2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Appreciating Carolina Martinez’s Childhood Struggle

We continue our search for inspiring stories of people who have faced life-saving medical procedures. This week, we had an opportunity to meet a remarkable young girl who, despite her challenges, embraces life with a positive outlook every day. July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month, and while the following story contains graphic content, it is crucial to share. Sabreena Daly brings us more in this week’s Look on the Bright Side.

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

It’s been six months since Carolina Martinez has been to school. She is drawing and coloring, a regular activity she engages in to pass the time, and today I was her helper. At only eight years old, Carolina is healing from her seventh surgery. The most recent operation back in January was an attempt at mending an abnormality she was born with. But her journey is far from over.

Briseidy Montecinos, Mother

“The truth is that when I was pregnant, I did two ultrasounds, which didn’t show anything of any consequence. And then, to our surprise, when she was born, we realized the deformity.”

Briseidy Montecinos is the mother of Carolina, her only child. She vividly recounts the moment she met her daughter after delivery and the heartbreaking realization that her baby was not okay.

Briseidy Montecinos

“When they showed me my daughter, it was something very surprising, because

I never imagined having a girl in that state. But God has given me the strength and the moment that I saw her. I said that if God was giving it to me, He was giving it to me for a purpose.”

Milagro Garel, Country Director, World Pediatrics

“Coincidentally, we were at Karl Heusner when Carolina was born. And you could hear a pin drop because right away her deformity was extremely different, intense, and very complex.”

Carolina was born with a cleft and craniofacial abnormality. Her entire face looked as though it was split in two with a prominent hole in between the equal split of her nose. The causes of craniofacial abnormalities may range from genetics to environment and even a nutritional deficiency from the mother in pregnancy. Milagro Garel is the Country Director of World Pediatrics. She shares the immediate challenges Carolina faced at birth.

Milagro Garel

“As early as four months, after she was being fed through a syringe, the mom explained that the nurses and the staff at Karl Heusner were very supportive and everyone really came together for her. But as early as four months we had a team in Belize and we were able to do the closure of her lip. So that allowed her to be able to eat well because she wasn’t gaining weight and we were very concerned as well because she had breathing problems because of the nose being opened up in two.”

Briseidy Montecinos

“Well, thank God in the same hospital where she was born, I found out about the foundation and believe me, it was something. I can call it a miracle because I was saying how am I going to deal with her. How are you going to feed yourself? How do I know if she is hungry? Then at the hospital they found a solution.”

For the past two decades, World Pediatrics has been providing urgent care services to children in Belize with surgical needs. They are recognized for the twenty-four-hour access provided to these families.

Milagro Garel

“Our organization works a bit differently than others because we are able to take care of an urgent need in Belize, in the country. So even after our team leaves, we have a database which has the information for all the patients that we have taken care of and those that are on a waiting list. And I believe that that is what makes us different and stand out.”

Carolina is one of approximately ten thousand kids who have benefited from the non-profit. This is a service that most families would not be able to afford on their own.

Briseidy Montecinos

“I didn’t imagine that I would receive so much help and the flights, food and lodging is something that the foundation has received; So many blessings for so many children who they are helping. Because the truth is that we as parents don’t have that amount of money to pay for an operation because they are expensive. There are millions that are spent on kids that need it because of the foundation here in Belize. Because they work hard and raise funds not just for one child, for thousands. I thank God that He gave the strength, intelligence and kindness for the people who are behind all this help.”

July is recognized as National Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Abnormality Awareness month, an opportunity to spread awareness about the effects of this disorder, the help available and the importance of empathy to persons fighting this battle. For Carolina, the hardest part was learning that her daughter was being bullied at school for her appearance.

Briseidy Montecinos

“The first year, it was a little difficult because there were kids who locked her in the bathroom at school. And one day she came and she told me she doesn’t want to go to school anymore. And I asked her why? And she told me, there is a girl who locks me in the bathroom and says that I am a girl who has two noses. She became discouraged. It’s important for people to realize that when children are born with different severities or shortcomings or challenges, I feel that people should even be friendlier and more outgoing to them and treat them as normal because that is what you know, her doctor said, I want people to know that Carolina is a super intelligent child. And she’s very normal on the outside and she deserves every opportunity.”

