In a 52-minute address to the US Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasised the importance of US-Israel solidarity amidst the escalating war in Gaza while issuing a warning against rising antisemitism.
Netanyahu’s speech was largely what experts and U.S. officials expected: an effort to deflect criticism of Israel by framing its war as an existential battle for its survival in an effort to maintain bipartisan U.S. support. “For the forces of civilisation to triumph, America and Israel must stand together. Because when we stand together, something very simple happens: We win, they lose.” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu asserted, “The hands of the Jewish state will never be shackled. Israel will always defend itself.” The Israeli PM made no mention of ongoing ceasefire negotiations despite international pressures for progress. However, while expressing gratitude for bipartisan support in the US, he said, “As we defend ourselves on all fronts, I know that America has our back, and I thank you for it—all sides of the aisle.”
Addressing antisemitism, Netanyahu condemned what he termed as ‘malicious lies’ aimed at delegitimizing Israel and demonising Jews worldwide. “Antisemitism is the world’s oldest hatred,” he asserted. “Just as malicious lies were levelled for centuries at the Jewish people, malicious lies are now being levelled at the Jewish state. The outrageous slanders that paint Israel as racist and genocidal are meant to delegitimize Israel, to demonise the Jewish state, and to demonise Jews everywhere.”
An unofficial biography about the life of Belize’s former Prime Minister, Dean Barrow, was launched today in Belize City. The biography was written by author, editor, researcher, and librarian Lawrence Vernon.
This is his twelfth publication and fifth biography. This is the fourth biography written of a Belizean prime minister.
“Today’s accomplishments for me is one of joy and pleasure,” Vernon told reporters this morning.
Vernon said the book took him two years to research and write “because as I said, I wanted to get everything written about Dean Barrow. From newspapers, in the archives, from press releases, articles, and of course, my interview with him.”
Representatives from the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) and the Belize Defence Force participated at the Agile Bear 2.0 briefing, a critical training session aimed at refining disaster response strategies and capabilities. Agile Bear 2.0, formerly known as “Keel Billed Toucan,” is a flagship multinational exercise led by Joint Task Force-Bravo.
The briefing is a collaboration with international partners such as the U.S. Southern Command and the British Army Training Support Unit Belize. The week-long briefing focused on scenarios vital for effective rescue operations during emergencies.
Participants expressed gratitude to USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, the US Embassy Belize, and other key stakeholders for their support and facilitating Belize’s commitment to advancing its preparedness and response capabilities.
The Firearms Control and Ammunition Board (FCAB) convened a crucial meeting at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan on Tuesday. A press release issued today said that the meeting addressed internal stakeholders and focused on enhancing the management of firearms and ammunition in Belize.
An in-depth presentation detailing the FCAB’s establishment, purpose, and regulatory mandate was covered in the meeting. The Board introduced new procedural enhancements to streamline application, review, and approval processes, complemented by rigorous compliance audits for enhanced transparency and effectiveness.
Sharole Carr, CEO of the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries and Chair of FCAB, stressed the significance of collaborative efforts in advancing firearm safety. “This meeting represents a milestone in our ongoing commitment to lawful and secure firearm usage,” she said.
Magistrate Mannon Dennison provided insights into recent legislative amendments under Chapter 143 of the Laws of Belize to clarify legal implications for firearm regulation. Meanwhile, Sr. Superintendent of Police Clement Cacho delineated updated roles and responsibilities, reinforcing the critical functions of specialized officers within the regulatory framework.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday afternoon, marking his first appearance since Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and numerous hostages being taken to Gaza. According to NBC News, House Speaker Mike Johnson invited Netanyahu to address Congress despite widespread protests and campus demonstrations. Netanyahu’s speech at 2 p.m. ET (12 p.m Belize time) aims to reinforce bipartisan support for Israel amid a chaotic U.S. election year and ongoing Biden administration efforts to broker a cease-fire in Gaza, where according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health, the death toll has exceeded 39,000. Criticism of Netanyahu’s handling of the war has grown. Some Congress members, including Senator Bernie Sanders, plan to skip the speech in protest. He said, “It will be the first time in American history that a war criminal has been given that honor. Frankly, this invitation to Netanyahu is a disgrace and something we will look back on with regret.”
Vice President Kamala Harris will not preside over Netanyahu’s address, as she will be in Indianapolis, but she is set to meet with him on Thursday. Biden, who has had a strained relationship with Netanyahu over the war, will also meet with the Israeli leader on Thursday. Former President Donald Trump and Netanyahu will also meet on Friday at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, reported CNN.
Currently, there are ongoing protests outside the U.S. Congress in Washington, DC, ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress.
