Regional/International - Channel 5 Belize

Belize Congratulates Foreign Relations on Elections

Recently, the Government of Belize congratulated several foreign allies on the results of their internal elections. Among them is El Salvador, which re-elected President Nayib Bukele in February and inaugurated him on Saturday. Bukele’s administration has come under criticism recently for the mass incarceration of El Salvador’s gang members, leading some to protest his election. When asked about Belize’s attendance at the inauguration ceremony, Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign affairs, said that Belize attended to respect El Salvador’s democratic integrity and further strengthen ties with the country. Fonseca also congratulates India and Mexico on the election of their prime minister and president, respectively. Here’s more on that.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“We engage with leaders from all over the world. That doesn’t mean that we support their policies and their programs. But we respect the determination and decisions of their people to elect them. And we thought it was important for Belize to engage and to be present just to participate in the inauguration ceremony because we are also involved at the economic level in terms of specific projects that we’re working on with Salvador. We’re working on a sort of free trade agreement with what we call a partial scope agreement with Salvador to improve and expand trading opportunities for Belize. We’re also looking at tourism. How can we expand tourism with Salvador and again, also agriculture. So those were three areas and also investment for areas that we discussed with President Bukele and his team. Belize has a fairly, strong relationship with the government of India diplomatic relationship. But we’re always looking for opportunities to strengthen that relationship, expand that relationship again. You’re talking about a country of one point four billion or so people so therein, again, you have tremendous opportunities for tourism, for trade, for investment so you know we certainly look forward we’ve had a good relationship over the past three and a half years with India. The government of Prime Minister Modi he has been reelected by the people of India. And although his government lost some ground he has been re elected. And we look forward, again, to working with him and his government and strengthening the bilateral ties between Belize and India. We were very excited about the election of the new president Doctor Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico. She represents the same party of the present president, president Amlo. I’m looking we have enjoyed a very good relationship with President Amlo. Particularly Prime Minister Briceño, has a very strong personal relationship with him. Prime Minister has already spoken to the new president-elect. He spoke to her the night of the election, her election victory. So we look forward again. There are tremendous opportunities for Belize in terms of our relationship with Mexico.”

Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico Weighs in on Dr Sheinbaum’s Historic Victory

Mexico’s President-elect, Doctor Claudia Sheinbaum snagged that country’s general elections on June second for a six-year term. She will replace Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who has been in office since 2018. Sheinbaum, a scientist by profession, led the left-wing political party Morena, into the elections. She has served from 2000 to 2006 as Secretary of the Environment under Obrador’s tenure as Mayor of Mexico City. She was also elected Mayor of Mexico City in 2018, the same year she was named one of the B.B.C’s One Hundred Women. Today, Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico, Oscar Arnold weighed in on Doctor Sheinbaum’s historic victory.

Oscar Arnold, Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico

“This is the first female president in all of North America and the first female president from Mexico and in an historic election where it was the largest election in their electoral politics history as well. In what has been also a very historic election for them. It’s the largest selection that they’ve had in their history with the number of seats federally and locally that have been in play. Dr. Sheinbaum has said that they will continue with some of the initiatives that was started by her predecessor.”

Belizean Saves Driver Seconds Before Fuel Tanker Explosion in the US

Two individuals were hospitalised following a dramatic rescue and subsequent fuel tanker explosion that caused the closure of all southbound lanes of the North Freeway near Tidwell Road for over twenty hours.

Houston police reported that a speeding vehicle collided with an 18-wheeler transporting fuel, causing the tanker to fishtail and overturn at approximately 10 p.m. on Saturday.Belizean Armin Franco, present in a neighbour’s yard a block away, heard the collision and immediately rushed to assist, accompanied by two other strangers. The truck was still in motion when they arrived at the scene.

Franco, along with the other good Samaritans, discovered the car’s driver bloodied, unconscious, and trapped.

Just seconds after extricating him from the wreckage, the tanker exploded, propelling the rescuers backward with its force.

Houston Police stated that the driver rescued by Franco remained in critical condition on Sunday.

“Maybe one day it could happen to me. That’s why I ran to help the guy,” Franco explained.

https://www.tiktok.com/@news5belize/video/7376378124004494598?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7363682428676900357

Claudia Sheinbaum Makes History as Mexico’s First Female President

Claudia Sheinbaum achieved a historic, landslide victory. On Sunday, June 2, preliminary figures show the left-wing Morena party candidate secured nearly 60% of the vote, compared to almost 30% for her right-wing opponent, Xochitl Galvez. Sheinbaum’s win is even more decisive than that of her predecessor, current Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), in 2018.

Standing before a Mexican flag, Sheinbaum, who will become Mexico’s first female president, reiterated a frequent message on Sunday night: “I’m not coming here alone, but with all Mexican women.” In the Zocalo, the country’s largest public square, her supporters, who had been gathered for hours, celebrated joyfully. During her campaign, Sheinbaum appeared more relaxed than she had in the past, but her aides affirm she will govern as she always has: with hard work, rigor, and dedication.

