Prime Minister John Briceño today welcomed Sohui Cho, Country Director at the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in El Salvador. In a Facebook post, the PM said that he reiterated “our invitation for the agency to establish a permanent office in the country.”
PM Briceño expressed gratitude to the Government of Korea for the grant funding provided to assist the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). “SIB is critical as accurate data gathering informs development policies and external investors interested in doing business with Belize”, he said.
(L-R) Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca, Prime Minister John Briceño, KOICA Director Sohui Cho, SIB Director-General Diana Castillo-Trejo.
Most recently, an agreement was signed for Belize to benefit from the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of Korea.
According to its website, “Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has been continuously extending ODA (Official Development Assistance) for water in various sectors, including health, rural development, energy, and climate change response. In particular, in the water sector, linkages with other issues such as gender, governance, and ICT have become more important. Therefore, KOICA has contributed to the sustainable development of developing countries by establishing the Water Mid-Term Strategy (2021-2025) for solving global water problems more efficiently.”
The regional commitment to fight hunger and malnutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean has made significant progress thanks to the update of the Food Security, Nutrition and Hunger Eradication Plan of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) for the period 2024-2030, known as the CELAC FNS Plan. This update was approved and ratified during the VIII Summit of Heads of State and Government of CELAC, held on March 1 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
This commitment evidence Latin America and the Caribbean’s significant contribution to accelerating the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals, aimed at achieving societies free of hunger, poverty, and inequality in the region.
Our latest estimates show that, in 2022, 6.5 percent of the population of Latin America and the Caribbean suffered from hunger; this represented 2.4 million fewer people than in 2021. But the situation remains critical; hunger continues to affect 43.2 million people in the region.
FAO in Jamaica, Bahamas and Belize/FAO
Likewise, limited access to resources and services, poverty, the aftermath of the pandemic, and conflicts as well as climate-related disasters, among other factors, are affecting the ecosystems on which food production and the livelihoods of farming communities depend and threaten efforts to ensure food security, nutrition and the sustainability of agrifood systems.
In this scenario, the CELAC FNS Plan 2024-2030 is a concrete initiative, reflected in a unanimous response from more than thirty countries, which, at a ministerial level, agreed to update this document to address the challenge of hunger and food insecurity in the region.
The new plan -developed in coordination with the Pro-Tempore Presidency, currently led by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the thirty-three CELAC countries, included broad participation and analysis with technical assistance from FAO, ECLAC, IICA, and ALADI- has become a benchmark for other regions of the world. Its implementation represents a milestone example of the consensus and political commitment of Latin America and the Caribbean.
This plan, structured into four pillars, includes a conceptual basis to guide the countries concerning legal frameworks, sustainable production, access to healthy diets, and agrifood systems resilient to climate change.
2024 could represent a decisive year for Latin America and the Caribbean to make progress in combating hunger and malnutrition and achieving more resilient and sustainable production systems. During 2023, we have consolidated a deep process of alliances, consensus, and dialogue that will soon be part of the FAO Regional Conference.
We are in the final stretch of preparation for our Regional Conference to be held in March in Georgetown, Guyana, where we will facilitate exchanges and discussions that will be essential to guide FAO’s technical cooperation in the design and implementation of plans and projects tailored to the needs of the countries, and in line with the priorities defined by governments at the highest political level.
In this regard, the reflections and resolutions arising from the updating and subsequent approval of the new CELAC FNS Plan also represent a significant contribution to the FAO Regional Conference.
The preparation of the Regional Conference includes an extensive consultation process involving different stakeholders, such as the private sector, academia, civil society, and parliamentary groups; and of course, the participation of government officials from the thirty-three FAO Member Countries; as well as the presence of Heads of State and Ministers of Agriculture and other sectors committed to the search for more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.
We hope that the results of the Conference, translated into FAO’s mandate, will be consolidated as a tangible response. The success of these efforts will depend on the collaboration of all to make the hope of a world without hunger a reality.
By Mario Lubetkin, FAO Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean for Latin America and the Caribbean
The Belize Police Department is cautioning the public about the increasing prevalence of online scams across the country. A press release from the department says, “There have been numerous reports from citizens who have fallen victim to online scams carried out on social media apps such as Facebook and WhatsApp.”
“Common modes utilized to conduct these online scams are the advertisement of the sale of items or employment opportunities.”
While the Police Department acknowledges the importance of legitimate business transactions conducted through these platforms, they urge citizens to remain vigilant for common red flags that may signal the onset of fraudulent activity.
These warning signs include instances where the other party refuses to provide proper identification, banking information is directed to a third party, shipments are not handled through registered courier services, items or services are priced significantly below market value, or there is a persistent eagerness to accept a lower price than advertised.
The public is advised to exercise caution and only engage in financial transactions with individuals they are familiar with, as they risk unknowingly becoming involved in online scams.
