2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Commissioner of Police Refutes Opposition Leader’s Crime Claims

Police Commissioner Chester Williams has responded to comments by Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow during his State of the Nation address. In a press release, ComPol Williams said, “Barrow made glaring errors when speaking about crime in this country, specifically in regards to the murder count being up by 40% and the death of Mr. Daniel Caal.”

Acknowledging that crime remains a significant issue, Commissioner Williams said, “We are surely not where we want to be, but we are proud of the significant progress we continue to make. He pointed out that major crimes have decreased by 54% compared to the same period last year, a testament to the dedication and bravery of the men and women of the police force.

Williams also refuted Barrow’s claim that Daniel Caal was murdered in police custody. “For the Leader of Opposition to have stated proudly that Caal was murdered in police custody, even after he had heard the result of the post-mortem examination, is both reckless and desperate,” Williams stated.

On the topic of police morale and land distribution, Commissioner Williams said that over the past four years, more than 800 officers were promoted, and over 600 were recognised for long service and good conduct. Williams added that land has been distributed to more than 400 officers, with ongoing efforts to provide more.

“The hard-working men and women of the Belize Police Department will continue to work with
the Belizean people to fight the scourge of crime. We recognise that crime is everyone’s problem.
and the only way we can win is by working together.”

Opposition Leader: “Our Lives Have Not Gotten Better in the Last 4 Years.”

The Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow, delivered his State of the Nation Address from the United Democratic Party’s headquarters, in stark contrast to the Prime Minister’s address on Tuesday.

Barrow questioned the state of Belize under Prime Minister John Briceño’s leadership, challenging Belizeans to reflect on whether their lives had improved. He said, “Despite Bricenos annual attempts to deceive Belizeans we do not see the GDP growth he boasts of, nor do we feel it!”

He asked whether they could afford the rising cost of living, if they had access to affordable housing, public healthcare, or if they felt safer. Barrow painted a picture of a Belizean reality marked by economic and social challenges, leaving many people struggling.

Barrow cited the closure of several businesses, including Renco, Smiling Meats, and Hofius, as evidence of an economy in decline. He directly countered the Prime Minister’s claims of a six-billion-dollar GDP, arguing that despite the numbers, ordinary Belizeans had not felt the impact.

“The State of the Nation is falling when regular Belizeans pay twenty-five percent income tax, while special Belizeans pay six percent, and million-dollar corporations pay only three percent,” Barrow stated, criticising the government’s tax policies and its failure to collect taxes from businesses that exploit the vulnerable.

The opposition leader also addressed the disparity between the low unemployment rate of three percent and the poverty rate, which remains at 38%. He chastised the government for spending millions on land in Belmopan for a new hospital and criticised the handling of the health sector, calling the Ministry of Health’s track record from 2020 to 2024 “horrific.” Barrow attacked both the former and current Ministers of Health for their alleged failures.

In his address, Barrow lamented the shortage of teachers and the challenge of completing 120 CPD hours within five years. He proposed reducing the required personal development hours to alleviate the pressure on educators, suggesting that this would help teachers manage their professional development more effectively.

On the topic of crime, Barrow claimed that murders had increased by forty percent this year. However, he acknowledged that the Commissioner of Police had contested this figure, noting that the murder rate had decreased in recent months. Barrow promised to review the data and correct the figure if necessary.

Barrow also touched on issues of national security, particularly the continued incursions by the Guatemalan Armed Forces into Belizean territory. He ended his address on a note of optimism. He called on Belizeans to embrace their power to change the country’s future in the upcoming general elections.

“All hope is not lost. The resilient people of Belize have the absolute power to change the State of the Nation in the next General Elections,” Barrow said, closing with, “Long live democracy, long live Belize. Que viva Belize. Dios te bendiga Belize. God bless Belize.”

Zimbabwe Considers Debt-for-Climate Swaps Amid Financial Crisis

Zimbabwe’s creditors are exploring a debt-for-climate swap as part of efforts to restructure the nation’s $21 billion arrears. Raul Fernandez, the United Nations Development Program project manager for climate development, noted that discussions with various development partners indicate “an option that they are willing to consider.” He highlighted the need for “action from the government” and a commitment to structural reforms to move forward.

Debt-for-climate swaps allow developing countries to reduce their external debts in exchange for commitments to invest in climate or marine conservation projects. Fernandez noted that such arrangements “can lead to substantial debt reduction” and may improve payment conditions for Zimbabwe, which has a “window of opportunity” to secure climate finance.

