All this rain has significantly increased soil moisture levels. However, Chief Hydrologist Tenielle Hendy reassures us that there is no imminent flash flood threat now. Here’s what she shared with reporters this afternoon.
Tenielle Hendy, Chief Hydrologist, N.H.S
“As you can see the soil moisture is very high and saturated in this central region of the country. We do not have any imminent flashflood threats in any of our model time series, which is one three and six hours, same is for the persistent time flood threat for our flash flood guidance. Of note we are seeing positive indication for landslides in the country. You can see it here for Honduras. But, for Belize we just have some areas in the north that we will need to monitor for our landslides.”
Paul Lopez
“I think yesterday we received information that there weren’t going to be any indi9cation of flash flood, yet what we saw in San Ignacio, in the Bullet Tree Area were flash floods.”
Tenielle Hendy
“What happened is that the platform we are running is that it has size limitation, not only for Belize but for the entire Central American region. And the issue is that some of these mini water shed sizes are computationally too large for these systems to address and we do find other ways of indicating whether that system will be flooded. Which is why we had put out the flood warning for the Mopan River and the Macal, including the Belize River system in this area. We don’t want the public to misunderstand that flood warnings are just for riverine flooding or rainfall associated flooding. Flooding is flooding. It doesn’t matter what area or component of flooding we are speaking about. So flash flooding is included in that flood warning.”
Tropic Air has announced that all flights after four PM today are canceled due to bad weather. However, the Philip Goldson International Airport will continue to operate as usual. Event planners are being asked to postpone their events. Businesses are advised to ensure their employees’ safety. National Emergency Coordinator at NEMO, Daniel Mendez, assures that organizations are ready to respond to any requests for assistance.
Daniel Mendez
Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator, NEMO
“What we have been doing is to ensure that all of our emergency operation centers across the country remain on standby. All our district coordinators are on duty and ready to respond to requests for assistance that may arrive at our offices. All of our national committees have met, and they are prepared to implement operational plans as necessary. For us here at the NEMO secretariat we continue to monitor in collaboration with the hydrology and meteorology department and we are prepared to support response as required. We are anticipating high rainfall and strong winds and we are preparing for potential flooding in parts of the country. Points to note, as we have indicated, all interest, especially those in southern Belize must pay close attentional to this system and need to prepare their emergency plans now. Persons living in areas under flood warning must remain vigilant and be prepared to implement emergency plans as necessary. We are asking the organizers of public events are advised to postpone their events until the all clear is given in the interest of public safety. We are also asking business owners to update their business continuity plans and be prepared to implement that. Business owners in affected areas are also asked to ensure the safety of their employees. Also, considering the road conditions are very slippery, we are asking motorist to drive with extreme care to avoid accidents. We have received information that the PGIA will continue to function today as normal. Operations on Saturday may be impacted so passengers are asked to expect delays. This will be reviewed tomorrow and updated as necessary. So please look out for a statement from the Department of Civil Aviation. Also, water taxis will continue to operate today. Operations will close at midday tomorrow.”
This morning, a team of law enforcement and military personnel discovered an abandoned single-engine aircraft near Frank’s Eddy Village, parked on the side of a dirt road. It’s believed the plane was used to smuggle narcotics into the country from South America. The interior had been completely gutted, and no drugs were found inside. The Belize Police Department was aware of the illegal landing but couldn’t pinpoint the location until daybreak. Earlier this week, on Open Your Eyes, Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa mentioned that the frequency of drug plane landings has significantly decreased since the start of 2024. He provided an overview of the law enforcement efforts to combat drug trafficking.
