A GoFundMe account has been set up for contributions to help defray Doctor Eck’s medical expenses. Those who are familiar with him would know that Doctor Eck is rooted in spirituality. Aside from a public appeal for assistance, Doctor Eck is also counting on your prayers to get him through this ordeal.
Isani Cayetano
“You’re a man of faith, Doc. How are you holding up, given this new fight that you’re on?”
Dr. Cecilio Eck
Dr. Cecilio Eck, Cancer Patient
“Well I always tell people, the only reason I survived COVID was because of prayers. I have my cousin, Ven, Venecia Salazar, when I was sick with COVID and at death’s door on multiple occasions, she had started a prayer group and that rosary was done every day. She has started it again and we have people from multiple countries who log in and pray, seven o’clock every day, for me. I go to church at St. Martin’s and that community is behind me as well. But I think the best people are my patients, the children. During the last time, the COVID incident, they sent a lot of really heartfelt videos to me and their prayers are sincere, really sincere.”
Isani Cayetano
“I understand that a GoFundMe account has been established for anyone who is interested or willing to assist you financially can do so via this account. Can you speak to us on that?”
Dr. Cecilio Eck
“Well, it was my good friend Mrs. Milagro Garel, she works at World Pediatrics and I am associated with that, I am their medical representative. She said, “Ces, I’ll set this up, don’t worry about it.” But I was a little hesitant at first because I knew that once that came out, Isani would be in my office and I suspect the others will come eventually and my phone has been ringing off the hook. And I know a lot of people, when they go through an issue like this, they sometimes fear it or they sometimes feel ashamed of it and maybe my message is that it is not my fault. It is not anybody’s fault, it could happen to any of us and at some point in time you’re humbled and you have to ask for help.”
Today, the San Ignacio Police Station received two new pickup trucks and a motorbike as a donation from the Belize Tourism Board. This donation brings much needed resources for crime fighting to the twin towns, following a recent spike in crime within the area. Several businesses have been targeted and there have even been a couple murders over the past few months. This morning, a handing over ceremony was held outside of the precinct. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The San Ignacio Police Station received two new pickup trucks and a motorbike today. One of the vehicles, as well as the motorbike was donated by the Belize Tourism Board.
“This is not the first time we have been together, our ministry, the Belize Tourism Board and our ministry working along with the security forces in Belize. I want to say on his behalf that we look forward to an ongoing partnership. We recognize in tourism the importance of safety and security and of course San Ignacio and Cayo in general is one of the main tourist destinations. We have to maintain safety and security for not only our citizens but for our guests as well.”
The second pickup truck was donated by the Government of Belize. Though two trucks were present at today’s handing over ceremony, B.T.B. is donating one to officers in Ladyville. Out west, Assistant Superintendent of Police Cesar Franco and his team have been working tirelessly to suppress a recent spike in violence within the twin towns.
A.S.P. Cesar Franco
A.S.P. Cesar Franco, O.C., San Ignacio Police Formation
“These vehicles come at a very opportune time to assist in addressing the crime and violence within San Ignacio and Santa Elena. We here at the San Ignacio formation continue to strive to offer our best service to the community that we ought to do.”
Three elected representatives were seated at the head table, flanked by Commissioner of Police Chester Williams and Deputy Commissioner of Police Doctor Richard Rosado. It’s a show of support for the ongoing efforts to root out the source of violence that has been plaguing San Ignacio and Santa Elena of recent.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“I know that when crime rears its ugly head there is a lot of people that have a lot to say, people who from their own words have solutions to the problem but never have actions that can match the solutions they spue. But I can proudly say with certainty that the Belize Tourism Board under the leadership of Minister Anthony Mahler has been one of the Belize Police Department’s greatest supporter when it comes to providing resources for the police to be able to do our work.”
Kareem Musa
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
“This truly is what it meant o have a united effort, a united front against a very serious crime situation that has been plaguing our nation. The criminals are getting more brazen, a lot younger, from thirteen years old , and that is why it is extremely important we tackle crime from all front, not just a policing front, but from a social development front, human development. We have partnerships with Minister Dolores, Minister Ferguson when to comes to sports, the Minister of Education. At the end of the day education is the greatest equalizer.”
Aside from the two new mobiles, the San Ignacio Police Station will receive an additional twenty-seven police officers who are also being deployed out west. ComPol Williams and his team have consulted with residents in the twin towns.
