2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Ambassador David Gibson Passes

David Gibson, a distinguished Belizean ambassador and diplomat, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday in Belmopan. In a statement released on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed profound condolences to the family of Ambassador David Gibson, recognizing him as a genuine Belizean patriot and one of the nation’s most prominent diplomats. Gibson’s career included serving as the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during Dean Barrow’s tenure as minister from 1993 to 1998. He continued his dedicated service under the Musa Administration. Following his diplomatic endeavors, Gibson took on the role of coordinator at the Think Tank Centre for Strategic Studies Policy Analysis and Research (CSSPAR), which he founded in 1995. His contributions to CSSPAR underscored his commitment to strategic analysis and policy research. Notably, Gibson played a significant role in the discussions aimed at resolving the Belize/Guatemala conflict. At CARICOM’s fiftieth anniversary celebration in 2023, Gibson recounted the pivotal role played by regional leaders in supporting Belize’s quest for political independence in 1981. Here is an excerpt of that clip.

David Gibson, Former Ambassador/C.E.O., Ministry of Foreign Affairs (File 05-04-2023)

“As Belize prepared for independence, CARICOM ministers converged in Belize to show solidarity and support, as the government faced fierce opposition to the heads of agreement signed by Belize, UK, and Guatemala. This was a last ditch effort to try to establish a basis for future negotiations in the post independence period. Strongly, these heads of agreement, and they were heads of agreement, and they were not actual agreements, strongly opposed by the United Democratic Party, the opposition, with even a suggestion that there might have been some collusion with the British to have the whole matter of independence postponed for 10 years, something which the Guatemalans would have wanted, having seen the cut of the jib and things going in the direction of an independence.”

Dr. Fernando Cuellar Diagnosed With Blood Cancer

Well-known Belizean Doctor Fernando Cuellar has been diagnosed with blood cancer. A statement from his family today said that the unfortunate discovery was made while Doctor Cuellar was in the process of seeking medical attention for a back fracture. He is currently in the U.S.A., receiving treatment. The family says that it has been a devastating blow to them and that his thoughts are with his family, patients, and the people of Belize. The release also notes that Doctor Cuellar longs for his return to his patients and the country he loves. The family is requesting privacy but asks for prayers at this time.

Autism Awareness Starts At Home

April second is internationally recognized as World Autism Awareness Day. A day meant to serve as a platform to foster appreciation for and honor individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as bring awareness to some of the challenges people with autism and their families may face so that communities may extend acceptance and support for the individuals. News Five spoke with executive chair and founder of Autism Belize to learn more about the day’s significance. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Autism is a neurological and developmental condition related to brain development that impacts the way individuals perceive, socialize, and interact with others and their surroundings. Signs of autism can usually be observed in the early childhood years, with it affecting one in every fifty-eight children born worldwide, according to the CDC. Executive chair and founder of Autism Belize, Christy Castillo Almeida, explained their mission.

Christy Castillo Almeida, Executive Chair and Founder, Autism Belize

“Autism Beliefs started in 2020. We’re parents, we’re all volunteers, and we have four goals. We want to teach about autism, we want to promote awareness, we want to provide support for parents, and we want to show acceptance. So everything we do is about that. It’s all parent driven, and it’s about that support and creating that network for our families, and then educating Belize.”

Almeida said that Autism Belize was started in the midst of the COVID lockdown to spread the word about Autism Awareness Month and offer support to parents who were struggling to adequately support their children and their needs during the lockdown. It began with thirteen online sessions covering various autism-related therapies. She explained that Autism Belize is not meant to diagnose individuals; it is a community that helps others gain support, advice, and understanding.

Christy Castillo Almeida

“I’d never done a live before, but we were trying to get the word out there. And we had so many parents that came back to us like was coming in and saying, Oh my gosh, I thought it was alone. I don’t know where to go. I don’t know what to do. And so I NGO. It was definitely parent driven. It just people kept coming and we grew very rapidly, very fast during the COVID time when everybody was at home, struggling on how to deal with their children. And then coming out of COVID we had a lot of kids with developmental delays might not have been autism, but just because they were at home for those very instrumental years and not at preschool not getting that simulation. We had even more families coming and see. What can we do? And ever since then, we provide trainings every single month for parents.”

While April second is recognised as World Autism Day, Almeida said that the entire month is dedicated to autism awareness. Every Friday throughout the month, people are encouraged to wear blue as a sign of support.

