October 8, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Hurricane Milton Targets Florida

Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Florida’s west coast late Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, packing winds of 111 to 129 mph (180 to 210 kph). Meteorologists anticipate that Milton will maintain hurricane strength as it moves across central Florida towards the Atlantic Ocean. This trajectory is likely to spare other states recently devastated by Hurricane Helene, which claimed at least 230 lives along its path from Florida to the Carolinas.

State officials are urging residents not to underestimate Milton’s potential impact and to heed evacuation orders. Florida’s Division of Emergency Management has released a list of counties currently under evacuation notices. Several areas remain inundated with debris, including waterlogged furniture, appliances, and personal belongings, piled high along the streets. Many residents have temporarily vacated their homes, which have become uninhabitable.

Christine Jones, a Belizean-American living in Ruskin Town, Florida, shared her preparation efforts, stating, “This morning I spent helping my neighbours put up their shutters.” She has stocked up on nonperishable food and fuel, recalling the damage from Hurricane Ian three years ago. “I’m hoping that everything holds together,” she added.

Belizean Shadini Henry, who has lived in Florida for over eight years, faced difficulties securing essential supplies post-Helene. “It was hard to find water in the stores,” she explained, noting the rush to fill vehicles with gas before the storm.

Janine Sylvestre, the Consul of Belize in Florida, has issued an urgent warning as Hurricane Milton. Most of Florida is under a state of emergency, and the storm’s effects could be felt statewide. Residents are urged to prepare essential supplies and review hurricane plans, including provisions for pets and seniors. For urgent consular assistance, contact the Consulate at 305-300-7520.

Barbados Hosts Major Crime-Fighting Dialogue

Today, crime knows no borders. This makes it an urgent action from nations to ensure safety for all. This matter will be a major focus at the 8th Edition of the Dialogue, hosted by Interpol and CARICOM IMPACS. The dialogue will focus on effective multilateral policing architecture against global threats. The event will be held in Bridgetown, Barbados, from October 9-10, 2024.

The theme is “Integrated security architecture—multilateral action for a safer world.” This event continues discussions from previous editions held in New York and Abu Dhabi. Two main areas of focus are the effective implementation of the reviewed Global Policing Goals (GPGs) and establishing a global model for law enforcement data sharing.

Executive Director of CARICOM IMPACS, Lt. Col. Michael Jones, emphasised the importance of the forum, stating, “This is a testament to our collective commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of our citizenry.”

Jürgen Stock, Secretary General of INTERPOL, remarked, “The Dialogue is a collective commitment to making the world a safer place by ensuring that international law enforcement organisations pool efforts and avoid duplication wherever possible.”

At the end of the dialogue, a joint declaration will summarise the discussions and outline future steps.

US and Belize Officials Discuss Security, Migration, and Economic Prosperity

Over the weekend, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian A. Nichols, arrived in Belize for an official visit from October 5–8. Nichols oversees the operations of U.S. diplomatic missions in countries across North, Central, and South America as well as the Caribbean.

In a statement issued by the U.S. Department of State, Nichols’ meeting with Prime Minister John Briceño and Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca would focus on “security and inclusive economic prosperity in Belize and throughout the region.”

On Monday, Prime Minister John Briceño and Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, met with Nichols. That same day, Nichols, along with US Ambassador to Belize, Michelle Kwan, visited Corazon Creek Technical High School in Toledo to see firsthand the enhancements funded by the U.S. Department of Defence.

In a post on X, Nichols said, “Excellent and productive meeting with PM John Briceño to thank him for Belize’s leadership in supporting the Haiti Multinational Security Support mission and Belize’s vital contributions on migration management, security, and the rule of law.

In a separate post, he stated, “Glad to meet today with Francis Fonseca. Grateful for Belize’s leadership in deploying among the Western Hemisphere’s first contributing forces to the Haiti Multinational Security Support mission. Thanks also for your stalwart partnership on migration management in the region.

On Sunday, he noted his “discussion with business leaders in Belize.” He stated that “work is being done to relaunch Belize’s AmCham chapter, and we look forward to continuing our countries’ strong, productive relationship.”

Unusually Strong Winds or a “Cold Front?”

