Benita Keme-Palacio - Channel 5 Belize

Belize Blue Economy Initiatives: Belize Considers Oyster Farming and Sea Salt Production

Belize is taking steps to enhance its Blue Economy with the introduction of new industries. This weekend, Kennedy Carrillo, CEO of the Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, and a team including Oscar Arnold, Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico, visited an oyster pearl farm in Mexico’s Hermosillo.

The trip, featuring Nancy Marin, an innovation consultant who developed the pearl farming proposal, is a key part of a feasibility study to determine the viability of oyster farming in Belize. The study aims to explore learning opportunities and establish potential collaborations.

Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, Andre Perez, has called on Belizeans to present creative and sustainable ideas for utilising the nation’s blue spaces. This initiative supports the government’s Plan Belize and National Blue Economy Policy, which focus on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. The Ministry is also reviewing the potential for sea salt production as part of its broader strategy.

University of Belize Addresses Registration Issues and Implements Improvements

The University of Belize (UB) has announced improvements to its registration process following recent technical difficulties. At the start of the August semester registration, students faced slow access and frequent outages on the Xenegrade portal. “Despite these challenges, over 4,500 students have now registered successfully,” stated an official statement by UB on Tuesday.

The university acknowledges ongoing problems with invoices and class availability. In response, the administration has removed the late fee for this semester and is increasing advisor availability during the drop/add period.

In the statement, it said, “We recognise the need to do better and are pooling all our key resources to focus on immediate, short, and long-term solutions that meet our mandate as the flagship institution of tertiary education.”

Additionally, the university is forming a registration oversight body to explore alternative technologies to prevent future disruptions.

Students experiencing invoice discrepancies are advised to contact the university directly for corrections.

Winners Announced at Record-Breaking 35th Caribbean Media Awards

The Caribbean Media Awards achieved new milestones on Tuesday night, announcing a record-breaking 484 submissions from 34 organisations across 13 Caribbean countries. This year’s 35th annual awards ceremony was held on August 13^th at the Umaya Hotel in Placencia. The gala, celebrating top media talent across 55 categories, was broadcast live on Channel Five.

As it showcased the region’s dynamic media industry, the event celebrated both traditional media and emerging media forms. Awards were sponsored by several organizations, including UNDP, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, and the Healthy Caribbean Coalition, reflecting the growing emphasis on climate action.

RJRGLEANER Communications Group from Jamaica led with sixteen awards and four special mentions. Great Belize Productions – Channel 5 followed with eight awards and two special mentions.

Channel 5’s accolades included Best Climate Change News Item for “Cultivating Hope: Belize’s Seaweed Farming Industry Takes Root,” Best Climate Change Documentary for “Don’t Tax My Femininity,” and Best News Story for “A Competency-Based Approach to Education in Belize.” They were also awarded Best Sports Story, Best Investigative Report, and Best Commercial Spot (Television). Additionally, Rick Romero was named Best Director (TV), and Luis Sosa was recognised as Best Sound Engineer (TV). This year’s competition set a new record with 484 submissions from 34 organisations across 13 Caribbean nations.

Newcomers included the Nation Newspaper of Barbados and the Cayman Islands Department of Communication, which received a special mention.

With a growing membership, the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) expanded this year’s awards to include digital and print content. The event also announced a new partnership for the 56th Annual General Assembly with the Caribbean Culture Fund for the 2025 awards, which will be held in Barbados.

Tropical Storm Ernesto Becomes Hurricane, Continues to Intensify

The National Hurricane Centre reported that Tropical Storm Ernesto has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane. The storm is currently located approximately 175 miles northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, after passing over the Virgin Islands on Tuesday. Ernesto is moving northwest at 16 mph with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.

The storm is expected to move into open Atlantic waters later today and could strengthen into a major hurricane. Forecasts suggest it could reach Category 3 status by the end of the week, with Bermuda potentially facing impacts.

In Belize, moist and unstable conditions will persist, but are expected to decrease over the next 24 to 48 hours. The forecast includes cloudy periods with a few showers and thunderstorms, gradually diminishing.

You Better Belize It: CBU 55th Annual General Assembly Opens in Placencia

The Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) began its 55th Annual General Assembly on Monday, August 12, in Placencia. The event, which runs from August 11 to 14, is centred around the theme “Media and the Environment.”

CBU President Dr. Claire Grant addressed the attendees, highlighting the importance of media in climate change discussions. “The Caribbean Media sector has been grappling with major technological developments in recent years, and we have seen major steps at the regional and international level for the past 12 months,” Dr. Grant said. She emphasised the media’s role in community improvement, stating, “The Media exists for the region, it exists for the people. Without the people, there is no media. But, the media also understands its role in ensuring that people can grow, they can develop, they can be better than what they are. Our role is to make this community better and stronger.”

Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary General of CARICOM, was the event’s honoured guest speaker. She stressed the media’s role in scrutinising international efforts to combat carbon emissions and addressing the impacts on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). “As we seek to amplify our call for climate justice, the CARICOM secretariat is seeking to broaden its partnership with the regional media. You are ideally placed to present a platform to scientists, activists, and policymakers to speak directly to the public to package the impacts of climate change for public consumption and to counter misinformation,” Dr. Barnett said.

