2024-12-10 - Channel 5 Belize

Corruption is Everyone’s Business

Earlier today, the Good Governance Unit held its second annual Anti-corruption Conference, shining a spotlight on how corruption affects Belizean society, the economy, and governance. This event is vital in the global fight against corruption, bringing together experts, policymakers, activists, and other stakeholders to discuss these pressing issues. Among the attendees was U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan, adding her voice to the conversation.

Michelle Kwan, U.S Ambassador

“Corruption can threaten the foundations of democracy, it can diminish the public confidence in institutions and divert valuable resources away from those that really need it. Corruption stifles economic growth, impedes development and exacerbates inequality, leading to a cycle that can often be too difficult to break. Whether it’s bribery, misallocation of public resources or the lack of accountability, corruption threatens not only governance but the safety and well-being of citizens. No company or persons should be too big or important to be held accountable. That is why the United States stands steadfast in our support for good governance in Belize and throughout the world. This anti-corruption conference, the second organized by the Good Governance Unit with the support of the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement program is really a testament to our expanded partnership in combatting corruption.”

“Empowered by Voice, United by Choice, Belize Against Corruption”

Also present at the event was Chief Executive Officer Rolando Zetina and Cesar Ross, Director of the Good Governance Unit. Here’s what they shared about today’s conference.

Rolando Zetina, C.E.O., Ministry of Public Service

“Under the banner of this year’s theme: Empowered by Voice, United by Choice, Belize Against Corruption, we are reminded of our collective strength when government, communities, institutions and individuals work hand in hand towards a common purpose. Today is also celebrated as Human Rights Day and as you know, human rights can improve individuals and communities to forge a better tomorrow. Human rights and corruption are interconnected, as corruption can affect many human rights. But that would be a discussion for another time.”

Cesar Ross, Director, Good Governance Unit

“Corruption is the cancer that causes us not to be able to give our children all that they deserve. When the ambassador mentioned the artwork from last year one particularly, the minister and I went to St. Joseph Primary School and we spoke with the principal and the teacher and a little nine-year-old girl did an artwork and in the artwork, she had on one side teachers, politicians, priests and policemen. And on the other side, she had, let us bloom, let us bloom. A child telling us that unless we fix the problems that have been created, unless we find ways to end corruption, they are not finding themselves blooming.”

Agriculture Minister Discusses Screwworms with Mexican Counterparts

Guatemala and Mexico have reported cases of New World Screwworm in their regions. To protect Belize, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority introduced new rules on November eighth. These rules will help to prevent and quickly handle any outbreaks. Key actions include inspecting animals, reporting early, treating wounds, and controlling animal movement. On Monday, Minister of Agriculture Jose Abelardo Mai had a productive meeting in Mexico with the new Secretary of Agriculture, Doctor Julio Berdegué Sacristán. They talked about various agriculture and trade issues. Minister Mai highlighted the need to make it easier for Belize to export agricultural products to Mexico. Currently, Belize exports only $8 – $10 million worth of goods to Mexico, while importing over $300 million from them. Minister Mai stressed the importance of balancing this trade relationship. Here’s a brief audio clip from the Mexican Minister of Agriculture.

On the phone: Dr. Julio Berdegué Sacristán, Minister of Agriculture, Mexico

“Mexico is interested in importing from Belize every single head of cattle that’s legally exported from Belize to Mexico and that complies with the technical protocols to ensure the sanitary standards. Anything that you can send us, we will receive it very gladly.”

G.O.B. Commits to Furthering the Mission of late BAPDA President

On Monday, we shared the sad news of Kenrick Theus’ passing, the late president of the Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities. Theis was en route to Brazil for a Disabilities Conference when he suffered a major heart attack at the Panama airport. He dedicated decades to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities and pushing for legislation to support their cause. Today, the Government of Belize issued a statement expressing their deep sorrow over Theis’s death. The Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, and the Disability Desk highlighted his role as a beacon of hope and tireless advocate for the disabled community. The statement read: “The loss of Kenrick Theus is deeply felt, and we mourn the departure of a remarkable individual whose life’s work has made Belize a better place for all. We commit to continuing his mission with the same fervor and dedication that he so passionately exemplified. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire.”

