September, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Jose Abelardo Mai Awarded for Contributions to Agriculture

Last week, Minister of Agriculture Jose Abelardo Mai was presented with an award by the Caribbean Chicken Poultry Company for his work in strengthening the poultry industry in Belize. Earlier this week, he received another award, this time, from the cattle committee, for his efforts in ensuring that Belize has a resilient cattle industry. We spoke with him about the honor of receiving these awards, here’s what he had to say.

Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture

“They believe that I have done a lot in the industry and that they feel that they should award me. I am humbled by that award, and I will accept it with that humility, I will accept it. And I thank them for it. I think that we all agree that the cattle industry has moved forward from a dying industry to a very strong industry. A tone of ninety million dollars and so they saw it fit to give me this award and I’m honored by that award.”

BAA President Ousted? Cojac Smith Seeks to Clear His Name

Earlier today, the Belize Athletic Association issued a release announcing that Cojac Smith is no longer serving as the president of the association. The release also stated that Gregory Meyers is no longer serving as public relations officer. Well, we reached out to Smith for comments, and he told us that as far as he is concerned, he maintains the role of BAA president. BAA’s release noted that Alvin Tillett, the first vice president under Smith, has been appointed as the acting president. This all played out on Sunday during a special general assembly. So, how did the association get to this point. We spoke with embattled President, Cojac Smith about how it all played out.

Cojac Smith, Belize Athletics Association

“To be honest I am a professional project manager and that is what I do. I have my own small business, and I also do consultancy. So, in any situation like this dealing with a situation where I am voted out on ground that is unconstitutional. I did nothing wrong, and I have to speak out against it. It is not within my frame or my own personal belief that I should sit down and take this when I did nothing wrong. So I have to take a stand and say that the entire process for the voting was unconstitutional and I am still legally the president of the BAA, however means or whatever the press release are being sent out at this point in time. It is unconstitutional what happened on Sunday. There are steps and processes about how you have disputes and how it is handle. Those were vehemently opposed to and violated at the meeting on Sunday. When they decided it is going to be a vote I stepped out. I can no longer be apart of something unconstitutional and no longer following the rules. I did not participate or vote on it. Just the entire process was in shambles. I won’t touch base too much on it. I am currently doing my research as to how I will handle the situation and see how to deal with it. But, by no way will I allow my name to be tarnished when all I have been doing is trying to better the association and better sports for Belize.”

Paul Lopez

“Is the public perhaps getting a view, an inside look as to a part of the reason why we are not seeing certain disciplines advance in Belize. Things are so bureaucratic and tends to be so political at times. And, do you lament this?”

Cojac Smith

“You are hitting the nail on the head. I am sure you have seen this where you wonder why things are not happening. When you have like minded individuals that are trying to make change and development you have those who resist the change. And then you have those that resist the change. Instead of trying to see beyond what is right in front of their face and looking at the bigger picture you have reisistance and that resisntance got to the point where there is a feeling of wanting to get rid of the president.”

B.E.L. Technicians Return Home from Jamaica

When Hurricane Beryl made landfall along the southern coast of Jamaica in early July, it did so as a category four storm. It was one of the most powerful weather systems to hit the country, leaving thousands of homes without power. In the wake of the hurricane, Belize Electricity Limited joined the regional relief effort by putting together a team of power line technicians to assist with restoring power on the island. After almost two months away from their families, the team of eight returned home on Sunday.

LOO Meets with NTUCB President and BCCI Executives

Leader of the Opposition, Moses Barrow, met with President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), Luis Luke Martinez. Barrow says the discussion centred on pressing national issues, specifically the push for the government to return $6.9 million to the public purse and to proceed with the construction of the tertiary hospital on the University of Belize campus.

Previously, Barrow met with executives from the Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), led by President Katherine Meighan and CEO Kim Aikman. The meeting addressed crucial topics such as tax reform, compliance and enforcement, price control, multi-sectoral inclusion to strengthen government oversight, as well as corruption and campaign financing laws. These discussions aimed at creating a more favourable environment for business growth.

The UDP emphasised the importance of listening to key stakeholders like the BCCI, noting that their policies will be shaped by contributions from all sectors.

Two Officers Arrested and Charged in Trio Village Assault Incident

Police have arrested and charged two officers following an investigation into an alleged assault in Southern Belize. The incident involved a 41-year-old Belizean Special Constable and a 34-year-old Belizean Police Officer, both taken into custody on Tuesday, September 3.

The investigation was initiated after 30-year-old Leonardo Chalom reported that on Friday, August 31, around 5:30 p.m., he was stopped by two police officers while riding his bike in Trio Village. Chalom claims that the officers physically assaulted him with a firearm and fired shots toward his foot.

As a result, 41-year-old Jose Oscar Sanchez has been charged with aggravated assault, wounding, and possession of a firearm while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Additionally, 34-year-old Victor Sho has been charged with aggravated assault and wounding.

MCC CEO Visits Belize After $250 Million Grant Approval

Ambassador Kwan welcomed Alice Albright, CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), to Belize today at the international airport. This visit follows the MCC’s recent approval of a significant $250 million investment grant aimed at advancing education and energy initiatives in Belize. The MCC, a U.S. government-funded organisation, is dedicated to reducing poverty through sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

During the next two days, MCC representatives will meet with various Belizean officials, including government leaders, educators, business community members, students, and other stakeholders. The discussions will centre on how this substantial grant can improve educational opportunities and facilitate more affordable energy solutions in Belize.

