2024-11-20 - Channel 5 Belize

Tropic Air Adds New Caravan to Its Fleet

Tropic Air has just expanded its caravan fleet with a brand-new aircraft. This week, the airline unveiled its fifteenth caravan, promising a consistent passenger experience no matter when or where you fly with them. Tropic’s owner and C.E.O., Max Greif, shared with News Five that as Belize’s largest airline, they take great pride in their service, even flying to less profitable destinations. Max took over the company from his father, John Greif III, and his business partner, Steve Schulte. Now, he’s implementing upgrades to ensure Tropic Air remains top-notch for the next thirty years. Here’s News Five’s Marion Ali with the report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

This brand-new V3-HJA single-engine caravan is now the latest aircraft in Belize. Tropic Air introduced this new addition to its fleet this week. Max Greif, the owner of Tropic Air, says this acquisition is part of a broader effort to make flying more reliable and enjoyable for passengers.

Max Greif, Owner/C.E.O., Tropic Air

“Our focus really for the past two years has been growth focusing on our core. What do we do well and making sure that we do more of it? And so we made the decision last year to become an all caravan fleet. Every time you fly Tropic, it’s on a grand caravan with air conditioning, with I.F.R. rating, which is instrument flight rating which allows our pilots to fly through weather. It allows us to anticipate difficult weather anomalies that could pop up, and at the end of the day, our value differentiator from our competitor is providing a premium experience. We’re the only airline in the country and really in the region that offers an all I.F.R. rated fleet, all caravan fleet, and all of our aircraft to have air conditioning.”

Greif purchased the company from his father, John Greif the Third, and his business partner, Steve Schulte, two years ago when COVID crippled the country’s economy and had a devastating effect on Tropic Air. Moving forward, Greif said that in the post-pandemic era, there is great potential for growth.

Max Greif

“There was a big jump after COVID, but we believe that there’s sustained level of growth for us to maintain. And really we saw the need for a 15th caravan. A lot of it comes from the fact that we have a very supportive government. All the work that’s been done by the Ministry of Tourism, as well as the prime ministers, the Ministry Minister of Civil Aviation. We see that we have a government that’s very supportive of growth and also ensuring that Belizean companies are protected. And so to the extent that that environment remains, we’re going to continue to acquire new aircraft. We’re expanding our cortisol terminal. We’re looking to break ground in Placencia. We have several aircraft that we expect to bring online next year.”

To keep their service top-notch across the country, Greif mentioned that Tropic Air even flies to less profitable areas. He highlighted how much the airline industry depends on tourism. In today’s world, where security is crucial for travel safety, Greif emphasized that Tropic Air prioritizes this aspect as well.

Max Greif

“We have four dedicated employees that are just for safety. We have an SMS program, a safety management system program. That is solely dedicated on ensuring that we provide the safest possible operations. Um, that recognizes our security apparatus. And it’s this healthy balance of ensuring that we provide the best possible experience, the best possible service, while maintaining a sense of safety and security. And we take the approach that the security level has to be commensurate with the threat. We have a zero tolerance policy of whether it’s through our cargo system, or whether it’s through any packages that are being carried by a passenger, and also we regularly have police inspections of our aircraft.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

Excessive Flooding in Canal

Tonight, Ray Cattouse, who lives at Mile Fourteen on the Philip Goldson Highway, is once again speaking out to the media. He’s worried about the environment and frustrated with his neighbor’s actions. Despite years of complaints to the Department of the Environment, his neighbor has been allowed to continue waste management operations. Cattouse claims these activities have polluted the creek on his property and now caused severe flooding. We visited Cattouse’s home today to see the damage firsthand. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the report.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Across the country, hundreds of families are grappling with the severe flooding brought on by Tropical Storm Sara. However, Ray Cattouse, who lives at Mile Fourteen on the Philip Goldson Highway, believes there’s more to the story behind the water invading his property. He points the finger at his neighbor who owns a carbonated beverage and hazardous waste disposal facility. A canal links the properties of Cattouse, Canul, and their neighbor Teichroeb. Last year, Cattouse reported a fishkill, which he claims was caused by pollutants in the water.

