2024 - Channel 5 Belize

MIRPS Signs Belize City Declaration During 7th Meeting

Belize, through its Ministry of Immigration, is proudly hosting the Seventh Annual Meeting of the Comprehensive Regional Framework for Protection and Solutions. This high-level gathering focuses on creating protections for displaced individuals throughout Central America and the Caribbean. Belize is one of the seven member states in this organization. After leading for eleven months as the interim president, Belize is now passing the torch to Costa Rica. Today’s session marked a significant milestone with the adoption of the Belize City Declaration. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the details.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Today, the member states of the Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework came together to adopt the Belize City Declaration. This declaration is a big deal, as it reaffirms the commitment of the seven member states to boost protection and find solutions for displaced people across Central America and Mexico.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“We are most delighted to host this important gathering where we stand in solidarity with refugees and forcibly displaced persons in Central America and Mexico. Your presence here is deeply appreciated and we are grateful for your commitment to this cause.”

Belize is proudly hosting the Seventh Annual Meeting of the Framework. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, over two million people in Central America and Mexico have been forced to leave their homes. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees praises this framework as a shining example of how the Global Compact on Refugees can be put into action.

Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

“The linkages that have already been mentioned between all these initiatives are critical as we continue to witness conflict, violence, natural disasters, and abuses, forcing so many people to flee their homes. And doing so using the same routes and means as migrants, hence the crucial importance to work on the many synergies of this initiatives. It is crucial to consider the needs of all people who are exposed to unimaginable dangers in their journey in search of safety. Clearly there is no one solution for all, but everyone regardless of their circumstances or status has human rights.”

Belize has been leading the regional organization since assuming the yearlong presidency in January. Yesterday, it handed over the pro tem presidency to Costa Rica. Through the declaration entered by member states, partnerships will be expanded to strengthen coordinated regional responses to displacement.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“In the southern part of Belize where we have the Garifuna, it is a small population, but they also have in the eighteen hundreds they were displaced from St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They came here in what we call the Stann Creek District, and they asked the British if they could stay here in Belize. That is another population of migrants that came here to Belize. We have the black population who our former slaves who again were brought to Belize in many instances against their will. We have the east Indians who were brought here as indentured servants or laborers. So, Belize is a melting pot. I think it is one of the best examples where you could find that we have opened the door to migrants, immigrants, refugees and they have become a part of our society. It is estimated from early nineteen nineties, it is estimated that approximately fifteen percent of our resident population were form foreign born, a mix of migrants or refugees. I wish you would have the time to visit the Valley of Peace.”

Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Nestor Mendez, in his address to member states spoke of the organization contributions to providing technical knowledge and strengthening institutional capacities.

Nestor Mendez, Assistant Secretary General, OAS

“By the middle of this year, more than two point four million people have been forcibly displaced due to violence, insecurity, the effects of climate change, disasters and socioeconomic factors across and within Central America and the Caribbean. These are not just statistics, they are families, women, men, children, seeking protection and more than anything hope. Yet despite these challenges, the solidarity of the seven states, demonstrates what is possible when we work together. These sates have undertaken bold actions under their national plans to prioritize the integration of displaced persons.”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“As we reflect on these achievements, let us recommit ourselves to the vision of MIRPS, a vision that stand united in its resolve to protect, assist and empower displaced persons.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

EU Signs Contracts with IOM and ILO Country Offices

Earlier today, the European Union, led by Head of Delegation Dr. Erja Askola, signed two important contracts with the country offices of the International Office on Migration and the International Labor Organization. These new projects aim to boost inclusive socio-economic development in southern Belize and enhance the capabilities of government institutions for integrated border control planning and management. The signing ceremony for these two grant agreements, worth around sixteen million Belize dollars, took place today. Both initiatives highlight the crucial partnership between the United Nations system and the European Union in breaking down barriers to inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development in Belize.

