Rear Admiral Bennett mentioned that this was the second sighting of a Guatemalan naval vessel in the area in the past two years. However, our records indicate that in September of this year, Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) were found in Belizean waters. Reports emerged of Guatemalan naval vessels, including one named Quetzal, spotted off the coast of Barranco Village. Despite being shown GPS coordinates by B.D.F personnel proving they were in Belizean territory, the vessels reportedly refused to leave. Today, Bennett reiterated that the last time a Guatemalan vessel was in our waters was in November 2022. This ongoing issue highlights the tensions and challenges in maintaining our maritime boundaries.
“We’ve had sightings in that area. I think the, the last sighting would have been perhaps two years ago in the same area. And the same thing occurred. We informed them that they were inside Belizean waters and they eventually left. It’s not a usual occurrence that we would see the Guatemalan Navy patrolling in that area. I cannot explain why they would be patrolling inside our sea spaces.”
Bennett shared that the Coast Guard Service is dedicating significant time to training its personnel on the proper use of their newly acquired drones. These government-provided devices are proving invaluable, allowing access to previously hard-to-reach areas. Alongside the new drones, Bennett mentioned that the Coast Guard has also upgraded its camera surveillance system, enhancing their overall operational capabilities.
“ We’re emphasizing a lot on training. We’ve had a team go up to Mexico City where they continue their training in an effort to build a doctrine for drone operations. And we also had a team that came down from the United States to train our operators as trainers. So we are not able to qualify members of our Belizean team in drone operations. So we’ve been emphasizing a lot on training over the past. I think we, we will launch more operations in a new year starting January. But what we have been doing is to focus more on capacity building.”
Reporter
“Are you blown away by what your drones are able to do?”
Rear Admiral Elton Bennett
“No, we studied those equipment well before we made a decision that this is the one that is most suitable for us. So we’re very happy with what we can do using those drones. And I think the other two drones are expected sometime in January and we’ve already upgrading our camera system.”
Recently, Bennett noted a significant uptick in illegal maritime activity reported by their counterparts in Mexico. Over the past few months, Mexico has seized around four tons of cocaine. Meanwhile, Guatemala and Honduras have reported nearly double that amount. With the Coast Guard’s enhanced surveillance system, Belize is now better equipped to intercept these “wet drops” that might have previously slipped through the cracks.
“We know that there’s an increase in maritime activities. What we’re trying to do is to improve our surveillance, and that’s why we’ve acquired these drones, um, to support that. We’ve improved our maritime surveillance capability in other areas, using cameras and other, um, technologies, but also relying a lot on intelligence. It’s very difficult tracking these small boats coming from South America with drugs. It’s at least in the air, there’s an air radar system that can pick up these vessels, these aircraft. For us, it’s much more challenging, um, trying to pinpoint one of those, um, drug vessels on the surface.”
Bennett explained that whether it’s Guatemalan naval vessels, illegal fishers, or suspected drug traffickers navigating our southern waters, the Coast Guard takes swift action when they encounter them. He noted that, unlike land borders, there are no specific lines or buoys to mark our sea boundaries. However, there are methods to determine which side of the border you’re on when navigating the seas.
“We’ve never done that that demarcation exercise out at sea. Whilst we know where our land border is, the exercise has never taken place out at sea. And hopefully with the ICJ ruling, then we’ll be able to do that. So, for now, there are no buoys or markers to determine exactly where the official border lies. What we do is to go by equidistance. Say half a distance of sea space between Belize and Guatemala, and then that’s the border. That’s how we exercise our jurisdiction. Uh, we believe this is Belizean waters. They would say this is Guatemalan waters. Whenever we would encounter, uh, fishermen or fisher folk in that area, and it is within what we believe is Belize sea spaces, we would arrest, detain, and we will exercise jurisdiction over that. Unlike what you see happening on land where there’s an adjacency zone and there’s a organization of American States office that manages incidents in there to verify. location and action to be taken that does not exist in the sea spaces. So, the confidence building measures does not extend anywhere out at sea. So, it’s completely down to the two countries to try to, um, use diplomatic measures to try to mitigate, um, and try to manage these incidents.”
