The general election will be held this year. While we do not know the specific date, many anticipate and predict that it will be called early.
But the question is: will the United Democratic Party (UDP), as the main opposition party, be able to resolve its issue in time to pose a challenge to the super powerful People’s United Party (PUP)?
Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton and Mesopotamia Area Representative Moses “Shyne” Barrow remain at war over the leadership of the UDP. “The opposition, the United Democratic Party, is in self-destruct mode still,” said political scientist Dr. Dylan Vernon.
And there are no signs that both parties will mend fences to mount a meaningful challenge against the PUP.
On Friday, the Panton-led faction, Alliance for Democracy, held a four-hour meeting at Patrick Faber’s office in Belize City. We are told that Panton rejected two proposals made by a major party donor: a coalition involving four constituencies—Albert, Collet, Queen’s Square, and Cayo North—under which Barrow would retain the UDP name, along with a suggestion for Panton to recognise Barrow as leader in return for allowing her faction’s candidates to run as UDP. Both proposals were rejected.
As we kick off an election year, the exact date for the national vote is still up in the air, but many expect it to be called before the end of the first quarter of 2025. The political scene is heating up, with the ruling People’s United Party ramping up their unofficial campaign to win over voters through various initiatives. These include a minimum wage hike, a recent income tax waiver for those who qualify, and GST-free weekends during the Christmas season. Meanwhile, the United Democratic Party remains fractured, and it doesn’t look like they’ll be patching things up before the next general elections. Earlier today, we caught up with Doctor Dylan Vernon, a political scientist who has been closely monitoring the political landscape. Here are his expert insights.
Dylan Vernon
Dr. Dylan Vernon, Political Scientist
“We clearly have a situation where the People’s United Party, currently in power, is having, as I said, gale force winds in its political sails. Coming off huge victories in 2020 and also the municipal elections and having a rebound, economically, after COVID part of which was inevitable but not certainly guaranteed. And then, I think as I said in one of my pieces, too, there’s been the expansion of NHI, minimum wage has increased. There’s been a rebound of tourism, sugar is doing well. There’s a political reform process that is on the way, who knows what will come out of that one. But overall, economically, the numbers look good om paper. Unemployment is at its lowest for a long time and the economy has been growing. If you analyze how things have gone at the beginning, especially of the first term of government’s first few months or years. It always begins well, there’s an upward trend, the economy growing, good things happening and then later on things begin to deteriorate. So, I say that to say that if this trend continues what we are seeing right now in terms of the People’s United Party’s achievements could be the beginning that all the other governments have had and that we will see, gradually, some deterioration. So then, political parties, in this context, want to have early elections, as has happened a couple of times in our history. But the big point here is that the term PUDP is used for a reason because people have seen, since independence, that while parties change and things improve for a while, over time, the constancy of poverty corruption, having not enough housing, inequality, insecurity, these things continue and sometimes worsen.”
Vernon’s take on the situation within the U.D.P. is pretty bleak, echoing what other experts are saying: a clean sweep at the polls seems likely on election day.
Dylan Vernon
Dr. Dylan Vernon, Political Scientist
“On the other side of the coin, of course, the opposition, the United Democratic Party is in self-destruct mode still. The division that everyone knows of between the faction, the Alliance for Democracy and the UDP itself, under the leadership of Shyne Barrow, they seem to be at a point where reconciling before an election might be difficult, if not impossible to do. And so, that more than anything else, all the strengths that the PUP, right now, has, they are actually outweighed by the divisions and the weakness of the UDP. And so, yeah, in an election year like this, I could imagine that the prime minister and the leaders of the People’s United Party are feeling quite confident about their chances to the point where some people are even talking about a clean sweep, thirty-one to zero.”
Isani Cayetano
“When you look at what is presently taking place within the United Democratic Party and the fact that as a political organization it is so very divided and a general election is looming, it could be called at any moment really, what do you think are the chances, in terms of the UDP being able to get it together to mount some form of a formidable campaign against the ruling party?”
Dylan Vernon
“Yes. You know, they say that a week is a very long time in politics, in partisan politics, electoral politics. So a lot of things can happen, for example, suppose there is some huge, big scandal that comes out with the government and advantage is taken of that. But that aside, I mean it is very clear that the UDP currently is in one of the weakest stages it has ever been historically and it is mostly self-imposed because of the internal division. From my point of view, it seems unlikely that it will be resolved before the next [general] election, depending on when that is. If it is an early election, of course, the chances are less so.”
