The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) and the Bonaire Movement for Human Rights and Change are hosting an international conference today in Baku, focussing on Bonaire’s situation under Dutch colonial rule.
The conference, titled “The Path of Bonaire’s Self-Determination through the UN General Assembly in Baku,” will bring together representatives from Bonaire who advocate for freedom and fight against colonialism. Attendees will include officials from Belize, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, St. Lucia, the United Kingdom, Mexico, the Netherlands, the UN, and other international and regional organisations, along with human rights activists, NGO leaders, and decolonisation experts.
Notable participants include the Special Representative of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Permanent Representative of Belize to the UN, the UNICEF Youth Envoy, the Caribbean Community Youth Ambassador, and the Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
The conference will highlight the Bonairean people’s ongoing struggle to break free from Dutch colonial rule and efforts to bring their cause to the attention of relevant international bodies.
This event is particularly significant for the Bonairean people as several nations prepare to submit a draft resolution to the UN General Assembly in the coming weeks, aiming to re-list the island as a territory in need of decolonization. One of the conference’s main goals is to rally international support for this resolution.
Azerbaijan’s role in hosting such a pivotal event underscores its growing prominence as a global leader in the fight against colonisation.
Thirty-eight-year-old Brandon Bowen, a well-known street figure, walked away from a charge of abetment to robbery when he appeared before the lower court today. In June 2023, Bowen was accused of robbing the cashiers at Belize Healthcare Partners Limited of an undisclosed sum of money. This morning, in the presence of attorney Ellis Arnold, it was successfully argued that there was no evidence linking Bowen to the crime. With that, the charge was dismissed and he was free to go. Of note, is that the identity of the other individual who participated in the robbery was never released and no one was ever charged for the actual robbery.
Two women had a traumatic experience on Sunday night inside their home in Burrel Boom Village. According to police, two armed men entered the residence, held them up and stole an assortment of items. They made good their escape. Police have no suspects.
“On Sunday the eighteenth day of August 2024 police responded to reports of an aggravated burglary in Burrel Boom Village. Upon their arrival they met a complainant who reported that she was at home along with her mother when they were approached by two make persons who were in camouflage clothing. The two people took out a knife and a machete and held them up. They then searched the house and stole three watches, cell phones and some cash. Thereafter they fled from the area. We are conducting an investigation into this report and so far, there are no suspects detained.”
Private bus operators in Belize City continue raising concerns about how the new electric buses are affecting their businesses. Arthur Saldivar, attorney for City Shuttle Limited, Lopez Bus, and Lemoth and Sons, claims his clients are struggling financially due to the e-buses’ ‘competitive pricing.’
In an interview with News 5 on Friday, Saldivar criticised the price changes of the e-buses, which he claims now compete directly with the private sector. He stated, “They have slashed prices to be in direct competition with the private sector operators.”
In response, the Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA) has expressed support for the new electric buses. In a press release dated August 17, 2024, BAPDA praised the e-bus initiative for improving accessibility and service for persons with disabilities. BAPDA criticised the existing bus operators for their resistance to fleet improvements saying, “For many years, the city and district buses were asked to improve their fleet, to upgrade, to become more safety aware and to offer better services to their commuters and, for years, they have resisted, found fault with and basically ignored all warnings, edicts, proposal to do better.”
BAPDA noted that despite minor issues, the new electric buses are already a significant improvement, stating, “There are minor kinks to work out but they are running and better serving the community of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and, for that, we are highly appreciative.”
A Belize City family is reaching out for community support to help fundraise for Barbara Elijio Antonio, a beloved teacher and community member battling cancer. The family is hosting a Punta Rama Night fundraiser on August 31, which will be held at either Swift Hall or Bird’s Isle.
To make this event a success, the organizers are seeking donations to cover venue costs and other expenses. They welcome contributions from businesses and individuals alike to support this noble cause. “We aim to raise $7,000 through this event, which will go directly towards her treatment that she needs,” said Le-Tesha Tate, Antonio’s daughter. She added, “Every contribution, no matter how small, will help us inch closer to get her treatment. She is a wonderful teacher, friend, and mom she even helps her community.”
