Tourism challenges land BVI on Fodor’s 2025 ‘No List’

Travel

in All News / By: BVI News on November 18, 2024 at 7:31 AM /

The BVI has been included in ‘Fodor’s No List 2025’, a publication highlighting destinations facing significant challenges due to tourism pressures.
The annual list aims to draw attention to popular locations struggling with the impacts of their own success, urging travellers to consider the well-being of local communities and environments.
Tourism is a cornerstone of the BVI’s economy, alongside financial services. However, the publication pointed out that the current emphasis on cruise tourism has raised concerns among residents and stakeholders. In the first half of 2024, the territory experienced a record influx of over 683,000 visitors, marking a 17% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Notably, cruise ship passengers accounted for approximately 72% of these arrivals. In contrast, overnight visitor numbers remain nearly 24% below their 2017 peak of 243,000. This shift has led to apprehensions about the economic benefits of cruise tourism, as cruise passengers typically spend less locally than overnight guests.
Allington “Gumption” Creque, owner of Sea It Clear Tours, observed that large groups of cruise passengers often overwhelm local resources and contribute minimally to the local economy during their brief visits. Similarly, opposition legislator Myron Walwyn has argued that the expected economic trickle-down effect from cruise tourism to local businesses, such as restaurants and car rental agencies, is lacking.
Infrastructure limitations
According to the magazine, infrastructure limitations further compound these issues. Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer acknowledged that the BVI’s current infrastructure cannot support mass tourism. Former BVI Tourist Board Director Sharon Flax-Brutus emphasised the need for comprehensive planning, stating that the territory often overlooks potential drawbacks in its tourism strategies. She highlighted ongoing challenges in tourism planning and preparation, particularly as visitor numbers are expected to rise in the current season.
The publication also pointed to pressing environmental concerns. The BVI’s coral reefs, already vulnerable due to climate change, face additional threats from unregulated anchoring, coastal development, and the use of non-reef-safe sunscreens. While an environmental levy of $10 per tourist has been implemented to fund conservation efforts, the allocation of these funds has been delayed for years by political challenges.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley recently announced the procurement of a $100 million loan aimed mainly at infrastructure upgrades. However, this amount falls significantly short of the initially projected $700 million needed for comprehensive improvements.
The inclusion of the BVI in Fodor’s ‘No List’ serves as a call to action for both policymakers and travellers. It underscores the necessity for sustainable tourism practices that balance economic benefits with the preservation of the environment and the well-being of local communities.

SVF Cinemas celebrates Bengali film Bohurupi’s success

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Kolkata/IBNS: SVF Cinemas has celebrated Nandita Roy-Shiboprosad Mukherjee’s Bengali film Bohurupi which earned over Rs. 15 crore at the box office. The celebration was held at SVF Cinema’s new property at Howrah Maidan in West Bengal. The event saw the presence of filmmaker duo Nandita Roy and ShiboprosadMukherjee, lead actors Abir Chatterjee, music director Bonnie Chakraborty, singer Shrestha Das who has done playback for the very first time. “The overwhelming response to Bohurupi has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament tothestrength of Bengali cinema and its passionate audience,” said Nandita Roy. Team Bohurupi at SVF Cinemas | Photo courtesy: SVF “Celebrating this milestone at SVF Cinemas’ newest location in Howrah Maidan is a moment of pride, as we witness the seamless blending of tradition and modernity for movie lovers in Bengal.” Shiboprosad Mukherjee, director and actor of Bohurupi, said. “There’s nothing more gratifying than seeing a film resonate deeply with audiences. Through SVF Cinemas’ vast network, we’ve been able to connect with viewers across Bengal, and this latest opening at HowrahMaidanonly strengthens that connection. The journey of Bohurupi has been remarkable, and we’re excited to continue touching more hearts.” Rudra Prosad Daw, VP – SVF Cinemas, said, “With the opening of our 22nd property and screens 46, 47, and 48 at Howrah Maidan, SVF Cinemasnow proudly operates in 18 of West Bengal’s 23 districts, reaffirming our position as the largest cinema network in the state.” “As we forge ahead with 16 more screens under development, this expansion is not just about growth—it’s about reviving the golden era of Bengali cinema, when the state was home to over 800 screens. Wearehere to ensure that every Bengali film finds its audience, and every story reaches its rightful place on the big screen.”

