November, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

US Suspends Mexican Cattle Imports Over Screwworm Case

The United States has temporarily halted cattle imports from Mexico following the detection of a case of New World screwworm (NWS) in Catazaja, Chiapas, near Mexico’s border with Guatemala. The announcement was made by Mexico’s government on Sunday. The severity of the threat posed by the parasitic fly can devastate livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including humans.

In its statement, the Mexican government assured that measures to control the outbreak are underway and that the suspension does not affect other exports. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed receiving notification from Mexico’s chief veterinary officer, adding that NWS infestations typically enter through open wounds, where maggots feed on living tissue. The USDA is now collaborating with Mexico and Central American partners to contain the spread, urging producers to monitor livestock closely for signs of infection.

This development comes as Belize’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, Jose Abelardo Mai, recently participated in a regional meeting in Chetumal, Mexico, focused on the prevention of exotic animal diseases, including Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and screwworm.

The meeting, hosted by Mexico’s National Service for Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA), brought together officials from various organisations, including the Mexican Army and the National Guard, to discuss strategies for safeguarding the agricultural sector. Gabino Galván, Regional Director for SENASICA, and other experts stressed the importance of vigilance in preventing screwworm from spreading further.

Trump Threatens New Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, Sparking Global Concerns

President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled plans to impose sweeping tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China immediately after taking office, a move aimed at curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The proposed measures mark a sharp escalation in trade tensions with three of the United States’ largest trading partners and have prompted warnings of economic repercussions.

Trump announced he would sign an executive order on January 20, 2025, imposing a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. The tariffs will remain until both countries “clamp down” on fentanyl production and illegal border crossings. Simultaneously, Trump plans a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, which he says will pressure Beijing to take stronger action against fentanyl smuggling.

The proposed tariffs could significantly disrupt trade, as the three nations account for nearly 40% of the $3.2 trillion in goods imported by the U.S. annually. Critics warn that the tariffs may backfire, raising costs for American consumers and straining supply chains.

Mexico’s finance ministry emphasised the economic interdependence of the two countries, noting that more than 80% of Mexico’s exports go to the U.S. Similarly, Canada, which sends about 75% of its exports to its southern neighbour, expressed concerns. Meanwhile, Trump’s additional tariff on China comes as Beijing faces economic challenges, including a property crisis and rising debt. Chinese officials rebuffed the accusations, with a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy stating, “No one will win a trade war or a tariff war.”

Economists have criticised Trump’s reliance on tariffs, arguing that they function as a domestic tax that often raises prices for consumers. Studies from his first term showed the economic burden of tariffs fell largely on U.S. businesses and households.

Adding to the controversy, the planned measures may violate the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade deal Trump himself signed into law in 2020, which preserved largely duty-free trade among the three countries.

UK Travel Requires ETA for Belizeans by 2025

Starting January 8, 2025, Belizeans will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom (UK). Applications open on November 27, 2024, and can be completed through the UK government portal or the “UK ETA” mobile app. The ETA is mandatory for short-term visits, including tourism, family visits, or business trips, and costs £10 per person, including children. Applicants must provide their passport, photos, proof of payment, and an email address, and the process may take up to three working days.

The ETA allows visits of up to six months for tourism, short-term study, or permitted paid engagements but does not permit working, claiming public funds, or frequent successive visits. If travelling for other purposes or for longer than six months, a visa may be required instead.

Certain individuals are exempt from needing an ETA, including those with a UK visa, permission to live, work, or study in the UK, or British or Irish citizens. Dual citizens can travel using their British or Irish passports. Residents of Ireland travelling from specific locations, such as Gloucester or Jersey, are also exempt.

ETAs are valid for two years and linked to the applicant’s passport. Travellers must apply for a new ETA if they acquire a new passport. While an ETA is required for entry, it does not guarantee admission to the UK, as a Border Force officer will make the final decision.

Thousands of Migrants Head to US Border Ahead of Trump Presidency

Thousands of Central American migrants departed southern Mexico on November 20, seeking to reach the US border before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office in January.

The group aims to avoid potential immigration restrictions and take advantage of the CBP-ONE asylum system while it remains in place. Trump has pledged to enforce stricter immigration policies and mass deportations upon taking office, fuelling urgency among the migrants.

