Tracy Taegar-Panton has just made history as the new Leader of the Opposition! She was officially sworn in today at the Belize House in Belmopan, becoming the first woman to ever hold this position in the House of Representatives. Just this Wednesday, she secured her third term as the Area Representative for the Albert division. Before the general election, there were efforts to have her replace Moses “Shyne” Barrow as the opposition leader, but she couldn’t gather enough support at that time. However, tonight is a different story—Panton now has the majority backing, and Barrow is out of the picture. Key figures like Godwin Haylock, Lee Mark Chang, Miguel Guerra, and Hugo Patt have all rallied behind Panton. Interestingly, Guerra, who ran under Barrow’s U.D.P., was present at her swearing-in today, and Patt has even written to the Governor General to declare his support. News Five was on the scene for the swearing-in ceremony, and we had the chance to chat with Panton about her exciting new role.
Tracy Taegar Panton
Tracy Taegar Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“It is a historic day for me and my family, but for all women and girls in this country who aspire for leadership. I am entirely grateful to all those who have supported me, particularly the people of the Albert constituency. I could not be here without them voting for me and supporting me for the last ten years.”
Reporter
“Did you ever envision this moment when you first joined politics?”
Tracy Taegar Panton
“Not at all. In fact, I never envisioned being in politics in my younger years. Being here is a natural progression in terms of my work in public life. I am humbled and extremely grateful for an opportunity to serve at this level of governance. I hope I will be able to have a positive impact, affect meaningful change in the national assembly that we can elevate the dialogue, elevate the debate, step away form personal attacks and really look at the issue people are facing in the country. I am here to serve and ready to lead.”
Panton says her top priority is to rebuild the United Democratic Party. Although Barrow is no longer a factor in the House of Representatives, he still holds his position as the leader of the U.D.P. Panton mentioned that this is something her legal team will handle. And what about the candidates who ran under her leadership and lost, like John Saldivar and Patrick Faber? We asked her what role they will play in the future of the party.
Tracy Taegar Panton
Tracy Taegar Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“That is yet to be determined. This is day one. We are running on fumes. I am running on fumes. It has been a long and very challenging journey. My faith in God and my children has kept me grounded. For that I am grateful. The U.D.P. has to rebuild, reconcile and heal and we have to do that in short order. We are getting ready now to be the next government in 2030.”
Reporter
“What is the first step you will take to rebuild the party? I know that Mr. Patt has thrown his support behind you and Mr. Guerra is here to show his support.”
Tracy Taegar Panton
“Well we have to meet as a wider U.D.P. family. I have been speaking to my colleague individually but it is time to come together as a U.D.P. family, do a proper postmortem of what has happened, so that we can be guided as to what our next step will be.”
Reporter
“What is the road to regaining control of the HQ looks like. I know Mr. Barrow maintains that he is the party leader.”
Tracy Taegar-Panton
“That is a matter for my legal team to address and they wull be addressing it in the next couple of days.”
Reporter
“But what do you make of the post where he calls himself the party leader still?”
Tracy Taegar-Panton
“I did not see that post. I am still busy trying to deal with today to address this very historic moment for women, girls in this country, for Belizeans form the north to the south, east to west, you have a leader of the opposition that is completely committed to preserving and promoting Belize’s democracy.”
Patrick Faber, one of Tracy Taegar-Panton’s strongest allies, couldn’t secure his sixth consecutive term representing Collet. He lost to political newcomer Devin Daly by nearly two hundred votes. Today, we asked Panton for her thoughts on Faber’s defeat in that division. Here’s what she had to say.
Tracy Taegar Panton
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“I think if you were vigilant on the ground on election day as members of the media, you would know that huge insane amounts of monies were spent not only in Collet but in other constituencies. It is a blow to our democracy that we have gotten to the place where money is going to determine the future of this country. Patrick Faber is a colleague of mine, he is a formidable politician. I enjoy his support and he will have a very prominent role to play in the U.D.P. as we move forward.”
“Lee Mark Chang is the reason Moses “Shyne” Barrow is no longer in the House of Representatives. Panton and her team strategically placed Chang in Mesopotamia with the sole aim of unseating Barrow. Chang did just that, and he did it convincingly, defeating Barrow by a two-to-one margin. Today, Panton proudly declared, ‘mission accomplished.’
Paul Lopez
“Let us look at the success in Mesop, would you say, mission accomplished?”
Tracy Taegar Panton
Tracy Taegar Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“Mission accomplished. Our mandate that we received on October twentieth at the U.D.P. convention that was held at the Civic Center was for us to defend our democracy, to do everything we can to heal and restore the trust and confidence of the people in the United Democratic Party in Mesop and Lee Mark’s win is indicative of our commitment to making good on that mandate.”
