November, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Shyne’s Journey Hits the Big Screen in Belize

Belizeans headed to the Princess Cinema in Belize City on Sunday evening for the premiere of a highly anticipated documentary chronicling the life of Moses “Shyne” Barrow. The film, The Honourable Shyne, produced by Disney in collaboration with Andscape, delves into the journey of the Leader of the Opposition, tracing his rise from the streets of Belize to international stardom and political prominence.

Moviegoers expressed a mix of excitement and curiosity as they arrived at the screening. Bernard Panton Jr. described the event as a “historical moment for Shyne,” highlighting the significance of a Belizean documentary focused on a politician. William Neal added that Shyne’s story offers lessons for anyone willing to learn from it.

The documentary, running for an hour and forty-three minutes, portrays Shyne’s tumultuous journey. From his rise to fame at Bad Boy Records and his imprisonment in the United States to his deportation and return to Belize, the film sheds light on his evolution into a political leader.

On the red carpet, Shyne reflected on his life’s lessons. “Never give up; it is never too late, and you can do absolutely anything,” he shared. “The cost of success is great pain, sacrifice, and consistency, but with unwavering commitment, success is possible.”

As attendees exited the theatre, many shared their admiration for the film. Devon Gabriel praised the documentary’s relatability, calling it a testament to overcoming adversity. Fidelis Bermudez expressed appreciation for Shyne’s story, saying, “Anybody who is a Belizean who has known what it is to struggle, to grow up in a world where people have limited you and have said that you are going to amount to nothing and to actually overcome that.”

However, the documentary’s success has not come without controversy. Embattled music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, currently in prison, has reportedly issued a cease-and-desist letter concerning Shyne’s retelling of the events of December 26, 1999, at Club New York—a night that irrevocably altered his life. Shyne dismissed the claims, stating he has not received such a letter and stands by his story, focusing instead on gratitude for his achievements in music and life.

Motorcycle Accident Victim Identified

Earlier today we reported on a fatal road traffic accident that occurred at Mile 45 on the George Price Highway on Saturday night. The accident involved two persons on a motorcycle, both of whom were reportedly not wearing protective helmets.

Initial reports indicated that one rider was seen motionless on the highway, while the other appeared to be critically injured but still breathing on the ground.

This afternoon, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Hilberto Romero, reported more details on this incident. He said that police found the two men lying on the road with injuries. “They were identified as Roy Martinez and Kenny Garcia,” said Romero.

ACP, Hilberto Romero confirmed that both men were taken to the hospital, where Martinez later succumbed to his injuries. Garcia is currently in stable condition. “It appears that they lost control of the motorcycle,” Romero stated. When asked if they collided with another vehicle, he replied, “I’m not aware of that; it seems they lost control.”

Another Fatal Motorcycle Accident

Why was Libertad Couple Targeted?

Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Sunday night, November 24, in the Libertad Village, Corozal. Edwin Gomez and his common-law wife, Reina Tobar, were rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero told reporters that Gomez said he was at home when he heard his dogs barking. “He came out to make checks. That is when he heard several gunshots and realised he was shot… The person followed him and fired more shots,” Romero said.

Romero confirmed that one suspect is in custody in connection with the shooting.

He added, “Both victims remain in stable condition at the hospital.” When asked about the motive for the shooting, Romero stated, “We do not have a motive at this point. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the incident.”

Rising Rivers Threaten Multiple Regions

Germany Plans Mass Shelter Expansion as Tensions with Russia Escalate

Germany is preparing a list of bunkers that could provide emergency shelter for civilians in the event of conflict escalation. The country’s interior ministry revealed that basements, subway stations, and private properties might be converted into shelters, with a special app detailing their locations. Currently, there are 579 public shelters with a capacity for around 480,000 people. According to the most recent data obtained in December of 2023, Germany’s population is 84,669,326.

This move comes as a result of growing tensions with Russia and rising calls for faster expansion of civil protection measures.

According to NATO’s Admiral Rob Bauer, Russia’s army has grown in size, but its overall quality has deteriorated. “The quality of those forces has gone down,” he said, citing poor training and outdated equipment. The comments came after reports of up to 12,000 North Korean combat troops being sent to assist Russia.

