Global standards suggest that the time between harvesting and milling sugarcane should not exceed twenty-four hours. This is known as the “kill to mill” time. In Belize, the kill to mill time far exceeds twenty-four hours. There are reports of farmers delivering sugarcane to the mill fifteen days after burning. One commissioner referred to this as unacceptable. He asked B.S.I. what the barriers are to reducing this time. Here is how she responded.
Olivia Avilez, Cane Farmers Relations Manager
“There are several barriers, and I will give you an anecdote there. Some of our field workers this year saw canes burn for fifteen days, fifteen days and one of the key issues here is the screen testing or individual cane truck testing does not exist in our industry. As you would know from world international standards, if you cannot individually test a truck, you cannot determine payment for that specific truck or field and so the farmer is not compensated based on cane quality. No human being will do or invest and implement better practices if there is not an incentive. In our case an incentive is the cane payment. We have come from 2010 a TCTS of over twelve tons of cane to one ton of sugar to around ten. We were to eight point seven, nine TCTS which has been good. The farmers have shown generally when they work together the quality of cane can improve and the kill to mill can reduce.”
A move has been made by the Alliance for Democracy, a caucus within the United Democratic Party, to recall the leadership of Shyne Barrow. Earlier today, Albert Area Rep Tracy Panton and Second Deputy Leader Beverly Williams delivered a petition signed by as many as two hundred and eight delegates from across seventeen constituencies. The latest attempt by the Alliance is to unseat Barrow as party leader. Citing Article 9 (7) of the U.D.P. Constitution, the press release states that the party leader can be, “removed from office at any time following a petition signed by at least one-third of the registered delegates of the National Convention and a vote of at least two-thirds of the registered delegates in attendance voting at the convention”. Panton appeared as a guest on Open Your Eyes on Monday and had this to say on the matter.
Tracy Panton
Tracy Panton, Area Representative, Albert
“The Alliance has tried to remain and is committed to remaining within the framework of the constitution. We can’t be promoting the constitution and not want to respect it ourselves. Provisions within the constitution which we can use to try and get our voices heard internally, that’s the process we’re on. There will be no doubt at the end of this process that we did everything possible, within the confines of the constitution, to correct the ship, if you will. There are still provisions in the constitution that we can utilize and we have to go there if we are forced to go there. For example, there is an opportunity for a recall of the party leader. We don’t want to go there if we don’t have to go there but unless we can get a response, unless we can find a way forward, we will have to act accordingly.”
There’s a shortage of teachers at some primary schools around the country, brought on by the resignation of educators before the opening of the new school year. We have received digital copies of advertisements posted for vacancies at two primary schools. There are three scenarios that we’ve learned about that are causing the situation – teachers face a delay in receiving the history of their Continuous Professional Development. Those in remote areas also leave when they find better jobs or more convenient areas to teach. Others simply leave for teaching jobs outside of Belize. News Five’s Marion Ali has a report on the issue.
Marion Ali, Reporting
There is a shortage of schoolteachers in Belize’s education system and there are two main reasons why this is taking place. Herman Ramirez is a member of the national executive of the Catholic Primary Schools Principals Association.
Herman Ramirez
Herman Ramirez, Member, Nat’l Exec.,Catholic Primary School Principals Assn
“We had two teachers that in the last minute they sent out, you know, information that they’re actually requesting to be released, requesting to be transferred, requesting to resign, and that sort of thing. And normally this would happen, especially in the rural areas, where you have teachers commuting to teach.”
Ramirez is also the principal of our Lady of Lourdes RC School in Maskall Village. He says that there are now three vacancies for teachers, two have resigned and the third is on long leave. President of the Belize National Teachers Union, Nadia Caliz tells News Five that teachers are opting for better-paying jobs elsewhere.
Nadia Caliz
Nadia Caliz, President, BNTU
“At the secondary level, we do have a shortage when it comes to skill set. Many of the teachers don’t have the necessary content and pedagogy in the area. So, it’s hard for, for the ministry or for schools to pull these vacancies unless MOE changes its criteria. That’s for the secondary. For the primary now, the issue has to do with the fact that not only primary but secondary as well too. We have different countries who have different teacher programs. The salaries are attractive, and our teachers have decided that they want to explore those options.”
