Exclusive footage captured by News Five shows the moment when a member of the Belize Police Department had to fire two warning shots to break up a fight. The brawl broke out on Sunday morning at the MCC Grounds in Belize City, following a match between Kelly Street FC and Fort George FC.
Despite the two warning shots, the brawl continued. Officers on the ground later took control of the situation.
Teams and supporters gathered at the MCC Grounds for the William Dawson Peace Cup 2023-2024.
FAO’s launches innovative approach to prioritizing water management investments in Belize
The FAO Investment Centre today launched a study highlighting FAO’s new methodology to identify and prioritize investments in irrigation and drainage in Belize. The study outlines a practical framework for policymakers and private sector investors to address climate-related risks and bolster agriculture resilience through investments in water management.
Mohamed Manssouri, Director of the FAO Investment Centre, said; “It is vital that we boost strategic irrigation and drainage investments, with the goal to elevate agricultural productivity and support Belize’s smallholders to deal with climate challenges.”
‘Priority areas for irrigation investments in Belize’ shows how data-driven investments in water management – alongside improved data availability and strategic resource allocation – can reduce climate risks to Belize’s agriculture sector.
Urgent need to support farmers facing climate threats
In 2019 a severe drought devastated agricultural production and hampered economic growth, with Belizean farmers collectively losing as much as USD 38.5 million. The sugar industry was severely impacted, necessitating government intervention to provide financial aid for affected producers.
Climate-induced shocks have not only jeopardized food security and damaged infrastructure, but also triggered widespread economic repercussions – including increased transportation and food prices.
Identifying investment priorities
To support these goals, FAO’s innovative approach aims to guide policymakers and private sector investors in identifying investment priorities within water management infrastructure.
Roble Sabrie, Economist, FAO Investment Centre and lead author of the study, said; “We sought to develop an evidence-based decision-making system that is practical and tailored to improving national and local planning, and supporting efficient resource allocation. To prioritize projects effectively, we considered technical, financial, economic, social, and environmental aspects – ensuring the approach is both comprehensive and practical.”
FAO employed a dynamic mix of on-the-ground data and advanced tools like EarthMap and Google Engine to map out Belize’s irrigation and drainage needs. This proposed approach combines diverse data sources, including temperature, precipitation, water deficit, and land use. It considers climate trends, assesses impacts, and estimates required investments for sustainable water access, focusing on priority watersheds.
Luis Loyola, Senior Irrigation and Drainage Specialist, World Bank – who was part of the FAO project team – said; “The methodology supports informed decisions and helps to identify priority areas for strategic irrigation and drainage investments – while factoring in climate change. We are aiming to enhance decision-making for more effective and responsive water infrastructure development.”
The initiative draws on learnings from FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) conducted in 2019-2021, and builds on the World Bank Infrastructure Prioritization Framework (IPF) to prioritize investments using climate, natural resources, and socioeconomic data.
It complements ongoing programs by the World Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) focused on enhancing climate change resilience in agriculture.
Next steps for forging water-tight investments
Strengthening collaboration with authorities and institutions for data-gathering and sharing is a crucial step toward enriching future analyses and enhancing the accuracy of assessments.
Yet, these innovative initiatives driving data-driven decision-making and investments from FAO and other partners mark significant strides towards building a more sustainable and resilient water sector in Belize.
In celebration of women’s accomplishments and historical contributions, Cognella presented a special title catalog for Women’s History Month. The featured titles, which span the disciplines, underscore the struggles and successes of women throughout history. Cognella’s spotlight title is Marie Sharp: Made in Belize (The Authorized Biography). Written by Deborah Wagnon, the book tells the story of an extraordinary woman from Belize who overcame societal barriers, as well as personal and professional setbacks, to build a hugely successful worldwide business, Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods, Ltd.
As a business led and owned by women, Marie Sharp’s farm currently has over 125 full-time employees, with 85% of the workforce being women. At 84-years-old, Marie takes pride in being recognized as the “Queen of Habanero” throughout Belize and in kitchens globally. To purchase Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods, Ltd.
In a press release, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) is telling Prime Minister John Briceño to “stay pan track.” The BSCFA says that it is appalled by statements made recently by PM Briceño in the media regarding a court judgement.
On February 29, 2024, High Court Judge Rajiv Gooretilleke delivered a judgement on a claim filed by BSCFA and Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Associations (CSCPA) against the Attorney General of Belize, the Minister of Agriculture, the Sugar Industry Control Board, and the Controller of Supplies. Within their claim, BSI/CSCPA sought court orders to declare nine regulations unconstitutional, with the judge ultimately deeming five of these regulations null and void.
Representing BSI, Godfrey Smith, Senior Counsel, questioned the purpose behind these regulations, suggesting they unfairly targeted BSI. However, BSCFA says that the reality of the situation lies in decades of strained relations between BSI and cane farmers. BSCFA says that Smith’s assertions are misleading.
BSFCA says, “Equally appalling are the statements of the Prime Minister regarding the Commission of Inquiry (COI)…The Prime Minister states that he heads the COI, that he is the one who has responsibility for the COI, and that it is his responsibility to ensure that there are proper consultations by everyone. Yet he unfairly blames Hon. Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture, for not properly consulting all stakeholders on the COI. The Prime Minister conveniently disregards the fact that the record shows that both BSI and all associations were invited to be a part of the consultation process, but only two associations…”
The release ends by stating, “The BSCFA calls on the Prime Minister to “STAY PAN TRACK” and to appeal the judgement on the regulations and to establish the Commission of Inquiry forthwith, or shall the BSCFA have to remind him where is “THE TRACK”.
