Public outcry following the detention of a thirteen-year-old minor at the Wagner’s Youth Facility, under the existing state of emergency, has led to the transfer of the teenager to the New Beginnings Youth Center. Along with another fifteen-year-old boy, he will now receive the care needed for his development. There has been much controversy surrounding his imprisonment, despite police linking the teen to gang activity in his neighborhood. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams went on record earlier this week to justify the arrest and detention of the youth at the Belize Central Prison, much to the disappointment of his fellow attorneys. Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa, along with C.E.O.s in the ministries of Home Affairs and Human Development, visited the Wagner’s Youth Facility where he spoke with the young detainees about their concerns. Out of that interaction came a request from the teenagers to be included in Leadership Intervention programs upon their release. The Ministry of Home Affairs, in a statement released earlier today, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the rights of these young individuals are respected, regardless of the allegations made against them.
Day: August 2, 2024
Fonseca Disagrees with ComPol on Child Lock-up
This morning, ComPol Williams publicly said that he felt the child should have remained at Wagner’s to receive the rehabilitation that he needs. Today, when asked by reporters how he felt about the matter, the Minister of Education disagreed with the commissioner and said he was of the view that the child should have been placed in a different setting from the start.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
“The thirteen-year-old should not have been at Wagner’s Facility, should not have been in prison. I’m glad that they have moved him to the New Beginnings Centre, is where he is now. I think that was what should have been done in the first place. That is where he should have been sent in the first place. The Commissioner is right that there are serious challenges. We see that phenomenon growing where gangs are targeting these very young people. It’s not only in Belize. This is happening all over to commit very, very serious crimes. So we have to take it seriously, but we in Belize understands that we have international obligations. We have to make sure that we’re respecting the rights of children in particular, so that’s critically important, despite our understanding and appreciation that these are serious crimes being committed by some very young people, that we should do everything we can to make sure that we put them in the proper facilities where they can get the support and guidance that they need.”
Reporter
“Do you believe that the Convention on the rights of the child was breached in this case?”
Francis Fonseca
“Yeah, you know, I don’t think so because they had him in a separate space. He wasn’t among the general population of prisoners, so he was in a separate space but even so I’m not comfortable with that. As I said, it took some time, but I’m happy that it’s now resolved and that he is where he should have been in the first place.”
Former Chief Justice Abdulai Conteh Passes Away
Former Chief Justice of Belize, Abdulai Conteh has passed away. The Government of Belize has issued a press release stating that his tenure from 2000 to 2010 was marked by an unwavering dedication to the rule of law, his fidelity to the constitution of Belize, and his excellent contributions to the country’s legal system. In quoting from the release, the government states, “He served Belize with distinction. As an outstanding jurist, he was fair and fearless. Former Chief Justice’s leadership brought much-needed stability and reform to our judicial system. His tenure was characterized by his commitment to upholding the principles of justice and equality, as well as his modernization of the court system in Belize. His landmark rulings stood the test of time as an example of judicial excellence. Throughout his decade on the bench, Former Chief Justice Conteh introduced numerous reforms that strengthened the administration of justice in Belize,” unquote. The late former C.J. implemented in 2005, new Judges’ Rules, Supreme Court Rules, and a Code of Ethics and established a rigorous system for the delivery and practice of law. Today, Former Attorney General, Francis Fonseca said that Conteh served with great dignity.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
“He’s no stranger to Belizeans. In my view, he served with great dignity, integrity. His legal acumen is highly regarded in our legal community. We’re very saddened to hear of his passing. For the decade or so that he served in Belize he did great service to our jurisdiction and contributed tremendously to the growth of our jurisprudence in Belize so we acknowledge him and we pay respect to his life and contribution to Belize.”
National Assembly Building Undergoing $1.9 Million Renovations
Five decades after it was constructed, the National Assembly Building is undergoing some major renovations. As a result, its operations are being relocated to the George Price Centre. That is where House and Senate meetings will be taking place for the next twelve months. During that period, the National Assembly Building’s interior will undergo an entire facelift valued at one point nine million Belize dollars. Most of the funds came as a donation from the Republic of China, Taiwan. We spoke with Speaker of the House of Representatives Valerie Woods who gave us further insight into the renovation works.
Valerie Woods, Speaker, House of Representatives
“So it is a mixture of making it modernized, making sure it has improved accessibility by way of a lift, an elevator, making sure we address some of the issues within electricals and the roofings and so many other things that haven’t been attended for these five decades. So, for that to be done properly requires everything to be taken out. The structure itself won’t be demolished. They are working within. And strengthening where they need to strengthen but at the same time redo what needs to be redone. So what we intend to do based on the various consultations that MIDH has had with not only the user but also with the technocrats, the engineers, and electricians and so forth is to improve that rectangle design, the space where the media is, the galleries, with particular attention to make it accessible. And then to improve the space for the members but not changing the entire design because of the confines, unless we are demolishing. In an ideal setting it would be great if there were sufficient resources to allow for a complete haul over and even additional buildings. You have to remember that the parliamentary estate was built for eighteen people, and we are at thirty-one and with a staff of about eleven or twelve.”
