2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Transportation Within the CARICOM Single Market

Transport remains a critical hurdle for CARICOM in its quest to establish a single market. The movement of cargo by sea hinges on production volume, while air transport presents its own set of challenges. However, according to the Director of the CARICOM Single Market at the CARICOM Secretariat, various discussions are underway to tackle these specific transport issues. Here’s what he shared with us during our conversation on Wednesday at an event in Belize City.

Leo Preville, Director, CARICOM Single Market

“There are different discussions taking place right now. For instance, as a community there has been a study that has been commissioned through the Caribbean Development Bank, a whole regional transportation study, taking a look at areas we can commence with work immediately to solve the transportation problem. When you have discussions in the region, you have two discussions taking place. You have a discussion which says, you do not have sufficient transportation to move goods around. And then, the transport suppliers will say to you, no we have sufficient containers to move. We have it all there. It is available to you. However, they are talking about container loads as opposed to less than container loads and how do you accumulate goods in one country from different suppliers to form a container load. So we have a difficulty under production side within the region. There is an industrial policy being developed to address that. In the specific case of Belize, from yesterday’s discussion with the agriculture ministry, the issue was not with transportation of poultry products. The issue went beyond that and that is where at the political level there needs to be that sort of engagement. In terms of people movement, as we speak we have a multilateral air services agreement which if used as intended can help to provide solutions to our air transport movement in the region.”

Minister Habet Says BSWAMA Investigation Still Underway

In August, the Ministry of Sustainable Management revealed that an investigation was in progress regarding the disappearance of funds at the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority. The ministry’s press release indicated that the Belize Police Department would eventually be involved in the probe. Initially, the missing amount was reported to be around a million dollars, though various figures have since been mentioned. A source within the BSWAMA suggested that the funds were redirected to other projects within the office due to resource shortages. Today, Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet informed reporters that he could not provide further details as the investigation is ongoing.

Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development

“The person was I think put on three months leave. We can’t comment much on it because it’s still under investigation and it’s something that the commission will be dealing with. So we can’t interfere. We don’t want to bias any result from the investigation being done or the decision from the Public Service Commission.”

Ministry of Education Responds to Teacher Salary Delays

The Ministry of Education has responded to BNTU’s growing concerns over delayed teacher salaries.

According to the BNTU, over 130 teachers in Belize reported that they have been working without pay.

The Ministry says that it submitted the names of 122 teachers for an off-cycle payment to address their delayed salaries. These teachers are expected to be paid by Friday evening. The Ministry added that the BNTU submitted a list of 99 teachers claiming unpaid salaries. After removing 12 duplicate names, 87 cases remained, with 44 teachers already included in the off-cycle payment expected this week. Of the remaining 43 teachers, 9 have already received their September salaries, 3 are processed through a different system, and 4 are being finalised for the next payment cycle.

This leaves 27 teachers who have not been paid and will not be paid on Friday. The Ministry says it is “committed to working with school management to sort these through posthaste so that these salaries can be processed later this month.”

The Ministry recognises that the outdated salary processing system causes delays and is committed to working with the BNTU to resolve these issues quickly.

Israeli Strikes on Iran Oil Facilities

President Joe Biden has confirmed that the United States is engaged in discussions concerning possible Israeli military actions targeting Iran’s oil facilities. When pressed about whether he would support such strikes, Biden responded, “We’re discussing that,” the BBC reported.

The situation intensified after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel earlier this week, which sent Brent crude oil prices soaring by 5% and up by 10% overall since the incident. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Iran “will pay a heavy price” for the assault involving over 180 ballistic missiles.

Reports from Israeli media suggest that the initial focus of any strikes could be on Iran’s oil infrastructure.

Iran’s military chief has warned that any retaliation would be directed at all Israeli infrastructure.

The escalating tensions have raised alarms about potential disruptions in the Straits of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipping.

Recent developments are that the Israeli military has conducted airstrikes in Beirut. This resulted in casualties and prompting increased evacuation orders in southern Lebanon.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN stated that a response to the recent missile assault from Iran “will be soon.”

BNTU Claims: “Someone is Targeting the BNTU”

On Wednesday night, over 130 teachers in Belize reported that they have been working without pay, with some waiting for their salaries for over six months. At a press conference held at the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) headquarters, National President Nadia Caliz accused the Ministry of Education of unfairly targeting educators through the Government of Belize’s Smart Stream system.

During the event, teachers Kimberly Lopez and Janelle Cacho recounted their personal struggles. Lopez, who hasn’t received a pay check since May, said, “Imagine saving for your future and having to use that money now.” Cacho echoed this sentiment, stating, “It has caused immense distress, trauma, and inconvenience in my life.”

