2024 - Channel 5 Belize

EXCLUSIVE: Hugo Patt Breaks Silence, Apologises on Behalf of the U.D.P.

The UDP’s Corozal North Area Representative, Hugo Patt, told News Five in an exclusive interview with News 5 today that he apologises to the “Belizean people and particularly to the thousands of the United Democratic Party supporters that we have across this country that I must apologise on behalf of everybody for what’s happening.”

Panton says she is the interim leader of the UDP following a convention where delegates voted to recall Moses “Shyne” Barrow. Meanwhile, Barrow says he remains leader of the UDP.

Patt added, “I feel very disheartened at what has been transpiring for quite some time now to the point that we have been segregated. And I don’t think that it is fair for, or I think it is a disservice to all of our thousands of supporters that, you know, we are going through this. Many, many Belizeans, many of our supporters, the country is depending on a strong opposition. The country is depending on the UDP. Yet, we’re at a point in time where, in my opinion, personal agendas are blinding everything that has to do with the real purpose of us being UDPs, which is to serve our people. And so, personally, for me, it is a very, very sad and tragic situation for the United Democratic Party.”

Patt stressed the urgency of unity and collaboration within the party as Belize approaches a general election. “Particularly at a time when we’re, I should say, we’re at the eve of a general election. It can be fatal, it can be a blowout, and I just ask those involved, who have different opinions, for us to rethink our positions.”

Patt said his focus is not on personal interests or specific individuals, but on serving the people of Belize. He called for stakeholders to set aside differences and work together for the benefit of their constituencies and the country.

He said, It is my sincere wish that at the end of the day, sober minds could come back to reality. And for us to be able to mend our fences. I don’t know whether that will happen now, I don’t know whether that will happen later, but I just sincerely wish that it happens soon, soon enough.”

Potential Tropical Depression Brewing in Caribbean, Heavy Rains Expected

A tropical system in the southwestern Caribbean Sea is showing signs of gradual development, with meteorologists closely monitoring it for potential tropical depression formation in the coming days. As of this morning, the National Hurricane Center has indicated a 30% chance of formation within the next 48 hours, with a high 70% chance over the next seven days.

System Development in Southwestern Caribbean Sea

A broad area of low pressure is expected to take shape over the southwestern Caribbean Sea within the next day or so. Forecasters indicate the potential for the system to strengthen over the weekend or early next week, as it drifts generally northward or northwestward. While it remains uncertain how quickly it will develop, residents in nearby regions should remain alert, as heavy rainfall and gusty conditions could impact parts of the central and western Caribbean, regardless of whether the system officially develops into a tropical depression.

Impacts on the Greater Antilles and Northeastern Caribbean

Meanwhile, a separate area of low pressure near Puerto Rico is producing significant showers and thunderstorms over parts of the Greater Antilles and adjacent Atlantic waters. Although it has a low chance of developing into a tropical system (10% over the next 48 hours and seven days), the disturbance is expected to bring prolonged rainfall to the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, eastern Cuba, and the southeastern Bahamas over the next few days.

North Atlantic Storm System Update

In the North Atlantic, a storm-force, non-tropical low-pressure area is positioned approximately 400 miles west of the Azores. Though producing limited shower activity, this system could see minimal subtropical development as it moves eastward over the next few days. The chance of formation remains low at 10% through both 48 hours and seven days.

Preparedness and Precautions

As these systems continue to evolve, communities in the Caribbean and the surrounding islands are advised to prepare for possible heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, particularly in vulnerable areas. Emergency management agencies in affected regions encourage residents to stay informed through official weather updates and adhere to any advisories or warnings that may be issued.

4 Days Until U.S. Presidential Elections

As Election Day looms just four days away, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are making their final campaign pushes in critical Midwestern swing states. Harris and Trump, both hitting the battleground states hard this week, will focus today on Wisconsin, with Harris making three stops across the state, including a star-studded rally in Milwaukee, while Trump holds rallies in Michigan and Wisconsin to deliver his closing message to voters.

With recent polling showing a neck-and-neck race in Wisconsin and other “Blue Wall” states, Harris’s campaign has put a special focus on avoiding the missteps of 2016, when the Clinton campaign famously bypassed Wisconsin, which contributed to Trump’s narrow win. The Harris campaign’s renewed focus on Wisconsin also follows a notable endorsement from former GOP Representative Liz Cheney, a critic of Trump, who joined Harris in the state last month to support her bid.

