Haiti has taken a key step toward its first elections since 2016 with the formation of a nine-member provisional electoral council. This body is responsible for organising elections by February 2026.
The last election, held in 2016, resulted in Jovenel Moïse’s election, but his assassination in July 2021 created a power vacuum. Ariel Henry, Moïse’s appointed prime minister, assumed leadership but faced significant challenges, including a gang takeover of the Port-au-Prince airport in February 2024, which hindered his return. Henry resigned in April, leading to the formation of a transitional presidential council, which appointed Garry Conille as interim prime minister.
A Kenyan-led multinational security force has been sent to support Haitian police against the gangs, but its efforts have been hampered by limited resources. UN Secretary-General António Guterres criticised the international community for insufficient support in Haiti’s crisis.
The U.S. Department of State’s 2024 Fiscal Transparency Report has identified Belize and Suriname as failing to make significant progress toward fiscal transparency. According to the report, these are the only Caribbean countries that have not met the minimum fiscal transparency standards set by the Department of State.
The report assesses compliance with fiscal transparency standards based on evaluations from the 2014 Fiscal Transparency Report. Key criteria include the public disclosure of national budget documents and adherence to clear guidelines for contracting and licensing in natural resource extraction.
While nations such as The Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago were praised for meeting transparency requirements, Belize and Suriname were noted for their shortcomings.
During the review period, Belize made its enacted budget, end-of-year report, and information on debt obligations publicly available, including online. The report states that the budget information was reliable, and the documents provided a substantially complete picture of the government’s planned expenditures and revenues, including those from natural resources. “However, it did not publish an executive budget proposal within a reasonable period. Publicly available budget documents provided a substantially complete picture of the government’s planned expenditures and revenue, including natural resource revenues.”
The report added that the government reviewed its budget throughout the fiscal year, with actual revenues and expenditures aligning reasonably with the enacted budget. “The military and intelligence budgets were subject to civilian public oversight. While the supreme audit institution met international standards of independence and had access to the entire executed budget, it did not publish audit reports within a reasonable period.”
The report advises that Belize make its executive budget proposal policy available within a reasonable period and ensure that the supreme audit institution audits the government’s executed budget and makes audit reports publicly available within a reasonable period.
Four Caribbean countries have been listed as major drug transit and illicit drug-producing countries for the fiscal year 2025 by the United States. The four countries are Belize, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Haiti. President Joe Biden clarified that this designation is not a reflection of these governments’ counterdrug efforts, stating, “The list is not a sanction or penalty.”
President Biden explained that the criteria for this designation involve geographic, commercial, and economic factors that facilitate drug transit or production, regardless of a government’s commitment to narcotics control. He noted that recent amendments to the definition now include countries supplying precursor chemicals.
Despite the challenges, Biden highlighted a recent decrease in drug overdose deaths in the US, with an estimated 107,543 deaths in 2023. This represents the first annual decline since 2018, which he attributed to his administration’s efforts while also emphasising the importance of a coordinated global response to the drug crisis.
To combat drug trafficking, Biden’s administration launched a Global Coalition in July 2023, now comprising over 150 countries. He stated, “Every continent is experiencing an alarming increase in the manufacturing, trafficking, and consumption of dangerous illicit synthetic drugs.” Other countries included in the US list are Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, China, Colombia, and Mexico, among others.
10,000 cases of Corona Beer are set to make their way to Belize. It has prompted a wave of debate over the local brewing industry. The government-approved import comes as an effort to address ongoing shortages in the tourism sector, where Belikin has reportedly struggled to keep up with demand.
However, the decision raises questions about the ‘protection’ of local businesses in the face of competition from a global giant.
The Ministry of Agricultural and Food Security has stipulated that the bottles must be labelled ‘Belize Market’ and that the import must occur in stages, with the company required to pay high import duties due to the lack of reduced tariffs for Mexican beer.
The conditional approval has reportedly caused unrest within government circles, as local brewing companies such as Bowen & Bowen have voiced their concerns.
Belize honoured its first Prime Minister, George Cadle Price, with the unveiling of a statue in Battlefield Park on Wednesday night. Organised by the Government of Belize and the Belize Tourism Board, the event not only celebrates Price’s contributions but also serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy as the ‘Father of the Nation’.
This honour came just ahead of the National Day of Service that pays tribute to Price’s life and service.
The ceremony featured a special message from Cabinet Minister Henry Usher, a musical presentation by Alexander Evans, and closing remarks from Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler. The statue and its perimeter were blessed prior to the unveiling.
The statue was sculpted by Steven Okeke. Standing at 16 feet and 7 inches, it depicts Price in his iconic Guayabera shirt and dress pants, holding a copy of the Belize Times in his left hand to symbolise his commitment to informed leadership. His right hand is raised in an open wave, reflecting his welcoming spirit.