Christy Castillo Almeida

“It’s really to start to get the world talking. A lot of times in the past, a lot of people go, Oh my gosh, I don’t know where it’s all coming from. We didn’t hear about autism and now everybody has an autistic child. It really isn’t that a lot of it was we would keep them hidden. These were the kids that they pull out in infant two and keep at home because they figured they can never learn. Spoiler alert, they can always learn. And we kept it hidden. And what we’re trying to do is take these kids, these invisible children and bring them out in the spotlight and say, Hey world, it’s time for you to adjust to us. Let them come live in our dynamic, vivid world, and so it is about the conversation. So worldwide, buildings light up blue. We’re talking Empire State Building, the Opera Center the Taj Mahal, all around the world go blue. Because of Easter and how we go, we actually do the whole month. And what we ask is for people to go blue for the month and also to wear blue on Fridays.”

Autism Belize will be partnering with several organizations throughout the month to host activities that draw the public out and encourage participation in events alongside neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Christy Castillo Almeida

“We partnered with Special Olympics. So the walk run Special Olympics is coming out and they’re bringing all their people to come out and support as well. And then every year we partner with Belize City Council, and we go in the Friday before and we do multiple sessions like an hour. so much. Every hour they send in like fifteen people from traffic, from court, from all over. And then we do these sensitization talks all throughout the day. So the same talk over and over again to different people. special needs families. So not just autism. We invite families of similar merits and we’re inviting special Olympics. And we have an event just for them in the park in the mornings. Afterwards they have for the general population, but they do that for us. And so we’re always really grateful. So we have that sort of event where families can feel comfortable to bring their children.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Ambassador and Diplomat David Gibson Passes

Belizean ambassador and diplomat David Gibson recently passed away. He died peacefully in his sleep.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X, “MFAFT extends its deepest condolences to the family of Ambassador David Gibson, a true Belizean patriot and one of Belize’s foremost diplomats. May his soul rest in peace.”

Gibson served as CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when Dean Barrow was the minister from 1993 to 1998. He also served under the Musa Administration. Gibson was also deeply involved in discussions to resolve the Belize/Guatemala conflict.

Gibson later went on to be the coordinator of the Think Tank Centre for Strategic Studies Policy Analysis and Research (CSSPAR). He founded CSSPAR in 1995.

Spellbinding Total Solar Eclipse in 6 Days

The next total solar eclipse to visit North America will be on April 8, 2024. The duration of totality will be up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds, almost double that of The Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017.

As the total solar eclipse traverses Mexico, the United States, and Canada, spectators are in for a breathtaking experience.

*Map of April 8 Total Solar Eclipse 2024*

During a total solar eclipse, the moon entirely obscures the sun’s face for a brief yet mesmerising period called totality. This historic celestial event warrants pausing to appreciate its significance. After April, a total solar eclipse won’t be visible across the contiguous US until August 2044. Similarly, an annular eclipse, where the moon doesn’t fully cover the sun, won’t occur in this region until 2046.

Outside the path of totality, observers will witness a crescent-shaped partial eclipse as the highlight of the event.

*Boy watching annular solar eclipse on Saturday, October 14 2023*

The upcoming eclipse’s totality phase is projected to be longer than that of 2017, owing to the moon’s current proximity to the sun. Individuals positioned directly along the path’s centerline can anticipate a total eclipse lasting between 3½ and 4 minutes, according to NASA.

The corona, the sun’s scorching outer atmosphere, emits a radiant glow visible around the moon during the eclipse. Typically elusive due to the sun’s overpowering brilliance, the corona during totality manifests as luminous white tendrils, as described by NASA.

The total phase of this solar eclipse is not visible in Belize City, but it can be observed there as a partial solar eclipse. The partial solar eclipse which will begin 11:18:23. The moment the edge of the Moon touches the edge of the Sun is called first contact. The partial eclipse will end 13:44:30.

Boy lays on ground watching annular solar eclipse on Saturday, October 14 2023

Eye Safety for Total Solar Eclipses

Here are some important safety guidelines to follow during a total solar eclipse.

View the Sun through eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer during the partial eclipse phases before and after totality.
You can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection only when the Moon completely obscures the Sun’s bright face – during the brief and spectacular period known as totality. (You’ll know it’s safe when you can no longer see any part of the Sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer.)
As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright Sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the Sun.

An eclipse projector is an easy and safe way to view the eclipsed Sun. NASA

Do NOT use eclipse glasses or handheld viewers with cameras, binoculars, or telescopes. Those require different types of solar filters. When viewing a partial or annular eclipse through cameras, binoculars, or telescopes equipped with proper solar filters, you do not need to wear eclipse glasses. (The solar filters do the same job as the eclipse glasses to protect your eyes.) Seek expert advice from an astronomer before using a solar filter with a camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device. Note that solar filters must be attached to the front of any telescope, binoculars, camera lens, or other optics.

