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FAO’s launches innovative approach to prioritizing water management investments in Belize

FAO’s launches innovative approach to prioritizing water management investments in Belize

The FAO Investment Centre today launched a study highlighting FAO’s new methodology to identify and prioritize investments in irrigation and drainage in Belize. The study outlines a practical framework for policymakers and private sector investors to address climate-related risks and bolster agriculture resilience through investments in water management.

Mohamed Manssouri, Director of the FAO Investment Centre, said; “It is vital that we boost strategic irrigation and drainage investments, with the goal to elevate agricultural productivity and support Belize’s smallholders to deal with climate challenges.”

‘Priority areas for irrigation investments in Belize’ shows how data-driven investments in water management – alongside improved data availability and strategic resource allocation – can reduce climate risks to Belize’s agriculture sector.

Urgent need to support farmers facing climate threats

Belize remains one of the most vulnerable countries to climate-related risks. Threats of sea-level rise, intensified tropical storms, decreased precipitation, and rising temperatures, underscore the urgent need for investment to boost climate resilience.

In 2019 a severe drought devastated agricultural production and hampered economic growth, with Belizean farmers collectively losing as much as USD 38.5 million. The sugar industry was severely impacted, necessitating government intervention to provide financial aid for affected producers.

Climate-induced shocks have not only jeopardized food security and damaged infrastructure, but also triggered widespread economic repercussions – including increased transportation and food prices.

Identifying investment priorities

Recognizing the urgency, the Government of Belize is prioritizing water management – as demonstrated in the National Agriculture and Food Policy (NAFP) 2015–2030 and the National Climate Resilience Investment Plan.

To support these goals, FAO’s innovative approach aims to guide policymakers and private sector investors in identifying investment priorities within water management infrastructure.

Roble Sabrie, Economist, FAO Investment Centre and lead author of the study, said; “We sought to develop an evidence-based decision-making system that is practical and tailored to improving national and local planning, and supporting efficient resource allocation. To prioritize projects effectively, we considered technical, financial, economic, social, and environmental aspects – ensuring the approach is both comprehensive and practical.”

FAO employed a dynamic mix of on-the-ground data and advanced tools like EarthMap and Google Engine to map out Belize’s irrigation and drainage needs. This proposed approach combines diverse data sources, including temperature, precipitation, water deficit, and land use. It considers climate trends, assesses impacts, and estimates required investments for sustainable water access, focusing on priority watersheds.

Luis Loyola, Senior Irrigation and Drainage Specialist, World Bank – who was part of the FAO project team – said; “The methodology supports informed decisions and helps to identify priority areas for strategic irrigation and drainage investments – while factoring in climate change. We are aiming to enhance decision-making for more effective and responsive water infrastructure development.”

The initiative draws on learnings from FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) conducted in 2019-2021, and builds on the World Bank Infrastructure Prioritization Framework (IPF) to prioritize investments using climate, natural resources, and socioeconomic data.

It complements ongoing programs by the World Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) focused on enhancing climate change resilience in agriculture.

Next steps for forging water-tight investments

Despite these advances, there is a need for more comprehensive assessments on water availability and climate data in Belize – particularly for surface water and groundwater resources – to help ensure a resilient and adaptive agricultural future.

Strengthening collaboration with authorities and institutions for data-gathering and sharing is a crucial step toward enriching future analyses and enhancing the accuracy of assessments.

Yet, these innovative initiatives driving data-driven decision-making and investments from FAO and other partners mark significant strides towards building a more sustainable and resilient water sector in Belize.

Cognella Features Marie Sharp for Women’s Month

In celebration of women’s accomplishments and historical contributions, Cognella presented a special title catalog for Women’s History Month. The featured titles, which span the disciplines, underscore the struggles and successes of women throughout history. Cognella’s spotlight title is Marie Sharp: Made in Belize (The Authorized Biography). Written by Deborah Wagnon, the book tells the story of an extraordinary woman from Belize who overcame societal barriers, as well as personal and professional setbacks, to build a hugely successful worldwide business, Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods, Ltd.

As a business led and owned by women, Marie Sharp’s farm currently has over 125 full-time employees, with 85% of the workforce being women. At 84-years-old, Marie takes pride in being recognized as the “Queen of Habanero” throughout Belize and in kitchens globally. To purchase Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods, Ltd.

BSCFA to PM Briceño: “Stay Pan Track”

In a press release, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) is telling Prime Minister John Briceño to “stay pan track.” The BSCFA says that it is appalled by statements made recently by PM Briceño in the media regarding a court judgement.

