2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Rising Rivers and Flood Risks Across Key Regions

A flood warning remains in effect for rivers and tributaries across the northern, central, and southern regions of Belize, including the Rio Hondo, Mopan River, Sittee River, and rivers along the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains. Severe flooding persists along the Belize River and its tributaries, affecting communities in the Belize River Valley and downstream areas. The San Ignacio Low-Lying Bridge and Iguana Creek Bridge remain closed, while the Crooked Tree Causeway is impassable due to rising water levels. Residents in affected areas are urged to exercise caution and stay informed of further updates.

Residents in Region 7 are advised to monitor waterways and exercise caution. On the Rio Hondo, flood stage levels are expected to increase at Blue Creek North, Santa Cruz, and San Antonio, while persistent flooding is anticipated from San Roman and Douglas to the coast. Similarly, the New River is expected to reach bankfull stages at Hill Bank, Tower Hill, and Caledonia to the coast.

In Region 9, residents are urged to exercise extreme caution. The Mopan River at Benque Viejo Town is predicted to maintain flood stage levels. On the Macal River, reservoir levels at the Chalillo, Mollejon, and Vaca spillways remain active, though flood levels at San Ignacio are expected to decrease. The Belize River at More Tomorrow is also seeing a reduction in flood levels, but rising flood stages are anticipated at Double Run. Meanwhile, water levels in the Crooked Tree Lagoon have exceeded the causeway and continue to rise.

Region 11 residents should stay vigilant near waterways. On the Sibun River at Freetown Sibun, flood levels are decreasing, while above-normal levels persist at the Southern Lagoon in Gales Point Village. Watersheds on the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains and the Sittee River at Kendal Bridge are expected to remain above normal levels. Flooding is anticipated along branches of the Monkey River, particularly at Swasey and Bladen. The Deep River at Medina Bank is maintaining normal levels, but above-normal levels are expected at the Rio Grande near San Pedro Columbia and Big Falls South. The Moho River at Blue Creek South and Jordan, as well as the Temash River at Crique Sarco, are also expected to maintain above-normal water levels.

In Region 13, above-normal water levels are expected along the Sarstoon River.

What’s Causing Deforestation in Belize’s Selva Maya Rainforest?

Mesoamerica’s largest tropical rainforest, the Selva Maya, is rapidly disappearing. Stretching across 150,000 square kilometres of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize, this vital ecosystem is home to diverse wildlife and ancient ruins—but decades of deforestation are threatening its future. Satellite data reveals that large parts of the forest have been cleared in recent decades, with Guatemala’s Petén region experiencing a loss of 23% of its forest cover between 2001 and 2023, and 33% in Petén alone.

As cattle ranching and palm oil plantations expand, experts fear this once-thriving rainforest could vanish unless urgent action is taken. “The spread of cattle ranching has been the major driver of deforestation in Guatemala,” said Diego Incer, a remote sensing expert. Additionally, the rise of palm oil plantations has contributed to the loss, as land dedicated to oil palms surged from 30 square kilometres in 2001 to 860 square kilometres in 2017.

“According to forest cover loss data collected by Landsat satellites and processed by the Global Land Analysis and Discovery (GLAD) laboratory at the University of Maryland, Belize lost 3,020 square kilometres (1,170 square miles) of forest cover between 2001 and 2023, a 17 percent decrease.”

Earth Observatory reported that Belize-born Emil Cherrington, a NASA scientist, explains that much of the deforestation is driven by farmers clearing land for crops and livestock. However, the article added that forests may have also degraded due to other factors—such as fires, insect infestations, or hurricanes—can also appear as forest cover loss, especially in protected areas like the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, said Santos Chicas, a Belizean remote sensing scientist based at Kyushu University who has studied Belize’s susceptibility to wildfires.

Although deforestation rates have slowed in recent years, from 100 square kilometres per year between 1980 and 2010 to about 80 square kilometres per year, experts, including Edgar Correa from the Belize Forest Department, stress that the rate needs to decrease further to meet international climate goals by 2030.

