On Saturday, the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security announced in a statement the deployment of two senior officers from the Belize Defence Force (BDF) to support Haiti’s restoration efforts.
The collaboration is part of the “United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699, which aims to re-establish security within Haiti and create conditions conductive to free and fair elections,” stated the Ministry.
According to the statement, the BDF officers, Ermil Coh and Claudio Quiroz, will join a multinational task force in collaboration with the Jamaican Defence Force.
Haiti last conducted elections in 2016, and since then, officials have cited gang violence and political instability as reasons for the inability to hold new elections. “This deployment underscores Belize’s steadfast commitment to aiding international security restoration efforts and reinforces our support for CARICOM partners and allies in the region,” the Ministry added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an X post, “The BDF has deployed two officers to join their Jamaican counterparts for onward assignment in Haiti as part of the UN authorized Multinational Security Support Mission. Belize remains unequivocally committed to the success of the MSS in Haiti.”
Venezuela has abruptly ended Brazil’s authority to manage Argentina’s Embassy in Caracas, effective immediately. The Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, announced the decision in a statement issued by the foreign ministry on Saturday, citing unproven claims of planned assassination attempts within the diplomatic facility.
The move follows Venezuela’s increasingly strained international position after a controversial presidential election in July. For weeks, the opposition has accused Maduro of election fraud, sparking widespread protests and unrest.
Brazil, which had been overseeing the Argentine embassy since Argentina cut ties with Venezuela, has refused to cede control. The Brazilian government released its own statement, insisting that international law, including the Vienna Conventions, protects the diplomatic mission. “The Brazilian government highlights in this context, under the terms of the Vienna Conventions, the inviolability of the facilities of the Argentine diplomatic mission,” it stated.
Reports indicate that the Argentine embassy has faced power outages and surveillance, with Venezuelan intelligence agents patrolling outside.
The situation remains volatile, with a number of South American governments and ongoing protests demanding greater transparency and calling for Maduro’s resignation.
Zee Edgell, born Zelma Inez Tucker in Belize City in 1940, stands as a towering figure in Belizean literature. Her literary career began with the groundbreaking novel Beka Lamb, which not only marked Belize’s first novel to gain international acclaim but also offered a poignant look at the nationalist movement in British Honduras through the eyes of a young girl. Edgell’s ability to capture the essence of her homeland with such vivid detail and authenticity set a new standard for Belizean writing and education. Beka Lamb quickly became a seminal text, finding its place in school curricula across Belize and beyond, and winning the prestigious Fawcett Society Book Prize in 1982.
From Belize to the World
Edgell’s journey was as varied and rich as her novels. Her career took her across the world, from Nigeria and Jamaica to Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Each location left an indelible mark on her work. In Nigeria and Bangladesh, she worked with development organisations, while in Jamaica, she contributed to the Daily Gleaner. These experiences broadened her worldview and deepened her understanding of diverse cultures, which enriched her storytelling. Her global travels and work with the Peace Corps brought a unique perspective to her writing, reflecting the complexities of post-colonial societies and the human condition.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Education
Back in Belize, Edgell’s contributions extended beyond literature. She was a pioneering advocate for women’s rights, serving as the first Director of the Women’s Bureau under both the United Democratic Party and the People’s United Party. Her tenure saw significant advancements in women’s issues and development in Belize. She also played a crucial role in education, returning to teach at the University College of Belize, now known as the University of Belize, and at St. Catherine Academy, where she had once been a student. Her dedication to education was matched by her commitment to nurturing young minds, as she frequently visited schools to inspire students with readings from her work.
Honours and Recognition: Edgell’s Achievements
Edgell’s achievements did not go unnoticed. In 2007, she was honoured with an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature and community service. This accolade was a testament to her impact not only in Belize but also on the international stage. Two years later, she received an honorary doctorate in literature from the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, further cementing her place as a distinguished literary figure. These honours recognised her as a trailblazer in Belizean literature and a global advocate for education and social change.
Remembering Zee Edgell
Yet, behind her remarkable public life was a personal story of deep family connections. Edgell was married to Alvin Edgell for 52 years, a partnership that was both a personal and professional journey. Together, they raised two children: Holly, a journalist, and Randall, a physician. Their family life was a source of immense pride and joy for Edgell, and her children and grandchildren were her greatest treasures. Her family, including her siblings and their families, often celebrated her achievements and supported her through the many stages of her career.
In her later years, Edgell retired to St. Louis, Missouri, to be closer to her family after Alvin’s passing in 2020. Despite her physical absence, her legacy lives on through her novels, which continue to teach and inspire readers around the world. Her work not only reflects the vibrant culture and complex social dynamics of Belize but also serves as a lasting testament to her profound impact on literature and advocacy.
After a week-long of weather uncertainty, Saturday’s dawn broke into clear blue skies befitting the Belize Carnival 2024.
A sea of revellers in vibrant costumes flooded Belize City as they gathered in anticipation for the road march, excited and ready to start the road march. The road march ended at Marion Jones Stadium, where the competing Mas Bands delivered their final performances after a week of being evaluated by a panel of judges.