Reporter
“There were certain constituencies in which the P.U.P. won by large, extraordinary margins, I think Cordel won by like ninety six percent, do you fear it will take multiple terms to decrease those margins?”
Tracey Taegar-Panton
“2030, the United Democratic Party will be the new government.”
The Organization of American States has praised Belize for conducting a peaceful and fair election on Wednesday. The OAS, which promotes cooperation and democracy in the Americas, often oversees elections in the region. This time, it sent a team to observe Belize’s election. Today, the OAS released a statement from Maricarmen Plata, the Chief of Electoral Mission in Belize, explaining the scope of their mission. News Five’s Marion Ali has the details.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Maricarmen Plata, the Chief of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission in Belize, led her team in a meeting with Governor-General Dame Froyla T’zalam. The team has been in Belize since Monday to observe the general election on Wednesday. Plata praised Belize for conducting a free and fair election.
Maricarmen Plata
Maricarmen Plata, Chief, Electoral Mission in Belize, O.A.S.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your enthusiastic participation in the general elections held on Wednesday, March 12. We also commend the electoral authorities for the peaceful and successful conduct of the 2025 general elections.”
The OAS Mission included twelve experts and observers from seven different countries, and they were present in twelve constituencies across Belize. Plata explained what their role involved.
Maricarmen Plata
“We diligently followed the process from the opening of the polling stations through the secure transfer of ballot boxes to the counting stations, the meticulous tabulation of ballots, and the transparent transmission of results. Through our work, we engaged in constructive dialogues with electoral authorities, government officials, political parties and candidates, and civil society actors. This allowed us to gather diverse perspectives on the organization of the elections and the overall electoral framework.”
On Wednesday, a News Five team met up with the observers as they made their rounds in Belize City. Plata mentioned that the team has a lot of experience with the election process.
Maricarmen Plata
“We have technical specialists with vast experience in reviewing electoral justice issues, technology issues. We are also looking into campaign financing issues, different processes. So, it’s a team that’s quite knowledgeable and that’s able to look at the different areas.”
The elections took place before a redistricting exercise, which the OAS had recommended for Belize. Plata mentioned that they are keeping track of those earlier recommendations.
Maricarmen Plata
“We are reviewing the present situation of that, and that will be included also in our report. We’ve of course, uh, been asking and, and following up on our prior recommendations, and that will be included also in the report. We will issue a report at the, be at the end of the process, a preliminary report in the coming days and later on a full report. So definitely something that we’ll be looking into and reporting on.”
Plata’s team met with political leaders and other key authorities to discuss electoral processes. Their role is crucial in making sure everything runs fairly and smoothly.
Maricarmen Plata
“It’s important because it supports the electoral authorities as well as the different parties and the process itself. So we follow up on the different matters that can improve the democratic process in Belize and that can help people actually participate in an environment that is, um, truly attending to the needs of everybody so that everybody participates in the best way possible. We basically met with the parties that are participating in the election, the political leaders and different stakeholders, the authorities as well, so we’ve been looking at different aspects such as technology, electoral processes, different aspects of the election from the beginning.”
The 2025 general elections are over, and the people of Belize have decided to keep the People’s United Party in power for another five years. Among the twenty-six seats won by the PUP is the Belize Rural South constituency, where Andre Perez emerged victorious. News Five’s Britney Gordon has all the details on this exciting race.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
The race for the Belize Rural South constituency was intense, with four candidates battling it out to become the area representative. This year’s contenders included former area rep Manuel Heredia Jr. and Mahmoud Lagha, both of the UDP, Abner Bacab from the Belize Justice Movement, and incumbent PUP area rep, Andre Perez. Despite concerns that Heredia’s return might threaten the PUP; Perez emerged as the clear winner.
Anthony Mai
Anthony Mai, Returning Officer, Belize Rural South
“ Mr. Abner Bacab received one hundred and fifty-nine votes. Mr. Manuel Heredia Jr. received one thousand eight hundred and ninety-eight votes. Mr. Mahmoud Lagha received one hundred ten votes. And Mr. Andre Parez received three thousand, four hundred and eighteen votes. And so I’d like to officially declare that Mr. Andre Perez has been elected by you all as the area representative for Belize Rural South.”
Candidates across the country noticed a low voter turnout. In Caye Caulker and San Pedro, the turnout was a moderate 56.82%. Perez mentioned that although the turnout was initially low, he was confident that his supporters would show up at the polls later in the day.
Andre Perez
Andre Perez, Area Representative, Belize Rural South
“It’s always good to be confident, right? But that does not mean we take things for granted especially when it comes to the campaign. What we want to talk about is the work that has been done in the last four years. It speaks for itself. I know that my people have seen it, and that I’ve kept the campaign at all times. This campaign didn’t start two, three weeks, it has been over the past four years.”
Abner Bacab previously ran in the municipal elections and returned for the general elections to provide residents with an alternative to the mass parties.
