Elections Conducted Free of Major Crime Incidents

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams reported that the 2025 general election went off without any major incidents. We caught up with ComPol Williams today, and he shared that despite some skepticism after a violent weekend, his officers managed to keep everything peaceful and orderly.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I would like to start off by commending the police officers who worked the election process yesterday. The effort they put out led to us having a peaceful election process. We know that around election times people are hype and often times the hype flows over into different activities that we may not want to see, like fighting and the likes. But I must say we were able to perform our duty in such a way that we had no incidents during the election process. It is a matter of fact I can go further to say that our national sitrep shows no major incidents across the country for the twenty-four hours period which demonstrates the police efforts in making sure elections was conducted in a safe environment. We do understand the importance police play in the democratic process. I know there were some skeptics going into the elections considering the flareups we had over the weekend gone as to whether or not it would be safe for people to come out and vote and I had gave my commitment to the Belizean people that we would do our utmost best to make sure that the environment for the election was safe and we achieved that so I commend the police for the stellar performance.”

ComPol Toured the Country on Election Day

ComPol Williams also praised the political candidates who competed in various constituencies across the country. He mentioned that while police officers had to address some issues in different areas, the candidates often stepped in to help maintain peace and order among their supporters. Williams also highlighted the crucial role played by the Elections and Boundaries Department in ensuring everything ran smoothly.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I went to Belmopan, San Ignacio, Belize District, Corozal District, Orange Walk District and my observation was the police doing their work, working hand in hand with the elections officers, making sure the rules governing elections were adhered to. There were situations where the police had to be called in to address certain issues. When police go and do that, the candidates or their agents would normally comply with the police. So, there were good complaints coming from the candidates themselves making sure the work that the police and the election office did was not as strenuous as we seen in previous times. So I commend the candidates and the elections officers for the good job they did in ensuring the work of the police was not as hectic as we would have expected.”

ComPol Williams, “Security a High Priority to P.M.”

When we spoke with Commissioner of Police Chester Williams today, we asked him about the Belize Police Department’s security budget proposal ahead of the 2025 budget debate. The big question was whether the People’s United Party’s second term victory would impact what the department is requesting from the Briceño administration for citizen security.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I don’t think so, security is one of the high priorities to the prime minister. It is under Plan Belize 2.0. We have seen the government lay down the security plans for the country. As the prime minister and the cabinet did in the first term, investing a lot into police, we do anticipate that investment is going to continue, because while we have done a lot we are not where we want to be yet. But we are going well in terms of making sure that we do what we can to make Belize a safer place for everyone.”

Rafael Caceres’ Killer is Arraigned and Remanded

A father was tragically killed in the Faber’s Road area, caught in the crossfire of a gang rivalry. Within days, police arrested and charged the alleged shooter, thirty-one-year-old Lawrence Anthony Polonio, also known as ‘Makala,’ a laborer from Faber’s Road. This morning, around nine, Polonio was escorted to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, where he was read a single charge of murder at 9:42 in Court #1. Polonio is accused of murdering forty-one-year-old Rafael Caceres, a father of four, who was gunned down at home on Sunday, March ninth, 2025. Polonio, who appeared unrepresented before Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola, did not enter a plea. Due to the severity of the charge, he was denied bail and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until May thirteenth, 2025. On that fateful Sunday, Caceres was resting on a sofa at the entrance of his home after coming back from work. As he slept, a gunman ran up the stairway and opened fire, despite Caceres’ three-year-old daughter standing just a foot away. The gunman fled the scene, leaving Caceres fatally wounded. His common-law wife, who was inside the house, heard the shots and saw the shooter but couldn’t stop him. Police believe Caceres, who was not involved in gang activities, was not the intended target. He became a casualty when the gunman couldn’t find his brothers, who had been detained the day before due to the gang rivalry in the area. Rafael, however, was not part of the gang issue.

Detained For Lighting Fireworks During Election Celebration

Election celebrations often come with fireworks, and we saw plenty of them in various constituencies, including Orange Walk Central, where Prime Minister John Briceño secured his seat. However, in Port Loyola, things took a turn when a relative of Gilroy Usher got into hot water with the police for setting off fireworks. After searching his vehicle, officers found even more fireworks. The individual cooperated with the police and was eventually detained. We asked ComPol Williams for his take on the incident.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“He was detained for an investigation; police officers are dealing with that matter at this time and then we will see how that goes from there.”

