Benita Keme-Palacio - Channel 5 Belize

Tropical Storm Milton forms in the Gulf of Mexico

The National Hurricane Centre’s latest reports have confirmed the formation of former Tropical Depression Fourteen to Tropical Storm Milton.

Milton’s trajectory will be influenced by a cold front next week, steering it towards the Florida Peninsula. The storm has the potential to become strong, with forecasts indicating it could reach Florida as a strong Category 2 hurricane by Wednesday.

Currently, Milton is expected to intensify slowly over the next day. Rapid strengthening is anticipated during the week. Heavy rainfall and life-threatening flood hazards are expected in the Florida Peninsula.

Tracy Panton Calls UDP’s Motion “Fraudulent”

Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton is rejecting the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) statement, calling it a “fraudulent attempt” to expel four senior party members without due process.

In a Facebook post, Panton said, “Yesterday’s fraudulent attempt to pass a motion improperly, illegally, and unconstitutionally to expel 4 senior members of the party, without due process, is indicative enough for us to act and to act now.”

The UDP states that its leadership will serve until the National Convention after the next general election, clarifying that no convention will be held before then.

Panton rebutted, “There is no place for a dictatorship in the principles, values, and ideals we must guard zealously. The current Party Leader is unhinged, and it is time for him to step aside in the best interest of the Party.”

Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber supported Panton’s stance, stating, “To make quorum for an NPC meeting, the UDP Constitution requires a majority of its members to be present. If there is no quorum at the initial meeting, the meeting can be adjourned to a fixed date, and at that rescheduled meeting, the members present will form the quorum.”

He explained that “decisions taken at that rescheduled meeting will only be valid if they are carried by at least 40% of the total membership of the Council. By any stretch, 39 people out of 118 can never work.”

Panton reiterated the Alliance for Democracy’s “UDP National Convention” on October 20, 2024, at Birds Isle.

National Hurricane Center Warns of Potential Gulf System Development

The state of Florida is preparing for another potential storm as Tropical Depression 14 is expected to form in the Gulf of Mexico, with a 70 percent chance of development in the next 48 hours. “A tropical depression or storm is likely to form later today or on Sunday,” said the NHC in its latest updates. It is likely to make landfall on Florida’s west coast by Wednesday.

The next tropical storm to form will carry the name Milton.

The NHC warned, “Regardless of development, locally heavy rains could occur over portions of Mexico during the next day or two and over much of Florida late this weekend through the middle of next week.”

This new threat follows Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm on September 26, causing widespread flooding and over 200 fatalities across six states.

Additionally, the NHC is monitoring two other hurricanes in the Atlantic: Hurricane Kirk in the central subtropical region and Hurricane Leslie in the eastern tropical Atlantic.

UDP Rejects Calls for Leadership Change

The United Democratic Party says that its National Party Council has confirmed decisions made at the National Convention on August 13, 2023, and reiterated in an April 7, 2024 resolution. This statement comes as October 20th nears—the date when the Alliance for Democracy led by Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton has scheduled a “UDP National Convention” in Belize City.

The UDP says that “The Party Leader, Shyne Barrow, Deputy Party Leader Hugo Patt, Party Chairman Michael Peyrefitte, and Deputy Party Chairman Alberto August are elected to serve until the National Convention to be held immediately after the next general election.”

It added, “The National Party Council makes it emphatically clear to all delegates, party members, and supporters that the United Democratic Party is not conducting a national convention until it is due immediately after the next general elections.”

“The National Party Council condemns the lies, defamation and personal attacks against our duly elected Party Leader, Shyne Barrow, Deputy Party Leader, Hugo Patt, Party Chairman, Michael Peyrefitte, Deputy Party Chairman, Alberto August, and other Party Officials.”

The statement also says that the party supports Peyrefitte in rejecting petitions to alter these decisions and backs the Central Executive’s resolutions regarding John Saldivar, Tracy Panton, Patrick Faber, and Beverly Williams, as well as Phillip Willoughby and Andrew Bradley, to align with their reform plans for the upcoming elections.

New Year, New Belize Notes and Coins

There’s two months until 2025, and Belizeans have not stopped wondering when the new Belize notes and coin designs will be released.

On September 26, the Central Bank of Belize officially announced the approval of a new family of banknotes. It said that it will be one that will celebrate Belize’s “rich heritage and will incorporate enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting.”

“We will be using the national heroes, both George Price and Phillip Goldson. They are the ones that are going to be on the face. So the new dollars will be introduced later this year or early next year,” said Prime Minister John Briceño. He added, “It will have a lot of other features to protect against counterfeit.”

