The National Students’ Union of Belize (NSUB) has elected a new Executive Council for the 2025-2027 term. The election was held virtually on Sunday.
Tomas Serrut was elected as the new president, with Darien Parham as first vice president and Yannika Dorado as second vice president.
Other key positions include Tristan Rodriguez as General Secretary, Andrea Neal as Director of Student Affairs, Jaleeza Roberts as Director of Events, and Cecilia Moreira as Director of Finance.
Outgoing President Ashley Longford congratulated the new team in an announcement statement, stating, “I am confident that under their leadership, the NSUB will continue to grow and champion the causes that matter most to our members.”
A month ago, 18-year-old Alexander Bainton, fondly known as “Footy,” died after being involved in a road traffic accident on the Phillip Goldson Highway. He was part of the Caye Caulker Ocean Academy High School boys’ basketball team.
The team had been on their way to Orange Walk for a regional tournament when their vehicle overturned due to a blowout. There were twelve passengers on board, most of them teenagers. Thankfully, the majority of them were treated and released from the hospital. However, five students remained hospitalised, with two in a coma. Bainton died while Gibert Teck remains hospitalised.
Bainton’s family is today demanding answers. They have raised several critical questions surrounding the circumstances of the incident. The first question revolves around how Bainton, who was supposed to be on a school bus, ended up in a private car instead. They question why no teacher contacted them to seek permission for him to travel in the private vehicle and wonder why the bus couldn’t have been delayed rather than risking such tragedy.
The family member also questions the condition and ownership of the car, asking whether it was insured and referring to it as an “old bucket car.” They expressed deep frustration about the lack of seat belt usage. According to them, the adult admitted fault, saying, “Miss Nikita, it’s all my fault. I wish I could turn back the time. I wish I told them to put it on.”
They ask who will ultimately be held accountable for Baiton’s death. They vow to pursue answers with the help of a lawyer.
As we wrap up 2024, News 5 is excited to bring you our digital Year in Review! This year, we're diving into the highlights and challenges of the past twelve months, all organised by themes. Join us as we look back at the stories that shaped our year…
Belize grappled with a notable increase in homicides in the first half of the year, with the murder count reaching 57 by June, which is a significant rise compared to the 44 murders recorded in the same period of 2023.
The Belize District emerged as the epicentre of violence, accounting for over fifty percent of the homicides, with firearms being the weapon of choice in 87% of these cases. March was particularly deadly, with 14 murders reported. However, there was a silver lining as the second half of the year saw a decrease in major crimes. The Belize Police Department reported a 16% decrease in major crimes between July and September 2024, recording 226 incidents compared to 268 during the same period in 2023. This decline was consistent throughout the year, with July experiencing the most significant drop of 32% compared to July 2023.
In response to a surge in gang-related killings, Belize declared two states of emergency in 2024. The first in March, followed by another in June, aimed at cracking down on violent crime, particularly in Belize City’s Southside and areas of the Cayo District. These measures allowed for extended police powers, including search without warrant and the ability to detain suspects for up to 90 days. The government’s initiative led to nearly a hundred arrests, focusing on gang members, although it sparked debates on civil liberties and policing ethics.
Burglaries accounted for half of all major crimes reported between July and September 2024, marking a 23% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. While this decline was notable, theft incidents rose by 33% during the same timeframe, signalling a contrasting trend in property-related offenses. Meanwhile, cases of unlawful sexual intercourse saw a significant spike, with reported incidents increasing by 125% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year.
Violence against women and girls continued to be a significant concern. Data from the Belize Police Department highlighted a slight increase in domestic violence cases by 4.2% compared to 2023. This underscored the ongoing challenge of protecting this demographic. Sexual violence showed mixed trends, with an increase in rape incidents by 42% but a decrease in cases of unlawful sexual intercourse.
The crime situation in Belize influenced travel advisories throughout the year. Countries like the United States and Canada advised their citizens to exercise increased caution, particularly in Belize City’s Southside, due to high crime rates. However, efforts were made to reassure tourists, with a notable decrease in major crimes in popular tourist areas, suggesting that while vigilance is necessary, Belize remains a viable destination for travel with caution.
