November, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Rising Water Levels Expected in Multiple Regions

Residents in flood-prone areas across Belize are urged to remain vigilant and monitor waterways closely due to varying water levels throughout the regions.

In Region 7, the Rio Hondo at Blue Creek North remains above the historical levels recorded during Hurricane Mitch but is expected to decrease. However, from Douglas downstream to the coast, flood stage levels are rising and expected to exceed Hurricane Mitch levels. Communities like Santa Cruz, San Antonio, and San Roman should also expect increasing flood conditions. On the New River, above-normal levels will persist at Hill Bank, Tower Hill, and Caledonia.

For Region 9, the Mopan River at Benque Viejo Town is forecast to reach bankfull stage. On the Macal River, water levels at the Challillo, Mollejon, and Vaca reservoirs will stay below the spillway, while in San Ignacio, the river is expected to remain below the low-lying bridge. The Belize River at More Tomorrow will experience above-normal levels, and flood conditions will continue at Double Run. Crooked Tree Lagoon’s water levels are expected to rise but remain below the causeway.

In Region 11, the Sibun River at Freetown Sibun is expected to have below-normal levels, while the Southern Lagoon at Gales Point Village will see elevated levels persist. Waterways on the Eastern Slopes of the Maya Mountains and the Sittee River at Kendal Bridge are forecast to experience above-normal levels. The Monkey River branches at Swasey and Bladen will have below-normal levels, and the Deep River at Medina Bank will remain at normal levels. Near-normal levels are expected on the Rio Grande at San Pedro Columbia and Big Falls South, and the Moho River at Blue Creek South and Jordan will also see normal water levels. The Temash River at Crique Sarco will maintain normal levels as well.

In Region 13, the Sarstoon River is expected to experience normal water levels.

Residents should continue to exercise caution, particularly in flood-prone areas.

New Book Launched to Teach Kids Budgeting

Jacito Learns to Budget by Education Director at Holy Redeemer Credit Union, Dr. Carol Babb, joined the Jacito Learns Financial Literacy series on Saturday at the Holy Redeemer Credit Union Office in Belize City. The third book launched in the series continues Dr. Babb’s mission to equip children with the essential skill of managing money and provide young readers the tools to make smart financial decisions.

“Financial literacy… is extremely important if we want to ensure that our economy grows and that our people are productive,” said Dr. Babb. “The cure for that [financial wellness] is financial literacy.”

The Jacito series started with Jacito Learns to Save, where Jacito learns the value of working for what he wants, and followed with Jacito Opens an Account at HRCU, which encourages financial independence. In this new book, Jacito goes deeper into budgeting.

Gemayel Babb, Executive Director of the Belize Credit Union League, explained how the book introduces more complex financial concepts like the difference between “wants and needs” and the basics of income and expenses.

UB Warns Students: Cyberbullying Will Be Reported to Police

Over the weekend, the University of Belize issued a statement addressing recent incidents of cyberbullying. This follows reports of fake social media accounts created using the university’s logo, where pictures of students were posted alongside inappropriate and humiliating statements intended to embarrass or harm them.

In its statement, the university made it clear that it strongly condemns these actions. “The University of Belize is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful online environment for everyone,” the university said. “We remind all students that cyberbullying is strictly prohibited on any university platform or social media associated with the university.”

The university also warned that students found participating or encouraging cyberbullying could face serious disciplinary action, including possible suspension. The university made it clear that these reports will be forwarded to the Cyberbullying Unit of the police department for further investigation.

The university urged students to report any incidents of cyberbullying to the administration or counselling services.

UB Hosts Think Green, act Smart Climate Symposium

Netanyahu’s Political Priorities Questioned Over Gaza War

Following Donald Trump’s win in the U.S. presidential election, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that “the time has come” for Israel to extend full sovereignty over the West Bank, a territory under Israeli occupation since 1967. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that he has spoken with Trump multiple times since the election and that they share a common view on addressing the Iranian threat.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has warned that it has “enough weapons, equipment, and supplies for a long battle” against Israel. Over the weekend, Israeli airstrikes killed dozens of people, including at least 20 children, in Gaza and Lebanon. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 43,603 Palestinians have been killed, with 102,929 injured since the war began, while Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports 3,189 deaths and 14,078 injuries.

Israel’s former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has made claims about the handling of the war in Gaza. Gallant, who was fired by Netanyahu last week, stated that Netanyahu’s refusal to accept the ceasefire deal was rooted in personal political interests, not military strategy. Gallant said, “We killed all of them,” referring to the high-ranking Hamas leaders killed by Israeli forces. As the Minister of Defence, he said, “I did my job.”.

Gallant’s firing, announced on the same day as the U.S. election, has fuelled protests across Israel, with many Israelis accusing Netanyahu of putting his own political survival ahead of national security. “We feel that our country is slipping away, and tonight is just the last nail on the coffin,” said Maayan Oz, a protester in Tel Aviv.

Critics argue that Netanyahu’s actions reflect a dangerous shift away from democratic norms.

Palestinian Boy, 3, Killed by Air-Dropped Relief in Southern Gaza

Family Loses Everything to House Fire

Police are investigating a fire that destroyed a wooden house on Freetown Road in Belize City late Sunday night, November 10. The fire broke out just before midnight and quickly engulfed the entire house.

Video footage from the scene shows the house fully engulfed in flames.

The property is located next to Korea Electronics.

There are no reports of injuries. The homeowner, 32-year-old Brandon Daniels, a delivery man, was not at the house then. Daniels, along with his wife and seven-year-old child, had been staying at a relative’s home when the fire started.

Despite the efforts of fire personnel, the fire had already caused extensive damage to the house. Daniels and his family lost all of their belongings.

