News - Channel 5 Belize

Panton Alleges Election Fraud Ran Rampant at the General Elections

After a significant defeat in the 2025 General Election, Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton is promising a new path forward for the United Democratic Party. At today’s press conference, Panton outlined the party’s plan to step into leadership in 2025. However, she claims the loss wasn’t entirely fair, alleging several instances of election fraud on March twelfth. While the party isn’t requesting an election petition, these claims have been filed with the necessary authorities. Panton is determined to lead the U.D.P. with a fresh vision and renewed energy.

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“There was no accountability even by our judicial. System and no respect for the judiciary under this administration. And of course, we can’t forget the abuse of the election processes and mechanisms. So I will tell you my experience in Albert. Where almost all voters who showed up to the poll in blue shirts were disabled and needed assistance to mark their ex on the ballot. Able able-bodied men and women who I have interacted with on the campaign trail all of a sudden. Was not able to read, was not able to see, was not able to write for the promise of somewhere between 250 to $500. I witness that with my own two eyes. And had I not been stationary, literally at the pause on election day, no one could have guessed what my faith could have been. We cannot and we will not move forward as a nation without addressing the blatant election fraud that marred the March twelfth elections. While it can be said that over the years both political parties have made mistakes in raising the voters expectations during the election season, what we witness from the ruling People’s United party in these last elections, my friends, crossed every line, every line of decency, integrity, and respect for our electorate. Of course, there was expansion of fraud during the transfer period. We all know the case of Cayo North that has been fully documented and presented not only to the magistrate court, to the lower court, but to the high court. Let me tell you how blatant it got. Even a single bedroom starter home was used repeatedly to facilitate voucher padding. With the registration of dozens, and when I tell you dozens of voters at that address within three days, given that address verification is a requirement under the representation of a people’s act, this raises serious legal and procedural red flags. And then of course there was tampering with the voters list. Even though, as I said before, the matter of fraud, fraudulent voters was taken to the court. Many of these illegal registrations made it onto the voters list.”

Opposition Leader Criticizes Government’s Budget Delay Amid Rising Living Costs

It’s been eight weeks since the 2025 General Election, and the government still hasn’t debated Belize’s national budget. Earlier this month, the Briceño Administration faced heavy criticism for approving salary increases for CEOs and the Cabinet Secretary, especially with no budget presentation in sight. Today, at the U.D.P. press conference, Tracy Taegar-Panton slammed the government for the delay, highlighting how the cost of living continues to rise while the budget remains unaddressed.

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“ What is also very telling and troubling and speaks to the blatant disregard this administration has for Belizean people is that we still have no idea what the budget estimates. For the financial year are and what will be the government’s priorities. This from a government who won, knew when the elections would be called, and two who started the budget exercise in October of last year. Yet while the budget remains missing. They somehow found it quite urgent to quietly push through massive salary increases for the cabinet’s secretary and for CEOs. This at the time when food prices are rising, when fuel prices are climbing, when we are on the brink. Of an energy crisis and when our Belizean families are struggling to survive, not withstanding the cries of the teachers for salary adjustments and long overdue increments, notwithstanding the please of our public health, public health professionals. For pension considerations after years of service, not withstanding demands of our law enforcement officers for better working conditions, not standing the cries of our stevedores, who are now considered essential workers, not withstandin they express concerns of public servants for more accountability, more transparency, and more consultation in our decision-making process.”

U.D.P. Says Government Knew MCC Grant Loss was Coming

The Government of Belize is about to lose access to a hundred and twenty-five million dollars in a development grant from the United States. This loss comes after the Department of Government Efficiency decided to shut down the foreign aid agency, Millennium Challenge Corporation. With the closure of this five-year grant agreement, the government must now scramble to find alternative funding for the planned transformative educational and energy projects. U.D.P. Senator designate Patrick Faber, didn’t hold back in criticizing the government for not securing alternative funds sooner. He emphasized the urgency of finding new sources to keep these vital projects on track.

