Breaking News - Channel 5 Belize

OJ Simpson Dies at 76

O.J. Simpson, the renowned football player and Hollywood figure who was famously acquitted of charges related to the killings of his former wife and her friend, has passed away at the age of 76. His family announced his death was from prostate cancer.

Simpson achieved immense fame and success in football and entertainment, but his life took a dramatic turn with the tragic events of June 1994, when his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman were killed. Despite being acquitted in a criminal trial, he was later found liable in a civil case and served prison time for unrelated offenses.

His arrest, especially the televised slow-speed chase, marked a stark fall from grace. Simpson’s life story seemed to transcend racial boundaries, from his days as a star athlete to his celebrity status.

The highly publicized trial, often dubbed the “trial of the century,” stirred national debates on race, domestic violence, and celebrity justice.

Despite damning evidence, including blood traces and a glove, Simpson’s defense famously argued, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”

Two Men Charged with Police Officer’s Murder

Investigators believe that twenty-nine-year-old Hugh Middleton and eighteen-year-old Marlon Gideon murdered police officer Dylan Anthony on Saturday, March 23rd. Police Commissioner Chester Williams told reporters on Monday that “from our investigation, it tells us that Gideon was the driver of the motorcycle and Milton was the pillion rider and the one who executed the act upon PC Anthony.”

The twenty-nine-year-old Camalote Village resident was on his way home when he was murdered in a case of mistaken identity.

Caribbean Opposition Leaders Form New Grouping

Over the weekend, seven opposition leaders from the Caribbean region gathered in Saint Lucia to establish a platform titled the ‘Leader of the Opposition Political Parties Forum’.

The meeting saw the participation of Allen Chastanet from Saint Lucia, Dr. Keith Mitchell from Grenada, Dr. Godwin Friday from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Jamal Pringle from Antigua and Barbuda. Also in attendance were Dr. Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow from Belize, Dr. Ronnie Yearwood from Barbados, and Roy McTaggart from the Cayman Islands.

According to Chastanet, the preliminary meeting focused on raising awareness about the constitutional significance and subsequent responsibilities tied to the role of the Opposition. He said that the meeting aimed to establish a framework for parliamentary oppositions across the Caribbean to exchange best practices and fortify their constitutional mandates.

‘Yellowman’ Withdraws Criminal Complaint against Shyne

Brian “Yellowman” Audinett withdrew the criminal complaint he filed with the Belize Police Department against Leader of the Opposition Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow. When News Five asked Police Commissioner Chester Williams the reason for Audinett’s decision to withdraw the complaint, he said, “I don’t know, I wish I would know but I don’t know.”

In a previous interview, Williams said that Audinett alleged that “information reaching him is that the leader of the opposition placed a hit on him.”

Audinett was fired from the United Democratic Party by Barrow. Barrow claimed that Audinett stole items from the party’s HQ. Audinett denied stealing anything.

Taiwan Continues Search for 18 Missing After Powerful Quake

Taiwan continues its search for 18 individuals still unaccounted for following Wednesday’s devasting earthquake. The earthquake, registering a magnitude of 7.2, struck the rugged eastern coast of the island, particularly impacting the mountainous and sparsely populated Hualien county.

Tragically, the earthquake claimed the lives of 10 individuals, with over 1,000 sustaining injuries and many left stranded due to landslides obstructing roads. As of Friday, 18 individuals remain missing, including six hikers and four foreigners.

Rescue efforts have focused on ensuring the safety of approximately 400 individuals stranded at a resort within Taroko National Park. However, the unpredictability of weather conditions, including the potential for rain exacerbating the risk of rockfalls and landslides, poses significant challenges to ongoing search and rescue operations.

Despite the devastation, tales of survival emerge. David Chen, a security manager at a hotel, expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal. Strict adherence to building codes and heightened awareness prompted over 100 residents to opt for outdoor tents over apartment dwellings amidst numerous aftershocks.

