September, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Belize Leads the Way in Coral Conservation

Placencia Village, Belize – Belize is at the forefront of a new international project led by renowned marine scientist Prof. Iliana Baums, set to revolutionise coral restoration efforts in the Caribbean and beyond. Titled “Building the Tools for Scientific Population Management of Critically Endangered Coral Species in Belize as a Model for Other Restoration Programs,” the project aims to develop innovative tools to ensure the survival of endangered corals, such as the iconic elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata), whose populations have faced drastic declines in recent years.

The three-year project, with a total budget of USD $1.39 million, brings together experts from Belize, Germany, Honduras, and the USA. It is supported by leading research and conservation institutions, including the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (Germany), the Species Conservation Toolkit Initiative (USA), Fragments of Hope (Belize), and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (USA), among others.

The Need for Coral Population Management

Coral populations across the Caribbean have been in rapid decline due to climate change, disease, and human activities. While coral restoration projects have traditionally focused on ecosystem services, there is a growing need to shift towards species-level management to prevent extinction. The life histories of corals, however, make them challenging to manage using existing wildlife conservation tools. This project seeks to fill this gap by developing a Geographic Information System (GIS) database and testing innovative population management software tailored to the unique needs of coral species.

Key Project Objectives

The project will focus on the following key objectives:

Developing a GIS Database – A comprehensive database will be created to track the demographics of coral colonies in Belize and Honduras.
Engaging Stakeholders – Collaboration with local coral restoration practitioners will ensure the management tool is co-designed to meet their needs.
Data Analysis for Coral Management – Existing data will be analyzed to provide actionable recommendations for coral restoration, particularly in relation to bleaching resistance.
Testing Population Management Tools – Population management software, traditionally used for other wildlife, will be assessed and adapted for coral species to enable scenario modeling.

How the Project Will Be Implemented

The project team will systematize over 10 years of coral survey data from Fragments of Hope, Belize, digitize time-series photos of coral colonies, and establish the genetic identity of coral samples. Workshops and site visits with stakeholders will help ensure that the tools developed meet the needs of coral conservation practitioners. In addition, data analysis will focus on identifying stress-tolerant coral genotypes, providing essential information for coral restoration efforts.

Impact and Global Potential

The development of an interactive, community-driven database will enhance coral population management efforts, starting in Belize and Honduras. The project’s findings will contribute directly to the restoration of endangered coral sites in Honduras using scientifically-backed donor selection criteria. More importantly, the tools and strategies developed through this project will serve as a model for coral restoration programs worldwide.

Major Highlights Include:

The creation of an interactive population management database co-designed with local coral restoration practitioners.

The use of previously untapped data to improve coral restoration strategies.

Contribution to the restoration of endangered corals in the Caribbean, with potential applications for global coral conservation efforts.

Fragments of Hope Founder Lisa Carne stated, “For years, Fragments of Hope has urgently needed a resource like the CORDAP award. This funding allows us to finally consolidate long-term data on coral genetics, growth rates, and bleaching history, which we have been monitoring since 2006, with additional records from 2010. This tool is crucial not only for advancing our work but also for assisting other practitioners in organizing similar long term datasets. With this support, we can adopt more precise, informed strategies to address the rapidly intensifying challenges of climate change.”

Giselle Brady of Bay Islands Conservation Association stated, “At BICA we are super excited; this is what being in science and conservation is all about. Develop solutions for local challenges using innovative ideas and technologies to leverage our hard-earned data to help restore our beautiful reefs. This will allow Honduras to maximize the efforts of so many stakeholders that have been working in coral restoration. By providing an avenue to develop technical prowess in the latest techniques of GIS based coral restoration protocols it provides an avenue for an outsized impact in the fight to rebuild our coral ecosystems. With this we will have a greater ability to synergize our efforts through better understanding and effective solution building.”

Fragments of Hope is a community-based organization located on the Placencia Peninsula in Belize. Their primary focus is on the restoration of coral reef habitats and advocating for the sustainable management of associated ecosystems. Founded by Lisa Carne, the organization has been instrumental in coral restoration efforts, particularly with the critically endangered Acropora species, such as elkhorn and staghorn corals.

Since its inception, Fragments of Hope has successfully out-planted over 170,000 coral fragments across various sites in Belize, including Laughing Bird Caye National Park. They

work closely with local fishers, tour guides, and regulatory agencies like the Belize Fisheries Department to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of their restoration projects1.

