September, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Enhancing regional preparedness for banana fusarium wilt in the Caribbean

Bananas are crucial to the economies of many Caribbean countries, providing income for smallholder farmers and contributing significantly to export revenues. However, the threat posed by fusarium wilt, particularly the Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4) strain, is a challenge that the countries need to confront with urgency and collaboration.

While the disease has not yet been reported in the Caribbean, experts advise the countries to adopt a multi-dimensional approach to control and manage this threat through prevention, early detection, and contingency planning.

“Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean are particularly vulnerable to external shocks and climate-related changes including exacerbation and proliferation of plant pathogenic diseases like Foc TR4,” said Jean Baptiste Kemuel, Chief of Extension and Rural Advisory Services at Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Co-operatives.

With the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Caribbean Plant Health Directors Forum (CPHD), using the farmer field school (FFS) approach, technical staff, extension workers, and other stakeholders were trained to prepare for a potential Foc TR4 incursion in the Caribbean.

Participants came from 10 Caribbean countries: Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

“Through this training, we are equipping countries need to conduct surveillance and monitoring, analyze risks, and enforce strict phytosanitary measures to prevent the introduction of the pathogen and contain it swiftly in case of any incursion,” explained Maged Elkahky, FAO’s plant pathologist in his keynote address. He added that strengthened interregional collaboration is equally crucial for efficiently preventing and managing Foc TR4 in the region.

Unlike other plant diseases that can be managed with pesticides or cultivation practices, TR4 is particularly insidious. Once it invades the soil, it can persist for decades, banning banana production and devastating farmers’ livelihoods.

Why bananas matter

Bananas are an economic lifeline for many communities in the Caribbean and Latin America where over 28 percent of the world’s bananas are grown. In 2022, the region’s production volume of bananas and plantains  reached over 40 million metric tons.

The latest research, best practices, and innovative solutions were shared during the weeklong training to combat this devastating disease.

“Bananas and plantains are not only important for income generation but also for nutrition security in the Caribbean. TR4 is already present in South America and Caribbean countries must work hard and together to increase preparedness focusing on prevention, biosecurity measures, early diagnostic and contingency. This is the first workshop on TR4 focused on Farmer Field School approach and the participants are now better prepared and will share knowledge in the respective countries”, stated Melvin Media, FAO’s Plant Production and Protection Officer.

Ivan Ayuso Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $1 Million from Government

Ivan Ayuso, a former senior accounts clerk at the Belize Sports Council, has pleaded guilty to stealing more than one million dollars from the government. Ayuso received a sentence indication of up to five years, which prompted his guilty plea.

The charges followed revelations brought out in an audit report of the Sport Council’s finances. A former attorney for Ayuso had said publicly following the charges that Ayuso was responsible for preparing checks, for which he was not authorised to sign. In January of 2021, Ayuso was granted bail in the sum of three hundred thousand dollars. Ayuso was also charged back in 2002 with arson in connection with the fire that destroyed the Paslow Building. He was acquitted of the charge.

The matter is before High Court Judge Nigel Pilgrim.

PUP Maintains Dominance as UDP Faces Challenges Ahead of 2025 Polls

The political landscape of Belize is currently characterised by a strong dominance of the People’s United Party (PUP), with various constituencies reflecting a significant shift in voter preferences. This is what a recently published poll by Viking Strategies LLC, which provides clients worldwide with customised sovereign political risk and public affairs solutions, shows.

The findings point out that traditionally UDP strongholds like Caribbean Shores and Pickstock have turned in favour of the PUP, highlighting a potential seismic change in political allegiances. The PUP’s grip is further solidified by overwhelming support in constituencies such as Lake Independence, where they captured an impressive 89.4% of the vote in 2020. Meanwhile, the UDP’s prospects appear bleak, especially in urban areas where the margins have narrowed. However, the analysis indicates that several competitive toss-up seats, like Albert and Belize Rural North, remain within reach for the UDP, contingent upon improvements in their national polling. As the political dynamics evolve, the upcoming elections could present pivotal opportunities for both parties.

Key Findings:

Constituency Analysis Overview

The analysis of various constituencies reveals significant political trends in Belize, particularly regarding the stronghold of the People’s United Party (PUP) and the challenges faced by the United Democratic Party (UDP).

Caribbean Shores has seen a notable shift since the UDP held the seat in 2008 and 2012; it flipped to the PUP in 2015 and was retained by them in 2020. Kareem Musa of the PUP won with 58.9% of the vote in 2020, and projections suggest that unless the UDP improves local support significantly, this seat is likely to remain in PUP hands.

