February 21, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

CARICOM Leaders Wrap Up Summit Amid Concerns Over Trump Policies

As Caribbean leaders conclude their three-day summit, they remain keenly aware of the challenges posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies toward the region. While these policies are expected to create difficulties—including mass deportations, cuts to development aid, and a shift in U.S. engagement with Cuba and Venezuela—leaders agree that opportunities may also emerge.

One of the most pressing concerns is Trump’s immigration stance, which now targets nearly half a million Haitians living in the U.S. under temporary legal protection. CARICOM leaders acknowledge that every country has a right to enforce its immigration laws but remain concerned about the economic and social fallout for returning migrants.

Former St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and current Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue with Washington.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne also acknowledged the potential strain on Caribbean economies due to U.S. policy shifts, saying regional governments must find ways to sustain development despite the challenges.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves observed that while President Trump was absent from the summit, his policies loomed large over discussions. However, he noted that Trump’s approach may have encouraged greater engagement from other international partners, such as the European Union.

Meanwhile, Bahamian Prime Minister Phillip Davis urged CARICOM to avoid entanglement in geopolitical tensions that could negatively impact the region. Similarly, Montserrat Premier Reuben Meade, returning to regional politics after a decade, advised Caribbean nations to reduce their reliance on the U.S. and seek alternative global partnerships.

Beyond immigration, U.S. aid to the region has significantly declined. President Trump has ordered a freeze on funding and a review of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). In 2003, USAID provided $456 million in development assistance to the Caribbean, with Haiti receiving the largest share at $393 million, followed by Jamaica with $26 million and Belize with $20 million. However, aid contributions to CARICOM nations have since dwindled, raising concerns about the future of key development projects.

Shyne Barrow Still Wants Tracy Panton Committed to Prison

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, along with four other senior United Democratic Party (UDP) members, has filed an urgent appeal against a recent court ruling that dismissed their application to commit Tracy Taegar Panton to prison for contempt of court.

The appeal challenges the decision handed down by Justice Tawanda Hondora on February 14, 2025.

The ruling dismissed Barrow’s application, which sought multiple court orders regarding the UDP leadership dispute. The judge also ruled that the applicants must cover the legal costs of the case. However, Barrow and his co-appellants—including Michael Peyrefitte, Shary Medina, Alberto August, and Hugo Patt—argue that the judge erred in his interpretation of the “status quo ante” ruling, which they believe should have affirmed Barrow’s leadership within the UDP.

In the appeal, the group contends that the judge failed to properly consider the political context of the case and the implications of his decision on the party’s leadership ahead of the March 2025 elections. They also argue that the judge did not invite legal submissions on the test for contempt of court, leaving critical issues unresolved.

The appellants are seeking to overturn the February 14 decision and obtain an interim non-disclosure order. They maintain that the court must recognise the urgency of resolving leadership disputes within the UDP as the party prepares for the upcoming elections.

Historic Queen Street Baptist Church Destroyed by Fire

A fire early this morning reduced the historic Queen Street Baptist Church to rubble, leaving the congregation and the wider Baptist Association of Belize in mourning.

Residents of Eve Street awoke around 4:45 a.m. to see flames engulfing the wood-and-cement structure. Despite firefighters’ efforts, the church was completely destroyed, and the adjoining Queen Street Baptist School suffered water damage.

Founded in 1822, Queen Street Baptist Church is one of Belize City’s historic landmarks. Just last night, congregants gathered there for a meeting, unaware it would be the last.

The Baptist Association of Belize expressed its grief, stating, “Our Baptist Association of Belize Family woke up to the tragic news that our beloved Queen Street Baptist Church was totally destroyed by fire. It’s a very sad day, but we know the Lord got us.”

Pastor Lloyd Stanford, Sister Nancy Stanford, and the church community are receiving an outpouring of support, with the association assuring them, “We have you all in our thoughts and prayers. Know that we are here to support you.”

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

Classes for over 100 students at the adjoining school were cancelled.