Scientists from Florida International University have identified a new species of hammerhead shark, Sphyrna alleni, named in honour of the late Paul G. Allen, an advocate for shark conservation.
Previously unnoticed due to its similarity to the bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo, the locally known shovellbill shark has been found from Belize to Brazil and now faces the threat of extinction.
FIU researcher and lead author of the research, Cindy Gonzalez, explained, “DNA analyses provided the first clue that the bonnethead sharks, as we knew them, were at least two species in the Atlantic and not one.” However, Gonzalez noted that DNA alone was insufficient to define a species, prompting a team to investigate physical differences.
The Global FinPrint study revealed that sharks in this region are overfished, particularly due to destructive fishing practices.
“These sharks have played a critical role in shaping the culture and economy of many local communities in many Latin American countries, so it is important to work hand-to-hand with the fishermen on conservation efforts,” Gonzalez remarked.
The next phase of the project will evaluate shark health in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across 26 nations.
“It is tragic that we have only just recognised that this species exists, and we are already running against the clock to prevent its extinction,” said the research team lead, Demian Chapman. He commended Belize for its proactive steps in shark conservation, adding, “Belize has taken proactive steps for shark conservation that may help this species, such as collaborating closely with shark fishing communities to manage shark catches, establishing protected areas, and implementing a nationwide gillnet ban.”
Police are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred during the carnival celebration in Orange Walk District. According to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, Francis Bustamante Sr., 48, and his son, Francis Bustamante Jr., 28, were working at a bar when a male approached them and initiated an argument. This individual then brandished a knife and stabbed both men.
Reports indicate that the argument may have been over a drink that the assailant wanted to purchase.
Francis Bustamante Senior is recovering in the hospital, while Francis Bustamante Junior is in critical condition.
World leaders gathered at the 79th United Nations General Assembly for the Summit of the Future, adopting the Pact for the Future Resolution. This initiative includes the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, aimed at bridging digital divides and ensuring a sustainable world for future generations.
During the Summit of the Future, Prime Minister John Briceño called on global leaders to see the adoption of the Summit Outcome documents as the starting point for transformative change. He stated, “The adoption of the pact for the future, the global digital compact, and the declaration on future generations must not be seen as an end, but rather as a beginning.” Briceño emphasised that these agreements serve as a foundation for future action.
Briceño pointed out the challenges posed by what he described as a “triple planetary crisis and a development crisis.” He warned that “human and planetary capacities are approaching limits from which there may be no rebound.” The Prime Minister noted that climate and development goals are slipping further away, with recent data indicating that global warming has exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for the first time in a twelve-month period.
Briceño called for unprecedented actions across all levels of governance, stating, “These are unprecedented times; they demand unprecedented actions.” He underscored the need for investments in education, healthcare, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises, particularly in small island developing states.
He also cited the “Antigua and Barbuda agenda for SIDS” as a “forward-looking blueprint for resilient prosperity.”
“My country, like other small island developing states, still lacks representation where decisions are being made on our behalf. As a placebo, we may be given the privilege of a five-minute intervention on a matter that will have consequential impacts on our future,” Briceño added.
The Department of the Environment (DOE) recently concluded a training session aimed at enhancing environmental compliance monitoring, a crucial step in safeguarding Belize’s natural resources.
Over three days, from September 17-19, 2024, experts from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) provided guidance to representatives from over ten government agencies, including Public Health, the Forest Department, NICH, and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum, and Mining.
The training involved practical exercises and discussions designed to enhance participants’ monitoring skills.
Anthony Mai, Chief Environmental Officer, highlighted the importance of compliance, stating, “Compliance is not just a checklist; it’s a critical aspect of maintaining trust and integrity in our operations.” He noted that the training offered a valuable opportunity for professionals to exchange knowledge and address common challenges.
Team Belize is primed to represent the nation at the First Global Challenge 2024 in Athens, Greece, to showcase its innovative robot, Wagüchi.
While the name Wagüchi translates to “our father” in Garifuna, it also symbolises the team’s strong connection to their ancestral roots, with an adopted figurative meaning of “ancestral roots.”
The team comprises five dedicated high school students: Team Captain Aurayanna Shepherd, 16; Lia Hunt, 16; Ximin Huang, 15; Liam Lizarraga, 15; and Leandro Avila, 13. Together, they have worked tirelessly with a larger school team to design, build, and program Wagüchi and enhance its functionality.
