2024-12-03 - Channel 5 Belize

National Women’s Commission Host Educational Fair for Children

Gender-based violence remains a serious issue, with studies revealing that one in three women has faced physical or sexual violence. In 2023 alone, over fifty-one thousand women were killed by partners or family members. Belize has also witnessed some shocking incidents in 2024. To combat this, the National Women’s Commission launched its Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence last week. As part of their events, they held an education fair today aimed at empowering children on this critical issue. News Five’s Paul Lopez has more on this story.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Just over a week ago, the National Women’s Commission kicked off its Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with the theme #NoExcuses. They’ve planned a series of events over these sixteen days. Today’s focus was on empowering children to help end gender-based violence. Primary school students from across the city gathered at The Hub, where representatives from various NGOs and government departments engaged with them. Stacie Gladden, a program officer at the commission, was also present.

Stacie Gladden, Program Officer, NWC

“We are here celebrating the sixteen days of activism, ensuring that we ensure that information is being shared when it comes to relationships, what one should accept from what they shouldn’t accept, especially seeing in our country the rise in domestic violence has been on, it is going up. So, we are trying our best to put the information out there.”

The Safe Belize Project provides lessons on what human trafficking is and how to spot it. Eve Banks, the Community Engagement Officer, emphasizes that this information needs to be simplified so children can understand it.

Eve Banks, Community Engagement Officer, Safe Belize Project

“We need to break it down as simple as possible, because having some of the terms, like vulnerability they might not know and recruiting, harboring and servitude, as simplified as possible just so they could know what human trafficking is. For example, we would say it is something mommy can do even if you are not comfortable with it, and she is getting the money and know you know that you should be getting, even though you should not be out there working under the age of eighteen, especially for someone that you know is not, and especially things that are against your will.”

We spoke with thirteen-year-old Elsworth Logan from James Garbutt S.D.A Primary School. He was particularly intrigued by women entrepreneurs who were present representing their business.

Elsworth Logan, Student, Jamez Garbutt Primary

“I went to the woman’s booth, and I learnt that you don’t need get yourself low about starting a business. You just need to get something, like one little opportunity and take it because it could be your first and last. That is basically that women don’t have to pressure themselves starting a business and it is very easy. It is about connecting with other women and talking about starting their businesses and how to start it and when to start it.”

The Ministry of Health and Wellness set up a booth to teach kids how to avoid catching or spreading the flu. They also shared tips on nutrition and physical exercise. Some kids even got to show off their strength by doing planks.

Shadrack Ariola, District Health Educator, HECOPAB Unit

“Living health is more than just the nutritional part. Living healthily has to do with emotional health and mental health. Gender-based violence, while you might be eating healthy, you might be stressed out, emotionally burdened but what you are going through. Living healthily encompasses the whole spectrum. It is more than just eating well and physical exercise, we also have to take care of our emotional and mental needs. That has to mean sometime tackling gender-based violence.”

For eleven-year-old Shania Lamb, a student at Saint Luke Methodist Primary School, being present at today’s event taught her valuable lessons on women empowerment.

Shania Lamb, Student, St. Luke Methodist

“I went to gender booth, and they taught us about the different genders, ladies having kids, boys, girls, twins and they taught us about different abuses and emotions and people’s feelings and how you can hurt them really much. We learnt about how women can stand up for themselves, open business of their own, just with a little bit of hope and encouragement.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

16 Days of Activism: No Excuse for Violence Against Women

250 Families to Receive Annual Bowen & Bowen Jingle Boxes

For the last fifteen years, Bowen and Bowen’s Jingle Box program has brought joy to hundreds of families in Belize. This year, two hundred and fifty families will receive boxes filled with rice, canned goods, and gift certificates for meats like ham, chicken, and turkey. To make sure these boxes reach those who need them most, Bowen and Bowen works with local non-profits to find and help the recipients. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more on this heartwarming story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

A holiday just isn’t the same without a big, delicious meal, but not every family can afford one. That’s why, for the past fifteen years, the team at Bowen and Bowen Limited has been on a mission to bring joy to hundreds of families with their annual Jingle Box donations.

Rosanna Villanueva, Corporate Relations Manager, Bowen & Bowen

“Our jingle boxes are funded largely from contributions from our employees. We also, the company matches what employees contribute. And then we have been very lucky over the past couple of years to get extra funds from the Coca-Cola company. So that has allowed us to increase the number of boxes to two hundred and fifty. And we’ve also been able to increase the value of the items in the boxes. So we’re very happy because we know that these boxes are much needed across the country. And along with our partner NGOs, they’re going to go to families who really need it. So we’re very happy about that.”

