2025-02-25 - Channel 5 Belize

70 Schools Gain Internet Through ConnectED Project

Seventy schools across the country are now connected to high-speed internet, thanks to the ConnectED project. This fantastic initiative is a joint effort between the Ministry of Education and Digi, ensuring that schools not only get fast internet but also receive top-notch technical support, maintenance, and continuous monitoring. The big signing ceremony happened at Our Lady of the Way Roman Catholic Primary School in Ladyville. It was a lively event with students, teachers, and key stakeholders all coming together to celebrate this significant leap towards digital integration. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the full story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

The digital divide is closing fast. Since its launch in 2022, the ConnectEd project has been transforming education by boosting wireless connectivity across school campuses. As of this month, two hundred and eighty-three schools are now connected, benefiting almost seventy-eighty thousand students and four thousand, five hundred teachers. Minister of Education Francis Fonseca recently announced the rollout of phase two, which will connect seventy more schools. This initiative is truly revolutionizing learning in Belize.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education

“You had schools where they had some access to the internet, right? They had access. But very often it was in a computer lab or in an office, in the principal’s office, right? Or somebody in a main office. And we recognize that was not enough, that was not sufficient, that was not adequate. We want to make sure that our young people, wherever they are on this beautiful campus, that they will have access to the internet. You no have to di go run inna the teachers lounge or the office or going just in the computer lab. So that’s an important component of this initiative and that’s why the government of Belize has invested millions of dollars in this initiative.”

Fonseca estimates that about seventy-five percent of schools are now digitally connected, but he assures us that the government’s mission won’t stop until every single school is online. The launch of phase two was celebrated with a signing ceremony at Our Lady of the Way Primary School in Ladyville. During the event, the Ministry of Education also gifted the school with twenty-two Chromebooks. Dolores Balderamos-Garcia highlighted just how crucial internet access is for the community.

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Area Representative, BRC

“Digital connection for education is so very important. I want to recall minister, three years ago, I had the distinct honor of joining you and your delegation in London for the Education World Forum. After COVID. It was being stressed the importance of digital learning worldwide. And now that we see BTL working with the Ministry of Education to bring this project online today and to increase the Internet connection of this very large school. Principal, how much enrollment? Three hundred and sixty students. Wow. And I know Ladyville Evangelical has another three hundred and odd and Ladyville SDA, Seventh Day Adventist, they have what mussi bout three hundred as well. So you can see the impact that this community is having on education for our children.”

Digi is all in on this mission. They’ve pledged to support the government’s goal of getting every school in Belize connected to the internet. To make this happen, they’ve signed two contracts: one to keep the ConnectED program running in the 213 schools already benefiting, and another to expand it to 70 more schools. Digi CEO Ivan Tesucum shared his excitement to continue the partnership.

Ivan Tesucum, Chief Executive Officer, Digi

“With this expansion, we’re bringing high speed internet connectivity to more corners of Belize, north to south, east to west. Ensuring that students nowhere are left behind, doesn’t matter where you are, and that they can access equitable quality of education. That is the key. At Digi or National Telecom, we believe that connectivity means more than just accessing the internet. It is the gateway to knowledge, innovation, and empowerment. Connectivity is about inspiring a generation to dream bigger. To think beyond what we see. To think beyond the boundaries. And to shape Belize. Yes, to put Belize on the map. Into the educational sphere. And create an environment where teaching and learning are not just about books. But it’s also about being dynamic. Being able to interact globally. And to be able to collaborate worldwide”

Tesucum encouraged the students at the ceremony to let their curiosity lead them to new heights as they take advantage of the digital world and its opportunities. Britney Gordon for News Five.

PACT and APAMO Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement

The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) and the Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations (APAMO) have teamed up, signing a strategic partnership agreement during a ceremony at the Ministry of Sustainable Development’s Auditorium in Belmopan. The main goal of this partnership is to boost the management effectiveness and operational capacity of community-based organizations that oversee critical protected areas in Belize.