United States, India expand collaboration in education with launch of Women in STEMM Fellowship

Technology

The United States and India are expanding ongoing collaboration in the field of education with the launch of the new ‘Women in STEMM Fellowship’ (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine). The fellowship will see a partnership between John Hopkins University Gupta-Klinsky India Institute and the U.S.-India Alliance for Women’s Economic Empowerment.  It is aimed at supporting and empowering early-career women scientists and researchers in India to become leaders in their STEMM fields.  Highlighting the release of the latest Open Doors Report, U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti announced that for the first time since 2009, India sent more students to the United States than any other country.  More than 330,000 Indians pursued higher education in the United States in 2023/2024, a 23 percent increase over the prior year.    The Open Doors report highlights significant growth across various levels:  ·      Graduate Enrollment: India retained its position as the top sender of international graduate students for the second year, with nearly 197,000 students—a 19 percent increase from last year. ·      Optional Practical Training (OPT): The number of Indian students in OPT programs surged by 41 percent to 97,556, reinforcing India’s role as a leading source of skilled professionals in the United States. ·      Undergraduate Enrollment: Undergraduate numbers from India rose by 13 percent, reaching over 36,000 students. These increases underscore India’s upward trajectory in U.S. higher education over the past two years, fueled by a strong interest in advanced academic and professional opportunities.  This year’s Open Doors Report also shows a 300 percent increase in American students choosing India as a study abroad destination.  The number of Americans studying in India rose from 300 to 1,300 in 2022/2023. The release of the Open Doors Report marks the beginning of International Education Week (IEW) which celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.  Speaking at the STEMM launch event, Ambassador Garcetti said, “Today we gather to launch the ‘Women in STEM Development and Medicine Fellowship’ — or the ‘Women in STEMM India Fellowship’ — an initiative of the U.S.- India Alliance for Women’s Economic Empowerment led by the Gupta-Klinsky India Institute at Johns Hopkins University.”  “This event is a reminder of the global importance of education, collaboration, and gender equity in shaping the future of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM),” he said.  I’m thrilled to share that, with over 330,000 students, India has sent more students to the U.S. than any other country this year! This is International Education Week. Let’s celebrate the power of education to build tomorrow’s leaders and deepen our bonds. I came to India first… pic.twitter.com/XgwV778nE0 — U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) November 18, 2024 “The launch of the ‘Woman in STEMM Fellowship’ coinciding with International Education Week makes this moment particularly meaningful and more special.  Today marks the celebration of the shared belief that education is not confined by borders, and that collaboration between our countries and institutions is the key to solving global challenges,” he said.  Johns Hopkins University President Ronald J. Daniels said: “At Johns Hopkins University, we believe that empowering women in STEMM is essential for advancing global innovation.”  “The ‘Women in STEMM Fellowship’, launched in partnership with the U.S. State Department, is designed to help Indian women scientists gain critical research skills, access mentors, and connect with global networks,” he said.  The U.S. Consulate General Mumbai and the University of Denver will soon launch a free ‘Digital Guide on Internationalization: Simplifying U.S.-India Higher Education Institution (HEI) Collaboration and Partnerships’.

Scientists Confirm Volcanic Eruptions on Moon’s Far Side in New Study

Science and Health

New research has revealed that volcanic eruptions occurred on the Moon’s far side billions of years ago, comparable to those observed on its visible side. This discovery was made through an analysis of lunar soil samples brought back by China’s Chang’e-6 spacecraft, the first mission to collect and return materials from this largely unexplored lunar region.According to papers published November 15 in Science and Nature, scientists from two independent research teams identified volcanic rock fragments in the samples. One of the pieces was determined to be approximately 2.8 billion years old, while another, even older fragment, was dated to 4.2 billion years. These findings provide evidence of prolonged volcanic activity on the far side of the Moon, an area previously lacking direct geological data.Distinct Characteristics of the Moon’s Far SideThe Moon’s far side differs significantly from its near side, which faces Earth and has been better explored. While the near side features flat, dark plains formed by ancient lava flows, the far side is marked by craters and lacks similar volcanic formations. According to Qiu-Li Li, a co-author of the study from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the stark geological contrasts between the two sides remain a subject of ongoing investigation.Earlier research, including data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, hinted at a volcanic history for the far side. However, the recent findings, published in the journals Science and Nature, offer the first physical evidence confirming such activity.China’s Lunar Missions in FocusChina has been instrumental in advancing lunar exploration. In 2019, the Chang’e-4 mission became the first to land on the Moon’s far side. The Chang’e-5 mission later returned samples from the near side in 2020. The current study builds on these achievements, shedding light on over a billion years of volcanic eruptions on the Moon’s hidden hemisphere. Further research is expected to clarify how and why volcanic activity persisted for such an extended period.