Police are investigating a shooting incident in Corozal Town where a family’s home was riddled with bullets in a brazen attack early this morning.
Images circulating online reveal the extent of the damage, with shattered windows and walls peppered with bullet holes. According to reports, 12 to 14 rounds were fired at the Bradley family home around 1:00 a.m. Fortunately, no one was physically injured.
One family member expressed their anguish in a social media post, writing:
“Today is a very heart breaking and frightening day for my family and I. The Bradley’s home was viciously attacked by a barrage of bullets (12-14rounds) at around 1:00a.m. this morning. We are all truly distraught at this atrocious act and we are left in awe as to WHYWe are very grateful that no one was physically injured during this horrific attack, however we have many questions. We are asking if anyone saw or heard anything to kindly contact 607-4784. Any information can help. Thank you.”
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, has announced plans to resign before the conclusion of his People’s National Movement (PNM) term, which ends in August 2025. The 75-year-old leader, who has served in public office for 45 years, shared the news during a speech in Tobago.
Dr. Rowley has led the PNM since 2010 and secured victory in the 2020 general election with 22 of 41 parliamentary seats. He entered politics in 1981 and remains the only PNM candidate to have contested elections in both Tobago and Trinidad. R
As part of his final term, Dr. Rowley stressed the importance of mentoring young leaders within the PNM to ensure the party’s future.
During his tenure, Dr. Rowley faced significant challenges, including managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Rowley also addressed the rising negativity in public discourse, lamenting attacks on officials fuelled by hate and vitriol. Despite this, he celebrated the achievements of young leaders he introduced to politics, many of whom are now well-positioned to take Trinidad and Tobago forward.
Early this morning, a bold burglary attempt was thwarted at the Terminal Cargo warehouse near Philip Goldson International Airport, Ladyville, when gunfire was exchanged with security guards.
Reports are that the incident occurred at around 1 o’clock when two security guards noticed two figures lurking on the east side of the secured warehouse. The intruders were instructed to leave. In response, one suspect, described as slim, about 5’7” tall, and dark-skinned, shot at one of the security officers.
The guards ducked for cover and tried to capture the suspects near the warehouse’s south side, but the suspects fled through a hole in the chain-link fence that borders the airport runway.
Police collected one spent and one live 9mm bullet. No injuries were reported.
59-year-old Godfrey Winfield Hyde is the first murder victim of 2025. His body was found on Turneffe Island yesterday afternoon. The Belize City resident was discovered face down on a veranda of a wooden house. He had been shot to death.
His body was discovered by a fisherman, 52-year-old Fedrick Dougal, who had arrived at the camp around 6 a.m. to deliver supplies. Upon finding Hyde unresponsive, Dougal immediately alerted Coast Guard personnel stationed on the island.
Crime scene technicians recovered a single expended shell from the location. The body was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) and later to the National Forensic Science Service for a post-mortem examination.
The Elections and Boundaries Department has announced that a team of officers will be visiting Buena Vista Village in the Cayo District on January 5th, 2025, to accept applications for voter registration and distribute voter identification cards. The visit will cater to residents of Buena Vista, Selena, San Marcos, Santa Teresita, La Gracia, Yalbac, and Georgeville. The registration and ID distribution will take place at the Buena Vista Community Centre from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
To qualify for registration, individuals must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of Belize or a Commonwealth country, and have resided in Belize for at least 12 months. Additionally, applicants must have lived in the electoral division where they seek registration for no less than two months.
Those registering are required to provide valid original documents such as a Belizean birth certificate, a Belize nationality certificate with a Social Security card, or a certified photograph signed by a Justice of the Peace. A Belizean or Commonwealth passport is also acceptable.
For those who have been registered as electors since July 2, 2018, but have not yet received their voter identification card, this is an opportunity to pick it up. The Elections and Boundaries Department encourages all eligible residents of the listed villages to take advantage of this registration and ID issuance session.
As we approach the 2025 general elections, the usual certainty surrounding ballot designs has been thrown into question due to the internal strife within the United Democratic Party (UDP). With both Moses “Shyne” Barrow and Tracy Panton claiming leadership of the party, the matter has escalated to the courts and has created an unprecedented scenario for voters and the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC).