Efforts to monitor forest loss are underway, with NASA’s SERVIR program helping Belize improve its monitoring tools. Cherrington noted that protected areas in Belize have been effective at reducing deforestation, although illegal farming continues along the border with Guatemala.

Cherrington added, “But this is a country where I see deep interest across a broad spectrum of society and government in tapping into remote sensing data and keeping forests intact.”

Mexican President Sheinbaum Warns Trump’s Tariff Threats Will Backfire, Hints at Retaliation

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum cautioned U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday about the severe economic repercussions of his proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports. Speaking at a press conference, Sheinbaum criticised the plan, warning it could spark a retaliatory cycle and endanger shared economic interests.

“To one tariff will follow another in response, and so on, until we put our common businesses at risk,” Sheinbaum said in a letter she read publicly, which she plans to send to Trump. She said that such measures would likely lead to inflation and widespread job losses on both sides of the border.

Sheinbaum also announced her intention to request a call with Trump and reach out to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss the issue.

Trump’s tariff proposal, announced on Monday, is intended to pressure Mexico and Canada into addressing illegal drug trafficking—particularly fentanyl—and curbing migrant crossings at the U.S. border.

Mexico currently stands as the United States’ top trade partner, accounting for 15.8% of total trade as of September, with Canada following at 13.9%. Sheinbaum argued that escalating tariffs would especially harm U.S. automakers with manufacturing facilities in Mexico, such as General Motors and Ford, and could disrupt Mexico’s critical automotive sector, which represents over 35% of its manufacturing exports.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade deal signed during Trump’s first term in 2020, could also be at risk of violation if such tariffs are imposed.

Sheinbaum highlighted Mexico’s efforts to combat the U.S. fentanyl epidemic, reduce migrant apprehensions at the border, and halt caravan arrivals. However, she criticised the lack of accountability for U.S. weapons flowing into Mexico, fuelling violence.

Multilingual Children’s Books Launched at Lake I Public Library

Today, author Karryn Dawson launched her children’s books Dream Powers: Where Dreams Become Adventures and Less is More: Faith-Driven Progress for Service Providers at the Lake Independence Public Library in Belize City. The event blends imagination, faith, and entrepreneurship, offering something for everyone—from children to parents, educators, and service providers.

Dawson’s first book, Dream Powers, is inspired by her dreams and encourages children to make their dreams a reality and lead the way to success. It is available in both Spanish and French, aiming to reach a wider audience. Her second book, Less is More, offers a faith-driven perspective on redefining success through purpose, impact, and balance.

The event also celebrates Dawson’s dedication to creativity and her work with Quiet Collab Solutions Limited.

US Suspends Mexican Cattle Imports Over Screwworm Case

The United States has temporarily halted cattle imports from Mexico following the detection of a case of New World screwworm (NWS) in Catazaja, Chiapas, near Mexico’s border with Guatemala. The announcement was made by Mexico’s government on Sunday. The severity of the threat posed by the parasitic fly can devastate livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including humans.

In its statement, the Mexican government assured that measures to control the outbreak are underway and that the suspension does not affect other exports. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed receiving notification from Mexico’s chief veterinary officer, adding that NWS infestations typically enter through open wounds, where maggots feed on living tissue. The USDA is now collaborating with Mexico and Central American partners to contain the spread, urging producers to monitor livestock closely for signs of infection.

This development comes as Belize’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, Jose Abelardo Mai, recently participated in a regional meeting in Chetumal, Mexico, focused on the prevention of exotic animal diseases, including Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and screwworm.

The meeting, hosted by Mexico’s National Service for Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA), brought together officials from various organisations, including the Mexican Army and the National Guard, to discuss strategies for safeguarding the agricultural sector. Gabino Galván, Regional Director for SENASICA, and other experts stressed the importance of vigilance in preventing screwworm from spreading further.

Trump Threatens New Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, Sparking Global Concerns

President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled plans to impose sweeping tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China immediately after taking office, a move aimed at curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The proposed measures mark a sharp escalation in trade tensions with three of the United States’ largest trading partners and have prompted warnings of economic repercussions.

