Moses “Shyne” Barrow is contemplating filing a claim against Tracy Taegar-Panton and her supporters, alleging fraud. Barrow argues that the October twentieth convention, now deemed illegitimate by the High Court, set off fraudulent events that deprived him and his supporters of a rightful claim to be the sole U.D.P. in the recent general election. With these serious allegations, the question arises: is Panton worried about potential exposure?
Sheena Pitts
Sheena Pitts, Attorney- at-law
“First of all you are asking me to be, enjoy the status of lord and Jesus Christ, because I don’t think it is my place to understand the irrationality of someone who is clearly belaboring from a delusion. I would ask you to allow me not to take the invitation to sort out that foolishness. What I can say is understanding the process within the U.D.P. there was nothing fraudulent in that it is his own constituency executive together met and decided that they had had enough of him as an area rep and they were dissatisfied of his leadership and they opted to go for somebody else. And guess what on the day of the election, if it is that we was still popular as he makes himself out to be, he still had that opportunity, he was still permitted to run, and it turned out the people signaled to him that the way we are going to show you that we are dissatisfied with your leadership is by voting for the alternative.”
In other U.D.P. news, Patrick Faber has been tapped to lead a constitutional reform committee, a move driven by Tracy Taegar-Panton’s call for urgent party reforms. However, this appointment has sparked controversy. Acting Chairman Alberto August is reportedly unhappy with Faber’s new role and is calling for the committee to be dissolved immediately. Here’s what Panton had to say about the situation.
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“We also need urgently the reforms in the constitution. There are some ambiguity in the constitution as it now stands. The honorable Patrick Faber was tasked to put together a working group that will start collecting recommendations for reform that will then be put forward for whoever the legal entity is, the Central Executive and national party council. I don’t see why Mr. Alberto or anyone else would see that as a legal approach. We cannot change the constitution and we will not change the constitution in the absence of hearing from the stakeholders of this party. Their voice is important and their voice will be taken into account when this party makes its decisions. Gone are the days when unilateral decision are taken on behalf of the party by a madman.”
This morning, sparks flew on live television as Moses “Shyne” Barrow and Wave TV’s Fus Ting Da Mawnin host Alfonso Noble engaged in a heated confrontation. The now-viral clash erupted when Barrow appeared on the show to discuss Justice Towanda Hondora’s recent ruling on the party. Wave TV and Radio, a U.D.P. media outlet located at the party’s headquarters, often hosts Barrow as a guest. However, today’s encounter was anything but routine. Noble had some grievances to air, and Barrow didn’t hold back, leading to an explosive exchange that has everyone talking.
Alfonso Noble
Alfonso Noble, Host, Fus Ting Da Mawnin
“That is the problem we have, you cannot take no for an answer, you cannot willingly accept, I have lost my position, I have lost my grounding, the general membership of the party is not behind you.”
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Former Leader of the Opposition
“That is your opinion, because you are biased and team Tracy, make no doubt about it.”
Alfonso Noble
“You are holding the UDP hostage. When will we hold a national convention, when?”
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
“We will have a convention in October, but it is as Justice Hondora has said, it is for the party to decide who are members and who will be qualified to run in that convention.”
Alfonso Noble
“You cannot just come out of the blues and want to bully-reg a political party that has been here for years.”
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
“You believe that you can do what you want to do, but the rest of us cant do what they want to do. You are a criminal.”
Alfonso Noble
“No I am not a criminal, you are sir. I have never been incarcerated.”
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
“You should have been incarcerated for knocking that person down.”
Alfonso Noble
“That was tried at the court. The court dealt with that in the manner it was suppose to have been dealt with.”
Following a heated exchange on live television between Alfonso Noble and Moses “Shyne” Barrow, acting U.D.P. Chairman Alberto August has announced the suspension of the morning show. August stated that such public confrontations will not be tolerated. However, Tracy Taegar-Panton argues that August cannot make this decision without proper consultation. Both Panton and attorney Sheena Pitts have weighed in on the dramatic on-air clash, adding to the ongoing tensions within the party.
Tracy Taegar-Panton
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“I don’t want to be unkind to the former party leader, in fact I have a great deal of empathy for him, because what I saw on display this morning is indicative of why the delegates of this party and the standard bearers and caretakers felt compelled to convene a national convention on October twentieth. The Wave Radio and the Guardian Newspaper are the organs of the party that help us to do that work, in terms of keeping a functional democracy. It is not just Jules. All of us are a part of that process to hold an administration to account, to make sure we ventilate the national issues that are causing concern, and anxiety and strife to the Belizean people. The acting chair has issued a statement you say, that requires further discussion with other members of the leadership team before we can all be in agreement. What we do agree on is that the circus has come to an end. And this appetite for sensationalism that the media seems to gravitate to will not be entertained.”
