Japan’s rich cultural tapestry, woven from its historical roots and modern innovations, makes it a captivating destination for any traveler seeking an immersive and enriching experience. News Five’s Isani Cayetano joined a delegation of reporters, university lecturers and government officials on a trip to Japan, in the Far East, where he took in the cultural and tourism experience for this week’s Kolcha Tuesday. Here’s that story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Japan’s culture is famous worldwide, from its stunning art and delicious cuisine to its captivating films and music. And let’s not forget the vibrant world of Japanese pop culture, with its iconic comics, mesmerizing animation, and cutting-edge video games that have fans all over the globe. A few weeks ago, I had the incredible chance to visit this amazing island nation in East Asia. Even though the long flight from New York to Tokyo left me jetlagged, my adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun was truly eye-opening and unforgettable. It was a privilege to embark on this familiarization visit alongside a distinguished group of journalists, professors, and government representatives from across the Caribbean. We were invited to Japan by the Association for Promotion of International Cooperation.
APIC actively participates in a range of development cooperation projects aimed at fostering and strengthening connections with the international community. These initiatives are designed not only to promote global partnerships, but also to cultivate a deeper, mutual understanding between Japan and numerous other nations, including Belize. This was our inaugural journey to such a distant part of the world, making it even more special. Accompanying me from Belize was my dear friend and esteemed colleague, LJay Wade, a familiar face to many of you from Plus TV. Following a grueling, fourteen-hour, nonstop flight from JFK, we finally touched down at Haneda Airport, the bustling hub and busiest of the two international gateways to the Greater Tokyo Area. The excitement of arriving in such a vibrant city was evident as we landed, ready to explore all that Tokyo has to offer.
Our first day in the lively Capital City was packed with exciting visits, including a stop at a prestigious university renowned for its focus on animation and the visual arts. There, we had the privilege of meeting a distinguished professor, a true expert in the field of Japanese animation, who shared fascinating insights into this captivating art form. Our next stop was the iconic Kaminarimon, where a massive red lantern majestically hangs at the center of the gate in Tokyo. Originally constructed in 941 AD by the military commander Taira no Kinmasa, the Kaminarimon was initially situated near Komagata. It found its current home in 1635, during which time the revered gods of wind and thunder were believed to have been enshrined on the gate, adding to its historical and cultural significance. From that point, we embarked on our culinary adventure, heading to our first stop—a charming, traditional restaurant that meticulously honors every custom, making the Japanese dining experience exceptionally unique and unforgettable. The cuisine is a delightful blend of tradition, artistry, and seasonal ingredients. It emphasizes balance, harmony, and presentation, making each meal a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Given Japan’s island geography, seafood is central to its cuisine. This includes raw fish, or sashimi, grilled fish, and various seafood-based dishes. The staple, however, is rice, often served plain or as sushi. To cap off our day, we immersed ourselves in the enchanting world of kabuki, a classical Japanese theatre that masterfully blends dramatic storytelling with traditional dance. Kabuki is renowned for its highly stylized performances, dazzling and ornate costumes, and the intricate kumadori makeup that transforms its performers into living works of art. Elsewhere during our trip, we boarded a bullet train for Kyoto, a city where ancient traditions and modern life coexist in perfect harmony. Kyoto is celebrated for its breathtaking temples, tranquil gardens, and deep cultural heritage. During our visit, we marveled at the Golden Pavilion, a magnificent Zen Buddhist temple.
This iconic structure stands as one of the most beloved landmarks in Japan’s former capital. At an unassuming yet exclusive restaurant in Kyoto, where securing a reservation requires months of anticipation, I had the unforgettable experience of being introduced to the exquisite delicacy of wagyu beef. Wagyu beef is among the most expensive meats in the world. It boasts intricate marbling, with delicate streaks of fat woven through the red meat, enhancing its tenderness, moisture, and rich flavor. In Kyoto, the women are draped in traditional Japanese clothing, including the national dress of Japan, the Kimono. Our next stop was Kanazawa, a city in central Japan with a population of roughly half-a-million residents. LJay perfectly captured the essence of our weeklong adventure in Japan.