Dr. Kenrick Williams, Chair, Protected Areas Conservation Trust

“We’ve been looking at, how do we, as PACT, continue to support and strengthen the community-based organizations to be able to do the work, the critical work that they need to do on a daily basis. How do we invest in building the capacities of these organizations consistently? How do we ensure that we’re meeting the targets of the protected areas system in terms of those biodiversity monitoring, in terms of the data research. How do we move towards financial sustainability? I think those are some of the key areas that we’ve looked at in terms of supporting these community-based organizations over time. Now, the Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations, APAMO, has been a critical bridging organization in providing that function to the system. And so, the bridging organizations help us then to meet those national objectives. They help us to provide the capacity building. They help us to build the financial management and financial sustainability in these smaller community-based NGOs because, really and truly, what you have from these CBOs is heart and soul.”

APAMO Chair, “The day has finally come!”

Today’s signing reaffirms PACT’s dedication to its conservation partners, including APAMO and community-based organizations, that act as guardians of our natural heritage, protecting its ecological, social, and environmental significance. APAMO serves as an umbrella organization for NGOs and CBOs managing protected areas in Belize. In 2019, APAMO established its Central Resource Center to bolster the institutional and sustainable development of protected areas, offering support in business development, marketing, financial planning, proposal writing, project management and reporting, event planning, and park management. Since its inception in 2007, PACT has collaborated with this non-profit organization to ensure the sustainable use and protection of Belize’s natural resources.

Eli Miller, Executive Director, APAMO

“The day has finally come and I cannot over express how pleased we are that we’re finally here. It’s been a long time in the making [and] it has meant a lot of engagement among our own members. But also with PACT at every level. I always say that PACT and the Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations, APAMO, is a natural fit as partners. In 2019, we entered the first partnership, but thereafter it was paused. Ever since we’ve been trying to improve and strengthen our partnership and the day has come. So we want to say thank you and we look forward to it not being a short or medium-term partnership. I think history has shown that more medium to long-term partnerships are more effective. APAMO, I would like to say, is one of the longest standing network organizations in Belize. We were established in 2007, with a clear mandate to advocate, to lobby for our members, to have a voice. Our slogan, or our logo is that we are the voice of Belize’s protected areas.”

Belizean Women Learning How to Cultivate Vanilla

In the heart of Belize, a group of determined women is embarking on a fragrant journey to master the art of growing and cultivating vanilla. This initiative not only promises to boost local agriculture but also empowers these women with new skills and economic opportunities. We explore how this vanilla venture is transforming lives and bringing a sweet aroma of change to the community.

Valentino Shal, C.E.O., Ministry of Rural Transformation

“One of the very important features of this project is that it’s about vanilla, it’s non-traditional. I know you do the usuals, the same things that we give women to do, traditional things, traditional activities, traditional training. The difference here is that cultivating vanilla is not something we normally do. Vanilla is a very valuable spice. It’s a valuable product and if you learn to cultivate this and you will be provided with all the support that you need to learn how to do it, you know, you can really earn an income and generate revenue for yourself and your family from this project. So I would really like you to embrace the change, the difference and the opportunity that this project presents.”

Lincoln Blake, Director, Investment Policy & Compliance Unit

“It’s something that definitely has potential and, as the minister said, if you start doing the math and you start growing, it’s not easy but when you start growing it and you become good at it, I mean, this is something that women in their backyard, in their garden, could definitely grow it. It’s not something that will take a lot of time compared to if you are growing carrots or onions. I mean it’s something that you would be able to manage. So we definitely, when we sat down with the chairlady of the National Women’s Commission because she said, “You know what, we need to empower women economically. We need to find something different for them. And we were discussing several projects and this came up. So we said let’s find some funding to do this project and to get more women involved to empower them. And, of course, with our partners in Taiwan, when we pitched it to them and we showed them a pilot that we had in Corozal, basically we convinced them to fund for the west and the south.”

Frik De Meyere Released After Police Questioning

Boris Mannsfeld’s former associate, Frik De Meyere, has been released from police custody. De Meyere was picked up by police for questioning in connection with Mannsfeld’s murder case. This was confirmed by Police Commissioner Chester Williams on Monday.

Though De Meyere has been released, his phone, computer, and firearm remain in police hands as authorities continue their investigation.

