October, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Belize Reaffirms Commitment to Haiti at UN General Assembly

At the seventy-ninth United Nations General Assembly, Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca delivered a compelling address, highlighting several international conflicts, including the ongoing crisis in Haiti. Last month, Belize took a proactive step by deploying two B.D.F. officers to Haiti, supporting the United Nations Security Council Resolution aimed at fostering collaboration among CARICOM countries to restore security in the region. In his speech, Fonseca underscored the critical importance of solidarity and allyship between nations during times of hardship, emphasizing that collective efforts are essential to overcoming global challenges.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Conflicts should not be allowed to fester. The war in Ukraine is now two years running and we are concerned that the end is still not near. Haiti has seized our attention once again. For Belize, the international response must be enduring for long lasting peace. and security of our sister country. We are working through the Caribbean community to reinforce and strengthen Haiti. And we commend the Haitian people in their resolve to define their own pathway forward. We are pleased to be contributing personnel to the multinational security support mission. For Belize is extremely worried that up to now, the international community has not fully delivered on its commitments for the MSS, nor the UN Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Haiti. This jeopardizes all the efforts towards establishing political stability, but more than that, puts the future of Haiti at substantial risk.”

Belize Calls for Reinforced Climate Justice at UN General Assembly

In his address, Minister Fonseca also emphasized the importance of climate justice for developing nations. He explained that Belize is a member of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States, which contributes less than one percent of global emissions. However, these nations feel the impact of climate change heavily, as they depend on traditional sectors. It is for that reason that leaders of the alliance adopted the declaration on sea level rise and statehood on the twenty-third of September. This affirms that the sovereignty or statehood of small island developing states cannot be challenged under any circumstances of climate change-related sea level rise. Fonseca encourages nations to offer support for this cause.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“We invite all UN member states to support the implementation of this declaration. And to use it as the basis of international cooperation. To further guarantee that SIDS will be spared the gravest climate threats, global warming must be limited to well below one point five degrees Celsius. Belize urges the G20 to enhance their emission reduction targets to achieve global warming. This temperature limit for SIDS adaptation is imperative and loss and damage associated with climate change is inevitable. The new climate finance goal to be decided in Baku must contain specific recommendations for minimum allocation to SIDS in relation to grant based and concessional finance. for adaptation and grants for loss and damage. It must also give effect to the provisions of the Paris Agreement, which require enhanced access for SIDS and LDCs to climate finance. Finally, it must support the urgent capitalization of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.”

IDB Executive Directors Visit Belize to Review Progress on Key Development Projects

A group of Counselors from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Board of Executive Directors is visiting Belize from September 30 to October 4, 2024, to tour several IDB Group-funded projects and gain insights into the country’s project portfolio. Accompanied by representatives from the Government of Belize and local bodies, they are visiting key sites such as the Itz’at Steam Academy (Education Quality Improvement Program II), Belize City Pump Station (Climate Vulnerability Reduction Program), and San Mateo in San Pedro (Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Development Program), among others. The delegation will assess project progress by engaging with stakeholders to understand the challenges and achievements of these initiatives. This visit reflects the shared vision of the IDB and the Government of Belize to ensure impactful investments for the benefit of the Belizean people.

US Vice Presidential Showdown: Walz vs. Vance Tonight

Tonight, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance will face off in their first and only vice presidential debate before the U.S. November election. Both candidates aim to sway voters in a tight race with less than 40 days to go before Election Day. The debate starts at 9 p.m. ET (8 p.m. Belize Time) in New York City.

The 90-minute debate follows the recent presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on September 11.

Walz is the Democratic candidate and Harris’ running mate. While Vance is the Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump’s running mate.

The debate will be moderated by CBS anchors Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan. The debate will feature two-minute responses and one-minute rebuttals, with no audience present.

Viewers can watch on CBS.

Top Female Runners in Fourth Annual Belize City Half Marathon

The Belize City Council held its fourth annual Belize City Half Marathon on Saturday. The event featured three categories: a half marathon (21K), a 10K, and a 5K.

In the half marathon/21K category, Chrystal Thomas from Splash Sarteneja took first place with a time of 1:41:49.8. Carmen Castilla from Splash Orange Walk finished second at 1:44:14.5, and Lizbeth De La Cruz from Club Vlady Maraton Playa del Carmen, Mexico, came in third at 1:51:05.8.

