February, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

CARICOM Summit Opens with Calls for Reform and Action

CARICOM leaders officially opened their 48th Regular Summit on Wednesday evening, setting the stage for crucial deliberations in the days ahead. Among the key voices was Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade, who returned to office in November after a decade-long hiatus and wasted no time in calling for action on long-standing regional issues.

Addressing a full house at the opening ceremony, Meade urged leaders to reconsider the effectiveness of some CARICOM institutions, stating that they were no longer providing value for money. “We do need to make decisions and implement them within the agreed timelines; however, in order for us to be in a position to do so, it is time for us to examine and review the institutions and organs of CARICOM.”

His sentiments found an ally in Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who, in an unscripted response, acknowledged the need to reform regional institutions. She stressed that CARICOM leaders have a responsibility to ensure these institutions remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. She said, “We have a responsibility to reform this institution. We have spoken for too long as to the need for an independent funding mechanism…The time is upon for settling the independent funding of this Caribbean community.”

The summit also saw an admission from Grenada’s Prime Minister and outgoing CARICOM Chair, Dickon Mitchell, who confessed that he did not initially enter office as a strong believer in CARICOM. His reflection underscored a broader discussion on the need for commitment and follow-through among member states.

Adding a global perspective to the discussions, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the gathering, highlighting the need for international support in securing stability in Haiti. “It is my intention to present to the Security Council a proposal that is very similar to the one we have presented to Somalia in which the UN assumes the responsibility of the structural and logistical expenditures that are necessary that are to put the force in place and the salaries of the force as paid through the trust funds that already exist,” he said.

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke about the evolving global landscape and the shared values between CARICOM and Europe. She said, “We are not in a race against each other. We are in a race against time. So even in the moment of harsh competition, we need to join forces and this is what brings me here today.”

The leaders are meeting amidst shifting policies in the United States, one of CARICOM’s largest trading partners and source market for its visitors. The changes in Washington come as leaders are due to discuss expanding the categories of people who can move freely among CARICOM nations.

Belize is participating virtually.

Tracy Panton Announces Candidates for General Election 2025

The Alliance of Democracy under the United Democratic Party (UDP), led by Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar-Panton, has officially launched its campaign for the upcoming March 12 general elections.

This morning, Panton revealed that 13 candidates are under her leadership, with one new addition confirmed this morning. On Friday, the Belize High Court ruled in favour of Panton, dismissing two contempt claims from Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow. Despite multiple attempts to mediate, Barrow refused every time, and Panton said that the “ship has sailed.”

Panton said her team tried their best to mediate and keep things united for as long as possible. However, the final chance for unity will be on Monday, Nomination Day.

With the 2025 general elections just around the corner, Panton said that her faction “seeks to successfully contest the general elections.”

Panton who is running as the candidate for Albert, unveiled her slate of candidates “running for the United Democratic Party in 14 constituencies.”

In her address, she stated that her candidates will take on their opponents, no matter what “incentives” their opponents may offer.

Here’s her list of candidates:

Lee Mark Chan—Mesopotamia

Second Deputy Leader, Beverly Williams—Belize Rural Central

Patrick Faber—Collet

Godwin Haylock—Queen’s Square

Manuel Heredia—Belize Rural South

Denny Grijalva—Orange Walk Central

Dr. June Young—Cayo South

Marlo Perera—Orange Walk East

Ivan Williams—Stann Creek West

Cecil Jenkins—Lake Independence

Phillip Willoughby—Port Loyola

Andrew Bradley—Caribbean Shores

John Saldivar—Belmopan

Hernan Riverol—Corozal Bay

Belize Has 3 New High Court Commissioners

Chief Justice Louise Esther Blenman officially swore in three new Commissioners of the High Court of Belize: Errol Norman Flowers, George Lincoln Gomez, and Mr. Ion Cacho Sr.

The ceremony marks the beginning of their important roles in serving the legal community and the people of Belize.

In a statement, the court stated, “The Honourable Chief Justice and the Senior Courts of Belize extend best wishes to the newly appointed Commissioners of the High Court as they embark on this important responsibility in service to the people of Belize and the legal community.”

Commissioners are tasked with taking affidavits and declarations in legal matters. When granted special permission by the court or a judge, they may also conduct witness examinations or accept document submissions. If assigned a specific duty by the court and authorised to do so, a commissioner can also exercise certain powers typically held by a judge.

Long-Awaited License Plates and Stickers To Be Distributed

The long wait is finally over. A week after CEO Valentino Shal announced on his Facebook that the “major order we have placed is almost ready,” the Department of Transport has officially announced that it is launching a nationwide distribution of license plates, stickers, and driver’s license cards for individuals who have already made payments.

News 5 had reported previously that many drivers, particularly those in rural areas, had been left without their credentials for months, and some even for years.

The distribution will kick off today in Belmopan, Spanish Lookout, and Santa Elena. Tomorrow, it will shift to Belize City, followed by Corozal and Orange Walk on Monday. Finally, residents of Dangriga, Independence, and Punta Gorda can collect their items on Tuesday.