Dengue Cases Increasing in the Caribbean

Washington, DC, March 28, 2024 (PAHO)- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) today warned about the surge in dengue cases in the Americas. As of March 26, 2024, over 3.5 million cases and more than 1,000 deaths have been reported in the region.

“This is cause for concern, as it represents three times more cases than those reported for the same period in 2023, a record year with more than 4.5 million cases reported in the region,” PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa said during a press briefing.

While dengue is on the rise throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, the hardest-hit countries are Brazil (83%), Paraguay (5.3%), and Argentina (3.7%), which account for 92% of cases and 87% of deaths. This increase is attributed to the higher transmission season in the southern hemisphere, when the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector of dengue thrives due to warm and rainy weather.

However, Dr. Barbosa cautioned that “we are also seeing an uptick in cases in countries such as Barbados, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Martinique and Mexico, where transmission is usually higher in the second half of the year.”

The PAHO Director also noted the presence of the mosquito vector and cases in new geographical areas, raising concerns that some countries may not be prepared to face an increase in transmission.

Several environmental and social factors contribute to the spread of dengue, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and the El Niño phenomenon. Rapid population growth and unplanned urbanization also play a crucial role: poor housing conditions and inadequate water and sanitation services create mosquito breeding sites through discarded objects that can collect water.

PAHO maintains a rigorous surveillance of dengue in the region and has issued nine epidemiological alerts in the past 12 months, providing essential guidance to Member States on disease prevention and control.
The presence of all four dengue serotypes in the region increases the risk of epidemics and severe forms of the disease. The simultaneous circulation of two or more dengue serotypes has been observed in 21 countries and territories of the Americas.

Dr. Barbosa emphasized the importance of taking prompt action to prevent and control dengue transmission and avoid deaths, noting that “despite the record increase in cases in 2023, the dengue case fatality rate in the region remained below 0.05%.” This, he noted, “is very encouraging, considering the spikes in cases we have seen since then.”

This accomplishment has been possible thanks to PAHO’s support to countries since 2010 through a comprehensive strategy to control dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. This strategy includes strengthening surveillance, early diagnosis, and timely treatment, and has contributed significantly to saving thousands of lives.

The PAHO Director called for action, urging intensified efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and protect against mosquito bites, increase preparedness in health services for early diagnosis and timely clinical management, and continuous work to educate the population about dengue symptoms and when to seek prompt medical attention.

“Facing the dengue problem is a task for all sectors of society,” Dr. Barbosa said, calling for “community engagement in order to succeed in our efforts.”

This unpleasant virus is spread through mosquito bites; it’s usually mild but it can be fatal. Symptoms include a fever, a severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea and a rash.

World Autism Awareness Day

In 2007, the United Nations (UN) designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, aligning with its mission to advance equal rights and opportunities worldwide.

This day serves as a platform to foster appreciation for and honour individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Autism, a neurological condition, typically emerges in early childhood and transcends gender and race. ASD manifests diversely among individuals, impacting learning approaches and social interactions. Unfortunately, misconceptions often lead to discrimination against those with autism, hindering their access to opportunities.

Educators play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity by dispelling myths and providing accurate information about autism. Throughout the month, organisations like Autism Belize will be focusing on sharing stories, providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, and fostering support.

House Fire Erupts in Belize City

A fire erupted on Wednesday night in Belize City. It destroyed a house on Pickstock Street. While no injuries were reported, the inferno destroyed the belongings and property of several persons. News Five was on the scene, and reporter Britney Gordon has the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

With Easter Sunday just a few days away, Jessica Lara and her family are tonight in disbelief after a fire destroyed their neighbour’s house on Thursday night on Pickstock Street in Belize City. The fire erupted just a few feet away from Lara’s residence.

Voice of: Jessica Lara, Neighbor of Fire Victim

“So I just little while got in back from work and I was just relaxing. I heard my neighbor frantic and that’s what made me look through the window and I saw smoke and I ran downstairs and I told my mom, smoke, smoke and by the time I looked out running, running for a five gallon of water and came back up the downstairs was completely engulfed and it escalated to upstairs and that’s where it got out of hand rather quickly. So it started from the bottom.”

Lara, her mother, and her son quickly exited the house and fled from the flames. She told News Five that the upper half of her neighbour’s house was constructed from wood, which contributed to how quickly the fire spread. She says that community members helped control the blaze.

