Benita Keme-Palacio - Channel 5 Belize

PAHO/WHO Pushes to Eliminate Mother-to-Child HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B in the Caribbean

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a major project focused on eliminating the transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B from mother to child across the Caribbean. The initiative, named “Strengthening the EMTCT Plus Strategy within the Maternal and Child Health Framework,” was unveiled during a regional webinar attended by over 250 stakeholders from the Caribbean.

This project is being supported by the India-UN Development Partnership Fund and addresses a concerning rise in syphilis cases in the region. According to PAHO, congenital syphilis has shown an increase of 40% from 2016 to 2022. PAHO’s regional advisor for HIV, Sandra Jones, outlined the project’s focus on strengthening health systems, improving diagnostics, and enhancing surveillance.

In a statement issued on Monday, PAHO’s Caribbean Subregional Programme Director, Dr Juan Manuel Sotelo, said, “The elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B is a key pillar of the broader elimination agenda and a top priority for PAHO. By addressing this challenge head-on, we are moving closer to a Caribbean where every mother and child can thrive and live free from these infections.”

Sotelo added that this project is part of a collective effort in the Caribbean Region. He said, Diseases do not respect borders, so if we want to eliminate these transmissions, we must work together.”

Fishermen Walking Reef In search of Cocaine

Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard (BCG), has confirmed an uptick in activity along the reefs, with Belizean fishermen suspected of seeking illicit substances. He told News 5, “We have seen an increased activity in the Turneffe area. It is our operational responsibility to ensure that we board, search, engage and interview where necessary all those individuals that we come across.”

Bennett stated that the Turneffe area continues being an area of concern. He said that the Coast Guard patrols “in Calabash Caye are very active in pursuing these individuals who may be involved in criminal activities in that area,” Bennett stated.

On Monday, the Belize Coast Guard operating from the Calabash Caye responded to reports of an individual “who was working in the Turneffe Atoll area and had suspected cocaine in his possession.”

He said the patrol team investigated and “discovered what appears to be suspected cocaine”. The man was detained, and the substance was confiscated. The suspect was handed over to police for further questioning.

Bennett also confirmed that last week, the coast guard had detained another individual who had been “aggressive towards another party in the activities of beachcombing. So we are aware of that, and we are doing our best to keep an eye on these individuals,” he said.

Wall Street Braces for Recession Amid Trump’s Trade War

Traders on Wall Street are warning of an impending recession as President Trump’s trade war continues to cause massive market turbulence. The Guardian reported that on Monday, stock markets swung wildly after false reports of a tariff pause, revealing the heightened anxiety surrounding US-China relations and global economic uncertainty.

Traders are growing increasingly concerned about the long-term impact of Trump’s aggressive economic policies. According to The Guardian, the volatility has reached levels not seen since the 2008 financial crisis. Many believe the US is heading towards a self-sustaining economy but fear the cost of such a shift could be devastating.

Experts predict that the ongoing turmoil could lead to a prolonged downturn, with markets already showing signs of strain, The Guardian reported. Technical analyst Anthony told the news outlet that, despite short-term opportunities, a recession is inevitable, and consumer spending is likely to slump as the effects of the trade war take hold. “What’s happening is that it’s going to hit the American people, and they’re going to keep their wallet closed in their pocket. Without a doubt, we’re hitting a recession,” he said.

Tracy Panton Rejects ‘Fake’ Meeting Allegations

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition (LOO), is rejecting statements issued by Shyne Barrow in a press statement bearing the UDP’s name on Monday night.

She accused Barrow of having no authority within the party. She said, “The former Standard Bearer of Mesop, who received a mere 300 votes in the most recent General Elections, is NO LONGER the Leader lof the Opposition. He is NO LONGER the Leader of our great United Democratic Party. He is NO LONGER the elected Area Representative of the Mesopotamia Division. He has NO authority whatsoever to act on or behalf of the UDP.”

Barrow lost his seat and position as LOO after being defeated by his UDP rival, Lee Mark Chang as part of Panton’s UDP slate.

Panton’s comments followed a statement from Barrow who denounced Panton’s National Party Council Meeting held on April 5 as a “fake” UDP gathering.

In her statement on social media, Panton insisted that her focus is on rebuilding the UDP, adding that if Barrow and “those who believe they are so entitled insist to facilitate this madness, we will take the appropriate action.”

Shyne Says Tracy’s UDP Meeting “Fake”

A press release branding the United Democratic Party ‘s name was issued by former Opposition Leader Moses Shyne Barrow on Monday night.