Cruise Tourism Numbers Still Lower than pre-COVID Era

It’s the high season for cruise tourism, thanks to the chilly winter weather in North America. Many North Americans head to our shores to enjoy the sand, sea, and sun during the Christmas season. However, tourist arrivals in Belize are still slightly below pre-COVID levels. According to Lloyd Enriquez, the B.T.B’s Director of Cruise, the main reason is that Belize City lacks a docking facility.

Lloyd Enriquez, Director of Cruise, B.T.B

“The cruise high season runs from mid-November through to around April or May. So we’re in the midst of high season, uh, this year, calendar year of 2024. We’re looking at our around 2% less than last year, 2023. That’s how we will end up. Um, so that’ll bring us somewhere in the region of 800,000 to 850,000 passengers in Belize City. Until we get a docking facility in Belize City or near Belize City, we can expect those numbers to kind of remain in that region of 800,000 or so. Belize City, on average, gets 85 percent disembarkation rate. That’s the, throughout the year. It doesn’t matter what time of the year, high season, low season. We’re pretty much in the region of 85 percent disembarkation rate. The vast majority of those persons who disembark the ship, Go on tours Um the top tours the top destination for tour is actually in a hot chain, which is some people know that as uh, jacquard park So they go there for ziplining then we have the maya sites Altona being closest being the second in terms of visitorship Um, is this this 85%?”

Reporter

“How does it compare to other destinations?”

Lloyd Enriquez

“Belize is very good. Belize is an excellent tour destination A lot of people come here for the tour and the variety that we have, uh, compared to other destinations in the Caribbean, which may only be sand, sea, sun, we have far more to offer, so you can do activities, snorkeling, you can do onshore activities, you can go ziplining, you can go to Maya sites, you can go caving. So the Belize product is, is much more diverse than what you’d find in the Caribbean.”

Princess Cruise Line and BTB Hold Children’s Christmas Party

Today, the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association, along with Princess Cruise Line, joined forces with the Belize Tourism Board to throw a festive Christmas party for the kids from Liberty Children’s Home and Central Assembly of God Primary School. Held at the House of Culture, the celebration featured dinner, drinks, music, and entertainment by Ozzie the Clown. Santa even made an appearance to hand out gifts! News Five’s Marion Ali has the full scoop on this heartwarming event.

Marion Ali, Reporting

It’s that magical time of year when Christmas cheer is in the air! Today, Princess Cruise Line and the B.T.B. hosted a delightful Christmas party for the kids from Liberty Children’s Home and Central Assembly of God Primary School. The event was packed with fun and excitement for the children from Liberty Children’s Home. Agatha Valentine, the organization’s Director, shared that the kids were buzzing with excitement from the moment they heard about the party.

Agatha Valentine, Director, Liberty Children’s Home

“They’re always excited about gifts. This is the best time of the year for them. The children have been looking forward to Christmas. We go very extensive during this time for them as well, but the fact that they get to leave the facility, Liberty is located in Ladyville, for the most part, our residents, um, their activities are limited to that area, and it has to be that way because of finances. The moment you go beyond the Ladyville area, you’re incurring costs. And so, um, they’re overjoyed to come to the city to be at the house of culture.”

The event has been a tradition for cruise lines for over twenty years. This was the first Christmas party since the COVID pandemic, and it was extra special. According to Lloyd Enriquez, the B.T.B’s Director of Cruise, Santa himself arrived as a tourist from the ship to hand out the gifts!

Lloyd Enriquez, Director of Cruise, B.T.B.

“Sun princess is in port. There are about 17 crew, including Santa that came off the ship today to spread the Christmas cheer and the holiday cheer with these children. How many kids are getting gifts today? Approximately seven, 60, uh, children. There are some who could not make it, uh, for various reasons. So, 60 actually showed up today.”

Altogether, over sixty children ranging in ages from four to thirteen from both institutions were present for the occasion. Marion Ali for News Five.

Police Report 215 DUI Arrests Across Belize in 2024

The Belize Police Department has recorded 215 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol from January to November 2024. The arrests are part of an ongoing effort to improve road safety and reduce alcohol-related traffic incidents nationwide.

