January, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

SSB Brings Services to Your Fingertips

The digitalisation, or digital transformation, of companies and businesses in Belize has been setting the pace over the last few years across many sectors, and the Social Security Board (SSB) is no exception. Today, SSB’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Leroy Almendarez, told News 5 that the SSB’s services are now literally at your fingertips.

“Even though we have nine branches across the country, it would be easier if anyone could just sit at their laptop and access our services… right at your fingertips,” Almendarez stated.

The digitalisation of SSB includes the access to create a “My Social Security Online Portal,” which is a new digital tool on the Social Security Board website. It is designed to allow employees, employers, and self-employed individuals to track their contributions, file claims, and even plan for retirement with the “touch of a button.”

Almendarez added that the digital transformation goes beyond just convenience. He said SSB is tackling long-standing challenges, such as improving claim processes for sickness benefits, streamlining employer submissions, and even allowing doctors to directly upload the required forms to the system to eliminate the need for patients to submit signed documents themselves.

“Let us say for a sickness benefit, you go to a doctor, and the doctor signs that form; there is now a portal where the medical doctor can actually upload that information. So you don’t have to really bring the doctor signs off on it after the examination,” he told News 5.

And while there are many tech-savvy people out there, what happens to those who are not quite digitally literate? Almendarez says that the SSB is offering support and guidance from trained individuals during this transition to make sure everyone can take advantage of the new system, no matter their experience with computers.

“One of the frontline agents will help you; customer service agents will also help you… in terms of how to use the system, how to even create an account,” he added.

US Stocks Plunge Amid Chinese AI Breakthrough by DeepSeek

US stock markets faced a sharp downturn on Monday after Chinese AI startup DeepSeek unveiled a groundbreaking AI model, R1, which operates at a fraction of the cost of existing US models. This announcement shook investor confidence in the US tech sector, sending the tech-heavy Nasdaq down 3.1%, while Nvidia lost nearly $600 billion in market value—the largest single-day loss ever recorded.

DeepSeek’s R1 model, developed with just $5.6 million in computing costs, challenges the dominance of US AI leaders like OpenAI, Google, and Meta, which spend billions on similar technologies. This development raises questions about the sustainability of US companies’ heavy investments in AI and their competitive edge.

Nvidia, a leading AI chip supplier, saw its stock plummet by 17%, while other major tech companies, including Meta and Alphabet, also experienced significant losses. Energy companies tied to AI data centres and cryptocurrencies followed suit, further amplifying market declines.

The announcement has drawn attention to undervalued Chinese tech companies, with analysts predicting increased investor interest in the sector. However, scepticism remains about whether DeepSeek’s claims will hold up and if this breakthrough signals a lasting shift in the AI landscape. The market volatility is expected to continue as US tech firms report earnings and address the implications of this disruptive innovation.

British Army Sergeant Accused of Raping Woman in Belize

A British Army sergeant is accused of raping a female colleague after a night out in Belize, a court martial has heard.

Sergeant Tauhakau Viavialevu, a member of the Welsh Guards, is accused of assaulting the woman in a hotel room with a single double bed, which he had booked for the night.

According to the prosecution at Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire, Sgt. Viavialevu had been drinking heavily at a bar earlier in the evening before returning to the room. The court heard that during the night, he allegedly began ‘spooning’ the female soldier, who tried to move away. Despite her repeated objections and requests for him to stop, Sgt. Viavialevu reportedly kissed her neck, removed her clothes, and forced himself on her.

The prosecutor, Colonel Jim Carmichael, described how the woman attempted to resist by closing her legs and verbally protesting. However, Sgt. Viavialevu allegedly held her arms down and ignored her pleas, proceeding to assault her. The court heard that the next morning, he acted as though nothing had happened.

The female soldier, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, initially tried to continue with her duties but later reported the alleged assault after an incident in which Sgt. Viavialevu slapped her on the bottom. In a police interview shown to the court, she described feeling “hopeless” and “angry” during the attack. She said, “I kept saying, ‘Can you stop?’ He was just not listening to me. I felt like I was looking at a different person.”

Sgt. Viavialevu denies the charges of rape and sexual assault by penetration, asserting that nothing sexual occurred between them. The trial is ongoing.

LOO Moses “Shyne” Barrow Slams PUP Policies

Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow, has strongly criticised the Briceño Administration, accusing it of using distractions and subversion to shift focus away from critical policies. During a press conference this morning, Barrow said that the government has resorted to tactics that prioritise personalities over policies.

“We will not yield to such diversion tactics. We will stay focused on policies that will make the lives of the Belizean people better. That is what is at stake in these general elections,” he said.

Barrow pledged that a UDP government would, on its first day, reinstate and expand the social welfare programs that the People’s United Party (PUP) eliminated when they assumed office. “And we will not only reinstate but we will expand those programs, which is what the People’s United Party promised to do. They used to rail up about BOOST and the food subsidy program and our social welfare programs and that not enough people were getting. And it is so shameful that on day one, during COVID, when this administration came to office. They erased all of those programs, but we will implement them on day one. We will expand them on day one to ensure that all Belizeans in need will get relief from the state. The state that uses the taxpayer dollars,” he added.

