April, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Caye Caulker’s Tarpon Cove Gets A Makeover

The idyllic village of Caye Caulker, known for its ‘go slow’ attitude, just got a little more beautiful. For years, one of the island’s most popular attractions was the fish tucked away at Tarpon Cove. Everyday visitors and residents line up with a sardine in hand for a chance to see a tarpon leap from the water and eat from their palms. To enhance this experience for visitors and locals, the Belize Tourism Board, in partnership with the Government of Belize, has collaborated to see the pier at Tarpon Cove completely renovated. News Five’s Britney Gordon attended the inauguration of the cove today to learn more about the project.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

For years, Caye Caulker’s Tarpon Cove has been a source of excitement for those lucky enough to discover the tucked away pier teeming with fish just under the surface. For just a small fee, tourists and locals can watch as tarpons leap out of the water to feed from their hands as they hover it above the water. Now, these locals and tourist can enjoy the activity on a newly renovated pier as the Belize Tourism Board and The Government of Belize have collaborated to rejuvenate the area. Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk management, gave us more information about the project.

Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy & Disaster Risk management

“It is surely a festive event. I can tell you that this is something that we have been working for quite some time. Now, when I’m in Somalia came around visiting some page on Caye Caulker, I’m looking at different projects that we can adopt and adapt to make changes to enhance what is already existing here in San Pedro and Caye Caulker When we always talking about just Shark Bay, Hol Chan, Mexico Rocks, the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve. But there are little spots there that also are available that are very eye opening, but it’s still small and quaint. Now, when Minister Mahler and I spoke, that we want to do something good for this place, and how we can enhance it, we both were aware that we don’t want to commercialize it to the point where it’s out of hand. We wanted to bring that to the table. That balance for it to be sustainable to be quaint, but at the same time attractive and beautiful and we still keep that charm that key cocker has so today we’re looking at this and exactly what we have done.”

Perez said that one of the key missions of this project was to ensure that it would not impede on the natural resources or endanger the livelihoods of the local custodians. He said that creating a space that attracts tourists without over commercializing or exploiting the environment is a balancing act.

Britney Gordon

“How do you ensure that a project like this remains sustainable?”

Andre Perez

“Okay sustainability is actually a keyword that you’re mentioning as it relates to tourism and blue economy as well. We’re talking about that. Sustainable is key. It means that we have to find a balance at all times. We want to keep those tarpaulins there and take care of it. But at that, we don’t want to over commercialize. But we must also make the custodians benefit as much as possible. We can’t be the extreme that we’re environmentalists and we start to cut them where eventually they’re not benefiting. So it’s that balance that we’re doing. And the tourism product that minister Mahler talked about to develop the tourism product is all about that. And at the same time, Blue Economy is also about enhancing everything here, but being very sustainable to maintain everything here. The mangroves is important. It plays a vital role. So we can turn it around and make it a beautiful place with the mangroves. Don’t worry about the mosquitoes. Don’t worry about that. That’s something that we can work with and deal with. That’s how it is. Sustainable. This particular place we have here is a shining beacon of what we can do of sustainable growth. Sustainable growth that means by using our waters available here that we can exploit in a sustainable way and at the same time for everyone to enjoy it as well.”

Nicole Solano, CEO of the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations said that the idea for this endeavor has been in the works for a while, but it only began to come onto fruition this year. She said that it falls into alignment with the ministry’s goal of enhancing the tourism sector.

Nicole Solano, C.E.O., Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations

“This event here in Caye Caulker is just one of many projects that we’re doing for tourism. Uplifting the tourism product. This facility here at the Tarpon Cove is something that has been happening for such a long time. And it was really in accordance with the Minister of Tourism and the Minister for Blue Economy looking at what was needed in Caye Caulker together with the Village Council and some of the upgrades that were needed for the village for tourism. It had a, it always had a pair and people have been coming here for years. But it was indicated that uplifting that boardwalk and creating a nicer space would make for a better experience for guests. So that’s really what was the purpose of this entire project.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Belize Observed Biggest Day in Tourism Ever Last Month

Earlier this month, Belize observed the biggest day in tourism history with the highest number of visitors ever recorded. This influx of arrivals fell in line with the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations and the Belize Tourism Board’s estimations that 2024 would be Belize’s best year for the sector; not only meeting but surpassing the pre-pandemic numbers of 2019. According to C.E.O. Nicole Solano, this recovery is the result of several initiatives and efforts made by key players in the sector.