Sheena Pitts
Sheena Pitts, Attorney-at-law
“For the first time I can agree with the media that their antics and shenanigans being carried on by the former leader that could be properly characterized by the former leader, because this morning, I am told he was properly in full form with the red nose and colorful hair.”
As the House of Representatives prepares for its ceremonial opening on Friday, the 2025 fiscal year budget remains unpresented. Despite this delay, teachers are demanding a minimum wage adjustment, and an eight-point-five percent salary increase. However, it seems unlikely that the Briceno administration will meet these demands. Chief Executive Officer Dian Maheia confirmed today that most of the Ministry of Education’s funds will go towards paying teachers. This comes as the Belize National Teachers Union continues to advocate for better compensation amid ongoing financial uncertainties.
Dian Maheia, C.E.O., Ministry of Education
“The work of putting together a budget has been done for the new fiscal year. I can tell you that the 2025/2026 cost for wages, for pensions, for transferring public officers is $787 million dollars. Over eighty percent of the budget of the Ministry of Education is already committed to salaries. This is not an easy ask and this is not an ask that can be answered by the Ministry of Education.”
A few weeks ago, we reported on a controversial salary increase granted to all chief executive officers in the Briceno administration, including C.E.O. Dian Maheia. The pay raise, implemented after the recent general election, has angered teachers and public officers who feel the government is neglecting their needs as workers. This morning, C.E.O. Maheia shared her perspective on the issue, adding fuel to the ongoing debate. The discontent among educators and public servants continues to grow as they demand more support and fair compensation from the government.
Dian Maheia, C.E.O., Ministry of Education
“That raise was not something, and I think that I need to speak here for all my colleagues, was not something that we actively pursued; but, in the grand scheme of things, that amounts to $250,000, more or less, which is less than one percent of what we are looking at in the big picture, compared to 8.5% for teachers. It’s difficult to be held to account for something when you work hard and you are producing. You didn’t go and ask your boss for a raise, your boss said to you, you’ve done well. Here I sit, responsible for three hundred million dollars of this country’s hard-earned money and I am being held to account for the people that I work for in good faith for something that I appreciate because I feel that the prime minister, in good faith, said to us as CEOs, “We feel like you’ve worked hard, you deserve this.”
Paul Lopez
“Is it your view any at all that teachers and public servants at large deserve any sort of raise at this point? 8.5% is the request.”
Dian Maheia
“That’s not a question I can answer because if you begin to ask people whether or not they deserve raises, everybody thinks that they do. That’s a difficult question for you to ask, or rather it’s a difficult question for me to answer and I wouldn’t presume to do that.”
This week, we shine a spotlight on Crooked Tree Village, one of Belize’s most enchanting and historically rich communities, for our Belize on Reel segment. Famous for its bountiful cashew fruit, vibrant wildlife sanctuary, and enduring traditions, Crooked Tree boasts a heritage that predates colonial records. News Five’s Marion Ali delves into two intriguing theories about the origin of Crooked Tree’s name and uncovers the deep history of human settlement in this remarkable village.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Crooked Tree Village may seem quiet and idyllic, but its history is as winding and intriguing as its most famous landmark. Legend has it that the village got its name from a uniquely twisted tree hidden in an inaccessible area. Another theory suggests it was named after three crooks who settled there in the 1700s.
George Tillett
George Tillett, Chairman, Crooked Tree Village
“In the late 1700s a bunch of European logwood cutters, along with their African slaves were journeying down the Belize River in search of logwood, which was then the only source of income for the country. They diverted into this area known as Black Creek and from this inland island with its abundance of logwood and they started trading logwood but they needed to get a name from where these logwood were coming from. So, one of the settlers noted an extraordinarily twisted bullet wood tree that they had their encampment under. And it was from then and that early it got the curious name of Crooked Tree.”
Marion Ali
“You sure it’s that it’s not crooked three men?”
George Tillett
“There is this crazy theory that some people brought upon us because it was settled by three slave owners, the Tilletts, the Gilletts, and the Crawfords. And they were referred to as a crooked three, but I’m quite sure that’s not what village got its name from. It’s from a tree; it’s from a twist bullet wood tree.”
