Police have arrested and charged 34-year-old police officer Anival Carillo with 4 counts of rape of a child. A 14-year-old female minor and her mother from the Corozal District reported to police on Friday, August 16, that a police officer had sexual relations with her several times between 2022 and 2023. Carillo was charged and arraigned in magistrate court, where no plea was taken. He was remanded to the Belize Central Prison. He is to reappear in court on November 26th 2024.
Tag: 2024-09-03
Foreign National Detained After Brandishing Firearm Outside Lands Department
A fifty-five-year-old Lebanese man was detained by police this morning after brandishing a firearm outside the Department of Lands in Belmopan. The man, identified as a foreign national, reportedly became infuriated after being informed that he needed a ticket to join the express service line. When he was denied entry without a ticket, the situation escalated into a verbal altercation. A video has since surfaced, showing the man, dressed in a red T-shirt, shorts, and a hat, hurling threats and brandishing a firearm during a confrontation with a security guard.
In the footage, the man can be heard using profane language, stepping closer to the entrance, and saying, “I have one too,” before pulling a firearm from his waistband. He continues to taunt the security personnel, daring them to “bring it” and “call the security on me.”
Chief Executive Officer Paul Thompson told News Five that the incident unfolded after the man tried to enter the express service line without following the ticketing protocol. Despite the presence of two security guards and three Special Patrol Unit officers at the time, the individual was not apprehended and managed to leave the premises.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has held discussions with the police to enhance security at the Lands Department. Currently, visitors are not screened for weapons, and vehicles are allowed to park on the premises, both of which are now under review.
Fortunately, no one was injured during the altercation.
Three Potential Tropical Systems Being Monitored by the National Hurricane Center
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is currently monitoring three areas for potential tropical development: one in the Caribbean Sea and two systems in the central and eastern Atlantic.
It’s been two weeks since Hurricane Ernesto, the last named storm, moved through the Atlantic basin. The next storm to form will be named Francine.
Potential Development in the Caribbean and Gulf: A tropical wave, an area of disturbed weather, is currently located in the central Caribbean Sea, producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms as it moves westward. Tropical development is possible later this week in the northwest Caribbean Sea before it reaches Belize or Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, or next weekend if the system enters the southwest Gulf of Mexico. At that point, conditions could become more favorable for the formation of a tropical depression or storm.
Currently, stable air is inhibiting the system’s ability to develop and sustain organized thunderstorms. In the short to medium term, the system could still bring heavy rain and gusty winds to Jamaica, Central America, and Mexico, regardless of whether it develops further. It is uncertain whether this system will pose any threat to the continental United States.
Potential Impact on the Cabo Verde Islands: The Cabo Verde Islands could experience rain and gusty winds from one of these systems in the next day or two.
Second System in the Central Atlantic: Another system is located in the central Atlantic Ocean, with the potential for slow development before conditions become unfavorable later this week. This system currently poses no threat to any land areas.
Seasonal Trends: The areas of potential tropical development are typical for this time of year, as September is the peak month of the Atlantic hurricane season. During this period, the Atlantic has the broadest range of possible tropical system formation throughout the six-month hurricane season.
Atlantic Bank Announces New Fees
Atlantic Bank Limited is informing its customers of new fees which are expected to take effect on October 1st, 2024. A customer notice says, “On October 1st, 2024 we will adjust our fees and interest rates as per Belize.”
The bank will charge $0.75 for Other Bank-Same Day Transfers. The notice also states that customers will be allowed one free monthly teller cash withdrawal, after which they will be charged $5.00. As for ATM withdrawals, customers will be allowed 4 free monthly withdrawals and be charged $0.25 per transaction thereafter.
Interest rate will be 2.5% on values of $1,000.00 or more.
The bank also announced additional ATM locations and new products.
Belize Distributes Pico Solar Kits to Pig Farmers in Belize
The Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics & E-governance (MPUELE) has unveiled a new initiative to aid pig farmers across Belize.
MPUELE announced the distribution of pico solar kits to pig farmers across the nation. “We are pleased to distribute pico solar kits to pig farmers,” stated the Ministry in a press release, highlighting their commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.
