2024 - Channel 5 Belize

CROSQ Appoints Sharonmae Smith-Walker as New CEO

The CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) has named Sharonmae Smith-Walker as its new CEO, effective 1 November 2024. Smith-Walker, who has over 12 years of leadership experience, succeeds Deryck Omar, who served as CEO since 2014. Smith-Walker previously led the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC) and brings extensive expertise in quality infrastructure, accreditation, and environmental management. Her career includes more than 15 years of contributions to quality infrastructure and two decades of consulting in environmental management, food safety, accreditation, and quality management systems.

She expressed her excitement about the role and aims to further CROSQ’s mission of enhancing standards and quality across the Caribbean.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead this vital organisation at such an important time. I look forward to working with the team to position CROSQ for continued growth and to support the economic development of the CARICOM region.”

CROSQ also extended its gratitude to outgoing CEO Deryck Omar, whose 14-year tenure saw the organisation become a leader in quality standards across the Caribbean.

Belize and Mexico Talk Energy Security

On Wednesday, Prime Minister John Briceño met with Mexico’s new Energy Minister, Luz Elena Gonzalez Escobar. Their discussion centred on energy security, the continuation of their power purchase agreement, and improving energy transmission infrastructure in Belize and southern Mexico.

PM Briceño said on social media, “We as well reviewed challenges facing the energy sector on both sides of the border and reiterated assurances for the continued bilateral relationship.”

Representatives from Mexico’s Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) were also in the meeting.

This year, Belize has faced a record amount of load shedding. On May 2, Belize Electricity Ltd. CEO John Mencias explained that Mexico’s CFE could only supply 20 megawatts due to contractual limits. Mencias clarified that CFE’s actions were within the contractual arrangements, stating, “What we purchase from CFE is called opportunity cost energy… it is interruptible at any moment’s notice.”

Following a May 13 meeting between Briceño and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, CFE agreed to increase its supply to 75 megawatts. This effort alleviated some power shortages. Briceño stated, “The Mexican energy provider will now supply a total of seventy-five megawatts to the national grid.”

Belize generates about 60% of its electricity from renewable sources, the highest in the Caribbean, with hydroelectric power playing a key role. Fortis Belize Limited operates three hydroelectric plants on the Macal River, contributing up to 40% of the national grid.

U.S. Port Strike Resolved, Workers Return to Duties

A three-day strike at East and Gulf Coast ports in the United States has come to an end. The International Longshoremen’s Association resumed work today. The strike, which began early Tuesday, was primarily about wage increases and threatened supply chains and exports.

The maritime alliance USMX agreed to a $4 hourly raise, boosting current pay from $39 to $43, resulting in a total increase of $24 over a six-year contract—an overall 62% hike. Union leader Harold Daggett indicated that the union was open to this raise prior to the strike but had rejected a lesser $3 offer. Both sides swiftly resumed operations, with workers eager to minimise income losses.

Ports, including New York and New Jersey, are working to restore normal operations. Container backlogs remain, with the Port Authority reporting daily losses of $250-300 million during the strike, totalling around $1 billion.

While the strike has ended, the final contract still requires ratification by union members, leaving open the possibility of future strikes if the agreement is rejected.

Urgent Replacement of Belize City Bridges Remains Pending

The need for urgent replacement of key infrastructures in Belize City, including the Swing Bridge and BelCan Bridge, remains pending. These structures are part of the George Price Highway Upgrade Project.

Discussions surrounding the replacement of these bridges have been well over 2 years.

Back in April of this year, Chief Engineer Evondale Moody from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing stated, “It’s a structure that really needs to be replaced… we have seen based on the assessment that we have done that the pairs that are there are at risk because of the spalling of the concrete from the piles.”

Moody confirmed that a procurement process for the new structures was initiated but subsequently stalled at the Ministry of Finance level. “We had begun the procurement process for the replacement structure; however, that was put on hold by the Ministry of Finance. We are currently awaiting their decision so that we can proceed with construction,” he explained.

In May, News 5 spoke with Minister of Infrastructure Development Julius Espat. He stated that his ministry has completed all necessary studies to seek funding for the project. “We have done our job. It is up to the Ministry of Finance to make the final decision,” he reiterated. Espat expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the Ministry of Finance, stating, “From day one, I have been waiting for a response. If the allocation is given to us, the work will start immediately. I have no clue about what their budget plans entail.”

The urgency of replacing the ageing bridges has become increasingly pressing. Visual inspections reveal further deterioration. Cracks and structural wear have become more evident. The possibility of the bridges collapsing is increasing.

Former Belmopan City Administrator Addresses Land Allegations

The former City Administrator for the Belmopan City Council, Sherlene Julien, has publicly addressed allegations concerning her acquisition of land in the Innovabel Land Distribution program. Julien stated, “I am compelled to respond to the recent allegations made against me concerning land I lawfully received as part of my employment contract during my tenure as City Administrator of the Belmopan.”

Julien denied the accusations. She called a leaked Belmopan City Council document that revealed individuals who purchased land in the Innovabel Estate at below-market prices as “intentionally distorted” and “riddled with errors.”

According to Julien, she has never operated a company named “Almeya Consulting Limited.” She explained that she received four parcels of land totalling 0.608 acres as part of a legally negotiated contract, “not 8 parcels as was falsely publicised,” she said.

In her statement, Julien states that the land she received was part of her employment contract as city administrator. She clarifies that the value of these parcels was used to offset payments owed to her for her nearly three years of service to a financially struggling city council. This means that instead of receiving a cash payment for her work, she was granted land that represented the value of her compensation.

Number of Stray Dogs in Belize City on the Rise?