The caravan is requesting free movement through Mexico to facilitate their journey north. However, as seen with past caravans, many participants may disperse before reaching the US border.

President-elect Donald J. Trump has vowed to implement sweeping immigration measures, including slashing both legal and illegal immigration and ramping up deportations from Day 1 of his presidency. These promises have sparked widespread panic among immigrant communities, with many racing to secure their status before the crackdown begins.

Immigration lawyers report being overwhelmed as foreign-born residents flood their offices and jam phone lines. Nonprofits hosting information sessions are seeing record attendance, while immigrants take urgent steps to protect themselves. Those with green cards are rushing to apply for citizenship, while individuals with tenuous legal status are filing for asylum to shield themselves under current protocols. Some couples are expediting marriages to qualify for green card applications.

Trump’s hardline rhetoric echoes his first term, during which he deported approximately 1.5 million people. This time, his top adviser, Stephen Miller, has proposed mass detention centres as “staging areas” for large-scale deportations. Trump’s plans also include workplace raids and targeting individuals with criminal records or outstanding deportation orders.

Woman and Man Shot at Home in Libertad

A shooting in Libertad Village on Sunday night left two people injured. The victims, a man and a woman, were shot in the legs during a violent attack around 7:20 p.m. The couple was ambushed by unknown assailants but, fortunately, their injuries weren’t severe. Police have one suspect in custody but are still working to determine a motive as the investigation continues. News Five’s Marion Ali has the details.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Edwin Gomez and Reyna Tobar were rushed to Corozal Town Hospital after being shot at their home in Libertad Village on Sunday night. Fortunately, the couple, who work at the Corozal Free Zone, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. They’ve since been transferred to the Northern Regional Hospital for further care. Tobar’s father, Eulalio Tobar, told News Five that the family is baffled as to why his daughter and her common-law husband were targeted. They did learn, however, that the gunmen were two men on separate motorbikes.

Eulalio Tobar, Father of Shooting Victim

“The incident happened around 7:30 when 12 gunshots were fired. Three of those shots hit her—one in each leg and one in her buttocks. The other person was shot twice in the feet. That was it.”

Reporter

“Were these gunmen on bicycles, in a vehicle, or on foot?”

Eulalio Tobar

“They were on a motorcycle. In two motorcycles.”

Reporter

“Two motorcycles?”

Eulalio Tobar

“Yes, two motorcycles: a big and a small motorcycle.”

Reporter

“Were they wearing masks, caps?”

Eulalio Tobar

“Yes, they were completely covered, hooded outfits. I have no idea what the reason behind them getting targeted is. I don’t know if they have some disagreement; I don’t know.”

Chairman of Libertad Village, Areini Swazo, mentioned that this isn’t the first time violence has struck their neighborhood. It brings a sense of fear to an otherwise peaceful village. He said he has tried to engage the youths in positive recreation.

On the Phone: Areini Swazo, Chairman, Libertad Village

“That does put fear in our people. I mean, in our villages, to be honest, we had a previous shooting, I think right around the same area. And, honestly, people shed concerns. People spoke about it. I tried to get the youth involved in sports so as to get them off of violence on different things and also, I think bring on negative impact on our village. Actually, it’s hard to even continue. I mean, what can I do. So, to deal with these situations, I’m trying my best to try get the youth them off the street and get them more into sporting activities, get them more Involved in the village, you know.”

The police forensic team has recovered several spent nine-millimeter shell casings from the scene, backing up neighbors’ reports of hearing multiple shots. At first, they thought it was just dynamite going off. A.C.P. Hilberto Romero shared what investigators have gathered so far.

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Edwin Gomez reported he was at home when he heard his dogs barking. He came out to make checks. That is when he heard several gunshots and realized he was shot. Uh, the person followed him and fired more shots. And also injured was his common-law-wife, Reina Tobar. We have one person in custody in regard to this shooting. They both remain in stable condition at the hospital. We do not have a motive. Uh, follow ups are being done at this time.”

Currently, police officers use the upper flat of the Libertad Health Clinic to keep a presence in the village, but Chairman Swazo says he has asked for a police station.

On the Phone: Areini Swazo

“We tried to get police into the area and, I think they moved the police from this side. So I mean, it’s somethivery hard for a village.”

Marion Ali

“Okay, so you’ve been seeking police presence as in a booth?”

