In a statement issued by the union, it says, with deep frustration, the U.B.F.S.U. notes the P.U.P.’s failure to follow through on these promises. Despite the party’s strong rhetoric and stated commitments, U.B. continues to face significant financial challenges, and the promised increase in funding has not materialized.
Timothy Dami
Timothy Dami, Executive Member, U.B.F.S.U.
“The subvention was at ten million, the previous government raised it to eleven and then because of COVID they dropped it. As we see everything come back online, we‘ve seen salaries come back, we‘ve seen increments come back across the board, we‘ve seen allowances come back, we‘re seeing infrastructure projects, we‘re seeing things taking place in the country on a national basis. We feel that it is important to equally restore back this subvention to the point it was prior to the pandemic and we also would like to see the current administration live up to its promise of raising it. I mean they had two separate cases where they talked about the subvention being reinstated, they also talked about increasing it back to fifteen million by one million dollars a year. Being that U.B. is a national university, we are here to help solve national issues. You can see right now with this issue with current and with the climate crisis, the national university is needed to come up with research and plans to help with policy. There‘s a lot that the national university can do.”
June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness month and Belize is doing its part to end the stigma surrounding mental health. Today, over one hundred and sixty men gathered for a mental health conference. At this session, men were able to speak to a panel of experts on topics such as cancer, depression and anxiety. While News Fives Britney Gordon was not permitted to enter the men’s only safe space, she spoke with some of the panelists to learn more about the importance of bringing awareness to this topic and open the door for open conversation. Here’s that story.
Britney, Gordon, Reporting Did you know that in 2022, seventy-three percent of suicides recorded in the country were committed by men. Every day, fathers, brothers, uncles and friends are struggling with their mental health all around us and they are too scared to talk about it. Today, that stigma is being torn down at the Men’s Mental Health and Cancer Awareness Conference. Doctor Ramon Yacab an oncologist, spoke with us about the concerning trend of cancer diagnosis in Belize.
Dr. Ramon Yacab
Dr. Ramon Yacab, Oncologist
“Four Belize projections are that there are approximately around four hundred new cancer cases every year. Those four hundred new cases are for this year alone. In the next five, ten years, we’re expecting for it to double on a yearly basis. Now, the most common cancers, yes, include breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, and if we were to do take an example, in a pie, almost half of all cancer cases are in men. The sad part is that only three in every ten patients that are coming in for clinic. Men are just not coming in. We’re not seeing that reflected.”
Doctor Yacab revealed that a large portion of male cancer patients are diagnosed with advanced stages. He says that the stigma against being tested contributes to this trend.
Dr. Ramon Yacab
“Is there a stigma? That’s a good question. And I do believe it has to do with culture. Men we generally see them as that strong family leader. Most of the times they are willing to sacrifice themselves but ensure that the rest of the family can go on. The breadwinners, if you may. So it’s a cultural, it’s a societal norm. And I think it’s deeply embedded and that’s something that we want to change. Certainly, there are other constraints, financial constraints, knowing that you need to do different tests, but most of the time it’s going to be more the norms that we have in society.”
For many men, a cancer diagnosis leads to depression and anxiety, as they grapple with providing for their family and fighting the disease. Stephen Duncan, a cancer survivor of over ten years, told us about his journey with prostate cancer.
Stephen Duncan
Stephen Duncan, Cancer Survivor
“As cancer tends to lead to other things. It starts with one thing and can lead to other things. And the journey, and I think for a lot of men, this is where I think we need to learn. I think women are much better at the journey part. Men want things to be over and done with. They want finality. They bring things to an end. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. And we need to learn how to take it one step at a time. I had to do that. I had to go through that. And not thinking that because you might have a bad day today that it’s the end. So the journey is very important. And I think this panel that I am sitting on Dealing with the mental aspect of it is very important as we fight and deal with cancer because it helps us to go beyond what the physical sign like you’re telling us and playing the mental game. There is a mental, psychological aspect and we have to be able to deal with it.”
The event was a men only safe space so that participants would not be ashamed to talk about their health issues. Kim Simplis-Barrow, president of the Belize Cancer Society, told us more about that decision.
Kim Simplis-Barrow
Kim Simplis-Barrow, President, Belize Cancer Society
“We live in a much is more culture and a lot of times men don’t feel comfortable talking about mental health issues or even health issues. And so for us it was important to create a safe space for men to listen to the panelists to have interactions and have questions with our panelists. And so what we did is we did our official opening of the ceremony and after the official opening, we exited the females in the room exited the room and we left the male men in attendance and the panelists and the speakers to have their discussion openly and in confidence, if it’s I think it’s I think it’s important.”
According to Stephen Duncan, men tend to shy away from others about their feelings, making it difficult to form a support system.
Stephen Duncan
“I don’t think we talk to other men, possibly don’t want anybody to know. I think it’s a weakness. And I have developed sufficient confidence over the years, I think following my diagnosis and my treatment to be able to encourage other men, which I try to do whenever I am aware of a situation.”
The conference was organized by the Belize Cancer Society, the Ministry of Health, PAHO, and Belize Health Care Partners. Doctor Jorge Hidalgo, a critical care specialist, says the goal is to encourage men to get tested annually.
