Has the Senate inquiry into the Definitive Agreement between the Government of Belize and Portico Enterprises Limited, for developing the Port of Magical Belize, come to a close? This question is buzzing around after a dramatic walkout by Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie and Minister of State Chris Coye on Wednesday. Both officials were summoned to the Senate Special Select Committee’s seventh session, accompanied by Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay. Leslie, the Cabinet Secretary, told the panel he couldn’t share details from Cabinet discussions due to strict confidentiality rules. Despite Senator Kevin Herrera gearing up to ask a question, Leslie made a swift exit from the building. Not long after, Junior Minister Coye took the hot seat, also with Senator Courtenay by his side. He read a prepared statement, refused to answer any questions, and promptly left the hearing as well. This might be the first time a walkout has occurred since the constitution was amended to allow for senate inquiries. The dramatic exit forced the session to adjourn and eventually led to its cancellation. This morning, we caught up with Senior Counsel Courtenay, who expressed that it’s high time to wrap up the inquiry.
Eamon Courtenay
Eamon Courtenay, Attorney-at-law
“I do not understand that there was any adversarial appearance yesterday. These two gentlemen were invited to appear before the senate, they accepted the invitation, they attended, they gave their statements and indicated that they would not have any further evidence to give and on the basis of my advice, we left.”
Reporter
“Sir, you have participated in a senate hearing in 2017. You saw the parade of minister’s that went through, substantive questions were asked, led by you. Don’t you think that these persons should also be fundamentally answerable for their public actions?”
Eamon Courtenay
“Fundamentally answerable for their public actions; the issue that we have to pay attention to is what is being inquired into and whether there is any evidence, relevant evidence that the Cabinet Secretary has to give and whether there is any relevant evidence that Mr. Coye has to give. If the Senate [Special] Select Committee believes that the position that they have taken is not the correct one, they know what to do. The position is, in my view, speaking for myself, I think that the inquiry needs to be brought to an end. It is costing tens of thousands of dollars of taxpayers money and it is on a frolic.”
In mid-June 2023, four social partner senators, including NGO Senator Janelle Chanona, took a bold step by signing a motion to launch a Senate Special Select Committee. This marked a significant move to investigate the Definitive Agreement between the Government of Belize and Portico Enterprise Limited. The committee was tasked with digging into all aspects of the agreement, including how it was presented to the Cabinet in May 2023. Their mission? To uncover any relevant communications among the key players, ensure compliance with statutory procedures and policies, and promote transparency and accountability. But has it been successful in achieving those objectives? Here’s Senator Courtenay’s candid view.
Eamon Courtenay, Attorney-at-law
“Until Mr. Contreras goes before that Senate [Special] Select Committee, we are wasting public resources. That is my settled opinion, personally.”
Paul Lopez “Isn’t it, though, a slap in the face of the Belizean public to have these two individuals walk out of the senate inquiry? You had Hugo Patt who spent perhaps an hour or more just responding, “I cannot recall.” Isn’t that at least what the public deserves?”
Eamon Courtenay
“That’s a charade. I think for you to bring somebody who says I won’t answer a question and ask the person ten, fifteen, twenty questions so that the person simply says, “I’m not going to answer. I’m not going to answer,” seems to me to be quite a charade and there is no way that I would advise my clients to participate in that.”
Reporter
“Sir, this matter of Cabinet confidentiality, do you think that, through the People’s Constitution Committee, that could be reversed?”
Eamon Courtenay
“It absolutely can be reversed if we think, and when I say we, I mean Belizeans, if we think that that is an appropriate thing to [do].”
Reporter
“But it’s not listed in the constitution, purely notional. It’s a practice and a convention but it is not grounded in public law.”
Eamon Courtenay
“Really? Speak to one of your many lawyers, they will show you the provision where it is.”
Reporter
“So now the SSSC has put out an appeal to your clients saying, “man, baby come back.” Will they come back?”
Eamon Courtenay
“I don’t know what they are going to do.”
Reporter
“Your advice. You know, I find it remarkable that they got an invitation, my clients attended and then the senate committee puts out a release that says we did not participate. It is a lie, it is a lie. So the senate committee needs to check itself.”
Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith served as Attorney General during the second Musa administration from 2003 to 2008. It was under his watch that the constitution was amended to allow for commissions of inquiry. Smith continues to strongly support these measures and emphasizes the importance of holding public officials accountable.
Godfrey Smith, Attorney-at-law
“First of all, let me be clear that I have to support the ability of the senate to have a special inquiry because, if I’m not mistaken, it was the government that I was a part of when I was attorney general, that amended the constitution to allow for that to take place. I can only imagine [that] we must have thought it a good thing, but I still think that it’s a good power to have. I can’t and won’t comment on particular legal stances taken by any particular minister because I haven’t actually looked at the law in relation to ministers, the Cabinet Secretary and those things. It may be that, arguably, if I was retained I would have had to put forward legal arguments supporting their refusal or their decision not to. I don’t know, because I haven’t examined it. I don’t know the law, but certainly I support the concept of senate special inquiries into matters of public interest like this one, but as to the nuances, I can’t get into the weeds of the particular because I don’t know the law, I haven’t looked at the facts.”
Reporter
“But you agree with the principle that public officials should be held answerable.”
Godfrey Smith
“Of course, everybody should be held answerable and accountable.”
The United Democratic Party has issued a statement strongly condemning the actions of Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Senator Christopher Coye, Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie, and Senator Eamon Courtenay for their dismissive appearance before the Senate Special Select Committee on Wednesday morning. The opposition says that their public display of disrespect towards the committee reflects the P.U.P. administration’s disregard for democratic values of accountability and transparency. Following the advice of Lead Senator for Government Business, Eamon Courtenay, the two key witnesses in the committee’s investigation refused to answer questions and walked out of their testimony without being dismissed by the Chair. The release goes on to say, “Contrast the approach taken in this Portico Inquiry by the P.U.P. administration with that of the immigration inquiry into the U.D.P. administration and the difference is night and day. Several U.D.P. Ministers of Government appeared before the committee and took questions for many hours. Even while asserting privilege, never has a U.D.P. official disrespected the authority of the Senate like witnessed in today’s hearing. Such disdain for the Senate cannot be countenance”.
We’ve been covering the Government of Belize’s plan to compulsorily acquire twenty-three and a half acres of land on Stake Bank Island. Well, that plan has hit an early roadblock. Michael Feinstein has filed a constitutional claim challenging the legality of the government’s move. Through his attorney, Godfrey Smith, Feinstein also sought an urgent injunction to stop the acquisition process, which typically takes at least three months to complete. Today, attorneys for both Feinstein and the Government of Belize faced off in the Senior Courts to argue the injunction. However, a proposal was made in court for the government to pause its actions until the constitutional challenge is resolved and a verdict is reached. Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay, who represents the Government of Belize, had this to say after today’s adjournment.
Eamon Courtenay, Attorney-At-Law
“The judge raised with us whether we can resolve the substantive hearing by the end of the year and we were able to agree with the dates. The matter will be tried on the nineteenth and twentieth of December. Therefore, there was no need to hear the injunction since the trial will be expedited. As I understand it the attorney general has given an undertaking that they will not proceed with the compulsory acquisition until this matter has been determined. The judge indicated to us that he would hope to have a decision within two to three weeks after we have argued it So, before the end of January we anticipate knowing the result of this case.”
So, the Government of Belize will hold off on any further actions to compulsorily acquire Stake Bank until Michael Feinstein’s constitutional challenge is heard. While the Mediterranean Shipping Company, eager to buy the island from OPSA and develop a cruise port, might see this as a setback, for Feinstein, who insists the island is rightfully his, it’s a small victory. His attorney, Godfrey Smith, shared more details with us.
Godfrey Smith, Attorney- At-Law
“What happened today, all parties came prepared to argue the injunction. The judge suggested to the parties that rather than engage in a battle royal over the interim injunction that the government extends the undertaking again, meaning freezing, no action, they would not proceed to compulsory acquire until the hearing and the determination of Mr. Feinstein’s challenge to the constitutionality of the compulsory acquisition. The attorneys representing the attorney general consulted and said they would be willing to give the date which was set for the nineteenth and twentieth of December to hear the substantive matter with the undertaking in place. That means there is no need for an interim injunction because the state has said we will take no further steps until the matter is cleared up.”
