Last Wednesday, Shyne Barrow was ousted from his seat in the House of Representatives. Voters in Mesopotamia decided it was time for a change, electing Lee Mark Chang in a heated three-way race. But the drama isn’t over yet—there’s still a High Court case filed by Barrow and his former U.D.P. executives, set to be heard on March thirty-first. With Barrow losing his seat, he’s no longer eligible to lead the party, according to the United Democratic Party’s constitution. The big question now is: what impact will Justice Tawanda Hondora’s ruling have on Tracy Taegar-Panton’s leadership of the U.D.P.?
Tracy Taegar-Panton
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“Well, I don’t know what the court will decide and I can’t preempt the thinking and consideration of the judge on this matter, but I think it’s a paper case at this point. Shyne did not win his seat and the constitution of the party is very clear, you cannot be the leader of the party if you do not win your seat in an election. It is really unfortunate that Shyne keeps pulling at straws and not do the right and honorable thing and tender his resignation to the party. You know, people are exhausted by this desire of his to hold on to something that he can’t hold on to and to continue to create the kind of confusion that the party doesn’t need at this time. I have reached out to all my colleagues, all thirty-one, with the exception of the four who decided that they were leaving the party, because it’s time to reconcile, it’s time for us to heal and to rebuild, and the reconciliation and healing period has to be short. The rebuilding is going to take time. A lot of harm has been done to the party and I put that squarely on the shoulders of the former party leader, the former chairman and the former vice chairman of the United Democratic Party.”
Prime Minister John Briceño congratulated Tracy Panton today on her historic achievement as the first woman to be sworn in as Leader of the Opposition. PM Briceño praised her hard work and dedication, saying she truly deserves the role. When asked if he would miss Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow in the house, the prime minister opted to stay silent on the matter.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceno
“I congratulate her. She has worked hard to be where she is and she deserves it. I know it is a big deal being the first female leader of the opposition. But that position is not about being a make or female, it is about the competence that you ring to the table. She has a lot of hard work ahead of her in trying to heal the party and I wish her well.”
Reporter
“Do you feel like you will have to change your debate tactics so as to not come off mesogenic because she is a woman?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I don’t think she will be asking for any kind of special treatment. When she called me one of the things she brought up, and I agreed, we want to improve the level of discourse and debate in the National Assembly. If you look back at the past thirteen years, it is probably one of the worst times in the National Assembly. I have attempted to improve and we have improved considerably, but we have ways to go. The then leader of the opposition, sometimes it was difficult to work with him. But I believe the Leader of the Opposition, Honorable Tracy Panton will being a different approach to the work of the National Assembly and we can cooperate in matters of national interest while still protecting the interest of our party. But I do look forward to working with her.”
Before the recent general election, PM Briceño promised to complete the redistricting exercise during this term. Today, he reaffirmed that commitment, stating that his administration has until the end of 2026 to finish the process. However, he remains optimistic that it could be wrapped up by the end of this year.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I said that before the end of 2026, but I suspect, I am giving myself until the end of 2026 but I am aiming for the end of 2025.”
Reporter
“Do you have any idea how you planned to fix the malapportionment because in this report it is thirty-five percent when international standards is fifteen percent. Will some of the city constituencies be cut?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“That is exactly the reason why we will look at it again. We will look at the report that EBC, they will have to take a hard look and see what changes or what reconfiguration can be done to the recommendations they did.”
The Briceño administration’s next big task is gearing up for the budget debate. Prime Minister John Briceño mentioned that the budget is already partially prepared and should be finalized by early next month.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“That is one of the things that Mr. Coye is going to be working with us, even as a minister of state or in whatever form. He is going to be helping to reshape the budget. Obviously we will not be able to finish by the end of the month, but I don’t see what it should go beyond April. A lot of it has been done, but we need to make some tweaks here and there to present a budget that is workable.”
Reporter
“Are we looking over a billion again?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Of course it is over a billion, especially when it comes to expenses, it is difficult, especially the recurrent expenses. I think recurring expenses is already over a billion dollars and it is difficult to cut from that.”