Prime Minister Briceno, this year’s keynote speaker, highlighted the media’s impact on environmental issues. “From highlighting the impacts of plastic pollution in our oceans to showcasing innovative renewable energy projects, the media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and driving positive change,” he said.

The CBU will enter its second day of events tonight, where awards will be presented to journalists and other members of the media industry. News 5 will be livestreaming the awards ceremony tonight on its Facebook and YouTube channels.

Two Arrested in Connection with Mark Fransico Murder

Police have formally arrested and charged Degron Joseph and Kentroy Mckoy in connection with the murder of Mark Francisco. Both are 25-year-old and from Belize City.

Police allege that Joseph, a customer service agent, and Mckoy, a self-employed individual, fatally shot Francisco. The incident occurred on Sunday, August 4, 2024

54-year-old Mark Francisco was shot and killed on Monday, August 5 in Belize City, as he was getting ready for a fishing trip that morning.

PNP Calls for Urgent Redistricting in Belize

Party leader Will Maheia of the People’s National Party (PNP) issued an urgent appeal to the Government of Belize for immediate redistricting. The party argues that redistricting is essential not only for political fairness but also for ensuring equality in the electoral process.

In the press release issued today, August 13, 2024, the PNP emphasised that reform is critical for maintaining unity and upholding democratic values. They have called on NGOs, unions, civil society groups, churches, and the diaspora to support this cause.

“We urge the Government to act swiftly to ensure that our upcoming general elections are conducted under the principles of legality, freedom, and fairness,” the press release stated. “As enshrined in our nation’s constitution, every citizen’s vote should hold equal weight,” it emphasised.

Government, Farmers and CPBL Collaborate to Revive Citrus Sector

On Monday, August 12, 2024, a meeting was held at the Citrus Products of Belize Limited (CPBL) Conference Room to address the future of Belize’s citrus industry. The meeting had the participation of the Minister of Agriculture, the CEO of the Ministry of Agriculture, technical personnel, representatives from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), and CPBL staff.

The discussions centred on collaborative efforts between the government, farmers, and CPBL to revive and enhance the citrus sector.

Following the meeting, attendees toured CPBL’s facilities. They visited the nursery facility, which can produce 130,000 plants and has already facilitated the planting of 177 acres of oranges. The tour also included the new coconut water processing plant, capable of processing 10,000 to 14,000 coconuts per hour.

Additionally, the group inspected the new pasteurising plant, which extends the shelf life of products, including Tetrapak Caribbean Pride juices. CPBL produces about half of these juices for export and the other half for the local market.

Gun Arrests, Stabbing Incident, and Rape Charges

Police have arrested and charged two individuals for firearm and ammunition possession without a license. On August 11, 2024, police searched a school bag claimed by 31-year-old Nisani Garcia and 19-year-old Vevaney Nolberto at the Belmopan bus terminal. Police found a 0.9mm pistol and several 0.9mm rounds of ammunition. According to police reports, neither Garcia nor Nolberto had a firearm license.

In a separate incident, police are investigating a stabbing that occurred in Belmopan on Sunday, August 11, 2024. At about 11:10 p.m., officers found 18-year-old Devon Bevans with stab wounds in the Las Flores area. Police investigation reveals that Bevans and his foster brother, 21-year-old George Gabourel, were about to play a video game when Gabourel allegedly charged at Bevans from the back. This resulted in Bevans sustaining several stab sounds. Gabourel has been detained.

Additionally, on August 12, 2024, police arrested 22-year-old Richard Josue Padilla in connection to a rape case in the Toledo District. The victim, a 28-year-old woman, reported that Padilla, whom she knew, sexually assaulted her on August 10, 2024. A medical examination confirmed the assault. Padilla was formally charged with rape on Monday, August 12.

Climate Decision-Makers Convene in Belize to Strengthen Climate Change Adaptation Strategies

Climate experts from around the world gathered at the Grand Caribe Resort in San Pedro, Belize, for a global forum on strengthening the alignment between National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The forum, running from August 12 to 14, is co-organised by the NAP Global Network and the Government of Belize.

The event brings together experts and government representatives to discuss how to improve coherence between NAPs and NDCs, which are countries’s climate pledges under the Paris Agreement.

“Our path ahead must ensure that we reduce the impacts of climate change by building adaptive capacity and resilience, and we must facilitate the integration of climate change adaptation into relevant new and existing policies, programs, and activities across all sectors,” stated Hon. Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management.

Participants from Belize, Benin, Burundi, Fiji, Haiti, Grenada, Madagascar, Nepal, South Sudan, and Suriname are in attendance, along with representatives from the UNDP and the NDC Partnership. Experts from Brazil, Switzerland, and Canada are also contributing to the discussions.

Belize is currently seeking to update its latest NDC, which was submitted to the UNFCCC in 2021 “Through the National Climate Change Office, the NCCO, we’re developing a comprehensive multi-sectoral national adaptation plan that includes critical sectors such as forestry, agriculture, health, tourism, land use, human settlement, and infrastructure, ” said Hon. Ramon Cervantes, Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change. “These efforts are not just about meeting international commitments; they are about creating a sustainable and resilient future for Belize,” he added.