Important Note: This Internet version of 7 News is a verbatum
transcript of our evening television news script. Many interviews on our newscast
are conducted in Creole. In the interest of clarity for our foreign readers,
we attempt to paraphrase the Creole quotes in English
As we reported yesterday, Mike Feinstein's constitutional challenge to the government's attempt to compulsorily acquire 23.4 acres of state bank in his name was argued up until 7:00pm last night. This morning, the arguments continued before Justice Goonetilleke with Sr. Council Eamon Courtenay concluding his arguments on behalf of OPSA and Godfrey Smith replying to all the arguments from the day before on behalf of his client Mike Feinstein. Smith argued that the law under which GOB is trying to acquire the land is unconstitutional. Further, he's also saying that the acquisition is not for a legitimate public purpose because the real purpose is to settle another claim about title to the land in the favor of OPSA. On the other hand, the Attorney General, OPSA, and the receiver for Stake Bank counter that the act is constitutional. They say that the minister is correct in deciding that the acquisition of the unfinished Stake Bank is for a legitimate public purpose. It is now up to the judge after listening to about 12 hours of heavy and highly technical arguments to make a decision over the Christmas holidays. But even if the judge rules the acquisition as unconstitutional, Atlantic Bank and OPSA still have another claim pending against Mr. Feinstein. That claim alleges that he obtained the 23.4 acres of state bank by fraud and that it should therefore be transferred to Stake Bank Enterprises Ltd. Which is now in receivership. That claim is scheduled to be heard in mid-January. We'll keep you posted on that.
Two years after launching its new and improved raw sugar and molasses logistic facilities at the Port of Big Creek, ASR/BSI broke its own record today. They announced a payload of 39,500 metric tonnes of raw bulk sugar, valued at close to 49 million Belize dollars. It is expected to be loaded by Christmas Eve. Jomarie Lanza headed to Big Creek this morning and here's her report.
In the past it would have taken ASR/BSI up to a month to load up and ship out their product to the UK, but thanks to significant investments made here at the Big Creek Port in the South, once they are on schedule it only takes up to 6 days to load. And with that BSI ASR has broken its own record with their largest single shipment of raw sugar, a total of 39,500 metric tons loaded onto this Canadian owned cargo ship. Their Senior Supply Chain Manager gave us more details.
Eldy Smith, Senior Supply Chain Manager, BSI ASR "So as you guys can see today is a memorable moment for us is one of the largest vessels that has docked Belize we are loading 39,500 metric tons we are expecting to finish loading within 6 days we have some delays and mainly this is because of the rain but our loading rates are mainly between 5,000- 7,000 metric tons an hour right now we are currently meeting the 5,000 and we are hoping that we can get better with the weekend that we have better sunny skies."
"The vessel arrived late Monday evening and we shortly after we started operations because this vessel should have been loaded within 6 days but because of some significant rainfall we've been experiencing we should expect to finalize loading by Tuesday the 24th so that every one can go and some quality time with their family."
Communications Director for BSI ASR William Neal says that they have a duty to meet the demands of the customer, and in order to do so they had to make some significant investments.
William Neal, Communications Director, BSI ASR "Generally it's when the customer decides that they need the product so the increased efficiency offered by this port facility makes us able to be efficient and also effective in terms of our loading to make sure we move into those markets when they need it so this is actually product from last crop we are getting ready to move into the new crop but we've been storing we have about 42 metric tons stored here at our warehouse and we are moving 39,500 but it's really based on our contract agreements and that's when we decided to move it. But we also look at the best possible time because obviously if you're moving a bigger pay load then the cost goes down in terms of shipping costs."
"It's really not only historic for BSI but for the country because it shows that if we have the right port facilities we can do much more and on a world where competitiveness it's important when you are talking about businesses you have to make sure that you are able to respond to the needs of your client as they arise so while we are moving on a regular basis the raw sugar down here we have to make sure that we are able to compete with other larger producers globally. So the infrastructure here at the port that we invested more than 30 million for proves that this was long overdue and perhaps it's something that we need to do more in terms of port and infrastructure development."
He further explained the challenges that they faced in shipping, from outdated machinery to even insurance and maintenance.
