Benita Keme-Palacio - Channel 5 Belize

Belize to Participate in Annual World Investor Week

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Belize takes a bold step toward enhancing investor awareness and protection by taking part in the International Organisation of Securities Commissions’ (IOSCO) 8th Annual World Investor Week (WIW) from October 7 to October 12, 2024.

This global initiative convenes over 100 jurisdictions, tackling pressing financial topics that impact today’s investors.

This year’s campaign will focus on topics such as technology and digital finance, crypto assets, and sustainable finance. The event will feature discussions and workshops on fraud and scam prevention, investor resilience, and the basics of investing.

Claude Haylock, Director General of the FSC, stated, “Becoming an Associate Member of IOSCO earlier this year reinforces our dedication to creating a financial environment that prioritises investor education and protection.” Haylock added, “With the rise of AI, virtual assets, and other transformative technologies, it is critical that we continue to educate and protect investors.”

Burrell Boom Man Reported Missing

Authorities are seeking help to locate 73-year-old Eugene Leslie from Butter Cup Estate, Burrell Boom Village. Leslie has been missing since September 13, 2024, riding toward the main road outside the village.

He is described as having dark complexion and being of Creole descent. Leslie stands at approximately 59 inches tall and has a medium build.

At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing long blue jeans and a short-sleeved checkered shirt. His children have been searching local establishments with video cameras in hopes of retracing his steps. Leslie suffers from dementia.

Anyone with information regarding Eugene Leslie’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 922.

Belize Teen Developer Inspires at UN General Assembly

At just 17, Alaine Perdomo marked her presence at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, where she urged global leaders to combat violence against children and promote digital literacy for girls.

As a talented young developer, Perdomo launched the innovative mobile app SafeScape in December 2023 with support from UNICEF.

The app provides crucial resources for victims of sexual assault and abuse, amplifying her mission today at the UN General Assembly.

Belize Prepares for Garifuna Settlement Day

As September celebrations wind down, Belize’s next highly anticipated event approaches.

Today, the National Garifuna Council announced the theme for this year’s November 19th Celebrations: “Afeduha waméi wagücha, afareinha waméi wanichigu! – Celebrating our roots; sharing our culture.”

This theme, submitted by Biviana McDougall, a teacher at Gulisi Community Primary School, was selected by the Garifuna Language Commission.

In its press release, the council highlighted the theme’s focus on honouring cultural origins and the importance of passing down knowledge to future generations. “It reminds us of the responsibility adults have as role models, and educators, ensuring that Garifuna culture and identity continue to thrive through the younger generation,” the Council stated.

Scientists Discover New Hammerhead Species in Belize

Scientists from Florida International University have identified a new species of hammerhead shark, Sphyrna alleni, named in honour of the late Paul G. Allen, an advocate for shark conservation.

Previously unnoticed due to its similarity to the bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo, the locally known shovellbill shark has been found from Belize to Brazil and now faces the threat of extinction.

FIU researcher and lead author of the research, Cindy Gonzalez, explained, “DNA analyses provided the first clue that the bonnethead sharks, as we knew them, were at least two species in the Atlantic and not one.” However, Gonzalez noted that DNA alone was insufficient to define a species, prompting a team to investigate physical differences.

The Global FinPrint study revealed that sharks in this region are overfished, particularly due to destructive fishing practices.

“These sharks have played a critical role in shaping the culture and economy of many local communities in many Latin American countries, so it is important to work hand-to-hand with the fishermen on conservation efforts,” Gonzalez remarked.

The next phase of the project will evaluate shark health in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across 26 nations.

“It is tragic that we have only just recognised that this species exists, and we are already running against the clock to prevent its extinction,” said the research team lead, Demian Chapman. He commended Belize for its proactive steps in shark conservation, adding, “Belize has taken proactive steps for shark conservation that may help this species, such as collaborating closely with shark fishing communities to manage shark catches, establishing protected areas, and implementing a nationwide gillnet ban.”

Carnival Drink Dispute Leads to Stabbing

Police are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred during the carnival celebration in Orange Walk District. According to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, Francis Bustamante Sr., 48, and his son, Francis Bustamante Jr., 28, were working at a bar when a male approached them and initiated an argument. This individual then brandished a knife and stabbed both men.

