September 18, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Zimbabwe Considers Debt-for-Climate Swaps Amid Financial Crisis

Zimbabwe’s creditors are exploring a debt-for-climate swap as part of efforts to restructure the nation’s $21 billion arrears. Raul Fernandez, the United Nations Development Program project manager for climate development, noted that discussions with various development partners indicate “an option that they are willing to consider.” He highlighted the need for “action from the government” and a commitment to structural reforms to move forward.

Debt-for-climate swaps allow developing countries to reduce their external debts in exchange for commitments to invest in climate or marine conservation projects. Fernandez noted that such arrangements “can lead to substantial debt reduction” and may improve payment conditions for Zimbabwe, which has a “window of opportunity” to secure climate finance.

A recent example is Belize, which signed a debt-for-nature swap with The Nature Conservancy in November 2021. This agreement reduced Belize’s external debt by 10 percent of its GDP and significantly improved prospects for marine protection.

Zimbabwe has been locked out of international capital markets since 1999 due to a debt default, resulting in escalating interest payments. In 2022, the nation sought assistance from Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, and Joaquim Chissano, the former leader of Mozambique, to initiate restructuring talks with creditors, including the Paris Club and World Bank. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube did not respond to enquiries outside of office hours.

Belize Strengthens Alliances Welcoming Five New Ambassadors

Today, Belize embraced international collaboration as Governor General Froyla Tzalam welcomed five newly appointed ambassadors—an initiative poised to enhance the nation’s global partnerships.

The ambassadors who presented their letters of credence included Maria Clara Girbau Ronda from Spain, Beliz Celasin Rende from Türkiye, Amr Abdelwareth from Egypt, Jorge Rosado La Torre from Peru, and Dr. Hardy Boeckle from Germany.

In a press release, the Government of Belize stated that the ambassadors “each expressed their hopes of forging stronger bonds with Belize during their tenure.”

Moses “Shyne” Barrow Reacts to Diddy’s Criminal Charges

Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow, was today asked by reporters how he feels that his “former association” Sean “Diddy” Combs spent his first night in jail in the US after he pleaded not guilty in a sex-trafficking case.

Responding to the question, Barrow said, “One of the things that I would never wish on my worst enemy is to be incarcerated or to be sick, to be bedridden. So I take no joy in anyone’s challenges, whether with the criminal justice system or otherwise.”

Barrow added, “But I just like to clarify, and you have to be truthful in the description of the relationship. This is someone who in essence testified against me when I was on trial, when I was an 18-year-old kid just wanting to do nothing other than make my mother proud and make Belize proud and do what all of us want to do, be recognised for our talent and take over the world. I was defending him, and he turned around and called witnesses to testify against me. And he contributed, he pretty much sent me to prison. So, that is the context by which you must always describe that relationship. Yes, I forgave, I moved on.”

Barrow said he did not conduct any business with Combs. “I said that he proposed to give the Howard scholarship, which is what I do in all realms.”

Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn until his next court appearance on Wednesday afternoon. The 53-year-old will be housed in the Special Housing Unit, separated from the general prison population, where inmates are held for protection or other specific reasons.

Barrow said Combs destroyed his life. “This was not someone who I vacationed with and who he and I enjoyed this great intimate relationship of brotherhood. This is someone who destroyed my life and who I forgave…”

Combs, who pled not guilty to all charges, showed no visible reaction when the judge issued her ruling, quietly sipping water before being led out of the courtroom. His legal team plans to appeal the bail decision before U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Carter on Wednesday afternoon.

Combs’ charges are tied to “freak offs,” coerced sex acts that Combs allegedly orchestrated and recorded, according to a federal indictment. When asked if he knew of the “freak offs” parties, Barrow responded, “I had nothing to do with Sean Combs personal life. No interaction. That level of everything was strictly on a professional level.”

Georgia Woman Dies of ‘Preventable’ Infection Due to State’s Abortion Laws

A 28-year-old Georgia mother died from a preventable infection after being denied urgent medical care due to the state’s stringent abortion laws. A state investigation concluded that her death was “preventable” had she received timely treatment.

Thurman’s death raised serious concerns about the dangers posed by such legislation and its impact on women’s health.

In August 2022, Thurman sought an abortion after being denied the procedure in Georgia due to a law prohibiting abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. She travelled to a North Carolina clinic, where she received medication to terminate her pregnancy. However, complications arose when she did not expel all the foetal tissue.

Thurman experienced heavy bleeding and severe pain, ultimately losing consciousness at home. When she arrived at Piedmont Henry Hospital in Stockbridge, doctors did not perform a necessary dilation and curettage (D&C) due to Georgia’s stringent laws surrounding abortion.

