On Nomination Day, the country watched in shock as four of the thirty U.D.P. candidates under the leadership of Moses “Shyne” Barrow failed to show up for their nominations. This means you won’t see the names of Dean Samuels for Pickstock, Melvin Hewlett for Fort George, Norman Usher for Dangriga, and Dennis Williams for Toledo East on the ballot come election day. They pulled out of the race at the last minute, and when asked about it that evening, Barrow seemed completely unaware. While some have suggested that the P.U.P. might have influenced the candidates’ withdrawal, Prime Minister John Briceño dismissed this as a desperate allegation. When asked about the impact of these withdrawals on democracy in Belize, the PM confidently stated that it proves democracy is alive and well.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“It’s not a failure of democracy. People vote for who they want. In this instance, they quite likely feel that Anthony Mahler has been doing a great job, so why would I want to go and challenge Anthony Mahler if he’s doing a good job? Why would I challenge him if I believe that the people are supporting him> I’d be wasting my time, my effort and the lee bit ah resources, it’s not a failure. It is a true testament to the democratic process of Belize.”
Reporter
“The Opposition Leader is suggesting that you guys paid off his candidates to not show up.”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I guess desperate statements during desperate times and I guess trying to find an excuse. It is obvious that the person who was there felt he doesn’t have a chance to win and felt that Anthony, by any measurement, has been doing a tremendous job as the Area Representative in the Pickstock division, so why would you go with a person if you know you’re going to lose? If you look at it, what the Leader of the Opposition is trying to do, he’s thinking beyond this general election. He’s thinking about his election as leader of the party because after this general election it is well known that the U.D.P. is going to have a national convention and it is important for him to field candidates just to field candidates, knowing they’re not going to win but he needs to do that to control the delegates, so I don’t expect anything else from the Leader of the Opposition.”
Our Meet the Candidates coverage continues in the Cayo District! Tonight, we’ll also hear from candidates in the Port Loyola constituency. But first, let’s head to the Cayo Central and Cayo North constituencies. Each of these divisions will feature a candidate from both major parties, plus a third-party contender. Once known as the Red Hills, these areas turned blue in 2020. Will that change on March 12, or will it stay the same? News Five’s Paul Lopez has the report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
With the third largest number of registered voters in the Cayo District, this constituency will see three political candidates face off in the March twelfth general election. Alex Balona, the People’s United Party candidate, is hoping to win back the voters’ trust and secure a second consecutive term in office.
Alex Balona
Alex Balona, P.U.P Candidate, Cayo Central
“Well our executive as you can see behind me, they are an excellent team and they have been with me throughout the four and a half years. And they know exactly what to go and tell our constituents. I know the people are wise. The next government will be a PUP government and Cayo Central will remain P.U.P.”
Balona is facing some heat after a 2020 election day video resurfaced on social media, showing him spitting in the face of a U.D.P. member. Balona recently explained that he was first assaulted with a phone. So, the big question is: will March twelfth be free of any spitting incidents as United Democratic Party candidate Mark O’Brien takes on Balona?
Mark O’Brien
Mark O’Brien, U.D.P Candidate, Cayo Central
“The people has eyes to see, ears to hear, and they also feel what is going on. Across the nation the people are complaining about high cost of living. In our area, the farmers are telling us they love farming. They are not asking for ham, turkey, handouts or money. They are not even asking for seeds. They are asking for that opportunity to have better road access to be able to harvest their crops and come out and make a return on their hard work they have invested in their agriculture field.”
Elections in Belize have always been a tough climb for third parties. But that doesn’t deter Roody Wade, the leader of the Belize Justice Movement. Despite having little to no resources, he’s been putting his name on the ballot for decades and is ready to do it again in Cayo Central.
Roody Wade
Roody Wade, B.J.M Candidate, Cayo Central
“What is working in my favor, I am glad you ask it, because people are tired of that two party system. You will find out that people are showing that energy that yes, I will take their fifty dollars and a hundred and they will be surprised what will catch them. We see the constant flooding never stop. The neglect per say totally. People utter to me I don’t even see this area representative from the time he got elected. I have not seen him.”
Keep an eye on Cayo North. As the second largest constituency in Cayo, it’s definitely one to watch. Michel “Micho” Chebat is feeling confident about being reelected for a second consecutive term.
Michel “Micho” Chebat
Michel “Micho” Chebat, P.U.P Candidate, Cayo North
“This has been an honor of a lifetime for me. The people of Cayo North entrusted their faith and trust in me and that is something we take very seriously. We have been working over the past four years. We have been delivering to them on ourpromises. We are very confident that we will be returned on the twelfth of March.”