Jorge Hidalgo
Jorge Hidalgo, Internist & Critical Care Specialist
“Moving forward for the culture of men’s health and beliefs. Miss Kim Simplice Barrow, as she’s the president of the Cancer Society. And she asked me, along with a few more in the group, to lead a men’s initiative for cancer awareness, for cancer advocacy, for cancer prevention. And that’s the most we want to achieve today. Is to have everybody to be aware of the importance of early recognition, early detection, and also at the end of the day, we are going to launch the initiative of Men’s for Cancer Initiative with the main purpose of that advocacy. Also early detection and trying to create awareness around the men’s community about cancer.”
On Wednesday, Minister of Education Francis Fonseca weighed in on the Santa Cruz Village bullying incident that went viral last week. As we have reported, the Belize Police Department intervened and led mediations between all parties involved. And while the perpetrators of the act will not be facing criminal prosecution, they will be mandated to participate in several activities that seek to develop their personal character. On Wednesday, Minister Fonesca reaffirmed his ministry’s zero-tolerance policy for bullying.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
“We have stepped in. We have gotten a full report on the matter. Of course the ministry’s position is that we have zero tolerance for bullying. We are working with the management, the principals, the teachers, to address this matter. We do not want the students in any of our educational institutions to experience any form of bullying. Schools must just be a safe space for students. So, we are absolutely looking at that issue very closely.”
According to the Minister of Culture, Francis Fonseca, Belize City’s new carnival route is all but finalized. The only thing left is to make it official via a press release. So, where will the 2024 carnival begin and end? Here is what Minister Fonesca revealed.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Culture
“I think pretty much we will make an announcement within the next few days but based on the report I have received from the carnival association and my team who have been working from the N.C.C., they have agreed that the new carnival route will be, Mr. Vernon messaged me to say don’t say route, say route. My understanding is that the new route will be from the Baron Bliss area all the way straight to Marion Jones. So I think that in my view, I have always supported that. In my view that will be a fantastic route and I think the Belizean people will enjoy a wonderful carnival.”
Belize has long agreed to send a team of law enforcement officers to Haiti to assist the nation in its efforts to restore citizen security. That team is yet to be deployed. So, what is the hold up? Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca says Belize remains committed but important funding and logistical details remain outstanding.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“Belize remains committed to participating in the MSSM mission, but there are still a few outstanding issues that has to be finalized. The funding, I keep making this point, the funding of the mission is critically important. All the funds have not been sourced as yet. But we are glad to hear that countries have been stepping up, United States, Canada, France are all saying they will contribute more. So this is not just a Belize issue. All CARICOM is saying that they will contribute more. This is not just a Belize issue. The entire CARICOM is concerned about the mission. And, also the very important issue of the logistics of the organization of the mission. We need to have a very clear exit strategy. We cannot send our soldiers in on a mission where we don’t have a clear exit strategy. What will they be doing in Haiti? We need to be very clear on that, what roles will they be performing? But we are very happy that progress has been made. CARICOM has been at the forefront of this issue. We now have in place a prime minister, interim prime minister in Haiti. The transitional council is still in place. So, I think we are hoping that over the next few months we can see greater level of stability in Haiti and eventually free and fair elections.”
Earlier this month, Prime Minister John Briceño led a high-level delegation to El Salvador for the inauguration of President Nayib Bukele. The delegation included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francis Fonseca. Belize and El Salvador have been in negotiations over a partial scope agreement that seeks to enhance trade between the two nations. When we caught up with Minister Fonseca on Wednesday, we asked him for an update on those negotiations and ways in which he believes El Salvador can help to bolster Belize’s economic influence in the region.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“The prime minister had an excellent meeting with president Bukele. I was there with him. I think there is a lot that can happen between Belize and Salvador. There is an opportunity for increased trade, increased tourism, agriculture is one area we are looking at as well. So, I think it was an excellent discussion and an excellent productive meeting. In terms of partial scope agreement, we have made significant progress on that. We finished the second round of negotiations. So the third round is scheduled for sometime in August or so. We have gone a long way in terms of what we want to achieve there. Coming out of the third round we will be able to have some conclusion to the partial scope agreement. So, I think sometime this year we will be able to conclude that.”
Belize is known for many things, including its natural wonders. Travellers Liquors is also promoting Belize as one of the leading rum producers in the Caribbean. Through the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association, Travellers crafted a special edition premium rum to commemorate CARICOM’s fiftieth anniversary. Each CARICOM member state will be gifted a bottle at the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for July in Grenada. News Five’s Paul Lopez was at a launch ceremony.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“I tasted about five different blends and then of course we got to taste the special fiftieth anniversary blend which is absolutely more than two thumbs up. It is excellent, smooth, absolutely rich in flavor, and an exquisite blend.”
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Travellers Liquors Limited and the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association teamed up to craft a special edition rum to pay tribute to fifty years of Caribbean unity and progress. The CARICOM Fifty Premium Reserve Rum was officially launched on Wednesday.