On February 29, 2024, High Court Judge Rajiv Gooretilleke delivered a judgement on a claim filed by BSCFA and Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Associations (CSCPA) against the Attorney General of Belize, the Minister of Agriculture, the Sugar Industry Control Board, and the Controller of Supplies. Within their claim, BSI/CSCPA sought court orders to declare nine regulations unconstitutional, with the judge ultimately deeming five of these regulations null and void.

Representing BSI, Godfrey Smith, Senior Counsel, questioned the purpose behind these regulations, suggesting they unfairly targeted BSI. However, BSCFA says that the reality of the situation lies in decades of strained relations between BSI and cane farmers. BSCFA says that Smith’s assertions are misleading.

*BSCFA Oscar Alonzo holding a “PM do not abandon the cane farmers” sign during a protest in December 2023.*

BSFCA says, “Equally appalling are the statements of the Prime Minister regarding the Commission of Inquiry (COI)…The Prime Minister states that he heads the COI, that he is the one who has responsibility for the COI, and that it is his responsibility to ensure that there are proper consultations by everyone. Yet he unfairly blames Hon. Jose Mai, Minister of Agriculture, for not properly consulting all stakeholders on the COI. The Prime Minister conveniently disregards the fact that the record shows that both BSI and all associations were invited to be a part of the consultation process, but only two associations…”

The release ends by stating, “The BSCFA calls on the Prime Minister to “STAY PAN TRACK” and to appeal the judgement on the regulations and to establish the Commission of Inquiry forthwith, or shall the BSCFA have to remind him where is “THE TRACK”.

BEBL on Withdrawal of OW Running Rebels

In a statement responding to the withdrawal of the Orange Walk Running Rebels, the Belize Elite Basket Ball League said, “All records pertaining to the Rebel’s aborted participation will be expunged, including points won and lost.”

The OW Running Rebels announced its withdrawal on Thursday, saying that the “tournament as it has become excruciating operating, organising, and competing under the present structure and leadership.”

BEBL said, “The Rebels have failed to respond to several attempts to work through these matters, choosing instead to take their petition to social media, which is a clear violation of the league’s policy.”

“This week’s scheduled game between the Belize City Defenders and the Rebels is cancelled, but the rest of our weekend schedule is on track on Saturday night in Dangriga and Belize City. The schedule for the remainder of the 2024 season is being redone to account for the withdrawal of the Orange Walk team and will be published as soon as possible.”

Jared Ranguy Pleads Guilty to Murdering his Family

Jared Ranguy pleaded guilty a short while ago to triple murder. Justice Nigel Pilgrim has reserved sentencing until after mitigation pleas are submitted. Ranguy pleaded guilty to the murders of his mother, sister, and stepfather in Ladyville in November of 2012. In court, the relatives of the deceased persons sobbed as Ranguy admitted that he killed the victims without provocation.

His guilty plea came after having gotten a sentence indication, meaning that he decided to plead guilty without going to a trial. News Five will have the full details, including an interview with the family, in our newscast live at 6.

Stake Bank Ltd. in Receivership, Atlantic Bank Ltd. Taken Possession

The Latest

News Five has confirmed that Stake Bank Enterprise Limited is in receivership. Atlantic Bank Limited has taken possession of the company’s assets as of Thursday, March 14th. Marlowe Neal of Neal & Associates Advisory Services Ltd. is the receiver.

*Ground being broken at Stake Bank n 2019*

In February 2019, ground was broken for Stake Bank Enterprise Limited with the intention of embarking on a tourism development project on its twenty-five-acre island.

Back then, Chairman of the Feinstein Group, Michael Feinstein, told the press that “The bankers for this project is being led by the Atlantic Bank group. The Atlantic Bank is the lead organizer for the money for this project which is sixty-seven million dollars on the island and a total of about eighty-two million dollars before this project is done.”

*Michael Feinstein, Chairman of the Feinstein Group*

However, fast forward five years, and the once-barren island off the coast of Belize City has transformed into a partially developed construction site yet remains unfinished despite significant efforts and investments. The project, also known as Port Coral, aimed to create a state-of-the-art cruise ship docking facility and tourism hub.

Stake Bank Enterprise Ltd., led by Michael Feinstein, secured a definitive agreement with the Government of Belize in August 2017. This agreement granted the company permission to build and operate the Stake Bank project for a fixed 25-year term. It preceded the enactment of the Stake Bank Cruise Docking Facility Development Act in January 2018.

*Aerial View of the unfinished construction*

The Claim

The project faced challenges, including legal disputes and controversies surrounding the approval of competing cruise ship docking facilities in Belize District, notably the Port of Magical Belize. Feinstein and Stake Bank initiated legal proceedings against the government and Portico Enterprises Limited, seeking damages for alleged breaches of the definitive agreement and hindrances to project progress.

