Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

U.S. Port Strike Resolved, Workers Return to Duties

A three-day strike at East and Gulf Coast ports in the United States has come to an end. The International Longshoremen’s Association resumed work today. The strike, which began early Tuesday, was primarily about wage increases and threatened supply chains and exports.

The maritime alliance USMX agreed to a $4 hourly raise, boosting current pay from $39 to $43, resulting in a total increase of $24 over a six-year contract—an overall 62% hike. Union leader Harold Daggett indicated that the union was open to this raise prior to the strike but had rejected a lesser $3 offer. Both sides swiftly resumed operations, with workers eager to minimise income losses.

Ports, including New York and New Jersey, are working to restore normal operations. Container backlogs remain, with the Port Authority reporting daily losses of $250-300 million during the strike, totalling around $1 billion.

While the strike has ended, the final contract still requires ratification by union members, leaving open the possibility of future strikes if the agreement is rejected.

Urgent Replacement of Belize City Bridges Remains Pending

The need for urgent replacement of key infrastructures in Belize City, including the Swing Bridge and BelCan Bridge, remains pending. These structures are part of the George Price Highway Upgrade Project.

Discussions surrounding the replacement of these bridges have been well over 2 years.

Back in April of this year, Chief Engineer Evondale Moody from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing stated, “It’s a structure that really needs to be replaced… we have seen based on the assessment that we have done that the pairs that are there are at risk because of the spalling of the concrete from the piles.”

Moody confirmed that a procurement process for the new structures was initiated but subsequently stalled at the Ministry of Finance level. “We had begun the procurement process for the replacement structure; however, that was put on hold by the Ministry of Finance. We are currently awaiting their decision so that we can proceed with construction,” he explained.

In May, News 5 spoke with Minister of Infrastructure Development Julius Espat. He stated that his ministry has completed all necessary studies to seek funding for the project. “We have done our job. It is up to the Ministry of Finance to make the final decision,” he reiterated. Espat expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the Ministry of Finance, stating, “From day one, I have been waiting for a response. If the allocation is given to us, the work will start immediately. I have no clue about what their budget plans entail.”

The urgency of replacing the ageing bridges has become increasingly pressing. Visual inspections reveal further deterioration. Cracks and structural wear have become more evident. The possibility of the bridges collapsing is increasing.

Former Belmopan City Administrator Addresses Land Allegations

The former City Administrator for the Belmopan City Council, Sherlene Julien, has publicly addressed allegations concerning her acquisition of land in the Innovabel Land Distribution program. Julien stated, “I am compelled to respond to the recent allegations made against me concerning land I lawfully received as part of my employment contract during my tenure as City Administrator of the Belmopan.”

Julien denied the accusations. She called a leaked Belmopan City Council document that revealed individuals who purchased land in the Innovabel Estate at below-market prices as “intentionally distorted” and “riddled with errors.”

According to Julien, she has never operated a company named “Almeya Consulting Limited.” She explained that she received four parcels of land totalling 0.608 acres as part of a legally negotiated contract, “not 8 parcels as was falsely publicised,” she said.

In her statement, Julien states that the land she received was part of her employment contract as city administrator. She clarifies that the value of these parcels was used to offset payments owed to her for her nearly three years of service to a financially struggling city council. This means that instead of receiving a cash payment for her work, she was granted land that represented the value of her compensation.

Number of Stray Dogs in Belize City on the Rise?

The Belize City Animal Aid is calling on the public to help with the overwhelming number of stray animals in Belize City that are in need of care. “It’s literally been case after case after case. We need more people to step up and help. Please,” said animal rescuer Michelle Rudon.

Taking it to social media, Rudon shared recently rescuing a dog named Buttercup. “Our adventure for tonight… getting this girl out from under the wet, muddy drain where she went, probably to die,” Rudon recounted.

Buttercup was taken to the Animal Medical Centre, where she received a diagnosis of heartworms, tick fever, and an infected mammary tumour, along with severe anaemia and underweight conditions.

The organisation emphasised the pressing need for more foster homes, stating, “It takes a village; everyone, and our SPARK villagers are overwhelmed and completely exhausted.”

Ministry of Education Responds to Teacher Salary Delays

The Ministry of Education has responded to BNTU’s growing concerns over delayed teacher salaries.

According to the BNTU, over 130 teachers in Belize reported that they have been working without pay.

The Ministry says that it submitted the names of 122 teachers for an off-cycle payment to address their delayed salaries. These teachers are expected to be paid by Friday evening. The Ministry added that the BNTU submitted a list of 99 teachers claiming unpaid salaries. After removing 12 duplicate names, 87 cases remained, with 44 teachers already included in the off-cycle payment expected this week. Of the remaining 43 teachers, 9 have already received their September salaries, 3 are processed through a different system, and 4 are being finalised for the next payment cycle.

This leaves 27 teachers who have not been paid and will not be paid on Friday. The Ministry says it is “committed to working with school management to sort these through posthaste so that these salaries can be processed later this month.”

