Economy - Channel 5 Belize

Cabinet Ministers Flyover Chiquibul

According to Manzanero, two Cabinet ministers participated in a flyover of the Chiquibul Forest. Minister of Defence and Border Security, Florencio Marin Junior, and Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, saw firsthand the devastation happening in the Chiquibul. Manzanero hopes that with this information, the government can act more appropriately.

Rafael Manzanero, Executive Director, F.C.D.

“We had the opportunity of taking the Minister of Sustainable Development Honorable Habet and also Honorable Marin from Border Security, we had the opportunity of playing them over the area of Chiquibul and Columbia River. And so they do have the firsthand information in terms of what is happening along that area, which you know, for me, I would just hope then that by themselves seeing it firsthand, they certainly do know the gravity and the magnitude of these problems. And that it really should be, you know, of course, at the governmental level, really to address, you know, these boundary issues. We have noticed that it does take that footwork’s, it does take the patrols, it does take to have a presence in the area. For But it needs to have a presence that is, and the key word is a person that is assertive. That is important because you can have men there, but if you are not really assertive, then you’re still cannot really be able to do the work. So, my feeling is that in the Columbia River, it has to be boosted up with that assertive move. We have documented from early this year that Columbia River really has a lot of other issues beyond the Chiquibul. So we feel that there is now a movement of more people, human footprint. Expansion in the Columbia River Forest Reserve and frankly, by seeing the kind of the bridges, that means that they have really felt a level of comfort. They have felt a level of confidence that they can be able to do an extraction of timber in truckloads from that area there.”

Belize Peace Movement Concerned

In December of last year, the Belize Peace Movement got the High Court to issue a consent order, requiring the Elections and Boundaries Commission to submit to the claimants a report with recommendations. Those recommendations have to do with how the redistricting process will be carried out. But the report has not yet been tabled for debate at the National Assembly, and today the Belize Peace Movement’s attorney, Arthur Saldivar, said they are concerned.

Arthur Saldivar, Attorney for Belize Peace Movement

“In terms of whether or not that proposal is one capable of addressing the malapportionment that was originally sought to be addressed, it falls woefully short. It is a joke. And I do believe that this is why the government is even embarrassed to even bring it to a debate because it will be thoroughly exposed for what it is – 100% exercise in gerrymandering where you’re talking about bringing people from Caye Caulker and making them a part of a constituency in Belize City, when you’re talking about leaving all of these constituencies in Belize City that are now obsolete, obscure in relation to their numbers, it is certainly something to be said in terms of seriousness or the lack thereof, of the administration in doing what is necessary to ensure that the democracy is given a fair chance of operating the way it should, but not only that. It is telling every person in this country who is of a mind to do things against the law, that you have a government that supports you. The Order was negotiated in good faith between both parties and it was signed off on. Where it has signed off on, there is a legitimate expectation that what was agreed upon will be carried through. In the least, you can debate that nonsense that is tabled before the National Assembly, vote it down and let the Elections and Boundaries be put back to do a proper job. But doing nothing is basically signing off on an unconstitutional state of affairs which will not bring about a legitimate government if an election is called. And I’m hearing this nonsense that there needs to be this census done before we get to do..”

Reporter

“It would have been better to have the data from that available.”

Arthur Saldivar

“Nonsense. You have already done a re-registration exercise. When it comes to the electorate and the re-divisioning of constituencies, it has nothing to do with the general population, It has everything to do with the voting population.”

Belize Has New Gender Policy

Belize now has a gender policy, after thirteen years. The 2024-2030 gender policy was approved and adopted by the Cabinet on Monday. Consultations were held with the various stakeholders over the past three years and according to the chairperson of the National Women’s Commission, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, the policy is an overarching one that addresses marginalized groups.

Thea Garcia Ramirez, Chair, National Women’s Commission

“What it does for people who are marginalized, and I know that this is a point of contention, but this is from the government’s point of view and the government has is duty bound to ensure that it does the same for all citizens. And so in areas of discrimination, it speaks to how we can true social and behavioral change. And there’s a whole strategy that we are implementing now to ensure true education to advocacy that those incidences are certainly minimized we’re going to use education, we’re going to use advocacy and sensitization really live and let live. The feedback from the Council of Churches and other groups, I’m happy to say the consultations were extensive over three years of consultations with various groups. Even the media was invited, was sent the draft and were given an opportunity to peruse it, to ask questions. We also consulted withwomen in leadership positions in churches, and so they are definitely what this policy speaks to in terms of even, women within very conservative communities like Christian and church. And they also supported unanimously as a group. They supported the national gender policy.”

B.D.F. Destroys Bridges Built by Guatemalans in Belize

The Belize Defence Force destroyed two bridges built by Guatemalans inside the Columbia Forest Reserve in Belize. The bridges were used to facilitate illegal logging by Guatemalans. The discovery of the wooden bridges was made in late February. It was not until last week that Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) brought it to the media’s attention, saying that a road stretching over two kilometers into Belize was observed. The wooden bridges facilitated truck access for timber extraction, which may involve rosewood and other valuable woods. Aerial observations reveal active and recent human activity, with stacks of timber visible. Deputy Commander of the B.D.F., Colonel Anthony Velasquez, told News Five that troops remain in the area to deter any further incursions.