Feinstein claims that news of Portico’s memorandum hindered negotiations and halted the construction of the Stake Bank Project.

Lawsuit filed by Michael Feinstein & Stake Bank Ltd. against G.O.B.

The Government of Belize further exacerbated the situation by entering into a definitive agreement with Portico in October 2020, granting a thirty-year term for the Port of Magical Belize along with extensive approving rights, tax benefits, and duty concessions unprecedented for any other investor or developer. Stake Bank contends that these breaches have caused significant loss and damage, resulting in a six-year stall of the project.

They claim projected net revenue losses of one hundred forty-eight million, four hundred thirty-four thousand, and four hundred four Belize dollars, along with an additional thirty million Belize dollars in interest incurred during this period.

What is a Receivership?

Receivership serves as a debt restructuring mechanism aimed at steering a company away from bankruptcy or liquidation while legal proceedings unfold. During this interim period, a neutral and legally appointed professional, known as a receiver, assumes control over the company’s operations, finances, and assets. The primary objective of the receiver is to evaluate the company’s sustainability, creditor interests, and outstanding debts, subsequently devising a repayment strategy that mitigates the need for total liquidation.

St. Margaret’s Village Resident Chopped to Death in Bar

The latest murder victim is a forty-year-old father from Saint Margaret’s Village. Luis Seapas was socializing at a restaurant and bar in the village when he was hacked to death by three men. His attackers are also from the community and known to the deceased. The incident occurred sometime after midnight inside the bar. There is currently no information to suggest that Seapas and his attackers had any prior altercation, in fact they have been seen socializing together in the village. The horrific ordeal unfolded in front of the establishment’s employees, much to their dismay. So, what could have led to the deadly altercation? New’s Five’s Paul Lopez travelled to Saint Margaret’s Village today where we spoke with the family of the deceased and the owner of the establishment. Here is that report.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

A night out at La Rumba Restaurant and Bar in Saint Margaret’s Village ended tragically for one man. Forty-year-old Luis Seapas was socializing at the establishment after midnight on Thursday, when a group of men, armed with a machete, attacked him. We spoke off camera with the owner of the establishment who says that the entire ordeal played out in front of her employees. They ran from the restaurant and bar to her home nearby to seek refuge.

Voice of: Owner of La Rumba Bar

“I start to receive information around two-thirty when they came here to my house running. The girls were frightened and the one that saw the chopping fainted when she came here. The other girls told me that this was happening, three guys came in and chopped the other one and I asked them if he is dead or just injured. They said they chopped him a lot, on his face, but I didn’t want to believe.”

Julissa Najaro, Seapas’ common-law wife, says he arrived home from work on Wednesday evening, ran some errands and thereafter informed her that he was on his way to purchase gas. But Seapas never returned home. He instead went to La Rumba Restaurant and Bar.

Julissa Najaro, Common-Law-Wife

“Well, he came from work like at around five o’clock in the evening. And he was not very calm. He was happy. No, we never thought that that would have happened. And then went to run an errand with my child, he is fifteen-year-old and then he came back. He came off from the motorcycle and said he would buy gasoline. And then, well, it seems like he bought the gasoline and then it seems like he went to the bar in the restaurant upstairs. And well, I found out how at about one-thirty. And then a neighbor came to tell us and my eldest son, his son who is eighteen-years-old, went to go to the bar with the neighbor. His dad had not died yet. It seems that he, I don’t know if it was at around twelve or twelve thirty, I don’t know, but around one thirty he was still alive.”

Seapas reportedly expressed concern when his attackers entered the bar. But they assured him that they were not there to harm him, according to the owner of the establishment.

Voice of: Owner of La Rumba Bar

“These three guys, Mayans come inside and stand in front of the man they chopped and told him don’t be afraid we are your friends, and the other one was standing, and the other one was beside him and the other one was a little bit far and he told him, don’t be afraid of my son, we are your friends, and he hug the man. And when he hugged the man, the other guy takes out his machete and chopped him. And the guy that was chopped ran, but the next guy came behind him and chopped him on his back. And because he couldn’t open the door, they gave him another one, but this time on the neck and that is when the guy fall.”

Seapas leaves behind four children. His common-law wife says he never once informed her that his life was in danger.

Julissa Najaro

“Well, I don’t know, I don’t know because he never told me anything like that. He was always calm. I never imagined what that would happen to him. You hear things about them but never something like what happened. They lived there. Their mother lives there. She lives. Yes, she is her sister, but nothing different like that has ever been seen.”

Reporting for News Five I am Paul Lopez.

