Benita Keme-Palacio - Channel 5 Belize

New Programme Distributes 200 Composting Bins Across Belize

Home composting is set to take a significant leap in Belize as the Recycle Organics (RO) programme distributes 200 composting kits across the country. Supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the initiative began on August 26 and aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions from waste by promoting sustainable waste management practices.

The launch was announced at the Department of the Environment in Belmopan, where local authorities and community leaders were introduced to the new programme. The Recycle Organics team will visit Belmopan, San Ignacio, Santa Elena, Corozal, and San Pedro to distribute the composting bins and conduct training sessions on their use.

Steven Guilbeault, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, stated, “Home composting is a cost-effective method that allows families and communities to reduce waste sent to landfills, cutting methane emissions. Canada commends Belize for its leadership in this area.”

The programme supports Belize’s National Solid Waste Management Policy and the Global Methane Pledge, which seeks to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. Dr. Kenrick Williams of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change remarked, “Belize is honored to collaborate with Canada in our shared commitment to combating climate change.”

Additionally, the programme will offer technical support for local organic waste management plans and foster collaboration among stakeholders.

Rev. David Goff Gives Up on UDP Mediation

The mediation team assigned to resolve the conflict between the United Democratic Party (UPD) and the Alliance for Democracy has decided to suspend its activities. This decision follows the parties failure to agree on a compromise.

According to an official statement, the UDP, led by Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow, and the Alliance for Democracy, led by Tracy Panton, have only held a single meeting with the mediation team.

In the statement, Reverend David Goff, who is representing the mediation team, said, “Given the importance of an effective and united Opposition Party to the proper functioning of our democratic system, we readily agreed to undertake the mediation effort. To date, we have held one meeting with each of the two groups.”

Goff continued, “Effective mediation is contingent on the parties’ willingness to compromise. We do not feel that that factor exists at present.”

The mediation team, which also included Bishop Clare, Laura Longsworth, Aldo Salazar, and Lindsay Garbut, has formally announced its withdrawal from the mediation process, stating, “We therefore hereby inform you that by means of this correspondence, we are formally suspending our participation in the mediation process.”

Digi Donates $50,000 Towards Belize’s Independence Celebrations

The Belize National Celebrations Commission received a $50,000 donation from the Digi team for the upcoming independence celebrations. The announcement was made this morning on Digi’s official Facebook page.

Belize will celebrate its forty-third year of independence this September, with activities set to begin next week. Digi stated, “The funds provided will support the various activities, bringing communities together to honor the nation’s achievements and look forward to a bright future.” The company also encouraged the Belizean community to take part in the patriotic events.

Digi added, “As a company rooted in Belizean soil, Digi looks forward to seeing communities come alive with the colors, sound, and spirit of independence.”

Belize Modernises Criminal Justice System

Belize’s efforts to modernise its Criminal Justice System takes a step forward with a ‘first of its kind’ conference on Criminal Justice Reform from September 2nd to September 6th, 2024, in Belize City.

The Conference, hosted by the Senior Courts of Belize Judicial Education Institute, is titled “Advancing the Caribbean Court of Justice Academy for Law Needham’s Point Declaration.” The five-day event will focus on implementing the Needham’s Point Declaration and addressing backlog issues in the criminal justice system.

The Needham’s Point Declaration covers key areas related to criminal justice reform, including policy and legislative interventions, prosecution, police representation for the accused victims’ rights, and judicial interventions. The declaration emphasises the need for swift justice for the guilty and protection of the innocent.

According to an official statement, the event will bring together judges, magistrates, crown counsel, defence counsel, police prosecutors, forensic analysts, and other stakeholders.

Opportunity for Caribbean Journalists to Cover COP29

Climate Tracker is seeking journalists from the Caribbean who are passionate about climate change to join its international reporting team for COP29. The conference will be held in the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, Baku city. Selected fellows will have the opportunity to cover significant climate issues and amplify Caribbean perspectives.

Climate Tracker is a non-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing climate journalism through training, fellowships, and global collaboration.

In-person fellows will receive comprehensive pre-COP training, attend the conference, and benefit from accommodation and flight coverage, along with a stipend. Online fellows will also receive pre-COP training and a stipend, but will not attend in person.

Both in-person and online fellows will gain exclusive training from climate journalism experts, network with global climate advocates, and receive support to publish their stories.

Applications are open until 6th September 2024. Interested journalists are encouraged to submit an application form detailing their experience and a published climate-related story.

For more information and to apply, visit Climate Tracker’s website.

Weather Outlook: NHC Monitors a Weather System in Central Atlantic

This morning, the National Hurricane Centre reported a tropical wave in the central Tropical Atlantic Ocean, producing disorganised showers and thunderstorms. The system is expected to move westward towards the Lesser Antilles. Environmental conditions could support gradual development, with a tropical depression potentially forming by early next week.

The chance of formation within 48 hours is low, near 0 percent, while the chance over the next 7 days is medium, at 40 percent.

The National Meteorological Service of Belize reports sunny skies with cloudy intervals today with occasional outbreaks of showers and thunderstorms in the southern part of the country.