Kareem Musa
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs (File: November 11th, 2024)
“As you know, our government for the last two years has approved a budget of around eight hundred thousand [dollars] basically, that is specifically targeting the narco-trafficking agents in Mexico, specifically the Caborca Cartel which operates in the Quintana Roo area. As you know, they have a lot of cross-border activity taking place along the villages of Douglas, San Victor, I believe San Roman as well. And so, our teams, our specialized units are out there in that area, basically to restrict that kind of cross-border trade. We’re talking human smuggling, human trafficking, the importation of cannabis, the exportation of cocaine, whenever that does come into the country. Thankfully, we haven’t seen, I think there’s only one reported plane landing for the entire year of 2024, but it is to basically address that to ensure that we do not become a cartel country, so to speak. I think that we have had excellent success, I believe just last month we had two cocaine busts in the northern part of the country, in Chunox and Sarteneja. And so, it’s been very effective in terms of limiting that type of cross-border transactions.”
The Immigration Department has detained fifteen individuals, pending repatriation, after they were found inadmissible to enter Belize on various grounds. According to a release from the department, eleven of these individuals are Jamaican—six adults and five children—who arrived in Belize between November fourth and eleventh. The other four are Brazilians who entered Belize on November eleventh on a COPA flight from Panama. The department cited several reasons for their inadmissibility: lack of return tickets to their country of origin, traveling with minors who were not properly documented (without legal guardianship or consent letters from a parent), and providing addresses that turned out to be businesses, not hotels. Additionally, the hotel bookings were made with fraudulent credit cards. Three of the Jamaicans are seeking judicial review of the matter. Today, their attorney, Norman Rodriguez, explained to News Five why they are challenging the decision.
Norman Rodriguez
Norman Rodriguez, Attorney-at-Law
“I am representing three people, but they’re not of the same arrival date or of the same group. Kara Fisher came in on the 4th of November and he was immediately detained by immigration officers and all his personal belongings were taken away. He would’ve been deported on the 11th. Monday. Kevin Dean and John came in as a part of, part of a group of seven. That’s Friday and they were to be deported on Monday. We prepared applications for judicial review at their request, and we have filed that. I act on this along with senior council, Hubbert Ellington. There is an application for a space on the decision of the immigration officials to deny entry to these individuals. As tourists or visitors to believe with the intention to travel within Belize. 0I don’t see a valid reason For refusing these three individuals I represent and that is why we have suggested to them Go to the court and let the court decide. 0My instructions are that they were given no reason, or they were only told, keep up all your stuff, and they were detained. Even outside of that, the, the law, the SEC section 27 and 28th specified what must be done for these people to, to be, to be given notice, formal notice as to what part of the immigration and which section of the immigration lab they would’ve reached. This has not been done. So in answer to your question, there is no formal or oral reasons or original reasons that was given to these people. We don’t see any.”
Rodriguez mentioned that right after his clients were detained, COPA Airline was covering their food and stay at the Global Village Hotel in Ladyville. However, one of the immigration officers who handled their case reached out to him, concerned that the meals weren’t being delivered on time. Rodriguez sees this as a potential lawsuit since his clients are under state custody.
Norman Rodriguez
Norman Rodriguez, Attorney-at-Law
“They’re being held by the state. Um, at the last time was Global Village Hotel. Yes, but I know that the, that the, at that point, it was the, the airline Cooper. Which took responsibility for the accommodation and the food. The immigration officer have made several attempts to get me to pay that, pay for the hotel accommodation, pay for the food. They come here almost every morning and tell me that they need breakfast and I tell them, you are the one have them detained. You are responsible for their welfare. So if anything goes wrong, you will have to answer to the court.”
Rodriguez shared that one of his clients has instructed him to sue the government for any losses he incurs back in Jamaica due to his detention in Belize. This could cover everything from lost wages or even his job, to any expenses he racks up as a result.
