2024-08-28 - Channel 5 Belize

Belize Coast Guard Gets 110 Miles Range Drones

The Belize Coast Guard has been equipped with military-grade drones that will allow them to extend their patrol far beyond what the eyes can see. Two Skyfront Perimeter Eight Hybrid Drones were commissioned today at an opening ceremony at the Coast Guard’s headquarters just outside of Belize City. The Blue Bond and Belize Fund For Sustainable Development in the Office of the Prime Minister financed the purchase of the drones at one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars each, for a total cost of a quarter of a million dollars for both. And two more are expected to be acquired for the Belize Coast Guard by the end of the year. So, how will these high-flying, long-range drones assist the Belize Coast Guard in their efforts to protect Belize’s maritime space? News Five’s Paul Lopez was at today’s ceremony. He tells us more.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The Belize Coast Guard has acquired two military-grade drones that can reach a maximum range of one hundred and ten miles.

Florencio Marin, Minister of National Defense

“Today the Ministry of National Defense and Border Security is demonstrating a new capability that is being added to its reputation. We are entering the domain of unmanned air systems. This new capability equips our Coast Guard with the cutting-edge technology required to conduct operations along our maritime border and beyond line of site well into our exclusive economic zone.”

The Belize Coast Guard is authorized to make detentions in Belize’s maritime spaces in instances where individuals are caught violating maritime regulations. The greatest challenge at sea is arguably illegal fishing. Individuals from neighboring countries often fish Belize’s waters without authorization.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“This new aerial fleet will serve as a second fleet and complement our marine vessels, enhance our monitoring capabilities and operational effectiveness across Belize’s blue. This fleet will also assist in our enforcement efforts of illegal fishing and drug trafficking and can contribute to the frequent search and rescue endeavors of our Coast Guards. This is very exciting.”

Attendees at today’s launch ceremony on the Coast Guard Compound were given a live demonstration of how the drones would work in a scenario where illicit activities are suspected at sea. In this situation, the drone was sent in to assess the suspected vessel, before the Coast Guard swooped in. The drone boasts proven flight times of over five hours and can carry eleven pounds for three hours or twenty-two pounds for an hour. So, delivering a Coast Guard hat to the prime minister is considered light work.

Rear Admiral, Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“The perimeter eight will conduct aerial operations for conservation efforts while simultaneously supporting the twenty-two other missions that the Coast Guard is chartered to conduct. The drone squadron will be charged with delivering intelligence, surveillance and target acquisition in support of the first and second fleet. Let me paint the picture for you, a pilot station that could be stationed here at the Coast Guard headquarters will be able to conduct surveillance operations from here to San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye. A pilot station here will be able to conduct surveillance all along the coast, from this station to Commerce Bight Pier in Dangriga. A pilot station at our based-on Hunting Caye will easily be able to patrol the Corona Reef and the entire Gulf of Honduras. Our operation base at Calabash Caye will be able to easily patrol our three atolls in support of our maritime operations.”

According to Prime Minister John Briceño, the benefits of these newly commissioned unmanned aerial assets are far reaching. He spoke about the blue economy’s role in poverty reduction, economic transformation and environmental protection. Effective monitoring of Belize’s blue spaces ensures the long-term sustainability of these objectives.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“In just two years since the groundbreaking of the Belize Blue Bonds initiative, we have made remarkable strides. WE have committed ourselves to a vision of a healthy ocean space where development is balanced between the needs of both nature and people. The Blue Bonds program is more than just a financial mechanism. It is a testament to our dedication to a nature positive economy and a people centric agenda. It is about ensuring that our marine and coastal resources continue to provide essential ecosystem services, protect us from the impacts of climate change and secure the livelihoods of future generations.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Police Department to Get High-flying, Long-distance Drones

