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Police Leading Rio Hondo River Operations; BDF Lending Support

The Belize Police Department, with support from the Belize Defense Force, has been conducting increased operations along the Rio Hondo River in the Orange Walk District. This is being done to address the security concerns in that area that stems from an increase in cartel activities within parts of neighboring Mexico. The Rio Hondo River has long been a hot spot for border jumpers, contrabandists, human traffickers and narco-traffickers. But, with the perceived threat stemming from recent occurrences, law enforcement officials and the Government of Belize are taking no chances. Significant resources are being pumped into law enforcement efforts along the northern border. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The Belize Police Department and the Belize Defense Force have increased their presence along the Rio Hondo River, in response to a recent uptick in cartel-related violence in neighboring communities along the Mexican border.

Colonel Anthony Velasquez, Deputy Commander, Belize Defense Force

“The area has always been an area of interest for us. There has always been the contraband issue. There has always been human trafficking and also the drug trafficking issue. Recent occurrences in Chetumal area, the Quintan Roo area has brought to our attention that the security issue has become increase.”

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams describes the operation as highly sensitive.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“This is a very highly sensitive operation that we’re conducting and because of the nature of the operations, we cannot include NGOs or persons who are not a part of the security apparatus in the planning for several reasons.”

According to ComPol Williams, the Government of Belize has spared no resources to equip the department in its efforts along the northern border.

Chester Williams

“I can say that whenever we approach the Prime Minister for equipment or resources to be able to carry out our mandate, the Prime Minister is always willing to assist.”

The Belize Defense Force is working alongside the Belize Police Department in this operation. But BDF soldiers act only in a support role. It is the police department that is leading the charge; however, the BDF has doubled its troop presence in the area. The effectiveness of these operations is depends on the relationship that the BDF has with its Mexican counterparts.

Colonel Anthony Velasquez

“It is a very pivotal relationship. We share information. The Mexican military impart critical information to us that helps us to perform our operations in an effective manner. So, it is a very important relationship. Also, we share information with them when it is necessary, and we coordinate our actions along the border. So, there is there is a hot spot or a flash point, we coordinate the area and saturate the area on both sides of the border in order to maintain peace in the area.”

These types of operations are not foreign to the Belize Defense Force. It has provided support to the Belize Police Department in intercepting numerous drug planes and detaining suspected narco-traffickers. The Belize Defense Force is also equipped with air and riverine assets. Colonel Velasquez says that the show of increased presence alone acts as a deterrent.

Colonel Anthony Velasquez

“Majority of our operation are to maintain military presence and deter illegal activity out there. So, we also have operatives in the area that are intelligence operatives. They are covert, but generally we saturate the area with soldiers so that people can see we are patrolling. We are doing vehicle patrols, river patrols and foot patrols so that people can see we are out there, and we also do intelligence driven operations where we receive critical intelligence and we react to that, always in conjunction with the Belize Police Department.”

These operations undoubtedly come with several risks. Common dangers include encounters with wild animals and falls. Greater risks include encounters with armed cartel elements. That is why the riskiest operations are assigned to the elite units within the BDF.

Colonel Anthony Velasquez

“Yes, Belizeans should feel safe. However, that does not negate your personal responsibility to take care of yourself as well. Do not travel in these areas. Do not cross the border illicitly in these crossing points. Many Belizeans do. You are putting yourself in danger. But law-abiding citizens should be confident that the police department and the Belize Defense Force are out there to maintain our territorial integrity, our sovereignty, and to maintain the rule of law.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

New Peace Corps Volunteers Touch Down in Belize

Today, twenty-three eager Peace Corps trainees arrived in Belize, ready to embark on their 27 months of dedicated service to the people of this nation. They join forces with the pioneering cohort of the Youth Empowered by Sports (YES) Project, which landed eight months ago.

The Peace Corps Belize, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Transport, partners closely with counterparts in the National Sports Council across the country. The YES Project aims to empower Belizean youth to lead healthy lives and fulfill their potential.

Over the next eleven weeks of intensive pre-service training, these trainees will delve into the Peace Corps’ development approach, YES project objectives, technical skills, health and safety protocols, as well as language and cultural immersion in Kriol or Spanish and Belizean customs. Their goal: to become effective and capable volunteers.