In Pickstock, traditionally a UDP stronghold, the PUP candidate Anthony Robert Mahler secured 78.3% of the vote in 2020. Given the UDP’s low chance of reclaiming this seat, it is rated as a safe PUP seat.

Fort George is another long-standing PUP seat, where Henry Charles Usher continued the trend with a comfortable win of 63.8% in 2020, making it a safe PUP seat as well. Albert has been more competitive, with the UDP narrowly winning by 50.2% to 48.6% in 2020, categorised as a toss-up that could shift based on national polling improvements.

Queen’s Square remains a strong UDP area, with the party winning 55.6% of the vote in 2020, suggesting it is a safe seat for the UDP. Similarly, Mesopotamia retains UDP support with 53.1% of the vote, but tighter margins could emerge depending on national polling.

Lake Independence saw overwhelming PUP support with 89.4% of the vote in 2020, firmly categorising it as a safe PUP seat. In Collet, the UDP secured 60.4% of the vote, remaining the favourite here, though challenges could arise with shifts in national polling.

In Port Loyola, the PUP took the seat with 57.7% in 2020, indicating a lean PUP rating, while Freetown has shown increasing margins for the PUP, suggesting it is likely to remain a PUP seat unless significant changes occur.

Belize Rural North has swung between the PUP and UDP, with Marconi Leal of the PUP winning 57.3% in 2020, positioning it as a competitive toss-up for the next election. Conversely, in Belize Rural South, although the UDP has historical strength, the PUP’s Andre Perez narrowly won with 63.0% in 2020, leaning the seat slightly toward the PUP. Belize Rural Central remains competitive, with the PUP’s Dolores Balderamos Garcia winning 57.2% of the vote, making it a toss-up.

In Orange Walk East, the PUP secured 54.3% of the vote, indicating it remains a stronghold for the party. Similarly, Orange Walk North saw the PUP’s Ramon Cervantes win with 56.1%, suggesting that unless the UDP improves its position significantly, this seat is likely to stay with the PUP.

Cayo North has fluctuated between the parties, but the PUP’s Michael Chebat won with 56.1% in 2020, indicating lean PUP status. In contrast, Cayo South has been a consistent PUP seat, with Julius Espat winning 77.4% of the vote in 2020, securing it as a safe PUP seat. In Cayo West, the UDP retained the seat by a narrow margin of 50.6%, making it likely to remain with the UDP. Cayo North East, however, saw the PUP’s Orlando Habet win with 62.9%, leaning the seat toward the PUP. In 2020, Alex Balona of the PUP garnered 55.2% of the voters. This seat is leaning for the

Belmopan has been a competitive battleground, with the PUP winning 60.1% in 2020, suggesting it could go either way in the next election.

In Corozal Bay, the PUP’s Elvia Vega-Samos won with 53.7%, indicating a strong PUP position, while Corozal North remains competitive, with the UDP’s Hugo Patt holding the seat by 56.5%. Corozal South East and Corozal South West are both rated as safe and leaning PUP, respectively, following their wins in 2020.

In Stann Creek West, Rodwell Ferguson has maintained a stronghold for the PUP with 63.3% in 2020, indicating it is a safe seat. Similarly, Dangriga has leaned toward the PUP, with Louis “Dr. Zab” Zabaneh winning 61.7% in 2020, making it likely to remain with the PUP. Both Toledo East and Toledo West have shown consistent PUP support, with victories of 61.1% and 61.3%, respectively, confirming their safe PUP status.

The report finds that the UDP is expected to improve its 2020 performance. It also indicates that a majority of constituencies remain strongholds for the PUP. The probability analysis shows that, although the UDP could narrow margins in several areas, flipping heavily PUP-leaning constituencies is unlikely. However, competitive seats, particularly in urban areas, may shift depending on the dynamics of the upcoming campaign and voter turnout levels. If the UDP can raise its national polling to the 42%-44% range, it might secure 6 to 7 seats, with a few more leaning in its direction. With a closer performance to 44%, the UDP could potentially gain an additional 2 to 3 toss-up seats, totalling between 10 and 13 seats. Conversely, falling below 40% could lead to the UDP retaining only the five seats they currently hold or losing further down to 3 or 4 seats after the elections.