Norman Rodriguez, Attorney-at-Law
“There is an indication that these people in them to pursue any part of the due process for remedies available to them. But we needed to do this application in order for them to have their day in court for the court to make it if they want the court makes that decision. In fact, in the application, in every civil application, which this is one for each of them, there is a part that says any other orders that the court being tricked, so the court can make certain orders against the state once it agrees with the application that the immigration department acted improperly or wrongfully. There was a flurry of action by senior members of the immigration department during this time. And I am saying there was no need for that. These were simple, simply, or simple applications for permission to visit the lease as visitors and tourists. There was no need for them to appear. So it says something to these individuals and they feel that they’re being targeted. And for what reason? Nobody can say at this point.”
The tragic death of a motorcycle driver from Belmopan on Thursday afternoon has added to the growing list of fatal motorcycle accidents. The incident occurred around three PM in the Maya Mopan area of Belmopan and claimed the life of Carlos Romero, a young self-employed resident of the same municipality. Romero’s life was cut short due to a collision with a ten-wheeler truck. He passed away at the Western Regional Hospital just hours after the accident. News Five’s Marion Ali brings us the story in this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Belmopan deliveryman Carlos Romero had just left home to run an errand for a customer and was on his way back to San Martin Avenue after completing the job. But tragically, he never made it back home. On St. Peter Street, just past its intersection with St. Jude Street, his red motorcycle got clipped under a ten-wheeler truck he was trying to overtake. Romero and his bike were flung under one of the truck’s right wheels, trapping them both underneath. Elizabeth Mendez, who lives near the intersection, saw Romero drive past just moments before the accident.
Elizabeth Mendez
Elizabeth Mendez, First Responder
“I see the cycle pass through my front door, to this road, St. Peter and I, I never see the truck that way down. So I suddenly I hear like the door fan back – a big noise, so I stand up on the door and when I see something red, then I say that the cycle, I just hold my head and I run over there for see what’s going on, how I could help or what?”
Mendez said that initially, Romero was not talking and she observed only minor injuries, but the situation changed when she managed to revive him.
Elizabeth Mendez
“I see the scrape on his hand.”
Marion Ali
“Was he talking?”
Elizabeth Mendez
“Yes because I asked him who we could call. You got one for number? But when I really reach him, he can’t talk, but then I do pahn ih chest, rub ih chest, and then I see that he started to talk.”
With the help of an off-duty police officer, Romero was pulled from under the truck and rushed to the Western Regional Hospital, where he sadly passed away later that evening. For Jorge Romero and his family, the accident is especially shocking because Carlos had just left home to run the errand only a few minutes earlier.
Jorge Romero
Jorge Romero, Father of Deceased
“He works from phone calls. He does errands. He finishes a run, he comes in here, parks his cycle inside here, waits for the next call, and that was his job.”
Marion Ali
“So yesterday he got a call for a job?”
Jorge Romero
“Yes, he did get a call for a job in that area. He done deliver his package, and he was coming back to his station here at home when this accident happened.”
Romero shared that, amidst his grief, he faced another setback when no one who handled his son could return his wallet and IDs.
Jorge Romero
“My son’s properties. He reached with the properties at the hospital. And yesterday they just gave me one tennis, his pants, his helmet, and some little five cents.”
Marion Ali
“And he had what all in his pocket?”
Jorge Romero
“I can’t tell you the amount what he had, but he had money with him. He always got all his money because he needs change to give customers. His social security card, his driver’s license, the insurance of this motorcycle he has it with him.”
Marion Ali
“And you didn’t get those?”
Jorge Romero
“I didn’t get those.”
Marion Ali
“Okay, so what did the hospital or the police tell you?”
Jorge Romero
“The police tell me that I’m going back to the hospital and find out what happened. The nurse at the time dehn mi change shift and she calls the other shift and dehn said that they give me his wallet, but I didn’t get a wallet.”
Marion Ali
“Did they say who they gave from the family?”
Jorge Romero
“I received it. I received the bag.”
Elizabeth Mendez believes that Romero accidentally drove too close as he tried to overtake the truck.
Elizabeth Mendez
“The truck mi di come soh and he mi want to do so to the truck (gesturing to the right) because he may think he could make it faster than the truck because piece of the cycle stay in the middle of the truck and on the side of the step where you go in through the door, right there a next piece mi deh.”