Residents continue to report unusually strong winds this morning. Tarek Mathews, the forecaster on duty at the National Meteorological Service of Belize, explained to News 5 what’s causing current wind patterns and the possibility of an “upcoming cold front.”

Mathews added, “In terms of the winds right now we’re having Western wind, which Hurricane Milton is perhaps influencing the winds over the country.” He clarified that while Hurricane Milton is moving north of Belize, there remains a possibility of an outer band crossing the country. However, he noted that “nothing significant” is expected now.

He further reassured the public, saying, “In the short term, we’re not seeing any cold front.”

According to Mathews, “We’re having winds whereby they’re coming from the land, and we’re having that cool temperature in the morning. People would think it’s a cold front, but it’s not.”

The Met Service’s forecast for today indicates “moderate west to southwest airflow,” leading to “generally fair weather.” Residents can expect sunny skies with a few clouds throughout the day, while tonight will bring partly cloudy conditions with isolated showers.

SJC’s Terse Statement on Bullying Incident

St. John’s College in Belize City late yesterday evening issued a terse statement in response to bullying at the school.

Over the weekend, we reported on the case of St. John’s College High School Dominick Alvarado. He now has a broken hip and requires emergency surgery. According to Dominick’s family, he was bullied and is now suffering physically and emotionally.

Dominick’s injuries and trauma have disrupted his academic performance. The family also criticised the school’s administration for failing to respond adequately. The incident happened months ago. It was only after the family brought the issue to light on social media that the school responded.

In a 3-sentence statement, St. John’s College acknowledged the Facebook post, is in contact with his family, and wished him a speedy recovery.

“St. John’s College is aware of the post made on Facebook concerning Dominick Alvarado. We are in communication with Dominick’s parent, and this situation is being addressed. We wish Dominick Alvarado a speedy recovery, and his Wildcat family awaits his return.”

Trinidad and Tobago Takes the Lead on Major Events Security Initiative

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is hosting a three-day workshop on major event security to enhance the importance of safeguarding crowded venues in the Caribbean. The workshop will begin on October 8 in Port of Spain. The Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) says that the goal of this program is to create and strengthen strategies for safeguarding communities that host festivals and cultural gatherings.

The event is in partnership with the OAS Inter-American Committee against Terrorism, UNICRI, and CARICOM IMPACS and funded by Canada.

The statement added that bringing together National Focal Points and international experts from various countries will “facilitate the exchange of information, good practices, and lessons learned on major events’ security—specifically concerning festivals, carnivals, and cultural events—among the National Focal Points (NFPs) of the Network of Major Events’ Security in the Caribbean Member States of the OAS.”

Participants will delve into critical topics such as “the protection of intellectual property, the management of events from pre-planning to post-event evaluation, and the importance of public-private partnerships,” said IMPACS.

The workshop is part of a broader initiative developed by the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism under the Organisation of American States (OAS/CICTE) and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) titled “Improving Crime Prevention Policies and International Cooperation for the Protection of Crowded Spaces and Other Vulnerable Targets.”

Oceana Celebrates Environmental Champions at 2024 AGM

Oceana in Belize held its 2024 Annual General Meeting on Saturday at the St. Catherine’s Academy Mercy Centre in Belize City. It gathered over 300 wavemakers, partners, and environmental allies from across the country.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of Dassia Regalado as National Wavemaker of the Year. Regalado, a conservationist and veterinary professional working in Seine Bight Village in Stann Creek, was celebrated for her innovative environmental initiatives. Among her achievements is the 3R’s Plastic Initiative, a project that transforms waste into functional art, providing creative solutions to environmental challenges. Regalado has also played a key role in promoting eco-friendly businesses through her platform, Evergreen Marketing, and has been an active advocate for a national referendum on offshore oil development, garnering over 22,000 signatures in support.

In addition to the national honour, Wavemaker awards were presented to outstanding individuals from each district:

Glendy Chiquin, Corozal District
Astrid Cal, Orange Walk District
Liam Sanchez, Belize District
Georgia Belezaire, Cayo District
Schylyr Logan, Stann Creek District
Roxanna Shook, Toledo District

The Partner of the Year award was given to Sea of Life, an organisation recognised for its efforts in reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices. Sea of Life has been instrumental in raising awareness through trash audits, partnerships with schools, and initiatives targeting single-use plastics.