Belize City Man Fears for Life After Police Raid

A Belize City resident says he is living in fear after allegedly being targeted during a raid on his property on Monday night. He says that while at his home on Matura Street, he stepped outside to use the bathroom in a separate building when he heard footsteps nearby. Moments later, he was confronted by a group of police officers dressed in dark clothing. Fearing for his life, he surrendered, showing he was unarmed. However, he claims that despite his compliance, he was shot multiple times with rubber bullets and then taken to the police station. He says that the incident has left him traumatised, and he worries for the safety of his newborn child.

The man told News 5, “I came out to use the bathroom and heard people running through the yard. When I stepped back towards my family’s house, I ran straight into a gunman. As he saw me, he shot at me. I ran for my life. I have a newborn. I ran and I ran for my life, and they shot two more shots. I surrendered, and when I surrendered, they shot me.”

The incident reportedly happened at around midnight.

The resident is now seeking legal action, saying, “Yes, I’m looking to file a report. I just came from the hospital, and I plan to return to the station to make my case.”

Dame Maggie Smith Passes Away at 89

Maggie Smith, the legendary actress beloved for her roles as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey, has died at the age of 89. Her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, confirmed her passing in a heartfelt statement, sharing that she died peacefully in the hospital surrounded by loved ones.

In a career spanning nearly seven decades, Dame Maggie Smith garnered critical acclaim and adoration for her performances on both stage and screen. She won two Academy Awards, for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and California Suite (1978), and earned countless other honours, including four Emmys for her work in Downton Abbey. Smith’s remarkable wit, commanding presence, and versatility cemented her status as one of the greatest British actors of all time.

Born in Essex in 1934, Smith’s acting journey began with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night in 1952. She became a fixture of British theatre, with notable performances at the Old Vic and the National Theatre, where she collaborated with Laurence Olivier. Her breakthrough came in 1969 with The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, a role that showcased her depth and sharpness, followed by decades of iconic roles in both mystery films and historical dramas.

While widely known for her role in the Harry Potter franchise, which she humorously referred to as her “pension,” Smith’s work on Downton Abbey introduced her to a new generation, with her portrayal of the Dowager Countess becoming a fan favorite. She continued acting into her later years, appearing in films like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and The Lady in the Van.

Smith leaves behind an enduring legacy as one of the most distinguished and beloved figures in the world of acting, as well as a devoted family. The industry and her fans mourn the loss of an extraordinary talent.

Official Jerseys for Belize’s 2024 Delegation Unveiled

The official jerseys for Belize’s high school athletes participating in the XXI CODICADER Games were unveiled during a brief press conference at the Marion Jones Sports Complex.

The upcoming XXI CODICADER Games will take place from October 2nd to 11th, 2024, in El Salvador. It will bring together student athletes from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. One of the aims is to promote friendship and competition under the Central American Integration System (SICA).

Sports Minister Rodwell Ferguson says the importance of youth development through sports and expressed confidence in the Belizean athletes, wishing them success on the international stage. He also noted how sports foster unity, resilience, and camaraderie among young competitors across Central America.

Brother Fatally Stabs Brother in Bella Vista Village

We begin this evening’s newscast with a case of fratricide in Bella Vista Village, where a brother turned on his brother while they were drinking. The two reportedly got embroiled in an altercation, and in the process, one ended up dead. The incident got out of control when thirty-seven-year-old John Bo struck his younger brother, twenty-six-year-old Matyas Carlos Bo in the head with an object and Matyas reacted with deadly force, stabbing John in the chest with a screwdriver. The pair was arguing over a bottle of rum initially, but it soon included other issues, according to their father. Police have arrested and charged Matyas Bo with murder while their father is preparing to bury John. News Five’s Marion Ali spoke with Mariano Bo about how the incident has spun his life upside down. Here’s the story.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Thirty-seven-year-old John Bo is dead from a stab wound to the chest. The accused murderer is his brother, twenty-six-year-old Matyas Carlos Bo. The siblings were drinking in Bella Vista Village for much of Wednesday morning, along with a friend. Throughout their lives, the two brothers reportedly lived well together and were always there for each other.

Mariano Bo, Father of Bo Brothers

“They eat together. They drink together. I don’t see what happened. I don’t know. I really don’t understand it. I don’t know why. There are two brothers who love one another. They take part for one another.”

Mariano Bo was at home sometime around eleven a.m., when Matyas arrived, apparently wounded. Matyas told his father that John hit him in the head and that he, in turn, stabbed John.

