September, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Atlantic Bank Announces New Fees

Atlantic Bank Limited is informing its customers of new fees which are expected to take effect on October 1st, 2024. A customer notice says, “On October 1st, 2024 we will adjust our fees and interest rates as per Belize.”

The bank will charge $0.75 for Other Bank-Same Day Transfers. The notice also states that customers will be allowed one free monthly teller cash withdrawal, after which they will be charged $5.00. As for ATM withdrawals, customers will be allowed 4 free monthly withdrawals and be charged $0.25 per transaction thereafter.

Interest rate will be 2.5% on values of $1,000.00 or more.

The bank also announced additional ATM locations and new products.

Belize Distributes Pico Solar Kits to Pig Farmers in Belize

The Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics & E-governance (MPUELE) has unveiled a new initiative to aid pig farmers across Belize.

MPUELE announced the distribution of pico solar kits to pig farmers across the nation. “We are pleased to distribute pico solar kits to pig farmers,” stated the Ministry in a press release, highlighting their commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.

The European Union, in collaboration with the Lait Up Belize Technical Assistance Project, is funding the distribution of 100 kits, with support from the Pig Council Association and the Belize Livestock Producers Association. Each kit includes a high-efficiency solar panel, LED lighting, and a charging port for small devices. These tools are designed to enhance farm operations by providing reliable power, reducing energy costs, and lowering carbon emissions. They will also improve farm security by protecting livestock from nocturnal threats.

“The Ministry recognizes the vital role that pig farmers play in our agricultural sector, and by providing them with renewable energy solutions, we are not only supporting their economic well-being but also contributing to a greener future for Belize,” added the Ministry.

Rev. Elswith Clare Ordained as New Methodist Bishop

The Ministry of Religious Affairs acknowledged the ordination of Reverend Elswith Clare as the new Bishop of the Methodist Church in a ceremony held on 1 September 2024. The ordination marked a significant milestone for both the church and the broader religious community.

“Rev. Elswith Clare’s ordination is a testament to her unwavering dedication, spiritual leadership, and commitment to serving both the church and its congregation,” the Ministry stated in a press release.

“Her ascension to the role of Bishop represents not only a personal achievement but also a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who look to her guidance,” added the Ministry, highlighting the essential role of religious leaders in fostering community and promoting interfaith dialogue.

They wished Bishop Clare success and anticipated her leadership would positively impact the church and its mission.

Corozal’s Cell Phone Repair Training for Women and Youth Ends

The Ministry of Investment, the National Women’s Commission, and the Corozal Think Tank have successfully concluded their innovative “Cell Phone Repair Course for Women and Youth” at the Corozal ITVET. The training, which ran from August 19 to August 30, 2024, aimed to address the shortage of skilled cell phone technicians in Belize and provide new self-employment opportunities.

The course consisted of 10 in-person sessions for 15 participants. Each trainee received a certificate of completion and a set of specialised repair equipment, including antistatic mats, electric multimeters, soldering irons, and magnifying lamps.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to diversify economic activities in the district and boost the Orange Economy. Chair of the Corozal Think Tank, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, encouraged residents to stay informed about upcoming training opportunities.

Op-ed:Food Security in Latin America and the Caribbean: Progress, challenges and the commitment to move forward

By Mario Lubetkin, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean

The latest publication of the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 (SOFI) report launched last July in the framework of the G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro provides a detailed overview of progress and setbacks in the fight against hunger. At the global level, although we have made some progress, significant inequalities persist: while Africa remains the most affected region, Latin America shows positive signs of recovery, reflecting the impact of concerted efforts to improve food security.

The road has not been easy. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, our region was one of the most affected by hunger, reaching its highest point in 2021 at 6.9% of the affected population, while 40.6% faced moderate or severe food insecurity. For several years, we observed how progress made in the early 2000s rapidly receded.

However, the last two years have seen a decline in hunger levels, with a rate of 6.2% of the population, representing a decrease of 4.3 million people, mainly driven by South America.