Scientists Confirm Volcanic Eruptions on Moon’s Far Side in New Study

Science and Health

New research has revealed that volcanic eruptions occurred on the Moon’s far side billions of years ago, comparable to those observed on its visible side. This discovery was made through an analysis of lunar soil samples brought back by China’s Chang’e-6 spacecraft, the first mission to collect and return materials from this largely unexplored lunar region.According to papers published November 15 in Science and Nature, scientists from two independent research teams identified volcanic rock fragments in the samples. One of the pieces was determined to be approximately 2.8 billion years old, while another, even older fragment, was dated to 4.2 billion years. These findings provide evidence of prolonged volcanic activity on the far side of the Moon, an area previously lacking direct geological data.Distinct Characteristics of the Moon’s Far SideThe Moon’s far side differs significantly from its near side, which faces Earth and has been better explored. While the near side features flat, dark plains formed by ancient lava flows, the far side is marked by craters and lacks similar volcanic formations. According to Qiu-Li Li, a co-author of the study from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the stark geological contrasts between the two sides remain a subject of ongoing investigation.Earlier research, including data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, hinted at a volcanic history for the far side. However, the recent findings, published in the journals Science and Nature, offer the first physical evidence confirming such activity.China’s Lunar Missions in FocusChina has been instrumental in advancing lunar exploration. In 2019, the Chang’e-4 mission became the first to land on the Moon’s far side. The Chang’e-5 mission later returned samples from the near side in 2020. The current study builds on these achievements, shedding light on over a billion years of volcanic eruptions on the Moon’s hidden hemisphere. Further research is expected to clarify how and why volcanic activity persisted for such an extended period.

Iranian engineer quits Google over tech giant’s collaboration with Israel

Technology

Iranian software engineer Alireza Zakeri has announced his resignation from Google over the American tech giant’s collaboration with Israel amid the regime’s genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed over 43,000 people in the territory since early October last year.

“I’m happy to announce that I have left Google!” he wrote in a post published on his Linkedin account on Monday, adding that “this decision reflects my values.”

“After learning about Google’s involvement in Project Nimbus, I voiced my concerns for several months. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of many employees, leadership chose to maintain its stance and dismiss our collective concerns,” he added.

Iranian software engineer Alireza Zakeri

Project Nimbus is reportedly a $1.2 billion deal between the Tel Aviv regime and Amazon and Google to provide artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud services that are also used by the Israeli military.

“Living in a way that conflicts with your core values is incredibly challenging. Choosing to step away was not easy, but it was necessary. For anyone facing similar situations, I hope you find the courage to prioritize your principles. What good is it for man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” Zakeri pointed out.

Back on May 14, hundreds of pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protesters demonstrated against Google’s relationship with Israel and the regime’s army at the tech company’s annual developer conference in Mountain View.

The protesters chained themselves together near the entrance to the conference, and carried a large banner reading “Google stop fueling genocide.”

A particular point of contention for the demonstrators was Project Nimbus. The project enables Israeli cabinet ministries and other entities to transfer servers and services into cloud data centers provided within the occupied territories.

The protesters, among whom were former and current Google employees, argued that the system is being lethally deployed in the Gaza war.

Demonstrators carry a banner and block an entrance to the Google I/O conference in Mountain View, California, the United States, on May 14, 2024. (Photo by AP)

“We are here to say that we cannot stand by while this company fuels this genocide and profits off of it,” former Google employee Ariel Koren told The Guardian at the protest.

“[Google] not only creates the infrastructure for the Israeli military to scale out their crimes against humanity, but these tools are being tested and trained in Palestine to be exported out to militaries around the world, who can then commit the same types of violence,” she said.

Koren added she was fired from Google for opposing Project Nimbus.