Reporter

“So, he may be facing charges?”

Chester Williams

“At this time, there is nothing to say he can be charged, but the investigation is still ongoing.”

John Briceño Sworn in for Second Term as Prime Minister

John Briceño, the leader of the People’s United Party (PUP), has been sworn in for a second term as Prime Minister after his party secured an overwhelming victory in the recent general elections, winning 26 out of the 31 seats.

In his oath of office, Briceño reaffirmed his commitment to uphold the constitution and the law while leading the country with fairness and dedication. He pledged to serve all Belizeans impartially and promised to make decisions that will improve the lives of the people. He called on his colleagues in the National Assembly to remain grounded and focused on the needs of the nation as they navigate the challenges ahead.

The Prime Minister highlighted that, despite the challenges of the second term, his administration will continue to build on the successes of the past and strive to meet the expectations of the Belizean people.

PM Mia Mottley Defends Cuba’s Medical Assistance

Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, has firmly defended the role of Cuban medical professionals in the region, pushing back against claims of human trafficking and underscoring the critical support they provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking on the issue, Mottley said that while Barbados currently does not employ Cuban medical staff, their contributions were indispensable in navigating the global health crisis.

“This matter with the Cubans and the nurses should tell us everything that we need to know,” Mottley stated. “Barbados does not currently have Cuban medical staff or Cuban nurses, but I will be the first to tell you that we could not have gotten through the pandemic without the Cuban nurses and doctors.”

She also dismissed allegations—previously raised by U.S. administrations—that hiring Cuban medical professionals amounts to human trafficking. She said that Barbados ensured fair compensation for their services.

“I will also be the first to tell you that we paid them the same thing that we pay our own,” Mottley asserted. “The notion that we were involved in human trafficking by engaging with Cuban nurses was fully repudiated and rejected by us.”

Mottley signaled her willingness to stand with regional leaders in defending Cuba’s medical assistance, even if it comes at a personal cost.

“I don’t believe we have to shout across the seas, but I am prepared, like others in this region, that if we cannot reach a sensible agreement on this matter, and if the cost of it is the loss of my U.S. visa, then so be it,” she declared. “What matters to us is principles, and I have said over and over that principles only mean something when it is inconvenient to stand by them.”

The Prime Minister reaffirmed her solidarity with her regional counterparts in recognizing Cuba’s role in Caribbean healthcare.

“Now, we don’t have to shout, but we can be resolute. I therefore look forward to standing with my CARICOM brothers—I wish I could say brothers and sisters, but brothers—to ensure that we explain that what the Cubans have done for us, far from approximating human trafficking, has been to save lives, limbs, and sight for many a Caribbean person.”

The U.S. introduced new visa restrictions targeting foreign officials who facilitate the transit of undocumented migrants. Announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 5, 2025, the policy applies to immigration officers, customs officials, and port authorities accused of enabling illegal migration, particularly at the southwest border. It complements the expanded 3C policy, which sanctions private sector actors aiding unlawful transit. Restrictions will remain until affected officials enforce stricter immigration controls. The measure, under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, may also impact family members of sanctioned individuals.

PM Briceño Hails Democratic Victory, Unveils ‘Plan Belize 2.0

During his victory speech from Orange Walk Central, Prime Minister and Leader of the People’s United Party John Briceño declared that the nation’s latest vote is a resounding affirmation of Belize’s struggle for independence and its constitutional freedoms.

The PUP won 26 seats. The PUP’s Anthony Mahler of Pickstock and Henry Charles Usher of Fort George were uncontested and were declared winners on nomination day. The UDP secured 5 seats.

In his victory speech, Briceño stated that this collective demonstration of democracy sends a clear message to the world that Belize remains capable of free and fair elections.

The Prime Minister extended his gratitude to every PUP candidate, campaign committee, and supporter, acknowledging that whether they won or fought valiantly, each played a crucial role in securing this historic victory. “Tonight we celebrate, but tomorrow the work begins anew,” he declared, outlining his vision for “Plan Belize 2.0.”

