2024-07-22 - Channel 5 Belize

Biden’s Departure Alters Political Landscape in Upcoming US Elections

In a historic decision, Joe Biden stepped down from the presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. The unprecedented announcement, delivered less than four months before the election, instantly disrupted a campaign regarded by both political parties as the most consequential in generations. These sudden changes have significant implications for Harris, the Democratic Party, and former President Donald Trump.

The endorsement comes amid turmoil within the Democratic Party, fueled by concerns over Biden’s electability following a widely criticised debate performance. Logistically, Harris is positioned as Biden’s natural successor.

Vice President Kamala Harris has officially declared her intention to seek the Democratic nomination for president. Harris would become the first Black woman and Asian American to lead a major party ticket in US history. Recent polls have shown Harris outperforming both Biden and other Democratic contenders against Trump.

Belize Post Office Warns of Deceptive Online Scam

The Belize Post Office is warning the public of an online scam. The scam begins with someone receiving a text message, informing them that the address on a package for them is incorrect.

The message reads, “Your package has arrived at our warehouse and we have tried to deliver it twice but were unable to do so due to incomplete address information. Please update your address details within 48 hours or your package will be returned. Please update your address in the link:

https://belize-post.com/i

(Please reply “y”, then exit the SMS, reopen the SMS activation link, or copy the link and open it in Safari.)

Once updated, we will re-deliver within 24 hours, Belize Post!”

The link attached to the message directs you to a fake website where scammers try to get your private information.

The Belize Postal Services Says:

“Be informed that the Belize Postal Service has NOT issued any messages or notification regarding delivery of packages. If you receive any of these notices do not attempt to follow the link provided .

The public is advised exercise caution, as you may unknowingly be at risk to online scams.”

Avoid clicking the link or answering the message.

Delay in Case Against Accused Child Abuser Mervin Budram

Former church leader, Mervin Budram, appeared in the High Court on Friday morning for a continuation of his sexual assault case in Belmopan. Budram is facing allegations from several young women who accused him of using his position as a church leader to sexually abuse them between the years 2004 and 2014. The charges, totaling 13 counts of aggravated assault of an indecent nature, stem from these accusations.

The case gained prominence in August 2023 when Rebecca Stirm Lennan, daughter of a pastor at Jubilee Ministries, publicly accused Budram of assaulting her when she was just 11 years old.

Lennan was scheduled to testify against Budram on July 19, but the proceedings were adjourned. Arthur Saldivar, Budram’s attorney, told reporters that the delay in the case is due to the Director of Public Prosecutions’ unavailability, as she is involved in another case in the Supreme Court.

Jubilee Ministries, where Budram once held a leadership position, had pledged to investigate the allegations but has not provided any updates on their internal inquiry. Budram, who has denied all allegations, remains on bail until the next court date on September 13.

BEL Team Dispatched to Jamaica for Hurricane Restoration Efforts

On Saturday, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) dispatched a specialised team to Jamaica to aid in post-Hurricane Beryl recovery efforts. The team, consisting of seven power line technicians and one line supervisor, will assist the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), the sole distributor of electricity in Jamaica.

Hurricane Beryl wreaked havoc and swept through Jamaica on July 3 and 4, 2024, as a Category 4 storm, causing extensive damage to residential and commercial properties, as well as critical sections of the island’s power infrastructure.

The BEL team, including Ronald Young, Sergio Esquivel, Jeser Gonzalez, Manuel Lopez, Paul McCalla, Javier Montero, Errol Reneau, and Edward Sutherland, will collaborate with counterparts from other Caribbean nations under the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC). The team’s mission will focus on restoring both high- and low-voltage networks and service lines essential for re-establishing electricity supply across affected areas.

The team is scheduled to return on August 10, 2024.