International News - Channel 5 Belize

Alaine Postpones Reggae Sundays Performance

If you bought tickets and made plans to attend this weekend’s Reggae Sundays event, well, we have news for you.

The featured guest, Jamaican-American singer Alaine, has rescheduled. In a video message, Alaine says these are doctor’s orders. She said she is recuperating from the flu.

I will not be able to make it this week…doctor’s orders, but I promise that I will be there next weekend, and we are going to have the best time together.”

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The organiser of the event said, “I was contacted by Alaine and her management a few minutes ago and informed that the artist due to circumstances beyond her control, is unable make an appearance in Belize this weekend as planned. As a consequence the management of Reggae Sundays is forced to push the slated Reggae Sundays All White Mother’s Day edition to the following Sunday May 26th 2024.”

Some social media users expressed disappointment. One said, “Disappointed. Won’t even be in the country that weekend.” While another said, “Beyond your Control. Get well soon Alaine!”

Over 30,000 Children Cross Perilous Darién Gap in First Months of 2024, UNICEF Reports

More than 30,000 children have crossed the Darién Gap, a dense jungle straddling Panama and Colombia, in the first four months of 2024.

According to UNICEF, the number of minors undertaking this perilous journey has increased by 40% compared to last year. Most of these children are attempting to reach the United States.

Migrants crossing the jungle often fall victim to robbery, extortion, and sexual abuse by criminal gangs. In December alone, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) recorded 214 cases of sexual violence in the Darién jungle. The international medical organization reported that armed men detained migrants, forced them to undress, and sexually abused them. While most victims were women, MSF also provided treatment to men and children.

There are no roads through the Darién Gap, and crossing on foot can take a week.

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico Critical Following Shooting

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico is in critical condition after being shot following a political event on Wednesday afternoon.

“Three or four” shots were heard. Fico acquired wounds to his head and chest. Local reports say he was airlifted to a nearby hospital.

A suspect has been detained by police.

He was shot in a “politically motivated” assassination attempt when leaving a government meeting on Wednesday, the interior minister said.

Slovakia, a member of NATO and the European Union, has little history of political violence. Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden joined Slovakia’s EU partners in expressing shock and condemnation of the shooting.

Police Inspector Charged with Wounding Detainee

An inspector of police finds himself on the opposite side of the law tonight as he faces a charge of Wounding. Christopher Martinez is accused of wounding Aaron Flowers while he was detained on June nineteenth of last year. Today Martinez asked the court for a sentence indication on grounds that he is contemplating pleading guilty. He will get that indication on May twenty-third, when he can decide if he still wants to plead guilty or whether he wants to take his chances at trial. Martinez remains on active duty with the Special Patrol Unit, pending the outcome of his criminal case. The allegation against him is that in June of 2023, Martinez wounded a businessman whom he beat up while he was detained inside a holding cell. It is alleged that Martinez took the padlock from the cell area and inflicted injuries to Flowers’ head. Martinez appeared in court today in the presence of his attorney, Andrew Bennett, while the Crown was represented by the D.P.P., Cheryl-Lynn Vidal. The request for a sentence indication today was a turn of events because Martinez had maintained his innocence and at his arraignment almost a year ago. The victim, Aaron Flowers, was present to testify against Martinez, but again the matter was adjourned for another in a series of adjournments over the year. Issues discussed before the adjournment included what sentencing is the Crown seeking for the crime should Martinez plead guilty; what were the injuries sustained by the victim and what was used to inflict the injury; and the fact that the defendant is a police officer. The D.P.P. indicated that the Prosecution is expecting a just sentence, which may not necessarily mean a custodial sentence. A video footage shows that Martinez removed a pad lock from the cell block area and that was he used to assault Flowers with.

BSCFA Pleased with Expert’s Report on Port Charges

Earlier this month, the Belize Sugar Industries issued a press release on the report by the independent expert commissioned to determine port charges and how they should be applied. In the release, the B.S.I stated that Hugh O’Brien concluded that the industry was saving significant costs from the transition to the Port of Big Creek through more efficient loading. And today, the B.S.C.F.A has issued a release of its own release in which it stated that O’Brien’s report looked at much more than just that one element. Chief Executive Officer of the B.S.C.F.A, Oscar Alonzo says there were several other port-related charges that O’Brien’s report analyzed and made recommendations for, and that a few of these were concerns that they had raised concerns over. And while the B.S.C.F.A is satisfied with the work that O’Brien did, they express in their release that there are other critical cost items that require evaluation, such as local handling charges and manufacturing allowance. Alonzo shared with us the other charges that O’Brien analyzed that they were happy with.

Oscar Alonzo, Chief Executive Officer, B.S.C.F.A

“The report also included recommendations from the expert on how information can be recorded and be provided in a manner that would make it transparent and accountable. And it is similar to what we have been raising with BSI, right, that one of the recommendations that we had made was the fact that these costs need to be separated. In the negotiations there were proposals to change in the deduction terminology of ocean freight to ocean freight and terminal handling charge as one cost classification. And we had been asking that they be separated and that separate figures be provided for each of them. Also, there was the proposal in the negotiations that cost of stevedoring be mingled with throughput fee. And again, we had requested that this cost be separated and in order to provide greater and a better understanding and a better appreciation of the values of these, costs, right. In the metric value statement that is provided by B.S.I in the calculation of the price of sugarcane, it appears that these costs will be enumerated in that fashion and we agree with the independent expert that these costs should be separated, should be itemized and the figures provided for each of them. There’s the other issue regarding the use of the terminology “tons” right. Different documents use different definitions of ton. Some use metric ton, some use short ton, some use long tons. And this also creates a bit of misunderstanding, noh. So those were the two main recommendations, right that the expert made in order to provide real transparency and accountability.”