The Belize Police Department is also in the process of acquiring its own unmanned aerial assets. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams confirmed that these drones for the Belize Police Department are on the way. Among the uses of the drones will be to assists in operations along Belize’s northern border.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I do believe that whatever was done here today in terms of the launch of the Coast Guard drone, it’s going to be helpful to the entire security apparatus. The Coast Guard is our sister agent in terms of law enforcement. They do have the ability to be able to enforce laws on the seas. From time to time the police do call upon them to be able to assist in search and rescue operations, as well as to take the police from point A to point B when it comes to the maritime domain. You would know that when people do go missing on the waters, they tend to contact the police. Sometimes we have incidents at these remote cayes that require police assistance. And so, again, in that respect, the Coast Guard will also be able to assist us. And I’m sure that should there be an event that is mainland, and we would seek the assistance of the Coast Guard, they will also assist us in that endeavor to make sure that we can reach areas that we would not be able to reach so quickly. So, it’s a very good thing. And we’re hoping that very soon the police will be able to help us become a part of what is taking place. The intent is to make sure that the three security forces will be able to have that capability in terms of making sure that we can have drones to be able to assist us in our fight against crime. I can say that we have already the approval from the Cabinet to purchase a drone that is going to be used along the illegal or irregular border crossing areas in the north. We have received the finance for it. We’re just waiting for the drone to come in. It is not as capable as the one at the Coast Guard launched today, but it will also help us in that respect, though, to be able to ensure that we cover the illegal border crossing areas in the north.”

Was Demitri Usher Killed in a Love Triangle?

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams also provided the media with an update on the weekend murder of twenty-three-year-old Demitri Usher in front of his home on Wood Street. As we reported, Usher was sitting in front of the property when a gunman opened fire in his direction causing his fatal injuries. According to ComPol Williams, investigations have revealed that Usher was killed over an affair with a woman.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“From what we are gathering is that it may be over a woman. Apparently, the deceased person had an affair with a young lady who had an affair with another gang affiliate. And from what we’re getting, we’re getting to understand that it may be a result of that.”

Reporter

“Have any arrests been made so far?”

Chester Williams

“At this time, no, we’re still looking at those persons who are of interest.”

Reporter

“Is this something like an inter gang arrival or something like that?”

Chester Williams

“No, it’s not, no.”

Police Detained on Banak Street for Alleged Drug Possession

A police officer has been detained, along with two other Belize City residents, following a police operation at a Banak Street resident. The operation led to the discovery of a large quantity of cannabis. ComPol Williams told us more.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Yes, yesterday the police searched a home on Banak Street. That search led to the discovery of I think, either a kilo or a pound of marijuana. The police later learned that a police officer also resides at the house. And so based on that, the two persons who are present and the police officer has been arrested and charged for drug trafficking.”

Reporter

“Do these persons have any connections to the gang that operates in that area?”

Chester Williams

“No.”

Armed Men Target Homes in Mountain Pine Ridge

Police are on the hunt for three men who are targeting homes in the Mountain Pine Ridge area. Reports are that the men have already burglarized two homes and made off with cash and other valuables. They are still out there and, according to police, they are armed.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“There is some information that two or three armed men, two of dark complexion and one of Hispanic descent entered a home. And they ransacked the house in one instance, they took, I think, just over four hundred dollars and then in another house nearby, associated with the same first home, they took just over two hundred dollars and they left the area, no one was injured, and so police are looking at that matter.”

