2024-08-27 - Channel 5 Belize

Not ‘Very Demure:’ TikTok Creator Faces Legal Battle Over Catchphrase

The internet has not been “Very Mindful, Very Demure” to Jools Lebron, a popular TikTok creator with over 2 million followers facing a legal battle over the viral catchphrase “Very Demure, Very Mindful.” The viral catchphrase had already secured Lebron many partnerships with brands like Verizon and Netflix and mentions from celebrities.

In a deleted TikTok video, Lebron revealed that she “didn’t trademark fast enough.”

TMZ reported that Jefferson Bates, from Washington State, applied to trademark the phrase “Very Demure, very Mindful” in an apparent attempt to cash in on Lebron’s success. This action can potentially block Lebron from using the phrase in Washington.

Raluca Pop, founder of Hive Social, stepped in to support Lebron by applying for the trademark “Very Demure, very cutesy” in California. Pop stated she intends to transfer this trademark to Lebron: “Once I saw that this other guy tried to steal it out from under her, I realised that he didn’t trademark the remainder of her phrase, “very cutesy…” And that’s why I went and did it; instead… she should be the one to reap the benefits,” Pop reported to NBC.

Trademark experts believe Lebron has a strong chance of opposing Bates’ application and securing her own rights.

Lebron’s situation highlights the broader issue of content creators facing challenges in protecting their original work once it goes viral.

Alfonso Tzul Receives the Don Elijio Panti Prize for the Protection and Development of Traditional Knowledge

The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) has awarded the Don Elijio Panti Prize for the Protection and Development of Traditional Knowledge to 83-year-old Alfonso Tzul. Tzul, a retired agriculture extension officer and Yucatec Maya farmer, has made remarkable contributions to the Belizean community.

Tzul’s career includes work as a public servant, cultural historian, linguist, and botanist. He is well-known for his historical research and publications, including “An Oral History of the Maya of San Antonio, Cayo” (1993) and “Chomon: The Orphan Boy.”

“He has tirelessly promoted the Yucatec Maya language, producing educational materials for both children and adults and collaborating with institutions to preserve Yucatec Maya identity,” stated NICH in the announcement post on its Facebook.

In addition to his linguistic and educational contributions, Tzul has significantly advanced the understanding of Maya Forest Gardens and traditional milpa practices. His extensive knowledge of forest ecosystems and cultivation techniques has been influential in both educational and research contexts.

The Don Elijio Panti Prize, named in honour of the healer Don Elijio Panti, recognises exceptional contributions to traditional knowledge. Panti, originally from Guatemala and brought to Belize as an infant, became renowned for his expertise in Maya medicine and healing practices in San Antonio, a community of Mopan and Yucatecan Maya people.

Minister Mahler says “UB is always an option and we should continue to look at that seriously”

In a recent statement, Anthony Mahler, the Minister of Tourism, commented on the location where the university hospital will be built. He acknowledged that the decision to move the hospital was based on technical recommendations from experts within the Ministry of Health.

Mahler stated, “From what was presented to us in cabinet, it was a technical decision by the technical experts within the ministry of health, and if they say that’s the most appropriate place for it to go, then we have to listen.”

Despite this, he also expressed support for Minister Fonseca’s view that the UB land should not be dismissed. Mahler added, “But I support minister Fonseca’s position as well that UB is always an option, and we should continue to look at that seriously.”

Belize Grows Focus on Becoming a Medical Tourism Hub

Belize is increasingly positioning itself as a hub for medical tourism, with a focus on integrating health services into its broader tourism strategy. In a recent interview, Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler said, “Tourism touches a lot of other sectors, a lot of other industries, health being one of them. When people look at a destination to come, they look at the health services provided.” Mahler noted the necessity for a robust health infrastructure to support the influx of visitors.

Mahler acknowledged that while medical tourism in Belize is still developing, progress is underway. “I think we have a ways to go with that, but it has started,” he said, referencing the provision of dental services to cruise passengers and the potential expansion into cosmetic surgeries as part of Belize’s evolving healthcare offerings.

In light of recent incidents, such as a shark attack involving a tourist, Mahler reassured that visitor perceptions remain largely unchanged. He praised the quick response of dive and tour operators, stating, “They did a wonderful job in ensuring that young lady survived.”

Addressing the decline of cruise tourism, Mahler identified the lack of a docking facility in Belize City as a key factor. “In terms of cruise, uh, we all know that we don’t have a docking facility in Belize City, um, uh, and we’re working towards that. And that is why we have the decline in numbers because the bigger cruise lines don’t come to Belize and they bypass Belize because they need a docking facility and tendering is not an option,” Mahler explained.