Venezuela’s Military Buildup Near Disputed Essequibo Region Heightens Tensions

Venezuela’s armed forces have relocated significant personnel and equipment near the contested, oil-rich Essequibo region controlled by Guyana. This is according to the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

This move could escalate tensions ahead of Venezuela’s upcoming presidential elections.

The CSIS report, published Tuesday, presents updated satellite images from mid-March to late April, showing sustained construction and expansion of a military base near Anacoco Island on the Guyana border. While Venezuela and Guyana have disputed this sparsely populated territory since the 19th century, the discovery of massive oil reserves offshore Guyana has intensified the conflict in recent years.

With presidential elections just two months away, President Nicolás Maduro might leverage the “imminent threat of invasion” to disrupt or delay the vote.

The CSIS report warns that although Venezuela has more to lose than gain from full-scale conflict, it continues to play a “dangerous game” over its claim to the Essequibo region. The report emphasizes that the rhetoric of “the Essequibo is ours,” combined with new military commands and legal frameworks, is perpetuating a state of prewar readiness.

CXC Investigating Distribution of CSEC® Paper at Specific Centres

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC®) says it has initiated investigations into an incident related to the distribution of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate® (CSEC®) Principles of Accounts Paper 02 at specific examination centres.

CXC® acknowledges the potential anxiety caused by such uncertainties and assures candidates and parents that these matters are being addressed with utmost urgency. “Upon completion of our investigations, appropriate action will follow.”

No information was given as to when or where this alleged action happened.

UN General Assembly votes to back Palestinian bid for membership

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has endorsed a Palestinian request to qualify for full membership in the UN, urging the UN Security Council to “reconsider the matter favorably.”

In a vote held on Friday, the 193-member UNGA conducted a global assessment of support for the Palestinian bid to attain full UN membership, which had been blocked by the United States in the UN Security Council the previous month. The assembly passed a resolution on Friday with 143 votes in favor, nine against (including the US and Israel), and 25 abstentions. This resolution does not grant full UN membership to the Palestinians but acknowledges their eligibility to join.

The UNGA resolution “affirms that the State of Palestine … should therefore be admitted to membership” and “recommends that the Security Council reconsider the matter favorably.”

Although the UNGA lacks the authority to confer full UN membership, the adopted resolution on Friday will grant the Palestinians certain additional rights and privileges starting from September 2024, such as a seat among UN members in the assembly hall, although they will not have a vote in the body.

Transitional council in Haiti embraces new changes following turmoil as gang violence grips country

Amid escalating gang violence in Haiti, a transitional council tasked with steering the country towards stability is undergoing significant changes. Instead of a single council president, four seasoned politicians will rotate leadership every five months, marking a departure from traditional Haitian politics where power is centralized.

This surprising shift aims to foster shared governance and unity within the council, a rarity in Haiti’s political landscape according to experts.

The four members set to share leadership duties include Edgard Leblanc Fils, Louis Gérald Gilles, Leslie Voltaire, and Smith Augustin. These adjustments come after internal conflicts threatened to derail the council shortly after its inception on April 25. Initial disagreements emerged when four council members unilaterally announced a council president and prime minister, sparking widespread surprise and debate.

The next step for the council involves selecting a new Cabinet, a process expected to involve intricate negotiations with influential political figures.

Against a backdrop of unprecedented gang violence that has ravaged the capital, Port-au-Prince, Haiti grapples with dire humanitarian challenges, including food shortages and escalating crime. The recent release of thousands of inmates following prison attacks has further exacerbated security concerns.

The situation remains urgent, requiring decisive action to address the root causes of violence and ensure justice and security for all Haitians.

Belize Joins Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency

Prime Minister John Briceño signed an agreement to join the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE). With 21 signatures and eight ratifications already secured, this milestone underscores Belize’s commitment to regional cooperation in space technology.

PM Briceño said, “Belize signs on becoming 1 of the first 25 countries to benefit from the #ALCE working to improve satellite communication accelerating digital transformation. Available satellite imagery will help detect deforestation due to crossborder incursions, while protecting heritage.”

*Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena is witness of honor at signing of ALCE agreement by Belize*

Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena presided over the event and emphasized that Belize’s participation in ALCE will bolster regional integration. As a member, Belize will engage in cooperation agreements and knowledge-sharing initiatives with other Latin American and Caribbean nations, focusing on satellite monitoring of environmental conditions and hydrometeorological risks.

ALCE, headquartered in Querétaro, Mexico, serves as the coordinating body for space technology collaboration across the region. By harnessing the technological capabilities of Latin American and Caribbean countries, ALCE aims to advance development, enhance satellite communication systems, strengthen early warning systems, map climate change impacts, and bolster disaster prevention and agricultural practices.