In 2020, Chebat defeated former U.D.P Area Representative Omar Figueroa. The one-term representative has returned to challenge Chebat, in hopes of a victory.
Omar Figueroa
Dr. Omar Figueroa, U.D.P. Candidate, Cayo North
“There was a wide tsunami in 2020, no one will deny that. But when you look at what has happened from 2020 to now, that is what is at stake here. That is the report card that people will evaluate. So it is not about what happened din 2020. It is about what happened since 2020 up until March twelfth. And as you walk the streets, you sense what the people of Cayo North are feeling and I am telling you Paul we have every confidence that in Cayo North I will deliver.”
The Belize Justice Movement has introduced their candidate for Cayo North, Leroy Lisbey. As a retired public officer, Leroy believes he’s the fresh face and change that the people have been eagerly waiting for.
Leroy Lisbey
Leroy Lisbey, B.J.M. Candidate, Cayo North
“I am very optimistic because I am running grass root, people centered campaign. I am not like the two political parties who are running on broken, empty promises. I am walking the streets and hearing what people need. That is my passion. I will work for them on the basic things. I will ensure that fair land distribution is there. Improve the healthcare system, unlimited opportunities for the youth and promote economic growth.”
This afternoon, Prime Minister John Briceño toured the Mesopotamia constituency with the People’s United Party candidate, Lawrence Ellis. The residents of Mesopotamia have been loyal to the United Democratic Party since 1979. With just thirteen days left until the March twelfth general election, the P.U.P. is hopeful that this time, the majority will rally behind their candidate.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I am convinced we have a very good candidate here in Mesopotamia and this division has been represented by the U.D.P. since 1979. When you look at what has happened over those years, it is a shame that the U.D.P. has controlled this division, yet they have done very little. Now we have a candidate that grew up in this area. While he did not grow up in Mesopotamia he grew up in Queen square, next door. When he came to talk to me and say this is something he wants to do, I grilled him and said, are you sure this is something you want to do, because you are going to go into a division that is very tough, traditional U.D.P. But he explained that he live sin the area, knows the people and understand what is the challenges and he believes that being a business person he can come up with innovative ways to help people in Mesopotamia division.”
Lawrence Ellis
Lawrence Ellis, P.U.P. Candidate, Mesopotamia
“This visit is a clear indication that the leadership of the P.U.P. is willing to work and take back Mesop. I am working hard n this division every day. The people of Mesop need to understand that there is no future in the U.D.P. They have been here for forty-six years and this division is lacking in many ways. So, my presence and the prime minister’s presence is a clear indication that the P.U.P. is ready to take back Mesop for the people of Mesop.”
Earlier today, we had an in-depth conversation with Phillip Willoughby, the U.D.P.candidate for Port Loyola under Tracy Panton’s leadership, about his vision for the constituency. He is one of three U.D.P. candidates vying for that seat against incumbent Area Representative Gilroy Usher Senior. We’ll share more about that in tomorrow’s newscast. But tonight, we have his thoughts on the “Shyne” Barrow U.D.P. candidates who didn’t show up on nomination day. Here’s what he had to say.
Phillip Willoughby, U.D.P Candidate, Port Loyola
“That is a reflection of Jamal. Clearly it is a reflection of him. That is a reflection of him and on him clearly and squarely, that drops in his lap. Now, I am disappointed because I know the gentlemen and I know everybody would want to swim this far to turn back or drop out. So something is afoot that went on had these four gentlemen step out and step back. It just doesn’t happen like that. What is there to come in the upcoming general election, of course it is a team sport. You will help your colleagues in all shapes and form. But for the people of Port, if it does come, whoever come, anybody come, when they come at the end of the day they will leave. When they leave it will be just you and I in the very same situation.”
The color debate is heating up. In the lead-up to the general elections, the Barrow and Tracy U.D.P factions are clashing over which color to use. Barrow has penned a letter to the Elections and Boundaries Commission, firmly stating that there’s only one U.D.P. As the head of the party’s central executive, he insists that his candidates should be assigned red on the ballot for election day. Barrow warns that any other decision could lead to a civil suit.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Party Leader, U.D.P
“One was sent yesterday and one was sent this morning. We are waiting the official decision of the commission and then we will proceed with civil action if the decision is not fit. The election and boundaries has no right to recognize anybody who claims to be a UDP when we have sent them an official list of who the U.D.P are when all that will do is cause confusion in the constituencies where we have competing claims. There is only one legitimate right and that totally undermines our democracy. We want fair and free elections. That is not fair and free. That is confusion and deliberate. We must understand someone like Josephine Tamai who I believe is an objective public servant. She is taking direction from political stooges in the E.B.C. who makes up the majority.”
