Breaking Belize News - Channel 5 Belize

Belize eliminates mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis

Belize, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have become the latest countries in the Americas to receive certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating the mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. This milestone was celebrated at a special event organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Kingston, Jamaica, with support from UNICEF and UNAIDS, and with the participation of health ministers from these three nations.

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness of Belize, described the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis as a significant accomplishment for the country, made possible through the commitment and dedication of health care workers. Bernard said, “Eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV and syphilis is an extremely significant accomplishment for the people and the country of Belize. The activities leading up to this momentous goal were not always easy, however, with the commitment and motivation of our health care workers, in all areas of health, this has become a reality. We continue to work towards achieving public health goals for a healthier and more productive Belize.”

In 2010, countries in the Americas committed to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis and endorsed a regional strategy updated in 2016 under the PAHO Plan of Action for the Prevention and Control of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections. Globally, 19 countries and territories have been certified for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and/or syphilis, with 11 in the Americas. Cuba made history in 2015 by becoming the first country to achieve dual elimination of HIV and syphilis. This progress continued with other countries in subsequent years.

To achieve elimination targets, countries focused on strengthening prevention and treatment services in primary health care and maternal and child health, updating guidelines, ensuring effective screening of pregnant women, monitoring cases, and following up with HIV and syphilis-exposed infants.

Brazil Floods Death Toll Rises to 83

Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expressing “its concern over the mass floods in the southern region of Brazil and offers its condolences to the families who have lost loved ones.”

The death toll from severe floods in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state has reached at least 83, with authorities investigating four additional deaths possibly linked to the storms. Over 276 people are injured and 111 remain missing, while more than 121,000 individuals have been displaced, according to the Civil Defense of Rio Grande do Sul.

This disaster has impacted over 850,000 people across 345 municipalities, causing widespread destruction of homes, roads, and bridges. Local residents and evacuees have reported seeing bodies in floodwaters, potentially not yet included in the official death count.

Around 1,000 firefighters are engaged in rescue missions. Operations have intensified as weather conditions allow, with rescue teams using inflatable rafts to evacuate people and pets.

The region has experienced a surge in extreme weather events, with at least 54 fatalities in September following a sub-tropical cyclone. The escalating climate crisis, driven primarily by human activities such as fossil fuel combustion, is exacerbating these extreme weather phenomena worldwide, intensifying their frequency and impact.

Bobo Youth’s Alleged Murderer Charged

Regarding the shooting death of Elwin Rudolph Lewis, also known as “Bobo Youth,” which took place on Friday, March 22, 2024, police arrested and charged twenty-two-year-old Travis Jamaal Herbert with the crime of murder.

Lewis was gunned down on Friday night in front of Gwen Liz High School on Antelope Street in Belize City. He was driving a motorcycle heading in the direction from Elston Kerr Street towards Central American Boulevard when he was shot dead by someone on another motorcycle heading in the opposite direction.

Belize City Man Charged with Murder

Police arrested and charged thirty-year-old Lyson James Cacho with the murder of Jordan Waight. The twenty-four-year-old, who also went by the name Jordan Burns, was gunned down on November 23rd on Barbara Harris Street in Belize City.

Despite being rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Waight was pronounced dead on arrival. Of note is that a previous attempt had been made on his life before his killing.

Chetumal Urges Removal of Belize Travel Warning

The government of Belize recently issued a warning to its citizens regarding the insecurity and violence in Chetumal. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said “The Government of Belize is monitoring the recent rise in violent crime in Chetumal, Mexico and advises Belizeans to exercise caution when traveling across the Northern Border and visiting Chetumal.”

In response, Amir Padilla Espadas, president of Canaco Chetumal, emphasized the urgency for authorities to swiftly address and remove this warning. He stressed that its continuation could adversely affect the influx of Belizean visitors, who significantly contribute to the local economy, representing 30% of economic activity in the town.

He underscored the importance of government-to-government dialogue to coordinate actions and raise awareness.

Padilla urged prompt removal of the alert. He mentioned his role as president of Canaco and their efforts, alongside the Consul of Belize, to communicate with Belizean counterparts, informing them of the situation in Chetumal and the measures being implemented to safeguard tourist and commercial activities.

San Pedro Mayor Wally Nunez Challenges Sitting Area Rep. Andre Perez

Belize Rural South Area Representative Andre Perez was recently welcomed back to Cabinet following a lengthy suspension. Perez returned as the Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management. He was sidelined from the government following accusations of sexual misconduct by attorney Wendy Auxillou. Prime Minister John Briceño told reporters on April 16 that “the investigation was that no laws were broken.”

The Prime Minister reinforced his decision to welcome back Perez by saying, “I think the point that you all are missing is that Minister Perez went into his constituency and he worked hard, and for this municipal election, he… For this election, he, along with the mayor, Wally Nunez, they won by the largest margin ever in the history of San Pedro.”

Mayor Nunez’s recent win in San Pedro Town has him seeking higher office. He wants to be the next area representative for Belize Rural South. He wants to replace Perez. Does he stand a chance? How will the leaders of the People’s United Party react to Nunez’s ambitions? Is Andre Perez’s political career in trouble?

Nunez posted on Facebook: “The people of San Pedro and Caye Caulker have been asking for quite some time now if I will represent them in the general elections. Well, this is [a] testament that I will be sending in my application to represent you all! Let democracy prevail!”

Let’s compare both men’s performance in their most recent elections. Municipal elections for Nunez and general elections for Perez.

According to the Elections and Boundaries Department, for the 2020 general elections, Perez obtained 4336, or 62.96%, of the votes. His opponent, Manuel Heredia Jr., received 2419, or 35.12%. The BPF’s candidate, Thomas Henry Greenwood Jr., received 37, or 0.54%, of the votes. 95 ballots were rejected. There were 5,410 registered voters in that division. 4475, or 82.75%, cast their vote.

According to the Elections and Boundaries Department, for the 2024 municipal elections, Nunez received 3651. His UDP opponent, Wilfredo Alamilla, received 1319 votes. There are 8704 registered voters in the municipality. 5397, or 62.01%, cast their votes. Nunez increased his margin of victory by 189 votes compared to the March 3, 2021 municipal elections.

On Facebook, Nunez has received a wave of support. Perez told News Five he would not comment at this time.