If the People’s United Party manages to pull off a thirty-one-to-zero victory in the upcoming general election, does the Belize Constitution have anything to say about it? Historically, a clean sweep has only happened twice, and both times were before Belize gained independence in 1981. Vernon explains that such a landslide win would give the Prime Minister significant power to advise the Governor General on appointments to key bodies like the Elections and Boundaries Commission and the Public Utilities Commission, among others.
Dr. Dylan Vernon, Political Scientist
“The PUP is so strong that its margins of victory in the constituencies that it won so large that the UDP making up ground is going to be extremely difficult. So even if there was to be a reuniting of somehow before the next general election, my view is that there will be another term for the People’s United Party.”
Isani Cayetano
“If for whatever reason, there is a clean sweep at the polls in the next general election, what is there constitutionally, perhaps by way of a mechanism or some system in place that would allow for a Leader of the Opposition to be appointed in this case or for there to be any form of recognized, parliamentary recognized opposition?”
Dylan Vernon
“First it’s important to understand that there have been twice, two times in the history of Belize, before independence, 1957 and 1961, when the PUP won clean sweeps. But that was before independence, the ’61 one, the governor had appointed Philip Goldson, although unelected, to the house. Since then, we haven’t had one. One of the things I said in my blog is that if any year since independence if there is even a slim chance of it happening, it could be this year because of what we just described, the polar sort of opposites of where the political parties are, the two main political parties. Constitutionally, the constitution does envision some aspect of what could happen if there is a clean sweep. For example, it says if there is no opposition at all, in the house, to the government, if no opposition wins, that the prime minister would then, let me rephrase that, that there will be no requirement that will be there for there to be any consultation or concurrence of the Leader of the Opposition because there is none. Because there is no requirement, it means that the prime minister would be the one who would consult or be given concurrence, would be the one to advise the governor general who to appoint to all the bodies and posts that constitutionally require appointments.”
On Tuesday, we brought you the story of the Dominguez family feud in Biscayne that turned violent during an alleged home invasion. Shania Dominguez claims her first cousin, Lunnet Dominguez, has been a threat to her and her six-year-old autistic son ever since she moved onto their grandfather’s property in Biscayne Village. Shania alleges that Lunnet and her eighteen-year-old nephew broke into her house, causing damage to both her and her property. After the authorities stepped in, all three family members were charged with harm, leading Shania to call for harsher punishments. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more details.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Last week, a land dispute within the Dominguez family escalated to the point where three members ended up in court. Twenty-five-year-old Shania Dominguez claims that ever since she moved onto a property in Biscayne Village, her thirty-three-year-old cousin Lunnet Dominguez and Lunnet’s eighteen-year-old nephew have been harassing her. Shania says that one day, while she was at home, she heard objects being thrown at her house. When she went to check, she claims she saw her cousins outside.
Shania Dominguez
Shania Dominguez, Charged With Harm
“So both of us exchange words then her nephew said that he would and punch me in my mouth. with loud noises on my house start getting stoned. When I looked, I opened my door, I saw him already at the step. I was scared. I threw regular water on him so that he could move away and go from out of my yard because why are you guys in my yard. when I look, I locked back my door, sat down, when I heard all the steps just coming up, just because Lunnett is coming up, stamped, opened the door fell straight down, cause the force that they came with trashed the whole house.”
Shania claims her cousins forced their way into her home, sparking a scuffle. All three family members ended up being charged with harm, which didn’t sit well with Shania. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams stated that the charges were fair for everyone involved.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“We have to be extremely real and honest in terms of what we say to the public. When we give an account of something, we must give the full story. Obviously there is an issue involving that family, and it would appear that what triggered the issue, um, might have been something that took place at the, I think back in the cross horse race, so we’re following that event. The son of Miss Domingo, the police officer, was burnt with hot water by the relative of the other lady who is complaining. And based on that, she went into the house to see who had thrown the hot water on her son, and whilst there, there was a scuffle, and the lady got injured. The police again exercising reasonableness and fairness, we decided to look at the issue as a cross complaint. So the fact that Ms. Domingo is a police officer, Lunnet, it did not exculpate her from the issue, because she too was also charged with harm. And the person who threw the hot water on the child was also charged.”