Haiti’s unelected Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, has submitted his resignation amid escalating violence and looting across the country. The 74-year-old leader, who took office following the assassination of the previous president in 2021, announced his decision after an emergency meeting of regional nations, where Caribbean states called for a swift transition of power.
People fleeing violence/Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters
Henry, who has been leading Haiti without being elected, appealed for calm in a video address, stating that his government would resign immediately upon the installation of a transitional council.
However, Henry is currently stranded in Puerto Rico due to security threats from armed gangs, leaving the country in a state of chaos.
The gangs, led by Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, intensified violence and unrest in Henry’s absence, demanding his resignation and warning of civil war if he did not step down.
Haitian gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier/Associated Press
The situation in Haiti has deteriorated significantly, with widespread violence, looting, and concerns about food shortages. Regional leaders, including those from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), convened an emergency summit to discuss a political transition framework. Meanwhile, the United States has urged for an expedited transition amidst the ongoing turmoil.
Protesters in Port-au-Prince, Haiti/ Odelyn Joseph/AP
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that the United States Department of Defense is ramping up its financial aid to the Haitian population. The total contribution will now reach $300 million, with an extra $33 million designated to bolster food security efforts.
Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca, said, “Belize is closely monitoring the escalating political and security turmoil in Haiti. Fully involved in urgent CARICOM talks, Belize is actively exploring strategies to aid the initiation of a transition towards reinstating political stability and security.”
Defense attorney Oscar Selgado has been found guilty of abetment to commit murder in an unprecedented ruling handed down by High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim. Justice Pilgrim determined that Selgado had attempted to hire a gang member to carry out the murder of Marilyn Barnes, who had filed a complaint against him for unethical behavior. The judge found that the prosecution’s main witness, Giovanni Ramirez, was truthful and reliable. News Five’s Hipolito Novelo was in court and has the following story.
Hipolito Novelo, Reporting
From defense attorney to convict… Tonight, defense attorney Oscar Selgado is sitting in a jail cell at the Belize Central Prison. This is after High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim handed down a historic verdict. Selgado was found guilty of abetment to commit murder.
Cheryl Lynn Vidal
Cheryl Lynn Vidal, Director of Public Prosecutions
“Let’s just say justice was done. I don’t know of any other case. I’ve been here 23 and a half years.”
Selgado is facing up to seven years behind bars, based on precedence. He attempted to hire Belize City gang member Giovanni Ramirez to murder Marilyn Barnes, who had made a complaint to the General Legal Counsel against Selgado for unethical behavior. Ramirez was the prosecution’s main witness, and in his ruling, Justice Pilgrim determined that Ramirez’s evidence was truthful and reliable.
Cheryl Lynn Vidal
“He accepted the statement of Giovanni Ramirez. He found him to be truthful in his statement and that what was stated in that statement suffice to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.”
From our records, this is the first time that a practicing attorney has been convicted of such a crime. In November 2023, after chastising the media, Selgado said he would comment when the trial concluded.
Oscar Selgado
Oscar Selgado, Guilty of Abetment to Commit Murder (File: November 3rd 2023)
“What is it that the media wants to ask me? To comment upon a case that is before a judge? I am not afraid of the media. I have nothing to hide. What I want you people to understand is to respect my privacy and I don’t want to see you back at this court until the case is finish. When the case is finished, I will give you an interview, and I will tell you what I think.”
Selgado appeared in court today in casual clothing. During the judgment, he stared expressionlessly away from Justice Pilgrim who pronounced him guilty. He had no words for News Five while being escorted to a waiting prison van at the end of the session.
Hipolito Novelo
“Mister Selgado, anything to say, sir?”
Oscar Selgado
“(No Answer)”
Hipolito Novelo
“You said you would comment at the end of the trial.”
Oscar Selgado
“(No answer)”
Hipolito Novelo
“How do you feel about the verdict today that you’ve been found guilty of abetment to commit murder?”
Oscar Selgado
“(No answer)”
Hipolito Novelo
“Any words for your family?
Oscar Selgado
Oscar Selgado
“(No Answer)”
Hipolito Novelo
“Will you appeal, sir?
Oscar Selgado
“(No Answer)”
It would not be unusual for Selgado to appeal the verdict; however, DPP Cheryl Lynn Vidal says it will be difficult.
Hipolito Novelo
“Is there any indication from Mr. Sargaro’s attorney that they would appeal this matter?
Cheryl Lynn Vidal
“I don’t think they’ll be giving me that indication, but I’m certain that he will. I’m also certain that he’ll find it very difficult from what I heard to succeed on an appeal.”
Attorney Richard Dickie Bradley, who sat in the courtroom, described today’s events as quote, ‘a sad day’.
Richard “Dickie” Bradley
Richard “Dickie” Bradley, Attorney
“It is a sad day.”
Reporter
“What happens now? Obviously, he won’t be able to represent the accused people in the Bladden 12.”
Richard “Dickie” Bradley
“That is true. We have to make arrangements for them to be properly represented.”