After a late evening meeting, the Elections and Boundaries Commission decided that all forty-one United Democratic Party candidates, under the leadership of Shyne Barrow and Tracy Panton, will be assigned the color red. This decision is based on the fact that the High Court won’t rule on the UDP leadership dispute until after March thirty-first, well after the general election. The debate over the color red arose because both Barrow and Taegar-Panton claim leadership of the embattled party. On March twelfth, voters will head to the polls, where the ballots will feature a red block with the names of the candidates, without any distinctions for the UDP.
Tonight, we will continue our “Meet the Candidates” series. In this segment, we’re heading west to Belmopan and Cayo South. Voters in these areas will have to choose between the incumbent P.U.P. candidate and two U.D.P. candidates. It’s shaping up to be an unprecedented election season for these divisions. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the details.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The race is really heating up with just two weeks to go before the March twelfth general elections. Constituencies in the Cayo District nominated their candidates on Monday and are all set to cast their votes. In Belmopan, it’s a three-way showdown between two United Democratic Party candidates and one People’s United Party candidate. P.U.P. incumbent Oscar Mira is hoping to secure a second term in office.
Oscar Mira
Oscar Mira, P.U.P Candidate, Belmopan
“It is a humbling experience. It is an honor a very few have gotten the opportunity. I thank the Lord for giving me that opportunity. I also thank the people of Belmopan for putting their trust in me.”
Mira says his team has made significant investments in the Capital City over the last four years. He says equitable educational and healthcare access were also priorities.
Oscar Mira
“The infrastructure work in Belmopan must continue. We are growing too fast, and we must keep up with the demands of infrastructure, the demands of water and light and all the utilities we have to have in Belmopan. Another high school for Belmopan, a vocational high school for Belmopan, as well as the hospital for Belmopan. It is not time that we in Belmopan have a covered infrastructure for sports.”
But to secure a second term, Mira will have to overcome two U.D.P. candidates on March twelfth—a challenge no P.U.P. candidate has faced before in Belmopan. Luckily for Mira, his U.D.P. opponents, John Saldivar and Ralston Frazer, are at odds with each other. Frazer has claimed that the Capital City has become divided under the PUP’s leadership.
Ralston Frazer
Ralston Frazer, U.D.P Candidates, Belmopan
“In one word you can call it inequity, fairness is not being applied in Belmopan. I am going to touch on this a bit. I know it is going to be controversial. There is a growing segregation in Belmopan. We all know, and I think we need to make every effort to let it not be. This did not happen by the will of the people in Belmopan. There are certain elements among us in Belmopan who are propagating this, because they benefit from it. The whole divide and conquer situation. And we cannot afford this anywhere in the world, in Belize and Belmopan, we do not want it in Belmopan.”
On the other hand, John Saldivar argues that Belmopan has been rapidly deteriorating under Oscar Mira’s representation. Saldivar is hoping to regain control of the constituency after failing at the polls in 2020.
John Saldivar
John Saldivar, U.D.P Candidate, Belmopan
“Land issues has become a serious issue. People’s land has been taken away from them. Pantry programs have been ripped away from the poor and elderly of this city and people are going to rebel against that when election day comes. I don’t think the people of Belmopan will be confused at all. They know what is happening and who the traditional leader is here in Belmopan, and they understand the leadership riff which has nothing to do at all with who is on the ballot in Belmopan. They understand that John Saldivar is the man for Belmopan.”
The Cayo South constituency, which borders Belmopan to the west, is made up of thirteen villages. In the upcoming March twelfth general election, two U.D.P. candidates are competing for the seat. However, they’ll have to unseat the incumbent area representative, Julius Espat, who is aiming for a fourth term in office.
Julius Espat
Julius Espat, P.U.P Candidate, Cayo South
“We built a primary school in Saint Matthews which was extremely important. We are building a primary school in Roaring Creek which is much needed. We have paved about half of the villages, the main arteries. We have opened farmers roads. We have dealt with most if not all the education assistance request. NHI is now in Cayo South. It will start in about a month’s time. That will alleviate the health problems. We continue, there is a lot of employment and work going on. We are working on every facet of life. The idea is to raise the quality of life for rural residents so that they will be on par with urban residents and I think we have come a long way.”
The U.D.P. candidates in Cayo South are Dr. June Young and Jose Samayoa. We caught up with Dr. Young to hear what she’s been hearing from constituents on the ground.
June Young
Dr. June Young, U.D.P Candidate, Cayo South
“Some of the challenges are the same. We have some constituencies where people are clamoring for light, water, for land to have access to their homes in some areas to the back of the villages. They do not have access where vehicles can take them to their homes. So, they need to walk for miles to get to their homes. So those are the issues. We know the issue of crime. The other day Mr. Samayoa was shot in Arizona. The villagers are telling us we need a substation in the village, polyclinic and if possible a multigrade school so our children do not have to walk that far to go to school.”
