2024-07-11 - Channel 5 Belize

Children are Building Lasting Bonds This Summer

An annual summer camp organized by Doctor Carolyn Gentle-Genitty, a tenured professor in the United States, concludes on Friday. The past few days have seen children from across Lake Independence attend educational and recreational sessions at Swift Hall and Saint Martin de Porres School where they are learning very important life skills, including financial literacy. As part of this year’s program, the Belize Bank Limited joined forces with the program and spent the day with the young participants teaching them about financial responsibility. News Five’s Isani Cayetano stopped by and filed the following report.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Summer camps are melting pots of diversity. Children interact with peers from various backgrounds, cultures and communities. The exposure they receive helps them to develop essential social skills like communication, empathy and teamwork. They also learn the value of friendship, sharing and resolving conflicts amicably. Here at Summer Bond, a camp that has been established in the St. Martin’s area, kids are building positive relationships.

Dr. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty, Organizer, Summer Bond

“We know that through social bonding, attachment, commitment, involvement and belief helps students to succeed. [It] helps all of us to succeed, no matter age, money, exposure. Once you take away all of those, the number one factor is bonding… and those four things, somebody being attached to social activities, engage in pro social activities, believing in the value of what they are working towards, and committed, being a member of something.”

Summer camps are transformative experiences that equip children with essential life skills, values, and lasting memories. Among them is financial literacy, the ability to understand and effectively use various skills, including personal financial management, budgeting and investing.

Denise Godfrey, Marketing Manager, Belize Bank Ltd.

“In our arts and craft session, we are teaching them about financial inclusion, the importance of money and then they get to draw what money means to them or what they would do should they come across or when they start working what they are going to do with their earnings, whether it’s building a house, furthering their education, they get to draw that out on paper.”

The annual recreation offers a wide range of activities. Children can explore new hobbies, discover hidden talents, and honing existing skills. These experiences teach perseverance and dedication. Nine- year-old Elon Gordon attends Ladyville Evangelical School, he is a participant at this year’s camp.

Elon Gordon, Participant

“I thought it was gonna be fun and I am gonna make lots of new friends and lots of new people and I was kind of waiting for school to open back.”

Isani Cayetano

“What have you learned so far?”

Elon Gordon

“Lots of things, some more about sports, service, gratitude and education.”

Isani Cayetano

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Elon Gordon

“I want to own my own business.”

With rising childhood obesity, physical activity is crucial. Summer camps provide ample opportunities for active play, sports, and adventure activities. This not only improves physical health, but also promotes mental well-being.

Michelle Murray-Gordon, Teacher, St. Martin de Porres

“I love this camp particularly because it caters to four aspects of the children’s development. They focus on art, education, service and gratitude and sports. My area where I assist is with service and gratitude, so the kids rotate for an hour in each session for the day, every day. And then we help to develop their skills and knowledge within the area. We try to do hands-on stuff, like yesterday they wrote to thank you notes to persons who are important to them, as well as help clean the perimeters of the compound and read to their peers. So they are very eager and receptive to the skills and that has pleased us greatly.”

So consider giving your child the gift of growth, discovery, and joy that only a summer camp can provide. Isani Cayetano for News Five.

Belize Signs on to a Decent Work Agreement

Earlier today, the Government of Belize and the International Labor Organization signed an agreement with the umbrella union, as well as the business community regarding decent work. Decent work is described as employment that respects the fundamental rights of the human person, as well as the rights of workers in terms of conditions of work safety and payment. This is applied to both the formal and informal sectors. The Briceño administration, under its Plan Belize agenda, is invested in Belize’s sustainable economic growth.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“It is a comprehensive and practical plan aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges in our labor market, building the skills of Belizean workers and ensuring that every Belizean can attain decent and productive employment. In our Plan Belize manifesto, we committed to building sustainable economic growth. This means delivering decent work for all. Our administration understands that, again, decent work is a fundamental human right and a driver of sustainable development and we are dedicated to creating opportunities for work that are productive to deliver a fair income, ensure workplace security, provide social protection for families and offer better outcomes for social integration. Our gold, then, is to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, age or background can work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity.”

Dr. Joni Musabayana, Dir., ILO Caribbean Office

“Decent work, as has already been articulated, is a fundamental human right that lies at the heart of human progress. It encompasses opportunities for productive employment, fair wages, social protection and freedom to organize and participate in the decisions that affect the working lives of men and women. Ensuring decent work for all, we can create a more equitable society, a more inclusive society where individuals have the opportunity to fulfill their potential, contribute to the wellbeing of their families and communities.”

