2024-12-03 - Channel 5 Belize

Belize Welcomes New Ambassadors from the EU and Panama

On Monday, Governor General, Dame Froyla Tzalam welcomed two newly appointed ambassadors to Belize at the Belize House in Belmopan. Erja Askola, Ambassador of the European Union, and David Castro De Leon, Ambassador of Panama, officially presented their letters of credence.

The Government of Belize said in a statement that both ambassadors expressed gratitude to Belize for its commitment to strengthening international relations, and they “intend to foster these ties throughout their appointment.”

Belize Strengthens Alliances Welcoming Five New Ambassadors

Belize Strengthens Climate Action and Resilience at CDM 13

Belize is strengthening its disaster resilience efforts at the 13th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM 13), taking place this week in St. Kitts and Nevis. With the theme “Road to Resilience – Checkpoint 2024: Levelling Up for a Dynamic Future,” the event brings together experts and leaders from across the Caribbean and beyond to share innovative strategies for managing disasters and building resilience in the region.

The Belize delegation, led by Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator for the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), includes professionals from NEMO, UNICEF, the National Meteorological Service, the United Nations Development Program, Galen University, and others. The delegation is participating in key discussions and workshops focused on advancing disaster risk reduction, climate action, and resilience-building.

Is Climate Change Influencing the High Cost of Local Goods?

Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, Andre Perez, said in a statement, “The impacts of climate change know no borders, and this conference reminds us that comprehensive disaster management requires collective effort.” He spoke on Belize’s commitment to strengthening resilience in the face of natural disasters, acknowledging that hurricanes, floods, and droughts have continuously tested the country’s resolve.

A key contribution from Belize is the presentation, “Road to Resilience: Child-Centred Shock Responsive Systems from Theory to Action in Belize,” which spotlights the country’s efforts to protect children and adolescents during disasters. The National Meteorological Service is also participating in discussions on early warning systems.

National Youth Awards 2024 Celebrates Innovation and Dedication

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) hosted the National Youth Awards Ceremony on Friday in Punta Gorda. The event marked the conclusion of National Youth Week 2024. It celebrated the creativity, resilience, and contributions of young Belizeans across various fields.

Special guests Sheldon Ramirez and Jahrine Avila delivered inspiring speeches on the power of youth to drive innovation and leadership. Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Gilroy Usher, commended the efforts of young Belizeans, stating: “Their zeal, inventiveness, and resolve push Belize forward. It is our duty to recognise and appreciate them to create a more promising future.”

Minister of Public Utilities, Energy, and Logistics, Rodwell Ferguson, also addressed the youth, encouraging them to harness their potential: “Dream big, work hard, and never forget that your effort and enthusiasm are what keep this country thriving. We can work together to create a Belize that reflects your talents and aspirations.”

This year, awards were presented in 13 categories, including Youth in Agriculture, Sports, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Protection, Leadership, and more.

The following are the winners for each category:

Academic Excellence Award – Asia Natalia Gilharry

Athletic Excellence Award (Female) – Jasany Aaliyah Westby

Athletic Excellence Award (Male) – Betuel Eliezer Magaña

Environmental Steward Award (Group/Individual) – Belmopan Methodist High School

Innovation through Technology Award (Individual/Group) – Roseanne Delany Chun

Outstanding Young Musician Award – Amanda Emily Pech

Social Media Influencer Award – David Morey

Strength through Adversity Award – Jesmar Ismael Muniz

Youth Club/Group of the Year Award – Daniel Etienne Sharp

Youth in Agriculture Award – Veimer Velmar Chan

Youth in Entrepreneurship Award – Brinyce Breely Richardson

Youth in Visual Arts Award – Sebastian Rafael Collado

Youth Minister’s for Youth Leadership and Advocacy Award – Alfonso Ruperto Alcala

Youth with Disability Award – Abner Adoni Uh

One Dead in RTA, Multiple Injured

One person died and several were injured following two road traffic accidents last night on the George Price Highway. The incidents happened near Mile 25. According to police, the first incident occurred around 8:45 p.m. when a grey Kia Soul SUV, driven by 49-year-old Kelvin Reneau, ran off the road and flipped several times. Reneau, along with passengers 22-year-old Aliyah Torres and Aaisha Williams, suffered serious injuries.

The second incident happened while police were helping the injured and processing the scene. A white Ford van, driven by Leroy Nunez, slammed into a red Chevrolet Equinox parked on the side of the road. Three people were in the Equinox: Joshua Magaña, Angel Pastrana, and Miriam Cordon.

Cordon died on the way to the hospital.

Nunez was detained pending charges of “Driving Under the Influence,” “Causing Death by Negligence,” and “Driving Without Due Care and Attention.”