2024-11-06 - Channel 5 Belize

PGIA Stabbing Victim Identified

A man has been detained in connection with a stabbing incident. The investigation began after officers responded to a report at the Phillip Goldson International Airport on Tuesday, November 5, around 3:57 p.m. Upon arrival, they learnt that an altercation between two airport employees had escalated into violence, resulting in one of them being injured.

Initial reports indicate that 19-year-old Jovanni Ismael McKenzie and 27-year-old Darvin Sutherland, both Belizean ramp agents residing in the Belize District, were involved in a disagreement that led to McKenzie being stabbed in the face. McKenzie was taken for medical treatment, while Sutherland remains in police custody. The investigation is ongoing.

Child Raped by Grandfather

Police are investigating a case where a family member allegedly sexually assaulted a female minor. The ongoing investigation commenced when a woman and her child reported to police that on Tuesday, November 5, at about 5:30 p.m., while at home her grandfather had sexual relations with her. A medical examination was conducted on the minor, and at the conclusion, the doctor certified the child was carnally known.

UK Keeps Belize’s Sugar Exports Duty-Free

Belize’s sugar industry has received a major boost after the UK confirmed that it will maintain its current sugar import policies. This includes keeping the Autonomous Tariff Quota (ATQ) for raw cane sugar at 260,000 tonnes for 2025, which allows Belize to continue exporting sugar to the UK at a 0% tariff rate. The announcement was presented in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade on Tuesday.

Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Osmond Martinez, stated, “The UK’s commitment to preserving this vital access reaffirms the importance of Belize’s cane farmers, whose contributions support not only the economy but the livelihoods of thousands of Belizean families.” The sugar industry is one of Belize’s major sources of income, directly employing around 12,000 people and indirectly supporting 50,000 more in the northern districts.

This decision follows consultations between Belize and the UK government. Belize’s sugar exports will continue to enjoy duty-free, quota-free access under the CARIFORUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

The UK has also pledged to continue discussions with Caribbean nations about future sugar policies, with the possibility of reviewing changes for 2026 and beyond.

Christopher Coye: ‘We Need $20 Billion to Protect Natural Ecosystems Worldwide’

Belize continues taking bold steps to accelerate its climate and biodiversity conservation efforts. At the recent COP 16 conference in Cali, Colombia, the country secured crucial funding for environmental preservation and continued to advocate for innovative solutions to address the global funding gap for biodiversity.

Christopher Coye, Belize’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, addressed the critical role of natural capital in closing the financing gap needed to protect the world’s ecosystems. “Biodiversity loss is accelerating, and an estimated $20 billion in annual funding is needed to protect natural ecosystems worldwide…However, current funding stands at just $400 million—only a fraction of what’s required to drive meaningful progress,” he said.

Belize has been at the forefront of these efforts, leading successful initiatives like the 2021 Blue Bond, which secured private investment for marine and coastal conservation. Minister Coye also shared that Belize is advancing a new blended finance model, set to be finalised by 2025.

When will Harris Give her Concession Speech?

Donald Trump, 78, was declared the winner of the 2024 presidential election early Wednesday, surpassing the 270 electoral votes needed to secure the presidency. Trump won key swing states such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, and North Carolina, bringing his total to 277 electoral votes.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who was running to become the first woman of colour to lead the country, did not address her supporters on election night. Campaign spokesman Cedric Richmond explained, “We still have votes to count. We still have states that have not been called yet. We will continue, overnight, to fight to make sure that every vote is counted and that every voice has spoken.”

Harris has not yet spoken publicly or conceded. She is expected to speak later today after the final vote tallies. Harris cancelled an appearance on election night at Howard University, where she studied as an undergraduate, as the race tightened.

Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago watch party, Trump promised a “golden age” for America and declared, “This is a magnificent victory for the American people that will allow us to make America great again.”

Belize Hosts Lamb Workshop for Local Farmers and Chefs

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE), in partnership with Taiwan ICDF, hosted a hands-on “Lamb/Mutton Culinary Workshop” at Swift Garden in Bermudan Landing, Belize District. The workshop targeted local farmers, butchers, and restaurateurs to enhance culinary techniques and lamb carcass breakdown.

This workshop is part of the ongoing sheep and Goat project Phase II, bringing together more than twelve participants from the Belize District. MAFSE’s technical officers led the session, which included a live demonstration on breaking down a lamb carcass.

A local favourite, lamb stew, was also prepared, with step-by-step guidance on the key points for optimal preparation.

Four Including Cop Charged with Murder

Four men, including a police officer, have been charged with the murder of 43-year-old Shawn Ortiz. Investigators believe that police officer Kyle Domingo, Gasman Jones, Peter Perez, and Charles Brown attacked and fatally stabbed Ortiz on Sunday night in Belize City.

Ortiz, a well-known and beloved taxi driver, was fatally stabbed after a night out at Stephen’s Place on Jaguar Avenue, near Faber’s Road Extension. As he was leaving the establishment, a verbal altercation with three men escalated into violence, resulting in one of them stabbing Ortiz. Though he attempted to flee the scene, he collapsed a short distance away and was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His girlfriend, who was at home at the time, later received the devastating news. His sister, Shanine Campbell, expressed shock and disbelief, sharing how the family was still recovering from the loss of their mother and father, and now they are faced with yet another tragedy. She described Ortiz, affectionately known as “Big Shawn” to his family and “Mack Shawn” to his friends, as a fearless and vibrant person who brought life and joy to those around him.

Police have yet to determine a motive for the fatal altercation.