The team, made up of students from first to fourth form, departed this morning to Greece.
The First Global Challenge is an international robotics competition that encourages youths from around the world to tackle pressing global issues through technology. Taking place from September 26-29, 2024, the event will see participants from over 190 countries gather in Athens.
The competition aims to make science and technology as celebrated in the same manner traditional sports do, inspiring the next generation to pursue STEM fields.
During Saturday night’s Carnival Road march in Orange Walk Town, a 23-year-old man from the St. Martins Area, Belize City, was fatally stabbed.
According to reports, Alwin Arnold Vasquez was stabbed in the abdomen after reportedly being involved in an altercation with an unknown male.
Vasquez was immediately rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital (NRH) for medical assistance but was pronounced dead shortly after.
Witnesses to the incident were reportedly under the influence of alcohol, and were unable to provide useful statements to the police. The police investigation continues.
Thousands of Belizeans filled the streets of cities, towns, and villages across the nation on Saturday as Belize celebrated 43 years of independence.
In Belmopan, the Prime Minister, John Briceño, and other leaders delivered speeches during the annual ceremony at Independence Hill. In his Independence Day Address, Briceño stated, “We are 400,000 living on some of the most pristine islands, in picturesque villages, in bustling cities and towns, small communities of diverse people whose aspirations are for the creation of one nation. Proud and free.”
Briceño urged Belizeans to look beyond their differences: “A true-born Belizean looks not at another Belizean’s differences, but at what are those things we share in common. We learnt this from our ancestors, who toiled, often against the odds, to build a resilient nation. Despite the odds which subjected them to a cruel colonialism, they left for us a moral compass, suasion, that is today inspired in us. The desire to construct societies that celebrate diversity, appreciate openness and value social justice, liberty, and national happiness. They instill in us the importance of protecting and sharing our natural patrimony.”
Messages of congratulations came from various nations.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised the shared commitment to democracy and cooperation on issues such as climate change: “September 21 serves not only as an opportunity to recognise Belize’s independence but also to celebrate the strong partnership between the United States and Belize. Our enduring bond is anchored by our shared commitments to democratic values, the rule of law, and respect for human rights for all… Our respective and joint efforts to combat transnational crime and address climate change help ensure future generations of our peoples have a safe, secure, and clean future,” citing the signing of the $125 million Millennium Challenge Corporation Belize Compact.
In a message to the Belizean people, CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett, a Belizean herself, praised Belize for its contributions to regional integration and environmental protection. She stated, “The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘A Nation Proud and Free: Belize@43’ speaks to Belize’s rich heritage and strong foundations.”
Dr. Barnett highlighted Belize’s role as a leader in environmental protection. “The Caribbean Community also recognises the contributions that Belize has made to the regional integration movement as a CARICOM member state, including in justice and governance, for which the country’s prime minister holds responsibility in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet,” the Secretary-General said.
She acknowledged Belize’s membership in both CARICOM and the Central American Integration System (SICA) “has proven key to bolstering relations between the Community and Central America.”
As the nation celebrated Independence Day, a group of teachers from the Stann Creek District stood in silent demonstration at BTL Park in Dangriga Town. They demanded fair wages amid rising inflation.
They were joined in support by second-year primary education students.
Images of the demonstration show teachers holding placards that said, “Salaries minus increments plus inflation equal SUFFERING,” and “Bread gone up, egg gone up, cheese gone up… teachers’ salaries gone down.”
A participant told News 5, “Despite the government’s consistent declarations of a rapidly growing economy and historical prosperity, the reality for teachers is that they are still suffering having to survive on 2020 salaries in 2024 while inflation increases consistently.”
“The question still remains: When will teachers receive their 2021 and 2022 increments?” the participant added.
This week, Belize launched a “Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign to promote road safety ahead of the Independence Day festivities on September 21. Led by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the initiative started in the Cayo district with bumper sticker distribution.
In Stann Creek, local officials and police collaborated to spread the message, while in Punta Gorda, the National Drug Abuse Control Council teamed up with health services and police for awareness efforts.
Today, the National Drug Abuse Control Council, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and the Belize District Office joined forces with the Central Health Region, and the Belize Police Department joined in, urging citizens to celebrate responsibly.