Arsalan Bilal, a hybrid warfare expert, warned that Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics against the West are “very real” and have long-lasting effects. He explained that Russia has been combining military and non-military strategies to weaken Western security, using methods like sabotage. “The damage is very real,” Bilal said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed possible paths to end the war in Ukraine. Erdogan has previously mediated peace talks, including the 2022 Black Sea grain deal, and proposed a peace plan this month, which was rejected by Russia.

Five European countries, including Germany, France, and the UK, are increasing their support to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities. The move follows the growing involvement of North Korean troops in the war and a shift in U.S. policy to allow Ukraine to use longer-range missiles against Russia.

Netanyahu Approves Ceasefire Deal with Hezbollah

Netanyahu Approves Ceasefire Deal with Hezbollah

The Israeli cabinet is ready to vote on a ceasefire deal with Lebanon on Tuesday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave the plan his approval “in principle.” Netanyahu signalled his potential support during a security consultation with Israeli officials on Sunday night. The proposed deal aims to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah and is expected to pass in the cabinet vote.

While Israeli officials signal that talks are progressing, a Lebanese official revealed a ceasefire could be announced “within 24 hours.” But the deal has sparked sharp divisions in Israel. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir blasted the agreement as a “big mistake” and a “historic missed opportunity” to wipe out Hezbollah.

Residents in northern Israel and southern Lebanon have voiced concerns, with some fearing the ceasefire might be a repeat of the 2006 agreement that allowed Hezbollah fighters to return to the border. Nizan Zeevi, a resident of northern Israel, described the potential deal as a “surrender agreement” that could allow Hezbollah’s special forces to move closer to his home.

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, who has been involved in the negotiations, said the ceasefire is “within our grasp,” with hopes that it could lead to a 60-day cessation of hostilities.

However, tensions are still high, and both sides continue to exchange fire, with Israel’s Home Front Command warning of increased rocket fire ahead of the vote.

Rising Rivers Threaten Multiple Regions

Residents are advised to monitor waterways and exercise caution or extreme caution, depending on the region, as flood conditions persist across several areas.

In Region 7, increasing flood stage levels are expected on the Rio Hondo at Blue Creek North and at Santa Cruz, San Antonio, San Roman, and Douglas to the coast. On the New River, bankfull stage levels are anticipated at Hill Bank, Tower Hill, and Caledonia to the coast.

In Region 9, extreme caution is urged. On the Mopan River at Benque Viejo Town, flood stage levels are expected to continue. On the Macal River, the Chalillo, Mollejon, and Vaca spillways remain active at the Fortis facilities, while flood levels at San Ignacio are decreasing. On the Belize River, flood levels are dropping at More Tomorrow but rising at Double Run. In Crooked Tree Lagoon, water levels have exceeded the causeway and continue to rise.

In Region 11, flood stage levels are decreasing on the Sibun River at Freetown Sibun. However, above-normal levels are observed on the Southern Lagoon near Gales Point Village. On the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains and the Sittee River at Kendal Bridge, above-normal levels persist. Flood stage levels are expected on the branches of the Monkey River at Swasey and Bladen, while normal levels are reported on the Deep River at Medina Bank. Above-normal levels are expected on the Rio Grande at San Pedro Columbia and Big Falls South, the Moho River at Blue Creek South and Jordan, and the Temash River at Crique Sarco.

In Region 13, above-normal levels are expected on the Sarstoon River.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and exercise appropriate precautions.

UN Sec. Gen. on COP29: “I had hoped for a more ambitious outcome”

After two weeks of tough negotiations, the COP29 summit concluded on November 23 with a compromise on climate financing. Despite calls from developing countries for financial aid to increase from $100 billion to $1 trillion, delegates agreed on only $300 billion in annual funding by 2035.

“This document is nothing more than an optical illusion,” said Indian delegate Chandni Raina.