LJay Wade
LJay Wade, Belizean Journalist
“Tokyo is the bustling, modern metropolis that’s filled with innovation, while Kyoto and Kanazawa hold on to ancient and traditional practices with its antique beauty and landscapes. We got to experience traditional practices such as kabuki in Tokyo, the laka method in Kanazawa, and noh in Kyoto. We also got to eat traditional foods such as tempura sushi, sashimi, miso soup and matsukake soup which I hear is super expensive and I got to eat two of them. So I’m very, very thankful for that.”
APIC was founded on September 8th, 1975, with the goal of making it easier for the public to understand and support official development assistance projects by providing accessible information. After a legal revision on April 1st, 2013, APIC became a general incorporated foundation, but it continues to carry out its original mission with the same dedication and purpose.
LJay Wade
“I cannot wait to go back home to Belize and write about Japan which, in my view, is the perfect blend of modernization and cultural preservation.”
Last Wednesday, we delved into the potential impact of Starlink, the U.S.-based satellite internet company owned by tech mogul Elon Musk. As we reported, Starlink has applied for a license to provide internet services here in Belize. The final decision rests with the Public Utilities Commission, which has already received ten letters of objection. The National Trade Union Congress of Belize has also voiced its concerns to the commission and raised the issue with the prime minister on Friday. Today, N.T.U.C.B. President Luke Martinez emphasized that we can’t let this company enter Belize and cut into B.T.L.’s market share.
Luke Martinez
Luke Martinez, President, N.T.U.C.B
“We have submitted via a letter to the P.U.C and we had asked several questions and recommendations. So, while we agree with you and the public that there are these questions that have been going around in terms of how do we reach out to everybody, if we reach out to the technical people from B.E.L, they will tell you that those in the telecommunication sector will tell you that at least ninety-five percent of our population has access to internet service. With the saying of leaving no one behind there is questions about the remaining five percent. So, we made a recommendation saying look if it is something we can’t prevent in the interest of the other five percent and leaving no one behind, we recommended for a reseller option to be proposed. We also discussed with the prime minister that when it comes to our police ands nation defense we have to ensure we protect our integrity, our sovereignty and ensure that we keep our defense as intact as we possibly can. We did mention to the P.M. that would be a concern. We have to understand that B.T.L is our national telecommunication body and Social Security invest over thirty percent in B.T.L, so we cant allow B.T.L to fail.”
COP16, a global summit aimed at halting the destruction of nature, ended in chaos on Saturday. While there were some advances, several key issues remained unresolved. This gathering in Cali, Colombia, marked the first meeting of governments since the 2022 agreement to curb human-caused environmental destruction. Over the two-week summit, countries aimed to make significant progress on critical targets, including protecting thirty percent of the Earth for nature and reforming damaging aspects of the global financial system. Despite the ambitious goals, the summit concluded with much work still to be done. Attending the conference on behalf of the Government of Belize was Beverly Wade, Director of the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit. Despite all the pledges and commitments made during the global summit, less than half a billion dollars was raised. Wade emphasized that a minimum of twenty billion dollars is needed annually to effectively tackle the issue of biodiversity loss. This stark contrast highlights the significant gap between intentions and the financial resources required to make a real impact.
Beverly Wade
Beverly Wade, Director, Blue Bond & Finance Permanence Unit
“One of the biggest topics at COP is all about the money and the financing. I think this COP showed that the traditional financing that would have come to finance nature and nature goals, biodiversity goals and even climate is not really there anymore. We’re simply not getting the follow-through from all the commitments that are being made in terms of financing biodiversity laws and climate. As a matter of fact, I think everybody is very much shocked at the measly four hundred million dollars that was raised to move the global biodiversity strategy and framework forward. It’s been estimated that it would cost twenty billion dollars a year to curb biodiversity loss globally and when you can only raise four hundred million dollars, that is telling. And so, we’re actually having a crisis. We’re faced with a climate and biodiversity loss crisis, but we also now have a crisis in how are we going to effectively or how are we now going to address these crises that we have without the resources that are required.”
Isani Cayetano
“From Belize’s perspective, what would you say would be, perhaps, one takeaway from all of what was discussed and perhaps things that can be tangibly done for to remain in line with our goals?”
Beverly Wade
“I think one of the things from my experience at COP, I was fortunate to be along with the Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Hon. Christopher Coye, where he participated in several panels and we participated in numerous discussions that were around, how do we bridge the finance gap. And a lot of attention is being paid to Belize because Belize is one of the few countries that is actually now finding ways other than just grants depending on grants.”