National Assembly Meetings to Be Held at George Price Centre For 12 Months
The much smaller George Price Center will not be able to accommodate a public gallery inside the building. Speaker Woods explained that special accommodations will be made for the public and the media. She gave further insight into the proposed layout for House and Senate meetings.
Valerie Woods, Speaker, House of Representative
“If you have been to the George Price Center you would appreciate the limitations there, but it is for practical purposes. The most realistic area for us to go to is to keep expenses down but at the same time the function of parliament is not interrupted. So, it won’t have space for a public gallery but if there is public viewing the intention is to have it outside under a tent with a digital screen. Inside we are using mostly the upstairs, the first floor, the main auditorium, would be what the chamber is. It will have its two-member room, the chamber and a small space there for the media. And then, on the other side of that there will be the staff administrative workspace. Downstairs in one of the one remaining meeting rooms would be what the committee room is for the National Assembly. The museum for the father of the nation, that remains, but that would be the main quarters for administrative team for the center. That would be their office and continued program for the year.”
S.S.B. to Discuss Collective Bargaining Agreement with C.W.U.
Members of the Christian Workers Union have taken to social media to voice frustration with the Social Security Board. On the union’s Facebook page, they called for prompt action from the S.S.B., demanding to meet and form a Collective Bargaining Agreement (C.B.A.) on both parties’ terms. Over the past week, members have also worn a black ribbon to signify a sense of loss and disappointment. Today, we spoke with C.E.O. Deborah Ruiz, who says the board and the C.W.U. will be meeting today to discuss the matter. However, as far as she is aware, the board has not acted against standard protocol.
Deborah Ruiz, C.E.O., S.S.B.
“I am to meet with the union today to find out exactly what is the issue because honestly, I don’t know what the issue is. We did have an agreement signed last year December, you may recall. So I do have a meeting this afternoon to find out exactly. As far as management is concerned, we have no breach of any agreement. So I want to get a clear understanding what exactly is their issue. They may not agree with certain management decisions, but that is not a breach of the C.B.A.. So I just want clarity. And we are going to speak to that this afternoon.”
Reporter
“May have to do with the issue we saw, I think, earlier in this year, maybe last year, pertaining to one employee who they said the union SSB didn’t move in accordance with time or something like that?”
Deborah Ruiz
“As far as I know, that is not one of the issues that was put forward on the table for me to discuss today. So I’m not aware that that is an issue for them.”
Reporter
“So it’s that there is a C.B.A. in place, but it seems that the union is somewhat saying that S.S.B. has breached that C.B.A.?”
Deborah Ruiz
“That is what I understand they have been saying on their Facebook page. They have not approached management with that breach, as they say. I have not seen any breach.”
S.S.B. Responds to N.T.U.C.B., Reiterates Boards Compliance to Legislation
On July twenty-fourth, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize issued a letter to the Social Security Board, voicing complaints on several matters. These concerns consisted of the decision to employ a deputy C.E.O. without informing the N.T.U.C.B. In the letter, the union also maintains that the S.S.B. has consistently excluded the N.T.U.C.B. from important decision-making processes. Shortly after, the S.S.B. issued a response to the union, maintaining that the board has adhered to protocol in these instances.
Deborah Ruiz, C.E.O., S.S.B.
“I think it was I think the letters are clear. I don’t know what else to say about that. That’s their perspective. We follow the guidelines as to how matters are tabled before the board. And the board in their wisdom, as a unit cast their vote, they are given opportunity to weigh in and the majority per the regulations is what decides on a vote.”
Reporter
“Do you think that may have signaled that there was some sort of underlying turbulence within the relationship between the union and S.S.B.?”
Deborah Ruiz
“I have never seen that. Our board has worked particularly well together. Yes. No, I don’t know what, so that is a matter that we have an open board and I’m sure the matter will be discussed further.”
S.S.B. Observes Increase in Respiratory Illnesses
Last month, the Ministry of Health and Wellness recorded a slight increase in the number of COVID cases in Belize. While the virus has resurfaced, the ministry stressed that there has not yet been a need for an official caution. Additionally, respiratory illnesses have also been on the rise. Today, C.E.O. Deborah Ruiz said that the board has recorded an increase in respiratory diseases.
Deborah Ruiz C.E.O., S.S.B.
“We don’t necessarily see an increase in COVID. We do see respiratory diseases, and it could very well be because persons are not going to the hospital to get tested or using the homemade kits. But yes, there are increases in the respiratory, but not COVID or post COVID times. Not a significant increase per se.”
Reporter
“When did you see this update, or when was it noticed?”
