Police in San Ignacio are investigating a robbery turned murder which occurred earlier this morning in Santa Elena Town. According to the investigation, the victim has been identified as Sheng Wen Wu. He is a businessman.
Reports are that Wu had arrived at his residence on the George Price Highway when he was held at gunpoint by two men on a motorcycle.
The men demanded money from Wu. Wu managed to escape but was followed and shot several times. He died on the scene. Police are investigating.
A 59-year-old man in Mexico has died from a strain of bird flu known as H5N2, marking the first human case of this virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported the man, who was hospitalized in Mexico City, succumbed to the virus on April 24 after experiencing symptoms including fever, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and general discomfort.
The WHO stated that the source of the man’s infection remains unclear, although H5N2 has been detected in poultry in Mexico. Despite this, the current risk to the general population is considered low. The UN agency emphasized that there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission in this case, and all individuals who had contact with the deceased have tested negative.
In March, an outbreak of H5N2 was reported in a family unit in Michoacan, but it was deemed no threat to distant commercial farms or human health. Following the man’s death, Mexican authorities confirmed the presence of the virus and reported the case to the WHO.
Kenrick Longsworth, charged with the murder of his 3-year-old stepson Mark Teul and the attempted murder of Mark’s siblings, Zemar and Markeem Teul, has been found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. Additionally, he was found guilty of wounding Zemar but not guilty of wounding Markeem.
Justice Derick Sylvester of the High Court ruled that while Longsworth admitted to striking Mark, he did not cause the fatal injuries intentionally. The decision followed extensive evidence, including testimonies from the children’s mother, police, a neighbor, and two doctors. Despite Longsworth’s defense blaming the children’s mother, the judge concluded that Longsworth inflicted the injuries leading to Mark’s death, resulting in a manslaughter conviction.
The judge noted the children had been abused before January 10, 2020.
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) fired off a press release this morning, denying rumors that an export license was issued for sugar allegedly found being shipped out of the country at a northern Belize border location.
In its release, BAHA says that it is not a “licensing authority for agricultural commodities.”
“BAHA regulates imports to comply with sanitary and phytosanitary requirements as a risk management strategy against plant pests and animal diseases, and to ensure that only safe food is imported. Importers are legally required to obtain BAHA import permits, which details conditions for importation, for this process.”
BAHA says that BSI-ASR and Santander Sugar are the only two companies that receive inspection and certification services for sugar exportation. It says that the only authorized exit points are the Port of Belize LTD and the Port of Big Creek, where BAHA personnel ensure that only certified consignments are shipped out.
BAHA categorically denies any involvement in the irregular export of sugar to Mexico or any other country.
by Javier Villanueva, Senior fishery and aquaculture officer for Latin America and the Caribbean. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
On June 5th, two highly relevant days are commemorated, strongly connected to the sustainability of fishing: World Environment Day and the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.
IUU fishing represents a significant threat to the sustainability of the oceans, marine biodiversity, coastal communities, and the livelihoods that depend on fishing. This activity, conducted outside the standards and responsibilities established by international instruments, undermines efforts to conserve and sustainably manage fishery resources. In Latin America and the Caribbean, around 21.6 million people depend on the fishing sector, highlighting the importance of effectively addressing this issue.
The concept of IUU fishing, adopted through international instruments and national legal frameworks, encompasses broad and complex components that often overlap. This multifaceted nature poses significant challenges in its implementation. Understanding and operationally defining each aspect is a crucial first step in adopting effective measures that improve fishery management, considering the particularities of legal, management, institutional, operational, and governance systems.
For some years now, the FAO has developed methods to estimate the scale of IUU fishing, responding to the needs of fishing countries seeking to understand the extent of this activity. There are two main approaches: the first is based on magnitude estimates to mobilize public opinion, political will, technological development, and the financial resources necessary to improve monitoring, control, and surveillance systems; the second approach, focused on indicators, helps fisheries authorities use their data to assess the effectiveness of these systems, identify threats, and ensure that resources are appropriately allocated.
In the region, several countries have taken significant measures to combat IUU fishing. Currently, 15 countries have ratified the Port State Measures Agreement, an initiative promoted by the FAO and unique that establishes a common framework to prevent, deter, and eliminate IUU fishing, facilitating information exchange and international cooperation. Its implementation contributes to more responsible and sustainable fisheries management and currently has more than one hundred countries committed globally.
The fight against IUU fishing reinforces the FAO’s work agenda and is a component of the Blue Transformation program promoted by the Organization. This program highlights the need to sustainably expand aquatic food systems, promote healthy and nutritious diets, foster equitable growth, and protect the environment.
In preparation for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference, to be held in France in 2025, Costa Rica will host the event Submerged in Change on June 7-8 this year. A new edition of the FAO’s State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report will be launched during this event, emphasizing the strategic importance of measures to advance fishery sustainability.
The future of the planet and future generations depends on the actions and commitments we make today together: governments, the private sector, communities, and international organizations must work in coordination to ensure the sustainability of marine resources.
Only through coordinated and sustainable efforts can we ensure that the oceans remain a vital source of food, employment, well-being, and livelihood for millions of people in Latin America and the Caribbean. Better Production is key to a Better Environment, Better Nutrition, and a Better Life, leaving no one behind.