Investments in social protection programs in several countries in the region have been instrumental in driving this recovery. Social systems have enabled quick response and more effective allocation of available financial resources to the most vulnerable populations.

Despite the region’s progress, the Caribbean and Central American subregions continue to experience challenges related to increasing hunger. We cannot afford to go backward. It is essential that we deepen our analysis of the visions and strategies that have shown positive results to continue this path.

Six months after the FAO Regional Conference in Georgetown, Guyana, we are committed to providing tangible responses to the priorities established for countries to transform agrifood systems and achieve Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, and Better Life.

At FAO, we have initiated a process of high-level reflection with governments to share experiences of public policies aimed at guaranteeing food and nutritional security.

Like the rest of the world, our region must be prepared to face growing risks such as climate change, conflicts, economic crises, and other challenges.

Latin America and the Caribbean has shown that, with the right policies, we can move forward and offer concrete and sustainable responses. Only with a firm commitment can we put an end to hunger and malnutrition, leaving no one behind.

Feinstein Doubles Down on Decision to Challenge G.O.B. Acquisition

The Feinstein Group says it is moving full steam ahead to challenge the Government of Belize’s recent decision to compulsorily acquire twenty-three point four acres of Stake Bank Island. The company issued a release today outlining its reasons for objecting to the compulsory acquisition. The Feinstein Group argues that the acquisition lacks legitimate public interest. They contend that the existence of alternative docking facilities such as the Port of Belize and the Port of Magical Belize negates any urgency or necessity for the G.O.B. to seize the Stake Bank lands. The Feinstein Group further argues that Michael Feinstein holds one hundred percent of Stake Bank Enterprises Limited’s shares and that he legally acquired the additional twenty-three point four acres surrounding Stake Bank Island using his personal funds, with full transparency and approval from relevant authorities. The Feinstein Group asserts Michael Feinstein entirely financed the dredging equipment essential for the project’s development and that the expenditure for the projected amounted to one hundred and seventy million dollars with an additional forty million dollars in interest. The Feinstein Group further alleges that the decision is shrouded in malice and corruption intended to punish Michael Feinstein for his “outspoken stance against G.O.B.’s various egregious actions aimed at diminishing the project. Evidence exists that senior government ministers have been actively involved in efforts to coerce cruise lines away from SBEL’s cruise port, favoring competing projects instead”. The group remains unwavering in its commitment to defend Michael Feinstein’s property rights against this acquisition. The release notes that an independent international appraisal of the property is currently underway to ascertain its true value. It ends with a call for the Government of Belize to respect the rule of law, honor its commitments to local investors, and engage in fair and transparent dialogue to resolve this matter.

PM Explains Compulsory Acquisition of Stake Bank Lands

Over the weekend, we caught up with Prime Minister John Briceño in Orange Walk where sought a more in-depth explanation as to why the government has decided to pursue the acquisition of Stake Bank lands and why the same process was not done for the university hospital land. Here’s what he had to say.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“If you remember in 2014, I think and in 2018 we passed legislation deeming that Stake bank is in the national interest of the country and we gave them extensive exemptions so that they can get this work done. Fast forward to today probably what’s about five, six years that they’ve been working, and they have not finished the project. They have invested probably about two hundred and seventy million dollars and then unfortunately. The different business partners fell out of favor. And the bank, they were not paying the bank. One of the main investors decided to pay off the loan. And so now, we’re trying to find between the two parties, trying to find a way for them to be able to come to some agreement, we’ve been unable to do that. The number of cruise lines that are coming are decreasing because we do not have where they can dock. And then this asset is being washed away. We believe our, as a responsible government, we have put out a first notice for compulsory acquisition. Then that means that whosoever owns the lands could come to government and say, this is my land, I need to be compensated. There’s a negotiation and then if there’s no, we cannot come to an agreement, then we go to the courts. What is most important is that that the government got from the main investors a deposit in the bank in the name of the government of Belize and also an indemnity bond so that whatever happens in the next two, three years, is going to quite likely go to the Caribbean Court of Justice. The government of the Belize and the Belizean people would not have to pay a single penny in the settlement of this project.”

