August, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Elon Musk’s X Sues Advertising Giants, Claims ‘Illegal Boycott’

X, formerly known as Twitter, launched a high-profile antitrust lawsuit against the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM), the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA), and major corporations CVS Health, Mars, Orsted, and Unilever. The lawsuit, announced via an open letter from X’s CEO Linda Yaccarino on August 6, 2024, accuses these entities of orchestrating an “illegal boycott” against X and other companies.

The lawsuit follows a contentious period marked by Musk’s attempts to improve relations with advertisers at the Cannes Lions festival. “The illegal behaviour of these organisations and their executives costs X billions of dollars,” Yaccarino stated.

The open letter alleges that GARM and the WFA are engaged in unlawful practices aimed at undermining X’s position in the market. GARM, a cross-industry initiative formed in 2019 to tackle harmful content on digital platforms, and the WFA have yet to comment publicly on the suit.

Louis P. Di Lorenzo, a partner at law firm Davis + Gilbert with a specialisation in advertising and marketing, highlighted the complexity of antitrust cases involving trade associations. “Every industry has their own trade associations, and they do have to be careful. Typically, for a trade association, there will be rules and standards about what can be discussed, what can be on the agenda, and making sure that nothing is being done for an unlawful purpose,” said Di Lorenzo.

The legal challenge for X will be proving that the boycott was more than a moral stance and constituted anti-competitive behaviour.

As the lawsuit progresses, the implications for X and the named advertisers are still unfolding.

Belize Water Services Celebrates National Pride with $50,000 Sponsorship for September Celebrations

As Belize gears up for its September celebrations, Belize Water Services (BWS) presented a generous $50,000 sponsorship to the National Celebrations Commission of Belize.

Under Chairman Francis Fonseca’s leadership, the National Celebrations Commission says it will honor Belize’s 43rd Independence Anniversary with the theme “A Nation Proud and Free: Belize @ 43.”

The substantial contribution from BWS underscores their commitment to national pride and unity. The funds will support a variety of events throughout this year’s celebrations, ensuring that the 43rd anniversary is both vibrant and unforgettable.

GoB Launches Two-Day Workshop to Enhance Marine Resource Management

The Government of Belize launched a crucial two-day National Enforcement Workshop aimed at enhancing the management and protection of Belize’s marine and coastal resources. This workshop, part of the Belize Blue Bonds initiative, is a pivotal step in formulating a National Enforcement and Conservation Monitoring Strategy and Action Plan.

Beginning on August 6, 2024, the workshop brings together key stakeholders, including government officials, non-governmental organisations, fisheries associations, and academic experts. The primary objective is to identify current gaps and opportunities to improve fisheries enforcement and conservation monitoring. Through collaborative efforts, participants will outline priority strategies and actions, which will shape the upcoming national strategy and action plan.

The National Enforcement and Conservation Monitoring Strategy and Action Plan is designed to enhance the effectiveness of fisheries management and conservation efforts, ensuring better protection of Belize’s marine resources and supporting local livelihoods. The strategy, spearheaded by the Fisheries Department and the Belize Coast Guard, is set to be completed by March 2025. According to an official statement, this initiative is supported by the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit, the Belize Fund, and The Nature Conservancy.

U.D.P. Power Struggle Continues

Tonight, we bring you another episode of the U.D.P.’s political drama. Tonight’s installment features U.D.P. Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow and his challenger, Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton. Panton fired off a letter to the chairman of the U.D.P.’s Ethics and Integrity Committee, Aldo Salazar, when she saw this flyer circulating. The flyer calls for interested persons to submit applications to become the next standard bearer for Caribbean Shores. In her letter, Panton tellls Salazar (quote) “As far as I am aware, the decision to remove of the current Standard Bearer is unconstitutional and, therefore, illegal. There must be a convening of a National Party Council Meeting for such a decision to be taken by its membership.” She continues, quote, “I urge you to look into this matter post haste so that this decision can be rescinded with immediate effect.” Sources within the U.D.P. tell News Five that this is the latest move from the party’s leadership to have Panton removed for leading the charge against Barrow. And, Panton has been throwing a lot of shade on Facebook. Her most recent post states, quote, “I stand in solidarity with ALL women who are abused, bullied, disrespected, disregarded or threatened by insecure men who would do just about anything to ensure she does not have a seat at the table”, end quote.

Dr. Leroy Almendarez on Being S.S.B.’s New C.E.O.

On Thursday night, we told you who the new chief executive officer of the Social Security Board will be. That person is Doctor Leroy Almendarez, who is leaving his position as executive director of BELTRAIDE to head the S.S.B. He replaces Deborah Ruiz who decided not to renew her contract. Doctor Almendarez is expected to officially take up the post on August nineteenth. Today at the annual, S.S.B. Connect Forum, Doctor Almendarez spoke to the press.

Deborah Ruiz, C.E.O., S.S.B.