According to Caliz, teachers have also been leaving to take up jobs at call centers. For those who wish to remain in the profession, however, she lays blame on the Ministry of Education.
Nadia Caliz
“Every teacher needs to meet 120 continuous professional development hours. They must meet that. That’s a requirement for a license renewal. Some of the teachers have met that, but they have a issue is that they cannot get the certificate. The document that says you have 120 CPD hours, they apply to the Teacher Learning Institute, the TLI, and they are still waiting to get that. Without that, you are not going to be given a new license.”
Marion Ali
“That comes from where?”
Nadia Caliz
“That comes from the Ministry of Education.”
Marion Ali
“Is it an issue where teachers wait until the last minute to get this accreditation and then they find that they’re caught up in a bottleneck situation?”
Nadia Caliz
“There are a few teachers like that and they’re not the majority. And I don’t want for the impression to be given that majority of teachers are like that.”
Caliz shared a scenario where a teacher who underwent brain surgery and who was unable to complete her required number of accredited hours was denied her teachers license. She has reportedly requested an audience with Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca to discuss the problems that teachers are faced with. Meanwhile, Ramirez tells us that they have met with education officials and are waiting for the matter to be resolved. But with classes resuming on Monday, Our Lady of Lourdes, like others that have a shortage of teachers will have to carry on the best way they could.
Herman Ramirez
“We have spoken to our staff and we have said we’re going to try and reach out again, send out the advertisement to try and see if we can secure some teachers to fill the post. But in the meantime, we teachers will have to share classrooms and we will have to see what we can do to make sure that we can operate, have the children in class and have school operating as normal.”
On Monday, the Government of Belize sought to clarify information surrounding the purchase of fifteen acres of private land for use as the proposed location for the construction of a tertiary level hospital in Belmopan. While the property was bought for almost seven million dollars, the Minister of Health and Wellness told reporters that the financial transaction with businessman Kenny Zheng was completed in three instalments.
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness
“The government did not buy the land in just one payment. There was a down payment. It was done in three payments, actually. It’s a standard purchasing agreement, a down payment was made in June. In July, another instalment was made and then the balance was paid off. Now let me also give the rationale as to why this happened. As you know, when dealing with the IFIs and the multinationals and these loans, if you are going to construct any facility or any loan that is being had for any investment within, in the case of the hospital, the property must be under the Government of Belize. Ownership must be had. Time is also of essence and we need to ensure that the work and the project gets done. We’re not going to be, and I am saying this here because I am not going to be like the former Minister of Health who got up there, boasted, had big pump and circumstance about a thirty-million-dollar grant funding, which he ended losing, for building the hospital. We are making sure it goes through the right process and we are following the condition of the loan agreement. Minister Julius Espat was very clear in his response when it was asked of him and similarly, if you look at the road network that would have to have been invested alone, you’re talking about close to seven million dollars just in the nine-mile stretch of road. You also have to understand that in addition to that, as the technocrats at BWS have said, you’re going to have to invest another two point five million dollars in terms of getting the water and sewerage system in place.”
On Monday, the Government of Belize held a press conference to answer the questions on the minds of every Belizean regarding the six-point-nine-million-dollar land purchased to build a University Hospital in Belmopan. The facility was initially supposed to be constructed on land belonging to the University of Belize, which would come at no cost to the government. Nonetheless, a technical team advised the Briceño administration otherwise. When we caught up with Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler, we asked for his take on the situation.
Reporter
“You spoke about, how much incidents that happened that affected the tourism industry. So with the Belmopan Hospital being built, and your thoughts on the location change, because I know they changed it because of the accessibility?”
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
“What are you asking me?
Reporter
Your thoughts on moving it from where it was supposed to be, on the UB land, to the front of Belmopan.”
Anthony Mahler
“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 but I support Minister Fonseca’s position as well that UB is always an option and we should continue to look at that seriously.”