A Significant Milestone in Belize’s Labor Landscape

Present at this morning’s signing event were Labor Commissioner Rissela Dominguez-Pott and C.E.O. Kim Aikman of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Rissela Dominguez-Patt, Labor Commissioner

“In 2015, the International Labor Organization launched the decent work agenda to help achieve goal eight of the new 2030 agenda for sustainable development, aiming to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. The Belize Decent Work Country Program for 2024/2029, sets out the common commitments of the Government of Belize, workers and employers organizations, and the International Labor Organization to promote decent work. This program reaffirms the commitment of all partners to ensure that decent work is at the heart of nation’s development in Belize.”

Kim Aikman, CEO, Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry

“This moment marks a significant milestone in our continued commitment to fostering a work environment that upholds the highest standards of fairness, inclusivity and productivity. The B.C.C.I. reiterates its steadfast commitment to the tripartite process and the invaluable practice of social dialogue. Our engagement in this process is not merely a duty, but we see it as a privilege, as we recognize that we have a symbiotic relationship to be shared among the tripartite constituents: employers, workers and government.”

Security Guard Arraigned for Common Assault Days after Theft Charge

Tonight, a man is out on bail after freelance journalist, forty-three-year-old Joseph Budna accused him of assault during a visit to the Transport Department in Belize City. He is fifty-year-old, Martin Carcamo, a security officer employed at Novelo’s Bus Terminal. Allegations are that on Wednesday, at around three forty-five p.m., while visiting the Transport Department Office, Budna was informed that it was closed and he began preparing equipment to conduct a live report to his Facebook page. He claims that Carcamo approached him and proceeded to call him a derogatory term and threaten to hit him. Budna further reports that after completing his recording, he attempted to leave the premises, asking Carcamo why he was insulting him. It is during this interaction that Budna alleges Carcamo punched him on his shoulder, causing him to stumble backwards. Carcamo appeared unrepresented in court today, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge of common assault. He was offered bail in the sum of one thousand dollars, plus one surety of the same amount which he met. He is due back in Court on September twelfth, 2024. This is Carcamo’s second criminal charge in eight days, after he was arraigned on the charge of theft on July second.

Team Belize Ready for Central American Volleyball Championship

In just a few days, Belize will be facing off against opponents from across Central America during the U21 Women’s Volleyball Championship. The tournament will open on July sixteenth at the Belize City Civic Center where Belize will face off against Nicaragua. News Five’s Britney Gordon stopped by the Civic Center this morning to catch the team as it prepares for the upcoming game. Here’s more on that.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Team Belize is ready to win big at the U21 Women’s Volleyball Championship that kicks off next Tuesday. This year, Belize is hosting the tournament which will see teams from across the region compete for the coveted title. Belize’s first match will be against Nicaragua. We caught up with team captain, Gareth Bruce to hear how the team is feeling now that the day is almost here.

Gareth Bruce, Captain

“So like a week ago we did a U23 in Honduras and we we’re training morning and evening for that. And after we came back, and we did the same in preparation for this tournament.”

Britney Gordon

“And how are you guys feeling as the game approaches?”

Gareth Bruce

“We’re nervous and excited because we’re playing against our home crowd. I feel like all of us are well prepared, we’re well developed and experienced since our past tournaments.”

At just fourteen-years-old, Sara Safa is the youngest on the team. Being surrounded by players more experienced than her motivates her game.

Britney Gordon

“So you’re one of the youngest players on this team. How does it feel to be representing your country on such an international level so young?”

Sarah Safa, Setter

“It feels pretty good. I love working with the older girls because they have a lot more experience than I do so they can always help me out and give me tips. So it’s a really blessing and it feels really good.”

Despite her young age, Safa is confident that she and her team will do well in the approaching games.

Sara Safa

“I am feeling well prepared to go out and cheer on my team and do what I have to do and I know my team is really prepared as well.”

Britney Gordon

“What’s an important piece of advice that you’re taking into mind as the games approaches to help you stay motivated and encouraged?”

Sara Safa

“Well, I just like to keep in mind that since I’m one of the youngest, that means I’ve worked really hard to get to this point. So I just have to keep that in mind that this is a, this is like an opportunity, like a once in a lifetime opportunity for a person this young.”

With just five days left until Belize’s first match, Jevia Leslie is eager to get on the court and play against her opponents.

Jevia Leslie, Middle Blocker

“I’m pretty excited. I’ve been waiting for this tournament since like probably March or earlier because We’ve been notified that they’ll be having another home game. So I’ve been really pretty excited same as my team. I’m feeling pretty confident. I’m ready to, I don’t want to say get this over with, but I’m actually pretty excited and I want to play the game. I’m anxious to do it because, I’ve been waiting for some time. All right, that’s good.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

University of Belize Warns Against Fraudulent Course Promotion

The University of Belize has been made aware of a fraudulent post by Best Service promoting free online courses falsely associated with the university. UB clarifies that there is no affiliation with Best Service, and they are not authorized to represent or offer courses on behalf of UB.