Reporter
“So, with the compulsory acquisition stayed or frozen, is that at least an interim victory, an interim relief?”
Godfrey Smith,
“Well, it is interim relief, because you would recall that the prime minister, in one of his interviews had indicated that the first step is the first declaration, there is a six-month period to negotiate and if after that there is nothing, you proceed with the second declaration. The second declaration is what effectively vests the land in the government. So yes, in the interim we got the relief we wanted, no action, no further step to compulsory acquire.”
Reporter
“What is your client seeking, what is the end goal here for him?”
Godfrey Smith
“The end goal is vindication that the twenty-three point four acres standing in his name which was issued to him by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the validity holds title to it and it is lawfully his.”
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) wrote to Prime Minister John Briceño today, expressing disappointment with his response to their September 23rd letter. According to the NTUCB, the PM’s reply was essentially a non-response. In their latest letter, the NTUCB urged the Government to, “do better – to make sound decisions in the name of the people of Belize”. The umbrella organization also mentioned its plan to submit a bill for the government’s consideration, aiming to amend or replace the Land Acquisition (Public Purposes) Act and the Land Acquisition (Promoters) Act. The NTUCB argues that the current approach to acquisitions leaves the public in the dark, with little to no information. It contends that the government fails to evaluate and report on the outcomes of these acquisitions, the actual benefits, who ultimately benefits, and the costs to taxpayers. Last week, NTUCB President Luke Martinez told reporters that news of MSC’s interest in Stake Bank supports the union’s claim that the compulsory acquisition is not in the public’s interest. Today, we asked Smith for his client’s take on MSC’s interest.
Godfrey Smith
Godfrey Smith, Attorney-At-Law
“That is why we are in court because the instruction from our client is that he does not believe it is for a legitimate public purpose and for a number of other grounds. So, his position is he intends to challenge that. Without the land being vested to the government it cannot be transferred to MSC, OPSA, Stake Bank or anybody else. So, the outcome of this hearing will determine whether the government can compulsorily acquire Mr. Feinstein’s twenty-three point four acres.”
Reporter
“Is your client concerned that there is a plan afoot to sell the project.”
Godfrey Smith
“He clearly is, otherwise, there would not be instructions to take the actions we are currently taking, to challenge that action every step of the way.”
Reporter
“Is your client open to a buyout?”
Godfrey Smith
“There are discussions, or let me put it this way, letters have been exchanged.”
Reporter
“Is it the view of yourself or your client that this acquisition is an abuse of the compulsory acquisition law?”
Godfrey Smith
“Yes, among several arguments that we have, some of which, interestingly were hinted at or indicated in a letter I saw from the NTUCB. They wrote a letter and noted several points in there which we have also raised before the court.”
Feinstein is up against another legal battle, this time initiated by Atlantic Bank for alleged fraud earlier this year while Stake Bank Enterprises Limited was under receivership. Today, Smith emphasized that this is a separate case, set to be heard sometime in 2025. But what does this mean for Feinstein’s constitutional challenge? Here’s what he had to say.
Godfrey Smith, Attorney-At-Law
“That is a separate lawsuit. We have fully answered that. We have put in our defense. We have argued that there is no evidence of fraud or misrepresentation in any of the allegations made. That is a separate cause of action which is timetabled for some time next year.”
Reporter
“How will these two things be resolved, if later on the court says Mr. Feinstein get that land fraudulently, he is not entitled to any compensation.”
Godfrey Smith
“We believe in the strength of our argument. We believe we will be able to demonstrate clearly to the court that he lawfully came into possession of the twenty-three point four acres without any fraud, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty or any allegation being made against him.”
Recently, Belize joined the global celebration of World Mental Health Day on October tenth. This annual event is a chance to raise awareness about the challenges people face in maintaining their mental health and to encourage everyone to help end the stigma surrounding it. This year’s theme highlighted the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace, emphasizing that mental health should be a priority in all aspects of life. In this episode of Belize on Reel, News Five’s Britney Gordon spoke with the team behind the National Mental Health Program to explore the resources available in Belize for those seeking help.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Mental health stigma is a global issue, fueled by cultural beliefs, lack of education, and insufficient resources for those in need. But mental health is just as important as physical health, and the Belize National Mental Health Program is on a mission to change that narrative. In the past, patients with different needs were all sent to Rockview Hospital, but now there’s a push for more tailored and compassionate care.
