2024-11-25 - Channel 5 Belize

Netanyahu Approves Ceasefire Deal with Hezbollah

The Israeli cabinet is ready to vote on a ceasefire deal with Lebanon on Tuesday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave the plan his approval “in principle.” Netanyahu signalled his potential support during a security consultation with Israeli officials on Sunday night. The proposed deal aims to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah and is expected to pass in the cabinet vote.

While Israeli officials signal that talks are progressing, a Lebanese official revealed a ceasefire could be announced “within 24 hours.” But the deal has sparked sharp divisions in Israel. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir blasted the agreement as a “big mistake” and a “historic missed opportunity” to wipe out Hezbollah.

Residents in northern Israel and southern Lebanon have voiced concerns, with some fearing the ceasefire might be a repeat of the 2006 agreement that allowed Hezbollah fighters to return to the border. Nizan Zeevi, a resident of northern Israel, described the potential deal as a “surrender agreement” that could allow Hezbollah’s special forces to move closer to his home.

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, who has been involved in the negotiations, said the ceasefire is “within our grasp,” with hopes that it could lead to a 60-day cessation of hostilities.

However, tensions are still high, and both sides continue to exchange fire, with Israel’s Home Front Command warning of increased rocket fire ahead of the vote.

Rising Rivers Threaten Multiple Regions

Residents are advised to monitor waterways and exercise caution or extreme caution, depending on the region, as flood conditions persist across several areas.

In Region 7, increasing flood stage levels are expected on the Rio Hondo at Blue Creek North and at Santa Cruz, San Antonio, San Roman, and Douglas to the coast. On the New River, bankfull stage levels are anticipated at Hill Bank, Tower Hill, and Caledonia to the coast.

In Region 9, extreme caution is urged. On the Mopan River at Benque Viejo Town, flood stage levels are expected to continue. On the Macal River, the Chalillo, Mollejon, and Vaca spillways remain active at the Fortis facilities, while flood levels at San Ignacio are decreasing. On the Belize River, flood levels are dropping at More Tomorrow but rising at Double Run. In Crooked Tree Lagoon, water levels have exceeded the causeway and continue to rise.

In Region 11, flood stage levels are decreasing on the Sibun River at Freetown Sibun. However, above-normal levels are observed on the Southern Lagoon near Gales Point Village. On the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains and the Sittee River at Kendal Bridge, above-normal levels persist. Flood stage levels are expected on the branches of the Monkey River at Swasey and Bladen, while normal levels are reported on the Deep River at Medina Bank. Above-normal levels are expected on the Rio Grande at San Pedro Columbia and Big Falls South, the Moho River at Blue Creek South and Jordan, and the Temash River at Crique Sarco.

In Region 13, above-normal levels are expected on the Sarstoon River.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and exercise appropriate precautions.

UN Sec. Gen. on COP29: “I had hoped for a more ambitious outcome”

After two weeks of tough negotiations, the COP29 summit concluded on November 23 with a compromise on climate financing. Despite calls from developing countries for financial aid to increase from $100 billion to $1 trillion, delegates agreed on only $300 billion in annual funding by 2035.

“This document is nothing more than an optical illusion,” said Indian delegate Chandni Raina.

While some developing countries, particularly small island nations, criticised the pledge as inadequate, this new commitment will replace the current $100 billion annual goal, which expires in 2025.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed disappointment, saying, “I had hoped for a more ambitious outcome… to meet the great challenge we face,” but acknowledged the agreement as a “base on which to build.”

The summit’s focus was supposed to be on reducing fossil fuel emissions, but little progress was made in that aspect. Instead, delegates settled on increasing climate finance, though small island nations, which are most vulnerable to climate change, voiced frustration over being excluded from discussions.

Hosted by oil-rich Azerbaijan, the summit faced difficulties, including protests from the AOSIS group representing small island states. These countries warned that the funding falls short of their needs, with some calling for at least $500 billion.

Climate scientists warn that without drastic emissions reductions, global warming could exceed 1.5°C by the early 2030s, leading to irreversible environmental damage.

The only positive outcome was the agreement on a global carbon credit market, which could help fund clean energy projects and reforestation efforts, benefiting countries like Guyana and Colombia.

While leaders say that COP29’s final outcome leaves much to be desired, attention now turns to next year’s summit in Brazil.

Om Shanti Founder Travels to India for Important Meeting

Michelle “Shanti” Williams, founder of Om Shanti Belize, was warmly received by Dr. Chinmay Pandya, the Pro Vice Chancellor at Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya University (DSVV) in India.

DSVV is deeply rooted in the vision of its founder, Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya Ji, a renowned philosopher, scholar, and spiritual leader. The university’s educational approach is inspired by the philosophy of “Sanskriti” (culture) and “Dharma” (righteousness), which emphasises the integration of spiritual wisdom with modern academic knowledge. Under the leadership of Dr. Chinmay Pandya and other influential figures, DSVV has expanded its international influence through various initiatives and partnerships.

