The Independence Day weekend was punctuated by road traffic accidents. In Hopkins Village, the access road saw the second deadly road mishap in as many weeks. This time, the victim was not a resident of the village. Twenty-nine-year-old Christian Chuc lost his life when a vehicle knocked him down near the entrance to the village. The driver did not stop to render assistance to him. From what it appears, Chuc was about a mile into the road on his way to Hopkins Village and might have been knocked down from behind. He was left on the pavement bleeding profusely from the head, while the mangled motorcycle he was driving lay several feet away from him. This mishap took place less than a mile from the location where a previous road traffic accident claimed the life of nineteen-year-old Amaad Arana. The police are yet to share details of this accident with the media.
Year: 2024
Motorcycle RTA Claims Another Life Out West
A road traffic accident claimed the life of man in Unitedville. Reports are that Miguel Maldonado was driving a motorcycle when it collided into a Toyota Corolla. Maldonado was flung from the motorbike and received fatal injuries. A.C.P Hilberto Romero tells us more.
A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division
“On Friday the twentieth of September, at around seven forty-five p.m. there was a fatal road traffic accident at Unitedville, police visited the area where they saw a Toyota Corolla and a motorcycle extensively damaged. The information is that the driver of the motorcycle was one Miguel Maldonado. He was taken to the hospital and succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Toyota Corolla was Donovan Tzib. Urine samples were taken, NIP served, and an investigation is being carried out at this time. The pickup hit the motorcycle causing Maldonado to receive injuries.”
A Lukewarm Forty-third Independence Day Ceremony
Paul Lopez, Reporting
“A Nation Proud and Free, Belize @ 43”. The nation’s forty-third Independence Day anniversary was commemorated with an official ceremony at Independence Plaza. The ceremony saw the attendance of government officials, Belize’s diplomatic corps, and the Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow, among other dignitaries. Belmopan Mayor, Pablo Cawich delivered the opening remarks.
Pablo Cawich, Mayor, Belmopan
“Today, we gather to reflect on a journey of our nation and celebrate the progress we have made together. I stand before you with deep personal pride and gratitude, not only as the mayor of this beautiful Garden City, but also as the son of a visionary leader. In 1998, my father, the late honorable, Agripino Cawich, then area representative of Cayo south which included Belmopan at the time, took the necessary steps to establish the Belmopan Coty Council. His vision was to ensure that our beloved capital would have the leadership and administration needed to guide it into a prosperous future. Today, I am proud to say that Belmopan continues to carry on this vision.”
The Leader of the Opposition was next up to speak. Unlike previous Independence Day ceremonies, the opposition’s speech was not filled with criticisms of the ruling party, a picture of doom and gloom or a “sky is falling” narrative. All that was done days before the official ceremony. So, on this day, his address was focused on unity and patriotism.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
“It is not just about the past on which we reflect but about the today and tomorrow that the new generation will build for Belize. Let us celebrate that this generation, young and old have the characteristics of our forebearers in our minds, hearts and our souls. We just have to dig deep within and attach ourselves to the ideals od patriotism that transcends, materialism, self-centeredness and momentary satisfaction. Let us today stand proud and free at forty-three and renew our commitment to the Belize we want to see over the next forty-three years.”
His address was immediately followed by a Belizean musical composition from conductor Carlos Perrotte. The composition included Perrotte’s take on Leela Vernon’s “Creole Kolcha”, “Ding Ding Wala” and “Call the Police”. Prime Minister John Briceno’s speech immediately followed the musical interlude.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Our success will always be amplified by our openness, because our strength comes from our diversity. And the symbol of it all, that which especially unites us, whether we live here at home or abroad is the Belizean flag. Lord Rhaburn expressed it best when he said, I am true born Belizean. Another Belizean looks not at another Belizean’s differences, but at what those things we share in common. We learned this from our ancestors who toiled, often against the odds, to build a resilient nation, despite the odds, which subjected them to cruel colonialism. They left for us a moral compass, the persuasion that has left in us the desire to construct societies that celebrate diversity, appreciate openness and values social justice, liberty and national happiness.”