As Harris aims to appeal to a wide coalition of voters, including key demographic groups and independents wary of Trump’s rhetoric, Trump’s strategy leans heavily on energising his base with inflammatory language and doubling down on a message of populist resentment.

With the race remaining tight, both candidates are crisscrossing key battlegrounds in a last-ditch effort to mobilise supporters. While Trump’s campaign hopes his base-centric message will deliver an upset in the Midwest, Harris’s coalition-focused strategy reflects a broader effort to hold the Blue Wall states and secure the White House on November 5.

U.D.P. Cayo North and OW East Recognize Panton’s Leadership

Eleven days ago, the Alliance for Democracy garnered substantial backing from United Democratic Party delegates. These delegates, transported from all corners of the country, cast their votes decisively in favor of Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar-Panton, electing her as the interim leader of the U.D.P. In the lead-up to the Unity Convention, former party leader Shyne Barrow dismissed the event, claiming it was not officially sanctioned by the United Democratic Party. He consistently referred to the Alliance for Democracy, a faction within the U.D.P., as a third party, underscoring his disapproval. Much has unfolded since last Sunday, with Taegar-Panton firmly establishing her leadership of the embattled party by taking control of the U.D.P. headquarters here in Belize City. On Monday, U.D.P. Cayo North Standard Bearer, Omar Figueroa, wrote to Barrow informing him that U.D.P. supporters in his constituency have decided to recognize Panton’s leadership. In his letter, Figueroa wrote, “given the urgency of the situation, the Cayo North Executive finds it necessary to take a position on the current crisis. In the spirit of achieving unity, we urge all executive committees across the thirty-one constituencies to do the same so that there can be a final and lasting resolution. We join with the call of the delegates as displayed on October twentieth, 2024. Through this medium, we recognize Tracy Taegar Panton as the interim leader, Sheena Pitts as the interim chairman, and their executive as the single executive of the great United Democratic Party”. A similar letter was written to Shyne Barrow on October thirtieth, by Orange Walk East Standard Bearer Elodio Aragon Junior. In the letter, he wrote, “at this time, we believe that Tracy Panton is the leader who can best serve the United Democratic Party and lead the charge into the next general elections of 2025. We know that there are those standard bearers who support Honorable Shyne Barrow, but we also note that many of them do not have the full support of their delegates in that regard”. Earlier today, we had a phone conversation with Panton, who expressed her thoughts on the growing support she’s receiving from various constituencies.

On the phone: Tracy Taegar-Panton, Interim Leader, U.D.P.

“It has been our commitment, and I think I have made it clear that we would make every effort we can to ensure that we solidify the party by extending a hand of friendship and collaboration with those who were not prepared at the time of the convention to get involved and we have been having these discussions with not only Omar and Elodio, the members for Cayo North and Orange Walk East, but other colleagues as well so we can bridge the unity divide. I am very pleased that these two colleagues have taken the step to come on board. It is important to us in terms of unifying the party, but also for our commitment to defend our democracy.”

Isani Cayetano

“What does this mean now, going forward? You seem to be shoring up support from others who may have been on the fence at the time of the convention.

Tracy Taegar Panton

“I think it is our objective to bring as many people under the tent that we can and that includes the former party leader, the former chairman and the former vice chairman. We are one United Democratic Party and we believe that through a United Front we can competitively compete in the next general elections and that is the objective that we want to win and failing that, we want to ensure that we have a more robust democracy and more robust opposition by having more members at the table than we have now.”

Tracy Panton: “Who sanctioned the leadership of Shyne Barrow?”

After the October twentieth Unity Convention, Shyne Barrow continued to assert that the delegates’ endorsement of Taegar-Panton during the event did not legitimize her leadership of the United Democratic Party.

On the phone: Tracy Taegar-Panton, Interim Leader, U.D.P.

