Benita Keme-Palacio - Channel 5 Belize

Over 500 Pounds of Cannabis Destroyed

Richard Rosado, Deputy Commissioner of Police, confirmed the destruction of 503.7 pounds of cannabis, worth approximately $452,000. This action is part of the legal process to handle drug evidence.

Rosado explained today that a magistrate in Dangriga granted the order following an application made to the court under Regulation 27(1) of the Misuse of Drugs, Subsidiary Act, Chapter 103 of the Laws of Belize.

He also noted that Regulation 27(2) mandates that the destruction of drugs be overseen by a magistrate, a justice of the peace, a senior police officer, and a government forensic chemist. This ensures that the drugs being destroyed are indeed those seized during the operation.

Mpox Rumours Debunked by Health Ministry as CARPHA Calls for Increased Regional Vigilance

Rumours of two Mpox cases in the Cayman Islands are spreading widely, but the Ministry of Health and Wellness has firmly refuted these claims. The ministry clarified that this information is false, not issued by them, and urged the public to rely on accurate sources for information.

Currently, there are no reported cases of clade I Mpox in the Caribbean. The region’s limited travel links to affected areas help minimise the immediate risk. However, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is advising increased vigilance.

Dr. Lisa Indar, Ad Interim Executive Director at CARPHA, commented, “CARPHA is monitoring the situation closely. The current risk to the Caribbean population from Mpox clade 1b is low to moderate, as no cases of Mpox have been identified in the CARPHA Member States. However, the identification of the first case of clade 1b outside of Africa is a warning call for public health authorities to be vigilant and necessitates enhanced surveillance by all Caribbean countries, inclusive of monitoring of incoming passengers, and rapid/early identification of potential cases, and a well-coordinated regional and international response.”

Earlier in the week, Dr. Melissa Dias-Musa, Belize’s Director of Public Health and Wellness, announced the re-sensitisation of healthcare teams in the country following the Mpox public health emergency declaration.

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, convened a meeting today with the technical team from the Ministry and the four regional health authorities in preparation for the possible re-introduction of Mpox in the country. Dr. Tufton emphasised that “in non-endemic countries, such as Jamaica, one case is considered an outbreak.”

UB Hosts Workshop on Enslavement and Emancipation Records

On Wednesday, the University of Belize History Program, the Institute for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR), and the Belize Archives and Records Service (BARS) conducted a workshop titled “Decoding the Past: Reading Archival Records on Enslavement and Emancipation in Belize.”

This initiative is part of a broader effort to advance historical research and publications in Belize.

The event was designed for students and Belizean Studies teachers to explore and discuss archival documents related to enslavement and emancipation in Belize. Participants had the chance to develop their palaeographic skills by examining documents in various handwriting styles and conditions.

The workshop aimed to help historians and educators improve their ability to study and preserve historical documents, potentially providing new insights into Belize’s past.

Mpox Outbreak Intensifies in Eastern and Southern Africa

UNICEF reported today a surge in Mpox cases among children in Eastern and Southern Africa, with over 200 confirmed cases across Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa. The new variant of the virus, (clade Ib), is present in all affected countries except South Africa, raising concerns about its spread, especially among young children and vulnerable communities. As of August 20, 2024, a total of 170 confirmed Mpox cases have been reported across 26 of the country’s 49 districts. Of these cases, 45.3% are female. Children and adolescents under the age of 20 make up nearly 60% of the reported cases, with children under 5 accounting for 21% of the total.

The situation is worsened by ongoing measles outbreaks and high malnutrition rates.

UNICEF’s Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, stated, “In the fight against the Mpox outbreak, prioritizing the needs of children is not just necessary—it’s urgent. Their heightened vulnerability requires that we dedicate our full attention and resources to ensure their protection and well-being in this critical response phase.”

Amidst other regional crises like drought and floods, UNICEF is working with WHO and Africa CDC to manage the outbreak. The agency is seeking $16.5 million to boost its response and preparedness efforts.

Obama Criticises Trump’s ‘Whining’ and says, “The Torch Has Been Passed’

Former President Barack Obama delivered a vigorous address at the Democratic convention on Tuesday, August 21, endorsing Kamala Harris and criticising Donald Trump.

Obama declared, “The torch has been passed” and praised President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside for the sake of the country, who was absent from the event. He described the Republican nominee, Donald Trump, as “a 78-year-old billionaire who hasn’t stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago.” Obama described Trump’s approach as outdated and likened him to “the neighbour running his leaf blower outside your window every minute of every day.”

Obama portrayed Harris as a supportive and capable leader, stating, “Harris is not the neighbour running the leaf blower — she’s the neighbour rushing over to help when you need a hand.” He referenced Harris’s experience and her alignment with the values of the Democratic Party.

In his speech, Obama framed the election as a choice between a vision of collective responsibility and a more divisive approach.

Harris, who was campaigning in Milwaukee, was absent from the event.

56 Arrested in Violent Clashes at Chicago Protests Outside Israeli Consulate

Fifty-six protesters were arrested after violent clashes with police outside the Israeli Consulate, near the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, on the second night of the convention. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling described the situation as “a danger to our city,” adding that the protesters “showed up with the intention of committing acts of violence, vandalism.”