If you happen to meet this little girl, the first thing you would feel is her immediate warmth. At the tender age of eight, Carolina has had to endure many challenges, both physically and emotionally. Yet, she chose to introduce herself to me, a total stranger, with an embrace. Carolina may look different on the outside, but she is a regular eight-year-old within. She prays, plays music and sings, and she hopes to have a future like any other child. Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.

Munnings Funeral Services Targeted by Armed Robbers

Police in Belize City are investigating an armed robbery that occurred this afternoon on Albert Street. Thieves targeted Munnings Funeral Services.

Owner Andrew Munnings said, “Our main office on Albert Street was just rubbed at gunpoint. I am sick sick sick and disappointed….Holding my mom a sickly woman at gun point is beyond crazy to me. “

This is a developing story.

Beloved Doctor Diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer, Fundraising Efforts Begin

After battling his recovery from COVID-19, fifty-one-year-old Doctor Cecilio Eck has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The beloved paediatrician confirmed his life-threatening cancer diagnosis during an interview with News 5 at the Coral Grove Medical and Paediatric Center.

“I spoke with our interventional radiologist, Dr. Carillo, and we arranged a biopsy, which was done on Wednesday… We did the two samples from the liver and the shoulder, and it revealed it is an adenocarcinoma.”

According to Dr. Eck, he was informed of his diagnosis after he participated in a test of the KHMHA’s new CT machine. The CT scan showed multiple lesions throughout his body, which indicated stage four adenocarcinoma. “The KHMH recently got a new CT scan machine, and they were doing tests on CT scans to screen people’s hearts… My heart was fine, but the technician said he saw something in the lungs.” Dr. Eck said that a full CT scan with contrast “showed multiple lesions throughout my body, involving the ribs, the shoulder, my pelvic bone, and also found the lesions in the liver and, of course, the lung.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with his medical expenses. All contributions made through the GoFundMe platform offer everyone an opportunity to help with Dr. Eck’s urgent medical care.

“We have the power to make a difference in his fight against cancer,” urged the GoFundMe organiser, Milagro Garel. Contributions, regardless of size, are important in ensuring Dr. Eck receives the care he needs. “By contributing to this fund, you’re not just helping Dr. Eck – you’re ensuring that his legacy of compassion and care continues.”

Despite this adversity, Dr. Eck continues to serve his community, embodying the selflessness that defines his career.

Dr. Eck’s Belize account is Cecilio Eck 130259010220025, Belize Bank.

MOHW Condemns ‘Self-made Journalist’ for ‘Disruptive Behavior’

The Minister of Health and Wellness has strongly criticized “self-made journalist” Joseph “Ryan” Budna for his ‘disruptive behavior’ at Corozal Community Hospital on Thursday evening.

The ministry said, “Budna’s actions, which included placing a camera in the face of the Acting Chief of Staff and disrupting vital medical services, are deeply concerning and unacceptable.”

Budna allegedly disrupted medical services and caused a disturbance.

A livestream on Budna’s Facebook platform appeared to show a heated confrontation between Budna and Dr. Rafael Riverol, the Acting Chief of Staff, in the presence of policemen, during which Dr. Riverol allegedly assaulted Budna. Budna said he will press charges.

The Ministry said, “It has come to our attention that Mr. Joseph “Ryan” Budna, who claims to be a self-made journalist, recently engaged in highly inappropriate behavior at the Corozal Community Hospital.”

The Ministry further said, “While we acknowledge the valuable role that journalism plays in our society, it is imperative that this role is carried out with integrity, respect, and adherence to professional standards… The Ministry of Health and Wellness has a duty to protect our staff from any form of harassment or harm, whether it comes from criminal elements or individuals masquerading as journalists. Our healthcare workers are on the front lines, tirelessly serving the community, and they deserve a safe and respectful working environment.”

Budna, in response, has released video footage alleging the mistreatment by the hospital’s Acting Chief of Staff and accusing the Ministry of not holding Dr. Riverol accountable for his actions.

