2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Residents Urged to Stay Vigilant

Authorities have issued flood alerts across multiple regions in Belize, advising residents to monitor waterways closely and exercise caution as water levels fluctuate.

Residents in Region 7 are cautioned to be vigilant, especially near waterways. On the Rio Hondo, decreasing flood stage levels are anticipated at Blue Creek North, while increasing flood levels are expected at Santa Cruz, San Antonio, San Roman, and Douglas to the coast. Along the New River, bankfull stage levels are forecasted at Hill Bank, Tower Hill, and Caledonia to the coast.

In Region 9, extreme caution is advised as flood stage levels continue along the Mopan River at Benque Viejo Town. On the Macal River, reservoir spillways at Chalillo, Mollejon, and Vaca remain active, though water levels at San Ignacio are expected to stay below the low-lying bridge. The Belize River is experiencing varying trends, with flood levels decreasing at More Tomorrow but increasing at Double Run, where levels are nearing historical Tropical Depression 16 (TD16) marks. At Crooked Tree Lagoon, water levels have surpassed the causeway and continue to rise.

Region 11 residents should remain alert as above-normal water levels are reported at Freetown Sibun on the Sibun River and at Gales Point Village on the Southern Lagoon. On the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains and the Sittee River near Kendal Bridge, above-normal levels are expected to persist. Meanwhile, below-normal levels are noted on the Monkey River branches at Swasey and Bladen, as well as the Deep River at Medina Bank.

Rising levels on the Rio Grande at San Pedro Columbia and Big Falls South are expected to decrease. However, above-normal levels persist on the Moho River at Blue Creek South and Jordan. The Temash River at Crique Sarco is experiencing below-normal levels.

On the Sarstoon River, above-normal levels continue to pose concerns.

Residents in affected areas are urged to monitor official updates and adhere to safety measures as authorities continue to assess the situation.

Banking on Resilience: World Bank Unveils Bold Climate Solutions for Eastern Caribbean

Eastern Caribbean nations face mounting climate risks, but the World Bank’s newly released Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) identifies strategies to enhance resilience while advancing development goals.

The report, prepared in collaboration with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), focuses on Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It highlights stark challenges, including the potential loss of 34% of Saint Lucia’s sandy beaches to rising sea levels by 2100 and an additional 22 days annually with temperatures exceeding 30°C in all four nations.

Key recommendations include investments in nature-based solutions and a shift from fossil fuels to strengthen resilience and meet climate commitments. The report emphasises targeting high-impact sectors like energy, transport, and waste to reduce emissions and bolster climate adaptation.

The CCDR outlines the concept of a “resilient core,” which includes investments to meet Sustainable Development Goals while minimising infrastructure damage and service disruptions during climate events. Two investment pathways are proposed, factoring in the countries’ fiscal constraints.

Grenada’s Minister for Climate Resilience, Kerryne James, welcomed the report, calling it “a blueprint for addressing vulnerabilities and charting a path to sustainable growth.”

OECS Commission Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules, praised the tool’s potential and urged its expansion to other nations in the region.

The report underscores the need for collaboration among governments, the private sector, and the international community to finance and implement these climate and development strategies.

Coast Guard Enhances Southern Maritime Presence with New Forward Base

The Belize Coast Guard today opened a spanking new station in Big Creek to improve its patrols along the sea and waterways in the southern part of Belize. The opening of the new building comes as part of a celebration of the Coast Guard’s nineteenth anniversary. Since its inception in 2005, the Coast Guard has grown from strength to strength, adding boats, human resources, and training components to its services and having stations at several locations across the country. It has grown from just 50 to over 500 in that period of time.

Minister of National Defence and Border Security, Florencio Marin Sr., said, “You know, so now we have a presence in the sector, south of the country, in our maritime waters. This allows for the Coast Guard to be more effectively responded to whatever threats they may face in our southern waters as opposed to straight out of the city.”

Minister Marin added, “So this makes them a little bit more robust, quicker response time, and provide more safety.” He acknowledged the ongoing challenges in terms of manpower and resources, adding, “That’s always something that can be improved and remains a challenge for everybody.”

Regarding the readiness of the team stationed at the base, Marin assured their capability, stating, “They’re extremely ready. I mean, I think if you know anything about the Coast Guard and the training, remember all our training is international, professional standards training. So, I have all the confidence that these sailors and seamen who are here, they know their job, they’re always on alert, so whatever call they would get, they would be able to respond very quickly.”

The facility in Big Creek will provide security for the Big Creek Port located adjacent to it as well as regular coast guard service to the country.

Earth’s Tilt Shifted by Over 31 Inches Due to Human Activity

Earth’s balance has been disrupted, and human activity is to blame. A study reveals that excessive groundwater pumping over less than two decades has caused Earth to tilt by 31.5 inches. This redistribution of water has contributed approximately 0.24 inches to sea-level rise, underscoring the profound impact of human consumption.

Groundwater lies hidden beneath Earth’s surface, filling voids in soil, sand, and rock formations. Derived from rainfall, it accumulates in aquifers, serving as a critical resource for drinking water, agriculture, and industrial processes.