In a press release, the university said, “We would like to clarify that there is no affiliation with the organization in question, and they are not authorized to represent or offer courses on behalf of our university. Upholding the trust of our UB community is paramount, and we are committed to ensuring accurate and pertinent information is readily accessible.”

Fire Destroys House in Belize City

On Wednesday morning, a wooden house in the St. Martin’s area of Belize City caught fire. The house was destroyed. Although no injuries were reported, the incident left the family with no shelter, food, or clothing. The family which includes three children continues to seek assistance.

On Facebook, KJ Trujeque called on members of the public to assist the family. She said, “My babysitter’s home caught fire today and she lost absolutely everything. Asking anyone with an open and kind heart to help her out in any way possible. She has a 1 year old baby girl and two boys; 4 and 6 years old. If you have clothes, shoes or anything that can be used in the household that you no longer want and would like to pass on to her or the kids it would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a monetary donation or even assist with groceries it is welcomed.”

The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Team Belize Ready for Central American Volleyball Championship

In a few days, Belize will compete in the U21 Women’s Volleyball Championship, facing Central American teams. The tournament starts on July 16 at the Belize City Civic Center, with Belize’s first match against Nicaragua. Britney Gordon from News Five visited the Civic Center to observe Team Belize’s preparations.

Captain Gareth Bruce shared their rigorous training schedule, highlighting the team’s readiness and mixed feelings of nervousness and excitement about playing before a home crowd.

“We’re nervous and excited because we’re playing against our home crowd. I feel like all of us are well prepared, we’re well developed and experienced since our past tournaments,” said Bruce.

At 14, Sara Safa, the youngest player, expressed her enthusiasm and gratitude for the support from more experienced teammates. Middle blocker Jevia Leslie conveyed her eagerness and confidence as the tournament approaches.

FAO supports Caribbean governments after the impact of Hurricane Beryl

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), as part of the United Nations Emergency Technical Teams (UNETT), is deployed in the areas affected by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean to advance rapid needs assessment and preparation of proposals, under the leadership of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), to restore production and livelihoods.

FAO is supporting through damage and needs assessment using drones and satellite remote sensing. This information includes ground-level data collection through surveys and key informant interviews. All of this will guide response and recovery planning. Through the Ministries of Agriculture and CDEMA, governments continue to assess the full extent of damage caused.

According to the assessments carried out so far, the primary humanitarian needs for the food security sector are focused on restoring the fishing capacity of artisanal fishermen and actors involved in the value chain, including processing, conservation, and transformation equipment and infrastructure; providing planting materials to recover affected crops as well as inputs for short-cycle crops that serve as an alternative source of food and income; cash transfers and other mechanisms so that the most vulnerable fishermen and farmers can access basic needs; and food assistance for the affected population.

Preliminary indications are that approximately 60,000 people require humanitarian assistance in Grenada, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines. Loss of fishing capacity, including damage to vessels, support infrastructure, and fishing equipment, and damage to crops and livestock, have been reported.

Agriculture in Jamaica has also suffered damage, with preliminary assessments indicating that several crops have been affected. Access to rural areas remains a challenge, and authorities estimate over US$6.4 million in damage to the agricultural sector, raising concerns about food security and livelihoods. Damaged crops include vegetables and fruits, which are sources of food on the island. In addition, the livestock and fisheries sectors have also experienced considerable damage.

FAO immediately mobilized technical assistance through its Special Fund for Emergency and Rehabilitation Activities (SFERA) to support its coordination and response capacities in the affected countries. This includes the recruitment and rapid deployment of staff, field missions, logistics, partnerships, resource mobilization, and technical assistance activities.

Mario Lubetkin, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, said: “We at FAO express our commitment to the Caribbean countries and reiterate our support for mobilizing international cooperation for the response and the recovery of agricultural, livestock, and fisheries production in the affected countries.”

In addition, with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA), FAO is working on a response plan that includes the needs identified, highlighting the needs of producers and fishermen. This approach seeks to mobilize international attention on the need to support rapid response in a region where the hurricane season is expected to be very intense.

To date, the Ministries of Agriculture of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada have officially requested FAO to support the recovery of their food production systems through emergency agricultural interventions critical to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable. Requests for assistance include the distribution of seeds, fertilizers, fishing inputs, repair of boats and critical processing, preservation and transformation infrastructure, and support for subsistence livestock farming, among others.

2nd Annual Belize Taiwan Career Forum to be Held

The Belize Taiwan Career Forum is an annual event aimed at providing Belizeans in Taiwan with opportunities to connect with industry professionals. The 2024 forum will include segments on medicine, international affairs, IT, education, engineering, and international business. It is scheduled for July 14-15 (Belize) and July 15-16 (Taiwan), with sessions held in Northern and Southern Taiwan, and available online for those who cannot attend in person. The forum features mentor speakers from various fields, offering guidance on joining the workforce in Belize and Taiwan.

Adriel Moh, a member of the steering committee spoke to News Five via Zoom: