Brianna Bennett - Channel 5 Belize

P.C.C. Concludes with Mixed Reviews

It’s been nearly two years since the People’s Constitution Commission (P.C.C.) kicked off its mission to thoroughly review Belize’s Constitution. They aimed to engage with Belizeans through a public outreach campaign and deliver detailed recommendations to the Prime Minister. Originally, this project was supposed to wrap up in eighteen months, but the commission needed more time to gather and summarize public feedback. So, in June, they got a six-month extension. Now, they’re gearing up to present their final report to the Prime Minister in November. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more on the challenges they faced along the way.

Dr. Harold Young, Asst. Professor of Political Science

“They didn’t like the advice and it wasn’t anything technical or anything crazy. It was a basic fundamental what your mandate is. You are not fulfilling your mandate and they didn’t like it. And within that week, we were both let go. Wow. Or we both separated. I don’t want to say let go because it wasn’t the same thing between us. But within the week, we were both separated from the commission. And that’s an indictment of the commission, not of the government. The government did not pick those twenty-seven people.”

Britney Gordon, Reporting

In November 2022, The People’s Constitution Commission was created for one purpose: to conduct participatory, inclusive, and transparent engagement with the people of Belize to inform recommendations to the government for an amended constitution. These recommendations aim to genuinely capture what the Belizean people truly want. Last month, Anthony Chanona, the Chairman of the PCC, gave us an update on how things are progressing.

Anthony Chanona, Chair, People’s Constitution Commission (File: September 26^th,2024)

“We have been meeting ever since we finished the public outreach which was back in May 2024, and the process is to review what the people have said and formulating it. So as soon as that was completed and we are at that stage, we will come to the media and we are saying this would probably be around the eighth of October and present what we have done. So it’s an important engagement but I cannot go into any details at this time.”

More than twenty-two thousand people shared their thoughts for the report. Public consultations were the go-to method for the outreach campaign, although over ten thousand surveys were also used. Given the overwhelming number of responses, the PCC got a six-month extension in June to wrap things up.

Anthony Chanona

“People in Belize actually showed up at these sessions, participated in the call for papers, responded to the text blast and so we were unable to collate all of that information within the eighteen months. So the law provided for us to apply for a six-month extension and we are now to be finished on the fourteenth of November for a final report. But we will be producing an interim report with the first draft with all stakeholders so that there is some transparency and validation to the process.”

The commission is a diverse group, bringing together voices from worker and student unions, cultural councils, NGOs, and political parties. Their mission is to represent all the different communities across Belize and be their voice. Caleb Orozco, the Executive Director for the United Belize Advocacy Movement, represents the LGBT+ community. He shared that the hurdles he faced on the commission make him doubtful about the report’s success.

Caleb Orozco, Executive Director, UNIBAM

“I will predict that we will go through the motions of talking to our stakeholders, supporting their recommendations, and the recommendations will be submitted to the Prime Minister. But it will be watered down based on the experience of the Political Reform Commission of two thousand. There will be lots of delays with regards to the actual implementation of the recommendations that are either accepted or welcome. And we will continue to be erased.”

Orozco maintains the support of his community is a surface-level attempt at inclusivity that will not find its way into legislation.

Caleb Orozco

“What I notice is that they reassure themselves that as long as they offer me food, are you hungry? Or they are nice to me and say hi, how are you doing? That somehow they’re above those who are directly insulting. Being tolerated in a commission process is new. example of being accepted in the legislative process.”

In the early stages of the project, political scientists, Dr. Dylan Vernon and Dr. Harold Young, were brought on as consultants by the PCC. Dr. Young claims that their services were dismissed by the PCC because the commission did not agree with their recommendations. Like Orozco, he does not believe that the PCC is acting in alignment with its mandate.

Dr. Harold Young,

“The civic leaders did not engage. They did not read material that Dr. Vernon and I put to them to read, that would have given them the groundwork to start thinking comprehensively and seriously about electoral reform in this country. They dropped the ball. They are happy to get out there. They are happy to get out there and criticize and comment and this is wrong and that, but when they were put around the table, with the power of legislature, the legislature, the law, giving them the power to review the and make recommendations in a report to the prime minister, they drop the ball.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Belize Men’s Football Faces Turks and Caicos

Belize’s National Senior Men’s Football Team is gearing up for the Gold Cup with a fresh face leading the charge. Charlie Slusher took over as head coach in July, and since then, Team Belize has been making waves on the field. Last week, they crushed Anguilla at the F.F.B. Stadium in Belmopan. Tonight, they’re set to take on Turks and Caicos at the same venue. On Friday, Head Coach Slusher shared his thoughts on what to expect from the team tonight and their exciting journey to the Gold Cup.

