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Boosting Agriculture Through Real-time Weather Data

Today, the Ministry of Economic Development, through its Resilient Rural Belize Program, handed over ninety-three thousand U.S. dollars’ worth of equipment to the National Meteorological Service. The donation will enhance the work of the Agrometeorological Section, allowing them to provide real-time weather information to rural farmers. News Five’s Britney Gordon was there to learn how the equipment will be used to assist the farmers.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Over the past few months, Belizeans have endured a spike in the cost of fruits and vegetables. This increase in price was due, in part, to the climate-related damages farmers have been struggling to manage. Now, with help of the National Meteorological Service, farmers will be able to better monitor weather conditions and plan accordingly to preserve their stock. Today, an array of equipment was donated to the NMS by the Ministry of Economic Development for this purpose. Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon explains this strategy.

Ronald Gordon, Chief Meteorologist, MET

“In this particular case for twenty weather stations across the country, we have a network of over eighty weather stations but these are targeted to certain specific communities under the RRB project. So what that will do, it will enhance the capability of these stations to monitor what we call agri-med variables. Those are variables that are important for the agricultural sector, including rainfall, of course, temperature, humidity. They want to know the soil moisture and the soil temperature. And just to name a few, once you have that information, farmers will be able to plant better and be able to know what type of weather conditions are occurring in their areas.”

According to Acting C.E.O. of the Ministry of Economic Development Carlos Pol, this project was put together with the objective of addressing food insecurity. By assisting farmers with preserving their produce, the public will have access to more food at lower prices.

Carlos Pol, Acting C.E.O., Ministry of Economic Development

“So in that thinking, the government decided to put together a project that will help us with that security, addressing the farmers needs, addressing the needs of farmers to be able to remove their products from their location to the market. So this project encompasses that rehabilitation of food, assistance of farmers for them to protect their products, provide them with refrigerators and other outputs that will be able for them to store their products because we have seen how much farmers have lost in products. There’s a lot of losses. When they don’t have the proper equipment or the proper tools for them to be able to have their products and then move it to the market for it to be sold.”

The MET service will also be launching a weather app meant to offer real-time data for farmers. They will also be able to access for other risk such as pesticides and potential tropical systems.

Andre Perez, Minister of Disaster Risk Management

“If you look at the figures right now, especially the SIB reports came out for the month of June, that the price of special fruits and vegetables was very well substantial, substantially higher than last year, June. So there are many causes for that as well. But the type of services that the MET service offers is to offer information to the farmers so they can be more informed to plan when it’s time to plant when it’s the best time to plant, when it’s not the best time to plant, especially during dry season. But also, we’re talking about efficiency in terms of production. And of course, in any way to become more efficient and reducing costs because the agriculture is always something that is high risk. You have all the different risk factors coming in, not only weather, but pests and all of these things. So this is what the Met Service is offering today, especially geared to the rural farmers.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Is the MET Service Understaffed?

Minister of Disaster Risk Management, Andre Perez emphasizes the importance of the National Meteorological Service which provides essential information to the public throughout the course of the day. Meteorologists are tasked with managing multiple stations, working odd hours and even holidays. This raises the question of whether the MET Service is adequately staffed to manage the duties or not. Here’s Perez’s response.

Andre Perez, Minister of Disaster Risk Management

“We have done a lot of changes right now. Since the service came on disasters management has passed with us. We have already increased the staff more needs to be done. Of course, we need, we understand that we have meetings with our C.E.O. and with the chief met and of course creating a department where they are the financial officer, the accounting officer, which they did not have. It was only one ministry at the time. So eventually this is becoming more efficient. And what the chief mentioned about increase of staff, certainly we’re looking at that as well, no? But of course, we always have to watch our budget as well. But I think right now what we’re doing is sensitizing and showing to the public the importance of the MET service, the valuable information is being shared. That is very critical. And I want to recognize that the staff here, that they do the work. It’s as the chief mentioned, even on Christmas Day, they’re working as well. You have a lot of different people, doctors and so working. The MET service also is at work, even during the holidays.”

ComPol Says Pastor Dozie Must Still File a Police Report Against O.J.