The breakdown of arrests by police formations and precincts reveals that Orange Walk recorded the highest number of DUI arrests with 54, followed by Benque Viejo del Carmen with 30 and San Pedro with 26. Other areas reported the following figures: Ladyville (20), San Ignacio/Santa Elena (16), Toledo (14), Precinct 2 (13), Dangriga (8), Corozal (8), Precinct 4 (6), Belmopan (6), Precinct 1 (4), ISF (4), Mahogany Heights and Hattieville (3), Placencia (2), and Precinct 3 (1). Notably, no DUI arrests were recorded in Caye Caulker or Roaring Creek during this period.

The Belize Police Department, in collaboration with the Transport Department, continues to enforce measures aimed at reducing traffic-related incidents. Authorities are urging motorists and motorcyclists to exercise caution and responsibility on the nation’s highways, especially as the holiday season approaches, when DUI-related incidents often increase.

World Human Rights Day 2024: “Our rights, our future, right now”

Every year on December 10, World Human Rights Day is observed to raise awareness about the fundamental rights and freedoms that every individual is entitled to, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, or religion. Today marks the 76th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations in 1948.

The day observes the importance of safeguarding human rights and serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against discrimination and inequality.

This year’s theme, “Our rights, our future, right now,” reflects the need for immediate action to ensure human rights are respected in light of global crises. Pope Francis, marking the day, urged leaders to listen to the millions deprived of basic rights by war, calling it “the mother of all poverty.”

Meanwhile, the Conference of European Churches expressed concern over the rising violations of human rights. Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira cited the conflicts of war in Ukraine and other global crises, saying, “Violations of freedom of religion and belief, rising inequalities, discrimination, and violations of the rights of refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, displaced persons, and Roma remind us of the fragility of these achievements.”

35 Years Since Ratifying Children’s Rights Convention

PAHO Reports Surge in Dengue in the Americas

Today, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) raised alarms over rising cases of dengue across the Americas.

According to PAHO, the region is experiencing its worst dengue epidemic since 1980, with over 12.6 million cases reported. This is nearly three times the number from 2023. This includes 21,000 severe cases and more than 7,700 deaths. Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico together make up 90% of the cases and 88% of the deaths, with Brazil being the most affected.

PAHO’s Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, said during a press conference held today, “Dengue is posing a higher-than-normal risk to children. In countries like Guatemala, 70% of dengue-related deaths have occurred in children.”

Dr. Barbosa added, “We are not powerless against dengue.” He also noted that vaccines are being introduced in countries like Brazil and Argentina, but they won’t provide immediate relief during outbreaks.

In July this year, Kim Bautista, Vector Control Chief, stated that Belize reported 865 dengue cases, including 383 lab-confirmed and 482 clinically confirmed cases. He added that comparing the number of cases to the previous year, Belize was projected to see “a lower number of cases” in 2024.

Other diseases that are being monitored for a noticeable increase in cases are the Oropouche virus and avian influenza (H5N1). While human cases of avian influenza (H5N1) remain relatively low in 2024, Dr. Barbosa noted 58 cases in the U.S. and one in Canada.

Dr. Barbosa called out for cooperation among countries to effectively combat these health threats. “When countries share information and coordinate, lives are saved,” he said.

Dengue Cases Increasing in the Caribbean

La Democracia Resident Speak Out Over ‘Dirty’ Water Supply

News 5 has learnt that residents of La Democracia Village are facing water supply issues. According to local resident Chelsie Hyde, “The lack of access to clean, safe water poses serious health risks and disrupts the basic functioning of our community,” said Chelsie Hyde, a resident of the village.

Hyde stated that “In recent weeks, the village has been experiencing frequent interruptions in water supply, with no running water on some mornings. When water is available, its quality is alarming—it’s so brown that it leaves stains.”

Hyde explained that while some families in the village have access to rainwater vats or can afford to buy clean water, many other families rely solely on the village’s water.

“The lack of access to clean, safe water poses serious health risks and disrupts the basic functioning of our community,” Hyde added.

News 5 reached out to Valentino Shal, CEO of the Ministry of Rural Transformation and Community Development, for comment.

Ministry Mourns the Passing of Advocate for Persons with Diverse Abilities