The Government of Belize (G.O.B.) is expected to sign the grant agreement in September. However, before this can take place, the G.O.B. must establish the Millennium Challenge Account Belize Authority, which will be responsible for implementing the education and energy projects. This requirement was the main reason for July’s Special Sitting of the House of Representatives.

Back then, Prime Minister John Briceño underscored the importance of this opportunity, saying, “I must commend the team within our government who were directly involved in this process. Special recognition goes to the Minister of Education for their role in the extensive analysis and discussions to identify our top priorities. We made it clear that our focus is on education, education, education—preparing our children for the economy of the future. At the same time, we recognise the need to grow the economy by addressing the country’s energy needs. The opposition could not criticise this initiative because it’s evident that we’ve been working on this since day one of our administration, tackling the challenges we face as a growing country. Following consultations and analysis, a proposed MCC compact program was drafted, and negotiations on the grant agreement were finalised in April this year. Two weeks ago, the MCC board approved $250 million Belize dollars—a grant investment, free money, which is more than 20 percent of our entire national budget—to be invested in education and energy. This could have never happened during the thirteen years of the U.D.P. administration. Why do you think they chose this government and not the previous one?”

This grant, representing over 20% of Belize’s national budget, is viewed as a vital step toward addressing the country’s educational and energy challenges.

Belize Defence Force Celebrates First Female Pilot

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) has made history with the graduation of its first female pilot, 2nd Lieutenant Julia Puerto. After nearly two years of rigorous training at the Caribbean Military Academy’s School of Aviation, 2Lt Puerto officially earned her wings on September 3, 2024.

Her journey began on January 9, 2023, with initial ground school training, followed by Primary Flight Training (Phase 1) and an extended Primary Flight Training (Phase 2) in a Diamond DA-40 fixed-wing aircraft. She then advanced to Phase 3, where she trained in rotary flying using a Bell 505 helicopter.

2Lt Puerto expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to pursue her dream of becoming an aviator. She thanked God for His blessings and acknowledged the unwavering support of her family and friends throughout her journey. Her mother, who traveled from Orange Walk, proudly pinned her wings during the graduation ceremony, marking this historic achievement.

Police Officer Charged with Rape of a Child

Police have arrested and charged 34-year-old police officer Anival Carillo with 4 counts of rape of a child. A 14-year-old female minor and her mother from the Corozal District reported to police on Friday, August 16, that a police officer had sexual relations with her several times between 2022 and 2023. Carillo was charged and arraigned in magistrate court, where no plea was taken. He was remanded to the Belize Central Prison. He is to reappear in court on November 26th 2024.

Foreign National Detained After Brandishing Firearm Outside Lands Department

A fifty-five-year-old Lebanese man was detained by police this morning after brandishing a firearm outside the Department of Lands in Belmopan. The man, identified as a foreign national, reportedly became infuriated after being informed that he needed a ticket to join the express service line. When he was denied entry without a ticket, the situation escalated into a verbal altercation. A video has since surfaced, showing the man, dressed in a red T-shirt, shorts, and a hat, hurling threats and brandishing a firearm during a confrontation with a security guard.

In the footage, the man can be heard using profane language, stepping closer to the entrance, and saying, “I have one too,” before pulling a firearm from his waistband. He continues to taunt the security personnel, daring them to “bring it” and “call the security on me.”

Chief Executive Officer Paul Thompson told News Five that the incident unfolded after the man tried to enter the express service line without following the ticketing protocol. Despite the presence of two security guards and three Special Patrol Unit officers at the time, the individual was not apprehended and managed to leave the premises.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has held discussions with the police to enhance security at the Lands Department. Currently, visitors are not screened for weapons, and vehicles are allowed to park on the premises, both of which are now under review.

Fortunately, no one was injured during the altercation.

Three Potential Tropical Systems Being Monitored by the National Hurricane Center

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is currently monitoring three areas for potential tropical development: one in the Caribbean Sea and two systems in the central and eastern Atlantic.

It’s been two weeks since Hurricane Ernesto, the last named storm, moved through the Atlantic basin. The next storm to form will be named Francine.

Potential Development in the Caribbean and Gulf: A tropical wave, an area of disturbed weather, is currently located in the central Caribbean Sea, producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms as it moves westward. Tropical development is possible later this week in the northwest Caribbean Sea before it reaches Belize or Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, or next weekend if the system enters the southwest Gulf of Mexico. At that point, conditions could become more favorable for the formation of a tropical depression or storm.

Currently, stable air is inhibiting the system’s ability to develop and sustain organized thunderstorms. In the short to medium term, the system could still bring heavy rain and gusty winds to Jamaica, Central America, and Mexico, regardless of whether it develops further. It is uncertain whether this system will pose any threat to the continental United States.

Potential Impact on the Cabo Verde Islands: The Cabo Verde Islands could experience rain and gusty winds from one of these systems in the next day or two.

Second System in the Central Atlantic: Another system is located in the central Atlantic Ocean, with the potential for slow development before conditions become unfavorable later this week. This system currently poses no threat to any land areas.

Seasonal Trends: The areas of potential tropical development are typical for this time of year, as September is the peak month of the Atlantic hurricane season. During this period, the Atlantic has the broadest range of possible tropical system formation throughout the six-month hurricane season.