Breaking News - Greater Belize Media

Taiwan Continues Search for 18 Missing After Powerful Quake

Taiwan continues its search for 18 individuals still unaccounted for following Wednesday’s devasting earthquake. The earthquake, registering a magnitude of 7.2, struck the rugged eastern coast of the island, particularly impacting the mountainous and sparsely populated Hualien county.

Tragically, the earthquake claimed the lives of 10 individuals, with over 1,000 sustaining injuries and many left stranded due to landslides obstructing roads. As of Friday, 18 individuals remain missing, including six hikers and four foreigners.

Rescue efforts have focused on ensuring the safety of approximately 400 individuals stranded at a resort within Taroko National Park. However, the unpredictability of weather conditions, including the potential for rain exacerbating the risk of rockfalls and landslides, poses significant challenges to ongoing search and rescue operations.

Despite the devastation, tales of survival emerge. David Chen, a security manager at a hotel, expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal. Strict adherence to building codes and heightened awareness prompted over 100 residents to opt for outdoor tents over apartment dwellings amidst numerous aftershocks.

Several Belizeans living in Taiwan experienced the tremor. The Belizean embassy in Taiwan shared a statement saying “While some Belizeans are understandably shaken emotionally, there has been no report of material effects on Belizeans. The Embassy advises students to monitor the news and official disaster management agencies’ broadcasts, which will keep them informed on the areas of Taiwan confronting infrastructural and physical damages.”

Forecasters predict ‘extremely active’ 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

Weather forecasters from Colorado State University (CSU) have projected an “extremely active” 2024 Atlantic hurricane season due to warm sea surface temperatures and reduced wind shear during the summer and fall months. The report says that current El Niño conditions are likely to transition to La Niña conditions this summer/fall, leading to hurricane-favourable wind shear conditions.

According to the CSU forecast, there are expected to be a total of 23 named storms, with five of them developing into major hurricanes, characterized by winds exceeding 111 miles per hour (178 kph), out of a total of 11 hurricanes.

The report explains that sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central Atlantic are at historically high levels and are expected to remain significantly above average throughout the upcoming hurricane season. It says that this heightened warmth in the tropical Atlantic creates conditions favorable for the formation and strengthening of hurricanes.

With high confidence in this early April outlook, CSU projects a substantially increased likelihood of major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean.

It’s crucial to note that, despite predictions, every hurricane season carries the potential for significant impact. Coastal residents must remain vigilant and prepare thoroughly, as even a single hurricane landfall can define an active season.

Тhе 2024 ѕtоrm nаmеѕ аrе:

Аlbеrtо

Веrуl

Сhrіѕ

Dеbbу

Еrnеѕtо

Frаnсіnе

Gоrdоn

Неlеnе

Іѕаас

Јоусе

Кіrk

Lеѕlіе

Міltоn

Nаdіnе

Оѕсаr

Раttу

Rаfаеl

Ѕаrа

Тоnу

Vаlеrіе

Wіllіаm

Why are hurricanes given names?

According to the National Hurricane Center, employing concise and distinctive names in both written and spoken communication proves to be more efficient and accurate compared to older methods reliant on latitude and longitude. Additionally, using easily memorable names helps mitigate confusion, especially during periods when multiple storms occur simultaneously.

What happens if the predetermined list of hurricane names is exhausted?

Prior to 2020, when all names were used, the Greek alphabet was utilized, assigning names like Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Zeta, Eta, Theta, etc. This occurred twice, once in 2005 and again in 2020. Now, instead of resorting to the Greek alphabet, a supplementary list of tropical cyclone names will be employed.

Belize Among Cheapest Country in Latin America for US travellers

Belize ranked number 2 as the most affordable country in Latin America, behind Barbados in the number 1 spot. Yahoo Finance reports that airfare to Belize is USD 411, and accommodation costs are USD 199. It says, “Belize is a captivating destination known for its diverse natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous experiences. Bladen Nature Reserve trails and the Mayan ruins are some of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.”

