Tag: 2024-11-07

30 Straight Championship Wins for SCA Seahawks

Over the weekend, the Saint Catherine Academy Seahawks volleyball team celebrated a historic victory at the annual Belize City championship game. This win marks their thirtieth straight victory, a remarkable milestone for the school. Today, the team held a press conference to reflect on their thirty years of success and to share what’s next for them. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the story.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

For the thirtieth year in a row, Saint Catherine Academy’s volleyball team has once again brought home the trophy from the Belize Central Volleyball Championships. This incredible streak highlights their dominance and dedication over the past three decades. SCA principal, Salome Tillett emphasized the significance of this accomplishment.

 

                        Salome Tillett

Salome Tillett, Principal, SCA

“The record streak that we celebrate today started before some of you were born, certainly before the team was born. It started under the principal sister Caritas Lawrence, sport director Brian Smutney, a Peace Corps and Alan Sharp as a volleyball coach. We track it back to 1995 but arguably maybe a little bit more because we saw a 1994 for nationals. So to get to nationals, we must have passed Central. So we may go a little bit  further back. Imagine, SCA streak started three years before Libero became a position, Sacil. Before the world knew what was Libero, we already had a streak.  And it started one year before beach volleyball was even included in the Olympics. That’s to tell you how long ago we are talking about.”

 

The team adds this milestone to the long list of achievements. In October, the girls brought home a bronze medal from the CODICADER games in El Salvador. Team captain Akili Jones, who also represents Belize on the national team alongside SCA alum Gareth Bruce, says this victory is just the beginning. The team’s success story is far from over.

 

                               Akili Jones

Akili Jones, Captain

“We’d like to achieve this for many more years, more than thirty. It is a great thing to be a part of this legacy. It gives us motivation to push further, to want to be more, to continue pushing and creating more space for new children to come along. Other people, new generations, more and more to come and play volleyball and continue our legacy.”

 

This achievement showcases the incredible potential for young women across Belize to excel in sports. The team is made up of girls from all corners of the country, many of whom received scholarships from their head coach and volleyball legend, Lupita Quan. Sherlene Johnson, the current team coach, knows firsthand the impact of these opportunities. Born and raised in Dangriga, she moved to Belize City to join the team. Now, she’s dedicated to mentoring and shaping the next generation of volleyball stars.

 

                     Sherlene Johnson

Sherlene Johnson, Coach

“I used to play in a backyard with Mrs. Sabal.  Nonetheless, I came up here to follow my, to follow the volleyball career as well. And I end up here at SCA and miss Lupita , as well as some of the girls that have gotten scholarship from her. I got that as well.  And she took me under her wings, and I continued from there.”

 

Johnson joined the lineup as a line player and sees much of herself in Akili, the current captain of the team, who plays the same position.

 

Sherlene Johnson

“What inspired me, what had me here,  was the fact that I love the sport. I love what I do. And to be able to give back  is one of the greatest reward to see all the girls or ladies  become grateful about players and amazing women in society”

 

The twenty-one players on the SCA Seahawks juggle their schoolwork, home lives, and team commitments. Thanks to the support of their families and the camaraderie with their teammates, they strive for excellence and keep bringing home the gold.

 

Salome Tillett

“These young women that you see today, they embody true, the true spirit of sport.  Through the years, we’ve stepped it up another notch, and we have our eyes on international tournaments, including our first participation at CODICADER, where we won a bronze in 2012, and we did it again in 2024.You see the results, but we see the other side of it. We see the hard work, the countless hours of practice, The pain, the aches, the relentless scheduling, the juggling of the work, the disciplined commitments of our athletes, and that is truly what we are here to celebrate today.”

 

On Friday, the team will travel to Orange Walk to compete in the national tournament, where they hope they will bring home another win for the Seahawks. Britney Gordon for News Five.

MPUELE Hosts 2024 Energy Fair

The Ministry of Energy held its annual Energy Fair today at the University of Belize Campus in Belmopan. This year’s fair, themed “Investing in Sustainable Energy: Accelerating the Transition,” highlighted the country’s strides in sustainable energy. During the opening ceremony, Chief Executive Officer Jose Urbina shared several key accomplishments in the energy sector over the past year. Rocio Bolivar, the Country Manager at the Inter-American Development Bank, also praised Belize’s efforts to boost sustainable energy usage. Here’s more from their remarks.