Police Pursuing Individual Who Knocked Down Lord Rhaburn

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has joined the call of Belizeans demanding that the individual who injured Gerald Rhaburn, popularly known as Lord Rhaburn, in a hit and run incident, come forward. As we reported, the eighty-eight-year-old was exiting a taxi on Thursday night on Coney Drive when a vehicle passed by hitting the taxi door and Rhaburn. He was treated for his injuries and later released from the hospital. But are police refusing to review every available surveillance camera in the area. Rhaburn’s family accuses the department of such. ComPol Williams denied the accusation.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“That is not true. I know that I have received a complaint in that respect, and I had checked with Mr. Romero, who is the officer commanding Eastern Division, and he have assured me that they have checked the routes. They have found some footages, but the footages are not clear enough for the police to be able to identify exactly who the person or persons were in that vehicle that was involved in the hitting of Mr. Lord Rhaburn. The person who have the heart to knock down an elderly citizen is a heartless person. At the very least they ought to have stopped and see if the senior citizen was okay and have him referred to the hospital and take responsibility. You know, but when we have people who were just knocked down the elderly man or elderly woman and just drive off, then that is not a human being no more. So I would hope that the guilt is going to play on their conscience and they got to come forward and say you know what? I did it and I’m sorry. And then we can move on from there.”

No Update on PSB Investigation into Sgt. Devon Makin

Reporters also asked the Commissioner of Police for an update on the department’s investigation into Sergeant Devon Makin. He remains on duty in San Pedro and was even spotted next to ComPol Williams over the weekend at an endorsement convention for Andre Perez. Here is how the Commissioner of Police responded.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I believe I have commented enough about that matter and I’m not going to delve any further into that matter.”

Reporter

“He’s being sued.”

Chester Williams

“Well, the person has a right to be sued. Every, almost every day we get lawsuits from people, regarding the conduct of police officers. And in some cases, we win, in some cases we lose. And we continue to do as best as we can to minimize the number of lawsuits that we do get. Mr. Jones has been extremely busy dealing with human rights training, just about use of force and harm and the like, because our objective is always to make sure that we reduce the number of complaints made by the police. And we have made significant stride in that area. And as you as a member of the media, if you wish to be honest, you can affirm the fact that you’re not getting as many complaints about police brutality as you used to get in the past. So, we just need to continue to do what we have been doing over the past two to three years to make sure that we continue to take those reports down.”

CitCo Donates Back-to-School Packages to Primary Schools

Summer vacation is coming to an end and schools across the country are already resuming classes. In preparation, teachers are gathering supplies to ensure that students return to a clean welcoming environment. To assist with the process, the Belize City Council has donated cleaning supplies to every primary school in Belize City. News Five’s Britney Gordon attended the ceremony today for more details. Here’s the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

For children to learn effectively, they must be in an environment that is welcoming and safe. Ensuring that schools and classrooms are clean is a crucial part of providing a well-rounded education for children. The Belize City Council is donating cleaning supplies to every primary school in the city. Mayor Bernard Wagner emphasizes the importance of a clean environment

Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City

“Education is very important. Many times, we have seen where children are in classrooms, but we just can’t have classrooms. We have to have clean classrooms. That is why we felt it important that we provided some cleaning and sanitation supplies as well to, to some of the principals. The thirty-one schools in the Belize City area, we felt it important. It’s the second year we are undertaking this activity. But it is really a very good activity because it contributes back to cleanliness. We have been singing about cleanliness. You can’t just speak every day about classroom but the classroom noh clean. You can’t talk about that you love Belize City, but you keep Belize City horrible. You have to, we have to be leaders in this culture change that is needed in Belize City in respect of how we keep our city clean.”

The donation is equivalent to about three months’ worth of supplies. Principal of Trinity Methodist School, Jamael Campbell says that this donation takes some of the burden off the shoulders of the staff that must prepare the school for the return of one hundred and eighty students.

Jamael Campbell, Principal. Trinity Methodist School

“As a primary school, we need the supplies here. Of course, it’s very expensive, very difficult to consume these this time of year. And so this puts us at an advantage that we don’t have to log out and use the phone to actually purchase these in the initial stages of school. So it’s very beneficial to us as a school, the students especially, who will get to benefit from this.”

The donation includes a stock of cleaning supplies, as well as school bags, funded by the council and members of the diaspora. Councilor Kaya Cattouse explains how this initiative came about.

