Politics - Channel 5 Belize

UDP Dismisses ‘Yellowman’, Offers to Pay him $7,500

After serving the United Democratic Party (UDP), Brian ‘Yellowman’ Audinette has been fired. Lord, who was on the UDP’s Belize City slate, is known as a street captain for the UDP’s Mesopotamia area. It is unclear why Audinette was fired from the party.

*Brian Lord’s Facebook post on March 9th 2024*

What is clear is that he is upset. Audinette has taken to Facebook media to post several messages. One read, “The war is on I tha noh p&^k”. Another said, “A gwen tha church tomorrow and ask god for forgiveness cause after this it’s going to be an eye for an eye.” Audinette‘s began sharing his thoughts about the UDP’s defeat on March 9th when he posted “Work one month before wah election in these constituency will never bring victory new faces needed.”

On March 15th, former UDP ministers John Saldivar and Michael Finnegan appeared in a photograph with Audinette. The photograph was posted by Saldivar on his Facebook page.

*Former UDP Ministers John Saldivar and Michael Finnegan along with Yellowman/Facebook-John Saldivar*

Fast-forward to March 18th, and Audinette is fired from the UDP. A day later, he makes an official complaint against UDP leader Moses Barrow.

And on March 20th, a Deed of Settlement between Audinette and the UDP was leaked to News Five. The document says that the United Democratic Party has offered an ex-gratia payment for his years of service.

According to the document, Audinette was dismissed for good and sufficient cause. He was offered an “ex gratia payment of $7,500 to be paid $3,500 upon signing of this Deed of Settlement and the handing over of all Party assets including office keys etc; with the remaining payments in monthly installments of $500 every 21st of the month, it is hereby agreed that Brian Audinett will release the United Democratic Party from all liabilities and future claims related to his employment and all matters incidental to or connected therewith.”

The document also says that “It is further agreed that Brian Audinett his agents, heirs, family, and friends will refrain in perpetuity from any negative, critical, disparaging, public or private statements or commentary about the United Democratic Party, its Party Leaders, Officials, Members, and affiliates.”

It ALSO says that Audinette “will stay away from the UDP Headquarters, adjacent establishments; out of Mesopotamia Constituency political activities and will not work directly or indirectly with any pup, independent or internal opponent of the sitting Area Representative.”

*Excerpt of proposed Deed of Settlement*

It ALSO says that Audinette “It further agreed that Brian Audinett will send a retraction letter upon execution of this agreement to the UDP Party Chairman withdrawing all complaints against the Party Leader.”

If Audinette breaches this agreement, he, agents, heirs, family, and friends “must must immediately return all payments made subject to this agreement and forfeit any remaining ex gratia payment and be subject to damages caused by said breach.”

Allan Pollard Jr. Returns to City Hall as Deputy Mayor

There was a vote earlier today to choose a deputy mayor from among members of the newly sworn in Belize City Council. Viewers would recall that Mayor Bernard Wagner went on record immediately following the municipal elections victory on March sixth to suggest that CitCo would do well with a female deputy mayor at his side. When the council met at City Hall today, a vote was taken and seven of the ten councilors voted in favor of Allan Pollard Jr. to return as second in command of the Belize City Council. Pollard went up against Kaya Cattouse who garnered three of the remaining votes. We understand that Mayor Wagner, who Pollard attempted to run against for head of the municipal government, abstained from the exercise.

P.U.P. Corozal Bay Files Criminal Complaint Against P.U.P. Supporter

The P.U.P.’s Corozal Bay Area Representative, Elvia Vega-Samos, has pressed charges against a former P.U.P. Corozal Town councilor. It’s become a ‘he-said-she-said’ situation that unfolded during the swear-in ceremony of the town council on Friday night. Samos claims that she was physically assaulted by Dillan Cassanova. In a Facebook post, Vega-Samos said, “I was openly assaulted by an individual, and my husband’s life was threatened. This was done by ‘individuals from my own party who are desperate for power”. In response to Vega-Samos’s claims, Cassanova took to social media to present his version of events, asserting that it was Vega-Samos who initiated the confrontation. According to Cassanova, while he was dancing, Vega-Samos bumped into him. He further stated that, after being verbally harassed by Vega-Samos and her companions, he chose to leave the area and subsequently filed a formal complaint with the police. Vega-Samos says she filed a complaint today and is expecting Cassanova to be criminally charged.

