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Belize Praised Internationally for Religious Freedom
Our little ‘Jewel’ Belize has again received another glowing review from the US State Department which shows in the 2022 International Religious Freedom Report. The report is done annually, and the purpose is to review in detail the status of religious freedom in every country. This year the Belizean Government was highlighted due to its decision to establish a ministry dedicated to dialogue with the religious communities.
The report states that Prime Minister Briceño stated, “There was a need for the new office to improve government communication with all religious groups, including non-Christian ones.”
As well in the report, there were no instances of discrimination against any religious groups by the government.
Hon. Usher, “We have always been an inclusive open religious tolerant country and that’s something, that we should be proud of, we are welcoming in terms of different beliefs, Christians, and non-Christian’s beliefs. So, I think it’s very important for us to be acknowledged by the US State Department in this report.”
Minister of Religious Affairs, Hon. Usher, says the positive remarks speak to the government’s effort to respect the rights of all Belizean despite ethnicity, sex, race, or religious belief. The report examined Belize’s religious demography, legal framework, government practices, and the status of societal respect for religious freedom as well as the U.S. government policy and engagement.
But the goal was to achieve a space where the various religious entities and non-Christians to be able to dialogue with the government and discuss issues that may affect them or vice-versa.
The full report can be read on the US Department of State website bz.usembassy.gov/ entitled: BELIZE 2022
INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REPORT.
B.P.D. Receive Donation from PM
On May 11, 2023, the Orange Walk Police Formation received a much-needed upgrade to its fleet of vehicles.
Prime Minister John Briceño handed over the keys to a brand new pick-up truck and two radios to the Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams.
Both Prime Minister Briceño and ComPol Williams stress the importance of improving the police’s mobility.
Prime Minister Briceño, “As you know that the police need to be mobile to be able to give the protection that our citizens expect from the Police Department. Today we are handing over this vehicle, and along with that we are also handing over two radios that my office is also donating to the police department.”
He went on the state, “Communication is important, mobility is important policing is not just being here at the station but to be out in the fields, and in some instances walking in the neighborhoods but at the same time be able to respond very quickly and that’s what our government is trying to do working along with the police to provide a better service and have our citizen feel safer.”
Ministry of Human Development, Families & Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs
Ministry of Human Development, Families & Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs
“Equality & Inclusion” Inclusion”
“Equality & Inclusion” “Equality &
18 May 2023
18 May 2023
Mr. Jules Vasquez General Manager
Tropical Vision Limited (Channel 7) 73 Corner. Dean and Albert Street Belize City
Mr. Jules Vasquez General Manager Tropical Vision Limited (Channel 7) 73 Corner. Dean and Albert Street Belize City
Dear Mr. Vasquez,
Dear Mr. Vasquez,
We write in reference to a news item that was broadcast on the Channel 7 newscast on Monday, 15th May 2023 titled “Doctor Criminally Charged for Sexual Assault During Exam”.
We write in reference to a news item that was broadcast on the Channel 7 newscast on Monday, 15th May 2023 titled “Doctor Criminally Charged for Sexual Assault During Exam”.
In the newscast the reporter read from the Complainant’s report that was very detailed and of a personal nature. In addition, the partially redacted report was displayed on the screen during the news piece.
In the newscast the reporter read from the Complainant’s report that was very detailed and of a personal nature. In addition, the partially redacted report was displayed on the screen during the news piece.
As head of Channel 7, it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that information which makes it onto the airwaves is not only informative and accurate but also responsible. The public broadcast of intimate details of what was done to the alleged victim is offensive, unprofessional, irresponsible and as well totally unacceptable. It further revictimizes the complainant who penned feelings of horror, shock, violation and trauma in the very report you so purposely exposed.
As head of Channel 7, it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that information which makes it onto the airwaves is not only informative and accurate but also responsible. The public broadcast of intimate details of what was done to the alleged victim is offensive, unprofessional, irresponsible and as well totally unacceptable. It further revictimizes the complainant who penned feelings of horror, shock, violation and trauma in the very report you so purposely exposed.
While the media plays an important role in sharing information with the public, information of a sensitive nature that has a direct impact on victims of crime and sexual violence must be reported responsibly. By sharing the graphic details of this alleged sexual assault as described by the victim in the public domain and posting this story on social media, which allows the public to access, replay, and continuously share the story, Channel 7 is perpetuating this assault on the victim. This has caused the focus to be cast not on the issue of sexual violence, but rather on the details of this specific incident.
While the media plays an important role in sharing information with the public, information of a sensitive nature that has a direct impact on victims of crime and sexual violence must be reported responsibly. By sharing the graphic details of this alleged sexual assault as described by the victim in the public domain and posting this story on social media, which allows the public to access, replay, and continuously share the story, Channel 7 is perpetuating this assault on the victim. This has caused the focus to be cast not on the issue of sexual violence, but rather on the details of this specific incident.
The media must understand that sexual violence of any kind is traumatic and devastating. Persons who have gone through any kind of trauma, including sexual violence, often experience many different emotional and physical responses, including fear, shame, sadness, anger, disbelief, isolation, eating disturbances, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms related to areas on their body affected by the assault. While the identity of the victim was not disclosed, having this information so widely and vividly circulated within our communities, creates an even more hostile environment within which the victim must now interact as she tries to recover from this abuse.
The media must understand that sexual violence of any kind is traumatic and devastating. Persons who have gone through any kind of trauma, including sexual violence, often experience many different emotional and physical responses, including fear, shame, sadness, anger, disbelief, isolation, eating disturbances, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms related to areas on their body affected by the assault. While the identity of the victim was not disclosed, having this information so widely and vividly circulated within our communities, creates an even more hostile environment within which the victim must now interact as she tries to recover from this abuse.
As you well know, there are limits to freedom of information and freedom of expression. There exists the overriding public interest and even more importantly the right of an individual to privacy.
As you well know, there are limits to freedom of information and freedom of expression. There exists the overriding public interest and even more importantly the right of an individual to privacy.
No freedom is unfettered and in your insatiable quest for sensationalism you have entirely ignored the journalistic ethics you should have as a media practitioner. This is not the first time we have had to caution Channel 7 on such issues.
As a consequence, we are going to seek the advice of the Belize Broadcasting Authority as to their further involvement in providing guidelines and regulations for media coverage in instances such as these.
Finally, we advise you to consider your own family members and how you personally would feel in such a situation.
Respectfully,