Traditionally, Belizean ballots are straightforward in design: a column for surnames, another for other names, a colour assignment for each candidate’s party, and a space for the voter to mark their choice with an X. The PUP, known for its blue colour, and the UDP, recognised by its red, have long-standing colour associations. However, the current leadership dispute in the UDP complicates this familiar setup.
The ballot paper in Belize does not display the name of the political party.
The Elections and Boundaries Commission is responsible for assigning colours to each candidate or party. For the two major political parties, the practice has been to assign their traditional colours.
The conflict between Barrow and Panton has led to a scenario where both are determined to field candidates under the UDP banner or create confusion by contesting as independents or under a new banner. Given that political parties in Belize aren’t officially registered, the EBC’s role becomes pivotal. The Commission is tasked with assigning colours to candidates and parties, a process usually smooth when parties are clearly delineated. However, this year, they might need to mediate between factions within the UDP.
In such cases, the EBC members will resolve the issue through a majority vote, deciding which colour will be used. This process typically involves communication with the candidates, but if a resolution cannot be reached, the Commission has the final say. The assigned colour must be distinct enough to avoid voter confusion.
The EBC issues sample ballots before voting day to prepare voters. These samples will be crucial this year to clarify which candidates are aligned with which colors. This education effort is essential to ensure voters are not misled by the ballot’s appearance…
As we wrap up 2024, News 5 is excited to bring you our digital Year in Review! This year, we're diving into the highlights and challenges of the past twelve months, all organized by themes. Join us as we look back at the stories that shaped our year…
In 2024, the United Democratic Party (UDP) in Belize became the epicentre of political drama, primarily between Moses “Shyne” Barrow and Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar-Panton. They both claim to be the leader of the UDP. That particular case is before the court.
Barrow deemed Panton and other members who support her as “constructively resigned” from the UDP.
This discord led to the emergence of the Alliance for Democracy (AFD), a faction within the UDP challenging Barrow’s leadership and causing a notable rift within the party. The power struggle continues today.
The conflict intensified on October 20, 2024, when the AFD, led by Taegar-Panton, convened a “Unity Convention” at Belize City’s Civic Center. During this event, they declared Taegar-Panton as the interim leader of the UDP, asserting that the convention was held in accordance with the party’s constitution and represented the highest decision-making body of the party. Panton has the support of key UDP leaders such as Patrick Faber, John Saldivar, and Beverly Williams. This faction aimed to challenge Barrow’s leadership, accusing him of autocratic tendencies and calling for a leadership change to rejuvenate the party’s image and strategy.
In response, Barrow dismissed the convention’s legitimacy, maintaining his position as party leader. He labelled the AFD’s actions as unauthorised and took legal steps to reaffirm his leadership. This included initiating legal action against Taegar-Panton and her supporters to reclaim control over the UDP headquarters, which the AFD had occupied following their convention.
The physical manifestation of this power struggle was evident when Panton and her supporters took over the UDP headquarters in Belize City. This dramatic and symbolic act was aimed at asserting control over party assets, including media organs like Wave Radio and The Guardian Newspaper, which are pivotal for political communication. Barrow responded by accusing Panton of criminal activity and sought legal redress to reclaim the headquarters.
The internal conflict drew public attention, with both factions engaging in a war of words and legal maneuvers. Barrow’s attorneys reminded Taegar-Panton of court rulings that upheld his leadership, accusing her of defying these decisions. Despite these reminders, Taegar-Panton continued to assert her leadership role.
The convention organised by the AFD was not sanctioned by the party’s official leadership, leading to a public declaration by Barrow that he remained in charge, dismissing the convention’s outcomes as fraudulent.
Barrow, on his part, maintained his position as the legally recognised leader, supported by the UDP’s central executive. This dispute over legitimacy led to a legal tussle, with both factions seeking judicial clarity on who rightfully leads the UDP. The Belize High Court laid out a timeline to address the leadership disputes, with key decisions pending on whether Panton’s convention was valid and if she remained a member of the UDP.
UDP’s internal strife has weakened its position as the opposition, with criticisms from within and outside the party about the impact on democratic processes and party unity.