The group is slated to officially take their oath as Peace Corps Volunteers on Friday, July 19, 2024.

This new cohort complements the ongoing service of two groups of 27-month volunteers and the Response Volunteers already embedded in communities throughout Belize. This marks the fourth group of Peace Corps Volunteers since the onset of the pandemic.

AI Catholic ‘priest’ defrocked after recommending Gatorade baptism

An attempt by a Catholic advocacy group to spread the word of God using an AI model has backfired, and chat bot – Father Justin – has been pulled down and reworked. The group’s Catholic Answers website contains answers to commonly asked questions from those confused by the good book. Father Justin was supposed to aid this, by answering any other queries worshipers may have, but as commonly happens the interactive Q&A bot really didn’t work that well.

“Recently, my colleagues and I at Catholic Answers have received a good deal of helpful feedback concerning another new technology: our AI app, Fr Justin,” wrote Christopher Check, president of the group.

That helpful feedback being complaints the software shouldn’t have masqueraded as a man of God and also gave out unholy advice. “We have rendered ‘Fr Justin’ just ‘Justin’,” Check said in response. “We won’t say he’s been laicized, because he never was a real priest.”

Father Justin reportedly claimed to be a real priest based in Assisi, Italy, and told people: “I am as real as the faith we share.” Justin was also very anti-masturbation, calling it “a grave moral disorder,” which is considerably less nuanced than Pope Francis’s views expressed last year.

As seen in this Twitter thread, one questioner received Father Justin’s blessing to marry her brother, saying it was “a joyous occasion,” and also offered absolution after a confession – a huge no-no from a theological perspective for a non-priest.

In an interview, the group’s COO Jon Sorensen said they had only spent $10,000 on the project and tested it over six months. However, this wasn’t enough to stop the AI cleric telling one questioner that baptizing a child with Gatorade was perfectly all right.

“Right now there are a bunch of people trying to break it. And if you’re on Twitter or anywhere else, it’s like this ‘gotcha’ moment,” he commented.

“But when somebody breaks the AI, that actually helps us improve it. In the meantime, while people are breaking it and taking screenshots of it, posting it all over the internet, I’ve got to take my lumps. But that’s the only way I could make the thing improve.”

The chat bot was quickly pulled, reskinned, and presumably had its training data overhauled. Now it’s back as simply Justin, his priestly garb has been replaced with a shirt and jacket, and he’s described as a virtual apologist who is in development mode.

Published by The Register

Belize Joins Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency

Prime Minister John Briceño signed an agreement to join the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (ALCE). With 21 signatures and eight ratifications already secured, this milestone underscores Belize’s commitment to regional cooperation in space technology.

PM Briceño said, “Belize signs on becoming 1 of the first 25 countries to benefit from the #ALCE working to improve satellite communication accelerating digital transformation. Available satellite imagery will help detect deforestation due to crossborder incursions, while protecting heritage.”

*Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena is witness of honor at signing of ALCE agreement by Belize*

Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena presided over the event and emphasized that Belize’s participation in ALCE will bolster regional integration. As a member, Belize will engage in cooperation agreements and knowledge-sharing initiatives with other Latin American and Caribbean nations, focusing on satellite monitoring of environmental conditions and hydrometeorological risks.

ALCE, headquartered in Querétaro, Mexico, serves as the coordinating body for space technology collaboration across the region. By harnessing the technological capabilities of Latin American and Caribbean countries, ALCE aims to advance development, enhance satellite communication systems, strengthen early warning systems, map climate change impacts, and bolster disaster prevention and agricultural practices.

Goldfish Swim School owner teaches swimming, builds relationships in Belize

By Maggie Rose Baron of the Daily Herald

Since Alex Tyler first visited Gales Point, Belize, in 2014 on a church mission trip, his impact on the small fishing village has expanded to the tune of $47,000 raised, nine trips organized and dozens of volunteers involved from around the United States.

Tyler, a franchise owner of Goldfish Swim School locations in Glen Ellyn and St. Charles, visited Belize again this January with a team of 15 others. The group built a house for a family of four, taught swimming lessons and stepped in to lead a third grade class when the teacher was out sick.