However, this vital resource is being depleted at an alarming rate. Between 1993 and 2010, humans pumped an estimated 2,150 gigatons of groundwater, much of which ended up in the oceans, altering the planet’s balance.

The large-scale extraction of groundwater has shifted Earth’s rotational pole—a phenomenon known as polar motion. Significant water movement, particularly from regions like western North America and northwestern India, has been identified as a key driver of this shift.

These findings highlight the broader consequences of unsustainable water practices. To address these challenges, innovative solutions such as rainwater harvesting, advanced irrigation systems, and global policies for equitable water distribution are imperative. Multidisciplinary efforts involving scientists, policymakers, and the public will be crucial to balancing human needs with environmental preservation.

Trinational Initiative to Protect a Rainforest Rich in Wildlife and Mayan Heritage

The Belize Forest Department launched the Selva Maya II project to protect the natural and cultural resources of the Selva Maya, a vast rainforest that spans Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. This project aims to manage and conserve the area, which is home to rare wildlife and important Mayan cultural sites.

The region faces significant threats like illegal logging, forest fires, and unsustainable farming, so the project focuses on improving the management of conservation areas and restoring natural resources. The initiative is a coordinated effort between the three countries involved, working to address these challenges in a more integrated way.

Funded by the German government with EUR 20.5 million, the project focuses on key protected areas in Belize, including the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, and other national parks and reserves. These areas are crucial for preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species like jaguars, howler monkeys, and toucans. The project also aims to improve the management of these areas, promoting sustainable practices such as eco-friendly farming and conservation efforts beyond protected zones. In addition, the initiative supports the development of biocorridors, which help wildlife travel safely between conservation areas.

One of the key objectives of the project is to foster stronger cross-border cooperation between Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. This includes the formation of a Strategic Coordination Group, where organisations from each country exchange knowledge and strategies for conservation. The project also aims to directly benefit around 15,000 low-income families in the region, many of whom rely on agriculture, forestry, and tourism for their livelihoods. By promoting sustainable practices, the project helps secure these livelihoods while preserving the rainforest.

The project not only helps protect the Selva Maya ecosystem but also supports broader global goals, such as climate action, poverty reduction, and biodiversity conservation. By reducing deforestation, preventing forest fires, and supporting sustainable development, the project contributes to the climate and water regulation of the region. This effort aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including no poverty, gender equality, and life on land.

Colombian Navy Seizes “Narco Subs” in Global Anti-Drug Operation

Six “narco submarines” loaded with cocaine were intercepted during an international anti-drug operation led by Colombia, officials announced Wednesday. The operation, which included 62 countries, seized over 1,400 metric tonnes of drugs between October 1 and November 14, according to Vice Admiral Orlando Enrique Grisales of the Colombian Navy.

Among the seized drugs were 225 metric tons of cocaine, including 5 tons found aboard a semi-submersible vessel on a route from Colombia to Australia. The vessel, equipped with enough fuel for the journey, was intercepted in Pacific waters, marking the third such capture along this route, Grisales revealed. “Thanks to the maps on board, we identified the route and began collaborating with Australian authorities,” he said.

The operation, dubbed “Orion,” resulted in more than 400 arrests across multiple nations. Officials said the discovery underscores growing ties between South American cartels and organized crime networks in Oceania. Australia, with some of the highest global cocaine prices, has become an increasingly lucrative target for traffickers. A kilogram of cocaine can fetch up to $240,000 in Australia, six times its value in the United States.

Smuggling routes to Australia are believed to have expanded due to the profitability of the market, where cocaine use per capita is among the highest globally. The semi-submersibles seized in the operation were all capable of making the long journey from Colombia without refueling. One vessel was intercepted 1,200 miles southwest of Clipperton Island, believed to have departed from Tumaco, a key smuggling port.

UNDP and EU Equip Police Prosecutors with Laptops and Legal Tools

Nine laptops and access to an advanced online legal library have been provided to police prosecutors in Belize under the PACE Justice Project, an initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The equipment, valued at USD 30,000, is expected to modernize case management and enhance the efficiency of the judicial process.

The laptops aim to address resource gaps that have hindered prosecutors’ ability to manage cases effectively. The digital tools will streamline data organisation, legal research, and communication, helping to reduce administrative delays and accelerate criminal case resolutions.

In addition to the laptops, the PACE Justice Project introduced vLex, a cutting-edge online legal research platform. This resource provides police prosecutors access to a comprehensive library of case law, legislation, and legal commentary from multiple jurisdictions. With vLex, 31 police prosecutors can conduct legal research more efficiently, enabling them to build stronger cases supported by legal precedents and evidence-based arguments.

The integration of these resources is anticipated to significantly improve the quality of police prosecutions in Belize. By reducing the time spent on research and administrative tasks, prosecutors will help address the backlog of criminal cases and minimize delays in court proceedings.

Are Belizeans Happy?

