2024 - Channel 5 Belize

COP29 President: “We are on a road to ruin.”

In his opening remarks as COP29 President, Mukhtar Babayev of Azerbaijan stressed the urgency of addressing climate change, citing that current policies could lead to 3°C of global warming—levels that he described as catastrophic. He stressed that climate impacts are already being felt globally, from flooding in Spain to wildfires in Australia, and underscored the need for more than just compassion or hopeful promises.

He warned, “We are on a road to ruin,” adding, “People are suffering in the shadows; they are dying in the dark,” so “we need much more from all of you.”

The COP29 presidency is built on two central pillars: enhancing ambition and enabling action. Babayev outlined Azerbaijan’s commitment to securing a fair, ambitious climate finance goal, emphasising that developed countries must provide substantial financial support to address the pressing needs of developing countries, particularly small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs).

Babayev also highlighted critical areas for action at COP29, including operationalising Article 6 on carbon markets, increasing adaptation finance, and advancing technology transfer. He pointed to the need for robust Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and adaptation plans, which are essential for achieving the global climate goals.

Babayev called for collective commitment and reminded delegates of the world’s anticipation for decisive action. He urged them to move forward in solidarity, reinforcing that every action and every fraction of a degree matters in the fight against climate change.

Belize is Optimistic about COP29

Spirit Airlines Flight to Haiti Diverted After Reported Gunfire Strike

A Spirit Airlines flight en route to Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was diverted on Monday after reportedly being struck by gunfire. The aircraft, carrying passengers to Toussaint Louverture International Airport, safely landed in the Dominican Republic, and authorities reported that a flight attendant was grazed by a bullet during the incident.

The airline has not yet issued a comment on the event. Following the reported gunfire, authorities grounded all commercial flights at the airport in Port-au-Prince, and flight tracking showed JetBlue and Amerijet cargo planes diverting away from Haiti.

This marks the second known incident in recent weeks involving gang-related gunfire impacting aircraft over Port-au-Prince. Last month, a United Nations helicopter was struck, although it safely returned without injuries. Violence and instability have increased in the city since politically connected gangs mounted an insurrection in March, leading to widespread disruption, including a prison break, airport closure, and city lockdown.

In response to the deteriorating security situation, Haiti’s transitional presidential council has appointed Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, an entrepreneur and former Senate candidate, as the country’s new prime minister. Fils-Aimé replaces Garry Conille, who was dismissed following a politically tumultuous term since his appointment in May.

Belizean BDF officers Arrive in Haiti to Support Multinational Security Mission

Tropical Wave in the Caribbean Could Develop into a Storm

The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) is closely monitoring an area of disorganised showers and thunderstorms in the central Caribbean Sea, south of Hispaniola. The system is expected to move slowly westward over the next few days.

The NHC reported that “environmental conditions appear conducive for gradual development,” giving the system 50% chance of development in the next seven days.

Forecasters say it could form later this week or over the weekend. If it strengthens, it could become Tropical Storm Sara.

CARICOM and AOSIS Demand Urgent Action at COP29

As nearly 200 countries gather for COP29, the latest United Nations climate summit, delegates from the Caribbean region are particularly attuned to the urgent needs and demands of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). These vulnerable nations, disproportionately affected by rising sea levels, extreme weather, and biodiversity loss, are advocating for stronger global commitments to mitigate climate impacts and ensure adequate climate financing.

The summit, which is taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, aims to evaluate progress under the Paris Agreement—a 2016 global accord that seeks to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Despite years of negotiations, the world remains on track for a temperature increase of more than 3 degrees Celsius without more substantial emissions reductions.

SIDS and AOSIS, whose very existence is threatened by unchecked warming, have voiced growing concerns about the lack of urgent action and the insufficient pace of funding for climate adaptation.

Last week, Minister of Climate Change, Orlando Habet, told News Five, “One of the main focus areas for COP 29 will be financing and the one hundred billion that was promised some years ago finally accordingly reached in 2022. But we are looking for a much more than that the top is in the trillions of dollars.”

Belize is Optimistic about COP29

Habet, who will lead delegations for both AOSIS and CARICOM, explained that the new collective quantified goal aims to hold developed countries accountable for their commitments under the Paris Agreement, which requires them to finance climate initiatives in developing nations.

Habet noted that COP28 saw the approval of the Loss and Damage Fund, valued at over $400 million. At COP29, the goal is to increase this funding significantly. According to Habet, COP29’s president has committed to prioritising this scaling effort within the first week of negotiations, providing a crucial opportunity for delegates to influence the outcomes at the negotiating table.

SIDS’ representatives are expected to press for clear commitments from major emitters to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions and honour climate finance pledges. Many are calling for high-emitting nations to allocate larger shares of funding to climate adaptation projects—efforts essential for small islands facing extreme weather, food and water insecurity, and forced displacement. A recent U.N. report also highlighted that 2023 marked the highest greenhouse gas emissions ever recorded globally, underscoring the need for immediate action and ambitious new commitments at COP29.

This year’s COP is seen as critical for SIDS, as they seek to shape a climate response that adequately addresses their unique vulnerabilities. Whether or not major economies rise to the challenge, SIDS will continue to advocate for a fair and robust global framework—one that recognizes their needs and holds high-emitting countries accountable for their role in driving climate change.

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.