The family urges the community’s support and invites everyone to join this heartfelt initiative.
For more information or to offer support, individuals can contact the event organizer at +501-628-4632, +501-663-5673, or via email at tateletesha@gmail.com.
A 32-year-old man from Corozal Town, Aurelio Perez Jr., was killed in a tragic road accident on the Phillip Goldson Highway on Thursday, August 1st. The incident occurred between miles 81 and 82 around 9:27 p.m. Perez was riding a 24-inch Beach cruiser when an unidentified vehicle struck him from behind, causing fatal injuries. Despite being rushed to the Corozal Community Hospital, Perez was pronounced dead. The police are actively investigating the accident, and a post-mortem examination is pending.
Kamala Harris Closes Gap on Donald Trump in 2024 Race
The recent polls indicate that Kamala Harris is narrowing the gap with former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race. Following President Joe Biden’s exit from the race and Harris’s subsequent emergence as the Democratic nominee, recent surveys show a tightening of the race. According to The Guardian, Harris now trails Trump by narrow margins in key swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Georgia.
Nationally, the competition is close with Trump leading Harris by just one point, a significant shift from the six-point lead Trump held over Biden earlier in July, reported The Guardian. Aggregated data from various polls suggests a near tie.
Women and Voter Perceptions Impact Harris’s Candidacy
While there is strong support for Harris among Democrats and women, there is also concern about her electability. Despite backing Harris, many women and people of color question whether the country is ready for a woman of color as president. The 19th News reported that the poll reveals that while the majority of Americans support Biden’s decision to withdraw and endorse Harris, many believe Trumdp would win if Harris is the Democratic nominee.
Harris’s campaign has seen a surge in enthusiasm and fundraising, particularly from women’s groups and Black women, who have mobilized quickly since Biden’s exit. Despite this, a portion of the electorate remains skeptical about Harris’s ability to win against Trump, particularly because of her race and gender, which some believe could impact her chances negatively.
Betting Markets and Financial Implications
Betting markets reflect a relatively stable outlook for Trump despite Harris’s ascent. Fox Business reports that as of this week, Trump’s odds of winning stand at approximately 63% on Polymarket, while Harris’s chances are around 32%. Although Trump’s odds have slightly decreased since Biden’s withdrawal, they remain strong.
Though Biden’s exit has surged the betting activity significantly, concerns from major donors about Harris’s progressive stances and the strategic implications of her campaign have surfaced. Adding another layer of complexity to the 2024 race.
Kamala Harris’s campaign has gained momentum since Biden’s withdrawal, with polls showing a narrowing gap with Trump and significant support from Democratic factions. However, uncertainties about her electability and concerns from financial backers and betting markets highlight the challenges she faces as the race continues to evolve.
On July 26, 2024, NEMO, the Belize Defence Force (BDF), and the Coast Guard successfully completed the Agile Bear 2.0 training, a week-long program aimed at improving disaster response capabilities. The training, conducted in collaboration with Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF-B), focused on advanced techniques such as Helo Casting and Drone Flying, enhancing the teams’ ability to perform rapid disaster response and surveillance in challenging environments.
Earlier in the week, on July 25, the partners continued their work on Operation Sentinel Watch, developing a Standard Operating Procedure for requesting assistance. This SOP is designed to align with JTF-B’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response framework.
The joint effort between NEMO, BDF, and the Coast Guard strengthens operational readiness and coordination, ensuring better preparedness for future emergencies. NEMO extends its gratitude to JTF-B and the US Army for their support in training first responders.
