2024 - Channel 5 Belize

CDEMA and NEMO Assists Cacao Farmers in Toledo

Earlier this year, many farmers in Toledo faced devastating losses as raging forest fires destroyed their farm trees, crops, and pastures. Thankfully, they’ve been getting help to get back on their feet. Today, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) stepped in to provide essential agricultural equipment for planting cacao seeds. The ceremony saw the presence of Toledo West Area Representative Oscar Requena, NEMO Coordinator Daniel Mendez, and a representative from CDEMA’s co-sponsor. News Five’s Marion Ali has the story.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Six months ago, southern and western Belize were engulfed in flames as uncontrolled forest fires raged for weeks, devastating farmlands, pastures, and crops. A situational report later revealed that over ten thousand hectares of agricultural land in Toledo were destroyed. Today, there’s a glimmer of hope as some of those farmers received much-needed assistance from NEMO to replant cacao. Coordinator Daniel Mendez shared details about the equipment and support provided.

Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator, NEMO

“What we are providing is these two components. And so, this this short opening really is the beginning of a longer-term process. We will be working with the Toledo Cacao Growers Association and the Maya Mountain Cacao in the next few in the next few months to start to provide more assistance so that in next year you will be able to start to your your farms will be able to start to recover. So this is only one component that we’re starting today, and the rest will continue and we will do everything we can to keep on providing support to you.”

CDEMA’s global donor partner, Global Affairs Canada, has provided funding to assist in the project and today, CDEMA’s Project Coordinator, Jason Francis, explained that it is also important for crops to be more climate resilient.

Jason Francis, Project Coordinator, CDEMA

“As we witness the handover of this important agricultural equipment purchased through this project, the CDEMA Coordinating Unit is happy to have partnered to provide Canadian 140, 000 worth of equipment and support to support the restoration of the cocoa sector here in Belize. In this region in particular to support the hardworking farmers here today and their families. We urge continued engagement and continued cooperation between national, regional, international, and in particular, our community experts on how we can build climate resilience, particularly in the agricultural sector.”

Jose Coy, who is the Managing Director of Maya Mountain Cacao Farms, says that he will try to get better prices for the farmers, depending on what the international market is offering.

Jose Coy, Managing Director, Maya Mountain Cacao Farm

“We’ll be reaching out to you to share cacao seedlings so that you can replant, so that then the industry can continue to boom. We’re right now doing our budget and looking at the estimated cacao beans that were estimated to buy for this season. So I’m seeing that cacao industry, at least my mountain will bring nearly $2 million to Toledo district. So each farmer will be selling cacao beans; you’ll be receiving your money for your beans.”

Coy shared that farmers in Trio are currently earning two dollars and twenty-five cents per pound of cacao beans they sell. However, since they rent land from the government, $0.25 is deducted from each pound. He added that if international prices go up, the extra earnings will be passed on to the cacao farmers. Marion Ali for News Five.

Action Pack Sports Weekend in Football, Basketball and Cycling

Good evening, sports fans! Welcome to another exciting edition of Sports Monday. I’m your host, Paul Lopez. Tonight, we’re diving straight into the action at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex, the heart of the Belize District Football Association’s First Division Opening Season for 2024-2025. We’ve got a thrilling season ahead with thirty-two games lined up, taking us all the way to mid-January 2025. We’ll be bringing you coverage of most, if not all, of the eight teams battling it out on the field.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Tonight, we’ve got highlights from the second match of Saturday afternoon, featuring Caesar Ridge FC in their striking black and white jerseys, going head-to-head with Tut Bay FC, who sported green and black. Throw in for Tut Bay in the eighth minute. The ball intercepted by number six for Caesar Ridge, he passes it off down the field. It gets a bit physical there for him. Number seventeen in hot pursuit inside the penalty box. He was able to get the ball in front of the goal. Right place, right time for Antwane Baptist who gave Caesar Ridge a one-to-nothing lead. Here in the thirty-fourth minute, there was a goal kick for Caesar Ridge. Excellent header from Tut Bay to change direction. Tut Bay’s strikers in position, hunting the ball. A high kick sent the ball flying over the defensive line. Calvin Thurton in hot pursuit. He is intercepted but gets a second chance and makes good on it. The game is tied at one a piece.