Shania says her cousins wreaked havoc on her house and even made off with her television. She’s baffled as to why they didn’t face more serious charges.
Shania Dominguez
“That’s aggravated burglary, damage to property, stuff went missing. So approximately should get charged for theft. All of those things. To my knowledge, when I came to court, I found out that they won’t get charged for none of those only harm because I brought my medical form in. So if I didn’t even brought my medical form in, nothing would have come out of the situation. At no point of time, I’m saying that I’m a saint, but these people are wrong. If they’re wrong, I’m asking for the right charges to be levied against them, which is aggravated burglary, damage to property and theft. And none of those are happening.”
Despite Shania’s adamant denial of throwing hot water on her alleged assailant, Commissioner Williams maintains that the right punishment was handed down.
Chester Williams
“Whether hot or cold, if you throw water on somebody, that’s an assault. They had no right to do that, and that’s what aggravated the issue. And so we have to be real; they provoked the situation. If you are a mother, and you are somewhere and someone inside a house throws water, whether hot or cold, on your child. What would be your response? We have to be real. You don’t provoke a situation and believe that because another person responds to your provocation, then that person must be dealt with how you feel the person must be dealt with. The law must be, must be there to protect people.”
Shania’s biggest worry is her cousin’s connections with the Belize Police Department and Paul Ferguson, aka Chicken Dread, who drives for the Minister of Home Affairs.
Shania Dominguez
“Chicken Dread is on her side. When she was a civilian like me, she never a day crossed my path, but due to the fact that Paul is always there saying that he has her back. So this is what she’s doing, just doing stuff and think that she can get away with it. And then if I just keep quiet, If it will just be sweeped right under the rug, it’s clear to be seen.”
Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams dispelled rumors of Fergusons influence over the case.
Chester Williams
“I don’t know what else the family expects; this had nothing to do with chicken dread, or chicken bald head, or however you may want to call him. In terms of influencing what the police does, I personally advised the lady, well, the police, in terms of how to deal with the issue and then dealt with it.”
Shania says the land they’re living on belongs to their late grandfather. If the land dispute isn’t sorted out soon, she plans to take it to court. Britney Gordon for News Five.
On January first, Belize City was rocked by three separate shooting incidents. The first happened on Levi Slusher Street, where a four-year-old girl was hit by a stray bullet, likely due to reckless gunfire during fireworks displays. Around three a.m., the second shooting took place when Jody Ortiz, Dennis Aranda, and Anwar Smith were targeted by a gunman in a white vehicle while they were hanging out in a yard on Linda Vista Street. Less than two hours later, the third shooting of New Year’s Day occurred, with twenty-two-year-old Shemar Gillett getting shot in the arm on Marigold Alley as he was heading home. Earlier today, police visited the Holy Emmanuel Street area, and Commissioner of Police Chester Williams informed us that they are making progress in the shooting investigations.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“I’m here because we do have some rising tensions in the area within the BLC. And so I am here along with Mr. Gamboa to see what we can do to try and defuse the issue before it goes any further.”
Reporter
“Have you gotten any useful information so far?”
Chester Williams
“Of course, yes, we’re getting good insight in terms of what actually transpired New Year’s morning. And the information that we’re getting, we will use that to see how best we can stem the issue before it escalates any further.”
Reporter
“I know there are older, maybe former persons that used to be involved in gang activity who are now leading another life. Do they assist in trying to keep the peace, maybe for the younger persons coming into their life?”
Chester Williams
“ Well, of course, and if you listen to my New Year’s message, I was clear that the police department is going to continue to work with LIU to see how best we can provide a way out to those persons who wish to become law abiding and useful members of our society. This is a part of what we want to do to ensure that we provide that avenue for people to be able to make that change that they want to make.”
