Author: Benita Keme-Palacio

Robbery Turns Fatal, ComPol Williams to Share Details

Police Commissioner Chester Williams is expected to brief the media later this afternoon regarding the attempted robbery that occurred this afternoon in Belize City. As we have reported, one person was fatally shot. That person has been identified as Leroy Smith, an alleged member of the Taylor’s Alley Gang. 

According to investigators, Smith and two armed, masked men attempted to rob a business on Freetown Road in Belize City around midday. We are told that the businessman was taken to the second-floor residence, where a struggle ensued. Smith was overpowered by the man who wrestled the gun away and shot him with it. 

The businessman was at home with his wife and two children during the incident.

Authorities detained Malique Chavez, Eroy Garoy, and a taxi driver as they attempted to flee in a green car on Victoria Street. The police have also recovered the firearm used in the incident.

Williams is hosting a press briefing at four o’clock.

US Election News: Kamala Harris Picks Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Running Mate

In a strategic move aimed at rallying the Democratic base, US Vice President Kamala Harris has announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice presidential running mate. The decision was revealed on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. In a statement, Harris said, “I am proud to announce that I’ve asked @Tim_Walz to be my running mate. As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his.”

Walz, a 60-year-old former school teacher and Army National Guard veteran, emerged as the top choice following a 16-day selection process. Known for his straightforward and relatable style, Walz was favoured by progressives and union allies over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who had been a strong contender due to his popularity in a key battleground state. 

Harris and Walz will kick off their campaign with a rally in Philadelphia. Walz, praised for his progressive achievements in Minnesota, including expanded child tax credits and gun safety legislation, is expected to bolster Harris’s appeal with his Midwestern charm and extensive political experience.

In a statement, Walz expressed his enthusiasm, declaring, “It is the honour of a lifetime to join @kamalaharris in this campaign. I’m all in.”

New 2024–2025 UN-Belize Plan Launched to Target Key Development Goals with $47M Budget

The Government of Belize and the United Nations (UN) have officially launched their 2024–2025 Country Implementation Plan (CIP) under the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. This announcement came during the 4th Joint National Steering Committee Meeting, co-chaired by Amalia Mai, CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Raul Salazar, UN Resident Coordinator for Belize and El Salvador.

The Steering Committee, responsible for overseeing the UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNMSDCF) 2022–2026, reviewed progress and future plans. Key topics included updates on Belize’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), preparations for the national Youth Dialogue on August 9, 2024, and strategies for Disaster Risk Reduction and Development Partner Coordination.

The highlight of the meeting was the signing of the CIP for 2024–2025, detailing 161 projects with a total budget of $47 million. According to an official statement issued on August 5, 2024, this plan is part of the second planning cycle of the Cooperation Framework. It will involve 15 UN agencies and focus on four main pillars: Shared Prosperity and Economic Resilience; Equality, Well-Being and Leaving No One Behind; Resilience to Climate Change and Sustainable Natural Resource Management; and Peace, Safety, Justice, and the Rule of Law.

CEO Mai underscored the significance of the UN partnership in accelerating SDG achievements by 2030, aligning the UNMSDCF with Belize’s Medium-term Development Strategy. UN Resident Coordinator Raul Salazar reiterated the UN’s commitment to addressing Belize’s economic, social, and environmental challenges through collaborative efforts.

Caribbean Tropical Wave Shows Slow Development Potential as Debby Hits Florida’s Gulf Coast

The National Hurricane Center reports that Tropical Storm Debby made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane near Steinhatchee, Florida, early Monday, unleashing heavy rains and strong winds. 

In the Caribbean, a tropical wave near the Windward Islands is producing minimal activity. Development of this system is expected to be slow over the next few days as it progresses westward. However, conditions may become more favourable later in the week as it moves across the western Caribbean Sea or the southern Gulf of Mexico.

Formation chances for this system are low, with a 10 percent chance through 48 hours and a 30 percent chance over the next 7 days.

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