It’s not unusual for some families to struggle to make their Christmas merry and bright this time of year. Thankfully, it’s also common for businesses and kind-hearted individuals to step up, offering a little extra or knocking a bit off the price to help. In today’s edition of Haad Time Krismus, we look at how shoppers are stretching their budgets and how a few businesses are offering discounts to help you get those much-anticipated Christmas gifts. Here’s News Five’s Marion Ali with this week’s edition of Kolcha Tuesday.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Finding the cash to buy everything we want for Christmas is often more of a dream than a reality. Most people must stretch their money to make sure they can get a gift for everyone in the household, or to buy a needed appliance, cake ingredients, or even groceries. We caught up with Brad Steadman, better known as “The Artist,” at Outlet Belize next to Brodies on Albert Street, where he was hunting for the best deals on shoes for himself and his son.
Brad Steadman
Brad Steadman, Christmas Shopper
“ I don’t have no money, as you could see. I don’t really have money. I da nuh wa rich person or anything. I mean, I can’t celebrate Christmas. I only could look pahn it. My number, 664 5114 I do all kind of sign painting. I even do stone works.”
The manager of the store, Riya Udasi told News Five that their prices cater to anyone like the Artist who is looking for a deal.
Riya Udasi
Riya Udasi, Manager, Outlet Belize
“We’re selling good deals to the customers because everywhere we’re seeing it’s very expensive prices raise up after Corona, so we are giving good prices to customers.”
Marion Ali
“ Let’s say I walk in with not much money, maybe $30. Can you put together something for me for a gift for 30?”
Riya Udasi
“You could buy this Bath and Body spray or lotion, anything. Everywhere selling very expensive, but we are selling only $20 each, so you could buy at least one. And we have some treats, $20. You could put that with something else. Yeah, you could put like a T-shirt, $10, we have for $20, for $15, cheap things we are selling and good. We have O.P tennis, we have many more styles. So many for girls, women, and ladies are selling for only $25. No where you’ll find these prices.”
Georgia Ferguson was out finishing her Christmas shopping already.
Georgia Ferguson
Georgia Ferguson, Christmas Shopper
“I just come pick up some bed sheets and then that’s it for the end of that Christmas. I done do my Christmas shopping, so I good.”
For those looking to whip up a traditional Christmas fruit and black cake but finding their budget a bit tight, there’s good news! Beulah Sikaffy, co-owner of Sikaffy’s Store, announced that they’re offering a discount equivalent to the government’s GST tax break on weekdays from now until Christmas Eve. These little extra savings can help make your holiday baking dreams come true without breaking the bank.
Beulah Sikaffy
Beulah Sikaffy, Co-owner, Sikaffy’s Store
“We give you wa lee discount. We wa give you wa discount, so people can afford it.”
Marion Ali
“GST included too?”
Beulah Sikaffy
“Well, GST da weekends, right, but if somebody can’t afford it, we could take out the GST for them to man.”
Marion Ali
“During the week?”
Beulah Sikaffy
“Discount, yeah.”
Marion Ali
“Okay, so what if I come and say, “You know what, Miss Beulah, I nuh have thirty-two dollars for this pack of nuts.”
Beulah Sikaffy
“Well, we could take off the GST offa it. If somebody come in and they really, they got a hard time, we incorporate with them. We appreciate wi customers, you know. Christmas da Christmas. You have to give a little.”
Over at HK Fashions in the Downtown Plaza, we met Krishika Azrani and her mom at the store. Krishika mentioned that if you can’t pay the full amount today, you can make a down payment and settle the balance by Christmas. This flexible option makes it easier for everyone to get what they need for the holidays without the stress of paying all at once.