Britney Gordon

“So why wasn’t the hospital land compulsorily acquired as well?”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Because then it cost us a lot more than what we’re paying for.”

Freight Truck Plunges Into Sea at Port of Belize Limited

A freight truck ran off the pier at the Port of Belize Limited and plunged into the sea with a container full of goods. Reports are that the truck was leaving the pier head when the mishap occurred. The guard rails broke off during the incident. The contents of the container were seen adrift at sea nearby. Fortunately, the driver of the check escaped the ordeal alive. So, who will be held responsible for the lost goods and failure to adhere to operational protocol the leading cause of this mishap? News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.

Voice of: Stevedore
“I got you, just relax, nuh get frighten. Nuh mek the rope knot you up, that is all you need to do.”

This is the moment on Sunday morning when a group of stevedores working at the Port of Belize sprung into action to rescue one of their fellow co-workers. The individual in the water is holding on to a rope let down by the group on the pier above. Behind him is a freight truck halfway submerged in the water.

Voice of: Stevedore

“You wah can’t pull him up like that. You have to get a ladder. He will get hurt. Just stay right there, don’t move. Stay right there rasta man, just relax your body and be comfortable.”

News Five reached out to the Port of Belize Limited seeking further details on what led to the freight truck ending up in the sea and its driver in need of being rescued. We await their response. But credible reports are that the driver was transporting a container filled with goods that had been offloaded from a ship moments prior. These are goods that were shipped to Belizean customers from overseas. The driver of the freight truck reportedly veered off the pier as he attempted to avoid hitting someone that was working on the pier. Images show the contents of the container spread across the sea’s surface near the ship. Many of the goods appear to have suffered significant water damage. There are now questions as to what exactly was in that container and whether the Port of Belize Limited will compensate those customers for the lost goods. In the meantime, News Five has been informed that the driver escaped the ordeal without injury, and he is taking the day off today.

Voice of: Stevedore

“Thank God ih nuh dead. Ey ras hear this right, me dah the only man weh only have on my socks and ready fih come for you. I just hope you know that right.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Cotton Tree Man Killed in Love Triangle

A resident of Cotton Tree Village was gunned down inside his home in the wee small hours of Sunday. Otoniel Mateo was inside his room when a pair of men arrived at the location. There was a brief scuffle, and a shot was fired. When the smoke cleared, Mateo, an employee of Santander, lay mortally wounded inside the apartment. By the time neighbors and other responders reported to the scene of the shooting, Mateo was already dead. This afternoon, Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero provided a few details on the deadly incident.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“ Around 1:50 a.m., police visited Cotton Tree Village where there was a report of a shooting incident. Upon their arrival they found the lifeless body of Otoniel Mateo, thirty-one-years, with gunshot injuries. Information received is that Mateo was at his room when he heard a knock on his door. He came out and two persons were there and they were involved in a fight. Thereafter, he was shot. His body was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. We are seeking two known suspects for this murder at this time.”

Reporter

“Were these suspects known to Mr. Mateo?”

Hilberto Romero

“Yes, they were known to him.”

Reporter

“Do you have any idea about the motive?”

Hilberto Romero

“This stemmed out of a dispute about a female.”

Reporter

“Was there any prior altercation before the incident?”

Hilberto Romero

“Not that we know of.”

Police Detain Three Suspects for Korrie Cruz Murder

On Friday, San Ignacio police were summoned to Fifteenth Street where they found the body of twenty-one-year-old Korrie Cruz. There were obvious signs of injuries to the head and an investigation has led the police to make a few arrests. According to ACP Hilberto Romero, police have detained three suspects. He was unable to determine what weapon was used to murder Cruz.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Friday, the 30th day of August 2024 police visited Fifteenth Street San Ignacio, where they found a lifeless body of Korrie Anthony Cruz with injuries to the head. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. An investigation is being carried out and three persons are detained in regards to this murder. We are awaiting a post mortem examination to see what are the findings. Nothing was taken from him. This is over some rivalry he has with some persons in that area. Some items were recovered, but, uh, at this time, uh, these persons are being interviewed.”