May, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Return of the Expelled? UDP “Outline Path Forward”

A release issued by the United Democratic Party under Moses “Shyne” Barrow says that the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) met this Sunday at its Belize City headquarters to map out the next phase of the party’s internal development and political strategy.

The release says that “Several matters relevant to charting the way forward were discussed including; Constituency Conventions, the convening of a meeting of the National Party Council and the National Convention as well as amendments to the Party’s Constitution.”

A key item on the agenda was the potential reinstatement of previously expelled members. In a unanimous vote, the Committee resolved that expelled members who apply for reinstatement may be welcomed back—provided they fulfill conditions outlined in Article 11(2)(h)(5). This includes a minimum one-year expulsion period, a public apology, and a formal pledge to adhere to the party’s membership rules.

Among the decisions announced was the opening of all 31 constituencies for internal conventions starting in July, a move grounded in Article 6(4) of the UDP’s Constitution.

“It was also unanimously decided for the current Elected Leadership of the Party to remain in place until the National Convention’

Recently Patrick Faber demanded immediate reinstatement to party, following a High Court ruling that found the expulsion of Tracy Panton unconstitutional. Faber argues his 2024 expulsion—and those of John Saldivar and Beverly Williams—followed the same flawed process, bypassing the party’s Ethics and Integrity Committee in violation of Article 11.

Faber called the expulsions illegitimate and requested they be nullified. However, UDP Acting Chairman Alberto August pushed back, stating that the court’s decision in Panton’s case doesn’t automatically apply to others. He said that reinstatement must follow the party’s internal procedures, including an application to the Ethics Committee and a possible public apology.

Belize Farmers Use Insects to Fight Pests, Reduce Chemicals

Farmers in rural Belize are getting a boost in their fight against crop-damaging pests—thanks to tiny helpful insects.

The International Regional Organization for Health in Agriculture (OIRSA), in partnership with Resilient Rural Belize (RRB) under the Ministry of Economic Transformation and the Regional Biological Control Program, is supporting farmers to use natural pest control methods. These involve releasing beneficial insects into crop fields to reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

Two of the main insects being used are:

Trichogramma pretiosum, a tiny wasp that attacks the eggs of crop pests, especially borers (insects that burrow into plants).
Green lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea), which feeds on many harmful insects.

This approach helps protect the environment, lowers farming costs, and produces healthier food.

One of the most damaging pests for crops like cabbage, broccoli, and kale is the diamondback moth. Farmers usually rely on a lot of pesticides to control it. But now, by using these helpful insects, they can reduce chemical use, which also lowers the risk of pesticide residues in food and harm to the environment.

As part of this pilot project, 13 farmers will receive support from the RRB program:

2 farmers from Concepcion Vegetable Farmers’ Cooperative Society Ltd. in Corozal
2 from Los Pequeños Agricultores y Ganaderos of Nago Bank Cooperative Society Ltd. in Belize District
9 from Valley of Peace Lagoon Farmers’ Cooperative Society Ltd. in Cayo

The goal is to help more farmers adopt eco-friendly farming methods and grow safer, healthier produce for Belizean families.

DOE Engaged Customs Brokers to Strengthen Environmental Compliance

The Department of the Environment (DOE) brought together customs brokers this week for a two-day engagement in Belize City aimed at improving environmental compliance for imported goods. The event was part of the DOE’s ongoing efforts to align trade practices with national and international environmental standards.

During the sessions, brokers received guidance on the DOE’s permitting processes and Belize’s obligations under key agreements such as the Montreal Protocol and the Basel Convention. Discussions focused on issues like managing plastics, chemicals, and ozone-depleting substances—critical areas for protecting public health and the environment.

The sessions featured interactive presentations and practical tools to help brokers meet regulatory requirements.

Due to high interest, the group was split into two cohorts across the two days, and a virtual session was scheduled for May 24 to accommodate those who couldn’t attend in person.

Court Deems SOE Detentions Unlawful, Awards Damages

The Belize High Court has delivered a judgment, finding that the detention of sixteen individuals during the State of Public Emergency declared in July 2020 was unconstitutional. Justice Nadine Nabie presided over the case, which centered on the legality of the actions taken by the Belize Police Department under Statutory Instrument No. 97 of 2020.

