Benita Keme-Palacio - Channel 5 Belize

CEPI and WHO Urge Expanded Research to Prepare for Future Pandemics

In a major call to action, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have urged global researchers and governments to broaden their research strategies in preparation of a possible next pandemic. The organizations, addressing the Global Pandemic Preparedness Summit 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, highlighted the need for a more inclusive research approach that not only targets individual high-risk pathogens but also explores entire families of pathogens that could potentially infect humans.

The new strategy, as outlined in the WHO R&D Blueprint for Epidemics report, emphasizes using prototype pathogens as a basis for developing comprehensive knowledge about various pathogen families. This approach aims to enhance global preparedness by creating broadly applicable tools and countermeasures that can be swiftly adapted to emerging threats. The report also stresses the importance of improving surveillance and research to better understand pathogen transmission, human infection mechanisms, and immune responses.

Dr. Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, emphasized the significance of this updated framework saying, ““WHO’s scientific framework for epidemic and pandemic research preparedness is a vital shift in how the world approaches countermeasure development, and one that is strongly supported by CEPI. As presented at the Global Pandemic Preparedness Summit 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this framework will help steer and coordinate research into entire pathogen families, a strategy that aims to bolster the world’s ability to swiftly respond to unforeseen variants, emerging pathogens, zoonotic spillover, and unknown threats referred to as pathogen X.”

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the need for a united global effort, stating, “History teaches us that the next pandemic is a matter of when, not if. It also teaches us the importance of science and political resolve in blunting its impact.” He called for increased scientific and political resolve to tackle the impending threat, advocating for the establishment of Collaborative Open Research Consortiums (CORCs) to facilitate global research collaboration. These CORCs will focus on each pathogen family and involve researchers, developers, and funders worldwide, particularly from regions where these pathogens are likely to emerge.

Pakistani National Charged in Foiled Plot Against Trump and U.S. Officials

A Pakistani national with alleged links to Iran has been charged in connection with a plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump and other public officials, according to a federal complaint unsealed Tuesday in Brooklyn. Asif Merchant, 46, was arrested on July 12, one day before Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The complaint reveals that Merchant, who had traveled from Pakistan after spending time in Iran, sought to hire hitmen to execute the plan.

Merchant reportedly engaged a confidential FBI informant, believing the person to be a potential accomplice. The FBI subsequently foiled the plot, arresting Merchant before he could carry out the murders or leave the country. Merchant faces charges of murder for hire.

The Justice Department has emphasized its commitment to countering threats from Iran, following heightened concerns over potential retaliation for the 2020 killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Merchant allegedly sought around 25 individuals to stage a protest as a distraction and arranged to pay $5,000 as an advance on the planned assassinations, reports CNN.

Acting Assistant Director Christie Curtis praised the FBI’s efforts in preventing what could have been a devastating attack, while Attorney General Merrick Garland reaffirmed the U.S. government’s resolve to protect its officials from international threats.

Elon Musk’s X Sues Advertising Giants, Claims ‘Illegal Boycott’

X, formerly known as Twitter, launched a high-profile antitrust lawsuit against the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM), the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA), and major corporations CVS Health, Mars, Orsted, and Unilever. The lawsuit, announced via an open letter from X’s CEO Linda Yaccarino on August 6, 2024, accuses these entities of orchestrating an “illegal boycott” against X and other companies.

The lawsuit follows a contentious period marked by Musk’s attempts to improve relations with advertisers at the Cannes Lions festival. “The illegal behaviour of these organisations and their executives costs X billions of dollars,” Yaccarino stated.

The open letter alleges that GARM and the WFA are engaged in unlawful practices aimed at undermining X’s position in the market. GARM, a cross-industry initiative formed in 2019 to tackle harmful content on digital platforms, and the WFA have yet to comment publicly on the suit.

Louis P. Di Lorenzo, a partner at law firm Davis + Gilbert with a specialisation in advertising and marketing, highlighted the complexity of antitrust cases involving trade associations. “Every industry has their own trade associations, and they do have to be careful. Typically, for a trade association, there will be rules and standards about what can be discussed, what can be on the agenda, and making sure that nothing is being done for an unlawful purpose,” said Di Lorenzo.

The legal challenge for X will be proving that the boycott was more than a moral stance and constituted anti-competitive behaviour.

As the lawsuit progresses, the implications for X and the named advertisers are still unfolding.

Belize Water Services Celebrates National Pride with $50,000 Sponsorship for September Celebrations

As Belize gears up for its September celebrations, Belize Water Services (BWS) presented a generous $50,000 sponsorship to the National Celebrations Commission of Belize.

Under Chairman Francis Fonseca’s leadership, the National Celebrations Commission says it will honor Belize’s 43rd Independence Anniversary with the theme “A Nation Proud and Free: Belize @ 43.”

The substantial contribution from BWS underscores their commitment to national pride and unity. The funds will support a variety of events throughout this year’s celebrations, ensuring that the 43rd anniversary is both vibrant and unforgettable.

GoB Launches Two-Day Workshop to Enhance Marine Resource Management

The Government of Belize launched a crucial two-day National Enforcement Workshop aimed at enhancing the management and protection of Belize’s marine and coastal resources. This workshop, part of the Belize Blue Bonds initiative, is a pivotal step in formulating a National Enforcement and Conservation Monitoring Strategy and Action Plan.