While the origin of Crooked Tree’s name remains a mystery, its history is undeniably ancient. Village Chairman George Tillett reveals that evidence points to human occupancy dating back thousands of years, long before European settlers arrived. These early inhabitants, known as the Paleoindians, left a legacy that continues to shape the village’s rich cultural heritage.
George Tillett
“We have evidence washed up on our shores with their volcanic rock spearheads that archeologists dated way back to the Chalillo Indians when they used hunt mammoths and stuff like that. That was before the Mayan time. Then after that, we find other products that suggested that the Mayas also lived here. As a matter of fact, on the western side of the island of Crooked Tree is an excavated Maya temple known as Chau Hiix and there are a lot of Mayan artifacts people find when they’re digging up to build houses and foundation – things that relate to Mayan products.”
By the mid-1900s, Crooked Tree was well known for its unique charm but getting in and out wasn’t always easy. Before the causeway was built, villagers relied on boats, and a trip to Belize City could take an entire day. This transformation from isolation to connectivity marks a significant chapter in the village’s history, highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness of its people.
John Gillett
John Gillett, Elder, Crooked Tree Village
“One of the boats used to name Express. One used to name Veronica, and both of them had the barges and so on that they would tow. And the barges would mostly take the crops and the livestock while the boat and a portion of the barge would be used to take passengers also. Those days, the boat would take about eight hours from here to Belize, and it took eight hours mainly because of the current from Black Creek that carries it.”
John Gillett recalls a time before boats were available in Crooked Tree, when villagers had to paddle their way to Belize City. Selling cattle meant tying them to a horse and embarking on a two-day trek. Gillett’s life is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the villagers, offering unique experiences from an era that now exists only in memory. His stories paint a vivid picture of a bygone time, highlighting the enduring spirit of Crooked Tree’s community.
John Gillett
“We had to live off the land and when I say live off the land in both crops as well as livestock, and we had to eat what we produce, ranging from cows to rice to corn, plantain, cassava, all those sort of things there. And of course, getting our meats from the pigs, the cow. We couldn’t go to the shop and just buy rice like that. We had to put it in the mortar and we beat that before we go to school in the morning. We had to cut the firewood, we had to melt the cows. All these things that we had to do. It’s a childhood that I wouldn’t want to change any at all in my lifetime.”
Crooked Tree Village is more than just a name on the map. From the ancient Paleoindians to the Mayas and colonial settlers, its history is woven with tales of twisted trees and cherished experiences. This vibrant community is a living story, brimming with resources and narratives still being shared by those who know it best.
George Tillett
“Crooked Tree is really a blessed village, blessed with resources. I think when Samuel Haynes was writing the National Anthem and said “Nature has blessed us with wealth untold”, he was referring to Crooked Tree.”
If you haven’t visited Crooked Tree yet, it’s time to plan a trip. This charming village offers more than just the famous cashew fest and abundant wildlife. Every path is steeped in history, and you might even find a story in the bend of a tree. Come explore Crooked Tree, where the past and present intertwine in a beautiful tapestry of culture
In a heartwarming collaboration, Hand in Hand Ministries and Heritage Bank have once again made a family’s dream come true. Today, they handed over a new house to a single mother, allowing her to finally live under the same roof with her three children after five long years. The emotional moment brought tears to her eyes as she expressed her gratitude for the life-changing gift. News Five’s Marion Ali reports on this touching story of generosity and hope.
Rashshida Messam
Rashshida Messam, New Homeowner
“I really appreciate you guys so much. Now I have a home fi me and my kids dehn. (Kids hug her)”
Marion Ali, Reporting
Rashshida Messam’s heartfelt “thank you” to Hand in Hand Ministries and Heritage Bank captures the joy of a single mother who can now live under the same roof with her three young children. After a challenging five-year journey, Messam received the keys to her new home today. She shared with News Five the struggles she overcame to reach this moment, making her new beginning even more meaningful.
Rashshida Messam
“Five years ago I was with my kids’ father and we had something, well – long story short, ih mi arite fi back then, but afterwards it went downhill. So, I had a friend that got a house from Hand in Hands and she encouraged me to go in. So I went in, I did their procedures and everything. And I hadn’t had the help to fill the land, but this time I got the help and it went through.”
Messam’s dream of a new home became a reality thanks to Hand in Hand Ministries. Shannon Stuart explained that Messam’s application was carefully reviewed, and after meeting all the requirements, she received helpful recommendations that led to her success. This thoughtful process ensured that Messam and her three children now have a place to call home.