The unrest began when some protesters charged at police, who were in riot gear. Despite efforts to de-escalate, the police response was forceful. Among the arrests, 30 were for disorderly conduct, one for felony resisting police, and nine faced misdemeanors. Two protesters were hospitalised with minor injuries, and two officers were injured but did not seek medical attention. Some protesters burned a US flag.

The protest was part of ongoing demonstrations related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Unlike a ‘largely peaceful’ protest on Monday, this event saw heightened tensions. Monday’s protest reported 13 arrests.

Protester Mohammed Ismail, a 29-year-old psychiatry resident who lives in Chicago, criticised the police response as “excessive” and called on Democrats to stop funding Israel. Snelling defended it as appropriate and denied accusations of illegal tactics.

More protests are expected throughout the week, with police prepared to manage and de-escalate tensions.

UDP Announces New Candidates for Caribbean Shores, Port Loyola, and Freetown

As the United Democratic Party (UDP) loses its standard bearer for Belize Rural South, Ramon Vasquez, it gains another three for the areas of Caribbean Shores, Port Loyola, and Freetown for the upcoming general elections.

This afternoon, the party officially announced Dr. Nelma Jones-Mortis as the party’s standard bearer for Caribbean Shores. Dr. Jones-Mortis, a career educator and former mayoral candidate in Belize City, will now challenge the current Area Representative, Kareem Musa. Previously, she lost to Bernard Wagner in the Belize City mayoral race.

Dr. Abraham Flowers has been selected to represent the UDP in Freetown and is expected to face off against Francis Fonseca.

In Port Loyola, former Area Representative Anthony Martinez has reemerged to challenge current PUP Area Representative, Gilroy Usher Sr.

Media Executive Ramon Vasquez Steps Down as UDP Candidate

Chairman and CEO of Belize Broadcasting Network (BBN), Ramon Vasquez, stepped back from his role as standard bearer for the United Democratic Party (UDP) in Belize Rural South for the upcoming General Elections.

The announcement was made on August 20, 2024, in a statement issued on BBN’s official Facebook account. The statement explained that the decision followed “extensive discussions with the board of directors” at BBN. The statement emphasised that the move was made to maintain the television station’s “identity, neutrality, and independence.”

Vasquez’s departure comes after other candidates, including Jazelié Azueita and former Mayor Daniel Guerrero, were removed or withdrew from the race due to internal conflicts within the party.

BBN stated that Vasquez and the network will continue to provide news, entertainment, and daily programmes to the public.

Official Statement:

“August 20, 2024

RE: Withdrawal of Candidacy for Belize Rural South

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

After extensive discussions with the board of directors for BBN Tv,

(Belize Broadcasting Network) Ramon Vasquez of BBN Tv has agreed to withdraw his candidacy for Belize Rural South for the upcoming General Elections. This is in regards to maintaining the integrity of the Media Station’s Identity and Core values of Neutrality in Politics and its Independence in the public domain.

Ramon Vasquez and BBN Tv will continue to serve the General Public in its Capacity of providing News, Entertainment and Daily Programs.

Belize’s UN Ambassador Advocates for Colonial Independence

Carlos Fuller, Belize’s Ambassador to the United Nations, called on all states under colonial rule to seek independence. This call was made during an international conference organised by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) on June 20, 2024, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The conference was titled “Towards Independence and Fundamental Freedoms: The Role of the C-24 in Ending Colonialism.” Fuller emphasised the importance of territorial integrity and self-determination. He also commended the Baku Initiative Group for their work in safeguarding workers’ rights and opposing colonialism.

“This is a great struggle. Countries need to fight for their freedom,” Fuller stated. He shared Belize’s own experience, noting that the country achieved independence in 1981 after a prolonged struggle and diplomatic efforts. “Striving for independence is a long struggle that requires perseverance and a demonstration of your core principles,” Fuller said. “It took us until 1981 to achieve independence. We had to convince our neighbours to the north. Panama and Caribbean countries joined us, and we spread the message to a wider audience, engaging Europe, Africa, and East Asian countries.”

Fuller likened the process to a marathon, acknowledging the difficulties involved. “All these countries around the world supported our fight for independence. This allowed us to approach the United Nations and become a member of the United Nations,” Fuller said.

Can Bats’ Sugar Management Offer Solutions for Diabetes?

Researchers are investigating if bats’ ability to manage high sugar levels could lead to breakthroughs in diabetes treatment. Wei Gordon, a biologist at Menlo College, studied fruit bats in Belize during the sixteenth Bat-a-thon, an annual event that convened 80-some researchers at Belize’s Lamanai Archaeological Reserve.

Gordon found that fruit bats, which feed on what she calls “nature’s candy,” can handle large amounts of fruit without developing diabetes. “These bats control sugar like it was nothing,” said Nadav Ahituv from the University of California, San Francisco.

Gordon’s research, published in Nature Communications, showed that fruit bats have more pancreas cells for insulin production and genetic traits for rapid blood sugar regulation.

Meanwhile, in another study, Jasmin Camacho from the Stowers Institute examined nectar-feeding bats, which consume even more sugar. “These are basically hummingbirds of the night, drinking floral nectar,” said Camacho. Despite their high intake, these bats stay healthy, potentially due to their constant flight, which might help manage their blood sugar.

Both Gordon and Camacho’s teams hope their findings on bats’ sugar metabolism could lead to new approaches for managing diabetes in humans.