Fed’s recent rate cut optimistic, but impact on business borrowing complex

Business News

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Horacio Chacon, a commercial and industrial lender at Capital Bank. (Submitted photo)
The Federal Reserve’s recent 50-basis-point interest rate cut has sparked optimism in the business community, but local banking experts say the immediate impact on business borrowing may not be as straightforward. The change comes at a time when businesses are navigating a complex lending environment, particularly in sectors like commercial real estate.
“We really haven’t seen any increase or decrease in loan demand from our side,” says Horacio Chacon, a commercial and industrial lender at Capital Bank. “You would think that with a half a percent decrease in rates, we would see some kind of an uptake in borrowing activity, but so far we haven’t seen it.”
Matt Cohen, Maryland market president at Univest Bank & Trust explains that while the Fed’s actions affect short-term borrowing rates, the impact on business lending is more nuanced.
“A 25 or 50 basis point cut from the Fed naturally reduces what it costs in interest expense,” Cohen says, “but it might not necessarily change the way in which businesses operate because the next 25 basis points is not going to have a drastic impact on what they do.”
RELATED: Powell says Fed will likely cut rates cautiously given persistent inflation pressures
Stability, rather than the specific rate level, is what’s most important for business planning.
“If you know that a rate is going to be somewhere between 6% and 6.5% over the next six months, you can build your models to see if your debt-to-equity ratios work at that debt,” Cohen explains. “That stability is really a lot more important than where that short-term rate goes.”
The distinction between short-term and long-term rates is crucial for business owners to understand. While the Fed’s actions directly influence short-term borrowing costs, such as lines of credit, longer-term commercial real estate rates remain relatively stable at higher levels.
However, as the gap between short-term and long-term rates normalizes, banks’ ability to lend increases. “It allows us to lend more because we can take advantage of what would be a normal curve,” Cohen says.
“When the economy appears to be pretty stable and moderately growing, there’s less fear of recession,” he adds. “Matched with rates coming down, that allows banks to feel more comfortable over a longer period of time.”

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Increased Optimism
The impact of rate cuts extends beyond the direct cost of borrowing. Lower rates tend to boost business optimism, which in turn can drive increased business activity. As more businesses feel confident about expanding, hiring, or making capital investments, this increased activity helps fulfill the promise of economic growth that the rate cut initially signaled.
Matt Cohen, Maryland market president at Univest Bank & Trust. (Submitted photo)
“We’re starting to see projects loosen up,” Cohen said. “The narrative around stability and then the vision of having lower interest rates makes those business owners feel more comfortable taking risks. I’m starting to see people talking about building, or wanting to bring on more people, or acquiring a business. We’re having more of those dialogues.”
This means not only potentially lower borrowing costs but also potentially easier access to capital as banks’ lending appetite increases. However, Chacon emphasizes that fundamental factors like cash flow, collateral and business plan viability remain the primary considerations in lending decisions, regardless of the interest rate environment.
Banks look first and foremost at cash flow as the primary source of loan repayment, with collateral and owner guarantees serving as backup sources, Chacon explains. “If I can’t get comfortable with the cash flow, we won’t be able to do the loan.”
Chacon advises businesses to prepare for various scenarios through stress testing. “When interest rates were 4%, I told all my businesses, this is not natural. Take advantage of what you can, but this is not natural for interest rates,” he recalls, noting that his stress tests typically factor in rates two to three percent higher than current market rates.
Regardless of the interest rate environment, business owners should:
1. Focus on their business plan first, treating interest rates as just one factor in the decision-making process.2. Understand their debt service capacity through stress testing at higher rates.3. Maintain open dialogue with their bankers about growth plans and capital needs.4. Consider the total cost of capital, not just interest rates.5. Evaluate their collateral position and overall business strength beyond just cash flow.
As the market continues to evolve, the key for business owners is to maintain a long-term perspective while staying prepared for various rate scenarios. The recent rate cut may signal a positive trend, but successful borrowing still depends on solid business fundamentals and careful planning.