The first half ended with each team scoring one goal. But, early in the second half, Tut Bay FC gains possession. A kick to the goal goes off target, but Zebolon Leslie came sprinting in from the left wing and launched a bullet towards goal. That’s two goals for Tut Bay FC. Only four minutes later, Tut Bay once again in possession. Caesar Ridge’s defenders were outnumbered, as Leslie got the pass and was able to make space at the top of the penalty box. He launched another rocket towards the goal and that counts. Tut Bay has the lead with three goals to their opponents one goal. The referee called a handball inside the penalty box against Tut Bay sixty-five minutes into the game. Caesar Ridge’s Ken Galvez took the penalty kick and scored. Tut Bay scored the game’s final goal right before the final whistle was blown, putting this game to rest, and as goal scorer Esmond Sanker signaled, putting Caesar Ridge FC to bed for the evening.

And so, as things heat up with that first division tournament, high schoolers are facing off in the Belize District Basketball Tournament to decide which team will represent this region in National High School Basketball Championship. Saint John’s College played against Sadie Vernon High School in this one. SJC’s Thompson with the steal and he makes it to the other end for the layup. Augustine for Sadie Vernon wide open from the three-point line and he banks the shot. SJC’s Daniel Musa gets the pass, drives and pulls up. That’s good.

The first quarter finished eight to seven points in favor of SJC. And, it was mostly downhill from there for Sadie Vernon. They scored one point in the second quarter and only two points in the third, while SJC was able to score eighteen points in those two quarters combined. Sadie Vernon came back in the fourth quarter with a last-minute dash to the finish line, outscoring SJC by two points, with thirteen points. But, ultimately it was not enough to bring down SJC, led by captain Daniel Musa. Both Thompson and Musa led the game in points scored.

And now for some more football action, we bring you our weekly coverage of the Anthony Mahler Under-Thirteen Mundialito Tournament. We covered two games. The first was between Reality Youths and Tut Bay FC. After three periods of solid defending and well-executed offensive plays on both ends, neither team was able to score against the other. And so, this one ended nil, nil. In the second match, Berger United took on Sampson Brown. Berger United made their debut earlier this year with a bang and they are back to see if they got what it takes to win it all. In this one, Breylin Middleton wasted no time, scoring the first goal for Berger in the third minute. Middleton again, four minutes later, goes in to recover the ball and touches it gently into the goal. Good football knowledge on display for such a young player.

Middleton was not quite done just yet. At the eleventh minute, he speeds past a defender while maintaining possession, fires and it goes into the goal. That’s a hat trick for Middleton. Berger United defeated Sampson/Brown, four goals to zero.

And finally, for tonight, here are some highlights from the Women’s Road Race 2024 courtesy Ordonez Bike Shop. This one went from Belize City to Hattieville and back. These cyclists competed in three different categories, Junior, Elite and Over-Thirty-Eight. Nearing mile four, two riders are leading the race, sixteen-year-old Chelsea Gillett and Francine Gigli. They pried open the gap, creating a chase group behind them. Some twenty-six minutes later, the two lead riders saw their lead cut down significantly. Kaya Cattouse went in and picked up the pace to bridge the gap, pulling the chase group behind her. At the Hattieville roundabout, sixteen riders were together in the lead group, headed into Belize City. Kaya Cattouse with the attack at mile thirteen, pumping energy into the lead group of riders. She did not get too far before being reigned in.

With the finish line in sight, Gigli is driving the pace, but Kaya Cattouse was right on her. And, with a final burst of energy Cattouse was first to cross the finish line. She secured first place in the elite category. Chelsea Gillett came in first in the junior category. Fiona Humes secured first place in the over-thirty-eight category. Well folks, that is all we have for you in this week’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.

Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “Globally, 1 in 3 women experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.” To raise awareness, the Ministry of Public Service, Political and Constitutional Reform, and Religious Affairs launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Belmopan this morning. The event began at the Belmopan roundabout and will run from November 25 to December 10, focusing on supporting women and girls affected by violence.

Mayor of Belmopan, Pablo Cawich, stressed the need for collective action, saying, “It is essential that we all come together to address this critical issue.” He pointed out that the statistics and stories are reminders that many women continue to suffer in silence. “These 16 days are not just a symbolic moment; they are a call to action, a reminder that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to creating safer, more equitable spaces for all,” Mayor Cawich added.

The President of the National Women’s Commission, Thea Garcia Ramirez, also spoke at the event, stating, “We must prevent violence, support survivors, and challenge the societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality.” She explained that when women are “indoctrinated” into violent behaviours, they grow up thinking such actions are “okay.” She stressed on the need to change this culture in Belize, urging people not to “hide behind tradition or culture.”

A key moment of the ceremony was the raising of an orange flag, which symbolised hope and unity for a violence-free Belize. Attendees wore orange to support the campaign’s theme: #NOEXCUSE.

