2024-10-04 - Channel 5 Belize

Ministry of Home Affairs and U.B. Sign Land Exchange Agreement

The Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries and the University of Belize signed a Land Exchange Agreement with the University of Belize (UB). The signing marks the culmination of over two years of negotiations.

The agreement facilitates the relocation of the National Forensic Science Service (NFSS) from its current location in Ladyville to a more central site in Belmopan. This is expected to allow NFSS to better manage the country’s growing needs in forensic science and legal medicine.

The ministry will transfer 1.28 acres of land in Ladyville, where the NFSS currently operates, to UB. In return, UB will provide 12 acres of land in Belmopan, where a state-of-the-art forensic laboratory and mortuary complex will be constructed through funding from the Belize Integral Security Programme.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum, and Mining will oversee the land transfer process.

Dr. Vincent Palacio, President of UB, said the land exchange would enable the university to expand its academic offerings, including its recently launched School of Medicine and other related programs like forensic science and criminology.

Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa hailed the agreement as a significant step toward modernising the country’s forensic infrastructure.

Man Sets His Common-Law-Wife on Fire

Independence Village Resident, Karima Logan, reported escaping death after her common-law husband, Travis Lopez, allegedly poured gasoline on her and set her on fire during an argument.

According to Logan, Lopez took her outside, poured gasoline on her, and ignited it. He then attempted to extinguish the flames by placing her in the shower.

Logan informed the police that the incident was an accident. She received initial treatment for her burns at the Independence Polyclinic before being transferred to the Southern Regional Hospital for further care for her burns.

When asked about it this morning, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams informed the media that he had no knowledge about the case.

NICH Lands $98K UNESCO Grant

The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) has secured a USD $98,600 grant from UNESCO to lead the project “Empowering Communities for the Safeguarding of Belize’s Foodways.”

NICH said in a statement, “This initiative will train 140 community members and cultural officers to document and protect our rich culinary heritage. By focussing on our vibrant local cuisines, we aim to inspire healthier eating habits among students and the wider community.”

The project is expected to be implemented over the next two years.

Belize Enhances CARICOM Single Market and Economy

Consultations wrapped up today to enhance Belize’s integration into the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). CSME is designed to promote cooperation and economic growth within the Caribbean.

Led by Minister of State Dr. Osmond Martinez, this three-day mission convened government officials and key stakeholders.

The consultations involved representatives from the private sector, civil society, tertiary institutions, trade unions, municipal authorities, and public servants. In its statement, the ministry said, “Key topics of discussion included the free movement of goods and people, trade, customs procedures, education, intellectual property, public awareness, competition, agriculture, immigration, labour issues, and the implementation of the CARICOM Interactive Market Place Suspension Procedure (CIMSUPRO).”

According to the Ministry, “This electronic platform aims to facilitate connections between producers and buyers within the CARICOM region.”

During the mission, the CARICOM Secretariat emphasised that the CSME is an ongoing process. It stressed that its success depends on the “sustained commitment of Member States to ensure its success.”

CROSQ Appoints Sharonmae Smith-Walker as New CEO

The CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) has named Sharonmae Smith-Walker as its new CEO, effective 1 November 2024. Smith-Walker, who has over 12 years of leadership experience, succeeds Deryck Omar, who served as CEO since 2014. Smith-Walker previously led the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC) and brings extensive expertise in quality infrastructure, accreditation, and environmental management. Her career includes more than 15 years of contributions to quality infrastructure and two decades of consulting in environmental management, food safety, accreditation, and quality management systems.

She expressed her excitement about the role and aims to further CROSQ’s mission of enhancing standards and quality across the Caribbean.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead this vital organisation at such an important time. I look forward to working with the team to position CROSQ for continued growth and to support the economic development of the CARICOM region.”

CROSQ also extended its gratitude to outgoing CEO Deryck Omar, whose 14-year tenure saw the organisation become a leader in quality standards across the Caribbean.

Belize and Mexico Talk Energy Security

On Wednesday, Prime Minister John Briceño met with Mexico’s new Energy Minister, Luz Elena Gonzalez Escobar. Their discussion centred on energy security, the continuation of their power purchase agreement, and improving energy transmission infrastructure in Belize and southern Mexico.

PM Briceño said on social media, “We as well reviewed challenges facing the energy sector on both sides of the border and reiterated assurances for the continued bilateral relationship.”

Representatives from Mexico’s Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) were also in the meeting.

This year, Belize has faced a record amount of load shedding. On May 2, Belize Electricity Ltd. CEO John Mencias explained that Mexico’s CFE could only supply 20 megawatts due to contractual limits. Mencias clarified that CFE’s actions were within the contractual arrangements, stating, “What we purchase from CFE is called opportunity cost energy… it is interruptible at any moment’s notice.”

