Author: Benita Keme-Palacio

UDP: Assault Charges Against Deputy Chairman are “Baseless, Vindictive, and Malicious”

The United Democratic Party (UDP) has come forward in defence of its Deputy Chairman, Alberto August, condemning the aggravated assault charges against him as a “baseless, vindictive, and malicious” attack aimed at silencing dissent. According to the UDP, the charges are a deliberate distraction from serious allegations of “illegal voter registration and electoral fraud at the San Ignacio office of the Elections and Boundaries Department,” stated the UDP in a press release.

The Party described these charges against August as a threat to democratic freedoms, stating, “The Freedoms of Speech and Expression are still constitutionally enshrined for every single Belizean citizen, including political opponents.”

According to reports, August was arrested and charged last Wednesday after a complaint from a Cayo resident who claimed he used insulting language towards her at the Elections and Boundaries Office in San Ignacio. August was arrested but granted bail and is awaiting arraignment due to a national conference attended by magistrates.

August responded with gratitude on Facebook for the UDP’s support. “Expressing personal “Thank You” to the United Democratic Party for its public display of support in the face of political prosecution,” stated August.

“Fill Your Cup”: Louisiana National Guard Pours Support to Belize Military’s Mental Health Initiatives

“Nobody can take care of you better than you. You can’t pour from an empty cup; you need to think of ways to fill your cup,” advised Chaplain Page Brooks from the Louisiana National Guard state chaplain, during the Belize Defence Force’s Wellness Exchange in Ladyville, Belize, in August. The program supported the wellness exchange to enhance mental health practices among Belize’s military personnel. 

The four-day program, which was held in Ladyville, Belize, involved Soldiers, Airmen, and Sailors from Belize’s military branches.

Megan Aspinall of the BDF highlighted the initiative’s impact, saying, “The BDF Wellness Program came about as the force recognized that the serving members were experiencing mental health issues that were affecting deployment readiness.” According to the Louisiana National Guard, the program has led to significant improvements, including the opening of a new wellness centre and a decrease in the suicide rate.

Louisiana National Guard’s Resilience Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention Program coordinator, Amber Sayer, noted the universal nature of mental health challenges, stating, “Beyond cultural differences, our servicemen and women experience the exact same stigma, risk factors, financial, and moral concerns.”

Better Belize It! NYC Set for an Epic Belizean Fest

Belizeans, whether at home or abroad, are taking over this weekend to celebrate Belize pride, even in the face of bad weather. While locals will get to enjoy the annual carnival road march, Belizeans in New York City will see the return of the Belize Park Fest on September 7, 2024, at Industry City in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park. 

News 5 spoke with Duane Gutierrez, chairman of the NYC Belize Park Fest, and Dona Andrews, the fest’s secretary, to learn more about this year’s ‘one big Belizean Reunion’ in New York City. 

Gutierrez expressed his vision to bring back the festival so Belizeans can reconnect.  “It’s more so for the next generation of Belizeans that are here. To pretty much get to know their culture and heritage a lot more closer,” said Gutierrez. 

According to Gutierrez and Andrews, the festival offers a slice of home for Belizeans residing in and around NYC—an opportunity for Belizeans to enjoy Belizean food and music.

Andrews highlighted the festival’s dual purpose as both a celebration and a fundraiser. “It is a fundraiser. So once you come and you support us, you’re not supporting us personally, you’re a part of what we are about, our dream, and helping Belizeans. So you are a part of what our dream is about,” she said.

“We’re very excited that we’re going to be helping our Belizeans here and abroad in sports, education, whatever,” she added. 

The Belize Park Fest not only serves as a vibrant celebration of Belizean heritage but also as a meaningful way for the community to contribute to the next generation of Belizeans living abroad. 

Tower Hill Village Inaugurates New Water System

On Thursday, the Rural Transformation Department inaugurated the new Tower Hill Village Rudimentary Water System. The department also distributed water meters valued at over $30,000 to ensure “efficient monitoring and distribution for the benefit of the community.”

The ceremony highlighted the transition from the Carmelita Village system to an independent setup, a move expected to enhance water access and reliability. The department expressed gratitude to UNICEF for their support and to Orange Walk East Area Representative Kevin Bernard for his contributions to the project.

Through the same initiative, the Ministry provided 4” PVC pipes worth over $17,000 to the San Felipe Village Water Board in the Orange Walk District, furthering their commitment to improving local water infrastructure.

As part of UNICEF’s effort to upgrade the rudimentary water systems in twenty villages in southern Belize, the WASH Improvement Programme was implemented, making notable progress in Machakilha village in southern Belize. A newly installed 200-foot well now pumps 120 gallons per minute, an 800% increase, and solar-powered systems have improved water access. This upgrade aims to address the village’s long-standing water scarcity issues, benefiting families that previously had to travel half a mile daily for water.

 

Flash Flood Alert Issued for Areas in Belize District

A Flash Flood Alert is now in effect for the Maskall area in Belize District and surrounding watersheds off the Eastern Slopes of the Mayan Mountains. In an official Flood Forecast, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum, and Mining urged residents to “closely monitor waterways and take caution.”

The Ministry’s Flood Forecast warns of elevated river levels over the next 24 hours. Above-normal levels are expected on the Rio Hondo at Blue Creek North, Santa Cruz, and San Antonio, with near-normal levels downstream at San Roman and Douglas.

Increased levels are expected on the Mopan River at Benque Viejo Town and above normal levels at San Ignacio on the Macal River, though below the low-level bridge. The Belize River at Double Run will have above-normal levels, while Crooked Tree Lagoon levels are expected to stay below the causeway.