Elvia Vega, Area Representative, Corozal Bay

“Hipolito, during the whole swearing in, you had Dylan Casanova coming over to my right side, standing over this side. I’m sitting down and looking at me with eyes of malice. You know, I looked on the other side and then you had other members of Plan Corozal there as well. And I said in my mind, God, you know, just let me focus on what I need to do tonight and let me focus on meeting with the people after this and then go home. And that’s exactly what they did Hipolito. Now, when after Prime Minister left the premises, it got worse. At this time you had Neri Ramirez coming to insult one of the members because of my executive members because he reached out to him and told him to please control, George, to please control Dylan Casanova and the young man Perez. And his response was a very offensive one. As you can see in a video that has been going he, the police actually had to restrain him. I stepped only I would say like two to three tiles away from them to watch Gilharry 7 and the people that were dancing. Now, so the executive, my family are over this side, take into account that nobody’s over this side. So I was standing, watching, observing, when from behind Dylan Casanova came and bumped into me, elbowed me, and I actually lost my balance. I had to try to regain my balance. So when that happened, I didn’t say anything. I looked at him because by then I had seen that it’s him. He turned around, he deliberately turned around, looked at me, laughed, and looked at me as to say, ‘So what are you going to do now?’ So at this point, I turned around and I called the policemen because a fight was about to, to start because all the people, they came over towards him that are from Plan Corozal and they came very aggressive. Josue Perez came wanting to, had a fist in his hand wanting to punch Ms. Zeni Perdomo.”

PM Briceño, “Success Brings Its Own Problems.”

This afternoon, Prime Minister John Briceño weighed in on the internal row between Area Representative Elvia Vega-Samos’ camp and former town councilor Dillan Cassanova in Corozal Town. The incident, he says, is regrettable.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think success brings its own problems and, you know, people are getting very excited about wanting to represent which is not necessarily a bad thing. But it’s unfortunate that we have this kind of behavior from both sides. I believe that we are one party, one family and if we have any problems we should try to work it out internally and not outside.”

Reporter

“Have you cautioned all parties to [cease and desist?]”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Well that’s a matter for the chairman that deals with these matters and I have already told him that he needs to, I spoke with him over the weekend and he said he’ll be looking into this and see how he can calm things down to be able to move forward.”

Police Investigates Assault Allegation Made by Parliamentarian

Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, was asked about the incident involving Elvia Vega-Samos, during today’s police briefing. He noted that investigators are looking into the complaint and will take the necessary actions.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“It is a matter that yes the police is looking into up in the north. It was brought to my attention asn we are seeing what can be done in the matter.”

Reporter

“The gentleman is saying that Ms. Samos and her husband basically clipped him while they were driving. He said police told him that he wouldn’t be able to make a complaint due to that incident.”

Chester Williams

“I am not aware of that at all. I know a report is made and the police is looking into the matter.”

A Third Term for Mayor Wagner and the Belize City Council

This morning, a new Belize City Council led by Mayor Bernard Wagner was sworn in for another three-year term at City Hall. The event was bittersweet as the People’s United Party and the Belize City Council continues to mourn the loss of city administrator Stephanie Lindo. Earlier today, the P.U.P., as well as ten councilors and Mayor Wagner gathered at the Caribbean Motors Showroom for the swearing-in ceremony. News Five’s Isani Cayetano reports.

Bernard Wagner, Belize City Mayor

“I, Bernard Wagner, being duly elected as a member of the Belize City Council, do solemnly swear that I shall at all times, to the best of my ability, exercise the powers and perform the duties of my office in the best interest of the residents of Belize City in accordance with the constitution, laws and regulations of Belize and of Belize City. So help me, God.”