Jessica Lara

“I have to commend my community. Everybody tried their best, you know, we did what we could at the moment and tried to clear everybody out of the way so nothing happened to them and it was rough but everybody, I definitely could say, tried in somewhere the next.”

Reporter

“Do you feel that the response from the fire service was quick enough in your case? It helped you?”

Jessica Lara

“Well, in those times, I mean, it feels like an hour but I’d say when they did come. They work rather quickly because it was huge. They work fast and try to find the main spot on there. I believe they did a good job at containing, well not containing it, but outing it.”

Although her neighbours remained unharmed, Lara noted that they were unable to salvage anything from the house, even losing a dog that had been trapped on the second floor. Lara’s house sustained some water and fire damage.

Jessica Lara

“It’s more to the back of the house inside. We have a corner that everything completely well burnt, a lot of clothing, nothing much. Well, not to complain about that, but it was starting to catch in there and one of the firefighters, she went in and she went straight upstairs and tried to subside that. So otherwise just water damage and that back area, but thank God that, you know. Everything else is fine.”

Lara noted that one of the residents, Alicia Rancharan, was in the process of renovating and furnishing the house before the fire broke out. While Lara and her family are cleaning up the debris and water left in the house, she is unsure of what her neighbours will do next.

Jessica Lara

“Well, my neighbor, unfortunately, she was, she recently was trying to get all of her stuff, her couches her appliances. She hey were working really hard to get their stuff and try to build a good life, so definitely a major, major, major loss. Well, we’re trying to see how we can possibly get some help to fix the roofing and the wiring and move from there. Lots of cleaning, but thankfully we still have a structure and everything. So definitely thanks to God for everything. And I’m sure as a community and as Belizeans that we will be able to help Miss Alicia as well and her family, everything, an end can only bring a new beginning. So hoping for the best for them.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Minister Orlando Habet responds to Spanish Lookout Community

Two weeks ago, during the Spanish Lookout expo in Cayo, several community leaders criticized the government’s performance. One significant point of contention revolved around what was perceived as excessive regulation in the business sector, particularly the prohibition of single-use plastics. One of the persons who criticized the government was Harry Letkeman. He said he was disappointed with the government, saying the outcome fell short of expectations. In response, Minister of Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet defended the government’s actions.

Orlando Habet, Minister of Minister of Sustainable Development

“I think that the criticism is unfair. By having a piece of legislation through the regulations that we formulated, I think it was a start. And we told the public that it was a start. We know that everything isn’t going to work 100 percent in the beginning. As a matter of fact, it was for single use plastics. We didn’t even look at other plastics. Now, the importers and the producers of plastics locally have a standard that they have to abide by. Now, the Bureau of Standards sets the standards and they do the review of the documentation from the importing country or the producers to make sure that they are meeting the standards. We know that things can be falsified. It comes to the Department of Environment, they do a review and then they issue the licenses. So, we are really on the receiving end. However, one thing that we didn’t have was and I think the importers especially, and some of the local producers, knew that we don’t have the capabilities for testing. So what we did initially was to do a few tests and then send it outside for testing. Well, three samples cost us 70, 000 US dollars to test. So we were sure that it was something that was feasible and that we couldn’t continue doing on our own. However, recently we obtained the equipment that now we will be able to do our own local testing. for these biodegradable products and so this will now stop. The Department of Environment has done a study and they already have a study that will be revealed shortly to cabinet in which they will show, where the files are where we need to go, but In addition to that, we have already anticipated what was going to happen. So we already are modifying the regulations so that then we can step it up.”

Minister Habet on Spanish Lookout’s Chaiman’s Tone

As for the other concerns raised at the community gathering, Habet says it’s a matter of interpreting the law. He went further to speculate that, based on the chairman’s tone and what he was saying, some members of the community were not in agreement.

Orlando Habet, Minister of Minister of Sustainable Development

“Mostly I think issues with compliance with environment. Normally, you will have criticism with the part of our environment. Many people don’t want to comply with the regulations, but they are there. For example, one that is a very difficult one is requirements for an EIA when you want to have the development of 300 acres or more to clearing of forest to, to do agriculture or livestock. So, what you get sometimes is, well, it’s only 300 acres. Well, the law says 300 acres or more. So what they do sometimes is, well, okay only 295 then doesn’t reach the 300, so we have to say no. That’s not how you interpret the law. So things like that and you will always be criticized, but we are trying to work with the different communities. The special court community is one for certain. And I also believe that the criticism and the way and the tone and everything else that the chairmen spoke of and about isn’t the same thing and isn’t accepted by our community members in Spanish Lookout. So I don’t think he has a hundred percent support in the way he expresses himself.”