The report was compiled by the stock advisory firm Insider Monkey.

These countries secured the top spots in the affordability rankings for US tourists due to their inexpensive flight fares and accommodation costs.

Joining Barbados and Belize on the list of wallet-friendly destinations are Aruba, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. On the contrary, the report identifies Costa Rica, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Cayman Islands as among the most expensive countries for visitors.

It’s worth noting that airfare and accommodation expenses can vary significantly based on the traveller’s departure point, destination city, and choice of lodging.

Mordo Intelligence predicts that US travellers will significantly contribute to Latin America’s tourism revenue, which is expected to reach approximately US$52.18 billion this year. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, international arrivals in Latin America have shown signs of recovery, with figures returning to 88% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, as reported by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

This resurgence in tourism is reflected in the financial performance of travel services provider Booking Holdings Inc. In the latest quarter, the company’s revenue surged by 18.15% to reach US$4.78 billion, exceeding market expectations by US$73.37 million.

Attorney Wendy Auxillou Has Yet To Make Police Report Against Minister

On Wednesday, the Office of the Prime Minister announced the return of Belize Rural South area representative Andre Perez to Cabinet. Perez was reinstated as the Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management after being on leave for months following allegations of sexual misconduct levied by attorney Wendy Auxillou. Perez continues to vehemently deny those allegations. After hearing the news of Perez’s reinstatement, Auxillou took to Facebook, doubling down on him saying that “To date I have not been contacted by anyone in the government to ask to review my evidence or to hear my side of the story”. She also said that “the Prime Minister took my call, but did nothing more.” News Five reached out to Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre and Prime Minister John Briceño for comment. We are still waiting for a response. As for Perez, he told News Five “no comments for now.” We note that Auxillou says she had to flee Belize because she is in fear for her life. But while Auxillou took to Facebook, she has yet to make an official police complaint. She said that she does not need to make a police report or have a judge or the attorney general confirm her allegations. But for there to be a criminal investigation, a complaint must be made. And we checked with Police Commissioner Chester Williams about it today, he told us that none has been made.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I saw the Facebook post, but in terms of a report from here there is none.

Paul Lopez

“Will you guys follow up that Facebook post? We have seen in previous cases where a facebook post would be enough for police to do an investigation or launch further queries.”

Chester Williams

“It is different. We are not in the business of witch hunting people. If it is that she has a complaint against the minister then her duty is to come to the police. We don’t go after people like that. Now if I see a Facebook post with people fighting, that is a matter where the police can be the complainant. I can take that, but in terms of a report like what she is commenting on social media it is not our job to bring her in to make a report, no.”

Home Affairs Minister on Allegations Against Cabinet Minister

We also spoke to Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa about the allegations made against his cabinet colleague. Minister Musa says he has seen Auxillou’s latest Facebook. He says that without a police complaint, the post is defamatory.

Paul Lopez

“Are you aware if Mr. Perez was investigated in terms of the allegations that were brought against him initially?”

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“I know that the attorney General, Mr. Sylvester was tasked to conduct and carry out an investigation into those allegations so to speak. To me there was just a lot of post that have been shared by whatsapp and being shared on social media. So I don’t know if anything went beyond that. I know that at the time, based on that sort of information that was coming out it seemed to have been somewhat of a consensual relationship. So I don’t think there was anything done further. As you know, neither party has come forward to the police department to make any sort of police report and I think that is where that ended up. I am only now seeing a facebook post in which I don’t even want to answer a question to that effect because we might be committing defamation of character when in fact a police report has not been made. So it is always encouraged, if you have any sort of allegation to make, whether it is true or false, the court will decide if it is true or false, and perhaps the chips will fall where they may then. But to me, this seems to be some sort of new allegation being made.”

Paul Lopez

“Do you welcome your colleagues’ return to the cabinet?

Kareem Musa

“Andre Perez has been one of the hardest working ministers. He did a lot at civil aviation and of course , the blue economy. He is now reinstated as the minister of Blue Economy. He contributes a lot to our Cabinet discussions and the decisions we make in the Cabinet.”