*The Goldfish Swim School “CandyGram” campaign raised $10,000 for tuition, school supplies and transportation for high school students in Belize. Courtesy of Alex Tyler*

“I think there’s a lot of value in continuing to go back,” Tyler said. “To see what you’ve done, and to build on what you’ve done.”

Tyler also led a “CandyGram” campaign for the fourth time this year, which involved more than 50 Goldfish locations and raised more than $10,000. For $1, students and instructors could send a note and a piece of candy to another student or instructor of their choosing.

Funds raised will pay for tuition, school supplies and transportation for children in Gales Point to attend high school. Tyler said the costs associated with secondary education often are a barrier for families.

According to Tyler, around 40 Belizean children have benefited from the campaign over the past four years, with several expected to graduate this year and go on to jobs in various trades.

“I really want these kids to find hope in whatever their dreams are and whatever they want to become someday,” Tyler said.

Tyler and the rest of the team also support a different kind of education: learning to swim. Gales Point is a village surrounded by water, where fishing is a main source of food and where hurricanes often displace large parts of the community. But when Tyler first visited, he found that most of the community could not swim.

“They just didn’t have the chance and the opportunity to enjoy all of the experiences their environment has to offer,” said Bryan Ocava, general manager at the Glen Ellyn Goldfish location who has been on five Belize trips, including the one this year.

*Goldfish swim volunteers and the kids of Gales Point during a trip in 2023. Franchise owner Alex Tyler said he wants kids to be comfortable and have fun in the water. Courtesy of Bryan Ocava*

Tyler said his goal is to get kids comfortable in the water so that it becomes a source of fun rather than fear. “We’ve definitely changed that mentality in the village,” Tyler said. “I’m hoping that for generations to come, that’ll continue.”

“The ability to see and experience other cultures and to build bonds and lasting relationships with other people that you normally wouldn’t interact with, it adds a shade of color to how you go about your day-to-day operations,” Ocava said. “It really gives you a sense of companionship and compassion.”

Russia’s Vladimir Putin sworn in as president for record fifth term

President Vladimir Putin has taken the oath of office for a new six-year term at the Grand Kremlin Palace, inaugurating his record fifth presidential term. Notably absent were representatives from the United States and several Western countries, boycotting the ceremony due to Russia’s involvement in Ukraine.

Putin, a dominant figure in Russian politics since 1999, begins his new term amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Russian forces have made gains and are seeking further advancements in the east.

During the inauguration, Putin expressed confidence that Russia would emerge stronger from the current challenges. He emphasized unity and determination, stating, “We are a united and great nation, and together we will overcome all obstacles, realize our plans, and emerge victorious.”

At 71, Putin holds significant influence within Russia, while internationally, he remains in conflict with Western nations, accusing them of using Ukraine to undermine Russia.

*Putin places his hand on the Constitution as he he is sworn in for a record fifth presidential term. [Handout/Kremlin.ru via Reuters]*

In March, Putin won a decisive victory in an election from which anti-war candidates were excluded. Alexey Navalny, a prominent critic, died suddenly in custody, and others faced imprisonment or exile.

Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny’s widow, urged supporters to continue opposing Putin, describing him as “a liar, a thief, and a murderer.”

Ukraine condemned the inauguration, asserting that it aimed to legitimize Putin’s prolonged rule amid accusations of aggression and dictatorship…

Op-ed: Anticipating the La Niña Phenomenon: The Importance of Understanding and Mitigating Its Impacts

By Ángela Blanco, Emergency and Resilience Officer at FAO for Latin America and the Caribbean Marion Khamis, Specialist in Resilience and Disaster Risk Management

The forecast of the La Niña phenomenon for the second half of 2024 revives the urgency of strengthening the resilience of agri-food systems against extreme weather events in Latin America and the Caribbean.

After a year marked by El Niño, which brought droughts, heatwaves, and floods, we now face a new phenomenon, the potential effects of which we must understand to act and protect agriculture, a pillar of our economies and livelihood for millions in the region.

From FAO, we warn about the increasing risk to global agriculture from multiple threats, including extreme climate events like El Niño and La Niña and pests and diseases affecting animals and plants.