Briceño said that the new plan will entail a thorough review of policies and programs affecting the lives of Belizeans, with a focus on creating more high-paying jobs, advancing economic transformation, improving education and healthcare, increasing access to housing, and taking a firm stance against lawbreakers. He also pledged to implement measures to mitigate rising living costs.

Briceño also paid personal tribute to his family—thanking his wife, sons, granddaughter, and extended relatives for their support over the years—and specifically acknowledged the exemplary work of campaign manager Jaime, whom he described as possibly the best in the country since 1993.

With a call to action for his supporters to move forward with unwavering faith, Briceño concluded his remarks by reaffirming his commitment to the people of Belize. “Belize for all, long live Belize,” he declared.

Honourable No More, Shyne Loses

The Honourable “Shyne” is no longer ‘Honourable’ after he lost his division in the March 12 general election. Just after 9 p.m., Moses “Shyne” Barrow conceded defeat after being unseated by another candidate running under the same United Democratic Party (UDP) banner, businessman Lee Mark Chang.

Barrow secured only 318 votes. UDP’s Chang won the constituency by a total of 601 votes. Meanwhile, the People’s United Party’s (PUP) candidate, Lawrence Ellis, garnered 503 votes. The total voter turnout on March 12 in the Mesopotamia constituency stood at 1,422 out of 2,253 registered voters.

Upon his defeat, Barrow addressed the outcome, stating, “The people have spoken; congratulations to Lee Mark Chang—he’s now the new area representative of Mesopotamia, and I wish him well.” He added that the voter turnout was a clear reflection of the public’s sentiment. “I was confident; that was the interaction I was having with the people, but they made a decision to go in another direction, and I respect that,” he said.

Chang’s victory marks a historic moment for the constituency and Belize as a whole. Chang’s win against Barrow had made him the first Belizean-Chinese to secure a seat in the House of Representatives. Despite running under the UDP banner, Chang was part of Tracy Panton’s slate of 13 candidates. This was because an October 2024 “unity convention” led by Panton was the beginning of the haemorrhaging fracture of the UDP. A series of legal disputes followed after that convention, with both Barrow and Panton claiming to be the rightful leader of the party.

Chang had previously stated during an appearance on the Open Your Eyes morning show, “We need to remove the ‘cancer,'” referring to Barrow. He went on to accuse Barrow of leaving voters disillusioned with unmet promises, claiming, “The people are realising they have been bamboozled.”

To add insult to injury, Panton, who is leading her slate under the traditional UDP red banner, was re-elected for a third term as the area representative of the Albert constituency.

Barrow’s defeat raises critical questions regarding the ongoing internal divisions of the party. When asked about the future of the UDP party, he stated, “I certainly will resign effective once we have a national convention to elect a new leader. Obviously you can’t be a leader of the United Democratic Party once you’re not a member of the House, and I would not want to be appointed as a senator or anything to hold on to the leadership.” He added once more, “The people have spoken here.”

Does this mean the end of his political career?

#Decision2025: Live Election Results

These are the unofficial results:

PUP 26

UDP 5

The PUP’s Anthony Mahler of Pickstock and Henry Charles Usher of Fort George were uncontested and were declared winners on nomination day.

Belize District

Albert

Kaya Cattouse (PUP)

Jose Luis “Jun” Espat (UDP)

Cornelio Day Rogelio Galvez (PDM)

Tracy Panton (UDP) (RE-ELECTED)

Total Voters Registered 3111

Caribbean Shores

Andrew Leo Bradley (UDP)

Tyrone “Ty” Louriano (UDP)

Kareem David Musa (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Total Voters Registered 4383

Collet

Devin Daly (PUP) (ELECTED)

Patrick Jason Faber (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 3625

Freetown

Abraham Erlington Flowers (UDP)

Francis William Fonseca (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Total Voters Registered 4055

Lake Independence

Samuel Cutkelvin (UDP)

Cordel Hyde (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Cecil Jenkins (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 6807

Mesopotamia

Moses “Shyne” Barrow (UDP)

Lee Mark Chang (UDP) (ELECTED)