Would you like to know more about their specific projects or how you can get involved?

For further information, please contact:

Prof. Iliana Baums
Project Lead
Email: iliana.baums@conservation.org

Lisa Carne
Fragments of Hope
Email: info@fragmentsofhope.org

House Speaker Tells LOO No

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Valerie Woods, has rejected a request made by Leader of the Opposition, Moses Barrow. Barrow asked Speaker Woods to recognise Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton and Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber as resigned members of the United Democratic Party (UDP).

The Speaker replied, rejecting the request and confirming that Panton and Faber will retain their seats.

In her response, Woods said, “While I recognize your letter refers to the members for the Albert and Collet constituencies as being deemed by your political party as “constructively resigned”, 59A(1) (of the constitution) clearly refers to the members informing of their resignation. The Constitution does not cite the internal political party mechanisms of deeming members of their party elected to the House of Representatives as having “constructively resigned”; therefore, 59A(1) has not been met.”

She added, “My office has not received any notice of resignation by either member. On the contrary, in the public domain, both members have stated they have not resigned from their political party.”

Woods noted, “Having considered the content of your letter and the pronouncements made in the public domain by the members for the Albert and Collet constituencies that they have not resigned; I am not satisfied that the circumstances referred to in section 59(2)(e) exist. Therefore, I will not be making any declarations at the next Sitting of the House of Representatives on vacating of seats by the Members for the Albert and Collet constituencies.”

4.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Los Angeles Area

A 4.7-magnitude earthquake struck the Los Angeles area this morning. The quake centred four miles north of Malibu and occurred about seven miles below the surface.

Despite the noticeable impact, no injuries or major damage were reported immediately after the quake.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Lt. Adam Zeko stated, “The quake jolted the area and shook for about 15 or 20 seconds.” He added, “We’re still conducting a critical facilities check,” though he confirmed, “We haven’t gotten anything major at this time.”

A live camera at the 115-year-old Santa Monica Pier showed several seconds of intense shaking during the quake.

Recent months have seen several quakes in the area, including a 4.4-magnitude earthquake in August that caused similar disturbances from Los Angeles to San Diego.

Belizean Youth Christa Salam Speaks at 4th Summit for First Ladies and Gentlemen in Ukraine

Belizean youth Christa Salam is representing Belize at the 4th Summit for First Ladies and Gentlemen in Kyiv, Ukraine. At just 22 years old, Salam from Jacinto Ville, Toledo, delivered a poignant and empowering speech that resonated deeply with this year’s theme, ‘Child Safety.’

Salam has been in Kyiv since September 5 and is set to return on September 17. Salam addressed the audience with a deep personal resonance and broad message of empowerment. She is currently studying Natural Resources Management at the University of Belize’s Belmopan Campus,

Salam shared her own story. “I am a young indigenous Maya woman from the beautiful and very green country of Belize in Central America,” she said. Salam spoke about her early life challenges, including the loss of her father and her mother’s tireless efforts to support their family despite numerous hardships.

In her speech, Salam also highlighted her work with Belizean youth, focussing on human rights, community development, and helping a troubled child find hope and support.

“Children of Ukraine and around the world, you are the present and the future,” Salam urged. “Continue to be the brightest CHAHIM (one star) and brighten the dark situation for others to see and hear the fight and join collective responsibilities for others in this life.”

San Pedro Gas Turbine Commissioned, But Power Supply Disrupted by Transformer Failure

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has announced the successful commissioning and load testing of the San Pedro Gas Turbine (San Pedro GT) on September 5, achieving its rated capacity of 21 MW. BEL also shared that the turbine is currently unable to supply power to the grid due to a transformer failure that occurred early on September 7.

In a press release, BEL said that the San Pedro GT was expected to be fully operational by early June. During the commissioning process, one of the three necessary transformers failed. BEL said that it acted swiftly to secure a replacement transformer, but the shipment was delayed by Hurricane Beryl’s impact on shipping routes. The replacement transformer finally arrived in the first week of August.

The replacement transformer failed shortly after installation. BEL, along with the installation contractor, is now conducting a thorough assessment to determine the cause of this failure.