Ray Cattouse, Resident

“Because of that, I can’t give mister Teichroeb wrong for doing what mister Teichrob did. Mister Teichroeb block off the canal. So that the water pass through his place no more. I can’t give ah wrong. I woulda do the same thing. No, if the department of environment will tell you we can’t do nothing about that then you do what you could for yourself and due to that canal block off now, because this canal that flows through my property and mister Teichroeb property is the what you say the canal that the water used to pass through all the time on the natural canal, but now that is block, now the water have to find the way around.”

Cattouse explains that his neighbor blocked off access to the water on his property, which he understands since his neighbor also enjoys fishing in the nearby natural ponds. However, this has caused the water to change its course, leading to flooding on Cattouse’s land. While he acknowledges that the recent heavy rains might have made things worse, he insists he’s never seen flooding like this before.

Ray Cattouse

“We have a lot of water, but I’ve lived here since 2000. My parents have lived here since 79, and all the hurricanes and so we passed through. We never have this kind of flooding. This flooding just happened this year because the natural flow of the canal is black. And like I say again, I can’t beg mister Teichroeb to block out the water, make it go round, because the DOE say that they can’t do nothing about it. So he did something about his pond. And so with that now, like you see the whole area here is flooded because the two canals on either side of mister Teichroeb is too small to carry the water.”

The neighboring facility operates with the green light from the Department of the Environment, so it’s unlikely they’ll stop anytime soon. Cattouse mentioned that his property stretches at least half a mile, making it tough and costly to block access. He thinks the best fix would be to widen the culverts along the road to handle the increased water flow.

Ray Cattouse

“The resolution this time around is very simple, the culvert on either side of mister Teichroeb property. It’s too small to carry the water because the main flow of the water is block. No? But what the M.I.D. will have to do is to put two bigger culverts on each side of mister Teichroeb property. I’ll take you around there right now and show you the height of the water on both sides of mister Teichroeb property. Because the water can’t get through fast enough because the main stream going through mister Teichroeb land is blocked off”

In 2019, Cattouse took to the media to air his grievances about alleged air pollution emanating from Canul’s property. In 2023, Cattouse reported the alleged pollution of the creek. We reached out to the Chief Environmental Officer, Anthony Mai for a comment. He told us that the Department of the Environment is not aware of the current complaint but will investigate the matter. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Man Wins 25,000 Dollars on his Birthday with Scratch and Win

This week, a resident of Crooked Tree got the birthday surprise of a lifetime, winning twenty-five thousand dollars on a Scratch and Win ticket. Earlier today, he dropped by our office to share the excitement he felt when he realized he had won such a big prize on his birthday and to talk about his plans for the money.

Scratch & Win Winner

“I went da di shop by Crooked Tree and I decide fi buy two tickets. I bought one dalla and one five dollars. And when I scratch the last one weh da five dollars, I realize it seh cash right. So when I scratch the bottom number I see twenty-five. So I seh well, da mi wa good birthday cuz it’s my birthday to soh.”

Britney Gordon

“So you bought this ticket on your birthday and you won?”

Scratch & Win Winner

“Yes.”

Britney Gordon

“So what went through your head the moment you realized, oh I won this much money?”

Scratch & Win Winner

“Well you feel ah lee funny inna your body because you win this big prize.”

Britney Gordon

“What do you plan to do with cash like this?”

Scratch & Win Winner

“Well forst thing da my house. Because I mi start bout two years fi start with my house but I mi have some lee delay back soh. But now da di correct time I figure.”

Britney Gordon

“And I notice you came with all your family today, are they excited for you?”

Scratch & Win Winner

“Yes. That’s why they deh behind me.”

Britney Gordon

“What would you to other people that might want to buy Scratch?”

Scratch & Win Winner

“Mek ney keep di try ney luck because you neva know when da yo day. Everything da just try and keep and keep try. If yo noh buy, you noh win. You noh have hope that way.”

Cold Front Brings Unstable Conditions

Belize is set to experience moist and unstable weather as a cold front approaches.

Expect sunny skies with cloudy intervals today. By tonight, conditions will become increasingly cloudy, with a few showers and thunderstorms developing initially offshore and along southern coastal areas. As the evening progresses, showers and thunderstorms are expected to intensify, particularly over inland and coastal regions.

By tomorrow morning, the activity is forecast to gradually decrease, bringing some relief from the unsettled weather. Stay tuned for updates as conditions evolve.

The National Meteorological Service also shared that it is currently facing a service disruption due to a damaged fiber cable near the airport, affecting both website and phone lines.

