During our trip north, we also sought to find out why a demand for carrots from Mexico exists locally. Whereas fifty pounds of carrots can be bought locally for thirty-five to forty dollars on average, fifty pounds of Mexican carrots can cost as much as eighty dollars. But is paying double the price for carrots worth it? Farmers say it’s currently all over the local market. B.M.D.C.’s administrator says carrots from Mexico are not superior.
Sabino Yam, Patchakan Farmer
“Well they look totally different. They are more different. They look kinda waxed. We can say. We producers can identify our products right. As we go to the market we can easily spot Mexican product.”
Paul Lopez
“What is it about, from your experience, is it about handling Mexican carrots that makes it so desirable? Is it superior?”
Valentin Carillo, Administrator, B.M.D.C.
“It is not superior. It is done in the optimum time to produce it because in November, December, January, February I believe we have some good quality. Even now I saw some good quality. So it is not like it’s superior. Similar with the onion, we have good quality onion. So there is nothing to envy from across there.”
Paul Lopez
“So what makes the Mexican carrots double the price?”
The United Democratic Party alleges that a P.U.P. minister from Orange Walk called on law enforcement officers to stand down after smugglers were caught carrying sacks of sugar across the border to Mexico. According to a release from the party, a Belize Defense Force patrol along the Rio Hondo seized a large quantity of sugar from a group of individuals crossing an irregular border point. The release asserts that one of the individuals made a call and shortly thereafter, the soldiers were instructed to stand down because the group had an export permit for sugar from BAHA. The opposition is questioning whether such an export permit exists and why the individuals decided to use an illegal border crossing. We spoke with Valentin Carillo, the administrator of the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation. B.M.D.C. distributes sugar on the local market.
Valentin Carillo
Valentin Carillo, Administrator, B.M.D.C.
“On that I cannot say. What I would say on B.M.D.C.s part is not part of that. As I explained we bought ninety- two tons of white sugar for the domestic market for distribution from October last year to April this year which is roughly about two hundred and sixty-eight bags for branch. We divide into four branch Orange Walk, Belize, San Pedro and Bjg Falls. So that averages about sixty bags per month. When you divide it by week it is only fifteen bags a week distribute in each branch. fifteen bags.”
Reporter
“Are you aware of why there is a demand for Belize sugar in certain parts of Mexico?”
Valentin Carillo
“Well that is the high acquisition price over there. Over there is two dollars and change per pound and our one is sixty eight cents, seventy-five cents. We can assist if they say you know what let us give BMDC fifty percent of the distribution then it is a government entity. We can monitor who to sell and where to sell and even maybe bag it in one pound to dissuade people from moving this across the border. All of these things.”
The Senate Special Select Committee’s public hearing on the Portico “Definative Agreement” is being postponed, again. This time it’s because former UDP Minister, Erwin Contreras has declined to participate, according to the committee.
The next hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at the National Assembly building in Belmopan.
The committee says that it had anticipated the attendance of Contreras, who has since indicated his unwillingness to attend.
“The Committee is most disappointed at this information as Mr. Contreras has already admitted that he signed the “Definative Agreement”, which committed the Government and the people of Belize to grant Portico financial concessions worth hundreds of millions of dollars for 30 years. Mr. Contreras is the only person and former Government Minister who can explain why he signed the Agreement.”
The committee is urging Contreras to reconsider his decision and attend the hearing.
The government of Belize today reaffirmed its solidarity with the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
In a statement, the Belizean government expressed “concern over the recent escalation of actions by the People’s Republic of China in the Taiwan Strait. These actions pose a threat to international peace and stability in the region and undermine the right to self-determination upheld by the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan).”
As we have reported, tensions are escalating in the Taiwan Strait, as China has initiated two days of military drills encircling Taiwan, only days after the democracy inaugurated a new leader who has long been disfavored by Beijing.
China’s military says the drills are designed to test its ability to “seize power” over Taiwan.
Belize is urging the People’s Republic of China to cease these provocations to prevent further escalation of tensions and to respect the democratic values cherished by the people of Taiwan.
“Belize stands in solidarity with the people and Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).”
Mexico is set to elect its first female president, with Claudia Sheinbaum, the former mayor of Mexico City, leading in the polls. Her main opponent is Xóchitl Gálvez of the conservative PAN party. Despite this historic milestone, the election is overshadowed by unprecedented violence, with at least 34 political candidates or applicants murdered since June 2023. Chiapas, a crucial area for smuggling from Guatemala, exemplifies the desperate pleas from citizens for safety from gang control.
The country faces around 30,000 homicides annually, and a staggering 95% of crimes go unpunished. Femicide rates remain high, with significant impunity for such crimes. Mexico leads globally in political gender equality due to a 2019 constitutional reform, but it remains dangerous for women.