Negotiations were scheduled to conclude on Friday evening but instead descended into confusion by Saturday morning after nearly twelve hours of intense discussions. Governments were unable to reach a consensus on critical issues, including nature funding and the monitoring of this decade’s targets. The drawn-out talks and the sequence of discussions left many countries frustrated, as crucial matters remained unresolved in the final hour.
Beverly Wade, Director, Blue Bond & Finance Permanence Unit
“Safeguarding nature is critical for us. When you look at a country that is estimated at fifty percent of your GDP is nature-based, it’s important for us here in Belize to ensure that we maintain the functional integrity of nature. That’s providing important ecosystems services for us in productive sectors: tourism, fisheries, shoreline protection. And so, it is a priority for us and Belize is one of those countries that has shown that we now know how to start that new thinking of how to now bring in money to finance our ambitions.”
Isani Cayetano
“What do you make of this all, because some people would argue that this is all talk shop and [that] it doesn’t have any material substance, so to speak, in terms of being able to put into effect some of the agreements, put into place the funding as necessary for these agreements to be carried out or what-have-you?”
Beverly Wade
“Well, I’ll be frank with you, it doesn’t give you much to be optimistic about in terms of seeing the commitments made in terms of resources to address climate, really come into fruition. And this isn’t new, it’s sad, really. It’s not that we don’t know that climate change is here. It’s not that we don’t know who the primary countries that are responsible for the impacts that we are seeing from climate change. It is sad that we don’t have that level of commitment to really addressing it in a meaningful way.”
Agriculture Minister Jose Abelardo Mai is set to attend COP29 in Baka, Azerbaijan in the coming days. However, he expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of global summits, suggesting they often serve as more of a talk shop than a platform for meaningful action on climate change and other pressing environmental issues. His remarks were made during an appearance on Open Your Eyes this morning, where he also discussed the looming threat to Belize’s livestock industry if the new screwworm is detected in the country.
Jose Abelardo Mai
Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture
“Our livestock industry, sustainable livestock practices that we are applying… the sad thing about this, though, is that sustainable agriculture, climate smart agriculture, all these fancy terms mean nothing without financial backing. So when you go to this COP24 and COP23… and all the fancy talking, there is no money put behind that. I have now, actually, been forced to go to Azerbaijan in the next week and I did not want to go because I do not like talk shops. I would not [go] but because of the Central American ministers putting up a position, I’ve been asked to be a panelist. I’ve haven’t been there since I was elected, other people go, I said, “Listen, let them go. I have other things I need to.” But this year I need to go and I have been asked that. But this year, it will be one of the main topics. They have messed up their environment, we still have out trees, we are practicing some sustainability, but it’s not cheap.”
Starlink Services LLC, the U.S.-based satellite internet company owned by billionaire Elon Musk, has applied for a Telecommunications License to offer internet services in Belize. The application, currently under review by the Public Utilities Commission (P.U.C.), has sparked mixed reactions. The P.U.C. is now gathering public feedback and will address the applicant’s concerns based on these submissions. News Five’s Marion Ali has more on this developing story.
Marion , Reporting
Starlink has become the latest buzzword in Belize’s internet circles. The U.S.-based satellite internet company, primarily owned by billionaire Elon Musk, has applied for a license to provide internet services in Belize. While BTL’s Chairman, Mark Lizarraga, declined to comment today, BTL was among several entities that wrote to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) objecting to the service. BTL’s letter highlighted concerns that introducing a third internet provider in a country with a small population could significantly disrupt the existing telecommunications system.
This letter to the P.U.C by Ravi Nandwani states that quote, “we should not allow any foreign company to provide such a type of service. We have seen what they do. Especially this guy. They will take over the market and if he is personally annoyed with our government’s policies, he can deny us access to the Internet if he feels. He will also have access to our data,” end quote. Additionally, there are concerns about the competitive pressure Starlink’s service would place on the two existing providers, BTL Digi and Smart. Critics argue that introducing a new player could disrupt the market dynamics and impact the current telecom landscape.
There are also other letters that welcome the service in Belize. These concerns are particularly prevalent among individuals living in remote areas of the country, where internet service is either poor or non-existent. Additionally, those developing properties in these regions are also voicing their support, highlighting the critical need for reliable internet access. This letter reflects the author’s opinion that Starlink will not directly compete with the current providers. It also points out that land-based internet providers that use fiber-optics are faster and more affordable, as opposed to Starlink which requires purchasing equipment and a monthly charge.