Krishika Azrani
Krishika Azrani, Daughter of Owner, HK Fashions
“We do layaway, so you could just like we also do discounts. If the thing is $40 and you only have $38, we could give it to you. We do layaway too, so you could just put like $20 and we’ll just keep it aside for you so no one else buys it.”
Lastly, we met Jemar Bennett, a regular Belizean who reminded us of what the true meaning of Christmas is, especially for people who are having a hard time.
Jemar Bennett
Jemar Bennett, Christmas Shopper
“Me and my wife, we don’t start getting blessed from the beginning of the year. And, the beginning of December, God bless us even better, and I thank God for it. The 25th of December when Christmas, we will try to help who don’t have enough to help their family. Well, we will try to give food, or we will try to give a little donation. Try to give a little hamburger, a little present to the baby there, the baby that we don’t have. You know, and that’s why we try to tell all that we Belizeans, we have to start to look out for each other. And stop the force of fight and the kill of each other.”
Several residents and business owners in Caye Caulker are raising alarms over a proposed fuel depot in their neighborhood. The news that a company plans to build a fuel depot in a residential area has sparked significant concern. Today, Seleny Villanueva Pott, Chairperson of the Caye Caulker Village Council, told News Five that the company must meet a series of requirements before construction can begin. She emphasized that the process is transparent, and the company must present all necessary documentation and plans. On Monday, they submitted their dangerous goods license. Residents have voiced their worries about the project, which involves a petroleum station and bulk fuel storage facility in their community. Many have written letters expressing their concerns, highlighting the potential risks and impact on their neighborhood. Angie McLean wrote: “I own lot nine, five, six facing this proposed gas station. I am writing simply to ask what my legal rights are to protect my lifelong savings which I invested into building in Caye Caulker? I’ve been told I could be sued for my involvement for requesting assistance to protect my rights. In fact, the gas station property lines are extremely close to my four balconies and two front doors as the street is very narrow as our properties are very close to the tip of the split.”. Steve Hyams wrote: “I and my neighbours are in contact with each other regarding this and we are very concerned that there maybe 1000s of gallons of fuel stored and in use in what is primarily a residential area. None of us have been approached for our views on such a potentially hazardous project in the midst of our homes. Currently on Caye Caulker Northside we do not have any fire station nor fire tenders or trucks”. Today, Chairlady Villanueva-Pott explained that the company must go through the entire process.
On the Phone: Seleny Villanueva Pott, Chairperson, Caye Caulker
“What we’ve asked them to do is to gather no objection letters from the neighborhood, so what we will do is after this is make a holistic decision. So it’s not something that we’re rushing into.”
Marion Ali
”Okay, some of the neighbors or residents in the area have brought up the concern that having a fuel depot or station near their premises actually takes away their rights to insurance because of the hazard that it poses.”
Via Phone: Seleny Villanueva Pott
“ Well, that’s why they have to get a Dangerous Goods License and there’s some specifications in that. If they wanted, that might be something they might have to take up with Dangerous Goods too, not only with the Council, but we’re looking at it. A decision hasn’t been made. The company needed a “No-Objection” letter to present to Natural Resources and we have not given them as yet. It’s still an ongoing process. They are still gathering and sending us the information that we’ve requested.”
Guinea Grass has just celebrated the launch of a new water system, featuring over seven hundred and fifty water meters. This infrastructure project, a collaboration between the governments of Belize and Taiwan, promises to greatly enhance the quality of life for residents in rural Belize. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the full story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Guinea Grass Village, home to over three thousand residents and one of the oldest communities in the Orange Walk District, celebrated a significant milestone on Monday. A brand-new water system with over seven hundred meters was inaugurated, ensuring that every home in the village would now have access to clean, potable water. This development marks a major step forward for the community, bringing much-needed relief and an improved quality of life to its residents.
Jose Abelardo Mai
Jose Abelardo Mai, Area Representative, OW South
“Seven hundred and fifty new meters have been installed. This is good news, not that the meters were installed, but that the concept of meters were accepted is very important.”