The Jingle Box is all about giving families the groceries they need to make a Christmas meal. Each box includes essentials like rice, beans, mayonnaise, and gift certificates for Quality Poultry products. And of course, Bowen and Bowen’s drinks and snacks are a must-have! These boxes are handed out by partner NGOs, who figure out which families need them the most. Monica Heredia from the Belize Red Cross Society shared where this year’s boxes will go.

Monica Heredia, Belize Red Cross Society

“So this year, with the fifteen boxes that we are receiving, we are going to support the families that were affected by flooding. As you know, the villages in the Coyote District and some parts of the Belize River Valley, they were affected by the recent flooding. And so our Volunteers and staff are currently out in the Belize River Valley area doing assessments and through those assessments we will identify the 15 most in need to support them with these boxes.”

The boxes were funded by Bowen and Bowen, Coca-Cola, and the Bowen and Bowen staff. This year, the employees made their biggest donation yet. Yareli Pariente from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul says these boxes are a huge help in their mission to support those in need.

Yareli Pariente, Society of St. Vincent de Paul

“Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an organization, which is a nonprofit. Basically we join the world in a social network of charity to help those in our parish community that are struggling, maybe the shut-ins, those with disabilities. These jingle boxes will help us to carry out that mission a little more.”

Several organizations, including the Belmopan branch of the Belize Cancer Society, are still conducting assessments for the recipients of the boxes but are eager to make the season brighter for families who need it the most.

Sonia Burn, Belize Cancer Society, Belmopan Branch

“We are more than happy to receive these boxes to help the real needy. And at the moment, presently, with the help of the members, we’re gathering the names of the people who really need and in Belmopan, we did have a little flooding too, to the people at the Maya Mopan area, the Silver Pan, the J&W establishments. Presently, we are gathering the names to send out the jingle boxes to the people that really need it.”

Bowen and Bowen hopes that by next year, they will be able to increase the number of Jingle Boxes for the benefit of more Belizeans. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Bowen & Bowen Continues Jingle Box Tradition

KHMH’s CT Scan Temporarily Down

News Five has confirmed that the CT scan machine at the nation’s referral hospital is temporarily down. According to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority (KHMHA), “A condensation issue caused the communication between the hardware components to go down, requiring the replacement of a small part. The root cause has also been addressed.”

According to the KHMHA, a specialised technician was dispatched to Belize today by the supplier to oversee repairs and ensure the restoration of the CT scanner. “Arrangements have been made with nearby facilities to ensure the continuity of care for our patients requiring CT imaging.”

The replacement of the faulty part, along with routine maintenance, is expected to enhance the scanner’s reliability and efficiency for the benefit of all Belizeans.

Elevated Water Levels Persist Across Multiple Regions

The National Hydrological Service issued its latest flood forecast with areas of concern across the country. In Region 7, residents are advised to monitor waterways closely. The Rio Hondo is expected to reach bankfull stage at Blue Creek North, while decreasing flood levels are forecasted for Santa Cruz, San Antonio, San Roman, and Douglas to the coast. Along the New River, above-normal water levels are expected to persist from Hill Bank to Caledonia and the coast.

In Region 9, residents should exercise extreme caution. On the Mopan River at Benque Viejo Town, water levels are expected to decrease from bankfull stage, while on the Macal River, levels at all FORTIS facilities are projected to remain below the spillway, with San Ignacio staying below the low-lying bridge. The Belize River is expected to see a reduction in flood levels at More Tomorrow, but historical Hurricane Mitch flood levels will persist at Double Run. Crooked Tree Lagoon remains steady with water levels above the causeway.

In Region 11, above-normal levels are expected to continue along the Sibun River at Freetown Sibun and the Southern Lagoon at Gales Point Village. Elevated levels are forecasted for the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains and the Sittee River near Kendal Bridge, while the Monkey River’s Swasey and Bladen branches, as well as the Deep River near Medina Bank, are projected to remain below normal. The Rio Grande at San Pedro Columbia and Big Falls South is expected to maintain normal levels, while the Moho River near Blue Creek South and Jordan will see above-normal levels. The Temash River at Crique Sarco is anticipated to remain at normal levels.

Finally, in Region 13, the Sarstoon River is expected to maintain normal water levels. Residents across all affected areas are urged to remain cautious and monitor updates as conditions evolve.

Guinea Grass Man Needs Assistance After Cancer Diagnosis

A father from Guinea Grass village in Orange Walk is urgently seeking help for his 38-year-old son, Pedro Novelo, who is suffering from peritoneal carcinosis (PC) and suspected hepatic cirrhosis. According to Dr. Jorge Falcon’s medical report, Pedro was “admitted on 16th May, 2024, due to abdominal pain/Dengue. He underwent surgery (exploratory laparotomy) on 21st May, 2024, due to intestinal occlusion.” Dr. Falcon further reported that Pedro’s “findings were peritoneal carcinosis and suspected hepatic cirrhosis.”

