2024-08-29 - Channel 5 Belize

Opportunity for Caribbean Journalists to Cover COP29

Climate Tracker is seeking journalists from the Caribbean who are passionate about climate change to join its international reporting team for COP29. The conference will be held in the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, Baku city. Selected fellows will have the opportunity to cover significant climate issues and amplify Caribbean perspectives.

Climate Tracker is a non-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing climate journalism through training, fellowships, and global collaboration.

In-person fellows will receive comprehensive pre-COP training, attend the conference, and benefit from accommodation and flight coverage, along with a stipend. Online fellows will also receive pre-COP training and a stipend, but will not attend in person.

Both in-person and online fellows will gain exclusive training from climate journalism experts, network with global climate advocates, and receive support to publish their stories.

Applications are open until 6th September 2024. Interested journalists are encouraged to submit an application form detailing their experience and a published climate-related story.

For more information and to apply, visit Climate Tracker’s website.

Alliance for Democracy Slams UDP’s Motion on Constructive Resignations

The Alliance for Democracy has expressed strong criticism of a recent decision by the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) Central Executive Committee. The committee passed a motion declaring that Tracy Panton, Patrick Faber, Beverly Williams, and John Saldivar have “constructively resigned” from the UDP. The Alliance says that the motion was approved by only fifteen members, of whom just four are standard bearers.

The Alliance for Democracy has labeled this motion as absurd and ineffective. They argue that it falls short of addressing the core issue: the expulsion of senior members. Panton has publicly stated that she has not resigned from the UDP and has no plans to do so. The other three senior members are expected to issue similar statements in an upcoming press conference hosted by Shyne Barrow.

Weather Outlook: NHC Monitors a Weather System in Central Atlantic

This morning, the National Hurricane Centre reported a tropical wave in the central Tropical Atlantic Ocean, producing disorganised showers and thunderstorms. The system is expected to move westward towards the Lesser Antilles. Environmental conditions could support gradual development, with a tropical depression potentially forming by early next week.

The chance of formation within 48 hours is low, near 0 percent, while the chance over the next 7 days is medium, at 40 percent.

The National Meteorological Service of Belize reports sunny skies with cloudy intervals today with occasional outbreaks of showers and thunderstorms in the southern part of the country.

Tracy Panton, John Saldivar, Patrick Faber and Beverly Williams Deemed “Constructively Resigned”

Tracy Panton, Patrick Faber, John Saldivar, and Beverly Williams have been declared “constructively resigned” from the United Democratic Party (UDP) “due to repeated violations of the party’s constitution. Specifically, these violations pertain to Article 5(1)(b)(c), Article 5(5)(a)(b)(c)(d), and Article 7(11).”

A statement from the Central Executive of the UDP says that “NPC Resolutions 8/22 and 5/23 explicitly prohibit the aforementioned violations of the Constitution and calls for immediate removal of any member found in breach.”

The release further says that the individuals in question have been involved in the formation of a splinter party, the “Alliance for Democracy,” led by Tracy Panton. It says that Panton’s various media interviews and release under the ‘Alliance for Democracy’ banner are “are blatant violations of the UDP Constitutional prohibition of factionalism, division and the Constitutional requirement of affirmative support of the Leadership have led to the constructive resignation of Tracy Panton, Patrick Faber, John Saldivar and Beverly Williams as per the precedent set on March 30, 2011 by then UDP Party Chairman PJ Faber and the Leadership who deemed Orange Walk East Area Representative Marcel Cardona constructively resigned as a member of the Party due to his repeated violations of the UDP Constitution in similar fashion as is being done today.”

The Party’s Central Executive says that this decision was made unanimously.

The decision was endorsed by the Party Leader, Deputy Leader, Party Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Regional Leaders, Zone Coordinators, Chairs of Committees, National Campaign Manager, Secretary General, Director of Women, and Director of Youth.

Teresita Ulloa Honoured with the Beverley Smith Lopez Prize for Acting

Teresita Ulloa has been awarded the Beverley Smith Lopez Prize for Acting in Theatre and Film. The announcement was made on the National Institute of Culture and History’s official Facebook. Ulloa, a senior library assistant at the San Ignacio Public Library, has worked in the public library system for over 15 years.

The Beverley Smith Lopez Prize honours the late Beverley Smith Lopez, a renowned actress and advocate for the arts. Lopez was celebrated for her significant contributions to theatre and film and her dedication to promoting the arts within her community.

Ulloa is known for using drama and theatrical elements to encourage reading. She creates engaging videos as “Teresita The Librarian” on social media, where she combines humour and creativity to promote literacy.

In addition to her work at the library, Ulloa trains teachers and parents on storytelling techniques to boost children’s reading habits. Her efforts highlight the role of parental involvement in literacy development.