Patrick Faber, U.D.P. Senator Designate

“And one other issue that I will add to that list of things that they have been silent on is the MCC project withdrawal of funding by the US government. The government has demonstrated, in fact, that it is ill-prepared, or they have no plan. We are waiting patiently, of course, for the budget, which is all the more reason why I join with my party leader in sending the signal that it is intolerable, that the budget has not been read, because that would be a good space for the government to tell us what exactly they plan to do. When the Trump administration, the United States government, and it’s not just today, it happened. We got the warning. In fact, if you follow the US politics, you knew that this would’ve happened a long time ago. The minute Mr. Trump won the election, you knew that it was coming. So we need to be told as a nation, what is it that the government intends to do? You’ve heard about the trade wars, but you’ve heard about now, you’re hearing now about the withdrawal of these funds. This is serious money. This is a quarter of a billion dollars with a B that the MCC project would have brought for education, for energy, for agriculture. These things are important pillars of our economy. Yet we have not heard anything official from the government as to, in fact, we haven’t heard from them that it’s happening officially at all.”

U.D.P. Calls for G.O.B. to Address High Cost of Living

As the Trump Administration in the United States continues to shake up the global economy with increased tariffs, vulnerable nations that rely heavily on imports are feeling the heat. These tariffs threaten to spark an international trade war, which could have a ripple effect on investments, exports, and the overall cost of doing business. At today’s U.D.P. conference, Mesopotamia Area Representative Lee Mark Chang highlighted the looming challenges these tariffs pose to Belize. He emphasized the urgent need for the country to brace itself for the potential economic impact and find ways to mitigate these pressures.

Lee Mark Chang, Area Representative, Mesopotamia

“Despite these looming realities, our government remains silent. Silent on inflation, silent on the cost of doing business. Silent under the rising pressure that families and businesses are about to face. This is not leadership. This is reckless, and it’s the belief in people who will pay the price. The United Democratic Party is now sounding the alarm before the damage is done. We are calling on the government to act urgently and responsibly. There, there are solutions there are way forward. The UDP proposes the following immediate steps, diversify our trade partners. We must open new doors in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe. So we are not dependent on just a few countries. Support small businesses and medium businesses. Strengthen our local industries. Make capital easier to access for entrepreneurs the true drivers of our Blue economy. Boost agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The more we produce and sell ourselves, the stronger our independent we become. Simplify doing business, slash unnecessary custom delay, lower the cost of moving goods across the borders. And create real incentives for export. Police cannot afford to stand still while the world shifts around us. We must be proactive, not reactive. We must lead with vision, not panic. We must protect our people, all workers, all business, and our families from the storm that is coming.”

U.D.P. Faces Resource Challenges for Village Council Elections Amid Budget Delay

With no budget presented or debated at the National Assembly, the U.D.P. has yet to receive all the resources needed for the village council elections. Over the weekend, Tracy Taegar-Panton visited Toledo to start preparations for the elections. At today’s U.D.P. conference, she addressed whether she is financially ready to present a slate at the village council elections. Here’s what she had to say.

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“We are extremely busy with the work of rebuilding the party. And we have made a commitment that we’re going to rebuild this party from the ground up. We have scheduled destination visits to all thirty-one constituencies. So that we can meet with our executive committees, we can meet with our constituency committees, so we can look critically of what needs to be done in each constituency to restart or to start the building rebuilding process. So it differs in constituencies. For example, there are two constituencies, in the south that don’t currently have caretakers, those persons did not show up on nomination day. So the first order of business for Toledo East and for Dangriga is for us to find appropriate caretakers to help us deal with the issue of village councils elections for example. We are going to contest the village council elections and we will, as we did for the general elections, lean on our friends to support the effort to ensure that we maintain a healthy, a robust, and a functioning democracy.”