Chester Williams
“We have had several meetings in the area and I attended some of those meetings. I also had Assistant Commissioner of Police Gillett attend some of those meetings. Those meetings were to discuss with the people of the twin towns to see what we can do to assist with making the area safer. Again it goes as a part of our strategic policing plan where we consult with people to see how we can find solutions to the crime problem. From those meetings I went back to our minister to see what we can do to allay some of the concerns of the people. Through that we got the donations of some of those vehicles. The San Ignacio Formation will get two no vehicles and one will go to the Ladyville Sub-Formation. We also expect that within the next couple of weeks, by the first of August we will have the opening of the new Santa Elena Police Station to make sure we can decentralize our policing effort in this area. I have already transferred, effective first of August, twenty-seven new police officers who will be assigned to the Santa Elena Police Station. That is going to give additional human resources to the area.”
Those vehicles donated to the San Ignacio Police Station come just over a month after there was a violent intrusion at the San Ignacio Community Hospital. Several standard operating procedures have been put in place to prevent a repeat situation. Today, the Commissioner of Police told reporters that the medical workers who were on duty inside the hospital at the time have not been cooperative with the investigation. As a result, the individuals who were detained in connection with the incident were only charged for disorderly behavior.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“I wish that we could make additional arrest. The issue with the mischief behind the incident at the San Ignacio Polyclinic is one that I don’t understand. The persons who were working, the doctor who shared that audio with Channel 7 had since refused to come forward and make any reports to police. We made an arrest based on the account of a third party who was not present and if police would have been able to file charges for threatening words or whatever, we would have needed statements from those persons who were in the hospital. Those people refuse to cooperate. As a matter of fact even the meetings we had they did not partake in those meetings. So in the absence of not getting statements from them we will not be able to proceed any further. All parties were detained and we did the best we can to charge some of them for disorderly behavior. They went to court, they pleaded guilty and they were fined. From the policing standpoint we have done what we can do with what we have. If at some point the statute of limitation passes the nurses who were working decide they want to give statements then we can proceed against those persons for threatening words.”
Reporter
“At the time David Galindo’s brother, Minor had been named a suspect. Was he identified?”
Chester Williams
“We have checked out the video footage from the hospital and it turns out he was not at the hospital. So he was not a part of what took place at the hospital.”
This afternoon, Munnings Funeral Services was robbed at gunpoint in Belize City. The incident occurred around three p.m. at the establishment on Albert Street. According to the owner, Andrew Munnings, his elderly mother was in the building when a man dressed in dark clothing entered and pointed a gun in her direction. Authorities arrived at the scene shortly after, however the assailant had already vacated the premises. Munnings has since shared several surveillance camera footages from nearby establishments depicting whom he believes to be the assailant. In these videos a man wearing dark clothing, a hat and a mask is seen walking with a bicycle on the sidewalk on Albert Street. Munnings is appealing to the public to contact him or the police with any information that may lead to an arrest. We spoke with Munnings earlier who says that the experience was traumatic to his elderly mother and that her health is a priority at this moment.
During Thursday’s sitting of the House of Representatives, Opposition Leader Shyne Barrow rose on adjournment to demand an apology from the Briceno administration and the People’s United Party for recent comments that were made by P.U.P. standard Bearer Osmond Martinez. The remarks cast a dark shadow over the Belize Defense Force, amid allegations of rape. Here’s what Barrow said in parliament and the response he got from the prime minister.
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
“He said that B.D.F. soldiers raped women in Bella Vista. And I am not happy that the member for Corozal Southeast is not here as the Minister of National Defense and B.D.F., Madam Speaker, but politics should not cloud our vision for nation and for patriotism. And to make such ridiculous, outrageous, defamatory accusations against our B.D.F. is shameful, Madam Speaker, and I call on the prime minister and the government side to apologize on behalf of their government for those words uttered by Osmond Martinez, Madam Speaker. Thank you. Madam Speaker, I don’t know all the details what Osmond Martinez said or did not say, but it’s unfortunate, Madam Speaker, that there has been allegations of that happening, especially in the early or the late 1980s when the U.D.P. was aggressively picking up so-called “aliens” back in those times. They used to stop buses and drag them out of the buses during the Esquivel time and then drag them to the border and kicked them out of the country. At that time, Madam Speaker, as in every organization, there is usually rogue cops, you have rogue B.D.F. and members that you should not have. And yes, the allegations have been, I remember hearing them that that has happened where some B.D.F. soldiers have taken advantage of some of these people. And you guys, you weren’t even here… you were not here, so you would not know.”