Charlie Slusher, Head Coach, National Men’s Football Team

“On Tuesday night we play against Turks and Caicos Island and again our key thing is that we want to, when it comes to our standings, we want to try to rank the number one ranking team in the entire group C, although we already went to B, but it is still a ranking process. So, we need to score some goals against Turk because it is a ranking process. I love to see, as a coach, the direction we are heading in, especially with the time we have. I started in July, and we started camp later and when you are seeing so many positive things. We cannot be perfect overnight, but we are seeing a lot of positive things, and I like I said I am happy with the direction or the buy in from our players and trying to change the culture and the style of play, adapting to some of the things I believe that can help us. One of the things that can surely help us is that in the past we would lay back and wait to be slaughtered. We must take the game to them. It doesn’t matter who we are. We got to play pressure football. We got to pressure the opponents. If anybody watched the game, we didn’t give that team any chance to build up any opportunity to play. They had to force the ball and that is our playing style we want to adapt. We are very good at it.”

NMS and NEMO Monitors System in Southwest Caribbean Sea

The National Meteorological Service and the National Emergency Management Organization are keeping an eye on the southwest Caribbean Sea for any signs of a tropical cyclone. In a joint press release, they mentioned that while the chances of formation are currently low—near zero percent over the next forty-eight hours and thirty percent within the next week—the situation could still change. In the worst-case scenario, a tropical depression or storm might form by Thursday or Friday, moving over northern Nicaragua or Honduras and weakening before its remnants pass over Belize late Friday into Saturday. This system could bring moderate to heavy rainfall. The NMS and NEMO emphasize that there’s no need to panic. They remind everyone that we’re still in the peak of hurricane season, so it’s crucial to stay informed by following official alerts and not getting swayed by rumors or misinformation from unofficial sources.

Mexico’s Ma Baker and Chef Products Now in Belize

There’s a new player in town that’s set to make life a whole lot easier for bakers and chefs, all without costing a fortune. Say hello to Ma Baker and Chef, a Mexico-based brand that’s just launched its exciting range of bakery and confectionery products right here in Belize. These goodies are being brought in by Mayito Cal Limited, and today, they teamed up with the manufacturers to host a hands-on training session in Belize City. This event wasn’t just about learning the ropes; it was also a golden opportunity for the importers to showcase their products to major supermarkets and hoteliers from all over the country. News Five’s Paul Lopez was on the scene and gave us the scoop on how this brand aims to elevate Belize’s culinary scene. Here’s his report.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Ma Baker and Chef is the latest bakery and confectionery brand to make a splash in Belize. And guess what? Bakers and chefs are already singing its praises!

Neri Castilla, Culinary Instructor

“They have a wide variety of products. It is a lot cheaper than other brands here in Belize and it is accessible to us to get in any store. It is not like we have to order or wait for an order to come in.”

Ma Bakers and Chef Products are manufactured in Mexico and imported by Mayito Cal Limited, a company led by Miriam Cal.

Miriam Cal, Importer, Ma Baker and Chef

“Ma Baker in collaboration with us brought in two renowned chef to come and introduce the usage of their products and the many products they have in their catalogs. To answers question for the home bakers that might have doubts about the product or want to know more about the products, because some are already on the market. In this way we are introducing new products, I will be bringing them back into the country.”

Home bakers, supermarket reps, and hotel and resort representatives all gathered in one room to get the inside scoop on how Ma Baker and Chef products can boost their businesses and delight their customers.

