2024 - Channel 5 Belize

MCC CEO and US Ambassador Visit Belize City Schools

Following the recent approval of Belize’s $250 million grant from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Alice Albright, CEO of MCC, and Michelle Kwan, U.S. Ambassador to Belize, visited several secondary schools in Belize City, including Edward P. Yorke High School. The visit allowed Albright and Kwan to engage with students and teachers, gaining insight into the key challenges that hinder Belizean students from achieving their full potential in education.

Earlier in the week, Ambassador Kwan had officially welcomed Albright to Belize at the international airport, marking the start of a two-day visit focused on education and energy initiatives. The MCC, a U.S. government-funded organisation, is dedicated to reducing poverty through sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The Government of Belize (GOB) secured the $250 million grant to address two critical areas: approximately 80% of the funding will be directed toward improving secondary education and technical and vocational education training (TVET), while the remaining 20% will focus on reducing energy costs through the expansion of renewable energy sources and modernising the national electricity grid.

Wet da Wet! Carnival Road March this Saturday

The first week of Belize’s September festivities unveiled a tantalising preview of Saturday’s Carnival Road March, with Carnival Mas Bands showcasing just a taste of what’s to come. If you think you’ve seen it all, think again. This year’s carnival promises an explosion of vibrant colours, high-energy performances, and extravagant costumes.

However, attendees are advised to prepare for possible rain. Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon has reported that a tropical wave is expected to affect Belize. Although Gordon reassured the public that there are no tropical storm or hurricane warnings in effect, he warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms starting tonight: “There is a potential for excessive rainfall tonight and tomorrow. Decreasing on Saturday. So the good news for the activities on Saturday is that the rainfall will not be as heavy,” he stated.

So, hold on to your umbrellas for Belize’s annual carnival experience, rain or shine! Here’s a rundown of more activities for the coming weekend:

Belize City:

September 6: Street Fete at Marion Jones Sporting Complex, 9 PM – PAID
September 7: Carnival J’ouvert, starting at Belcan Bridge and winding through the principal streets of Belize City, 4 AM – FREE
September 7: Carnival Road March, beginning at Memorial Park, proceeding up Marine Parade, onto Barrack Road, then Princess Margaret Drive, and ending at Marion Jones Sporting Complex, 1 PM – FREE
September 8: 5th Martin’s Community Fest at Mahogany Street, 10 AM – FREE
September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service at Fordyce Chapel, SJC, 6 PM

Belmopan:

September 7: Food and Beer Fest at Independence Park, 5 PM
September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service at Independence Plaza, 9 AM

San Ignacio & Santa Elena:

September 6: Senior Citizen’s Day at Octavia Waight Centre, 11 AM
September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

Benque Viejo:

September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

Orange Walk:

September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

Corozal:

September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

San Pedro:

September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

Dangriga:

September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

Punta Gorda:

September 9: Fire Engine Parade through the principal streets of Punta Gorda, 7 PM

Climate Change Adaptation & Disaster Risk Management Project Launched

The Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management (MBEDRM), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has announced the launch of a new project aimed at enhancing the resilience of Belize’s coastal zones and fisheries sector. The “Community Engagement of the Coastal Zone and Fisheries Sector Through Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Capacity Building” project, valued at USD $200,000, is being funded under the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP).

Belize’s vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly those exacerbated by climate change, such as hurricanes, droughts, pests, and diseases, has heightened the need for targeted resilience-building efforts. With 57% of the population living within 25 miles of the coastline, where most of the nation’s infrastructure and human settlements are located, the threat posed by climate change to Belize’s coastal communities is significant.

This project aims to address these vulnerabilities by improving disaster risk management, enhancing livelihoods, and increasing awareness of climate adaptation strategies in key coastal communities. Four pilot communities have been selected based on their particular vulnerability to climate change, with potential expansion to the 27 other coastal fishing communities in Belize.

The project has three key outputs:
1. A comprehensive engagement strategy to increase the capacity of national actors and local communities in climate change adaptation and disaster risk management.
2. The development of community-based CCA and DRM plans for coastal fishing communities.
3. Educational materials aimed at improving literacy and financial management among fisherfolk, with a focus on promoting climate-resilient livelihoods.

