Benita Keme-Palacio - Channel 5 Belize

Belize Faces Heavy Rainfall, Caribbean and Atlantic Monitored for Current Tropical Waves

This morning, the National Hurricane Center in Miami reported several tropical waves with low chances of development. A tropical wave moving west at 20 mph is generating “disorganised showers and thunderstorms” near southeastern Cuba and Jamaica, with only a 30 percent chance of formation over the next week. Another wave, east of the Lesser Antilles, is showing minimal activity and has a 10 percent chance of significant development. A third wave in the eastern Atlantic is also producing disorganised showers, with a 20 percent chance of slow development in the coming week.

In Belize, the National Meteorological Service has issued a warning for “moist and unstable conditions” expected to continue over the next few days. The 24-hour forecast indicates “mostly cloudy to overcast skies,” with “a few showers, thunderstorms, and periods of rain” impacting northern and central areas today, with increased activity anticipated tonight, especially over the south and coast.

An excessive rainfall watch is in effect due to the potential for heavy rainfall, and small craft operators are advised to exercise caution due to gusty winds and rough seas.

Belize Joins Global Fight Against Pine Bark Beetle in Major WVSU-led Workshop

The pine bark beetle, a tiny but relentless invader, is wreaking havoc on forests and threatening global food security. As this insidious pest spreads its destruction across continents, urgent action is needed to halt its advance and protect vital ecosystems.

West Virginia State University (WVSU) has stepped up to meet this challenge with a new initiative aimed at combating the beetle’s threat. Led by Dr. Ayesha Sarker, assistant research professor of food science, the 1890 Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense launched a project titled “A Collaborative Network for Monitoring Emerging Plant and Animal Diseases for Food Security.”

This summer, WVSU hosted a critical workshop in Belize, “Addressing New and Emerging Pests and Diseases: The Case of Pine Bark Beetle in Belize,” in collaboration with the University of Belize and the Forestry Department. The event, held at the Central Farm, brought together experts, students, and stakeholders to discuss beetle identification and integrated pest management strategies.

Dr. Sarker highlighted the workshop’s impact, stating, “The workshop focused on potential technical support from regional partners in specialized areas such as pine bark beetle identification training and IPM control measures.” The initiative aims to strengthen international partnerships and improve monitoring and data collection to effectively tackle this global pest threat.

Hurricane Centre Monitoring Two Tropical Waves with Development Potential

The National Hurricane Center released its latest tropical weather update this afternoon, highlighting two systems under observation. The first, a tropical wave over the central tropical Atlantic, is associated with showers and thunderstorms but remains disorganised. The Centre notes a medium chance of gradual development over the next few days, with a potential to become a tropical depression next week as it moves westward across the Caribbean Sea. Currently, the formation chance through 48 hours is near 0 percent, but increases to 40 percent over the next seven days.

Additionally, another tropical wave near the Cabo Verde Islands is being monitored. Although it is producing minimal activity, some slow development is possible as it progresses west-northwest over the eastern and central tropical Atlantic. The formation chance through 48 hours is near 0 percent and rises to 20 percent through 7 days.

75-year-old Found Dead in San Pedro, Young Man Found Dead in Cayo

Police officers are examining the death of 75-year-old Linda Carter of San Pedro, whose decomposed body was found at her residence on Thursday, August 29. There were no visible signs of injury on Carter’s body.

In San Ignacio Town, authorities are looking into the death of Cory Anthony Cruz, a 21-year-old Belizean, found with facial injuries in an open lot at the corner of 15th and Vaca Street. Cruz’s body was discovered by a passerby around 2:30 a.m. on Friday, August 30, and he was pronounced dead on arrival at San Ignacio Hospital.

In a separate case, police are searching for two suspects involved in a robbery at Yam Witz Restaurant and Bar on the Hummingbird Highway on Thursday, August 29. Marvin Fernandez, the manager, reported being attacked and robbed of $90 BZD, electronics, and other items by two men who arrived asking for water.

Breastfeeding Awareness Month Ends with New Lactation Suite at Western Regional Hospital

Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan unveiled its new Lactation Suite, marking the end of Breastfeeding Awareness Month. The suite, donated by SAM Limited Consultants, is a major step forward in creating a supportive environment for nursing mothers. The facility promises to enhance the well-being of both new mothers and their infants.

The Ministry applauded the administration of the Western Regional Hospital for this “progressive and supportive initiative for the welfare of nursing mothers” and noted that such facilities encourage mothers to return to work after maternity leave and support exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.

“A supportive environment in the workplace encourages the mother to want to return to work after maternity leave and more importantly it also helps to exclusively breastfeed the newborn for the first six months of life,” the Ministry added.

Weekend Activities to Begin Celebrating Belize’s Independence

September is here, and celebrations are about to kick off this weekend as we dive into Belize’s Independence month. This weekend is set to be a blast with music, laughter, and plenty of fun. Events this weekend are lined up to honour our beautiful country. It is not a weekend you want to spend home, it is one to spend out and about showing your Belizean pride! So if you’re wondering what to do and where to go, here are some ideas:

August 30 & 31, 2024 (Belize City)

Event: Sir Barry Bowen Belikin Bash
Location: Marion Jones Sporting Complex
Time: 6 PM
Admission: Paid

August 31, 2024 (Belize City)

Event: Carnival King and Queen Competition
Location: Marion Jones Sporting Complex
Time: 5 PM
Admission: Paid

September 1, 2024 (Belize City)

Event: National Flag Day Flag Raising Ceremony
Location: Flag Monument
Time: 6 AM
Admission: Free.