The Belize Police Department and the Belize Coast Guards have once again teamed up to provide free swimming lessons to the children of Belize City. The annual program is facilitated by the Community Policing Unit to reach children who would not have access to swimming lessons otherwise. The program aims to teach life-saving abilities to children, as well as forge stronger bonds between youths and law enforcement. News Five’s Britney Gordon stopped by the classes being held at the Princess Ramada earlier today for more details. Here’s that story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Every year, approximately two hundred, thirty-six thousand people die from drowning around the world. According to the World Health Organization, it is the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide, accounting for seven percent of them. And children are some of the most vulnerable of the population to this threat. To curb these numbers, the Belize Police Department and the Belize Coast Guard have teamed up to host the annual community swimming program. During this two-week course, children will be educated on safe water practices and swimming techniques. ACP Howell Gillett, National Commander of the Community Policing Unit, tells us the aim of the program
A.C.P. Howell Gillett
A.C.P. Howell Gillett, Nat’l Commander, Community Policing Unit
“What we’re trying to achieve is to first of all get young people closer to law enforcement. I believe after this they could say police officer by name or a coast guard officer by name. Apart from the What we want to do is to reduce the number of instances of drowning incidents where we have to respond to so that the police could be using in other areas in the country. So they’re learning at society that is proficient in swimming, there’ll be less reports, there’ll be less risk taken by kids. Our If we do have to report, I believe it will be if the community is proficient, then they can assist the law enforcement. It is an opportune time because it’s summer break on kids. It’s almost impossible to keep kids away from waterways, so we want them to go in a safe way on knowing how to swim.”
The program has been in operation since 2016. Children are selected by the Community Policing Unit and taught by the Belize Coast Guard. Gladis Itch, an instructor, says that safety comes first when it comes to teaching children and that her role is not only to get children comfortable with water, but also impart skills that will help them to survive.
Gladis Itch
Gladis Itch, Swimming Instructor
“What I get is the joy of graduation day when kids, there are some that come that are literally scared of entering the water. They’re actually swimming across the pool. And that gives us great joy to see that big accomplishment.”
Since the initial launch of the program, nearly five hundred children have been taught to swim. Participants range from ages five to fifteen years old. Fourteen-year-old Keyvaun Augustin says he did not have any prior swimming knowledge before joining the program but has since seen great improvement in his skills.
Britney Gordon
“What have you learned so far?”
Keyvaun Augustin
Keyvaun Augustin, Participant
“I’ve learned doggy paddle, and also how to hold my breath really, really good. And I think I’ve improved on that.”
Britney Gordon
“Have you made any sort of bonds with the other students here that are part of it and with the instructors?”
Keyvaun Augustin
“Yes, ma’am. I have made a strong, like a very strong bond with my classmates in our program.”
Britney Gordon
“And what are you hoping you will learn by the end of next week?”
Keyvaun Augustin
“By the end of next week, I hope I’ll learn to save or at least help others drowning.”
Gillett says that the participants were selected from various communities within Belize City by the community policing officers and he plans to expand the program to other districts in the future.
A.C.P. Howell Gillett
“Despite your socio economic condition, that should not stop you from learning a very important life skill. These kids may never be involved because it’s too costly to have your children in a swimming program, but we bring it to them at no cost at all. And we’re grateful for all who sponsor this program.”
Summer is here and the Belize Camping Experience has once again begun its series of summer activities for children and youths across the country. For years, the organization has been hosting summer camps, where children learn life skills and form bonds with their communities. This year, B.C.E. is hosting over thirteen camps across Belize. Today, News Five’s Britney Gordon stopped by one of these camps in the Jane Usher Boulevard area to hear how the activities are going so far. Here’s more on that.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Love, goodness, kindness, and self-control; these are a few of the spiritual virtues outlined in the Bible for people to strive towards. These are also a few of the practices the Belize Camping Experience is hoping to impart on children and youths during its annual summer activities. Alexander Perez, Director of BCE, tells us about this endeavor.