Customers will need to present their receipt as proof of payment and the original Certificate of Title to collect their license plates. Additionally, they must pick up their items from the same office where the payment was made.

The Transport Department added that all offices will remain open during regular working hours, including the lunch hour, on these scheduled dates.

During his appearance on the Open Your Eyes morning show, Transport Minister Rodwell Ferguson explained that the delays stemmed from an ordering issue, not a shortage of supplies. He stated that this “will not happen again on my watch.”

Convicted Criminal Hurls Fan at Magistrate

Tensions flared at the Punta Gorda Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday when prisoner Mason Kelly attacked Magistrate Sashawna Jody-Ann Thompson. Kelly has a history of violent offences, including burglary and attempted murder. He lashed out during his court appearance.

According to police, Kelly was arraigned at 3:30 PM on Wednesday, February 19, where Magistrate Baha Shoman appeared virtually. Kelly recently completed a 15-year sentence for attempted murder and pleaded guilty to contempt of court. He denied the aggravated assault charge, claiming he threw a fan but did not aim it at the magistrate.

Magistrate Shoman accepted the guilty plea for contempt of court and imposed a fine of $175.00 or six weeks imprisonment. The aggravated assault case was adjourned to April 16.

It has been reported that the out-district magistrates are left to fend for themselves without proper security measures in place.

Colors and Symbols of the U.D.P. on Election Day

On Tuesday, the Elections and Boundaries Commission decided that both the Tracy Panton United Democratic Party and the “Shyne” Barrow U.D.P. can use red for the March twelfth general election. The commission, which includes three members from the ruling party and two from the opposition, voted three-two in favor. One opposition member wanted only the Barrow U.D.P. to use red, while the other suggested different shades of red for each party. The final decision will likely involve distinct symbols, but nothing is final until after Nomination Day, as we learned today in Belmopan. News Five’s Paul Lopez has more.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The main dispute within the divided United Democratic Party is which faction gets to use red in the March twelfth general election. On Tuesday, the five-member Election and Boundaries Commission voted on this. Most members agreed that both factions can use red, but with different symbols to tell them apart. This issue was discussed in detail at a meeting for election stakeholders this morning. Commissioner Orlando Espat shared his thoughts.

Orlando Espat, Commissioner, E.B.C

“The representation of the people’s act empowers us that in the case the political parties cannot agree with a color then there is a section that gives the commission the power to assign colors or symbols to the political parties. That determination is expected to be made how? We do it at the commission level and that defemination has already been made by taking a vote, as I gave you all today, we gave option and the option that agreed upon, not unanimously, but by a majority is that the two political parties will get red and we have them all the option to go back to their parties. The UDP side is saying no there is only one UDP and the other side is saying no we are also UDP. So we will give booth of them the red, but you go back to your party and come back to us and tell us next week which symbol you want to put there.”

However, Alberto August, the U.D.P. representative on the commission, believes the vote on Tuesday was premature. He insists that the final decision should be made after Nomination Day, when candidates declare their chosen colors.

Alberto August, Commissioner, E.B.C

“Like I told the commission yesterday, that voting that happened yesterday was premature. Everything comes to a head, on nomination day. The nomination forms clearly states at the last item on the right hand side of the nomination paper that the political parties advice that time of the color they want to put with their name. So, unless that process is completed, the commission cannot make a determination on that matter. What will happen in the event, one of the feuding factions says, let us abandon this, because it will be a great confusion and they say give me black. Because I am telling tou it is going to create some problems because there are some people who vote color and when you go on the ballot and you want to vote for a candidate weh red you might vote for the different red one.”

August argues that letting both factions use red will lead to more spoiled ballots. However, it’s unlikely either party will change their stance. So, they’ll need to agree on unique symbols for their red. Michael Peyrefitte, U.D.P. Chairman under Moses “Shyne” Barrow, shed more light on this issue.

Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, U.D.P

“You are going to the election and boundaries commission and say I am Paul Lopez and I want to run for this constituency. I want to use the color mother of pearl.it turns out that he comes in that same division and says I want to use mother of pearl, what the commission then does is like listen to me, you two come in, both of you have the same color and symbol that you want to use. We need to have you agree that one of you will take a different color or if you can’t agree, then we will make the differentiation as to what will differentiate you in terms of signs and symbols. If Paul Lopez the run and he the run under the sandfly or mosquito, you have the sample ballot with his x next to it, if he goes to campaign, he will distribute his sample ballot and say, I am the macala, just look for the macala and vote for me.”

When we talked to Sheena Pitts, the U.D.P. Chair under Tracy Panton, she mentioned that it’s still undecided whether either faction will use symbols.

Sheena Pitts, Chairperson, U.D.P

“We are UDP and the color for UDP is red and it is just that in my view. That is not a win. That is the rightful thing. We don’t know yet that there will be symbols. I don’t want you to proceed with the understanding that there will be symbols. All UDPs will be able to use red and what remains outstanding is whether or not anyone would opt to use an accompanying symbol. If it comes to that, whether or not that will be confusing, it remains the obligation of the party to do voters education.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Does Barrow U.D.P. Have Financial Backing for Election?

