Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

Barbados Hosts Major Crime-Fighting Dialogue

Today, crime knows no borders. This makes it an urgent action from nations to ensure safety for all. This matter will be a major focus at the 8th Edition of the Dialogue, hosted by Interpol and CARICOM IMPACS. The dialogue will focus on effective multilateral policing architecture against global threats. The event will be held in Bridgetown, Barbados, from October 9-10, 2024.

The theme is “Integrated security architecture—multilateral action for a safer world.” This event continues discussions from previous editions held in New York and Abu Dhabi. Two main areas of focus are the effective implementation of the reviewed Global Policing Goals (GPGs) and establishing a global model for law enforcement data sharing.

Executive Director of CARICOM IMPACS, Lt. Col. Michael Jones, emphasised the importance of the forum, stating, “This is a testament to our collective commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of our citizenry.”

Jürgen Stock, Secretary General of INTERPOL, remarked, “The Dialogue is a collective commitment to making the world a safer place by ensuring that international law enforcement organisations pool efforts and avoid duplication wherever possible.”

At the end of the dialogue, a joint declaration will summarise the discussions and outline future steps.

US and Belize Officials Discuss Security, Migration, and Economic Prosperity

Over the weekend, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian A. Nichols, arrived in Belize for an official visit from October 5–8. Nichols oversees the operations of U.S. diplomatic missions in countries across North, Central, and South America as well as the Caribbean.

In a statement issued by the U.S. Department of State, Nichols’ meeting with Prime Minister John Briceño and Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca would focus on “security and inclusive economic prosperity in Belize and throughout the region.”

On Monday, Prime Minister John Briceño and Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, met with Nichols. That same day, Nichols, along with US Ambassador to Belize, Michelle Kwan, visited Corazon Creek Technical High School in Toledo to see firsthand the enhancements funded by the U.S. Department of Defence.

In a post on X, Nichols said, “Excellent and productive meeting with PM John Briceño to thank him for Belize’s leadership in supporting the Haiti Multinational Security Support mission and Belize’s vital contributions on migration management, security, and the rule of law.

In a separate post, he stated, “Glad to meet today with Francis Fonseca. Grateful for Belize’s leadership in deploying among the Western Hemisphere’s first contributing forces to the Haiti Multinational Security Support mission. Thanks also for your stalwart partnership on migration management in the region.

On Sunday, he noted his “discussion with business leaders in Belize.” He stated that “work is being done to relaunch Belize’s AmCham chapter, and we look forward to continuing our countries’ strong, productive relationship.”

Unusually Strong Winds or a “Cold Front?”

Residents continue to report unusually strong winds this morning. Tarek Mathews, the forecaster on duty at the National Meteorological Service of Belize, explained to News 5 what’s causing current wind patterns and the possibility of an “upcoming cold front.”

Mathews added, “In terms of the winds right now we’re having Western wind, which Hurricane Milton is perhaps influencing the winds over the country.” He clarified that while Hurricane Milton is moving north of Belize, there remains a possibility of an outer band crossing the country. However, he noted that “nothing significant” is expected now.

He further reassured the public, saying, “In the short term, we’re not seeing any cold front.”

According to Mathews, “We’re having winds whereby they’re coming from the land, and we’re having that cool temperature in the morning. People would think it’s a cold front, but it’s not.”

The Met Service’s forecast for today indicates “moderate west to southwest airflow,” leading to “generally fair weather.” Residents can expect sunny skies with a few clouds throughout the day, while tonight will bring partly cloudy conditions with isolated showers.

Trinidad and Tobago Takes the Lead on Major Events Security Initiative

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is hosting a three-day workshop on major event security to enhance the importance of safeguarding crowded venues in the Caribbean. The workshop will begin on October 8 in Port of Spain. The Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) says that the goal of this program is to create and strengthen strategies for safeguarding communities that host festivals and cultural gatherings.

The event is in partnership with the OAS Inter-American Committee against Terrorism, UNICRI, and CARICOM IMPACS and funded by Canada.

The statement added that bringing together National Focal Points and international experts from various countries will “facilitate the exchange of information, good practices, and lessons learned on major events’ security—specifically concerning festivals, carnivals, and cultural events—among the National Focal Points (NFPs) of the Network of Major Events’ Security in the Caribbean Member States of the OAS.”

Participants will delve into critical topics such as “the protection of intellectual property, the management of events from pre-planning to post-event evaluation, and the importance of public-private partnerships,” said IMPACS.

The workshop is part of a broader initiative developed by the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism under the Organisation of American States (OAS/CICTE) and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) titled “Improving Crime Prevention Policies and International Cooperation for the Protection of Crowded Spaces and Other Vulnerable Targets.”

Motorcyclist Dies in Collision on Philip Goldson Highway

Police are investigating a fatal road traffic incident that occurred on the Philip Goldson Highway that occurred on Sunday night.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, officers discovered a damaged motorcycle and a Ford Explorer involved in the collision.

The driver of the Ford Explorer, Gustavo Cardinez, is currently in custody.