 

                         Jose Urbina

Jose Urbina, C.E.O, Ministry of Energy

“This past year has been one of  significant accomplishments for our ministry. And we are thrilled to mark the launch of the first every National Energy Policy, a comprehensive plan that will guide our energy transition for the coming decades. The NEP as we refer to it reflects our commitment to sustainability, providing a strategic roadmap to reduce our carbon footprint and embrace renewable energy resources.  Additionally, we are proud to have signed FPIC agreements with three southern villages. Granted it was challenging but it was successful. This milestone underscores our dedication to involving our communities to energy initiatives that directly impacts their lives.”

 

                Rocio Bolivar

Rocio Bolivar, Country Manager, I.D.B

“Advancing in a just energy transition in Belize will require all transaction in taking this initiative further and beyond. The transition to renewable energy is a powerful engine for economic growth. It is the potential to create new jobs and stimulate economic development. Shifting from fossil fuel to renewable energy resources in a way that is fair and inclusive and addresses the needs of everyone in the community is a goal that every region are advancing positively, and definitely Belize is not behind.”

A New Mammogram Room for Western Regional Hospital

On Wednesday, the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan celebrated the grand opening of its new Mammogram Room. The event saw the presence of Doctor Julio Sabido, the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Health & Wellness, and Elder Rayan Olsen from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who were both on hand for the official handover.

 

                      Julio Sabido

Dr. Julio Sabido, C.E.O., Ministry of Health & Wellness

“We gather to celebrate a celebrate a significant milestone in our ongoing battle against cancer in Belize.  The hand over of vital mammogram equipment made possible through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Elder Rayan Olsen, Julie Olsen, Daniel Hernandez and Ignacio Castillo for their unwavering support and commitment to this cause.  Your dedication to humanitarian efforts is truly inspiring and we are honored to partner with you in this lifesaving initiative.  As we reflect on the epidemiological landscape, it is sobering to note that according to the World Health Organization breast cancer accounted for approximately six hundred and seventy thousand deaths in 2022.  Women representing a majority of those affected.”

 

Come Mash Up Da Work Fi Save Energy 

In celebration of #CARICOM Energy Month, CARICOM invites you to participate in Rough Dry/No Iron Day on Friday, November 8th. As part of this energy-saving initiative, you are being challenged to go about your daily activities—whether at work or at home—in unironed clothing.

CARICOM says that small actions can lead to big impacts when it comes to energy conservation. “Let’s conserve energy together!”

Share your photos in the comments.

 

Cabinet Silence on Guatemalans Bribing B.D.F. Soldiers 

On November 1, Commander of the Belize Defence Force (BDF) Brigadier General Azariel Loria confirmed that soldiers were being bribed by illegal Guatemalan loggers. Since early September 2024, News Five has been investigating this matter. On October 3, 2024, “Guatemalans Accused of Bribing and Surrounding BDF Soldiers at Machakilha”– an in-depth investigative peice- was published by this station.

On September 7, a group of Belize Defence Force soldiers were surrounded by over 10 Guatemalans, who were potentially armed and hostile, near the Machakilha Conservation Post (CP). The last communication the patrol received from Fairweather Camp, before contact was lost, was the command to “man your grounds.” During the escort of detained Guatemalans to the Machakilha Conservation Post, the patrol commander engaged in a conversation with one of the leaders, Juan Jose Garcia. Garcia allegedly asked for help, saying, “Échame la mano” (Help me out). Garcia attempted to bribe the soldier, who refused and followed protocol. Garcia also revealed details about an illegal logging operation, including four sub-bosses working for Salvador.

When questioned about the bribery claims on September 28th, Minister of National Defence and Border Security, Florencio Marin Jr., appeared surprised, stating that he had not heard of them.

When we asked Prime Minister John Briceño about the allegations on October 11, he said, “That will happen any place. You get 1, 000, and somebody can’t give you another 100; you’re going to take it… And so it’s important to hit the reset button to ensure that these people or BDF soldiers say that we have to be able to at all times look after the interests of Belize. A chicken can’t pay to protect the interests of this country.” 

When asked if Cabinet has discussed the matter, PM Briceño said “no.” During our interview with Brig. Gen. Loria, we asked him if the matter was discussed or brought up by the National Security Council. He said he cannot speak of matters discussed by the Council.

Today, more than a month since the allegations first were reported and later confirmed, the Cabinet has yet to issue a statement. In its weekly press release today, Cabinet made no mention of the confirmed reports that B.D.F. soldiers were being bribed by Guatemalan loggers. Soldiers being bribed by Guatemalan loggers points to deep-rooted corruption on the ground that allows Guatemalans to operate freely on Belizean soil.