Woman Raped in front of Patrick Faber’s Office; He Denies Family’s Request for Security Footage and Cites Safety Concern

Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber says a woman was raped in front of his office sometime in the morning last week. Faber shared this when he spoke of public safety and the use of technology to fight crime during the adjournment of the Sitting of the House of Representatives on Thursday in Belmopan. He said, “A resident of my constituency got raped right in front of my office in the wee hours of the morning last week. The police camera is right up there.”

According to Faber, family members asked him for video footage his cameras captured. He denied their request. “The family came if I could lend them, if I could give them the footage from my office. No sir, because I’m not getting any quarrel with the people in that area about snitching.

Faber not only expressed his own fear of reporting crime but also criticised both the current Briceno Administration and the previous administration under Dean Barrow for failing to provide the security that citizens in Belize desperately need.

Faber stated, “I’ve always been amazed by the Ministers of National Security or those responsible for the police, even under the UDP administration. It’s absurd to say that crime rates were here, here, and here under the UDP and now under the PUP, murders are here… On the streets and in people’s minds, there is a major concern about security. So, your commissioner can present all the fancy statistics, saying this is down and that is down, but even under the UDP, I felt the same way. Nobody wants to hear that. People want to know they are safe. So your justification that ‘it’s not as bad as when the UDP was in power’ doesn’t help.”

Faber continued, “The Leader of the Opposition is right when he says both administrations need to get serious about promises like DNA testing….All you do is boast about the job you and your commissioner are doing, but that doesn’t resonate with the people because we do not feel safe. It is your responsibility. You publicly declared that solving the problem is simple and easy. You did that, and the record will show it.”

World’s Most Endangered Language Now Spoken by Only One Person

N|uu, a language that has been around for over 20,000 years, is now at risk of extinction, with only one fluent speaker remaining—Ouma Katrina Esau. As a young girl in South Africa’s Northern Cape, Esau stopped speaking N|uu after being mocked and told it was an “ugly language.” Now, at the age of 90, she is the last known speaker of N|uu, a language nearly eradicated by the impacts of colonialism and apartheid.

N|uu, pronounced with a clicking sound between the ‘N’ and the ‘uu’, is the most endangered language in the world. It originated from the ǂKhomani people of the southern Kalahari, an area on the modern-day borders of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. The language has little written history due to its oral tradition and the violent suppression by the British Empire during the colonization of Africa in the 19th century.

The language went underground as people were beaten and even killed for using it, until the 1990s when Dr. Nigel Crawhall, a sociolinguist, and the United Nations initiated efforts to revive it. Initially, 25 people claimed fluency in N|uu, but by December 2021, only Esau remained.

Dr. Kerry Jones, a linguist and director of African Tongue, a professional linguistic consultancy working with contemporary speakers of endangered languages in southern Africa, highlighted the historical significance of the language. She explained that the 1990s marked a turning point when people began to feel safe to come forward and reveal their true identities and languages.

Esau recalled the challenges of her youth, stating, “We became ashamed when we were young girls, and we stopped speaking the language.” Instead, she spoke Afrikaans, the language promoted by South Africa’s white minority rulers.

MCC $250 Million Dollar Grant Debated in House

Two weeks ago, the Millenium Challenge Corporation approved a two-hundred-and-fifty-million-dollar investment grant in education and energy in Belize. The government-funded institution’s priority is to reduce poverty through sustainable and inclusive economic growth. G.O.B. is expected to sign the agreement in September, but it must first establish the Millenium Challenge Account Belize Authority which will be the implementing agency for the education and energy projects. That is the primary reason why today’s Special Sitting of the House of Representatives was called. P.M. Briceño says it’s free money and an opportunity that the nation must take advantage of.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I must commend the people from within our government that were directly targeted with this. I have to commend the minister of education because they were going to go through a lengthy analysis and discussion to try to find out what our top five priorities. We said we know we don’t need to do any studies. We want to look at education, education, education, that we have to prepare our children with the economy of the future. At the same time realizing we want to grow the economy we have to look at addressing the energy of the country. This is the one time the opposition could not open their mouth because they are seeing we have been working on this from the day we got into government as to how we can address these challenges we are facing as a growing country. We went through the consultation and the analysis was undertaken. A proposed M.C.C. compact program was drafted, and negotiations were completed on the grant agreement in April this year. Two weeks ago the M.C.C. board approved two hundred and fifty million Belize dollars, a grant investment. Free money, two hundred and fifty million dollars. More than twenty percent of our entire national budget, to be invested in education and energy. This could have never happened under the thirteen years of the U.D.P. administration. Why you think they pick this government and not the next government?”

