International News - Channel 5 Belize

Honduras Ends Century-Old Extradition Treaty with U.S. Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Honduras announced last week that it will terminate its century-old extradition treaty with the United States following concerns expressed by Washington over a recent meeting between Honduran and Venezuelan defense officials. In a letter shared on social media by Foreign Minister Enrique Reina, the Honduran foreign ministry communicated its decision to end the treaty.

Earlier in the day, Honduran President Xiomara Castro ordered the denunciation of the treaty and accused the U.S. of interfering in Honduras’ internal affairs. “The interference and interventionism of the United States, as well as its attempts to influence Honduran politics through its embassy and other representatives, are unacceptable,” Castro wrote on social media.

The U.S. embassy in Honduras has yet to respond to the announcement.

U.S. Ambassador to Honduras, Laura Dogu, had expressed concern about a meeting last week between Honduran Defense Minister Jose Manuel Zelaya and Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino. Dogu, who was also surprised by the presence of the Honduran military joint chiefs of staff, criticized the meeting due to Padrino’s 2020 indictment by the U.S. on drug trafficking charges.

In response, Reina denounced the U.S. for what he perceived as an attack on Honduran sovereignty and independence. “Suggesting or implying that we are involved with drug traffickers and discrediting our authorities is a direct threat to our sovereignty,” Reina stated on social media.

Honduras has been a close ally of Venezuela’s socialist government. The extradition treaty, which has facilitated the extradition of high-profile Hondurans such as former President Juan Orlando Hernandez and former Police Chief Juan Carlos Bonilla, will now be nullified. Hernandez, once a U.S. ally, was extradited to the U.S. after Castro assumed office in 2022 and has since been convicted and sentenced on drug trafficking charges.

Not ‘Very Demure:’ TikTok Creator Faces Legal Battle Over Catchphrase

The internet has not been “Very Mindful, Very Demure” to Jools Lebron, a popular TikTok creator with over 2 million followers facing a legal battle over the viral catchphrase “Very Demure, Very Mindful.” The viral catchphrase had already secured Lebron many partnerships with brands like Verizon and Netflix and mentions from celebrities.

In a deleted TikTok video, Lebron revealed that she “didn’t trademark fast enough.”

TMZ reported that Jefferson Bates, from Washington State, applied to trademark the phrase “Very Demure, very Mindful” in an apparent attempt to cash in on Lebron’s success. This action can potentially block Lebron from using the phrase in Washington.

Raluca Pop, founder of Hive Social, stepped in to support Lebron by applying for the trademark “Very Demure, very cutesy” in California. Pop stated she intends to transfer this trademark to Lebron: “Once I saw that this other guy tried to steal it out from under her, I realised that he didn’t trademark the remainder of her phrase, “very cutesy…” And that’s why I went and did it; instead… she should be the one to reap the benefits,” Pop reported to NBC.

Trademark experts believe Lebron has a strong chance of opposing Bates’ application and securing her own rights.

Lebron’s situation highlights the broader issue of content creators facing challenges in protecting their original work once it goes viral.

Australia Introduces ‘Right to Disconnect’ Law to Support Work-Life Balance

Australia has introduced a “right to disconnect” law that provides relief to employees who feel obligated to respond to work-related calls or messages after their workday ends. The new legislation permits workers to ignore after-hours communications from their employers without the risk of facing penalties.

A survey last year revealed that Australians typically work an average of 281 hours of unpaid overtime annually. Similar laws are already in place in over 20 countries, primarily in Europe and Latin America.

The Australian law does not prohibit employers from reaching out to employees after hours; instead, it grants employees the right to choose not to respond unless doing so is deemed unreasonable. If disputes arise, they should first be addressed internally between employers and employees. Should they fail to reach an agreement, Australia’s Fair Work Commission (FWC) can intervene. The FWC may order employers to stop contacting employees after hours or require employees to respond if their refusal is considered unreasonable. Failure to comply with FWC orders can result in fines of up to A$19,000 for individuals or up to A$94,000 for companies.

Worker advocacy groups have welcomed the new law, seeing it as a step toward enabling a better work-life balance by allowing employees to refuse unreasonable after-hours work contact. The Australian Council of Trade Unions praised the law for empowering workers and promoting healthier work-life boundaries.

Workplace experts believe the new rules will benefit both employees and employers.

However, reactions among employees have been mixed. Some, like advertising industry worker Rachel Abdelnour, see the law as a positive step towards reducing the constant connectivity imposed by modern work demands. Others, such as David Brennan from the financial sector, remain skeptical about its impact, particularly in industries where high pay comes with an expectation of around-the-clock availability.

Dr. Chantal Ononaiwu to Join the CCJ Bench

Dr Chantal Ononaiwu of Jamaica has been selected by the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC), the independent body responsible for recruiting staff and judges for the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), to join the CCJ as a Judge, filling the vacancy created by the untimely retirement on 31 December 2023 of Mr Justice Jacob Wit, who died on 16 January 2024.