“When I submitted my notice that I did not intend to renew the board former search committee an open advertisement was made, and we had several persons respond. So we had a short list and we had interviews being done. So he was selected through an interview process on the recommendation of the committee table to the board and a discussion. Had on the recommendation was supported. So we have an incoming C.E.O. in the person of Doctor Leroy Almendarez we also have a deputy C.E.O. coming in the person of mister Jerome Palma.”

Dr. Leroy Almendarez, Incoming C.E.O., S.S.B.

“In terms of transition, I must say that understanding the role that social security is supposed to play in our society. The United Nations really basically said it’s a human right when it comes to social protection, when it comes to creation of employment and skill building and those kind of things, and the fact that you should be able to participate. So for me, it’s really moving into a situation where I think I have an understanding, but it’s until you enter the organization, then you get a full understanding. But for me, like I said, one of the major things where it’s concerned, S.S.B. is concerned, is the fact that it’s contributors money. It’s employees, it’s employers and employees money. If you work for yourself, it makes it even more challenging. And so the security of that fund The fact that the fund must continue to grow.”

Incoming S.S.B. C.E.O. Promises an Era of Dialogue and Transparency

Today, at the annual S.S.B. Connect forum, the Executive Director of BELTRADE, Doctor Leroy Almendarez, was introduced as the incoming C.E.O. of the Social Security Board. Doctor Almendarez is assuming the post amidst tensions between the board, the Christian Workers Union, and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize. In recent weeks, the unions have written to the board expressing frustration over their alleged exclusions from crucial meetings and conversations. We spoke with Doctor Almendarez about how he plans to navigate this transition. Here’s what he had to say.

Leroy Almendarez, Incoming C.E.O., S.S.B.

“I consider the unions, let’s say that remember they represent labor It’s important for them to protect the people, you know that they represent because everybody cannot come to the table I intend, and I say I in this case, to have a next, to have a relationship, to have open dialogue with the unions. In essence, let it not get to the public. The door will be open where we can discuss these things in advance, so it does not have to be escalated. Where we think that, it, it requires a situation where the board needs to intervene, Then it’s for me to listen and take that information to the chair and say, okay, we need to look at this even more closely because there’s a, I believe that for every situation there is a resolution. And so when I saw, for example, the black ribbons on some members of staff, knowing that I was going to take over and say, okay, why, how did we get here? Because where I work now, we don’t get there, right? We resolve internal issues, of course, even in the absence of a union. But they represent the people that they represent even if they’re employees of social security. It is my job working along with the deputy working along with the you know with the management team and in you know really in cohesion with the board to make sure that the work that we do are in fact all for the benefit of those internal let me say this quickly if you do not make the environment conducive for your internal customers where your square employees, then the external customers will be disadvantaged because you will not get the kind of service that they’re supposed to be getting. We build a team, we create an environment where people feel welcome, to perform. But as I said, where the unions are concerned, they are there for a reason. And one of the things I will not do. It’s a close the door from the unions when they say we need to dialogue.”

C.W.U. says ‘Everything Positive’ with the S.S.B.

The Christian Workers Union and the Social Security Board are in dialogue over the conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. After the recent announcement that the board would be hiring a deputy C.E.O., the union claims that the post was not adequately advertised, which they maintain is contradictory to the conditions of the agreement. However, Leonora Flowers, president of the C.W.U., says that the parties have since been in discussion about the matter, and she expects positive progress in the future.

Leonora Flowers, President, C.W.U.

“We are getting to those as we speak. We have different meetings set up and we’re going to work to those. Everything’s positive going forward.”

Reporter

“Are there any details you can share with us because I believe the last time we spoke with miss Ruiz, she said she wasn’t aware that there were any issues.”

Leonora Flowers

“Since then, we have sat down with the C.E.O. and her team, management, and we have discussed those issues. Most of them have been reviewed in a positive light, positive form so far and we have others that we have to work on.”

Reporter

“So in light of what you’ve just said do you guys have like maybe an estimated timeline when you’re hoping to have all those discussions wrapped up?”

Leonora Flowers

“Not yet. Because we go back to the table again. The timeline is not yet set. We have more dialogue to do.”

Reporter

“Is the issues, is it that there were problems with what was currently in the C.B.A.? Is there a signed C.B.A. and was it things inside that needed to be changed?”

Leonora Flowers

“No, not really change. It’s just that management needs to be reminded every so often that the C.B.A. says this. And so when you step out the line, the union has to say you’re stepping out the line and we expect you to abide by those. That’s how we did. And that’s how we continue to do every time we sit with SSB, remind them that the C.B.A. stands, that’s like our Bible for our members. So if you step out the line, we have to remind you. There’s a process to do that. So that’s what we did. We sat at the table. You’re not doing this. We don’t believe we think you’re disrespecting our members. We think you’re going and we cannot allow this to continue So that’s what we continue to do every time.”

Trisha Perez, Education Director, N.T.U.C.B.

“I do know that it’s something new to SSB and new to our union members as well. What I do believe I’ve been informed of is that they don’t do promotions in S.S.B. They generally do interviews and lately they did some promotions and that’s something new. Which goes against the C.B.A. Along with that, recently I believe they Change it from promotion to reclassification, which is also something new. And when you’re dealing with terms and conditions of workers that are covered under a collective bargaining agreement, you should be going within the guidelines of that C.B.A. So there is some friction there. I know, but I don’t have an update for you as yet.”