BEL says that a short-term solution is already in the works. According to BEL, a new replacement transformer expected to be installed before the end of the year is being procured. In the interim, BEL says it will monitor power demand on San Pedro and implement a contingency plan to protect the single submarine cable that interconnects the island.

British Museum Charges $225 BZD to View Looted Xunantunich Altar Hidden from Belizeans

While the British Museum claims to offer free admission, a Belizean looking to view an image of the looted Maya altar from Xunantunich, Belize, would need to pay $225 BZD. Despite being in possession of the sacred altar since 1938, the museum has not made a photograph of it available online. The altar, which depicts the Maya god of death, was looted by British archaeologist Thomas Gann in 1924 and remains unseen by the Belizean public.

Gann, a controversial figure known for removing Maya artefacts, detailed the theft in his book Mystery Cities. Using a stone saw to cut the altar from the Xunantunich site, Gann trimmed it down to make it easier to transport. For years, the 180-pound altar remained in his private collection until it was bequeathed to the British Museum upon his death in 1938. However, it wasn’t until 1991 that the altar was finally catalogued and added to the museum’s collection—but it still remains hidden from public view.

The museum has posted images from the Thomas Gann collection, which includes other looted Maya artefacts like beads, figurines, and pottery. Yet, the sacred altar remains inaccessible. According to Gann’s own account, the altar was removed from the jungle with the help of rum-fuelled aborers. It bears the image of the Maya death god and nearly illegible hieroglyphs, which Gann deemed insignificant.

For Belizeans, obtaining a photograph of the altar is an expensive ordeal. Aside from the $225 BZD charge, those wanting expedited service would have to pay an additional $119 BZD, bringing the total to $349 BZD for a seven-day turnaround. This steep price is for viewing an artefact that many believe rightfully belongs to Belize—a piece of cultural heritage that has never been seen by any living Belizean.

Source: richardsonreports

Rossana Briceño Leads Discussion on Family Support and Child Mental Health

The Fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen in Kyiv, Ukraine, is drawing global attention as it addresses critical issues surrounding child safety and family support. Rossana Briceño, wife of the Prime Minister of Belize, is among the key figures participating in this event, hosted by Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska.

Briceño is a key participant in the discussion on “Child Safety in the Family.” This segment addresses challenges in parenting, government support for families, and mental health care for children. The goal is to develop collaborative solutions and share effective practices to improve child safety and well-being worldwide.

The Belize delegation’s itinerary includes several notable events. They will engage in a cover photoshoot for ELLE Ukraine, visit Okhmatdyt National Specialized Children’s Hospital, and tour the newly established Child Rights Protection Center. The visit to Okhmatdyt, which has been impacted by recent missile attacks, highlights the urgent need for international support.

Additionally, Briceño will participate in a UNICEF podcast recording, discussing child safety and ethical considerations. This involvement reflects Belize’s commitment to international collaboration in improving child welfare and supporting family systems globally.

Moses Barrow Pushes for Vacancies in Albert and Collet; Faber and Panton Push Back

A deepening rift within the United Democratic Party (UDP) continues to spill into the public eye, with Leader of the Opposition Shyne Barrow formally requesting the Speaker of the House of Representatives to declare the seats of Collet’s Patrick Faber and Albert’s Tracy Panton vacant. Barrow, in a letter dated September 5, 2024, claimed that Faber and Panton had effectively resigned from the UDP through their actions, leading the party’s Central Executive Committee to vote unanimously to accept their resignations.

Barrow’s request also referenced the Belizean Constitution, specifically Section 59(2)(e), to justify his call for the seats to be vacated. He argued that both Faber and Panton had violated the UDP’s constitution by leading and supporting a splinter faction within the party. Barrow emphasised that this faction, known as the Alliance for Democracy and led by Panton, was a clear breach of party rules, further stating that their departure was automatic under the party’s constitution.

“Hon. Tracy Panton and Hon. Patrick Faber have vacated their seats. I ask that you declare at the next Sitting of the House of Representatives that the Members from Albert and Collet have ceased to be Members of the House of Representatives,” Barrow wrote, citing Belize’s Constitution and the UDP’s rules. Additionally, on August 29, 2024, the UDP issued public notices announcing vacancies for the Standard Bearer positions in both constituencies, further cementing the party’s stance that Faber and Panton were no longer members.

However, both Faber and Panton quickly rebutted Barrow’s claims, issuing strong denials and accusing the UDP leader of misusing his position for personal and political reasons.