Currently, agriculture and its subsectors absorb 23% of the total economic losses caused by these events, i.e., almost a quarter of the losses caused by disasters globally are concentrated in the agricultural sector. In our region, this represents an average loss of 975 calories per capita per day, directly impacting the population’s food security.

*Marion Khamis, Specialist in Resilience and Disaster Risk Management*

In this context, it is imperative not only to respond to current emergencies but also to prepare for future ones, strengthening our capacities to prevent and mitigate their impacts through a holistic approach. This includes profoundly understanding the consequences of climate phenomena on agri-food systems and developing targeted strategies to increase the resilience of vulnerable communities.

Today, we face significant challenges in identifying and measuring how these phenomena affect agri-food systems. This requires methodologies to capture the differentiated effects of threats and consider ethnic-racial, gender, age, and geographical variables to ensure inclusive and effective responses. Moreover, the results of these measurements must be used operationally to formulate public policies and social assistance and protection programs.

In this scenario, the Emergency Data Information System (DIEM) from FAO emerges as a crucial tool, acting as a thermometer for the situation of the agri-food systems and offering key input for assessing the potential impact of adverse climate events on agricultural production and livelihoods. DIEM identifies particularly vulnerable areas and communities, such as those that have already suffered losses in their livelihoods and food security in previous records and are located in areas exposed to the new threat.

Additionally, DIEM can measure immediate impacts through its DIEM Impact version. A successful example of this tool is the use by FAO in assessing the impact of fires in Colombia during 2024 on agriculture and livelihoods through the Southern Oscillation Index (El Niño). This allowed a precise allocation of resources and recovery efforts toward the most vulnerable areas and communities, demonstrating the importance of assessment tools for effective emergency management and impact mitigation on agri-food systems.

*Ángela Blanco, Emergency and Resilience Officer at FAO for Latin America and the Caribbean*

As we prepare to face La Niña, it is essential to recognize the importance of advancing in the generation of impact data, implementing anticipatory measures such as reinforcing infrastructure, and distributing agricultural inputs resistant to adverse conditions to minimize the scale of damage. It is also important to establish rapid response systems in emergencies that allow the agile distribution of support and provide direct financial assistance to affected families to meet their immediate needs.

This requires close collaboration between governments, international organizations, donors, academia, and civil society organizations, as well as the participation of family farmers, rural women, youth, indigenous peoples, and Afro-descendants.

As we progress, the goal must be to improve and increase the assessment of disaster impacts. DIEM is a step forward in this direction, and the information it provides will help us commit to continuous improvement and collective action to face the challenges ahead.

Only in this way can we adequately prepare for La Niña or other events that may impact food security and agricultural livelihoods, ensuring a safer, sustainable, and resilient future for all and guaranteeing better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Belize eliminates mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis

Belize, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have become the latest countries in the Americas to receive certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating the mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. This milestone was celebrated at a special event organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Kingston, Jamaica, with support from UNICEF and UNAIDS, and with the participation of health ministers from these three nations.

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness of Belize, described the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis as a significant accomplishment for the country, made possible through the commitment and dedication of health care workers. Bernard said, “Eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV and syphilis is an extremely significant accomplishment for the people and the country of Belize. The activities leading up to this momentous goal were not always easy, however, with the commitment and motivation of our health care workers, in all areas of health, this has become a reality. We continue to work towards achieving public health goals for a healthier and more productive Belize.”

In 2010, countries in the Americas committed to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis and endorsed a regional strategy updated in 2016 under the PAHO Plan of Action for the Prevention and Control of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections. Globally, 19 countries and territories have been certified for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and/or syphilis, with 11 in the Americas. Cuba made history in 2015 by becoming the first country to achieve dual elimination of HIV and syphilis. This progress continued with other countries in subsequent years.

To achieve elimination targets, countries focused on strengthening prevention and treatment services in primary health care and maternal and child health, updating guidelines, ensuring effective screening of pregnant women, monitoring cases, and following up with HIV and syphilis-exposed infants.