The Ministry recognises that the outdated salary processing system causes delays and is committed to working with the BNTU to resolve these issues quickly.

Israeli Strikes on Iran Oil Facilities

President Joe Biden has confirmed that the United States is engaged in discussions concerning possible Israeli military actions targeting Iran’s oil facilities. When pressed about whether he would support such strikes, Biden responded, “We’re discussing that,” the BBC reported.

The situation intensified after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel earlier this week, which sent Brent crude oil prices soaring by 5% and up by 10% overall since the incident. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Iran “will pay a heavy price” for the assault involving over 180 ballistic missiles.

Reports from Israeli media suggest that the initial focus of any strikes could be on Iran’s oil infrastructure.

Iran’s military chief has warned that any retaliation would be directed at all Israeli infrastructure.

The escalating tensions have raised alarms about potential disruptions in the Straits of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipping.

Recent developments are that the Israeli military has conducted airstrikes in Beirut. This resulted in casualties and prompting increased evacuation orders in southern Lebanon.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN stated that a response to the recent missile assault from Iran “will be soon.”

BNTU Claims: “Someone is Targeting the BNTU”

On Wednesday night, over 130 teachers in Belize reported that they have been working without pay, with some waiting for their salaries for over six months. At a press conference held at the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) headquarters, National President Nadia Caliz accused the Ministry of Education of unfairly targeting educators through the Government of Belize’s Smart Stream system.

During the event, teachers Kimberly Lopez and Janelle Cacho recounted their personal struggles. Lopez, who hasn’t received a pay check since May, said, “Imagine saving for your future and having to use that money now.” Cacho echoed this sentiment, stating, “It has caused immense distress, trauma, and inconvenience in my life.”

Both teachers faced complications with the mandatory 120 continuous professional development (CPD) hours needed for license renewal. Lopez explained her frustration with the system, which indicated she had only completed 32 hours despite attending several workshops. Cacho described being unable to teach for months due to her CPD hours and license renewal issues.

Caliz questioned the removals, asking, “Who authorised this? That is the key question, especially when we have a standing agreement.”

Caliz added, “This suggests a serious administrative failure. Someone is targeting the BNTU, using the system against us.” She warned that if conditions do not improve, the BNTU will take further action, declaring, “We cannot accept a situation where teachers show up to work and receive no pay at the end of the month.”

Can BSI’s Plan Fix Sugar Supply Issues?

Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) is addressing rising consumer concerns about limited sugar availability in supermarkets. For weeks, shoppers have faced restrictions of one or two pounds per purchase. This occurs despite BSI’s previous assurances of ‘no actual sugar shortage.’

Shawn Chavarria, Financial Manager at ASR/BSI, confirmed that as of this week, there are approximately 7.5 million pounds of white sugar and 2.2 million pounds of brown sugar in stock, sufficient to meet demand for the next three and a half months. Despite this, some retailers are still imposing limits.

Chavarria told News 5 today, “Somewhere along the supply chain, sugar is not consistently reaching the intended customers.” Investigations indicate that sugar smuggling may be worsening the perceived shortage.

To combat this issue, BSI has proposed introducing pre-packaged retail sizes for sugar. “That product will be much more difficult for anybody to try to smuggle,” Chavarria claimed. He noted that this packaging format has received positive feedback in the CARICOM market.

However, implementing retail packaging will require changes to the existing price control system. BSI is seeking government support to liberalise prices for packaged sugar while maintaining regulations for industrial sugar. If approved, packaged brown sugar could be priced around $1 per pound, and white sugar at about $1.10.

Elderly Couple Killed by Tree in Hurricane Helene

An elderly couple were tragically found embracing in their bedroom after a tree fell on their ceiling during Hurricane Helene in Beech Island, South Carolina. The storm claimed the lives of Marcia Savage, 74, and Jerry Savage, 78, and at least 200 other lives.

The elderly couple were married for over 50 years.

Their grandson, 22-year-old John Savage, had checked in on them just moments before the disaster. “We heard a snap, and I went back to see how they were. They were both okay, and the dog was fine,” he said.

However, shortly after his visit, a thunderous boom marked the onset of tragedy as a massive tree fell. “All you could see was the ceiling and the tree,” John said.

Jerry was well-regarded for his skills as an electrician and carpenter, while Marcia was a retired bank teller. Their granddaughter, Katherine Savage, remarked, “They loved each other to their dying day.” John added, “Their love was instant and everlasting.”

Additionally, two firefighters in South Carolina lost their lives when a tree struck their truck.

Belize City Announces 2024-2025 Youth Shadow Council

The Belize City Council officially introduced the 2024-2025 Youth Shadow Council.

The Council’s fourth comprises 12 young leaders.

The council members will work closely with the mayor and respective councillors.

In the announcement, the council stated, “Their mission is to contribute to project development and gain a deeper understanding of municipal management, all while upholding our commitment to championing youth development and enhancing youth connectivity in governance.”