Category: Breaking News

Lessons Learned from Hurricane Beryl

With an all clear issued, Daniel Mendez, the National Emergency Coordinator, says the organization will resume normal operations as it continues to prepare for what lies ahead. This hurricane season is forecasted to be extremely active. Mendez says Hurricane Beryl presented an opportunity for NEMO to fine tune its operations for the remaining five months.

 

Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator, NEMO

“NEMO now resumes back on its preparation state. We are again, we have resumed our normal operations, and we are back on preparedness. As the chief met said we are in the middle of a very busy hurricane season and so we ourselves at NEMO have been taking note of all the lessons we have seen. We are taking steps to improve our organization. As you are all aware this is an unprecedented year. WE have been responding to many types of hazards and we have been working diligently to improve our systems and we will continue to do so for the rest of the year. We no longer are preparing just for hurricanes. As you have seen with the fires and floods, we have to be prepared for everything and so we are also continuing our efforts to improve. We have, with the support of our minister and C.E.O. We have been able to push these things ahead, so I want to thank them for their support, leadership and interest in improving our system. As we have consistently been saying since the begging of the season, preparedness is really important. So, the question we should be asking ourselves is, if the system had come our way were you ready for it. That is a good question to ask everyone and if you were able to say yes you were ready then you are really looing forward to this season. For those who were not ready, it is time to take those measures and improve.”

Forecasters Grapple with Inaccurate Intensification Models

Hurricane Beryl showed the inaccuracies of the intensification models used by meteorologists to determine the strength of tropical systems. Hurricane Beryl rapidly intensified and it maintained its strength as a major hurricane for days leading up to its landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula, contrary to what was being forecasted in several instances. Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon addressed these inaccuracies this morning.

 

                                Ronald Gordon

Ronald Gordon, Chief Meteorologist, NMS

“Indeed I have always indicated that we have low confidence or not as much confidence in terms of intensity forecast cause we already know that the rapid intensification of these systems is something our forecast models have difficulty with and that has been for sometime and it has not changed much. There have been some improvements but there is still challenges so if in regard to your question about lessons learnt, that lesson has been learnt from long before. Whenever there is a hurricane coming our way and it is forecasted to be a category one, I always indicate that it could be a category two or three at landfall because we know these things tend to intensify especially when it moves over our area with very warm water, so we need to look out for that. In terms of wind shear if there is very strong wind shear there is nothing much that can, in terms of counteracting. It all depends on which is stronger. If the wind shear is strong it is going to disrupt the hurricane no matter what and that is just the scientific aspect of it.”

Belize Carnival Association Gets $20,000 

Today, the National Celebrations Commission (NCC), demonstrated its commitment to the upcoming 2024 Carnival Road March by presenting a donation of twenty thousand Belize dollars to the Belize Carnival Association. This financial support aims to bolster preparations for mas camps and the vibrant celebrations scheduled for September 7.

This year’s official theme for the 43rd Anniversary of Belize’s Independence is ‘A Nation Proud and Free: Belize@43.’ The NCC announced in June that this year’s new carnival route will start near Memorial Park, via Marie Parade, Barrack Road, Princess Margaret Drive and ending at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex with the judging area designated on the entire length of Digi Park.

According to the NCC, “After experiencing logistical challenges over recent years, the Commission explored several alternative routes to find the best option to eliminate these challenges.” The commissioner said that two test runs were conducted with the “police and the association recommended this route as it addressed the standing logistical concerns and offered an excellent opportunity for an enhanced carnival experience.”

US and Panama Sign Deal to Curb Migration Through Darien Gap

The United States and Panama have signed an agreement to significantly curb the flow of migrants traveling through the Darien Gap which is a dangerous jungle between Colombia and Panama. The Darien Gap is the only land route to the US from South America. The announcement came on Monday, coinciding with the inauguration of Panama’s new President, Jose Raul Mulino.

During his first speech as president, Mulino highlighted the severe humanitarian and environmental crisis caused by the massive influx of migrants through the Darien jungle, “I won’t allow Panama to be an open path for thousands of people who enter our country illegally, supported by an international organization related to drug trafficking and human trafficking,” DW reported.

Despite its dangerous nature, the Darien Gap has become a preferred pathway for hundreds of thousands of migrants travelling to the US borders. DW reported that “Last year, a record 520,000 migrants, including thousands of children, traversed the perilous corridor by foot. More than 190,000 people have crossed so far in 2024, with most migrants hailing from Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and China. The route grew in popularity in recent years as smugglers made it an affordable pathway for hundreds of thousands of people.”

The agreement, signed by US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, includes provisions for the US to cover the costs of repatriating migrants who enter Panama illegally.

Latin America Remittance Growth Decreased in 2023

A report from the World Bank states that for the Caribbean region, remittance flows declined in 2023.

It said, “In Latin America and the Caribbean, remittance growth in 2023 slowed to 7.7%, reaching $156 billion, bolstered by a robust U.S. labour market. Mexico remained the top recipient with $66.2 billion, a 7.8% increase. Growth varied widely, from a 44.5% rise in Nicaragua to a 13.4% decline in Argentina. Remittance flows are expected to grow by 2.7% in 2024, with the average cost of sending $200 remaining at 5.9%, similar to the previous year.”

The Dominican Republic, Haiti, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and St. Lucia reported increased remittance inflows over 2022. Countries with no change included Guyana, Barbados, St. Maarten, Aruba, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Cayman Islands. Jamaica, Curacao, The Bahamas, Suriname, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Dominica recorded declines in remittances.

