Chandra Cansino, the C.E.O. of Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Social Security Board in Belize. Cansino brings a wealth of experience, having spent over two decades at the S.S.B. before taking on the role of C.E.O. at K.H.M.H. in 2021. Her appointment comes three months after Doctor Leroy Almendarez unexpectedly stepped down as C.E.O. of S.S.B. at the end of January, after less than a year in the position. Cansino is succeeding Nigeli Sosa. Cansino remains the Chief Executive Officer of the KHMH, as her appointment as chair of the S.S.B. is not a full-time role.
On Monday, the Department of Environment held a meeting with regulatory agencies to address the concerns raised by San Pedro residents about the Cayo Rosario Project. As reported last week, island residents are protesting the large-scale development within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Oceana Belize has also called for stronger protection of Belize’s marine ecosystems. Beverly Wade, the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Blue Economy, attended the meeting. Here’s what she had to say about the outcome.
Beverly Wade
Beverly Wade, C.E.O., Ministry of Blue Economy
“Cayo Rosario is a very emotional matter and it is understood. It is something that is close to naturally the resident’s hearts. The bottom line is that it is a private island and there was a development proposed. What happened in 2021 there was a revised ECP which took into consideration the concerns of the community, the fly fishers, the density of the project as much as possible to ensure that what was being permitted would not negatively affect the marine reserve. I am very happy to report that yesterday the DOE held a meeting with all regulatory agencies to chart a way forward in order for the agencies to be more coordinated and to ensure they are in a position to carry out the regulations in line with the ECP carried in 2021 and what was authorized for development, but also in a position for better communication with the community and stakeholders so they understand what the development is. They should also understand that the authorities have a presence to ensure what is happening out there is what is permitted.”
Wade mentioned that the Ministry of Blue Economy is urging regulatory agencies to be more vigilant, ensuring the Cayo Rosario Project is well-coordinated and transparent. She pointed out that many of the issues stem from a lack of communication with the residents.
Beverly Wade, C.E.O. Ministry of Blue Economy
“Based on the meeting yesterday and I believe a joint statement is supposed to be coming out on behalf of all those agencies regarding that meeting and the way forward. But what the ministry of blue economy is pushing forward is that we remain vigilant with regards to our responsibilities as it relates to the development out there, that we are well coordinated and transparent. A lot of the issues I believe is happening is because there is a lack of communication with the residence, stakeholders and the media. There is a plan on how we can do that. We want to be transparent and ensure the residents have a good understanding that the agencies are their to carry out their obligations.”
Reporter
“People are really pushing back at this, they don’t want to see development there at all.”
Beverly Wade
“It is a very difficult position the government is in. It is actually unrealistic to think the government would be in a position to acquire every area you don’t want development to happen. It is unrealistic. From what I am seeing I am convinced that the concerns of the stakeholders, once the development is monitored properly, that it would ally their concerns. It is not about pushing away the sports fishers or building something there that is not aligned with the designation of the area.”
In early March, we reported how Placencia Village residents took action after the Department of Environment ordered a beachfront property owner to remove an unauthorized breakwater. When the property owners didn’t comply, the residents banded together to dismantle it. We spoke with Beverly Wade, the CEO of the Ministry of Blue Economy, about the incident. She emphasized that it underscores the need for more comprehensive national policies to address these kinds of issues.
Beverly Wade
Beverly Wade, C.E.O., Ministry of Blue Economy
“My understanding about it is that the individual property had put in some structures to alleviate the erosion in that community. That effort was not permitted. So, the DOE had instructed that they should remove what was put in their. The actual enforcement of that stop order, my understanding is there was a gap between that being done and that is where the community went down there to do it. I very much appreciate the passion from the community. That is what we need. It is one of things I have always appreciated. We have strong ownership of the space, but I would want to encourage the communities to coordinate and if needs be to call the relevant authorities. What we don’t want is the kind of situation where communities go in and take action into their own hands. My understanding is that is what has occurred there. I think it is time for us to look at the issue more holistically and put in some national policies that will address and help both developers, communities and all of us have a better understanding of how we help the situation.”