William Neal, Communications Director, BSI ASR "I think there is no denying that the tug and barge system was antiquated and outdated to develop a better way besides the fact that maintaining the barges and the tug was so expensive and because they are antiquated, getting parts was a challenge. You are talking about metal barges in sea water so you are talking about degradation of the barges themselves. So off crop would mean besides fixing things at tower hill we would also have to do a comprehensive overhaul of the rugs and barges. We also had issues with insurance getting to a point where you can no longer ensure those barges. We were just having problems and it made a lot of dollars and sense to actually move to this facility because of the savings that drove that entire process it's not easy when you are a business and you are doing massive transformation to continue spending money because the impression then is that you have a lot a money but if you do nothing you are going to die. You have to make the investment."
"If a ship like this took 40 days, imagine paying 50K that is significant so all those savings go back to the industry and to the farmers benefit as well because they get 65% of whatever savings we have."
The minister of state for foreign trade says that they applaud BSI ASR for keeping up with the competition on the international market by making the necessary investments and adjustments that will definitely contribute to Belize's economy in the long run.
Osmond Martinez, Minister of State, Foreign Trade "Yes and when we look at the comparative and competitive advantages you know whenever we analyze the efficiencies and the effects in terms of the supply chain and to be able to compete in the global market in this case to supply sugar it's very important because the more we are able to export that means how competitive we are in terms of price and today when you look at the global inflation the global inflation that is affecting all consumers in the world being competitive in terms of price is very important and so that positions Belize very well but more importantly it's positioning BSI ASR very well in terms of their efficiency.by being able to export at one time this amount of cargo which will definitely help in terms of controlling the global inflation and to reduce the cost of the product."
And while today's big load may be a testament to the efficiency and productivity of the industry, the new crop season, which was set to begin on December 9th, was held back due to several factors affecting the harvest. These include inclement weather and the quality of the cane. BSI's Communications Director says that they've decided on a new date to begin and it's sooner than you would think.
William Neal, Communications Director, BSI ASR "We had discussions with stakeholders and it was decided that the start of crop would be the 27th of December BSI had actually proposed that we start of the 16 of December and we know that we have a lot of challenges with rain and climate change in general but we thought because of the Fusarium disease as well that we should start as early as possible however and it was agreed that we would start on the 27th of December and I think that should be gazetted by now and we should proceed with that we don't foresee any challenges in that regard but of course the farmers and the farmer association asked for that date because there were concerns about the rains the condition of fields and also the conditions of roads. Anybody who drives on the roads in Belize knows that we are having significant challenges with roads that are in horrible conditions."
Yesterday we told you about the third suspect - 20 year old Ronald Frazer - who was arrested and charged in connection with the double murder of Marvin Cante and Juan Carlos Raymundo on November 27th. The bodies of the deceased were found in a shallow grave in Hattieville two weeks after they had gone missing. Police say it was a drug related murder and today Frazer was arraigned on two counts of murder in the Belize City magistrates court. He appeared unrepresented in court and due to the nature of the offenses he was denied bail. Frazer now joins the other 2 accused, Christopher Smith and Karl Lindo, also on remand for the same offenses. All three men are set to appear in court again on February 12th 2025.
40 year old Dr Desmond Arzu, who is accused of sexually assaulting a female patient during an ultrasound back in March 2023, was in the Belize City magistrate court today for the continuation of his trial. He appeared this morning in the presence of his attorneys Bryan Neal and Arthur Saldivar.
The virtual complainant, who had already testified in the Dangriga Magistrates Court and would appear virtually, was to be cross examined today, however, the DPP - who is representing the crown - was absent due to her engagement in another matter in the High Court.
After about an hour, the Senior Magistrate adjourned the matter for January 21st 2025.
However, Saldivar is objecting to the complainant appearing virtually and expressed the need for her to appear in person. That request will also have to be addressed when the case continues next year.
Yesterday, 35 year old Jeremias Garcia, a branch manager at San Ignacio's Caribbean Tire, reported a brazen burglary conducted by the warehouse's own security guard.
According to Garcia, on Monday, December 16, he had secured the business before leaving at 5:40 PM. When he returned the following day, he reviewed the overnight security footage as part of routine checks due to previous burglaries. During the review, Garcia received several WhatsApp images from the business owner showing empty Ignacio-brand boxes discarded behind the wall of La Loma Luz Hospital. This prompted him to call the police.
Further investigation into the surveillance footage revealed that between 10:00 and midnight on December 16th, the security guard, who is responsible for monitoring the compound housing Caribbean Tire, Shell Gas Station, Bambu Tea, and Heritage Bank, tampered with the cameras. Alongside another male accomplice, the guard manipulated the camera angles but failed to disable recording entirely.
