The Public Service Union of Belize (PSU) is calling out the Briceño Administration’s recent move to “diminish the requirements” for the position of Auditor General (AG). The PSU warns that it undermines government accountability and opens the door to corruption.
PSU says the Auditor General’s role is crucial in ensuring transparency and efficient use of public funds. The union argued that the AG’s “unbiased evaluations of financial records” are essential for protecting taxpayer money.
The PSU stated that it finds it troubling that the government has proposed to ‘diminish’ the status of the Auditor General’s office and treat it like an ordinary public service post. “The proposal by the Briceno Administration to diminish the requirements for the holder of this office and offer a meagre salary of fifty thousand dollars per annum to the post of Auditor General represents the back tracking of yet another commitment made to the Belizean people in its Plan Belize manifesto and portrays the burial of this administration’s still-born Good Governance Motions introduced on January 11th, 2021.”
The Union argues that slashing the salary and lowering the office’s stature threatens the integrity of Belize’s financial oversight at a time when transparency is more critical than ever.
This morning, the Senate Special Select Committee resumed its investigation into the controversial Definitive Agreement granted to Portico Enterprises Ltd. in October 2020 by the Barrow administration. Led by NGO Senator Janelle Chanona, the hearings have featured several key testimonies, including from developer David Gegg. However, progress has been hindered by witnesses either failing to appear or refusing to answer certain questions on legal advice.
Today, Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie attended the hearing alongside Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay, who also serves as Leader of Government Business. Leslie, addressing the committee, reiterated that Cabinet documents and discussions are confidential, and as Cabinet Secretary, he was bound by his oath not to disclose any such information. He declined to assist the committee with evidence or documents, citing legal advice.
“As Cabinet Secretary, I took an oath to uphold the laws and constitution of Belize, and I intend to be faithful to that oath. I have been advised that I am not at liberty to discuss any Cabinet documents or deliberations in Cabinet to this committee or otherwise. Respectfully, I am therefore not in a position to assist this committee with any evidence or documents.”
After a brief back-and-forth between Leslie, Chanona, and Courtenay, Leslie, following Courtenay’s advice, walked out of the inquiry, refusing to answer any further questions. The inquiry continues amid challenges of non-cooperation from key witnesses.
The ‘UDP Alliance for Democracy’ fired out a press statement today, rejecting what it described as ‘false statements’ made in the recent statement made by the United Democratic Party (UDP).
The Alliance says that it is not a political party, nor a breakaway faction. “We are a group of longstanding UDP members, supporters, standard bearers and parliamentarians who are committed to saving the UDP by upholding its Constitution and core principles.”
According to the Alliance, the upcoming October 20th convention became necessary “because of the current Party Chairman’s refusal to follow the UDP Constitution and call the National Convention, despite a petition signed by 232 delegates—far more than the required one-fourth needed under the Party’s own rules.”
The Alliance says that the right to hold a convention is enshrined in the party’s constitution, and that no single leader or chairman has the authority to disregard its rules.
Dangriga Town police are investigating a fire that damaged three structures in that municipality last night, including the iconic James Chee dry goods and grocery store. The blaze erupted at around 6:00 p.m. on Commerce Street.
Neighbours alerted the fire department after spotting flames in one building, but the fire spread rapidly, spilling over two additional houses. Video footage from the scene captured fire department personnel attempting to control the flames.
Camilla Rhaburn, a resident of one of the affected houses, told News 5 that she was awakened by the smell of smoke. “I was actually in my sleep, and I woke up to the scent of smoke. I came out and I noticed that my porch was actually set on fire… I had one of the windows in my kitchen open, so when I peeked out, it was like eclipsed, like red, something red on the wall,” she said. Rhaburn and her daughters escaped without serious injury.
She noted seeing two individuals leaving a nearby house just before realising her own home was on fire, leading her to suspect a possible case of arson.
Reports circulated that the incident had led to one fatality; however, police have reported that their investigation recorded no injuries.
Rhaburn clarified, “They assume it was me and my kids. A guy came up to me and said, “Miss, I heard you were in the fire.” And I was like, No, I wasn’t in a fire.”
Amid escalating gang violence in Haiti since the assassination of the Prime Minister in July 2021, the Multi-National Security Support Mission (MSSM) is ramping up operations against criminal groups like the “Kraze Barye” gang. According to MSSM’s updates, recent raids, including one on October 14, resulted in several gang members injured and a damaged armoured personnel carrier.
MSSM Deputy Commander Kevron Henry called on Haitians to “continue condemning the violence meted out to innocent citizens” as authorities pursue the most wanted gang leader, Vitelhomme Innocent. He urged gang members to “stop committing atrocities” and appealed for public support for joint operations with the Haiti National Police (HNP).
Following operations on October 12 and 14, multiple arrests were made, and weapons and communication equipment were seized. Henry reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining pressure on gangs until they “surrender to the authorities ready to face justice.”