Amalia Marin, Assistant, Ma Baker and Chef

“Guys Ma Bakers and Chef is one of the best brands in the baking industry. They bring in a long selection of products for pastries as a whole. This one is edible markers. It is not markers you can use to give your kids. It is edible markers. So, you can use it to write happy birthday in the fondant or maybe to decorate your cookies. You can be creative with this. We also bring in luster dust, edible paint in a dust form. Most bakers would mix it with vodka, a little bit, not much and they would paint away their flowers, cookies, cake, our pastries and that gives it a different color. If you are making flowers, you get these to color your flowers. Your flower would usually be white because of the material you are using, this is what you need to get and your dust it off and it becomes amazingly beautiful like the flower we show earlier that is edible. That is dust with this one.”

And those are just two of the many fantastic products Ma Baker and Chef has in their lineup. The two bakers who flew in to showcase these goodies spent the morning crafting and decorating a stunning Christmas-themed cake. The end result? A vibrant, eye-catching cake display with sharp contrasts, perfect for the festive season!

Miriam Cal

“As the chef just said, every product has a code at the back that can be scanned, and it will show them how to use it. And each one is made to make the baker’s life easier and to save time. Like I am just saying, time is the most limited resource we have. For example she used the royal icing to create three different things, she used it as an adhesive for her figurine. She used it to make the snow effect and she added more water to show snow on the figurine of the trees. So the same product can be used different ways. Its not only about introducing the product but how it can be applied throughout.”

Before today, these products were not available at supermarkets in Belize City. But, during the demonstration, Publics Supermarket committed to carrying all Ma Baker and Chef products in its grocery stores. The news came with applause from the audience.

Amalia Marin

“We have three sizes of fondants, the large, the medium and the smaller ones. The smaller one is good. People say it is small and they need the whole pack. Not every time a baker needs to buy the whole two pound if it only a piece they need. You don’t need to buy the two pounds. You can buy the small one and just use it for what you need.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez

Kidnapped Father and Son Found Alive in Mexico

A father and son from Louisville Village, Orange Walk, who were kidnapped three days ago in the Subteniente López area of Quintana Roo, Mexico, have been found alive. Forty-eight-year-old Luis Camara and his nineteen-year-old son, Johan, were released by their captors after it became clear that they were taken by mistake. Once found, Mexican authorities ensured that they received a medical checkup to confirm that they were in good health. While the details of their abduction are still murky, Mexican police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding their kidnapping and eventual release. News Five’s Marion Ali brings us the story of their safe return home.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Great news came early this morning from the Attorney-General’s Office of Quintana Roo: Luis and Johan Camara, the father and son duo kidnapped on Tuesday, have been found alive. The Louisville residents are back home tonight, reunited with their family after enduring three terrifying nights in the hands of armed kidnappers in Mexico. While the details of their ordeal and release are still sketchy, Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico, Oscar Arnold, confirmed that although the men are safe, they were robbed of personal items. The investigation is ongoing.

Oscar Arnold, Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico

“The report this morning was that both gentlemen were found alive. It seems to have been a mistaken identity. There are some superficial wounds from what we are told, from them being either handcuffed or tied up. They had some wounds, some lacerations around their wrists, but outside of that, so far, they seem to be okay. They went to do a medical checkup, and I do believe also that the local police will probably do an interview as well to try to get some information from them. We understand that some items were taken from them – identification, passports and laptops as well. It seems that during the course of trying to ascertain whether they were the right individuals that these people were looking for, they were looking for evidence to either corroborate or to find out exactly who they were so far, it seems to be a mistaken identity case.”

Details, including where the men were taken, where they were found and who found them are still unclear. Arnold said the primary focus earlier was to get the men back to Belize safely. But what happens now with Johan’s academic pursuits in Mexico? Will he continue his agricultural studies? Will he be offered some kind of security if he does?

Oscar Arnold

“Our Counsel in Chetumal is also assisting to try to get both gentlemen across the border. This type of information is not available to me as yet. It seems that they were left somewhere to be found. The exact location, I am not privy to that information as yet, Marion. Here at the embassy. We are relieved that they were found alive. However, the questions you pose, along with many other questions, are things that we are following up with the authorities. We want to know – we’ll be asking them, we’ll be engaging with them to find out exactly what they know, what they have.”

This is the first time something like this has happened to anyone from Louisville, and even though the men have been released, the incident has left residents feeling uneasy about crossing the border. The situation has sparked concern among Belizeans who travel to Chetumal for various reasons, including shopping, as shared by Chairman Izael Pott and resident Marta Chuc.