Over the next two weeks, various events, such as workshops and community discussions, will take place to continue the fight against gender-based violence.

Shyne Says He Hasn’t Received Diddy’s Cease-and-Desist

Moses “Shyne” Barrow says he has not seen Sean “Diddy’s Comb cease-and-desist letter. In an interview with News 5, Barrow said, “I didn’t see it; I don’t even know if it exists. That’s just a rumor.” When we asked him if he had received it, he said, “No. Not at all.”

Over the weekend, it was reported that Diddy sent a cease-and-desist letter to Shyne over allegations made in The Honourable Shyne, a new Hulu documentary.

The film revisits the infamous 1999 New York City nightclub shooting, which led to Shyne’s conviction and 10-year prison sentence, while Diddy was acquitted. In the documentary, Shyne claims he was made the “fall guy” for the incident—a statement Diddy has called “unequivocally false.”

Sources told Page Six that the letter seeks to ensure Shyne’s remarks remain fact-based.

In the documentary, Shyne reflects on his past, suggesting Diddy’s alleged actions are now “coming to light.” He stated, “When I said it [then], everyone was partying with Diddy while I was left to rot in prison.”

Diddy’s representatives deny the allegations. “Mr. Combs was acquitted of all charges and cannot condone these claims,” a spokesperson said, describing Shyne’s comments as “disappointing.”

Shyne’s Journey Hits the Big Screen in Belize

Shyne’s Journey Hits the Big Screen in Belize

Belizeans headed to the Princess Cinema in Belize City on Sunday evening for the premiere of a highly anticipated documentary chronicling the life of Moses “Shyne” Barrow. The film, The Honourable Shyne, produced by Disney in collaboration with Andscape, delves into the journey of the Leader of the Opposition, tracing his rise from the streets of Belize to international stardom and political prominence.

Moviegoers expressed a mix of excitement and curiosity as they arrived at the screening. Bernard Panton Jr. described the event as a “historical moment for Shyne,” highlighting the significance of a Belizean documentary focused on a politician. William Neal added that Shyne’s story offers lessons for anyone willing to learn from it.

The documentary, running for an hour and forty-three minutes, portrays Shyne’s tumultuous journey. From his rise to fame at Bad Boy Records and his imprisonment in the United States to his deportation and return to Belize, the film sheds light on his evolution into a political leader.

On the red carpet, Shyne reflected on his life’s lessons. “Never give up; it is never too late, and you can do absolutely anything,” he shared. “The cost of success is great pain, sacrifice, and consistency, but with unwavering commitment, success is possible.”

As attendees exited the theatre, many shared their admiration for the film. Devon Gabriel praised the documentary’s relatability, calling it a testament to overcoming adversity. Fidelis Bermudez expressed appreciation for Shyne’s story, saying, “Anybody who is a Belizean who has known what it is to struggle, to grow up in a world where people have limited you and have said that you are going to amount to nothing and to actually overcome that.”

However, the documentary’s success has not come without controversy. Embattled music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, currently in prison, has reportedly issued a cease-and-desist letter concerning Shyne’s retelling of the events of December 26, 1999, at Club New York—a night that irrevocably altered his life. Shyne dismissed the claims, stating he has not received such a letter and stands by his story, focusing instead on gratitude for his achievements in music and life.

Motorcycle Accident Victim Identified

Earlier today we reported on a fatal road traffic accident that occurred at Mile 45 on the George Price Highway on Saturday night. The accident involved two persons on a motorcycle, both of whom were reportedly not wearing protective helmets.

Initial reports indicated that one rider was seen motionless on the highway, while the other appeared to be critically injured but still breathing on the ground.

This afternoon, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Hilberto Romero, reported more details on this incident. He said that police found the two men lying on the road with injuries. “They were identified as Roy Martinez and Kenny Garcia,” said Romero.

ACP, Hilberto Romero confirmed that both men were taken to the hospital, where Martinez later succumbed to his injuries. Garcia is currently in stable condition. “It appears that they lost control of the motorcycle,” Romero stated. When asked if they collided with another vehicle, he replied, “I’m not aware of that; it seems they lost control.”

Another Fatal Motorcycle Accident

Why was Libertad Couple Targeted?

Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Sunday night, November 24, in the Libertad Village, Corozal. Edwin Gomez and his common-law wife, Reina Tobar, were rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero told reporters that Gomez said he was at home when he heard his dogs barking. “He came out to make checks. That is when he heard several gunshots and realised he was shot… The person followed him and fired more shots,” Romero said.