Messages of congratulations to Belize on its forty-third Independence Day anniversary came from several nations. U.S Secretary of State Anthony Blinken emphasized the U.S. and Belize’s shared commitment to democracy. Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Belize. CARICOM Secretary General Doctor Carla Barnett, a Belizean herself, praised Belize for its contributions to regional integration and environmental protection. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez
Stann Creek Teachers Protest Not Getting Increments
Independence Day is a celebration of political freedom and is set aside as a display of patriotism. On Saturday, however, a group of about thirty teachers felt the need to use that day to take to the streets during the Independence Day ceremony to hold a protest at the BTL Park in Dangriga. The intention was to get their message to the government officials who attended that ceremony. Today, Denise Flores-Henry, a teacher who spearheaded the protest, told News Five that teachers need their increments, and the protestors do not feel as if though the matter is being prioritized at the level of the Joint Unions’ Negotiating Team which meets with the government to discuss several concerns on behalf of public officers. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Bearing placards that addressed their concerns about not getting their increments for 2021 and 2022, and about their struggle with inflation, about thirty teachers from Stann Creek District silently protested the Independence Day ceremony on Saturday in Dangriga.
Denise Flores-Henry, Concerned Teacher, Dangriga
“We wanted to voice our views and concerns of what’s happening with the increments that teachers are still waiting for. The key thing that we wanted to share is that the suffering is really to its extreme with teachers and there seem to be no urgency in this administration to try to resolve the issue. Most teachers right now are living on a salary that’s from 2020-21. The only increment – remember our increments were frozen in 2020. We were wondering, okay, why pay us for 23? Why not go 21 then 22? You understand then 23?”
The message the teachers wanted to send was that despite government’s consistent declarations of a rapidly growing economy, the reality for teachers is that they have to struggle with inflation on a 2020 salary. Denise Flores-Henry organized and spearheaded the event.
“I want to give an example. I love eggs. Back then in 2020, a tray of egg was 5. 50, 6. 00. Today with the same salary from 2020, I have to purchase a tray of eggs at 9. 50, right? We’ll look at the cooking oil. The small 123 cooking oil was 3 75 in 2020. You buy that now? It’s 625, 650. Just to show you that the salary that we are still living on does not match the inflation rate and the cost of living. And so the increments that we are fighting for eases, you know, the impact, that heavy impact of inflation on us, the teachers.”
Teachers’ increments are not automatic and are earned, and Flores-Henry said that it’s only a percentage of teachers who would not receive increments, based on their performance.
“The majority of teachers do qualify for the increments. We’re talking about a small number that would not qualify. So the majority of teachers do qualify and are waiting for the increments from 2022. Most teachers have gotten 2023 increment. No teacher has received 2022 or 2021 and that’s the issue.”
And while the event was not organized by the Dangriga branch of the Belize National Teachers Union, Flores-Henry is the Dangriga branch president of BNTU and explained that teachers in that district are more vocal about the issues.
Marion Ali
“Why is it that only the Dangriga branch or the southern zone, I’ll say southern zone, teachers that protested over the weekend?”
“Because we’re just a vibrant branch. We have always been trendsetters. You understand? We’re not afraid to speak up. The other branches, you see, it’s all about the leader. You understand? It’s all about the leader. I tend to like action. There is a problem. We’ll find a solution. We need to act. That’s me.”
The demonstration went ahead without disrupting the Independence Day ceremony, but the teachers who protested are hoping that they at least got the attention of officials at the Ministry of Education. Flores-Henry says that now with only a 2023 increment, their salaries are not where they ought to be.
“If they had given us the salary in, um, the increment in 2021, then when we would have gotten another increment in 2022, it would have, that increment would have increased, the amount would have increased, because your salary would have, right.”
Today, we contacted the Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca on the teachers’ protest. He is currently away, but he messaged us to say, and we, “we respect their right to protest but even the BNTU knows how much we have worked on this issue and resolved virtually all outstanding issues. If there are individual teachers who have not had their issue resolved they should visit with us at the Ministry of Education so that we can address it,”. We also contacted the BNTU National President, Nadia Caliz, who informed us that this matter is still on the table at the Joint Unions’ Negotiating Team. Caliz explained that the BNTU is quote, waiting on the Cost-Savings Committee to share their findings in November, unquote. She added that for the record, the BNTU has never reneged on the reinstatement of these two increments and that they regularly update their Council Members on the progress. Marion Ali for News Five.