U.D.P. Commits to Protecting Cayo Rosario Island

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing issued a stop order to halt construction on Cayo Rosario near Ambergris Caye. This action came after San Pedro residents raised concerns about the potential harm to marine life and the integrity of the seabed. The stop order will remain in effect until all necessary permits are obtained from the Central Building Authority and other relevant agencies. U.D.P. Senator Designate Gabriel Zetina, who is a resident of San Pedro, expressed his commitment to protecting the area. He criticized the government for allowing such developments to continue in Belize without proper oversight. Zetina emphasized the importance of safeguarding the environment and ensuring that all construction projects comply with regulations.

Gabriel Zetina, U.D.P. Senator Designate

“The government believes that destroying these flats will go unnoticed or unchallenge, they’re mistaken. The people of San Pedro, the people of Ambergis Caye and I invite all Belizeans everywhere. We will push back. Against the government if they allow this to happen because we’re seeing a government, this government that listens to developers or should I say, they listen to a public of one and not to its people, the people that elected them. We see a government that says one thing to the public, but does another behind closed doors. We see a government that is willing to risk our future for short-term gains, and we see a government that stays silent. They have no, they have given us no accountability, no answers whatsoever, and this is simply unacceptable. We demand transparency. We demand a government that will release all the documents, all the contracts, and all the environmental assessments related to this project. They asked me to write a proposal. I’m not gonna be kind to this government.”

Unveiling the Delicious Secrets of Pupusas at Sonia’s Pupuseria

A lot of Belizeans absolutely love pupusas, whether it’s for breakfast, supper, or just a snack. We order them in all sorts of ways: pupusas with beans, cheese, and chicharrón bits; or even just plain beans and garlic. But did you know that pupusas are a Salvadoran dish? In this week’s edition of Kolcha Tuesday, we’re diving into all the different types of pupusas you can find at Sonia’s Pupuseria on 2nd Street, King’s Park. Sonia Gomez welcomed us into her kitchen on Monday night to show us how your favorite pupusas are made. Get ready to see the magic behind these delicious treats! News Five’s Marion Ali reports.

Marion Ali, Reporting

It’s suppertime, and you’re staring at the fridge with no idea what to whip up for the family. Don’t worry! Sonia’s Pupusería on 2^nd Street, King’s Park has got you covered. They’re serving up your favorite pupusas, made just the way you like them. So, skip the kitchen stress and treat yourself to a delicious meal from Sonia’s.

Sonia Gomez, Owner, Sonia’s Pupusería

“We make the pupusas using dough made from corn. We use chicharron or jalapeno pepper, cheese or chicken. We also have crazy pupusas. Those have chicken, jalapeno and garlic. The mixed ones have chicharron and cheese. And we have potato pupusas. We serve them with cabbage relish, along with onion sauce.”

Sonia Gomez opened her business just a year ago, and she says people from all walks of life flock to her pupusería for those delicious pupusas.

Sonia Gomez

“A lot of people like pupusas. People from all over Belize come here to buy them – Chinese, Indian, and many Belizeans. They come here to enjoy the pupusas.”

The ingredients are carefully patted into the dough, flattened by hand, and then baked on a comal for about five minutes. This Salvadoran comfort food has quickly become a favorite among Belizeans. To keep up with the demand, Sonia Gomez is expanding her business hours. She now has two outlets, with the second one located near Pound Yard Bridge.

Sonia Gomez

“Belizeans have received it well; they’re delighted with these pupusas, because when some Belizeans see me around on the streets, they tell me, “The best pupusas.” Most of my clients are delighted with these pupusas.”

Belizeans’ favorite pupusa combo includes chicharrón, beans, and cheese, according to Sonia Gomez. She’s noticed that people are craving a hot, tasty meal at all hours of the day. To meet the demand for supper, she has extended her hours from noon to nine at night. So, whenever you’re in the mood for a delicious pupusa, Sonia’s Pupusería is ready to serve. Marion Ali for News Five.