Fire in San Pedro Ruled as Arson Causes $200K in Damages

Police continue to investigate a fire incident in the DFC neighbourhood of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, that destroyed three structures, including a two-story house, a four-bedroom home, and a small shop with a bedroom.

The damage is estimated at $200,000. The property owner, Sandra Catzim, and the community are concerned after officials confirmed the fire was set intentionally.

The fire broke out around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday and quickly spread, destroying the houses. “The houses were already lost by the time we arrived,” said a local firefighter to the San Pedro Sun. Prior to the fire, witnesses reported suspicious activity in the area. One resident told the local newspaper, “My neighbour said they saw someone hanging around, and then suddenly, there was smoke everywhere. All I could do was grab my child and the most important documents and leave with my family.”

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) is closely monitoring the situation and preparing to assist those affected. Daniel Mendez, NEMO’s National Emergency Coordinator, told the San Pedro Sun, “We encourage residents to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour.”

Flash Flood Warning for Downstream Communities in Cayo District

Flash Flood Warning for Downstream Communities in Cayo District

Residents in Region 7 are urged to monitor waterways and remain cautious. On the Rio Hondo, flood levels at Blue Creek North are expected to decrease, while at Santa Cruz, minimal increases in levels are anticipated. Flood stage levels will also decrease from San Antonio, San Roman, and Douglas towards the coast. On the New River, bankfull stage levels are expected at Hill Bank, Tower Hill, and Caledonia, extending to the coast.

In Region 9, the Mopan River at Benque Viejo Town, flood levels are receding and are expected to continue decreasing to Hurricane Mitch levels. On the Macal River, floodwaters at Fortis facilities, including Chalillo, Mollejon, and Vaca spillways, are active, while flood levels at San Ignacio are expected to decrease. On the Belize River, flood levels at More Tomorrow will continue to decrease, but at Double Run, levels will rise. Increasing levels are also expected at Crooked Tree Lagoon, although they should remain below the causeway.

In Region 11, the Sibun River at Freetown Sibun, flood levels have already exceeded historical Hurricane Mitch and Keith levels and continue to rise. On the Southern Lagoon at Gales Point Village, flood levels are expected to decrease. In the watersheds on the Eastern Slopes of the Maya Mountains and on the Sittee River at Kendal Bridge, flood stage levels are also expected to decrease. Increasing flood levels are expected on the branches of the Monkey River at Swasey and Bladen. On the Deep River at Medina Bank, above-normal levels are expected. On the Rio Grande at San Pedro Columbia, levels will decrease, while at Big Falls South, levels will remain above normal. On the Moho River, above-normal levels are expected at Blue Creek South and Jordan, and on the Temash River at Crique Sarco, above-normal levels are also expected.

In the Sarstoon River in region 13, above-normal levels are expected.

A flood warning remains in effect for the northern, central, and southern rivers and their tributaries, including the Rio Hondo, Belize River, Sibun River, Mopan River, Sittee River, branches of the Monkey River (Bladen and Swasey), and areas along the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains.

Additionally, a flash flood warning is in effect for downstream communities in the Cayo District. The San Roman and San Antonio access roads are flooded, and communities along and downstream of the Belize River can expect flooding conditions.

Severe flood warnings are in effect for the Macal River and its tributaries. San Ignacio Low-Lying Bridge and Iguana Creek Bridge remain impassable.

Developing Nations Reject $200bn Climate Finance Proposal at COP29

Belize Participates in Historic India-CARICOM Summit

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Francis Fonseca, is representing Belize at the second India-CARICOM Summit in Guyana.

The India-CARICOM Summit brings together leaders from India and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to explore ways of enhancing bilateral ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented seven key pillars aimed at deepening cooperation and addressing shared global challenges.

A central theme of the summit was “capacity building,” with Prime Minister Modi reaffirming India’s commitment to supporting the Caribbean through educational and technical initiatives. As part of this effort, India will expand its ITEC scholarship program by adding 1,000 new slots over the next five years. Modi also announced plans to collaborate with CARICOM countries to develop forensic centres and improve parliamentary training, further solidifying India’s role as a development partner.

