November, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Cellular World Hosts Tech Forum on Innovation

Today, Cellular World Belize hosted a live forum to explore advancements in technology and the challenges they bring. With regional partners from Dell and Epson as key speakers, the event aimed to enhance industry expertise and expand commercial portfolios within Belize.

General Manager Joel Cervantez explained that Cellular World’s partnerships with Dell and Epson were strategic for supporting both businesses and consumers. He said Epson’s eco-friendly, cost-effective printer options, particularly useful for education and family needs, and discussed Dell’s focus on emerging areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. “We will have training programs for our employees and we need to be ahead of the game. AI is real, cyber security is real, and unless we go and be at the forefront, then we cannot offer that to our customers if we are not trained ourselves. And as leaders in electronics, in cyber security and all that, that we want to be. We have to do that first.”

Dell representative Byron Urbina underscored the importance of cybersecurity and AI as key issues for Belize and the wider region, noting how Dell’s products integrate AI to enhance security and provide intelligent monitoring solutions for users. “And the second topic is artificial intelligence, how our products are bringing international intelligence in every aspect of the design of the product, from the hardware design, or even in the monitoring and intelligent monitoring, and help to the end user to be aware of the all AI power from Dell to the hardware.”

Meanwhile, Epson’s Regional Account Manager, Rashmi Ranmarine, emphasised the alignment between Epson’s environmental goals and Belize’s eco-conscious values, explaining that Epson aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 2050—a vision shared by many in Belize. “Epson is a Japanese company, and one of the key pillars of this Japanese company is to be more environmentally conscious, to reduce our carbon footprint by the year 2050. ”

The forum also featured announcements on Cellular World’s commitment to strengthening technical support, as employees will undergo training to enhance customer assistance in areas like cybersecurity and AI. Cervantez stressed the importance of staying ahead in tech advancements, saying, “As leaders in electronics, we need to be at the forefront to offer the best to our customers.”

Flood Warning Issued for Central and Northern Belize

Residents in various regions of Belize are being advised to monitor waterways and exercise caution due to rising water levels. In Region 7, flood stage levels on the Rio Hondo at Blue Creek North, Santa Cruz, San Antonio, San Roman, and Douglas to the coast are expected to decrease, while above normal levels will persist on the New River at Hill Bank, Tower Hill, and Caledonia.

In Region 9, the Mopan River at Benque Viejo Town is expected to remain at bankfull stage. On the Macal River, reservoir levels at Fortis facilities, Challillo, Mollejon, and Vaca spillways are active, with levels at San Ignacio exceeding the Low-Lying Bridge. The Belize River at More Tomorrow will experience above normal levels, and flood stage levels at Double Run will continue. The Crooked Tree Lagoon is expected to have increasing levels, remaining below the causeway.

In Region 11, caution is advised along the Sibun River at Freetown Sibun where increasing above normal levels are expected, and above normal levels will persist at the Southern Lagoon at Gales Point Village. On the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains and the Sittee River at Kendal Bridge, above normal levels are anticipated to persist. Watersheds along branches of the Monkey River at Swasey and Bladen will also see above normal levels. At the Deep River at Medina Bank, levels are expected to remain normal. The Rio Grande at San Pedro Columbia and Big Falls South, as well as the Moho River at Blue Creek South and Jordan, will experience increasing above normal levels. On the Temash River at Crique Sarco, above normal levels are expected.

Region 13 is also under notice for above normal levels on the Sarstoon River.

A flood warning is currently in effect for rivers and tributaries in the Central and Northern regions, including the Rio Hondo, Macal, Mopan, and Belize Rivers. The San Ignacio Low-Lying Bridge is impassable, and the San Roman and San Antonio access road is flooded.

GOB Approves Overhaul of Public Service Pay System

One of the key outcomes at Monday’s Cabinet meeting was the approval of a comprehensive review of the Belize Public Service’s pay and grading system. According to the report, funded through the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), recommendations for modernising the system were made, with a focus on improving efficiency and ensuring “equal pay for equal work” within the public service.

In a separate development, the Cabinet approved an extension for the People’s Constitution Commission, giving the body until May 17, 2025, to complete its final report on the country’s Constitution. This extension will allow the Commission to finalise its findings and submit them to the Prime Minister.

Cabinet also addressed an error in the Social Security Act, which had incorrectly referred to the Chairperson of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Committee. The amendment corrects this mistake and ensures that the decisions made by the General Manager during a period not covered by the law are validated.

Another important change is the amendment to the Disaster Preparedness and Response Act, which now includes provisions for responding to emergencies caused by outbreaks of animal or plant diseases or pests.

Additionally, the government introduced the One in a Million Raffle, a new lottery initiative launched by the Belize Government Lotteries Limited (BGLL). The raffle is being held to mark the anniversary of the government’s takeover of the national lottery, and the profits will be used to fund social programs like the National Health Insurance (NHI). A portion of the proceeds will also go to support various charitable causes across Belize.