Via phone: Izael Pott, Chairman, Louisville, Corozal

“It will trigger a fear to cross that border to many Belizeans. Also, on the educational side, some Belizeans look for further education on that side, so they might think twice. Not only the village, but you can see it in the comments on the social media.”

Marta Chuc, Resident, Louisville, Corozal

“We were afraid and I still am afraid because that’s something that we don’t imagine would happen. But I thank God that they are safe and returned home.”

Although the family is safely back together, Belizean authorities haven’t yet said if this incident will lead to a travel advisory for trips north of the border.

Oscar Arnold

“Before I can give an official word from on behalf of Foreign Affairs or the Embassy here, we need to get all the details before we can issue any other comment on the safety of traveling across the border. My advice would be that each of us, every individual person is responsible for their own safety as well, whenever they’re crossing any borders. The authorities have advised that they will step up their vigilance along the routes that are normally traveled by Belizeans whenever they visit Quintana Roo and Chetumal and Oton P. Blanco. So, my advice would be to remain vigilant to ensure that you stay on the beaten path. Don’t go off on any side roads or any secluded areas.”

Marion Ali for News Five

PM Announces Potential Stake Bank Sale to MSC

M.S.C., or Mediterranean Shipping Company, is one of the biggest names in the cruise and shipping world. Now, they’re eyeing a piece of the Belizean cruise market and have shown interest in buying the Stake Bank Cruise terminal. Prime Minister John Briceño spilled the beans on Monday morning during his appearance on the Open Your Eyes morning show. He explained that the Government of Belize had to step in and acquire Stake Bank because MSC didn’t want to get involved while there’s a dispute between Mike Feinstein and financier OPSA. Today, the Federation of Cruise Tourism Association of Belize (FECTAB) held a press conference to voice their objections to MSC’s interest in Stake Bank. We’ll dive into that press conference in a bit, but first, let’s revisit PM Briceño’s comments from earlier this week, where he called the government honest brokers.

Prime Minister John Briceno (File: Oct 7^th, 2024)

“Here’s a dispute over a project that successive governments have said is in the national interest of Belize. We got involved as honest brokers, trying to find a compromise between the two groups. But what – well, they, they can’t come to an agreement. I don’t want to prejudice or give my – how I feel about it, but they can’t come to a compromise. So know, here comes the investors that really have the money and they’re the ones that put up the money, most of the money, come to us, “Well we can’t come to an agreement.” Now we have MSC, one of the largest cruise lines. And also they do containers. They move containers – the largest company to move containers around the world. They have over two hundred thousand people working. They’re saying, “Well, now, we’d be interested, but we don’t want to get into this mess. The only way we’d be interested is if this mess is settled, and we buy over then.” So that the only way we can do that is by compulsorily acquiring land. Albino and two other top people from MSC and said they’re excited. They came for the first time to Belize. And they flew by helicopter and look at the Blue Hole, the reef, the country. They’re excited. And there he says, “you guys are one of the most beautiful countries. We want in.” We spoke to them about the Port of Belize and they say, “well, we’re prepared to do this and also consider investing in the container portion of the port. So, exciting things are coming but we need to get things done. We need to solve these problems to be able to go to the next point.”

FECTAB Says Their Stake Bank Dreams “Railroaded”

Prime Minister Briceño made it crystal clear that the Government of Belize isn’t involved in the potential sale of Stake Bank to M.S.C. He explained that these talks are happening between OPSA and M.S.C. But FECTAB members are not happy about it. Today, they held a press conference at the Belize Institute for Management, packing the room with their members. Among the attendees were two well-known Belizean artists, painter Alex Sanker and poet Erwin X. FECTAB’s president, David Almendarez, voiced strong objections, explaining that the association had an agreement with the Feinsteins to work inside Stake Bank once it was completed. He passionately protested the potential sale to M.S.C.

David Almendarez, President, FECTAB

“Railroading, just railroad an idea, a dream that we had. We had a dream that they would build a port in front of Belize City. They would have good owners that think about the country, think about us, travel, make a little money, spread the wealth, make Belizean people get out of poverty, let us be owners of something. Mr. Mike said once we get it signed you membership will always have a place on this island. That was the promise, that was the hope that we mih want. So my children, your children and grandchildren could access the island and make good money because of their good works and not because of who they know and what they know. The local tourism industry will lose from this deal. Nobody will bring an island close to us and share the pie. It does not work so. Dah wah decision that is ill faithed. First they say they will take it away in your name. Now we are hearing through the great vine that a company named MSc will buy it or suppose to want to buy it. And deh wah do a cruise ship thing.”