The symbolic transition of power from one administration to another is a significant event in local government. The swearing-in ceremony marks the official transfer of control and influence from the outgoing Belize City Council to the members who are newly elected. This morning, a new municipal government led by returning Mayor Bernard Wagner, swore an oath of office.

Bernard Wagner

“This third consecutive swearing-in as mayor is an immeasurable honor. My gratitude and my promise to remain a faithful mayor are equally overpowering. At this moment, our team is fueled by a surge of triumph and overwhelming public support, yet our heart aches at the loss of our beloved city administrator, Mrs. Stephanie Lindo. We have proven time and time again that we are capable of overcoming adversity and we remain steadfast in our commitment to serving the residents of Belize City. Together, we will persevere once again and make strides towards a brighter future for our community, keeping her legacy alive every step of the way.”

Taking the oath of office gives legal legitimacy to the elected officials. It also confirms their authority to make decisions, enact laws, and represent the community.

Henry Charles Usher, P.U.P. Chairman

“Today, we are swearing in our Belize City Council for the term 2024/2027. Election campaigns, those times are over. It is time to get to work and our team, the team you see assembled here is a fusion of so many talented individuals. As chairman, I am proud of all of you and I thank you and your families for the sacrifices that you have made and for the sacrifices that you still need to make. Today, we have 3-peaters, Mayor, Allan and Javier. Someway, somehow, Javier is always there, isn’t he. Yoh can’t put down Gold Dust, bwai. So we have the 3-peaters, Mayor, Allan and Javier. We have the repeaters: Kaya, Stephanne and Edmund, and we have the new seaters: Malcolm, Dorian, Eluide and Sherwin. Congratulations and a big round of applause for all of them.”

The order of business upon returning to City Hall next week is to tackle the existing drainage situation across the Old Capital. Mayor Wagner and his team are committed to completing these essential projects.

Bernard Wagner

“Di biggest projects da di drains. Drains, drains, drains. That has been the call on the streets in Belize City, that people want the drains to be really shaped up, maintained, have them connected to the canals and the river to the sea. If we can get that sort of drainage down, we would be in a much better position given that in the next three to four months we face the hurricane season. So that will be priority number one to really get into drains and maintenance.”

By reciting the oath, officials publicly commit to fulfilling their duties and responsibilities. It serves as a reminder of their obligation to serve the public interest. The swearing-in is a crucial moment that establishes the foundation for effective governance and public service.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Now we could celebrate this victory, a historic victory by numbers probably hardly ever seen in the political scene and everybody, anybody, would love to have that kind of affirmation of support from your voters. But with that kind of margin of support, of love comes great responsibility. For those that get a lot, a lot is expected from them. That means that people are going to stop you on the street and they are going to talk to you about their streets or they’re going to talk to you about their garbage or about some club di mek too much noise or the drain noh di work or di park need fi fix and it’s so easy to say, you know what, right now da noh office hours.”

Today brought together community members, leaders and stakeholders and fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose. It also provides insight into CitCo’s intended policies and initiatives. Isani Cayetano for News Five.

Shyne Weighs in on OJ Elrington’s Rape Charge

On Friday, attorney Orson “OJ” Elrington was arraigned on a charge of rape, several weeks after two women filed reports with the Belize Police Department alleging that they were sexually assaulted by Elrington after a night of partying on the entertainment strip in Belize City. Earlier today, Opposition Leader Shyne Barrow commented briefly on the matter during an appearance on Open Your Eyes. According to Barrow, he has since spoken with Elrington in the wake of the charge that has been brought against him.

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“I wished him the best and, you know, I hope that justice prevails. We hope that he gets justice and if he’s innocent we hope that he gets justice and if he’s not, then we hope that the victims get justice.”