On the Phone: Areini Swazo

“Well, not a booth, but at least a station, you know, and more police presence, I mean, patrols and thing within the village.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

Belmopan Man Charged for Murder of Teenager

Last Thursday, we reported the tragic killing of eighteen-year-old Jonathon Leonardo. Over the weekend, police arrested and charged thirty-three-year-old Abraham Shal from Belmopan with murder. According to our earlier report, Leonardo was out socializing with friends at a bar when he had a confrontation with Shal. After Leonardo left the bar and got into his vehicle, Shal allegedly followed him and inflicted fatal injuries. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, confirmed Shal’s arrest.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Reference the murder of Jonathon Leonardo that occurred on the twentieth day of November. On Saturday, Abraham Shal, thirty-three years of Belmopan, was charged for the crime of murder.”

Minster’s Driver and Councilor Targeted in Armed Robbery

On Sunday, three armed men attempted a daring robbery, targeting the owner of a Toyota Hilux. The victim, Jody Adolphus, who is the driver for the Minister of Tourism, was parking his vehicle at home when the trio approached. One of the attackers reportedly assaulted him with a firearm before they sped off in the pickup truck. Fortunately, the police quickly intercepted the vehicle with the suspects still inside. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more details.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Police are currently investigating a robbery and assault that occurred on Sunday night at the home of Jody Adolphus, the driver for Minister Anthony Mahler. The incident took place in the Blackberry Ridge Estate in Burrell Boom. ACP Hilberto Romero has more on this developing story.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Sunday the twenty-fourth day of November 2024, around nine-thirty p.m., Jody Adolphus reported that he was driving a Toyota Hilux in the Black Berry area of Burrell Boom when he was approached by three make persons armed with firearms. They attacked him and hit him with one of the firearms and proceeded to steal the Toyota Hilux. Police responded to the report and came across the Hilux on the Burrell Boom Road where the vehicle was intercepted, and the vehicle came to a stop. The three male occupants ran away from the vehicle and made good their escape. The vehicle was processed, and we are seeking three suspects in regards to this robbery.”

We spoke with Burrell Boom village councilor, Ellis Metzgen about the incident.

Ellis Metzgen, Councilor, Burrell Boom

“They saw one of our fellow counselors going home that resides in Blackberry in a bus and attempted to rob him too. But he locked the door in time and reversed out of Blackberry, meanwhile, trying to call the authorities. And so the police they met the stolen vehicle going out and pursued it. And so the robbers ended up going off the side of the road and running into the bush. But it was actually the police that did the firing of weapons or whatever to I guess to scare these people to let them stop.”

The incident has alarmed long-time residents, who are now worried that the village’s peaceful atmosphere might be increasingly disrupted by newcomers.

Ellis Metzgen

“It’s been something that we’ve been talking about from the initial mentioning of the community, it’s good that we want to help and assist all these people, but at the same time the type of people that are coming into the community, it’s jeopardizing the peace of our community, we we’ve always been a peaceful community and more than eighty percent of the time, some things happen within our village. It’s not normal. With the people that live or reside here. It’s people that come from outside to do these type of things.”

Metzgen commends the police for their quick action in the incident and their continued protection of the community. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Nolle Pros Entered; Murder Suspect Acquitted

This morning, twenty-four-year-old Denvoy Feliciano Bartley walked free from a murder charge after the DPP’s office entered a nolle prosequi in his case. Bartley, who had been on remand for just over a year, arrived at court on the prison bus from Belize Central Prison but left as a free man. He had been arrested and charged with the murder of twenty-four-year-old Lionel Lee Budna, who was shot and killed on Faber’s Road in Belize City on January 6, 2023, around 12:30 a.m. A witness, a thirty-eight-year-old man, told police that he was walking in front of the butane depot when he heard gunshots. Turning around, he saw a young man in a jacket and black cap. The nolle prosequi was entered before Justice Derick Sylvester in the High Court.

