Hipolito Novelo, Author at Caribbean Investigative Journalism Network

Hipolito Novelo

Hipolito Novelo is an award-winning journalist from Belize. With over twelve years in the field, Hipolito has worked in broadcast journalism, radio, and print and is now the Digital Editor at Great Belize Productions (News 5 Belize). Hipolito specialises in the analysis of complex social and political issues. His work includes correspondence for the New York Times and collaborations with Dorothy St. Pictures, Discovery+, Campside Media, and The Guardian UK. To stay current, Hipolito acquired skills in data analysis, multimedia production, and social media management, enhancing his ability to tell engaging and impactful stories. Hipolito has participated in professional development programmes, including business journalism training by the Media Institute of the Caribbean and sessions from the Inter-American Development Bank, the Institute of the Americas, the Young Reporters Programme, CNN, and the Foreign Press Centres (US Department of State). His journalism increasingly focuses on climate change, exploring its intersection with economic inequality and global governance. He is also a mentor for Climate Tracker. He supports and trains journalists in climate reporting in the region. Additionally, Hipolito is the country focal point for the Caribbean Youth Climate Council (CYCC).

Belize

Belize – Where’s the Data?

By

Hipolito Novelo | July 26, 2024

A lack of official data and opposing positions have made it difficult to ascertain the level of fish stock in Belize. In February, the Belize government, through the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries Department, said that recent stock assessments indicate strong fish recruitment, stable populations, and consistent catches.

This, according to the government, proves that fisheries resources are sustainable. However, fishermen and non-governmental organisations such as the Belize Federation of Fishers (BFF) have raised an alarm.

The concerns raised by the BFF were highlighted during a recent workshop conducted in collaboration with scientists and local fisherfolk. These workshops revealed a significant decline in fish stocks, particularly conch, corroborating scientific findings with fisherfolk experiences.

The topics of discussion during this workshop included the overharvesting of juvenile fish and conch, hindering population recovery, adequate enforcement of fishing regulations, and illegal fishing by Guatemalan and Honduran fishers. https://youtu.be/ryIaMAvsRyQ
Nigel Martinez, Executive Director, BFF speaking of lack of fish data

The Fisheries Department said these statements were irresponsible and baseless and accused the BFF of ulterior motives.

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2023 Special Reports

Narco Links Suspected as Cattle Ranching Threatens Belize Rainforests

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Hipolito Novelo | November 28, 2023

The Guatemalan cattle were back. Dozens of them grazed in the clearing around Valentin Camp, a Belize Defence Force observation post located deep in the protected Chiquibul Forest near Belize’s disputed western border with Guatemala. The presence of the cattle meant that the Guatemalan villagers who raise them were not far away. Rafael Manzanero, who was leading a day-long visit to the area, was not pleased.

As executive director of the non-profit organisation Friends for Conservation and Development, his work includes managing a small team that monitors and protects much of the 176,000-hectare forest in Belize. “We basically have noted and outlined cattle ranching as being the primary challenge that we face in the Chiquibul today,” Manzanero told the Caribbean Investigative Journalism Network.

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2023 Special Reports

The Impact Of Climate Change On Children With Disabilities

By

Richie Ferrol and

Hipolito Novelo | August 16, 2023

Children with Disabilities (CWD) continue to struggle for inclusion in a modern society that is facing global challenges. The lack of finance, the lack of empathy and compassion by the general public, and the lack of willpower and policy enforcement by public officers and some private sector entities are some of the main factors that have led to the systematic sidelining of Children With Disabilities in Dominica. However, the problem in all of this is Climate Change. It has exacerbated the issues that affect CWDs. In many cases, Children With Disabilities in Dominica suffered and were further marginalised because of Tropical Storm Erika in 2015 and Hurricane Maria in 2017.

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