August, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Minister Mahler says “UB is always an option and we should continue to look at that seriously”

In a recent statement, Anthony Mahler, the Minister of Tourism, commented on the location where the university hospital will be built. He acknowledged that the decision to move the hospital was based on technical recommendations from experts within the Ministry of Health.

Mahler stated, “From what was presented to us in cabinet, it was a technical decision by the technical experts within the ministry of health, and if they say that’s the most appropriate place for it to go, then we have to listen.”

Despite this, he also expressed support for Minister Fonseca’s view that the UB land should not be dismissed. Mahler added, “But I support minister Fonseca’s position as well that UB is always an option, and we should continue to look at that seriously.”

Belize Grows Focus on Becoming a Medical Tourism Hub

Belize is increasingly positioning itself as a hub for medical tourism, with a focus on integrating health services into its broader tourism strategy. In a recent interview, Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler said, “Tourism touches a lot of other sectors, a lot of other industries, health being one of them. When people look at a destination to come, they look at the health services provided.” Mahler noted the necessity for a robust health infrastructure to support the influx of visitors.

Mahler acknowledged that while medical tourism in Belize is still developing, progress is underway. “I think we have a ways to go with that, but it has started,” he said, referencing the provision of dental services to cruise passengers and the potential expansion into cosmetic surgeries as part of Belize’s evolving healthcare offerings.

In light of recent incidents, such as a shark attack involving a tourist, Mahler reassured that visitor perceptions remain largely unchanged. He praised the quick response of dive and tour operators, stating, “They did a wonderful job in ensuring that young lady survived.”

Addressing the decline of cruise tourism, Mahler identified the lack of a docking facility in Belize City as a key factor. “In terms of cruise, uh, we all know that we don’t have a docking facility in Belize City, um, uh, and we’re working towards that. And that is why we have the decline in numbers because the bigger cruise lines don’t come to Belize and they bypass Belize because they need a docking facility and tendering is not an option,” Mahler explained.

Minister Mahler says BIMFF is ‘Heading in the Right Direction in only Three Years’

Will the Belize International Music and Food Festival (BIMFF) return to San Pedro and Caye Caulker next year? Despite ongoing concerns about its financial viability, Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler acknowledged that while the festival is not expected to break even financially, it is meeting its goal of promoting economic development for Belize in the region post-COVID. The Minister stated that BIMFF is “heading in the right direction in only three years.”

In a recent interview, Mahler stated, “I don’t think the festival will ever breakeven… we consider it as an investment.”

The Minister emphasised the positive impact and increased activity experienced by local businesses in both Caye Caulker and San Pedro during the festival’s third edition.

In response to calls from Leader of the Opposition Moses “Shyne” Barrow for an audit of the festival’s finances, Mahler assured that financial reports will be “produced on their website” as done normally.

When asked about Vybz Kartel’s potential involvement in the next festival, Mahler expressed uncertainty about the value of such a meeting but remained open to exploring any promotional opportunities for Belize, saying “any exposure is exposure.”

Australia Introduces ‘Right to Disconnect’ Law to Support Work-Life Balance

Australia has introduced a “right to disconnect” law that provides relief to employees who feel obligated to respond to work-related calls or messages after their workday ends. The new legislation permits workers to ignore after-hours communications from their employers without the risk of facing penalties.

A survey last year revealed that Australians typically work an average of 281 hours of unpaid overtime annually. Similar laws are already in place in over 20 countries, primarily in Europe and Latin America.

The Australian law does not prohibit employers from reaching out to employees after hours; instead, it grants employees the right to choose not to respond unless doing so is deemed unreasonable. If disputes arise, they should first be addressed internally between employers and employees. Should they fail to reach an agreement, Australia’s Fair Work Commission (FWC) can intervene. The FWC may order employers to stop contacting employees after hours or require employees to respond if their refusal is considered unreasonable. Failure to comply with FWC orders can result in fines of up to A$19,000 for individuals or up to A$94,000 for companies.

Worker advocacy groups have welcomed the new law, seeing it as a step toward enabling a better work-life balance by allowing employees to refuse unreasonable after-hours work contact. The Australian Council of Trade Unions praised the law for empowering workers and promoting healthier work-life boundaries.

Workplace experts believe the new rules will benefit both employees and employers.

However, reactions among employees have been mixed. Some, like advertising industry worker Rachel Abdelnour, see the law as a positive step towards reducing the constant connectivity imposed by modern work demands. Others, such as David Brennan from the financial sector, remain skeptical about its impact, particularly in industries where high pay comes with an expectation of around-the-clock availability.

Lord Rhaburn Victim of Hit and Run

News Five has confirmed that musical legend Lord Rhaburn was a victim of a hit and run. The incident happened at around 11:19 p.m. on Thursday night in front of his residence on Coney Drive in Belize City. We are told that Rhaburn sustained injuries to his face and chest.

The driver of the car was heading north.

Lord Rhaburn has declined our request for an interview when we spoke with him at his home this morning.

We are waiting for an official police report on the matter. We’ll keep following this story.

Injured Police Constable Albina Teck Needs Your Help

Police Constable Albina Teck, stationed at the Seine Bight sub-station, was seriously injured in a road traffic accident while on duty on August 23rd. According to reports, she is currently in critical condition at the hospital with severe head injuries.

To support PC Teck’s medical expenses, the Seine Bight community has organised a fundraising BBQ. The event will be held at the Seine Bight Police substation on Wednesday, August 28th, starting at 10:30 AM until plates are sold out. Plates are priced at $10 each, with all proceeds going towards PC Teck’s medical bills.