Lawrence Russel Ellis (PUP)

Total Voters Registered 2253

Port Loyola

Nelma “Mortis” Jones (UDP)

Anthony “Boots” Martinez (UDP)

Wilmore “Tab” Tablada (PDM)

Gilroy Dinsdale Usher (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Philip “Tracy Panton” Willoughby (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 4804

Queen’s Square

Godwin Dominic Haylock (UDP) (ELECTED)

Garry Matus (PDM)

Dr. Lorna Marie McKay (PUP)

Shane Devon Williams (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 2824

Belize Rural North

Marconi Devane Leal (PUP) (ELECTED)

Andrew “Lion Truth” Reynolds (PNP)

Eustace Aiden “Big C” Shaw (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 5246

Belize Rural Central

David Almendarez (UDP)

Dolores Balderamos Garcia (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Estevan Alejandro Perera (PDM)

Beverly “Ms. Bev” Williams (UDP)

Aaron “Bunny T” Wilson (BJM)

Total Voters Registered 7832

Belize Rural South

Abner “Chamber” Bacab (BJM)

Manuel Jr. “Don Jun” Heredia (UDP)

Lagha “Dani” Mahmoud (UDP)

Andre Perez (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Total Voters Registered 10149

Corozal District

Corozal Bay

Thea Garcia Ramirez (PUP) (ELECTED)

Hernan Andre Riverol (UDP)

Elvia “Elvie” Vega Samos (Independent)

Total Voters Registered 6691

Corozal North

David “Dave” Castillo (PUP)

Condace “Lowe” Espedido (BJM)

Hugo Patt (UDP) (RE-ELECTED)

Total Voters Registered 7466

Corozal South East

Antonio “Tony” Herrera (UDP)

Florencio Julian Marin Jr. (PUP) (LEADING)

Total Voters Registered 7337

Corozal South West

Ramiro Ramirez (PUP) (LEADING)

Martin Rivera (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 6424

Orange Walk District

Orange Walk Central

John “Johnny” Antonio Briceño (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Denni Grijalva Cruz (UDP)

Yara Mariza Cal Villeda (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 6524

Orange Walk North

Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Carlos Gabriel Zetina (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 8534

Orange Walk East

Kevin Bernard (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Lance Bentley Pelayo (UDP)

Marlo Alexis Perera (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 7633

Orange Walk South

Jose Abelardo Mai (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

German Evan Tillett (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 7534

Cayo District

Belmopan

Ralston Edward “Fraze” Frazer (UDP)

Oscar Mira (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

John Birchman Saldivar (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 10381

Cayo North

Michel “Micho” Chebat (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Omar Antonio Figueroa (UDP)

Leroy “Lee” Lisbey (BJM)

Total Voters Registered 8980

Cayo North East

Albert Joseph Fernandez (UDP)

Orlando “Landy” Habet (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Total Voters Registered 6578

Cayo Central

Alex Balona (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Francisco Concepcion “Junie” Escobar (GODP)

Mark Roland “OB” O’Brien (UDP)

Roody Lewinskey Wade (BJM)

Total Voters Registered 8761

Cayo West

Jorge “Milin” Espat (PUP)

Miguel “Mike” Guerra (UDP) (ELECTED)

Esduit Ariel “Yey” Moralez (BJM)

Total Voters Registered 7674

Cayo South

Julius Espat (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Jose Antonio Samayoa (UDP)

June Young (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 8244

Stann Creek District

Dangriga

Cyril “Uruwei” Garcia (Independent)

Louis “Dr. Zab” Zabaneh (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Total Voters Registered 6213

Stann Creek West

Macario “Maca Jr.” Augustine (UDP)

Rodwell Stephen “Rado” Ferguson (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Mateo Tomas Polanco (Independent)

Domingo Francis Valerio (BJM)

Ivan “Junie” Williams (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 10597

Toledo District

Toledo East

William Anthony “Wil” Maheia (PNP)

Osmond Reynaldo Martinez (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Orlando Albert “Landy” Muschamp (Independent)

Total Voters Registered 8554

Toledo West

Oscar Ruben Requena (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Alfonso Sanchez Jr. (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 7804