Pandya’s academic background includes medical education in India and advanced psychiatric training in the UK, where he worked as an Associate Specialist in Older People Services at the West London Mental Health Trust. With extensive experience in psychiatry and a deep commitment to yoga and meditation, Dr. Pandya has played a major role in various global initiatives, including his work with the Indian Yoga Association and the United Nations.

The meeting centred around shared values and a mutual commitment to inspiring positive change through holistic wellness and conscious action.

As highlighted by DSVV in a Facebook post, “Michelle’s dedication to healing and transformation resonated deeply, adding a new dimension to the university’s global outreach.”

Seine Bight Opens New Welcome Centre

The long-awaited Seine Bight Welcome Centre, first announced in August 2022, officially opened its doors on Sunday. The new facility boasts spaces for gift shops, restaurants, and a palapa for Garifuna drumming performances, all designed to celebrate the culture and creativity of the local community and the wider Placencia Peninsula.

Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Anthony Mahler, spoke on the importance of the Welcome Centre for local shops and cultural visibility at the project’s inauguration. “For Seine Bight, this means more opportunities for local shops, greater visibility for culture, and stronger connections to the Placencia peninsula and our overall tourism offerings,” he said in his address.

Minister Mahler also mentioned the challenges faced during the project’s development. He stressed the need for continued community involvement: “This Welcome Centre belongs to all of us, and its success or failure will reflect on the community. We cannot allow it to suffer from neglect, misuse, or lack of care.”

Seine Bight Village Chairman Jose Aleman acknowledged the struggles that come with development but highlighted the positive outcome. “Where there is development, you will hear some cries. But with those cries comes constructive communication, and with constructive communication, this is the end result,” he said.

The project was a collaboration between the Belize Tourism Board and the Seine Bight Village Council and aims to enhance tourism and local businesses in the village.

Burrell Boom Village Faces Rising Floodwaters

Another Fatal Motorcycle Accident

Reports reaching News 5 are that a fatal road traffic accident occurred at Mile 45 on the George Price Highway on Saturday night and it involved a motorcycle. Reports suggest that neither of the riders was wearing helmets.

A witness told News 5, “Wearing a helmet may not save every life, but it sure increases the chances of survival!”

Initial reports indicate that two people were on the motorcycle, and no other vehicle was involved.

One rider was seen motionless on the highway, while the other appeared to be critically injured but still breathing on the ground.

Burrell Boom Village Faces Rising Floodwaters

Burrell Boom Village Faces Rising Floodwaters

Residents of Burrell Boom village started experiencing rising floodwaters over the weekend. This morning, several parts of the village area are difficult to access. A local reported that the main road near Black Orchid Resort is now impassable. Flooding is also affecting areas near the garbage dump and the new government housing community.

The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) issued an advisory on Sunday for the Boom Bypass entrance, warning that parts of the road are currently underwater. NEMO advises drivers to “drive with caution and reduce speed when approaching the area” and “avoid unnecessary travel through the bypass if alternate routes are available.”

Small vehicles and trucks are being urged to “exercise caution” as they navigate the flooded streets. Drivers are advised to take the newer road leading to the Western Highway to avoid areas that are heavily flooded.

The flooding comes after Tropical Storm Sara swept across Belize, causing widespread flooding. The storm brought heavy rains, which have led to rising floodwaters as they flow down the river. Last Friday, the only way in or out of Crooked Tree was by boat, and at least twelve families had to evacuate due to the flooding.

Leftist opposition candidate Yamandú Orsi wins the presidency in Uruguay

Yamandú Orsi, representing Uruguay’s left-wing Broad Front coalition, secured a narrow victory in the presidential runoff on Sunday, defeating the centre-right ruling coalition candidate, Álvaro Delgado. Orsi’s win marks a return to power for the Broad Front, which governed Uruguay from 2005 to 2020, following five years of conservative leadership under President Luis Lacalle Pou.

Delgado, conceding with grace, told supporters, “With sadness, but without guilt, we can congratulate the winner,” acknowledging Orsi’s triumph in a race that saw nearly 90% voter turnout. Orsi garnered just over 49% of the vote to Delgado’s 46%, with the remaining votes either blank or abstained.

Orsi, a 57-year-old former history teacher and two-time mayor, celebrated with supporters in Montevideo, vowing to unite the nation after the closely contested election. He emphasised inclusivity, saying, “We need everyone to help build a better country.”

Despite global trends of anti-establishment populism, Uruguay’s election maintained its reputation for political moderation. Orsi’s platform reflects continuity rather than drastic change, focusing on addressing childhood poverty, combating organised crime, and revitalising agriculture through tax incentives. He plans to maintain the Broad Front’s hallmark blend of market-friendly policies and social welfare programs.

The victory reflects growing voter dissatisfaction with economic stagnation and rising crime during the Lacalle Pou administration, despite high approval ratings and signs of economic recovery. Orsi also signalled likely shifts in foreign policy, including a reconsideration of a trade deal with China that had strained Uruguay’s ties within the Mercosur bloc.

Orsi, described as a protégé of former President José “Pepe” Mujica, will assume office on March 1, 2025. His win underscores a broader trend of anti-incumbent sentiment across the globe while reaffirming Uruguay’s commitment to political stability and measured progress.