The base of the statue features an inscription: “George Cadle Price, Sunrise: January 1919, Sunset: September 19, 2011. The Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price led the fight for Belize’s independence, transitioning from Belize’s first Premier to its first Prime Minister. He led a title of service to its nation and its people as our ‘Father of the Nation.’ His legacy continues to inspire as we strive for progress and unity.” A QR code that can be seen on the base provides additional information about the statue’s design.
This tribute, and the conversion of Price’s family home to an “immersive educational environment,” serves as a lasting reminder that George Price’s legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with generations to come.
William “Danny” Mason and Ryan Rhaburn were indicted at the High Court this morning before Justice Nigel Pilgrim, each facing two counts of kidnapping. Mason was additionally charged with blackmail. Both men pleaded not guilty.
Mason seemed surprised at the development, stating he was unaware that a retrial had been ordered in his case. He believed a letter had been sent to the Chief Justice regarding how the matter would proceed and was shocked to learn that his case had been transferred from Belmopan to Belize City for a retrial.
Mason appeared in court without legal representation, as his attorney, Hubert Elrington, is currently ill. He may need to seek new counsel and has requested 30 days to prepare. Meanwhile, Ryan Rhaburn was represented by Simeon Sampson. The case has been adjourned until October 17, 2024. Justice Pilgrim has instructed that Mason be provided with the necessary documents related to case management, and all parties are required to file their case management forms by October 11, 2024.
Mason and Rhaburn are accused of kidnapping businessman Lloyd Thiessen and his wife, Rosie, in May 2016 at Mason’s ranch near Mile 31 along the George Price Highway. The alleged kidnapping is said to have arisen from a business dispute, as the couple had reportedly paid Mason $300,000 to import corn, which was never delivered. When they confronted him about the matter, the kidnapping allegedly occurred.
The National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) has expressed shock and sadness following the arrest of its president, Rev. Victor Hernandez, on charges of sexual crimes. In an official statement, the association said, “Situations like this are extremely serious and violate God’s Biblical standards for leadership, as well as NEAB’s Code of Ethics.” A
Rev. Hernandez has been immediately removed from NEAB’s Executive Leadership while the investigation is ongoing. Rev. Launcelott Lewis has taken over as interim president.
The 65-year-old pastor, who leads the Toledo Faith Outreach Christian Center, was arraigned earlier this week on two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He was granted bail of $10,000 with one surety of the same amount.
Hernandez is accused by a 38-year-old woman who alleges that he raped her twice—once in August 2015 and again in March 2016. According to reports, one of the incidents took place at a store that Hernandez formerly owned. The victim did not come forward earlier, citing fear, shame, trauma, and a desire to protect her family.
In addition to the rape charges, Hernandez faces a sexual assault charge from a 2021 incident in which he allegedly grabbed the woman’s breast.
NEAB urged police to conduct a thorough investigation and confirmed that the victim is receiving support from a licensed trauma therapist and family members.
The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Price Family. This is to ensure the preservation and transformation of the Price Family Home at #3 Pickstock Street, Belize City. A release from NICH says, “This site, where George Price—Father of the Belizean Nation—grew up, is recognised for its immense national value and will be repurposed for public benefit.”
NICH’s vision is to develop the house and its grounds into an engaging educational space. Planned features include a state-of-the-art classroom and lecture hall, designed to support learning in history and culture, and a botanical and sculpture garden in the spacious yard, promoting both biodiversity and the arts.
According to NICH, the development will take place in consultation with the Price family and subject matter experts, ensuring that the site remains an inclusive, non-partisan space open to all Belizeans and international visitors alike.
Materials on Belize’s path to independence and the legacy of George Price will be available via Access501, a new educational portal that has already drawn over 7,000 visitors since its launch.
According to NICH, a specially crafted marble plaque will be unveiled, bearing the inscription “Price Family Home/Birthplace of George Price/Father of the Belizean Nation.” The multilingual plaque, with translations in English, Kriol, Spanish, Garifuna, and Maya, will also pay tribute to George Price’s parents, Irene Cecilia Escalante Price and William Cadle Price, as well as his siblings Lydia, Jane, Alice Margaret, Ann, Josephine, Samuel, Elizabeth, Katharine, Judith, and John.
Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow delivered his State of the Nation address today in response to Prime Minister John Briceño’s presentation on Tuesday. Barrow spoke for forty minutes on matters related to the economy, education, health, crime and more. But, unlike the elaborate setting that was prepared for the prime minister’s speech, today there were no dignitaries, diplomats, or students in sight. Neither was there any other politician in the room other than the opposition leader himself. Notwithstanding the nearly empty room, Barrow delivered his address and got his points across to the nation, live. News Five’s Paul Lopez was there. He filed the following report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow delivered his response to the Prime Minister’s State of the Nation address in solitude from the United Democratic Party’s headquarters. His speech ran for forty minutes, twice the length of time PM Briceno took on Tuesday. But the setting was a stark contrast to the pomp and circumstance and fanfare at the Sir Edney Cain Building. Barrow made his remarks to a virtually empty room. That, however, did not faze him, as he painted a picture of national despair from the onset.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
“As we celebrate our glorious history, we must yield to our obligation to be mindful of the present State of our nation which unfortunately is floundering. After four years of the Briceno Administration, ask yourselves, are your lives any better? Can you afford the highest cost of living ever? Are you closer to getting your first affordable home? Did you get your first piece of land? Are you getting affordable quality public healthcare? Are we safer? Do you feel safer? Can you afford to send your children to school? Do you have food security? Are you living the Belizean dream or the dreaded nightmare?”
Barrow went on to point out several businesses that have shuttered over the last few years, including Renco, Smiling Meats, Hofius and Bottom Dollar. He used these closures to bolster his argument that the nation’s economy is in dire straits. The opposition leader responded directly to the prime minister’s claim that his administration has recorded a historically high six billion-dollar G.D.P.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
“Despite Bricenos annual attempts to deceive Belizeans we do not see the G.D.P. growth he boasts of, nor do we feel it! The State of the Nation is falling when regular Belizeans pay twenty-five percent income tax while special Belizeans pay six percent, and million-dollar corporations pay three percent. The State of the Nation is falling when you fail to collect proper taxes from those making the most especially those price gauging businesses who exploit the vulnerable while evading tax compliance.”
Barrow contended that while the Briceño administration boasts a three percent unemployment rate, the poverty rate remains at thirty-nine percent. On the topic of health, the opposition leader chided the government for spending six point nine million dollars on land in Belmopan to build a tertiary level hospital. He referred to former Minister of Health Michel Chebat as the worst Minister of Health in the country’s history. Furthermore, he argued that the current Minister of Health has created more havoc than health solutions.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
“The Ministry of Health’s report card from 2020 to 2024, has been a horrific and unhealthy for the country of Belize. Instead of the Health of our people accelerating to the next level, it has deteriorated since November 2020 over the last forty-seven months under this P.U.P. Briceño administration.”
The Leader of the Opposition spent much of his speech discussing education. Here, he lamented the reported shortage of teachers in the classroom. Barrow also argued that the requirement for teachers to have one hundred and twenty CPD hours in five years is daunting for many educators. He recommended a reduction in the number of hours required for continued professional development.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
“We need to reduce the CDP hours. A more manageable requirement for CPD hours will alleviate the pressure on teachers. Reducing the number of hours needed would make it easier for educators to fulfill their professional development obligations without overextending themselves. These and other solutions will provide for a more equitable framework for teacher development.”
Turning to the issue of crime, Barrow declared that homicides have increased by forty percent from the same period last year. The Commissioner of Police maintains that while those figures were accurate at the start of the year, that percentage decreased significantly in the third quarter and continues a downward trend. In response, Barrow noted that he would revisit that figure and make the correction if necessary.
Moses Shyne Barrow
“Our crime rates and the state of our policing system are deeply troubling. Morale within our Department is at an all-time low, hampered by political interference and micromanagement. Ineffective policing has led to the extension of the State of Emergency, a measure that according to John Briceno underscores the failure of the State. It is imperative that we restore confidence in our law enforcement by depoliticizing the process and implementing meaningful reforms.”
Barrow also spoke on national security and the Guatemalan Armed Force’s continued incursions into Belize’s territory. He also touched on Belize’s energy crisis and ended his address by speaking on the issue of social justice.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
“But all hope is not lost, the resilient people of Belize have the absolute power to change the State of the Nation in the next General Elections. Long live democracy, long live Belize. Que viva Belize. Dios te bendiga Belize. God bless Belize.”
In the previous story, we told you that Commissioner of Police Chester Williams refuted claims made by the opposition leader during his State of the Nation live broadcast. Barrow stated that the murder rate has increased by forty percent year-to-date. ComPol Williams has since issued a press release stating that the data Barrow presented is false. The release noted, and we quote, “while we would all agree that crime continues to be an issue for us, the Belize Police Department with the support of our ministry and government continues to employ a number of strategies to address the scourge of crime across our country. We are surely not where we want to be but are proud of the significant progress we continue to make. Thanks to the efforts of the hardworking and brave men and women of the Police Department, major crimes are down by fifty-four percent when compared to the same period last year”, unquote. In his release, ComPol Williams provided statistics showing that the murder rate has increased by one point five percent year-to-date. According to the Commissioner of Police, between September 2022 and September 2023 there were sixty-six murders while for the same period between 2023 and 2024 there have been sixty-five murders. Secondly, the Leader of the Opposition stated that twenty-six-year-old Belmopan resident Daniel Cal was murdered by police. ComPol Williams says Barrow’s statement is both reckless and desperate.
