On Tuesday, Speaker of the House Valerie Woods shared the difficult news that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. This announcement comes as the K.H.M.H Oncology Unit reports a rise in breast and colon cancer cases. When we spoke with Speaker Woods at an event in Belize City today, she acknowledged this increase. She mentioned that she is in the early stages of treatment and hopes her story will inspire other women. Woods also noted that her annual checkup last year showed no signs of cancer.
Valerie Woods, Speaker of the House of Representatives
“I do my annual checks, which I encourage all women to do. Last year I was clear. I was due this October. Through self-examine I realized something was a bit off then I was due and that is when it was confirmed. So, I felt it was necessary to make the statement at the end of the session, because I always think it is important to control your own narrative. I think it is important for not only women, but the Belizean public to know that it can happen to anyone of us at anytime. At the last house meeting I quoted Doctor Yacab, the Oncologist for Belize at KHMH where he gave some startling statistics. I don’t know if people honed into that. But, it is very startling and he made the point that he is concerned that our women and girls are not doing their annual checks. So I do hope it encourages our women to do their self-examines but to get their annual checks and maybe it helps a little bit to destigmatize cancer. We need to talk about it, raise awareness about it and we need to know that it is a community of support. The Belize cancer society and many others have been doing and excellent job, I add my voice to that.”
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives made a historic decision to raise the legal age of marriage to eighteen. This change was sparked by debates during the 2023 National Youth Parliament. Today, we spoke with UNICEF’s Country Representative, Alison Parker, to get her take on this significant move. We also heard from Speaker of the House, Valerie Woods, for her perspective.
Alison Parker
Alison Parker, Country Representative, UNICEF
“I think that is a fundamental one. For us at UNICEF, marriage is a legal contract, it is a legal document and a legal enterprise. Yes, it has to do with a love relationship but it’s legal. I want to ask if a fourteen-year-old is capable of making a legal decision and know what a legal contract is. Is a sixteen-year-old daughter and niece out there able to understand what that legislation means for them as a person and for their future. If we cannot answer that question then the age of marriage needs to be raised to an age where people are mentally, psychologically and culturally developed for them to understand what the contract is they are entering into.”
Valerie Woods
Valerie Woods, Speaker of the House of Representatives
“What happened at the House of Representatives this week is a testament of what young people can do. They were able to influence legislation and a meaningful one, raising the legal age of marriage which affects so many girls. It affects boys as well, one of the youth parliamentarian made the point that it was not only girls at that age being affected, it was also our boys. So, it is important to know that their voice has power.”
Today, another family in Belize celebrated moving into a brand-new home, thanks to the Hand in Hand Ministries Building for Change Program. This amazing initiative finds people who need better living conditions and, with the help of volunteers and sponsors, builds them new homes. This morning, senior citizen Ana Campus was all smiles as she received the keys to her new house. News Five’s Britney Gordon brings us a heartwarming story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
This morning, sixty-nine-year-old Ana Campos received the keys to her brand-new home, a generous gift from Hand in Hand Ministries. She’s the five hundred and twenty second person to benefit from their Building for Change program. Ana shared her heartfelt gratitude for everyone who helped make her new home a reality.
Ana Campos
Ana Campos, Homeowner
“I am happy that I got a new house. Thank God. I appreciate and thank everyone who put in effort to help build this new house. Hand in Hand, everybody.”
The new house is in the Holy Emmanuel area, right on the same lot where Ana Campos’ old home stood. Her previous house wasn’t suitable for her, her husband, and their two young grandchildren, making this new home a much-needed improvement.
Ana Campos
“I am thankful because I used to struggle over there in that small house. And now that we got to a bigger space, we have more space to move around. I’m so thankful to the people who help me build the house.”
The project was funded by Hand in Hand Ministries’ long-time partners, Belize Bank. Chairman Filippo Alario shared that Belize Bank staff went above and beyond, contributing their own time and resources to make this donation possible.
Filippo Alario
Filippo Alario, Chairman, Belize Bank
“We are committed to continue doing this over the years. Our staff has been absolutely instrumental. About forty of our staff members have committed their personal and family time to come on a weekend with rain, there was sun, and they battled the weather and they completed this place for Ms. Campos, so we are extremely excited, very happy.”
Belize Bank has been a partner of Hand in Hand Ministry for over thirteen years., becoming the first corporate sponsors for them.