In our conversation with Jose Samayoa, he conceded that Julius Espat is a strong opponent, while asserting that Espat has been unable to fulfill his promises to the people.
Jose Samayoa
Jose Samayoa, U.D.P Candidate, Cayo South
“What inspires me is that we are hurt in Cayo South. We had this area rep out there. He is very strong because he is within the government. He promised a lot to the people of Cayo South. He is a liar. We know already. The reason why I am here is to serve the people of Cayo South and I guess I am ready. I am telling my people of Cayo South I am ready and let us make Cayo South great again.”
Phillip Willoughby, the United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate for Port Loyola under the leadership of Tracy Taegar-Panton, shared deep concerns about his constituency’s struggles under current leadership. According to Willoughby, he “sees people suffering in inhumane conditions” in Port Loyola.
Willoughby says he plans to transform the area if he wins. “If I am the area representative—and I knew that my mother lived on the street, I would have probably fixed the street by now. It would have been the street of gold, like in the Wizard of Oz.”
He criticised the sitting area representative, Gilroy Usher of the People’s United Party. He stated, “My heart cries and grieves for the kids who have to walk in the conditions that I have shown you. My heart cries and grieves for the senior citizens who have underlying conditions that they have to battle with every day.”
Last week, Usher defended his record on road improvement. He said he’s made significant improvements in housing and several streets.
Willoughby also criticised the economy under the Briceño Administration. He said, “The economy that Mr. Briceño speaks of—the strength of that economy—is not being felt in Port.”
He confidently added, “I am the best choice for the people of Port Loyola. It is simple as that. I am the best choice.” He added that his “fervent hope” is that “the people of Port Loyola will give me the opportunity to serve them, to work for them, to deliver for them.”
Former Port Loyola Area Representative Anthony “Boots” Martinez was nominated as a UDP candidate on Monday, though he’s going it alone without backing from Tracy Panton or Moses “Shyne” Barrow. He faces two other UDP candidates and incumbent Gilroy Usher Sr. of the People’s United Party.
In the Panton-led UDP, Martinez will challenge Phillip Willoughby, while in the Moses Barrow-led UDP, he faces Dr. Nelma Mortis Jones.
Martinez was asked what it meant for his candidacy as he showed up for nomination between the hours of 12 pm and 2 pm, a slot normally reserved for ‘independent candidates.’ He said, “The main thing is that you could ah mi come from 10 until 4, but it doesn’t really matter. The main objective is to get on the list. So now, I am properly nominated, and I was telling people before this that it was nearly over, but now it’s over now.”
Despite being sidelined by both UDP factions, Martinez stated, “The only opinion that I take is the opinion of the people in Port Loyola. This thing about who is with who in terms of leadership, that doesn’t matter me.”
He added, “I am the only ‘longest-serving representative—four times in a row’ for Port Loyola, including beating Mr. Usher 2 times in a row… My colours are red, white, and blue—I da di original.”
Martinez stated that he is focused on his strategy ahead to secure the constituency. If he had to worry about his contenders, he said, “I not even mi wa come get nominated.”
The United Democratic Party (UDP), under Moses “Shyne” Barrow, has formally written to the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), demanding exclusive use of the colour red in the upcoming 2025 general elections. In a letter addressed to EBC Chairman Oscar Sabido Puga, John Nembhard stated that the party’s traditional colour should not be assigned to any other political faction.
The letter said, “The appropriate point of departure in this regard is to highlight the fact that it is accepted that the United Democratic Party has traditionally used red as its representative colour for all purposes since the inception of the party.”
The letter reiterates that “factionalism” is strictly prohibited under the UDP Constitution, and no outside entity—including the EBC—has the authority to determine UDP membership or candidacy. “No member of that faction is a UDP, as they were all expelled from the party. With the exception of the Hon. Tracy Panton, no one has challenged such expulsion.”
According to the letter, while Panton has legally challenged her expulsion, the matter is set for trial on March 31, 2025. It says that even if she remains a party member, the Central Executive Committee has “decided that neither Tracy Panton nor the other members of her faction will represent the UDP in the upcoming general elections and the EBC cannot decide otherwise. The UDP candidate for Albert, where Tracy Panton will contest the elections is Jose Uc Espat.”
The letter warns that if the EBC assigns red to any candidates outside the ‘official UDP slate, it would constitute an overreach of its legal authority. “This is tantamount to interfering in the internal affairs of the UDP and by extension, the elections. This has not been requested by the party nor has it been sanctioned.”