As remittances gain significance, precise data collection is crucial for advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals aimed at reducing costs and enhancing transaction volumes. Yet, current statistical data remains inconsistent and incomplete. The disparity between inbound and outbound remittance flows globally has expanded, primarily due to informal channels like migrants carrying cash when returning home.

Remittance refers to the transfer of money by a foreign worker to an individual, typically a family member, in their home country. These funds are a crucial source of income for many households in developing countries, helping to support their basic needs such as food, housing, education, and healthcare.

Belize Pledges Aid and Electrical Support for Hurricane Beryl Recovery

Prime Minister John Briceño attended the 20th Special Emergency Meeting of CARICOM Heads to address Beryl’s impact. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade shared that PM Briceño announced that Belize would financially contribute to the recovery efforts in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada. Additionally, the Prime Minister offered to send linesmen to help restore electricity.

Hurricane Beryl made landfall on Carriacou Island, Grenada, on Monday, causing heavy rain, life-threatening winds, and flooding as it moved west across the Caribbean. The storm has claimed at least five lives, with officials warning the death toll could rise.

During a media interview, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines raised concerns about accessing international funds for rebuilding efforts and called on wealthier nations to honour their climate commitments. He stressed the importance of concrete support for small island developing states and other vulnerable nations, urging major greenhouse gas emitters to turn pledges into financial aid.

19 Bodies Found in Chiapas Amid Cartel Violence

(MEXICO CITY, July 2) Mexican officials are investigating a grisly scene in La Concordia, Chiapas, where they discovered 19 bodies after videos surfaced on social media showing a dumper truck filled with corpses. The victims, all male and clad in black tactical vests, were found in and around the truck, with most of the bodies inside and three on a nearby dirt track. All had been shot.

The Chiapas prosecutor’s office was alerted to a video on June 28, showing men identifying as members of the Sinaloa cartel displaying the bodies and claiming they were from a rival gang operating near the Guatemala-Mexico border. The next day, locals discovered the bodies and informed authorities. The victims were likely members of a group they identified as the “Chiapas and Guatemala cartel.”

The Mexican government has deployed the National Guard and army to the area, but locals feel abandoned, noting that cartels return as soon as federal forces leave.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador attributed the violence to cartel activity, including drug and human trafficking. He promised a thorough investigation and increased security in Chiapas. The Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel are embroiled in a turf war over lucrative smuggling routes, forcing many to flee their homes last January.

The UK Has a New Prime Minister Following Landslide Win for Labour Party 

Labour has achieved a landslide victory in the UK general election. The new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, promised to guide the nation towards “calmer waters” in his inaugural address. Starmer is now assembling his cabinet and has appointed the UK’s first-ever female finance minister.

Sir Keir Starmer is the UK’s new prime minister following a landslide general election victory by the Labour Party. The Conservative Party suffered a dramatic collapse after 14 years in power, losing 250 seats in a devastating night. Outgoing PM Rishi Sunak accepted responsibility for the result and announced his upcoming resignation as party leader.

In his first speech as prime minister, Sir Keir vowed to lead a “government of service” and initiate a period of “national renewal,” emphasising the need to address insecurity and promising immediate work on change.

Labour won 412 seats, the Conservatives dropped to 121, and the Liberal Democrats secured 71 seats. Reform UK and the Green Party each gained four seats. Labour’s success was partly due to the collapse of the Scottish National Party, which fell to nine seats.

Corozal Town Prepares for Deteriorating Weather Conditions

Tonight, we have a news team in Corozal Town. They will be overnight in that municipality to capture the extent of the winds and rains that residents will likely face when Hurricane Beryl makes landfall in the Yucatan Peninsula. Landfall is expected just after midnight. What News Five’s Paul Lopez found on the ground this evening is residents scrambling to get in some last-minute shopping at the handful of grocery stores that remain open. Most businesses have been shuttered and many of the main streets in the town have limited to no traffic. The central park is unusually empty for a Thursday evening, while several residents are undergoing last-minute work to secure their homes. Clearly, there is a heightened sense of alertness in this part of the country. News Five’s Paul Lopez tells us more.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

As the sun begins to set on Corozal Town, the most northern town in Belize, seas behind me remains calm. Resident are expecting the weather to rapidly deteriorate over the course of tonight. When you look at the main streets, traffic seems to be limited. There is practically no one inside the park and businesses have been shuttered, closed, since midday. Several grocery stores remain open for residents to do their last minute shopping. Interestingly, we met two brothers from San Jose who missed or forgot the bus schedule and as a result missed their bus out of town. Here is what they told us.

 

                        Samuel Novelo

Samuel Novelo, San Jose Resident

“My name is Samuel Novelo. We are headed to San Jose.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Why are you guys standing out here right now and you seem to have a bit of cluelessness in your eyes?”

 

Samuel Novelo

“We the try get a ride because the bus left us. So, the bus was suppose to head to Belize from four oclock but it didn’t leave from here. It went, so we are trying to catch a ride to go to village. Me and my brother.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Were you here on time for the bus?”

 

Samuel Novelo

“Yes, four o’clock, cause that is the time they gave us. The bus came but it didn’t go to the terminal. It went straight to Belize because he didn’t see any customers there.”

 

Paul Lopez

“How high is your chances of catching a ride right now?”

 

Samuel Novelo

“We the try hustle a ride at least dah Santa Clara and then we will try to catch a ride to village.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Is it urgent to get out of Corozal tonight?”

 

Samuel Novelo

“As soon as possible. I need to reach home. I have a lot of things to do home, put some nails in the windows and a lot of thigns like that. We were at work waiting for the lady, the boss and she reach late. Now I have to hitch hike and reach.”

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