Several Belizeans living in Taiwan experienced the tremor. The Belizean embassy in Taiwan shared a statement saying “While some Belizeans are understandably shaken emotionally, there has been no report of material effects on Belizeans. The Embassy advises students to monitor the news and official disaster management agencies’ broadcasts, which will keep them informed on the areas of Taiwan confronting infrastructural and physical damages.”

Forecasters predict ‘extremely active’ 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

Weather forecasters from Colorado State University (CSU) have projected an “extremely active” 2024 Atlantic hurricane season due to warm sea surface temperatures and reduced wind shear during the summer and fall months. The report says that current El Niño conditions are likely to transition to La Niña conditions this summer/fall, leading to hurricane-favourable wind shear conditions.

According to the CSU forecast, there are expected to be a total of 23 named storms, with five of them developing into major hurricanes, characterized by winds exceeding 111 miles per hour (178 kph), out of a total of 11 hurricanes.

The report explains that sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central Atlantic are at historically high levels and are expected to remain significantly above average throughout the upcoming hurricane season. It says that this heightened warmth in the tropical Atlantic creates conditions favorable for the formation and strengthening of hurricanes.

With high confidence in this early April outlook, CSU projects a substantially increased likelihood of major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean.

It’s crucial to note that, despite predictions, every hurricane season carries the potential for significant impact. Coastal residents must remain vigilant and prepare thoroughly, as even a single hurricane landfall can define an active season.

Тhе 2024 ѕtоrm nаmеѕ аrе:

Аlbеrtо

Веrуl

Сhrіѕ

Dеbbу

Еrnеѕtо

Frаnсіnе

Gоrdоn

Неlеnе

Іѕаас

Јоусе

Кіrk

Lеѕlіе

Міltоn

Nаdіnе

Оѕсаr

Раttу

Rаfаеl

Ѕаrа

Тоnу

Vаlеrіе

Wіllіаm

Why are hurricanes given names?

According to the National Hurricane Center, employing concise and distinctive names in both written and spoken communication proves to be more efficient and accurate compared to older methods reliant on latitude and longitude. Additionally, using easily memorable names helps mitigate confusion, especially during periods when multiple storms occur simultaneously.

What happens if the predetermined list of hurricane names is exhausted?

Prior to 2020, when all names were used, the Greek alphabet was utilized, assigning names like Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Zeta, Eta, Theta, etc. This occurred twice, once in 2005 and again in 2020. Now, instead of resorting to the Greek alphabet, a supplementary list of tropical cyclone names will be employed.

Belize Among Cheapest Country in Latin America for US travellers

Belize ranked number 2 as the most affordable country in Latin America, behind Barbados in the number 1 spot. Yahoo Finance reports that airfare to Belize is USD 411, and accommodation costs are USD 199. It says, “Belize is a captivating destination known for its diverse natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous experiences. Bladen Nature Reserve trails and the Mayan ruins are some of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.”

The report was compiled by the stock advisory firm Insider Monkey.

These countries secured the top spots in the affordability rankings for US tourists due to their inexpensive flight fares and accommodation costs.

Joining Barbados and Belize on the list of wallet-friendly destinations are Aruba, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. On the contrary, the report identifies Costa Rica, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Cayman Islands as among the most expensive countries for visitors.

It’s worth noting that airfare and accommodation expenses can vary significantly based on the traveller’s departure point, destination city, and choice of lodging.

Mordo Intelligence predicts that US travellers will significantly contribute to Latin America’s tourism revenue, which is expected to reach approximately US$52.18 billion this year. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, international arrivals in Latin America have shown signs of recovery, with figures returning to 88% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, as reported by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

This resurgence in tourism is reflected in the financial performance of travel services provider Booking Holdings Inc. In the latest quarter, the company’s revenue surged by 18.15% to reach US$4.78 billion, exceeding market expectations by US$73.37 million.