Both teachers faced complications with the mandatory 120 continuous professional development (CPD) hours needed for license renewal. Lopez explained her frustration with the system, which indicated she had only completed 32 hours despite attending several workshops. Cacho described being unable to teach for months due to her CPD hours and license renewal issues.

Caliz questioned the removals, asking, “Who authorised this? That is the key question, especially when we have a standing agreement.”

Caliz added, “This suggests a serious administrative failure. Someone is targeting the BNTU, using the system against us.” She warned that if conditions do not improve, the BNTU will take further action, declaring, “We cannot accept a situation where teachers show up to work and receive no pay at the end of the month.”

Can BSI’s Plan Fix Sugar Supply Issues?

Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) is addressing rising consumer concerns about limited sugar availability in supermarkets. For weeks, shoppers have faced restrictions of one or two pounds per purchase. This occurs despite BSI’s previous assurances of ‘no actual sugar shortage.’

Shawn Chavarria, Financial Manager at ASR/BSI, confirmed that as of this week, there are approximately 7.5 million pounds of white sugar and 2.2 million pounds of brown sugar in stock, sufficient to meet demand for the next three and a half months. Despite this, some retailers are still imposing limits.

Chavarria told News 5 today, “Somewhere along the supply chain, sugar is not consistently reaching the intended customers.” Investigations indicate that sugar smuggling may be worsening the perceived shortage.

To combat this issue, BSI has proposed introducing pre-packaged retail sizes for sugar. “That product will be much more difficult for anybody to try to smuggle,” Chavarria claimed. He noted that this packaging format has received positive feedback in the CARICOM market.

However, implementing retail packaging will require changes to the existing price control system. BSI is seeking government support to liberalise prices for packaged sugar while maintaining regulations for industrial sugar. If approved, packaged brown sugar could be priced around $1 per pound, and white sugar at about $1.10.

Elderly Couple Killed by Tree in Hurricane Helene

An elderly couple were tragically found embracing in their bedroom after a tree fell on their ceiling during Hurricane Helene in Beech Island, South Carolina. The storm claimed the lives of Marcia Savage, 74, and Jerry Savage, 78, and at least 200 other lives.

The elderly couple were married for over 50 years.

Their grandson, 22-year-old John Savage, had checked in on them just moments before the disaster. “We heard a snap, and I went back to see how they were. They were both okay, and the dog was fine,” he said.

However, shortly after his visit, a thunderous boom marked the onset of tragedy as a massive tree fell. “All you could see was the ceiling and the tree,” John said.

Jerry was well-regarded for his skills as an electrician and carpenter, while Marcia was a retired bank teller. Their granddaughter, Katherine Savage, remarked, “They loved each other to their dying day.” John added, “Their love was instant and everlasting.”

Additionally, two firefighters in South Carolina lost their lives when a tree struck their truck.

Belize City Announces 2024-2025 Youth Shadow Council

The Belize City Council officially introduced the 2024-2025 Youth Shadow Council.

The Council’s fourth comprises 12 young leaders.

The council members will work closely with the mayor and respective councillors.

In the announcement, the council stated, “Their mission is to contribute to project development and gain a deeper understanding of municipal management, all while upholding our commitment to championing youth development and enhancing youth connectivity in governance.”

Unauthorised Transport of Houses on Highways Without Permits Will Lead to Penalties

The Ministry of Transport is reminding the public that transporting houses on public highways requires prior approval. The ministry says that it has noted an increase in unauthorised transport of houses on highways.

“In accordance with traffic regulations, all houses being transported must be accompanied by police or transport department vehicles. These escort vehicles are crucial for alerting other road users, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of oversized loads and preventing accidents.”

In April 2018, 26-year-old Daniel Ian Urbina died after crashing into a wooden house being transported on a GMC 10-wheeler truck coming from the opposite direction. The incident happened just before 3 a.m. on the Philip Goldson Highway.

In October 2022, 15-year-old Arthur Thomas was struck by a wooden house being transported on a trailer truck. The teenager of Gardenia Village was riding his bicycle home.

The Department says that it will closely monitor compliance and take enforcement action against violators.

Four Women Wanted for Assault and Robbery

Police are looking for four women linked to a reported assault and robbery at a Belize City apartment.

Damaris Camara, 23, Shelby Medina, 18, Mariela Mejia, 29, and Kathia Sandoval, all from Orange Walk Town, are wanted for allegedly stealing over $8,000 worth of luxury items.

According to the victim’s police report, she was staying at an apartment reportedly owned by Camara. On Saturday night, Camara and her associates forcibly entered the premises. The victim alleged that Camara seized her iPhone 7 and smashed it on the floor. The accused are also alleged to have destroyed an Ariana Grande perfume worth $300 and several pairs of sunglasses.

The suspects reportedly escaped with personal belongings totalling approximately $8,165.

Police are actively seeking to apprehend the four women for questioning.