Col. Anthony Velasquez, Deputy Commander, B.D.F.

“In late February, the Belize Defense Force patrols have discovered a network of tracks in the area, as well as, two reinforced bridges that was constructed from wood, from timber. And, we have discovered these things, and again, we have done our due diligence sent up the verification to the ministry for onward transmission to the Organization of American States. But, in addition to that, we have launched operations in the area and the two bridges have been destroyed and we have troops on the ground in the area right now to deter any further incursions in the area. For the moment, we have presence in the area, so we know that during the dry season, they would most of these activities would increase. So, we have increased active military presence in the area over this period to ensure that they do not return and continue their legal activities. So, one team would dismantle the bridges. The other teams would conduct security overwatch. The Belize Defense Force will continue to protect and defend our territorial integrity. And we continue to conduct patrols in these areas. However, these are vast territory, prime jungle, et cetera, et cetera, with numerous terrain features. From time to time, these incursions will occur. The moment they occur, the police defense force will be there to ensure that these activities are halted, where they started, and the environment will return back to the pristine nature that it was before.”

Guatemalan Cattle Ranchers Build Road in Chiquibul

Guatemalans have also built a road into the Chiquibul Forest. That road originates from across the border, and it is highly believed that it was commissioned by wealthy cattle ranchers living in Guatemalan towns. The Belize Defence Force is also aware of the threats this road poses, and plans are being put in place to destroy it. Deputy Commander Colonel Anthony Velasquez says they are keeping a close eye on the area.

Col. Anthony Velasquez, Deputy Commander, B.D.F.

“On the 7th of March, a patrol of Beliz Defense Force soldiers was tasked to go into this area to do a reconnaissance and it was it was discovered that, yes, there’s a road that extends well over a one kilometer into Belizean territory. And it’s a road that was cleared by heavy machinery, so it’s a pretty open road. Since then, the Belize Defense Force has been monitoring the area. We have sent patrols to the area to keep a close eye on the area, to monitor any movements in the area and to detained anyone found in the area. So we have we have a presence there at the moment to monitor this road. Another thing that we did was to get grid references for this road and send it to our Ministry of National Defense and Border Security where they will send it to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs will send it to the Organization of American States here in Belize the office and they will do a verification of the area and of the grid references to verify that it is in Belizean territory. Thereafter, after that verification is complete, we will then have options on whether to, on how we can go about destroying the road or limiting access to the road by anyone in the area.”

Hipolito Novelo

“When you say that there would be the need for verification that is simply a process, a procedural thing, because we know it’s in Chiquibul. We know that part of it is in Belize territory.”

Col. Anthony Velasquez

“Yes, it’s within Belizean territory. However, it’s part of the confidence building measure sent by Belize and Guatemala. Anything one kilometer within our territory, we have to inform the OAS so they can do a verification to ensure that it is in Belizean territory. And thereafter, we will take measures to destroy this road”

TAA says Gustava Requena Is against Maya Land Rights

Four days ago, the Ministry of Human Development announced that Gustavo Requena had been appointed as the Director of the Office of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. The ministry said that Requena was born and raised in a Maya community and brings firsthand experience and understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by indigenous populations. But the Toledo Alcaldes Association says otherwise. The association fired off a press release, saying the government failed to consult them on Requena’s appointment. Spokesperson Cristina Coc told News Five that Requena has made public statements against Maya land rights.

Cristina Coc, Spokesperson, MLA/TAA

“We were not informed 1st of all that, that this appointment was already decided. In fact, we learned of this through a press release, a government press release. So we were never formally informed of this decision. And I think that this would have been a critical decision to have informed the Toledo Alcaldes Association in particular, given that we are appellants to the Maya land rights case. And it is a case that this office seeks to further advance and implement. Now, the Toledo Alcalde’s Association has taken the position to denounce the appointment of Mr. Requena primarily on the basis that he has made public statements against the Maya land rights. And, we have heard him on numerous occasions, making these public declarations against, customary land rights, against the claims of the Toledo Alcalde’s Association. And so then, we asked the question how can he be fit to implement in an objective way this very important case. So that’s our main and primary concern.”

New Director of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs is Minister’s Brother

Aside from the lack of consultation, Coc says that the association is also concerned about the familial relations that Gustava and Minister Oscar Requena share. They are brothers. Spokesperson Cristina Coc says that this might lead to a conflict of interest.