Filippo Alario
“Over the years, we’ve been building, I think, about fourteen houses. Today’s a very special day. We’re giving a house to a very needy family, the Sanacampos. She’s elderly. She has an extended family. They all live here. And for us to be able to give her a house that now she can turn into a home, it’s It is an absolute privilege and it fills our hearts with hope. And I think that is what a home is, right? It gives you dignity, it gives you hope. And that is what we want to give them.”
Construction on the house kicked off on Friday, and by Wednesday, it was all set for the family to move in. The new home boasts a bathroom, a kitchen, a cozy living area, and two bedrooms. Rashida Bethram, Director of the Building for Change Program, shared these exciting details.
Rashida Bethram
Rashida Bethram, Director, Building For Change Program
“With Hand in Hand Ministries, we believe in giving families a hands up rather than a hands out. And the purpose of the program is to give them a start. So the house is basically a shell. With the partnership with the bank provided an upgrade to the home where they get interior painting, they get a ceiling, they get electricals, they get plumbing and they also receive aluminum windows for the nice fine touch. And the Belize bank has also decided this year to do a fine addition of a veranda to the home.”
This home is the twenty-second home built through the ministry just this year. All the teams are dedicated to assisting Belize’s underprivileged population and providing safe, comfortable homes that will last them years.
November fourteenth marks World Diabetes Day, a time when people come together to share information and resources about diabetes. In our region, non-communicable diseases like diabetes remain a leading cause of death each year. To help Belizeans lead healthier lives, the Belize Diabetes Association hosted its annual World Diabetes Health Fair, offering free services to the public. Earlier today, News Five’s Britney Gordon dropped by to get the scoop.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
In 2023, an average of three people were diagnosed with diabetes every day, according to the Ministry of Health. Even more alarming, every other day, someone loses their life to diabetes or its complications. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Diabetes is treatable and manageable. Today, at the World Diabetes Day Health Fair, health organizations are stepping up to help control diabetes diagnoses in Belize.
Alain Gonzalez
Dr. Alain Gonzalez, Belize City Lion’s Club
“So today we are having a health fair. And we are trying to bring awareness to the public, because, I mean, prevention is always better than cure. And so, we have different organizations out here today. We have Red Cross with us, we have Kidney Association with us. We have the Coast Guards are also doing some testing. We have Cancer Society you have the Belize City Lion’s Club as well. And of course this has been sponsored or organized by the Belize Diabetes Association.”
The fair was held at Constitution Park in Belize City, bringing together several associations to assist with testing. Doctor Alaine Gonzalez, of the Belize City Lion’s Club, highlighted some of the services offered.
Dr. Alain Gonzalez
“We’re doing different types of testing today. Of course, we’re doing a sugar test or glucose test. We’re doing a pressure testing, you know, hypertension. We’re doing as well a COVID 19 testing. We’re doing HIV testing, and of course we’re giving health information about these different illnesses. About diabetes, about hypertension, about kidney disease, about circulation. So you can get a wealth of information if you come out to this testing today.”
The Belize Coast Guard was also at the event, sharing valuable information about the health services they offer at their compound.
Brian Bardales
Brian Bardales, Medical Officer, Belize Coast Guard
“Basically blood pressure blood pressure, glucose check, enlighten them about what we do. Have a patient come in complain about certain sickness, we would remedy that if we can. If not, we would forward them to the BDF camp for further assistance.”
Medical Officer, Brian Bardales explains that anyone feeling unwell can stop by for a check-up.
Brian Bardales
“If we’re at camp and the individual feels sick or something like that, if they don’t want to go at the outpost at KHMH, so they can go into camp, and once we can help them we help them.”
Diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to blindness, kidney failure, amputations, and even death if not managed properly. However, a diabetes diagnosis isn’t a death sentence. Dr. Gonzalez explains that with a commitment to healthier eating and taking medications as prescribed, diabetics can live long, fulfilling lives.
Dr. Alain Gonzalez
“These are diseases that can be prevented with just lifestyle changes. I mean, if we exercise more, if we change our diet, we If we consume more water, if we’re conscious about living a healthier lifestyle, then we can prevent many of these diseases, diseases.”
At 3 pm local time, tropical storm Sara was located near latitude 15.9N, longitude 83.5W, or about 330 miles east by south of Belize City. Sara was moving to the west at 10 mph with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. A westward motion at a slower forward speed is expected during the next couple of days. A slow west-northwestward motion is forecast by late Saturday.