Amid a worrying rise in motorcycle accidents across Belize, two more motorists have been hospitalized after a collision at the corner of Central American Boulevard and Vernon Street in Belize City. On Thursday night, a driver speeding along Vernon Street ran a red light and crashed into another driver who was turning onto the boulevard on a green light. A video circulating on social media shows the aftermath, with one witness explaining that the collision dragged the driver across the street, leaving him unable to get up. This intersection is notorious for collisions, as drivers frequently run the red light.
Tonight, we have a story that’s close to the heart of the Channel Five team. We’re celebrating the sixteenth anniversary of our morning talk show, Open Your Eyes. Since 2009, Open Your Eyes has been bringing educational and entertaining segments to viewers across Belize. As we mark this special occasion, we look back at how the show has evolved over the past sixteen years. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
This morning, viewers of the Open Your Eyes talk show were treated to a festive celebration with cake and champagne as the hosts marked the show’s sixteenth anniversary. Open Your Eyes first aired in 2008, with the current Channel 5 CEO, Marleni Cuellar, as the original host. She shared her journey and experiences as one of the show’s pioneers, reflecting on how far they’ve come.
Marleni Cuellar
Marleni Cuellar, C.E.O., Channel 5
“In 2008, when the show was launched, I came on board full time at channel five primarily as a host and it was an interesting time. The CEO at that time, Amalia Mai, had the vision to be able to create a morning show, a morning television show for Channel 5 or News 5 program as always has been such a important part of the daily conversation in Belize, but we felt we needed to have a different element, something that allowed us to have deeper conversations. That allowed us to be able to look at different aspects of culture and experience and life in Belize and to do a fantastic television production because we know we have a really great team here capable of doing that So that was the vision back in 2008 something positive something motivational and most importantly something informational.”
After fourteen years on the show, Cuellar stepped away from the spotlight to take on other roles within the company. But the show still needed a vibrant personality. That’s when news anchor Sabreena Daly was invited to join. She shared with us what it’s been like stepping into this exciting new role.
Sabreena Daly
Sabreena Daly, Host, Open Your Eyes
“So I’ve been a part of Open Your Eyes as a host for about a little bit over a year. And honestly, the only thing I can say is it’s been such a learning curve. Of course, you would know that my involvement primarily was in news as an anchor, as a feature writer. But being invited over to the morning show was different because obviously I have to wake up earlier in the morning. But for me, it was a learning experience because I get to have these extensive conversations that would normally be controlled by the news cycle, of course, the writing stories. But I get to engage with these persons that we are interviewing. Not only that, I get to learn a lot more. I have to do research. It’s really critical that the host does research, so that we’re able to know, one, the type of questions to ask, but also know exactly what our viewers are looking for as well.”
Daly credits her growth in the role to her mentors, Marleni Cuellar and fellow host Isani Cayetano. Other familiar faces on the team include Paul Lopez and April Martinez, who each bring their unique voices to the show. Behind the scenes, there’s OYE producer Viannie Reyes, who has been working her magic for about three years. She gave us a glimpse into her role as producer, sharing what it takes to keep the show running smoothly.
Viannie Reyes
Viannie Reyes, Producer, Open Your Eyes
“It’s definitely not a one man show. It’s a show that consists of quite a team that I have here and I’m grateful for the team that I have. It takes preparation, dedication and commitment to make a production successful as open your eyes. I do believe that gathering segments, not only just here in Belize City, but it comes from all over the country, depending on the topics that we have. We have to work two weeks in advance, sometimes three, to plan different segments. We need to get creative on topics, educational topics, informative topics that we do believe Belizeans would enjoy to hear and to listen to.”
Just this year, Open Your Eyes received a Special Mention at the Caribbean Broadcasting Awards. Cuellar attributes this to the consistent quality the show has maintained over the past sixteen years.