Following a May 13 meeting between Briceño and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, CFE agreed to increase its supply to 75 megawatts. This effort alleviated some power shortages. Briceño stated, “The Mexican energy provider will now supply a total of seventy-five megawatts to the national grid.”

Belize generates about 60% of its electricity from renewable sources, the highest in the Caribbean, with hydroelectric power playing a key role. Fortis Belize Limited operates three hydroelectric plants on the Macal River, contributing up to 40% of the national grid.

U.S. Port Strike Resolved, Workers Return to Duties

A three-day strike at East and Gulf Coast ports in the United States has come to an end. The International Longshoremen’s Association resumed work today. The strike, which began early Tuesday, was primarily about wage increases and threatened supply chains and exports.

The maritime alliance USMX agreed to a $4 hourly raise, boosting current pay from $39 to $43, resulting in a total increase of $24 over a six-year contract—an overall 62% hike. Union leader Harold Daggett indicated that the union was open to this raise prior to the strike but had rejected a lesser $3 offer. Both sides swiftly resumed operations, with workers eager to minimise income losses.

Ports, including New York and New Jersey, are working to restore normal operations. Container backlogs remain, with the Port Authority reporting daily losses of $250-300 million during the strike, totalling around $1 billion.

While the strike has ended, the final contract still requires ratification by union members, leaving open the possibility of future strikes if the agreement is rejected.

Urgent Replacement of Belize City Bridges Remains Pending

The need for urgent replacement of key infrastructures in Belize City, including the Swing Bridge and BelCan Bridge, remains pending. These structures are part of the George Price Highway Upgrade Project.

Discussions surrounding the replacement of these bridges have been well over 2 years.

Back in April of this year, Chief Engineer Evondale Moody from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing stated, “It’s a structure that really needs to be replaced… we have seen based on the assessment that we have done that the pairs that are there are at risk because of the spalling of the concrete from the piles.”

Moody confirmed that a procurement process for the new structures was initiated but subsequently stalled at the Ministry of Finance level. “We had begun the procurement process for the replacement structure; however, that was put on hold by the Ministry of Finance. We are currently awaiting their decision so that we can proceed with construction,” he explained.

In May, News 5 spoke with Minister of Infrastructure Development Julius Espat. He stated that his ministry has completed all necessary studies to seek funding for the project. “We have done our job. It is up to the Ministry of Finance to make the final decision,” he reiterated. Espat expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the Ministry of Finance, stating, “From day one, I have been waiting for a response. If the allocation is given to us, the work will start immediately. I have no clue about what their budget plans entail.”

The urgency of replacing the ageing bridges has become increasingly pressing. Visual inspections reveal further deterioration. Cracks and structural wear have become more evident. The possibility of the bridges collapsing is increasing.

Former Belmopan City Administrator Addresses Land Allegations

The former City Administrator for the Belmopan City Council, Sherlene Julien, has publicly addressed allegations concerning her acquisition of land in the Innovabel Land Distribution program. Julien stated, “I am compelled to respond to the recent allegations made against me concerning land I lawfully received as part of my employment contract during my tenure as City Administrator of the Belmopan.”

Julien denied the accusations. She called a leaked Belmopan City Council document that revealed individuals who purchased land in the Innovabel Estate at below-market prices as “intentionally distorted” and “riddled with errors.”

According to Julien, she has never operated a company named “Almeya Consulting Limited.” She explained that she received four parcels of land totalling 0.608 acres as part of a legally negotiated contract, “not 8 parcels as was falsely publicised,” she said.

In her statement, Julien states that the land she received was part of her employment contract as city administrator. She clarifies that the value of these parcels was used to offset payments owed to her for her nearly three years of service to a financially struggling city council. This means that instead of receiving a cash payment for her work, she was granted land that represented the value of her compensation.

Number of Stray Dogs in Belize City on the Rise?

The Belize City Animal Aid is calling on the public to help with the overwhelming number of stray animals in Belize City that are in need of care. “It’s literally been case after case after case. We need more people to step up and help. Please,” said animal rescuer Michelle Rudon.

Taking it to social media, Rudon shared recently rescuing a dog named Buttercup. “Our adventure for tonight… getting this girl out from under the wet, muddy drain where she went, probably to die,” Rudon recounted.

Buttercup was taken to the Animal Medical Centre, where she received a diagnosis of heartworms, tick fever, and an infected mammary tumour, along with severe anaemia and underweight conditions.

The organisation emphasised the pressing need for more foster homes, stating, “It takes a village; everyone, and our SPARK villagers are overwhelmed and completely exhausted.”