Barrow was sharply critical of the PUP’s economic management, calling it “the worst ever” in Belize’s history. “Everywhere you go, all you hear people doing is complaining.”

Barrow also lambasted the Briceño Administration for plans to impose new taxes, claiming that the government is targeting struggling Belizeans instead of wealthy entities. He said, “A vote for this PUP government in the coming general elections will result in at least five new taxes and increased taxes.”

Food Insecurity Hits 40% in Belize Amid Rising Costs and Climate Strain

According to the 2024 Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition, Belize is among the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean most affected by rising food insecurity and the inability to afford a healthy diet.

From 2021 to 2023, over 40% of Belize’s population faced moderate or severe food insecurity, highlighting the country’s vulnerability within the Mesoamerican region. These rates are a stark reminder of the growing impact of external shocks on local livelihoods and food systems.

According to the report, the cost of a healthy diet in Belize rose sharply from 2.83 PPP dollars per person per day in 2021 to 3.10 in 2022. This increase has placed a nutritious diet further out of reach for most Belizeans. Alarmingly, 61.8% of the population in 2022 could not afford a healthy diet, one of the highest rates in Mesoamerica.

Despite high levels of food insecurity, Belize recorded a relatively low prevalence of undernourishment at 4.6% for the 2021–2023 period. This positions Belize as one of the least affected countries in Mesoamerica in terms of calorie deficits, but the figures do not capture broader challenges such as access to diverse and nutritious foods.

The report notes that Belize has taken proactive steps to address these challenges. The National Food and Nutrition Security Commission plays a crucial role in planning and coordinating policies aimed at reducing hunger and malnutrition. However, the persistent impacts of climate variability and rising food costs underscore the need for more targeted interventions and investments to bolster resilience.

Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods have disrupted agriculture and food supply chains in Belize. These disruptions, coupled with global economic challenges, are intensifying local food insecurity. Vulnerable populations, particularly those in rural and low-income communities, are disproportionately affected, with limited resources to adapt to rising food costs and worsening climate impacts.

The report highlights the need for Belize to strengthen its resilience to climate change through sustainable agricultural practices, improved food systems, and increased support for vulnerable groups. Regional collaboration will also be essential to addressing shared challenges and securing food systems for future generations.

Father of Six Sentenced to 26 Years for Horrific Crimes

A father of six has been sentenced to nearly 27 years in prison for sexually abusing a minor girl over several years. Robert Usher, 34, was convicted of raping the victim on three occasions, in addition to charges of aggravated and sexual assault.

The abuse reportedly began when the victim was only eight years old and continued until she was 17. It started in September 2010, when she was only at the age of eight, and he raped her 3 times when she turned 13. The abuse stopped only when the victim moved away and authorities were informed.

Usher’s sentencing was delivered Monday morning by Justice Candace Nanton, and he received a reduced sentence of 26 years, 11 months, and 14 days. This reduction accounts for time spent on remand and certain mitigating factors. Throughout the trial, Usher denied all charges and maintained his innocence.

Attorney Norman Rodriguez, who represented Usher during the sentencing phase, outlined the details of the sentence. “It was actually two counts involving aggravated assault and sexual assault and three counts of rape for a maximum sentence. Overall sentence of 26 years, 11 months, and 14 days. That would mean that they subtracted the eight days he had spent on remand, and there was a deduction of a year for the mitigating testimonies of the witnesses.”

Miss Sonia Perishes in Dangriga Fire

A fire broke out late Monday night in the Benqueche area of Dangriga Town. Police were called to the scene around 11:00 PM, where they found a house fully engulfed in flames and the body of an elderly woman who we know as Miss Sonia.

A relative shared on Facebook, “Pain we fi si how u gawn granny.” She added, “U hurt we Sonia.”

A video footage shows authorities removing her remains from the burnt house. The cause of the fire is being investigated.

This is a developing story.

Man Charged with Mark Waight’s Murder in Belize City

Regarding the murder of 24-year-old Mark Waight, which occurred on Saturday, January 25, police on Monday, January 27, formally arrested and charged 22-year-old Peter Amado Lara, a Belizean construction worker from Belize City, with the crime of murder.

Waight was gunned down on Central American Boulevard, between Faber’s Road and Trinity Street, in front of his girlfriend’s home. During the incident, 33-year-old Francine Herbert was critically injured. The violence reportedly began when Waight got into a dispute with another man, who then pulled out a gun and shot him multiple times. Waight collapsed into a nearby drain and was pronounced dead before reaching the K.H.M.H.

Man Acquitted of Murder Shot Dead

Tonight, we report on a tragic incident that unfolded on Saturday night. Mark Waight, who had previously been acquitted of the murder of news reporter Kareem Clarke, was shot dead. Police have detained a suspect in connection with the shooting. The twenty-four-year-old Waight was gunned down, and thirty-three-year-old Francine Herbert was critically injured in the incident. It all happened on Central American Boulevard, between Faber’s Road and Trinity Street, right in front of Waight’s girlfriend’s home. The trouble started when Waight got into a dispute with another man, who then pulled out a gun and shot him multiple times. Waight collapsed into a nearby drain and was pronounced dead before reaching the K.H.M.H. News Five’s Marion Ali has the details.