The statement condemned the UDP National Party Council Meeting held on Saturday by Leader of the Opposition and Albert representative Tracy Panton.

It said the UDP “denounces the Alliance for Democracy Party’s continued false claims of UDP leadership and NPC meetings.”

It added, “The meeting held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, by Tracy Panton and others was not a UDP National Party Council meeting.”

The statement also refuted Panton’s leadership, adding that “until the High Court issues its decision on the civil action brought against Panton for her false claim to leadership, the status quo remains as to the duly elected and appointed Central Executive Committee Members of UDP.”

Spread Love and Kindness: Donate to Families in Need

The We Walk as One Foundation is organising its Hearts & Hands Clothes & Shoes Drive. This campaign is part of the Hearts & Hands Community Outreach to support families in need in Armenia Village, Belize.

The drive will be from February 24th to May 15th, 2025. The foundation is seeking donations of children’s and adults’ clothing, shoes (new or gently used), and blankets. Items can be dropped off at the designated collection point at 9151 M.Y. Street, Belize City, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

The items will be going to women, men and children who will happily accept your donations. The foundation encouraged anyone to contribute items in good condition. “Your donations will bring comfort and relief to families facing hardships. Let’s give with love and dignity,” the foundation said.

Anyone who would like to arrange donations can reach out to the foundation at 638-3625 or via email at admin@wewalkasonefoundation.com.

Belize Secures 1.9 million Grant from Green Climate Fund

Belize has secured a BZD 1.9 million grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to enhance its climate change response. According to a statement, the Ministry of Economic Transformation, through its Climate Finance Unit (CFU), will use the funding to advance the country’s climate agenda.

The project will focus on strengthening key institutions involved in climate action, including the University of Belize, the Belize Social Investment Fund, and national disaster management efforts.

A key goal is to establish a dedicated climate finance fund and transition the CFU into a full department. “The project will enable the Climate Finance Unit (CFU) to initiate the process of transitioning into a full-fledged department, as well as establishing a climate finance fun,” the ministry said.

Among the objectives are the development of legal frameworks and policies aligned with national climate priorities, the launch of a public awareness campaign, and the creation of a climate-focused education model at the University of Belize.

Belize City Security Guard Found Guilty of Child Rape

49-year-old Ervin Middleton from Belize City has been found guilty of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2020. The verdict was delivered today in the High Court by Justice Nigel Pilgrim.

Middleton, a security guard, was remanded to the Belize Central Prison pending his sentencing on May 16.

The victim testified that Middleton raped her while living at their residence. At the time of the incident, she was home alone when he returned early, asking for water. Following this, Middleton forcibly pinned her down despite her resistance. The girl, now 18, provided credible testimony.

Middleton denied the allegations, claiming they were fabricated due to a familial dispute. However, Justice Pilgrim ruled the victim’s testimony reliable.

Middleton was represented by attorney Ian Gray. His bail was revoked.

Multiple Arrests Made in Belize City Shooting

A man, a woman, and a minor were injured in a Sunday afternoon shooting in Belize City.

The three individuals were “sitting in a yard on Iguana Street when a motorcycle came to the area, and a person came off the motorcycle and fired several shots towards the direction,” the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, said.

According to ACP Romero, the victims were taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for treatment. They are in stable condition.

Romero told reporters, “A person that was at the yard was the intended target, but he was not shot.” He said several people are in custody.

According to Romero, police are investigating the connection of this shooting incident with previous ones and that the department is “doing follow-up work on it.”

“We will do several operations and bring in the persons from those areas to try to prevent any further retaliation,” Romero concluded.

Police Investigate Belmopan Shooting, Multiple Arrests Made

Police continue investigating a shooting incident that occurred over the weekend in the Cohune Walk area of Belmopan City. The shooting incident occurred in front of the T&J store on Saturday around midday.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero confirmed that 23-year-old Jamal Hyde sustained gunshot injuries. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.

A police investigation revealed that Hyde, who was driving a Mazda vehicle, was targeted by a shooter inside a passing suburban vehicle.

The police believe the suspects may have been trailing Hyde’s vehicle before the shooting occurred. “They have some feud amongst themselves, and that is what led to this shooting… At some point the Suburban came upon the Mazda. The Mazda had been to several places in Belmopan prior to the shooting,” Romero said.

Two other passengers were also inside Hyde’s vehicle. Romero confirmed that the two men were unharmed. “There were two other persons in the Mazda, but they were not injured,” Romero stated.

Romero also confirmed a firearm was recovered and multiple individuals are now in custody as part of the ongoing investigation.