News Five was unable to obtain a comment from the P.U.C., but an industry insider with extensive telecommunications experience highlighted a recurring issue: the potential for new technologies to cannibalize existing services. This concern has surfaced before, such as when WhatsApp began to replace direct international calls, and when mobile cellular technology overtook live paging. The source also recalled the introduction of satellite phones in Belize, which initially sparked fears they would replace mobile phones. However, today, satellite phones are rarely used, except by large companies and individuals with emergency plans.
News Five understands that the P.U.C was approached over a year ago by representatives of Starlink with the idea of providing satellite internet in Belize. A reputable law firm contacted the P.U.C on behalf of Starlink. The company, we were informed, would have to meet all taxes and other obligations, if the license is granted. That decision will be made in the coming weeks. Marion Ali for News Five.
We caught up with Halima Hoy outside the Phillip Goldson International Airport this morning, right before she checked in for her flight out of the country. Hoy is on her way to make final preparations before the 73rd Miss Universe Pageant in mid-November in Mexico City. We also heard from Wendy Castillo, the fundraising director at the Miss Universe Belize Foundation, about how Belizeans can contribute to ensuring Hoy’s success.
Halima Hoy
Halima Hoy, Miss Universe Belize 2024
“The journey has been incredible. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but it is also a testament to hard work and dedication and how transformative change can be once you really put one hundred percent of what you have. Not only myself but my team. They have been very inst4rumental in the person I am today, not only a new person but someone that is ready to take on an important role such as the miss universe title and someone that Is ready to represent my country to the fullest. I have been saying this over and over again, this tittle is not about me it is about my country and how well I can represent our people, our strength, intelligence, poise and friendliness. So, I want to see those flags in the crowd. I want them to know this is a reflection of you. You are a part of my journey and I am a part of yours.”
Wendy Castillo
Wendy Castillo, Fundraising Director, Miss Universe Belize Foundation
“There is an opportunity for Belizeans to support her, give her massive support by simply going to the Miss Universe page or at Choicely.com where you can actually vote for Halima. Once we get the amount of vote, the first vote is free. Then you can pay three dollars, fifteen dollars, forty dollars and up to two hundred dollars that secures a thousand votes for Halima. Once she gets the amount of support that puts her in the top thirty.”
A three-year-old Palestinian boy tragically lost his life in Khan Younis on Saturday when an aid package, dropped from an aircraft, struck the displacement area where his family had sought refuge. His grandfather, Sami Ayyad, recounted the incident, explaining that as the family ate breakfast, pallets of aid plummeted towards them. Despite efforts to take cover inside their makeshift tents, the falling package instantly killed the young boy, Sami. Other family members, including his aunt and cousin, were injured in the ordeal.
Various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Jordan, and the UAE, have airdropped aid into Gaza in recent months. The UAE reportedly dropped 81 food packages into Khan Younis on Saturday, with over 10,000 packages airdropped in total. However, humanitarian agencies have criticised such airdrops as inefficient, with many urging Israel to lift restrictions on land crossings to allow more direct aid to reach Palestinians.
The aid distribution comes amidst a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with more than 1.84 million Palestinians facing acute food insecurity. Human rights agencies have condemned the restrictions on land-based aid, with some accusing Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war.
The Israeli military confirmed the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the October 7 massacre in Israel. Sinwar’s body was discovered in the rubble of a building struck by an Israeli tank in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified his remains through DNA and dental records.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed no hostages were harmed in the mission, though ceasefire talks and hostage negotiations remain stalled. U.S. officials, frustrated by the lack of progress, had speculated Sinwar’s death could break the deadlock in negotiations. While his elimination marks a significant moment in the conflict, it’s uncertain whether this will accelerate peace efforts or prolong the path to resolution.
The killing comes as Israel prepares to retaliate against Iran’s recent ballistic missile attack. Despite this development, a full resolution of the wider Middle East conflict before Election Day on November 5 is not expected, though it may shift the dynamics of both the war and U.S. political landscapes.
By Dr. QU Dongyu, Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations
This year the theme for World Food Day is “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future.” It’s a timely reminder that all people have the right to adequate food.