This initiative reflects a continued commitment to advancing sustainable development and ensuring the long-term protection of Belize’s coastal zones and fisheries sector against the growing impacts of climate change.

BDF Enhances GPS Skills in Adjacency Zone with Expert Training

Officials from the Organization of American States (OAS) recently shared techniques and updates with members of the Belize Defence Force (BDF) on the use of GPS to properly perform their activities in the Adjacency Zone (AZ) at Eyles Camp. The OAS says this collaboration aims to enhance operational efficiency and ensure accurate navigation and monitoring within the zone.

The Adjacency Zone (AZ) is a buffer area established to prevent conflicts between Belize and Guatemala, who have a long-standing territorial dispute. This dispute dates back to the 19th century, with Guatemala claiming parts of Belize based on historical treaties with Spain.

In 2008, both countries agreed to refer the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a final resolution. The ICJ is a principal judicial organ of the United Nations, responsible for settling legal disputes between states and giving advisory opinions on international legal issues.

The OAS has been instrumental in maintaining peace and fostering cooperation in the AZ. The OAS Office in the AZ oversees confidence-building measures, monitors incidents, and promotes community integration and cooperation. This ongoing effort helps to ensure stability and peaceful coexistence in the region.

Belize Grants Permanent Residency to Asylum-Seekers in Historic Amnesty Ceremony

Seven asylum-seekers in Belize have been awarded Permanent Residency Cards, officially confirming their legal status in the country. The residency cards were issued during an Amnesty Ceremony on September 2 at the University of Belize Conference Center in Belmopan, Cayo District.

Prime Minister John Briceño, alongside key government and international officials, including Immigration CEO Tanya Santos, Nationality and Passports Department Director Dayna Blades, and Refugees Department Director Nikolai Zelaya, were present at the event. Also attending were Jose Samaniego, UNHCR Regional Director for the Americas, and Jose Egas, UNHCR Representative for Belize and other regional countries.

The Belize Amnesty Programme, which concluded its registration phase in March 2023, offers asylum-seekers and irregular migrants a path to permanent residency. Over 12,765 applications were submitted, including 737 from asylum-seekers. So far, nearly 400 asylum-seekers have been granted permanent residency cards, with the government working to finalize more approvals.

“UNHCR commends Belize for its leadership in providing durable solutions to forced displacement,” said UNHCR’s Samaniego. “With permanent residency, asylum-seekers can now fully integrate into Belizean society.”

UNHCR has supported Belize’s efforts to assist refugees and asylum-seekers since the 1980s. This recent amnesty is a major milestone in securing the rights and safety of vulnerable populations. During their four-day visit, UNHCR officials are scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister and other high-level officials, as well as refugee organizations and UN partners.

Asteroid Disintegrates in Spectacular ‘Fireball’ Over the Philippines

An asteroid, identified as 2024 RW1, safely disintegrated in the Earth’s atmosphere, producing a brilliant “fireball” over the Philippines, NASA confirmed. The small asteroid, about 1 meter (3 feet) wide, was detected by astronomers in Arizona just hours before it broke apart over the western Pacific Ocean near Luzon Island at approximately 16:46 GMT on Wednesday.

This marks only the ninth time an asteroid has been spotted prior to its impact, according to the European Space Agency (ESA). Although asteroids of this size enter Earth’s atmosphere around twice a month, they rarely pose any danger as they typically burn up upon entry.

NASA’s Asteroid Watch had predicted that the impact could result in a visible fireball, leading residents on the east coast of the Philippines to capture and share images of the event on social media.

NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office reported that multiple sensors confirmed the asteroid’s safe breakup. According to the *New Scientist*, the asteroid entered the atmosphere at a speed of 17.6 kilometers (10.9 miles) per second, equivalent to 63,360 kilometers (39,370 miles) per hour.

