2024-12-05 - Channel 5 Belize

Taiwanese Government Hands Over Well Rig Truck to Belize

Access to clean water is a cornerstone of rural development, and a water rig truck plays a crucial role in making this possible. These trucks are essential for drilling wells and providing reliable water sources in remote areas where infrastructure is often lacking. By bringing clean water to rural communities, water rig trucks help improve health, boost agricultural productivity, and support overall economic growth. They are a vital tool in the fight against poverty and a key component in building sustainable, thriving rural communities. Earlier today, the Taiwanese government handed over a water rig truck to the Ministry of Rural Transformation. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the following story.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

In rural Belize, access to clean and safe drinking water can be limited. Water trucks help deliver potable water to these communities, ensuring that residents have a reliable source of water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.

Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation

“One of the sustainable development goals speaks, and that is SDG 6, speaks to ensuring that we provide clean, safe, potable water and that we improve sanitation, you know, across the world. And in Belize, we have worked very hard, diligently over the last four years to deliver on that SDG. Over the last four years, we have worked diligently across all of Belize. We have drilled wells for water systems, for farmers, for institutions. We have airlifted, we have chlorinated hundreds of wells across this country.”

Water is an essential resource that helps improve the quality of life and sustainability in rural communities that rely on agriculture as a primary source of income. Wells provide a consistent and reliable source of water, which is essential for daily living. This is especially crucial in areas where other water sources may be seasonal or unreliable.

Oscar Requena

“When I got to the ministry, we found two trucks that are twenty-four years old. They work two days, three days [and] they break down for a month, one of them. Fortunately, we have one that has been going and that has been helping us that throughout those challenges, as I’ve said earlier, we have drilled hundreds of wells across this country to serve the Belizean people. But we were not satisfied and I said to my team, you know, we must be visionary because if we are going to lead a nation, as leaders we must be visionary, we must be goal-oriented, we must be focused and we must work hard in ensuring that we bring the goods and services to all Belizeans.”

Well rig trucks are indispensable tools in rural development, offering a range of benefits that enhance the quality of life, support economic activities, and promote sustainable development. By providing a reliable source of water, well rig trucks help in the sustainable management of water resources. Properly drilled wells reduce the need for surface water extraction, which can deplete natural water bodies and harm ecosystems.

Jiun-Shen Hwang, Counselor, Taiwanese Embassy

“The well rig truck can also be deployed to reinforce water supply for agriculture, for irrigation. We are convinced that the project will contribute to the fostering of rural development and more decent living in rural areas. First of all, to our shared values, we commit ourselves to a stronger partnership and mutual assistance. With this project, we reaffirm this commitment as we celebrate thirty-five years of diplomatic relations. We take pride in collaborating in our initiatives that directly benefit the Belizean people.”

In times of drought or other natural disasters, well rig trucks can quickly mobilize to provide emergency water supplies. This capability is crucial for maintaining the resilience of rural communities against environmental challenges. Isani Cayetano for News Five.

My Mechanic Stole My Car

A Belize City man wants back his dark grey and silver 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV, which he alleges was stolen by a trusted mechanic. The vehicle has been missing since last week, and the owner has reported the incident to the police. He also alleges that the mechanic has a history of similar actions, including scrapping vehicles.

Police are actively searching for Germaine Gerguson, the mechanic suspected of allegedly stealing the vehicle.

According to the vehicle’s owner, a social media post on Friday night led to a tip that the SUV was spotted in Dangriga. However, the battery, radio, and keys remain missing. Authorities urge anyone with information on Gerguson’s whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers at 922, use the P3 app, or notify the nearest police station.

Joshua Moses Ashburn Charged in Immigration Fraud Case

Joshua Moses Ashburn, a 47-year-old businessman from Belize City, has been formally charged with five counts of possessing false documents and five counts of preparation for crime. The charges stem from an investigation into the discovery of counterfeit immigration documents at his establishment, Double Zero, located on Western Avenue.

Police conducted a raid last month, uncovering a trove of illegal items, including fraudulent passports, visas, and immigration stamps, believed to be linked to unauthorised immigration operations. Also found were a 9mm Glock pistol, several bags of cannabis, and a bucket of cannabis hidden in a Dodge Ram pickup. Two other men, Keenan O’Connor, 20, and Mario Fernandez, 30, were also present at the property and detained.

