Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

Belizean Powerlifter Amorette Banman Wins Gold at North American Powerlifting Championships

16-year-old Amorette Banman has made history for Belize at the 21st North American Powerlifting Championships. Competing in the 63kg weight class for sub juniors for ages 14 to 19, Banman outshone her competitors, including those from the USA, to secure gold medals in three categories: Squats, Deadlifts, and Overall. Additionally, she earned a silver medal in Bench Press.

This makes it a historic milestone for Belize as Banman becomes the first female Junior powerlifter from Belize to win a gold medal at a regional powerlifting event.

In a country where sports like powerlifting might not always take centre stage, Banman’s success reflects immense discipline, dedication, and sacrifice.

Minister Criticizes Media Handling on 15-Year-Old American Shark Attack

On Tuesday morning, a 15-year-old American sustained severe injuries in a shark attack between Hot Caye and Halfmoon Caye. The incident occurred after Annabelle Carlson, who was participating in a diving excursion with Belize Dive Pro, re-entered the water post-dive.

In a statement to News 5, Minister of Blue Economy Andre Perez confirmed that the victim is alive but noted that the extent of the injuries is still unknown. “We’re being informed that the victim is okay, is alive, made it. What is the magnitude of the damage, we don’t know as yet,” Perez said.

Gruesome pictures of the attack made it on social media.

Perez condemned the media for their “inconsiderate” handling of the incident. “I think the only part that I must call out and condemn it in the strongest of terms, is the way certain members of the media handled it. I’m not accusing everyone but I think that the responsibility of the media is very important because we’re talking about a family that’s hurt right now, and you don’t want to add any more injury to them. I think that’s a disservice,” he remarked.

Addressing concerns from tourists about safety, Perez emphasised the rarity of such incidents. “This is a very rare case, while we are saddened about it, we look at the facts. For the past 30 years, as such we have never had any kind of, this type of accident… There’s nothing to be worrying about,” he assured.

Missing Barge Crew Member Found Dead

The body of Cecil Lewis, a 58-year-old crew member who went missing from a barge near Caye Chapel, was fished out of the sea today by members of the Belize Coast Guard. Lewis’s sister, Janet Lewis Hislop, said on a Facebook post, “His body was found this morning by the Coast Guard.”

Two days ago, Patricia Lewis urged the community to continue their prayers for Lewis’s safe return. Lewis was reported to have disappeared on the evening of August 4 after boarding the barge at Ladyville Pier. According to reports, Lewis was last seen in a grey t-shirt and black pants. He was accompanied by three others who had been drinking on the vessel.

Most Wanted Slovak Captured in Belize During Anti-Drug Raid

Slovakia’s most wanted fugitive was apprehended in Belize on July 30, 2024, during a high-profile anti-drug operation in Dangriga. Authorities seized over 200 kilogrammes of marijuana and 170 grammes of cocaine. The operation, which began at 6 a.m., led to the discovery of a deep freeze and multiple containers filled with drugs.

Four individuals were detained. Among those detained was Slovakian national Ladislav Lipták, 34, who is one of the most wanted fugitives in Slovakia. Lipták was apprehended along with three Belizean nationals: his 26-year-old girlfriend Winsy Richie, her 22-year-old brother Yessi Gomez, and Dennis Robinson, 53, the property owner.

Lipták had evaded capture since a 2020 European arrest warrant related to a major drug operation known as the Tower. Notably, another Slovak criminal, Karol Mello, also remains at large in Belize, having escaped previous charges and accusations of serious crimes.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that Lipták has been charged, following witness statements that provided sufficient evidence for prosecution. “Witnesses came forward, provided statements to the police, which was sufficient for us to be able to get sufficient evidence to charge him,” said Commissioner Williams.

Solo Olympian Shaun Gill Says Resources for Sports in Belize ‘Not as Great’

Competing in the 100-meter sprint at the Stade de France, Shaun Gill secured a commendable sixth place as the solo olympian representing Belize. In this year’s games, Gill carried Belize’s hope alone. Gill first made his debut at Tokyo in 2020.

In an interview with CNA, the 31-year- old highlighted the difficulties faced by athletes in Belize, noting that while resources are gradually improving, they still fall short of what is needed for Olympic-level training. Doing most of his training in the United States while studying at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Gill has garnered himself as an experienced competitor.

“Back home in terms of resources for sports, it’s not as great or where it should be. But it’s slowly getting there,” Gill explained. “That’s the reason I had to do most of my training in America…Back home, it’s not as good facilities, financing, coaching. I had to leave to get better coaching, a…better environment,” he said.

Marking his retirement from athletics, Gill declared, “It feels really good (to represent the country), this is the most support I’ve ever gotten. I’m speaking not just at home but across the globe…The performance wasn’t good, but it’s a good way to go out.”

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.”

Report: One Shot in Belize City Robbery

News 5 has received information that one person was shot following a robbery in Belize City. Police are currently on the scene. Robbers reportedly targeted a business on Freetown Road. The suspects were reportedly apprehended on Victoria Street.

This is a developing story.

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.