Sheinbaum’s name will be etched in history as Mexico’s first female president, breaking the glass ceiling of 200 years of male leadership.

Mexico Set to Elect First Female President Amid Historic Surge in Campaign Violence

Mexico is set to elect its first female president, with Claudia Sheinbaum, the former mayor of Mexico City, leading in the polls. Her main opponent is Xóchitl Gálvez of the conservative PAN party. Despite this historic milestone, the election is overshadowed by unprecedented violence, with at least 34 political candidates or applicants murdered since June 2023. Chiapas, a crucial area for smuggling from Guatemala, exemplifies the desperate pleas from citizens for safety from gang control.

The country faces around 30,000 homicides annually, and a staggering 95% of crimes go unpunished. Femicide rates remain high, with significant impunity for such crimes. Mexico leads globally in political gender equality due to a 2019 constitutional reform, but it remains dangerous for women.

Both Sheinbaum and Gálvez have not provided detailed plans for addressing security issues and have not dismissed the military’s role in combating organised crime. Experts argue that militarization alone won’t resolve issues of impunity and corruption. The current administration’s attempts to demilitarise have largely failed, with criminal organisations maintaining their influence.

The paradox of electing a female president amid pervasive gender-based violence underscores the complex realities of gender and security in Mexico.

Belize Showcases Successful Blue Bonds Initiative at SIDS International Conference

The Government of Belize and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) co-hosted a side event at the 4th International Conference on SIDS in Antigua and Barbuda. The event, titled “How Debt-for-Nature and Debt-for-Climate Swaps can Help SIDS Economies: Belize Case Study and Tools for Governments,” highlighted the success of the Belize Blue Bonds. This case study demonstrated how debt-for-nature and debt-for-climate swaps can assist SIDS countries in meeting their nature and climate commitments, fostering blue economy strategies, and increasing resilience to natural disasters without escalating national debt.

The TNC Nature Bonds Toolkit was officially launched during this event. Head of Delegation and Minister of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, Orlando Habet, inaugurated the meeting. Beverly Wade, Director of the Blue Bonds and Finance Permanence Unit, discussed the structure, benefits, and challenges of the Belize Blue Bonds from their inception to implementation. She also highlighted the targeted nature outcomes and impacts achieved to date.

*Head of Delegation and Minister of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, Orlando Habet*

The panels featured Wade, Kevin Bender, Director of the Nature Bonds Program at The Nature Conservancy; Jean Paul Adam, Former Minister of Finance for Seychelles; and Ambassador Jessye Lapenn, Senior Coordinator for Atlantic Cooperation from the United States. Ambassador Janine Felson, Deputy Permanent Representative of Belize to the United Nations, delivered the closing remarks.

In 2021, the Government of Belize, The Nature Conservancy, and the United States International Development Finance Corporation pioneered the Belize Blue Bonds as an innovative financial solution. The initiative enabled a BZD728 million debt conversion for marine conservation, significantly reducing Belize’s debt-to-GDP ratio and national debt by 12%. It also created long-term sustainable financing for conservation and secured commitments to protect up to 30% of Belize’s ocean space, among other conservation goals. To date, BZD18 million has been committed and invested in government and non-government partners through the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future to achieve key marine conservation and responsible blue economy development targets.

Pope Francis Apologizes for Homophobic Remark During Meeting with Bishops

Pope Francis recently issued an apology for using an anti-gay slur during a closed-door meeting with bishops. The 87-year-old pontiff reportedly made the offensive comment last week, suggesting that gay men should not be allowed to train for the priesthood.

In a statement released by the Vatican on Tuesday, they clarified that the Pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms. He extends his apologies to those who felt offended by the use of the term, as reported by others.

Despite this incident, Pope Francis has consistently emphasized an inclusive stance within the Church.

The controversy arose when two Italian newspapers, Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica, reported on the May 20 meeting, citing sources present. According to their reports, the Pope used the term “frociaggine,” which translates to “faggotry” in English, while discussing the presence of gay men in seminaries.

Corriere della Sera pointed out that the Pope, being Argentine and speaking Italian as a second language, may not have fully realized the offensiveness of his language. The remark reportedly elicited incredulous laughter from the bishops present.

It’s important to note that the Vatican had previously ruled in 2005 that men who are actively gay or have “deep-seated” homosexual tendencies cannot be ordained. Pope Francis reaffirmed this ruling in 2016 and advised Italian bishops in 2018 not to accept gay candidates for the priesthood.

North Korea’s Rocket-Carrying Satellite Explodes Mid-Flight

North Korea’s bid to launch a second spy satellite ended in failure as the rocket carrying it exploded mid-flight. The announcement came late Monday, following South Korea’s military report of an “unidentified projectile” launch.

