November, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Burrell Boom Village Faces Rising Floodwaters

Residents of Burrell Boom village started experiencing rising floodwaters over the weekend. This morning, several parts of the village area are difficult to access. A local reported that the main road near Black Orchid Resort is now impassable. Flooding is also affecting areas near the garbage dump and the new government housing community.

The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) issued an advisory on Sunday for the Boom Bypass entrance, warning that parts of the road are currently underwater. NEMO advises drivers to “drive with caution and reduce speed when approaching the area” and “avoid unnecessary travel through the bypass if alternate routes are available.”

Small vehicles and trucks are being urged to “exercise caution” as they navigate the flooded streets. Drivers are advised to take the newer road leading to the Western Highway to avoid areas that are heavily flooded.

The flooding comes after Tropical Storm Sara swept across Belize, causing widespread flooding. The storm brought heavy rains, which have led to rising floodwaters as they flow down the river. Last Friday, the only way in or out of Crooked Tree was by boat, and at least twelve families had to evacuate due to the flooding.

Leftist opposition candidate Yamandú Orsi wins the presidency in Uruguay

Yamandú Orsi, representing Uruguay’s left-wing Broad Front coalition, secured a narrow victory in the presidential runoff on Sunday, defeating the centre-right ruling coalition candidate, Álvaro Delgado. Orsi’s win marks a return to power for the Broad Front, which governed Uruguay from 2005 to 2020, following five years of conservative leadership under President Luis Lacalle Pou.

Delgado, conceding with grace, told supporters, “With sadness, but without guilt, we can congratulate the winner,” acknowledging Orsi’s triumph in a race that saw nearly 90% voter turnout. Orsi garnered just over 49% of the vote to Delgado’s 46%, with the remaining votes either blank or abstained.

Orsi, a 57-year-old former history teacher and two-time mayor, celebrated with supporters in Montevideo, vowing to unite the nation after the closely contested election. He emphasised inclusivity, saying, “We need everyone to help build a better country.”

Despite global trends of anti-establishment populism, Uruguay’s election maintained its reputation for political moderation. Orsi’s platform reflects continuity rather than drastic change, focusing on addressing childhood poverty, combating organised crime, and revitalising agriculture through tax incentives. He plans to maintain the Broad Front’s hallmark blend of market-friendly policies and social welfare programs.

The victory reflects growing voter dissatisfaction with economic stagnation and rising crime during the Lacalle Pou administration, despite high approval ratings and signs of economic recovery. Orsi also signalled likely shifts in foreign policy, including a reconsideration of a trade deal with China that had strained Uruguay’s ties within the Mercosur bloc.

Orsi, described as a protégé of former President José “Pepe” Mujica, will assume office on March 1, 2025. His win underscores a broader trend of anti-incumbent sentiment across the globe while reaffirming Uruguay’s commitment to political stability and measured progress.

Diplomatic Allies Advocate for Taiwan’s Inclusion at COP29

Seven of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies have called for the nation’s inclusion in global climate governance during the high-level segment of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11-22.

Representatives from Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Guatemala, Belize, and Haiti voiced their support for Taiwan’s participation, while Paraguay submitted a written statement, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. praised Taiwan’s climate efforts, stating, “By recognising Taiwan’s contributions, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of what is being done to combat climate change. The Taiwanese must be included in addressing the climate crisis.”

Saint Kitts and Nevis Environment Minister Joyelle Trizia Clarke highlighted Taiwan’s role in sustainable development and resilience, urging the global community to focus on substance rather than exclusion.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sustainable Development Minister Carlos James emphasised that nations most vulnerable to climate change, like Taiwan, deserve a place at the negotiating table.

Guatemala’s Vice Minister of Climate Change, Edwin J. Castellanos, reaffirmed his country’s support for Taiwan, acknowledging its contributions to global sustainability efforts.

Belize’s CEO in the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, Dr. Kenrick Williams, noted that excluding Taiwan undermines collective action under the Paris Agreement. “Belize urges the international community to transcend politics and support Taiwan’s contributions to a climate-resilient future,” he stated.

Haiti’s Director-General Guito Edouard echoed these sentiments, stressing that Taiwan’s participation would strengthen global climate action and advance the pursuit of a greener, carbon-neutral world.

Jaguar Month: Celebrating Belize’s Iconic Big Cat Amid New Challenges

November is Jaguar Month, a time to celebrate Belize’s majestic big cat while raising awareness about the challenges they face. As one of the most recognised symbols of the country’s biodiversity, jaguars are crucial to the health of Belize’s ecosystems. However, this month also highlights the growing need to address human-jaguar conflicts, especially in light of recent events.