Nicole Solano, C.E.O., Ministry of Tourism Diaspora Relations

“The high season for tourism is generally between the months of November and about April. But March we saw almost it was actually the highest number of visitors that we had entering Belize ever. We did see a very good season. We expect that by the end of this year, we will be back to pre pandemic levels. Last year, we were only about ninety-two percent of 2019, but this year we expect that we will be not only back, but surpassing the numbers that we saw pre COVID. The Ministry of Tourism, of course, through our statutory board, the Belize Tourism Board, is looking at all of the product development opportunities throughout Belize. Because you have An increasing number of travelers coming to Belize, right? So very important is when they get here, they have a good experience. So in order for us to do that, we have to make sure that we’re looking at all of the sites and attractions and trying to make sure that they’re enhanced with, whatever it’s needed, bathroom facilities. The experience that they have when they get here is actually going to determine whether or not they talk positively about the destination or tell their friends, whether or not they have they come back, right? We want return visitors, but all of that will depend on the experience that they have when they get here. So our objective, of course, is to make sure that we do a review of all of the things within the industry that needs upliftment. We can’t solve everything. It’s a long way to go. There’s a lot of work to do, but every time we identify something that we can improve, we focus on that, put that in the plan, put that in the budget, and then try to make sure that we can implement.”

“Women Empowered to Lead Change”, A Book on YWCA’s History

Annually, on April twenty-fourth, Young Women’s Christian Associations across the world celebrate World Y.W.C.A. Day. In Belize, Y.W.C.A. commemorated the day with the launch of a book titled, “Women Empowered to Lead Change”. The book captured the Y’s contribution to Belize since it was founded sixty-seven years ago. In 1956, Winnie Ward, the wife of a former Chief Justice, believed that young women in Belize needed a Y.W.C.A. to develop their skills and leadership. And the rest is history. The book is currently on sale at Y.W.C.A. Belize City Office. News Five’s Paul Lopez was at this morning’s launch event. He filed the following report.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

This morning the Young Women’s Christian Association launched a book called “Women Empowered to Lead Change”. The book tells the story of the YWCA in Belize.

Sheryl Terry, Former VP, YWCA Belize

“In the wise words of Benazir Ruther, to know the past is to understand the present and shape the future. These words hold profound meaning as we take a moment to reflect on the rich history of YWCA and its lasting influence on the lives of countless individuals in Belize. As we delve into the pages of history we must pay tribute to the remarkable individuals who have shaped the Y into what it is today.”

The YWCA started with classes in drama, cooking, embroidery, crochet, dancing and a couple other offerings. Overtime the Y expanded and began providing daycare services, opportunities for marginalized young women, and activities for senior citizens.

Sheryl Terry

“The YWCA has been dedicated to fostering micro business development for improved livelihoods all while staying true to our mission of empowering the spiritual, intellectual and physical growth of our women and girls in Belize. Today as we embrace a new era, let us carry the torch of empowerment with renewed zeal.”

Women Empowered to Lead Change was written by author and retired librarian, Lawrence Vernon. Commissioned by the association, he began his research three years ago to document the history of YWCA in Belize.

Lawrence Vernon, Author

“It goes back from the Y was established in 1956 and the people who established it, the names are in the book, they were the pioneers so to speak, so that the history is well documented from then. I could have traced it from 1956 to the present 2020 when it was cut off. In researching history you would find that it is not always available in any one place. You would have to go to different aspects and interview one or two people who were involved. Most of the people who were involved at that time has passed away. So I had to go into the news papers and see their achievements, the Y at the time and that is how I really got to put together the information.”

Minister of Human Development, Dolores Balderamos-Garcia and Yasser Musa, an advisor to the National Institute of Culture and History, both contributed to funding this latest literary work. Minister Dolores says the book launch is a signature moment in the association’s history.

