2024-12-19 - Channel 5 Belize

Belize’s Education, Youth, and Technology Advancements in 2024

As we wrap up 2024, News 5 is excited to bring you our digital Year in Review! This year, we're diving into the highlights and challenges of the past twelve months, all organised by themes. Join us as we look back at the stories that shaped our year…

Revolutionising Education: Belize’s National Curriculum Transformation

In 2024, Belize’s education system underwent a sweeping transformation, driven by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology (MoECST). At the heart of this change was the introduction of the National Curriculum Transformation, a landmark initiative aimed at overhauling the country’s approach to teaching and learning.

This initiative marked a shift from traditional rote learning to a more competency-based approach, equipping students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and life skills. Education Minister Francis Fonseca described it as a necessary step to prepare Belizean students for a rapidly changing world. “We can’t just focus on what was done in the past. Our children deserve a curriculum that prepares them for the future,” said Fonseca.

The new curriculum emphasises interactive learning, student engagement, and the incorporation of technology. It encourages personalised learning pathways, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Teachers have undergone rigorous training to adapt to the new methodologies, ensuring smooth implementation across the country’s schools.

Bridging the Digital Divide With Digital Connect Centres

One of the standout achievements for 2024 was the launch of the Caye Caulker Digital Connect Centre, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at bridging Belize’s digital divide. Funded through a partnership with the Government of Taiwan, the centre offers high-speed Wi-Fi, computers, and digital literacy training.

During the launch event, Minister of Public Utilities Michel Chebat emphasised the transformative nature of the center. “This facility is more than just a room with computers. It’s a lifeline for our youth, our businesses, and our community members,” said Chebat.

Residents of Caye Caulker, especially students and small business owners, can now access essential government services, apply for vital documents online, and enhance their digital skills. With training programs on Microsoft Office and other essential software, the Digital Connect Centre aims to foster a more digitally literate population.

Digital Connect Centres have also been launched in other municipalities, including Belmopan and Orange Walk.

Access 501: A Digital Portal to Belizean Heritage

Education and cultural preservation took centre stage with the launch of Access 501, an innovative online platform showcasing Belize’s rich history and heritage. This multimedia resource offers content in 15 categories, including Belizean history, technology, music, cultural videos, and environmental education.

The platform was described as a “revolutionary tool” by Carlos Quiroz, Coordinator at 501 Academy. “Access 501 is an attempt to provide access to every Belizean to the raw material for our imagination,” Quiroz declared at the launch event. Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education, Dian Maheia, emphasised that Access 501 will serve as a crucial educational tool for teachers, students, and parents seeking Belize-specific learning materials.

The Ministry of Education sees this initiative as the starting point for the People’s Digital Archives, a project designed to document and preserve Belize’s collective story. Citizens are invited to submit personal stories, national builder profiles, and community narratives to build a shared national history.

STEAM Education at Itz’at STEAM Academy

Belize officially opened the Itz’at STEAM Academy, the country’s first high school dedicated to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education. Prime Minister John Briceño, Education Minister Francis Fonseca, and other officials attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, highlighting its significance in the country’s development agenda.

The academy, built to Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiency (EDGE) standards, offers modern facilities, including bioengineering and robotics labs, media studios, and collaborative learning spaces. Its hands-on learning approach prepares students to participate in Belize’s growing “blue, green, and orange” economies.

John Newport, the then Principal of Itz’at, stated, “This school will empower students to engage in transformative mathematics, robotics, and creative arts. It will ensure that young Belizeans are ready to create solutions, not just seek them.” The academy has already begun offering programs where students design robots, develop creative media, and engage in project-based learning. Christine Coc is the acting principal.

Teacher Shortages, Licensing Delays, and Parental Involvement

While 2024 saw significant strides in education, it also faced challenges. Teacher shortages became a growing concern as many educators pursued better-paying opportunities abroad. Resignations were compounded by delays in the Ministry of Education’s processing of teacher licenses, which are now contingent on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) hours.

According to Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) President Nadia Caliz, over 130 teachers were affected by licensing delays. Some teachers claimed that their CPD certificates, required to obtain a teaching license, had not been processed by the Teacher Learning Institute (TLI). However, the CEO of the Ministry of Education, Dian Maheia, reported that 80% of teachers had met the licensing requirements, and the remaining cases were under review.