The footage captured the two individuals gaining entry to the warehouse by removing a metal grill from a small vent. Inside, they stole various items, including tools and equipment valued at $1,174.50. The security footage later showed the guard descending the stairs with a black plastic bag, presumably containing the stolen goods.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
On Tuesday we told you about the Guatemalan vessel that incurred in Belize's waters. The Coast Guard maintains a steady presence in the area but will they be amping up their patrols or their numbers at that base?
The Admiral told us: negative! He explained that they are already operating at a high enough level to thwart any threat in that area, as evidenced by this latest incident.
Here's how he put it.
Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard "Our forward operating base is well manned, they performed very well in that specific operation. I applaud them for being able to recognize that vessel from a distance and got out there and performed our national defense duties to get that vessel out of Belizean waters, that was very well done. To ask if we would improve or increase operations would imply that we are not at the level that we should be and I can tell you that our continuous at sea presence at that location and beyond as far south as the Corona reef is the reason why we're so vigilant in identifying those threats that come across our sea spaces. So we are performing well at Hunting Caye and elsewhere as well."
Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of National Defense & Border Security "I think gunboat is an outdated term, that is something from World War II so I don't know if the Guatemalans have a gunboat. But it wasn't a gunboat out there, it was a hydrography boat and my thoughts on it as I had mentioned in the speech is that our sailors, our seamen, whenever they see these threats or incursions into our territorial waters, they go out and they meet it and they defuse it. So those are my thoughts. And I promise you that whenever these things would occur, our seamen and the Coast Guard would be there to diffuse the situation every time." `
"I have all the faith in our seamen, under the able leadership of Admiral Bennett, they're professionally trained so they don't go out there like any aggressive manner, they go out there firm, they advise them professionally you're in Belizean waters and kindly leave and eventually the situation resolves. If you notice, every time we've managed to resolve it."
And while the Coast Guard, and even the Belize Defense Force, are out patrolling the seas and the jungles, their salaries haven't always been reflected the level of work they put in. For the Coast Guard, they've been working with the Ministry of Defense to adjust salaries for hundreds of officers. And according to the Minister, they are also adjusting salaries for the soldiers.
Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard "When we recognized that we had shortcomings in the salaries for our personnel, we went to the drawing table and we came up with a people operation, a long term and a short term plan that will address the immediate shortcomings and then to put in place some long term initiatives to ensure that this doesn't reoccur. So we selected a small team of clerks and here at the Coast Guard headquarters but also assigned personnel at the Ministry of National Defense and then we did everything that we could've done in terms of providing the resources and the power to address this issue and we've done quiet a lot and since the start of this operation in September, we've adjusted 35 personnel in September, in October it was 87 and in November, 97 salaries were adjusted so that requires a very large effort from a small team of individuals to ensure that our Coast Guard personnel receive the salary that they deserve."
Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of National Defense & Border Security "There's a constant revision, this is a very important thing that we have to get right with the salaries of our seamen and our soldiers and as you've noticed in the Coast Guard what they've done is a special Taskforce to address it, as well we're doing the same in the BDF and overseen by the Ministry because it is something that we just have to deal with, we're dealing with over like 1000 personnel so it's not something that we can do within one week, we just have to go through it painstakingly and hopefully we get it quickly within the next coming year."
The Ministry of Education promised teachers that they would be getting their increments and allowances by today. Yesterday, the announced that those were disbursed to the managing authorities, who were responsible to distribute it to the teachers.
But it seems not everybody got paid. While the managements do have the funds, only some were disbursed before the start of the pre-Christmas weekend.
So while the ministry issued the money out of the regular payroll cycle to speed up the process, some teachers still went home without their money.
Belize's beloved pediatrician was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer back in July, after surviving COVID. But he's fighting back just as fiercely. Dr Cecilio Eck has been in Merida receiving treatment and he says so far, so good. He appeared on Sunup on 7 this morning to give an update on his journey.
Dr Cecilio Eck, Pediatrician/Cancer Patient "Initially it was really rough because when I found out I had the cancer it had already spread to stage 4 so I got some funds and went to the US to MD Anderson for an opinion and after I had gotten that then I went to Merida for treatment and I've been in Merida for the last four months getting chemo and what you see before you is much better than where I was at when I was at my worst."