The claimants, Jahreem Staine, John Grinage, Sheldon Grinage, Shemar Mortis, Earl Baptist, Sanjay Lino, Akeem Bermudez, Micheal Flowers, Gilbert Belisle, Randy August, Dean Williams, Ervin Rhamdas, Herman Solis, Lionel Longsworth, Harold Usher, and Malik Pitts, challenged their detention, arguing that it violated their fundamental rights.

The court’s ruling specifically highlighted that the detentions infringed upon the claimants’ right to protection of the law, as enshrined in Section 3(a) of the Belize Constitution. Justice Nabie stressed the importance of fundamental justice and the rule of law in safeguarding individual liberties. The court found that the State failed in its constitutional duty to provide judicial oversight concerning those detained during the State of Emergency, contravening Section 19 (1) (c) of the Constitution.

A key aspect of the judgment was the court’s declaration that the extension of the State of Emergency for an additional two months was not justified by the prevailing circumstances at the time.

In light of these findings, Justice Nabie awarded substantial compensatory damages to each of the sixteen claimants. The amounts varied, reflecting the individual circumstances of their detention, ranging from $12,000 to $25,000. For instance, John Grinage was awarded $12,000, while Ervin Rhamdas received $25,000. Additionally, each claimant was granted $7,000 in vindicatory damages, acknowledging the violation of their constitutional rights. The court also ordered the Attorney General to pay the claimants’ legal costs.

Two Teachers Accused of Sexual Misconduct at Corazon Creek Technical High

Two secondary school teachers from Corazon Creek Technical High School have been placed on administrative leave following allegations of sexual misconduct, according to official correspondence from the Belize Teaching Service Commission (TSC).

The TSC confirmed receipt of notifications from the school’s management, dated April 28, 2025, indicating that both educators were relieved of their duties effective April 29, 2025. The administrative leave is intended to facilitate formal investigations into the allegations.

In accordance with Rule 94 of the Education (Amendment) Rules, 2012, the leave period is set for a maximum of 20 working days, ending on or before May 27, 2025. During this time, the school’s management is expected to conduct a thorough investigation. Should charges be brought forward as a result, the administrative leave will be terminated immediately, and the management must then determine whether to place the teacher on interdiction.

The rules also stipulate that if a teacher is interdicted and no hearing is conducted within 30 days, the teacher must be reinstated without prejudice—provided they were present for all scheduled hearings. If no charges are filed following the investigation, the teacher will similarly be reinstated without prejudice to their status or salary.

Management may request a one-time extension of up to five additional working days if more time is needed to complete the investigation.

Patrick Faber Challenges UDP Expulsion Following Court Ruling

Lead Opposition Senator and former party leader Patrick Faber is demanding his immediate reinstatement in the United Democratic Party (UDP).

Faber, who was expelled from the party in September 2024, issued a formal letter to UDP Vice Chairman Alberto August, citing a recent High Court ruling that declared the expulsion of fellow party member Tracy Panton unconstitutional.

Faber argues that his expulsion, along with those of John Saldivar and Beverly Williams, mirrored the same flawed process used in Panton’s case. He says that the Central Executive Committee acted outside its constitutional authority by bypassing the UDP’s Ethics and Integrity Committee, which is the only body empowered to expel members under Article 11 of the party’s constitution.

“The Court concluded that the Central Executive Committee acted beyond its authority and failed to observe the principles of natural justice,” Faber wrote, demanding that his expulsion be declared null and void and that his full party membership be restored.

The UDP’s response, signed by Acting Chairman Alberto August, pushes back on the automatic application of the court’s decision to other expulsions. August said that “every case is determined on its own merits,” and that the ruling on Panton’s case should not be generalised to others with potentially different facts and circumstances.

August noted that Justice Tawanda Hondora, while acknowledging procedural flaws in Panton’s expulsion, ultimately left the question of her membership to the UDP itself, rather than the judiciary. August also outlined the process Faber must now follow if he seeks reinstatement, including submission to the Ethics Committee and potentially issuing an apology with a pledge to uphold party values.

Belize Receives Medical Equipment Donation from Taiwan

The Ministry of Health & Wellness has received a major boost thanks to a generous donation of medical equipment from Taiwan.

On behalf of the Taiwanese NGO Cao Zhong Zhi Foundation, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize, Lily Li-Wen Hsu, handed over the equipment to Belize’s Minister of Health & Wellness, Kevin Bernard.

The donation includes 250 adult wheelchairs, 50 children’s wheelchairs, 80 toilet chairs, 160 aluminium walkers, and 400 aluminium canes. The Taiwanese government also covered all shipping costs, making this valuable contribution possible.