Commission of Inquiry Report on the Sugar Industry has been handed over to Prime Minister John Briceño. The commission was set up to tackle two main issues: resolving the ongoing conflicts between Belize Sugar Industries and the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and making recommendations to improve the overall sugar industry. Today, we spoke with Lead Coordinator Hugh O’Brien, who mentioned that while the parties are still reviewing the two-hundred-page document, he highlighted the main points of contention. He noted that the Prime Minister has agreed to share the report with the key stakeholders, including the four cane farmers associations, B.S.I., and Santander. O’Brien described the process as intense but said the report contains some solid recommendations. He shared the main points that justified the inquiry.
Hugh O’Brien, Lead Coordinator, Commission of Inquiry
“One of them is the stevedoring cost, the port charges, if I can use that. That was settled to a large extent – my involvement of having compared the two ports and I provided a very detailed report on the costings. The second one is a manufacturing allowance, which is one-fifty Belize per ton for local white sugar, and it’s one-sixty per ton for direct consumption sugars that are exported to Caribbean countries and to Europe and the B.S.C.F.A. in particular has questioned those charges. And so the request, was that a breakdown of how you arrive at those charges or what’s the cost to produce the sugar and to get it to that point – white sugar for the local market, DC sugar for the regional and international market. So that there could have been a verification if the cost that B.S.I. was saying is that what they’re charging is correct or if the charge was too high for that matter to help in coming to a better agreement between the parties – between the B.S.C.F.A. in particular and B.S.I. And then there was also the matter of ocean freight, bagging and those charges as well, because even though those are small, they’re smaller cost, and then there’s ocean freight. So those are the four main groups of charges. One is the port charges, which has been addressed, like I said by my report. Two, the manufacturing allowance, three, the bagging and local handling cost – getting the product from the factory to the port. And then fourth was the ocean freight. Those are the four charges that cause for us to have protests and discontent in the industry. And since those are costs that are deductible from the value of the sugar that is exported, it in the sense then determines how much remains to be shared between the farmers and B.S.I. when those deductions are made.”
Key players in Belize’s marine sector came together in Belize City to chart the future of one of the country’s most precious natural treasures. The Government of Belize, teaming up with the Inter-American Development Bank, launched the first-ever Blue Forum. Over the next two days, the event will spotlight knowledge, innovation, and action. News Five’s Paul Lopez was at the Biltmore for the opening ceremony and has this report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
This morning in Belize City, the Government of Belize and the Inter-American Development Bank launched the Blue Forum. Themed ‘Advancing Collaboration and Innovation for Belize’s Blue Economy,’ the event aims to foster new ideas and partnerships. Prime Minister John Briceno took center stage as the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“It is not just for us to be here at a forum to talk and boast about our accomplishments. It is important for us to come together as a community, as Belizeans and people that live outside of Belize to discuss what we have done so far and what we have done together. This Blue Forum is about knowledge, innovation and action. So, we gather for more than a celebration of our progress but to testify about our shared commitment to the sustainable management and conservation of Belize’s vast marine resources. And we take this opportunity to gather as like-minded people, to rally behind this just cause, a cause which will shape a future where Belize’s marine wealth is not only protected but harnessed to uplift every Belizean.”
The forum is a gathering of key players in Belize’s marine sector, diving into insightful discussions on science-based ocean management. On the first day of the Blue Forum, the spotlight was on knowledge, innovation, and action driving Belize’s vibrant blue economy. Beverly Wade, the CEO of the Ministry of Blue Economy, highlighted that the engagement zeroes in on both the triumphs and hurdles within the marine space.
Beverly Wade
Beverly Wade, C.E.O., Ministry of Blue Economy
“It is really a call to action for us to colelctiv3ly put our efforts together to help us continue to chart a way for a successful blue economy in Belize that is based on science, informed decision making and that we have people central to the discussion. We have a series of sessions to touch on various areas, from sciences, to applying that science, community resiliency, stewardship and the big discussion around sustainable financing. The idea is that each session will lead to discussions, and we are hoping to now have a formal proceeding that will have recommendations coming from each session that we will use as regulatory agencies, as on the ground partners, to look at where are those areas we now need to look at strategically and put our investments in.”