Alan Fitzsimmons, a professor of asteroid and comet science at Queen’s University Belfast, explained that while such speeds are typical for space rocks, they don’t leave time for the dramatic escapes often portrayed in movies. “You wouldn’t have time to run out and jump into your car,” he said.

The ESA reiterated that while small asteroids like 2024 RW1 are rarely detected before impact, larger asteroids—those capable of causing widespread damage—are much less common. Over 90 percent of these large space rocks have been identified, with none currently posing a threat to Earth.

Belize Faces Rainy Carnival Weekend with Showers and Thunderstorms on the Way

As carnival celebrations take place this weekend, the National Meteorological Service of Belize warns of mostly cloudy conditions with outbreaks of showers, thunderstorms, and periods of rain. An excessive rainfall watch is in effect, with potential impacts over the next few days.

Additionally, the National Hurricane Center also reports on several tropical systems:

Northwest Gulf of Mexico: A trough is bringing widespread disorganised showers and thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall is anticipated along the northern Gulf Coast, with only a 10 percent chance of further development.
Northwestern Atlantic: A low-pressure system east of North Carolina could acquire subtropical characteristics. However, development is unlikely once it encounters cooler waters by late Saturday, with a 20 percent chance of further growth.
Eastern Tropical Atlantic: A broad low-pressure area is producing disorganised activity. Some slow development is possible as it drifts northwest, with a 10 percent chance through the next few days.
Western Caribbean Sea: A tropical wave is increasing shower and thunderstorm activity. While significant development is unlikely before reaching Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula, there is a 30 percent chance of development once it moves into the southwestern Gulf of Mexico.

The National Meteorological Service of Belize will be hosting a press conference this afternoon to provide updates.

Police Commissioner to Deal with Attackers

A video on social media shows three women attacking a young girl last night in Belize City. The incident happened on Fairweather Street. The video shows the women hitting and kicking the girl, who was left unconscious.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams addressed the incident, stating, “This matter will be dealt with by the police. It’s disheartening to witness the growing lawlessness in our society. When women were fighting, the men stood by, watching, recording, and even encouraging the fight to continue until it escalated to a point where one of them could have been killed. Where is the sense of empathy? And yet, we wonder why some of our children today are so violent.

“Nonetheless, we must send a strong message: those involved in the fight will be charged, and those who stood by, filming and encouraging, will be charged with incitement. I hope they will learn a lesson from this.”

Prime Minister Departs the Country on Personal Leave

The Office of the Prime Minister informs that Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño has departed the country on personal leave.

The Prime Minister returns on Sunday, September 8, 2024. During his absence, Hon. Cordel Hyde, Minister of Natural Resources, Petroleum and Mining, will hold over as Prime Minister.

Press Release

Tracy Panton: “We have Not Resigned; We Will Not Resign!”

The Alliance for Democracy, led by four members of the United Democratic Party who were deemed to have resigned, called a press conference today to categorically state that they have not and will not resign as members of the embattled party. Those four politicians are Albert Area Representative, Tracy Taegar-Panton, Collet Area Representative, Patrick Faber, Beverly Williams and John Saldivar. They presented a white paper that puts forward a proposal on how they intend to implement reform within the party. Notably, late this evening, the U.D.P. headquarters issued a press release, stating that the members of the Alliance are no longer U.D.P. and that the application period to fill vacancies for standard bearers in the areas they represent closes on September sixth. Taegar-Panton, who is supported by the Alliance as the party leader of choice, opened the briefing by explaining that they have not and will not resign from the U.D.P., regardless of what the leadership of the party says.

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Area Representative, Albert

“We want to be very clear to all those who are listening. The members who were constructively resigned by fifteen members of the Central Executive Committee would like to say categorically that we have not resigned from the United Democratic Party. We have not resigned. We will not resign, and we will be running for our respective constituencies in the next general election. We also want to reject this narrative that members of this alliance representing sixteen constituencies is on a mission to destroy the party, that we are on a mission to destroy the current party leader of the United Democratic Party. What this alliance seeks to do is to preserve the democracy of the United Democratic Party And by extension, the democracy of Belize.”