Marion Ali, Reporting

On Saturday night, twenty-four-year-old Mark Waight’s life was tragically cut short after he got into a heated altercation. The incident occurred just after nine p.m. The Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams provided an update on what the police had learned so far.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Sometime after nine p.m., thereabout, police received reports of shots fired on Faber’s Road. They responded and upon doing so they encountered the lifeless body of Mark Waight in a drain. The body exhibited what appeared to be gunshot injuries. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Another person who was in his company – a female – was also transported to the hospital. She also had gunshot injuries. She’s currently admitted in a critical but stable condition. We’re hoping that she’ll be able to make a full recovery. So far, police have one person detained and our investigation into that matter continues.”

Isani Cayetano

“We understand that as many as twelve rounds, if not more, were fired from what is being described as a high-powered weapon. Is that so?”

Chester Williams

“I don’t know where they get high-powered weapon but the expended shells found were nine millimeter rounds.”

This afternoon, A.C.P. Hilberto Romero had more information on what led to the murder.

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

“Investigations reveal that Mark Waight and others were socializing at a yard when there was an argument, thereafter somebody pulled out a firearm and fired several shots towards his direction, causing the injuries to him and to Frances Herbert. We have one suspect in custody and the investigation continues at this time.”

Marion Ali

“Can you tell us what the motive of this? I mean, aside from having the dispute, what was the dispute over?”

A.C.P Hilberto Romero

“That is all we have uncovered at this time, that they had some dispute and somebody pulled out a firearm.”

Mark Waight was no stranger to trouble with the law. Back in August 2021, he was involved in a dramatic high-speed chase and shootout with police in the Stann Creek District. During that incident, he was shot in the leg, and police confiscated a .38 revolver from him. At the time, authorities said Waight was part of a group planning a hit in Dangriga. In December 2019, Waight was acquitted of the murder of Amandala journalist Kareem Clarke. Clarke was tragically shot and killed on July sixth, 2015, while riding his bicycle over the bridge at the junction of Vernon and Lakeview Streets. Despite reviewing surveillance footage, police couldn’t identify the shooter, and no witnesses came forward. Waight also faced an attempted murder charge for the shooting of Jamelia Neal, who was shot multiple times while socializing at a shop on Caesar Ridge Road. The shooter in that case had a shirt over his head, making identification difficult. Waight was the father of two young children. Marion Ali for News Five.

For more information visit:

https://edition.channel5belize.com/suspect-remains-in-custody-following-saturdays-murder/

https://edition.channel5belize.com/young-man-detained-for-latest-murder/

Man Claims Police Abused Him; Police Say Not So

Police have provided their side of an incident in Independence Village, where a man claims he was abused by officers. Twenty-four-year-old Emil Rivas was detained at the Belize Bank compound and charged with possessing a knife and resisting arrest. Rivas, who says he has asthma, alleges that he was stripped down to his boxers and left in a cold cell. He also claims that after police told him to run, they beat him and shot him in the stomach and back. However, the police tell a different story. They say Rivas found a machete in a yard and brandished it at them, which led to them shooting him. Today, A.C.P. Hilberto Romero shared the police’s version of events.

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

“On Friday, the 24th of January 2025, Emil Rivas was detained at Independence for aggravated assault after it is alleged that he had assaulted somebody with a knife. He was taken into custody, where at the station, he jumped out of the back of a police vehicle where he received some injuries. He was immediately apprehended and taken to the cell. where he was detained. Then on Saturday morning, while the cell was being cleaned, he ran from the police who were cleaning the cell. He went to a nearby house where it is alleged that he armed himself with a machete. The police cornered him, and there was a struggle. Attempts were made to disarm him from the machete. A warning shot was fired, but that did not work. At some point, then the police officer shot him to the leg. He’s presently admitted in a stable condition. As in every police shooting, an investigation will be carried out by the Professional Standards Branch.”

Reporter

“Is a particular police officer being looked at in this incident, someone who has been involved in this kind of thing before?”

A.C.P Hilberto Romero

“Well, there are several police officers that were involved, some at the cell block and some who brought him into custody.”

Reporter

“We understand that his mom was turned away allegedly by police when they took him to the hospital. Is it a policy that someone is under detention, family members are not allowed access?”

A.C.P Hilberto Romero

“I’m not aware of that but if he’s in police custody, then at some point, yes, she can visit.”

Reporter

“He has several injuries on him and the allegation is that some of those injuries were inflicted by police. How do you respond?”

A.C.P Hilberto Romero

“Again, the report is that he jumped out of the back of a police vehicle, he received injuries. Thereafter, efforts were made to try and disarm him from the machete, so some force was used on him. So again, I said an investigation will be carried out.”