On the forecast track, the center of Sara will move near the northern coast of Honduras during the next couple of days, and approach the coast of Belize on Sunday. Some strengthening is expected and Sara should have maximum sustained winds of around 50 mph at landfall in Belize. The main threat from this system will be heavy rainfall with totals of 5 to 10 inches with locally higher values. This could result in flooding. Strong gusty winds will result in rough sea conditions, so mariners are advised to stay alert and monitor the weather situation. Some coastal flooding is expected north of where the system makes landfall. Strong winds may result in some minor damage to weak structures.
Given this latest update, the Prime Minister, acting on the advice of the Chief Meteorological Officer and the National Emergency Coordinator, declares the Preliminary Phase of the National Hurricane Plan. One red flag will be flown at signal centres across the country. The Preliminary Phase shall be deemed to be in operation following the declaration by the Prime Minister after a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane is likely to make landfall within 72 hours.
Hazards Expected to Affect Belize-Excess Rainfall – Heavy rainfall (5 – 10 inches with locally higher values), which can result in localized flooding. High Wind – Winds of up to 50 to 60 miles per hour are possible within the impact area. This may result in damage to structures, crops and trees. Surf – Minor coastal flooding is possible in areas of onshore flow near where the centre of the
system moves inland.
Flood Forecast
Flood Warning remains in effect for the Central and Northern region – Rio Hondo, Macal, Mopan, and Belize Rivers. The San Roman and San Antonio Roads in the Orange Walk Districts remain flooded.
Note:
● Update your family and business emergency plans and be prepared to put these into action. Check your emergency food, water and medical supplies. Check on the elderly and people with disabilities.
● Shelters in affected areas will open if required.
● The public are advised to clear drains to reduce flooding.
● Interests in the agriculture and fisheries sector are asked to monitor closely. Interests in the tourism sector are asked to keep visitors and guests informed of the status of TS Sara.
Residents are advised to continue monitoring this system very closely and to follow official information coming from NEMO and the Met Service. Countrywide, all NEMO district emergency operations centres remain on alert. NEMO’s hotline is 936. NEMO reminds everyone that it is still hurricane season, and staying safe should remain a top priority. Ensure your emergency plans are up to date, stock up on essential supplies, and stay informed about weather updates from reliable sources. Let’s work together to keep our community safe and prepared.
Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, urged world leaders at COP29 taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, to take immediate, practical action on climate finance and loss and damage funding. He said that while donor countries claim funds are available, the process to access them is “painful and difficult,” with a significant gap between available finance and what is actually accessible for small island nations like Grenada.
Mitchell, speaking after Grenada’s recent experience with Hurricane Beryl, stressed that the climate crisis is real and urgent. “We are experiencing it, and it is just a matter of time before others begin to experience what we’re experiencing,” he said.
He called for a more streamlined, transparent approach to accessing climate funds and a significant scaling up of the loss and damage fund. “How are the funds going to be made available and for what purposes? It’s simple,” he said, urging that funds be made immediately accessible and not in the form of loans.
Mitchell also advocated for greater private sector involvement and innovative financial solutions, citing the faster, more flexible processes used in investment banking as a potential model for climate finance.
Mac McFarlane, a firefighter-medic from Hanover, Virginia, has spent the last two decades working tirelessly to improve emergency services in his home country, Belize. A promise made 25 years ago blossomed into a life-saving nonprofit organisation known today as Belize Heroes.
McFarlane’s initiative landed major recognition after getting featured in The Hanover Review magazine. The magazine reported that McFarlane made a heartfelt promise to the fire chief back home before moving to Virginia in the United States. “I promised the fire chief I’d send equipment and do whatever I could to support the fire department.”
McFarlane joined Chesterfield County Fire and EMS in 2000, where he started collecting and shipping surplus firefighting equipment to Belize. His efforts were not just about providing equipment; he also arranged for Belizean firefighters, including current Deputy Chief Ben Matura, to attend Chesterfield’s fire academy for advanced training.
Over the years, McFarlane’s work grew more impactful. In 2008, after joining Hanover Fire-EMS, he also earned a nursing degree, which helped him expand his role in emergency medical services (EMS). By 2017, McFarlane took a more formal step by founding Belize Heroes, which was initially called the Virginia Emergency Services Assistance Program for Belize.