The Central Bank stated, “Prior to the circulation of the new banknotes, there will be a period of transition, providing ample time for the public to view and learn about the notes.”

The Central Bank maintains that the Belize dollar is strong, as it has been pegged to the US dollar at a rate of BZ$2.00 to US$1.00 since 1976. “The new designs will be unveiled in early 2025, while the new banknotes will be circulated later in the year,” the Central Bank confirmed.

Man Sets His Common-Law-Wife on Fire

Independence Village Resident, Karima Logan, reported escaping death after her common-law husband, Travis Lopez, allegedly poured gasoline on her and set her on fire during an argument.

According to Logan, Lopez took her outside, poured gasoline on her, and ignited it. He then attempted to extinguish the flames by placing her in the shower.

Logan informed the police that the incident was an accident. She received initial treatment for her burns at the Independence Polyclinic before being transferred to the Southern Regional Hospital for further care for her burns.

When asked about it this morning, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams informed the media that he had no knowledge about the case.

NICH Lands $98K UNESCO Grant

The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) has secured a USD $98,600 grant from UNESCO to lead the project “Empowering Communities for the Safeguarding of Belize’s Foodways.”

NICH said in a statement, “This initiative will train 140 community members and cultural officers to document and protect our rich culinary heritage. By focussing on our vibrant local cuisines, we aim to inspire healthier eating habits among students and the wider community.”

The project is expected to be implemented over the next two years.

Belize Enhances CARICOM Single Market and Economy

Consultations wrapped up today to enhance Belize’s integration into the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). CSME is designed to promote cooperation and economic growth within the Caribbean.

Led by Minister of State Dr. Osmond Martinez, this three-day mission convened government officials and key stakeholders.

The consultations involved representatives from the private sector, civil society, tertiary institutions, trade unions, municipal authorities, and public servants. In its statement, the ministry said, “Key topics of discussion included the free movement of goods and people, trade, customs procedures, education, intellectual property, public awareness, competition, agriculture, immigration, labour issues, and the implementation of the CARICOM Interactive Market Place Suspension Procedure (CIMSUPRO).”

According to the Ministry, “This electronic platform aims to facilitate connections between producers and buyers within the CARICOM region.”

During the mission, the CARICOM Secretariat emphasised that the CSME is an ongoing process. It stressed that its success depends on the “sustained commitment of Member States to ensure its success.”

Belize and Mexico Talk Energy Security

On Wednesday, Prime Minister John Briceño met with Mexico’s new Energy Minister, Luz Elena Gonzalez Escobar. Their discussion centred on energy security, the continuation of their power purchase agreement, and improving energy transmission infrastructure in Belize and southern Mexico.

PM Briceño said on social media, “We as well reviewed challenges facing the energy sector on both sides of the border and reiterated assurances for the continued bilateral relationship.”

Representatives from Mexico’s Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) were also in the meeting.

This year, Belize has faced a record amount of load shedding. On May 2, Belize Electricity Ltd. CEO John Mencias explained that Mexico’s CFE could only supply 20 megawatts due to contractual limits. Mencias clarified that CFE’s actions were within the contractual arrangements, stating, “What we purchase from CFE is called opportunity cost energy… it is interruptible at any moment’s notice.”

Following a May 13 meeting between Briceño and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, CFE agreed to increase its supply to 75 megawatts. This effort alleviated some power shortages. Briceño stated, “The Mexican energy provider will now supply a total of seventy-five megawatts to the national grid.”

Belize generates about 60% of its electricity from renewable sources, the highest in the Caribbean, with hydroelectric power playing a key role. Fortis Belize Limited operates three hydroelectric plants on the Macal River, contributing up to 40% of the national grid.

U.S. Port Strike Resolved, Workers Return to Duties

A three-day strike at East and Gulf Coast ports in the United States has come to an end. The International Longshoremen’s Association resumed work today. The strike, which began early Tuesday, was primarily about wage increases and threatened supply chains and exports.

The maritime alliance USMX agreed to a $4 hourly raise, boosting current pay from $39 to $43, resulting in a total increase of $24 over a six-year contract—an overall 62% hike. Union leader Harold Daggett indicated that the union was open to this raise prior to the strike but had rejected a lesser $3 offer. Both sides swiftly resumed operations, with workers eager to minimise income losses.

Ports, including New York and New Jersey, are working to restore normal operations. Container backlogs remain, with the Port Authority reporting daily losses of $250-300 million during the strike, totalling around $1 billion.

While the strike has ended, the final contract still requires ratification by union members, leaving open the possibility of future strikes if the agreement is rejected.