While at the head table, Minister of Health Kevin Bernard allayed concerns of any legal action to be taken against the Government of Belize for its purchase of the land in question. C.E.O. Julio Sabido also reiterated that the University Hospital, despite it not being a teaching hospital, will be made available to medical students attending U.B.
Paul Lopez
“Do you foresee any sort of legal action coming against the government where this deal is concerned and how then do we move forward if that is the case?”
Kevin Bernard
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness
“I’m not sure why you’re referring to legal action. Now, if we had really taken advantage of the owner of the land that’s where I would have presumed legal action. If we would have gone to what some people were saying compulsorily acquiring the land, then we could have ended up costing the Belizean people far more money. It was a genuine, like I said, there was no smoking gun. Clear procedures were followed, a clear assessment was made and we have now gotten the land for us to proceed with the work of constructing as soon as the other phase has been completed.”
Julio Sabido
Julio Sabido, C.E.O., Ministry of Health & Wellness
“There is going to be the access for that hospital, it will still be a teaching hospital as it relates to UB’s part. The primary purpose of this hospital that will be built is not to be a teaching hospital. The primary purpose is to deliver secondary and tertiary services to the population. The added value, the icing on the cake is that UB will now have a place where they can send their students to study and practice before they become medical practitioners.”
The name has been around in the carnival scene for many years. Belizean Jewels Mas Band has snagged titles in carnival competitions and then left the scene before returning. And this year, that mas band has over two hundred revelers who will dance their way along the carnival route. In this week’s edition of Kolcha Tuesday, News Five’s Marion Ali stops in for a visit with Belizean Jewels. Here’s that report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Belizean Jewels Mas Band has over two hundred revelers who will represent ten different segments of that carnival group on the big day. On Sunday, they were out in numbers at their Euphrates Avenue location for regular practice. And to make the occasion special, there was even live entertainment.
Shanice Garbutt
Shanice Garbutt, Program Officer, Belizean Jewels Mas Band
“The occasion is nothing. Belizean Jewels always come with a bang every time. It’s always a lot of surprises. As you can see, today was a random day of violinists and singers to various Soca songs and we can’t wait as well to show you all what you guys will be experiencing at our mass camp.”
Shanice Garbutt is the Program Officer for Belizean Jewels Mas Band. She says while the sessions are fun, they’re also important.
Shanice Garbutt
“We gather here every Sunday from three to 9:00 p.m., and being a competing band, we have to do choreographed moves. So we’re very strict on that when it comes to that. However, we do have our freestyle section, which anyone can come and join and they do their freestyle dance.”
Amber Saunders, one of the revelers, is already feeling the carnival hype and is ready to go.
Amber Saunders
Amber Saunders, Reveler, Belizean Jewels Mass Band
“We come with a bang. You know, just expect a lot of colors, a lot of energy, and you know, just a positive vibe, a positive feel of what Belizean Jewels really is. And how, as one family, we come together and we just do what we have to doand execute whatever.”
Marion Ali
Can you share anything about the team or no?
Amber Saunders
“All I can say is look out to see what we’re doing. So, our King and Queen will reveal what needs to get revealed.”
So what will the costumes for the Belizean Jewels look like? That’s still a closely guarded secret and so is the mas band’s special attraction in the actual road march.
Shanice Garbutt
“We’re finished with most of our costumes. We’re working on King and Queen, which is next week – almost finished with that as well. And we can’t wait to win that.”
Marion Ali
“So is there anything you’re coming with new this year? I mean, people say well carnival takes on a life on it of its own – the colors, music, dance moves and so forth.”
Shanice Garbutt
“I cannot say.”
Marion Ali
“You can’t?”
Shanice Garbutt
“No, I cannot say what to expect for the road march.”
Marion Ali
“You’ll have something new?”
Shanice Garbutt
“Yes, we have something very new for the entire audience and you’ll see that at our judging station and we can’t wait for you guys to see that.”
Carnival Day is set for September seventh. Marion Ali for News Five.