Police are investigating the cause of the fire.

Remembering the Brave, the fallen

A special ceremony to remember and honour “the bravery and sacrifice of military veterans who have served both at home and abroad” was held on Sunday at Memorial Park in Belize City.

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) said that during the ceremony “ex-servicemen gathered to lay wreaths in a solemn act of remembrance, standing united with veterans worldwide. This day serves as a reminder of the courage, resilience, and enduring legacy of those who served in the armed forces.”

Remembrance Day is a solemn occasion dedicated to honouring the Belizean soldiers who served and sacrificed in the British armed forces, particularly during the two World Wars. This day is deeply rooted in the nation’s historical ties to Britain and commemorates not just veterans of global conflicts but also recognising the contributions of those who have defended Belize’s sovereignty and peace.

Belize’s involvement in these wars may not be widely known internationally, but for Belizeans, the sacrifices are deeply respected and remembered every year.

The Belize Ex-Servicemen’s League plays a pivotal role in keeping the memory of these soldiers alive by ensuring that their contributions are not forgotten.

Remembrance Day in Belize, like in many Commonwealth countries, is marked by the wearing of poppies, a symbol inspired by the red poppies that grew on the battlefields of Flanders in World War I. The day is also associated with a minute of silence at 11:00 a.m., reflecting on the armistice signed on November 11, 1918, which ended World War I.

Each year, commemorative events are held at Memorial Park in Belize City, a site dedicated to those who lost their lives in the two world wars. These ceremonies typically involve a wreath-laying service, parades by veterans and current members of the Belize Defence Force, and prayers of remembrance.

“Day Off Indefinitely”

“Fuss Ting Da Mawnin” hosts Alfonso Noble and Joe Bradley have been reportedly given “day off indefinitely.” Noble, who is also known as “Fonso,” briefly appeared along with the new hosts to say that he has been “notified that I have been put on pause from doing the morning show.” The long-time host says he’ll take a “side step” until ”matters are fully resolved.” He added that a “decision will be made on MY status.”

Noble, who is a supporter of Tracy Panton, has recently been very vocal against Moses ‘Shyne” Barrow. Noble has criticised Barrow on the show.

This latest development comes after High Court Justice Tawanda Hondora ruled that Panton and her supporters “immediately vacate, surrender, and give up possession” of the UDP headquarters and that Barrow and his supporters “re-enter and take possession, control, and occupation” of the HQ.

Panton says she is the interim leader of the UDP following a convention at CIVIC where delegates voted to recall Moses “Shyne” Barrow. Meanwhile, Barrow says he remains leader of the UDP.

Twice the Guardians, Twice the Confusion

Man Charged with Murder in Independence Village Stabbing

Police have arrested and charged 22-year-old Randell Russell Montero, a Belizean labourer from Independence Village, for the murder of 28-year-old Selvin Humes, a construction worker who was fatally stabbed on November 7, 2024.

The tragic incident occurred on Toucan Street in Independence Village, right in front of a local business, following an altercation between the two men. Humes, known to his family as a peaceful person, was stabbed in the throat and succumbed to his injuries the same night at the Independence Polyclinic. Man Charged with Murder in Independence Village Stabbing

Jeremy Garbutt, Humes’ cousin, shared with News Five that he was devastated by the news, especially since he did not get to see his cousin’s body before it was taken to Dangriga. Garbutt explained that while Humes had been living with his mother, their work schedules often kept them apart.

Humes had recently moved out of his aunt, Ileonie King’s, home after living with her for many years.

Independence Village Chairman Clifton Garbutt also commented on the tragedy, stating that the incident has shocked the entire community.

Humes’ family members are struggling to come to terms with his violent death. They describe him as a quiet, reserved individual who mostly kept to himself.

Belize Advances Trade and Investment Opportunities in London

Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, led a trade and investment mission to London last week. A government press release says the mission, aimed at strengthening Belize’s economic standing through commercial diplomacy, resulted in significant developments for the country.

Martinez held high-level meetings with key stakeholders, including the Commonwealth Secretariat, UK Export Finance, and private investors interested in Belize’s high-potential sectors.

One of the key highlights of the mission was Dr. Martinez’s keynote speech at the Commonwealth Meeting on Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism. He emphasised Belize’s leadership in promoting sustainable tourism, showcasing how the country’s sustainability efforts have positively impacted its development. Following this, an agreement was reached for the Commonwealth Secretariat to provide technical support to enhance the implementation of reforms outlined in Belize’s National Trade Policy, which will strengthen the country’s frameworks for pro-poor development and economic resilience.

Dr. Martinez participated in the UK-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum. This partnership is expected to help attract inward capital investments for large-scale projects across various sectors in Belize. Dr. Martinez also established connections with private investors interested in areas critical to Belize’s growth, such as renewable energy, port development, tourism, and agro-processing.

More Details of Secret Beach Fatal Shooting

San Pedro Police continue to investigate the fatal shooting of 46-year-old Matthew Jonathan Moses. Moses was found lying in a pool of blood on an unoccupied lot near Secret Beach in San Pedro Town on Friday afternoon. He had been shot several times, and, according to the police, his body showed signs of decomposition.

Nearby, a Belizean carer from an adjacent property was also present. Police detained him for questioning and seized a licensed firearm and two magazines found in his possession. The carer was informed of his constitutional rights and cautioned as part of the ongoing investigation.

Preliminary reports suggest that Moses and the caretaker had been involved in an escalating dispute over job-related issues involving a former employer. Moses had allegedly threatened to kill the carer and his family, which then led to the fatal confrontation.

At the scene, police recovered expended shell casings. The caretaker remains in police custody.