The teacher shortage forced some schools, such as Our Lady of Lourdes RC in Maskall, to adapt by having parents step in as temporary teachers. Principal Herman Ramirez shared his frustration, stating, “It’s challenging when three teachers are missing, and we have to make do with the staff we have. Parents have been helpful, but it’s not a sustainable solution.”

Teachers were also upset over unpaid allowances and increments. In a meeting, teachers voted to demonstrate in early 2025—weeks before the next general election.

Students Sent Home Over Fees, Hair Policies Spark Debate

The education sector saw moments of controversy in 2024. Roughly 30 students at Orange Walk ITVET were sent home for failing to pay school fees, despite Ministry of Education policy forbidding this practice. Education Minister Francis Fonseca clarified that no student should be removed from the classroom due to unpaid fees and urged school administrators to work out payment plans with parents.

Separately, a debate over hairstyle policies erupted after several students at Anglican Cathedral College (ACC) were sent home for their hair length and braids. Minister Fonseca denounced the move, calling it “unlawful” and asserting that students’ constitutional rights must be protected. This issue reignited national conversations on cultural expression, school rules, and children’s rights.

Youth Engagement and Empowerment

Belize’s youth were empowered through creative platforms like the newly opened podcast studio in Port Loyola. Spearheaded by youth ambassadors in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy and the Love Foundation, the studio offers a space where young people can create podcasts on issues affecting them, such as mental health, gender equality, and community development.

One of the ambassadors, Devannie Apolonio, shared how she channelled her grief after losing her sister into the project. “This space is about having real conversations with youth and providing them with a place to be heard,” said Apolonio. The studio’s opening marked a significant step toward youth empowerment, providing young people with the tools to shape social narratives.

Child Stimulation Month 2024: Inspiring the Next Generation

March saw Belize’s youngest learners participate in Child Stimulation Month, a national initiative to promote early childhood education. This is one of the highly anticipated events for tens of thousands of students across the country. Students from across the country dressed as police officers, doctors, firefighters, and other professionals as they paraded through the streets.

The event served as a visual representation of Belize’s commitment to nurturing future leaders. Principal Education Officer Sebastian Cab underscored the importance of this early education initiative, stating, “When children see themselves as doctors and engineers, they begin to believe it.”

The Ministry of Education also launched a new preschool curriculum set to roll out in 2025. Minister of State for Education Dr. Louis Zabaneh said the curriculum would adopt a “learning-through-play” approach, building essential competencies in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning.

Lincoln Diaz is Acquitted of Bredda O’s murder

Lincoln Daniel Diaz, who was just nineteen at the time of the July twenty-seventh, 2020, shooting of Ladyville businessman Orin Velasquez, also known as “Bredda O,” has been acquitted of both murder and manslaughter charges. Now twenty-three, Diaz walked free after the High Court’s decision this morning. Justice Candice Nanton delivered the not guilty verdict, explaining her reasoning to the parties involved. After more than four years on remand, Diaz left the courtroom smiling and happy, supported by his family. Throughout the trial, Diaz’s attorney, Lynden Jones, maintained his client’s innocence. Diaz admitted to planning a robbery but denied shooting Velasquez. Despite evidence presented by the prosecution, including a caution statement and an interview with police, the judge found that there was not enough proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Diaz intended to kill Velasquez. Justice Nanton emphasized that while there was a plan to rob, the intent to kill could not be established. She also rejected several statements, including one from a witness who claimed Diaz confessed to the shooting, due to credibility issues. Diaz’s defense was that he and another man, known only as “Coolie,” planned to rob Velasquez. Diaz stayed outside while Coolie went inside, and Diaz heard gunshots but did not participate in the shooting. The court found that the evidence did not prove Diaz’s intent to kill or harm Velasquez, leading to his acquittal. Late this evening, Emilda Velasquez, the wife of the deceased, spoke with News Five by phone.