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has hit back at claims that he’s in it for the glory. In an interview earlier today, Williams was asked about the suggestion that he seeks public praise. He was quick to shut down the idea, emphasizing that policing is a team effort. Williams highlighted the crucial roles played by the Leadership Intervention Unit and the rest of the Police Department in keeping Belizeans safe across the country.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“You all would be able to know that in every interview I’ve given where the issue of success and reduction in crime is concerned, I have never taken the praise alone. I’ve always said that it is a combination of different factors, and I’ve always put L.I.U. At the center of it because we do recognize and appreciate the work that you does on a daily basis. It contributes to our effectiveness. We cannot discount people who are playing an integral role in terms of what we do. And so L.I.U. Is a part of what we do. But apart from that, we have other factors that we must also give consideration to. So I really don’t understand what she meant by me chasing praises because I don’t do that. I am one man and I alone cannot reduce crime. While I am the head of the police department, I am a policymaker. The policies that I make or the strategies I put together will not worth the paper they’re written on if the people on the grounds do not execute them properly. And so I give the praises to my commanders to the foot soldiers, those constables, corporals, and sergeants who hit the pavement every day and execute our policies. They’re the ones I give the praises to because they’re the ones who are out there doing what needs to be done. So I remain humble in terms of what I do and I am grateful to my commanders and every other organization that works with the police including the L.I.U. and brother Nuri and his team to ensure that we were able to reduce crime the way we did two successive years.”
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has addressed the allegations of police abuse in San Pedro. On Thursday, we reported on Alex Wade, a San Pedro resident who claims that after being detained for assault, he was denied his right to make a phone call and was beaten by several officers in his cell, resulting in a fractured elbow. Commissioner Williams says that’s only part of the story but assures that the incident has been reported to the Professional Standards Branch for a thorough investigation.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“Again it has a lot to do with people being honest about what they said to the media. I spoke to the O.C., or the Divisional Commander of the Coastal Area, Mr. Cowo, this morning on that issue. And my briefing from Mr. Cowo is that these individuals, I think there were three of them detained in a cell with another person having detained them in the cell with the other person, they found out that the other person had some mental disability. Our policy is that once you have a person who is mentally challenged, that person must be detained separately from other prisoners. So the police officers went to the cell block to remove those individuals who were not classified as mentally challenged, out of the cell where this mentally challenged person was. And when the officers went to do that, these three individuals attacked the police officers. The officers received varying degrees of injuries including when transporting them to the hospital. One of them stamped the police out of the vehicle, almost killing him. And the police have since charged those individuals for the injuries they had caused to the police officers. So, we need to be honest and we have to understand that police officers are human beings. And when police are doing their job, we must always ensure we work with them or cooperate with them. Even if you feel like the police officer is wrong, you have a responsibility to cooperate. And after you have done so, you can always make a complaint if you believe the police have wronged you. So again, I personally do not see anything wrong that the police officers did. Nonetheless, I’ve tasked professional standard branch to go out and look at the situation. We may have bit of footages that will be able to help the police investigation.”
On December twenty-first, a man was fatally stabbed in Corozal after being found inside a teenage girl’s house. Reports say Anthony Lewis, who was out on bail for engaging in sexual relations with a minor, visited the girl’s home and got into a heated altercation with her family. During the intense brawl, Lewis was fatally stabbed. The incident has been ruled as self-defense. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams shed some light on why this wasn’t classified as a murder case.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“When an issue of self-defense is raised, In any debt investigation, it is not the police who determine the charges, it’s the DPP office. And so we have sent that file to the DPP for instructions on that matter, and we await that. Bear in mind though, that if a person comes into your home and when you get there, you are attacked by that person. The law will give you some leverage so that you can protect yourself and your home. I’m sure that those are things that the DPP or the DPP rep is going to take into consideration in determining that matter. This person was already charged with carnalities against your child. You come home, you find him in your home with your same child. What would be your response? How would you deal with it? And if there’s a scuffle and he end up getting injured and died, I don’t see how the person could be held accountable for that, no.”
Last month, Nicaraguan doctor Carlos Saborio Coze was charged with administering noxious substances after a man claimed he was drugged by him. The accusation comes from a Venezuelan nurse who says he was drinking with Coze at Little John’s Restaurant in Belize City and briefly left his drink unattended. He alleges that Coze slipped something into his drink, causing him to wake up at home several days later with no memory of how he got there. There were no signs of sexual assault. Today, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams provided an update on the case, revealing that evidence of blackmail has surfaced.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“ That’s a very complex issue. I know that there is some allegations of blackmail being involved in the whole issue. I’m not sure if a report was made to the police officially, but the attorney for the doctor did reach out to me and has sent me some information to suggest that indeed there was some element of blackmail in that whole situation. And so the police is going to look at it if an official complaint is made and then we see how we go from there.”