Kaya Cattouse, Belize City Councilor

“This came after COVID And mostly there were cleaning supplies to ensure that the place was properly sanitized. At the time it was much needed a much needed package. And, it is still a much needed package, keeping the place clean. Clorox wipes different disinfectants school bags paper towels, things of that sort.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Alliance for Democracy Condemns UDP Chairman’s Claims

The Alliance for Democracy has strongly condemned the recent statement made by Party Chairman Michael Peyrefitte, claiming that Tracy Panton has “constructively resigned” from the United Democratic Party (UDP). The Alliance describes this claim as baseless and rooted solely in Panton’s public stance—along with that of other senior party officials—against repeated violations of the Party’s constitution.

The Alliance asserts that the Party Chairman lacks the authority to declare Panton’s resignation and considers his statement both absurd and disrespectful.

In a press release, the Alliance argues that the claim against Panton is particularly unfounded, as she and other senior officials have been deliberately excluded from the party’s communication channels.

The Alliance for Democracy also strongly opposes Chairman Peyrefitte’s decision to dismiss the Recall Petition, which it says was duly signed by 208 delegates to the National Convention. According to the Alliance, no explanation has been provided for the rejection, but it appears to hinge on 35 disputed signatures from delegates representing Port Loyola (9), Caribbean Shores (13), and Belize Rural South (13).

On Tuesday, Tracy Panton and Beverly Williams submitted a petition to the United Democratic Party (UDP) requesting the recall of Party Leader Moses Shyne Barrow.

The Alliance for Democracy argued that there were no grounds for rejecting the petition. However, UDP Chairman Michael Peyrefitte stated that the petition only had 173 valid signatures, falling short of the required 176. He also claimed that Panton had effectively resigned from the UDP by forming a new party and thus lacked standing to submit the petition.

Opportunity for Caribbean Journalists: Energy Transition Media Workshop & Mentorship

Journalists across the Caribbean are invited to participate in the Caribbean Energy Transition Workshop, with the chance to apply for the Caribbean Energy Transition Media Mentorship program facilitated by Climate Tracker Caribbean. As the region grapples with the severe impacts of climate change—including rising temperatures, sea levels, and increased hurricane intensity—there is an urgent need for building resilience. The energy transition, which involves moving from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, is essential for a sustainable future, yet progress has been slow.

Caribbean journalists are crucial in tracking developments related to energy transition, informing the public, and holding decision-makers accountable. Despite the pressing need, significant gaps in media coverage and public awareness persist.

The initiative offers a two-part opportunity for journalists from Belize, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. The first component is the Caribbean Energy Transition Workshop, which will provide 40 journalists with hands-on training from regional and global experts in energy transition and award-winning Caribbean journalists.

The online workshop aims to enhance participants’ understanding of the Caribbean’s energy needs and resources. It will cover the scientific, political, economic, and social aspects of energy adaptation and resilience. Participants will also develop skills in information gathering, reporting, and communication.

Those who complete the workshop will be eligible to apply for the Caribbean Energy Transition Media Mentorship. Nine selected fellows will engage in six group training sessions with experienced Caribbean team members, focusing on critical energy transition issues. The mentorship includes support to produce and publish three energy transition stories, create one short audiovisual piece for social media, and participate in the Caribbean Climate Calabash podcast and an Instagram Live session.

Each fellow will receive a USD $900 stipend for the production of their stories and video. To qualify, applicants must be Caribbean journalists or journalism students interested in climate change reporting and available to commit to the workshop and mentorship requirements.

Key dates for the program are as follows:
– Registration Deadline: Friday, 6th September 2024 (11:59pm AST)
– Workshop Date: Thursday, 19th September 2024 (11am – 2pm AST)
– Mentorship Application Period: Friday, 20th September – Wednesday, 25th September 2024
– Fellows Selection: By Friday, 27th September 2024
– Mentorship Training Sessions: Thursdays (6pm – 8pm AST) on 3rd October, 24th October, 7th November, 21st November, 5th December, and 19th December 2024

This program is designed to enhance journalistic skills, foster regional collaboration, and drive impactful reporting on the Caribbean’s energy transition challenges.