Reports indicate that the argument may have been over a drink that the assailant wanted to purchase.

Francis Bustamante Senior is recovering in the hospital, while Francis Bustamante Junior is in critical condition.

There are no suspects identified at this time.

The investigation is ongoing.

John Briceño: ‘Unprecedented Times Demand Unprecedented Actions’

World leaders gathered at the 79^th United Nations General Assembly for the Summit of the Future, adopting the Pact for the Future Resolution. This initiative includes the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, aimed at bridging digital divides and ensuring a sustainable world for future generations.

During the Summit of the Future, Prime Minister John Briceño called on global leaders to see the adoption of the Summit Outcome documents as the starting point for transformative change. He stated, “The adoption of the pact for the future, the global digital compact, and the declaration on future generations must not be seen as an end, but rather as a beginning.” Briceño emphasised that these agreements serve as a foundation for future action.

Briceño pointed out the challenges posed by what he described as a “triple planetary crisis and a development crisis.” He warned that “human and planetary capacities are approaching limits from which there may be no rebound.” The Prime Minister noted that climate and development goals are slipping further away, with recent data indicating that global warming has exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for the first time in a twelve-month period.

Briceño called for unprecedented actions across all levels of governance, stating, “These are unprecedented times; they demand unprecedented actions.” He underscored the need for investments in education, healthcare, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises, particularly in small island developing states.

He also cited the “Antigua and Barbuda agenda for SIDS” as a “forward-looking blueprint for resilient prosperity.”

“My country, like other small island developing states, still lacks representation where decisions are being made on our behalf. As a placebo, we may be given the privilege of a five-minute intervention on a matter that will have consequential impacts on our future,” Briceño added.

DOE Hosts Training for Protecting Belize’s Resources

The Department of the Environment (DOE) recently concluded a training session aimed at enhancing environmental compliance monitoring, a crucial step in safeguarding Belize’s natural resources.

Over three days, from September 17-19, 2024, experts from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) provided guidance to representatives from over ten government agencies, including Public Health, the Forest Department, NICH, and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum, and Mining.

The training involved practical exercises and discussions designed to enhance participants’ monitoring skills.

Anthony Mai, Chief Environmental Officer, highlighted the importance of compliance, stating, “Compliance is not just a checklist; it’s a critical aspect of maintaining trust and integrity in our operations.” He noted that the training offered a valuable opportunity for professionals to exchange knowledge and address common challenges.

Belize Takes Robotics to the World: Meet Wagüchi

Team Belize is primed to represent the nation at the First Global Challenge 2024 in Athens, Greece, to showcase its innovative robot, Wagüchi.

While the name Wagüchi translates to “our father” in Garifuna, it also symbolises the team’s strong connection to their ancestral roots, with an adopted figurative meaning of “ancestral roots.”

The team comprises five dedicated high school students: Team Captain Aurayanna Shepherd, 16; Lia Hunt, 16; Ximin Huang, 15; Liam Lizarraga, 15; and Leandro Avila, 13. Together, they have worked tirelessly with a larger school team to design, build, and program Wagüchi and enhance its functionality.

The team, made up of students from first to fourth form, departed this morning to Greece.

The First Global Challenge is an international robotics competition that encourages youths from around the world to tackle pressing global issues through technology. Taking place from September 26-29, 2024, the event will see participants from over 190 countries gather in Athens.

The competition aims to make science and technology as celebrated in the same manner traditional sports do, inspiring the next generation to pursue STEM fields.

23-Year-Old Fatally Stabbed in Orange Walk Post Carnival

During Saturday night’s Carnival Road march in Orange Walk Town, a 23-year-old man from the St. Martins Area, Belize City, was fatally stabbed.

According to reports, Alwin Arnold Vasquez was stabbed in the abdomen after reportedly being involved in an altercation with an unknown male.

Vasquez was immediately rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital (NRH) for medical assistance but was pronounced dead shortly after.

Witnesses to the incident were reportedly under the influence of alcohol, and were unable to provide useful statements to the police. The police investigation continues.