Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

Dorothy Bradley’s Auditor General Contract Soon Ends, Who Will Replace?

The contract of Auditor General Dorothy Bradley is coming to an end. Bradley retired on December 14, 2021. However, she was brought out of retirement to serve a two-year contract beginning September 1, 2022. This appointment was unprecedented, as it marked the first time an Auditor General was hired on a contract basis, a move the government deemed necessary due to difficulties in finding a permanent successor.

Since her reappointment, the Briceño Administration has faced challenges in finding a permanent successor. But, as Bradley’s acting term concludes, the focus shifts to identifying a new Auditor General to continue the critical oversight the role calls for.

Earlier this year, President of the Public Service Union (PSU), Dean Flowers, publicly criticized Bradley’s performance. Flowers argued that her tenure has not met expectations, and called for a new appointment with greater competence and experience to fulfill the role of Auditor General effectively.

When asked about it on Thursday, PM Briceño said, “I think that is something the financial secretary is working on, and I’m sure that we will be able to find somebody that can be able to take on the, to be at the helm of the auditor general’s office”

When Will Dr. Osmond Martinez Be Sworn In?

Nearly a month after his decisive victory in the Toledo East by-elections on July 17, 2024, Dr. Osmond Martinez is yet to officially assume his role as the new representative for Toledo East. Securing an overwhelming 70% of the vote, Dr. Martinez emerged as the clear choice of the electorate.

Despite his victory, Dr. Martinez’s swearing-in is yet to be scheduled. Also, he still awaits assignment to a specific portfolio. When asked about it on Thursday, Prime Minister John Briceño announced that Dr. Martinez is scheduled to return from a “much-needed family holiday” on Monday. The PM is expected to meet with Dr. Martinez that same day to finalise preparations for the swearing-in ceremony and formal induction as the Toledo East representative.

$151,000 in Equipment Handed Over to MOHW: New Polyclinic Set to Transform Duck Run I

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) donated equipment worth over $151,000 to the Ministry of Health and Wellness. This contribution is part of the “Building Climate Change Resilience and Social Integration of Displaced People in Settlements of Western Belize” project. The project aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Compact for Migration Objectives and is set to conclude by December 2024.

In an official statement issued on August 8, 2024, it said that the project was launched in February 2022 as a “joint initiative between IOM and the Government of Belize—funded by the European Union with a grant of BZ$4,600,000.”

The donation includes 23 types of equipment, such as EKG machines, diagnostic sets, scales, crash carts, and defibrillators, marking the completion of IOM’s deliverables.

The initiative aims to improve resilience in five communities: Santa Familia, Billy White, Los Tambos, Duck Run 1, and Duck Run 3. “The polyclinic, being constructed by the government, is expected to be completed in October 2024 and will serve over 5,000 residents,” the statement said. The project will finish with the construction of a hurricane shelter and community centre in Duck Run 1 and the rehabilitation of Los Tambos Primary School.

ComPol Chester Williams Supports Removal of Death Penalty Law

The Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, publicly supported the abolition of the death penalty in Belize. In an interview, Williams said, “The truth is, as much as many may not believe, I am opposed to the death penalty. I don’t believe in it. That’s my personal opinion.”

Williams cited the Pratt and Morgan case in Jamaica, noting that prolonged legal appeals make executions “cruel and inhumane” after five years. He stated, “I don’t foresee Belize executing death sentences, as legal appeals would surpass the five-year mark.”

Despite his personal opposition to the death penalty, Williams said that the final decision rests with parliamentarians. “My opinion is I don’t believe in it, and it’s a matter for Parliament to decide if they want to take it off,” he said.

His endorsement aligns with arguments from Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith and British attorney Parvais Jabbar, who noted that there have been no executions in 40 years and no death sentences in the past 20 years.

Drug Bust in Hope Creek: Over 30 Pounds of Marijuana Seized.

This morning, the Dangriga Operation Team of the Belize Police Department executed an anti-drug operation in Hope Creek Village. Authorities seized approximately 31.67 pounds (13.735 kilogrammes) of marijuana that were found in a bushy area. Since no one was found in the immediate area during the search, the drug was labelled as ‘found property’.