The driver for the motorcycle was identified as Christian Baiza. Baiza was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. “The pickup hit the motorcycle from behind, causing this fatal injury to Baiza,” Romero reported.

One Year of War: Gaza Death Toll Surpasses 41,000

It’s been 365 days of war since the October 7 attacks unleashed a devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas. The war led to the Gaza Strip bearing the brunt of the war’s violence. Since then, the death toll has only increased while humanitarian conditions deteriorate. The fighting has spilled into Lebanon.

Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni Islamist military and sociopolitical movement and a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organisation (FTO). Hamas’s primary base of action and support is in the Gaza Strip, which it has controlled since 2007.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched the “Al-Aqsa Flood” offensive, firing around 5,000 rockets at southern Israel. This resulted in at least 1,189 deaths. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu declared that “the country is at war.”

On October 27, 2023, Israel launched a ground offensive in Gaza. By December, the United Nations reported over 20,000 deaths in Gaza. The UN warned of imminent famine in Gaza, while the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to prevent genocidal acts.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reported that as of October 6, 2024, at least 41,870 people have been killed in the nearly year-long war between Israel and Palestinian militants.

Prior to the war, 36 hospitals were functioning in Gaza, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

As of August this year, 19 hospitals have stopped functioning, and the remaining 17 are partially functioning, the WHO reported. There are currently no fully functioning hospitals, according to the Global Health Agency.

Belizeans in Florida Urged to Prepare

The Consulate of Belize in Florida, Janine Sylvestre, has issued an urgent advisory to Belizeans living in Florida. Category 5 Hurricane Milton is forecasted to make landfall on the West Coast of Florida this Wednesday.

In its statement this morning, the Consulate of Belize in Florida warned of Milton’s rapid intensification into a major hurricane. This same morning, Milton strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane, sustaining winds of 175 mph.

Sylvestre notified, “Most of the State of Florida has declared a state of emergency.” She added that “Regardless of where it makes landfall, the effects could be felt throughout the State of Florida.”

Belizeans in Florida are urged to prepare for the storm by assembling essential supplies, including first aid kits, medications, water, and important documents. “Review and revise your hurricane plan to include pets and senior citizens in your family. Most importantly, if you are in an evacuation zone, please heed the warnings and seek safety at the nearest designated shelter,” Sylvestre said.

The Consulate has provided a 24/7 contact number for urgent consular services: 305-300-7520.

Belize’s Lynn Young Assumes Chair of OAS Permanent Council

On Friday, Lynn Raymond Young, the Permanent Representative of Belize to the Organization of American States (OAS), officially took over as the chair of the Permanent Council.

Young, son of former Governor General of Belize, Sir Coleville Young, will hold the position until December 31, 2024.

The handover ceremony took place at the OAS headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Young said in his inaugural speech, “As Chair, I will prioritise efforts in eradicating poverty and fostering inclusive economic growth. We must focus on strategies that empower the most vulnerable, enhance access to education and health care, promote decent work, and foster resilient economies.”

Young reiterated Belize’s dedication to the core principles of the OAS, which include democracy, human rights, security, and integral development. “These principles are not only the foundations of our organisation but also the pillars upon which our collective future rests. As President, I will work tirelessly to ensure that our deliberations and actions are guided by these values,” he added.

The outgoing President, Victor Fernandes, Permanent Representative of Barbados, expressed confidence in his successor. “I am pleased to hand over the gavel to my colleague from Belize this morning. I am confident that he will do an admirable job during his term,” Fernandes remarked.

Jamaican Study Advances Belize’s Firearms Management

Members of Belize’s Firearms and Ammunition Control Board (FACB) recently visited the Jamaica Licensing Authority “to learn about best practices and strategies related to firearms control, public safety, and regulatory compliance.”

The visit was from September 25-27, 2024.

The delegation toured operational facilities and participated in workshops covering critical topics such as data management, licensing protocols, and measures to combat the illegal firearms trade.

Sharole Carr-Saldivar, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Chair of the FACB, stated, “Our visit to the Jamaica Licensing Authority has been instrumental in broadening our understanding of firearms management and control. We are committed to adopting best practices that will enhance Belize’s regulatory frameworks and contribute to improved public safety.”

This collaboration is part of the FACB’s broader strategy to comply with international commitments regarding firearms control, particularly under the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap.

Hurricane Milton Is Now Category 5

From the National Hurricane Center:

“Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that Milton has strengthened to a category 5 hurricane. The maximum sustained winds are estimated to be 160 mph (250 km/h) with higher gusts. Data from the aircraft also indicate that the minimum pressure has fallen to 925 mb (27.31 inches).”

Milton is expected to move just north of the Yucatan Peninsula on Monday and Tuesday before crossing the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approaching Florida’s west coast by Wednesday or early Thursday.

The forecast suggests Milton will maintain its strength as it moves inland. Areas that were recently battered by Hurricane Helene are bracing for another hurricane hit. However, the current path may spare some southeastern states that suffered significant devastation just days ago from Hurricane Helene.