Marleni Cuellar
“We have a standard that was set from the beginning. That we ensure that we get guests who are well versed and understanding of different topics. That our hosts are as prepared as they can be for conversations, that we ensure that our audience have learned something new or understand something better or have been able to see a different perspective than they have seen before. And I think that’s a standard that we’ve carried through all these years and I’m very proud of that.”
As the show continues to grow, the team promises more meaningful conversations with guests and entertaining segments but this time, bigger and better. Britney Gordon for News Five.
The pressure is on for Belize’s own Halima Hoy as she gets ready to take the Miss Universe stage for the finals on Saturday. This year’s pageant, held in Mexico City, will see women from all over the world competing for the crown. As the big day approaches, we caught up with her Belizean support team in Mexico City to hear how they’re feeling as the excitement builds.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
The Miss Universe 2024 Pageant is underway, and people around the world are eagerly watching their contestant, hoping for a win. This year, Belizean beauty, Halima Hoy, is shining on the big stage. We caught up with Destinee Arnold, the National Director of Miss Universe Belize, for an update on how the competition is going so far.
Destinee Arnold
Destinee Arnold, National Director, Miss Universe Belize
“I am just elated with all of the support that we have been getting from our countrymen, and I am so proud of Halima for continuing to fight that good fight and leaving her all on that stage. It is my job to make sure that she is well prepared and putting her best foot forward during the competition and not pageant night to be her moral support to be there for her in times of need to provide that insight. Of course, I will be reviewing her performance from last night and helping her work out any kinks that I noticed. And we are just going to continue to fight and push forward so that we finish off stronger.”
Also joining Hoy in Mexico is her husband, Arthur Hoy. He feels a wave of emotion as he watches his wife’s hard work finally pay off.
Arthur Hoy
Arthur Hoy, Halima’s Husband
“Her job was Monday to Sunday, and it even took her away from Houston where we currently reside and she was living in Belize. So for the past couple of months my wife was for Belize and she still is Belize, but we’re in a great mental space. We are so proud of her. Her performance last night was very emotional for us. We, as a, with her, I was sitting with her team and we all got teary eyed when she came out because she looked so beautiful. She performed and she really made us proud.”
Despite the overwhelming love and support, Hoy and her team have faced some accusations. In a now-deleted Instagram post, they were accused of paying for Hoy’s placement in the pageant. Arnold finds these accusations to be completely unfounded.
Destinee Arnold
“For me, it’s honestly quite laughable that they would think that we would pay for placement. Pageantry is not a cheap venture, and we don’t get into pageantry Hoping to make money. It’s definitely a passion project, but we’re trying to change that perspective. We’re not trying to continue to allow pageantry to be a money pit. And one thing that I love about the new Miss universe organization, they want their national directors to contribute. In their ventures and their Miss Universe products, and that’s what we’re doing.”
She explains that the goal of the Miss Universe Belize franchise is to grow the industry and create new opportunities for Belizeans.
Destinee Arnold
“We are trying to introduce the Miss Universe projects in our country of Belize so that we bring in that that pageantry industry, because it’s a very lucrative industry. If you play your cards that’s not paying for placement. That’s being smart. That’s bringing another economic revenue to our country. That’s creating jobs. It’s creating a product. And if you cannot join in the celebration or join in the work to bring that to police, then, I’m okay with you not sitting at the table with us.”
On stage, Hoy unveiled her stunning national costume, a beautiful tribute to Belize’s Mayan roots. Arnold hopes that Belizeans can set aside the negativity and continue to shower Hoy with love and support as she strives to make Belize proud.
Destinee Arnold
“You can go to the choicely app and for her there is a fan vote for the top thirty, or you can just share her pictures, comment on the miss universe post that has Halima on it with your flag. Sending Halima sweet messages that are encouraged her because we are the fuel that drives her when she’s on stage. So we have to keep that energy going.”