Initial analysis pointed to issues with a newly developed liquid-fuel rocket motor, though other potential causes are still being investigated. Earlier, officials in South Korea and Japan had also indicated that the launch appeared unsuccessful. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff observed North Korea firing an “unidentified projectile southwards” over the Yellow Sea, followed by the sighting of numerous fragments in the sea minutes later.

Following the failed launch, nuclear envoys from South Korea, the United States, and Japan had a phone conversation, condemning the attempt. They emphasised that it violated United Nations Security Council resolutions banning North Korea’s use of ballistic missile technology, posing a severe threat to regional peace and security.

North Korea had notified earlier in the day about its launch plan, stating that the window would remain open until June 4. This comes after North Korea successfully launched its first spy satellite in November on its third attempt, which drew international condemnation. That launch followed a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in eastern Russia, where Putin promised technical assistance to North Korea.

Kim Jong Un had declared at the end of last year that Pyongyang would launch three more military spy satellites in 2024 as part of a military modernization programme that saw a record number of weapons tests in 2023.

Source: Aljazeera

King Charles Addresses SIDS4

The fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) is underway in Antigua. More than 20 world leaders, along with representatives from the private sector, civil society, academia, and youth—nearly 4,000 participants in total—have gathered at the American University to tackle critical issues impacting the future of SIDS.

Under the theme “Charting the Course Toward Resilient Prosperity,” the four-day conference (27-30 May) will showcase innovations and develop practical solutions to address challenges driven by the climate emergency, spiralling debt, and health crises.

The conference will adopt The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), a Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity, outlining the sustainable development aspirations of small islands over the next decade and the support required from the international community.

The session began with a recorded message from King Charles III. During his speech, King Charles III said, “I’ve seen the critical challenges you face and how they can multiply to a terrifying and existential degree. I have also seen how islands are leaders. You are continuously showing the world in tackling climate change, in protecting biodiversity and in stewarding incredibly 1/3 of the global ocean which is absolutely crucial in the fight against both climate change and nature loss.”

*Secretary-general of the United Nations António Guterres*

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his opening address, emphasized that SIDS are a “test case for climate justice and financial justice.” He decried the prospect of losing entire countries or cultures due to global warming and the disparities in the global financial system. Guterres called for bold investments from SIDS and substantial support from the international community, particularly from countries with the greatest responsibility and capacity to address these challenges. He underscored the urgency of implementing the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS and demanded a fair and just global financial architecture.

SIDS, spanning the Pacific, Caribbean, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea, are home to approximately 65 million people and manage 19.1 percent of the world’s Exclusive Economic Zones. Despite their high biodiversity and significant contributions to renewable energy, sustainable tourism, and conservation, these nations face unique vulnerabilities due to their small size, remote locations, and susceptibility to climate-induced disasters.

NOAA predicts above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

NOAA National Weather Service forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center predict above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season and a 5% chance of a below-normal season.

NOAA is forecasting a range of 17 to 25 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 8 to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). Forecasters have a 70% confidence in these ranges.

The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity due to a confluence of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation.

*A summary infographic showing hurricane season probability and numbers of named storms predicted from NOAA’s 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook. (Image credit: NOAA)*

“With another active hurricane season approaching, NOAA’s commitment to keeping every American informed with life-saving information is unwavering,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “AI-enabled language translations and a new depiction of inland wind threats in the forecast cone are just two examples of the proactive steps our agency is taking to meet our mission of saving lives and protecting property.”

“Severe weather and emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why individuals and communities need to be prepared today,” said FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik A. Hooks. “Already, we are seeing storms move across the country that can bring additional hazards like tornadoes, flooding and hail. Taking a proactive approach to our increasingly challenging climate landscape today can make a difference in how people can recover tomorrow.”

A summary graphic showing an alphabetical list of the 2024 Atlantic tropical cyclone names as selected by the World Meteorological Organization. The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 and runs through November 30. (Image credit: NOAA)

As one of the strongest El Ninos ever observed nears its end, NOAA scientists predict a quick transition to La Nina conditions, which are conducive to Atlantic hurricane activity because La Nina tends to lessen wind shear in the tropics. At the same time, abundant oceanic heat content in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea creates more energy to fuel storm development.

This hurricane season also features the potential for an above-normal west African monsoon, which can produce African easterly waves that seed some of the strongest and longer-lived Atlantic storms. Finally, light trade winds allow hurricanes to grow in strength without the disruption of strong wind shear, and also minimize ocean cooling. Human-caused climate change is warming our ocean globally and in the Atlantic basin, and melting ice on land, leading to sea level rise, which increases the risk of storm surge. Sea level rise represents a clear human influence on the damage potential from a given hurricane.