Peritoneal carcinosis is a serious condition where cancer cells spread to the peritoneum, the thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity. It can occur as a result of various types of cancer, including ovarian, colon, stomach, pancreatic, and appendix cancers.

Amadeo Novelo says Pedro fell while working in the fields cutting cane, and the injury worsened his existing health condition. Since the accident, Pedro’s health has deteriorated, severely affecting his lungs and intestines.

“He was cutting cane and fell. Then my son was taken to the hospital. Then the doctor said that he takes a lot of pills for and that affected him,” said Amadeo.

Amadeo said that Pedro was hospitalised for five months at the Northern Regional Hospital (NRH) in Orange Walk and underwent surgery to remove part of his intestines. However, the surgery revealed that his illness had eaten away at his intestines, leaving him in a critical state. Amadeo further explained that after his son was discharged from NRH, the doctor informed the family that Pedro will unfortunately no longer be able to work. “We’ve been spending a lot; we’re taking care of him, but he can’t work. I’m 69 years old now,” said Amadeo.

Since being discharged, Pedro has been under the care of his mother, but the family is struggling to cover basic needs. “We are spending a lot on Pampers. A pack of Pampers costs about $19. Right now, his mother is using pieces of cloth to clean and bandage his wounds. Cloths that she has to wash with bleach and reuse because we cannot afford new ones,” he added.

The family is pleading for the assistance of anyone to help with medical supplies, food, and basic necessities. “I ask the public, if you can help me, I’ll appreciate it. Every little bit counts,” Amadeo stated.

Pedro’s next doctor visit is scheduled for December 19. That’s when the family will know when the next surgery will be. However, the family is unsure how they will manage the costs and prepare Pedro for that procedure. They are asking for donations, especially food and medical supplies like gauze and a waist belt for Pedro’s recovery.

Anyone who wishes to help can contact Amadeo Novelo at 650-4078.

Fire Leaves Family Homeless, Victim Appeals for Help

A fire has left Steve Miles, a retired malaria and dengue evaluator, and his family homeless after their home was destroyed while they were away. The blaze, which consumed the structure and all their belongings, has left the family urgently seeking help to rebuild their lives.

The fire broke out before noon today on Dougal Street in Belize City.

Miles explained that he, his wife, and grandson were not home when the fire started. He was alerted via telephone by several neighbours. He first thought it was the smoke from a fog machine that was being used around his house against mosquitos.

“When I came up Raccoon Street, I saw the smoke,” he recalled. “I said, well, that’s not right—that’s my house. When we reached here, the house was up in flames.”

According to Miles, the fogging machine might have been the cause of the fire. He speculated that the machine may have left behind embers that sparked the blaze.

Efforts to extinguish the fire were reportedly hampered when the first fire truck on the scene ran out of water, allowing the flames to spread further. Miles stated, “The fire engine made it out, but apparently it looked like the first fire truck ran out of water.”

The fire left the family with nothing.

Having lived at the location for over two decades, Miles estimated the loss of his home and belongings at around $100,000. He is now appealing for assistance to help him and his family recover.

“We don’t save anything,” Miles said. “If anybody could help me with clothes, food, or donations, I’d appreciate it. We’re trying to get back on our feet.” Miles, his wife Marilyn, and their grandson are temporarily staying with a family member but have no furniture or basic necessities.

“We’ve lost everything, but I hope we can rebuild. With help, I know we can have a shelter again.”

Anyone willing to assist can contact Miles at 615-6068 or 626-0645.

How to Save $$$ This Christmas

Christmas is a time of joy and giving, but it’s easy for families to overspend. However, according to economist Rumile Arana, the ones who truly benefit during this time are the people selling. He says that if you’re not the one selling, you’re the one spending.

In an episode of Open Your Eyes, Arana shared valuable advice on managing finances during the holiday season. He spoke on the importance of the three M’s of budgeting: “math, it’s management, and most of all, it’s a mentality.” He pointed out that the excitement and emotions that come with the holidays often lead people to overspend.

“Most of the employers will give you all of your money on December 15th, and a lot of people are not used to managing money for an entire month. So people end up in a situation where after Christmas everybody always calls it ‘maaga season.’ But it’s just for the mere fact that you haven’t managed your finances appropriately,” Arana explained.

He also noted that while the average individual might earn about $1,500, and a two-parent household could bring in around $3,000, it’s easy to end up spending twice that amount during Christmas on what might seem like “simple things.”

“You have to understand what your family needs and then cater your budget to that. You do not, at any point, want to go into debt for Christmas,” Arana said. He stressed the importance of planning ahead. “Take a breakdown of the items you want for Christmas, and get the price of them. So these things can be written down so that from September, or mid-year, you plan.”