Minister Mahler says BIMFF is ‘Heading in the Right Direction in only Three Years’

Will the Belize International Music and Food Festival (BIMFF) return to San Pedro and Caye Caulker next year? Despite ongoing concerns about its financial viability, Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler acknowledged that while the festival is not expected to break even financially, it is meeting its goal of promoting economic development for Belize in the region post-COVID. The Minister stated that BIMFF is “heading in the right direction in only three years.”

In a recent interview, Mahler stated, “I don’t think the festival will ever breakeven… we consider it as an investment.”

The Minister emphasised the positive impact and increased activity experienced by local businesses in both Caye Caulker and San Pedro during the festival’s third edition.

In response to calls from Leader of the Opposition Moses “Shyne” Barrow for an audit of the festival’s finances, Mahler assured that financial reports will be “produced on their website” as done normally.

When asked about Vybz Kartel’s potential involvement in the next festival, Mahler expressed uncertainty about the value of such a meeting but remained open to exploring any promotional opportunities for Belize, saying “any exposure is exposure.”

Australia Introduces ‘Right to Disconnect’ Law to Support Work-Life Balance

Australia has introduced a “right to disconnect” law that provides relief to employees who feel obligated to respond to work-related calls or messages after their workday ends. The new legislation permits workers to ignore after-hours communications from their employers without the risk of facing penalties.

A survey last year revealed that Australians typically work an average of 281 hours of unpaid overtime annually. Similar laws are already in place in over 20 countries, primarily in Europe and Latin America.

The Australian law does not prohibit employers from reaching out to employees after hours; instead, it grants employees the right to choose not to respond unless doing so is deemed unreasonable. If disputes arise, they should first be addressed internally between employers and employees. Should they fail to reach an agreement, Australia’s Fair Work Commission (FWC) can intervene. The FWC may order employers to stop contacting employees after hours or require employees to respond if their refusal is considered unreasonable. Failure to comply with FWC orders can result in fines of up to A$19,000 for individuals or up to A$94,000 for companies.

Worker advocacy groups have welcomed the new law, seeing it as a step toward enabling a better work-life balance by allowing employees to refuse unreasonable after-hours work contact. The Australian Council of Trade Unions praised the law for empowering workers and promoting healthier work-life boundaries.

Workplace experts believe the new rules will benefit both employees and employers.

However, reactions among employees have been mixed. Some, like advertising industry worker Rachel Abdelnour, see the law as a positive step towards reducing the constant connectivity imposed by modern work demands. Others, such as David Brennan from the financial sector, remain skeptical about its impact, particularly in industries where high pay comes with an expectation of around-the-clock availability.

Lord Rhaburn Victim of Hit and Run

News Five has confirmed that musical legend Lord Rhaburn was a victim of a hit and run. The incident happened at around 11:19 p.m. on Thursday night in front of his residence on Coney Drive in Belize City. We are told that Rhaburn sustained injuries to his face and chest.

The driver of the car was heading north.

Lord Rhaburn has declined our request for an interview when we spoke with him at his home this morning.

We are waiting for an official police report on the matter. We’ll keep following this story.

Injured Police Constable Albina Teck Needs Your Help

Police Constable Albina Teck, stationed at the Seine Bight sub-station, was seriously injured in a road traffic accident while on duty on August 23rd. According to reports, she is currently in critical condition at the hospital with severe head injuries.

To support PC Teck’s medical expenses, the Seine Bight community has organised a fundraising BBQ. The event will be held at the Seine Bight Police substation on Wednesday, August 28th, starting at 10:30 AM until plates are sold out. Plates are priced at $10 each, with all proceeds going towards PC Teck’s medical bills.

Community members are encouraged to participate and purchase lunch. Pre-orders can be made via WhatsApp at 671-2659. Payments and pickups will be available during the BBQ on Wednesday.

The Seine Bight sub-station invites everyone to attend and support PC Teck.

Belize and Guatemala Strengthen Trade Ties During High-Level Meeting

Prime Minister John Briceño led Belize’s delegation on an official visit to meet with H.E. President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala. The leaders discussed various aspects of the bilateral agenda.

The ministerial delegation included ministers Francis Fonseca, Florencio Marin, Christopher Coye, Michel Chebat, Oscar Requena, and Osmond Martinez.

During the visit, the delegation discussed security cooperation, the commitment to fully implementing the Partial Scope Agreement for trade, and potential areas for expansion. They also explored ways to improve interactions along the border region of Jalacate, Belize, and Santa Cruz, Guatemala, for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Prime Minister Briceño expressed his appreciation for President Arévalo’s support for Belize’s membership in the Council of Ministers of Finance for SICA and Belize’s observer status in SIECA. He emphasised that differences can be positively resolved through dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful diplomatic means.

The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) also met with their Guatemalan counterparts to explore opportunities for expanding trade. Prime Minister John Briceño has identified new markets to foster trade growth.