The Belize City Council announced earlier today that vending on Marine Parade, Newtown Barracks and Princess Margaret Drive will be strictly prohibited on Carnival Day. That is if you intend to set up stalls to sell food and drinks on the stretch of road to be used for the actual road march. The announcement, however, may not have been clear to many who believed it to mean that vendors are prohibited from selling along the carnival route altogether. Communications Manager Michelle Smith explains.
Michelle Smith
Michelle Smith, Communications Manager, CitCo
“After consulting with the Carnival Association, it was agreed that yes, no vending will be allowed on the street, on the carnival route, but you are allowed to vend on the shoulder of the street, meaning that you are allowed to vend on what we call the reserve space. Or, if for instance, there is a private property and you get permission from the owner to vend on the property, you are allowed to vend. But we are saying that you’re not allowed to vend on the street and the purpose behind that is just for safety reasons. In the event that the police need to come out, we want to leave the street open so they have access to come out. So basically, it’s not that you’re not allowed to vend, but not on the street of the carnival route.”
Isani Cayetano
“Does the street, just for the purpose of clarity, include both sidewalks?”
Michelle Smith
“Yes, both sides of the street. Yes, we know the carnival is coming from Memorial Park to Marion Jones Stadium, so we have to leave the other half open for safety precaution. and I just want to add that we have vendors who are vending on Rock Park. You have the Sandlighter’s Promenade by Moe’s Pizza where you have people vending and it’s bars and people who are selling food. When it comes to DigiPark, as you may know, we have an agreement with the DigiPark vendors whereby only the vendors in DigiPark can vend. This is nothing new, and so, if we allow vendors to go in the park, it will impact the vendors that are in there and we only find it fair that only the vendors at DigiPark can vend.”
Late last month, thousands of Belizeans from across the country travelled to San Pedro to support the Belize International Music and Food Festival. 2024 marks three years since the event was established to boost tourism in the country, and while the turnout was the largest the festival has ever witnessed, it still struggles to turn over a profit. When we caught up with Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler, he provided some insight on the successes and failures of one Belize’s biggest events of the year.
Anthony Mahler
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
“I don’t think that the festival will ever break even. We didn’t look at it as that. I’ve said this from day one, and we don’t consider it as a loss. It’s a budget for it. We consider it as an investment, but it’s getting bigger, and the spillover effect is happening in Caye Caulker as well. A lot of the rooms were booked in Caye Caulker. In fact, entrepreneurs started to offer shuttle services from Caye Caulker to San Pedro and back. The restaurants in Caye Caulker were filled. The same thing in San Pedro. It was buzzing. And so we’re heading in the right direction in only three years. Now, we have to ask ourselves. When we came up there with the idea of the music festival is it was coming out of covid And on emancipation day where we wanted to celebrate being free but the elements the weather Isn’t very cooperative. And so the last three years we’ve had major downpours and so maybe the only thing would change it is a time of year and maybe one of the drier months still in the going into a slower part of the season or where you have a little downturn, maybe in May.”
Reporter
“The leader of the opposition recently called to personally asking for an audit of the festival’s financials. Can I get your take on that?”
Anthony Mahler
“We’ve produced the report on our website and we’ll do so again. In fact, he called me to state that he wanted to join me out there and show a bipartisan approach. I waited for him. He never showed up. But he apologized because his party is in turmoil and I think that’s more pressing than him going to meet Vybes Kartel or being at the music festival.”
For decades, Belizeans have supported Mexico’s tourism industry through frequent trips across the border. As Belize’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, the government has been discussing ways to promote Mexicans to return the favor. Minister of Tourism, Anthony Mahler spoke with us about the efforts to introduce Mexican tourist to Belize.
Anthony Mahler. Minister of Tourism
“We’ve had the Mexican market and We’ve been in our cross for some time now. And we can tell you that just for the first half of this year, the Mexican market grew by, I think about 100 percent almost and somewhere around there, and we believe that we can garner bigger part of that market. As we continue to put more initiatives towards marketing in Mexico. We’re also working on a direct flight out of Mexico still. And we believe that there are opportunities there just like other parts of South America. We believe strongly that we can grow the markets there in those areas.”