Earlier this year, a pastor from Dangriga made a complaint against attorney, Orson Elrington to the General Legal Council. The allegation of grave professional misconduct for the way he handled а Social Security Board claim and settlement for the pastor was brought before the G.L.C. In July, the Council ruled that Elrington must pay the complainant, Pastor Dozie, over forty-six thousand dollars and fifteen thousand dollars to the Registrar. The G.L.C had indicated that it would forward to the police a suspicion of forgery of documents. On Tuesday, Police Commissioner, Chester Williams clarified that the pastor still needs to file a report with the police.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Even if the G.L.C would refer the matter to us, we’d still need to get a statement from the virtual complainant. The G.L.C cannot be the complainant in the particular matter, especially if they’re alleging that the signature forged was that of Pastor Dozie. We need to get statements from him and specific signatures from him so that it can be compared to ascertain if the signature that G.L.C believes was forged was actually forged.”

San Pedro and Caye Caulker General Hospital Underway

The work has begun for the construction of the San Pedro and Caye Caulker General Hospital. For years, residents of the islands were airlifted to the mainland to receive intensive medical treatment, but they will soon be able to do so on the island. The thirty-three-million-dollar project is being funded by the Republic of China, Taiwan. We spoke with Area Representative and Minister of Disaster Risk Management, Andre Perez for an update.

Andre Perez, Minister of Disaster Risk Management

“I believe of course the work has started; the piles are being driven in. And I think they are doing an average of fifteen piles per day, and a total of one hundred and ninety eight piles will be driven. So everything is in set, the construction has started, and everything is on pace right now that we’re setting up. We’re close crossing our fingers that it’s going to last thirty-six months. So yes, it’s ongoing, and every now and again we do an inspection. And of course, the contractor is keeping the abreast, so we’re very excited about that one.”

Armed Hold-up Ends in Deadly Shooting of Suspect

An intruder was shot and killed during a brazen armed robbery at around eleven-thirty this morning in Belize City. The incident happened near the Cinderella Plaza at the Cambranes Building, which houses several businesses on the lower flat. The holdup did not go according to plan for the three men, who, we understand, got away with some keys, but in the process, one of them was shot dead. News Five’s Marion Ali was at the scene and filed this report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

It was not business as usual today for Casa Churro at the Cambranes Building on Freetown Road. Sometime around eleven-thirty this morning, a small car pulled up and three men stepped out. One of them, armed with a gun, accosted the proprietor outside of the bakery. The gunman shoved the businessman in the door and that was what caught the attention of someone we spoke with at the scene.

Voice of: Eyewitness

“I mi di sit and dem just come here and dehm shub ah pahn the burglar bar and one gone with him and dehn put up the shutters and then they put him in [the door] and then some noise mi happen then the next one mi gone eena the vehicle and he get some things and just run weh. And his lee son mi come and tell me fi call police then da right deh we call the police and da right deh dem mi come.”

Marion Ali

“So they got away with anything as far as –“

Voice of: Eyewitness

“I nuh really sure if they got away with something, but I think dehn get his key or something because dem mi gone eena the vehicle and I heard he never find out his key again.”

Quick police response led to the apprehension of the two accomplices and the driver, in the car they used to carry out the crime. Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams told reporters this evening what the police found when they arrived at the scene.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Police responded to the area where, upon arrival, they met a male person who had complained to them, and they also saw the lifeless body of a male person in a yard with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. Police also responded to the immediate area where they also intercepted a taxi and inside the taxi contained two individuals plus the driver. Those two individuals in the vehicle were identified as Maleek Chavez and Leroy Garoy. The person who was found at the scene has been identified as one Leroy Smith.”

ComPol Williams provided additional details, including the fact that investigators are treating the incident as an aggravated burglary.

Chester Williams

“Information suggests that the three persons, um, had gone to rob this place and in the process the person who occupies that premises, relieved the gunman of his weapon and fatally shot him. After that occurred, the next individual jumped into a taxi and made good their escape. But thankfully, the quick response of the police, they were able to be detained, not too far away. And, a search of them revealed the discovery of a cell phone and a bangles, which are items that are stolen during the – well, the call was about a robbery in progress, but actually it’s a aggravated burglary report. And the two individuals are in custody along with the taxi man, and police are conducting interviews. We believe that they’re going to be charged.”

The incident happened just before the lunch hour, when traffic at the intersection gets even busier. It took the coordinated efforts of several police officers at the location to divert traffic away from the scene, while keep the traffic free flowing. Marion Ali For News Five.

21-Year-Old Belize City Resident Shot Dead In L.A.