A History of Conflict

Human-jaguar conflict is not new. Adult jaguars, particularly those that have lost their natural prey, are more likely to hunt livestock, leading to tensions between farmers and conservationists. Young jaguars, in contrast, rarely cause conflicts, as they are less experienced hunters and often stay within forested areas with ample food.

These interactions underscore the delicate balance between conserving this apex predator and addressing the concerns of communities whose livelihoods may be affected by jaguar predation.

New Pressures from Displacement

Recent flooding across Belize has added to the pressure on jaguar populations. Rising waters have displaced these big cats from their natural habitats, forcing them into areas closer to human settlements. This increases the likelihood of encounters and, consequently, conflicts. Jaguars, already skilled at adapting to various environments, may find temporary refuge in agricultural areas, heightening tensions.

Competition for Prey

Another key issue is the shared appetite for armadillos and gibnuts, species highly valued by both jaguars and humans. This overlap creates competition for resources, with humans hunting these animals for food while jaguars rely on them for survival. As human populations expand and hunting intensifies, jaguars may struggle to find enough prey, pushing them toward livestock or other less favourable food sources.

Why Jaguar Conservation Matters

Jaguars are more than just a cultural icon; they play a vital ecological role by regulating prey populations and maintaining balance within their habitats. Protecting jaguars ensures healthier ecosystems, which in turn supports agriculture, water resources, and tourism—pillars of Belize’s economy.

A Call to Action

Jaguar Month is an opportunity to promote coexistence strategies that address both conservation goals and human needs. Initiatives such as community education, better livestock management, and habitat restoration can help reduce conflicts. Additionally, efforts to monitor and protect displaced jaguars are e.

Abraham Levi Shal Charged with Murder

A 33-year-old man has been formally charged with murder in connection to the shooting death of 18-year-old Jonathan Josue Leonardo. Abraham Levi Shal, a Belizean storeroom keeper from Belmopan City, was arrested on Saturday, November 23, following the fatal shooting of Leonardo on Wednesday night, November 20.

Leonardo was fatally shot outside Divinas Restaurant and Bar in Roaring Creek Village after a confrontation inside the bar. According to reports, Leonardo attempted to de-escalate the disagreement with another patron by leaving the establishment and getting into his vehicle with two friends. However, the situation took a deadly turn when the other individual followed Leonardo outside. As he tried to drive away, the assailant approached the driver’s side of the vehicle and fired a single shot, fatally injuring Leonardo.

BDF Celebrates Graduates of International Jungle Warfare Instructor’s Course 2024

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) has announced the successful completion of the International Jungle Warfare Instructor’s Course (IJWIC) 2024, held from September 29 to November 15 at the Jungle Warfare School of Excellence, Guacamallo Camp in the Cayo District.

The intensive seven-week program trained participants to earn the title of Jungle Warfare Instructor (JWI), equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to plan, conduct, and provide training in jungle operations. This year, 21 candidates from an initial cohort of 46 successfully achieved the JWI qualification. Participants represented five countries: Belize, Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago.

According to the BDF, the curriculum included comprehensive instruction in jungle navigation, survival techniques, live-fire tactical training, jungle caching, patrolling, teaching practices, and the combat orders process. The course also emphasised offensive and defensive jungle warfare tactics, pushing candidates to prove their mental and physical resilience while mastering the skills required to live, fight, and survive in challenging jungle environments.

As newly qualified instructors, the graduates are now capable of training personnel in jungle operations, sharing expertise on tactics, techniques, and procedures essential for jungle combat.

The BDF also celebrated the top three achievers of the course:

1st Place: Corporal Sho Marvin, Gulf Company, Second Infantry Battalion.

2nd Place: Corporal Torres Karem, Force Headquarters.

3rd Place: Corporal Tzub Evander, Alpha Company, First Infantry Battalion.

The IJWIC remains a premier program for building tactical expertise and fostering collaboration among regional defence forces.

Deplorable Conditions at BDF’s Fairweather Camp

The Belize Defence Force‘s (BDF) Chief of Staff, Major Roberta Usher, told News Five that the BDF is working on addressing concerns regarding the living conditions at Fairweather Camp in Punta Gorda, Toledo. She said this is part of ongoing renovation efforts across BDF installations.

According to Major Usher, plans are already in place to renovate Fairweather Camp as part of a phased approach to improve infrastructure throughout all BDF facilities. She said, “It can’t all happen at once. But in terms of the complaints from the recruits, as you say, you have been getting that those are, there are two different situations. What happened was the battalion commander in Fair Weather Camp conducted an initial exercise. As you know, the recruits just passed out and an initial exercise on the, to ensure that they understand their roles and responsibilities.”