One decision that’s drawing a lot of attention is the move to place the Ministry of Youth and Sports under the Ministry of Tourism. Anthony Mahler has been reappointed as the main minister, while Prime Minister John Briceño has brought in newcomer Devin Daly as the minister of state. When we spoke with Minister Mahler today, he promised significant improvements for sports within the first one hundred days.
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Sports
“The Prime Minister in his infinite wisdom decided I could take up the role for youth and sports. If you look at the population, sixty-eight, seventy percent of the population is under thirty., which they play a crucial role. I am tired of hearing the youth is our future, the youth is now. They make up a huge part of our labor force, they are driving the economy forward and they should be given the recognition. The same thing with sports, there is nothing in this country or anywhere in the world that unites a people, no politics, no church, nothing. So, these things have a ways to go in terms of reaching a level they should be, but Minister Daly and I will work tirelessly to ensure that sports and youth get the right attention it needs.”
Paul Lopez
“How daunting of a task when you think about the work that needs to be done where sports is concerned, facilities, investing in the athletes, people have this notion that you have these backing and so the expectations will be high.”
Anthony Mahler
“I don’t know which backing you are talking, Mr. Daly and I have the will, and the focus and the drive to get it done. You will see mark improvement within the hundred days. I assure you of that, and the nation of that. We nuh come fuh play, we come fih work serious.”
Goodnight and welcome to another edition of Sports Monday, I am Paul Lopez. Back in 2023, Robotics was officially declared a sport in Belize. Over the weekend, eight robotic teams from across the country gathered inside the Belize High School Auditorium to compete in the National First Lego League Robotics Championship. This year’s theme was Submerge. Each team was tasked with him building robots that are programmed to complete a list of missions within the marine space. They were also required to identify an issue within the marine ecosystem and present an innovative solution to that problem.
Gustavo Carillo
Gustavo Carillo, Organizer, First Lego League Championship
“Right now we are trying to push this challenge in Belize, because everything is pushing towards technology and robotics and there is a lot of careers and fields that has to do with STEM. So engineering, mathematics, science and with this challenge these students can delve into the engineering and mathematics aspects, understanding how the project works, and do their research.”
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The competition was at its peak during the robotics games as the eight teams went head-to-head. Points were scored based on the number of missions accomplished within the allotted time, across three rounds.At the end of the day, the youngest team among the group, Titanic Tech, emerged as the third-place winners. They edged out one of the Belize High School’s AbissalX for the placement in the final round. The second-place trophy went to the Orange Walk Muffles College Bob Cats. They also received individual awards for Best Innovative Performance and Sportsmanship. The overall winners of the tournament were the Belize High School Atlantians. They brought down the defending champions, Itz’at STEAM Academy Robotics Team.
Ericson Che
Ericson Che, Atlantians, FLL Champions
“Right now after the late night we took and after all the trial and error, it fells really good.”
Karii Domingo
Karii Domingo, Atlantians, FLL Champions
“All the other teams did excellent, I talked to all of them. I was amazed with their robots. Yes we won but everyone here are winners, everyone that participated and put in the effort, we are all champions at the end of the day.”
And from the sport of robotics we move in some cycling. We are talking about the Westrac Belmopan Cycling Classic. On Sunday morning, riders lined up at the starting line in front of Westrac Belize City for a hundred-mile race under the sweltering heat of the day. The race was from Belize City to Belmopan and back. Here is how this one played out courtesy Ordonez Bike Shop and the Belize Cycling Federation.
At mile fourteen, before the race reached Hatieville, Derick Chavaria broke away from the main peloton and took the lead. Folks it was all Chavaria after this point. Heading into Saint Mathews Village, Derick Chavarria had created a fifty seconds gap between himself and the main group of cyclist. Fifty miles into the race, in the City of Belmopan, Chavaria had widened that gap to three minutes and thirty-seconds, giving him a significant lead. Here the main peloton of riders passed in front of the Belmopan Comprehensive School playing catchup with Derick Chavarria.
Folks, we fast forward this one to Burton Creek Bridge just outside of Belize City. Still, it was Derick Chavarria, all alone. At this point the gap between the main peloton had extended beyond seven minutes and there was no signs of catching up with Chavaria. Chavaria crossed the finish line in front of Westrac Belize all alone with a comfortable lead. Second and third place was a sprint to the finish between Gyven Gonzalez and James Alford. Gonzalez secured second and Alford secured third. We heard from the champion.
