October, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Israeli Strikes on Iran Oil Facilities

President Joe Biden has confirmed that the United States is engaged in discussions concerning possible Israeli military actions targeting Iran’s oil facilities. When pressed about whether he would support such strikes, Biden responded, “We’re discussing that,” the BBC reported.

The situation intensified after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel earlier this week, which sent Brent crude oil prices soaring by 5% and up by 10% overall since the incident. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Iran “will pay a heavy price” for the assault involving over 180 ballistic missiles.

Reports from Israeli media suggest that the initial focus of any strikes could be on Iran’s oil infrastructure.

Iran’s military chief has warned that any retaliation would be directed at all Israeli infrastructure.

The escalating tensions have raised alarms about potential disruptions in the Straits of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipping.

Recent developments are that the Israeli military has conducted airstrikes in Beirut. This resulted in casualties and prompting increased evacuation orders in southern Lebanon.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN stated that a response to the recent missile assault from Iran “will be soon.”

BNTU Claims: “Someone is Targeting the BNTU”

On Wednesday night, over 130 teachers in Belize reported that they have been working without pay, with some waiting for their salaries for over six months. At a press conference held at the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) headquarters, National President Nadia Caliz accused the Ministry of Education of unfairly targeting educators through the Government of Belize’s Smart Stream system.

During the event, teachers Kimberly Lopez and Janelle Cacho recounted their personal struggles. Lopez, who hasn’t received a pay check since May, said, “Imagine saving for your future and having to use that money now.” Cacho echoed this sentiment, stating, “It has caused immense distress, trauma, and inconvenience in my life.”

Both teachers faced complications with the mandatory 120 continuous professional development (CPD) hours needed for license renewal. Lopez explained her frustration with the system, which indicated she had only completed 32 hours despite attending several workshops. Cacho described being unable to teach for months due to her CPD hours and license renewal issues.

Caliz questioned the removals, asking, “Who authorised this? That is the key question, especially when we have a standing agreement.”

Caliz added, “This suggests a serious administrative failure. Someone is targeting the BNTU, using the system against us.” She warned that if conditions do not improve, the BNTU will take further action, declaring, “We cannot accept a situation where teachers show up to work and receive no pay at the end of the month.”

Can BSI’s Plan Fix Sugar Supply Issues?

Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) is addressing rising consumer concerns about limited sugar availability in supermarkets. For weeks, shoppers have faced restrictions of one or two pounds per purchase. This occurs despite BSI’s previous assurances of ‘no actual sugar shortage.’

Shawn Chavarria, Financial Manager at ASR/BSI, confirmed that as of this week, there are approximately 7.5 million pounds of white sugar and 2.2 million pounds of brown sugar in stock, sufficient to meet demand for the next three and a half months. Despite this, some retailers are still imposing limits.

Chavarria told News 5 today, “Somewhere along the supply chain, sugar is not consistently reaching the intended customers.” Investigations indicate that sugar smuggling may be worsening the perceived shortage.

To combat this issue, BSI has proposed introducing pre-packaged retail sizes for sugar. “That product will be much more difficult for anybody to try to smuggle,” Chavarria claimed. He noted that this packaging format has received positive feedback in the CARICOM market.

However, implementing retail packaging will require changes to the existing price control system. BSI is seeking government support to liberalise prices for packaged sugar while maintaining regulations for industrial sugar. If approved, packaged brown sugar could be priced around $1 per pound, and white sugar at about $1.10.

Elderly Couple Killed by Tree in Hurricane Helene

An elderly couple were tragically found embracing in their bedroom after a tree fell on their ceiling during Hurricane Helene in Beech Island, South Carolina. The storm claimed the lives of Marcia Savage, 74, and Jerry Savage, 78, and at least 200 other lives.

The elderly couple were married for over 50 years.

Their grandson, 22-year-old John Savage, had checked in on them just moments before the disaster. “We heard a snap, and I went back to see how they were. They were both okay, and the dog was fine,” he said.

However, shortly after his visit, a thunderous boom marked the onset of tragedy as a massive tree fell. “All you could see was the ceiling and the tree,” John said.

Jerry was well-regarded for his skills as an electrician and carpenter, while Marcia was a retired bank teller. Their granddaughter, Katherine Savage, remarked, “They loved each other to their dying day.” John added, “Their love was instant and everlasting.”

Additionally, two firefighters in South Carolina lost their lives when a tree struck their truck.

Belize City Announces 2024-2025 Youth Shadow Council

The Belize City Council officially introduced the 2024-2025 Youth Shadow Council.

The Council’s fourth comprises 12 young leaders.

The council members will work closely with the mayor and respective councillors.

