2025-01-03 - Channel 5 Belize

Five Belizeans Honoured for Outstanding Contributions

Five Belizeans have been selected for recognition in the 2025 New Year Honours list.

Former Lands Commissioner and NEMO Coordinator, Phillippa Noreen Fairweather, has been appointed to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.), the second-highest honour awarded by the British for extraordinary work within a region or country. Fairweather’s recognition stems from her significant contributions to community and public service.

Four other Belizeans have been named to receive the Member of the British Empire (M.B.E.), the third-highest award. Dr. Marcelino Avila, who currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Galen University, has previously held the role of Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister and will be honoured for his contributions to public service. Gregoria Aragon and Lucilo Enrique Alcoser will be honoured for their service to the community and contribution to the music industry, respectively. Rudolph Bernard Coye will be recognised for his distinguished service in the tourism industry.

These awards, which range from Commander (CBE) to Officer (OBE) and Member (MBE), are bestowed by His Majesty the King following recommendations from the Prime Minister and senior government ministers.

China Grapples with HMPV Surge as Viral Infections Strain Healthcare System

China is currently witnessing a rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections, sparking concerns of another health crisis after the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports and online discussions indicate widespread transmission, with some alleging that hospitals and crematoriums are overwhelmed. Circulating videos depict overcrowded medical facilities, and social media users mention the concurrent spread of influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19. Some accounts link the increase in HMPV infections to a rise in deaths, particularly among individuals aged 40 to 80.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reportedly observed an uptick in HMPV-positive cases, particularly among children aged 14 and under.

Neither Chinese health authorities nor the World Health Organization (WHO) have validated claims of an epidemic or emergency declaration.

HMPV, first identified in 2001, belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Research indicates it has circulated in humans for over six decades. The virus primarily causes respiratory illnesses and poses the greatest risk to young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The WHO has reiterated its call for transparency from China regarding the origins of COVID-19. In a statement issued Monday, the organisation emphasised, “We continue to call on China to share data and provide access to help us understand the origins of COVID-19. This is a moral and scientific imperative.” The WHO further warned that without global transparency, data sharing, and cooperation, the world remains unprepared to effectively prevent and respond to future epidemics and pandemics.

Simone Biles Named Sports Illustrated 2024 Sportsperson of the Year

Simone Biles, the Belizean-American gymnastics icon, has added another remarkable accomplishment to her illustrious career. On Thursday, Biles was named Sports Illustrated 2024 Sportsperson of the Year. Her journey from humble beginnings to global superstardom has broken barriers in terms of race, age, and mental health advocacy, said the magazine.

This prestigious recognition comes after her triumphant return to the Olympics in Paris, where she not only overcame personal challenges but also solidified her place as one of the greatest athletes in history.The 11-time Olympic medallist added four new medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, including three golds and a silver. This made her one of the most decorated female gymnasts in history.

Sports Illustrated praised Biles for her stellar performances and her impact on the sport, writing, “She changed the face of her sport and the conversations around athletes.” Biles will receive the award at Sports Illustrated’s annual ceremony in Las Vegas on January 7.

Taxi Driver Causes Accident in Belize City

A young woman and man are lucky to be alive today after they were involved in an accident reportedly caused by a taxi driver.

The incident happened near the corner of the Philip Goldson Highway and Captain Eily Street in Belize City. According to reports, the duo was travelling on a motorcycle northbound when a taxi was attempting to overtake them. Lacking sufficient space, the taxi driver grazed the cycle, causing them to momentarily lose balance.

The taxi driver then stopped quickly, causing the cycle to crash into its rear. The duo was sent flying. They sustained minor injuries. Police were called to the scene.

The investigation is ongoing.

San Pedro Resident Alleges Police Brutality

San Pedro resident Alex Wade has come forward with serious allegations of police brutality, claiming he was assaulted by four police officers while in custody. He says the assault resulted in multiple injuries, including a fractured elbow. According to Wade, the incident occurred earlier after he was detained for a public altercation in San Pedro Town.

“I was chilling outside of right here at Centavos at the roadside and a guy passed and messed with me, but he threw a stone, right? And I threw a stone back to him and he went and called the police and they come, ker us da the station and thing, put me in the cell”

He alleges that after requesting a phone call, which was denied, and using obscene language toward an officer, he was attacked in his cell.

“Two of them came in and they started beating me and I think I tried to defend myself. I shoved one of them off and he went out and he came in back with a metal level. That is when he lashed me about like four times on my elbow. Fractured my elbow.”

Wade says he plans to press charges and take legal action against the officers involved.

Cloudy Skies and Coastal Showers Expected

Relatively moist and unstable conditions continue to affect the country, resulting in a forecast of cloudy spells with a few showers or periods of rain primarily along the coast today and over southern areas tonight.

Marine Conditions
Marine activities should note winds from the north-northeast at 5-15 knots, with moderate seas and wave heights ranging between 4 to 6 feet.

Outlook
For Saturday and Saturday night, expect cloudy spells with occasional showers focused over southern areas.

Temperature Forecast

Coastal Areas: Highs of 80°F (27°C) and lows of 72°F (23°C).

Inland Areas: Highs of 82°F (28°C) and lows of 68°F (20°C).

Hills: Highs of 70°F (21°C) and lows of 63°F (17°C).

Astronomical Conditions

Tides:

Low tide at 6:51 AM and 6:18 PM today.

High tide at 12:57 PM today and 12:25 AM tomorrow.

Sunrise and Sunset: The sun rises at 6:23 AM and sets at 5:30 PM.

Moonrise and Moonset: The moon rises at 9:29 AM and sets at 9:19 PM.

Stay prepared and plan your day accordingly to avoid being caught off guard by the showers.