Alex Sanker Says Stake Bank Acquisition Crushed His Dream

One new face at today’s FECTAB press conference was painter Alex Sanker, who usually isn’t seen at these events. He showed up to express his frustrations about the compulsory acquisition of Stake Bank. Sanker shared that he had an agreement with Feinstein to open an art shop on the island once it was completed, calling it his retirement plan.

Alex Sanker, Artist

“Ms. Feinstein came to my studio through Rhaburns Alley. It is not a nice area. They are a very wealthy family. I said come and I will meet you by Food and Beverage and see what you want. She was doing a portrait for her husband. She said, also I want to talk to you about something else. I pass by Albert Street all the time and I love what you are doing there. But you need a home. You are a one-of-a-kind artist in this nation. This nation has never seen anything like you, period. She had offered me a store at Stake Bank, now I nuh gone ask. Once I settle, I would be allowed. To bring in other visual artists. We have a small community of visual artist. So when Ms. Feinstein said we want to give you a store, I was more than overwhelmed. Automatically my head gone to my retirement plan. That is automatically what happened there. What they want to do with this island, that throws a wrench into my engine. I call Ms Feinstien about a month ago and said, mein it is. A harsh reality if this is every going to come through.”

FECTAB Opposes PUP “In Totality” Over Stake Bank Acquisition

We also heard from Yohnny Rosado, one of FECTAB’s most vocal members. Rosado didn’t hold back, saying they expected better decisions from the Briceño administration and likening the potential M.S.C. sale to committing adultery. Poet Erwin X also took the stage, reciting a poem that he says captures the current reality of Belizeans.

Yohnny Rosado, Member, FECTAB

“Now weh the happen now, ih the look fih lay down, commit adultery with a ship named MSC. We worked, the respect that you should have for FECTAB. We have been on the air for the past fifteen to twenty years. Please go on the records. We have told off the former government, and we were hoping that the blue party, the todos, ganamos party would not going to pagar. We have money to pay. We can’t pay because we don’t have money.”

Reporter

“You all oppose the acquisition of State Bank?”

Yohnny Rosado

“We oppose the PUP in totality.”

Erwin X, Poet

“Todos Ganamos, we cant see how. Politicians not doing what unu vow. We soon eat grass like cow. Remember, unu reap what unu sow. Guns wah buss, the youth nuh wah bow. Political sufferation Belizeans wont allow. Cost a living blow we up, huge increase. They soon tax we for the air and breeze. Only one set of people benefit in Belize. Special political rats getting fat off all the cheese. Life so hard, every politicians know why. Not even crumbs are coming by. Taxation sucking the nation drip dry. Life hard out yah, the ghetto the cry.”

NTCUB President “We are Facing a Dictatorship”

Luke Martinez, the President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, was also present at today’s FECTAB press conference. He was merely there as an invited guest and observer. He spoke with reporters following the press conference. Here is what he had to say on the matter.

Luke Martinez, President, NTUCB

“We are still waiting for the prime minister to answer our questions that we sent him and pressing for him to give us a reasonable response. He sent us a page of nothing a few weeks ago. We are waiting to get around the table with him and his team to meaningfully discuss this issue. For NTUCB this is beyond those who are securing their investment. We are securing our democracy. We are ensuring to secure taxpayers’ dollars. So, for us it is a tax issue as well as a very serious governance issue. During COVID the government took over eighty million dollars. Now we have an acquisition that is about to happen. We hope it doesn’t happen, which will continue to consolidate what everybody is saying, we are facing a dictatorship. And so, as the vanguard of democracy, we have to ensure we follow this issue and that it works out for Belizeans.”

Reporter

“Does this MSC prospect validate the position of the NTUCB that the compulsory acquisition is not for a public purpose?”

Luke Martinez

“We have been saying that from the beginning, prove to us that it is a public purpose acquisition. Prove that to us. We want the prime minister and his technical team to prove that to the Belizean people, prove that to the investors.”