In the announcement, the council stated, “Their mission is to contribute to project development and gain a deeper understanding of municipal management, all while upholding our commitment to championing youth development and enhancing youth connectivity in governance.”

Unauthorised Transport of Houses on Highways Without Permits Will Lead to Penalties

The Ministry of Transport is reminding the public that transporting houses on public highways requires prior approval. The ministry says that it has noted an increase in unauthorised transport of houses on highways.

“In accordance with traffic regulations, all houses being transported must be accompanied by police or transport department vehicles. These escort vehicles are crucial for alerting other road users, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of oversized loads and preventing accidents.”

In April 2018, 26-year-old Daniel Ian Urbina died after crashing into a wooden house being transported on a GMC 10-wheeler truck coming from the opposite direction. The incident happened just before 3 a.m. on the Philip Goldson Highway.

In October 2022, 15-year-old Arthur Thomas was struck by a wooden house being transported on a trailer truck. The teenager of Gardenia Village was riding his bicycle home.

The Department says that it will closely monitor compliance and take enforcement action against violators.

Four Women Wanted for Assault and Robbery

Police are looking for four women linked to a reported assault and robbery at a Belize City apartment.

Damaris Camara, 23, Shelby Medina, 18, Mariela Mejia, 29, and Kathia Sandoval, all from Orange Walk Town, are wanted for allegedly stealing over $8,000 worth of luxury items.

According to the victim’s police report, she was staying at an apartment reportedly owned by Camara. On Saturday night, Camara and her associates forcibly entered the premises. The victim alleged that Camara seized her iPhone 7 and smashed it on the floor. The accused are also alleged to have destroyed an Ariana Grande perfume worth $300 and several pairs of sunglasses.

The suspects reportedly escaped with personal belongings totalling approximately $8,165.

Police are actively seeking to apprehend the four women for questioning.

What is Special About October 3?

Every year, internet users flood social media with the legendary quote “It’s October 3rd.” The date has become symbolic due to the 2004 iconic movie “Mean Girls.” If you’re a fan, you’ll totally get it. But, over the last few years, the date has adopted another internet-labelled meaning to it—National Boyfriend Day.

This ‘new’ meaning was established by internet users around 2014. Why October? Love experts don’t know the reason behind the choice. By 2016, the holiday had gained significant traction, leading to thousands of social media posts dedicated to the occasion.

How long have you been in a committed relationship? According to love experts, National Boyfriend Day is an ideal time for boyfriends to receive appreciation.

If you’re wondering when is ‘National Girlfriend Day,’ then you’ll have to wait for next year’s round, on August 1.

Popular ways to celebrate the day:

Special Dates: Plan a recreation of your first date.

Cooking Together: Put those Belizean culinary skills into action and cook any of the many Belizean delicacies.

Love Letters: Bring back the ‘corny’ love letter writing; express your affection.

Couples Massages: Unwind the day’s stress with a massage.

Gift Giving: Who says boyfriends don’t deserve gifts too? Get him a watch, cologne, trimming kit.

Adventure Together: If you’ve been in a long relationship, recruit some spontaneity in the relationship with some adventure.

Social Media Shout-Outs: Share photos and messages of your boyfriend on social media using hashtags such as #NationalBoyfriendDay.

Israel Declares UN Sec. Gen. Persona Non Grata

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, announced on Wednesday that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been denied entry into the country. This decision follows what Israel says is Guterres’s failure to “unequivocally” condemn Iran’s missile attacks on Israel.

On Tuesday, Iran launched over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, some of which breached its defences. Guterres condemned the widening conflict but did not specifically denounce Iran’s actions.

Katz stated, “Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran’s heinous attack does not deserve to set foot on Israeli soil,” declaring Guterres “persona non grata.”

Katz affirmed that Israel will defend its citizens “with or without” Guterres.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate against Iran for its missile attack on Israel, which he called a “big mistake.”

U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller criticised the move as counterproductive to Israel’s global standing. Meanwhile, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric described the ban as a political manoeuvre and noted that the UN does not recognise the concept of persona non grata for its officials.

During a Security Council meeting, Guterres reiterated his condemnation of the Iranian attack and called for an end to the “deadly cycle of tit-for-tat violence” in the Middle East. He also criticised Israel’s military operations in Gaza as “the most deadly and destructive” during his tenure.

BDF Completes Mandarin Course for 22 Soldiers

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) announced the successful completion of a Mandarin language exchange course for 22 soldiers on Tuesday. Vital communication skills that could enhance military collaboration and strengthen international partnerships.

The BDF emphasised the critical role of language in military operations. The military’s newly gained communication skills are expected to enhance military collaboration and strengthen international partnerships.

This accomplishment aligns Belize’s 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Taiwan.