February, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

His Doctor’s Note Cites Syncope for Absence – But What Is Syncope?

Dean Samuels, Shyne Barrow’s proposed candidate for Pickstock, shocked supporters and the public on Nomination Day by failing to officially register as a candidate. Despite being seen earlier in the day actively engaging with voters and discussing his candidacy on Wave Radio, Samuels suddenly backed out. He later cited syncope as his reason for not attending the Civic Centre for nomination, sending in a doctor’s note.

But what is syncope?

Syncope may sound like a fancy medical term, but it’s actually the scientific word for what we commonly know as fainting!

When someone experiences syncope, their brain isn’t getting enough blood for a brief moment—this leads to the sudden loss of consciousness. It’s often followed by a quick recovery. Imagine you’re standing, and suddenly your blood pressure drops too quickly, or your heart skips a beat. This lack of blood flow causes the brain to go on “pause,” and down you go, ready to be revived with a bit of rest and time!

Most of the time, fainting is harmless and isn’t a cause for concern. However, if someone faints frequently or without clear reasons, it’s important to see a doctor. Sometimes, fainting could be a sign of an underlying health issue, like a heart problem or a neurological condition.

As for Samuels, he issued a public apology for his absence. He acknowledged that his decision denied voters the chance to express their dissatisfaction with the government.

Samuels, along with three other UDP candidates—Dennis Williams, Melvin Hewlett, and Norman Usher—failed to appear for nomination. He explained that his decision was influenced by financial challenges in politics, particularly given that his opponent was a powerful government minister. Samuels revealed that the UDP leadership had decided to allocate resources to constituencies with a stronger chance of victory, making his candidacy financially unfeasible under the current circumstances.

Revere Mayor Demands Transparency in Belize Resort Deaths

Mayor Patrick M. Keefe Jr., the mayor of Revere City, Massachusetts, issued a statement on Tuesday addressing the deaths of the three women found dead in their suite at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro on Saturday morning. He stated, “On behalf of the entire City of Revere, I extend my condolences to their families and loved ones during this time of unimaginable loss.”

The women, Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar, 26, “were valued members of the Revere community,” he stated. “The information we have received thus far… leaves our grieving community with too many questions.”

Mayor Keefe Jr. added, “I have heard widespread concern from the families and community members about the lack of transparency in this investigation and the media narrative painted by Belizean authorities.” He went on to outline the Travel Avisory that the United States had labelled Belize with in December 2024, where it advised travellers to “exercise increased caution in Belize due to crime.”

The initial investigation in Belize revealed that the police are looking into a possible drug overdose after finding alcohol and gummies among the belongings of the women. “We’re not saying at this time that the gummies cause death, but we’re looking at every possibility,” said Chester Williams, the Commissioner of Police. The results of a postmortem examination is still pending.

Meanwhile, Mayor Keefe confirmed he has been in contact with federal officials, including Senator Ed Markey and Whip Katherine Clark, and that they will “lockstep to bring answers to these families and their communities.”

“We will exhaust all avenues, both domestic and abroad, to ensure a proper and fair analysis of this case,” he said.

Pope Francis Shows Slight Improvement Amid Ongoing Treatment for Lung Infection

Pope Francis, 88, is reportedly in stable but critical condition as he continues treatment for pneumonia in both lungs. The Vatican updated the public on his health Wednesday, noting that he had a “tranquil night” and was resting in an armchair. Doctors remain cautious, emphasizing that while the Pope has not experienced any respiratory issues since Saturday, he is still not out of danger.

The Vatican also shared that Pope Francis underwent a CT scan on Tuesday to monitor his complex lung infection. Early results indicate a normal progression of the inflammation. His condition has shown slight improvement, with a return to mild renal function and confirmation of positive changes in recent blood tests.

Despite his ongoing treatment, the Pope has resumed some work duties, including receiving the Eucharist and dedicating the afternoon to light activities. He continues to receive high-flow oxygen therapy and respiratory physiotherapy, with no respiratory crises reported.