PM Briceño Addresses 79th UN General Assembly
Prime Minister John Briceño spoke at the seventy-ninth session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City today. During the Summit of the Future, he emphasized the urgent need for stronger international cooperation to tackle issues like climate change, poverty, and inequality. He also discussed the effects of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Additionally, various Heads of State and Government addressed significant challenges and gaps in global governance revealed by recent global crises.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“The adoption of the pact for the future, the global digital compact and the declaration on future generations must not be seen as an end, but rather as a beginning. While these outcomes lay a foundation for action, they represent only a floor for a much greater ambition that is needed to transform our world for present and future generations. The world faces a triple planetary crisis and a development crisis. Human and planetary capacities are approaching limits from which there may be no rebound. Our development and climate goals are slipping farther away from our reach and yet there has been no effective global response. To say we will do what we have failed to do will not suffice. Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, every year has seen record-breaking climate impacts. For the first time over a twelve-month period, spanning February 2023, to January 2024, global warming exceeded one-point-five degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels. If that trend persists then Paris alone will not be enough, nor will our promise to accelerate the implementation of our 2030 agenda.”
Briceño Discusses Youth Voices at UN General Assembly
Youth voices are crucial in the fight against climate change because their perspectives and ideas are vital for creating sustainable solutions that will affect their future. They often bring fresh, innovative ideas and approaches to problem solving. Young people regularly speak with a moral clarity that can cut through political and economic interests.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“In Belize, the youths are calling for opportunities to harness individual and technological potential. They need sustained investments in good, decent education, comprehensive healthcare and a green or a blue economy that targets support for micro, small and medium enterprises and startups. We can go farther faster with international support, but that support must be tailored to the unique characteristics of small island developing states. The Antigua and Barbuda agenda for SIDS is a forward-looking blueprint for resilient prosperity. It defines our vision and what the international community can do to help us achieve that vision. My country, like other small island developing states, still lack representation where decisions are being made on our behalf.”
Technical Engineer Paul Evans Killed in Freak Accident
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Paul Evans was a towering figure in radio and television, standing shoulder to shoulder with the legendary personalities who have etched their names into the records of broadcasting history in Belize. He made his name by being the technical mind behind most of what you heard and saw over the airwaves.
Luis Sosa, Technician, Channel 5
“When I heard the news I was actually on my way to Orange Walk for the carnival and I had just passed Ladyville and I got a call from a colleague of mine telling me about the tragic accident that happened at his home. I was very shocked to hear that from my colleague because I had just spoken to Paul in the week before it happened and I was very shocked to hear that bad news that happened to him.”
Evans was at his home in Ladyville over the weekend and was having a few drinks, when he reportedly fell from a second-floor veranda, impaling himself on a piece of steel that was jutting out of the concrete below.
ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division
“On Saturday, September twenty-first, police visited a house at Ladyville Village where they saw the lifeless body of Paul Evans with an injury to his abdomen. Information is that he had been drinking and when police visited the area they saw him with a piece of steel in his abdomen. Police are investigating the circumstances of what transpired.”
News of his death sent shockwaves across the industry, particularly among other seasoned technicians and cameramen. Videographer George Tillett began his career working under Paul Evans.
George Tillett, Cameraman, Channel 5
“We started out as coworkers in the mid to the late eighties at the Broadcasting Corporation of Belize. We were technicians for the radio, that was Radio Belize AM and Friends FM and we both worked as repair technicians. I was second to him, he was the main technician at that time and Paul was very efficient at what he did.”
His contributions were as impactful and enduring as those of the most celebrated icons in the industry. He was responsible for bringing a young Luis Sosa to Channel 5 in 1998. A few years earlier, they were also working at Radio Belize together.
“He actually got me the job at Channel 5. He had pushed me to get the job along with Stewart Krohn and that’s where I started working with Paul.”
Isani Cayetano
“What can you tell us about Paul, as someone you knew very well?”
“He was very skillful with his job. He was one of the few broadcast TV engineers in Belize. He knew his job very well when it comes to TV broadcast transmitters and stuff like that. He use to help us with repairing and installation. He did that Channel 5 and anytime I needed help to d repairs on the transmitters or antennas, he would be there for me and side-by-side, we worked together to get it done.”
According to ACP Hilberto Romero, despite no tell-tale signs of a crime being committed, police are still investigating the incident.
Hilberto Romero
“This piece of steel is attached to the ground and it appears that he fell on that piece of steel.
“Any cause for suspicion of foul play?”
Hilberto Romero
“Not at this time but an investigation is being carried out.”
Reporter
“At the Channel 5 transmission site, engineer Paul Evans estimates that twenty-five feet of cable was damaged.”
Paul Evans, Engineer (File: July 30th, 2007)
“They haven’t taken any of the electrical equipment. They haven’t taken it; it’s just basically that. They didn’t touch any of the transmitting equipment, I mean, the only way we found out that this had happened over the weekend was that in the process of pulling the brackets off the wall, they disconnected the cable and we had an off-air situation in Dangriga which is fed from here and that’s how we found out.”