According to Propublica, doctors waited 20 hours to operate as they monitored Thurman’s condition, during which her health deteriorated. Her blood pressure dropped, and her organs began to fail. By the time she underwent surgery, it was too late. Thurman passed away from complications.

Georgia’s law defines a medical emergency narrowly, allowing abortions only when a woman’s life is at risk.

In interviews with over three dozen OB-GYNs in states with strict abortion laws, ProPublica found that the “vague and conflicting language” surrounding medical exceptions creates serious challenges for healthcare providers. Doctors said “their judgement could be called into question under the threat of prison time.”

Association of Defence Attorneys Officially Registered in Belize

The Association of Defence Attorneys has officially registered as a professional organisation dedicated to defending human rights and enhancing legal practices. In an official statement, the Association declared it is “dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights, the Belize Constitution, and the enhancement of legal defence practices within the country.”

In its statement, the Association confirmed the election of its first Executive Committee, comprising of:

President: Dickie Bradley
Vice President: Audrey Matura
Secretary: Oj Elrington
Treasurer: John Nembhard
Membership Director: Lynden Jones
Education Director: Leeroy Banner
Communications Director: Rachel Montejo
Ethics Director: Emerita Anderson
Pro Bono Director: Dale Cayetano
Public Policy Director: Arthur Saldivar
Immediate Past President: Michelle Trapp

The formation of the association in March 2020 was aimed at addressing these critical issues. Attorney Dickie Bradley emphasised back then the need for lawyers to advocate for the rights of the poorer population in Belize. “Police officers are in fact peace officers. They are there to protect us. They are not there to chance us and take advantage of us,” he stated.

The Association of Defence Attorneys stands ready to promote human rights, provide continuing legal education, advocate for fair legal practices, support legal aid services, and foster ethical standards among attorneys.

Religious Leader Arraigned on Rape, Sexual Assault Charges

President of the National Evangelical Association of Belize, NEAB, Victor Hernandez, was this morning arraigned on charges of rape and sexual assault. According to reports, Hernandez, 65, was charged with two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He was granted bail of ten thousand dollars, with one surety of the same amount.

Hernandez, who leads the Toledo Faith Outreach Christian Center, is being accused by a 38-year-old woman who alleges that he raped her on two occasions: August 2015 and March 2016. One of the incidents reportedly took place at a store once owned by Hernandez. According to the report, the victim did not report the incidents because of fear, shame, trauma, and a desire to keep the matter from her family.

Hernandez also faces a sexual assault charge from a 2021 incident in which he allegedly grabbed the woman’s breast.

This is a developing story.

New Firefighting Equipment Arrives in Western Belize

The Government is enhancing wildfire protection for vulnerable communities by delivering over $320,000 in firefighting equipment to Billy White, Santa Familia, Duck Run 1 and 3, and Los Tambos. This initiative is part of the “Building Climate Change Resilience and Social Integration of Displaced People in Settlements of Western Belize” project.

Additionally, $300,000 was invested in upgrading the Los Tambos Primary School to meet hurricane shelter standards.

Launched in February 2022, this project, funded by a BZ$4,600,000 EU grant in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), aims to strengthen resilience in five Western Belize communities. Key components include constructing five hurricane shelters, a polyclinic, and improving water systems. The project also involves installing culverts and drainage in two communities.

Recent donations feature chainsaws, axes, and fire-resistant gear such as pants, gloves, boots, helmets, radios, and more to aid wildfire response. Given this year’s unprecedented fires, providing these essential tools is crucial.

The project aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and is set to conclude by December 2024, with a polyclinic and community centre in Duck Run 1 expected to serve over 5,000 residents by late 2024.

Music Mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs to Remain in Custody

Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn until his next court appearance on Wednesday afternoon. Combs, 53, will be held in the Special Housing Unit, separate from the general population, where inmates are placed for protection or other reasons.

A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that Combs, facing charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, will stay in custody as the case proceeds. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, announced plans to appeal the decision.

During the detention hearing, federal prosecutors revealed that at least a dozen witnesses personally observed Combs’ violent behavior toward women, many of whom are allegedly scared of him. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson highlighted Combs’ attempts to obstruct investigations and cover up his actions, pointing to a 2016 hotel surveillance video showing him assaulting his then-girlfriend in Los Angeles as key evidence of the ongoing threat he poses.

Johnson described Combs as a “serial abuser and serial obstructor,” adding that pretrial services also recommended his detention. Prosecutors expressed concerns that he had reached out to victims and witnesses, further justifying the need to keep him in custody.

