The Briceño Administration is borrowing twenty million U.S. dollars from the Caribbean Development Bank for the Development Finance Corporation (DFC). According to Prime Minister John Briceño, the new line of credit will support DFC’s ongoing lending program. The prime minister broke down the figure during today’s Sitting of the House of Representatives in Belmopan. He explained how the twenty million U.S. dollars will be utilised, while noting that the institution has loaned over a hundred and twenty million dollars over the last four years.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“This motion is to seek this honorable house to approve the government guarantee of U.S. twenty million dollars. This new line of credit is to support the DFC’s ongoing lending program. This is the breakdown that we want to do. For the productive sector, for small businesses we want to set aside eighteen million Belize dollars, for residential mortgages nine million dollars, for education nine million dollars for renewable energy and energy efficiency, four million dollars. I am sure the minister of education will be the first to tell you that there is a tremendous need there is for education assistance to our young people. We have a lot of very intelligent students and in some instances, it is impossible for them to make it just from their own resources. As a government we have been providing millions of dollars.”
Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow criticised the Briceño Administration during the debate on the twenty million U.S. dollar CDB loan motion, stating it cannot be trusted. Barrow likened Prime Minister Briceño’s praise of D.F.C.’s achievements to, “Lucifer explaining how to become an angel.”. He also suggested that education loans should be more accessible, with a repayment plan starting after students graduate.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
“Hearing the prime minister from a PUP government talk about the DFC is like lucifer telling us the criteria to become and angel. The DFC, I quote Evan X Hyde’s Amandala when they had the commission of inquiry under former prime minister Said Musa and brother Hyde’s quote was the felons that stole hundreds of millions of dollars from the DFC under a PUP government. The Musa/Briceno government. So, while the opposition supports capitalization of the DFC, while the opposition would look forward to the capital injection in these sectors, we have great reservations when it comes to the PUP and the DFC. Could be why don’t have an auditor general or an auditor general office not functioning. I will get to that on the next motion. But this government is not to be trusted.”
Under the Belize Blue Bond for Ocean Conservation, the Government of Belize is required to designate up to thirty percent of its ocean as biodiversity protection zones. So far, twenty percent has been protected. The agreement mandates that twenty-five percent must be secured within three years of signing. Today, the Briceño Administration proposed expanding protected ocean space by five percent, designating it as medium-protection biodiversity zones. However, the opposition raised concerns, stating that fisherfolks fear this move could threaten their livelihoods.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
“One of the concerns I would like to bring to you is form the fishermen. They feel that all of this conservation is hurting them. So, the more and more you conserve, the less they are able to earn a living, and it is a legitimate concern that is addressed by my colleagues, the standard bearer from the different constituencies that have an abundance of fishermen.”
Orlando Habet
Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development
“Belize has an international commitments but we also have commitments domestically to support our people and this expansion of five percent is the medium biodiversity protection which is to say rather than protection it is conservation, because it affords true the medium biodiversity designation for fisherfolks to be able to fish in those areas and do other types of extraction, compared to the high biodiversity protection which is no take and has no extraction.”
Tracy Panton
Tracy Panton, Area Representative, Albert Division
“In the Albert constituency we have fisherfolks in the conch shell bay community and they have been completely locked out in the consultations process. So, I would like to urge the minister responsible to kindly take a look at that when it relates to looking at expanding areas for conservation because indeed the fisherfolk in Albert are concerned about how this continues to impact their livelihood.”
In our weekly segment, On The Bright Side, we continue to explore unconventional forms of education. So far, we’ve highlighted virtual learning spaces, where online education is making strides at the primary level in Belize, and examined the Montessori approach, known for encouraging independence and confidence in children. This week, we focus on a long-standing yet often underappreciated form of education that plays a crucial role in serving a specific community—sign language. As a vital tool for communication and learning among the hearing impaired, we take a closer look at the process of learning sign language. Here’s the story.
On Friday afternoons in Belize City, Stella Maris School buzzes with activity as students participate in various clubs designed to promote their growth and practical skills. In a small classroom, teacher Sheree Thurton-Gillett works with hearing-impaired students, introducing them to or enhancing their understanding of sign language.Thurton-Gillett is on a mission to teach hearing-impaired individuals the language of the deaf—Sign Language. She is a special needs educator for children with diverse abilities. Although the institution caters to students with various disabilities, Thurton-Gillett recognised that inclusivity could be taken a step further. Recently, her latest venture has been the inclusion of teachers and other students.
Sheree Thurton-Gillett
Sheree Thurton-Gillett, Teacher, Stella Maris School “My reason here to have the sign language classes is to allow teachers and other students to communicate with those who can’t hear so that they can feel accepted and comfortable enough to share whatever they need to share because they tend to get bored and they get frustrated because they can’t communicate with others. Even though we can’t hear, to me it’s important for us to learn their language so that they can communicate with us, and for example, since I have only one hearing impaired student, I would like him or her to know, um, if they’re understanding what I’m teaching or how it is at home. You know, stuff like that.”