Alexander Perez
Alexander Perez, Director, Belize Camping Experience
“One of the team. of this year is to teach the kids that the words are important, that their words are important, because if they disrespect mommy at home, can you imagine they will respect the police officer and the principal? So teaching them that their words is important and that they are important as well. Another thing that we’re teaching this summer is about habits. What are good habits and how do you build up good habits and what is the habits about saving money because sometimes, you know, when difficult time comes, teaching them about saving, teaching them about good habits and the other, other lessons is about love. What is love? Is love just a feeling? No, love is actually showing kind to one another to help one another.”
Thirteen camps are being hosted across the country with about fifty-five youth volunteers from areas such as Spanish Lookout, Orange Walk, Corozal. These youths are trained by BCE before entering communities. Zurisadday Diaz, a youth volunteer, tells us about the feelings of fulfillment she gains from being part of these camps.
Zurisadday Diaz
Zurisadday Diaz, Youth Leader
“I’m not gonna say it’s not tiring but I love doing it. It’s something that fills your energy back when you’re with the kids. It just gives you back the energy you need, and God just is always so faithful with us and we just, want to continue doing it.”
Britney Gordon
“Have there been any special moments that you’ve had so far doing these camps, is anything memorable to you?”
Zurisadday Diaz
“Well it would be the worship night where we have this worship night with the volunteers that are coming and how to see just how they give their lives to God and how they renew everything they have been having in their past and wanted to follow God’s way just that something that has really inspired me a lot seeing how they pray to God and ask for forgiveness, that’s something that I really really will remember a lot.”
At just fourteen years old, Hakeem Herrera is the youngest volunteer on the team. He says that this has been a learning experience for him just as much as it is for the children.
Hakeem Herrera
Hakeem Herrera, Youth Leader
“These kids obviously go through stuff, and it’s just good to show them love, it also helps me a lot personally because it just helps me grow closer to God seeing these kids receive love.”
Perez says the camp is an all-around experience with fun, food, and friendship but it’s the lessons learned through the bonding experiences that BCE hopes will remain with participants and youth volunteers into their adulthood.
Alexander Perez
“They have water games and arts and crafts and football and really targeting that our young people need to literally have a relationship and build a relationship with their kids and to have fun, right? But at the same time, to learn and apply what they have been learning through the camp.”
We continue our search for inspiring stories of people who have faced life-saving medical procedures. This week, we had an opportunity to meet a remarkable young girl who, despite her challenges, embraces life with a positive outlook every day. July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month, and while the following story contains graphic content, it is crucial to share. Sabreena Daly brings us more in this week’s Look on the Bright Side.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
It’s been six months since Carolina Martinez has been to school. She is drawing and coloring, a regular activity she engages in to pass the time, and today I was her helper. At only eight years old, Carolina is healing from her seventh surgery. The most recent operation back in January was an attempt at mending an abnormality she was born with. But her journey is far from over.
Briseidy Montecinos
Briseidy Montecinos, Mother
“The truth is that when I was pregnant, I did two ultrasounds, which didn’t show anything of any consequence. And then, to our surprise, when she was born, we realized the deformity.”
Briseidy Montecinos is the mother of Carolina, her only child. She vividly recounts the moment she met her daughter after delivery and the heartbreaking realization that her baby was not okay.
Briseidy Montecinos
“When they showed me my daughter, it was something very surprising, because
I never imagined having a girl in that state. But God has given me the strength and the moment that I saw her. I said that if God was giving it to me, He was giving it to me for a purpose.”
Milagro Garel
Milagro Garel, Country Director, World Pediatrics
“Coincidentally, we were at Karl Heusner when Carolina was born. And you could hear a pin drop because right away her deformity was extremely different, intense, and very complex.”
Carolina was born with a cleft and craniofacial abnormality. Her entire face looked as though it was split in two with a prominent hole in between the equal split of her nose. The causes of craniofacial abnormalities may range from genetics to environment and even a nutritional deficiency from the mother in pregnancy. Milagro Garel is the Country Director of World Pediatrics. She shares the immediate challenges Carolina faced at birth.
Milagro Garel
“As early as four months, after she was being fed through a syringe, the mom explained that the nurses and the staff at Karl Heusner were very supportive and everyone really came together for her. But as early as four months we had a team in Belize and we were able to do the closure of her lip. So that allowed her to be able to eat well because she wasn’t gaining weight and we were very concerned as well because she had breathing problems because of the nose being opened up in two.”