“These supplies will make a real difference in the lives of many Belizeans,” said Minister Bernard, noting that the equipment will help improve healthcare access and support people with mobility challenges.

Taiwan has been a long-standing partner in Belize’s public health efforts. This latest donation is another example of the strong friendship between the two nations and the power of global cooperation in addressing health challenges.

The Government of Belize expressed deep appreciation to the Cao Zhong Zhi Foundation and the people of Taiwan, reaffirming its support for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) and the annual World Health Assembly.

This partnership is seen as a model of international collaboration, and Belize looks forward to continued cooperation with Taiwan to strengthen its healthcare system.

Central Bank of Belize Eases Access to Foreign Currency for Services

The Central Bank of Belize has announced a new policy aimed at simplifying the process of accessing foreign currency for service-based transactions. As of May 2, 2025, customers can now purchase foreign currency directly from local banks for certain service payments without first needing approval from the Central Bank.

This change is designed to improve efficiency and make it easier for individuals and businesses to carry out international transactions.

The updated policy delegates more authority to domestic banks, allowing them to process foreign currency requests for payments or transfers to non-residents for specified services valued up to BZ$100,000. Among the approved service categories are accounting, architectural, audiovisual, communication, computer, embassy, engineering, financial, information, legal, postal and courier, and scientific and technical services.

To access foreign exchange under the new framework, customers must present a valid invoice or service contract to their bank. Transactions that exceed BZ$100,000 or do not fall within the approved categories will still require prior approval from the Central Bank, in line with Exchange Control Direction Number 20, which was recently gazetted.

This move is part of the Central Bank’s ongoing efforts to modernise and streamline Belize’s exchange control system.

UDP Acknowledges Petition for Council Meeting, Cites Signature Irregularities

Acting Chairman of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Alberto August, has responded to a petition calling for a meeting of the National Party Council (NPC). The package of signed documents was submitted to the party under the heading “Petition to Convene a Meeting of the National Party Council.”

In a letter addressed to Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition, August confirmed receipt and offered an explanation for the delayed response.

August attributed the delay to the party’s recent focus on its engagement with the People’s Constitution Commission (PCC) on the National Constitution Reform Project. He noted that the party’s contribution to the PCC was only finalised recently, marking the end of the Commission’s active operations with the submission of its report to the Prime Minister.

In addressing the petition, August explained that the party undertook a verification process of the submitted signatures, comparing them against internal party records. He revealed that the process was hampered by missing supporting information in several instances. Among the discrepancies cited were three individuals from Belize Rural Central, including one identified as “Vice Chair,” who, according to party rules, is not constitutionally a member of the NPC. Additionally, signatures from three persons in Lake Independence did not match official records, and thirteen petitioners listed as members of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) were not on record as such.

Despite these issues, August acknowledged that a meeting of the NPC is long overdue. However, he pointed out that under Article 7 (6) of the party’s Constitution, there is no fixed timeline for convening such meetings. He emphasized that, due to the current internal dynamics of the UDP, the party leadership is exercising “constitutional caution” to ensure that any such meeting is conducted with maximum consensus and unity.

Prime Minister Briceño Visits Statistical Institute of Belize

Prime Minister John Briceño visited the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), where he received a comprehensive update on the country’s data and statistical progress.

The Prime Minister was welcomed by SIB Director-General Diana Castillo and her management team. He was joined by Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Transformation, Dr. Osmond Martinez, along with CEO Carlos Pol, Senior Investment and E-Governance Officer Ian Courtney, and Prime Ministerial Aide Vaughn Gill.

During the visit, SIB officials briefed the Prime Minister on key initiatives, including new efforts to measure poverty, trade in services, producer prices, and ocean-related economic activity. They also discussed plans for the upcoming 2025–2026 Household Budget Survey and ongoing projects such as the KOICA-funded initiative to strengthen Belize’s national statistical system.

The Prime Minister was also updated on recent achievements like the rebasing of GDP, adoption of new labour statistics standards, and the development of new data tools such as the Multidimensional Poverty Index and food insecurity estimates.

Belize’s rising performance in global data rankings was also highlighted. The country has improved in both the World Bank’s Statistical Performance Indicators (SPI) and the Open Data Inventory (ODIN), reflecting the SIB’s push for better data access and transparency.

The visit ended with a tour of SIB’s departments, where the Prime Minister got a firsthand look at innovations in data collection, processing, and dissemination.