Venezuela has abruptly ended Brazil’s authority to manage Argentina’s Embassy in Caracas, effective immediately. The Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, announced the decision in a statement issued by the foreign ministry on Saturday, citing unproven claims of planned assassination attempts within the diplomatic facility.
The move follows Venezuela’s increasingly strained international position after a controversial presidential election in July. For weeks, the opposition has accused Maduro of election fraud, sparking widespread protests and unrest.
Brazil, which had been overseeing the Argentine embassy since Argentina cut ties with Venezuela, has refused to cede control. The Brazilian government released its own statement, insisting that international law, including the Vienna Conventions, protects the diplomatic mission. “The Brazilian government highlights in this context, under the terms of the Vienna Conventions, the inviolability of the facilities of the Argentine diplomatic mission,” it stated.
Reports indicate that the Argentine embassy has faced power outages and surveillance, with Venezuelan intelligence agents patrolling outside.
The situation remains volatile, with a number of South American governments and ongoing protests demanding greater transparency and calling for Maduro’s resignation.
Zee Edgell, born Zelma Inez Tucker in Belize City in 1940, stands as a towering figure in Belizean literature. Her literary career began with the groundbreaking novel Beka Lamb, which not only marked Belize’s first novel to gain international acclaim but also offered a poignant look at the nationalist movement in British Honduras through the eyes of a young girl. Edgell’s ability to capture the essence of her homeland with such vivid detail and authenticity set a new standard for Belizean writing and education. Beka Lamb quickly became a seminal text, finding its place in school curricula across Belize and beyond, and winning the prestigious Fawcett Society Book Prize in 1982.
From Belize to the World
Edgell’s journey was as varied and rich as her novels. Her career took her across the world, from Nigeria and Jamaica to Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Each location left an indelible mark on her work. In Nigeria and Bangladesh, she worked with development organisations, while in Jamaica, she contributed to the Daily Gleaner. These experiences broadened her worldview and deepened her understanding of diverse cultures, which enriched her storytelling. Her global travels and work with the Peace Corps brought a unique perspective to her writing, reflecting the complexities of post-colonial societies and the human condition.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Education
Back in Belize, Edgell’s contributions extended beyond literature. She was a pioneering advocate for women’s rights, serving as the first Director of the Women’s Bureau under both the United Democratic Party and the People’s United Party. Her tenure saw significant advancements in women’s issues and development in Belize. She also played a crucial role in education, returning to teach at the University College of Belize, now known as the University of Belize, and at St. Catherine Academy, where she had once been a student. Her dedication to education was matched by her commitment to nurturing young minds, as she frequently visited schools to inspire students with readings from her work.
Honours and Recognition: Edgell’s Achievements
Edgell’s achievements did not go unnoticed. In 2007, she was honoured with an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature and community service. This accolade was a testament to her impact not only in Belize but also on the international stage. Two years later, she received an honorary doctorate in literature from the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, further cementing her place as a distinguished literary figure. These honours recognised her as a trailblazer in Belizean literature and a global advocate for education and social change.
Remembering Zee Edgell
Yet, behind her remarkable public life was a personal story of deep family connections. Edgell was married to Alvin Edgell for 52 years, a partnership that was both a personal and professional journey. Together, they raised two children: Holly, a journalist, and Randall, a physician. Their family life was a source of immense pride and joy for Edgell, and her children and grandchildren were her greatest treasures. Her family, including her siblings and their families, often celebrated her achievements and supported her through the many stages of her career.
In her later years, Edgell retired to St. Louis, Missouri, to be closer to her family after Alvin’s passing in 2020. Despite her physical absence, her legacy lives on through her novels, which continue to teach and inspire readers around the world. Her work not only reflects the vibrant culture and complex social dynamics of Belize but also serves as a lasting testament to her profound impact on literature and advocacy.
The Belize Coast Guard, in a press release, announced the successful interception of a cache of drugs, ammunition, and two high-powered rifles near Deer Caye, northwest of Ambergris Caye. According to the release, officers discovered a white cooler covered with a grey canvas, which contained three parcels of suspected cannabis, a black AR-15 rifle (Colt brand) with an empty magazine, an AK-47 semi-automatic rifle with an empty magazine, and 21 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. No individuals were present in the area at the time of the search.
The confiscated items have been labelled as found property and are currently under investigation by law enforcement authorities.