The political landscape of the Corozal Bay constituency changed in 2024 because of an intense internal struggle within the People’s United Party (PUP) between two prominent figures: Thea Garcia-Ramirez and Elvia Vega-Samos. At PUP’s standard bearer convention held in July 2024, Thea Garcia-Ramirez emerged victorious over the incumbent area representative, Elvia Vega-Samos. The convention was fraught with controversy, with Vega-Samos later alleging unfair practices, including the manipulation of the voter’s list and the inclusion of ineligible voters.
She claimed supporters were removed from the list, and there was coercion to vote for her opponent. Vega-Samos continued her public critique of the party’s handling of the convention, suggesting she was not given a level playing field. Her allegations led to a strong rebuttal from the PUP’s Secretariat, which dismissed her claims as “baseless” and warned her against further public statements without evidence. The tension escalated when Vega-Samos was allegedly asked to vacate the constituency office, which she had been using. This move was interpreted by Vega-Samos as an eviction, sparking further controversy. Garcia-Ramirez, however, clarified that she had extended an olive branch, suggesting a sharing arrangement for the office space. Prime Minister John Briceno and other party leaders, including Minister Kareem Musa, made public statements calling for unity within the party. They acknowledged Vega-Samos’s contributions but emphasised moving forward with Garcia-Ramirez as the new standard bearer.
Belize Rural South Area Representative, Andre Perez, was reinstated to Cabinet after a prolonged suspension. Perez resumed his role as Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management following allegations of sexual misconduct by attorney Wendy Auxillou. Prime Minister John Briceño, addressing the matter on April 16, stated, “The investigation was that no laws were broken.” The Prime Minister defended his decision to bring Perez back, highlighting his efforts during municipal elections: “Minister Perez went into his constituency, worked hard, and… along with the mayor, Wally Nunez, they won by the largest margin ever in the history of San Pedro.” Despite this support, Perez faced a challenge within his party. San Pedro Town Mayor, Wally Nunez, had expressed his ambition to replace Perez as Belize Rural South’s area representative. Nunez, encouraged by his recent electoral success, announced on Facebook: “The people of San Pedro and Caye Caulker have been asking for quite some time now if I will represent them in the general elections. Well, this is [a] testament that I will be sending in my application to represent you all! Let democracy prevail!” In their most recent elections, Perez had secured 4,336 votes (62.96%) in the 2020 general elections, defeating his UDP opponent, Manuel Heredia Jr., who garnered 2,419 votes (35.12%). Meanwhile, Nunez won 3,651 votes in the 2024 municipal elections, significantly outpacing his UDP opponent, Wilfredo Alamilla, who received 1,319 votes. Nunez also increased his margin of victory by 189 votes compared to the 2021 municipal elections. However, Nunez’s ambitions were ultimately curtailed by internal party dynamics. The PUP executive declined to grant him permission to challenge Perez for the party’s candidacy. Nunez later acknowledged this decision on Facebook, writing, “Guided by the voice of the people, I decided to continue leading them as their area representative. I have now been made to understand that this will not be possible. I respect the decision of our party and hold dear the mandate given to me by the people.”
One of Belize’s longest-serving politicians, Michael Espat, affectionately known as “Iron Mike,” passed away on Monday night in Belmopan. Espat died at the Western Regional Hospital, reportedly after suffering a massive heart attack. C.E.O. Osmond Martinez Dr. Martinez quickly announced his intention to run and replace Espat. That did not sit well with Cayo South Area Representative Julius Espat. Espat stated, “He was disrespected. His C.E.O. went out to do something that was not authorised by the executive of the People’s United Party. I am an executive member, and nothing was told to us, and he was disrespected. His dignity was taken away, and that’s not good for anybody.” A by-election was held with Dr. Martinez emerging as victorious.
In 2024, two notable (or some might say insignificant) third parties were launched: the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) and the Belize Justice Movement (BJM). PDM, led by Estevan Perera Senior, contested the seats at City Hall with the hope of forming the next Belize City Council. They lost. BJM officially took the stage in early 2024 with a clear focus on social justice. Their campaign rhetoric centred on addressing the disparities in wealth, improving social services, and combating corruption. We have yet to see how they will do in this year’s general election. Then there is the Belize Progressive Party (BPP). The BPP made its electoral debut in the November 2015 general election, in which it fielded 25 candidates and captured 1.63 percent of the vote nationwide (2,336 votes). Their campaign emphasised the need for completed redistricting before any elections, aiming to address the long-standing issue of unequal constituency sizes, which they argued skewed political representation. No BPP candidate has won an election.