On the Phone: Emilda Velasquez, Wife of Deceased

“ That was the worst day of my life. And it seems like it’s reliving this day because all that we wanted was justice for my husband. That’s all we wanted. It’s very rough because at the moment I was pregnant and my twins are three now and they grew up without a dad anytime I look for a child with ney pa. They want to know, like, where my daddy at? You know, and many days I tell my son, like, maybe daddy is sleep or he dih work. And that’s what they told people that my daddy to sleep or to work. In reality, we know that he’s not coming back. Because they know that there should be a mom and a dad and their dad is never around. You know, and for the oldest kids, it’s really rough and hard for, from four years ago till now. I mean. The next girl is graduating this year, but my son, he took it really, really hard because he literally witnessed everything and he was just 14 at that time to have somebody relive those when they come and give you a not guilty verdict. Really, really hurt. At the end of the day, you don’t know who you’re going to rob. It doesn’t matter if you pulled the trigger or not. You went there, nothing in and out of shock and concern. Nobody. Because we work hard for everything what we have on right now. I am a single mom and I’m working hard for my 4 children by myself, not a help from no one. And it’s really, really rough and hard, especially to explain to my children. Why their dad is not around.”

Shane Jones Awaits Manslaughter Sentencing

Initially charged with murder, Shane Roman Jones saw his charge reduced to manslaughter for the brutal beating of forty-nine-year-old Edwin Usher, who later died from his injuries. Jones, a well-known resident of Conch Shell Bay, is now behind bars awaiting sentencing after being found guilty of manslaughter for the November twenty-third, 2019, incident. Despite being badly beaten and losing consciousness at the scene, Usher managed to walk home but was hospitalized for seven days before succumbing to his injuries on November thirty, 2019. Video footage captured Jones attacking Usher, and although Jones claimed self-defense, the court rejected this due to the excessive force used. Justice Nigel Pilgrim ruled that Jones acted with excessive force, leading to his manslaughter conviction. The confrontation occurred at the corner of Vernon Street and Woods Street, where Jones was seen on video repeatedly hitting Usher, even jumping on his head while he was motionless on the ground. Jones’ defense claimed he was reacting to a threat, but the court found the force used unjustifiable. Justice Pilgrim emphasized that the evidence, including the video footage and post-mortem findings, did not support Jones’ claim of self-defense. The trial, which began in late October 2024, concluded with Justice Pilgrim’s decision, leaving Jones to await his sentencing.

Ronald Frazer Captured and Charged for Double Murders

A third suspect has been charged in the horrific double murder of cousins Marvin Cante and Juan Raymundo. Earlier today, twenty-year-old Ronald Frazer was arrested and charged with two counts of murder. He joins Carl Lindo and Christopher Smith as the third suspect in custody, while police are still searching for a fourth person connected to the crime. Cante and Raymundo were last seen in Belmopan on November twenty-seventh. When their families realized they were missing, they began a desperate search. They found the men’s abandoned vehicle near mile twenty-four on the George Price Highway, but there was no sign of the cousins. It wasn’t until last Wednesday that two shallow graves were discovered in the Dollar Bank area of Hattieville, containing the dismembered bodies of both men. Police believe the murders were the result of a drug deal gone wrong.

Should Logan Family Sue GOB for Lengthy Remand?

Glenford Logan finally walked out of prison on Monday after spending an unbelievable twenty-one years in pretrial detention for the murder of security guard Kingsford Obeng. Despite being charged with the fatal attack, Logan never faced trial and was held at the Belize Central Prison. During his time behind bars, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia by a psychiatrist. Earlier this week, Justice Nigel Pilgrim ruled that Logan’s constitutional rights had been violated, making him the longest inmate on remand in Belize’s history. Now back with his mother and family, Logan’s case has ignited conversations about justice and the need for legal reform. News Five caught up with seasoned attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley to get his take on this troubling situation.

On the phone: Richard “Dickie” Bradley, Attorney-at-law

“Every time di Supreme Court di close all persons who are awaiting trial must be brought to the courts so that a judge reviews their situation. A person comes up, the judge already has the list from the prison, they know how long he’s in there, they know what is the situation and the judge would say, “but you were granted bail in the sum of ten thousand dollars, why are you still in prison?” And the person would explain that they can’t get two persons to sign or nobody wants to sign or whatever it is. Every person is entitled by law to have their temporary imprisonment reviewed. The first starting point, which means that there has been a terrible failure of the system that a human being can be in prison for so long without a trial. We are a big failure if one human being is kept in prison. It’s a big failure on the prison authorities, a big failure on the police and the prosecution, on the lawyers and on the courts. A huge, scandalous failure. The family of that person needs to sue for depriving him of all his constitutionally guaranteed rights. He’s not a potlicker, he’s not a dog that you can push off the streets and ih noh mean nothing. Da wahn human being who is in prison.”