Both Sheinbaum and Gálvez have not provided detailed plans for addressing security issues and have not dismissed the military’s role in combating organised crime. Experts argue that militarization alone won’t resolve issues of impunity and corruption. The current administration’s attempts to demilitarise have largely failed, with criminal organisations maintaining their influence.
The paradox of electing a female president amid pervasive gender-based violence underscores the complex realities of gender and security in Mexico.
CEO of the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries Sharole Carr was in Lima, Peru, earlier this month where she participated in a meeting focused on the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management. The framework, adopted by the UN, aims to improve the management and security of conventional ammunition in Latin America and the Caribbean.
During the meeting, CEO Carr shared Belize’s progress in modernizing ammunition management, revising legislation, and enhancing inter-agency cooperation. Her participation underscored the importance of regional collaboration and Belize’s commitment to high standards in ammunition security. Carr’s role also highlights Belize’s dedication to integrating gender perspectives and promoting women’s participation in security practices.
Selvin Ismael Ramos has been charged with the murder of Eladio Samael Ramos.
It happened on Sunday in Independence Village. According to the police, the Ramos brothers were engaged in a fight when Selvin shot and killed his brother Eladio with an unlicensed firearm.
ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander of the Eastern Division, explained the situation: “On Sunday, May 26th, 2024, police responded to a report at the Independence Polyclinic. Upon their arrival, they found the lifeless body of Eladio Ramos, who had suffered a gunshot wound. The investigation revealed that Eladio had a fight with his brother Selvin, who then retrieved a shotgun and fired the fatal shot. Selvin Ramos is in custody, statements are being recorded, and the matter will be sent to the DPP for directives.”
The infamous Ellis Meighan was reportedly detained in San Diego, USA, recently. The Belize City man is wanted for questioning in the murder of 33-year-old Roy Burgess. Back in April, Burgess was shot while inside his vehicle on mile twenty-two along the Placencia Road with Maia James.
They were approached by a male suspect, who opened fire on the unsuspecting pair. James was shot in the face. Meighan is also wanted for her attempted murder.
Police are also seeking twenty-nine-year-old Joseph Vaccaro in relation to this incident.
As we have been reporting over the past several weeks, the fires observed across the country are raging on. Last week, we took you to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve where, after days of effort, a team was able to control the flames spreading rapidly across the reserve. Tonight, we take you to the Altun Ha Archaeological Reserve, where a fire that began on Monday has edged dangerously close to the Mayan structures housed there. Today, News Five’s Britney Gordon visited the site to meet the team working furiously to save this beloved Belizean attraction.
Britney Gordon, reporting
I’m here at the Altun Ha Archeological Reserve standing next to the temple of Masonry, one of its most popular attractions, known for where the Jade Head was discovered. And just a few meters behind me, there is a fire burning. Altun Ha is the archeological site that is closest to Belize City. It is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the district. Renowned for its diverse flora and fauna and imposing Mayan architecture, the site is a valued historical landmark in Belize. On Monday, as park rangers were making the usual rounds on the site grounds, they observed smoke emanating from somewhere within the reserve. This immediately raised an alarm for park manager, Felix Cruz.
Felix Cruz
Felix Cruz, Park Manager, Altun Ha Archaeological Reserve
“Yesterday we observed the smoke coming in the plaza. So one of me and the rangers mister Marvin Jones, around eleven thirty in the morning, we went on site in the underbrush to see where the fire was coming from or the smoke. We didn’t find anything at that time. A little bit later on in the evening, around five thirty, me and the security, mister Belisle we came to do another patrol. That’s when we saw a fire over here behind me.”
After discovering the fire, Cruz notified the Institute of Archaeology, the village chairman, and several tour operators, who responded with equipment, water, and manpower.
Felix Cruz
“We also had a truck, water truck that came in from Medina’s Construction that assisted us. So we managed to maintain the fire last night. At this moment, we’re still making fire paths with the rangers, the maintenance team from the Institute of Archaeology.”
Britney Gordon
“Talk to me about what the action taken to maintain this fire looked like. What was the efforts?”
Felix Cruz
“The action taken, the community came out as a team. Everyone assisted by providing drums, buckets, rakes and machetes. Everyone came in with flashlights and we started to do a fire path and we waited about an hour for the fire truck to come in and not the water truck. And from there we managed to maintain this area here.”
The team sprang into action, dousing the flames with gallons of water and creating fire paths with the use of rakes and machetes. Several lines were cleared by the rangers, an effort, that lasted well into midnight.
Devon Jones
Devon Jones, Park Ranger
“We are continuing to monitor the fire right about now, but last night we have a full experience about a bushfire and the whole community come out and assist.”
Britney Gordon
“What were some of the activities that you and your team were doing in order to maintain the fire?”
Devon Jones
“We get drums and some water, we got machete, rakes we started to make fire paths in the bush, to keep on out it.”
Cruz says that as the fires are very close to the plaza where the structures are, visitors complain about smoke billowing into the area. While the team is doing its best to manage the flames, there is not much that can be done otherwise.