"I'm at cycle 6, I completed that on Tuesday this week, of 8, so I have two more cycles to do. But after that the therapy should continue for up to two years."
"After a few cycles they actually repeat the scans to see and compared it with the previous scans that were done prior to starting and it showed that it was so effective that some of the legions in my lungs have disappeared. There are no new legions and most of the ones that remain are scar tissue so the therapy is working and they're very hopeful. But it's not only the therapy but I think the community is a good system you have speaking today about community support. Because it's not only the therapy but I call it the love of the Belizean people the support I've had from very good friends, from my sister Beth, and my family."
On Wednesday you saw the Belize Defense Force's annual Christmas Luncheon. Well, today, the Coast Guard held theirs at their headquarters. Like the BDF, this tradition sees the higher ranking officers serving the men and women who are out at sea day in and day out, protecting our maritime space.
Both the Commandant and the Minister of National Defense emphasized how important this tradition is.
Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard "It's definitely a special time of the year for us, it's actually a highlight on our calendar of events where we set aside time for us to recognize the efforts of the women and men in the Belize Coast Guard. It's been a very tough year, we had some very difficult operations, we are always challenged in terms of providing maritime safety and environmental protection for our country but the men and women of the Belize Coast Guard saw that through and they performed very well so this time of the year is when we set aside and we recognize some individuals and units as well who were exemplary throughout the year."
Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of National Defense & Border Security "It is perhaps the most important tradition we have in the Coast Guard and in the Belize Defense Force. These seamen where work 24/7 throughout the year serving our country protecting our maritime borders, it's the very least we can do to show them that we appreciate the sacrifices they do year round. As you know, the work of the Coast Guard is not Monday to Friday 8 to 5, it is 24/7 so when they're out on patrol, they don't have the luxury of 5:00 could clock off and come home. They're out there 24/7 protecting our borders and they also help our civilians in times of need."
"Quite frankly I think this is one of the most important parts of my job. It's ceremonial, it's fun, we know that but it is an important part of the job so that the seamen know that we as a representative of the government appreciate their hard work."
And during the luncheon, some of the officers were awarded based on their performance during the year. Petty officer class 3, Guillermina Pinnock was the first female officer to achieve the Sailor of the Year award. She said this one's for her late brother.
Petty Officer Class 3 Guillermina Pinnock, Sailor of the Year Awardee "For me, it wasn't difficult, it goes based on your performance for the year and I guess they recognized me for someone who performs well."
"I feel very good, I feel proud of myself because I always come to work and make sure that I give it my all so I feel very good that my hard work and dedication has actually paid off."
"I always try to be a positive role model to my son and my nieces and my nephews I always try to encourage them to work out and try to come into Coast Guard also. I'm just so proud of myself because this was actually my brother's dream to join Coast Guard but he got killed at an early age at the age of 23 and then I just took up the spot to come and join Coast Guard, it was never something that I dreamt about but hey I just decided that I had to take on my brother's career what he wanted to do and I'm glad that I'm making him proud and I'm making my family proud also."
And while you're at home this Christmas, the officers will be out at sea, continuing to keep the country safe and thwarting illegal activity. Admiral Bennet told us today the key areas of the country where the officers are currently deployed.
Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard "Operations are continuous, throughout the year, throughout the Christmas season there are members of the Belize Coast Guard forward deployed as far north as Consejo ensuring that our economy is protected through counter contraband efforts, as far south as Hunting Caye ensuring territorial integrity and ensuring sovereignty of our sea spaces, somewhere along the atolls where the Belize Coast Guard forward operating base will be providing a search and rescue unit to ensure that mariners are safe throughout this Christmas season. We continue operations in Crooked Tree providing that transportation for those individuals up there so throughout the Christmas season, members of the Belize Coast Guard are forward deployed and performing the best that they can in support of our national mission."