Earlier this month, 115 soldiers joined the BDF. Some of them were sent to Fairweather Camp and have yet to come to terms with the deplorable conditions at the camp. Pictures obtained by News Five show soldiers sleeping on only mattresses on the ground. Others said they were sleeping on “old old” sponges.

Regarding accommodations, Major Usher admitted, “They’re not the best standards if you want honesty, but they are livable. The bathrooms do need renovations. Higher headquarters are aware, the ministry is aware, the government is aware… but it’s a phased approach, and they can’t build all the buildings at once.”

Responding to criticism that these upgrades could have started earlier, she noted, “Rome wasn’t built in a day, and I believe that higher command is taking it into consideration and doing the best that they can do.”

When pressed about recruits reportedly sleeping on the floor and using inadequate bathroom facilities described by some as “disgusting,” she reiterated the BDF’s commitment to improving infrastructure. “At this time, I can only comment on what we are doing, and that is we are doing the best that we can do to renovate the infrastructure,” she stated.

As for timelines and specifics, Major Usher was unable to provide details about when renovations at Fairweather Camp would be completed or how the phased approach is being prioritised across installations. She confirmed, however, that similar challenges exist across all BDF camps, and renovations are being implemented incrementally.

Diddy Slams Shyne with Cease and Desist

Sean “Diddy” Combs has issued a cease-and-desist letter to former Bad Boy Records rapper Moses “Shyne” Barrow over allegations made in Shyne’s new Hulu documentary, The Honorable Shyne.

The documentary revisits the infamous 1999 New York City nightclub shooting, in which Shyne was convicted and served a 10-year prison sentence while Diddy avoided jail time. Shyne alleges he was made the “fall guy” for the incident, a claim Diddy has called “unequivocally false.”

Sources told Page Six the letter aims to ensure Shyne’s statements adhere to factual claims. Shyne, now the Leader of the Opposition in Belize, has not publicly addressed receiving the letter or any planned response.

In the documentary, Shyne reflects on his experiences, suggesting Diddy’s alleged past actions are “coming to light.” He stated, “When I said it [then], everyone was partying with Diddy while I was left to rot in prison.”

During interviews promoting the documentary, Shyne accused Diddy of “destroying his life” while acknowledging that he has moved on. “I know he made me take the fall,” Shyne said during The Tamron Hall Show. “But I’ve healed. I moved forward.”

Despite these claims, Diddy’s representatives maintain his innocence. “Mr. Combs was acquitted of all charges and cannot condone these allegations,” a spokesperson said, describing Shyne’s statements as “disappointing.”

The cease-and-desist marks a stark contrast to the pair’s public reunion at the 2022 BET Awards, where Shyne performed “Bad Boyz” alongside Diddy.

Guardian Refutes Claims of Child’s Exclusion from School Event

The legal guardian of Misael Lin, a young student at San Roman RC School in Corozal, has spoken out following controversy surrounding his alleged exclusion from the school’s Children’s Day activities. In a statement issued, Lily Luciani Lin expressed disappointment over the online publication of her ward’s photo without consent and clarified the events.

She expressed her “concern regarding the online publication of my child’s photo without my consent. I am particularly disheartened by the malicious and sensational manner in which it was used.” Lin added, “My child and I had a meeting this afternoon with the principal, teacher, local manager, and the principal education officer of the Ministry of Education in Corozal. During this meeting, we discussed and clarified the events that transpired this morning. It is important to note that my child was not turned away from school; rather, he chose to return home on his own accord. I respectfully request that my child’s photo be immediately withdrawn from all online publications.”

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology (MoECST) also released a statement, refuting claims that Misael was denied participation in Children’s Day activities due to financial constraints.

“The information shared about the incident is neither complete nor accurate. The child was not turned away from school because of $4.50,” the Ministry stated. “Safeguarding and supporting this child, along with all children, must be a top priority. We strongly condemn the irresponsible sharing of photos and allegations online without verifying the facts.”

The controversy began when a Facebook blog posted a picture of Misael, saying that he had been excluded from the festivities after being unable to pay the required $4.50 fee.

Man Knocked Down and Killed in Trinidad

Police in Orange Walk are investigating a road traffic accident that claimed the life of 56-year-old Luis Ku of August Pine Ridge Village. The incident occurred near the entrance of Trinidad Village in the Orange Walk District.

Witnesses say that Ku was walking home after collecting his salary when he was struck by a Chevy pickup. At the scene, police found groceries scattered.

More details to follow…