Perla Perdomo
Perla Perdomo, Chair, Travellers Liquors Ltd
“The West Indian Rum and Spirits Association, we are members of that and at the last board meeting a year ago, a resolution was passed that rum producers who wanted to produce in the project could participate in this project to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of formation of CARICOM. So those producers, there are fifteen members in this organization and those producers that wanted to participate took it upon themselves to come up with a blend, come up with a presentation, label to do a release for the occasion.”
An official launch event is scheduled for July at the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Grenada. There, all the members of the regional rum association will present their brands to the heads of government. Francis Fonseca, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will be gifting each CARICOM member state representative with a bottle of this latest blend. He was among the first to taste test the product at the launch.
Francis Fonseca
“It is a celebration of CARICOM, more than a year ago. This entire year we are really celebrating CARICOM, the fiftieth anniversary of CARICOM. Belize is a very proud, strong member of the Caribbean community. We value our membership in that community and so I think over a year ago the CARICOM Secretariat engaged with the private sector, including the West Indies Rums and Spirits Producers Association to say what we do, what are different things we can do to celebrate the spirt of our region and one of the things that rose out of that decision is the Caribbean is known for its rums. So they asked the producers association to discuss with their membership and I am very happy that Belize was included and our travelers liquors stepped up and said they wanted to participate.”
CARICOM was established in 1973 under the Treaty of Chaguaramas to strengthen regional integration and enhance the social and economic development of the Caribbean. Belize joined in 1974. There are fifteen member states in the Caribbean Community, including Haiti which was the first French-speaking Caribbean country to become a full member.
Perla Perdomo
“As you can see we designed a label with the CARICOM at fifty logo. The flag of Belize depicting Belize as a proud member of CARICOM with its rightful place as a rum producer as well as we have the authentic Caribbean rum trademark. This is a mark given to only those brands that pass the West Indies Rums and Spirit Association blends for rums.”
Jaime Perdomo
Jaime Perdomo, Expert Distiller
“It is aged for a minimum of five years in selected American oak barrels. The aging process results in a smooth, well-balanced spirit, with notes of vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, complimented with an array of oak spices and prunes. The rum can be enjoyed neat on the rocks, but it also serves as an excellent base for rum connoisseur’s delights.”
A press release from CARICOM notes that several of the special edition rums are unique blends that will only be available for the 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in very limited quantities. Perla Perdomo says Travellers Liquors takes pride in its contribution to the CARICOM initiative.
Perla Perdomo
“Travellers is very proud to be a part of the association and this project, because we feel that Belize has been a bit, I wouldn’t say ignored, but like overlooked as a rum producer. You always hear about other countries, but we are there. We have the quality. So, we wanted to showcase and be part of the group so that when our heads of government are there and do the presentation a rum of high quality is there to represent Belize.”
The recent incident in the South China Sea has significantly escalated tensions between the Philippines and China. The Philippines accused China of using bladed weapons against its coast guard near the Second Thomas Shoal, a contested area in the Spratly Islands. This clash, part of ongoing aggressive interactions in the resource-rich waterway, raises concerns about a potential conflict involving the United States due to its mutual defence treaty with the Philippines.
The Philippine military reported that Chinese coast guard officers attacked Filipino soldiers, damaged their rubber boat, and looted equipment. In response, China reasserted its territorial claims and accused the Philippines of carrying smuggled weapons. The incident has drawn sharp international reactions, with the U.S. condemning China’s actions and reaffirming its commitment to the Philippines.
This clash highlights the volatile nature of South China Sea disputes and the risk of minor incidents escalating into major conflicts involving significant powers. China’s aggressive tactics appear to test the boundaries of Philippine and U.S. responses, raising the stakes in an already tense regional situation.
Belize City resident, forty-eight-year-old Doris Grant, is on her way to prison. She was arraigned today after being criminally charged with being a member of a gang.
Thirty-one-year-old Austin Underwood was also charged with being a member of a gang. Both are said to have connections to the Southside Gangsters of Belize City, with Underwood said to be one of the reputed gang bosses, allegedly.
While on her way to prison, Grant said, “See how they chance people, police.”
Grant and Underwood are expected to reappear in court on July 31st, 2024.
The University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union (UBFSU) has come out swinging at the ruling PUP government in a press release dated Monday, June 17th. The union says it is disappointed with the People’s United Party for “not fulfilling its commitments to the University of Belize (UB).”
In its release, the union says that the PUP has yet to restore and increase the university’s annual subvention.
“However, with deep frustration, the UBFSU notes the PUP’s failure to follow through on these promises. Despite the party’s strong rhetoric and stated commitments, UB continues to face significant financial challenges, and the promised increase in funding has not materialized.”
The University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union’s Press Release.
In an interview with News 5 in July 2020, Education Minister Francis Fonseca criticised the then Barrow Administration’s decision to slash UB’s subvention. Fonseca called this decision “misguided,” “wrong-headed,” and “counterproductive.”
The UBFSU is calling on the PUP to “honor its commitments to the University of Belize and its faculty, staff and students.” The union is seeking “immediate restoration and increase of UB’s funding, as well as the recognition and inclusion of the UBFSU in all relevant Board meetings and decisions.”