Trump announced he would sign an executive order on January 20, 2025, imposing a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. The tariffs will remain until both countries “clamp down” on fentanyl production and illegal border crossings. Simultaneously, Trump plans a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, which he says will pressure Beijing to take stronger action against fentanyl smuggling.

The proposed tariffs could significantly disrupt trade, as the three nations account for nearly 40% of the $3.2 trillion in goods imported by the U.S. annually. Critics warn that the tariffs may backfire, raising costs for American consumers and straining supply chains.

Mexico’s finance ministry emphasised the economic interdependence of the two countries, noting that more than 80% of Mexico’s exports go to the U.S. Similarly, Canada, which sends about 75% of its exports to its southern neighbour, expressed concerns. Meanwhile, Trump’s additional tariff on China comes as Beijing faces economic challenges, including a property crisis and rising debt. Chinese officials rebuffed the accusations, with a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy stating, “No one will win a trade war or a tariff war.”

Economists have criticised Trump’s reliance on tariffs, arguing that they function as a domestic tax that often raises prices for consumers. Studies from his first term showed the economic burden of tariffs fell largely on U.S. businesses and households.

Adding to the controversy, the planned measures may violate the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade deal Trump himself signed into law in 2020, which preserved largely duty-free trade among the three countries.

UK Travel Requires ETA for Belizeans by 2025

Starting January 8, 2025, Belizeans will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom (UK). Applications open on November 27, 2024, and can be completed through the UK government portal or the “UK ETA” mobile app. The ETA is mandatory for short-term visits, including tourism, family visits, or business trips, and costs £10 per person, including children. Applicants must provide their passport, photos, proof of payment, and an email address, and the process may take up to three working days.

The ETA allows visits of up to six months for tourism, short-term study, or permitted paid engagements but does not permit working, claiming public funds, or frequent successive visits. If travelling for other purposes or for longer than six months, a visa may be required instead.

Certain individuals are exempt from needing an ETA, including those with a UK visa, permission to live, work, or study in the UK, or British or Irish citizens. Dual citizens can travel using their British or Irish passports. Residents of Ireland travelling from specific locations, such as Gloucester or Jersey, are also exempt.

ETAs are valid for two years and linked to the applicant’s passport. Travellers must apply for a new ETA if they acquire a new passport. While an ETA is required for entry, it does not guarantee admission to the UK, as a Border Force officer will make the final decision.

Thousands of Migrants Head to US Border Ahead of Trump Presidency

Thousands of Central American migrants departed southern Mexico on November 20, seeking to reach the US border before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office in January.

The group aims to avoid potential immigration restrictions and take advantage of the CBP-ONE asylum system while it remains in place. Trump has pledged to enforce stricter immigration policies and mass deportations upon taking office, fuelling urgency among the migrants.

The caravan is requesting free movement through Mexico to facilitate their journey north. However, as seen with past caravans, many participants may disperse before reaching the US border.

President-elect Donald J. Trump has vowed to implement sweeping immigration measures, including slashing both legal and illegal immigration and ramping up deportations from Day 1 of his presidency. These promises have sparked widespread panic among immigrant communities, with many racing to secure their status before the crackdown begins.

Immigration lawyers report being overwhelmed as foreign-born residents flood their offices and jam phone lines. Nonprofits hosting information sessions are seeing record attendance, while immigrants take urgent steps to protect themselves. Those with green cards are rushing to apply for citizenship, while individuals with tenuous legal status are filing for asylum to shield themselves under current protocols. Some couples are expediting marriages to qualify for green card applications.

Trump’s hardline rhetoric echoes his first term, during which he deported approximately 1.5 million people. This time, his top adviser, Stephen Miller, has proposed mass detention centres as “staging areas” for large-scale deportations. Trump’s plans also include workplace raids and targeting individuals with criminal records or outstanding deportation orders.