On Sunday, the top bands were announced by the Belize Carnival Association. The top bands were:
The Coastal Plains Highway is currently undergoing repairs at approximately mile 34 after an accident earlier today. The accident reportedly involved a trailer carrying a bulldozer that was detached from a dump truck, causing significant damage to the pavement and guardrails.
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) issued a statement informing the public of temporary repairs being done to the pavement. However, the ongoing weather system affecting Belize may worsen the damage.
“The Ministry is currently executing some remedial works to temporarily repair the pavement; however, with the existing weather system that is affecting Belize, the damages may be further exacerbated. We therefore advise the general public to drive with due care and attention and within the posted speed limits when traversing this section of the Coastal Plains Highway,” the Ministry stated.
Police have charged Jamie Myvett, a 31-year-old Belizean fisherman, with attempted murder and use of deadly means of harm. The charges are related to a shooting incident involving Deon Garay that occurred on August 30, 2024. The arrest was made on Friday, September 6.
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has come forward in defence of its Deputy Chairman, Alberto August, condemning the aggravated assault charges against him as a “baseless, vindictive, and malicious” attack aimed at silencing dissent. According to the UDP, the charges are a deliberate distraction from serious allegations of “illegal voter registration and electoral fraud at the San Ignacio office of the Elections and Boundaries Department,” stated the UDP in a press release.
The Party described these charges against August as a threat to democratic freedoms, stating, “The Freedoms of Speech and Expression are still constitutionally enshrined for every single Belizean citizen, including political opponents.”
According to reports, August was arrested and charged last Wednesday after a complaint from a Cayo resident who claimed he used insulting language towards her at the Elections and Boundaries Office in San Ignacio. August was arrested but granted bail and is awaiting arraignment due to a national conference attended by magistrates.
August responded with gratitude on Facebook for the UDP’s support. “Expressing personal “Thank You” to the United Democratic Party for its public display of support in the face of political prosecution,” stated August.
“Nobody can take care of you better than you. You can’t pour from an empty cup; you need to think of ways to fill your cup,” advised Chaplain Page Brooks from the Louisiana National Guard state chaplain, during the Belize Defence Force’s Wellness Exchange in Ladyville, Belize, in August. The program supported the wellness exchange to enhance mental health practices among Belize’s military personnel.
The four-day program, which was held in Ladyville, Belize, involved Soldiers, Airmen, and Sailors from Belize’s military branches.
Megan Aspinall of the BDF highlighted the initiative’s impact, saying, “The BDF Wellness Program came about as the force recognized that the serving members were experiencing mental health issues that were affecting deployment readiness.” According to the Louisiana National Guard, the program has led to significant improvements, including the opening of a new wellness centre and a decrease in the suicide rate.
Louisiana National Guard’s Resilience Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention Program coordinator, Amber Sayer, noted the universal nature of mental health challenges, stating, “Beyond cultural differences, our servicemen and women experience the exact same stigma, risk factors, financial, and moral concerns.”
Belizeans, whether at home or abroad, are taking over this weekend to celebrate Belize pride, even in the face of bad weather. While locals will get to enjoy the annual carnival road march, Belizeans in New York City will see the return of the Belize Park Fest on September 7, 2024, at Industry City in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park.
News 5 spoke with Duane Gutierrez, chairman of the NYC Belize Park Fest, and Dona Andrews, the fest’s secretary, to learn more about this year’s ‘one big Belizean Reunion’ in New York City.
Gutierrez expressed his vision to bring back the festival so Belizeans can reconnect. “It’s more so for the next generation of Belizeans that are here. To pretty much get to know their culture and heritage a lot more closer,” said Gutierrez.
According to Gutierrez and Andrews, the festival offers a slice of home for Belizeans residing in and around NYC—an opportunity for Belizeans to enjoy Belizean food and music.
Andrews highlighted the festival’s dual purpose as both a celebration and a fundraiser. “It is a fundraiser. So once you come and you support us, you’re not supporting us personally, you’re a part of what we are about, our dream, and helping Belizeans. So you are a part of what our dream is about,” she said.
“We’re very excited that we’re going to be helping our Belizeans here and abroad in sports, education, whatever,” she added.
The Belize Park Fest not only serves as a vibrant celebration of Belizean heritage but also as a meaningful way for the community to contribute to the next generation of Belizeans living abroad.
On Thursday, the Rural Transformation Department inaugurated the new Tower Hill Village Rudimentary Water System. The department also distributed water meters valued at over $30,000 to ensure “efficient monitoring and distribution for the benefit of the community.”
The ceremony highlighted the transition from the Carmelita Village system to an independent setup, a move expected to enhance water access and reliability. The department expressed gratitude to UNICEF for their support and to Orange Walk East Area Representative Kevin Bernard for his contributions to the project.
Through the same initiative, the Ministry provided 4” PVC pipes worth over $17,000 to the San Felipe Village Water Board in the Orange Walk District, furthering their commitment to improving local water infrastructure.
As part of UNICEF’s effort to upgrade the rudimentary water systems in twenty villages in southern Belize, the WASH Improvement Programme was implemented, making notable progress in Machakilha village in southern Belize. A newly installed 200-foot well now pumps 120 gallons per minute, an 800% increase, and solar-powered systems have improved water access. This upgrade aims to address the village’s long-standing water scarcity issues, benefiting families that previously had to travel half a mile daily for water.