Teresita Ulloa Honoured with the Beverley Smith Lopez Prize for Acting

Teresita Ulloa has been awarded the Beverley Smith Lopez Prize for Acting in Theatre and Film. The announcement was made on the National Institute of Culture and History’s official Facebook. Ulloa, a senior library assistant at the San Ignacio Public Library, has worked in the public library system for over 15 years.

The Beverley Smith Lopez Prize honours the late Beverley Smith Lopez, a renowned actress and advocate for the arts. Lopez was celebrated for her significant contributions to theatre and film and her dedication to promoting the arts within her community.

Ulloa is known for using drama and theatrical elements to encourage reading. She creates engaging videos as “Teresita The Librarian” on social media, where she combines humour and creativity to promote literacy.

In addition to her work at the library, Ulloa trains teachers and parents on storytelling techniques to boost children’s reading habits. Her efforts highlight the role of parental involvement in literacy development.

Fusion CX Invests in RCC BPO: A Strategic Move to Enhance Global Customer Experience Services

The call centre industry in Belize is taking a big step in the international arena by partnering with the global workforce Fusion CX. Fusion CX announced its strategic investment in RCC BPO, a leading outsourcing services provider based in Belize. This investment is set to enhance Fusion CX’s international presence and improve its customer experience (CX) services.

Nubia Ramirez, Co-Founder and CEO of RCC BPO, stated, “Joining forces with a global customer experience solutions provider like Fusion CX will also allow us to enhance our service portfolio in international markets and enjoy organic growth with minimal or no change in our existing working environment. We will benefit from Fusion CX’s strong presence in the APAC, EMEA, North American, and Latin American markets.”

“The integration of RCC BPO epitomizes our commitment to expanding our reach while delivering innovative and culturally aligned customer service solutions. With RCC BPO’s expertise and regional insights, we are set to redefine the customer service landscape.” Pankaj Dhanuka, Co-founder, CEO, and Director of Fusion CX, added.

David Long, Executive Vice President of RCC BPO, noted, “We are leaping forward in our mission to provide outstanding BPO and CX services. Our clients will greatly benefit from this partnership’s advanced technologies and resources.”

The announcement praised Belize’s native English and Spanish proficiency, competitive pricing, and favourable time zones, making it an ideal location for customer service operations. The addition of Belize to Fusion CX’s delivery locations will enhance its nearshore solutions for global clients.

Chelsy Castro is KTV the Remix Season 6 Winner, Claims $10,000 Prize

After weeks of intense competition featuring 12 talented contestants, Chelsy Castro emerged as the standout winner of KTV the Remix Season 6, securing the $10,000 grand prize. The Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts in Belize City was abuzz with excitement last night as fans cheered the final three contestants: Chelsy Castro, Flor Augustin, and Elijah Norales.

Castro, 19, who discovered her passion for singing at just nine years old, admitted on stage that the road to victory was fraught with obstacles. “I almost dropped out, but I really wanted to push for it,” she shared candidly.

In an interview this morning on Open Your Eyes (OYE), Castro reflected on her journey throughout the competition. She revealed that, despite lacking a sponsor, she was committed to delivering her best performances every Tuesday. Castro performed at nightclubs and various events to gather votes and build her fan base, all while juggling her business management studies and a job at the Belizean Melody Art Gallery in San Pedro.

She also highlighted her efforts to build her reputation beyond her island home. “My name was not that well known, and I had been singing for my island for quite some time… I wanted to show Belize what I had to offer, not just for San Pedro,” she said on OYE.

Castro also mentioned her initial struggles with securing sponsorship, noting that she effectively had to be her own sponsor until the finals. “I was actually my votes. I didn’t have a sponsor up until the finals… I really really worked for where I am,” she added.

Castro acknowledged the sponsors who supported her during the final stage of the competition, and her responsibility to be a great role model for children who aspire to pursue a musical career.

Not ‘Very Demure:’ TikTok Creator Faces Legal Battle Over Catchphrase

The internet has not been “Very Mindful, Very Demure” to Jools Lebron, a popular TikTok creator with over 2 million followers facing a legal battle over the viral catchphrase “Very Demure, Very Mindful.” The viral catchphrase had already secured Lebron many partnerships with brands like Verizon and Netflix and mentions from celebrities.

In a deleted TikTok video, Lebron revealed that she “didn’t trademark fast enough.”

TMZ reported that Jefferson Bates, from Washington State, applied to trademark the phrase “Very Demure, very Mindful” in an apparent attempt to cash in on Lebron’s success. This action can potentially block Lebron from using the phrase in Washington.

Raluca Pop, founder of Hive Social, stepped in to support Lebron by applying for the trademark “Very Demure, very cutesy” in California. Pop stated she intends to transfer this trademark to Lebron: “Once I saw that this other guy tried to steal it out from under her, I realised that he didn’t trademark the remainder of her phrase, “very cutesy…” And that’s why I went and did it; instead… she should be the one to reap the benefits,” Pop reported to NBC.

Trademark experts believe Lebron has a strong chance of opposing Bates’ application and securing her own rights.

Lebron’s situation highlights the broader issue of content creators facing challenges in protecting their original work once it goes viral.