Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

BAPDA Calls SSB’s Press Release on Santiago Ciau Case “Deflective”

The recent passing of former police officer Santiago “Santi” Ciau Jr. has left the community questioning the treatment of individuals seeking invalidity benefits in Belize. Ciau, who passed away at 37 on October 8, had been battling a debilitating bone illness linked to a workplace injury from 2009.

The Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA) is criticising the Social Security Board (SSB) for failing to provide the necessary support during Ciau’s struggle. In a statement, BAPDA declared that “this level of structural violence is unnecessary,” condemning the SSB’s “deflective press release” as an inadequate response to the profound injustice faced by Ciau.

Ciau reportedly faced repeated denials for invalidity benefits from SSB. Despite his long service in the Belize Police Department, Ciau faced repeated denials for invalidity benefits. Even after appealing the SSB’s decision, he received a delayed notification that hindered his ability to pursue a timely second appeal.

The SSB defended its actions, stating that the Medical Board ruled Ciau did not meet the criteria for benefits, a decision upheld by the Social Security Appeals Tribunal. However, this has done little to address growing calls for reform.

“Mr. Ciau was a Person with a Disability that somehow was not protected by the entities we would expect to do so,” BAPDA stated. It added that “a deflective press release simply cannot be the norm as the life of a worker is discarded due to a lack of assistance to benefits that he was supposedly paying in for, hoping to collect upon if ever needed but only have an independent Medical Board deny him ALL access at a time when he needed it most.”

PM John Briceño: “We have not caused this problem, yet we must adapt”

Belize is at the forefront of the global climate dialogue with the opening of the Strategic Alliances International Partners Conference. The two-day event was launched on Thursday under the theme “Unlocking Climate Finance and Disaster Risk Financing for Sustainable Development.”

In a statement issued by the government, it said, “The conference underscores Belize’s priorities in Climate Finance and Disaster Risk Financing, in line with Strategic Objective 5 of the Medium-Term Development Strategy: “Protection of the Environment.”

The conference brings together international partners to explore innovative financial solutions aimed at tackling pressing environmental challenges and securing a sustainable future.

During his address, Prime Minister John Briceño highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing nations. “We have not caused this problem, yet we must adapt,” he said. Briceño mentioned that a single hurricane could threaten Belize’s economy. Briceño noted the necessity of preparing for potential loss and damage.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca also spoke on the importance of international cooperation, noting that “90% of the public sector projects in Belize are funded by external donors.” He noted the economic burden of climate change and revealed that hurricanes cost Belize approximately $7.7 million annually.

Amalia Mai, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, reinforced the message of collaboration, stating, “This conference will serve as a platform to further our partnerships, explore opportunities, and increase awareness and understanding of climate finance.”

Missing Belizean Father and Son Found!

Mexican authorities have located 19-year-old Johan Josué Cámara and his father, 48-year-old Luis Josué Cámara. The pair are residents of Louiseville village in Corozal District. Authorities did not share under what circumstances the Belizeans were found.

As we had reported, the father-son duo were reported missing following an alleged kidnapping on October 8, 2024, in Subteniente López, Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo.

According to reports, Luis attempted to defend Johan during an attack, which may have led to their abduction. The men are expected to return to Belize today. We’ll keep following this story.

Taiwan Embassy Celebrates National Day with 2024 Expo in Belize City

Taiwan’s 113th National Day is being commemorated today. In Belize, the Embassy of Taiwan and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) inaugurated the 2024 Taiwan Expo this morning at the Caribbean Motors facility in Belize City. The event started at 9 a.m., and the public was invited to explore a variety of business booths showcasing Taiwanese products.

“TAITRA is mainly to help small and medium enterprises in Taiwan to expand their international trade,” said a representative, Goldie Lee, in the morning show Open Your Eyes. She explained that TAITRA is comprised of 1300 specialists distributed locally and internationally.

Chad Dietrich from Caribbean Motors announced their recent partnership with Kymco, a well-known brand in the motorcycle industry. “We just brought in our first container of Kymco cycles just a few weeks ago,” Dietrich said.

This year’s Expo will also feature “hardware, auto parts, skin care, health products, medical products, as well as motorcycles,” Lee said. She added that in addition to business, TAITRA is seeking to share Taiwanese culture with the Belizean community.

The Taiwan Expo 2024 will continue through Saturday and is free to the public.

13yo Raped by her Stepfather

Former Police Officer Santiago Ciau Jr. Dies

Former police officer Santiago “Santi” Ciau Jr. has died at the young age of 37. Ciau died yesterday after a long battle with a debilitating bone illness. Ciau joined the Belize Police Department on July 23rd, 2006.

In March 2023, the government retired Ciau due to medical unfitness from a 2009 workplace injury. He was diagnosed with avascular necrosis, and encountered repeated denials for invalidity benefits from the Social Security Board (SSB).

Despite appealing the decision, he received late notification, preventing a timely second appeal. “For seven months, I had no income,” he said in an interview back in December 2023.

Ciau’s situation formed part of an even broader issue concerning access to invalidity benefits in Belize. His case led advocates, including NTUCB President Luke Martinez, to call for urgent reforms to occupational safety and health legislation.

An 11-Month-Old Baby Killed in a Hit-and-Run

82-Year-Old Man Missing

Authorities are looking for George Oshon, an 82-year-old resident from Hattieville Village, Belize District. He was last seen walking near J Mall on the George Price Highway, dressed in a long-sleeve camouflage jacket and long green trousers.