The Sibun River at Freetown Sibun will experience bankfull stages and increasing levels on the Southern Lagoon at Gales Point Village. Watersheds on the Eastern Slopes of the Mayan Mountains and rivers like the Sittee, Monkey, and Deep Rivers will also see above-normal levels.

Above-normal levels are anticipated on the Sarstoon River.

Residents in these areas should stay alert for potential flooding.

Juvenile Bull Shark Found Dead in Belize City

A male juvenile bull shark was found dead near Seashore Park in Belize City this afternoon. The Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management reported that the Fisheries Department – Belize responded promptly to retrieve the shark. 

“Initial inspection revealed attack marks on the shark’s body,” the Ministry stated. “The public is reminded that the shark season remains closed until the end of October. Any illegal activities must be reported to the Belize Fisheries Department,” the Ministry Added.

Wet da Wet! Carnival Road March this Saturday

The first week of Belize’s September festivities unveiled a tantalising preview of Saturday’s Carnival Road March, with Carnival Mas Bands showcasing just a taste of what’s to come. If you think you’ve seen it all, think again. This year’s carnival promises an explosion of vibrant colours, high-energy performances, and extravagant costumes.

However, attendees are advised to prepare for possible rain. Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon has reported that a tropical wave is expected to affect Belize. Although Gordon reassured the public that there are no tropical storm or hurricane warnings in effect, he warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms starting tonight: “There is a potential for excessive rainfall tonight and tomorrow. Decreasing on Saturday. So the good news for the activities on Saturday is that the rainfall will not be as heavy,” he stated.

So, hold on to your umbrellas for Belize’s annual carnival experience, rain or shine! Here’s a rundown of more activities for the coming weekend:

Belize City:

  • September 6: Street Fete at Marion Jones Sporting Complex, 9 PM – PAID
  • September 7: Carnival J’ouvert, starting at Belcan Bridge and winding through the principal streets of Belize City, 4 AM – FREE
  • September 7: Carnival Road March, beginning at Memorial Park, proceeding up Marine Parade, onto Barrack Road, then Princess Margaret Drive, and ending at Marion Jones Sporting Complex, 1 PM – FREE
  • September 8: 5th Martin’s Community Fest at Mahogany Street, 10 AM – FREE
  • September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service at Fordyce Chapel, SJC, 6 PM

Belmopan:

  • September 7: Food and Beer Fest at Independence Park, 5 PM
  • September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service at Independence Plaza, 9 AM

San Ignacio & Santa Elena:

  • September 6: Senior Citizen’s Day at Octavia Waight Centre, 11 AM
  • September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

Benque Viejo:

  • September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

Orange Walk:

  • September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

Corozal:

  • September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

San Pedro:

  • September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

Dangriga:

  • September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

Punta Gorda:

  • September 9: Fire Engine Parade through the principal streets of Punta Gorda, 7 PM

Belize Faces Rainy Carnival Weekend with Showers and Thunderstorms on the Way

As carnival celebrations take place this weekend, the National Meteorological Service of Belize warns of mostly cloudy conditions with outbreaks of showers, thunderstorms, and periods of rain. An excessive rainfall watch is in effect, with potential impacts over the next few days. 

Additionally, the National Hurricane Center also reports on several tropical systems:

  1. Northwest Gulf of Mexico: A trough is bringing widespread disorganised showers and thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall is anticipated along the northern Gulf Coast, with only a 10 percent chance of further development.
  2. Northwestern Atlantic: A low-pressure system east of North Carolina could acquire subtropical characteristics. However, development is unlikely once it encounters cooler waters by late Saturday, with a 20 percent chance of further growth.
  3. Eastern Tropical Atlantic: A broad low-pressure area is producing disorganised activity. Some slow development is possible as it drifts northwest, with a 10 percent chance through the next few days.
  4. Western Caribbean Sea: A tropical wave is increasing shower and thunderstorm activity. While significant development is unlikely before reaching Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula, there is a 30 percent chance of development once it moves into the southwestern Gulf of Mexico.

The National Meteorological Service of Belize will be hosting a press conference this afternoon to provide updates. 

NEAC Sets Conditions for Solar and Ecotourism Projects, Protects Mangroves

The Department of the Environment (DOE) announced key decisions on three major projects, highlighting a strong commitment to environmental protection. According to an official statement from the DOE, the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC) has set important conditions to ensure that development does not come at the expense of Belize’s natural heritage.

For Fortis Belize Limited’s Chalillo Solar PV Facility, the NEAC required a revised Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and a second public consultation.  “An updated EIA report is to be resubmitted and a second public consultation is to be held,” the DOE stated.

The MW Collective’s Crawl Caye project received approval with strict conditions, including mangrove preservation and the removal of a helipad. A decommissioning plan for an existing solar farm was also mandated. “The environmental clearance be granted to the MW Collective with strict conditions,” the DOE stated, adding “the verification of the mangrove cover to be maintained and legally declared into a private reserve.” “NEAC also recommended that a decommissioning plan be incorporated for the existing solar farm and that the helipad be removed from the project concept,” the DOE continued. 

In the case of Earlene Dixon’s Turneffe Atoll vacation home, only the residential part of the development was approved. Due to the potential adverse impacts on the marine ecosystems, the DOE stated that “the dredging component and the marina component of the development be removed and thus was not recommended for approval.”

The DOE confirmed it will follow NEAC’s recommendations and informed the developers of these decisions.

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