Dr. Erja Askola, Head of EU Delegation

“Our contracts that are going to be signed today they are based on a financing agreement that we have signed with the Government of Belize. So we are passing to implementation, to putting things into practice. So real action and real action on the ground, this is what counts to the citizens and this is what will result in concrete impact on the ground and this is what we want. Now one of the contracts is one that implemented by IOM, mainly for customs migration and orders, but also on forest protection. Very important and these are crucial priorities, joint priorities for the European Union together with the Government of Belize.”

Diana Locke, Head of Office, IOM Belize

“I will share with you, ambassador has shared with you the various ministries that will be involved and the partners, and I will tell you a little bit mor now, quickly, about the activities that we will have under there. So one of them is aimed at developing a national strategy for border management and border integration. Another one also in the environment area, conservation, is to update the management plan for conservation. Along with the ministry of the border agencies, we will be helping to develop standard operating procedures for intra and inter offices working together. We are also going to be doing a lot of capacity building, training for immigrations, customs officers, border officials, in a sense. We will be doing online platforms for training that will be left behind, looking at the issues such as human rights, gender-based violence, some of these other topics that are not always associated with immigration services.”

KHMHA Host Belize’s First-Ever Premature Birth Conference

Every year, over thirteen million babies are born prematurely worldwide. For the past seven years, healthcare professionals in Belize have been striving to reduce the number of premature births, but the trend hasn’t changed much. Premature births can lead to serious health issues like infections, internal bleeding, and seizures. To address this, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority hosted Belize’s first-ever World Premature Day Conference. Neroli Williams, the Unit Manager of Natal and Intensive Care at K.H.M.H., gave us more insight into this pressing issue.

Neroli Williams, Unit Manager, Natal & Intensive Care, K.H.M.H.

“We decided to do a conference and target mostly the health care workers of this country, primarily the public health department because primary care is the first encounter of these pregnant ladies. So if we could improve on our primary care delivery, then we may have a decrease in premature births. Mommies, we have a lot of diabetes and hypertension in the country, and it’s on the rise. We’ve seen it in very young people. Even some children are developing diabetes from a very young age. So if we could get them to book clinic early, or their first visit that we call booking can be done early, at least within the first two months. Then the care could continue and we could see if there is any risk factors that can be addressed. We have a lot of people from remote villages that don’t have the accessibility to healthcare is not as we may have it in Belize City or Belmopan or the urban areas. So if we could find these as some of the problems or issues that face our community, then we could target those areas in order to decrease these premature births.”

Cassava Honored on UNESCO Cultural Heritage List

On Wednesday, UNESCO announced that cassava has been added to its list of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage. This list celebrates the rich diversity of cultural practices and knowledge from around the world, featuring over six hundred items from one hundred and forty countries. Cassava made the list thanks to a joint submission by Haiti, Venezuela, Honduras, and Cuba. Although Belize wasn’t part of the submission, the country has deep historical ties to cassava. Today, News Five’s Britney Gordon visited the Luba Garifuna Museum in Belize City to chat with Garifuna historian Sebastian Cayetano about the significance of cassava to Belize and the Garifuna people.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Cassava has just been added to UNESCO’s cultural heritage list, celebrated for its historical significance in Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, and Honduras. In Haiti, cassava is often used to make Attieke, a traditional side dish from Ivory Coast made with grated cassava pulp. But here in Belize, cassava brings its own unique and rich flavors, most famously used to make delicious cassava bread.

Sebastian Cayetano, Garifuna Historian

“Cassava is the Garifuna staple and best of all, once the bread is baked, it can last 10 years. Yes, it can go ten years. The shelf life is ten years, once you keep it dry. Okay, and then from cassava, the root cassava, you can make lots, Garinagu are able to make a variety of food. We make the baked bread, cassava, we make cassava wine, we make cassava porridge, Sahul, is a great favorite. And then the same cassava, you make cassava dhani, we call it, that’s the cassava tamal, and lots of other things.”

Hanging proudly on the walls of the Luba Garifuna Museum in Belize City is a vibrant painting of a Garifuna woman preparing cassava bread. This masterpiece, created by the renowned Belizean artist and musician Pen Cayetano in 1983, captures a slice of Garifuna life. According to Garifuna historian and museum owner Sebastian Cayetano, this painting is a beautiful snapshot of the Garifuna experience.