“Who sanctioned the leadership of Shyne Barrow? How is it that Shyne Barrow is considered the leader of the United Democratic Party? It happened when there was a convention at Bird’s Isle in August 2023 when there was an endorsement convention for the party leader by the same delegates who came to the Unity Convention on October twentieth, 2024. There was a change in position regarding the United Democratic Party and a request by the same delegates to have a leadership reset. And to do that, there had to be a recall of the former leader, the honorable Moses “Shyne” Barrow and also an endorsement of an interim leader. It is the national convention that validates or authenticates and defines my role as leader, as the new interim leader of the United Democratic Party. It certainly helps that more colleagues are coming onboard to affirm their commitment to unifying the party, to supporting the new leadership team and to defending the democracy that we believe is currently in peril without an active and engaged opposition. So I don’t know anyone who is clear thinking can say that Shyne Barrow’s leadership was authenticated by a convention, but Tracy Panton’s leadership was not authenticated at a convention where the same set of delegates voted in both conventions.”

Elodio Aragon Says Tracy Panton is Better Option to Lead U.D.P.

We also had a phone conversation with former area representative Elodio Aragon Junior. Following the Unity Convention, the U.D.P. Orange Walk East Standard Bearer wrote to the party leadership, recognizing the overwhelming support for the Alliance for Democracy. He explained why it was crucial for his constituents to take a stand in the leadership battle.

On the phone: Elodio Aragon Jr., Orange Walk East, U.D.P. Standard Bearer

“You know, after careful thinking and discussions, you know, especially with our delegates and our committee and persons that support us out here in the Orange Walk East division and elsewhere. We decided, we had about three meetings, basically, and last night we had our final meeting and based on the fact that the division in the party does not look as though there will be any resolution as the coming together of these two factions. The reality is that we cannot go into the next general elections in this manner. Based on that, you know, we decided that we have to look at what is best for the party and who is the best leader to lead us into the next general elections. Based on these discussions that we have, you know we unanimously supported the leadership of Tracy Taegar-Panton.”

Isani Cayetano

“This decision also succeeds a letter that you had written to the leadership of the UDP then, in the wake of Unity Convention. Talk to us a bit about that as well.”

Elodio Aragon Jr.

“When I wrote that letter, it was like a last call taken for this matter to be resolved, for us as a party to come together because it’s only in unity that we can look forward, in terms of being able to put a front, a good fight and being able to be elected and form government. You know, if you’re not united it’s a tough call.”

Aragon Recounts History of U.D.P.’s Civil War

Aragon also recounted the history of the internal rift within the United Democratic Party, which emerged after the last national convention. During that convention, it was agreed that Shyne Barrow’s leadership would remain uncontested until after the 2025 general elections.

On the phone: Elodio Aragon Jr., Orange Walk East, U.D.P. Standard Bearer

“The situation where we have found ourselves, this situation never just happened. It happened because of the fact that when the NPC made that announcement, well not an announcement, they made a resolution that no one would be challenging the party leader until after the general elections. In a way, they suspended that part of the constitution that governs a recall. And to me, that is where the party went wrong in that decision because that is the bone of contention that has us where we are. Because if we would have followed that part of the constitution, everyone has a right if they feel that they want to challenge it, if they are not happy with what is taking place with the leadership. People have a right under the party’s constitution to do a recall if they get the amount of delegates’ signature, etc. If that would have stand, we would have gone to a national convention and whoever would have been victorious at that national convention would have to come under and unite under that one individual and be ready and working together towards the general elections.”

Differing Legal Opinion on Who Hold Authority Over UDP HQ

Last night, we featured a legal opinion on the Alliance for Democracy’s takeover of the U.D.P. headquarters from Jamaican attorney Doctor Christopher Malcolm, who also serves as a Senior Lecturer at the Mona Law Institute. Doctor Malcolm asserted that Phillipa Griffith-Bailey lacks the authority to transfer the property’s use to Tracy Panton and the Alliance for Democracy. As for those Belizean attorneys who argue otherwise, Doctor Malcolm suggests they need to reassess their positions.

Dr. Christopher Malcolm, Attorney at Law

“You have heard the saying I am sure that doctors differ, patients die. It is simple to say that the fact you have lawyers giving an opinion doesn’t mean we all go to court every day, I have been doing so for close to thirty years myself as a lawyer. And we go to court sometimes thinking we have good cases, and we lose, we also think we have poor cases, and we win. But the point I am making is that whether that person is to be trusted or not, is immaterial. The starting point must be what does the title say by reference of who the owner is. And if that person is saying that the tittle erroneously recorded the UDP as owner instead of her then her recourse is to take an appropriate action to get the title corrected. And, I am not saying that if she takes those actions that she will succeed, that is not what I am saying. The point I am making is that she is in no position, as I have read, according to what the title reflects, as distinct to what the instrument of transfer. So the persons saying that the instrument of transfer had her, quite frankly I would be so bold as to say those lawyers need to examine their own minds as to what land law is about.”

