August, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

PM Briceño: “I don’t have anymore to comment on that.”

Last week, over a hundred protesters gathered outside Prime Minister John Briceño’s office in Belmopan to oppose the government’s decision to purchase fifteen acres of land for $6.9 million for a new tertiary hospital. The demonstration, organised by activist Nigel Petillo, saw participation from various trade unions and workers’ associations that criticised the government’s rejection of free land offered by the University of Belize. They argue that the chosen site, located near a sewage pond, poses health risks and represents a misuse of public funds.

Prime Minister Briceño defended the decision, stating that moving the project to a different site would still cost millions due to existing contracts and agreements. He emphasised that the decision was based on technical advice and that all questions regarding the purchase had been addressed. Briceño told reporters, “There’s a contract and any lawyer that’s worth his salt will tell you there’s a contract. Unless if the seller would want to come and say, you know what, I want back my money, even if it’s yours. So I think we have moved on. I think we’ve answered all the questions. The technical people have come on board and explained as to why they prefer that position. So I don’t have any more to comment on that.”

Opposition leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow has expressed plans to pursue legal action, citing allegations of corruption and questioning the valuation of the land.

Andrew Baird, President of the K.H.M.H. Workers Union, expressed concerns about the suitability of the location and suggested that the funds could be better spent on improving infrastructure at the University of Belize site.

PM Briceño on Compulsory Acquisition of Disputed Stake Bank Extension

The Government of Belize announced on Tuesday the compulsory acquisition of the disputed 24-acre extension of Stake Bank Island. A government press release stated that the parcel of land, identified as Fiat Grant 881 of 2021 and allocated to Michael Feinstein, the former Chairman and Shareholder of Stake Bank Enterprises Ltd., is currently involved in an ownership dispute in the High Court.

Prime Minister John Briceño told reporters today that this dispute is hindering the completion of a project deemed to be in the public interest.

Briceño said, “That project has been at a standstill. We have, I think, approximately $217 million invested. But because there is a dispute with the land, that project cannot be finished. If you look at the numbers for the cruise lines, they are going down. We need to be able to finish that project.”

He further explained the government’s approach: “We believe that as a government, what we did is first put the first notice of acquisition. What does that trigger? It triggers the owner to come to the government and say, ‘Okay, this is my land,’ and they negotiate a price. If a suitable price cannot be worked out, then we go to the second stage where it is compulsorily acquired, and then the courts take over after that.”

Once the acquisition and transfer to Stake Bank Enterprises are finalised, construction on the cruise berthing facility, which has been on hold since the company entered receivership in March of this year, can resume and move towards completion. The Prime Minister emphasised the urgency, noting, “If we want to finish that project, then that land is essential as it is right now because no work is taking place. I’m told that probably as much as five acres have already been washed away. So we really need to move with a sense of urgency.”

The company’s entry into receivership and the ensuing land ownership dispute have stalled the project, causing significant delays in constructing a facility that would, for the first time, allow cruise ship passengers to disembark directly onto a dock. Cruise tourism arrivals in the Belize District have continued to decline due to the absence of a proper berthing facility.

Stake Bank’s receiver and creditors petitioned Cabinet to consider the acquisition to save the project and protect the BZ$270 million investment made to date. The creditors have provided a comprehensive indemnity to the government, ensuring that any costs arising from the acquisition, if any, will be covered by the creditors, not the government. “It will cost taxpayers not one single cent,” said Prime Minister Briceño. He clarified, “When this was brought to the Cabinet, the Cabinet then said the only way we would consider this is if there is an indemnity agreement. When this is settled by the courts, if we go to the courts, the investors will be responsible for any costs.”

Prime Minister Briceño highlighted the financial security in place: “We also have the financial backing. There is a deposit in the government’s account as a down payment, plus another financial institution responsible for the payment.”

Ten years ago, the then government enacted the Stake Bank Cruise Docking Facility Development Act of 2014, which provided various investment incentives and committed to supporting the completion of Stake Bank. The need for a cruise berthing facility is even more pressing today, as cruise ships have increased in size. Establishing a dock for cruise ships, extending visitor tour times, and salvaging a significant investment project are key reasons behind the Cabinet’s decision.

Fusion CX Invests in RCC BPO: A Strategic Move to Enhance Global Customer Experience Services

The call centre industry in Belize is taking a big step in the international arena by partnering with the global workforce Fusion CX. Fusion CX announced its strategic investment in RCC BPO, a leading outsourcing services provider based in Belize. This investment is set to enhance Fusion CX’s international presence and improve its customer experience (CX) services.

Nubia Ramirez, Co-Founder and CEO of RCC BPO, stated, “Joining forces with a global customer experience solutions provider like Fusion CX will also allow us to enhance our service portfolio in international markets and enjoy organic growth with minimal or no change in our existing working environment. We will benefit from Fusion CX’s strong presence in the APAC, EMEA, North American, and Latin American markets.”