Minister of Blue Economy, Andre Perez, delivered the closing remarks at the ceremony. Minister Perez emphasized that Belize’s blue space is not just a natural treasure but also a key economic driver. He stressed that his ministry is committed to making science-based decisions and ensuring that everyone has a voice in the process.
Andre Perez
Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy
“We cannot do this work alone. The challenge we face such a climate change, unsustainable fishing practices, habitat degradation and the need for long-term financing are complex and interconnected. Addressing them requires a collective effort, bringing together government agencies, local communities, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and international partners. This is why the blue forum is so important.”
Belize’s barrier reef is facing a serious threat. Stony coral tissue loss disease iswreaking havoc on large sections of the reef, according to Beverly Wade, the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Blue Economy. The damage is most noticeable in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, though areas in southern Belize have shown remarkable resilience. Wade mentioned that her ministry is actively seeking the best ways to respond to this crisis.
Beverly Wade
Beverly Wade, C.E.O., Ministry of Blue Economy
“It is one of the things we are grappling with. Our reefs are in peril. We have come under some of the most extreme temperatures and we have been impacted by the stony coral tissue loss diseases, aside from the normal diseases that impact reefs. There are some resilient areas. We have bright spots. There are some areas we are seeing rebounding. We are hoping it is so. What is important is that we are not just sitting back and saying the reef is dying and we are not doing anything. The government committed to the protection of twenty percent of Belize’s reef and that is an important thing for us. We are looking at identifying what that twenty percent is by the end of this year and to look at how we can designate those areas. They are important for us, because we have to ensure how we identify those areas around our reef that are important for genetics and resiliency. We have to have a strategy as we are developing a restoration strategy and policy to see ho we now respond. It is not something we and respond easily but we are now looking at how we create that pathway for response.”
The Ministry of Health & Wellness is pulling back several pieces of workout equipment from parks across the country. These yellow and red outdoor fitness machines were found to have dangerously high levels of lead. This alarming discovery was made thanks to research and testing by Doctor Joaquin Urbina from the University of Belize, along with Doctor Adam Kiefer and Doctor Addie Buerck from Mercer University in Georgia.
Joaquin Urbina
Dr. Joaquin Urbina, Assistant Professor, U.B.
“Around October 2023, a group led by Mercer University came down to Belize, and in particular the group was interested in doing a collaboration with the University of Belize on a lead in paint study and they proposed a study done on outdoor gym equipment. They were, I guess, curious to find out what the led concentrations were and together with UB students and some of their students, we conducted the study. At the same time, they conducted a study along with us on how to carry out the study using what we call a portable X-ray florescence device which measures the concentration of heavy metals, including lead. We found out that a big majority of the equipment across the country had great amounts of led in the paint. There’s a lot of documented evidence and this is supported by UNICEF and other agencies across the world and they report that prolonged lead exposure may lead to some chronic symptoms as a result of the toxicity of led. But this is over a prolonged period of time. This may include dizziness, among other symptoms, even skin disorders. If the exposure is directly on the skin.”
On Wednesday, Doctor Melissa Diaz-Musa, Director of Public Health & Wellness, alerted mayors across all municipalities about the concerning findings. Back in 2019, the Government of Belize, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), launched the “First Ever Wellness Parks” initiative, installing eight sets of workout equipment in various municipalities. However, due to the high levels of lead found in the paint, it’s crucial to remove and safely dispose of this equipment as soon as possible. The detection was made using a special analytical tool that measures the fluorescence properties of a sample. It works by shining light on the sample and then measuring the intensity and spectrum of the light that gets emitted.
Joaquin Urbina
Dr. Joaquin Urbina, Assistant Professor, U.B.