Abner Bacab
Abner Bacab, B.J.M. Candidate, Belize Rural South
“A lot of people that I see, they don’t want to vote. They say, you know what, I’m tired. I don’t believe. And the UDP or PUP, they are corrupt. They haven’t done anything for our people. They forget you. After the voting, until five years it came, they come to see you, no? So, I try to understand their pain, their cry, their sorrow, their desperation in what they’re saying, you know, and they’re, they’re right because they feel hurt. They haven’t seen any, any progress. So I take my time to explain to them many things that none of the campaigners from both parties are doing.”
Over 32% of votes cast went to the U.D.P.’s Manuel Heredia. At the start of the day, he was confident that he’d be taking home the win.
Manuel Heredia
Manuel Heredia, U.D.P. Candidate, Belize Rural South
“The poor people are suffering, they’re suffering, and those ones that used to open their mouth big when we were in power, like they put a zipper in their mouth, no. Now they can destroy the permit, they can destroy the bonefish, everything, and nobody says anything now. So, thanks God, that the people have seen it. And then by tonight, before 12, I can guarantee you that Mr. Heredia, let’s not put colors, Mr. Heredia will be victorious.”
Between Caye Caulker and San Pedro, six thousand, six hundred and ninety-one ballots were cast with 57.27% in favor of the P.U.P.
Andre Perez, Area Representative, Belize Rural South
“First of all, I want to thank everyone, the voters of Belize, but I also want tothank all those who have been working in the machinery all day. And not for many months now, right? The entire election machinery. I want to thank my family as well for the support that they give to me, right? But for the moment right now, it’s that I’m humbled. The work has been done in the past four years. There’s much more work to do ahead in the next five years. The plan is set for Plan Belize 2.0. I’m committed. I’m inspired. I am motivated, and I also want to say I’m humbled for the people who believe in South Caye Caulker and San Pedro for giving me that opportunity to serve them a second time and be re elected. I’m truly grateful. Hasta la victoria.”
The People’s United Party has scored a major victory in southern Belize. On Thursday, we reported that Doctor Osmond Martinez absolutely crushed it in Toledo East, winning by over four thousand votes. Meanwhile, in Toledo West, Oscar Requena also pulled off a huge win, racking up three thousand, eight hundred and nine votes compared to his opponent, Alfonso Sanchez Junior, who got one thousand, five hundred and twenty-three.
Oscar Requena, Area Representative, Toledo West
“ I want to say that I am indeed deeply humbled. In fact, feeling emotional at the level of support that I continue to receive from the beautiful people of Toledo West. The people have spoken. It’s obvious that the people have given me another mandate. I must continue to work hard, to ensure that we deliver to the people of Toledo West. I am committed to continuing the work that we have started. I believe that in the last four and a half years in government, we have built a foundation and we need to now build on that foundation and to continue to strengthen that work that we have started. I want to thank each and every voter who voted for me today. Without you, i I could not do it. So I am humbled by that great love, by that great support that the people of Toledo West continue to give me. I also want to thank the voters who came out and did not vote for me. That is democracy. Belize has won today. Belize has won because, we’re a country of laws. We’re a country where we respect the will of the people. And the will of the people have spoken. And we want to acknowledge that. I want to thank them. And I want to say that we will continue to work together to build a stronger Toledo West, a stronger Toledo, along with my colleague, the Honorable Dr. Osmond Martinez. Together with our Prime Minister and all our colleagues who have been elected to government, we will continue to work hard. And to build a better Toledo and a better Belize for all.”
There are four constituencies in the Corozal District: Corozal Bay, North, Southeast, and Southwest. On Wednesday, ten candidates went head-to-head at the polls to see who would represent the people in these areas. After counting over twenty thousand ballots, the P.U.P. came out on top with three winners: Thea Garcia Ramirez in Corozal Bay, Florencio Marin in Corozal Northeast, and Ramiro Ramirez in Corozal Northwest. Amid this sea of blue, Hugo Patt stands as the lone red winner, holding onto his seat in Corozal North. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the details.
Selwyn Fuller
Selwyn Fuller, Returning Officer, Corozal Bay
“I hereby declare that the duly elected candidate for the Corozal Bay is Garcia-Ramirez Thea.”
Britney Gordon, Reporting
The Corozal Bay constituency election results were highly anticipated by residents as three contenders battled at the polls. Vying for the post were Thea Garcia-Ramirez, UDP’s Hernan Riverol, and independent candidate Elvia Vega-Samos. Following the death of David Vega, his sister succeeded him after winning a by-election. Vega-Samos would later lose the post of PUP standard bearer to Garcia-Ramirez after a controversial standard bearer convention. Despite this, Vega-Samos was not deterred from the polls and ran as an independent candidate.