Combs’ defense attorney argued that the music mogul had no intention of fleeing and had voluntarily come to New York, anticipating an indictment. Combs, who pled not guilty to all charges, showed no visible reaction when the judge issued her ruling, quietly sipping water before being led out of the courtroom. His legal team plans to appeal the bail decision before U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Carter on Wednesday afternoon. If the appeal is denied, Combs will return to the detention center to await further court proceedings.

Caribbean Policy-Makers Urged to Intensify Efforts Against HIV Among Youth

HIV infections among young people in the Caribbean are on the rise, with alarming statistics revealing that 27% of new cases in 2023 affect those aged 15-24—up from just 15% in 2020. The Multi-Country Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Dr. Richard Amenyah, warns that without urgent action and innovative strategies, the region risks falling further behind in the fight against this devastating epidemic, jeopardising the future of its youth.

Despite global efforts, the decline in new infections among adolescents and youth has not been sufficient to control the epidemic.

Dr. Amenyah stated that young people aged 15–24 represented 28 percent of new HIV infections worldwide in 2023. In the Caribbean, this group accounted for 27% of the 15,000 new cases reported, a significant increase from just 15% in 2020. Additionally, 25% of all pregnant women living with HIV globally are between 15 and 24 years old.

Dr. Amenyah noted, “This rising proportion… warrants further investigation and serious attention if we are to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.” The situation is particularly alarming in countries like Barbados, where the total HIV incidence ranges from 14% in Suriname and Guyana to 37% in Barbados. Belize sits at an 18% HIV incidence. This “warrants further investigation and serious attention, if we are to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” remarked Dr. Amenyah.

While there has been some progress since 2000, the decline in new infections has stalled, especially among adolescents aged 15-24. Dr. Amenyah highlighted that in 2023, “71% of new HIV infections among adolescents aged 10-19 years were among girls.”

Several structural barriers contribute to the epidemic’s growth among young people. Issues such as social norms and a lack of comprehensive sexuality education have made HIV prevention challenging. Stigma around HIV further deters young people, “Fear of rejection by peers and family members forces many young people to hide their HIV status,” Dr. Amenyah stated. He added, “Mental health services tailored to the needs of HIV-positive youth are often limited.”

To combat this crisis, policymakers are encouraged to adopt tailored strategies. Dr. Amenyah outlined several key approaches:

Education: Integrating rights-based Comprehensive Sexuality Education in schools can empower young people with knowledge about HIV prevention.
Youth-Friendly Healthcare: Creating safe environments for young people to access confidential health services is crucial.
Targeted Prevention: Programs should focus on vulnerable populations, addressing legal barriers that hinder access to services.
Youth Empowerment: Engaging young people in designing and implementing HIV programs will ensure their needs are addressed.
Leveraging Technology: Digital platforms can be used to educate and connect young people with health services.
Evidence-Based Approaches: Investing in robust data systems will help track the epidemic and inform policies.

Dr. Amenyah’s statement concluded, “Without greater attention to HIV among adolescents and youth, the world will not achieve its goal of ending the epidemic.” Urgent action is needed to reduce new infections and “make meaningful progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat in the Caribbean by 2030,” he ended.

Police Officer Accused of Stealing Bartender’s Casino Chips, Cash

A San Pedro police officer has been arrested and charged with theft after a local bartender reported that casino chips and cash went missing following his detention earlier this month.

Kevin Salazar, a 28-year-old bartender from the San Pedrito area in San Pedro Town, reported that on the morning of Tuesday, September 10, 2024, he was socialising at the Palm Casino when a female police officer approached him, conducted a search, and found him in possession of controlled drugs. Salazar was detained and escorted to the San Pedro Police Station.

Upon arrival at the station, Salazar was asked to hand over his personal belongings to be logged. He surrendered two green casino chips worth $50 each, 22 red casino chips valued at $10 each, $15 in cash, a cellphone, a watch, and a silver chain. He signed the station diary confirming these items.

The next day, on Wednesday, September 11, Salazar was officially arrested and charged with “Possession of Controlled Drugs.” After pleading guilty at the San Pedro Magistrate Court, he was fined. When he returned to the police station to collect his belongings, Salazar discovered that the casino chips valued at $320 and the $15 in cash were missing. The diarist allegedly told Salazar that he had only signed for his other items and not the casino chips or money.

Salazar immediately filed a report about the missing items. The police launched an internal investigation, reviewing video footage and taking a statement from the bartender.

As a result, 28-year-old police officer Keir Roebin David Morey, who resides on Jewfish Street in San Pedro Town, was detained and informed of the complaint against him. After being cautioned and advised of his constitutional rights, Morey was placed under investigation.

On Tuesday, September 17, Morey was formally arrested and charged with theft in connection to the missing casino chips and cash.