain open. Most businesses have been shuttered and many of the main streets in the town have limited to no traffic. The central park is unusually empty for a Thursday evening, while several residents are undergoing last-minute work to secure their homes. Clearly, there is a heightened sense of alertness in this part of the country. News Five’s Paul Lopez tells us more.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

As the sun begins to set on Corozal Town, the most northern town in Belize, seas behind me remains calm. Resident are expecting the weather to rapidly deteriorate over the course of tonight. When you look at the main streets, traffic seems to be limited. There is practically no one inside the park and businesses have been shuttered, closed, since midday. Several grocery stores remain open for residents to do their last minute shopping. Interestingly, we met two brothers from San Jose who missed or forgot the bus schedule and as a result missed their bus out of town. Here is what they told us.

 

                        Samuel Novelo

Samuel Novelo, San Jose Resident

“My name is Samuel Novelo. We are headed to San Jose.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Why are you guys standing out here right now and you seem to have a bit of cluelessness in your eyes?”

 

Samuel Novelo

“We the try get a ride because the bus left us. So, the bus was suppose to head to Belize from four oclock but it didn’t leave from here. It went, so we are trying to catch a ride to go to village. Me and my brother.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Were you here on time for the bus?”

 

Samuel Novelo

“Yes, four o’clock, cause that is the time they gave us. The bus came but it didn’t go to the terminal. It went straight to Belize because he didn’t see any customers there.”

 

Paul Lopez

“How high is your chances of catching a ride right now?”

 

Samuel Novelo

“We the try hustle a ride at least dah Santa Clara and then we will try to catch a ride to village.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Is it urgent to get out of Corozal tonight?”

 

Samuel Novelo

“As soon as possible. I need to reach home. I have a lot of things to do home, put some nails in the windows and a lot of thigns like that. We were at work waiting for the lady, the boss and she reach late. Now I have to hitch hike and reach.”

NEMO Prepared to Provide 24/7 Assistance During Storm

In just a few hours, Hurricane Beryl is anticipated to make landfall on Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. As mentioned earlier by Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon, the storm is being closely monitored as it nears the region and evaluated for potential risk. Since Belize is expected to receive heavy rainfall and flooding, the National Emergency Management Organization is fully equipped and prepared to face these weather conditions with twenty-four-seven assistance. National Emergency Coordinator Daniel Mendez, further explains NEMO’s operation plans. 

 

                               Daniel Mendez

Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator, NEMO

“Our coordinators across the country and in particular in the northern districts and in the Caye Caulker area and San Pedro area remain in close communication with community leaders. Particularly in this the Corozal and Orange Walk District, we remain in close communication with our river monitors, with all the village and town and city leaders to closely monitor these water levels and to update these as necessary. All our E.O.C.s are activated. They continue to prepare for hurricane Beryl if necessary. Is particularly those areas in the north are on heightened alert for tonight. We remain we have done our restocking, and our warehouses are prepared. Again, like I said, as I reported shelters will be opened in some parts of the country, particularly in the north in preparation for the effects of Beryl. These will be available to people who may need this service in the next few next few hours. Again, the National Emergency Operations Center. Will be in full operation tonight. We will be on twenty-four seven watch for the next few hours and as long as necessary, and we will continue to monitor the passage of Hurricane Barrett as it makes landfall later tonight. And we will be providing any updates as necessary as soon as these, this information comes in from the affected districts.”

NEMO says Don’t Panic  

As previously explained by Daniel Mendez, the National Emergency Management Organization and its partners are taking precautions and preparing to offer aid to Belizeans who may be at risk as Hurricane Beryl approaches the Yucatan Peninsula. However, on Wednesday, Prime Minister John Briceño advised the public not to enter a state of panic, but rather to proceed with caution. The National Emergency Coordinator elaborated on finding a balance between being prepared and keeping the country in operation.

 

Daniel Mendez

Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator, NEMO

“So it’s not panic. It’s it is finding that balance between safety and keeping the country open we, we take all of the information that we have been receiving from the med service to make that best judgment. And so it’s really finding that right balance. So we’re not in panic mode. We are really trying to see how we can ensure that things continue as normal while at the same time remaining prepared for the effect the possible effects of the storm on. So we constantly do our risk assessments. We take in new information. We’re looking at how we can ensure that the exposure of the people’s exposure is minimized. But at the same time keeping things going. So it’s just like with the med service. It’s not an exact science we cannot say it The entire country will be affected, but we have to go on a case by case basis, hour by hour basis, and really looking at that, using that information for us to be able to update our risk assessments and to advise the government accordingly on what needs to be done.”

More Flood Warnings Issued Throughout Belize

This afternoon, Hurricane Beryl weakened from a category three to a category two storm; however, as Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon explained earlier in our newscast, the National Met Service is keeping an eye on the storm’s movements as it shows signs of strengthening. Flood warnings have been issued for areas under storm watch, as urban and flash flooding is expected in various parts of the country. Principal Hydrologist Tenielle Hendy explains.

 

                         Tenielle Hendy

Tenielle Hendy, Principal Hydrologist, NHS

“We have a flash flood warning for the coastal road and for it to be a little bit more specific we’re speaking in the areas of the Sibun Bridge located in La Democracia Village up until the Gales Point cut off. So we’re advising residents and motorists who are in this area to exercise extreme caution. When they’re using this coastal highway. We also have a flood alert, which means that flooding is possible and you need to be prepared. And Sibun River at Freetown Sibun. Of course, the Sibun River runs through from the west all the way down to just south of Belize City in the Deepwater Port area. So we’re asking for communities in these areas just to remain alert and to stay tuned to our advisories so that we can make the best decisions when determining our traveling arrangements. We also have a flood warning in effect for the Belize and Corozal districts, and we’re not only speaking about the major river systems that are in these districts, but we’re also speaking about tributaries, meaning rivers, creeks, and streams that are associated with those larger river systems. We expect urban flooding to occur on those systems. The rainfall that has been occurring in late June in Mexico, we’re now seeing those rivers coming into the country via the trans boundary influence, and we expect this to continue occurring until they’ve basically exited their countries coming into us, we’re at the, as a downstream country. With the passage of Beryl in that same area again, we can expect this to continue happening or occurring for the upcoming days ahead. In central coastal Belize district, the coastal road, as I mentioned before, we’re seeing very saturated Soil levels and this is a contributing factor for flash flooding as well as the rainfall volumes. We will keep monitoring these different conditions and we will update and advise accordingly via our daily flood forecast.”

Exit mobile version