2024-12-05 - Channel 5 Belize

PAHO Urges Better Data on Violence Against Ethnic Women

A new report from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) reported alarming levels of violence faced by Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and other ethnic women and girls in the Americas. PAHO says that while violence against women is widespread across Latin America and the Caribbean, women from certain ethnic backgrounds are disproportionately affected.

In 2022, PAHO conducted a study to examine available data, identify gaps, and determine next steps. The study found that while some countries have improved data collection on violence against women from specific ethnic groups, more efforts are needed in collaboration with Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities.

“Understanding the magnitude of violence against women, as well as its risk factors and consequences, is key to preventing and responding to gender-based violence in our region,” stated Anselm Hennis, Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health at PAHO.

The report calls for a comprehensive approach to violence prevention, including addressing different types of violence, their causes, and their consequences, while also considering the discrimination faced by women and girls from various ethnic groups.

The release of this report coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence and leads up to International Human Rights Day on December 10.

Belize’s National Women’s Commission (NWC) has been part of this ongoing global effort, especially as the Belize Police Department reported a five percent increase, or 1,250 cases, in 2023 alone.

16 Days of Activism: ‘Gender-Based Violence Is Not Normal’

“We are telling women, Report it, even if you choose then not to take it to court, not to have press charges; report it, report it, report it,” stated Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Chairperson of the NWC. At the launch of the annual Sixteen Days of Activism against gender-based violence held in the House of Culture in Belize City on November 22, Garcia-Ramirez explained that reporting helps create a documented history of abuse and becomes crucial for obtaining restraining orders and securing necessary resources.

Rest in Peace Alex Bainton

18-year-old Alex Bainton has tragically passed away after suffering severe brain trauma in a traffic accident last Friday on the Philip Goldson Highway. Bainton, a member of the Ocean Academy Basketball Team, had been in a coma since the crash.

Bainton was remembered as a bright and talented young man—a fisherman, honor student, basketball and volleyball player, and open-water certified diver. His mother, Nikita Marin, had made a heartfelt plea for help just days before his passing.

Meanwhile, Ocean Academy teacher Zane Zuniga remains in critical condition. Zuniga, who was driving one of the vans, sustained severe spinal injuries and is unable to breathe on his own. He is in urgent need of surgery available only in Guatemala, costing up to $50,000 U.S. dollars. His family is appealing for prayers and financial assistance.

The accident occurred when the van Zuniga was driving suffered a blowout and overturned, carrying 12 passengers. A second van, carrying the rest of the team, witnessed the horrifying incident. Another victim, 17-year-old Gilbert Teck, is in an induced coma at the K.H.M.H., suffering from spinal injuries and a broken femur.

The Caye Caulker community, still in shock, has rallied to support the victims and their families. The school had arranged the vans for the team’s journey after their arrival in Belize City by water taxi.

KHMH’s CT Scan Back in Operation

The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority (KHMHA) announced this morning that its CT scan machine is fully operational once again, following repairs completed last night. The management extended gratitude to their service provider for the swift response and thanked the public for their patience during the downtime.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Health and Wellness celebrated the installation of the country’s first public CT scanner at KHMH. However, after just eight months of operation, the machine experienced a hardware issue caused by condensation, which disrupted communication between components.

A specialised technician was brought in to address the problem, replace a faulty part, and conduct routine maintenance to prevent future disruptions. Arrangements were made with nearby facilities to ensure continued access to CT scans for patients while the machine was being repaired.

The breakdown over the weekend caused significant inconvenience for patients, including teenagers injured in a road accident near Carmelita Village. With the machine back online, the KHMHA assures the public that the CT scanner will continue to provide reliable and efficient diagnostic services for Belizeans.