Dr Chantal Ononaiwu is an attorney-at-law with over 20 years’ experience at the Bar. In particular, she has specialist expertise in Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Law and International Law, including International Trade Law, and varied legal experience as an adjudicator, litigator, legal advisor, and university lecturer. Apart from her international trade law experience, Dr Ononaiwu has expertise in Commercial Law, having worked in the international business and financial services sector as the Director, Value Proposition Development at Invest Barbados. She also served as a Vice-Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce Digital Standards Initiative Legal Reform Advisory Board. Further, at the start of her legal career, Dr Ononaiwu worked as counsel in the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers in Jamaica.

Dr Ononaiwu has lectured in International Trade and Investment Law, Public International Law, and Criminal Law at The University of the West Indies. Her academic work includes publications in the areas of International Trade Law, Investment Law, Public International Law, and Constitutional Law.

Dr Ononaiwu most recently served as the Director, External Trade, CARICOM, leading the coordination of the organisation’s external trade policy. During her tenure, she advised CARICOM and its Member States on international trade and investment issues and was a negotiator for the Community in negotiations of international trade agreements. She also has experience as an international trade adjudicator, having served as a member of a panel that adjudicated a World Trade Organization dispute.

Dr Ononaiwu is a Rhodes Scholar and holds the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy in Law from the University of Oxford; Master of Laws from the University of Cambridge; and Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) from The University of the West Indies, as well as a Legal Education Certificate of Merit from the Norman Manley Law School.

In making the announcement, the Chairman of the RJLSC and President of the CCJ, the Honourable Mr Justice Adrian Saunders, took the opportunity to commend the process used to recruit Judges of the Court, stating, “The RJLSC prides itself on a recruitment process that is competitive, premised on merit and experience and fiercely independent. Each appointment reflects our unwavering commitment to selecting individuals of the highest calibre, based solely on their expertise, integrity, and dedication to justice. During the recruitment process, we received applications from The Bahamas, Great Britain, Canada, Nigeria, Dominica, Jamaica, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Of the applications received, four candidates, three females and one male, were shortlisted for further consideration and subsequently interviewed by the entire membership of the Commission in Port of Spain in person. This process ensures that our Court continues to be a beacon of fairness and excellence, characterised by the utmost professionalism and impartiality.”

It is expected that Dr Ononaiwu will take the oath of office in October 2024. The RJLSC is currently conducting recruitment exercises for further appointments to the Bench, including the post of President to replace Justice Saunders who will retire in 2025.

Press Release

Bonaire’s Fight for Freedom Takes Centre Stage at International Conference in Baku

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.

Obama Criticises Trump’s ‘Whining’ and says, “The Torch Has Been Passed’

Former President Barack Obama delivered a vigorous address at the Democratic convention on Tuesday, August 21, endorsing Kamala Harris and criticising Donald Trump.

Obama declared, “The torch has been passed” and praised President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside for the sake of the country, who was absent from the event. He described the Republican nominee, Donald Trump, as “a 78-year-old billionaire who hasn’t stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago.” Obama described Trump’s approach as outdated and likened him to “the neighbour running his leaf blower outside your window every minute of every day.”

Obama portrayed Harris as a supportive and capable leader, stating, “Harris is not the neighbour running the leaf blower — she’s the neighbour rushing over to help when you need a hand.” He referenced Harris’s experience and her alignment with the values of the Democratic Party.

In his speech, Obama framed the election as a choice between a vision of collective responsibility and a more divisive approach.

Harris, who was campaigning in Milwaukee, was absent from the event.

Prime Minister and APAMO Establish Collaborative Working Group

On August 19, Prime Minister John Briceño convened a meeting with the executive members of the Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations (APAMO) to chart a collaborative path forward.

The key outcome of the discussion was the decision to form a working group composed of government representatives and conservation NGOs. This group will lead the revision of the National Protected Areas Systems Act and the Protected Areas Conservation Trust Act, marking a significant step toward a more inclusive approach that benefits both the conservation community and the people of Belize.

The Working Group will include representatives from:

– Office of the Prime Minister (Blue Bonds Unit – Project Finance Performance Unit)
– Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change
– Ministry of Blue Economy
– Ministry of Tourism
– APAMO
– Belize Marine Protected Areas Network
– Belize Network of NGOs (from a conservation NGO)

The group’s primary objectives include:

– Enhancing co-governance of the National Protected Areas Systems Act and the Protected Areas Conservation Trust Act
– Strengthening reporting and accountability mechanisms
– Facilitating resource mobilization and leveraging for both Acts

In attendance with the Prime Minister were Orlando Habet, CEO Dr. Kenrick Williams from the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, and CEO Kennedy Carrillo from the Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management.

Prime Minister Briceño emphasized his commitment to addressing the concerns of the conservation community and advancing the agreed-upon goals to strengthen the relationship between conservation organizations and the Government of Belize. Both parties have agreed on a three-month timeline for the working group to present amendments and complete essential tasks. Minister Habet will provide regular updates to the Prime Minister, ensuring transparency and progress in this crucial conservation initiative.

This collaboration represents a proactive effort to promote sustainable conservation practices and enhance the well-being of Belize’s natural heritage and communities.

