Benita Keme-Palacio - Channel 5 Belize

Police Constable Detained for Allegedly Shooting Common-Law Husband

A domestic incident involving two police officers has led to one being detained. The altercation occurred late last night, around 10:30 PM.

According to reports, 29-year-old Police Constable Janeau Arzu, who is attached to the Special Patrol Unit (SPU), is in police custody after allegedly attempting to shoot her common-law husband, 23-year-old Police Constable Kendale Nunez.

Nunez, 23, reported to authorities that at approximately 10:30 last night Arzu reportedly took the firearm he had put away, and allegedly pointed it at him.

She reportedly accused him of having an affair and said, “Tell yuh boss come for yuh.” As Nunez fled to the front door, Arzu allegedly fired a single shot, which missed him.

She then allegedly threatened him, saying, “The next one will ketch you in the head.”

Police recovered one expended shell on the scene. Janeau Arzu has been detained for questioning in connection with the incident.

Roof Collapse at Belize City Bus Terminal Injures Woman

A sudden roof collapse at the Belize City Bus Terminal has sent Ana Moralez to the emergency room. Her husband, Filito Chanim, told News Five that a piece of falling cement struck her without warning.

Chanim explained that he, his wife, and his son-in-law were preparing to catch a bus back to Belmopan when a section of the terminal’s cement roof collapsed unexpectedly. The piece of cement struck Moralez on the shoulder and injured another woman.

Chanim said he did not initially realise the extent of Moralez’s injuries due to the shock. “I was terrorised; I was frightened,” Chanim stated. “I didn’t even realise it had fallen on her at first,” Chanim said, still shaken by the incident. He added, “I didn’t even know that the thing fell on her. Because I think the impact that she got at the moment, she didn’t react. She reacted a couple minutes after she realised that she got hurt. and that’s when she jumped and hugged me. And when she hugged me, she was falling.”

Following the collapse, people inside the terminal feared further pieces would fall.

When asked if any assistance was rendered by employees at the terminal, Chanim said, “No, there was none. There was a couple of employees sitting at the top, laughing. I don’t know what was funny.”

A taxi driver provided transportation to the hospital, where Moralez and the other injured woman are now being treated. Chanim, who is currently unemployed, is calling for those responsible for the terminal’s maintenance to address the situation and assist with the medical expenses.

4.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Los Angeles Area

A 4.7-magnitude earthquake struck the Los Angeles area this morning. The quake centred four miles north of Malibu and occurred about seven miles below the surface.

Despite the noticeable impact, no injuries or major damage were reported immediately after the quake.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Lt. Adam Zeko stated, “The quake jolted the area and shook for about 15 or 20 seconds.” He added, “We’re still conducting a critical facilities check,” though he confirmed, “We haven’t gotten anything major at this time.”

A live camera at the 115-year-old Santa Monica Pier showed several seconds of intense shaking during the quake.

Recent months have seen several quakes in the area, including a 4.4-magnitude earthquake in August that caused similar disturbances from Los Angeles to San Diego.

Belizean Youth Christa Salam Speaks at 4th Summit for First Ladies and Gentlemen in Ukraine

Belizean youth Christa Salam is representing Belize at the 4th Summit for First Ladies and Gentlemen in Kyiv, Ukraine. At just 22 years old, Salam from Jacinto Ville, Toledo, delivered a poignant and empowering speech that resonated deeply with this year’s theme, ‘Child Safety.’

Salam has been in Kyiv since September 5 and is set to return on September 17. Salam addressed the audience with a deep personal resonance and broad message of empowerment. She is currently studying Natural Resources Management at the University of Belize’s Belmopan Campus,

Salam shared her own story. “I am a young indigenous Maya woman from the beautiful and very green country of Belize in Central America,” she said. Salam spoke about her early life challenges, including the loss of her father and her mother’s tireless efforts to support their family despite numerous hardships.

In her speech, Salam also highlighted her work with Belizean youth, focussing on human rights, community development, and helping a troubled child find hope and support.

“Children of Ukraine and around the world, you are the present and the future,” Salam urged. “Continue to be the brightest CHAHIM (one star) and brighten the dark situation for others to see and hear the fight and join collective responsibilities for others in this life.”

Rossana Briceño Leads Discussion on Family Support and Child Mental Health

The Fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen in Kyiv, Ukraine, is drawing global attention as it addresses critical issues surrounding child safety and family support. Rossana Briceño, wife of the Prime Minister of Belize, is among the key figures participating in this event, hosted by Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska.

Briceño is a key participant in the discussion on “Child Safety in the Family.” This segment addresses challenges in parenting, government support for families, and mental health care for children. The goal is to develop collaborative solutions and share effective practices to improve child safety and well-being worldwide.

The Belize delegation’s itinerary includes several notable events. They will engage in a cover photoshoot for ELLE Ukraine, visit Okhmatdyt National Specialized Children’s Hospital, and tour the newly established Child Rights Protection Center. The visit to Okhmatdyt, which has been impacted by recent missile attacks, highlights the urgent need for international support.