What Led to Minister Perez Returning to Cabinet?

As we mentioned on Wednesday’s newscast, Prime Minister John Briceño said that the cabinet reshuffle follows a resounding mandate from the electorate on March sixth. In San Pedro Town, the People’s United Party won by huge margins, and it is for this reason that Perez was invited back to cabinet. Home Affairs Minister Kareem Musa explains.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“As you know Paul, the decision for any sort of Cabinet reshuffle lies strictly within the purview of the prime minister and that decision is ultimately his. So, I see from the release issues that reference was made to the overwhelming mandate that was received by the People’s United Party in the recent city and town council election. So that seems to have been the impetus to enable these ministers of state, now ministers of state, to do greater work in their constituencies.”

Reporter

“How do you respond to the criticism that they were elevated so they could eat? You know the salary as opposed to just being an area representative?

Kareem Musa

“I will not categorize it as that. It is certainly testament to all the work that they have been doing as area representatives within their respective constituencies.”

Belizeans safe following 7.4 magnitude tremor in Taiwan

In a statement, the Belizean Embassy in Taiwan said it “responded immediately by liaising with Belizean students located in different regions in Taiwan, as well as universities where Belizean students are studying, to confirm that students are safe.”

The embassy said, “While some Belizeans are understandably shaken emotionally, there has been no report of material effects on Belizeans.”

In the statement, the embassy advises students to monitor the news and official disaster management agencies’ broadcasts, which will keep them informed on the areas of Taiwan confronting infrastructural and physical damages.

On X, Prime Minister John Briceño said, “Our thoughts are with the government, people and our friends of Taiwan. This morning a 7.2 magnitude earthquake occurred just offshore the east coast of the island nation, and felt in its capital city Taipei and many counties. The quake experienced was the strongest in 25 years.”

BDF Soldier Charged with Grievous Harm

Belize Defence Force soldier Lieutenant Clonal Omar Tzalam was read a single charge of grievous harm when he appeared in the Punta Gorda Magistrate court on Tuesday. The charge stems from a domestic dispute that occurred on March 29th, 2024. He pled not guilty and was offered bail.

Previously, Tzalam was recently charged internally for assault on a B.D.F. female. The Security Services Commission has yet to decide on Tzalam’s future in the B.D.F.

Taiwan Hit by 7.4 Magnitude Tremor

At least nine fatalities and over 900 injuries were reported following Taiwan’s most powerful earthquake in 25 years on Wednesday. Amidst the chaos, 50 hotel employees remain unaccounted for as rescuers work tirelessly to bring trapped individuals to safety using ladders.

Dramatic footage aired on television depicted buildings leaning in the mountainous and thinly populated eastern region of Hualien, near the epicenter of the 7.2 magnitude quake.

Subsequent aftershocks reverberated across the island.

Fatalities primarily occurred in Hualien County, including three hikers in Taroko Gorge and a truck driver on the Suhua Highway, where rocks caused fatalities and extensive damage. Collapsed buildings, power outages affecting thousands of homes, and landslides on major highways further compound the aftermath.

Authorities have warned of potential aftershocks up to magnitude 7 throughout the week. Military personnel have been deployed for disaster relief, while schools and workplaces suspended operations.

Ambassador and Diplomat David Gibson Passes

Belizean ambassador and diplomat David Gibson recently passed away. He died peacefully in his sleep.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X, “MFAFT extends its deepest condolences to the family of Ambassador David Gibson, a true Belizean patriot and one of Belize’s foremost diplomats. May his soul rest in peace.”

Gibson served as CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when Dean Barrow was the minister from 1993 to 1998. He also served under the Musa Administration. Gibson was also deeply involved in discussions to resolve the Belize/Guatemala conflict.

Gibson later went on to be the coordinator of the Think Tank Centre for Strategic Studies Policy Analysis and Research (CSSPAR). He founded CSSPAR in 1995.