Mariano Bo

“Da bwai come in, I see a big cut pahn ih head. I tell ah, what happened? I tell ah. I see ih come in, I see ih full of blood. Then ih tell me John Bo beat me, ih seh. Why unu di fight, I tell ah. Unu da brothers, I tell ah. I think I stab ah too, but I don’t know for real, ih seh. I lost.”

Police responded to a report in the village on Wednesday, around ten-forty-seven a.m., and upon their arrival, they discovered the body of John Bo, with a fatal stab wound. An initial investigation revealed that Bo was socializing at his house when his brother fatally stabbed him. While reports are that the brothers were arguing over a bottle of rum that they were consuming, Mariano Bo told News 5 that he believes his sons had gotten into a fight over a female friend who he saw when he passed by John’s house just minutes before the incident happened.

Mariano Bo

“I just passed there about fifteen minutes when this thing happened. I talked to the two of them. I talked to the next one, Matyas. I tell ah, Matyas, go home I tell ah.” Yes, but I feel bad,” he tell me. “I done get enough.” I said, go home and go rest. I tell ah. They were drinking. And the next one, John. I tell ah, John, I mi think you gone da work today, I tell ah. He said, “no, daddy., he said, “I can’t work. I wa drink til I dead. The lady mi deh right deh with dehn.”

Marion Ali

“So the friend was a female who was with them?”

Mariano Bo

“Yeah. I di try contact she I di try find she right now, fi talk to she, ask her what happened. I don’t see she nowhere.”

Matyas’ mother has been living with Mariano Bo since his older son, John, was a little boy and she helped Mariano to raise him. She had advised him to give up drinking.

Linda Cucul, Mother of Carlos Matyas

“I always advise he when he come to me. I talk to him, tell him stop drink, stop drink. Yes Lin, Like that ih tell mi. Yes, Lin. I wanna stop, but I know how to stop them. You have to stop. I tell go work. Continue work. You don’t have to drink.”

For Mariano Bo, it’s difficult to lose both sons because of violence.

Mariano Bo

“I feel bad, I feel bad. Like I said, the two of them in one family, that’s no joke. That’s no joke. I feel it.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

Tyrike Supal’s Murder Charge is Dismissed; No Reason Given

Thirty-year-old Nigel Williams was ambushed near the corners of Saint Joseph and Saint Thomas streets, as he drove his taxi on the night of March twenty-second, 2024. He came under deadly gunfire and perished at the scene of the shooting. In the wake of the incident, police arrested twenty-four-year-old Tyrike Supal and held him on remand for the past five months. Today, Supal appeared unrepresented before the Chief Magistrate in Courtroom Number One, where the prosecution informed the court that they had received a memorandum from the DPP’s office instructing that the charge of murder be dismissed against Supal. No reasons were given, but today was set for disclosure to be provided to the murder suspect. That disclosure was not ready.

Police Arrest 18-year-old for Shooting Police Station

On Sunday, June twenty-third, the Roaring Creek Police Station came under heavy gunfire while an officer stood in front of the building and his colleagues were on duty inside. Today, police informed that they have charged eighteen-year-old Shamar Smith of Belize City with Aggravated Assault, Damage to Property, and Mischievous Act. The gunman who wore a white hoodie, opened fire at the station at around twelve-thirty a.m. No one was injured, but the Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams condemned the brazen act the following morning. Investigators recovered eighteen expended shells at the scene.

Elmer Nah Finally Indicted on 3 Counts of Murder

Today, former police officer, Elmer Nah was indicted on six counts for the December 2022 triple murder of Jon, David, and Vivian Ramnarace in Belmopan, and for the attempted murder of Yemi Alberto. He appeared in court, represented by Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith, and was read the first indictment of three counts of murder, and one count of attempted murder. His second indictment included one count of use of deadly means of harm and one count of wounding which will be tried by a jury. Nah pleaded not guilty to all charges. Justice Pilgrim informed Nah that he has the right to a bail application; the right to enter a guilty plea and the right to a deduction of his sentence if he were to plead guilty. Justice Pilgrim then said that if he pleaded not guilty, his case would be heard by a judge alone, however, the second indictment for use of deadly means of harm and wounding would be heard before a jury. Nah was informed of his right to enter into a plea discussion with the crown where he, his attorney, and the prosecution will discuss his case after which, they may offer him the opportunity to plea to a lesser charge or an opportunity for him to plea to another charge.