Goodbye hassle: Barangay business clearance now online in Iloilo CIty

Business News

The renewal of business permits in Iloilo city is easier with the integration of barangay business clearance into the Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System (iBPLS) of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
“In the Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System, you apply online, you are assessed online, you are endorsed online, you pay online, and you can print your certificates online,” said Iloilo City Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) head Velma Jane Lao on Monday.
In an interview, Lao said DICT had to customize its system and do some reprogramming, especially on the computation of business taxes, since they found nuances in the setup at the city hall.
Lao said with the integration of 140 out of the city’s 180 barangays into the system, permit applicants no longer have to visit their barangay halls to secure business clearances. Instead, they can get it online unless blacklisted.
The barangay clearance will be attached to their online application.
Upon the completion of the assessment, they have the option of paying over the counter or online.
Lao said that upon payment, they could view their permits, but the city government is asking them to display the original business permit and not the electronic copy.
She said they are working to also link with the courier later on, but in the meantime, they are waiting for the revisions and enhancement by the DICT before the business renewal in 2025.
The LEDIP officer said that the mandate of Mayor Jerry Treñas was not only limited to encoding online but is pushing for the ease of doing business where the processing is from end to end.
“This is under the ease of doing business where the national government wants zero contact policy implemented. Slowly, there is no need to come here that will curb corruption, delays,” she said. (PNA)

In Texas lab, scientists unlock mystery of S.I. murder victim: A breakthrough detailed

Science and Health

> > Previous chapters and full table of contents > > Full coverage at “Beyond the Scorpion Tattoo” series pageSTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — After three decades and all leads seemingly exhausted in the 1991 cold-case murder of an unidentified woman in Ocean Breeze — there was a breakthrough.In 2019, investigators now under the direction of District Attorney Michael E. McMahon submitted a blood sample from the victim to a laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas, that had been making headlines.In 2021, with the help of forensic scientists, officials were able to determine what past technologies and police investigations could not:The victim’s name.She was 29-year-old Christine Belusko, of Clifton, New Jersey. It begged the question of how her lifeless body ended up on the East Shore of Staten Island.As it turned out, she had a 2-year-old daughter at the time of her death, whose whereabouts were unknown.Detectives investigate the homicide on Seaview Avenue in Ocean Breeze in September of 1991. (Staten Island Advance) District Attorney’s officeOthram Inc.It was through innovative forensics at Othram Inc., and old-fashioned police work, that investigators were able to identify Christine.Othram Inc. is a privately-run biotech and engineering laboratory where scientists employ whole genome DNA sequencing, in combination with genealogical research, to uncover unknown identities.Whole genome sequencing is a technology that identifies the complete DNA sequence of an organism, or in other words the uniqueness of an individual’s entire DNA strand. Genealogical research is the process of tracing a person’s family history and ancestry.David Mittelman, Othram’s chief executive officer, has helped law enforcement across the country solve hundreds of crimes. Perhaps his most high-profile victory was helping to identify and bring to justice the Golden State Killer, a man by the name of Joseph James DeAngelo Jr., in 2018. DeAngelo’s identity had eluded law enforcement for decades.In 2023, Othram was able to identify Richard Wick, a 48-year-old Florida man who was killed in 1993; and Luther Marion Ezell, a man who went missing in 1980. They also helped officials in Prentiss, Mississippi, identity rapist Derrick Washington.There’s over 400 solved cases on Othram’s website.New DNA technologiesOn Staten Island, law enforcement had previously entered a sample of Christine’s DNA into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), an FBI-maintained database used by law enforcement across the U.S. They also sent her dental records to the FBI.But to no avail.So in 2019, McMahon’s office, on the recommendation