Woman and Man Shot at Home in Libertad

A shooting in Libertad Village on Sunday night left two people injured. The victims, a man and a woman, were shot in the legs during a violent attack around 7:20 p.m. The couple was ambushed by unknown assailants but, fortunately, their injuries weren’t severe. Police have one suspect in custody but are still working to determine a motive as the investigation continues. News Five’s Marion Ali has the details.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Edwin Gomez and Reyna Tobar were rushed to Corozal Town Hospital after being shot at their home in Libertad Village on Sunday night. Fortunately, the couple, who work at the Corozal Free Zone, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. They’ve since been transferred to the Northern Regional Hospital for further care. Tobar’s father, Eulalio Tobar, told News Five that the family is baffled as to why his daughter and her common-law husband were targeted. They did learn, however, that the gunmen were two men on separate motorbikes.

Eulalio Tobar, Father of Shooting Victim

“The incident happened around 7:30 when 12 gunshots were fired. Three of those shots hit her—one in each leg and one in her buttocks. The other person was shot twice in the feet. That was it.”

Reporter

“Were these gunmen on bicycles, in a vehicle, or on foot?”

Eulalio Tobar

“They were on a motorcycle. In two motorcycles.”

Reporter

“Two motorcycles?”

Eulalio Tobar

“Yes, two motorcycles: a big and a small motorcycle.”

Reporter

“Were they wearing masks, caps?”

Eulalio Tobar

“Yes, they were completely covered, hooded outfits. I have no idea what the reason behind them getting targeted is. I don’t know if they have some disagreement; I don’t know.”

Chairman of Libertad Village, Areini Swazo, mentioned that this isn’t the first time violence has struck their neighborhood. It brings a sense of fear to an otherwise peaceful village. He said he has tried to engage the youths in positive recreation.

On the Phone: Areini Swazo, Chairman, Libertad Village

“That does put fear in our people. I mean, in our villages, to be honest, we had a previous shooting, I think right around the same area. And, honestly, people shed concerns. People spoke about it. I tried to get the youth involved in sports so as to get them off of violence on different things and also, I think bring on negative impact on our village. Actually, it’s hard to even continue. I mean, what can I do. So, to deal with these situations, I’m trying my best to try get the youth them off the street and get them more into sporting activities, get them more Involved in the village, you know.”

The police forensic team has recovered several spent nine-millimeter shell casings from the scene, backing up neighbors’ reports of hearing multiple shots. At first, they thought it was just dynamite going off. A.C.P. Hilberto Romero shared what investigators have gathered so far.

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Edwin Gomez reported he was at home when he heard his dogs barking. He came out to make checks. That is when he heard several gunshots and realized he was shot. Uh, the person followed him and fired more shots. And also injured was his common-law-wife, Reina Tobar. We have one person in custody in regard to this shooting. They both remain in stable condition at the hospital. We do not have a motive. Uh, follow ups are being done at this time.”

Currently, police officers use the upper flat of the Libertad Health Clinic to keep a presence in the village, but Chairman Swazo says he has asked for a police station.

On the Phone: Areini Swazo

“We tried to get police into the area and, I think they moved the police from this side. So I mean, it’s somethivery hard for a village.”

Marion Ali

“Okay, so you’ve been seeking police presence as in a booth?”

On the Phone: Areini Swazo

“Well, not a booth, but at least a station, you know, and more police presence, I mean, patrols and thing within the village.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

Belmopan Man Charged for Murder of Teenager

Last Thursday, we reported the tragic killing of eighteen-year-old Jonathon Leonardo. Over the weekend, police arrested and charged thirty-three-year-old Abraham Shal from Belmopan with murder. According to our earlier report, Leonardo was out socializing with friends at a bar when he had a confrontation with Shal. After Leonardo left the bar and got into his vehicle, Shal allegedly followed him and inflicted fatal injuries. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, confirmed Shal’s arrest.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Reference the murder of Jonathon Leonardo that occurred on the twentieth day of November. On Saturday, Abraham Shal, thirty-three years of Belmopan, was charged for the crime of murder.”