What is Prosecutor’s Fallacy and Can It Help Elmer Nah?

Former police corporal Elmer Nah is awaiting trial for the brutal New Year’s Eve 2022 murders of siblings Jon, David, and Vivian Ramnarace in Belmopan. Despite being arrested, charged, and remanded for the killings, Nah maintains his innocence. But what if he’s not the real killer? Could investigators have rushed to judgment based on surveillance footage from that night? Earlier today, defense attorney “Dickie” Bradley discussed the concept of a prosecutor’s fallacy and how it might work in Nah’s favor.

On the phone: Richard “Dickie’ Bradley, Attorney-at-law

“I recently read in one of those legal articles about prosecution fallacy. You may have heard that I was sharing with the citizens of Belize, some who don’t quite take it in the correct light, but there is a strong possibility that the unhappy police officer who is charged for that double, triple murder in Belmopan. The decision to arrest and charge him falls right into this principle of prosecution fallacy. Somebody hollered, “Oh, that da da person. Dat da da police soh and soh and soh…” And that’s it, no further investigation to see the possibility. The family says they have all kinds of videotapes, he was at a function with over a dozen persons. Dehn noh wahn hear that, somebody looked at the video and said, oh dat da Nah , da he dat, dah soh ih walk, da soh ih run. That’s it, and now it is turning out that it is highly likely that they were dead wrong. No pun on the word dead. If he is exonerated in a court of law, I must say that there is nothing else he can do but to sue and not accept small money either, because mein, that is really an egregious error and a failure to give a person the opportunity to say, “We are charging you, we are going to charge you.” And for him to say, which he has been saying from the very outset, “It cannot be me. It can’t be me. I was with persons all night. We have videos. Dehn noh wahn interview nobody, dehn have wahn videotape which it turns out now is likely to show that it is somebody entirely different who was that murderous, evil person that did that crime.”

Fifteen Crime Mediators Sworn in Today

The High Court of Belize is taking a big step to tackle its case backlog before the 2025 criminal calendar kicks in. Today, fifteen newly trained criminal mediators were sworn in by Chief Justice Louise Blenman at the High Court in Belize City. These mediators bring a fresh approach to resolving criminal cases, offering an alternative to traditional court trials. Through mediation, cases can now be settled amicably if both parties agree. News Five’s Marion Ali was on the scene for the swearing-in and brings us this report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Today’s swearing-in of fifteen criminal mediators is set to make a big dent in the High Court’s case backlog. Previously, all criminal cases had to go through lengthy trials, but now, with this new mediation process, selected cases can be resolved more efficiently, freeing up the courts. Chief Justice Louise Blenman is pleased with this addition, though she notes that mediation won’t be suitable for every criminal matter. This new approach promises to streamline the justice system significantly.

Louise Blenman, Chief Justice of Belize

“It is impossible to have all of the matters go to trial. And in fact, when the rules were contemplated, it was never the expectation that all trials should go to trial, all matters should go to trials. Mediation is essential and this is so across the commonwealth. In fact, to the contrary, the expectation is usually that 90 percent of matters should be settled either by way of mediation or settlement and not full trial.”

The final draft legislation for criminal mediation is expected to be ready by 2025. This will establish the guidelines for mediators handling criminal cases. Justice Candace Nanton provided an example of a criminal dispute that could be effectively resolved through mediation, highlighting the potential impact of this new approach.

Candace Nanton, High Court Judge

“Sometimes there may be a family dispute that the parties don’t necessarily want to continue with the courts, but court proceedings have been initiated, and a better resolution may be something other than imprisonment, for example. So, it would depend on the parties’ consent, it would depend on the views of the Office of the DPP. It would also depend on the selection criteria being met that will be contained within the mediation rules.”

Laura Alvarado, the President of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Association of Belize and a newly sworn-in mediator, explained that if the two parties can’t settle their differences through mediation, the case will have to proceed to trial. This highlights the importance of mediation as a first step, but also acknowledges that not all disputes can be resolved outside the courtroom.