“The integration of RCC BPO epitomizes our commitment to expanding our reach while delivering innovative and culturally aligned customer service solutions. With RCC BPO’s expertise and regional insights, we are set to redefine the customer service landscape.” Pankaj Dhanuka, Co-founder, CEO, and Director of Fusion CX, added.

David Long, Executive Vice President of RCC BPO, noted, “We are leaping forward in our mission to provide outstanding BPO and CX services. Our clients will greatly benefit from this partnership’s advanced technologies and resources.”

The announcement praised Belize’s native English and Spanish proficiency, competitive pricing, and favourable time zones, making it an ideal location for customer service operations. The addition of Belize to Fusion CX’s delivery locations will enhance its nearshore solutions for global clients.

High-Level Belizean Defense Leaders Discuss Strategy and Cooperation with U.S. Counterparts

A high-level delegation of senior Belizean defence leaders, led by the Minister of National Defence and Border Security, Florencio Marin Jr., returned to Belize this past weekend after a series of strategic meetings with U.S. defence officials in the National Capital Region last week.

Joining Minister Marin were Chief of Defence Staff Rear Admiral John Borland, Commander of the Belize Defence Force Brigadier General Asariel Loria, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, and Director General of National Security Ambassador Oliver Del Cid.

Over four days, the delegation engaged in discussions with key U.S. government officials, including Jana Nelson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for the Western Hemisphere at the Pentagon, and Ruben Lopez, Deputy Director of the Perry Center. The talks focused on enhancing security cooperation, military training, and education, as well as consultations on the development and implementation of a National Security Strategy and the conceptualization of a National Defence Strategy for Belize.

Chelsy Castro is KTV the Remix Season 6 Winner, Claims $10,000 Prize

After weeks of intense competition featuring 12 talented contestants, Chelsy Castro emerged as the standout winner of KTV the Remix Season 6, securing the $10,000 grand prize. The Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts in Belize City was abuzz with excitement last night as fans cheered the final three contestants: Chelsy Castro, Flor Augustin, and Elijah Norales.

Castro, 19, who discovered her passion for singing at just nine years old, admitted on stage that the road to victory was fraught with obstacles. “I almost dropped out, but I really wanted to push for it,” she shared candidly.

In an interview this morning on Open Your Eyes (OYE), Castro reflected on her journey throughout the competition. She revealed that, despite lacking a sponsor, she was committed to delivering her best performances every Tuesday. Castro performed at nightclubs and various events to gather votes and build her fan base, all while juggling her business management studies and a job at the Belizean Melody Art Gallery in San Pedro.

She also highlighted her efforts to build her reputation beyond her island home. “My name was not that well known, and I had been singing for my island for quite some time… I wanted to show Belize what I had to offer, not just for San Pedro,” she said on OYE.

Castro also mentioned her initial struggles with securing sponsorship, noting that she effectively had to be her own sponsor until the finals. “I was actually my votes. I didn’t have a sponsor up until the finals… I really really worked for where I am,” she added.

Castro acknowledged the sponsors who supported her during the final stage of the competition, and her responsibility to be a great role model for children who aspire to pursue a musical career.

Cuba and Belize Address Migration Issues

Prensa Latina is reporting that diplomatic representatives from Cuba and Belize are convening in Belmopan for the 4th round of migration talks, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday.

According to the Cuban Foreign Ministry, the discussions will focus on reviewing the state of migratory flows between the two countries and addressing illicit activities related to migration.

The talks will also assess the effectiveness of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Exchange of Migration Alerts and Security Information, aimed at ensuring regular, orderly, and safe migration.

The Belizean delegation is led by Amalia Mai, C.E.O. in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Cuban delegation is headed by Ana Teresita González Fraga, General Director of Consular Affairs and Assistance to Cuban Residents Abroad.

During the meeting, González Fraga met with Cuban medical collaborators who are currently providing services in Belize.

The Cuban delegation’s agenda also includes a meeting with Cuban nationals residing in Belize, highlighting the continued strengthening of ties between Cuba and its diaspora.

Reward Offered for Hildebrandt Codd’s Arrest

The family of Densmore Owen Bowman, 32, is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Hildebrandt Codd, a convicted murderer currently on the run.

Codd was found guilty of the November 29, 2018, murder of Bowman, who was tortured, killed, and buried in a shallow grave near mile 25 on the George Price Highway.

On December 5, Codd and another prisoner escaped custody at the High Court, taking advantage of a security lapse. Codd was in court to receive the guilty verdict now handed down against him.

Presiding Justice Ricardo O’Neil Sandcroft described the evidence as largely circumstantial but “overwhelming,” noting an alleged confession to the Crown’s main witness, DNA evidence linking Bowman to Codd’s vehicle, and testimony from another witness who claimed to have helped clean the car of evidence.

Justice Sandcroft stated, “The authorities must do their jobs now and make sure they find him.”

The main witness provided chilling testimony, revealing that Codd and another unidentified man killed Bowman after a night of bar hopping. They got him intoxicated, tied him up in a vehicle, tortured, and beheaded him, initially leaving his body by the roadside before returning the next day to move it to a makeshift shallow grave. Bowman pleaded for his life, saying, “Nuh do meh like this Paps, mein.”

