November, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

ICC Issues Arrest Warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Over War Crimes

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Judges at the ICC found “reasonable grounds” to hold Netanyahu and Gallant criminally responsible for using starvation as a weapon and committing acts of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts in the Gaza Strip. This follows the court’s rejection of Israel’s challenge to the ICC’s jurisdiction, stating that Israel’s consent is not required for the investigation.

The ICC also issued an arrest warrant for Hamas leader Ibrahim al-Masri, also known as Mohammed Deif, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. These charges include murder, torture, sexual violence, and hostage-taking.

Previously, arrest warrants for former Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Ismael Haniyeh were withdrawn after their deaths were confirmed by Israeli forces. While Israel claims to have killed al-Masri, Hamas has not confirmed or denied this.

The ICC investigates individuals for crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Its investigation into possible war crimes by Israel began in 2021, with concurrent investigations into Hamas actions and violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The ongoing conflict, particularly the violent escalation starting with Hamas’ October 7 attack, is central to these investigations.

The ICC’s jurisdiction typically applies when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute, and in this case, the Palestinian territories, which are signatories to the Rome Statute, have accepted ICC jurisdiction. Israel, the U.S., China, Russia, India, and most Arab states, including Iran, have not ratified the Rome Statute.

While an arrest warrant does not equate to a conviction, it serves as a signal that the ICC takes the accusations seriously enough to proceed with the investigation. However, given the ICC’s lack of enforcement mechanisms, it is unlikely that Netanyahu or his associates will be arrested unless they travel to a country that is a signatory to the court’s treaty.

This case should not be confused with the genocide allegations against Israel, which are being pursued in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ, unlike the ICC, handles disputes between states and does not issue arrest warrants. The ICJ has acknowledged the risk of genocide in Gaza and has ordered provisional measures but has not demanded a cessation of all Israeli military operations.

UNFPA Donates Contraceptive Methods to MoHW

The United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, today handed over “contraceptive methods and also equipment for the insertion and removal of intrauterine devices (IUDs)” to the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

UNFPA Program Officer, Mackeva Westby Neal, told News Five, “Today, we are very excited to be presenting to the Ministry of Health and Wellness a donation within the framework of our ongoing project, The Leave No One Behind Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy Project.” She explained that the regional project spans three years, with each year incorporating a component specifically aimed at procuring essential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) commodities. “Today is the outcome of year one of that project component. We are very excited to present this to the Ministry of Health as well as to strengthen the partnership,” she said. Westby Neal said this aligns with UNFPA’s mandate with that of the Ministry, which seeks to ensure zero maternal deaths, address unmet needs for family planning, and bolster SRH services and access to necessary commodities.

The donation includes a range of SRH items such as implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), condoms, and instruments for vaginal health. Westby Neal noted that the Ministry would manage the distribution of these supplies across the country. “For this project, we are targeting three districts: Belize, Stann Creek, and Toledo. The distribution plan is integrated to serve these areas,” she explained.

Dr. Natalia Beer, Technical Advisor for Maternal and Child Health, told News Five, “We have injectables, pills, condoms—both male and female—and intrauterine devices. We are also getting implants; they’ve already been paid for and should arrive by next month,” she explained. According to her, implants and injectables are the most popular methods among users.

Dr. Beer also mentioned the availability of permanent contraceptive options. “We have definitive contraceptive methods, like tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men, which are surgical procedures typically chosen after a woman has satisfied parity,” she noted.

When addressing the role of contraceptives in reducing adolescent pregnancies, Dr. Beer emphasised their accessibility at all health facilities. “These products help reduce maternal mortality, teenage pregnancy, and unplanned pregnancies. We also have postpartum contraception, where every woman who delivers in a hospital receives counselling and, if they agree, leaves with a contraceptive method,” she said.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), such as implants, are promoted over daily options like pills due to their convenience and efficacy.

Jamaican Man Says He Felt Threatened

Two Jamaican nationals, Devon Duran Dean, 37, and Khairo Fisher, 24, remain in police custody after they were detained at Belize’s Philip Goldson International Airport in October. Their attorney, Norman Rodriguez, filed for a judicial review of their detention. Both men faced criminal charges after being denied entry to Belize.

Dean said that after being handed over to the police, the officers informed him that they were no longer responsible for him. He claimed he felt threatened and likened the situation to being kidnapped. “In the morning I feel threatened, it felt like I was kidnapped. So I looked down and saw the officer sleeping so I said I am no going down the step because I don’t know if they are trigger happy and will see me going and shoot me.”

Instead, he jumped through a window, landing on his feet.