Pilgrims have gathered outside the Gemelli hospital, offering prayers, candles, and gifts in support of the Pope, with a special mass held for him at the Argentinian church in Rome.

Three Convicted Jewish Men Sent to Guatemala

Avron Dinkel and Chaim Malka were charged with aiding in the commission of a crime, while Moshe Yhidia Alter faced a charge of illegal entry following their interception in Santa Elena, Cayo. The three men appeared in San Ignacio Magistrate’s Court yesterday, where they were convicted and fined $1,000 each, with a default sentence of three months in prison. After paying the fines, they requested permission to return to Guatemala.

Two of the men are Americans, while the other is a Canadian.

The men could possibly have links to the extremist Lev Tahor sect, whose members face charges in Guatemala, while its leaders have been detained in El Salvador and Mexico for extradition.

Late last year, Guatemalan authorities rescued 160 children and 40 women from the group amid allegations of rape, forced marriages, and human trafficking. Prosecutors also reported the discovery of a child’s remains during the raid.

Trinidad and Tobago’s PM Keith Rowley to Resign on March 16

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley announced he will resign on March 16, 2025, after opening two major projects—the Central Block of the Port of Spain General Hospital on March 10 and the new ANR Robinson Airport terminal on March 15. Speaking at the renaming of Lisa Morris-Julian Boulevard, he reflected on his tenure, emphasizing that public service is temporary and expressing satisfaction with his contributions. He acknowledged the challenges of governance, particularly managing national projects with limited resources.

The 75-year-old has led the party since 2010.

Reflecting on his tenure, Rowley acknowledged challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and rising negativity in public discourse but expressed confidence in the next generation of leaders to guide the country forward.

EBC Says Red to All 41 Candidates Under UDP Banner

The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) has decided that the United Democratic Party (UDP) will be allocated the traditional red colour to all 41 candidates nominated on Monday under the UDP banner. This is despite the internal divisions and leadership disputes that have been unfolding for months within the opposition party.

In its announcement, the EBC provided three options to consider: assigning red to all candidates, assigning it to only the 25 listed by Shyne Barrow, or to only the 15 nominated by Tracy Panton.

According to the EBC, after a 4-1 vote, it opted for the first choice—assigning red to all candidates under the UDP name. “By a majority vote of 4-1, the EBC voted on option 1, which is to allocate the traditional UDP red to all 41 candidates applying under the UDP banner,” it said.

On Tuesday, before the EBC issued its decision, Moses “Shyne” Barrow wrote to the EBC insisting that only his candidates should be assigned red on the ballot. He warned that if the EBC does not make the right decision, he will take legal action.

Barrow stated, “We are waiting for the official decision of the commission, and then we will proceed with civil action if the decision is not fit. The Election and Boundaries has no right to recognise anybody who claims to be a UDP when we have sent them an official list of who the UDP are when all that will do is cause confusion in the constituencies where we have competing claims.”

90 Nominated Candidates to Be Seen on General Election Ballot

This has been updated with the Election and Boundaries Commission’s latest press release.

This has been updated with the Elections and Boundaries Commission’s (EBC) latest press release

Nomination took place on Monday, and hundreds of Belizeans rallied with their political party’s colour on their sleeves. Nomination Day is a major part of the election process—it marks the official beginning of the lead-up to the March 12 general election.

Candidates from the major political parties, including the People’s United Party (PUP) and United Democratic Party (UDP), were out in full force. Third parties and independent candidates also joined the excitement, though some struggled to gather the six people needed for their nominations.

According to the Election and Boundaries Department (EBC), a total of 90 nominations were received, with 31 from the PUP and 41 from the UDP.

Fort George Area Representative Henry Charles Usher and Pickstock Area Representative Anthony Mahler were declared winners without contest after their opponents failed to show up for nomination.