Beloved Teacher Needs Your Help to Fight Cancer

A Belize City family is reaching out for community support to help fundraise for Barbara Elijio Antonio, a beloved teacher and community member battling cancer. The family is hosting a Punta Rama Night fundraiser on August 31, which will be held at either Swift Hall or Bird’s Isle.

To make this event a success, the organizers are seeking donations to cover venue costs and other expenses. They welcome contributions from businesses and individuals alike to support this noble cause. “We aim to raise $7,000 through this event, which will go directly towards her treatment that she needs,” said Le-Tesha Tate, Antonio’s daughter. She added, “Every contribution, no matter how small, will help us inch closer to get her treatment. She is a wonderful teacher, friend, and mom she even helps her community.”

The family urges the community’s support and invites everyone to join this heartfelt initiative.

For more information or to offer support, individuals can contact the event organizer at +501-628-4632, +501-663-5673, or via email at tateletesha@gmail.com.

Fourteen Decomposed Bodies Found on Abandoned Boat Near Dominican Republic, Drug Links Investigated

Forensic authorities in the Dominican Republic are working to identify the remains of 14 decomposed bodies discovered on an abandoned boat 10 nautical miles off the northern coast. The Dominican Republic Navy reported that the skeletal remains likely belong to individuals from Senegal and Mauritania, based on documentation found alongside the bodies.

The cause and timing of the deaths are under investigation, with authorities also examining 12 packages of an unidentified substance found on the vessel, which allegedly indicate cocaine or heroin. Cell phones and geolocation devices were also recovered from the boat.

The bodies are currently being analysed by the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) in Santiago, while the substance is being tested by the National Directorate of Drug Control, according to officials Nairobi Viloria and Carlos Devers.

Belize-Taiwan Sheep and Goat Parasite Workshop Enhances Belizean Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) and the Taiwan ICDF conducted a Sheep and Goat Parasite Management Workshop aimed at enhancing agricultural practices in Belize. The workshop was held from August 5th to 7th, 2024 at the University of Belize Central Farm Campus. The initiative equipped participants with essential skills in parasite management in sheep and goats.

Led by Daniel Juan, a seasoned sheep and goat expert from the University of Belize, the workshop focused on identifying, preventing, and treating parasitic infections such as haemonchosis and coccidiosis. The training involved 25 participants, including MAFSE extension officers, farmers, students, and technicians. The workshop also covered the economic impacts of parasites and prevention strategies.

It is anticipated that the knowledge gained by all participants will be disseminated.

Benque Councillor says Benque Fiesta Reports ‘Lacks a Lot of Important Information’

The Benque Fiesta 2024 incurred a staggering $58,192 in losses. In an official statement, the Council attributed the financial shortfall to Hurricane Beryl, adverse weather, and limited community support. However, criticisms over alleged mismanagement and a lack of transparency regarding the event continue.

Carlos ‘Calo’ Iglesias, a councillor of Benque Town Council, raised critical questions about the handling of municipal funds and the future of community-supported projects. In a Facebook post, Iglesias said, “I am very disappointed with the report published by the municipality. At no point were the councillors called to discuss the income and expenses of the 2024 fair. This report lacks a lot of important information… As an elected representative of the people, it is my duty to ensure that the residents of Benque know what is happening with the municipal funds. I am concerned that there were profits in previous fairs, but this time there were none. Additionally, I notice the absence of the Bowen donation in the report, which is a relevant detail that should be included.”

The Council spent $177,223.65 and made a total income of $119,031.56.

$1 Million Vanishes from Belize Solid Waste Management Authority

The Belize Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change announced on Tuesday that an investigation into alleged financial misconduct at the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority was underway. Reports suggest that approximately one million dollars is missing.

Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, has briefed the Cabinet on the matter.

The ministry issued a press release confirming that the Belize Police Department is conducting an investigation. The ministry says that it is withholding details of the case to avoid compromising the investigation.

The Ministry of the Public Service has been notified and will oversee any necessary disciplinary actions. It is reported that a key figure in the ministry has been placed on administrative leave.