Cayo North’s U.D.P. standard bearer, Omar Figueroa, alleged widespread voter registration fraud in the Cayo North constituency. Figueroa claimed that election officials failed to address numerous questionable registrations. In a letter addressed to Governor-General Froyla Tzalam, Figueroa alleged a “well-organised white-collar criminal scheme” involving questionable voter registrations, describing it as a “threat to our fragile parliamentary democracy.” He criticised the registration department for not providing essential information to verify new registrations and suggested that some employees might have been complicit in the fraud. Concerns surfaced before the 2024 municipal elections when both Figueroa and Mayor Earl Trapp noticed “unusual” registration activities at the local Elections and Boundaries Department. Figueroa stated that “significant numbers of questionable registrations began appearing on the voter’s list without clear indication as to the exact address.”
Figueroa called for a thorough investigation by the Commissioner of Police and other officials to safeguard the rights of Cayo North residents.
Figueroa also sent a letter to Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai, urging her to comply with a court ruling to remove over twenty names from the voter’s list, as determined by the San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court. He accused Minister Michel Chebat’s team of fraudulently registering voters in Cayo North. When News Five contacted Chebat, he declined to comment, citing the court’s ruling as currently under appeal in the High Court. Chebat explained that the Election and Boundaries Department could not act on the ruling until the appeal was resolved but expressed willingness to discuss the matter once the case concluded.
Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai responded, emphasising that the Election and Boundaries Department operated under the Representation of the People’s Act, which outlined procedures during any objection or appeal process. Tamai noted that the department rejected Figueroa’s claims, citing that over one hundred people he accused of being fraudulently registered were upheld by the court.
Over one hundred voters attempting to transfer to Cayo North were ordered to remain in their current constituencies. This followed Figueroa’s objections, which led to a San Ignacio Magistrate Court review. The magistrate, after inspecting some addresses, forwarded the case to the High Court, leaving the final decision pending.
The Belize Poll 2024, conducted by Viking Strategies, offered valuable insights into the political landscape of Belize and revealed the popularity of key politicians as well as the public’s concerns. The survey, which included 968 registered voters, was carried out between June 17 and August 6, 2024, and examined various issues, including satisfaction with life in Belize, economic stability, crime, and corruption. One major concern highlighted by the poll was crime, with over 33% of respondents citing gang violence as the primary issue.
The poll also indicated a decline in economic confidence, with many Belizeans expressing concerns about corruption. However, the current People’s United Party (PUP) administration received praise from 68% of respondents for infrastructural improvements. Regarding the economic situation, respondents reported that while they could afford basic necessities and some extras, major purchases like cars remained out of reach. This shift represented a positive change from five years ago when many were struggling to pay utility bills. When it came to the perception of corruption, 30% of respondents believed it to be widespread, while the majority felt it was somewhat present. Notably, in the 2020 general election, Briceño, then the opposition leader, promised to combat corruption, declaring that the government could no longer operate as it had under the United Democratic Party (UDP).
The survey also ranked Belize’s politicians based on favorability. While both Prime Minister Briceño and UDP Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow were well-known, Briceño emerged as the more favourable leader, ranking sixth out of 36 politicians. Barrow, in contrast, was ranked 34th in favorability despite being the second most recognised politician. Cordel Hyde, the area representative for Lake Independence, was ranked as the most favoured politician, followed by Kevin Bernard and Kareem Musa in second and third places, respectively. Tracy Panton was the only UDP politician in the top ten.
The poll also revealed the least favourable politicians, with John Saldivar topping the list, followed by Gilroy Usher and Michael Peyrefitte. Patrick Faber, ranked third in recognition, placed sixth in favorability. When asked about voting intentions for the 2025 general election, the majority of respondents expressed a preference for the PUP, suggesting a narrow victory for the party with 41% of the anticipated vote.