Judge Rules; Lincoln Diaz to Stand Trial for Murder

Justice Candace Nanton has ruled in a voir dire, admitting the caution statement and interview given by Lincoln Diaz as admissible evidence, meaning he will stand trial for murder. Now twenty-three, Diaz was just nineteen when he was accused of murdering Orin Velasquez, also known as “Bredda O.” Velasquez, who owned a pizza shop in Ladyville, was gunned down inside his business on Perez Road on November 3, 2020. Diaz is believed to have acted with others, but he is the only one charged in connection with the killing. This afternoon, the Crown presented four statements as evidence and called one witness to the stand. Justice Nanton determined that Diaz’s caution statement was given freely and that he participated willingly in the process. She also noted that Diaz was properly cautioned and informed that he didn’t have to say anything. The case continues Tuesday before Justice Nanton, with five more witnesses expected to testify. After that, the Crown will close its case, and the defense will present its arguments. Diaz is being defended by attorney Lynden Jones of Corozal Town.

Unanticipated Flooding in Burrell Boom, Villagers Forced to Evacuate

Earlier this month, Tropical Storm Sara unleashed heavy downpours across the country, causing severe flooding in Northern and Western Belize. After two weeks, the floodwaters made their way down to Burrell Boom, rapidly inundating residential areas and roads. Today, News Five’s Britney Gordon caught up with some of the villagers who have been forced to leave their homes as the waters continue to rise.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Residents of Burrell Boom are evacuating as excessive flooding takes its toll. As of today, one of the three main entrances to the village is completely inaccessible, and water levels are steadily rising at the other two. Village Councilor Ellis Metzgen shared some insights on the ongoing relief efforts to help those affected.

Ellis Metzgen, Councilor, Burrell Boom

“The relief efforts began early Thursday morning when me and the rest of the council we decided to take a early look at all this water that we know was up west of the country in Cayo and has to come down this side. We started with some preliminary work by first off setting up that marker over that side to at least give us a rough idea of how quick the water is coming up. Apart from that, then we teamed up along with the Segura family to ensure that they started getting all their appliances and any stuff that could potentially be damaged from water up to higher grounds, and then started to prepare the initial hurricane shelter that we were utilizing, and then thereafter we moved them to a more comfortable place.”

Residents knew there was a risk of flooding, but they never expected this much water without any rainfall. The village council’s marker shows that nearly four feet of water has poured in since Thursday, and it’s still rising. Carolee Staine, who lives right across from the river, hasn’t seen the river water reach her property yet, but the pond water has already made its way into her home.

Carolee Staine, Resident, Burrel Boom

“Oh my goodness. I’m not even sure I’m going to find the right words. It’s just so much water. I’m still here because honestly, we didn’t expect it to come this high. We were hopeful. I was hopeful up until this morning. I did evacuate some of my stuff yesterday and I said that I would put some on cement blocks. But apparently, that’s not going to work. I already have water about two inches of water inside my house. And so we have to move everything from inside.”

Staine explains that residents anticipate some flooding every year. However, she has never witnessed flooding of this intensity without rainfall.

Carolee Staine

“I keep asking my uncle, like, how is the water in Cayo? As that the water has to come down. And that’s what we’re always waiting on. But like you said, rain usually accompanies it. And without the rain, I guess that’s why everybody was saying it wouldn’t come this high. We don’t have anything to worry about.”

The water level is rising at an alarming rate as it flows into the Belize River and a nearby pond. Resident Selvin Segura shared that at least three feet of water have already flooded his house, forcing his wife and children to evacuate. Meanwhile, he’s staying behind to help his neighbors with his boat.

Selvin Segura Sr., Resident, Burrell Boom

“Well, every day since the water come up. When the vehicle ney can’t get across the water on both ends. From this end and the roundabout on the other end, then we just take the dory. Today, one of my sons is going to take the other canoe today round at that other end over the side to traverse people.”

Helping his neighbors with his dory is something Segura does regularly whenever a storm hits. However, even he was caught off guard by the severity of this year’s flood.

Selvin Segura Sr

“Well the height, I never expect the height. We know wa big capacity of water coming down sake of the weather weh passed the other day but we don’t know what amount what capacity of water wa come up what volume of water will come up until it reach right.”

As the waters continue to rise, so do the concerns of residents over whether they will be able to enter and leave the village in the oncoming days.

Ellis Metzgen

“It’s not recommendable for any vehicles or anything to pass through here. Along the bypass, the water is also raising consistently I would assume by this evening or early tomorrow morning that area will as well become impassable for small cars and pickups. And then coming from the west side through Hattieville, the water is already across the road by the garbage dump and it’s rising a bit as well too. So we have to continue to monitor over that side as well.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.