The Belize City Animal Aid is calling on the public to help with the overwhelming number of stray animals in Belize City that are in need of care. “It’s literally been case after case after case. We need more people to step up and help. Please,” said animal rescuer Michelle Rudon.

Taking it to social media, Rudon shared recently rescuing a dog named Buttercup. “Our adventure for tonight… getting this girl out from under the wet, muddy drain where she went, probably to die,” Rudon recounted.

Buttercup was taken to the Animal Medical Centre, where she received a diagnosis of heartworms, tick fever, and an infected mammary tumour, along with severe anaemia and underweight conditions.

The organisation emphasised the pressing need for more foster homes, stating, “It takes a village; everyone, and our SPARK villagers are overwhelmed and completely exhausted.”

Tracy Explains the Origin of Alliance for Democracy

Tonight, our in-depth coverage of the Alliance for Democracy continues as we delve into the events that led to the United Democratic Party’s dramatic turning point a few weeks ago. This pivotal moment saw the expulsion of the Albert and Collet area representatives. Earlier today, we had an exclusive interview with Tracy Panton. The hashtag “I Am with Her” has rapidly gained traction among U.D.P. members, highlighting the party’s ongoing internal strife. In our conversation, Panton shared the origins of this powerful movement.

Tracy Panton , Area Representative, Albert

“There were several colleagues of mine who shared a similar view, in terms of the party departing from its own democracy and disregarding the constitution of the party which is, for u, the most important institutional tool that we have in terms of our governance of a mass political party. And so, we felt that something had to be done so we can put the democracy back into the UDP. So we got together and it wasn’t an overnight exercise. It’s not a group of sixteen colleagues who just decided to go rogue. It was a process of trying to dialogue and trying to find a productive way forward internally. But when we were effectively removed from the internal communications of the party then we had no other option.”

Isani Cayetano

“The Alliance for Democracy includes two individuals who, at one point, were going head-to-head for leadership of the UDP. This would be Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber and former Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar. How do you find this partnership working, notwithstanding the history of these two individuals?”

Tracy Panton

“I think the partnership is working quite well. It’s not a three-person alliance. It’s an alliance of sixteen colleagues who share a similar view and share similar values and want to do what is right for the party. In both cases, in both cases, our member for Collet and our member for Belmopan, they voluntarily stepped down when the situation arose that would have caused some kind of harm to the party. And so they decided, you know what, we are not prepared to that to the party just for our own self-preservation.”

Can the Alliance Bring Out U.D.P. Delegates for Unity Convention?

Coordinating the mobilization of hundreds of U.D.P. delegates from all corners of the country is no small feat. This immense effort, spearheaded by the Alliance for Democracy, involves a substantial financial investment. But just how challenging has it been to orchestrate this massive event?

Isani Cayetano

“Let’s talk about the Unity Convention and the planning for this event. You are trying to mobilize as many delegates from across the country as possible to converge on the Birds’ Isle on October twentieth. What has it been like, in terms of being able to reach out to these individuals and pitch to them the idea that this is the event that they want to attend in terms of trying to make change in the party?”

Tracy Panton, Area Representative, Albert

“It hasn’t been as hard as one would think. The delegates that are part of the alliance have all shared the same values and where there are delegates with colleagues who may not be supporting the alliance as yet, some of those delegates have reached out to us and said we are interested in hearing what your platform is, why it’s important at this time. And so, we have been reaching out to delegates, visiting with delegates, those who are members of the alliance and those who are not members of the alliance. We all agree that the current situation is untenable and there needs to be some definitive action to make sure we right the ship.”

Is Tracy “True True” U.D.P.?

In certain factions of the United Democratic Party, skeptics have cast doubt on Panton’s credentials. Their skepticism stems from her family’s well-known allegiance to the People’s United Party.

Isani Cayetano

“How would you respond to some critics, or perhaps your detractors within the very same UDP who would say, well she’s not originally of UDP blood, so to speak. What makes her think that she would rise one day to lead this party, considering the history of her family in party politics?

Tracy Panton, Area Representative, Collet

“I would say I am in good company, so was Philip Goldson. Philip Goldson was not a member of a UDP. Philip Goldson left the coalition that they had to form the UDP. I believe that my track record speaks for itself. I have worked for this party, I have made a commitment for this party and I have not even winked in terms of my commitment. And Philip Goldson was not a UDP until the UDP was formed.”

Isani Cayetano

“Is it of any concern to you what has been put out there by the leadership of the party that whatever decisions taken come October twentieth, are essentially null and void since it flouts whatever agreement has been put in place to keep the leader there until after the 2025 generals?”

Tracy Panton

“There is nowhere in the constitution of the party that says that the delegates don’t have the option to change their mind. If twenty-five percent of the delegates sign a petition and say they want a national convention, a national convention shall be convened.”

Panton on Mike Peyrefitte, “…gross dereliction of his duties as chairman”

The chairman of the United Democratic Party, Mike Peyrefitte, has become a divisive figure amid the internal turmoil that has crippled the organization. The Alliance for Democracy has repeatedly voiced their frustration with Peyrefitte, citing unanswered letters and criticizing his dismissive and often authoritarian decision-making style. So, what is Tracy Panton’s take on the chairman’s controversial approach?

Isani Cayetano

“It would seem, from, perhaps, all outward appearance that the chairman of the party is acting in a heavy-handed manner, in terms of his approach to decision-making and of course mitigating this situation.”

Tracy Panton, Area Representative, Albert

“Absolutely, I think he has…gross dereliction of his duties as chairman and he has a responsibility to the party. He should ensure, he is the gatekeeper to ensure that the constitution is followed and that we protect the constitution, that we defend the constitution and that we ensure that the constitution guides us in all our decision making.”