UDP Names Jose Luis Uc Espat as Albert Constituency Standard Bearer.
The party says that Espat “comes with a long track record of fighting against corruption in government and for justice for families who have been victims of violence.” The current area representative is Tracy Panton.
Both Panton and Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow claim to be the leader of the UDP. The matter is before the court.
Belize City resident Lee Mark Chang has launched his political campaign in the Mesopotamia Area. In his message to Mesop. voters, Chang said, “I know the challenges we face, and I am ready to work tirelessly to bring real solutions to our community.”
His campaign is being run under the theme, “Lee Mark Fi Di People.”
He launched his candidacy at a building on Euphrates Avenue where Tracy Panton says it is the new United Democratic Party (UDP) headquarters.
This is a direct challenge against Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow, who is the current area representative.
Both Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton and Barrow claim to be the leader of the UDP. The matter is before the court.
Full story on News 5 Live at 6 p.m.
As crowds gathered for Donald Trump’s inauguration, an unexpected scene started to unfold outside the Capital One Arena. Expensive items were discarded on the sidewalks by attendees who struggled to meet the venue’s strict security requirements.
Due to cold weather, Trump’s inauguration was moved indoors, and many attendees were caught off guard by the arena’s no-bag policy, which prohibited backpacks, purses, and large bags. Many were forced to comply and had no choice but to abandon their belongings—including Louis Vuitton bags, cameras, and even blankets—on the street.
Video footage captured individuals rummaging through the pile of discarded items. One local resident found a bag containing car keys and was able to contact its owner to return them.
“We sacrificed a lot coming here… the weather, the traffic, the expensive hotel. Everything,” said Saga Conroy from California, who was upset over the loss of her belongings. “They’re stealing our things.”
A Belize Defence Force (BDF) soldier, 32-year-old Alfredo Robinson Jr. of Toledo District, has been formally charged with murder following a deadly shooting incident on Sunday, January 19, at the Crique Sarco Conservation Post in Toledo. The confrontation, which escalated into gunfire, left Private Clive Baizar dead and another soldier, Brandon Guzman, injured.
The altercation occurred around 9 p.m. while soldiers were on duty. Baizar succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, while Guzman sustained injuries to his left torso and pinky finger. Guzman is currently in stable condition at the Western Regional Hospital, with doctors determining if further medical intervention is necessary.
During a press briefing, Major Roberta Usher, BDF Chief of Staff, provided updates on the investigation. She stated that while initial findings suggest alcohol was not involved, blood samples from the patrol team are being analysed to confirm.
Preliminary reports suggest alcohol may have been a factor in the altercation.
President Donald Trump wasted no time implementing his agenda upon returning to office. The 47th President has officially put pen to paper on a series of executive orders to overhaul the U.S. On his first day in office, Trump made major moves on key issues like immigration, climate policy, and government workforce management.
Trump kicked off the day by issuing pardons for nearly all individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. That day, a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. Encouraged by Trump’s false claims of a stolen election, the rioters sought to disrupt the certification process. The incident resulted in five deaths, including a police officer, and over 170 injuries, with significant damage to the Capitol building. “With these actions, we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense,” Trump said during his inaugural address.
Trump took decisive action on border security, fulfilling his long-standing promises for tougher immigration enforcement. Among the key orders, he declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, designated criminal cartels as terrorist organisations, and resumed construction of the border wall. Additionally, Trump ended the federal “catch-and-release” program and reinstated the controversial ‘remain in Mexico’ policy. Trump also declared his executive order to end birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants.
On the economic front, Trump signed an order directing federal agencies to address the “cost-of-living crisis” and implemented a 90-day freeze on U.S. foreign assistance programs. The president also reaffirmed his “America First” foreign policy.
Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, an action he had previously taken during his first term. This comes after the hottest year ever recorded, with major wildfires still raging in Los Angeles and recent hurricanes causing damage from Florida to North Carolina. “I’m immediately withdrawing from the unfair, one-sided Paris climate accord rip-off,” Trump said.
Trump also signed executive orders proclaiming that there are only two biological sexes. The gender order halted diversity programs, including preventing taxpayer funds from being used for gender-transition health care and mandates. Trump issued a controversial order recognising only two sexes, male and female, restricting gender identity to those assigned at birth. The order directs federal agencies to cease promoting gender transition policies. This move is expected to face legal challenges.
As he promised Sunday, President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive action that delays enforcement of the TikTok ban for 75 days.Trump extended the deadline for TikTok’s parent company to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. This move, aimed at addressing national security concerns, provides a temporary reprieve for TikTok users. Trump told reporters Monday that he changed his mind on TikTok because he “got to use it.” He added, “And remember, TikTok is largely about kids, young kids.”
He also withdrew the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing unfair financial demands placed on the country. The U.S. is the largest contributor to the World Health Organization (WHO), funding around 18% of its budget, which is crucial for global health efforts. In 2022, the U.S. donated $15.8 billion to global health, with a significant portion directed toward WHO programs like HIV, tuberculosis, and disease prevention. However, Trump claimed that the WHO “ripped off” the U.S. Experts warn that losing U.S. support could severely impact key global health initiatives, including efforts to combat polio, improve maternal and child health, and track new viral threats, potentially weakening the world’s ability to respond to future pandemics.
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said it “regrets” President Trump’s move to withdraw from the global health authority, saying it hopes the U.S. will reconsider the decision. This was not the first time Trump has moved to withdraw from the WHO, having previously attempted to do the same in 2020.