Laura Alvarado, President, ADRAB

“The two parties and a neutral individual will discuss the matters, and then refer it back to the court if an agreement is not settled, then the matter will go back to court and the litigation will take place thereafter.”

Criminal and Civil Mediator, Consuelo Godfrey explained that the training was for a total of eighty hours split in two segments.

Consuelo Godfrey, Criminal and Civil Mediator

“There’s an introduction to mediation that is about a 40-hour training, uh, time frame. And then from there you have to do an advanced training, which is another 40 hours, and then get sworn in. And then once you get sworn in, you can then do the criminal mediation, which is another advanced course in mediation. Like family mediation, you have to do a specific type of training for criminal mediation because the dynamics and the nuances in, criminal matters is different than civil matters. I can tell you as a as a mediator who practices with the high courts, it does take time for cases to be referred to mediation. But what I really like about the mediation process is that it gives parties an opportunity to talk. It gives parties an opportunities to have their say. Something that doesn’t normally happen in in in courts.”

Justice Candace Nanton said that Belize is among the leading countries in the region to resolve civil and criminal matters through mediation. Marion Ali for News Five.

Police Charge Doctor for Spiking Nurse’s Drink

Nicaraguan doctor Carlos Saborio Coze has been charged with administering noxious substances after a man claimed he was drugged by him. According to reports, on November thirtieth, a Venezuelan nurse was drinking with Coze at Little John’s Restaurant in Belize City. When the nurse momentarily left his drink unattended at the bar, he alleges that Coze slipped an unknown substance into it. The nurse recalls entering the doctor’s car and then waking up at home on December second. Police have charged Coze based on surveillance footage from the restaurant. The nurse underwent a medical examination, which revealed no signs of sexual assault. Coze, who was arrested at his home on Tuesday evening, maintains his innocence.

Two Men Escape After Brazen Daylight Robbery

This afternoon, two men made a daring escape on foot after a bold daylight robbery. Witnesses say that around eleven-thirty a.m., a casino employee driving a brown van on Princess Margaret Drive was approached by two men on a motorcycle. The men allegedly smashed the van’s window, reached inside, and grabbed a black bag, presumably filled with money. As they tried to flee on the motorcycle, the driver lost control near a pedestrian crosswalk, causing a loud crash that caught the attention of bystanders. The robbers then abandoned the motorcycle and fled on foot. Stay tuned for more details as the investigation unfolds.

Wife, Kidnapped and Beaten by Husband, Needs Expensive Surgery

On November sixteenth, Sabela Brakeman, a mother of three, endured a terrifying ordeal when her estranged husband, Kenny Brakeman, broke into her San Pedro home and kidnapped her. The harrowing sequence of events saw Sabela beaten and taken on a jet ski to the shores near Caye Caulker. Miraculously, she managed to escape by jumping off and swimming to safety. Though she survived, Sabela was left with severe injuries, including broken facial bones and loose teeth. She told News Five that a private surgeon estimated her surgeries would cost around twenty thousand dollars, and they can only be performed at a private hospital in Belize. Meanwhile, Kenny Brakeman remains at large, and Sabela lives in constant fear that he might find her again. Despite this, she is determined to move forward with her life. To help cover her medical expenses, Sabela is organizing a fundraiser with a barbeque sale this Friday in Bella Vista Village, where she now lives with her children. She needs your support to get the surgeries she desperately needs.

On the Phone: Sabela Brakeman, Kidnap Victim

“The doctor told me that he don’t do surgery and at KHMH they don’t do that kind of surgery. So he then recommended me to Dr. Hernandez, who told me that was the only doctor that do surgery in Belize for the type of facial surgery that I need. So, I went to Dr. Hernandez. He did an x-ray, then from there he sent me to Medical (Associates) to do a 3-D and in the result, it shows what all damage that I have. The estimate for Dr. Hernandez, just for doing surgery, would be $7,500 and then the three days, stay at Medical, and the medication that I would need, everything would be nineteen thousand, nine hundred and twenty dollars. So, I’m looking for assistance to see if anyone is willing to donate something towards my medical, my surgery. Are you doing, are you doing any fundraisers of your own? I plan to do a barbecue fundraising. And then we suffer Friday to see how much money I can do fundraising with so that’s the only plan I have right now, to try seek help and better get the money together.”