Romero confirmed that one suspect is in custody in connection with the shooting.

He added, “Both victims remain in stable condition at the hospital.” When asked about the motive for the shooting, Romero stated, “We do not have a motive at this point. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the incident.”

Rising Rivers Threaten Multiple Regions

Germany Plans Mass Shelter Expansion as Tensions with Russia Escalate

Germany is preparing a list of bunkers that could provide emergency shelter for civilians in the event of conflict escalation. The country’s interior ministry revealed that basements, subway stations, and private properties might be converted into shelters, with a special app detailing their locations. Currently, there are 579 public shelters with a capacity for around 480,000 people. According to the most recent data obtained in December of 2023, Germany’s population is 84,669,326.

This move comes as a result of growing tensions with Russia and rising calls for faster expansion of civil protection measures.

According to NATO’s Admiral Rob Bauer, Russia’s army has grown in size, but its overall quality has deteriorated. “The quality of those forces has gone down,” he said, citing poor training and outdated equipment. The comments came after reports of up to 12,000 North Korean combat troops being sent to assist Russia.

Arsalan Bilal, a hybrid warfare expert, warned that Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics against the West are “very real” and have long-lasting effects. He explained that Russia has been combining military and non-military strategies to weaken Western security, using methods like sabotage. “The damage is very real,” Bilal said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed possible paths to end the war in Ukraine. Erdogan has previously mediated peace talks, including the 2022 Black Sea grain deal, and proposed a peace plan this month, which was rejected by Russia.

Five European countries, including Germany, France, and the UK, are increasing their support to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities. The move follows the growing involvement of North Korean troops in the war and a shift in U.S. policy to allow Ukraine to use longer-range missiles against Russia.

Netanyahu Approves Ceasefire Deal with Hezbollah

Netanyahu Approves Ceasefire Deal with Hezbollah

The Israeli cabinet is ready to vote on a ceasefire deal with Lebanon on Tuesday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave the plan his approval “in principle.” Netanyahu signalled his potential support during a security consultation with Israeli officials on Sunday night. The proposed deal aims to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah and is expected to pass in the cabinet vote.

While Israeli officials signal that talks are progressing, a Lebanese official revealed a ceasefire could be announced “within 24 hours.” But the deal has sparked sharp divisions in Israel. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir blasted the agreement as a “big mistake” and a “historic missed opportunity” to wipe out Hezbollah.

Residents in northern Israel and southern Lebanon have voiced concerns, with some fearing the ceasefire might be a repeat of the 2006 agreement that allowed Hezbollah fighters to return to the border. Nizan Zeevi, a resident of northern Israel, described the potential deal as a “surrender agreement” that could allow Hezbollah’s special forces to move closer to his home.

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, who has been involved in the negotiations, said the ceasefire is “within our grasp,” with hopes that it could lead to a 60-day cessation of hostilities.

However, tensions are still high, and both sides continue to exchange fire, with Israel’s Home Front Command warning of increased rocket fire ahead of the vote.

Rising Rivers Threaten Multiple Regions

Residents are advised to monitor waterways and exercise caution or extreme caution, depending on the region, as flood conditions persist across several areas.

In Region 7, increasing flood stage levels are expected on the Rio Hondo at Blue Creek North and at Santa Cruz, San Antonio, San Roman, and Douglas to the coast. On the New River, bankfull stage levels are anticipated at Hill Bank, Tower Hill, and Caledonia to the coast.

In Region 9, extreme caution is urged. On the Mopan River at Benque Viejo Town, flood stage levels are expected to continue. On the Macal River, the Chalillo, Mollejon, and Vaca spillways remain active at the Fortis facilities, while flood levels at San Ignacio are decreasing. On the Belize River, flood levels are dropping at More Tomorrow but rising at Double Run. In Crooked Tree Lagoon, water levels have exceeded the causeway and continue to rise.

In Region 11, flood stage levels are decreasing on the Sibun River at Freetown Sibun. However, above-normal levels are observed on the Southern Lagoon near Gales Point Village. On the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains and the Sittee River at Kendal Bridge, above-normal levels persist. Flood stage levels are expected on the branches of the Monkey River at Swasey and Bladen, while normal levels are reported on the Deep River at Medina Bank. Above-normal levels are expected on the Rio Grande at San Pedro Columbia and Big Falls South, the Moho River at Blue Creek South and Jordan, and the Temash River at Crique Sarco.

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

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and exercise appropriate precautions.