2024-11-15 - Channel 5 Belize

Belize High Court to Close Early Amid TS Sara Threat

In response to the impending impact of Tropical Storm Sara, the Chief Justice of Belize, Louise Blenman, announced that the Belize High Court will close its doors at 3 p.m. today, November 15.

In an official statement, the High Court stated that “this decision has been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all court staff, jurors, attorneys, court assets, and the general public.”

Court operations are expected to resume on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., depending on the storm’s aftermath. Cases affected by the closure will be rescheduled, and new dates will be communicated shortly.

In urgent circumstances, the Senior Court will remain available to hear applications as the situation permits.

Suspected Drug Plane Found

Reports reaching News 5 are that a suspected drug plane landed sometime late last night and early this morning in the Cayo District. The plane landed near Franks Eddy. The plane’s seats had been ripped out to make space for the illegal cargo.

This is a developing story.

Drug Plane Was in Southern Belize for 3 Weeks Before Discovery

Have Your Say on the Belize Bureau of Standards’ Proposed New Food Labeling Rules

Big changes are coming to the way food is labelled in Belize. The Belize Bureau of Standards has proposed new, mandatory regulations for prepackaged foods, aiming to make labels clearer and more informative for consumers.

The Bureau said in its statement that the draft standard, Belize 1: Part 3:2024, would require nutritional facts, allergen warnings, and Spanish-language labels on all food products.

“The Belize 1: Part 3:2024 (Revised) Specification for Labelling Part 3: Labelling of Prepackaged Foods.
The standard for prepackaged foods has been revised to align with current labelling trends and in an effort to prevent fraud and deception arising from misleading labelling, as well as to provide adequate information to the consumer or user of prepackaged foods. Changes include language requirements to recognise product labels in Spanish; addition of nutritional facts declaration as a core requirement; and emphasis on allergen labelling. It is intended that all manufacturers, importers, distributors, and other entities engaged in the production or trade of pre-packaged foods in Belize shall comply with the requirements of this standard,” stated the Bureau.

The revisions seek to address growing concerns about fraud and provide Belizean manufacturers with the tools to meet regional and international market requirements. The Bureau is now inviting public comments on the proposed changes, with feedback due by December 31, 2024.

$3M Global Fund Grant Secured to Combat HIV, TB, and Malaria in Belize

The Ministry of Economic Development (MED) has been officially designated as the Principal Recipient of the Global Fund Cycle 7 grant, securing over $3 million to tackle HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. This funding will support national health initiatives from 2025 to 2027. According to a statement issued by the government of Belize, the funding is expected to enhance both public health outcomes and economic growth in Belize.

“The Ministry of Economic Development stands poised to harness the resources from the Global Fund to bolster national health initiatives significantly,” said Carlos Pol, Acting CEO of MED. “This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the National AIDS Commission, and others.”

The grant approval follows a thorough capacity assessment by MED, which has already finalised all key project documents, including the Implementation Map, Budget, and Performance Framework. The project is expected to launch in January 2025.

Southern Belize Women and Girls Complete Training in Vanilla Cultivation

Women and girls in southern Belize opened a new chapter in Belize’s agricultural industry with the successful completion of a specialised vanilla cultivation training program and the inauguration of the first school-based vanilla nursery.

The nursery, now planted with 100 cuttings from mother plants native to the region, is the first step toward boosting the country’s vanilla bean supply and creating new economic opportunities, especially for women. GOB stated in a press release announcing the nursery’s inauguration, “We foresee a promising future for this new sector in vanilla production.”

This initiative was a collaborative effort between the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Investment, the National Women’s Commission (NWC), the Taiwan Technical Mission, and local partners.

Youth Dies in Motorcycle Accident

A tragic road accident in the Maya Mopan area of Belmopan on Thursday afternoon claimed the life of Carlos Romero. The incident occurred around 3:00 PM at the intersection of St. Jude and St. Peter’s Street, involving a 1998 Ford 10-wheeler truck and a motorcycle.

Witnesses report that the truck driver stopped after hearing a loud bang and discovered a red motorcycle and a man trapped under the rear right wheel. With assistance from an off-duty officer, the driver freed Carlos Romero, who was rushed to the hospital but tragically died from his injuries later that evening.

Romero, a former player for Medina’s FC, was fondly remembered by the club. In a heartfelt statement, the team expressed their condolences: “We are glad we got to know a bit of you, Carlos. Our deepest condolences to family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.”

Tropical Storm Sara Approaches Belize: Warnings Issued

As of 9:00 AM today, Tropical Storm Sara continues its slow approach toward Belize, prompting a tropical storm warning from Belize City southward to the Guatemala border, including offshore cayes. The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has declared Phase 3 – Red Two of the National Hurricane Plan, signalling that landfall is expected within 36 hours.