Belize’s national Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) rose significantly in October 2024, climbing 13.9% to 44.3 from 38.9 in September, according to the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). The index, which measures consumer sentiment about the economy, household finances, and readiness for major purchases, reflected increased optimism, particularly regarding the purchase of durable goods. This sub-category surged by 53.9%, reaching 37.7 compared to 24.5 in September.

Expectations for future economic conditions also improved, rising by 7.9% to 55.5. However, sentiment about current financial conditions dipped slightly, with the sub-category dropping 2.7% to 39.6.

Confidence increased in both urban and rural areas, with rural consumers recording a larger gain of 19.8% compared to the 6.6% rise among urban residents. Rural confidence reached 45.7, driven by a 71.5% surge in optimism for durable goods purchases, while urban consumers saw a 36.4% boost in this category.

Gender-wise, confidence among females grew by 15.9% to 43.9, surpassing the 11.8% increase among males, whose confidence reached 44.7. Women reported stronger improvements in expectations for future conditions and current financial sentiment.

Across age groups, the most significant increases were observed among younger consumers aged 18-24 and 25-34, who shifted from pessimism to optimism, with their indices climbing to 56.1 and 53.1, respectively. Consumers aged 55 and older also saw gains, with their confidence index increasing to 41.1.

Ethnic groups all reported improved confidence levels, led by the Maya population, which experienced a 30.6% rise to 52.6. The Mestizo/Hispanic, Garifuna, and Creole groups also reported increases, with varying degrees of optimism.

The rise in consumer confidence signals a growing sense of economic stability, particularly regarding future financial prospects and the ability to make significant household purchases. However, the slight dip in current economic sentiment highlights lingering concerns about immediate financial conditions.

Imports Surge 14% in October, Domestic Exports Decline by 5.4%

The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) reports that imports rose sharply in October 2024, while domestic exports experienced a decline. Belize imported goods valued at $281.1 million, marking a 14% increase compared to the $246.6 million recorded in October 2023. The growth was driven by significant increases in categories such as ‘Machinery and Transport Equipment’ (up $13.1 million), ‘Mineral Fuels & Lubricants’ (up $9 million), and ‘Manufactured Goods’ (up $6.1 million). Smaller increases were seen in imports of ‘Food and Live Animals’ and ‘Other Manufactures,’ among others. Conversely, imports of ‘Chemical Products’ and ‘Beverages and Tobacco’ recorded slight declines.

On the export side, domestic exports amounted to $27.1 million in October 2024, a 5.4% drop from the $28.6 million recorded in the same month last year. Major export commodities, including bananas, sugar, animal feed, marine products, and red kidney beans, saw reduced earnings. Bananas and sugar alone accounted for a combined decline of $4.2 million. In contrast, revenues from citrus products rose by $3.7 million, while earnings from alcoholic beverages and other miscellaneous products also increased.

Year-to-date figures show merchandise imports for the first ten months of 2024 reached $2.448 billion, up 9.2% compared to the $2.242 billion recorded during the same period in 2023. Domestic exports for the same period stood at $363.5 million, reflecting a marginal increase of 0.6% over the $361.5 million earned in the first ten months of 2023.

These figures highlight the continued demand for imported goods alongside challenges in key export sectors, underscoring the importance of diversifying and strengthening Belize’s export portfolio.

Belize’s October Inflation Rate Climbs to 2.1%

Consumer prices in Belize rose by 2.1% in October 2024 compared to the same month last year, according to the latest report from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). The national Consumer Price Index (CPI) reached 119.7, up from 117.2 in October 2023, driven primarily by higher costs in food, restaurant services, and home rentals, while transport costs declined.

The ‘Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages’ category was the largest contributor to inflation, with prices increasing by 4.7%. This was due to notable rises in the cost of vegetables, fresh fruits, cereal products, soft drinks, purified water, and fruit and vegetable juices. Similarly, ‘Restaurants and Accommodation Services’ saw a 4.9% jump, attributed to increased restaurant service costs. The ‘Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels’ category rose by 1.5%, mainly due to higher home rental costs. Other significant increases were recorded in clothing and footwear (5.1%), personal care and hygiene products (4.4%), and household maintenance items (3.8%).

Conversely, transport prices fell by 3%, driven by declining fuel costs. Additionally, the ‘Information and Communication’ category experienced a 2% drop, reflecting reduced prices for items such as cellular phones and televisions.

Belmopan recorded the highest inflation rate at 5%, while Independence Village reported the lowest, with a marginal decrease of -0.03%.

On a month-over-month basis, inflation for October 2024 saw a slight decline of 0.05% compared to September. This reduction was primarily influenced by a 1.4% decrease in transport prices, particularly gasoline. However, this was partially offset by a 0.6% increase in food and beverage prices, particularly for fresh produce.

Year-to-date figures for the first ten months of 2024 show an overall inflation rate of 3.5%. The most significant price hikes were seen in food and beverages (5.8%), restaurant services, home rentals, and personal care products. The only major category to register a decline was ‘Information and Communication,’ down by 1.8%.