As part of a collaborative effort to enhance its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, Belize hosted the Climate Analytics (CA) mission in July. The four-day mission spanned from July 16–19, 2024.
This collaboration forms part of the NDC-TEC Project, a programme funded by the German Government. The project aims to support countries in the Caribbean, such as Belize, to enhance the ambition of their climate targets, implement transformative actions within the energy and transport sectors, and to facilitate strategic access to climate financing.
In an official statement issued by the Ministry it said, “NDCs are commitments that countries make to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions as part of climate change mitigation. These commitments include the necessary policies and measures for achieving the global targets set out in the Paris Agreement. Belize developed its first and updated NDCs in 2016 and 2021 respectively. Belize is currently aiming to develop a new NDC, which delineates updated actions and targets to be achieved in our efforts to address climate change.”
During the visit, the Climate Analytics team engaged with local stakeholders to introduce the project’s objectives, assess emission scenarios, enhance inter-agency coordination, and foster partnerships across energy and non-energy sectors. Integral to these efforts is the collection of precise data to inform future NDC targets.
Marine biologists have discovered that sharks off the coast of Brazil are testing positive for cocaine, the BB reported. Thirteen Brazilian sharpnose sharks captured near Rio de Janeiro were found to have high levels of cocaine in their muscles and livers. The concentrations detected were up to 100 times higher than those previously reported in other aquatic creatures.
This groundbreaking research, conducted by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, marks the first instance of cocaine being detected in sharks. Experts suggest that the drug is entering the ocean through illegal drug labs or via excrement from drug users. While there is a possibility that lost or dumped cocaine packages by traffickers contribute to this contamination, researchers consider this scenario less likely.
Sara Novais, a marine eco-toxicologist at the Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre of the Polytechnic University of Leiria, described the findings as “very important and potentially worrying.” All the female sharks in the study were pregnant, but the effects of cocaine exposure on their fetuses remain unknown.
Further research is necessary to determine whether cocaine exposure is altering the sharks’ behavior. Previous studies have indicated that drugs can have similar effects on animals as they do on humans.
This discovery follows a similar finding last year when chemical compounds, including benzoylecgonine—a byproduct of cocaine metabolism—were found in seawater samples off the south coast of England.
Are moves being made for U.D.P. Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton to challenge Moses “Shyne” Barrow for the party’s leadership? Tonight, the United Democratic Party is displaying signs of significant internal division. Key figures within the party have reportedly launched a petition to remove Barrow as Party Leader. As we reported on Monday, eighteen U.D.P. standard bearers met in Orange Walk to discuss “general reform.” Panton, second deputy leader Beverly Williams, and former leaders Patrick Faber and John Saldivar participated in the meeting. And things are moving fast as Saldivar, the U.D.P. Standard Bearer for Belmopan, has reportedly called a meeting with the party’s western standard bearers tonight. Plus, Panton’s supporters are making it publicly known that they are with her. Several prominent U.D.P. figures took to Facebook to pledge their support for Panton, using the phrase “I am with her.” Among those who made these social media posts were John Saldivar, Patrick Faber, and Beverly Williams. Except for John Saldivar, who wrote, “the first loss she took it on the chin, now all she is going to do is win,” no one gave an explanation behind their post. Today we caught up with the Chairman of the U.D.P., Michael Peyrefitte, and we asked him about the U.D.P.’s internal turmoil. Here is how he responded.
Michael Peyrefitte
Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, U.D.P.
“Well I think it is only on social media because social media exists. There have been riffs in the U.D.P. since its formation in 1983. So that is nothing new. That is not news. That is what we do. We are active. We are not monolithic. We have our opinions. We have our positions that we take and we create an environment where people can express themselves and say what they want. So, I don’t see it as a riff. It’s just what we do.”
Paul Lopez
“Do you know if there is an intention to overthrow the current party leader. We interestingly See individuals like Patrick Faber, Beverly Williams, throwing support behind Tracy Panton.”
Michael Peyrefitte
“I haven’t heard of that. I am not aware of any intentions. I know we have a party leader. There is a process if you want to change party leaders. I don’t know that any such process has begun. But, time will tell. I mean like I said earlier we don’t put a limit on what people can do in the party. If that is what they want then that is what they do. But I don’t know. I am not hearing anything like that.”
Paul Lopez
“Are you aware that there was a meeting in Orange Walk yesterday. I understand Patrick Faber was at that meeting as well as Ms. Bev and that perhaps that is where a lot of this originated and the idea of replacing Mr. Barrow for Ms. Tracy originated.”
Michael Peyrefitte
“No, I am not aware of such meetings. I am only aware of central executive meetings and N.P.C. meetings. Any other meeting other than that, and I know we have a national party council meeting on August third. But other than that I am not aware of any other meeting.”