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of Human Development

“The book being presented today is a signature event, it is a really signature event because the Y and its history are synonymous with the development of Belize, especially where the empowerment and education of women and girls is concerned. I want to take this opportunity to quote Barrack Obama. He said, during his time as president, he said that educating and empowering women and girls is not just the correct thing to do, it is the smart thing to do, because when you educate and empower women and girls we help our entire society.”

Yasser Musa, Advisor to NICH

“Every book that is published is a contribution to intellectual capital, to the future, to the inheritance of our small nation. So I take this opportunity to say a big congratulations for taking the time and the effort to publish this book, because it is not an ordinary act. It is an extraordinary thing, a thing of inspiration.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

The 2024 Farmers of the Year

Three farmers will be honored on Friday at the opening ceremony of the National Agriculture and Trade Show. They are Sara Chub, the female farmer of the year, Maura Escobar, the junior farmer of the year and Nandy Aldana, the senior farmer of the year. All three farmers were bestowed with the esteemed title after a rigorous vetting process by personnel from the Ministry of Agriculture. Here are a few words from all three farmers, courtesy of the Government Press Office.

Sara Chub, Female Farmer of the Year

“Every time my two kids and husband tell me the same thing, mommy you nuh tired? I tell them we need to be out there. Sometimes I was in a program that was training us to have some organic stuff.. it actually helped. Once you put your mind and hear to it you will get ahead, because I believe agriculture is a very important sector in Belize. During COVID, you know what happened, everything was on lock down. I was surviving on agriculture, instead of sitting home doing nothing. I could provide extra income to my family. I will not depend on husband salary, not depend on this one and that. God give us two hands and I believe we can use them for the correct purpose.”

Maura Escobar, Junior Farmer of the Year

“My Name is Maura Escobar. I am twenty-four-years-old. I was born here. I am Belizean. I was born in 2000 in the fifteenth of May and I am a farmer. I am a single mother. I have two kids and it was hard for me to be independent at first. But since I already knew about farming, I launched myself into farming and I began to work hard and I want to say that we can get ahead in life without support from anyone else. If you focus on what you want, you can achieve your objectives. You cant pay attention to other people. Sometimes we need advice from someone else, but those people may just come and tell you, “No, you cant do it”, but you have to tell yourself that you can. I wake up at five-thirty a.m every day. I make some coffee, put the stuff in the car and then I go to look for the young man who helps me at the farm.”

Nandy Aldana, Senior Farmer of the Year

“My name is Nandy Aldana. I am from Concepcion Village and I am twenty-seven-years-old. I can say I belong to a family of farmers because my father was a farmer too and now, I continue to be a farmer. I have been farming full-time for fifteen to sixteen years and my passion for farming started when I was small, learning from my father. That is when I discovered that I wanted to be a farmer too. That is where everything started.”

Nandos Provides Clarification on $50,000 Bank Transfer

On Tuesday night, we told you that thirty-three-year-old Kathleen Belisle was charged for dishonestly retaining a wrongful credit after almost fifty thousand dollars of the Belize Government Lottery was deposited into her bank account.

As we reported, an accountant at Nandos Wholesale LLP intended to transfer $50,000 to Lowes Supermarket, a sub-agent for the Belize Government Lottery. However, it was mistakenly transferred to Belisle’s account.

Today, Nandos issued a statement clarifying what happened. The company says that it mistakenly saved Belisle’s phone number as Lowes Supermarket’s. Before the transfer was made, the company’s accountant contacted the number regarding the funds that needed to be transferred. The company alleges that Belisle pretended to be the proprietor of Lowes. Nandos further alleges that Belisle informed the accountant that Lowes’ Bank account number had changed and provided her bank account number instead. Nandos says it only found out because the proprietor of Lowes reached out to say that they haven’t received the funds. According to the company, Belisle spent some of the funds.

BREAKING: General Legal Council Finds Orson Elrington “Guilty of Grave Professional Misconduct”

In a decision dated April 19th, the General Legal Council found attorney Orson “OJ” Elrington of “grave professional misconduct” and in breach of rules 4, 14, and 22, which constitutes grave misconduct. Elrington is being summoned by the Council to a hearing on May 24th to show cause why any of the sanctions set out in the Legal Profession Act should not be imposed on him.