“The race gone not as planned. We had a different team tactics. I guess because of how the other teams ride we had to switch it up. I never really expect to run from all the way so far, but I guess nobody wanted to chase or follow, so I said just put the pressure on the crowd because if we could burn out the other teams, the domestics we could capitalize and Gyven could sit down until they catch me.”
Well folks that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.
Police are investigating the death of 37-year-old Wendy Mendez, who was found unconscious in Concepcion Village, Corozal District, on Sunday, March 9. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero confirmed that Mendez “succumbed to her injuries on Friday.” Romero stated that authorities are conducting interviews to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.
When asked if her death could be related to a domestic issue, Romero said, “We have certain information that we are following up on.” No suspects are in custody, and police are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to provide further information. This is an ongoing investigation.
In 2022, Mendez survived multiple chop wounds while her cousin, Juan Arturo Mendez, was killed by Jermain Zuniga in a brutal machete attack. Zuniga, a construction worker from Libertad Village, had been staying at Juan’s home temporarily in Concepcion Village, Corozal District. Zuniga reportedly refused to leave when asked, leading to the violent confrontation. Juan was chopped at his neck, chest, shoulders, stomach, and hands. Mendez sustained severe injuries to her face and head and remained in critical condition for several days. Zuniga fled the scene but was later arrested and charged for the incident.
Police continue investigating the murder of Dueton Coy on Sunday night in Punta Gorda. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, “Coy was along with two other persons in that area consuming alcoholic beverages when several gunshots were heard.”
The incident occurred near the cemetery in Punta Gorda Town, with reports first reaching police around 7:00 p.m.
Romero confirmed that Coy was shot multiple times. Despite being rushed to the Punta Gorda hospital for treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Romero also stated that authorities have one suspect in custody, who is currently being questioned in connection to the murder. “This suspect was at the scene at the time,” Romero said.
“We are seeking one more in connection to this murder investigation,” Romero added.
Thea Garcia-Ramirez has been appointed as the new Minister of Human Development, Family Support & Gender Affairs by Prime Minister John Briceño. Her appointment has come with scrutiny because some political observers say that it is ‘uncommon’ for a first-time member of the House of Representatives to receive full minister portfolios. But just because they believe it is uncommon does not mean that it is unheard of.
Garcia-Ramirez inherits the portfolio from Dolores Balderamos-Garcia. Balderamos-Garcia served as Minister of Human Development, Families & Indigenous People’s Affairs since 2020.
The portfolio has been split, with Garcia-Ramirez focusing on Human Development and Gender Affairs, while Dr. Louis Zabaneh, a second-time House member, has been tasked with the Indigenous Affairs portion.
When asked about the selection process and possible favouritism, Garcia-Ramirez said, “It’s not favouritism. I think he chooses and selects carefully, and he has to take a number of things into consideration: demographics, certainly gender perspectives, interests, and all manner of things.”
“I think that the call to serve comes from the Prime Minister. I believe it is his choice, so you’ll have to ask him why he chose.” Garcia-Ramirez added. “I think I am correct in saying that if he does not feel that I am not up to the task, then he will ensure to demote me as well and put me where I’m ought to be.”
Garcia-Ramirez has expressed confidence in her ability to handle the responsibility. “I am humbled. I am honoured to be chosen by the PM for this huge responsibility. I feel like I am up to the task,” she said.
Yale Law professors have alerted international students about the possibility of a new U.S. travel ban under the Trump administration. Yale law professors Muneer Ahmad and Michael Wishnie cautioned in an email on Sunday night that a ban could soon target nationals from multiple countries, similar to the 2017 restrictions.
The proposed “red list” includes countries like Afghanistan, Cuba, and Iran, while other nations could face visa restrictions or be given time to address security concerns, The Guardian reported. Yale’s advisory also warned that all foreign students might face intense scrutiny, especially regarding their stance on Palestinian causes.
Brown University professor Rasha Alawieh was deported despite a court order, and Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil faced detention. As the travel ban looms, universities, including Brown, have urged students to return or avoid leaving the U.S. in anticipation of tighter restrictions.