September 1, 2024 (Belmopan)

Event: National Flag Day Flag Raising Ceremony and Launch of Belmopan Calendar of Events
Location: BNE Roundabout
Time: 6 AM
Admission: Free

September 1, 2024 (San Ignacio and Santa Elena)

Event: National Flag Day Flag Raising Ceremony
Location: Town Hall Roof Top
Time: 6 AM
Admission: Free

September 1, 2024 (Benque Viejo)

Event: National Flag Day Flag Raising Ceremony
Location: Town Council
Time: 6 AM
Admission: Free

August 21, 2024 (Orange Walk)

Event: Fiesta FM Anniversary
Location: Fort Cairns Market
Time: 10 AM
Admission: Free

September 1, 2024 (Orange Walk)

Event: National Flag Day Flag Raising Ceremony
Location: Town Hall
Time: 6 AM
Admission: Free

September 1, 2024 (Dangriga)

Event: National Flag Day Flag Raising Ceremony
Location: Town Council
Time: 6 AM
Admission: Free

Minister Kareem Musa: “We Cannot Tolerate Lawlessness”

The Briceño Administration has established the Emergency Powers Review Tribunal, a crucial body mandated by “Regulation 21A of the Belize Constitution (Emergency Powers) Regulations,” to oversee detentions that extend beyond one month under the state of emergency. The Tribunal will review cases of individuals detained under emergency powers that exceed one month.

The Tribunal will be led by attorney Jose M. Alpuche as the Chairman, and will include former police commissioners Gerald Westby and Jose Carmen Zetina.

In an interview with the media on Thursday, Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa defended the government’s approach to policing amidst rising criticism and addressed concerns about the perceived focus on suppression over community policing. “Over the last three years, we have the least amount of complaints of oppression and suppression, in the history of that, at least in the last 10 or 20 years,’ Musa said.

Responding to criticism about the detention of a 13-year-old under a state of emergency, Musa told reporters, “At the end of the day, we cannot tolerate lawlessness. So whether you’re 13, whether you’re 15, whether you’re 40, age doesn’t really matter. But we have to ensure that we play a pivotal role in that young man’s life moving forward so that he does not end up in prison.”

The Tribunal is expected to operate independently and in accordance with the regulations set forth by the Belize Constitution.

BELTRAIDE Exchanges Knowledge with Costa Rica’s Model for Investment Processes in Belize

BELTRAIDE is making a bold move to transform Belize’s investment landscape by sending a high-level delegation to Costa Rica. Over the next two days, Jalen Avila, Acting Manager of BelizeInvest; Danielson Correa, Senior I.T. Officer; and Wendy Hernandez, Senior Projects Officer, will engage in a knowledge exchange mission with Costa Rica’s Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER). Their mission is to study Costa Rica’s acclaimed Single Investment Window (SIW) system.

The delegation is tasked with studying Costa Rica’s highly efficient Single Investment Window (SIW) system to improve Belize’s foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade performance by simplifying and automating investment procedures, enhancing investment promotion tools, and streamlining trade processes.

“This exchange mission is a pivotal part of the broader Trade and Investment Facilitation Project, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and being implemented by BELTRAIDE,” BELTRAIDE stated in its press release.

The insights gained from PROCOMER’s system is expected to guide BELTRAIDE in tailoring a similar approach to Belize’s needs. “By studying PROCOMER’s experiences, challenges, and successes, BELTRAIDE’s representatives hope to gather critical insights that will inform the implementation of a similar system in Belize,” BELTRAIDE added.

Belize Enhances Financial Stability with New Committee Agreement

Belize strengthens its financial resilience with a new financial stability committee. The Central Bank of Belize (CBB), the Office of the Supervisor of Insurance and Private Pensions (OSIPP), and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The MOU establishes a Financial Stability Committee to align policies and ensure consolidated supervision across sectors including banking, insurance, and pensions.

Chair of the Financial Stability Committee, Governor Michael, emphasised the need for collaboration: “It is of the utmost importance that we strengthen stakeholder collaboration to achieve the benefits of coordinated and proactive supervision.”

The three agencies are committed to maintaining a stable and resilient financial environment in Belize.

John Saldivar: “I HAVE NOT RESIGNED”

John Saldivars has declared “I HAVE NOT RESIGNED” to the claims of his “constructive resignation” from the United Democratic Party (UDP).

In a Facebook post, the UDP’s Belmopan Standard Bearer criticised the party’s Central Executive Committee for declaring him and three other members—Tracy Panton, Patrick Faber, and Beverly Williams—as resigned due to alleged violations of the party’s constitution.

Saldivar defended his stance by stating that he respects Party Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow and has supported his leadership. He said that the Party Constitution permits him to petition for a recall of Barrow, a right he insists is being unfairly challenged.

“All of a sudden, because we have petitioned for a leadership convention and a recall convention, and because we have been pointing out the many violations against our Party Constitution removing and appointing Standard Bearers unconstitutionally, we have become members of a fringe party and are deemed to have constructively resigned,” Saldivar said.

The party’s decision to label Saldivar and others as “constructively resigned” follows Panton and Williams’ petition on Tuesday to recall Barrow, which was rejected by Chairman Michael Peyrefitte.