G.O.B. To Establish Implementing Agency for M.C.C. Grant

Prime Minister Briceño went on to explain that the Millenium Challenge Account Belize Authority will be led by a board of directors from government and civil society. P.M. Briceño noted that the Belize National Teachers Union and the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry will have representation on the board.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“The M.C.C. Belize Authority will serve as the implementing agency on and behalf of the government of Belize for education and energy projects. We expect to sign the compact agreement in early September, so it is important we get this bill to ensure we get the implementing agency when signing. All of the two hundred and fifty million dollars of the monies and the compact development funding and government country contributions will be directed through this authority to fund the projects. Given that the authority’s focus will be on education and energy, we have reached an agreement with M.C.C. that the authority’s board will not only include members of the government. It will also include representatives that are relevant to the projects. The B.T.N.U. representing teachers in education as well as the B.C.C.I. representing the private sector will have representation on the board. Given that the bulk of the funding will be education we have also provided for a representative from civil society relevant to education as well as a nonvoting member representing academic and educational organizations.”

Opposition Wants Seat on MCC Account Board

Leader of the Opposition Moses “Shyne” Barrow also weighed in on the M.C.C. grant. He expressed that it is a moment of bipartisanship in parliament because investments are needed in both priority sectors. On the other hand, he called out the Briceño administration for not including a seat for the opposition on the M.C.C. Account Belize Authority’s board of directors.

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“One of the primary concerns as I rose, I said I join with the prime minister. This is a moment of bipartisanship. We need this money. We need this investment for education and energy. But if you listen to the prime minister earlier, typical old school politicking. He threw the opposition under the bus. He threw the former minister of education on the bus from the U.D.P. as if it had something to do with his incompetence or inability that we did not get the Millenium Challenge grant. It has nothing to do, I will almost bet if you do the research that the conversation for this started under the U.D.P. Madam Speaker I have to correct the prime minister that the G.D.P. was growing about four percent, right before COVID, early 2020, 2019. This Briceño administration has not seen that type of growth. Now you look at the composition of the board, I direct the house to part three section eleven one. You look at the composition of the board, there is no seat on the board for the opposition. This is an afront to continuity, to transparency, an afront to good governance, the inclusion of the opposition, the top stakeholder of all the stakeholders has to be the opposition. We are the government in waiting.

M.C.C. $250 Million Grant to Be Invested in Education

Minister of Education Francis Fonseca, in his contribution to the debate on the two-hundred-and-fifty-million-dollar grant, highlighted several challenges in Belize’s education sector. He explained that significant investments will be made to improve the sector for young men, women and teachers across the country. Minister Fonseca also noted that he does not believe the opposition needs to have a seat on the board.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education

“One of the challenges we have is with males staying in schools and when they are there keeping them. There will be targeted programs for males, young men to make sure they go into secondary school, complete secondary school at a minimum to make sure they are kept there and while they are there that they will be equipped with the skills to participate in the national development of Belize and labor market in an effective way. One of the challenges we have with young women, as you know it is a very positive development, in that we have a lot more females attending school going to school, going to tertiary education, so we have a lot more educated women in our society, absolutely important. This is a reversal of wat use to take place fifty years ago. But what we find is that even though the young women are being better trained and educated, they are not getting jobs in the job market that meets their trainings, education skills. So how do we make sure we are improving work force participation by women in our society? One of the components is of course developing a quality assurance system, capacity building of education leadership and teachers. We have to keep improving and enhancing the capacity of our education leaders and teachers, providing teaching and learning resources.”