Ashburn appeared in court alone but was later joined by O’Connor and Fernandez for arraignment on drug-related and firearm offenses. Ashburn attempted to plead guilty to lesser drug charges, but his plea was rejected, and all three men were remanded to Belize Central Prison until January 20, 2025.

The government called the case a serious breach of security. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams clarified that while the counterfeit immigration items found suggest a sophisticated operation, no evidence has yet linked Ashburn to any public officers within the Immigration Department.

“This individual appears to have been operating independently,” Commissioner Williams stated, adding that both the fake visas and stamps were confirmed to be inauthentic replicas. According to Williams, Ashburn’s wife suggested during an interview that the counterfeit items were provided by an Asian national. The investigation remains ongoing, with police expected to file additional charges by the week’s end.

Women Shine as Ocean Heroes 2024

This year’s Ocean Hero Award celebrates the remarkable contributions of two women dedicated to protecting Belize’s marine resources: Khadijah “Kaj” Assales and Linda Searle.

Ocean Hero 2024 – Khadijah “Kaj” Assales
Khadijah Assales, creator of the Kaj Expressions lionfish jewelry line, turns environmental challenges into art with a purpose. Her innovative designs incorporate lionfish fins, raising awareness of the invasive species while promoting sustainable fishing and marine conservation.

Ocean Hero 2024 – Linda Searle
Linda Searle, a marine biologist and conservationist with over 30 years of experience, is celebrated for her work in coral bleaching monitoring, scuba diving education, and rescuing stranded marine creatures. Her tireless efforts embody a deep passion for safeguarding marine ecosystems.

Both Assales and Searle exemplify how dedication and creativity can inspire positive change in marine conservation.

French Government Collapses After No-Confidence Vote

The French government has collapsed following a no-confidence vote that ousted Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The motion, which passed with overwhelming support just three months after Barnier’s appointment by President Emmanuel Macron, was prompted by opposition parties after the former Brexit negotiator used special powers to push through his budget without a parliamentary vote.

This marks the first time since 1962 that France’s government has fallen due to a no-confidence motion. The country is already facing political instability after snap elections this summer resulted in no single party holding a majority in parliament.

In the vote, MPs were required to either vote yes or abstain, with 288 votes needed for the motion to pass. A total of 331 voted in favour of the motion. Barnier is now required to submit his resignation, and the budget that triggered the crisis is effectively nullified. He is expected to remain as caretaker prime minister while Macron selects a successor.

The no-confidence motion was filed by both left-wing and far-right parties after Barnier invoked presidential decree on Monday to push through controversial social security reforms after failing to garner sufficient parliamentary support. The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) and far-right National Rally (RN) criticised the €60bn deficit-reduction budget as unacceptable, with RN leader Marine Le Pen calling it “toxic for the French.”

Ahead of the vote, Barnier defended his policies, stating that removing him from office would not solve France’s financial issues and that difficult measures were necessary to address the country’s debt. Le Pen, however, argued that Barnier’s removal was the only solution, though she stopped short of calling for Macron’s resignation, suggesting that pressure on the president would increase if political forces and election outcomes were ignored.

Macron, who returned to France from a state visit to Saudi Arabia, is expected to address the nation on Thursday. He is not directly impacted by the vote, as presidential and parliamentary elections are separate, but he had previously stated he would not resign regardless of the outcome. The deadlock in the Assembly is likely to persist until July, as no new parliamentary elections can be held before then.

Mother Speaks Out After Son’s Tragic Death

The mother of Howard Ramirez, the young man who was shot and killed in San Ignacio, is speaking out about her son’s death.

In a heartfelt interview with News 5, she shared memories of Howard aas a kind, funny, and hard-working young man. She said that, despite what some may say, Ramirez was not a troubled child. He worked to help support his family and was well-liked by those who knew him.

“I just love my son,” she said, visibly emotional. “Why did he have to do that? Don’t shoot him in the face, only in the foot. That really hurt me. I don’t know what else they did to him. I just ask God help me come out, and make me forget but I can’t forget. It will take time.”

She also addressed the circumstances surrounding her son’s death, saying that while she understood he may have made a mistake, she believes no one is perfect. “Everybody makes mistakes. Even the rich and the poor. Nobody’s perfect,” she added.

Ramirez was shot and killed by businessman Juan Augustin Gonzalez in the Boiton Area of Cayo District. Gonzalez reported that he had found Ramirez exiting through a window of his container. Gonzalez claimed that when he tried to question Ramirez, the teen aggressively approached him with a piece of wood. Fearing for his safety, Gonzalez fired a single shot from his licensed 9mm pistol, fatally injuring Ramirez. The teen was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Ramirez’s mother also voiced concerns about the individuals involved in the shooting. She said that there was a history of tension between her family and the people involved.

