Year: 2024

Parliamentarians will spend the next three days inside the National Assembly debating the Draft Estimate Budget and Revenue for 2024/2025. Prime Minister Briceño introduced the budget during a House Meeting two weeks ago. As is customary, the Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow was the first to contribute to the budget debate. In his forty-five-minute address, Barrow touched on various issues in education, health, finance and other areas. And, as was expected, he began by denouncing the Briceño administration’s budget, referring to it as a budget of lies and deception.

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“Madam Speaker, a budget of lies and deception that fails to meaningfully address the needs and aspirations of the Belizean people is the accurate description of this stay off track presentation of the draft estimate budget and revenue 2024 made by the prime minister and his government. This is not a budget that makes th4 necessary investments, short medium and long terms change our nation needs for the better. This budget will not increase economic growth, it will not safeguard the health and security of our country for generation to come. This government has not put forward a budget that will ease the devastation of inflation; nothing outlined in this budget adequately alleviates poverty and strengthens the guardrails that protect the working class form being driven pass the margins. This budget is tone deaf like the prime minister that presents it, disconnected is how you can only describe the presentation by a lame duck prime minister who has already checked out mentally and emotionally. This is a hallow budget that does not present any vision, no bold courageous policy decision and no numbers to support all of the lofty promises made by this government and I will say this, in 1993 the Right Honorable Said Musa won all the municipalities and called early elections and Sr. Manuel Esquivel trashed him. So I say to you Prime Minister, call the elections. You think that you are doing so well and your budgets and policies are doing well, call the elections.”

Barrow went on to counter the Briceño administration’s claims of economic growth. He contended that the Government of Belize has been presenting false statistics to Belizeans and that it has not realized any economic accomplishments that supersedes the performance of the former U.D.P. administration. Here is how he puts it.

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“Before the worst crisis of our generation the debt was at sixty one percent of GDP under the barrow administration which is lower than this government had in 2022 when they were at sixty-three percent and only two percent higher is the 2023 fifty-nine percent. The lies and deception needs to stop, it does the people of Belize no good when the government projects these false statistics as accomplishments rather than accept the reality, own up to where you are, your performance and understand and appreciate that it has been less than spectator, it has been in some instance average, on par with what the UDP government was able to accomplish and in most instances, less. As the next government of Belize the UDP will not engage in this silly statistical game of deceit. The UDP will give honest assessments to the public so we can meet our targets and realize our full potential. On thing UDP governments have proven is that we know how to manage debt and grow the economy. That is why the people of Belize elected us for thirteen years. Three consecutive terms.”

Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Natural Resources, Cordel Hyde, was the second parliamentarian to contribute to the budget debate. Hyde, as all area representatives do during their budget presentation, first spoke on the works he accomplished in his Lake Independence constituency. He then proceeded to highlight accomplishments in his respective ministry. Minister Hyde noted that over the last year, twenty thousand first-time landowners received a plot of land. He then announced that another ten thousand parcels are being surveyed for distribution.

Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister

“At the ministry in just three years we have provided twenty thousand lots to Belizeans, to first time land owners, in just forty months, five  hundred lots a month and guess how much we will survey this year to issue, another ten thousand. So the flood, the deluge of house lots will not stop and this is the achievement that makes us most proud of the ministry. It transforms the beneficiary. It is not just about a lot to build a house. You can go to the bank and borrow money to start a business, send your children to school. If you have an emergency you can bank that lot. When you have land you will not be poor, there are billions on this planet who work and die not owning anything. Eight hundred million people are living on less than four dollar a day. Yet in this jewel twenty thousand Belizeans have become land owners. Last year the prime minister focused on this incredible transfer of wealth that this represents a transfer that will only continue and gather pace. If we assume that each lot is valued at twenty thousand dollars then essentially this government has transferred four hundred million dollars in wealth to people who had no wealth before.”

Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca, in his contributions to today’s budget debate, announced that his ministry is assuming full responsibility for the payment of one hundred percent of the salary and benefits for all teachers in government aided secondary and tertiary institutions. He noted that this commitment has increased the ministry’s wage expenditure to two hundred and ten million dollars. Minister Fonseca also took a jab at the members of the Belize National Teachers Union who participated in a press conference in Belmopan a day before the municipal elections. Here is more.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education

“The government of Belize and the ministry of education commits to assuming full responsibility for the payment of one hundred percent salary and benefit for all government aided secondary and tertiary teachers and support staff effective 2024. That is in this year’s budget, minister speaker. This commitment will benefit over nine hundred teachers at the secondary and tertiary levels as we;; as one hundred and ninety-five support staff. The budget allocation will witness an increase in salary and benefits amounting to approximately fourteen million dollars resulting in a total expenditure on two hundred and twenty million dollars for teachers in salaries and support benefits over the next five years. With this initiative the ministry aims to incentivize quality teaching practices, implement result based education and ensure proper accountability among all secondary and tertiary institutions and their staff. This is big, this is something our teachers, Belize National Teachers Union and even managing authorities have been advocating for, fighting for, pushing for, seventeen years and it is this government that made the decision, not an easy decision. These are big money we are talking about. It is no wonder, if I can say this, because I have heard form a lot of teachers. There still a few UDPs who want to create mischief, there are a few left, shrinking day by day. So they tried to create some mischief before the municipal elections, but they were met with absolute silence form the teachers, because the teachers understand that we respect them, we are working with them and we are doing our very best to assist them.”