In a statement responding to the withdrawal of the Orange Walk Running Rebels, the Belize Elite Basket Ball League said, “All records pertaining to the Rebel’s aborted participation will be expunged, including points won and lost.”
The OW Running Rebels announced its withdrawal on Thursday, saying that the “tournament as it has become excruciating operating, organising, and competing under the present structure and leadership.”
BEBL said, “The Rebels have failed to respond to several attempts to work through these matters, choosing instead to take their petition to social media, which is a clear violation of the league’s policy.”
“This week’s scheduled game between the Belize City Defenders and the Rebels is cancelled, but the rest of our weekend schedule is on track on Saturday night in Dangriga and Belize City. The schedule for the remainder of the 2024 season is being redone to account for the withdrawal of the Orange Walk team and will be published as soon as possible.”
Jared Ranguy pleaded guilty a short while ago to triple murder. Justice Nigel Pilgrim has reserved sentencing until after mitigation pleas are submitted. Ranguy pleaded guilty to the murders of his mother, sister, and stepfather in Ladyville in November of 2012. In court, the relatives of the deceased persons sobbed as Ranguy admitted that he killed the victims without provocation.
His guilty plea came after having gotten a sentence indication, meaning that he decided to plead guilty without going to a trial. News Five will have the full details, including an interview with the family, in our newscast live at 6.
News Five has confirmed that Stake Bank Enterprise Limited is in receivership. Atlantic Bank Limited has taken possession of the company’s assets as of Thursday, March 14th. Marlowe Neal of Neal & Associates Advisory Services Ltd. is the receiver.
In February 2019, ground was broken for Stake Bank Enterprise Limited with the intention of embarking on a tourism development project on its twenty-five-acre island.
Back then, Chairman of the Feinstein Group, Michael Feinstein, told the press that “The bankers for this project is being led by the Atlantic Bank group. The Atlantic Bank is the lead organizer for the money for this project which is sixty-seven million dollars on the island and a total of about eighty-two million dollars before this project is done.”
However, fast forward five years, and the once-barren island off the coast of Belize City has transformed into a partially developed construction site yet remains unfinished despite significant efforts and investments. The project, also known as Port Coral, aimed to create a state-of-the-art cruise ship docking facility and tourism hub.
Stake Bank Enterprise Ltd., led by Michael Feinstein, secured a definitive agreement with the Government of Belize in August 2017. This agreement granted the company permission to build and operate the Stake Bank project for a fixed 25-year term. It preceded the enactment of the Stake Bank Cruise Docking Facility Development Act in January 2018.
The project faced challenges, including legal disputes and controversies surrounding the approval of competing cruise ship docking facilities in Belize District, notably the Port of Magical Belize. Feinstein and Stake Bank initiated legal proceedings against the government and Portico Enterprises Limited, seeking damages for alleged breaches of the definitive agreement and hindrances to project progress.
Feinstein claims that news of Portico’s memorandum hindered negotiations and halted the construction of the Stake Bank Project.
The Government of Belize further exacerbated the situation by entering into a definitive agreement with Portico in October 2020, granting a thirty-year term for the Port of Magical Belize along with extensive approving rights, tax benefits, and duty concessions unprecedented for any other investor or developer. Stake Bank contends that these breaches have caused significant loss and damage, resulting in a six-year stall of the project.
They claim projected net revenue losses of one hundred forty-eight million, four hundred thirty-four thousand, and four hundred four Belize dollars, along with an additional thirty million Belize dollars in interest incurred during this period.
Receivership serves as a debt restructuring mechanism aimed at steering a company away from bankruptcy or liquidation while legal proceedings unfold. During this interim period, a neutral and legally appointed professional, known as a receiver, assumes control over the company’s operations, finances, and assets. The primary objective of the receiver is to evaluate the company’s sustainability, creditor interests, and outstanding debts, subsequently devising a repayment strategy that mitigates the need for total liquidation.
The Orange Walk Running Rebel announced earlier today that it “will not be able to continue participating in the 2024 BEBL tournament as it has become excruciating operating, organising, and competing under the present structure and leadership.”
The announcement was made on Facebook.
The team said, “We know the news is disappointing, but unless we get the change we had believed in and hoped for, elite basketball has not and will not change.”
The Orange Walk Running Rebel also said that it will remain active by continuing its work with youths and preparing for the 2025 season.
Luis Siapas was fatally chopped early this morning while at an establishment in St. Margaret’s Village in the Cayo District. According to witnesses, the victim was at La Rumba Restaurant and Bar when he was attacked by some men who chopped him in the head, face, throat, and hands.
The victim’s common-law-wife, Julisa Narajo, told News Five that before the deadly attack, Siapas was calm and happy. She said she was alerted to the attack by her neighbour. As to a suspected motive, she said, “At no point did he have any problem with the men who attacked him.”
Police are investigating.
The Belize Police Department has confirmed that fifty-nine-year-old Robert Joseph has been charged with two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.
A tragic shooting incident at the Belmopan Market claimed the lives of Laura Fiorito, aged forty, and eight-year-old Megan Klassen, a neighbour’s child. Security cameras captured when they were fatally shot by Joseph, who had been living in Belize since 2012.
The incident occurred while Fiorito, her husband, Salvatore Lopes, and their two children were at Paradise Café.
The motive behind Joseph’s attack has left many puzzled. He claims the family attempted to poison him.
Police Commissioner Chester Williams told reporters yesterday, “Police have interviewed a number of persons in respect to that matter and we are trying to see how we can come up with a definitive motive…We are still trying to put the pieces together. We have gathered several statements and we have obtained some video footages that is helping the investigation pretty good. So, the accused was immediately detained by the police and the weapon used was also detained by police. So we have a good case going forward.”