Couple Murdered at Home in Roaring Creek; Minor Shot

A man and a woman were murdered inside their small home in the Hilltop area of Roaring Creek just before nine-thirty on Sunday night. A third person, the woman’s fifteen-year-old son, was shot in his leg but survived. He is in the Western Regional Hospital receiving treatment. The incident has come as a shock to the community because the residents say the couple were peaceful residents who have lived there for the past five years. But while police are looking for leads and suspects, they say it has nothing to do with the recent State of Emergency which also saw some residents of Roaring Creek swept up and incarcerated. The victims are Morcel Neal and Saida Perez. Investigators have different perspectives on who the intended target was. Marion Ali visited Roaring Creek today and has that report.

Voice of: First Responder

“He said “they just shot Ms Chaya da back deh,” he said “but I afraid fi goh me one. I want somebody to go with me.” So I tell ah right now because the place is relatively dark.”

Marion Ali, Reporting

The voice that this Roaring Creek resident heard calling out in front of his house last night was that of another resident who heard the shots that had just killed two residents and wounded a minor. The victims, Saida Perez and her common-law husband, Morcel Neal, both forty-seven, were at home when they came under attack. Perez’s fifteen-year-old son was also shot in his leg and is in the Western Regional Hospital. The resident told News Five that he accompanied his neighbour to the murder scene and tried to keep the premises secure for police processing.

Voice of: First Responder

“I went with him and then that is when the other people arrived – a lady who identified herself as the daughter and said she wanted to check for her mother so I tell her “you could go in but try not to contaminate the scene. And it went into the metal house, the zinc house. And that’s where she found her mother.”

Another resident said she was talking to a neighbour when she heard a barrage of gunshots.

Voice of: Neighbour

“I was sitting with the next neighbor. We were talking and we heard like a lot of shots. So I nuh count how much and then I tell her that sound like shots, right? And then she said “I’m going home.” So I tell her go home because I wa lock up.”

Today, Police Commissioner, Chester Williams assured that this attack was not related to the recent state of emergency in which a number of Roaring Creek residents were incarcerated. He and Assistant Commissioner, Hilberto Romero said the incident had to do with a dispute.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“The victims are not known to be involved in drugs or gangs or anything other than the fact that we know that the deceased’s husband was somewhat of an alcoholic. What we’re gathering that there was some dispute with some people yesterday, and that is what may have led to that particular murder. We’re still trying to confirm certain things.”

ASP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Information is that both were at their house at Warren Creek when a person with a firearm entered and fired shots towards Syedah Pierce, causing her fatal injuries. Thereafter, Morcel Neal appeared and he was also shot. We are trying to establish a motive for this murder. The information we have got out that the female was the target. She was shot and when the other person showed up, he was also shot.”

Alicia Perez, who lives in Belmopan, told us that her sister visited them two weeks ago and told them she wanted to see her son through high school.

Voice of: Alicia Perez, Sister of Deceased

“She come here and then she just here, like here, and we was. She was talking about her son that she loved him a lot and she need to work hard for him. And that’s the only because his son father passed away. She was the only one who could help him. She was like two years. She didn’t come here till that day. She come and she was talking to us like, like a normal day and she went.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

Three People Detained for Majestic Alley Shooting

On Saturday, a young man was shot while socializing in Majestic Alley in Belize City. Reports are that around ten p.m, twenty-year-old Jahshiel Cervantes was standing in front of a wooden structure when he was approached by someone who fired several shots in his direction. Jahshiel was injured and taken to the K.H.M.H. where he was still recovering today, but was reported to be in a stable condition.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Saturday, fourth day of May 2024 around ten fifteen, there was a shooting in Majestic Alley, Belize City. Police responded where they found Jahshiel Cervantes with a gunshot injury. He was taken to the KHMH where he is in a stable condition at this time. Information is that he was Majestic Alley when a vehicle drove by and an occupant from the vehicle fired shots towards his area and causing his injury. Three persons are in custody and the vehicle is impounded and we’re doing follow up investigation at this time.”

Reporter

“Does he know why anybody would want to shoot him?”

Hilberto Romero

“No, he’s recovering at the KHMH. The suspects will be interviewed, and further information will be obtained.”

Reporter

“How are you able to pinpoint these suspects?”

Hilberto Romero

“The police responded quickly. We had some video footage. A follow up was done. The vehicle was found in an area in Belize City.”

Reporter

”Were they found with the vehicle?”

Hilberto Romero

“Yes, they were found with the vehicle.”