The Belize Sugar Industries Limited is expressing concerns over what it describes as the Commission of Inquiry’s change of focus.
In a release, BSI says that “because it operates in a commodity business that is very competitive, it cannot share proprietary and confidential information.”
BSI says it cannot disclose proprietary and confidential information. The company has also informed the government that it will not cooperate with a COI if its focus shifts towards using the process to negotiate a new commercial agreement, as this is a “private commercial matter.”
The Belize Council of Churches a few minutes ago issued a press statement regarding the forest fires that continue to devastate certain parts of the country, particularly the Toledo and Cayo districts.
In its release, the Council says, “The Belize Council of Churches offers its prayers of solace to the victims of the fires in Cayo and Toledo. We also offer prayers of gratitude for the dedicated many who have fought, and continue to fight the fires.”
The release continues, “The Council of Churches has initially sent cases of life-giving water to Toledo with enclosed prayers for the firefighters, as they spend day and night not only in the heat of this dry weather but also the heat of the fire.”
On Monday, A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division, told reporters that forty-year-old George Dominguez and thirty-five-year-old Dwayne Tillett were shot because they were involved in a fight an hour earlier.
The incident happened in San Ignacio Town on Saturday.
A.C.P. Romero told the press that police responded to a shooting incident on Eighteenth Street in San Ignacio Town. Upon arrival, they discovered George Dominguez and Dwayne Tillett with gunshot wounds. He shared that the investigation revealed that the two men had engaged in a fight approximately an hour before the shooting. Subsequently, while in the yard, a male suspect approached them and fired several shots, causing their injuries. When asked about the motive, A.C.P. Romero stated that it was related to the prior fight.
However, Shajira Hyde, who lives where the shooting occurred, says that the two men were not involved in the fight. Hyde told News Five that it was Jair Frutos who was involved in the fight. She explains her version of events in the following video:
@news5belizeShots Rang Out as Children Slept; Woman Says Victims Were Not Involved in the Fight
Marion Hernandez, a Belize national, who is currently completing his degree in Dental Surgery at the University of Guyana (UG), was recently honoured with the Best International Student award when the institution’s prestigious College of Medical Sciences hosted its annual awards and prize-giving exercise to recognise its top achievers.
In an interview with UG’s Department of Events, Conferences and Communication (DECC), Hernandez, who currently serves as a Captain in the Belize Defence Force, expressed that the award is more than just an academic achievement. “To me, this award symbolises the diverse experiences, cultures, and perspectives that enrich our campus community. It serves as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, anything is possible,” the scholar said with much pride.
Reflecting on his journey thus far at UG, the Belizean explained: “The journey started in week one when I was selected as the class representative. Interestingly, no one knew I was an international student.” His leadership extended beyond the classroom as he held various roles, including Vice President of the UG Dental Students’ Association, President of the UG Dental Association, and Chairman of the International Student Affairs Committee.
The aspiring dentist noted that his passion for the sciences was evident from a young age, particularly during his secondary school years, when he delved deeply into biology. He detailed that as he got older, his interest in the medical field grew. He explained that about five years ago while observing the expansion of the Belize Defence Force’s hospital, he noticed a significant gap – a dental clinic without a dental surgeon. “I noticed a dental clinic devoid of a dental surgeon. Witnessing this gap sparked a deep-seated motivation within me to pursue dentistry, recognising the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to healthcare in my country,” he said.
According to Hernandez, selecting the university to pursue his studies in Dental Surgery was an important decision, and there were several factors he had to consider before he made up his mind. Beaming with pride, he said that he is confident that he made the right decision by choosing to pursue his academic career at UG.
“Dentistry is a practical field that requires extensive hands-on experience,” he noted while expressing gratitude for the comprehensive clinical exposure and early immersion provided by UG’s School of Dentistry. This rigorous training he explained, is preparing him to offer quality dental care to members of the Belize Defence Force and the broader community.
The scholar’s advice to other students aspiring to excel academically and achieve international recognition is rooted in humility and openness. “Form study groups, seek help from your peers and professors, and use your setbacks as a guide to improve yourselves. Immerse yourself in the culture of your host country and take part in unique festivities. Remember, at the end of the day, we are all students with remarkable capabilities.”
The University of Guyana boasts over 60 diverse programmes, offering Certificate, Associate, Diploma, Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral Degrees at very affordable rates. With over 60 years of academic excellence, UG has assembled a world-class faculty dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience. Welcoming students from around the globe, UG stands as the ideal university for quality and accessibility in higher education.
(Press release)
The White House is preparing to sign off on an executive order that would shut down asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border once the average number of daily encounters hits 2,500 between ports of entry.
The border reopens only once that number declines to 1,500, with the impact of the 2,500 figure meaning that the executive order could go into immediate effect. President Biden is expected to unveil the actions at the White House on Tuesday at an event to which border mayors have been invited.
The 1,500 threshold at which the border would reopen for asylum seekers could be hard to reach. Biden has been deliberating on how to act on his own after bipartisan legislation to clamp down on asylum at the border collapsed due to Republicans defecting from the deal at the urging of Donald Trump.
The executive order will allow Biden to declare that he has pushed the boundaries of his own power after lawmakers, specifically congressional Republicans, killed off what would have been the toughest border and asylum restrictions in some time.