Sabreena Daly, Reporting “I’m standing in one of the busiest commercial places in the heart of the Old Capital. Mikado Textile Palace is not only known for its quality in fabric but also for its progressive initiative in hiring special needs workers. When walking through these alleyways, you’ll likely be interacting with hearing-impaired persons, limited to signing with each other. Or, when interacting with customers, writing on paper to speak to you. But how much better would it be if we actually knew their language?”
Teresita Gladden
Teresita Gladden, Staff, Mikado Textile Palace
“On a daily basis, we have approximately a hundred customers walking through our doors. We have Mr. Glenford and Shane that the customers interact with. Whether it’s with a pen and a piece of paper or with their phones. They would assist the customers with curtains, comforters, bedsheets, anything that they needed, or even help them. There are few customers that come in and know sign language, and they interact with the guys very much. But we try to also understand Glenford and Shane. Whether it’s by a piece of paper or some of the girls in here, they’re also learning sign language through them.”
Both of these gentlemen would have passed through the learning system at Stella Maris and are considered great examples of what inclusivity can look like for persons with diverse abilities. Sheree Salgado, another teacher at Stella Maris, urges everyone to learn sign language to improve communication with the hearing impaired and promote inclusivity.
Sheree Salgado
Sheree Salgado, Teacher, Stella Maris “It’s very important for us to spread the word of persons who are hearing impaired, or we call them deaf. It’s not only for those persons, but it’s for those people in the society as a whole, persons who will be able to communicate with them. So you don’t have to be deaf or hearing impaired for you to learn sign language. What I have to say to the general public as a whole, if you see a student or a person who is hearing impaired, it’s not hard for you to learn their language. You have to be interested, first, to want to know how to communicate with these students. And that’s the reason why we embarked on this sign language course that Ms. Thurton is doing right now. So that we can invite others to come in and learn a language so that they will be better able to communicate with these persons living with hearing impairment.”
And while Thurton-Gillett is working overtime to equip her student body and colleagues with the ability to communicate with the hearing impaired, she also extends an invitation to the general public to learn sign as well. Whether it’s for personal development or to add support to those in need, her message is clear: inclusivity. She firmly believes that everyone deserves to feel included, regardless of their abilities or limitations.
Sheree Thurton- Gillett “It’s just simple classes most of the time I’m willing to give classes to help them communicate with those who can’t hear or just to have them have something else on their resume. I find that it’s more needed now than ever because there are more hearing impaired students just coming up and coming out more. So we need to equip ourselves at least with the basic science.”
As of 3 PM local time, Potential Tropical Cyclone 15 (PTC 15) is located near latitude 17.5N, longitude 85.0W, approximately 210 miles east of Belize City. Moving west-northwest at 7 mph, PTC 15 has maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and could strengthen into a tropical storm with winds between 40-50 mph before making landfall in Belize tomorrow.
The primary threat from this system is heavy rainfall, with 4 to 8 inches expected, especially over northern and central Belize, which could lead to flooding. Strong gusts will cause rough seas, and mariners are advised to seek safe harbor until further notice. Coastal areas north of the landfall site may experience flooding, and strong winds could cause minor structural damage to weaker buildings.
While the tropical storm watch currently covers Belize, Orange Walk, and Corozal districts, residents from Dangriga to Belize City should remain alert, as the watch may be upgraded and expanded further south.
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) urges the public, particularly those in flood-prone areas, to stay vigilant. NEMO advises residents to update family and business emergency plans, check food, water, and medical supplies, and assist the elderly and disabled. Shelters have been identified in the Corozal, Orange Walk, and Belize Districts, as well as in San Pedro Town, which will open if necessary.
Additional precautions include clearing drains to prevent flooding. Those in the agriculture, fisheries, and tourism sectors should monitor the situation closely. NEMO district emergency operations centers remain on alert countrywide, and the NEMO hotline is available at 936.
As the hurricane season continues, staying informed and prepared is essential. Follow official updates from NEMO and the Belize Met Service for the latest information. Let’s work together to ensure the safety of our communities.
Umeeda Switlo, CEO and co-founder of Naledo, has been honoured with the 2024 Meaningful Business 100 (MB100) Award, recognising her as a leading social impact entrepreneur. This prestigious award celebrates individuals who successfully combine profit with purpose to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Switlo joins an elite group of changemakers from over 30 countries across various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, and technology. The MB100 Award is organised by Meaningful Business and follows a rigorous selection process overseen by an expert panel. Nominees are evaluated based on their impact on social and environmental issues, leadership in their industries, and commitment to sustainable business practices.
Naledo, founded in Canada and Belize, focuses on producing sustainably sourced, wildcrafted turmeric products. Switlo’s recognition underscores her dedication to blending social impact with business growth, emphasising fair trade and environmental stewardship.
Since its inception in 2016, Naledo has partnered with small-scale growers and local communities to harvest wild turmeric sustainably. The company’s flagship product, Truly Turmeric, is the world’s first wildcrafted turmeric paste, and Naledo ensures fair compensation for growers, helping them build lasting livelihoods.
The MB100 Award highlights the global trend toward purpose-driven entrepreneurship, with recipients like Switlo addressing critical issues such as poverty, climate change, and social inequality while fostering economic innovation.
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”.