To bolster efforts, two senior officers from the Belize Defense Force were deployed to Haiti on September 7 in support of the United Nations Security Council Resolution. Despite these reinforcements, the mission remains understaffed and was extended after the September United Nations General Assembly summit in response to the escalating civil unrest.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Christopher Coye, appeared before the Senate Special Select Committee this morning. He did so only to read a written statement.
Minister Coye told the committee that he received a copy of the definitive agreement in early 2023. He said the government then sought legal opinions from both Ben Juratowitch and Douglas Mendes regarding the agreement’s validity. Based on the legal advice provided, a cabinet paper and draft bill were prepared. The bill was shared with the Ministry of Tourism and other relevant stakeholders, undergoing several iterations following their feedback. The paper and bill were presented to Cabinet in mid-May 2023 after a thorough review and edits by Senior Counsel Mendes, aligned with his legal opinion. Cabinet ultimately did not approve the paper.
“Those are the facts with which I am familiar, and I have no further evidence to give,” Coye added.
Minister Coye expressed that, from a development perspective, Belize has lost when it comes to the project. He said there has been no foreign investment or capital inflow, no employment generated, and no foreign exchange earned. “There has been no economic diversification in this area. In fact, the cruise tourism product has experienced degeneration, not modernization. While overnight tourism has been performing tremendously, cruise tourist arrivals continue to fall. Unless a modern cruise port is built soon, the ships and their passengers will just pass us by,” he added.
“While Belize has lost, there have been beneficiaries. Those who sold lands to the portico entity enjoyed the proceeds of sale. Then, there are certain foreign-funded NGOs who in fact raise money on the backs of their purported achievements for conservation while at the same time halting development opportunities to the detriment of our people. The scuttling of such a project of this nature could very well be seen as a victory for those certain special interests. As much as conservation is a national priority, it should never be that nature-positive conservation should have priority over people—positive, sustainable human development. There is no doubt that the Senate or any committee of the Senate has the powers to conduct enquiries and investigations on any matter of public interest or importance at the same time, just as with any other authority that enjoys powers and discretions, those powers of the Senate can be abused. The Senate and any committee thereof must be resolutely sure not to abuse their powers or be manipulated into abusing their powers to serve third-party special interests, including foreign interests, but rather to act reasonably and judiciously in the public interest of Belize and its citizenry alone. Thank you.”
Minister Coye then told the committee that he would be excusing himself. “That’s the extent of the statement I have to give today and the evidence that is being provided to this committee.”
Minister Coye then got up to leave, and while he was doing so, committee member Glenfield Denison attempted to ask Coye a few questions.
“Minister, the people of Belize would like to ask you a few questions. The National Trade Union Congress of Belize is especially… want to ask you a question, sir. Sir, the salaries that you receive from the people…”
Coye exited the room.
The committee is investigating all documents, communications, and processes related to the signing of the “Definitive Agreement” between the Government of Belize and Portico Enterprises Limited (Port of Magical Belize) on October 1, 2020. Additionally, it is examining how the agreement and related draft legislation were presented to Cabinet in a confidential memo dated May 15, 2023.
Coye appeared with his attorney, SC Eamon Courtenay.
Belize is taking steps to strengthen its human rights framework, particularly concerning the rights of the Maya indigenous communities in the Toledo District. From October 15 to 18, 2024, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is visiting the country to promote human rights and enhance collaboration with local authorities.
In its statement, the IACHR stated that the visit will be led by Commissioner Jose Caballero, Second Vice-President of the IACHR and Country Rapporteur for Belize.
The IACHR delegation will meet with government officials and members of civil society to gather information on the ongoing Case 12.053. This case involves the Toledo Maya Cultural Council (TMCC) and the Toledo Alcaldes Association (TAA), which represent the Maya people. The groups are seeking recognition of their land rights based on their customary practices and have requested immediate protection against the logging activities.
This visit is part of the IACHR’s Strategic Five-Year Plan for the Caribbean (2023-2027), which aims to follow up on previous recommendations and includes a seminar focused on indigenous rights. The IACHR, an independent body of the Organization of American States (OAS), is dedicated to promoting and defending human rights throughout the region.
The investigation into the death of 6-year-old King Shakel Wade continues. The boy’s body was recovered from a canal near Fairweather Street in Belize City after he disappeared from outside his babysitter’s home.
Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at the K.H.M.H.
Yesterday, reporters asked Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner about increased safety around the canals. He said, “It’s a supervision issue, and we have had canals from I grew up. I’ve never, I think this may be one of the first incidents I’ve heard of someone falling in a canal in my entire life.”
Mayor Bernard added, “It’s a one-off type, but we can’t lose that. Listen, a child died.” Bernard said that parents have to be held accountable for their children’s whereabouts.
“Parents need to know where their children are at every given moment in time.
The body of 6-year-old King Shakel Wade was fished out of the canal near Fairweather Street in Belize City late yesterday evening.
He disappeared from outside his babysitter’s home while she attended to other children. After an hour-long search, his slippers were found floating in the canal. The Belize Coast Guard recovered his body, but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. King-Shakel was pronounced dead at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.
