Belize is to receive over a hundred million dollars in assistance from the U.S. through our countries’ bilateral ties. On Thursday, the U.S. State Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Eric Jacobstein, told News Five that the assistance will come through the Millennium Challenge Corporation, an independent U.S. government foreign aid agency, and the investments are for education reform and in the electricity sector.
Eric Jacobstein, Dep. Asst. Sec., Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. State Dept.
“Our bilateral relationship is stronger than ever right now. In particular, I want to highlight the fact that the Millennium Challenge Corporation is finalizing a compact for one hundred and twenty-five million dollars with Belize that will allow for education reform. It will also deal with the high costs in the electricity sector. So for us, this is huge, this is unprecedented in the type of foreign assistance arriving from the United States to Belize. And it speaks to the strong relationship that our countries have. And it’s something that is important, something that we continue to want to highlight in the conversations between our countries and saying that we believe will continue to be really the center of our relationship in the months ahead.”
Over the past three weeks, there’s been a resurfacing of the dreaded COVID virus in Belize. While there’s not yet a need for a Ministry of Health and Wellness official caution, we got one of its officials to brief us on the situation. Director of Public Health and Wellness in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Doctor Melissa Diaz-Musa, said there’s actually been a spike not only in COVID cases but in respiratory illnesses as well as gastroenteritis.
Melissa Diaz-Musa
Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Dir., Public Health & Wellness, Ministry of Health & Wellness
“For the last week we have seen an increase in gastroenteritis in people over five. That has been in the alert zone now for about two to three weeks and so that is something that is currently being investigated by our surveillance team. And we have seen some increase in respiratory illnesses in a few of the districts and respiratory illnesses encompasses any of the viruses or bacteria that would cause upper respiratory illness or pneumonias. With regards to COVID, we do know that over the last two to three weeks, we have seen some slight increase, but nothing that we would say is significant at this time. But we’ve got to keep in mind incubation periods, we’ve got to keep in mind when the surveillance personnel will pick up these increases and we need to ensure that we keep following it every week to see if there is a definite significant increase. We know that persons who are vulnerable remain the same as years ago. Vulnerable populations are persons – the elderly, so if you’re 60 and over, persons with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cancer patients, anybody who’s immunosuppressed, and pregnant women. So our advice from the Ministry of Health and Wellness when it comes to any respiratory illness, not only COVID, is that if you know that you’re ill, use your mask, refrain visiting at-risk persons, ensure that you keep your distance from at-risk persons, and we can protect each other by just doing some of those initiatives. Hand sanitizing is very important, covering your coughs and sneeze. So we continue to look at these numbers, we monitor them closely, and if the need arises that we do have to make a statement, we will be doing so. After looking at the COVID numbers.”
Today, protecting vulnerable children in potentially risky situations was what representatives of UNICEF and the Ministries of Human Development and Health paid keen attention to. It was part of a validation session for a national preparatory exercise, along with PAHO, and relevant ministries of government. It’s all a prelude to a global ministerial meeting scheduled to take place in Bogota, Columbia, in November. Today, the relevant parties who met told the media that today’s forum was to bring the key groups together at the policy level with a commitment to end violence against children. UNICEF’s Representative in Belize, Alison Parker, says parenting is one of the key issues where emphasis needs to be given, while the Ministry of Health’s Doctor Melissa Diaz-Musa explained that access to free medical services for children was another area of concern. For the Ministry of Human Development’s representative, Dylan Williams, ensuring that there are adequate resources to provide adequate care for these children is where they play a role.
Alison Parker
Alison Parker, Country Representative, UNICEF
“For Belize the data shows that ages one to four have the highest level of physical violence in Belize, so we’re looking at physical violence, what’s driving that, what’s causing that. So universal access for parents and caregivers’ support because we have advanced significantly on legislation. We have the Domestic Violence Act, etc, but then what support do we need to give parents and caregivers in order to ensure that children can grow up in a safe and loving environment.”
Dylan Williams
Dylan Williams, Dir., Policy & Planning, Ministry of Human Dev.
“Part of what we recently found out in terms of a child protection systems evaluation that we have is that we’ve been able to do certain things good as it relates to our response. And so that response has been a multi sectoral response from at least the key agencies. The Ministry of Human Development, the courts, we have the police, and of course the Ministry of Health in terms of health services. So we’ve been able to provide a response in response to any issues that children may face and so we’ve been able to do that. However, part of the challenge is that we recognize that even with a strong response, we are lacking in terms of a comprehensive prevention approach. Which really should allow us to not in the long run, have these issues happening in terms of having to have a strong response.”