FAO launches new analyses on progress in reducing hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean

According to the recent SOFI 2024 report presented at the G20 in Rio de Janeiro, world hunger figures have been persistently high for three consecutive years, but Latin America has made significant progress.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean organised the first meeting in a series of events dedicated to analysing the region’s progress in the fight against hunger and malnutrition, based on the results of the State of Food and Nutrition Security in the World (SOFI 2024) report.

According to the SOFI 2024 report, presented in July during the G20 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the percentage of hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean rose from 5.6% in 2019 to 6.9% in 2021, but a progressive reduction was recorded, reaching 6.2% in 2023. This means that 4.3 million people have stopped going hungry, mainly thanks to a recovery in South America.

Brazil is currently one of the countries whose public policies have positively impacted reducing hunger and food insecurity. Thus, through a Master Conference held at the FAO regional office, with more than 400 face-to-face and virtual participants, the Minister of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight against Hunger, Wellington Dias, shared some of the actions undertaken by the Brazilian government in the fight against hunger.

Minister Dias detailed the strategy that positions Brazil as a regional leader in hunger-reduction. “Lifting someone out of hunger and poverty is a one-time investment. After that, it is very difficult for the next generations to go back. So it’s a worthwhile investment,” he said.

FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mario Lubetkin, emphasised that “hunger and food insecurity are not simply issues of food scarcity; they reflect structural inequalities and systemic failures that affect human dignity and social justice throughout the world and also in the region”.

“Having the opportunity to reflect on these experiences forces us to recognise that hunger is a reality that can be addressed with responsibility, determination, and collective work and to ensure that all people, regardless of their geographic location, gender, or economic status, have access to sufficient and nutritious food,” added Lubetkin.

This analysis process promoted by FAO at the regional level, which began with the keynote address by the Brazilian minister, seeks to deepen the region’s opportunities and capabilities to contribute to a global response to eradicate hunger and malnutrition and address other challenges such as reducing poverty and inequalities. International goals have been established to ensure sustainable development.

Brazil in the multidimensional approach to hunger and food insecurity

Minister Wellington Dias detailed how Brazil has managed to lift 14 million people out of poverty thanks to a social program with two components: social assistance and food security.

This program is based on creating a single social registry that makes it possible to know the multidimensional conditions of poverty affecting a family and to generate an assistance income that adjusts to their needs. “The transfer of resources means implementing access to food and other necessities. That money circulates in the place where they live. And the poorest people usually live where other vulnerable and poor people live. So, in addition to benefiting that family, it benefits that community,” he said.

The minister added that this type of assistance is accompanied by the Safra, or Harvest Plan, to combat hunger and food insecurity. This plan works with small farmers to stimulate production, and then the State can buy a fraction of the harvest to give to those who require it.

Mpox Emergency Prompts Vaccine, Sweden Reports its First Case

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern due to a significant increase in Mpox cases in Africa. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was declared a global emergency in July 2022 after the disease spread to over 70 countries, resulting in over 99,000 cases and more than 200 deaths between 2022 and 2023. The emergency status was lifted in May 2023 due to a significant decline in cases and the increased availability of vaccines.

However, the recent rapid spread and detection in new regions contributed to the emergency declaration. The outbreaks involve two distinct strains: clade 1a, endemic in northwestern DRC, and clade 1b, which is spreading rapidly in northeastern DRC and neighbouring countries. Both strains spread through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials and present similar symptoms, including flu-like symptoms and rashes.

Sweden’s public health agency reported the first confirmed case of this new strain outside Africa. The patient, who contracted the virus in Africa, is receiving treatment in Stockholm, according to Forbes.

The WHO is implementing a comprehensive response strategy, including providing testing equipment, supporting laboratories, and training health workers. According to Axios, shares for Bavarian Nordic, the maker of an Mpox vaccine, surged by over 12% on Friday following the World Health Organization’s declaration. Bavarian Nordic’s vaccine, available under the brand names Jynneos, Imvamune, and Imvanex, is among the few approved for Mpox and is favoured by healthcare providers for its favourable risk profile.

Hurricane Ernesto to Impact East Coast and Bermuda This Weekend

Hurricane Ernesto is rapidly closing in on Bermuda as a Category 2 storm. Although Ernesto is showing signs of weakening this morning due to vertical wind shear, residents and officials are still preparing for severe weather. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that as of 8 a.m. Friday, Ernesto was 255 miles south-southwest of Bermuda, with sustained winds of 100 mph. NHC maintains a hurricane warning is in effect for Bermuda, and they anticipate life-threatening flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas.

The Category 2 hurricane, which recently battered Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, left hundreds of thousands without power. In Puerto Rico, about 200,000 customers were still without power on Friday morning, reported CNN. The Virgin Islands reported over 10,000 customers without power.

As Ernesto continues its path, it is expected to move close to Atlantic Canada. Swells from Ernesto will affect the U.S. East Coast and other regions, including the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada. Beachgoers should be cautious of dangerous surf and rip currents.