Isani Cayetano

“In the first instance he stepped down as legal counsel to the UDP, but on March sixth, he was in San Pedro functioning on behalf of the party during the municipals. How does the United Democratic Party now view this development in respect of Mr. Elrington?”

Shyne Barrow

“He has a relationship with the standard bearer in Belize Rural South, San Pedro. He actually has an office out there. So he was out there working with his colleague, but he has no official role in the party. That official function of the party stopped months ago when these allegations came about. So he’s not an official of the party… We condemn rape, we condemn violence against women. That remains and we take this very seriously and we encourage all of our colleagues to be very careful so that they don’t find themselves in these positions.”

Effective Policing on Elections Day

The 2024 municipal elections were held across the country one week ago and, for the most part, it went without any major incidents. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams attributes this to the hard work of his police officers. He says that while there were some minor incidents that occurred, the quick response of police officers prevented anything major from happening. He thanked all those policemen and women that worked diligently on that day.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I must take this opportunity to commend the police officers country wide for the exceptional job done during the election process. We live in a free and democratic process and as such the election must be free, fair and those persons who go to cast their vote must do so in a safe environment. So we the police make sure to provide that environment for them. Yes, there were a few incidents, minor incidents, but the police were quick to be on the ball and were able to defuse those incidents before they escalated to persons being injured or whatever. So again, kudos to the officers who went out and did their utmost best to make sure the election went through without any incidents.”

P.U.P. Municipal Seven in Belmopan Officially Sworn-In

The City of Belmopan officially has a new city council. This afternoon, Mayor Pablo Cawich and his team of councilors were sworn-in to office. Residents of Belmopan went to the polls on March sixth and the majority voted in favor of the People’s United Party’s mayoral candidate, Pablo Cawich and his six councilors. This is the second consecutive term that the P.U.P. will lead in the Capital City. We heard from the Mayor Cawich during the ceremony. Here is what he had to say.

Pablo Cawich, Mayor, City of Belmopan

“Today marks a pivotal moment in our city’s history as we inaugurate a new chapter with the installation of this city council. It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you as mayor and I am filled with a profound sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for the journey that lies ahead. Our city is vibrant, it is full of dreams and aspirations and it is a testament to the strength of our community as we take on the mantle of leadership, let us recognize the unique character of this city. It has diversity that defines us, challenges that shape us and the collective spirit that unifies us. Our vision for the city is not just about improved infrastructure and services; it is about modernizing and enhancing the very essence of community life. Our goals are ambitious, yet it is a shared commitment and determination that will propel us forward as we face the complexities of modern governance let us remember that our decision impact the lives of each resident.”

PM Briceño Introduces 2024 Budget

This morning, during a sitting of the House of Representatives that succeeded a landslide victory at the polls in the recent municipal elections, the Briceño administration presented the 2024 budget. It’s another billion dollar financial plan that is expected to be implemented as of April first, the start of the new fiscal year. Prime Minister John Briceño broke down the budget into recurrent expenditures, including government’s massive wage bill, goods and service, as well as debt servicing.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“A total of $1.604 billion is proposed. Of this sum, approximately $1.1 billion will be recurrent spending covering wages, pensions, goods and services and transfers and debt service interest costs. In addition to recurrent costs, $430.7 million is programmed for capital investments during the new fiscal year of which some one hundred and forty-six million dollars or so-called Capital 3 funding drawn down from the various loans and grants already approved. One hundred and thirty million dollars is the amount projected for amortization payments. That is the repayment of principals on loans already contracted. The primary surplus is projected at $30.6 or 0.46% of GDP, while the overall deficit is projected at $85.842 million or 1.3% of GDP. Let me put this into perspective for all of us to understand the purpose of each dollar government spends. Thirty cents of every dollar will be for the wages of public officers. Seven cents of every dollar for public officers’ pensions. Eighteen cents of every dollar for operational costs to government, such as utilities and transportation. Seven cents for interest on loans and the remaining twenty-seven cents for capital expenditures which includes the funding of all projects and programs undertaken by government.”