Beginning on August 6, 2024, the workshop brings together key stakeholders, including government officials, non-governmental organisations, fisheries associations, and academic experts. The primary objective is to identify current gaps and opportunities to improve fisheries enforcement and conservation monitoring. Through collaborative efforts, participants will outline priority strategies and actions, which will shape the upcoming national strategy and action plan.

The National Enforcement and Conservation Monitoring Strategy and Action Plan is designed to enhance the effectiveness of fisheries management and conservation efforts, ensuring better protection of Belize’s marine resources and supporting local livelihoods. The strategy, spearheaded by the Fisheries Department and the Belize Coast Guard, is set to be completed by March 2025. According to an official statement, this initiative is supported by the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit, the Belize Fund, and The Nature Conservancy.

Tragic Plane Crash in Brazil Claims All 61 Lives on Board, Investigation Underway

A passenger plane operated by Voepass Linhas Aéreas crashed in the city of Vinhedo, São Paulo state, on Friday, August 9, 2024. The plane crash resulted in the deaths of all 61 people on board. The aircraft, an ATR 72-500, had 57 passengers and four crew members. The Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency confirmed that the plane was in good operating condition and that the crew was fully licensed. Voepass revised the death toll from an initial count of 58 passengers to 57, along with the four crew members.

The crash, which occurred in a gated residential community, has led to a significant emergency response. While no local residents were injured, the site of the crash was described as a scene of destruction with a smouldering wreckage. Vinhedo City Hall has been coordinating with emergency services to provide assistance and has declared a three-day mourning period. The Brazilian Air Force is leading the investigation into the cause of the accident, with support from Brazil’s Federal Police and the aircraft manufacturer ATR.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva observed a moment of silence at a public event in response to the tragedy. The investigation revealed that the plane’s black box was found intact, and initial data suggested the aircraft was diving rapidly before the crash. The incident is considered the deadliest airline crash since January 2023, when a Yeti Airlines flight in Nepal, also involving an ATR 72, crashed, resulting in 72 fatalities.

Belize and United Nations Host National Youth Dialogue Ahead of Global Summit

The Government of Belize, in collaboration with the United Nations, hosted a National Youth Dialogue today in anticipation of the upcoming Summit of the Future. The event, supported by multiple government ministries and the UN Country Team, gathered over 100 young Belizeans, including students and members of youth organisations, alongside policymakers and UN representatives.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca, highlighted the importance of youth involvement in shaping future global directions. “Our young people are the torchbearers of our future. Their voices and ideas are crucial in shaping the direction of our nation and the global community,” he stated. The dialogue aimed to enhance young people’s understanding of global challenges and involve them in devising solutions, focusing on sustainable development, technology, and the impact on future generations.

UN Resident Coordinator for Belize, Raul Salazar, emphasised that youth engagement is vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. “By involving young people in dialogues like this, we are not only ensuring that their voices are heard, but we are also empowering them to be active agents of change,” Salazar noted. The discussions, structured around three key themes from the Pact for the Future, will help inform Belize’s contributions to the global summit in September.

The dialogue included panel discussions with youth representatives from Belize’s major universities and aimed to foster meaningful participation in national and international policy-making. Yannika Dorado, a participant from the University of the West Indies, expressed the collective readiness of the youth to address future challenges. “We are ready to take on the responsibility of working towards the SDGs and to ensure that our future is one of progress, inclusivity, and sustainability,” Dorado said. The event underscores Belize’s commitment to integrating youth perspectives into policy development and global discussions.

New Beginnings Youth Center Hosts Family Day and Calls for Continued Community Support

New Beginnings Youth Development Center, which provides residential, immigration, and psychiatric services for children aged 12-17, celebrated its annual Family Day this morning. The event, part of its summer program, highlighted the center’s commitment to supporting 13 girls and 18 boys through court-ordered placements for behavioural issues or minor offences, with the aid of 30 full-time and 6 part-time staff.

This year’s Family Day was marked by poignant moments as the center supported a minor who recently lost her father while also celebrating another child’s birthday. Despite these emotional highs and lows, the event demonstrated the center’s resilience and dedication to its mission.

With the children on a two-day break, the center is urging continued national support. New Beginnings remains optimistic and calls for ongoing community involvement to enhance its care and rehabilitation efforts.

Animation Bootcamp Reaches Orange Walk for Third Session

The Office of the Prime Minister and Investment, in collaboration with the Taiwan Technical Mission and the National Women’s Commission, launched a two-week animation bootcamp at Orange Walk Technical High School. Running from August 8th to 16th, this program provides women and girls with essential skills in graphic art and animation through a mix of in-person and online classes.

This program, which has previously been conducted in Corozal Town and Belize City, includes six training sessions divided between in-person and online classes. Attendees will also have the chance to develop and animate original stories, potentially earning copyrights for their work.

Key figures at the launch included Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño and Taiwan Ambassador H.E. Ms. Lily Li-Wen Hsu. The Investment Policy and Compliance Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister and Investment expressed gratitude to all partners involved in the successful rollout of the bootcamps across Corozal Town, Belize City, and Orange Walk Town.

Tropical Wave in Atlantic Shows Potential for Development

The National Hurricane Center reports a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms associated with a tropical wave situated west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands.

Although the system is moving westward to west-northwestward, any development is expected to be slow over the next few days.

Conditions may become more favorable for development, with a potential tropical depression forming by early next week as it approaches the Lesser Antilles. The system could impact parts of the Greater Antilles by mid-week.

Formation chance through 48 hours: near 0 percent.
Formation chance through 7 days: 60 percent.