While some developing countries, particularly small island nations, criticised the pledge as inadequate, this new commitment will replace the current $100 billion annual goal, which expires in 2025.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed disappointment, saying, “I had hoped for a more ambitious outcome… to meet the great challenge we face,” but acknowledged the agreement as a “base on which to build.”

The summit’s focus was supposed to be on reducing fossil fuel emissions, but little progress was made in that aspect. Instead, delegates settled on increasing climate finance, though small island nations, which are most vulnerable to climate change, voiced frustration over being excluded from discussions.

Hosted by oil-rich Azerbaijan, the summit faced difficulties, including protests from the AOSIS group representing small island states. These countries warned that the funding falls short of their needs, with some calling for at least $500 billion.

Climate scientists warn that without drastic emissions reductions, global warming could exceed 1.5°C by the early 2030s, leading to irreversible environmental damage.

The only positive outcome was the agreement on a global carbon credit market, which could help fund clean energy projects and reforestation efforts, benefiting countries like Guyana and Colombia.

While leaders say that COP29’s final outcome leaves much to be desired, attention now turns to next year’s summit in Brazil.

Om Shanti Founder Travels to India for Important Meeting

Michelle “Shanti” Williams, founder of Om Shanti Belize, was warmly received by Dr. Chinmay Pandya, the Pro Vice Chancellor at Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya University (DSVV) in India.

DSVV is deeply rooted in the vision of its founder, Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya Ji, a renowned philosopher, scholar, and spiritual leader. The university’s educational approach is inspired by the philosophy of “Sanskriti” (culture) and “Dharma” (righteousness), which emphasises the integration of spiritual wisdom with modern academic knowledge. Under the leadership of Dr. Chinmay Pandya and other influential figures, DSVV has expanded its international influence through various initiatives and partnerships.

Pandya’s academic background includes medical education in India and advanced psychiatric training in the UK, where he worked as an Associate Specialist in Older People Services at the West London Mental Health Trust. With extensive experience in psychiatry and a deep commitment to yoga and meditation, Dr. Pandya has played a major role in various global initiatives, including his work with the Indian Yoga Association and the United Nations.

The meeting centred around shared values and a mutual commitment to inspiring positive change through holistic wellness and conscious action.

As highlighted by DSVV in a Facebook post, “Michelle’s dedication to healing and transformation resonated deeply, adding a new dimension to the university’s global outreach.”

Seine Bight Opens New Welcome Centre

The long-awaited Seine Bight Welcome Centre, first announced in August 2022, officially opened its doors on Sunday. The new facility boasts spaces for gift shops, restaurants, and a palapa for Garifuna drumming performances, all designed to celebrate the culture and creativity of the local community and the wider Placencia Peninsula.

Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Anthony Mahler, spoke on the importance of the Welcome Centre for local shops and cultural visibility at the project’s inauguration. “For Seine Bight, this means more opportunities for local shops, greater visibility for culture, and stronger connections to the Placencia peninsula and our overall tourism offerings,” he said in his address.

Minister Mahler also mentioned the challenges faced during the project’s development. He stressed the need for continued community involvement: “This Welcome Centre belongs to all of us, and its success or failure will reflect on the community. We cannot allow it to suffer from neglect, misuse, or lack of care.”

Seine Bight Village Chairman Jose Aleman acknowledged the struggles that come with development but highlighted the positive outcome. “Where there is development, you will hear some cries. But with those cries comes constructive communication, and with constructive communication, this is the end result,” he said.

The project was a collaboration between the Belize Tourism Board and the Seine Bight Village Council and aims to enhance tourism and local businesses in the village.

Burrell Boom Village Faces Rising Floodwaters

Another Fatal Motorcycle Accident

Reports reaching News 5 are that a fatal road traffic accident occurred at Mile 45 on the George Price Highway on Saturday night and it involved a motorcycle. Reports suggest that neither of the riders was wearing helmets.

A witness told News 5, “Wearing a helmet may not save every life, but it sure increases the chances of survival!”

Initial reports indicate that two people were on the motorcycle, and no other vehicle was involved.

One rider was seen motionless on the highway, while the other appeared to be critically injured but still breathing on the ground.

Burrell Boom Village Faces Rising Floodwaters