A twenty-one-year-old Belize City resident was shot dead in the United States. Jermaine Terry migrated to Los Angeles, California when he was nineteen to further his education. He later left school and began working, while living with his father. Over the weekend, Terry, his father and another individual were on their way home when they reportedly knocked down an individual. In the process of rendering aid, Terry and his relatives were ambushed by residents in the area. An armed individual opened fire on Terry, fatally wounding him. News Five’s Paul Lopez sat down with his mother in Belize City. Here is that report.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Twenty-one-year-old Jermaine Terry migrated to the United States just over a year ago. Early Sunday morning, he was heading home with his father and another relative after a night out. We spoke with his grieving mother who resides in Belize City. She explained that her son left Belize to study and to escape the gang violence that was taking over his community.

Voice of: Cynthia Terry, Mother of Deceased

“My son mih wah better off his life you know. We took him out from here to avoid him getting caught up. He got his visa and an opportunity to study abroad. He left. You know teenagers want to try other stuff and something did not go correct. He got a job and was doing his job and he said mom whenever I could I will go back to school, but sometimes teenagers rebel or want to live up their lives and feel like they the miss out.”

According to Terry’s mother, he was working at a restaurant in Los Angeles where he resided with his father. On the morning of his unfortunate demise, Terry and the other two passengers in the vehicle were reportedly involved in an accident during which they had knocked down an individual. That incident escalated into an altercation with residents in the area.

Cynthia Terry

“My husband, a cousin and my son went to some family. They had a little house party or something, but then my son told them that they knew about a little place where they wanted him to pass, a little club or something like that. They were there and they passed and a little bit before three o’clock and when my husband pulled up around a curve a young man walked in front of the vehicle and like the vehicle hit the person. So, he come out to render aid, they jumped out and by the time they came out to render aid, the young man gets badly hurt, they just swarm on them and they start to kick up my husband and he passed out. My son defends himself, gets beat up.”

According to Cynthia Terry, her son attempted to defend himself while being attacked. He reportedly tried to run away from the scene when a gunman opened fire and shot him in the back.

Cynthia Terry

“My son he run, and I know my son saw something fih mek he run, because he nuh wah back down. He dah nuh wah fighter, but he nuh wah run. But I know he saw something, an object or something. And that is why I know my son saw a gun and when he ran he got shot in the back. I do not know the extent of my son, they said that he was beaten in the face and all of that. I haven’t seen him as yet. I have to see to believe but they chance my son out of his life. The area where they were was a gang area and I think because they knock the young man they just took matters in their own hand they just swerved on them and took their anger out.”

The grief-stricken mother is left to grapple with the fact that her son lost his life to the same gun violence in the U.S. that he fled from in Belize.

Cynthia Terry

“I nuh know how to say about that because I see how things the reach in my neighborhood, more closer and I don’t want them to get caught up, but instead of trying to put them to safety, sometimes we put them into more danger.”

In Belize, Jermaine Terry was known to many as an avid athlete with a promising future. His mother described him as a jovial person with a vibrant personality. The family now awaits an investigation to be concluded before his body can be returned home for burial.

Cynthia Terry

“My son loved sports from he was a kid. He went to Viannie, Naz, every school he went my son always tried to enroll himself in sport because he loved sport. He is a fun kid, so fun. He always make the crowd laugh, a joker, like dance, but he is a loving person. Like every other kid he has his good and bad, but I always say my son is a darling.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

“No Witness, No Justice.”

The Belize Police Department is working towards reducing the number of unresolved murder cases in the country. According to Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, there is a backlog of open cases that remain unresolved for a multitude of reasons, primarily a lack of key witnesses. Williams says that most cases would arrive at a resolution earlier if witnesses appeared before the court; however, he explains that the department is working diligently to find other means of bringing these cases to justice.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Many a times we have, even though we might have a tight case in terms of evidence, a case is only as good as the investigation. In order to make an arrest and a prosecution is only as good as the witnesses that comes before the court. Say you have, for example, mister Pandi, who is a witness in a murder. He gave a very good statement to the police in terms of him witnessing what took place. On the day of trial, mister Pandi refused to come to court and testify before the court. What is going to happen? No witness, no justice. So because of that, we are seeing that a number of the cases have fallen through the courts and even though sometimes they The response from the public is that the police conduct co investigation or the DPP office do not prosecute. It is not a matter of that. It’s a matter of the fact that the witnesses do not come to court. So what we have done recently with the installation of the cameras we have had in Belize city, we have been able to solve a number of these cases. And because of that, even when the witnesses don’t come to court, we can rely on those evidence and we’re convicting a number of persons. So if you look at the trend over the past year and a half, you would have seen that a number of persons have been convicted for murder, as opposed to before when we were hearing just nulliplus. So significant progress has been made. We have also used DNA evidence to convict certain people. Again, through our ministry, our minister, we have been able, we are currently looking at procuring the field DNA testing, which will be used again to enhance investigation.”