“This device can be placed directly on the surface of the paint, and you can get a reading within under a minute. And so, the values that were obtained were further validated using a more complex device available at Mercer and it can really confirm the numbers that we got from the XRF test that we did on site. So the validation part was absolutely important because that is what is used as a standard to then officially report the values of the lead in the paint. I must, you know, recognize the work that Mercer University has done along with the University of Belize. The University of Belize is premiere university in the country and as the premiere university, our mission, or part of our mission, is to ensure that any type of scholarly work is going to serve as a way to inform decision making at the national level. So this particular study does exemplify the importance that academia plays in guiding decision making for the government.”
The Embassy of Taiwan wants to make it clear that while they funded the exercise equipment back in 2018, they weren’t involved in actually buying it. They take this issue very seriously and are committed to working closely with Belize’s government agencies to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again in future projects.
Efforts are in full swing to rebuild the historic Queen Street Baptist Church, which played a significant role in Belize’s history. Tragically, the church was destroyed by a fire on the morning of February 21st. Rebuilding won’t be easy, though, as the estimated cost for a new concrete structure is over two million dollars. Despite this setback, the school has adapted to continuing its daily operations without the space they once had for their feeding program and reading classes. Here’s News Five’s Marion Ali with the story.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Five weeks after a fire destroyed the historic Queen Street Baptist Church on Eve Street, church services have been moved to one of the school’s classrooms. This arrangement might continue for quite some time, as the cost to rebuild the church is a hefty two point two million dollars.
Lloyd Stanford
Lloyd Stanford, Pastor, Queen Street Baptist Church
“We have a classroom right in the lower flat of the school and we turned it into a makeshift church and we’re having wonderful attendance and fellowship there. Last Sunday we had about fifty people in that little classroom. In my original release I gave an approximate cost of two point two million dollars. And that is looked at and we get into the actual estimate and plans and so forth, we will see how that will play out. The suggestion that we have right now is that we rebuild as it was but with some modern changes and so forth. That work is ongoing as we work on drawing up a plan.”
The plan is to rebuild the new church just like the old one, but with a lift for easier access for people with mobility challenges. However, they might need to cut costs if necessary. Pastor Lloyd Stanford has reached out to his congregation and the wider community for help with fundraising and donations for a block drive. He knows it’s going to be a slow process and will likely happen in phases.
Lloyd Stanford
“What the membership looked at when we met with the board of trustees, it will be as it was. That’s what it is right now. When we look at it, there might be some adjustments to it, where we have the classrooms on the lower flat and the church on the upper flat.”
Marion Ali
“How close are you to the two point two million dollars?
Lloyd Stanford
“We are very far; we’re very far. We’re in the making of all of this. We have a letter that we circulated across the world and people are encouraged to make a deposit to the bank that is in that letter and people are doing that.”
Steve Ozaeta has taught at Queen Street Baptist School for the past twenty years. He mentioned that the fire deeply saddened many of the students, but now they’ve bounced back.
Steve Ozaeta
Steve Ozaeta, Teacher, Queen Street Baptist Church
“It did affect them emotionally. I’m sure it affects them physically as well.”
The students have now moved their reading room to an upstairs classroom in the school building. The feeding program is also running from the same building.
Steve Ozaeta
“We have made a makeshift kitchen in one of the classrooms by putting a partition so we have the stove and refrigerator in there and the cook is cooking some of the best that Queen Street Baptist can offer.”
Besides the damage to the school’s furniture and interior, Ozaeta also lost some personal items he kept there for the kids’ benefit. He’s now asking for help to replace those appliances. Additionally, there’s a need for a teacher’s bathroom.
Steve Ozaeta
“I lost a lot of personal things that I used in my classroom such as my water cooler which is essential for the kids when it gets hot. I lost an inkjet printer. I provided all the children’s headphones so they could plug into the computers so they could listen to the sounds for reading. I would love if somebody could assist me with the headphones. For the bathroom the teachers are using the children’s bathroom so the children’s bathroom is for everybody.”
Ozaeta extends his heartfelt thanks to the Central Bank of Belize and Cellular World for their generous donations of several computers and the equipment needed to clean up the soot left after the fire. Marion Ali for News Five.