According to the witness, neither a chop to the face nor a stab through the heart was immediately fatal to Bowman—he attempted to flee, but Codd severed several of his toes to prevent his escape. Codd then mutilated the body further before finally beheading him with a cut through the throat and back of the neck.

BSI to COI “Sugar Industry Heavily Politicized”

The Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry began today in Orange Walk. The six-member commission is tasked with a wide range of responsibilities outlined within its terms of reference. The objectives include measuring the efficiency of milling factories in Belize, while identifying the inefficiencies that exist. The commission is also working to assess the cost and efficiency of sugarcane cultivation, harvesting and transportation. And these are only a few of the objectives that the commission must meet. The end goal is for the commission to provide recommendations on the best approach to modernizing the industry. Today, the Belize Sugar Industries Limited was in the hot seat, taking questions from the members of the commission for the better part of the day. B.S.I. directly employs just under seven hundred individuals. According to Shawn Chavarria, the Director of Finance at the factory, they indirectly employ some ten thousand workers.

Shawn Chavarria, Director of Finance, ASR/BSI

“A lot of the information we have shared and also part of the initial presentations that we made when the commissioners visited in June was to highlight what BSI sees as some of the key challenges that are facing the industry. I know that from a public standpoint this is a lot of interest and scrutiny into the industry. But I think a lot of it masks what are some of the underlying issues. I think what we have tried to convey to this commission of inquiry is that for a lot of years those core issues have not been properly addressed. The reason we think it hasn’t been properly addressed is because the industry has been heavily politicized. A lot of decisions made are not based on technical facts or economics. It is really driven by political expediency and that makes sense to an extent because of the number of farmers the industry in the north supports and by extension their families. It is something that BSI for many years has had to manage. We think that because of that the industry is not where it should be. Some of the things we have highlighted that is really fundamental if this industry is to move forward and become a long standing industry, we need to address the low production. The industry in the north is really one of the lowest cane yields in the world.”

COI Tackles Low Sugarcane Production in Northern Belize

Members of the commission visited Belize earlier this year to conduct preliminary assessments of the sugar industry with various stakeholders. Today, one of the first questions the commission posed to B.S.I. representatives had to do with the low level of sugarcane productivity in Belize. The commission noted that, based on preliminary findings, the sugar industry in northern Belize has been struggling to increase yield for decades. Shawn Chavarria pointed to a lack of political support. OIivia Avilez, the Cane Farmers Relations Manager at B.S.I., referenced a need for new varieties of sugarcane, as well as overused farmlands.

Shawn Chavarria, Director of Finance, ASR/BSI

“Belize has had consultants, has had studies done to make recommendations, to see what needs to improve to ensure the industry has a long-term viable future. So, it is not for a lack of knowing what the issues are. We know what are the issues. I think the issue is that there hasn’t been the political support to ensure that these reforms, these changes are implemented. I think that has been one of the biggest obstacles to transforming the industry to where it needs to go.”

Olivia Avilez, Cane Farmers Relations Manager, ASR/BSI

“What is the root cause of this issue? From what we have seen, one of the key areas is that we have very little replanting. The replanting is required in an industry, for example fifteen percent of your area should be replanted annually and you should not stop that because sugarcane, yes, it is a grass, very resilient grass that we can extract sugar from, but it needs to be replanted every seven years depending on the variety. Key to this is the cane varieties and BSI research project has been researching the different varieties that can be adopted here in Belize with the assistance from the Barbados Breeding Station. The cane varieties are important to be diversified. We rely on one specific variety, B-seventy-nine covers about seventy-five percent of our areas, and nothing is wrong with that variety but we cannot rely on one variety, like in the past, the cania blancita, B fifty-two was wiped out with one disease, smut.”

Why Are Caneros Not Investing More in Their Fields?

So, if there is a need for greater production in the sugar industry, why are farmers not investing in their farms to generate more annually? Avilez contends that sugarcane farmers are unwilling to make the investment because a profitable return is not guaranteed on that production. Avilez also called out the Sugar Cane Production Committee for reported inefficiencies.

Olivia Avilez, Cane Farmer Relations Manager, ASR/BSI

“The farmers will not want to invest in their own way if they are not given the appropriate production. So, if they are improving productivity, they want a return. Nobody, no farmer wants to invest without gaining a return or an appropriate profit out of that. Currently, the way the industry works for production estimate is really hindering, stifling, even robbing from farmers who are producing higher than the average that SCPC is willing to give. So, one of the key deterrents or the key demotivator here from the farmer’s side is, if I improve my productivity will you be able to give me what I deserve. At the same time, it compensates farmers who are underproducing from the average. By that I mean, farmers who are producing ten tons per acre, I don’t mean small farmers, I mean certain farmers who are not investing in their fields, in their productivity they are given the average of seventeen tons so that they have seven tons to play with. While the farmer who produces twenty-five tons is also given the average of seventeen tons. And that is what demotivates farmers, when they are not given the productivity, their fields are earning.”