Haitian American Charged with Double Murder and Attempted Murder

Fifty-nine-year-old Haitian American Robert Joseph was today arrested and charged with two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder. Jospeh is accused of killing forty-year-old Laura Fiorito and eight-year-old Megan Klessan with a firearm, while injuring two other minors and firing at a Fiorito’s common-law-husband. Joseph was arraigned today at the Belmopan Magistrates Court unrepresented. He was denied bail, due to the nature of the offense, and remanded to the Belize Central Prison. As we have reported, Joseph and his son visited Paradise Café in the Belmopan Market where they met Fiorito and her common-law wife. He engaged in a brief conversation with them before pulling out a firearm and opening fire. Three primary school children were also with the couple. Joseph turned his focus on the children and fatally injured one. Fiorito’s common-law-husband was the only one who escaped the attack without any physical injuries.

Ishmarley Clarke Had Plans to Help His Family in Life

As we reported in last night’s newscast, a man lost his life in a motorcycle accident on Wednesday as he was driving up the Philip Goldson highway near mile one. The police department has not yet released any information on the accident, but we understand that Clarke was driving up the highway when a van that tried to overtake him knocked him down sometime around two in the afternoon. News Five’s Marion Ali has the story in this report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

An auditor lost his life in a motorcycle accident in Belize City on Wednesday afternoon. It happened at the entrance of the Philip Goldson Highway, almost in front of A and R Store, and claimed the life of Ishmarley Clarke. News Five met his brother, Fisean Clarke at the scene of the accident. He told us that he had just spoken to Ishmarley a couple days prior to the unfortunate accident and then tried again to reach him about an hour before he died.

Fisean Clarke, Brother of deceased

“I spoke to him on the phone about 2,3 days before this incident, asking him if I could stay at his house. Because I wanted to move from Orange Walk back to Belize [City]. I never did get an answer. I can’t do it again. I can’t do it again. I just, I will try my best to be for my brother and mi niece and nephew them. I got one more brother and niece and nephew right deh soh, so I have to try my best you know. I have to try my best. I neva know this mi wa happen and I di try call ah from one o’clock yesterday afternoon, yeah and he never answer his phone. I suppose to ketch the bus and come to Belize [City] yesterday. I didn’t know all this was going to take place, mein.”

Clarke did not die at the scene. A security guard who works near the location where the accident happened told us off-camera that immediately after the accident, Clarke appeared to be motionless, but then he sat up before the ambulance took him to the hospital.

Voice of: Witness

“I mi deh right ya da work, so I mi just gone tek a lee patrol and I just hear something gone Bang! I never conscious da wa accident. I mi see lotta students right deh and I see a student and I ask what happened and they say it’s an accident. I come and I see the bally motionless on the ground. A lee bit afterwards, like before when the ambulance reached the individual get up, he get up and he sit down and watch his foot.”

Marion Ali

“As in stand up?”

Voice of Witness:

“No, he only sit down right there. He sit down and then when he see ih foot, it’s really bad injury. And then they told him not to move, but then he was touching his foot that bruk, he was touching it. And they told him, don’t move ’cause the ambulance is coming right ahead. And then how it’s a lot of traffic, the ambulance couldn’t get a break to pass. Then finally the ambulance came and then they managed to assist him.”

Marion Ali

“So he was still sitting up when they took him?”

Voice of: Witness

“Yeah, the ambulance, when the ambulance reach he was sitting down and he lay down back again.”

Clarke suffered a badly broken right leg and a gash on his head. His death is a lesson, his brother told us, and a reminder of how fragile life is. Ishmarley, he said, had plans to help his siblings.

Fisean Clarke

“His plan was to get a – get some more land for the family that we don’t need to go through a whole heap of problems in the future, assist the family with land and stuff like the properties and things that we need to achieve. Fi this happen to he and my family, I hope everybody could see that ih nuh impossible, ih nuh impossible, ih nuh impossible.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

Keyren Tzib Posts Bail After Attempted Murder Conviction

Former female coast guard officer Keyren Tzib is out on bail tonight after being convicted of attempted murder on Wednesday by High Court Judge Candace Nanton. On Wednesday, Justice Nanton found Tzib guilty of an attempt on the life of a colleague, Kurt Hyde, as they were returning to the Belize Coast Guard Headquarters here in Belize City. The incident, as we’ve reported, took place on April sixth, 2015. Tzib spent the night in lockdown at the Queen Street Police Station before posting bail in the sum of fifteen thousand dollars, plus three sureties of five thousand dollars each. The conditions of her bail include that she must sign in at the Orange Walk Police Station, as well as report to the High Court once a week. Tzib was represented in court by attorney Darrell Bradley.