Sara was located approximately 175 miles east-southeast of Belize City, moving west at 7 mph with sustained winds of 50 mph. Forecasts predict Sara could strengthen, reaching 60 to 70 mph winds at landfall, expected early Sunday near southern Belize.

Heavy rainfall remains the primary concern. Totals of 5 to 10 inches, with isolated higher amounts, are forecast through Sunday, exacerbating flooding in several areas, particularly in the Central and Northern Regions. Flood warnings are in effect for the Rio Hondo, Macal, Mopan, and Belize Rivers. Flooded roads, including the San Roman and San Antonio Roads in the Orange Walk District, have been reported.

Winds of 60 to 70 mph may cause damage to structures, trees, and crops. A storm surge of 1 to 3 feet is possible near areas of onshore flow. Rough seas and strong gusts have prompted a small craft warning; mariners are advised to remain in safe harbour.

Residents in the warning area are urged to implement emergency plans, stock up on essential supplies, and remain vigilant. Shelters will be opened if necessary. Motorists should drive cautiously due to slippery roads, and businesses are advised to finalise continuity plans.

The tourism, agriculture, and fisheries sectors are also advised to monitor the situation and prepare emergency measures. Public events should be postponed until the all-clear is given.

The public is encouraged to follow official updates from NEMO and the National Meteorological Service. NEMO’s hotline is 936 for further assistance. Stay informed and prepared as Belize braces for Tropical Storm Sara.

15 Foreign Nationals Denied Entry into Belize, Jamaican Breaks Leg Trying to Escape

The Department of Border Management and Immigration Services has refused entry to 15 individuals, who are now under guard at the Global Village Hotel pending repatriation. The group comprises 11 Jamaican nationals, including six adults and five minors, who arrived between November 4 and 11, 2024, and four Brazilian nationals who arrived on November 11 via a COPA Airlines flight from Panama. Officials deemed the individuals inadmissible for reasons such as lacking return tickets to their countries of origin, travelling with minors without proper legal documentation, and providing invalid accommodation details. Eight Jamaican nationals listed #111 North Front Street as their place of stay, which upon investigation was found to house businesses and a water taxi service but no known hotel.

Additionally, some hotel bookings were found to have been made with fraudulent credit cards.

Three Jamaican nationals have filed for judicial review regarding their inadmissibility.

The government has expressed concern over the increasing use of Belize as a transit point for smuggling individuals, particularly minors, to the United States and Canada. Authorities have stressed that such activities will not be tolerated. The Acting Port Commander has also reported the situation involving the children in custody to the Department of Human Services.

One of the Jamaicans who was denied entry is 37-year-old Devon Dean, who broke his leg after jumping through the hotel window in an attempt to evade immigration officers. Dean and two other Jamaicans have since retained attorney Norman Rodriguez, who filed for judicial review to challenge their deportation.

Rodriguez argues his clients met all entry requirements, including return tickets and hotel reservations, but were still refused entry. He alleges discrimination against Jamaican nationals and claims immigration officers failed to provide formal notice of detention, contrary to the Immigration Act.

Tropical Storm Watch Issued for Belize City to Placencia

A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect from Belize City southward to Placencia as Tropical Storm Sara moves closer to the country.

At 6:00 a.m. local time, Sara was located near latitude 16.1N, longitude 85.5W, about 205 miles east-southeast of Belize City. The storm is moving west at 9 mph, with sustained winds of 50 mph. Sara is expected to slow down and shift slightly to a west-northwest track by late Saturday.

The storm’s center is forecast to pass near the northern coast of Honduras today and approach Belize’s coast by Sunday. Some strengthening is possible before landfall, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph anticipated.

While the Tropical Storm Watch applies to areas from Belize City to Placencia, residents across the country are advised to monitor the storm closely.
– Rainfall: Forecasts predict 5 to 10 inches, with locally higher totals, posing a significant risk of flooding.
– Winds: Gusts of 50 to 60 mph could cause damage to trees, crops, and weak structures.
– Coastal Flooding: Minor flooding is expected in areas north of the storm’s center.
– Marine Conditions: A small craft warning remains in effect due to rough seas and strong winds near thunderstorms.

Flood warnings are active for the Central and Northern regions, including the Rio Hondo, Macal, Mopan, and Belize Rivers. Several roads, including San Roman and San Antonio in the Orange Walk District, remain submerged.

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has issued the following advisories:
– Residents in flood-prone areas should clear drains and prepare to evacuate if necessary.
– Ensure emergency kits are stocked with food, water, and medications.
– Motorists should drive cautiously due to slippery road conditions.
– Tourism, agriculture, and fisheries sectors are urged to activate emergency plans.

Shelters will be opened in affected areas if required, and NEMO’s hotline (936) is available for assistance.

NEMO and the Belize Met Service continue to monitor Tropical Storm Sara, with updates expected throughout the day. Residents are reminded that hurricane season remains active, and preparedness is key to ensuring safety.

TS Sara on Projected Path Towards Belize