Evans, by all accounts, was virtually singular in what he has done for radio and television broadcasting in the country.
Luis Sosa
“He was one of the pioneer engineers in the country. I’m sure he would have done a good job in transitioning our station to digital TV. He was about to approach a project for us and unfortunately, he’s not here again with us.”
Isani Cayetano for News Five.
Belize Participates in U-17 Women’s Volleyball Tournament
Goodnight and welcome to another edition of Sports Monday, I am Paul Lopez. Belize is gearing up to shine on the international stage once more in volleyball. A group of under-seventeen female volleyball players travelled to Managua, Nicaragua to compete in the inaugural Under-Seventeen Women’s Central American Volleyball Championship. A total of six countries will be competing in the tournament. Belize plays its first match on Tuesday afternoon against Costa Rica. We spoke with Allan Sharp, the President of the Belize Volleyball Association ahead of the games.
Allan Sharp, President, Belize Volleyball Association
“Before they use to have under twenty-one, under-nineteen for male and for female under-twenty and under-eighteen. But the FIBE changed everything to be the same, so it is under-twenty-one, under-nineteen and under-seventeen. So, the under-seventeen carries a similar cutoff age to what use to be the under-eighteen prior. But this is the first under-seventeen competition that the region is having.”
Paul Lopez
“And of course, the association and the girls couldn’t pass up this opportunity to compete.”
“Not at all. We have a total of eight indoor competitions at the internation level to compete in this year. This is the fifth or sixth one. We still have two more. We try to compete, because this is part of the development, a part of preparing the girls and the players to play at the next level as we keep growing. We play against archrival Costa Rica, first game tomorrow at one thirty and then the following day we play Guatemala, another powerhouse. Then after that we play the host Nicaragua. So, we play what are anticipated to be the top three teams, back-to-back to back, then we finish off with Honduras and El Salvador for the week. Five straight days of playing. I think nobody takes us lightly. Every country gets to choose a match and that is why Nicaragua did not choose us as its first match. So, they just had to take us how it landed with the formula did is used. They did not choose us first and I don’t think anybody wants to play us first.”
Immediately after, on the other end, Orosco went in for the slam dunk over three defenders, a young superstar that also plays for the under-nineteen national team. This one ended in favor of Third World Ballers with thirty-nine points to I.G. Ballers’ thirty points. Well folks, that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.
Belize Prepares for Garifuna Settlement Day
As September celebrations wind down, Belize’s next highly anticipated event approaches.
Today, the National Garifuna Council announced the theme for this year’s November 19th Celebrations: “Afeduha waméi wagücha, afareinha waméi wanichigu! – Celebrating our roots; sharing our culture.”
This theme, submitted by Biviana McDougall, a teacher at Gulisi Community Primary School, was selected by the Garifuna Language Commission.
In its press release, the council highlighted the theme’s focus on honouring cultural origins and the importance of passing down knowledge to future generations. “It reminds us of the responsibility adults have as role models, and educators, ensuring that Garifuna culture and identity continue to thrive through the younger generation,” the Council stated.
Scientists Discover New Hammerhead Species in Belize
Scientists from Florida International University have identified a new species of hammerhead shark, Sphyrna alleni, named in honour of the late Paul G. Allen, an advocate for shark conservation.
Previously unnoticed due to its similarity to the bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo, the locally known shovellbill shark has been found from Belize to Brazil and now faces the threat of extinction.
FIU researcher and lead author of the research, Cindy Gonzalez, explained, “DNA analyses provided the first clue that the bonnethead sharks, as we knew them, were at least two species in the Atlantic and not one.” However, Gonzalez noted that DNA alone was insufficient to define a species, prompting a team to investigate physical differences.
The Global FinPrint study revealed that sharks in this region are overfished, particularly due to destructive fishing practices.
“These sharks have played a critical role in shaping the culture and economy of many local communities in many Latin American countries, so it is important to work hand-to-hand with the fishermen on conservation efforts,” Gonzalez remarked.
The next phase of the project will evaluate shark health in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across 26 nations.
“It is tragic that we have only just recognised that this species exists, and we are already running against the clock to prevent its extinction,” said the research team lead, Demian Chapman. He commended Belize for its proactive steps in shark conservation, adding, “Belize has taken proactive steps for shark conservation that may help this species, such as collaborating closely with shark fishing communities to manage shark catches, establishing protected areas, and implementing a nationwide gillnet ban.”