Melissa Diaz-Musa
Dr. Melissa Diaz-Musa, Dir., Public Health & Wellness, Ministry of Health & Wellness
“When it comes to the health perspectives, areas like removal of fees at the public health facilities, ensuring good vaccination opportunities. The vaccine uptake reduces Children’s illnesses and diseases, improving and integrating mental health care in prenatal care. All these things are very important because violence and children. It’s multi-factorial, so it’s not one ministry that will lead and make that change. We’ve got to continue to work together, so in regards to the social and economic issues or what we call the social determinants. These things, if we work towards reducing these things will ensure that we do reduce violence against children.”
This morning, the Hub Resource and Community Center held a closing ceremony for its “Summer of Fun” program. The camp proved to be a resounding success, engaging children in a range of activities and classes designed to enhance their social, educational, and cultural development. News Five’s Azain Heredia visited the camp at Lake Independence Boulevard to capture the highlights. Here’s the story.
Azain Heredia, Reporting
At the start of summer, fifteen-year-old Jamesha Arnold was shy and uneasy in crowds, but fast-forward four weeks, and tonight, she thrives in social settings. It was during her time spent at the Summer of Fun programme that she was able to break out of her shell and be a social butterfly. She says that learning to interact with others was her biggest takeaway from the camp.
Jamesha Arnold
Jamesha Arnold, Participant
“From the beginning, I was a little bit nervous to be around a lot of people, but then, during the middle and the ending I started warming up to people. We played sports together, we went swimming, we went on trips, we had fun, we talked, and everything.”
The success of the “Summer of Fun” programme attracted many children from outside the camp’s designated communities. Arthur Usher, Manager of the Hub Resource and Community Center, told News Five that this is the largest programme the team runs annually. However, it’s not their only initiative. During the school year, the Hub also offers a range of after-school programmes.
Arthur Usher
Arthur Usher, Manager, The Hub & Resource Center
“These types of programs, I think are extremely important, generally for outside school learning. So some things that you might not have picked up during school you can pick up during the summer, things that you learned during the school you can apply during the summer, so it’s a cohesive, coherent programming that consistently push these kids to another level.”
The programme attracted participants from across Belize City, fostering a strong sense of community. It provided opportunities for individuals to share their opinions, step out of their comfort zones, and enhance their social interactions.
Paul Lopez
“Why is it important to have these types of events for kids to come together and have fun and get to know each other?”
Jamesha Arnold
“Because it gets us out of our shell. We get to connect more, talk, get more social, and what’s not.”
One of the activities featured a visit to the Mayan archaeological site of Altun Ha. Arnold says that this experience provided valuable insight into how the Maya utilized ponds as a crucial water source.
Jamesha Arnold
“The Mayans used a pond for their source of water income.”
Today, thirty-five students received scholarships from Digicell to attend the high school of their choice. The students hail from across the country, with the majority coming from Belize City primary schools. It is a significant investment for the multitude of students who submitted applications. News Five was present for the announcement of the final selections. Marion Ali filed this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Today, thirty-five standard-six graduates were guaranteed a high school education when they formally received scholarships from BTL’s Digicell. Shahem Ifield hails from the Cayo District, where he will attend Eden Seventh Day Adventist Hogh School through his scholarship. He and his mother, Noelia Velasquez, were happy that his father’s effort paid off.
Shahem Ifield
Shahem Ifield, Recipient, Digi Scholarship
“I mi tell them that this scholarship wa be very helpful, and it will help me further my education.”
Marion Ali
What field of studies do you hope to take on when you attend Eden High School?
Shahem Ifield
“Technology. They said they have to get a 3.0 to keep the scholarship.”
Noelia Velasquez
Noelia Velasquez, Mother of Shahem Ifield
“They mentioned that usually it’s the moms that do all the procedures, but in this way, it was the dad. So I’m happy that he did it. And he went about and applied for the application and we’re so great, grateful about it. We are so happy that my boy gets to enjoy this scholarship and it has a big impact. Great of benefits for us. So we don’t have to like struggling as much as we did with the older one.”
The company’s CEO, Ivan Tesucum explained that they succeeded in increasing the number of recipients from twenty-five by ten this year.
Ivan Tesucum
Ivan Tesucum, C.E.O., B.T.L., Digi
“We do make allocations; we do make budgets. And this year we had the opportunity to be able to even award 10 more scholarships than what we’ve done in the past. So for us, it’s just something that we’re very proud of, and something that we continue to push because education is key for us.”
Marion Ali
“What was the selection process like?”
Ivan Tesucum
“Sure. The selection process is – it has to do obviously with academic qualifications, but it also has to do with the financial needs and challenges that we meet. And so they go through a rigorous, but they do an interview with the committee and they tell their stories as to why they are deserving. And so some of those stories are very heartwarming and we see how much they want education. So for us like you correctly said, it’s a lot more than a 35. And so the committee does have a very tough task ahead of them, but they’re able to come to an agreement and we award 35.”
Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca says that even though the government invests upwards of three hundred million dollars each year in the budget, there is always a need for more.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
“The people of this country fully understand and appreciate the importance of investing in education. And that’s why we continue to invest over three hundred million dollars every year in the annual budget. And so it’s important, even that is not enough. It’s important to have good corporate citizens like BTL doing their part. It’s very, important that we work together. All of us work together to create more opportunities for young people to get a secondary education or tertiary education.”
The company and the parents of the students signed an agreement committing that their children would maintain an average of three point zero in order to keep their scholarship throughout the four years. Marion Ali for News Five.
It could be considered that life feels a little different when you have to fight to stay alive. This month, we travelled the country in search of a few persons who had been placed in an extraordinary situation that led to the fight of their lives, but with medical intervention, they won. This week, we conclude that monthly search with the story of Catalina Coc, who, since overcoming breast cancer in April, has a renewed energy to live life like it’s the only one she’s got. Sabreena Daly tells us more in this week’s look “On The Bright Side”.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
At the start of 2023, Catalina would have described herself as a relatively healthy woman who took care of her body and health. She enjoyed the love of her family and engaged in her passion of baking. However, everything changed when an annual check-up led to a mammogram, marking the beginning of her fight for life.
Catalina Coc
Catalina Coc, Cancer Survivor “When I went there to do the first mammogram, the first breast was alright. The second one, however, they looked at me and told me it looked like cancer. Right away.”
Catalina was only fifty. And.. It was cancer.
Catalina Coc
“I got stressed out and I dramatized, honestly. Knowing that you are facing something that you never knew before, it’s very scary.”
Her fight to survive immediately began. Catalina was presented with the option to undergo a mastectomy, the surgical removal of her breast, or the immediate start of cancer treatment through radiation. Today, she is one breast less.
Catalina Coc
“It’s not an easy decision to make. You really have to think good. Like, it’s life or death, you know. I said, okay, I need to do it. If I want to live more, I need to do it. That is the reason I decided that, okay, I will do it. I mean you just have to be strong and have faith in God. That was my last words, you know, I keep asking God for strength. The day of the operation, I just hugged my kids and I said, just be strong with me. I don’t know what will happen, but I know we leave it in God’s hands.”
Following her mastectomy, Coc received test results indicating that chemotherapy was still necessary. This aggressive treatment challenges the mental will and strength of anyone who must endure it. Catalina received her chemotherapy at the Dangriga Cancer Center.
Catalina Coc
“I had to do a weekly chemo for the beginning. I had a 12 session of weekly chemo, and it’s not a nice one. It is not. Oh my God, for the first to the fourth session, it was good. The fifth session, I began to lose my hair and that is one of the most devastating feelings you could ever think about.”
Like most persons faced with a medical condition of this magnitude, it requires finances and emotional support. Both are important. Coc’s support system sprung into action in efforts to raise money, but after money is found, the shoulder to lean on is next to none. In her time of need, Coc shared that her friends and family were there.
Catalina Coc
“I have my two kids that stood by me, day and night. Day and night. I have my son, I have my daughter. I know they felt the same way as me, but they didn’t share it with me. I figured if they show me how they feel, I definitely feel that I could have been affected by it. They are my biggest support and my gentleman. He supported me a lot as well, even though sometimes you get frustrated. I mean, everybody has to understand that this journey is not an easy one. You really get frustrated, you get depressed, you get whatever you want to call it. But this also affects the family. It totally affects the family.”
Catalina endured a year of hardships, battling through chemotherapy with the support and good graces of individuals and the Cancer Society, who aided her medical journey through fundraising. In April of this year, her perseverance was rewarded when she finally heard the words she had been waiting for all of 2023.
Catalina Coc
“It’s one of the most amazing pieces of news to know that you are free of this monster that was killing you. When the doctor told me, you are free of cancer, you can go and drink, eat anything that you want. I said, Oh my God. I said, are you sure? Like, I’m free. Yes. They say you are free of cancer.”
Catalina Coc is currently in remission, and though life has changed significantly since her diagnosis, she remains positive and resilient. She continues to pursue her passions with enthusiasm and extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported her through this challenging journey. Her message to viewers is clear and urgent: Cancer kills. Get tested before it’s too late.
Catalina Coc
“Don’t wait till it’s too late. Go ahead and do your mammogram. Go ahead, do Your pap smear. That is the only way you will know what you have. That is the only way you will know. You could save your life. That’s the only way you could save your life and don’t be scared. Don’t be scared. Just be strong.”
