October, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Belizeans in Florida Worried Over Hurricane Milton’s Strength

From tonight through Wednesday, residents in Florida, including thousands of Belizeans, are gearing up for the impact of Hurricane Milton. This dangerous Category 5 storm lost some strength while crossing the Gulf of Mexico but has regained power as it approaches the Florida coast. News Five caught up with Ray Gongora, a Belizean living in Pembroke Pines, Florida. He shared that the hurricane is causing a lot of emotional and mental stress for many people.

Ray Gongora, Belizean Living in Florida

“We have gone to the areas where sand is being distributed and there are also bags provided. Some people take their own shovels in order to expedite the process. We got to fill our own bags and then take them away and bring them home. So that is one of the process of preparation. We are placing sandbags at our doors, uh, trying to prevent water from coming in. Marion, you, you said it’s, it’s a powerful, we’re calling it a monster. This is a monster. And because of that, it’s even affecting us, um, emotionally. We are very anxious about what. the power that this storm will have and the effect it will have upon us. Um, many Belizeans who are living on the coast in, in Tampa, uh, especially Naples have moved inland with other Belizeans. Here people can get information on shelters that they can use the Honorary Council of Belize in Miami has a number that is posted. And can be used for those who need assistance or referral or information regarding shelters. And that number is 305 300 7520. Please, if you need assistance, if you need any information, any beliefs out there, please give that number a call. You can also go online, as I said, to that website.”

Belizeans in Florida can also log online for assistance or information at www.floridadasaster.org/shelter-status/

Teen Breaks Silence After Severe Bullying Incident at SJC

The full story can be viewed on News 5 Live at 6 o’clock.

Thirteen-year-old Dominick Alvarado, a straight-A student at Saint John’s College, is now confined to his bed after a serious bullying incident left him with a severe hip injury. Dominick and his mother, Natalie Alvarado, have broken their silence about the ordeal.

Dominick recalled the moment he was attacked at school, describing how a bully shoved him into a drain after he attempted to report harassment to a teacher. He said, “Before I reached to tell the teacher, he pushed me in the drain and at the time I didn’t feel the pain because I had meat, so I’m chunky, I didn’t feel the pain at the time, so then around a couple weeks now, when I was walking to go to school, it hurt so bad I couldn’t walk I had to limp, and it hurt, so I call, I text my mom on my laptop to come for me at school.”

His mother told News 5, “When I saw him, he was completely soaked with water. I mean completely head the toe. So books was wet, everything was wet. And I went into the office and asked them what’s going on and they told me that they pushed him down. So I figure from, I did not think, take it serious that from then he already hit, had that injury. I just, I thought he was going to grow it out, then he started limping, then it started getting worse.”

Though he didn’t initially feel pain, the impact worsened over time, leading to a significant hip injury that required emergency surgery. Now, Dominick faces a long road to recovery, with a screw in his hip and another surgery.

After the incident was reported, Dominick faced suspension, but two teachers intervened on his behalf. He said that the bullying had been ongoing since primary school.

Natalie said she became frustrated over the school’s handling of the situation. She has also written a letter to Saint John’s College, expressing her disappointment with the school’s response and urging for a detailed plan to support Dominick’s recovery, including mental, emotional, and physical rehabilitation.

Over time, the muscle in his hip deteriorated, causing him unbearable pain as he commuted to school from Boston Village. Doctors compared his condition to “an ice cream cone melting,” with the bone left exposed as the muscle wasted away.

Now, Natalie is taking care of Dominick full-time, helping him relearn basic tasks like walking and sitting up. The financial burden is immense, as Natalie, a tour guide, faces the challenge of providing care while managing transportation costs for Dominick’s future school attendance.

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.”

Hurricane Milton Returns to Category 5 Strength

Hurricane Milton has regained its Category 5 strength. Authorities in Florida have issued urgent warnings for residents along the west-central coast. With destructive winds and life-threatening storm surges expected, officials are urging residents to prepare their homes and evacuate if ordered to do so.

The National Hurricane Centre has issued a storm surge warning, warning of potential inundations of 10 feet or more along the coastline. Residents in these areas are facing a dire situation and are advised to evacuate immediately. “Waiting until tomorrow may be too late,” officials said.

Milton’s devastating hurricane-force winds are expected to hit the west coast, with gusts reaching inland. The storm is projected to maintain its hurricane strength as it crosses Florida, bringing significant risks of prolonged power outages. Residents are urged to finalise preparations by tonight.

In addition to the wind and storm surge, heavy rainfall across the Florida Peninsula through Thursday could result in catastrophic flash flooding. River levels are expected to rise as coastal and inland flooding combine, amplifying the overall threat to the region.

Is the Placencia Polyclinic Truly Open 24/7?

The recently built Placencia Polyclinic was inaugurated on May 15, 2024. The BZ$4 million facility is expected to enable healthcare professionals on the peninsula to deliver enhanced medical services to both residents and tourists. Back then Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard, said, “Of course, this will be a 24-hour facility and provide continuous service, emergency service, routine checkups, and other specialised care when the doctor comes in.”

But is it really?

Over the weekend, Chris Chun rushed to the polyclinic in the wee hours of the morning, seeking urgent medical help for his son. He says that when he arrived there, he found the facility deserted. He said that no one was there to help his son, who was suffering from a high fever.

A worried Chun started to record with his phone. In the video, he says, “I came here as an emergency… Nobody, not even a security guard… not even a sound you hear here.”

According to Chun, he had been knocking on doors for some time, desperately trying to get assistance for his son.

Chun said, “I went there… for an emergency, and no one was there. My son was dying with a high fever, and no one is assisting us or security; nobody is there.” Chun walks through the empty compound, saying, “Why did they build this Placencia polyclinic? For what? I don’t know.”

Chun also noted troubling conditions within the polyclinic, including an emergency waiting area that appeared to be flooded. “In there got at least three inches of water,” he said.

Dominican Republic Deports Nearly 11,000 Haitians Amid Growing Tensions

The Dominican Republic announced on Tuesday that it has deported or repatriated nearly 11,000 Haitians in the past week, fulfilling its commitment to deport up to 10,000 Haitians weekly. This move comes as Haiti grapples with severe poverty and rampant gang violence.

In response to the mass deportations, Haitian officials have called for an emergency meeting at the Organization of American States, scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille criticised the deportations on social media, stating that they violate fundamental principles of human dignity.

Activists warn that the deportations endanger the lives of thousands as Haiti struggles with escalating gang violence and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Dominique Dupuy, Haiti’s foreign affairs minister, condemned the deportations as “dehumanising acts,” while activist William Charpentier highlighted the growing number of abandoned children in the Dominican Republic as parents are forcibly taken.

Concerns have also been raised about the treatment of legal migrants, with reports of extortion by Dominican soldiers demanding payments to avoid deportation, even for those with proper documentation.

PM Briceño Engages in Conversation with King Charles III

Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize, had a phone call today with His Majesty King Charles III, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Commonwealth Realms.

The King and Prime Minister Briceño discussed the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which will be held in Apia, Samoa, from October 21 to 26, 2024.

Press Release

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.