Arana suggested that by planning ahead and saving in advance, families can avoid financial stress. “If your salary is decent, you can put up a portion of it at different intervals to ensure that when Christmas time comes, when November comes, you’re not that deep in a hole.”

Strategies to Save this Christmas

To help keep spending in check, Arana recommends several strategies. First and foremost, he urges people not to go into debt for Christmas. He also suggests limiting the time spent “wandering” or “window shopping” in stores. Having a shopping list and sticking to it is key to avoiding impulse buys. He said that planning gifts ahead of time is another smart move, as it allows you to take advantage of sales throughout the year.

Arana also advises setting price limits for or skipping “other” gift-sharing activities that could strain your budget. In terms of home improvements, he suggests keeping renovations to a minimum during the holiday season, such as avoiding costly upgrades like painting or new curtains. Instead of buying new Christmas decorations, consider recycling the ones you already have to save money.

To further cut costs, Arana recommends turning off Christmas lights and decorations when not in use, such as when the children go to sleep. Shopping at budget-friendly locations, like markets instead of larger stores, can also help you save. He added that celebrating Christmas Day as a family can help share the costs and make the day more special without overspending. Arana said, “Do not go into debt for Christmas… You have to realise that at the end of the day, the world does not end on December 25th.”

Police Assures Public They Can Christmas Shop in Safety

Bowen and Bowen Gives Back with Jingle Boxes

For the last 15 years, the Bowen and Bowen Group has embraced the spirit of the season through its annual Jingle Box program, bringing joy and support to families in need. With many households struggling to meet daily needs, this tradition provides a meaningful gesture during the holidays.

This year, Bowen and Bowen is distributing 250 Jingle Boxes to families across the country. Each box includes rice, beans, vegetables, snacks such as cookies and soft drinks, and a gift card for Quality Poultry, ensuring recipients can enjoy a complete Christmas meal.

The initiative is made possible through partnerships with various organisations, helping to identify and reach those most in need. The official handing-over ceremony took place today at Bowen and Bowen’s headquarters in Belize City.

Belize Advance Key Trade Initiatives At CARICOM’s 59th COTED Meeting

A Belizean delegation, led by Minister of State for Foreign Trade Osmond Martinez, participated in the 59th Regular Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) in Georgetown, Guyana. The team engaged in important discussions about regional trade.

Among the key topics were efforts to strengthen the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), with a focus on improving the free movement of skilled workers and updating trade regulations. According to the government, the Belizean delegation also addressed recent changes in import duties on goods important to Belize.

The government said that a major priority for Belize at the meeting was the approval of the Partial Scope Agreement with El Salvador. CARICOM member states agreed to hold a special meeting in early 2025 to finalise this agreement, which was first signed in 2023.

In addition to the discussions, Minister Martinez met with Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith, to talk about poultry import requirements. He also discussed the possibility of exporting poultry to Barbados with Kerrie Druard Symmonds, Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, as the country is interested in importing poultry from Belize.

One Dead in RTA, Multiple Injured

South Korea’s President Declares Martial Law

In a shocking late-night television address on Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law as he accused the opposition Democratic Party of engaging in anti-state activities and harbouring pro-North Korea sympathies. This dramatic move has plunged the nation into political turmoil.

The declaration marks the first use of martial law in South Korea since 1980, during a student-led nationwide uprising. President Yoon justified the measure by citing recent actions by the opposition-controlled parliament, including attempts to impeach top prosecutors and reject the government’s budget proposal.

Yoon described these actions as “clear anti-state behaviour aimed at inciting rebellion” and accused the National Assembly of being a “den of criminals.” He defended martial law as essential for eliminating “shameless pro-North anti-state forces” and restoring order, pledging to “minimise its impact on the public.”

Despite the president’s assertions, South Korea’s parliament swiftly voted to block the martial law decree, with 190 of 300 lawmakers opposing the measure. Under South Korean law, the president must comply with the vote, but the immediate implications remain unclear.

The announcement has sparked panic and disbelief among South Koreans. In Seoul, residents rushed to join their families amid heightened anxiety, with reports of law enforcement warning citizens that arrests could now occur without warrants.

Even members of President Yoon’s own conservative People Power Party condemned the declaration. Party chief Han Dong-hoon, a former justice minister, labeled the move “wrong” and vowed to join rival lawmakers in opposing it.

Since taking office in 2022, Yoon Suk Yeol’s presidency has been marked by challenges and controversy. A former prosecutor with no prior political experience, Yoon narrowly won election and succeeded liberal President Moon Jae-in. Yoon’s popularity has plummeted due to scandals and controversies, with hundreds of thousands of citizens previously calling for his impeachment.