Before the new water system was installed, there were some issues between the residents and the water board regarding water consumption. Benito Uck, the chairman of Guinea Grass Village, played a key role in addressing these concerns and ensuring the community’s needs were met.
Benito Uck
Benito Uck, Chairman, Guinea Grass Village
“At the beginning when we heard that the implementation of the renovation of the water system and the metering of the water system in our village, SIF came and we had a meeting with the water board and the village council and we welcomed the project for the community of Guinea Grass. We were facing challenges in the community that such areas didn’t get any water for months, for years, and we were happy that, you know, this project was coming to our community.”
Representatives from the Social Investment Fund recently met with residents to discuss the upcoming changes. Initially, the community was a bit reluctant and disinterested, but over time, they came to understand the importance of metering water consumption. This shift in perspective is a positive step towards better water management in the village.
Carlos Tun
Carlos Tun, Executive Director, SIF
“As we inaugurate the Guinea Grass water system, we are not merely turning on taps, we are turning the page on a chapter of scarcity and struggle and beginning one of progress dignity and opportunity. Access to clean and safe water is not a privilege, it is a fundamental human right. It is the cornerstone of health, wellbeing and development. For too long, the residents of Guinea Grass faced critical water shortages and a limited supply that constrained daily life and hindered the community’s potential. This was a challenge that I am proud to say has been met with determination partnership and hope.”
According to Orange Walk South Area Representative Jose Abelardo Mai, this infrastructure project has been a major undertaking, with thousands of feet of distribution lines now installed throughout the village. This extensive network ensures that every home will benefit from the new water system.
Jose Abelardo Mai
“This project involves quite a significant investment, one point three million dollars funded by the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). It includes six thousand linear feet of four-inch main distribution lines, six thousand linear feet of three-inch main distribution lines with a total of about twenty-six thousand, five hundred linear feet of distribution lines in total has been installed. All these new pipes have been installed. The pumping capacity is now ninety gallons per minute from a seven and a half, three-phase pump.”
Taiwanese Ambassador Lily Li-Wen Hsu was present for the inauguration of the new water system. She praised the Ministry of Rural Development and the Social Investment Fund for their hard work and dedication in bringing this important project to fruition.
Lily Li-Wen Hsu
Lily Li-Wen Hsu, Taiwanese Ambassador
“This project coming to fruition just in time for the celebration of the festive season is really a timely and wonderful gift for the Christmas season. I’m really very happy. As a development partner of Belize, Taiwan is fully aware that infrastructure development plays a crucial role in the nation’s growth and wellbeing of its people. Taiwan is therefore honored and pleased to provide financial support and partner with the Government of Belize to make this impactful project a reality. I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Ministry of Rural Transformation… as well as the Belize Social Investment Fund for their great effort and dedication in successfully implementing this project.”
Sherret Cuevas, Elvis’s eldest sister, told News 5 that Eliana is slowly recovering. She said, “The swelling on her face has gone down. She can now speak much better. She can drink. First, she was unable to drink.” However, Cuevas says that young Eliana’s missing teeth and damaged tongue have prevented her from eating solid food.
Though initially feared to have lost two fingers, doctors confirmed that only her thumb was damaged, and it is healing well. However, fragments from the gunshot remain in her face, and doctors have decided not to remove them and allow the body to manage them naturally.
The children are now under the care of their aunts and uncles, who are working with social workers to ensure they get the emotional support they need. The family has assured that counselling will be provided as soon as possible for the children to help them heal. “The sooner, the better… we want to do what’s best for the kids,” Cuervas stated.
If these days you’re one click away from “find my device,” imagine having the same chance at “find my furbaby.” After the heartbreaking loss of her “furbaby,” Ranger, June Erickson is on a mission to make sure no one else has to go through the same pain. When her service dog, Ranger, went missing the night of August 25, June was devastated to realise how difficult it was to reunite lost pets with their owners.