A family dispute at the Tzul residence on North Front Street has resulted in one pregnant sister being hospitalized, while the other sister has been arrested and charged with grievous harm. This afternoon, twenty-three-year-old Monique Tzul, a cashier from Belize City, was arraigned in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on a charge of grievous harm. She pleaded not guilty to causing grievous harm to her twenty-one-year-old sister, Aailyah Tzul, a call agent. The incident allegedly occurred on Wednesday, July seventeenth, 2024. The prosecutor objected to bail, citing the possibility that Monique might interfere with her sister again and the serious nature of the offense. The matter was paused briefly to check the health status of the pregnant mother and her unborn child. Upon confirmation that both were in good health, the magistrate granted bail to Monique. She was released on bail of two thousand dollars with one surety of the same amount. Conditions of her bail include no contact with the complainant, maintaining a distance of a hundred yards from her sister, not reoffending while on bail, and signing in weekly at the Mahogany Street Police Station. Additionally, she is prohibited from visiting the family home on North Front Street while the case is ongoing and must reside at her home on Morning Glory Street. Her next court date is set for September twenty-third, 2024. In her report to the police, Aailyah stated that on the day of the incident, she had texted Monique, urging her to spend more time with her four-year-old daughter, who was being cared for by their mother. This led to a verbal altercation when Monique arrived at the house. The argument escalated, and Monique allegedly punched Aailyah in the head, causing bruising and swelling. Aailyah then retaliated, and Monique reportedly stomped on Aailyah’s stomach, despite knowing she was pregnant.
Get ready Belize City, the new E-buses will finally take to the streets on Monday! Earlier today, the Belize City Council, the United Nations Development Programme, and other government ministries officially launched the E-bus service in the downtown area. The ushering in of this environmentally-friendly mode of transportation aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and comes as a green alternative to public transportation. News Five’s Isani Cayetano reports.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
The introduction of electric buses to the local public transportation landscape has been long in the making. It was part of a campaign promise leading up to the second term of the Wagner administration at City Hall. A pair of e-buses eventually came into the country earlier this year, just ahead of the March municipals. Today, they were officially welcomed on the streets of the Old Capital.
Bernard Wagner
Bernard Wagner, Belize City Mayor
“Today, I am so excited being able to see this new transformative effort in the transportation system coming to fruition. That is enough for me. It will be transformative for the residents of the city, that is the key area here, the impact, the positive impact that it will have on our residents.”
Electric buses offer several advantages for both transit agencies and commuters. These vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to better air quality and reducing harmful gas emissions which is critical for a municipality like Belize City that can be overburdened by pollution.
Michel Chebat
Michel Chebat, Minister of Energy
“As you know, we have an obligation to reduce our carbon footprints. We just experienced a major concern with Hurricane Beryl, thank God it didn’t hit Belize. But as you all know, the effects of climate change is really drastic and so these buses are low carbon emission buses, contrary to the ones we have running, and so the expectation is that it will contribute positively towards our environment and quality of air, and low carbon emissions.”
Electric buses are highly efficient and have lower operating costs than diesel buses. Fuel savings are significant when comparing electricity with diesel, making these e-buses an economically viable option.
Taheerah Usher
Taheerah Usher, Project Manager, U.N.D.P.
“Another key milestone includes the development of a cohesive low carbon transport electro-mobility strategy in 2023 which assesses the short to medium term market potential and readiness to rollout EVs in Belize. This draft strategy aims to update the national regulatory framework to support EV uptake, increase the supply of electric vehicles at the national level, develop charging infrastructure and improve knowledge and skills in this new technology.”
E-buses have fewer moving parts compared to diesel buses, which significantly reduces the maintenance costs. This translates to cost savings over the lifespan of the vehicles. Overall, electric buses enhance the commuter experience by providing a greener, quieter, and more cost-effective mode of transportation.
Bernard Wagner
“The ride, the amenities that it has there, a/c, the wi-fi, just having a different feeling. It’s a clean feeling. Compared to where we were, this is significant for Belize City.”
In an urban setting, electric motors operate more quietly than combustion engines, contributing to a quieter environment. EV charging infrastructure attracts regional travelers, benefiting local businesses and generating revenue. The charging depot at the corner of Dean and Regent streets is equipped with two 220-volt chargers that are able to charge both e-buses.
Michel Chebat
“It takes about an hour to an hour and a half. Well that is the idea so that the buses can turn around quickly and go to the respective stops and provide the service, you know, that is what we want. We want an efficient service so that the people of, the residents of Belize City can be confident in this new service.”
The bus service begins on July twenty-second. Isani Cayetano for News Five.