Attorney Wendy Auxillou Has Yet To Make Police Report Against Minister

On Wednesday, the Office of the Prime Minister announced the return of Belize Rural South area representative Andre Perez to Cabinet. Perez was reinstated as the Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management after being on leave for months following allegations of sexual misconduct levied by attorney Wendy Auxillou. Perez continues to vehemently deny those allegations. After hearing the news of Perez’s reinstatement, Auxillou took to Facebook, doubling down on him saying that “To date I have not been contacted by anyone in the government to ask to review my evidence or to hear my side of the story”. She also said that “the Prime Minister took my call, but did nothing more.” News Five reached out to Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre and Prime Minister John Briceño for comment. We are still waiting for a response. As for Perez, he told News Five “no comments for now.” We note that Auxillou says she had to flee Belize because she is in fear for her life. But while Auxillou took to Facebook, she has yet to make an official police complaint. She said that she does not need to make a police report or have a judge or the attorney general confirm her allegations. But for there to be a criminal investigation, a complaint must be made. And we checked with Police Commissioner Chester Williams about it today, he told us that none has been made.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I saw the Facebook post, but in terms of a report from here there is none.

Paul Lopez

“Will you guys follow up that Facebook post? We have seen in previous cases where a facebook post would be enough for police to do an investigation or launch further queries.”

Chester Williams

“It is different. We are not in the business of witch hunting people. If it is that she has a complaint against the minister then her duty is to come to the police. We don’t go after people like that. Now if I see a Facebook post with people fighting, that is a matter where the police can be the complainant. I can take that, but in terms of a report like what she is commenting on social media it is not our job to bring her in to make a report, no.”

Home Affairs Minister on Allegations Against Cabinet Minister

We also spoke to Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa about the allegations made against his cabinet colleague. Minister Musa says he has seen Auxillou’s latest Facebook. He says that without a police complaint, the post is defamatory.

Paul Lopez

“Are you aware if Mr. Perez was investigated in terms of the allegations that were brought against him initially?”

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“I know that the attorney General, Mr. Sylvester was tasked to conduct and carry out an investigation into those allegations so to speak. To me there was just a lot of post that have been shared by whatsapp and being shared on social media. So I don’t know if anything went beyond that. I know that at the time, based on that sort of information that was coming out it seemed to have been somewhat of a consensual relationship. So I don’t think there was anything done further. As you know, neither party has come forward to the police department to make any sort of police report and I think that is where that ended up. I am only now seeing a facebook post in which I don’t even want to answer a question to that effect because we might be committing defamation of character when in fact a police report has not been made. So it is always encouraged, if you have any sort of allegation to make, whether it is true or false, the court will decide if it is true or false, and perhaps the chips will fall where they may then. But to me, this seems to be some sort of new allegation being made.”

Paul Lopez

“Do you welcome your colleagues’ return to the cabinet?

Kareem Musa

“Andre Perez has been one of the hardest working ministers. He did a lot at civil aviation and of course , the blue economy. He is now reinstated as the minister of Blue Economy. He contributes a lot to our Cabinet discussions and the decisions we make in the Cabinet.”

What Led to Minister Perez Returning to Cabinet?

As we mentioned on Wednesday’s newscast, Prime Minister John Briceño said that the cabinet reshuffle follows a resounding mandate from the electorate on March sixth. In San Pedro Town, the People’s United Party won by huge margins, and it is for this reason that Perez was invited back to cabinet. Home Affairs Minister Kareem Musa explains.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“As you know Paul, the decision for any sort of Cabinet reshuffle lies strictly within the purview of the prime minister and that decision is ultimately his. So, I see from the release issues that reference was made to the overwhelming mandate that was received by the People’s United Party in the recent city and town council election. So that seems to have been the impetus to enable these ministers of state, now ministers of state, to do greater work in their constituencies.”

Reporter

“How do you respond to the criticism that they were elevated so they could eat? You know the salary as opposed to just being an area representative?

Kareem Musa

“I will not categorize it as that. It is certainly testament to all the work that they have been doing as area representatives within their respective constituencies.”