B.N.T.U. President, “We Consider This to Be Disrespect”

The Belize National Teachers Union (B.N.T.U.) is urging its members to attend a crucial national meeting on Wednesday morning. Despite the Ministry of Education denying their request for time off, B.N.T.U. President Nadia Caliz is pushing forward with the meeting. She’s calling on members to take a stand, even if it means a salary deduction for the day. The meeting’s purpose is for the union’s executive to present its list of demands to the Government of Belize, especially considering the recently approved salary increase for government CEOs and the Cabinet Secretary. Members will also be voting on the way forward, with strike action being one of the options on the table. Caliz shared detailed plans during her appearance on Open Your Eyes this morning, emphasizing the importance of unity and action.

Nadia Caliz, President, B.N.T.U.

“The bubbling pot, that is what I call it, because the pot is bubbling. It takes you all the way back to 2020 when the teachers experienced a salary cut and all of that. We do understand that during that time it was COVID, and the economy was not performing at the same level. They were given, because one of the promise was a bonus. They were given a hundred dollars one year, if the economy was doing good. So, we got that hundred dollars one year, one December, one time payment, that is it. Nothing else after that. Later on the unions lobbied with government and they had the reinstatement of ten percent, but on the heels of that you had social security deductions and other things. So you were not really getting anything. So when you have the news of CEOs getting that bumped up, they are asking me as their leader who says wait, we are at the negotiation table, we are getting this done, and you know what they said to me is that the only reason we are having patients is because you are new to the table. You have been there for a while, you think this is patients, we consider this to be disrespect.”

Teachers Demand 8.5 Percent Salary Increase

B.N.T.U. President Nadia Caliz emphasized that teachers are demanding an 8.5% salary increase. She pointed out that teachers have been patient for far too long and can no longer wait for the government to respond favorably, especially when salary increases are being approved in other sectors. Caliz made it clear that it’s time for teachers to receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.

Nadia Caliz, President, B.N.T.U.

“My teachers want to see two things, those who are waiting for their salaries via the increments or a salary upgrade, they want their stuff. They want their stuff. Then you have everybody who is looking forward for that salary adjustment and it is for everybody just to cope with inflation.”

Paul Lopez

“What does an adjustment look like in this case?”

Nadia Caliz

“We are asking for a minimum of eight point five percent. I emphasize on the minimum. That is what we are asking for. If you are asking me for a total, I will respond just like Minister Usher, we got to go and do the numbers. Who feels it knows it and every time we ask for an adjustment that is the first thing they do, twenty C.E.O.s, five thousand teachers. That is what they show us. For us it is the principle. You have asked us to wait and understand the state of the economy and we have been trying to work with you.”

BNTU President, “We Don’t Need Their Approval”

Responding to the Ministry of Education’s refusal to grant time off for the meeting, B.N.T.U. President Nadia Caliz made it clear that they don’t need the ministry’s approval. She urged members to take a stand by attending the meeting, emphasizing the importance of reaching a certain threshold of voters for the union’s mandate to be valid. Caliz accused the ministry of trying to frustrate the process, but she remains determined to push forward.

Nadia Caliz, President, B.N.T.U.

“For me now, while members are in my inbox and their branch leaders, we have to formalize and that is the reason for tomorrow’s meeting. I also want to tell my members, as you leader I am testing you out. You need to have the guts to come out and you have been screaming strike, strike, strike. But if you cannot come out tomorrow and vote, I want to know are you really ready for the strike you have been clamoring for. That is a test for me as a leader. Teachers are wondering if they will be duct. Teachers are wondering what will happen to their salary. So, when you come out and say you don’t approve it is for you to cut down the numbers and we definitely need to get one thousand, five hundred votes. So, it is a move to cut down. So if my members want something and they don’t give the mandate, because if we don’t get the mandate we cant move forward. They need to understand what is at stake here. While I am not in the classroom, I prefer to lose a day pay and gain more than to just sit there trying to protect that and suffer, suffer.”