Britney Gordon
“We recently had one at the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve that was an alarming fire. What about here? Is that a trend that you notice getting more serious?”
Felix Cruz
“The season, we all expect forest fires. So what we try to do is prepare for it. Hence the reason why we try to clean the survey lines, the border lines. There’s nothing much that we can do. It’s a natural event. All we can do is try to manage it the best way we can.”
The task of containing the fire is a new experience for Devon Jones, but as a ranger, he is prepared to manage the park at all costs.
Devon Jones
“It seems like an adventure at the night, but good experience, good to experience something like that. Get your body trained and fit. You never know where that might happen anytime.”
Britney Gordon
“Do you feel like you’re more prepared to handle situations like this moving forward?”
Devon Jones
“I guess I’ll do my best.”
The team managed to contain the flames this morning, but the fires increased late this afternoon, forcing the staff to double their efforts. The situation is still being monitored.
The team is currently seeking assistance from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Development and Housing for the provision of a water truck to the area. Britney Gordon for News Five.
Wildfires continue to burn through parts of Toledo and Cayo districts. Tonight, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Department of Environment are advising residents living in the affected areas to stay indoors, keep their windows and doors closed and wear masks. A joint press release says that the air quality in Toledo and Cayo districts has significantly decreased. Wildfires have led to substantial air pollution. So, not only are some residents working overtime to safeguard their livelihood, but they must also now contend with the air they breathe to protect their very lives. News Five’s Paul Lopez takes a closer look at the situation. Here is that report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Wildfires have been burning for the past three weeks in Toledo and Cayo Districts. These fires pose a threat to the livelihood of residents in these areas. And now, another concern has arisen, emanating from the wildfires. That is air pollution. It is a concern raised by Orlando Habet, the Minister of Sustainable Development, during a media tour of Mountain Pine Ridge last week.
Orlando Habet
Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development
“You see what happened in San Ignacio and Santa Elena in the past week. The air quality is really bad and you can’t come out on the verandah, jog or exercise, do your bicycling because it is terrible.”
These social media images and videos capture some of what residents in the Cayo District have been experiencing. The blanket of haze in the sky, stretching for miles, is smoke from wildfire. In Toledo District it is no different. Residents are left with no choice but to inhale this contaminated air.
Voice of: Blue Creek Village Resident
Voice of: Blue Creek Village Resident
“I think this is the worst I have seen it and a couple days ago here in the village the smoke was really intense, intense to the point that I was worried about the kids and the elders in our community, because this is not normal.”
Voice of: Santa Cruz Resident
“I believe yes, it is the worst fire I have seen around this time here, because it gets really, really, smokey around here and just recently that side was burning day and night and all the smoke was coming this side. Sometimes I have to move from here and go to my parent’s house to spend the night sometime just so that the kids are safe and off the heavy smoke.”
On Monday, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Department of Environment warned the public that the substantial increase in air pollution due to smoke can lead to health risks for the vulnerable population. This index describes air quality and its associated health effects. The higher the number, the more air pollution is being inhaled. Anything beyond a numeric value of one hundred is unhealthy, all the way up to three hundred where the air pollution becomes hazardous. On Sunday, for example, the air quality in San Jose Succotz was at one hundred and seventy-five. That is where internist and bioethicist, Doctor Marvin Manzanero resides.
Dr. Marvin Manzanero
Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Internist and Bioethicist
“And when you look at air quality monitors, the particular situation that they look for is P.M., particulate matter. Two point five micrometers is what will get lodged all the way deep into your lungs. Those are particles that we will never see. Who is at risk then? Just like most other deceases, it is the most vulnerable. So, we are going to have the elderly population, young children, people who have underlying conditions, asthmatics, people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary decease, people who have hypertension and diabetes. There has been links to those not doing so well, people who have cancer, people who are on steroids and other types of immunosuppressants. One thing we ought to highlight is that the WHO recently released its global report and air pollutants have been shown to be the trigger of the building up of plaque in your arteries, so microparticles and even nano plastics are being found in those arteries that are building up in your circulatory walls.”
One of the measures recommended by healthcare providers to limit the risks associated with inhaling air pollution is the use of protective respiratory masks. Additionally, individuals living in the affected areas are being advised to limit outdoor exposure. This also includes children attending school.
Dr. Marvin Manzanero
“If you have to be outside, wear protective respiratory mask or you try to limit the amount of time you are going to be outside. Even with exercise, I have mentioned it to some colleagues, you really cant be doing strenuous activities when you have so much air pollutants in the air. Even on a person’s note, two weeks ago I tried running and started wheezing after one point five miles. So, exercise had to be cut short because you are inhaling too many pollutants. For example I have two teens and one of the ones that is a little more active I have to limit his outside exposure. They do go to school. They don’t do physical activity in school these days, but as soon as they come home they are in an indoor environment.”