“Everything started to fall into place after Belize Heroes was created,” McFarlane said.
A turning point came in 2021 and 2023, when Belize Heroes secured two major grants from the U.S. Embassy in Belize, totalling $450,000. These grants were used to launch a pilot EMS program and expand emergency services to the northern parts of Belize.
McFarlane said he is focused on ensuring that Belize’s fire and EMS services become self-sufficient. In January 2025, Rob Riverol, a Belizean firefighter, will become the country’s first qualified EMT instructor after completing a year of training in Hanover, reported the Hanover Review.
As McFarlane nears retirement, his commitment to Belize remains unwavering. While he plans to return to his childhood village of Flowers Bank, he will continue his work with Belize Heroes. “My goal is still to help the fire department,” McFarlane said.
The National Bank of Belize has announced the appointment of Dyon Elliott as its new General Manager, effective November 1, 2024. Elliott, who has served as the bank’s Head of Business Development, Marketing, and Strategy, succeeds Alvaro Alamina, who led the bank for the past decade.
With a Master of Science in Economics and Banking and Finance, Elliott expressed his vision for the future, stating, “We are focused on enhancing our services through customer-centred solutions, digital transformation, and our mission to be ‘Your Partner, every step of the way.’”
Elliott’s appointment is seen as a step towards enhancing customer service and advancing the bank’s digital capabilities. According to Thomas Tillett, Chairman of the Board, “Mr. Elliott’s focus on client engagement, personalisation, and digital innovation aligns with our vision for growth and service excellence.”
National Emergency Coordinator, Daniel Mendez, provided an update on the National Emergency Management Organization’s (NEMO) preparations in response to Tropical Storm Sara.
Heavy rainfall is expected to cause life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides across parts of Central America, especially in Honduras, Belize, El Salvador, eastern Guatemala, and western Nicaragua, through early next week. Tropical storm conditions are likely along the northern coast of Honduras and the Bay Islands, where warnings are in effect. The system is forecast to approach Belize and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula by early next week, bringing a risk of strong winds, and residents should stay updated on the latest forecasts. It remains uncertain whether the system will impact the eastern Gulf of Mexico, including Florida, later next week, so residents there should also monitor forecast updates.
Mendez outlined that all emergency operation centres across the country are being prepared, with emergency committees meeting to discuss operational plans and needs. NEMO is preparing for heavy rainfall and strong winds that could lead to flooding in various parts of the country.
He said NEMO’s ongoing operations, which have included providing support to flood-prone areas. Mendez shared that NEMO is currently assisting two villages—San Roman in the Rio Hondo and San Antonio—which have been impacted by flooding. Access to these areas is currently restricted, so NEMO has been using boats and vehicles, including those provided by the Belize Defence Force, to ferry residents across flooded zones.
Mendez also mentioned that water levels are rising in the village of Douglas, where two families are sheltering. NEMO is continuing its support with ferrying workers and students in the San Roman and Santa Cruz areas.
Mendez urged the public to remain vigilant and prepared, particularly those living in flood-prone areas. He stressed that while the country is still in the hurricane season, NEMO is fully operational and ready to respond in coordination with all levels of government and partners.
Tropical Storm Sara formed in the Caribbean on Thursday, with sustained winds of 40 mph and a westward movement at 12 mph. The storm, which became Tropical Storm Sara from Potential Tropical Cyclone 19, is expected to slow down near Honduras by Friday, stalling near Central America through the weekend. This will bring heavy rainfall and the risk of dangerous flash flooding across Central America.
Sara’s path is forecast to take it toward the Gulf of Mexico by early next week, potentially affecting parts of the Gulf Coast. The storm’s winds have strengthened, and it may continue to intensify if it remains over water. Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for the northern coast of Honduras and the Bay Islands, with Tropical Storm Watches in place for parts of Nicaragua. Residents in affected areas should monitor updates from local meteorological services.
Rainfall totals of 10 to 20 inches, with isolated amounts up to 30 inches, are expected over northern Honduras, leading to life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in the Sierra La Esperanza region. Other areas, including Belize, El Salvador, eastern Guatemala, and western Nicaragua, may see 5 to 10 inches of rain, with localised totals up to 15 inches. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning areas, and storm surge may raise water levels along Honduras’ northern coast by 1 to 3 feet, accompanied by large waves.