Reporter
“What is the penalty or sentence that he faces?
Richard “Dickie” Bradley
“Well, the maximum under the law is that he can get life imprisonment.”
Selgado was represented by attorney Adolph Lucas Senior. He is to appear in court on April 29th for sentencing. Reporting for News Five, I am Hipolito Novelo.
It’s been several weeks since we broke the story of an incident that allegedly involved a prominent Belize City attorney who stands accused of raping a pair of women. Tonight, forty-two-year-old Orson Jerome Elrington, better known as OJ, is out on bail after appearing before the lower courts this afternoon. His arraignment followed a single charge that was brought by the D.P.P.’s office in respect of a criminal report made against him. It is alleged that he raped a woman on the night of January twelfth, 2024. Shortly after midday, Elrington was escorted to the Queen Street Police Station where he was processed. Two hours later, he was taken to the Magistrate’s court on Coney Drive where he was arraigned in the courtroom of a senior magistrate. Earlier today, we caught up with Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Lyn Vidal who spoke briefly on the matter.
Cheryl Lynn Vidal
Cheryl Lynn Vidal, Director of Public Prosecutions
“I met with the complainants in the matter and based on what they said to me, we did additional work and it was at the end of that process that we were in a position to make a decision.”
Meanwhile, in the lower court, Elrington was accompanied by his father, Hubert Elrington, and fellow attorneys Norman Rodriguez and Michelle Trapp. The Senior Magistrate explained to Elrington that due to the nature of the offense, she will not take a plea. When the prosecutor was asked if he had any objection to bail being granted to the accused, he raised no objection. With that, bail was offered in the sum of eight thousand dollars, plus one surety of the same amount. The conditions of his bail include reporting to the Belama Police Station every Tuesday, as well as surrendering his travel documents to the Clerk of Court. We spoke with Hubert Elrington and Norman Rodriguez following the arraignment.
Hubert Elrington
Hubert Elrington, Attorney-at-law
“We believe that it‘s going to be very difficult for any of them to defeat us in a criminal trial. That‘s all.”
Court Reporter
“Can I ask a question? We know that the norm here at court is that persons who are accused and charged with rape, normally there is an objection to bail. Today, there was no objection in court today. As it relates to the law, tell us how that was.”
Hubert Elrington
“I wasn’t in court when that was gone through so you would have to ask somebody who was there.”
Norman Rodriguez
Norman Rodriguez, Attorney-at-law
“As it relates to the bail, there was no objection and if there was no objection then we really have nothing more to day.”
Court Reporter
“Okay, but as it relates to the law, does the offense of rape, does it appear as one of those offenses that the court can or cannot grant bail?”
Norman Rodriguez
“It is not listed in Section 16 of the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Act. As a result of that, the magistrate can grant bail and she did.”
Court Reporter
“Tell us a little bit about the conditions to his bail.
Norman Rodriguez
“It‘s the usual, he has to sign in once a week. He must stay or not come within a certain distance of the virtual complainant or any of the prosecution‘s witnesses. He is to surrender his passport and if he needs to leave the country, he has to get permission from the court. It‘s normal.”
Attorney Orson “OJ” Elrington was today charged with rape. He appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court where he was offered bail of eight thousand dollars plus one surety. The prosecution did not object to bail.
Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl Lynn Vidal told News Five, “I met with the Complainants in the matter and based on what they said to me, we did additional work and it was at the end of that process that we were in a position to make a decision.”
As we have been reporting, two women alleged that the attorney raped them. In January Police Commissioner Chester Williams told reporters that “According to them while on their way home they were told by the attorney that they would stop at his house for one final drink after which he would take them home. They agreed, and they stopped off at a house according to them and whilst at the house they continued to drink and taking some shots of tequila. One of them said that she drank to the extent that she could not recall what took place after leaving the nightclub until the next day morning when she was awakened on the bed in the nude beside the attorney who was also semi nude. And her other partner who was there with her at the same time told her certain things. According to them while they were at the house the night drinking, they began to become intimate and that intimacy lead to him having sexual intercourse with them against their will and then the next day morning when they went home the one who is from Belize City told her boyfriend what transpired and he told her to report the matter to the police. “
Attorney Oscar Selgado was found guilty of abetment to commit murder by the High Court a few minutes ago. The Justice found that Selgado tried to hire Giovanni Ramirez to murder Marilyn Barnes in 2019. Barnesi had filed a complaint against Selgado to the General Legal Council.
Selgado was represented by Adolph Lucas Sr. The prosecution was represented by Director of Public Prosecution Cheryl Lynn Vidal.
At least one person was injured following a motorcycle crash on the Iguana Creek Road in the Cayo District. Video shows one man receiving medical attention at the scene. The victim has been identified as Mario Martinez. The other man who has been identified as alert Quell is unharmed. According to Quell, he was riding with his brother on Iguana Creek Road when Martinez came speeding into him. Quell says he was unable to avoid Martinez.