Case Against Accused Murderer Falls Apart

Twenty-six-year-old Leeroy Bardalez is today a free man after the Office of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi, effectively discontinuing the case.

Crown Counsel Sheiniza Smith stated that the prosecution could not continue as two crucial witnesses were unavailable: one was unwilling to testify, and the other could not be located by police.

Bardalez was charged for a 2020 Faber’s Road shooting that killed Ricky Nelson Miguel and injured Thalia Westby. He initially faced charges of murder, attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm, and dangerous harm. Following a preliminary inquiry, the case was moved to the High Court for trial.

In 2019, Bardalez was charged with the attempted murder of Belize City resident Melroy Pelayo. Pelayo was shot in the leg while on Rio Grande Crescent in the Faber’s Road Extension area. Pelayo received treatment and was later released. =

Motorcyclist Killed in Orange Walk Collision

Juan Carlos Castellanos tragically lost his life in a traffic collision on Tuesday night in Orange Walk Town. The accident occurred around 9 p.m. as Castellanos was riding his motorcycle along Tate Street. He collided with the side of a freight truck.

The 50-year-old truck driver reported that he was making a left turn onto Munoz Lane when Castellanos struck the right side of the truck. Castellanos was immediately taken to the Northern Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The truck driver is currently in police custody.

COP29 Day 3: Finance Text Still in Flux, Brazil Updates Climate Targets

On Day three of COP29, negotiators focused on a complex draft of the new climate finance goal, while Brazil unveiled its updated climate plan, aiming for a 59–67% emissions reduction by 2035.

The early draft of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance caused concern among negotiators, as it ballooned to 34 pages with multiple options and proposals. Developing countries are pushing for a significant increase in the $100 billion per year finance target, with proposals ranging from $1.3 trillion to $2 trillion annually. The draft includes options for who should contribute, with developed countries expected to shoulder the bulk of the financial burden. The High Ambition Coalition, which includes G7 members like Canada, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, reinforced this position, stating, “Trillions of dollars are required… Developed countries must continue to take the lead and live up to existing finance commitments.” Negotiators have requested that the co-chairs streamline the draft by removing redundancies and clarifying options.

Meanwhile, Brazil presented its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), aiming to cut emissions by 59% to 67% from 2005 levels by 2035, largely by preserving its carbon-storing forests. However, critics point out that Brazil’s plan contradicts itself by also aiming to increase oil and gas production by 36% by the same year. Shady Khalil from Oil Change International stated, “Brazil cannot claim to be at the ‘forefront of the global energy transition’ unless it puts an immediate end to new fossil fuel projects.” The updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) reflects Brazil’s push to end deforestation by 2035, with plans to improve land management and potentially use carbon credits to raise funds.

In other developments, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) have committed to ramping up climate finance, with a goal to reach $170 billion per year by 2030, a 30% increase from 2023. However, Nadia Calviño, president of the European Investment Bank, acknowledged the need for further action, saying, “The family of multilateral development banks is walking the talk.”

High Chance of Tropical Storm Sara Forming in Caribbean

The National Meteorological Service is closely monitoring a broad low-pressure system over the central Caribbean Sea, which continues to produce extensive showers and thunderstorms. This system, referred to as Invest 99L, has a high chance of developing into a tropical system within the next 48 hours as it moves slowly westward toward the western Caribbean Sea.

As the Atlantic hurricane season nears its end, this development could lead to the formation of the season’s 18th named storm, future Sara, possibly heading toward the Gulf of Mexico next week. However, the track and intensity remain highly uncertain.

Model forecasts indicate that this system may soon become Tropical Storm Sara once it strengthens into a depression later this week. With favorable conditions, such as low wind shear and record-warm waters for mid-November, it could potentially strengthen to hurricane status in the western Caribbean.

While the track remains complicated and subject to change, the system is expected to move slowly westward toward Central America and the Yucatán Peninsula through early next week. This slow movement could result in heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding or mudslides in the region.

Forecast models show that a cold front moving across the U.S. might influence its path, potentially pulling it northward toward the Yucatán, the southern Gulf of Mexico, or western Cuba by Monday or Tuesday. There is a possibility that this cold front could then accelerate its movement eastward, possibly affecting Florida or Cuba by mid-week.

Freedom of the Press is Paramount

On Friday, November 8, attorney of Glenn D. Godfrey and Company LLP, Immanuel Williams, wrote a letter to Great Belize Production Limited (Channel 5) and Tropical Vision Limited (Channel 7). The letter was in relation to the latest orders handed down by High Court Justice Tawanda Hondora.

Williams is representing Mesopotamia Area Representative Moses “Shyne” Barrow. He is among five claimants who have filed a lawsuit against Tracy Panton and former Secretary General Philipa Griffith-Bailey over the occupation of the party’s headquarters. The court granted the injunction, allowing Barrow and his team to reclaim the property, though the fixed-date claim filed by Williams remains pending.

