2024-08-16 - Channel 5 Belize

Man Arrested in Connection with Stanley Moore’s Fatal Shooting

Police have arrested 26-year-old Ulide Allen in relation to the shooting death of Stanley Moore on Friday, August 16, 2024.

Allen, a Belizean from Belize City, is charged with Murder, Attempted Murder, Use of Deadly Means of Harm, and Dangerous Harm.

The arrest comes as part of the investigation into the incident that occurred when a gunman targeted Joshua Gillett and Stanley Moore in the Lake Independence area. Witnesses reported that Gillett and Moore were travelling in a BMW when they were attacked at the junction of Mahogany and Santa Barbara Streets. Gillett, who was driving, rushed to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital with Moore already dead in the passenger seat.

‘Youth Ambassadors’ Sent to Guatemala to Strengthen Diplomatic Ties

Fifty ‘youth ambassadors’ from Taiwan will begin a 12-day trip to diplomatic allies Belize and Guatemala next week, following two weeks of training in Taipei. The trip is part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) International Youth Ambassadors Exchange Program, reported Focus Taiwan. The initiative aims to enhance bilateral relations and boost awareness of Taiwan.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung spoke at a send-off ceremony, urging the ambassadors to “boost awareness of Taiwan” and help “further bilateral relations” with Belize and Guatemala. He emphasised that these exchanges would “deepen the bonds” and “elevate the role that Taiwan plays in the international community.”

The selected students, who are all Taiwanese undergraduates aged 18–35, will be in Belize from Aug. 21 to Aug. 25 and in Guatemala from Aug. 25 to Aug. 29. Their itinerary includes seminars, volunteer work, and cultural exchanges.

MOFA revealed that this year’s ambassadors were chosen for their English or Spanish proficiency, academic excellence, or artistic talents. Since its inception in 2009, the program has selected over 1,800 students.

Discord within the UDP: Alliance for Democracy Calls for NPC Meeting

In a recent statement, the Alliance for Democracy issued a reminder to UDP Party Chairman Michael Peyrefitte about the National Party Council (NPC) meeting requested last Monday.

The Alliance says that under Article 7(6) of the UDP Constitution, one-fourth of the NPC membership has the right to call for a meeting. “It is not within the discretion of the Chairman to refuse this request, which should be complied with in a timely manner.”

The Alliance is now awaiting adherence to the Party Constitution.

Tracy Panton of Albert, backed by Patrick Faber, John Saldivar, and Beverly Williams, led an effort to initiate a national convention. However, the petition they submitted was dismissed by Party Chairman Michael Peyrefitte. The Alliance wants Leader Moses Barrow removed.

Pueblo Nuevo Bridge Still Under Construction as September Deadline Approaches

Construction on the Pueblo Nuevo Bridge in Corozal District continues to progress. Lincoln E. Eiley recently shared aerial photos on Facebook that highlight the ongoing development of the bridge, which spans the New River. The bridge serves as a crucial link between Corozal Town Ferry Road and the Progresso/Copper Bank/Chunox/Sarteneja Roads.

This bridge, which is a collaborative effort between the Government of Taiwan and the Belize Government, is a key component of a broader project spearheaded by the Overseas Engineering and Construction Company (OECC) to upgrade and pave 27 miles of road connecting Corozal Town to Sarteneja. Although the Pueblo Nuevo Bridge was initially slated for completion by September, construction is still underway.

Belize Nominated for ‘Most Desirable Country’ in 2024 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards

The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, sponsored by the Costa Rica Tourism Board, are returning for 2024. Voting opened on July 4 and closes on October 28. This year’s awards ceremony will be held at Tate Modern in London on November 6.

This annual event invites travellers to vote for their favourite countries, cities, regions, emerging destinations, airlines, and tour operators. Last year, Belize earned Silver for ‘Best Emerging Destination,’ and voters are encouraged to support Belize again for ‘Most Desirable Country – Rest of the World.’

Belize is once again in contention, this time for ‘Most Desirable Country.’ The Belizean community and supporters are being encouraged to cast their votes in support.

Participants can win one of eight extraordinary trips valued at over £70,000. Prizes include a 5-star holiday with a 3-night stopover in Doha and business class flights with Qatar Airways, a Galapagos voyage from Hurtigruten Expeditions, and a northern lights adventure in the Yukon courtesy of Journeyscape.

To be eligible for these prizes, voters must follow Wanderlust’s Instagram page, @wanderlustmag, or Facebook page. Complete terms and conditions are available on the Wanderlust website.

Mpox Emergency Prompts Vaccine, Sweden Reports its First Case

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern due to a significant increase in Mpox cases in Africa. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was declared a global emergency in July 2022 after the disease spread to over 70 countries, resulting in over 99,000 cases and more than 200 deaths between 2022 and 2023. The emergency status was lifted in May 2023 due to a significant decline in cases and the increased availability of vaccines.

However, the recent rapid spread and detection in new regions contributed to the emergency declaration. The outbreaks involve two distinct strains: clade 1a, endemic in northwestern DRC, and clade 1b, which is spreading rapidly in northeastern DRC and neighbouring countries. Both strains spread through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials and present similar symptoms, including flu-like symptoms and rashes.

Sweden’s public health agency reported the first confirmed case of this new strain outside Africa. The patient, who contracted the virus in Africa, is receiving treatment in Stockholm, according to Forbes.

The WHO is implementing a comprehensive response strategy, including providing testing equipment, supporting laboratories, and training health workers. According to Axios, shares for Bavarian Nordic, the maker of an Mpox vaccine, surged by over 12% on Friday following the World Health Organization’s declaration. Bavarian Nordic’s vaccine, available under the brand names Jynneos, Imvamune, and Imvanex, is among the few approved for Mpox and is favoured by healthcare providers for its favourable risk profile.

Hurricane Ernesto to Impact East Coast and Bermuda This Weekend

Hurricane Ernesto is rapidly closing in on Bermuda as a Category 2 storm. Although Ernesto is showing signs of weakening this morning due to vertical wind shear, residents and officials are still preparing for severe weather. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that as of 8 a.m. Friday, Ernesto was 255 miles south-southwest of Bermuda, with sustained winds of 100 mph. NHC maintains a hurricane warning is in effect for Bermuda, and they anticipate life-threatening flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas.

The Category 2 hurricane, which recently battered Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, left hundreds of thousands without power. In Puerto Rico, about 200,000 customers were still without power on Friday morning, reported CNN. The Virgin Islands reported over 10,000 customers without power.

As Ernesto continues its path, it is expected to move close to Atlantic Canada. Swells from Ernesto will affect the U.S. East Coast and other regions, including the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada. Beachgoers should be cautious of dangerous surf and rip currents.