Additionally, Briceño will participate in a UNICEF podcast recording, discussing child safety and ethical considerations. This involvement reflects Belize’s commitment to international collaboration in improving child welfare and supporting family systems globally.

Belize Senators Advance Caribbean Digital Economy at Miami Workshop

Digital transformation in the Caribbean took a significant step forward as Senators Carolyn Trench-Sandiford and Isabel Bennett-Moody participated in a key workshop in Miami focused on digital economies. The event, titled “The Role of Parliaments in Transforming Digital Economies in the Caribbean,” took place on September 7 and 8, 2024.

The workshop gathered lawmakers and senators from 13 CARICOM countries and the US Congress to discuss how parliaments can drive digital change.

The sessions covered how to create and support policies that enhance digital growth. The workshop provided a platform for sharing useful strategies and ideas.

All travel expenses for Trench-Sandiford and Bennett-Moody were covered by the event organisers.

DFC and NIME Team Up to Support Women-Own Businesses in Belize

Women entrepreneurs in Belize are set to gain significant support as the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Belize International Network for Women in Business (NIME) announce a new partnership aimed at advancing women-owned businesses and driving economic growth in Belize.

The partnership is designed to align DFC’s goal of becoming the “Bank for Women” with NIME’s mission to support women-led enterprises. In an official press release, it states that DFC will provide financial resources and business development support to NIME members. “We are proud to partner with NIME to support the growth and success of women-led businesses in Belize… By providing the necessary tools and support to women entrepreneurs, we aim to create lasting, positive impacts in both their personal and professional lives,” stated DFC.

NIME echoed this sentiment: “Our aim is to continue to establish synergies with institutions like DFC who understand the importance of investment in women-owned businesses and the support needed for our women entrepreneurs at the micro, small, and medium levels.”

Maduro Faces Economic Crisis as Dollar Reserves Dwindle and Bolívar Plummets

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is grappling with escalating economic challenges as his administration rapidly depletes the nation’s dollar reserves. Following his controversial declaration as the winner of the July presidential election, Maduro has faced significant international criticism, widespread protests, and a noticeable distancing from former allies.

The bolívar has weakened significantly in unofficial markets, trading up to 20% below the official rate, the widest gap since 2022. This drop highlights the shrinking dollar reserves, partly drained by Maduro’s election-related spending on rallies and advertisements.

Economist José Manuel Puente from the Institute of Higher Education in Administration in Caracas noted, “The government decided to keep the exchange rate anchored for political and electoral reasons. The imbalance will end as it always does in Venezuela: with a large exchange rate adjustment, probably with an inflationary shock, and with an economic slowdown or recession.”

Maduro defended his expenditures, saying, “That is not waste. It’s the necessary investment for the country to continue its course.”

Rising inflation is causing severe strain on businesses and contributing to the hardship of 82% of Venezuelans living in poverty. This economic pressure is likely to worsen the migration crisis, which has seen nearly 8 million people leave the country since 2015.

Blood Donations Needed for Lupus Patient Adeline Arnold

A father is reaching out with a heartfelt plea for the community’s support for his 17-year-old daughter, Adeline Ashanti Arnold, who is battling severe complications from lupus. Adeline’s condition has worsened significantly, leaving her bedridden and frequently in the hospital. She is a resident of Roaring Creek Village, Cayo.

Adeline’s family is asking for donations of A-positive and O-positive blood. Local residents who are eligible and willing to help are encouraged to visit nearby blood donation centres.

For those interested in offering further assistance or seeking more information, Adeline’s mother, Denise Gordon, can be reached at 607-0932.

The Arnold family greatly appreciates any support the community can provide during this challenging time.

Ecuador Working on Debt-for-Nature Swap

Goldman Sachs and Bank of America are on the brink of a deal that could reshape Ecuador’s financial landscape while bolstering efforts to save the Amazon rainforest. The two financial giants are crafting a debt-for-nature swap that would allow Ecuador to manage its debt more effectively in exchange for a commitment to environmental conservation.

This ‘deal’ involves refinancing part of Ecuador’s debt with a new, more favourable bond, with the extra savings earmarked for protecting the rainforest. Last year, Ecuador made headlines with the largest debt-for-nature swap ever, saving over $1 billion and aiding conservation efforts in the Galapagos Islands. Now, this new transaction aims to reduce the country’s future debt payments and funding needs for the next few years.

Finance Minister Juan Carlos Vega expressed enthusiasm, highlighting the dual benefits of debt relief and environmental protection.

As reported by BNN Bloomerang, a representative from The Nature Conservancy mentioned in an email to Bloomberg that such projects hold “great potential” for assisting countries in achieving their conservation and climate objectives.

Similarly, on November 5, 2021, Belize signed a debt-for-nature swap with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), an environmental organisation, which reduced the country’s external debt by a striking 10 percent of GDP. “It greatly improved the prospects for marine protection. Belize’s prime minister, John Briceño, said the deal would protect the country’s oceans and pave the way to strong, long-lasting growth,” reported IMF News.

Both Ecuador and Belize’s debt-for-nature swaps illustrate a growing trend of combining financial restructuring with environmental conservation. This approach sets a precedent for future collaborations between financial institutions and conservation organisations.