Under that particular section, the Council may recommend to the Chief Justice:

(a) the removal of the attorney’s name from the Roll;

(b) the removal of the attorney from practice on such conditions as the Council may determine;

(d) subjecting the attorney to a reprimand;

(e) the payment by any party of costs or of such sum as the Council may consider a reasonable contribution towards cost;

(f) the payment by the attorney of any such sum by way of restitution as the Council may consider reasonable.

News Five has reached out to Elrington for comment.

Pastor Dozie brought a complaint against Elrington, alleging that Elrington settled a claim without his consent. Dozie claimed he only signed one engagement letter, while Elrington asserted that two were signed, altering the terms of their agreement.

Dozie provided evidence of his position, including original documents and WhatsApp conversations. Elrington failed to produce original engagement letters despite multiple directives to do so. The Council found discrepancies in Elrington’s testimony and noted concerns regarding his reliance on a paralegal to handle client communication and legal matters.

Ultimately, the Council concluded that Elrington breached professional rules and referred the case to the police for further investigation into the authenticity of the disputed engagement letter. This finding highlighted the seriousness of Elrington’s actions and raised questions about his credibility and conduct as an attorney.

In 2023, Dozie retained Elrington as his attorney to file a claim against the Social Security Board which had denied Dozie’s application for survivor’s grant following the passing of his wife in 2021. SSB told Dozie the Social Security (Benefits) Regulations did not make provision for widowers to claim the survivor’s grant that is payable to a widow on the death of a husband. Elrington commenced action against the SSB and the Attorney General. A percentage of any sums recovered to be paid to Elrington was agreed. The percentage agreed is in dispute. “The dispute arises due to Mr Elrington’s assertion that there was a second engagement letter.”

Following negotiations, Elrington collected the settlement sum of $46,588. “He continues to possess that said sum, and has not paid any portion any portion thereof to Pastor Dozie.” (This is at the date of the decision)

In his defence, Elrington claimed that Dozie did not provide him with a bank account to transfer the money.

In December 2023, Dozie emailed Elrington, demanding all funds received from the SBB, including the initial retainer of $1,500. The sums were not paid to Dozie at the time of this decision. Dozie also confirmed that he did not provide Elrington with banking details.

Dozie says he did not approve the settlement terms. Elrington told the Council that he orally explained the settlement terms to Dozie in September 2023.

According to Dozie, he signed one engagement letter on May 17, 2023, where he agreed to pay Elrington a retainer fee of $3,000. It was also agreed that Elrington was to be paid a contingency fee of 15% of the sums collected. Elrington says that Dozie signed a second “redrafted” retainer on the same day. According to Elrington, Dozie paid him $1,500 down and agreed to pay 40% of the sums collected. Dozie said that he paid Elrington $1,500 and the remaining amount would be collected from any funds received. Elrington was unable to provide the Council with the original engagement letters with the wet ink signatures.

“A perusal of the documents by the members of the Council indicates that the scanned copy of the signature of Pastor Dozie on the second engagement letter (denied y Pastor Dozie) is blue, whilst the first one is black, and the signature on the second engagement letter appears to be identical in size and shape, including the points where the signature intersects the alphabetical letters at the bottom of the signature line, that spell out his name. Exactness in two signatures of the same person to such a degree are not usually found and tends more to the probability that the latter signature is a copy made by scanning or copying by machine.”

Six-Time Toledo East Area Rep, Mike Espat, Passes

One of Belize’s longest serving politicians passed away on Monday night in Belmopan. Michael Espat or “Iron Mike”, as he was affectionately known, passed away at the Western Regional Hospital. Reports are that he suffered a massive heart attack. Espat had not been fully active over the past couple months, as he was dealing with certain health complications. There was, however, no information on how severe those health complications were. His death comes at a great loss to his family, supporters in Toledo East and the People’s United Party. His constituents embraced him and showed their support by electing him six times to that seat. Espat only lost twice in Toledo East, in 1993 and 2008. Since his re-election in 2012, Espat has held on to the seat for three consecutive terms, up until the time of his passing. News Five’s Paul Lopez tells us more.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

An outpouring of condolences and well wishes are being extended to the family of Mike Espat, the six-time area representative for Toledo East. Espat passed away on Monday night at the Western Regional Hospital. Reports are that he suffered a heart attack. Linsford Castillo, the People United Party’s Secretary General, described Espat’s sudden death as a great loss.