Paul Lopez
“What is scheduled to be discussed at that meeting and will the party’s leadership moving forward be discussed?”
Michael Peyrefitte
“I cannot say what will be discussed at that meeting but leadership issues cannot be discussed there. According to our constitution the N.P.C. cannot discuss that, there is a different procedure for that. But, we always have N.P.C. meetings after an election to discuss what we did right, what we did wrong. As far as I am aware that is the purpose of the meeting. But of course, the party can bring up any other matter at any time to discuss. But when it comes to, as you are alluding to, I am not aware of it, but as far as I know, when it comes to removing a leader there is a process that has to take place that has nothing to do with the N.P.C.”
Paul Lopez
“Where do you stand personally? Do you remain neutral? Is your position that you have to remain neutral?”
Michael Peyrefitte
“I remain in the position of whatever is in the best interest of the party. If there is a petition, then that petition then that petition has to be fleshed out. But I will not participate in anything that reduces the rich history of the UDP and I will make sure that whatever is done is done fairly and within the constitution of the party.”
And, Peyrefitte says he is not acknowledging any rumors or reports of a plot to overthrow Moses “Shyne” Barrow because he has not received any official correspondent. We also asked him where he stands on the issue and if he believes the U.D.P. can return to office with Barrow at the helm.
Paul Lopez
“What do you say to these individuals, Patrick Faber, John Saldivar, Bev Williams, individuals who you have relationships with. They are a part of the fabric of this party, and some would argue long before the current leader.”
Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, U.D.P.
“I would say nothing to them at this point.”
Paul Lopez
“Is there any intent to bring them all together in a meeting of sort and have a discussion on how the party can move forward with a unified front?”
Michael Peyrefitte
“We talk every day and that is what we strive for. So, to attempt to do that is nothing more than we do every day, so.”
Paul Lopez
“In your view, can the United Democratic Party return to office with Moses “Shyne” Barrow at the helm?”
Michael Peyrefitte
“I will say if the P.U.P. can have Johnny Briceño as their prime Minister and their leader anybody can be prime minister then anybody can be prime minister. So I am confident that is possible.”
Paul Lopez
“What’s your thoughts on the idea that the party basically has the leader of the Opposition because you need his financing. He is the financier right now.”
Michael Peyrefitte
“Listen, the people of the U.D.P. will decide that. It is not something for us to analyze. I mean the people will decide whether or not they want to keep Mr. Barrow as leader or whether they want to remove him. That is totally for the people if we get that far.”
Paul Lopez
“So you do acknowledge there is a riff.”
Michael Peyrefitte
“I never said there was a riff. You are saying there is a riff. I haven’t received anything to indicate there is a change. I don’t have anything in front of me. I won’t follow what social media says or what rumors say or what people put in a chat. If I don’t get official documentation as far as I am concerned, we are carrying along as we are. The U.D.P. survived the walking out of Phillip Goldon you know, Hubert Elrington and we can go back in history. The U.D.P. is an organization that will survive no matter what.”
Finally, from our interview with U.D.P. Chairman Michael Peyrefitte, we asked him for his thoughts on the party’s embarrassing loss at the polls for the Toledo East by-election. Peyrefitte was on the ground, working, and says the U.D.P. fought a hard fight. He is predicting that the next general elections will yield much different results.
Michael Peyrefitte
Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, U.D.P.
“I wouldn’t put it in a negative light like that. If you have the Toledo East constituency the entire government was down there to back their candidate in one constituency. You can tell that by the amount of Minister and government vehicles that were down there. I mean they should have beat us by ten to one with the efforts they put in. We did the best we could. We fought the hard fight and we have no regrets about that. We have to do what we can to put our case to the people. If we are not victorious we are not victorious. We go back to the drawing board and recoup. What will he the real test is when the general election come and Osmond Martinez is there by himself. I can tell you this, on election day John Briceño won’t be in Toledo East. You cannot look at what the Government does with full backing and resources against an opposition party. And maybe you know, maybe people decide if we vote for the U.D.P. in that by election there isn’t much they can do for us. That person won’t be a Minister. So maybe they believe if they election someone from the current party they will be able to get something. But the general could be very, very different and we expect it to be very different. I really don’t understand the over analysis of the U.D.P. From 2006 to 2018, twelve years the P.U.P. didn’t win an election, except for some seat in Orange Walk, from 2006 to 2018 and we are only less than one third of that time. Politics works in swings and with the pendulum. Right now, they have the momentum and they are winning at the polls but it’s not to wonder what is so wrong with the U.D.P. People sometimes vote for change and the U.D.P. only looks like some juggernauts because it’s their time.”