PM Briceño on Guatemalans Bribing B.D.F. Soldiers with Chicken

Moses “Shyne” Barrow Sues Tracy Panton over UDP Leadership, HQ

Applicants Moses Barrow, Michael Peyrefitte, Shary Medina, Alberto August, and Hugo Patt have initiated an urgent action seeking to reclaim the UDP Headquarters, located at Lake Independence Block 45 Parcel 00969, from respondents Tracy Taegar Panton and Phillipa Griffith Bailey. In the claim, Barrow et al. say that Panton, who is described as an expelled UDP member and current leader of the Alliance for Democracy—allegedly took unlawful control of the headquarters on October 28.

The applicants are seeking an ex-parte injunction from the High Court to repossess the property and restore its use to the UDP’s leadership.

The case stems from a broader conflict over the leadership of the UDP, with Barrow contending that he is the legitimate party leader and the Leader of the Opposition in Belize. According to the applicants, the UDP Headquarters, which they have been using since March 2022, is critical for Barrow to discharge his constitutional functions as the head of the opposition, representing the citizens of Belize.

The claimants assert that the takeover by Panton and her supporters has not only disrupted their operations but has also caused significant damage to the reputation of the party as it prepares for the upcoming General Elections.

Among the applicants’ key concerns is the unlawful seizure of assets, including the Guardian Newspaper and Wave Radio, both considered vital communication organs of the UDP. The applicants argue that these entities, which operate as separate legal entities, have also been unlawfully affected by Panton’s actions. In their claim, they stress that Panton’s takeover poses a direct threat to Belizean democracy, particularly given the political implications of the seizure and its potential to undermine public confidence in the UDP’s ability to lead.

In their Amended Fixed Date Claim Form, the claimants are seeking multiple forms of relief. They are asking the court to declare that neither Panton nor Griffith Bailey has any legal right to possess or control the UDP Headquarters or to authorise its seizure. They also request an order requiring Panton to vacate the property and return all UDP assets located there to the Central Executive Committee. Additionally, they seek a permanent injunction restraining Panton from presenting herself as the UDP leader and preventing the respondents from unlawfully occupying the property in the future. Further claims include damages for unlawful possession, exemplary damages, interest, and costs.

This is a developing story. 

Twice the Guardians, Twice the Confusion

“This Publication by Some Child is Flattering” 

Alfonso Noble, editor of The Guardian newspaper, told News Five today that when he first saw the rival publication, he assumed it was a school project. “I thought it was a school project. You know, children are given these assignments to do various things, sometimes in the media and what have you, and create a newspaper and that kind of thing. And I was flattered, actually, that a child would come up with such an idea of doing a school project.”

Two versions of the United Democratic Party’s paper have been produced—one by long-time editor Alfonso Noble and the other shared by Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow supporter Delroy Cutkelvin.

Noble stated that he had no concerns over the rival version of ‘The Guardian’. “When you open it in the first, page after the headline, you have who publishes it and the name of the editor and what have you.”

He found it amusing that someone, whom he referred to as “a child,” would want to emulate the work The Guardian does and seemed unbothered by the publication’s apparent opposition to their content. “This publication by some child, it’s flattering for us, actually, The Guardian because somebody would want to emulate what we do is just beyond is beyond me.  I’m proud of myself really and of the work that we do at the Guardian newspaper.”

Noble joked that “the child” might be “suffering from some makoabi or goma of what has taken place in the leadership of the UDP and they would want to place the former leader on every page.”

When asked which version the readers should read, Noble said, “The reader must be able to decipher for themselves what is real and what is not, what comes from the multiverse, from the other dimension  or the parallel reality.”

How Potholes Are Draining Your Wallet

As the city works to improve street conditions, the ongoing pothole problem is causing significant strain on vehicles and wallets. News 5 spoke to two local mechanics to get their take on the toll potholes are having on vehicles, especially after the last few weeks of heavy rainfall.

Travis Flowers, a mechanic based in Lord’s Bank, told us that potholes can cause significant damage to a vehicle’s suspension, tires, and rims. He said, “It can get expensive. It’s kind of expensive if you have to get the parts here. And you have to pay the labour to put it on. So in the case of rim damage, most of the time, you can’t get the rim here either. So you have to try to go and fix it at a welding shop or something so you can get it running until you get another good one.”

He said fixing rim damage can cost $200-$300, while suspension repairs may run $400-$500, not including parts. The cost also depends on the vehicle’s model, year and the need to import parts. 