A recent example is Belize, which signed a debt-for-nature swap with The Nature Conservancy in November 2021. This agreement reduced Belize’s external debt by 10 percent of its GDP and significantly improved prospects for marine protection.

Zimbabwe has been locked out of international capital markets since 1999 due to a debt default, resulting in escalating interest payments. In 2022, the nation sought assistance from Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, and Joaquim Chissano, the former leader of Mozambique, to initiate restructuring talks with creditors, including the Paris Club and World Bank. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube did not respond to enquiries outside of office hours.

Belize Strengthens Alliances Welcoming Five New Ambassadors

Today, Belize embraced international collaboration as Governor General Froyla Tzalam welcomed five newly appointed ambassadors—an initiative poised to enhance the nation’s global partnerships.

The ambassadors who presented their letters of credence included Maria Clara Girbau Ronda from Spain, Beliz Celasin Rende from Türkiye, Amr Abdelwareth from Egypt, Jorge Rosado La Torre from Peru, and Dr. Hardy Boeckle from Germany.

In a press release, the Government of Belize stated that the ambassadors “each expressed their hopes of forging stronger bonds with Belize during their tenure.”

Moses “Shyne” Barrow Reacts to Diddy’s Criminal Charges

Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow, was today asked by reporters how he feels that his “former association” Sean “Diddy” Combs spent his first night in jail in the US after he pleaded not guilty in a sex-trafficking case.

Responding to the question, Barrow said, “One of the things that I would never wish on my worst enemy is to be incarcerated or to be sick, to be bedridden. So I take no joy in anyone’s challenges, whether with the criminal justice system or otherwise.”

Barrow added, “But I just like to clarify, and you have to be truthful in the description of the relationship. This is someone who in essence testified against me when I was on trial, when I was an 18-year-old kid just wanting to do nothing other than make my mother proud and make Belize proud and do what all of us want to do, be recognised for our talent and take over the world. I was defending him, and he turned around and called witnesses to testify against me. And he contributed, he pretty much sent me to prison. So, that is the context by which you must always describe that relationship. Yes, I forgave, I moved on.”

Barrow said he did not conduct any business with Combs. “I said that he proposed to give the Howard scholarship, which is what I do in all realms.”

Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn until his next court appearance on Wednesday afternoon. The 53-year-old will be housed in the Special Housing Unit, separated from the general prison population, where inmates are held for protection or other specific reasons.

Barrow said Combs destroyed his life. “This was not someone who I vacationed with and who he and I enjoyed this great intimate relationship of brotherhood. This is someone who destroyed my life and who I forgave…”

Combs, who pled not guilty to all charges, showed no visible reaction when the judge issued her ruling, quietly sipping water before being led out of the courtroom. His legal team plans to appeal the bail decision before U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Carter on Wednesday afternoon.

Combs’ charges are tied to “freak offs,” coerced sex acts that Combs allegedly orchestrated and recorded, according to a federal indictment. When asked if he knew of the “freak offs” parties, Barrow responded, “I had nothing to do with Sean Combs personal life. No interaction. That level of everything was strictly on a professional level.”

Georgia Woman Dies of ‘Preventable’ Infection Due to State’s Abortion Laws

A 28-year-old Georgia mother died from a preventable infection after being denied urgent medical care due to the state’s stringent abortion laws. A state investigation concluded that her death was “preventable” had she received timely treatment.

Thurman’s death raised serious concerns about the dangers posed by such legislation and its impact on women’s health.

In August 2022, Thurman sought an abortion after being denied the procedure in Georgia due to a law prohibiting abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. She travelled to a North Carolina clinic, where she received medication to terminate her pregnancy. However, complications arose when she did not expel all the foetal tissue.

Thurman experienced heavy bleeding and severe pain, ultimately losing consciousness at home. When she arrived at Piedmont Henry Hospital in Stockbridge, doctors did not perform a necessary dilation and curettage (D&C) due to Georgia’s stringent laws surrounding abortion.

According to Propublica, doctors waited 20 hours to operate as they monitored Thurman’s condition, during which her health deteriorated. Her blood pressure dropped, and her organs began to fail. By the time she underwent surgery, it was too late. Thurman passed away from complications.

Georgia’s law defines a medical emergency narrowly, allowing abortions only when a woman’s life is at risk.

In interviews with over three dozen OB-GYNs in states with strict abortion laws, ProPublica found that the “vague and conflicting language” surrounding medical exceptions creates serious challenges for healthcare providers. Doctors said “their judgement could be called into question under the threat of prison time.”