But how do we get from a right to a reality? And why is it so important to think about not just having sufficient food but also the diversity of diets? That’s why I speak of “foods” in the plural, emphasising this diversity as well as food availability, food accessibility, and food affordability for all.
Right now, the world’s farmers produce more than enough food to feed the global population in terms of calories. Yet around 730 million people are facing hunger due to man-made and natural disasters, including conflict, recurrent weather shocks, inequalities, and economic downturns.
Billions lack healthy diets.
Another harsh reality is that over 2.8 billion people in the world are unable to afford a healthy diet, which is a leading cause of all forms of malnutrition.
Simply put, almost one-third of the global population today is not getting the nutrients and micronutrients they need to thrive and, in some cases, survive. This means that the quality of life for roughly half the world is more urgently in need of improvement.
We need a greater diversity of nutritious and affordable foods to be available in our fields, fishing nets, markets, and on our tables for the benefit of all. This is not just about populations’ nutritional requirements but also about ensuring that our agrifood systems are efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable so that they can be respectful of traditional food cultures and healthy diets based on science and in line with personal preferences.
Another crucial consideration is the long-term health and sustainability of the environment on which we rely to produce these foods and which needs biodiversity to thrive.
The right to foods will not in itself fill stomachs or put more diverse diets on plates. But it does help frame our collective aspirations for the kind of just and equitable world we want to live in. It creates concrete obligations for governments and key partners to fulfil, and it should encourage all of us to do our part to ensure it is realised.
This is the reason for action. Now.
FAO’s role
At the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), we are working hard to turn this right into a reality, even in the face of a range of challenges. In conflict zones, access to foods is being disrupted, leading to malnutrition and hunger. In these and other hunger hotspots, FAO’s efforts are focused on rebuilding agricultural infrastructure to ensure food availability and accessibility for long-term food security, with all tools and channels.
Aside from such emergency interventions, key FAO programs such as the Hand in Hand initiative, One Country, One Priority Product, Blue Economy, and Technical Cooperation Programmes (TCPs) also target medium- to long-term food security and nutrition across a wide range of countries.
In many places, dietary changes and market concentration driven by globalisation have led to increased health issues, including obesity and diabetes. School feeding programs supported by FAO play an important role in helping address these challenges, as they source food from local farmers and ensure children receive nutritious meals.
In many countries, across all regions, FAO is working with fishing communities and local governments to expand social protection and economic inclusion of the most vulnerable by helping them diversify their production, build alternative income sources, and connect to new markets.
Inflation, particularly during periods of economic instability, can make food unaffordable. In some African countries, for example, FAO’s initiatives include cash transfers to the poorest households, helping them afford food during hyperinflation.
The climate crisis poses a significant threat to global food security. Erratic weather patterns and natural disasters can devastate crops and livestock. For example, in some countries in Asia, FAO has introduced climate-smart agriculture techniques to help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions, ensuring consistent food production.
Furthermore, by working closely with governments, FAO helps develop legal frameworks and has assisted in draughting national policies towards ensuring food security and nutrition for all.
Collective action needed
But it’s not just governments that we call upon to engage in this battle. Collective action can drive substantial change with global collaboration from all sectors and all partners—governments, the private sector, academia, civil society, and individuals.
And especially the youth—because a food-secure future is their right. They design and decide the future. All calls from the UN Summit of the Future are determined by their actions.
Farmers can make a difference by practicing sustainable agriculture that enhances biodiversity and manages natural resources responsibly. Businesses can make nutritious and diverse foods available more affordably. Academia and civil society can hold governments accountable by collecting data, identifying areas for improvement, implementing scientific solutions, and measuring progress towards targets.
Science and innovation, including IT, biotechnology, AI, digital agriculture, and others, will be a decisive force for agrifood systems transformation.
Finally, all of us as consumers can and should play our role in reducing the “food footprint,” practicin healthy lifestyles, raising our voices to influence decision-making, reducing food waste, and promoting food diversity.
This World Food Day, let us renew our commitment to build more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient, and more sustainable agrifood systems that honour everyone’s right to varied and nutritious foods.
Together, we can get back on track to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development—our collective pledge to take action for people, planet, and prosperity. We can accomplish this by transforming global agrifood systems to ensure the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life—leaving no one behind.