When we spoke with Michael Peyrefitte in Belmopan today, we asked if the Moses “Shyne” Barrow U.D.P. has the funds to run a strong campaign and election. Viewers might remember that a few months ago, Anthony “Boots” Martinez claimed Barrow doesn’t have the wealth he says he does. Running in a general election, especially for a major party, is costly. The discussion then shifted to what voters expect from their candidates in return for their votes. Here’s how it unfolded.

Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, U.D.P

“What we are going through right now is what we have always gone through. The UDP at its worst national election moment in 2022, we had thirty-two thousand people vote for the UDP. We are a mass party. People contribute. People volunteer their service, they assist the party for the betterment of their country because they know that the UDP is better Belize. So, it is not all about money as people would want to have us believe. I think it is very insulting for the Belizean people to say oh you have to have so much money because you have to pay people to vote for you. You cant pay people to vote for you.”

Paul Lopez

“But, it is the stat you, we know how it goes.”

Michael Peyrefitte

“I the tell you what I believe. Who pay people.”

Paul Lopez

“Mr. Wade got up moments ago and he complains bitterly.”

Michael Peyrefitte

“Sir, you are a journalist, before you get up and day people pay people you need to have proof of that. It is a serious, you cannot throw out a broad statement like that, because doing that is a criminal offense and if you accuse anybody of doing that, you are guilty of being liable.”

Paul Lopez

“I don’t have to pay you, but there are grants, expectations.”

Michael Peyrefitte

“There are no expectations. The only expectation that people have of the UDP is better government and better lives for the Belizean people. That is all we are offering.”

Money Is Not Everything in Elections Says Peyrefitte

Peyrefitte emphasized that it’s not just about money. He compared it to a relationship, saying that winning over voters also requires personal qualities like respect.

Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, U.D.P.

“Let me break it down to you as a fairly good looking man trying to capture a nice young lady to marry you. Is your only attribute you bring to the relationship money? Don’t you have to be nice, courteous, don’t you have to be a gentleman. Don’t you have to have manners and respect for women? There is so many things other than just money. So when you say, is he a good man, is the only measurement money? If the only thing a political party can do is provide money and it is your money, there is something out of wack. I would like to think that the Belizean people would want to hear something deeper than that. I think they want to ensure that if they elect a certain party to serve in government they can make their lives better.”

Third Party Leader Speaks Against Voters Bribery

Roody Wade, the Leader of the Belize Justice Movement, a third party in the March twelfth general election, spoke up at today’s EBC meeting. He expressed his frustration over alleged bribery and election day campaigning. Wade claims he has provided evidence, but nothing has been done. He is urging all candidates to ensure a fair election, free from these violations.

Roody Wade, Leader, Belize Justice Movement

“You talk about free and fair, three hundred dollars, two hundred dollars, buying the votes right there. All these things got to stop. And that man right there, Mr. August, he is part and parcel of that. I have seen him. My discontent is that there are laws already in black and white and these people keep directing these same laws for twenty-five, thirty years. I personally have been a candidate on several occasions and I know the ills and I see it and keep speaking about it. I have produced evidence of all the illegal things that happen. Why is it not being fixed. Here I go into an election with a clean heart, try to do the right thing, then when I go I see all this corruption in terms of buying votes, in terms of the hundred yards. It is plain to be seen. You go to any one of these poling stations and they are right up at the gate. Who is there to police them?”

Paul Lopez

“How much of a challenge is it to get evidence?”

Roody Wade

“I produce evidence, there is a way to go about that, because there is a way about going doing that.”

Alberto August Weighs in On Voters Bribery

When we spoke with Alberto August after the EBC meeting, we asked him to respond to Wade’s accusation. August declined to comment on Wade’s claim but openly admitted that bribery is a major problem in the electoral process.

Alberto August, Deputy Chair, U.D.P

“Mr Wade called you saying you are part and parcel of the problem where election offenses are concerned. He spoke specifically to bribery, saying you are mingling with that. You say what, sometimes v9oters simply want passage to go home? Maybe it is not a matter I want to speak to in terms of Mr. Wade’s utterances. You all were in there and you see the boisterous ways he was acting to the point where the police had to intervene. I would not want to comment on that. I know Mr. Wade. We are not friends. We are acquaintances. Sometimes he speaks from a standpoint of limited knowledge and that is what he did in there to the point where he wanted to get physical with the secretary general of the PUP. So I don’t want to comment much on what Mr. Wade said.”

Paul Lopez

“Would you agree that this is an issue, bribery and it stains this democratic process?”

Alberto August

“I would be disingenuous if I stand here and say this is not an issue. Of course this is an issue. There are people who come out on election day to make a little money. But there are genuine people who travel from far with the promise that come vote for me, I will pay your passage to get back from where you came. In terms of myself that might have been what he saw.”