Sebastian Cayetano

“This is a spatula. This is what you use to flip the cassava. It must not break. But it’s a huge cake, so it has to be, there’s an art in it. So you have to flip it once, and then flip it again, and then brush the side to remove the particles, and then you cut the edges, and then you have Ereba Cassava.”

Permanent UNESCO delegate to the Ivory Coast, Ramata Ly-Bakayoko, describes attieke as a fundamental dish in the rich culinary heritage of Ivory Coast, deeply woven into the daily lives of its people. Similarly, for the Garifuna people of Belize, making cassava bread is a communal activity. From gathering the root vegetable to grating and straining it, each step is a shared experience that brings the community together.

Tilda Sabal, Cassava Bread Maker

“This da bout two pounds of cassava.”

Sean Kuylen, Chef

“You have to clean the comal. How do you call this again?”

Tilda Sabal

“Bessawa or a broom.”

Sean Kuylen

“No oil.”

Tilda Sabal

“No oil. Then I put the sibbiba in the comal and I have to spread it.”

Sean Kuylen

“How much a this you bake in a day?”

Tilda Sabal

“It all depends. Seventy-five.”

Adding cassava consumption to the intangible cultural heritage list shines a light on the shared experiences of African descendants across different nations. Cayetano has seen firsthand how making cassava bread unites people, bringing them together in a beautiful, communal tradition.

Sebastian Cayetano

“When we reach home, we place the cassava on the floor and call the neighbors, invite the neighbors to come and help us peel the cassava. Once we peel it, then we wash it. After we wash it then we use this grater. This grater is one hundred years old. We would have about four ladies around. One on this side, one there, one here, and one on the other side. And then we greet cassava. And as we grate, we sing, we shush. Everything happens there.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Are You the Next James Waight Award Winner?

The Belize Audubon Society is calling for nominations for the prestigious thirty-ninth annual James A. Waight Award. This award celebrates individuals or organizations that make significant contributions to conserving and enhancing Belize’s unique environment. They are looking for Belizeans who are actively involved in environmental conservation and protection. Nominees should also contribute to areas like forest, reef, or coastal zone conservation, pollution control, waste management, ecotourism, the socioeconomic environment, indigenous rights, and socio-cultural protection. The organization is seeking individuals who demonstrate a strong social commitment and can bring innovative, non-traditional approaches to their work. The winner will be announced in February 2025.

Dareece Chuc, Communications Director, BAS

“We’re happy again to say that we’re at that point in the year where we are putting out our calls for nominations for our conservation award. The James A. Waight Conservation Award is an award that we have been presenting to individuals and organizations for over thirty years, and so the nominations have been open since November and the deadline is December twentieth. We’re hoping that more people will hear about the conservation award, you know, and think about people in your community, in your area of work and see if there is someone that you think is deserving of this recognition. The award is named in honor of our first president, one of our founding members, and of course, it’s given to individuals or organizations who are doing exemplary work in the field of protecting the environment.”

Isani Cayetano

“When is the deadline and by when do we expect a winner to be announced?”

Dareece Chuc

“So the deadline is December twentieth and the committee meets in early January to review those nominations and the winner is announced in mid-February. Of course, we celebrate the winner at an award ceremony on February sixteenth, 2025.”

Taiwanese Government Hands Over Well Rig Truck to Belize

Access to clean water is a cornerstone of rural development, and a water rig truck plays a crucial role in making this possible. These trucks are essential for drilling wells and providing reliable water sources in remote areas where infrastructure is often lacking. By bringing clean water to rural communities, water rig trucks help improve health, boost agricultural productivity, and support overall economic growth. They are a vital tool in the fight against poverty and a key component in building sustainable, thriving rural communities. Earlier today, the Taiwanese government handed over a water rig truck to the Ministry of Rural Transformation. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the following story.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

In rural Belize, access to clean and safe drinking water can be limited. Water trucks help deliver potable water to these communities, ensuring that residents have a reliable source of water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.

Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation

“One of the sustainable development goals speaks, and that is SDG 6, speaks to ensuring that we provide clean, safe, potable water and that we improve sanitation, you know, across the world. And in Belize, we have worked very hard, diligently over the last four years to deliver on that SDG. Over the last four years, we have worked diligently across all of Belize. We have drilled wells for water systems, for farmers, for institutions. We have airlifted, we have chlorinated hundreds of wells across this country.”

Water is an essential resource that helps improve the quality of life and sustainability in rural communities that rely on agriculture as a primary source of income. Wells provide a consistent and reliable source of water, which is essential for daily living. This is especially crucial in areas where other water sources may be seasonal or unreliable.

Oscar Requena

“When I got to the ministry, we found two trucks that are twenty-four years old. They work two days, three days [and] they break down for a month, one of them. Fortunately, we have one that has been going and that has been helping us that throughout those challenges, as I’ve said earlier, we have drilled hundreds of wells across this country to serve the Belizean people. But we were not satisfied and I said to my team, you know, we must be visionary because if we are going to lead a nation, as leaders we must be visionary, we must be goal-oriented, we must be focused and we must work hard in ensuring that we bring the goods and services to all Belizeans.”

Well rig trucks are indispensable tools in rural development, offering a range of benefits that enhance the quality of life, support economic activities, and promote sustainable development. By providing a reliable source of water, well rig trucks help in the sustainable management of water resources. Properly drilled wells reduce the need for surface water extraction, which can deplete natural water bodies and harm ecosystems.

Jiun-Shen Hwang, Counselor, Taiwanese Embassy

“The well rig truck can also be deployed to reinforce water supply for agriculture, for irrigation. We are convinced that the project will contribute to the fostering of rural development and more decent living in rural areas. First of all, to our shared values, we commit ourselves to a stronger partnership and mutual assistance. With this project, we reaffirm this commitment as we celebrate thirty-five years of diplomatic relations. We take pride in collaborating in our initiatives that directly benefit the Belizean people.”

In times of drought or other natural disasters, well rig trucks can quickly mobilize to provide emergency water supplies. This capability is crucial for maintaining the resilience of rural communities against environmental challenges. Isani Cayetano for News Five.

Almost 600 Children Attend Salvation Army Annual Christmas Party

December has just started, but the Christmas celebrations are already in full swing! This morning, the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall was buzzing with excitement as the Belize Salvation Army hosted its annual children’s Christmas dinner. Nearly six hundred kids from Belize City and Hattieville gathered to play games, sing carols, enjoy a festive meal, and receive gifts to kick off the holiday season. We stopped by earlier today to soak in the joyful atmosphere. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

This morning, Holy Redeemer Parish Hall was alive with holiday cheer as nearly six hundred children buzzed with excitement at the annual Salvation Army Children’s Christmas Dinner. The event is all about sparking festive joy in the kids as the holiday season approaches.

Major Marceddy Momplaisr, District Officer, Salvation Army

“Salvation Army, we are here for them. Because we know Christmas is a time when we enjoy our time with the children, share their hope, and meet their needs, and transform their lives. Because there are so many of them, maybe, if they’re alone, they won’t get a gift. So today, we are so happy to be in this parish hall to receive those children to show them love, to show them respect, to show them somebody cares for them. That is what the Salvation Army does. Care for others.”

This heartwarming event is made possible thanks to funds raised from kettle drives, community fundraisers, and generous donations from local businesses. These contributions allow the team to spread holiday cheer by handing out gifts, serving delicious food, and providing live entertainment for the children.

David Vasquez, Member, Salvation Army Advisor Board

“Christmas is a time of sharing and caring. In these, as times get more economically challenging, it’s always good to help support to the community. The Salvation Army itself. is an organization steeped in history. I mentioned to the kids just now that we’ve been over one hundred years, actually, one hundred and nine years in Belize. And whilst I haven’t been personally with the Salvation Army Project, when you consider all the great work that they have done, this particular function has been going on for over thirty-five years.”

District Officer Major Marceddy Momplaisr was most excited to see the joy light up the faces of the children as they enjoyed all the treats they had to offer them.