Mannsfeld was shot in the back of the neck at his Placencia villa on February 21. Authorities believe the attack was targeted, though the motive remains unclear. He had been embroiled in several high-profile legal disputes. Mannsfeld had accused former associate Frik De Meyere of fraud, including the misappropriation of funds, which led to several lawsuits.

De Meyere’s attorney, Andrew Bennett, said, “We have provided a defence on behalf of Mr. De Meyere… but unfortunately, they have not really moved from pleadings.” In one lawsuit, an application was made to appoint an expert auditor, Cedric Flowers, but Bennett added, “As of today, that did not move anywhere.” The legal battles remain stalled.

De Meyere had severed ties with Mannsfeld in 2023, and in one of Mannsfeld’s controversial emails, he accused De Meyere and others of being involved in a land fraud scheme that allegedly involved bribing officials and creating fake passports. While the police have not confirmed these claims, Commissioner Chester Williams stated that their investigation is ongoing.

Williams stated that for a proper investigation to begin, official complaints are required. “If it were that there were passports that were fraudulently issued, then immigration would have come to the police and lodged a complaint,” he said. Regarding the stamp duty fraud, Williams added, “We would need to get a complaint from the Ministry of Natural Resources stamp duty division or section on that matter so that we would be able to investigate.”

The potential motives for Mannsfeld’s murder are still under investigation.

Rebuilding Borodyanka: Lord Ashcroft Donates £1.3 Million to Ukraine Charity Project

During his 11th visit to Ukraine since the war began, British philanthropist Lord Ashcroft was welcomed by Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, to Borodyanka—a town left devastated by the Russian invasion in 2022. The First Lady guided Ashcroft through the ruins and unveiled the plans for a new Children’s Creative and Sports Centre. Ashcroft is funding this major charity project with a £1.3 million donation to the Olena Zelenska Foundation.

Borodyanka’s devastating history is marked by intense destruction during the early stages of Russia’s brutal invasion. According to a statement, the town endured bombings that killed 170 people for over 38 days, which reduced hundreds of buildings to rubble and displaced several residents.

“This is not just about rebuilding—it is an investment in the future of our children,” said Zelenska in a statement.

Ashcroft witnessed firsthand the progress of the project and stated, “She introduced me to the development of the children’s creative and sports centre and explained the impact this project will have on the town, which was so brutally bombed by Russian invaders three years ago.”

His donation will help rebuild the centre, which was once home to more than 2,000 children participating in sports and extracurricular activities before it was destroyed. Ashcroft added, “I am deeply grateful to the First Lady of Ukraine for inviting me to Borodianka during such difficult times for the country.”

Zelenska’s foundation has already made strides in helping the people of Ukraine, particularly children, through initiatives in healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid. Ashcroft also previously supported the modernisation of a bacteriological laboratory at the Lviv Children’s Medical Centre.

“This is already the second initiative of the Foundation supported by Lord Ashcroft,” said Nina Horbachova, the director of the Olena Zelenska Foundation. “Thanks to his financial assistance, we have already modernised the bacteriological laboratory at the Children’s Medical Centre in Lviv, which provides vital diagnostics for children from all over Ukraine.”

Construction is set to begin in March 2025, with plans to offer a range of activities from football and basketball to dance and robotics.

Zelenska expressed her deep appreciation for his partnership, stating, “Lord Ashcroft has become one of our partners, and we are grateful for his incredible support and understanding of the importance of such projects.”

2025 marks Ukraine’s fourth year of its war with Russia; the reconstruction of Borodyanka is a beacon of hope in a region torn apart by conflict.

Suspect Charged for Gales Point Stabbing

Police have formally arrested and charged Gilbert Kenneth Moore for Dangerous Harm in connection with the November 27, 2024, stabbing of Lionel Dewehene in Gales Point Village.

Back in November, A.C.P. Hilberto Romero told reporters that the victim was hospitalised after being stabbed during a fight with Moore. The two men, who were both from Gales Point and reportedly intoxicated at the time, had a prior acquaintance. Following the incident, Moore had been on the run.

Belize Detains Foreigners Wanted for Crimes in Guatemala

Belizean immigration officials have detained two Americans and one Canadian wanted in Guatemala for offences against minors.