And following his brief interaction with protestors in front of the Assembly Building, reporters asked PM Briceño why there was no resolution to their demands over the last year. And, as he told them, unless the matter is withdrawn from the courts, his hands remain tied. He did, however, commit to meet with them immediately after the upcoming Easter break.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“These people are standing up for their own right. It is their money and we believe that we also have a responsibility to respond to their concerns. So what we will do is have a meeting after the Easter holiday, myself along with the attorney general, minister usher and we are going to go through the steps to wind up the trust.”

Reporter

“They were here last year sir.”

Prime Minister John Briceno

“I know, and we had them do that but what I was explaining to them, it is in court and unless the persons who took them to court withdraws that then there is nothing we can do. We want to talk to them and come up with a plan. I promise them to take my time and sit down with them to come up with a plan of action so they could get what they want.”

The Belize Police Department recognized a trio of outstanding female police officers this morning, here in Belize City.  As part of Women’s Month, the officers were formally acknowledged by the leadership of the police department for the respective roles that they play in community development and law enforcement.  Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with that story.

Cpl. Carmella Cacho, Award Recipient

“It’s been a great journey being a police officer.  I’ve always wanted to work in my community and serve the people of Belize.  So I find that being a police officer is rewarding and it is allowing me to accomplish the goal that I have set for myself.”

It is important to emphasize the significance of gender equality and the recognition of women’s roles and achievements within law enforcement.  At the Belize Police Department, three female officers were formally acknowledged earlier today by the brass, including Commissioner of Police Chester Williams.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“We have come a very long way in terms of making sure that we do recognize the hard work and importance that women play in law enforcement.  If you look at the rank structure of the department, we have two women in the higher echelon at the Assistant Commissioner [of Police] level and, more so, one of them is currently acting in the capacity of a DCP and then below them, we do have a number of other women police officers who are up there in rank and are right behind, following.”

A police department that includes both men and women benefits from diverse perspectives, skills and problem-solving approaches.  Women bring unique insights and experiences that enhance the overall operational effectiveness of law enforcement.  This hasn’t always been the case at BPD, where women can be there own worst enemies.

Carmella Cacho

“Well you know, eena every environment, working with female police officers is also sometimes challenging, but I find that we get together well and I communicate with everyone and I believe that everyone communicates with me.”

Corporal Carmella Cacho is an award recipient who is being recognized by her colleagues during this year’s celebration of Women’s Month.  Women leaders in law enforcement have shattered glass ceilings, proving that gender should not limit career advancement.  Their accomplishments inspire others and demonstrate that leadership roles are attainable for all.

Chester Williams

“From time immemorial, we have seen that women have been stifled.  That is the truth, and when I became Commissioner of Police I said that, you know, we have to be fair to the women because sometimes we look at the women as only persons who can do secretarial work.  “Di boss want a cup ah coffee, gimme a coffee.”  “The place needs to be swept, sweep the place.”  That’s not the role of a woman in law enforcement.  When a woman decides to join the police, she decided to be a law enforcement officer, not a domestic worker.  So we have to ensure that within the workspace we make that clear distinction that they are women in law enforcement and not domestic worker.”

Despite the commissioner’s best effort, sexism and gender bias remain a prevailing culture within the police department where promotions and assignments are concerned.  For Corporal Cacho, it’s simply a matter of remaining positive and focused on career development.

Carmella Cacho

“I just always try to remain positive in everything that I do.  I pray every day and give God thanks fi always be my guiding light eena everything that I do.”

When women are involved in policing, incidents of violence and aggression tend to decrease.  This directly impacts public safety, as well as the wellbeing of both officers and citizens, as studies indicate that women officers are less likely to use excessive force or be accused of it.

Chester Williams

“For the first time, we had a woman as the head of Special Branch, that was Ms. Bodden, and as much as there was so many rumbling when she took over, “Oh, she has no Special Branch experience.”  She is this, she is that, all sorts of things, Ms. Bodden went to Special Branch and she performed exceptionally as head of Special Branch.  She now moved on to Commander of Administration and again, she has picked up the ball and she is rolling with the ball and is doing exceedingly well.”

Gender equality is not just a matter of fairness; it directly impacts the effectiveness of the police department, community relations, and overall safety. Isani Cayetano for News Five.