Ruiz Maintains S.S.B. has Included Unions in Necessary Dialogues

Over the past few months, tensions have been high between the Social Security Board and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize. In a letter sent to the board, the union members claimed they have been consistently excluded from important dialogues, such as the decision to hire a deputy C.E.O. for the board. The S.S.B. then issued a release, maintaining that all proper protocol had been adhered to. We asked C.E.O. Deborah Ruiz for an update on the discussions between the parties. Here’s what she had to say.

Debora Ruiz, C.E.O., S.S.B.

“In terms of a discussion, I know that would be at the board level. So I’m not aware that a meeting per se has been had, apart from our board meeting, where the board has been meeting. The N.T.U.C.B. is a member of our board, so discussions have been had at our board level. But in terms of resolving concerns, I think that would merit further conversation with our board, no? I can’t speak to that at this time.”

Britney Gordon

“One of the issues that they had brought up was a lack of transparency and communication between the S.S.B. and the N.T.U.C.B.”

Debora Ruiz

“The N.T.U.C.B. is a vital partner. They sit on our board. I’m not sure if the concern that you refer to refers to the N.T.U.C.B. proper or the persons who they nominate to sit on our board. The persons who are nominated to sit on the board, the way the process works is that if any matter comes up for a decision, we have prepared board agenda, we have decision matters, and we have other matters. If suggestions come up on the other matters, then as the nominee for the whatever whether it be the chamber or the N.T.U.C.B. or the government of Belize, they have a vote. And the vote is by majority. Those are the rules of the organization. Yes, that is as far as I could see. But normally, any substantial matter, we do try to give notice by presenting the papers early that they have a chance to review. The concern for me personally would be in terms of how that is done, because some matters are private to the directors of the company. It’s all depends on how they manage their fiduciary responsibility.”

U.D.P. Calls For L.I.U. Audit; L.I.U. Chair Says “My Doors Are Open”

In July, the United Democratic Party called for an independent audit of the Leadership Intervention Unit, citing credible allegations of malfeasance, misappropriation, and misuse of public funds. According to the opposition, checks are allegedly being issued to individuals who have left the country and are seeking asylum in the U.S., as well as to those incarcerated for gang-related activities. They also claim that the L.I.U. is being used to funnel public funds to political operatives. Today, reporters asked L.I.U. Chairperson Dominique Noralez to respond to these allegations. Here’s what she had to say.

Dominque Noralez, Chairperson, L.I.U.

“First, I think it’s important to establish that I am not a politician and so I don’t respond to partisan propaganda. Secondly, always open to an audit, it is the government’s funds, and if it is something that the leader of opposition can galvanize support to request an audit, then by all means, my doors are open, my processes are transparent, and even more efficient now given our transition to Digi Wallet. In fact, all of my employees have been paid since eight fifteen this morning, as opposed to six o’clock in the evening when they get a check. So, I’m always open to an audit. I have no problem with that.”

Reporter

“One of the things that the leader of opposition had said was that there are people who are not even living in Belize. I don’t know where he got that information from, as well as people who may have been dead, who would have still been under the L.I.U. program.”

Dominique Noralez

“Well, in order to be on the leadership intervention unit program and receive any assistance from us, you have to bring in a social security card, which means those people have to be alive. And so, getting this thing about people being dead and getting paid, that is not the kind of ship I run. My list has been renewed about two or three weeks ago, which is why the transition to Digi Wallet is easier now. So, everybody has to have to hand in a social security. That is a part of the accountability mechanisms from the central bank to use these e-wallets. And so there, there is really, there are no complaints to be made. Everyone is alive and everyone is receiving their funds from the L.I.U.”

Reporter

“But before you came on board, what did you find?”

Dominique Noralez

“There were some issues with structure. That has been the first year of my tenure really. Fixing the structural issues and making sure my team is up to par with making sure that we can deliver the services that the cabinet paper that brought the L.I.U. to life in visage. So before there were some structural issues, we’ve since fixed those and we move to the future with renewed vigor.”

Minor’s Statement Did Not Implicate Ryan Mendez

On Thursday night, we reported on the transfer of Corporal Anastacio Uh from San Pedro Town to Belize City on August first, following his involvement in an incident involving alleged police abuse. Corporal Uh took the statement of a fifteen-year-old minor on July seventh after Sergeant Devin Makin was filmed pistol-whipping twenty-two-year-old Ryan Mendez. Makin claimed he acted under the belief that Mendez was armed after allegedly chasing the minor with a firearm. However, the minor’s statement, which News Five has obtained, did not support Makin’s account. The boy stated he saw someone running toward him but couldn’t identify the person or confirm if they were armed. This contradicts Makin’s assertion that the minor reported being chased by an armed individual. The minor explained that he ran to safety at a nearby bar before Sergeant Makin arrived and questioned him. Without solid evidence or identification, police were unable to charge Mendez. We will continue to monitor this developing story.