The letter came after Williams, during a press briefing, told reporters, “Because it’s before the court, I would urge to say it’s an opportune time to not in fact declare anyone as a party leader since it’s before the court and has to be addressed.”

In his letter, Wiliams tells the free press, “…we ask that your publication refrain from referring to Honourable Mr. Moses Barrow as the “former UDP party leader” or making statements that would potentially damage his reputation or undermine his position as the duly elected leader of the United Democratic Party.”

Williams further stated, “Additionally, we would appreciate it if you refrained from referring to the Honourable Mrs. Tracy Taegar Panton as the “interim party leader” or promoting any similary narrative, s this matter is still before the Court and has not been resolved.” He cautioned the media houses when reporting on the matter.

Panton, who says she is the interim leader of the UDP, went on social media to chastise the letter: “It is OUTRAGEOUS that the Legal Representative for Shyne Moses Barrow, Mr. Emmanuel Williams of Glen D Godfrey Law Firm is misrepresenting the ruling of the High Court to this nation by way of letters circulated to the Media. The ONLY matter decided at Friday’s Hearing was for a temporary injunction on the occupation of the UDP Headquarters.”

Channel 7 Director Jules Vasquez, on his morning show on Monday, condemned the letter, which he described as “ridiculous” in nature. He said, “They are trying to control speech” and that “this is a nuisance letter,” while daring Barrow to send another letter. “It is really offensive to the concept of a free press.”

Great Belize Productions Limited CEO Marleni Cuellar said, “We expect and understand that political figures may often disagree with coverage that does not fit their preferred narrative. However, we stand firm against attempts to restrict our reporting. As a responsible and professional media house, it is our duty to report the truth and provide balanced coverage. Any efforts to suppress our reporting undermine democracy and the values of a free press. Great Belize Television remains committed to accurate journalism and will not waver in our defense of press freedom, even in the face of threats.”

Responding to the letter was also Senior Counsel Ellis Arnold of Arnold and Company. Arnold tells Williams that “pending the trial, the press is perfectly entitled to report, without fear or favour, that there is a dispute between the parties as to whether or not your client is still the duly elected leader, or whether our client is the interim leader. And the press is free to analyse that dispute and to comment on its consequences as it sees fit, and it is not for you, or for us, to interfere with that freedom.”

P.M. Says He Does Not Understand Senate’s Logic

Today seemed like the perfect moment for Prime Minister John Briceño to call for a general election, and many thought he would. So, when the house meeting kicked off with a speech from PM Briceño that felt more like a state of the nation address or a campaign pitch, everyone expected him to announce an election date. But that didn’t happen. We’ll explain why later in the newscast. First, let’s talk about Belize still being without an auditor general, even though the government keeps running. On Monday, the Senate blocked a motion to appoint Deputy Auditor General Maria Rodriquez as the acting auditor general. She would have filled the role for four months while a permanent auditor general was found. However, neither the opposition nor the social partners backed the motion. They argued it didn’t make sense to appoint a temporary auditor general for such a short period. So, they voted it down. At today’s House of Representatives meeting, Prime Minister Briceño was asked about the Senate’s decision. He suggested we should ask the ‘geniuses that voted against it’.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think that is a question you need to ask those Senators that voted against it. I cannot understand their logic. It is a flawed logic. The point is that we don’t have an auditor general. We wanted to appoint a temporary one while we advertise and have people to come in and apply for that post. Looking at either in house or outside the service. We do recognize that it is a very specialized skill and looking at it we may need to pay them more than what the serious pays. I think you need to ask the geniuses that voted against that, because we were without an auditor general and the work of government continues. Senator Peyrefitte pointed out that was the same reason Ms. Bradley’s contract was extended and during that time you guys were unable to find a replacement. And What is the guarantee that after the four months one would have been found? There is only one way to find out. So what happens now, you try to put a rush on it? Absolutely not. We are going to go through the four month period and when we find an auditor general that is adequate then we proceed.”

$300,000 Supplementary Not for Early Election Preparations

A couple of weeks ago, the House of Representatives passed a one-point-six-million-dollar supplementary allocation, and the Senate couldn’t do much to change it. Among the line items was three hundred thousand dollars earmarked for the Elections and Boundaries Department, sparking rumors that it was for early election preparations. However, the Prime Minister didn’t call for an election today and dismissed the speculation, saying people are getting worked up over nothing.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“People the get excited over nothing. Remember the three hundred thousand, we had a by election in July and we did not present a supplementary budget to pay for it. So, we had to use other resources. So, we are paying back the monies from what we did, we advanced monies to Election and Boundaries, now we are replacing the monies we used for by elections. And I know the U.D.P wants us to get them out of their misery by calling an election so they can decide who will be the next leader. So we are going to call the election when we believe it is the right time. There is still a lot of work, as I pointed out in my presentation, thanking the Belizean people for that awesome mandate they gave us. We have done a lot but there is a lot more to do. When we say we have reduced poverty by half that does not mean everybody rich, we still have a long way to go. That is the case that we are trying to do.”