The president signed an executive order to rename U.S. landmarks, including the Gulf of Mexico, which he proposed to call the “Gulf of America,” as part of his effort to “honour American greatness.” He also doubled down on his pre-inauguration threat to reimpose U.S. control over the Panama canal. Trump claimed that Panama had “broken” a promise to remain neutral, alleging that “China is operating the Panama Canal.”
But as powerful as the US president is, can Trump really take over the Panama Canal and rename the Gulf of Mexico? And what would that involve?
Trump doesn’t have the authority to change the name globally, and other countries aren’t required to go along with this idea. Mexico, for example, rejected the idea a few weeks back, with President Claudia Sheinbaum humorously suggesting renaming North America as “Mexican America.” While the new name could be used in the U.S., it’s unlikely to be accepted internationally without an agreement between both nations. Meanwhile, Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino said he rejected Trump’s claims that “China is operating the Panama Canal” in their “entirety,” adding there is “no presence of any nation in the world that interferes with our administration.”
So what happens now with all of Trump’s signed executive orders? The speed and impact of executive orders depend on how straightforward they are and the work needed to carry them out. Simple orders, like Trump’s decision to pardon January 6 rioters, can be quickly implemented. However, more complicated ones, like tackling the cost-of-living crisis, may take longer to put into action. Executive orders can also be undone by future presidents, and they can be challenged in court if someone believes the president is overstepping his legal powers. For example, Trump reversed many of Obama’s policies, and Biden has done the same with Trump’s orders.
Belize is making efforts to expand sugar exports to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) with an aim to solidify its role as a competitive player in the regional sugar trade.
A key meeting between the Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Osmond Martinez, the Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT), and representatives from Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) focused on actionable strategies to overcome challenges and capitalise on opportunities in the CARICOM market.
Central to the discussions were issues such as optimising the Common External Tariff (CET) suspension regime, ensuring compliance with the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, and enhancing Belize’s position in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
“We are determined to work collaboratively with BSI and other stakeholders to capitalise on export opportunities and ensure that Belize remains a key player in the regional sugar trade,” said the minister.
The DGFT stressed the importance of active participation in CARICOM’s Monitoring Mechanism for Sugar (MMS) and Technical Working Group (TWG) processes, which focus on the use of technical standards and specifications in the CET suspension process. Strengthening compliance and transparency through these mechanisms will not only bolster Belize’s trade capabilities but also contribute to a fair and sustainable trade environment across the region.
Belize’s efforts to export sugar to CARICOM reflect a pivotal move in diversifying its trade portfolio and reducing reliance on external markets. By navigating regional trade frameworks and leveraging opportunities in the CARICOM market, Belize can achieve greater economic resilience and sustainability.
Brigadier General Azariel Loria, Commander of the Belize Defence Force (BDF), recently addressed concerns regarding the morale and welfare of soldiers, including unresolved issues related to pay. General Loria echoed the sentiments of a former intellectual general of the BDF, stressing that he does not lead through social media but remains accessible for discussions. “If there are problems, come to me. My office is open,” he stated.
General Loria acknowledged that the matter of soldier pay remains under the purview of the Public Services Commission but assured that salaries continue to be disbursed without interruption. He expressed confidence that pay will not be cut and stressed that some allowances are currently in the pipeline. “I do not believe that it will be caught, but that is only my belief, and they continue to receive their salaries, every single one of them.”
He added, “There are some allowances that are in the pipeline as well. So I don’t know how that would be an issue whenever we have been hearing of even pay allowances for everyone.”
Turning to challenges faced by the BDF, General Loria pointed out the neglect of military installations during hurricanes, referencing the frequent damage seen at Price Barracks, where zinc sheets are often blown off. “ We have been neglected. The media is aware of that. When every hurricane comes, you all know what happens to our installations in Price Barracks. You see zinc all over the place.”
Despite these setbacks, he underscored improvements made during his tenure, including the replacement of a dilapidated kitchen, which had been on the verge of closure by the Ministry of Health, with a modern facility. “But we were trying to improve, and over the past in my tenure, for instance, that dilapidated kitchen that we had is no more. It was about to be closed on by the Ministry of Health. We have a brand new one. We have some, uh, top-of-the-line barrack rooms to withstand Category 5 hurricanes.”
Loria said they are trying to improve. “We wish the resources we have were infinite, but we must live within our means. We don’t have petroleum in this country,” he said.
Guatemalans Accused of Bribing and Surrounding BDF Soldiers at Machakilha
Police Commissioner Chester Williams provided an update on the double shooting that occurred last night on the Philip Goldson Highway, about a mile from its junction with Crooked Tree Road. Officers discovered the lifeless bodies of a male and female inside a vehicle parked at the side of the road. The victims were identified as Adelita Gillett and Felix Martinez. ComPol Williams shared that both individuals showed signs of gunshot injuries. After processing the scene, the bodies were transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.
Initially, it was reported that it was a murder/suicide as shared by police officers at the scene. Williams said, “From the inception of the information reaching the public, we observed that some media houses were reporting it as a case of murder/suicide. We are not aware of how they came to such conclusions, as the Belize Police Department at no time reported this incident as such. From our investigation, this is clearly a case of double murder and is being treated as such.”
Investigators have one suspect in custody who is being interrogated.
As for the motive, ComPol Williams said, “This person had some financial issue with the victims, and so we are exploring that angle as well as other possibilities. There is also nothing indicating that the victims were involved in any criminal activities.”
The Belize Police Department urges the public to come forward with any information that could assist in solving this case and bring closure to the victims’ family.