Community members are encouraged to participate and purchase lunch. Pre-orders can be made via WhatsApp at 671-2659. Payments and pickups will be available during the BBQ on Wednesday.

The Seine Bight sub-station invites everyone to attend and support PC Teck.

Mathew and Virgin Martinez Honoured with Rosita Baltazar Prize for Dance

Mathew and Virgin Martinez of the Ugundani Garifuna Dance Group were awarded the Rosita Baltazar Prize for Dance. The Ugundani Garifuna Dance Group was founded in 1986 by Naomi Guzman, Rosel, Virgin, and Mathew Martinez. This recognition, announced on the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) official Facebook page, honours the Virgins’ significant contributions to preserving and promoting Garifuna culture through traditional dance and music.

NICH praised the Martinez duo for their “blend of managerial prowess and artistic vision” in showcasing Garifuna culture both in Belize and internationally.

Rosita Baltazar, the award’s namesake, was a renowned Belizean choreographer and dance instructor, recognised for her efforts in safeguarding Garifuna culture.

Similarly, the Ugundani Garifuna Dance Group has remained influential for preserving Garifuna heritage since UNESCO recognised Garifuna cultural elements as a masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001.

M.O.E. Responds to Veteran Teacher

During a protest in front of the Prime Minister’s office in Belmopan, veteran teacher and member of the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) Otilio Munoz, told the press that it was not fair for him to lose 27 years of “my life to my country. I felt that I had to resign.”

According to Munoz, he is totally against the CPDs (Continous Professional Development) hours being tied to the performance and qualification of a teacher. The ministry implemented the CPDs to ensure high standards of teaching and learning across the country. According to Munoz, each teacher is required to complete 120 hours to qualify for a license renewal. Munoz says that the CPDs requirements forced him to resign.

In response, the ministry posted on its Facebook page that it has “rejected ZERO licences since January 2024, except for teachers who did not meet respective qualifications for a new licence. NO LICENCES were rejected for incomplete CPD hours. These licence renewals are on hold.”

Munoz commented, “While on hold the teacher will not be able to get a salary nor be in a classroom teaching. Which teacher will be able to afford that when they have a mortgage a family to sustain and have their children studying in primary school,high school, tertiary and even university? Many teachers are leaving Belize to go to the US to teach or to Taiwan to teach English.” The ministry answered, “Hi Otilio, we appreciate you taking the time out to comment and raise this concern with us. On another note, personnel from the Ministry have tried to reach out to your via Facebook Messenger on another matter. Can you assist us by looking into any message requests you may have pending? Thank you once again for your time.” Munoz responded, “it’s too late because I had to resign! What bothers me is that I did an excellent job as a teacher ,as a principal,as a workshop facilitator, and as chairman of the district education council and still when I appeal for a special license as specified in the education rule which I met all the criteria the chief answered saying I cannot but gave me the option to do the cpd’s and then re apply for my renewal of my teacher’s license. I will say it over again having those cpd’s attached as a must for renewal of a teacher’s license is out of order and unconstitutional! As a Belizean I have the right to work! Any rules that supersedes my constitutional right is null and void. As a Justice of the Peace I believe in Justice!”

Other teachers commented on the post about delayed response. One said, “Mines has been on hold for over a year. I requested number of cpd hours. Still haven’t gotten it, no school will hire a teacher with a license on hold.”

Another said, “I don’t understand why it takes so long for personnel’s from ministry to respond to an email as it pertains to cpd hour obtain for teachers. I sent an email from June and no response. I’m attending UB and on my last leg prior internship for my bachelor’s degree so I want to know how many CPDS I’m qualified for thus far ? Or do I need to complete my degree to await a response? I need to know how many CPDS I’m short or if Im qualified to renew now.”

Belize and Guatemala Strengthen Trade Ties During High-Level Meeting

Prime Minister John Briceño led Belize’s delegation on an official visit to meet with H.E. President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala. The leaders discussed various aspects of the bilateral agenda.

The ministerial delegation included ministers Francis Fonseca, Florencio Marin, Christopher Coye, Michel Chebat, Oscar Requena, and Osmond Martinez.

During the visit, the delegation discussed security cooperation, the commitment to fully implementing the Partial Scope Agreement for trade, and potential areas for expansion. They also explored ways to improve interactions along the border region of Jalacate, Belize, and Santa Cruz, Guatemala, for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Prime Minister Briceño expressed his appreciation for President Arévalo’s support for Belize’s membership in the Council of Ministers of Finance for SICA and Belize’s observer status in SIECA. He emphasised that differences can be positively resolved through dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful diplomatic means.

The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) also met with their Guatemalan counterparts to explore opportunities for expanding trade. Prime Minister John Briceño has identified new markets to foster trade growth.

Market Vendors Complain About Unsanitary Situation

Some market vendors located near the bus terminal in Belize City have reached out to News Five, complaining of an overflowing garbage bin. One vendor told News Five that “the people in the market at pound yard needs for something to be done about this.. the smell is disgusting and unhealthy to those selling and making their purchases at the market.”

According to the vendor, the Ministry of Health has been contacted about the situation but nothing has been done. “The Ministry of Health has been contacted, and it seems as though they have been paid of because nothing is being done about it after numerous complaints,” the vendor said.

We understand that this has been the situation for the past 2-3 weeks.