Jamaican Attorney Tells U.D.P. to Talk Over Their Differences

Doctor Malcolm was also asked whether Moses “Shyne” Barrow should take Tracy Panton to court over the U.D.P. headquarters takeover. Interestingly, he believes that both groups should resolve their differences outside the courtroom. His advice to the U.D.P. is to engage in mature discussions and work towards an amicable solution.

Dr. Christopher Malcolm, Attorney at Law

“This is not a matter I think is amenable to arbitration as a first instance, not at all in my mind. What I think would be most suitable here is something along the lines of an amicable solution, reconciliation. My sense is this, sometimes you need to get to rock bottom to move up. And I think what has happened here in the context of the UDP is that you have a situation, difficult as it is, where the rawness of it has now brought the country and party to a realization that yes, we may have gone down that road, but is it the best way to go, is it what we are hoping for. I think what we need is mature discussions, facilitated by someone or some persons who understand how mediation works, amicable discussions work and who can help the parties to understand the bigger picture. What you are hoping for is that you don’t have further factions being created. You are hoping the persons can sit down and say look we have our own personal ambitions and ideas as to how best to move forward but we should sit down and see how we can iron out our difficulties, make appropriate adjustments and come to something that wills ever the best interest of the party, best interest of the people of Belize and ultimately do what parties aim for, to become government.”

Elon Musk’s Starlink Services Applies for Internet License in Belize

Starlink Services LLC, the U.S.-based satellite internet company owned by billionaire Elon Musk, has applied for a Telecommunications License to offer internet services in Belize. The application, currently under review by the Public Utilities Commission (P.U.C.), has sparked mixed reactions. The P.U.C. is now gathering public feedback and will address the applicant’s concerns based on these submissions. News Five’s Marion Ali has more on this developing story.

Marion , Reporting

Starlink has become the latest buzzword in Belize’s internet circles. The U.S.-based satellite internet company, primarily owned by billionaire Elon Musk, has applied for a license to provide internet services in Belize. While BTL’s Chairman, Mark Lizarraga, declined to comment today, BTL was among several entities that wrote to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) objecting to the service. BTL’s letter highlighted concerns that introducing a third internet provider in a country with a small population could significantly disrupt the existing telecommunications system.

This letter to the P.U.C by Ravi Nandwani states that quote, “we should not allow any foreign company to provide such a type of service. We have seen what they do. Especially this guy. They will take over the market and if he is personally annoyed with our government’s policies, he can deny us access to the Internet if he feels. He will also have access to our data,” end quote. Additionally, there are concerns about the competitive pressure Starlink’s service would place on the two existing providers, BTL Digi and Smart. Critics argue that introducing a new player could disrupt the market dynamics and impact the current telecom landscape.

There are also other letters that welcome the service in Belize. These concerns are particularly prevalent among individuals living in remote areas of the country, where internet service is either poor or non-existent. Additionally, those developing properties in these regions are also voicing their support, highlighting the critical need for reliable internet access. This letter reflects the author’s opinion that Starlink will not directly compete with the current providers. It also points out that land-based internet providers that use fiber-optics are faster and more affordable, as opposed to Starlink which requires purchasing equipment and a monthly charge.

News Five was unable to obtain a comment from the P.U.C., but an industry insider with extensive telecommunications experience highlighted a recurring issue: the potential for new technologies to cannibalize existing services. This concern has surfaced before, such as when WhatsApp began to replace direct international calls, and when mobile cellular technology overtook live paging. The source also recalled the introduction of satellite phones in Belize, which initially sparked fears they would replace mobile phones. However, today, satellite phones are rarely used, except by large companies and individuals with emergency plans.

News Five understands that the P.U.C was approached over a year ago by representatives of Starlink with the idea of providing satellite internet in Belize. A reputable law firm contacted the P.U.C on behalf of Starlink. The company, we were informed, would have to meet all taxes and other obligations, if the license is granted. That decision will be made in the coming weeks. Marion Ali for News Five.