On Saturday, News Five Belize proudly brought you live, uninterrupted coverage of the Belize City Carnival Road March 2024! From the vibrant costumes to the energetic performances, we were thrilled to have you with us every step of the way. Our dedicated teams of hosts, cameramen, technicians, producers, and drivers worked tirelessly to provide you with the ultimate Carnival experience.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our viewers who tuned in via television, YouTube, and Facebook. Your support means everything to us, and we truly appreciate your continued viewership. A special shout-out to the thousands of you who joined us on the ground, cheering, dancing, and embracing the spirit of Carnival!
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors. We are immensely grateful to the following organisations for their support in making this year’s Carnival Road March coverage a success:
– St. John’s Credit Union
– RF&G Insurance Co. Ltd.
– Caribbean Chicken Ltd.
– Dolphin Productions
– Enrique Martinez & Sons Ltd.
– Holy Redeemer Credit Union
– Digi Wallet
– Fort George Hotel & Spa
– Cellular World
Your contributions help keep the Carnival spirit alive, and we couldn’t have done it without you!
Thank you all for making the Belize City Carnival Road March 2024 an unforgettable celebration! We look forward to bringing you even more exciting coverage next year!
After a week-long of weather uncertainty, Saturday’s dawn broke into clear blue skies befitting the Belize Carnival 2024.
A sea of revellers in vibrant costumes flooded Belize City as they gathered in anticipation for the road march, excited and ready to start the road march. The road march ended at Marion Jones Stadium, where the competing Mas Bands delivered their final performances after a week of being evaluated by a panel of judges.
On Sunday, the top bands were announced by the Belize Carnival Association. The top bands were:
A tragic traffic incident in Santa Elena Town over the weekend claimed the life of 19-year-old Tamisha Jeal. On Sunday morning, Jeal and her brother, Keenan, were on a motorcycle when they collided into a pickup truck. It happened at around 10 o’clock near the Puma Gas Station on the George Price Highway. The siblings were rushed to the Western Regional Hospital, where Tamisha later succumbed.
Tamisha, a recent graduate of Galen University and an Ariel Rosado Scholarship recipient, had earned an Associate degree in Veterinary Technology—Animal Health. She had just celebrated her 19th birthday the day before.
On Facebook, the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic posted, “There are no words that can truly convey the devastation we feel. Our cherished volunteer, former intern, and neighbour, Tamisha Jeal, has been taken from us far too soon. She wasn’t just a part of our team; she was the heart of it. Tamisha’s dream was to become a veterinarian, her love for animals boundless and pure. She gave her all, every single day, caring for creatures with a tenderness and dedication that touched us all. She never once asked for anything in return, never once complained, even when the days were long and the work overwhelming. Tamisha did more than care for animals she cared for us. Her daily motivational quotes on our whiteboard lifted us when we could barely stand, pushing us through the hardest days. Her future was as bright as her spirit, but life’s cruel hand has stolen her from us. It’s a heartbreaking truth everything good, everything pure, seems to leave this world too soon. Next week, as we go about our duties, her absence will echo in every corner. She will be missed in ways words can’t describe. Tamisha, may you now care for the creatures beyond the rainbow bridge, with the same love you gave here. We will never forget you. You were our light, and that light will forever be missed.”
Keenan remains hospitalised, receiving treatment for multiple injuries, including several broken bones.
Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) posted on Facebook, “Our heart is with TIDE Community Researcher Keenan Wragg after hearing the tragic news of his and his sister’s traffic accident. TIDE sends our deepest condolences to Keenan and his family for the loss of his sister Tamisha Jeal. We pray for Keenan’s swift recovery.”
Shots were fired on Saturday night in Scotland Halfmoon Village, Belize District. Residents say that shots were fired at around 6:15 p.m. The victim has been identified as 26-year-old Darnell Talbert.
According to police reports, he was in a vehicle with another man when a second vehicle overtook them. Someone inside the second vehicle pulled out a firearm and opened fire. Talbert was injured and rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
News Five understands that several men from Lemonal Village have been detained for questioning.
Police in the Cayo District are investigating the murder of 58-year-old Belhem Guzman Sr. The victim was found in a bushy area off the man road in Camalote Village on Sunday, September 8th. His hands and feet were tied with an extension cord. Investigators observed what appeared to be chop wounds on his neck.
Two days prior to his murder, Guzman went missing. His family asked the public’s assistance in locating him. A relative posted, “Has anyone seen my uncle? We haven’t seen him since yesterday. He sometimes gets lost; he would have no idea where he is and cannot find his way back home. His name is Belhem Guzman, and he lives in Camalote. Please, if anyone might have seen him, please let us know. We are worried. He usually goes home before night because his vision is not good, but from last night he did not go home.”
At 1:40 p.m. on Sunday, the family posted, “We just found my uncle dead.”
