2024-05-13 - Channel 5 Belize

Belize Shines At Festival of Cultures and Peoples in Saudi Arabia

The 12th Festival of Cultures and Peoples organised by the Islamic University of Madinah in Saudi Arabia, recently concluded. It was held under the theme, “Here is the World.” The festival featured 3,114 diverse events and activities catering to families, children, and the wider community.

Visitors from various segments of society greatly valued the festival’s offerings.

The Belize booth placed fourth in the judging. One of the participants told News 5, ” is considered a huge success as our booth was one of the smallest but which dished out significant information on Belize’s tourist industry. ”

The festival organizers confirmed that the festival had an increased number of attendees, which is in line with the significant development the festival has experienced compared to previous years.
They praised the efforts and presentations of 500 participating university students, who represented 95 countries worldwide.

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.

Taiwanese NGO Donates US$25,500 in Medical Equipment to Belize

A Taiwanese NGO, the Cao Zhong Zhi Foundation, donated US$25,500 in medical equipment to the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The donation was made today during a ceremony hosted by Health and Wellness Minister, Kevin Bernard and Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Lily Li-Wen Hsu in Belmopan.

The donation includes 240 adult wheelchairs, 50 children’s wheelchairs, 80 steel commodes, 160 aluminium walkers, and 400 aluminium walking sticks.

A release from the ministry says, “Today’s donation underlines Taiwan’s commitment to aiding communities worldwide, particularly in times of need, and emphasises the importance of solidarity and cooperation in addressing global public health challenges.”

Minister Bernard stated, ““It is imperative for all global players, including Taiwan, to have the opportunity to contribute effectively to international health initiatives.”

PUP’s Michel Chebat Fires Back at UDP

The United Democratic Party (UDP) is calling for the immediate resignation or removal of Michel Chebat from the Ministry of Public Utilities. In a statement, the UDP criticised Chebat’s leadership in the ministry. The party said that it has led “unwarranted suffering of the Belizean people, especially the people of the Cayo North constituency.”

The UDP says “Chebat must go in order for the Ministry of Public Utilities and the Public Utilities Commission to prioritise the needs of the public once again.”

In a statement to News 5, Chabet said, “I was elected to serve all the people of Cayo North. Since my election I have been in discussions with BWS to bring water to the communities in Cayo North that do not have access to water. This particular area has increased significantly and the people are without the basic neccessity that water provides. It is my duty to find a permanent solution to that issue. This is not about band aid solutions like the UDP doing.”

Chebat further stated, “The residents deserve to have access to clean running water. And I make no excuse for lobbying to bring water to them.”

According to Chebat, “BWS will regain their initial investment through water bills. That is what plan Belize is all about…we are about bringing permanent solutions for the people and not about grand standing like the UDP.”

VIDEO LEAKED: Security Camera Captures Assault

Last week, an immigration officer, forty-eight-year-old Saul Lisbey, was arrested for the crime of wounding. He stands accused of assaulting a woman at the western border office on Monday, May 6.

The video shows an immigration officer exiting his booth, and walking towards the woman before pushing her to the ground. The woman hit her head and was taken to the hospital.

Tanya Santos, the Chief Executive Officer of Immigration, confirmed that Lisbey had been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation. In an interview, Santos stated that the incident involved an immigration officer and a member of the public, with video footage corroborating the details. Santos emphasised that such behaviour was unacceptable and assured the public that thorough measures would be taken to address the matter.

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