On the Phone: Linsford Castillo, Secretary General, PUP

“It is an understatement to say that it is a tremendous loss to the People’s United Party. The passing of Honorable Mike Espat is not only a loss to the PUP but to the entire country of Belize, but especially to the people of Toledo East since being elected in 1989. We all know honorable Espat has served multiple times in the House of Representatives. Of course he had to sit out once or twice but for the most part he has dedicated the greater part of his life to the people of this country. So no doubt we as a party are certainly feeling this and his loss will affect us for many months and years to come.”

Espat first came on to the political scene in 1989, when he was elected in Toledo East under the People’s United Party. He won the seat five more times after that, 1998, 2003, 2012, 2015 and the November 2020 general elections. Following the 2020 general elections, Espat was sworn in as the Minister of State, in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Mike Espat, Area Representative, Toledo East (File: December 2^nd, 2020)

“I Mike Espat do swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to Belize and will uphold the constitution and the law and I will conscientiously, impartially and to the best of my ability discharge my duties as a minister of state and to right to all manner of people without fear, favor, affection or ill will so, help me God.”

A release from the Office of the Prime Minister describes Espat as a good and faithful servant of his people and country. Espat’s Toledo East team also issued a statement on his passing. In the statement, they referred to Espat as a true pioneer who worked tirelessly to bring Toledo East and the Toledo District to prominence. The release notes that his legacy includes projects like the Joe Taylor Bridge and the enhancements to the Punta Gorda Hospital. He was considered a man of few words who only spoke up when the interests of his constituents were at stake. On one occasion in 2018, it was concerning the PUP’s southern caucus’s no to the ICJ position.

Mike Espat, Area Representative, Toledo East (File: August 31^st, 2018)

“We took our position as a southern caucus after many discussions and talking to people in that area. You got to understand, what I did not tell you, that San Vicente, Jalacate, all the way Dolores, Acuacate, most of these people come from Guatemala. They are here because they cannot find the type of life in Guatemala. So they are in Belize. A lot of them have nationality. A lot of them have Belizean children. You think they want to go back to what they left? I don’t think so.”

On another occasion, while the PUP was in opposition, Espat rose inside the House of Representative to demand aid for his constituents affected by Hurricane Nana.

Mike Espat, Area Representative, Toledo East (File: September 17^th, 2020)

“I have heard absolutely no interest for the farmers in the Toledo District. It is absolutely pathetic to see the damage for our farmers in the district. I was in Dolores and all the corn fields are down. I have seen no interest from the Ministry of Agriculture. Why is it that they have not been able to come up with some idea of utilizing what is in the field, because it is all left there and in the next two to three weeks most of that will rot.”

And Espat was not one to engage the media too often. On rare occasions he would agree to interviews. The PUP secretary general says that might have been the case because Espat was a straight shooter who sought to avoid unnecessary conflict.

Linsford Castillo

“To a large extend honorable Espat was a man of action and not too many words and as you may know and we all know in the party, he was a very candid individual who spoke it as he feels it. He was aware of that so he tried not to be in the media too often, because of the personality that he was. He would have certainly rubbed a lot of people the wrong way because he called it as he saw it. But nevertheless, he was a genuine individual who loved this country, loved the people of Belize, loved his constituency and of course loved his party.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

PM Briceño Reflects on Mike Espat’s Lengthy Political Career

We also heard from Prime Minister John Briceño who is currently on his way home from a visit to the Vatican. PM Briceño says the news of Espat’s passing caught him by surprise because they met last week in Belmopan to discuss works in Toledo East. According to PM Briceño, Espat’s death comes as a great loss to the party and the country. He reflected on his colleague’s lengthy political career and contributions to the public service sector. Here is what he told us.