Feeling hungry after not eating the previous night, Dean said he crossed the road to buy food. However, as he returned, he noticed a white vehicle from which individuals exited, pointing guns at him and ordering him not to move. Dean claimed they forced him back to the hotel, where immigration officers questioned him.

He alleged that during this interaction, one of the officers stepped on his foot, causing him significant pain. “One of the immigration officer point on me and stepped on my foot and then I say ah you broke my foot. No one wanted to assist me when I told them I feeling pain. I was crying balling, living eye water before someone took me to the hospital.

Dean was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly attacking an immigration officer with a wooden chair and for escaping custody. He pleaded guilty to escaping and was fined $800. The aggravated assault charge was dropped after Rodriguez argued it was based on a nonexistent law. Fisher was charged with harm for injuring a security guard and was fined $300 after pleading guilty.

Police Investigate Murder of 63-Year-Old Woman in Santa Elena

COP29 Day 10: Frustration Mounts as Deadline Approaches

With just one day left before the deadline at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, frustration is growing as negotiators struggle to make progress. Negotiators are struggling to finalize a climate finance agreement. The task at hand is to condense a 25-page draft document, outlining potential post-2025 climate finance goals, into a concise two-page version. However, significant disagreements remain, particularly around the financial commitments and who should contribute.

The draft document presents two starkly different options for the climate finance goal, each reflecting the contrasting priorities of developed and developing countries. Option one proposes an annual finance target starting in 2025, running through 2035, with a focus on funding from developed countries’ governments and the private sector they can mobilize. Developing nations may contribute voluntarily, but their contributions would not count toward the main goal. This option mirrors the current $100 billion per year target, which has yet to be fully met.

Option two envisions a longer timeline, with the goal set for 2035. This option expands the sources of finance, including public, private, and innovative funding from both bilateral and multilateral channels. While developed nations are expected to take the lead, the option also acknowledges that other countries with the economic capacity to contribute should do so. It adds a broader investment goal alongside a mobilisation target, marking a distinct difference from option one, which only focuses on mobilisation.

A key point of contention is the distribution of finance, particularly for the world’s poorest countries, including Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). These nations are calling for specific annual minimum amounts, such as $220 billion for LDCs and $39 billion for SIDS, but these figures remain unresolved, with the text still marked with square brackets. Some countries are advocating for a more general emphasis on the vulnerability of these groups, or an “equitable resource distribution” approach, instead of setting firm financial targets.

Uganda’s negotiator, Adonia Ayebare, voiced the frustration of developing nations, saying, “We have been very, very clear that we should not leave Baku without a number.” He criticised the proposal for $300 billion in annual climate finance, a figure many developing countries, including those in the G77 and China, deem insufficient. These countries are calling for $1.3 trillion in public climate finance annually, a figure they argue is necessary to meet the global climate challenge.

“We are hearing $300 billion. But if that is true, that’s really not acceptable. It’s embarrassing,” said Ayebare.

COP29 has entered its “endgame,” but UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned, “Success is not yet guaranteed.” Some developed nations, including the EU and the US, continue to push for a broader, more inclusive approach to climate finance, while developing nations stress that wealthier countries, who have contributed the most to global emissions, bear the primary responsibility.

On the issue of emissions reduction, the latest draft has weakened key commitments. Notably, provisions for a transition away from fossil fuels have been removed, drawing criticism from countries and climate experts alike. Meanwhile, climate scientists have warned that the world is on track for a dangerous 3.1°C rise in global temperatures by 2100 if current trends continue.

In the final days of COP29, there are glimmers of progress, with over 50 countries signing a declaration on climate-friendly tourism. Additionally, Mexico has committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, joining other G20 nations in setting ambitious climate goals. Mexican Environment Minister José Luis Samaniego noted, “We don’t think this will be easy, but we have never had a stronger political mandate to do so.”

Belize Demands “Doubling of Adaptation Finance” at COP29

Police Investigate Murder of 63-Year-Old Woman in Santa Elena

Police in Cayo are investigating the murder of 63-year-old Miriam Castellanos, a Belizean domestic worker, who was found dead in the Santa Cruz area of Santa Elena Town on Wednesday afternoon.

Police responded to the scene around 1:48 p.m., where they discovered Castellanos’ lifeless body with stab wounds. According to initial reports, she was last seen alive on Tuesday, November 19, around 7:30 p.m. Her body was discovered by a family member the following day at approximately 1:30 p.m.

The body of Castellanos has been transported for a post-mortem examination.

Teen Shot Dead in Roaring Creek

Lucky Player Hits $166,000 Mega Bingo Jackpot Just Weeks After $631,000 Win

A lucky player has won last night’s Mega Bingo progressive jackpot of $166,000, hitting the prize on ball G47. The host of the show described the moment as “absolutely phenomenal,” calling it “an incredible, dream-come-true early Christmas gift.” This win follows another major jackpot just 18 days ago, when a player walked away with over half a million Belize dollars, marking a spectacular streak of big wins for the popular game.