The men allegedly entered Belize illegally just before their scheduled court appearance.

“I’m not aware of them travelling with minors, but I know that yes, they are detained, and the matter is currently being looked into by immigration and police,” Williams stated. Reports suggest they may be linked to the controversial Lev Tahor sect, but Commissioner of Police Chester Williams stated there is no confirmation of this connection.

Late last year, Al Jazeera reported that Guatemalan authorities rescued 160 children and 40 women from the Lev Tahor sect following allegations of severe abuse, including rape, forced marriages, and human trafficking. The operation took place in Oratorio, about 78 kilometres southeast of Guatemala City.

According to prosecutor Nancy Paiz from the Office Against Human Trafficking, medical examinations and testimonies confirmed cases of forced marriages and other forms of abuse. The Attorney General’s Office also reported the discovery of a child’s remains during the raid.

Lev Tahor, a fundamentalist Jewish sect founded in Israel in 1988, has faced numerous allegations of kidnapping, child marriage, and physical abuse. The Guatemalan Jewish Community has publicly distanced itself from the group and expressed support for authorities in their efforts to protect vulnerable individuals.

UDP’s Phillip Willoughby Envisions ‘Streets of Gold’ in Port Loyola

Phillip Willoughby, the United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate for Port Loyola under the leadership of Tracy Taegar-Panton, shared deep concerns about his constituency’s struggles under current leadership. According to Willoughby, he “sees people suffering in inhumane conditions” in Port Loyola.

Willoughby says he plans to transform the area if he wins. “If I am the area representative—and I knew that my mother lived on the street, I would have probably fixed the street by now. It would have been the street of gold, like in the Wizard of Oz.”

He criticised the sitting area representative, Gilroy Usher of the People’s United Party. He stated, “My heart cries and grieves for the kids who have to walk in the conditions that I have shown you. My heart cries and grieves for the senior citizens who have underlying conditions that they have to battle with every day.”

Last week, Usher defended his record on road improvement. He said he’s made significant improvements in housing and several streets.

Willoughby also criticised the economy under the Briceño Administration. He said, “The economy that Mr. Briceño speaks of—the strength of that economy—is not being felt in Port.”

He confidently added, “I am the best choice for the people of Port Loyola. It is simple as that. I am the best choice.” He added that his “fervent hope” is that “the people of Port Loyola will give me the opportunity to serve them, to work for them, to deliver for them.”

Willoughby is set to challenge incumbent Usher Sr. and Dr. Nelma Jones of the UDP under Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s leadership. Anthony “Boots” Martinez is also coming for the constituency as a UDP candidate, though he’s going at it alone without backing from Tracy Panton or Moses “Shyne” Barrow.

Anthony “Boots” Martinez Says He’s UDP’s Original

Former Port Loyola Area Representative Anthony “Boots” Martinez was nominated as a UDP candidate on Monday, though he’s going it alone without backing from Tracy Panton or Moses “Shyne” Barrow. He faces two other UDP candidates and incumbent Gilroy Usher Sr. of the People’s United Party.

In the Panton-led UDP, Martinez will challenge Phillip Willoughby, while in the Moses Barrow-led UDP, he faces Dr. Nelma Mortis Jones.

Martinez was asked what it meant for his candidacy as he showed up for nomination between the hours of 12 pm and 2 pm, a slot normally reserved for ‘independent candidates.’ He said, “The main thing is that you could ah mi come from 10 until 4, but it doesn’t really matter. The main objective is to get on the list. So now, I am properly nominated, and I was telling people before this that it was nearly over, but now it’s over now.”

Despite being sidelined by both UDP factions, Martinez stated, “The only opinion that I take is the opinion of the people in Port Loyola. This thing about who is with who in terms of leadership, that doesn’t matter me.”

He added, “I am the only ‘longest-serving representative—four times in a row’ for Port Loyola, including beating Mr. Usher 2 times in a row… My colours are red, white, and blue—I da di original.”

Martinez stated that he is focused on his strategy ahead to secure the constituency. If he had to worry about his contenders, he said, “I not even mi wa come get nominated.”