The Ministry encourages everyone to prioritise safety and to celebrate responsibly:
As Belize approaches its 43rd Independence Day celebration on September 21, Belizeans home and abroad are preparing to wear their patriotism on their sleeves. While many will proudly sing the national anthem, “O Land of the Free,” few are able to fully appreciate the profound story behind it. The poet who penned these iconic words is Samuel Alfred Haynes, one of Belize’s most admired figures to enrich Belizean history. Haynes’s contributions to national identity and pride warrant lasting commemoration.
From Soldier to Activist: The Making of a National Hero
Samuel Alfred Haynes was not just a poet but a soldier, social activist, and leader whose life was marked by both struggle and triumph. Born over a century ago in Belize, Haynes served in World War I, fighting for the British Empire alongside other colonial soldiers. However, the harsh realities of racial discrimination and unfair treatment during the war left a deep impact on him. His return to Belize was marked by disillusionment and anger, culminating in his role as a leader in the 1919 Ex-Servicemen’s Riot, where he and fellow veterans protested against the racial injustice they faced.
This experience, coupled with his involvement in local movements and the Marcus Garvey movement, helped shape Haynes’ perspective on Belize’s social and political landscape. His activism wasn’t just about fighting for rights but also about creating a cultural and national identity that reflected Belize’s unique heritage and struggles.
Crafting a National Symbol: The Anthem’s Journey
In 1963, Haynes channelled his experiences and frustrations into writing a poem originally titled “Land of the Gods.” This piece was a poignant reflection of Belize’s past and aspirations, resonating with themes of liberation and identity. The poem’s transformation into the national anthem, “O Land of the Free,” marked a significant shift in Belizean history. On September 21, 1981, as Belize celebrated its independence from British rule, Haynes’ anthem was officially adopted, symbolising the nation’s newfound freedom and unity.
The anthem’s adoption was more than a formality; it was a statement of Belize’s emerging identity and a tribute to its journey from colonial subjugation to self-determination. The anthem’s powerful opening line, “O Land of the Free by the Carib Sea,” embodies this transition, celebrating both the natural beauty of Belize and its people’s resilience.
However, the anthem has not been without controversy. Critics have pointed out that the lyrics may not fully represent the diversity of Belize’s population, including concerns about gender and ethnic representation.
Despite these criticisms, the anthem remains a powerful symbol of Belizean identity. It encapsulates the nation’s history and its collective aspirations, making it a crucial part of national celebrations and a source of pride for many Belizeans.
Legacy and Recognition: An Unsung Hero’s Impact
While Haynes’ anthem has been celebrated as a national symbol, his broader legacy is one of significant but often overlooked impact. His efforts to address racial discrimination and promote Belizean identity have had lasting effects on the country’s cultural and social landscape. Despite the challenges he faced, Haynes’ work in both the military and the cultural sphere illustrates his commitment to justice and national pride.
As the nation prepares to raise its flag on Saturday in celebration of “A Nation Proud and Free: Belize at 43,” it is essential to sing the national anthem with pride, remembering Samuel Alfred Haynes not just as the author of the anthem but as a symbol of perseverance and patriotism. His life and work reflect a broader struggle for justice and identity, making him a true Belizean hero whose contributions continue to inspire and resonate.
Reflecting on Our Heritage
Reflecting on Haynes’ story allows us to appreciate the deeper meanings behind our national symbols. His anthem serves as a reminder of Belize’s journey from colonialism to independence and the ongoing commitment to unity and pride. On September 21, Belize will not only celebrate national identity but also honour the unsung heroes like Haynes, whose legacies shaped Belize’s history and future.
Lyrics of Belize’s National Anthem – “O Land of the Free”
(Written poem by Samuel Alfred Haynes, adopted on Independence Day, September 21, 1981)
O, Land of the Free by the Carib Sea,
Our manhood we pledge to thy liberty!
No tyrants here linger, despots must flee
This tranquil haven of democracy
The blood of our sires which hallows the sod,
Brought freedom from slavery, oppression’s rod
By the might of truth, and the grace of God,
No longer shall we be hewers of wood.
Chorus:
Arise! ye sons of the Baymen’s clan,
Put on your armour, clear the land!
Drive back the tyrants, let despots flee –
Land of the Free by the Carib Sea!
Nature has blessed thee with wealth untold,
O’er mountains and valleys where prairies roll;
Our fathers, the Baymen, valiant and bold
Drove back the invader; this heritage hold
From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon,
Through coral isle, over blue lagoon;
Keep watch with the angels, the stars and moon;
For freedom comes tomorrow’s noon.
(Chorus)