For the 10K race, Roxana Lemus from Westrack Slick Runners San Ignacio secured first place with a time of 0:52:29.9. Neydy Lopez from Splash Belmopan placed second at 0:57:26.9, followed closely by Ayako Suginak from JICA Orange Walk in third at 0:57:36.4.

In the 5K category, Irene Thiessen from Westrack Slick Runners Belmopan finished first with a time of 27:20.9. Elisha Rash from the UB 5K team in Belmopan came in second at 0:28:21.3, and Kristelle Young from Heart and Sole Lord’s Bank Village took third at 0:28:28.6.

Iran Launches Missiles at Israel

Iran has launched about 180 missiles at Israel in response to the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Most of the missiles were intercepted. Sirens sounded across Israel as military officials confirmed the attack, with Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari reporting no injuries and warning of serious consequences.

The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility, labelling the assault a reaction to “terrorist acts” by Israel and threatening further action if Israel retaliated.

This incident follows a year of rising tensions between Israel and Iran-affiliated groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged citizens to remain vigilant. The US Embassy in Israel has also advised personnel and families to shelter in place as the situation continues to evolve.

Israel is now likely to respond to Iran with significantly more force than it did in April. Israel views its recent military actions across the region as necessary steps to deter enemies and neutralise threats.

Potential targets for Israeli retaliation may include Iran’s nuclear facilities, IRGC bases, and the missile launch sites and storage depots used in Tuesday’s attack.

Belize’s Rising Reggae Artist: Phynxxx

Belizean reggae artist Phynxxx, known offstage as Jeremy Lizama, combines Caribbean influences with heartfelt lyrics to create a sound that resonates with his audience. As he gears up for the release of new tracks, Phynxxx shares insights into his music style and creative process.

Cultural Roots and Influences

Growing up in Belize, Phynxxx has been profoundly influenced by the rhythms and vibes of his surroundings. “I try to keep it as real as I can,” he shares. His music celebrates Belizean culture, blending traditional reggae elements with local sounds that make his work distinctively authentic.

Phynxxx draws inspiration from reggae legends like Gregory Isaacs, whose smooth delivery and heartfelt lyrics have shaped his musical journey. In an interview with News 5, he cited his latest track, “New Day,” produced by his brother. “That one just reached another level for me… the sky’s been the limit since,” he explains, emphasising how it encapsulates uplifting themes of new beginnings and positive energy.

The Creative Process and Artistic Growth

Phynxxx approaches songwriting as a meditative experience, often freestyling to find the right flow. “I consider myself more of a guide,” he explained, adding, “I tend to just put myself into a mode or a meditation.” With a growing listener engagement, Phynxxx says his writing process has shifted to more intentional messaging: “Now, I have to know what I’m saying and what I’m influencing; what are they going to listen to when I’m singing? So I try to keep it uplifting and positive.”

He candidly shared his early struggles, emphasising that even the most talented artists face doubts and setbacks. His breakthrough song, “Only One,” which recently gained traction on platforms like TikTok, serves as a reminder that success can come unexpectedly. “You just got to work… Don’t stop. No matter what you hear or how you feel, if this is what you love, you don’t stop,” he shared, encouraging young artists to believe in their potential and keep pushing forward, regardless of challenges.

Manager’s Insights: The Modern Music Landscape

His manager, Joe Arrivi, has been managing rising artist Phynxxx for about a year. “I was in an industry in the nineties… And I never thought I’d ever get back in the entertainment industry… but it was refreshing to see Phoenix… and the amount of raw talent that he had and the amount of commitment, heart, and charisma,” Arrivi said, emphasising the importance of authenticity and collaboration in today’s music landscape.

Artists from Belize, a small Caribbean country, often struggle for visibility in the global music scene. Phynxxx’s manager stated that social media allows artists to amplify their talent and reach a wider audience without traditional gatekeepers. “You have to be a little bit savvy these days with social media, but it’s a lot easier than it was in the 90s and 2000s because you have this medium now,” Arrivi stated. “In the past, you would need a whole team of people to do that for you. And you would have to rely on a record label to provide that for you.”

UDP’s Omar Figueroa Claims Voter Fraud in Cayo North

Cayo North’s UDP standard bearer, Omar Figueroa, is alleging widespread voter registration fraud in the Cayo North constituency. Figueroa says that election officials are failing to address numerous questionable registrations.