The European Union, in collaboration with the Lait Up Belize Technical Assistance Project, is funding the distribution of 100 kits, with support from the Pig Council Association and the Belize Livestock Producers Association. Each kit includes a high-efficiency solar panel, LED lighting, and a charging port for small devices. These tools are designed to enhance farm operations by providing reliable power, reducing energy costs, and lowering carbon emissions. They will also improve farm security by protecting livestock from nocturnal threats.
“The Ministry recognizes the vital role that pig farmers play in our agricultural sector, and by providing them with renewable energy solutions, we are not only supporting their economic well-being but also contributing to a greener future for Belize,” added the Ministry.
Rev. Elswith Clare Ordained as New Methodist Bishop
The Ministry of Religious Affairs acknowledged the ordination of Reverend Elswith Clare as the new Bishop of the Methodist Church in a ceremony held on 1 September 2024. The ordination marked a significant milestone for both the church and the broader religious community.
“Rev. Elswith Clare’s ordination is a testament to her unwavering dedication, spiritual leadership, and commitment to serving both the church and its congregation,” the Ministry stated in a press release.
“Her ascension to the role of Bishop represents not only a personal achievement but also a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who look to her guidance,” added the Ministry, highlighting the essential role of religious leaders in fostering community and promoting interfaith dialogue.
They wished Bishop Clare success and anticipated her leadership would positively impact the church and its mission.
Corozal’s Cell Phone Repair Training for Women and Youth Ends
The Ministry of Investment, the National Women’s Commission, and the Corozal Think Tank have successfully concluded their innovative “Cell Phone Repair Course for Women and Youth” at the Corozal ITVET. The training, which ran from August 19 to August 30, 2024, aimed to address the shortage of skilled cell phone technicians in Belize and provide new self-employment opportunities.
The course consisted of 10 in-person sessions for 15 participants. Each trainee received a certificate of completion and a set of specialised repair equipment, including antistatic mats, electric multimeters, soldering irons, and magnifying lamps.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to diversify economic activities in the district and boost the Orange Economy. Chair of the Corozal Think Tank, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, encouraged residents to stay informed about upcoming training opportunities.
Op-ed:Food Security in Latin America and the Caribbean: Progress, challenges and the commitment to move forward
By Mario Lubetkin, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean
The latest publication of the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 (SOFI) report launched last July in the framework of the G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro provides a detailed overview of progress and setbacks in the fight against hunger. At the global level, although we have made some progress, significant inequalities persist: while Africa remains the most affected region, Latin America shows positive signs of recovery, reflecting the impact of concerted efforts to improve food security.
The road has not been easy. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, our region was one of the most affected by hunger, reaching its highest point in 2021 at 6.9% of the affected population, while 40.6% faced moderate or severe food insecurity. For several years, we observed how progress made in the early 2000s rapidly receded.
However, the last two years have seen a decline in hunger levels, with a rate of 6.2% of the population, representing a decrease of 4.3 million people, mainly driven by South America.
Investments in social protection programs in several countries in the region have been instrumental in driving this recovery. Social systems have enabled quick response and more effective allocation of available financial resources to the most vulnerable populations.
Despite the region’s progress, the Caribbean and Central American subregions continue to experience challenges related to increasing hunger. We cannot afford to go backward. It is essential that we deepen our analysis of the visions and strategies that have shown positive results to continue this path.
Six months after the FAO Regional Conference in Georgetown, Guyana, we are committed to providing tangible responses to the priorities established for countries to transform agrifood systems and achieve Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, and Better Life.
At FAO, we have initiated a process of high-level reflection with governments to share experiences of public policies aimed at guaranteeing food and nutritional security.
Like the rest of the world, our region must be prepared to face growing risks such as climate change, conflicts, economic crises, and other challenges.
Latin America and the Caribbean has shown that, with the right policies, we can move forward and offer concrete and sustainable responses. Only with a firm commitment can we put an end to hunger and malnutrition, leaving no one behind.