of the FBI, reached out to Othram.Kristen Mittelman, chief business development officer for the laboratory, in an exclusive interview with the Advance/SILive.com, explained how their scientific process differs from CODIS.The CODIS system identifies 20 genetic markers to determine an unidentified DNA fingerprint. The database it uses to search for possible matches is made up of individuals who were convicted of a crime.Othram’s process, using whole-genome sequencing, identifies hundreds of thousands of DNA markers, which allows technicians to not only search for direct matches or nuclear family members — but also extended family, as distant as seventh or eighth cousins.Also, unlike CODIS, the databases used by Othram to search for matches include people from the general public, who at some point consented to submit their DNA for law enforcement use.After identifying matches within the person’s family — as distant as it might be — Othram connects the genealogy dots to determine how those people might be related to each other.“We had Christine’s profile, and then what we found was that she matched this person in chromosome one, and she matched this person in chromosome eleven. And it tells you how much she matched,” Kristen Mittelman explained. “The more of a match in your DNA with someone, the closer you are in relationship. So you can infer how far one person is from the other. Are they sisters? Sixth cousins? Third cousins? Are they aunt and uncle? You know, you can figure that out by the distance, the number of segments that are actually related.”When Othram’s research is complete, it helps law enforcement form a “genealogy tree” of sorts to track down relatives. Then, through traditional detective work determine if anyone from the family had gone missing.Crime scene evidenceBefore Othram technicians could enter Christine’s profile into their databases for possible matches, they had to determine whether there was sufficient DNA to build a profile from the forensic material they received, Kristen Mittelman said.Unlike a cheek swab conducted in a controlled environment, crime scene evidence submitted to Othram often contains contaminated genetic samples and samples that contain DNA from multiple individuals. The evidence also can become degraded by weather and time, or contain animal and bacteria DNA.In this case, Christine had been bludgeoned, doused in turpentine and set on fire on the edge of a field; then rained on.Still, with the use of modern sciences, Othram determined there was a high likelihood of yielding a strong DNA profile from the sample.This chart shows how a DNA sample can lead to identification.Shaina McLawrenceLearning about the victimIt was one of Christine’s biological siblings tracked down by detectives who agreed to submit a DNA sample to law enforcement, which Othram used to confirm Christine’s identity.Through the course of their investigation, detectives also learned Christine was adopted at birth. She was the second youngest of eight children and the only one to be adopted.In June of 2021, members of local and federal law enforcement visited the New Jersey home of a man raised as Christine’s brother, Francis Belusko.Both Francis and Christine were adopted at birth from different families and grew up together in Montville, New Jersey. Their adoptive parents were both deceased.Detectives inquired about the last time Francis saw his sister, and about what was going on in her life at the time. From there, the pieces started to fall together.District Attorney Michael E. McMahon stands before photos of Christine Belusko during a press conference on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)A public announcementIn 2023, about two years after Christine’s body was identified, McMahon held a press conference at his offices in St. George. The DNA testing, he announced, had breathed new life into the case.“Nearly 30 years later, in a joint effort with the FBI, we employed the use of forensic genealogy,” said McMahon. “Thanks to this incredible tool, we were able to identify the victim as Ms. Christine Belusko of Morris County, New Jersey.”The borough’s top prosecutor called on the public to come forward with information about the homicide or the whereabouts of Christine’s daughter.Said McMahon: “We issue this cry for help, and hope that the information that will help us comes in.”***The search for Christine’s killer remains an active investigation. If you have any information about her case, please reach out to the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office at 718-556-7085. All calls can be kept confidential.If you would like to contact our reporting team regarding this case, you can do so at [email protected].