Agriculture was highlighted as another critical area of collaboration, with Modi emphasising India’s commitment to helping strengthen agricultural infrastructure and ensure food security in the Caribbean region. Recognising the challenges faced by the global south, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, Modi underscored India’s ongoing support to CARICOM countries, including vaccine distribution and capacity-building efforts.

The summit also focused on digital innovation, with Modi showcasing India’s technological advancements. He proposed the adoption of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) across CARICOM countries, building on its successful implementation in countries like the UAE, Singapore, and France. Modi also introduced India’s Digi Locker platform, a cloud-based system for secure document storage, and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in public procurement.

On the cultural front, Modi celebrated the deep-rooted ties between India and the Caribbean, particularly through the shared love of cricket. In a bid to promote gender equality, Modi proposed training eleven young female cricketers from each CARICOM nation in India.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the summit “serves as a platform for Belize to expand its relations with.”

Bluesky Surges to One Million Users as X Faces Mass Exodus

Bluesky, a social media platform, recently reached one million users, seeing rapid growth as many users left X (formerly Twitter) following the U.S. presidential election. According to Similarweb, over 115,000 U.S. users deactivated their X accounts on November 6, though X still had its highest web traffic of the year on the same day. X, which was acquired by Elon Musk in 2022, has faced criticism over issues like hate speech and political bias, prompting many users to seek alternatives.

Bluesky, initially a project funded by Twitter before Musk’s acquisition, differentiates itself by focusing on decentralisation and user control. It allows users more freedom in what they see and enables easier movement across platforms. Founded as an independent company in 2022, Bluesky is primarily owned by Jay Graber, who has a background in cryptocurrency and decentralised systems.

Despite Bluesky’s surge, X remains larger, with more users and traffic. However, Bluesky’s user base has doubled in the past 90 days, and its growth accelerated post-election, while X’s user engagement appears to be waning. Prominent journalists and media outlets, such as Charlie Warzel, Mara Gay, Don Lemon, and The Guardian, have also shifted to Bluesky, citing concerns over X’s content and direction under Musk. While Bluesky’s rise signals a potential shift, X still dominates, though its future remains uncertain amid growing user dissatisfaction.

You can follow News 5 Belize on Bluesky by clicking here.

Belize Softball U-18 Team Leaves to Compete in Nicaragua

The Belize Softball Federation announced on Monday that the roster for the U-18 National Team is set to represent Belize in the Central American Softball Championships from November 21-24 in Estelí, Nicaragua.

The team departed on Tuesday and is to return on Monday, November 25.

The Federation said it has worked hard to form a competitive team, organising open tryouts and training sessions across several towns in Belize, including Belize City, Orange Walk, Camalote, Independence, and San Pedro. They also reached out to Belizeans living abroad to ensure a diverse selection of talent.

According to the Federation, after weeks of intense training with the national team coaches and regional trainers, the following players have been selected to represent Belize in the tournament: Georgianna Carr, Helen Cassasola, Wilma Chun, Kimari Davis, Rayanna Ferrel, Josey Flowers, Malesha Frazer, Aalianna McFadzean, Danisha Richards, Reginae Ruiz, Ixchel Cuellar-Santiago, Zarra Cuellar-Santiago, Briannie Saravia, Zyra Smith, Naveah Sosa, Yasmin Weir, Jaysha Weir, and Shellange Wilshire. Additionally, Rhea Henry and Rahira McKoy have been named as reserves.

The coaching staff for the team includes Floyd Flowers as head coach, Agnes Lucas as assistant coach, and Jason Belisle as pitching coach.

Belize Demands “Doubling of Adaptation Finance” at COP29

Belize Opens High Commission Office in Guyana

Belize officially opened its High Commission office in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on Tuesday. This is according to an X post by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. It said, “FM Fonseca, accompanied by Amb. Mai and HC Gale Miller-Garnett, officially opened Belize’s High Commission in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. FM Fonseca spoke of the strong relations with Guyana and the importance of forging ties with CARICOM.”

Earlier in June, the Belize flag was hoisted at the chancellery of the High Commission of Belize in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, marking the nascent of its operations.”

The event was led by High Commissioner H.E. Gale Miller-Garnett and attended by Belize Defence Force members studying in Guyana.

While in Guyana, Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca, in his capacity as Minister of Education, “met with Belizeans studying in Guyana. The students who are primarily pursuing programs in medicine and law spoke to their experience and progress living and studying in Guyana.”