Shannon Stuart
Shannon Stuart, Social Worker, Hand in Hand Ministries
“We have quite a few people that applied for housing assistance each and every year. Okay. But we provided them with the three that we thought would fit the criteria that they were looking for, which was basically families that are in dire need of housing assistance. Once we were able to identify those families, we then started proceeded to start our process whereby we did our application process. Um, we conducted interviews. We went into the family’s homes just to get a better understanding of what their living conditions were. And we have a financial limit that you have to have a certain set – in terms of income in order to be qualified for one of our homes.”
Hand in Hand Ministries, with the help of past and future home recipients, builds homes for those in need. Once a recipient is chosen, recommendations are sent to the donor, Heritage Bank. At today’s handover, Managing Director Stephen Duncan proudly announced that this marks the bank’s twentieth home donation to a deserving family. This ongoing partnership continues to transform lives, one home at a time.
Stephen Duncan
Stephen Duncan, Managing Director, Heritage Bank
“People are in need out there. They cannot necessarily wait to be able to save to build a house. They cannot wait for a cement house. They cannot wait for different reasons. These houses, for us, serve a very important purpose when people are able to move into their own home. They won’t have a mortgage to pay. So there is no cost to them in that context, and they’re able to start to live a normal life with their family again. It really makes a difference for people. And we have seen over the years that these houses have been able to withstand the test of time. For 20 years, Hand in Hand has been doing these houses. None fall down yet; none blow down yet.”
Today, a two-bedroom wooden house worth around twenty-five thousand dollars was donated, bringing immense relief to its new owner. The single mother shared the emotional toll of spending nights away from her children before receiving this life-changing gift. Her heartfelt words highlighted the profound impact of finally having a place to call home, where she and her children can be together under one roof.
Rashshida Messam
“I could finally have my kids with me because they weren’t living with me; they were living with their father because of the living situation that I was in, which was – it was with my sister. We had like six of us in the house, just a two bedroom house. And we hadn’t had that much space to house them, so I had to leave them with their father. But now they can be with me, which I am very grateful for that I have my kids home with me in our home, our own space.”
The only person happier than Rashshida Messam today is her mom, who received her own home through Hand in Hand Ministries several years ago.
Marion Ali
“When you got yours, she was a kid playing in that house.”
Anna Pratt
Anna Pratt, Mother
“Yeah.”
Marion Ali
“Now she got her own.”
Anna Pratt
“Yeah, soh that me wa play eena fi she one now. (Laughs)”
Heritage Bank has handed over its twentieth house, while Hand in Hand Ministries celebrates surpassing five hundred homes donated. This remarkable achievement is the result of years of collaboration between the two organizations, dedicated to providing homes for those in need. Hand in Hand Ministries, which builds homes year-round with donations from abroad, has found a steadfast partner in Heritage Bank. Together, they have made a significant impact on the lives of many families, and today’s donation is just the latest chapter in their ongoing mission. Representatives from both organizations shared their commitment to continuing this vital work, aiming to improve and enhance the quality of life for even more people through the gift of new homes. This partnership promises to bring hope and stability to countless families well into the future.
Shannon Stuart
Shannon Stuart, Social Worker, Hand in Hand Ministries
“People love what we are doing, so every year we always have people come in that the local community supporting us, the people from apart abroad support us because they love what we do. We are serving people that are in need. Our work group comprises of our building coordinator and his assistance. And also, if you notice on this particular bill, we have Heritage Bank and we do have people that receive homes come out and assist us and people who are also waiting on their homes come out and assist. So it’s a whole collaboration of everyone along with the with it hand in hand ministries.”
Stephen Duncan
Stephen Duncan, Managing Director, Heritage Bank
“It is a big part of our sponsorship budget and our donation budget, but we try to do it every year. So far, we’ve been doing, keeping it going and we’ll go as long as we can. I mean, I can’t make any predictions. It’s not dependent on just me, but so far, we continue to get the support for it, and I wanna see how far we can go. As long as I am still around, I will try to do it, noh.”
Two months after the tragic murder of 23-year-old Simon Arana Junior, police arrested and charged a suspect. Authorities believe that 34-year-old Owen Rhaburn is responsible for the killing. Arana, a beloved teacher at Stann Creek Technical and Vocational Institution, was shot dead on the night of February 10th in Hope Creek Village, where he lived. The arrest brings a sense of justice to the community as they mourn the loss of a dedicated educator.