Association of Defence Attorneys Officially Registered in Belize

The Association of Defence Attorneys has officially registered as a professional organisation dedicated to defending human rights and enhancing legal practices. In an official statement, the Association declared it is “dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights, the Belize Constitution, and the enhancement of legal defence practices within the country.”

In its statement, the Association confirmed the election of its first Executive Committee, comprising of:

President: Dickie Bradley
Vice President: Audrey Matura
Secretary: Oj Elrington
Treasurer: John Nembhard
Membership Director: Lynden Jones
Education Director: Leeroy Banner
Communications Director: Rachel Montejo
Ethics Director: Emerita Anderson
Pro Bono Director: Dale Cayetano
Public Policy Director: Arthur Saldivar
Immediate Past President: Michelle Trapp

The formation of the association in March 2020 was aimed at addressing these critical issues. Attorney Dickie Bradley emphasised back then the need for lawyers to advocate for the rights of the poorer population in Belize. “Police officers are in fact peace officers. They are there to protect us. They are not there to chance us and take advantage of us,” he stated.

The Association of Defence Attorneys stands ready to promote human rights, provide continuing legal education, advocate for fair legal practices, support legal aid services, and foster ethical standards among attorneys.

Religious Leader Arraigned on Rape, Sexual Assault Charges

President of the National Evangelical Association of Belize, NEAB, Victor Hernandez, was this morning arraigned on charges of rape and sexual assault. According to reports, Hernandez, 65, was charged with two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He was granted bail of ten thousand dollars, with one surety of the same amount.

Hernandez, who leads the Toledo Faith Outreach Christian Center, is being accused by a 38-year-old woman who alleges that he raped her on two occasions: August 2015 and March 2016. One of the incidents reportedly took place at a store once owned by Hernandez. According to the report, the victim did not report the incidents because of fear, shame, trauma, and a desire to keep the matter from her family.

Hernandez also faces a sexual assault charge from a 2021 incident in which he allegedly grabbed the woman’s breast.

This is a developing story.

New Firefighting Equipment Arrives in Western Belize

The Government is enhancing wildfire protection for vulnerable communities by delivering over $320,000 in firefighting equipment to Billy White, Santa Familia, Duck Run 1 and 3, and Los Tambos. This initiative is part of the “Building Climate Change Resilience and Social Integration of Displaced People in Settlements of Western Belize” project.

Additionally, $300,000 was invested in upgrading the Los Tambos Primary School to meet hurricane shelter standards.

Launched in February 2022, this project, funded by a BZ$4,600,000 EU grant in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), aims to strengthen resilience in five Western Belize communities. Key components include constructing five hurricane shelters, a polyclinic, and improving water systems. The project also involves installing culverts and drainage in two communities.

Recent donations feature chainsaws, axes, and fire-resistant gear such as pants, gloves, boots, helmets, radios, and more to aid wildfire response. Given this year’s unprecedented fires, providing these essential tools is crucial.

The project aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and is set to conclude by December 2024, with a polyclinic and community centre in Duck Run 1 expected to serve over 5,000 residents by late 2024.

Music Mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs to Remain in Custody

Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn until his next court appearance on Wednesday afternoon. Combs, 53, will be held in the Special Housing Unit, separate from the general population, where inmates are placed for protection or other reasons.

A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that Combs, facing charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, will stay in custody as the case proceeds. His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, announced plans to appeal the decision.

During the detention hearing, federal prosecutors revealed that at least a dozen witnesses personally observed Combs’ violent behavior toward women, many of whom are allegedly scared of him. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson highlighted Combs’ attempts to obstruct investigations and cover up his actions, pointing to a 2016 hotel surveillance video showing him assaulting his then-girlfriend in Los Angeles as key evidence of the ongoing threat he poses.

Johnson described Combs as a “serial abuser and serial obstructor,” adding that pretrial services also recommended his detention. Prosecutors expressed concerns that he had reached out to victims and witnesses, further justifying the need to keep him in custody.

Combs’ defense attorney argued that the music mogul had no intention of fleeing and had voluntarily come to New York, anticipating an indictment. Combs, who pled not guilty to all charges, showed no visible reaction when the judge issued her ruling, quietly sipping water before being led out of the courtroom. His legal team plans to appeal the bail decision before U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Carter on Wednesday afternoon. If the appeal is denied, Combs will return to the detention center to await further court proceedings.