In a letter addressed to the Governor-General, Froyla Tzalam, Figueroa alleged a “well-organised white collar criminal scheme” involving questionable voter registrations. He called it a “threat to our fragile parliamentary democracy.” He criticised the registration department for not providing essential information needed to verify new registrations and suggested that some employees may be complicit in the fraud.

Concerns began surfacing before the 2024 municipal elections when both Figueroa and Mayor Earl Trapp noticed “unusual” registration activities at the local Elections and Boundaries Department. “Significant numbers of questionable registrations began appearing on the voter’s list without clear indication as to the exact address,” he said.

“Our parliamentary democracy is in jeopardy… Please help us ensure that we protect the constitutional rights of the people of Cayo North,” Figueroa urged the Governor-General in his letter. “The extent of the organised electoral fraud presents a significant threat to the integrity of our electoral process,” Figueroa warned, urging for a thorough investigation by the Commissioner of Police and other officials to protect the rights of Cayo North residents.

Belize Calls for Urgent Ceasefire and Justice for Palestinians

The Government of Belize has condemned the rising violence in the Middle East, particularly the impact of Israeli actions causing civilian casualties in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Belize calls for an immediate ceasefire and adherence to international law, warning that inaction could lead to regional chaos.

“The weaponising of civilian devices like pagers to cause the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians and the continued Israeli use of selective assassinations threatens to ignite a full-scale conflagration of unimaginable consequences,” said the government in a statement.

The government described the ongoing cycle of violence as “illegal, immoral and inhumane.” Belize called for Israel to “immediately abide by the decisions of the International Court of Justice,” agree to a ceasefire, allow humanitarian aid into Gaza without obstruction, and lift the siege of Gaza. Additionally, it demanded the “immediate, unconditional release of hostages held by the resistance groups and by the Israeli state.”

The statement also addressed the role of the United Nations Security Council, stating, “There will never be peace in the region until Israel abides by the decisions of the United Nations and fully respects the right of the Palestinian people to full self-determination.” The government called on the Security Council and the international community to implement resolution 10/24 from the UN General Assembly’s 10th Emergency Session on September 18, 2024.

What Does US Port Strike Mean for Belize, Christmas Supply Chain?

The logistics industry is facing significant disruptions as dockworkers have begun strikes at ports along the US East and Gulf coasts. With no resolution in sight, the strikes are affecting supply chains across the US and globally, with no clear resolution in sight.

Dockworkers are seeking higher wages and assurances that they won’t be replaced by automation.

Ocean supply chains have already been hit hard this year by conflict in the Red Sea, a lengthy drought affecting the Panama Canal, and the Baltimore Bridge collapse. Major port operators have extended hours and implemented special measures to reduce cargo losses, particularly for refrigerated shipments. Ocean carriers have introduced surcharges on shipments to East Coast ports. However, the strikes are expected to cause inevitable disruptions.

The ongoing US East Coast port strikes are threatening to disrupt holiday supply chains as retailers prepare for the busy Christmas season. With the festive period fast approaching, smooth logistics are critical for keeping shelves stocked with toys, electronics, and other high-demand products.

Increasing peak season demand, combined with holiday-related e-commerce pressure, will strain air freight capacity even further, worsening supply chain bottlenecks.

As shipping costs rise and goods become scarcer, popular Christmas gifts could see price hikes, and e-commerce orders might experience even longer delays, frustrating consumers. Retailers that rely on just-in-time delivery systems are especially vulnerable and risk missing out on key sales during the crucial weeks leading up to Christmas.

Air cargo rates, already elevated due to e-commerce demand, will face even more pressure during the holiday season as peak demand grows in October. The strike’s duration is crucial. A short strike may create a backlog, but a prolonged disruption could have severe consequences. Some companies may turn to air freight, but high costs and limited capacity make it a last resort.

The latest figures from the Statistical Institute of Belize show that Belize’s total imports of goods were valued at $219.2 million in August. This is a significant decrease of 20.2%, or $55.6 million, compared to August 2023, when imports totalled $274.8 million. Imports fell across nearly all commodity categories, with the exception of ‘Oils and Fats.’ Notable declines were seen in ‘Mineral Fuels & Lubricants,’ ‘Commercial Free Zones,’ and ‘Machinery and Transport Equipment.’

This is the first strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) in nearly 50 years, affecting ships carrying billions of dollars worth of cargo. Recent supply chain shocks have made businesses more prepared for such disruptions, likely taking precautionary measures ahead of time, as the possibility of a strike had been anticipated for months.