“In my despair, I decided that I wasn’t going to let this happen to anyone else. So I started a lost and found page. It’s called Lost and Found Animals of San Pedro,” said June. She added that since the launch of the Facebook page, it has gained over 600 members and has already helped reunite nearly two dozen pets with their owners.
June said that while many people saw Ranger running around, no one took action to bring him to safety. “All Ranger needed was one kind soul to bring him to SAGA or San Pedro Animal Hospital, and they would have found he was chipped and had a family who loved him,” she said.
Eventually, after days of not finding Ranger, June and her husband, Curtiss Erickson, believe that Ranger passed away due to heat exhaustion, starvation, and thirst.
The loss of her furbaby led to a bigger movement known as the Ranger Warriors Foundation, a nonprofit organisation with a bold goal: to microchip every dog and cat on the island. With the launch of this microchipping program, June is working to set up scanning stations across the island. Currently there are three scanners on the island, including one at Saga Humane Society.
She explained that this will make it easier for pets to be found. June says the system works by scanning the “rice-sized chip” and the owner getting instantly notified through a free registry. However, June emphasised that the chip must already be registered, because “a chip is nothing if you don’t register it.”
With 16 additional scanners on the way, June said, “I want this to be a community-wide effort where people can easily find a scanner, no matter where they are.”
To date, 29 pets have already been microchipped, and she says she has about 80 more microchips left to use. But she says this is only the beginning, as the bigger vision is to expand the program nationwide. “The goal is to chip every dog and cat, even strays, so that no animal goes ignored again,” she said, “and if someone abandons a pet, we’ll know because they’ll be chipped.”
Tomorrow, June is partnering with the San Pedro Animal Hospital to microchip more pets. Anyone interested can set their appointment ahead of time to ensure a smooth process.
On the morning of December 17, around 8:30 a.m., a Belize Coast Guard patrol stationed at Hunting Caye reported the sighting of a Guatemalan naval vessel within Belizean waters near Ragged Caye, approximately three miles south of Hunting Caye. According to Coast Guard Commander Captain Elton Bennett, the patrol proceeded to the location and encountered a Guatemalan hydrographic vessel, approximately 65 feet in length, which was subsequently informed it had entered Belizean waters.
“There was a vessel that appeared to be a hydrographic vessel in the area of Ragged Caye that belonged to the Guatemalan Navy—65 feet in length—and the patrol then informed them that they were inside Belizean waters. There was an exchange of words at that location, and eventually the Guatemalan patrol vessel departed.”
Captain Bennett says that there was no grounding and no arms were drawn. The vessel was escorted outside of Belizean waters.
The Ministry of Defence was notified, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to issue a protest note, following standard protocol. Captain Bennett said, “We believe that the diplomatic channels would now kick in, and that’s the route that we will rely on from now on to confirm exactly what occurred.”
He added, “It wasn’t an aggressive encounter despite that they were inside Belizean waters. There were no weapons drawn, and it was not a grounding.”
According to Captain Bennett, this was the second sighting of a Guatemalan naval vessel in the area in the past two to three years, the last having occurred approximately two years ago. However, our records show that in September of this year, Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) were found operating within Belizean territory for the second time. Reports emerged of Guatemalan naval vessels, including one named Quetzal, being spotted off the coast of Barranco Village. Despite being informed by the Belize Defence Force (BDF) that they were outside their jurisdiction and provided with GPS coordinates, the GAF refused to leave. The situation was resolved only after the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) intervened, and the Guatemalan vessels departed several hours later. Major Roberta Usher, BDF Chief of Staff, explained that the routine patrol had detected the vessels near their Forward Operating Base. The vessels, numbering three to five, were seen moving between Belizean and Guatemalan waters over the weekend. Authorities are awaiting confirmation on whether the vessels were illegally intruding.
He said the Coast Guard would continue its patrols from its forward operating base at Hunting Caye and ensure the integrity of Belize’s territorial waters.