On the Phone: Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think the first thing that comes to mind is shock. It is something that was totally unexpected. Last week I had a meeting with him in Belmopan talking about his work and his concerns about what is happening in the Toledo District. So when I was informed that he had a heart attack and passed away I was shocked and started to reflect that this is a great loss not only for the PUP and the people of Toledo East, but for the country of Belize. Mike Espat dedicated his entire adult life to public service. Many people don’t remember he was a teacher and principal, and it was in 1989 that he offered himself to represent the people of Toledo East and since then he has been active in politics and service to the people. So a great loss to us and to our party and especially to his family. Just last year his wife passed way. So this is even more tragic for the Espat family, who lost a mother last year and then now losing a father. We will have an official funeral but we want to sit down and discuss with the family. They will have to tell us when they will have the burial. Once they inform us the ministry of foreign affairs, their protocol officers will take over and make all the arrangements. We are hoping we can bring his body to the National Assembly before he is taken to his final resting place which will be in Punta Gorda.”

House Speaker Laments the Loss of Iron Mike

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Valerie Woods, also spoke fondly of the deceased parliamentarian. Despite Espat’s silence in the house, he was a well-respected politician who wasn’t afraid to voice concerns raised by his constituents in Toledo East.

Valerie Woods, Speaker of the House

“[It] came as a shock, a tremendous loss. Honorable Mike Espat has been a member of the House of Representatives for several decades, but has been a quiet member of the House of Representatives. He certainly epitomizes, I think, in my view, the resilience, tenacity and the courage, even as a backbencher, to stand up and not, if you will, follow tradition where we just go along with the program. He questions and that is the beauty of what should be in our democracy, notwithstanding [the fact] that he is part of the government side. The Honorable Mike Espat has always put on record questions of concerns he’s had for his area. He was also a member who was very local, very old school, but very vocal. When he met with me in the position that I hold as presiding officer, there was a time when the group of backbenchers wanted to meet with me to understand the rules, the standing orders, to make sure because as they had put it, they see the style that I am trying to bring and he just wanted to understand and he said in all… I take it as a vote of confidence by the honorable member for Toledo East when he said in all his years he has to respect the fact that he sees what I am trying to do in, if you will, correcting even the government side. And coming from somebody with far more experience than myself that understands the politics, I respected that and I appreciate that. He certainly will be missed in the house.”

Who Will Lead for the P.U.P. in Toledo East?

According to Section Eighty-five of the Belize Constitution, when the seat of a member of the House of Representative becomes vacant, a bye-election must be held within three months. As the Briceño administration prepares to send Espat off with an official funeral, it must also consider the next move for the Toledo East constituency. With the next general election scheduled for 2025, that vacancy must be filled, unless the prime minister calls an early election. But he has already said that will not happen. It is also an opportunity for the opposition to gain ground in the Toledo District. This morning, Espat’s Toledo East team noted that they will support his son, Melhem Espat, to carry the torch as the next Area Representative for Toledo East. But Doctor Osmond Martinez and current PG Mayor Carlos Galvez have also voiced interest in the seat. Today we asked the P.U.P.’s Secretary General how the party intends to navigate this decision, when that time comes. We also posed the same question to Prime Minister John Briceño. Their responses were similar.

On the Phone: Linsford Castillo, Secretary General, P.U.P.

“Everything has to happen one step at a time. At this moment we are not even focusing on the next step in terms of who is next and what is going to happen in terms of a by-election and all of that. Those things will fall in place. For now, we are just focused on remembering him and paying tribute to him. Certainly, as a party, reflecting on the many deeds that honorable Espat has done as area representative, as minister of government and just as a soldier of the People’s United Party who has been at the helm for so long. That is our focus as a party at the moment.”

On the Phone: Prime Minister John Briceno

“Well it is certainly too early, and I am hoping nobody will be talking about wanting to replace the honorable Mike Espat right now. I think we need to give the family a chance to grieve, at least to wait until after the burial and then as a party we will decide. We know we only have ninety days, but I do believe we will be able to be ready and hope and expect that the people of Toledo East would once again have a representative of the People’s United Party. But most importantly I am hoping that nobody would want to talk about that right now. Let’s grieve with the family and pay him the respect he deserves.”