Deborah Ruiz
“We monitor cases on a monthly basis, so in terms of what I report to the board, we will look at the top ten diagnosis, and there’s always respiratory infection that is high on the list apart from hypertension and the other types of issues.”
Reporter
“So that has been so far for the year?”
Deborah Ruiz
“Yes.”
New S.S.B. C.E.O. to be Revealed Next Week
After forty-two years at the Social Security Board, Chief Executive Officer Deborah Ruiz is stepping down from her post. Ruiz has served as C.E.O. since 2022 but has chosen not to renew her contract this year. We spoke with her today, who explained the decision to retire. She also informed us when the new C.E.O. will be announced. Here’s more on that.
Deborah Ruiz, C.E.O., S.S.B.
“I feel good. Yes, my term has come to an end, so you could consider it my official retirement. I decided not to renew, to take care of myself. I have served the organization forty-two years, I started out as a temporary clerk and have reached to the C.E.O. level. And I just think it’s time for me to take care of me for a bit. And so I decided not to renew and go into my own pursuits at this time.”
Reporter
“Do you have any word in terms of your replacements?”
Deborah Ruiz
“Please come to the connect next week and the announcement will be made next week.”
Medical Internship Preparing Doctors for the Realities of Health Care in Belize
Working in the healthcare sector as a medical doctor can be very challenging, especially in Belize where resources are sometimes very scarce. So, when medical students return home after spending five years or more receiving their academic certification, they must undergo a sort of indoctrination into Belize’s healthcare system. The proper term is medical internship or residency. Any medical doctor wanting to practice in Belize must participate in the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ one-year Medical Internship Program. Upon completion of the program, they receive their license to practice medicine in Belize. Today, News Five’s Paul Lopez visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital to find out more about how the program is contributing to the improvement of healthcare services in Belize. Here is that report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Seven hundred staff members work within the four walls of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. K.H.M.H. has the largest population of employees under one roof in the country. This is where doctors who desire to practice in Belize do their internship or residency to receive their medical license.
Dr. Gerald Castillo, Medical Intern, K.H.M.H.
“It has been a building process.”
Dr. JonMarie Young, Medical Intern, K.H.M.H.
“We get to practice procedures, be in surgeries, we get a lot of hands-on experience.”
Dr. Aaliyah Abraham, Medical Intern, K.H.M.H.
“It is just as important as the theoretical part, because you can know the theory but if you don’t know how to do what you need to do then that is difference between saving a person and causing more harm.”
John Waight has been the coordinator of the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Medical Internship Program since its inception just over a decade ago. A hundred and eighty-two interns have completed the program under his tutelage. That is just over thirty percent of five hundred and sixty-three medical doctors that are currently licensed to practice in Belize.
Dr. John Waight, Coordinator, Medical Internship Program
“It is a period of further training which is designed to prepare the recently graduated medical doctor for safe and independent practice in the nation on Belize, the emphasis is Belize, because medicine does vary more than a little bit from place to place and the idea is to prepare these doctors who have completed their university degrees for safe, that they do no harm and independent, when they go through the door they are on their own and can function as a medical officer for example in the public service or they can work as a primary care doctor in one of the NHI clinics or they can even open their own private clinics and see patients.”
Dr. Gerald Castillo
“For there the different patients we don’t even see them because they go straight to the specialist clinics. But here we are the ones that have to see those patients and manage and treat. So, with that it has been a great experience to know how Belize does management for those patients.”
“What does it do for your confidence as a doctor?”
Dr. Gerald Castillo
“Oh, it skyrockets it.”
“There are four major services in the hospital, medicine, surgery, obstetrics and pediatrics and they spend three months in each. The medical service includes a short stay in emergency medicine and accident and the surgical is divided into orthopedic surgery and general surgery. Obstetrics is obstetrics and pediatrics is the neonatal unit. What do they do, when assigned to the given service, they are the primary doctors dealing with the patients.”
Paul Lopez
“One would consider it alright, if we study overseas, perhaps we are unequipped to expose them to that level of training.”
“Well, you hit a cord, when I came back here a long time ago, my supervisor said, John you will do well in Belize, because you can improvise. We have made strides, but it is not quite like that, but at times you do have to improvise. That is one thing.”
“I would think it has more to do with the social aspect of the country how women are being pushed more to get an education, to be more independent, versus men, maybe men have more pressure to sustain their families from a very early age. I think there is a lot more socio-economic factors relating to that.”
Each of these doctors have a different story on how life led them to engage the field in which they are currently employed, but in speaking with them, they all shared a similar vision, to improve the healthcare system in Belize. This is evident in Doctor Aaliyah Abraham, the first medical practitioner in her family.
“Sometimes they tend to say that it is the nurses that are more compassionate towards them.”
Paul Lopez
“How much pride do you take in compassion?”
Dr. Aaliyah Abraham
“A lot, because that is when you find your patient will be freer with the information they have to offer, and it will help you to diagnose and help to treat them.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.