Faber Responds: “Baseless Claims”

Patrick Faber, the long-serving Member for Collet, responded to Barrow’s move with an “Open Letter to the People of Belize” on September 11, 2024, accusing Barrow of once again attempting to oust him from his seat through questionable means. Faber pointed out that Barrow had made a similar effort months ago, which was ultimately rejected.

In the letter, Faber described Barrow’s allegations that he had resigned from the UDP as “baseless” and questioned Barrow’s understanding of the Constitution. “Barrow’s actions display either a profound misunderstanding of the Constitution or malicious intent to undermine my position. Either way, this conduct is unbecoming of someone who seeks to lead both the opposition and the UDP,” Faber wrote.

Faber reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Collet and upholding democratic principles, stressing that the country deserves leaders who act with integrity, rather than those who misuse their positions for personal vendettas. He made it clear that he would not be resigning from his seat or abandoning his constituents, despite Barrow’s claims.

Panton Pushes Back: “We Will Not Resign”

Tracy Panton, the Area Representative for Albert, also pushed back against Barrow’s claims in a letter addressed to her constituents and the general public. Panton reassured the people of Albert that she had not resigned from her responsibilities, nor had Faber, despite Barrow’s assertions to the contrary.

Panton emphasised that while Barrow and the UDP’s Central Executive Committee may claim otherwise, they do not have the authority to remove duly elected representatives without following the Constitution. “As much as the Leader of the Opposition and 15 members of the UDP’s Central Executive Committee purport that we have resigned, they have NO such authority. While they may choose to disregard the Constitution of the UDP, they cannot disregard or usurp the supreme law of the land,” Panton wrote.

She accused Barrow of acting out of desperation and vowed to continue serving the people of Albert with “unwavering commitment.” Panton also condemned Barrow’s attempts to force her and Faber to vacate their seats, describing his actions as those of a bully. “I do not cower to bullies or dictators or the Leader of the Opposition’s minions, for that matter,” she asserted.

Political Showdown Looms

As the situation unfolds, the public will be watching closely to see how this power struggle within the UDP plays out in the next sitting of the House of Representatives. Barrow’s reliance on constitutional provisions and party rules to justify his actions could set the stage for a significant legal and political battle.

Meanwhile, both Faber and Panton remain firm in their positions, denying any wrongdoing and reiterating their commitment to their constituents. Faber, in his open letter, vowed to uphold the principles of democracy, while Panton declared it the “privilege of my lifetime” to serve the people of Albert.

The upcoming House session promises to be a critical moment in determining whether Barrow’s efforts to remove these two influential figures from their positions will succeed or if Faber and Panton can fend off yet another attempt to oust them from the UDP and the House of Representatives.

Belize Senators Advance Caribbean Digital Economy at Miami Workshop

Digital transformation in the Caribbean took a significant step forward as Senators Carolyn Trench-Sandiford and Isabel Bennett-Moody participated in a key workshop in Miami focused on digital economies. The event, titled “The Role of Parliaments in Transforming Digital Economies in the Caribbean,” took place on September 7 and 8, 2024.

The workshop gathered lawmakers and senators from 13 CARICOM countries and the US Congress to discuss how parliaments can drive digital change.

The sessions covered how to create and support policies that enhance digital growth. The workshop provided a platform for sharing useful strategies and ideas.

All travel expenses for Trench-Sandiford and Bennett-Moody were covered by the event organisers.

DFC and NIME Team Up to Support Women-Own Businesses in Belize

Women entrepreneurs in Belize are set to gain significant support as the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Belize International Network for Women in Business (NIME) announce a new partnership aimed at advancing women-owned businesses and driving economic growth in Belize.

The partnership is designed to align DFC’s goal of becoming the “Bank for Women” with NIME’s mission to support women-led enterprises. In an official press release, it states that DFC will provide financial resources and business development support to NIME members. “We are proud to partner with NIME to support the growth and success of women-led businesses in Belize… By providing the necessary tools and support to women entrepreneurs, we aim to create lasting, positive impacts in both their personal and professional lives,” stated DFC.

NIME echoed this sentiment: “Our aim is to continue to establish synergies with institutions like DFC who understand the importance of investment in women-owned businesses and the support needed for our women entrepreneurs at the micro, small, and medium levels.”