The Belize International Music and Food Festival is almost here. The highly anticipated two-day event kicks off in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, on Saturday and promises good music, food, and atmosphere all day long. This afternoon, a few of the performers landed at the Philip Goldson International Airport, where we caught up with Reggae Artist, Collie Buddz, and promoter John Marsden for more details on the big event.
Collie Buddz
Collie Buddz, Reggae Performer
“Yo, I’m feeling great, I’m feeling great. It’s been a long time since I’ve been back in Belize. I think the last time was, I think I said 2009, but it’s 2012 I think it was at the Princess Hotel. Downstairs. It’s like the hottest show I’ve ever done, ever in my life. Sweat through. Everybody yeah, temperature hot but it feels good to be back in Belize. Belize has always been good to me. I think I’ve been there three or four times, but yeah. Last time, it’s been a long time.”
John Marsden
John Marsden, Promoter
“If you can’t find a hotel, it’s not a problem, we have San Pedro Belize Express, who is doing two runs. One Saturday, it leaves at four p.m. It returns at four a.m. After the show done, you can catch back the boat to come back. You don’t have to spend on a hotel.”
July thirtieth is internationally recognised as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, and Belize is ready to show its support for the cause. On Saturday morning, RET International and its partners are hosting a human trafficking awareness walk and ride-athon. We spoke with Eve Banks, Community Engagement Officer at Ret International, to hear why Belizeans are being encouraged to show support for the event.
Eve Banks
Eve Banks, Community Engagement Officer, RET International
“We are going to start with a warmup from the StoneFit crew at the B.T.L. Park. After the warm up, we will then make our way straight up Marine Parade, going down to Memorial Park. Take a spin right back around. If you do not want to walk, you can always ride because I have walk-ride-athon there. and that’s about it. After the walk or the ride, you guys can make your way back to the B.T.L. park where we have some surprises, raffles, refreshments for you guys. Just thanking you for your support, which we really hope we do actually meet the target of the amount of people that we are catering for this year.”
Britney Gordon
“And just on the importance of supporting a cause like this.”
Eve Banks
“On the importance, often times we look human trafficking right in the eyes and not know that it is actually that. And the fact that we need to raise awareness and holistically take a look at what it is, how to identify the signs, symptoms, and knowing who or what to report or where to report, I believe this is the purpose or the sole cause for us to do this Walk.”
In accordance with the Fisheries Resources (Sea Cucumber) Regulations, Statutory Instruments No. 67 of 2009 and 107 of 2022, the Fisheries Department announces that the Sea Cucumber fishery will officially open on September 1, 2024. The season will run until January 31, 2025, or until the catch quota is reached, whichever comes first.
To ensure the sustainability and long-term viability of the Sea Cucumber fishery, all fishers with valid commercial fishing licenses are required to follow new regulations. Only those with valid licenses are permitted to fish for Sea Cucumbers during this period, and fishing must occur within their authorized areas as specified on their individual licenses.
Fishers are allowed to harvest only the Donkey Dong (Holothuria mexicana) Sea Cucumber. Additionally, all Sea Cucumbers must measure at least 16 centimeters (6.3 inches) in length when removed from the sea. Harvested Sea Cucumbers must be landed at designated sites, which will be announced at a later date.
The approved exporters for the season are:
– Rio Grande Fishermen Cooperative Society Limited
– Rosendo Cassanova
– Belize Ocean Catch Limited
– Zhang Imports
Fishing vessel owners and captains are required to maintain a Catch log record and submit this data to the Fisheries Department at the end of each fishing trip. All other Fisheries Regulations remain applicable throughout the season.
Every athlete aspires to the honour of carrying their nation’s flag at the Olympic Games’ opening ceremony. However, few would want to be the one to choose which athlete should take on this prestigious role. For some countries, the decision is simple.
Four nations will still be represented by just one athlete each. Belize, Nauru, Somalia, and Liechtenstein may seem vastly different—spanning four continents, varied in size, and diverse in languages—but they share a unique distinction: their Olympic hopes rest solely on the shoulders of a single individual.
Despite their solitary status, each athlete’s journey is unique. Belize’s Shaun Gill and Nauru’s Winzar Kakiouea could face each other directly, both competing in the 100m sprint. Puntener and Kakiouea are making their Olympic debuts, while Hassan and Gill are returning for their second Games after competing in Tokyo 2020.
Gill, a recent engineering graduate from Texas A&M University, will find familiarity in the presence of over twenty fellow Texas A&M students also competing in Paris. Hassan, who has trained in Kenya and Ethiopia, may not be widely known among his peers but has demonstrated strong performances, including a recent seventh-place finish at the African Athletics Championship.
Kakiouea’s path to the Games is particularly remarkable. Representing Nauru, a tiny Pacific island nation, he embodies the spirit of determination and resilience. His journey serves as a testament to the power of individual commitment and the unyielding pursuit of excellence.