In Texas lab, scientists unlock mystery of S.I. murder victim: A breakthrough detailed

Science and Health

> > Previous chapters and full table of contents > > Full coverage at “Beyond the Scorpion Tattoo” series pageSTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — After three decades and all leads seemingly exhausted in the 1991 cold-case murder of an unidentified woman in Ocean Breeze — there was a breakthrough.In 2019, investigators now under the direction of District Attorney Michael E. McMahon submitted a blood sample from the victim to a laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas, that had been making headlines.In 2021, with the help of forensic scientists, officials were able to determine what past technologies and police investigations could not:The victim’s name.She was 29-year-old Christine Belusko, of Clifton, New Jersey. It begged the question of how her lifeless body ended up on the East Shore of Staten Island.As it turned out, she had a 2-year-old daughter at the time of her death, whose whereabouts were unknown.Detectives investigate the homicide on Seaview Avenue in Ocean Breeze in September of 1991. (Staten Island Advance) District Attorney’s officeOthram Inc.It was through innovative forensics at Othram Inc., and old-fashioned police work, that investigators were able to identify Christine.Othram Inc. is a privately-run biotech and engineering laboratory where scientists employ whole genome DNA sequencing, in combination with genealogical research, to uncover unknown identities.Whole genome sequencing is a technology that identifies the complete DNA sequence of an organism, or in other words the uniqueness of an individual’s entire DNA strand. Genealogical research is the process of tracing a person’s family history and ancestry.David Mittelman, Othram’s chief executive officer, has helped law enforcement across the country solve hundreds of crimes. Perhaps his most high-profile victory was helping to identify and bring to justice the Golden State Killer, a man by the name of Joseph James DeAngelo Jr., in 2018. DeAngelo’s identity had eluded law enforcement for decades.In 2023, Othram was able to identify Richard Wick, a 48-year-old Florida man who was killed in 1993; and Luther Marion Ezell, a man who went missing in 1980. They also helped officials in Prentiss, Mississippi, identity rapist Derrick Washington.There’s over 400 solved cases on Othram’s website.New DNA technologiesOn Staten Island, law enforcement had previously entered a sample of Christine’s DNA into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), an FBI-maintained database used by law enforcement across the U.S. They also sent her dental records to the FBI.But to no avail.So in 2019, McMahon’s office, on the recommendation of the FBI, reached out to Othram.Kristen Mittelman, chief business development officer for the laboratory, in an exclusive interview with the Advance/SILive.com, explained how their scientific process differs from CODIS.The CODIS system identifies 20 genetic markers to determine an unidentified DNA fingerprint. The database it uses to search for possible matches is made up of individuals who were convicted of a crime.Othram’s process, using whole-genome sequencing, identifies hundreds of thousands of DNA markers, which allows technicians to not only search for direct matches or nuclear family members — but also extended family, as distant as seventh or eighth cousins.Also, unlike CODIS, the databases used by Othram to search for matches include people from the general public, who at some point consented to submit their DNA for law enforcement use.After identifying matches within the person’s family — as distant as it might be — Othram connects the genealogy dots to determine how those people might be related to each other.“We had Christine’s profile, and then what we found was that she matched this person in chromosome one, and she matched this person in chromosome eleven. And it tells you how much she matched,” Kristen Mittelman explained. “The more of a match in your DNA with someone, the closer you are in relationship. So you can infer how far one person is from the other. Are they sisters? Sixth cousins? Third cousins? Are they aunt and uncle? You know, you can figure that out by the distance, the number of segments that are actually related.”When Othram’s research is complete, it helps law enforcement form a “genealogy tree” of sorts to track down relatives. Then, through traditional detective work determine if anyone from the family had gone missing.Crime scene evidenceBefore Othram technicians could enter Christine’s profile into their databases for possible matches, they had to determine whether there was sufficient DNA to build a profile from the forensic material they received, Kristen Mittelman said.Unlike a cheek swab conducted in a controlled environment, crime scene evidence submitted to Othram often contains contaminated genetic samples and samples that contain DNA from multiple individuals. The evidence also can become degraded by weather and time, or contain animal and bacteria DNA.In this case, Christine had been bludgeoned, doused in turpentine and set on fire on the edge of a field; then rained on.Still, with the use of modern sciences, Othram determined there was a high likelihood of yielding a strong DNA profile from the sample.This chart shows how a DNA sample can lead to identification.Shaina McLawrenceLearning about the victimIt was one of Christine’s biological siblings tracked down by detectives who agreed to submit a DNA sample to law enforcement, which Othram used to confirm Christine’s identity.Through the course of their investigation, detectives also learned Christine was adopted at birth. She was the second youngest of eight children and the only one to be adopted.In June of 2021, members of local and federal law enforcement visited the New Jersey home of a man raised as Christine’s brother, Francis Belusko.Both Francis and Christine were adopted at birth from different families and grew up together in Montville, New Jersey. Their adoptive parents were both deceased.Detectives inquired about the last time Francis saw his sister, and about what was going on in her life at the time. From there, the pieces started to fall together.District Attorney Michael E. McMahon stands before photos of Christine Belusko during a press conference on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)A public announcementIn 2023, about two years after Christine’s body was identified, McMahon held a press conference at his offices in St. George. The DNA testing, he announced, had breathed new life into the case.“Nearly 30 years later, in a joint effort with the FBI, we employed the use of forensic genealogy,” said McMahon. “Thanks to this incredible tool, we were able to identify the victim as Ms. Christine Belusko of Morris County, New Jersey.”The borough’s top prosecutor called on the public to come forward with information about the homicide or the whereabouts of Christine’s daughter.Said McMahon: “We issue this cry for help, and hope that the information that will help us comes in.”***The search for Christine’s killer remains an active investigation. If you have any information about her case, please reach out to the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office at 718-556-7085. All calls can be kept confidential.If you would like to contact our reporting team regarding this case, you can do so at [email protected].