Today, the Belize Defense Force held a women’s symposium in conjunction with International Women’s Month. The ceremony included a guard of honour for Governor-General Froyla Tzalam. Today, the accomplishments of the top female achievers in the B.D.F. were highlighted and the campaign for gender-equality in the military was underscored. For Brigadier-General Azariel Loria, the contributions, successes, accomplishments and leadership roles of the few women in the military should be a topic of discussion and thrust going forward for the B.D.F. News Five’s Marion Ali was present for the ceremony and filed the following report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

There are very few female B.D.F soldiers who hold meaningful positions in the male-dominated profession. But today, an exception was made to highlight the successes of the female members, particularly in the very few leadership positions in the military. Brigadier-General, Azariel Loria said that in the pursuit of gender equality, today should serve as a reminder of the commitment to empower, uplift, and champion the invaluable contribution of women in the armed forces, and the need to ensure their safety, inclusion, and advancement through the ranks.

Commander Azariel Loria, Brigadier-General, B.D.F

“We have changed our policies, some of our directives, our sexual harassment policy, our SHARP policy, that is the sexual harassment and response prevention initiative. We have regulated our operational deployment when it comes to women – how they should be treated.”

Marion Ali

“What about their promotion and ensuring that they get equal opportunities to go abroad and study and meaningful positions within the BDF, leadership positions?

Commander Azariel Loria

“For the first time in the history of the Belize Defense Force that we have a promoted Lieutenant Colonel. Her name is Lydia Guerra, Dr. Lydia Guerra. She is the first-ever woman, female, to get promoted to such a high rank. She is now a senior officer and she has been appointed as our first medical officer. She controls, she is in control of our hospital and all our other doctors.”

That senior female B.D.F. officer, Dr. Lydia Guerra, told News Five that she started out as a cadet, as any other officer, but she was privileged to have obtained a scholarship to study medicine at the Mexican Military Academy. And she said that it was not easy then and still experiences a degree of discrimination now, simply because she is a woman in that position.

Lieutenant Col., Lydia Guerra, Force Medical Officer, B.D.F

“Being a cadet there on a whole has its challenges in terms of being in a male-dominated environment as well. And we also had to do just as all the men did there and meet our educational goals and expectations. Upon arrival back home, it has similar challenges being a part of the Belize Defense Force in terms of garnering that respect from our subordinates because arriving here I was commissioned to an officer and subsequently moved up to the rank of captain, that had been traditionally done for other doctors who joined the force. Also working in the capacity of the medical officer at the hospital, seeing our patients and we still have that stereotype where as they see a female, they automatically assume that it’s a nurse. So they would walk in and they’d ask, “Nurse, excuse me, can I see the doctor?” And I would have to say, “You’re seeing one and I’m doctor.”

In the B.D.F.’s enlisted bracket, Warrant Officer, Dianca Reyes also holds a senior position and, according to Commander Loria, is now in line to become the woman officer to take on a top role in the B.D.F. Governor-General, Dame Froyla Tzalam shared keen observations about girls and women having to work twice as hard as boys and men in the home.

Governor-General, Dame Froyla Tzalam

“It seemed unfair to me as a child that despite working as hard as my brother on the farm, I still had to do household chores like preparing lunch when we came back from working in the fields.  Whereas my older brother was not expected to do anything other than rest while we prepared the food. As an adult, I saw her woman who worked outside of the home still had to come home and cook and clean and do all the other household chores, while their partners – male partners – did minimal work. We women have to work twice as hard as men in our families when we do paid work outside of the home. At the same time, women in the workforce earn just 70 percent of men’s pay. A report from the World Bank released earlier this month stated that no country in the world gives women the same opportunities as men in the workforce. No country in the world.”

Aside from these realities for women, those who join the military oftentimes must endure sexual harassment from their male peers. But Commander Loria says this will not be tolerated in the military, and to ensure this, he expounded on what the SHARP policy prohibits.

Commander Azariel Loria

“The Sexual Harassment Assault Response and Prevention Policy is a crucial step towards creating a safer and more respectful military community demonstrative or commitment to eradicating sexual harassment. This policy not only serves as a deterrent against sexual misconduct, but also establishes support mechanisms for survivors.  It is not just about reacting to incidents, but also about proactively creating an environment where such acts are unthinkable.  It is mandated upon us to ensure that every member of our armed forces feel secure in reported incidents, confident enough that justice will be served.”

Loria says that the military’s commitment in leadership diversity is not only a nod to equality, but a strategic imperative that enhances the effectiveness of their operations. Marion Ali for News Five.

In mid-2023, a complaint of sexual harassment found its way to the B.D.F. Commandant’s desk. It was a complaint against a B.D.F. officer. Today, Loria brought us up to speed with how that matter has been dealt with. He said that he has dealt with the case and that it is now with the Security Services Commission for a final decision.

Cmdr. Azariel Loria, Brigadier-General, B.D.F

“I cannot talk much on that because it’s still a live case, but we have dealt with the situation.  We have done our recommendations to the security services, so it’s incumbent on them to review the findings, the recommendation, and agree or disagree with it. It’s a sexual harassment case involving an officer. I would leave it at that.”