Usher saw his challenger, Melvin Hewlett, absent from the event, while Mahler secured another term after his opponent, Dean Samuels, did not appear for his nomination. Both Hewlett and Samuels were contenders running for UDP under the leadership of Moses “Shyne” Barrow.

The EBC confirmed the results, stating, “The Returning Officers for the Pickstock and Fort George Electoral Divisions respectively declared Mr. Anthony Mahler and Mr. Henry Charles Usher to have been duly elected since, at 4:00 p.m. on nomination day.”

Dean Samuels Apologises for Withdrawal, Cites Financial and Health Concerns

Dean Samuels issued a public apology last night regarding his absence from the UDP nomination event on Nomination Day. He began by apologising to the United Democratic Party, its supporters, and key members, including Shyne Barrow and Tracy Panton. He also expressed regret to the constituents of the Port Loyola division and acknowledged that his decision deprived them of the opportunity to voice their discontent with the government.

Samuels was among four party members who failed to appear for nomination today. Three other UDP candidates—Dennis Williams (Toledo East), Melvin Hewlett (Fort George), and Norman Usher (Dangriga)—also failed to show up for nomination.

Samuels admitted that his last-minute decision was a difficult one, influenced by financial realities in politics. He noted that the candidate he was up against was one of the most financially powerful ministers in government, and the UDP leadership had agreed to allocate funds to constituencies with a stronger chance of victory. “In every sense of the word. You know, I met with them, and they explained that to them. They don’t believe it’s basically financially viable or even for them, or even for me to continue contesting for them to continue financing me in my bid under the current situation where we are as a party and the division.”

After consulting with his financial backers—friends, family, and supporters—he was told that continuing his campaign was not viable given the party’s current situation. This led to his withdrawal.

Phillip Willoughby Weighs in on U.D.P No-Shows

Earlier today, we had an in-depth conversation with Phillip Willoughby, the U.D.P. candidate for Port Loyola under Tracy Panton’s leadership, about his vision for the constituency. He is one of three U.D.P. candidates vying for that seat against incumbent Area Representative Gilroy Usher Senior. We’ll share more about that in tomorrow’s newscast. But tonight, we have his thoughts on the “Shyne” Barrow U.D.P. candidates who didn’t show up on nomination day. Here’s what he had to say.

Phillip Willoughby, U.D.P Candidate, Port Loyola

“That is a reflection of Jamal. Clearly it is a reflection of him. That is a reflection of him and on him clearly and squarely, that drops in his lap. Now, I am disappointed because I know the gentlemen and I know everybody would want to swim this far to turn back or drop out. So something is afoot that went on had these four gentlemen step out and step back. It just doesn’t happen like that. What is there to come in the upcoming general election, of course it is a team sport. You will help your colleagues in all shapes and form. But for the people of Port, if it does come, whoever come, anybody come, when they come at the end of the day they will leave. When they leave it will be just you and I in the very same situation.”

Moses “Shyne” Barrow Intends to Sue E.B.C. Over Colors

The color debate is heating up. In the lead-up to the general elections, the Barrow and Tracy U.D.P factions are clashing over which color to use. Barrow has penned a letter to the Elections and Boundaries Commission, firmly stating that there’s only one U.D.P. As the head of the party’s central executive, he insists that his candidates should be assigned red on the ballot for election day. Barrow warns that any other decision could lead to a civil suit.

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Party Leader, U.D.P

“One was sent yesterday and one was sent this morning. We are waiting the official decision of the commission and then we will proceed with civil action if the decision is not fit. The election and boundaries has no right to recognize anybody who claims to be a UDP when we have sent them an official list of who the U.D.P are when all that will do is cause confusion in the constituencies where we have competing claims. There is only one legitimate right and that totally undermines our democracy. We want fair and free elections. That is not fair and free. That is confusion and deliberate. We must understand someone like Josephine Tamai who I believe is an objective public servant. She is taking direction from political stooges in the E.B.C. who makes up the majority.”