Oshon was reported missing on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

According to the descriptions provided by Crime Stoppers Belize, Oshon is of Creole descent, has a dark complexion, and stands approximately 6’5″ tall with a slim build.

Anyone with information about Oshon’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 922 or use the P3 APP at www.p3tips.com.

Belizean Father and Son Abducted in Chetumal

Chief Justice Blenman Addresses 213 Graduates to Champion Caribbean Justice

Chief Justice of Belize Louise Esther Blenman delivered a stirring keynote address at the Hugh Wooding Law School graduation ceremony on October 5, 2024, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Blenman called on the 213 graduates “to uphold the rule of law and contribute to making the Caribbean as attractive and competitive as other regions of the world.”

In her address, CJ Blenman emphasised the essential qualities of integrity, dedication, professionalism, and hard work in the legal profession. She reflected on the evolving role of law in advancing justice and development across the Caribbean.

“Chief Justice also challenged the graduates to foster a strong Caribbean identity and contribute to the region’s unique community, advocating for the pursuit of what Her Ladyship termed the “Caribbean Dream,” as opposed to romanticising foreign ideals like the “American Dream,” a statement from the Senior Courts of Belize noted.

The statement also recognised the Hugh Wooding Law School’s prominence in Caribbean legal education and its recent 50th anniversary in July. An institution that has “a legacy of producing lawyers who have gone on to serve as Presidents of nations, Prime Ministers, Chief Justices, Presidents of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Ministers of Government, Attorneys General, principals of law schools, and heads of universities.”

Belizeans in the Path of Powerful Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton is on track to become one of the most destructive hurricanes in west-central Florida’s history, according to the National Hurricane Center. In NHC’s latest reports, the storm’s centre is moving northeast at 17 mph. It has maximum sustained winds of approximately 145 mph, making it a Category 4 storm. “Forecast to make landfall on the Florida Gulf Coast late tonight as a dangerous major hurricane,” said the NHC.

Milton’s wind speed increased by 95 mph within 24 hours and 80 mph in just 12 hours on Monday. As of late Tuesday, Milton boasted maximum sustained winds of 160 mph. These developments have made Milton the fifth-strongest storm in Atlantic history.

While some weakening is expected before landfall, it remains a major hurricane. Milton is forecasted to make landfall late Wednesday, with impacts beginning for Florida as early as Wednesday afternoon.

Predictions indicate storm surges could reach 10 to 15 feet in some areas of Florida. Additionally, the threat of tornadoes persists across central and southern Florida.

Ray Gongora, a Belizean living in Pembroke Pines, Florida, shared the emotional stress the hurricane is causing. “This is a monster. And because of that, it’s even affecting us emotionally. We are very anxious about the power that this storm will have and the effect it will have upon us. Many Belizeans who are living on the coast in Tampa, especially Naples, have moved inland with other Belizeans.”

Gongora explained that residents, including himself, have been going to areas where sand and bags are provided to prepare for Hurricane Milton. Many bring their own shovels to speed up the process. After filling the sandbags, they take them home and place them at their doors in an effort to prevent water from entering their homes.

The Honorary Consulate of Belize in Florida has provided a contact number for those needing shelter or assistance. For shelter updates, residents can visit www.floridadisaster.org/shelter-status/.

Belizean Father and Son Abducted in Chetumal

Mexican authorities are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating a Belizean father and son who were last seen on October 8, 2024, in Subteniente López, Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo. The missing individuals are identified as 19-year-old Johan Josué Cámara and his father, 48-year-old Luis Josué Cámara. The father-son duo are residents of Louiseville Village in the Corozal District.

According to reports, Luis tried to defend Johán during an attack, which may have led to both of their abductions.

Authorities have provided descriptions of the pair to aid in the search. Johan is described as having dark brown skin, short wavy black hair, medium black eyes, standing at 1.70 meters tall, and weighing approximately 122 kg. He was last seen wearing a short-sleeved black shirt and black denim pants.

Luis is described as having light brown skin, short straight black hair with grey strands, medium dark brown eyes, and the same height as his son, weighing around 90 kg. He has a distinctive tattoo of the letter “L” in script on the upper left side of his back and was last seen wearing a sky blue short-sleeved shirt with a truck logo, light blue denim pants, and brown boots.

Is the Placencia Polyclinic Truly Open 24/7?

The recently built Placencia Polyclinic was inaugurated on May 15, 2024. The BZ$4 million facility is expected to enable healthcare professionals on the peninsula to deliver enhanced medical services to both residents and tourists. Back then Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard, said, “Of course, this will be a 24-hour facility and provide continuous service, emergency service, routine checkups, and other specialised care when the doctor comes in.”

But is it really?

Over the weekend, Chris Chun rushed to the polyclinic in the wee hours of the morning, seeking urgent medical help for his son. He says that when he arrived there, he found the facility deserted. He said that no one was there to help his son, who was suffering from a high fever.

A worried Chun started to record with his phone. In the video, he says, “I came here as an emergency… Nobody, not even a security guard… not even a sound you hear here.”

According to Chun, he had been knocking on doors for some time, desperately trying to get assistance for his son.

Chun said, “I went there… for an emergency, and no one was there. My son was dying with a high fever, and no one is assisting us or security; nobody is there.” Chun walks through the empty compound, saying, “Why did they build this Placencia polyclinic? For what? I don’t know.”

Chun also noted troubling conditions within the polyclinic, including an emergency waiting area that appeared to be flooded. “In there got at least three inches of water,” he said.