Similarly, another local mechanic, Lewis Hamilton of On The Spot Mechanic, also said that potholes can severely impact a vehicle’s entire suspension system. “I would say the suspension part like the damage would be on the bushings, the struts, the shocks, even tires; I mean, the rims could get bent easily,” he said. 

Hamilton said that tires are another major expense, with replacements costing between $300 and $400. For drivers in particularly pothole-riddled areas, Hamilton estimated drivers might need to spend between $500 and $1,000 two to three times a year just to maintain their vehicles in good shape. 

Both mechanics also noted that potholes cause fuel inefficiency, though this is less costly than mechanical repairs. 

While the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing is handling the city entrances, the Belize City Council did its damage assessment of the city streets. The Council identified 147 streets in urgent need of repair, with a cost of about $1.6 million. City Administrator Albert Vaughan assured that funds would be secured through a disaster program, and temporary patches are already being applied. However, priority will be given to key routes, including those for public transportation and school buses.

 

Twice the Guardians, Twice the Confusion

It seems like the Guardian newspaper is having an identity crisis. Two versions of the United Democratic Party’s paper have been produced—one by long-time editor Alfonso Noble and another by Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow supporter Delroy Cutkelvin.

Both have different headlines and stories. Cutkelvin’s version looks like a Shyne brochure, while Noble’s version looks like the typical Guardian.

Cutkelvin’s version is 8 pages, mostly of pro-Shyne articles with the exception of only one article about the KHMHA Workers union. Noble’s version is 9 pages, which includes attacks on the Briceño Administration and ads. It also includes the paper’s information, such as the editor, publisher, and contact information.

Only Noble’s version contains the horoscope, which arguably is the most useful part.

Tracy Panton says she is the interim leader of the UDP following a convention where delegates voted to recall Moses “Shyne” Barrow. Meanwhile, Barrow says he remains leader of the UDP. Panton and her faction took control of the party’s HQ and organs in late October.

The story was updated at 1:18 p.m. local time to reflect that Noble’s updated version does include the horoscope. 

B.D.F. Getting Better Communication Equipment 

As part of our in-depth and intensive investigation into the “Machakila Incident,” it became apparent that the Belize Defence Force is in urgent need of better communication equipment.

On September 7, a group of Belize Defence Force soldiers stationed near the Machakilha Conservation Post (CP) found themselves surrounded by more than 10 potentially armed and hostile Guatemalans. Before communication with Fairweather Camp was lost, the last order received by the patrol was to “man your grounds.” Tensions rose as the soldiers realised they were being encircled by the Guatemalans, who had gathered near the helicopter landing site. It is believed their intent was to retrieve five Guatemalan men who had been detained for illegal logging activities in the Columbia River Forest Reserve.

The B.D.F. relies on Harris and VHF radios for its operations. The Harris radio, manufactured by L3Harris Technologies, is a secure, rugged communication tool used by military forces and emergency services. It provides encryption, long-range capabilities, multiple frequency options, and GPS, making it vital for critical missions. The VHF radio, widely used in professional environments, is known for its versatility and power. However, on the day of the incident, both systems failed. The VHF radio couldn’t establish contact, and the Harris radio eventually “went out of sync.”

Are BDF Soldiers Operating with outdated Communications Equipment? 

During the incident, the BDF’s Fairweather Camp in Punta Gorda was alerted that the CP was being surrounded by “potentially hostile” Guatemalans, likely attempting to recover detained individuals. The response from Fairweather was to “man your grounds,” but shortly after, the Harris radio lost sync, cutting off communication entirely. All attempts to re-establish contact failed.

A second attempt to communicate using the Harris radio at 9:30 p.m. also failed, leaving the patrol to harbour overnight and depart the following morning.

When asked about whether the BDF’s communication equipment is outdated and in need of replacement last month, Defence Minister Florencio Marin did not provide a direct response. When we recently asked the Commander of the B.D.F., Brigadier General Azariel Loria said the BDF will soon receive upgraded communication equipment, thanks to support from the Central Bank of Belize. The new gear, which includes body cameras, satellite radios, and tracking devices, will be deployed to the most remote outposts along the Belize-Guatemala border, such as Cadenas, Machakilha, Rio Blanco, and Ceibo Chico. He said, “We are in the process of purchasing our satellite phones with the assistance of the Central Bank of Belize. We’re forming a partnership so that we could at least equip the most remote areas… and we are going to get those tracking devices, but we’re finding means, and it’s not only tracking devices. We are in the era now that we need body cameras to ensure that if they meet Guatemalans, that we get the precise information back to camp.” 

By Hipolito Novelo, Digital Editor
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