Teen’s Death Sparks Questions About Poverty, Desperation

Police Hunt for Suspects in Silkgrass Robbery

Authorities are searching for two suspects linked to a brazen robbery at a store in Silkgrass Village, Stann Creek District.

According to police, the incident occurred around midday on Wednesday, December 4. Officers were called to the scene, where they spoke with 38-year-old businesswoman Xumei Zhang. Zhang reported that two individuals entered her store, with one brandishing a firearm and holding her at gunpoint.

While she was restrained, the second suspect reportedly emptied the cash register, making off with an undisclosed amount of money.

Official Police Report on Teen’s Fatal Shooting

The Belize Police Department has issued an official report on the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Howard Ramirez in the Boiton Area of the Cayo District on Wednesday morning.

The department says that officers responded to a call around 8:00 a.m., where they encountered 44-year-old businessman Juan Augustin Gonzalez. Gonzalez told police that while checking on his warehouse, he noticed a young man exiting through a window.

Gonzalez said he attempted to question Ramirez, who then allegedly picked up a piece of wood and moved toward him in an aggressive manner. Fearing for his safety, Gonzalez said he drew his licensed 9mm pistol and fired a single shot, fatally injuring Ramirez.

Ramirez’s body was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

KHMH Says 2% Premature Birth Decrease ‘Not Significant’

Healthcare professionals, parents, and organisations gathered in Belize City for the first conference on premature births to raise awareness about the growing number of preterm births in the country. This event coincides with the delayed observance of World Prematurity Day.

Neroli Williams, Nurse Unit Manager of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), said that the event was originally scheduled for November 17 in observance of World Prematurity Day but was postponed due to Tropical Storm Sara.

Although there has been a slight 2% decrease in premature births over the past year, Williams stated that it is not a significant change. She said, “But it’s nothing significant. So every year we celebrate the day by bringing back all the babies to the NICU or to KHMH to celebrate and to see how they’re doing.”

Today’s conference addresses early prenatal care, especially for women with rising rates of diabetes and hypertension, which could potentially reduce premature births. Williams stated that many women from rural areas face challenges in accessing healthcare, which may contribute to higher rates of premature births.

Williams said that in Belize, babies born at 28 weeks are considered viable, although countries like the U.S. have a threshold of 24 weeks. “But the risk factors, the developmental milestone might be delayed and we will not know that until the age comes for that milestone,” she added.

These risks can have lasting effects, but efforts are being made to reduce complications and improve outcomes for these vulnerable infants.

Rest in Peace Alex Bainton

Teen’s Death Sparks Questions About Poverty, Desperation

Rita Defour has shared a heartfelt message mourning the tragic passing of Howard Ramirez, a 17-year-old she knew well through Cornerstone’s feeding program. Her reflections come after he was fatally shot on Wednesday in the Boiton neighbourhood of San Ignacio Town.

The property owner told police that he encountered Ramirez attempting to burgle his storeroom and claimed self-defence after the teenager allegedly confronted him with a piece of wood. The teen reportedly fled but collapsed and died a short distance away. The Director of Public Prosecutions is expected to review the incident to determine if the use of deadly force meets the criteria for self-defence.

In her message, Defour urged people not to judge the young man and described him as more than the labels others might assign. “He was one of the kindest persons, always offering a helping hand, even when he was going through his own storms,” she wrote. Ramirez, who joined Cornerstone at the age of five, was a regular visitor to Defour’s home, often collecting groceries for his younger sisters.

Defour also shared that Ramirez was actively looking for a job. “These kids are tired of being providers when they are just children,” she said. “Whatever he did I know it was wrong but it was out of desperation. Don’t judge him because many of us would not be able to walk in his shoes.”

Defour said it is important to create safe spaces for children like Ramirez. She said that her annual Christmas dinners for Cornerstone’s kids are an effort to provide moments of joy to those who rarely get to celebrate. “These kids are broken, they don’t have anyone to turn to, they are tired of being providers when they are just a child.”

“The reason I always have a Christmas dinner for these kids is because they don’t celebrate anything, they are trying to survive. They never have a party for their birthdays. They don’t know what it is to experience these things.”

She ended by saying, “Pls don’t judge. You all don’t know these kids story.”