Ivette Quintanilla
Ivette Quintanilla, Mental Health Coordinator, MOHW
“The Mental Health Program in Belize has come a long way. Before we used to have Seaview Hospital in Belize City and then that was moved to Rockview Hospital in Rockville. Patients used to be admitted there. Persons who had problems with the law were referred there as well. If patients were in an acute crisis, they were also referred there. So. It was like having everybody with a mental disorder being sent to Rockview Hospital.”
Now fifteen years later, Belize has moved away from placing patients in institutions. They are now referred to the Palm View Center in Belmopan. This residential care facility offers a home for patients without family support, allowing them to live together, build a community, and regain their independence. Ivette Quintanilla explains that the country is making strides to ensure mental health resources are both accessible and welcoming for those in need.
Ivette Quintanilla
“We have moved now to a more of a community and type based of service that we offer. We have mental health clinics in all the districts with psychiatric nurse practitioners providing the services along with psychiatrists. We get the support from Cuba. And in Belize City, we also have our main psychiatrist, Dr. Matus, who works there as well. We have a few psychotherapists that also provide counseling services, and a social worker that also provides support when it comes to the family.”
Reaching out for help can be intimidating. This is due, in part, to the stigma that surrounds it. However, it is a step in the right direction. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Amy Link explains how they assist someone experiencing symptoms of anxiety.
Amy Link
Amy Link, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
“Reaching out to get psychiatric assistance is very nerve wracking. We do try and promote that, the information that you provide here will be secure and will be safe. And at any moment, if you’re not ready to speak up anything in your life, it is on your pace. So the anxious feeling now, when it comes to the symptoms, we do not just jump to a diagnosis. It is. Or jump to prescribing medication because often we have to see what are the triggers in your life that can be altered or sometimes those feelings are signs that our body is communicating with us about there’s something that needs to be addressed.”
September Tenth is usually a day of celebration in Belize, but it’s also a time to raise awareness for World Suicide Prevention Day. This year, the activities included a glow run and a candlelight vigil where people shared their personal stories of struggling with mental health and how they overcame those challenges. October tenth is recognized as World Mental Health Day. Link explains how this year’s events reinforced the message that mental health and physical health are deeply connected.
Amy Link
“The theme for World Mental Health Day was to prioritize mental health in the workplace. So our activities were really focusing in on those within the work field. And for Western Regional, we provided and also the community. We had yoga classes done by Frida. We had Zumba classes done by Ms. McKean. And we had massage day done with the organic spa. And even meditation done by Yuhan. So these individuals did all this for our workers and individuals in the community, free of cost. And it promoted the basic means of which we can make those changes in our life within our control to bring mental health into our life improved.”
As part of the celebrations, the Mental Health Department curated a serene space dedicated to meditation and relaxation. This room served as a respite for staff to unwind and rejuvenate, offering a tranquil escape designed to alleviate stress and promote well-being.
Ivette Quintanilla
“Our aim throughout the country was to provide activities trying to teach about how to manage stress and the importance of self care. As well, it is important to start with that management when it comes to making these changes. It all starts with each individual person recognizing that all of us have mental, mental health. And we need to work on ourselves first before we can provide that support within our businesses, within our other ministries. In order for us to promote mental well being in with our staff. Because we know that when, when we are not mentally healthy, it leads to burnout. It leads to absenteeism at work.”
Changing the narrative on mental health in Belize is a long journey, but there’s a movement underway. And it’s a movement that grows stronger with each passing year.
Ivette Quintanilla
“One of my biggest wishes is that we can reach more people, that people can be more cognizant of their mental health that we can decrease the stigma and discrimination and people become aware that they do not need to suffer in silence, that there is help. And it’s just a matter of them reaching out to us and for that help to be provided.”