Briseidy Montecinos
“Well, thank God in the same hospital where she was born, I found out about the foundation and believe me, it was something. I can call it a miracle because I was saying how am I going to deal with her. How are you going to feed yourself? How do I know if she is hungry? Then at the hospital they found a solution.”
For the past two decades, World Pediatrics has been providing urgent care services to children in Belize with surgical needs. They are recognized for the twenty-four-hour access provided to these families.
Milagro Garel
“Our organization works a bit differently than others because we are able to take care of an urgent need in Belize, in the country. So even after our team leaves, we have a database which has the information for all the patients that we have taken care of and those that are on a waiting list. And I believe that that is what makes us different and stand out.”
Carolina is one of approximately ten thousand kids who have benefited from the non-profit. This is a service that most families would not be able to afford on their own.
Briseidy Montecinos
“I didn’t imagine that I would receive so much help and the flights, food and lodging is something that the foundation has received; So many blessings for so many children who they are helping. Because the truth is that we as parents don’t have that amount of money to pay for an operation because they are expensive. There are millions that are spent on kids that need it because of the foundation here in Belize. Because they work hard and raise funds not just for one child, for thousands. I thank God that He gave the strength, intelligence and kindness for the people who are behind all this help.”
July is recognized as National Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Abnormality Awareness month, an opportunity to spread awareness about the effects of this disorder, the help available and the importance of empathy to persons fighting this battle. For Carolina, the hardest part was learning that her daughter was being bullied at school for her appearance.
Briseidy Montecinos
“The first year, it was a little difficult because there were kids who locked her in the bathroom at school. And one day she came and she told me she doesn’t want to go to school anymore. And I asked her why? And she told me, there is a girl who locks me in the bathroom and says that I am a girl who has two noses. She became discouraged. It’s important for people to realize that when children are born with different severities or shortcomings or challenges, I feel that people should even be friendlier and more outgoing to them and treat them as normal because that is what you know, her doctor said, I want people to know that Carolina is a super intelligent child. And she’s very normal on the outside and she deserves every opportunity.”
If you happen to meet this little girl, the first thing you would feel is her immediate warmth. At the tender age of eight, Carolina has had to endure many challenges, both physically and emotionally. Yet, she chose to introduce herself to me, a total stranger, with an embrace. Carolina may look different on the outside, but she is a regular eight-year-old within. She prays, plays music and sings, and she hopes to have a future like any other child. Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.
Police in Belize City are investigating an armed robbery that occurred this afternoon on Albert Street. Thieves targeted Munnings Funeral Services.
Owner Andrew Munnings said, “Our main office on Albert Street was just rubbed at gunpoint. I am sick sick sick and disappointed….Holding my mom a sickly woman at gun point is beyond crazy to me. “
After battling his recovery from COVID-19, fifty-one-year-old Doctor Cecilio Eck has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The beloved paediatrician confirmed his life-threatening cancer diagnosis during an interview with News 5 at the Coral Grove Medical and Paediatric Center.
“I spoke with our interventional radiologist, Dr. Carillo, and we arranged a biopsy, which was done on Wednesday… We did the two samples from the liver and the shoulder, and it revealed it is an adenocarcinoma.”
According to Dr. Eck, he was informed of his diagnosis after he participated in a test of the KHMHA’s new CT machine. The CT scan showed multiple lesions throughout his body, which indicated stage four adenocarcinoma. “The KHMH recently got a new CT scan machine, and they were doing tests on CT scans to screen people’s hearts… My heart was fine, but the technician said he saw something in the lungs.” Dr. Eck said that a full CT scan with contrast “showed multiple lesions throughout my body, involving the ribs, the shoulder, my pelvic bone, and also found the lesions in the liver and, of course, the lung.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with his medical expenses. All contributions made through the GoFundMe platform offer everyone an opportunity to help with Dr. Eck’s urgent medical care.
“We have the power to make a difference in his fight against cancer,” urged the GoFundMe organiser, Milagro Garel. Contributions, regardless of size, are important in ensuring Dr. Eck receives the care he needs. “By contributing to this fund, you’re not just helping Dr. Eck – you’re ensuring that his legacy of compassion and care continues.”
Despite this adversity, Dr. Eck continues to serve his community, embodying the selflessness that defines his career.
Dr. Eck’s Belize account is Cecilio Eck 130259010220025, Belize Bank.