Retired Police Officer Wins Mega Bingo Jackpot

Teen Shot Dead in Roaring Creek

Police in Roaring Ceek Village are investigating the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Jonathan Josue Leonardo of Duckrun 2, Cayo District. The incident happened on Wednesday night outside Divinas Restaurant and Bar in Roaring Creek.

According to reports, Leonardo was involved in a dispute with another patron inside the bar. In an effort to avoid further confrontation, Leonardo stepped outside and got into his vehicle with two friends.

The conflict took a deadly turn when the other individual followed him outside. As Leonardo tried to drive away, the assailant approached the driver’s side and fired a single shot, fatally wounding him.

Police recovered a spent 9mm shell at the scene and have identified a suspect, reportedly a licensed firearm owner from the Maya Mopan area.

TS Sara Related Flooding Affecting Rural Belize Days Later

Tonight, hundreds of residents in Belize River Valley are grappling with floodwaters that have surged in from western Belize. In Rancho Dolores, a community of two hundred and fifty villagers, everyone is hunkering down. The bridge leading into the village and a large stretch of the road are submerged. The river has been swollen for days, but it started rising rapidly overnight. Today, the Coast Guard had to step in to help residents receive basic necessities. During our visit, we saw floodwater creeping dangerously close to several homes, with a few already underwater. How long will the villagers be stuck? It’s anyone’s guess. News Five’s Paul Lopez visited the community today and filed this report.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Most days, you can easily drive to Rancho Dolores Village. But today, the road and the bridge leading to this rural community are completely submerged under water.

Rudolph Reyes, Resident, Rancho Dolores

“I live dah Rancho and ih come like this four, five different times. But, for the past ten years before ih come like this again.”

Paul Lopez

“What we are on right now is the road.”

Rudolph Reyes

“Yes, this is the road. It is right here this morning that the Coast Guard truck stuck. Well ih nuh stuck, ih shet down and they had to get something to haul it. But, if deh haul it back way it stuck. So, they get a tractor and ih the over that side right now.”

Coast Guard personnel were dispatched to help transport residents. Navigating from one side of the bridge to the village is no easy task. The boat captain carefully steers along the flooded road, getting as close to the bridge as possible before crossing the swollen river.

Howard Casasola, Petty Officer, B.C.G.

“The call came to us about sixteen hundred yesterday. We got our crew, got ready and we deployed from our base our three hundred hours this morning. It was a lot of water. It was not the way that we thought, because we were told that it was only small vehicles that cannot pass. But when we got here we realized we do need a vessel. So, we get a vessel to come to this location. We had a schedule that we are running from right now, that is four-thirty in the morning, five thirty and six thirty, then we take a break and come back at four o’clock, five fifteen and six forty.”

These residents gathered by the riverside, eagerly waiting for the Bowen and Bowen truck to deliver cases of soda and beer. When they got the call that the truck was on the other side of the bridge, they quickly deployed a canoe from the village. The entire exchange felt like a throwback to the old days, before there was a bridge in the area.

Jude Joseph, Resident, Rancho Dolores

“Actually this water start come down yesterday between couple hours and now ih the look fuh tek over the bridge and right now we just the wait fuh we lee soft drink and water. I wah tell yo, to be truthful, in 2020 we had the same amount of water for election 2020. And we wait atleast three months before we could walk cross the bridge. So, Christmas we the look pan right deh, that is our Christmas right there coming. No access cross unless you go and come in the boat.”

Christmas is weeks ahead. And it is the least of Martina Belisle’s concern today. Floodwaters have crept into her backyard, threatening to invade her home. The sight brought back memories of November 2020, when floodwaters rose several feet inside her house.

Martina Belisle, Resident, Rancho Dolores

“Every time it comes like this it’s the same headache I have, every time. But I cannot do better, because I have to move everting out of my house and I don’t know where I will lay my head right now. I the watch the water because ih mih deh right back deh, And yesterday is the most it has raised dah last night. I get up twelve oclock and check water and I get up again four o’clock and never gone back gone sleep. Same way I start to pack.”

Chairlady Elsita Gillett says classes were cancelled for the day in the community. The school is now being used as a shelter for residents. At least to one family has sought refuge here.

Elsita Gillett, Chairlady, Rancho Dolores

“Right now we have several homes that the water have not reached inside their home as yet, but the water is very close. We expect it to reach and continue to rise, we expect it to reach inside people’s home just like in 2020. We know every flood is different but we expect the same conditions if not worst. It is normally several feet down from the bridge. So for it to come this height we know it is a lot of water, and it is spreading.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Lemonal Residents Evacuate Homes Due to TS Sara Related Floods

Downriver from Rancho Dolores, in the quiet village of Lemonal, quite a few residents had to pack up and leave their homes due to rising waters. Most of them are spending the night in shelters, but a handful chose to stay put and brave the swelling river. News Five’s Paul Lopez made his way to the village to get an up-close look at the unfolding flood situation. Here’s his report.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

In Lemonal, floodwaters from Tropical Storm Sara have almost reached the levels seen back in November 2020. Many riverside residents are finding their roads completely underwater, making it impossible to reach their homes. Aerial views reveal several roads submerged. Because of this, a boat had to be sent up the river to ferry villagers to a shelter at the village entrance.

Margarie McFadzean, Resident, Lemonal

“Hmp, mih house almost under water. We get here from about nine thirty.”

Paul Lopez

“And what point did you begin to see the water rise?”

Margarie McFadzean

“Water started to rise, well ih mih the up already, but ih come up more, because yesterday we mih the mark regular and when I check the last mark nine oclock it was about and over. Then this morning ih gone triple. Ih done eena kitchen? Sih deh gone home nuh to long.”

Margarie McFadzean is talking to her husband, who is lying on the cold concrete steps of the shelter, deep in thought about having to leave his chickens and sheep behind. And then there is Harrison Duhaney who is also seeking shelter in the church. He explained that the road leading to his house is approximately six feet underwater.

Harrison Duhaney, Resident, Lemonal

“Weh happen If you have a lee skiff you could take a look, but I don’t know how long this water will stay here. A lot of people get affected on both sides. That side and this side and so we are transferring some people right now to get rescue by the church. From there we have people coming down. WE have the boat running up suh. My spot really bad. I cant get no access nothing. I cant do nothing home there, nothing, everything for me is under water.”

Paul Lopez

“How high is the water on the roadway, can you walk it?”

Harrison Duhaney

“That is about five, six feet I will say. No you cant walk it. Ih nuh suh easy. Yo could if you are use to it. All like me, I could walk it, because I use to it. It is coming up very fast. Like every hour it is at a certain level, like maybe six, seven inches every hour.”

There’s no use trying to reach any of the homes where the roads are flooded. The memories of November 2020 still haunt the residents, leaving them fearful of being trapped if they stay inside. Despite this, Albert Banner and his sister have chosen to remain in their home, even as the floodwaters creep up from the river, nearly reaching their porch. They’ve taken to using a canoe to navigate to and from their elevated wooden house.

Albert Banner, Resident, Lemonal

“Well this water come down like four days ago. But, it is the first time I witnessed it like that, because I lived in the states for a while. I’m staying here right now.”

Paul Lopez

“I gather that usually you could walk out.”

Albert Banner

“Nah, well yeah in the dry season you could walk out.”

Albert Banner

“Well I got to use my canoe to help my sister and thing.”

Paul Lopez

“How concerning is it that the water continues to rise?”

Albert Banner

“Well, I was asking her if it ever come this high before. She says yes, it comes here like five years before and higher. She told me it went into her house like a foot and a half.”

Paul Lopez

“What are your plans, what will you do for the rest of the day?”

Albert Banner

“Well we just monitor it you know, and if I got to move her away I will move her to a higher ground.”

During our visit, residents were informed that aid was on its way for those in the shelter.

Albert Banner

“It is the risk of living on the riverside.”

Margarie McFadzean

“Yes, but it is sweet on the riverside, sweet on the riverside.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Proprietor of Double Zero is Busted for Drug Trafficking

On Monday afternoon, law enforcement officers swooped down on an establishment on Western Avenue for a joint operation. The business, Double Zero, is owned by forty-seven-year-old Joshua Ashburn. During the raid, twenty-year-old Keenan O’Connor and thirty-year-old Mario Fernandez, both from Belize City, were also present. A thorough search turned up drugs and firearms, including a bucket of cannabis found in a Dodge Ram pickup. They also found three large transparent bags of cannabis and a nine-millimeter Glock pistol. In the bedroom, officers discovered several international passports. Ashburn, O’Connor, and Fernandez were taken to the Raccoon Street Police Station and charged with various offenses.

Earlier this morning, the businessman was brought to court alone but was taken back to the Police Station for further questioning. It wasn’t until two P.M. that the trio was escorted back to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court to face four criminal charges. They appeared before a Senior Magistrate, where Joshua Moses Ashburn attempted to plead guilty to possession of the two separate amounts of weed found at the property but not guilty to possession with intent to supply. His plea for the lesser charge was rejected, and all three men were remanded to the Belize Central Prison until January twentieth, 2025.