Two Men Remanded for Attack on Deannie Requena

Tonight, two Belize City men, including the brother-in-law of former councilor Deannie Requena, are on remand at the Belize Central Prison after they allegedly beat, stabbed and robbed the twenty-four-year-old woman on Sunday afternoon. Burton Clare, a car dealer, and Kareem Allen, a tour guide, were escorted to the magistrate’s court shortly before midday. Clare was read two indictable offenses of use of deadly means of harm and wounding, while twenty-one-year-old Allen was arraigned for aggravated assault and one count of theft. It is alleged that using a firearm, Allen stole three thousand dollars in cash from Requena who had just left from the Belize Central Prison following a visit. Allen pleaded not guilty to the two counts read to him by the senior magistrate; nonetheless, he was remanded until September thirtieth. Due to the nature of the offense, Clare has also been remanded until September thirtieth. Both men appeared in court unrepresented.

“We want to be the Cabinet.” – Shyne Barrow, Amid U.D.P. Infighting

Frequent bickering within the opposition shifts the focus away from national issues that affect many Belizeans. The role of a rival political party is to create checks and balances where government policies and decision-making are concerned. The infighting that has torn apart the U.D.P., despite its minority numbers in the House of Representatives, leaves a lot to be desired. The failed National Party Council on Saturday does not bode well for the opposition and Party Leader Shyne Barrow is aware of it, in spite of his role in the ongoing friction.

Shyne Barrow, Party Leader, U.D.P.

“I think the Belizean public has grown tired of the sad state of affairs that we see playing out and I’m not going to participate in it. We want to be the Cabinet. If we want to be the Cabinet, now is the time to demonstrate to the Belizean public what we want to be and so, I will do my part not to engage in the mudslinging, not to engage in the defamation of character, not to engage in any narrative or campaigning against any colleagues. I need to find a way to win sixteen seats and that includes even people who don’t support me. If they are in a constituency that can win, as leader I will do my best to help them to win. But that is what the focus needs to be, working in the division and…”

Reporter

“So then, are you prepared to sit with Tracy Taegar Panton, Patrick Faber, John Saldivar and Beverly Williams?”

Shyne Barrow

“I am prepared to do whatever is in the best interest of the party. I have always kept my door open.”

Shyne Barrow Files Police Report Against Bev Williams

On Monday, Party Leader Shyne Barrow filed a formal complaint with the Belize Police Department after reportedly being threatened by Second Deputy Party Leader Beverly Williams. The two were engaged in a bitter spat on Saturday afternoon that quickly became personal. During the exchange of words, it is alleged that Williams made a threat on Barrow’s life. The incident is still fresh and old wounds are also festering. So how will the party move forward, despite the resentment between the party leader and his second deputy?

Shyne Barrow, Party Leader, U.D.P.

“I have no malice towards anyone, I just want what is best for the party.”

Reporter

“But how can you sit with someone who you said has made a threat, who you feel has made a threat on your life? You made a police complaint.”

Shyne Barrow

“Well that is a matter of fact. The person admitted it, there’s evidence of that.”

Reporter

“I am just saying, I am not asking you to assess the factual nature of it. I am asking you, how do you sit and talk politics and progress with someone whom you believe threatened your life?”

Shyne Barrow

“You keep saying believe, as if I am hallucinating. Nonetheless, the country comes first and the party comes first, and so I am prepared to do whatever we need to do to forgive and heal in not just the interest of not just the party but the country.”

Reporter

“Sir, your party chairman received a petition yesterday asking for a national convention in ninety days time. He rejected it this morning in a letter in which basically he says it’s impractical based on my discretionary assessment. The persons who filed the petition have complained that he has no authority to use discretionary judgment when the constitution is clear, if you meet a threshold, you trigger a national convention. They’re saying, “We’ve met the threshold, trigger it. You have no choice.” What’s your response, sir?”

Shyne Barrow

“That is absolutely untrue.”