On Wednesday, we showed you the brave individuals who risked their lives attempting to save six-year-old King Shakel Wade after he’d fallen into a canal in Belize City. Sadly, by the time they found him, it was too late. Tonight, we remember King for the lives he touched during his short time with his family. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
It’s been two days since six-year-old King Shakel Wade tragically drowned after falling into a canal, and the community is still reeling from the shock of his sudden death. Family, friends, and even those who only met the lively boy briefly, are in deep mourning. King’s aunt, Sharon Wade, shares what made her nephew so beloved by everyone who knew him.
Sharon Wade
Sharon Wade, Aunt of Deceased
“Everybody like the whole entire neighborhood around here because of who King is. And King that friend with big, literally big man round yah. Like when everybody here in the news, ney da like lee King? Noh mi lee friend King. It’s a shock. Everybody is still shocked because they know King. They know how sweet he is. They know how energetic he is because he would come, you would see him run up and down the street. He would taunt the dogs, them, and have them chasing him. That’s his fun. That’s his way of playing.”
When Wade talks about the shock, it’s no exaggeration. Arenel Smith, one of several men who dived in the canal in an attempt to rescue King, explains that even as he was searching for the little boy, he was hoping someone would tell him there had been a mistake and that King had simply wandered off.
Arenel Smith
Arenel Smith, Rescue Volunteer
“I see somebody will push him or something. I say, no man. This can’t be King. I noh really. I start think now. I start ask people, where this young bwai deh? I start hope this young boy either bang the lane or something right now. Or come home or something. I deh right there. I just di think. I she no bwai. When we find ah now, Eggy and ney bwai boy and ney lift ah up. I don’t know weh fi do. I also watch it. Like no man, can’t. Cya that happened right there so fast.”
It was King’s own cousin, Egbert Myers, who had the heartbreaking task of pulling his body to the surface. Egbert remembers seeing King’s smiling face every day as he passed by his usual hangout spot. Their bond was so strong that the moment he heard his little cousin was in trouble, he didn’t hesitate to rush to his aid.
Egbert Myers
Egbert Myers, Cousin of Deceased
“All I know that every day ih pass ya soh and we giva ah lee two dollars. When the man pass yah soh everyday when he go da school. Da the only thing, Cuz he da noh frm round ya like that. I hear ney tell me da who. I hear she da King soh I she I haffi go check. When iI hear da king. I haffi go.”
There is no doubt that the person who has felt the weight of King’s death the heaviest is his mother. Her sister explains that there is little one can say to comfort a grieving parent.
Sharon Wade
“She’s still in a state of shock, as is the family. To say how she feels, I don’t know.Yes, I’m a mother, as well as her. She has three kids, I have two. I can’t even wrap it around me to say, Oh, I know what you’re feeling, or I know what you’re going through. I cannot, up to this day, up to right now, we’re sitting here as a family together. I still don’t know what to say to my sister to comfort her like I stayed with her last night, and we were up. We haven’t slept as yet. And we, me and her were up and just talking. She cried, she stopped, we talked, we look back at memories and thing and I still don’t know what to tell her to make her feel better. There is no word.”
Comforting a grieving parent can feel overwhelming, but psychiatric nurse practitioner Amy Link emphasizes that building a strong support network is crucial for their healing journey.
Amy Link
Amy Link, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
“Someone that has lost an individual very close to them, especially a child, is very painful and can be very shocking because you don’t, you cannot prepare for that immense pain that follows. So when you do encounter that, it’s often best to leave the person in the support of a family and give them space to actually accept this is what happened. This is reality. It cannot be changed. There will be fluctuating of emotions. Sadness, reflection of what life was, hoping they could have made changes. And even at moments, have moments, where they don’t know if this is really. This has to be something that can be snapped out of. So in those times, the individual needs to be with family to support and accept what has happened.”
Link further explains that it is best to give the family space and respect their privacy, as they process their feelings. She encourages anyone experiencing difficulties to reach out to a loved one and seek professional help if necessary. Though King may no longer be with his family, the love he shared continues to shine brightly in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Sharon Wade
“Everybody loved King. Like friends? He had that, whether old, whether his age, whether it was family, King had that around this neighborhood because of who he was, because of his personality, because of how sweet he was.”