Cristina Coc, Spokesperson, MLA/TAA

“Secondary concern is that, you know, in in the spirit of good governance principles and in the spirit of good faith consultations with indigenous peoples we remind the government that it would be their duty and obligation to really consult in good faith when decisions like these are made. And then a third, not to diminish this concern at all but it’s certainly a secondary concern is that he is known as the younger brother of the area representative, Mr. Oscar Requena. And, of course, Mr. Requena is one of the appointed committee members. We have reached out to the minister. We have asked him if he has anything to say about this appointment. In fact, he has told us blatantly that he doesn’t know about it, that all he knows is that his brother applied for the position.”

Hipolito Novelo

“Do you know whether or not that position was advertised?”

Cristina Coc

“I don’t know what the process was, Hipolito. Like I said, the appellants were never informed. In fact, we learned of this appointment through a government press release. I mean, that does not bode well for building trust and good faith relations with the indigenous peoples of Toledo.”

Patrick Faber Chides Briceño Administration’s Reliance on IMF Report

Patrick Faber, the U.D.P.’s Area Representative for Collet, chided the prime minister for relying heavily on the I.M.F.’s recent report on Belize’s economic performance. During his budget presentation, Prime Minister John Briceño spent a great deal of time praising his administration’s economic performance based on the I.M.F.’s report and projections. Well, Faber argued that the I.M.F.’s report does not validate the Briceño administration’s policies towards long-term growth and social equity.

Patrick Faber, Area Representative, Collet

“While the prime minister attempted skillfully to present a narrative, and I have to say attempted, because everybody knows that teleprompter and speech writer does not help the prime minister, the presentation is always still very miserable. I will admit that this time it got a little bit better. So I am suggesting he practice every chance in this house, bring the teleprompter more regularly so when the elections come around he will do a damn good concession speech when his party goes home. He attempted to skillfully present a narrative with optimism. He cited the IMF’s recent review and he lauded the economic achievements under his administration. It is imperative that we dissect these accomplishments with a critical eye and broader perspective. He placed significant emphasis on the IMF’s pronouncements, suggesting that it is an independent assessment of the administration’s accomplishments. Yet, it is essential to underscore that reliance on the IMF evaluation, especially when it is aligned with the government’s narrative, does not validate the effectiveness of these policies in fostering long-term sustainable growth and social equity for the Belizean people.”

Belize’s Tourism Sector Expected to Generate 1.4 Billion Dollars in 2024

According to Tourism Minister, Anthony Mahler, overnight tourism has been hitting record highs in the first two months of 2024. During his budget debate presentation, Minister Mahler said that with the increasing number of tourists visiting Belize, the industry is expected to generate one point four billion dollars in revenue for 2024. Mahler also explained that the absence of a berthing facility in the Belize district continues to be the greatest challenge faced by the country’s cruise tourism sector.

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism

“We are projecting approximately eleven percent growth for Belize in 2024. Way beyond global growth, we have already recorded growth of over sixteen percent in overnight growth in two months this year. The month of January saw an impressive fifty-seven thousand tourist arrivals making it the highest January ever. This performance continued in February with an all-time high of fifty-nine thousand. We expect a ten percent increase in tourist arrivals in March, bringing it to over sixty thousand visitors for this month. Madam Speaker this would be a first for tourism in Belize and a new high for tourist arrivals. At this pace, we project that tourism will generate revenues of around one point four billion dollars this year. This is two hundred million more than we did in 2023. Big growth, I think it will be more than that too. The cruise sector also a saw resurgence in 2023 with a total of nine hundred thousand visitors from three hundred and one calls. This figure is a significant forty-seven percent increase, reflecting the sector’s continued recovery. There is demand, we have days with requests for more than five ships a day. But we cannot expect to take full advantage without a berthing facility in the Belize District. The longer we take the more the larger ships will continue to bypass Belize as they are doing now.”

Opposition Leader on COI into Sugar Industry: “I Told You So”

Opposition Leader Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow says he supports the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association’s continued call for a commission of inquiry into the sugar industry. Barrow publicly expressed his skepticism when PM Briceño and the association entered into an agreement to have the inquiry launched within ninety days. That was three months ago, and today Barrow said that he hates to be right on this matter but said, “I told you so.”

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“I told you guys this. I did not want to get ahead of myself and start celebrating, because I told you ninety days we would be right back here. I used the word that it was just a band aid on a gaping wound. Unfortunately I have been proven right. I don’t want to be right in these instances. I would wish these problems get solved indefinitely. But I have to say I have to agree with the BSCFA in what they said as far as if a small business person starts a business, all the authorities goes down there and they want to make sure that tax is paid and that sort of thing is proceeding accordingly. So, I don’t think a multinational should be exempt from a process that regular Belizeans face. What is the problem with transparency, accountability, having all the details? Maybe it could be that there is some confidentiality, so while the commission of inquiry may happen you block out certain parts, maybe certain parts don’t come to the public but it would just be for the considerations of the parties involved, if the cooperation feels that their privacy is being invaded. They are a public company. It is private sector but they are involved in a public service when we are talking about the sugar industry that impacts so many people and we have had this impasse for so long and it is hard to solve it.”