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As we reported yesterday, Mike Feinstein's constitutional challenge to the government's attempt to compulsorily acquire 23.4 acres of state bank in his name was argued up until 7:00pm last night. This morning, the arguments continued before Justice Goonetilleke with Sr. Council Eamon Courtenay concluding his arguments on behalf of OPSA and Godfrey Smith replying to all the arguments from the day before on behalf of his client Mike Feinstein. Smith argued that the law under which GOB is trying to acquire the land is unconstitutional. Further, he's also saying that the acquisition is not for a legitimate public purpose because the real purpose is to settle another claim about title to the land in the favor of OPSA. On the other hand, the Attorney General, OPSA, and the receiver for Stake Bank counter that the act is constitutional. They say that the minister is correct in deciding that the acquisition of the unfinished Stake Bank is for a legitimate public purpose. It is now up to the judge after listening to about 12 hours of heavy and highly technical arguments to make a decision over the Christmas holidays. But even if the judge rules the acquisition as unconstitutional, Atlantic Bank and OPSA still have another claim pending against Mr. Feinstein. That claim alleges that he obtained the 23.4 acres of state bank by fraud and that it should therefore be transferred to Stake Bank Enterprises Ltd. Which is now in receivership. That claim is scheduled to be heard in mid-January. We'll keep you posted on that.
Two years after launching its new and improved raw sugar and molasses logistic facilities at the Port of Big Creek, ASR/BSI broke its own record today. They announced a payload of 39,500 metric tonnes of raw bulk sugar, valued at close to 49 million Belize dollars. It is expected to be loaded by Christmas Eve. Jomarie Lanza headed to Big Creek this morning and here's her report.
"So as you guys can see today is a memorable moment for us is one of the largest vessels that has docked Belize we are loading 39,500 metric tons we are expecting to finish loading within 6 days we have some delays and mainly this is because of the rain but our loading rates are mainly between 5,000- 7,000 metric tons an hour right now we are currently meeting the 5,000 and we are hoping that we can get better with the weekend that we have better sunny skies."
"Generally it's when the customer decides that they need the product so the increased efficiency offered by this port facility makes us able to be efficient and also effective in terms of our loading to make sure we move into those markets when they need it so this is actually product from last crop we are getting ready to move into the new crop but we've been storing we have about 42 metric tons stored here at our warehouse and we are moving 39,500 but it's really based on our contract agreements and that's when we decided to move it. But we also look at the best possible time because obviously if you're moving a bigger pay load then the cost goes down in terms of shipping costs."
Osmond Martinez, Minister of State, Foreign Trade
Yesterday we told you about the third suspect - 20 year old Ronald Frazer - who was arrested and charged in connection with the double murder of Marvin Cante and Juan Carlos Raymundo on November 27th. The bodies of the deceased were found in a shallow grave in Hattieville two weeks after they had gone missing. Police say it was a drug related murder and today Frazer was arraigned on two counts of murder in the Belize City magistrates court. He appeared unrepresented in court and due to the nature of the offenses he was denied bail. Frazer now joins the other 2 accused, Christopher Smith and Karl Lindo, also on remand for the same offenses. All three men are set to appear in court again on February 12th 2025. 
40 year old Dr Desmond Arzu, who is accused of sexually assaulting a female patient during an ultrasound back in March 2023, was in the Belize City magistrate court today for the continuation of his trial. He appeared this morning in the presence of his attorneys Bryan Neal and Arthur Saldivar.
Yesterday, 35 year old Jeremias Garcia, a branch manager at San Ignacio's Caribbean Tire, reported a brazen burglary conducted by the warehouse's own security guard.
On Tuesday we told you about the Guatemalan vessel that incurred in Belize's waters. The Coast Guard maintains a steady presence in the area but will they be amping up their patrols or their numbers at that base?
Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard
"I think gunboat is an outdated term, that is something from World War II so I don't know if the Guatemalans have a gunboat. But it wasn't a gunboat out there, it was a hydrography boat and my thoughts on it as I had mentioned in the speech is that our sailors, our seamen, whenever they see these threats or incursions into our territorial waters, they go out and they meet it and they defuse it. So those are my thoughts. And I promise you that whenever these things would occur, our seamen and the Coast Guard would be there to diffuse the situation every time." `
"Initially it was really rough because when I found out I had the cancer it had already spread to stage 4 so I got some funds and went to the US to MD Anderson for an opinion and after I had gotten that then I went to Merida for treatment and I've been in Merida for the last four months getting chemo and what you see before you is much better than where I was at when I was at my worst."
On Wednesday you saw the Belize Defense Force's annual Christmas Luncheon. Well, today, the Coast Guard held theirs at their headquarters. Like the BDF, this tradition sees the higher ranking officers serving the men and women who are out at sea day in and day out, protecting our maritime space.
"For me, it wasn't difficult, it goes based on your performance for the year and I guess they recognized me for someone who performs well."