Elvia Vega-Samos
Elvia Vega-Samos, Independent Candidate, Corozal Bay
“If you passed by the seaside, you know, the lights are, there are no lights. And actually that was a project that I had to do, but funds were not released for that. But as an independent candidate, these funds have to be released. And there is so much that can be done.”
Vega-Samos received one thousand, one hundred and sixty votes, an impressive feat for an independent candidate. However, it was more than doubled by Thea Garcia-Ramirez, who accumulated three thousand, one hundred and twenty-two votes. UDP candidate, Hernan Riveral received three hundred and ninety-four votes.
Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Area Representative, Corozal Bay
“Thank you very
Thea Garcia-Ramirez
much, Corozal Bay. Thank you very much to my team. Thank you to every voter that came out, even if you didn’t vote for P.U.P. You came out. Thank you very much. We have democracy here. We respect the will of the people. And now it’s time to get to work.”
A similarly intense race went down in Corozal North with PUP candidate David Castillo garnering two thousand, three hundred and eighty-five votes. However, the constituency remains a UDP stronghold after Hugo Patt won with three thousand, four hundred and ninety-seven votes.
David Castillo
David Castillo, P.U.P. Candidate, Corozal North
“ I think it’s obvious, the feeling, the national feeling, the Peoples United Party will win strong once more, throughout the country, but is important that Corozal North elect a PUP era representative to work with the central go a PUP central government for the benefit of the area. I think the villagers, the voters are testimony to the lack of,development in the area for the past years. But there is hope with David Castio and the People’s United Party.”
Corozal Southeast saw only two candidates on the ballot sheet; Florencio Marin, who accomplished a landslide victory with three thousand, six hundred eighty-three votes over UDP candidate Antonio Herrera’s one thousand, seven hundred and fifty-five votes. Over in Corozal Southwest, a closer match ensued between the candidates Ramiro Ramirez and Martin Rivera. After all, four thousand, four hundred and seventy-five votes, Ramirez emerged victorious with a six hundred eight-one vote lead.
Ramiro Ramirez
Ramiro Ramirez, Area Representative, Corozal Southwest
“ I believe in God, and I know that will happen because of the good job that we’re doing. I think the people really want something else, and I can put it this way. There are many politicians that have already passed through Corozal Southwest. I strongly believe that they really appreciate and they will support me. I know have no fear. I know we’re going to win.”
There’s conflicting information coming out of Massachusetts and Belize regarding the deaths of three American tourists found lifeless in their hotel suite in Belize last month. Autopsies in Belize concluded that the women died from acute pulmonary edema, a buildup of fluid in the lungs. Fire Chief Colin Gillett also mentioned that their tests found no trace of carbon monoxide in the room. However, DailyMail.com reports that a source close to one of the families said a preliminary report indicated the fatal fluid buildup was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. The report also mentioned that investigators found other non-fatal incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning at the Royal Kahal and have contacted at least one other American victim. The women, twenty-three-year-old Kaoutar Naqqad, twenty-four-year-old Imane Mallah, and twenty-six-year-old Wafae El Arar, were found dead in their room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro on February twenty-second. Their families were upset by comments from the Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, who suggested a possible drug overdose, noting that froth was found on the women’s mouths and that alcohol and ‘gummies’ were discovered in the room. An email from the resort, circulated on March seventh, informed guests of a temporary closure and offered refunds. Executive Director of the National Forensics Lab, Gian Cho, told News Five that the toxicology report is expected in a couple of weeks. Fire Chief Gillett is also waiting for this report to release more details.
Jahiem Castillo, now twenty-three, was just sixteen when he was accused of murdering thirty-seven-year-old Cyril Gladston Jones, a father of two, who was tragically shot and killed at his doorstep in front of his family. Castillo has now been acquitted of murder charges. Police had identified him based on the account of a contractor who didn’t see the shooting but claimed the shooter fired at him shortly after Jones’ murder. Castillo walked free after his attorney’s no case submission was upheld by the judge. However, he remains in Belize Central Prison for another offense he was convicted of in 2024. The acquittal came from Justice Candace Nanton, who agreed with attorney Orson ‘OJ’ Elrington’s argument that the prosecution’s case was weak.
Orson “OJ” Elrington
Orson “OJ” Elrington, Attorney-at-law
“The prosecution began this case by essentially making an application for the witness statement of the, essentially one of the witnesses, to be admitted in because they claim that they were in fear. The court ruled that that evidence could have been admitted without the witness coming to court. However, subsequent to that to other witnesses were brought by the prosecution and at the end of that, we made a submission of note that there was no case to answer. Essentially, we submitted that the evidence was so slender, was so tenuous that no jury could safely convict on it and the judge upheld that because the time in which the witness claim they had the shooter in view, the lighting conditions, the distance from where they were from it, the contrasting evidence between the witnesses presented by the prosecution itself was contradicting in terms of their description of the shooter.”