Major Marceddy Momplaisr

“We’re going to give the children food. We’re going to give them drink. We’re going to give them ice cream and we’re going to give them gifts. And I strongly believe they are waiting to enjoy themselves with the gift. And we have people as well. We’re going to sing for them, make them feel special.”

The main goal of the dinner is to make the children feel loved and special, perfectly aligning with the Salvation Army’s mission to spread kindness and do good.

David Vasquez

“When you see the smiles on the faces of the kids and see how they enjoy this. This is really a time that we give back. So all of the efforts that we raise funds through our kettle drives and donations by various members of the community, this helps to bring and spread the joy especially at this time of year.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Official Statement of Ocean Academy on Alexander Bainton’s Passing

The Ocean Academy community and the residents of Caye Caulker are mourning the tragic loss of Form Four student Alexander Bainton, who passed away this morning at 8:10 a.m. after being in the ICU since a devastating accident on November 29.

In a statement, Ocean Academy said, “Alex, known endearingly by his friends as “footy”, radiated light, love, kindness, and joy to everyone he knew. He filled every room with his bright smile and positive energy.”

The school said that Bainton was widely admired for his mentorship and the encouragement he offered to friends and family, always ready with advice for those in need. It added that Bainton excelled academically and athletically, earning a competitive scholarship to further his education.

“Words cannot express the deep sadness felt for the untimely loss of Alex, a vibrant, beacon of light. We appreciate all of the prayers and love for his family, friends, basketball team, coach, and the entire OA family and Caye Caulker community, who are grieving at this time.”

Anda de Wata Tours has also shared a statement. It said, “Alexander was more than just the youngest member of the ADW team—he was a hero in the making. With an unshakeable passion for sea life, a tireless work ethic, and a character marked by integrity and kindness, he inspired everyone around him. His dreams and dedication pointed to a bright future, and his impact on those who knew him was nothing short of extraordinary.”

The family and team at Anda de Wata Tours have expressed their gratitude for the thoughts and prayers during this incredibly painful time, as they navigate the grief of losing Alexander.

My Mechanic Stole My Car

A Belize City man wants back his dark grey and silver 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV, which he alleges was stolen by a trusted mechanic. The vehicle has been missing since last week, and the owner has reported the incident to the police. He also alleges that the mechanic has a history of similar actions, including scrapping vehicles.

Police are actively searching for Germaine Gerguson, the mechanic suspected of allegedly stealing the vehicle.

According to the vehicle’s owner, a social media post on Friday night led to a tip that the SUV was spotted in Dangriga. However, the battery, radio, and keys remain missing. Authorities urge anyone with information on Gerguson’s whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers at 922, use the P3 app, or notify the nearest police station.

Joshua Moses Ashburn Charged in Immigration Fraud Case

Joshua Moses Ashburn, a 47-year-old businessman from Belize City, has been formally charged with five counts of possessing false documents and five counts of preparation for crime. The charges stem from an investigation into the discovery of counterfeit immigration documents at his establishment, Double Zero, located on Western Avenue.

Police conducted a raid last month, uncovering a trove of illegal items, including fraudulent passports, visas, and immigration stamps, believed to be linked to unauthorised immigration operations. Also found were a 9mm Glock pistol, several bags of cannabis, and a bucket of cannabis hidden in a Dodge Ram pickup. Two other men, Keenan O’Connor, 20, and Mario Fernandez, 30, were also present at the property and detained.

Ashburn appeared in court alone but was later joined by O’Connor and Fernandez for arraignment on drug-related and firearm offenses. Ashburn attempted to plead guilty to lesser drug charges, but his plea was rejected, and all three men were remanded to Belize Central Prison until January 20, 2025.

The government called the case a serious breach of security. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams clarified that while the counterfeit immigration items found suggest a sophisticated operation, no evidence has yet linked Ashburn to any public officers within the Immigration Department.

“This individual appears to have been operating independently,” Commissioner Williams stated, adding that both the fake visas and stamps were confirmed to be inauthentic replicas. According to Williams, Ashburn’s wife suggested during an interview that the counterfeit items were provided by an Asian national. The investigation remains ongoing, with police expected to file additional charges by the week’s end.