Transportation - Channel 5 Belize

New Transport Minister Proposes Single National Bus Company

Today, bus operators from across the country met with the Ministry of Transport for the first time since its leadership change. The gathering introduced operators to the newly appointed Minister of Transport, Doctor Louis Zabaneh, and the chief executive officer. The meeting provided a platform for operators to express their concerns and share suggestions on modernizing the industry. Doctor Zabaneh proposed the idea of a single national bus company, which bus owners seemed open to discussing. However, bringing this concept to life will require extensive discussions, negotiations, and possibly some disagreements.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The Ministry of Transport held its first meeting with bus operators since the appointment of Dr. Louis Zabaneh as Minister of Transport and Chester Williams as Chief Executive Officer. The meeting, held in Belmopan, focused on the top priority of modernizing the bus sector. Bus operators from across the country gathered to discuss their concerns and share ideas on how to improve and update the industry. The new leadership is keen on working collaboratively to bring about positive changes.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“I think what we discussed here is learning from the past forty years if you will, where you will recall in early 2000s there was a consolidation of the industry, ending up with one company, Novelo. But what happened there is that there was no legislation to protect the company. A subsequent administration issued permits that brought competition, and it eroded the economies of scale behind that concept. We learnt from that, it is 2025, not 2000 and we still have an industry with buses breaking down, poor services, low reliability the nine yard that we know about the sector and that should not be.”

Minister of Transport Dr. Louis Zabaneh and his team have proposed a public-private partnership to establish a single national bus company. This new company would allow bus operators to maintain their ownership while working together to modernize and improve the sector. The proposal aims to streamline operations and enhance the quality of bus services across the country. Bus operators are open to discussing this innovative idea, which could bring significant changes to the transportation industry.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh

“So if we have all the bus operators come together, we will include the terminals. We have a valuation of the entire sector, fairly using an independent auditor, fairly determining their value across the sector. We have the portion that they will take that value as shares in the company or a portion of the company or get paid out completely. That will be their decision. We have a company that is national now. One company can hire a highly qualified administrative team supervised by a board, that we are able take care of many of the issues in that regard. The company gets concessions from the government, can buy in bulk. A company gets its tires, fuel, all it inputs that cause a high cost industry to be barely making it, so they cannot reinvest in their equipment right now.”

President of the Belize Bus Association, Thomas Shaw says he supports the proposal and that his members will have to come to a decision on the matter.

Thomas Shaw, President, BBA

“It is just in the preliminary phase where this is our first consultation. It sounds good. I support the initiative. By forming a company I think it will eliminate most of the hurdles we are facing throughout the years. Just as I have said, as time progresses, whatever is being discussed has to be legislated to give operators that assurance that their investment will not go unaccounted for, due to the fact, from government to government, they keep changing the goal post and reinventing everything. The understanding I got, he will visit each individual, individually, then they will have this company set up. They are going to go into your establishment to see the value of your company. If you want, they value your company at two hundred thousand dollars, you don’t have to get out of the business if you want. They pay you off, of which I think it is not a bad thing. It is to know if that will materialize because funds is very tight at this point in time.”

As discussions on the proposed national bus company are just beginning, there’s a clear acknowledgment that commuters expect top-notch service right away. Shaw highlighted that ninety percent of sectors have upgraded their buses in recent years. However, C.E.O Chester Williams pointed out that fifty percent of the industry’s buses still operate below the standards set in their permits. Williams has committed to stronger enforcement to ensure all buses meet the required standards, aiming to provide commuters with the best possible service.

Chester Williams, C.E.O. Ministry of Transport

“We met this week with the transport board and the deputy chief was going through the conditions outlined on the road service permit. As minister said, if you were to apply the law the way it should, by the time you get to number six, half the busses would not be approved for renewal, but they are being renewed. So, I have asked the Chief Transport Officer that we need to do more in terms of enforcement. Spot checks is one thing we must do. After having the road service permit, the question is who do follow ups to ensure the conditions on those permits are being adhered to. The answer is little do nothing is being done. That needs to change. Commuters are paying for an experience and these people have the ability to provide that service. We must ensure it is done in the most professional and humane way possible. To see buses on the highway that are dirty, buses where you see the street from the flooring the bus, where if it rains, passengers get wet, it cannot continue.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Transport Chief Vows Tougher Enforcement, Warns Bus Operators

The Ministry of Transport is gearing up for stricter enforcement of transport regulations, according to CEO Chester Williams. While his team won’t rush to revoke permits, Williams made it clear that repeated violations won’t be tolerated. In a stern message to bus operators, Williams emphasized the need for quality service to commuters, warning that those who fail to meet standards will face serious consequences.

Chester Williams, C.E.O, Ministry of Transport

“What they need to understand is that we are not going to be too hard and fast in terms of revoking license or permits. But, if the inspection is done and the inspection reveal a breach of a condition, the CTO will write to the bus owner and said we inspected your buses on such date and this is one of the infractions we saw. And then give a warning, then after two three warning we move to another level of suspending your permit until you can do better. If we hold these bus owners accountable we will get better service out of them and that is what we want to do.”

Paul Lopez

“How do you navigate hearing from bus owners that money nuh deh and balance that with the commuters need?”

Chester Williams

“The commuters are the most important stakeholders. The commuters are paying for a service. If you think you don’t have the ability to provide that service, then don’t apply for a permit. It is as simple as that.”

The Ministry is committed to ensuring safe and reliable transportation for all Belizeans.

Bus Operators Raise Concerns Over Permit Issuance at Transport Meeting

Today’s meeting between bus owners and the Ministry of Transport highlighted a major issue: political interference in the issuance of permits. Operators voiced their frustration, claiming that political favoritism influenced permit decisions in the past. In response, CEO Chester Williams assured attendees that things have changed. He emphasized that the current operation is different, aiming for fairness and transparency in the permit process. This move is expected to level the playing field and ensure that all operators are treated equally, regardless of political connections.

Chester Williams, C.E.O, Ministry of Transport

“As the minister has said, we operate different now. Political interference is not going to be a problem. I spoke to the CTO before I made my comment and I asked him if there is a history of people losing their road service permit so easily and even though some of you may have committed every crime on the permit you all still have your permit. It is not something they just take away from you all. To a great extent it is protected by law. Once you come to renew every year it is automatic. Once you are complying they can say revoke, because you have to sue them. They have to show the court they have reasonable cause to revoke your license. Outside of that they cant revoke it.”

Chester says CEO’s Also Affected by Inflation

On Wednesday, we reported on the approved salary increases for Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie and all Chief Executive Officers in the Briceño administration, effective the day after the 2025 general elections. The Cabinet Secretary’s annual salary jumped to ninety-six thousand dollars, while the CEOs’ salaries rose to eighty-eight thousand dollars. The Public Service Union quickly criticized the move, accusing the government of ignoring public servants’ concerns. Today, we asked Chester Williams, the incoming C.E.O. of the Ministry of Transport, for his opinion on the matter. Here’s what he had to say.

Chester Williams, Incoming CEO of Transport

“I’m not gonna say no, that the government workers don’t deserve an increase. I do believe that majority of government workers deserve an increase, but when we speak of increase, we have to look at what the government can afford. What people don’t understand is that as public officers, we get increase every year. You may not want to say it, but every year public officers get an increase. That increase come by way of an annual increment, which is equivalent to three percent of your salary. While from what I see, CEOs don’t get an annual increase. They get one flat salary. And that salary they get up until when they start become CEO. So if you were to calculate what CEOs were making four or five years ago and you compare what a public officer would’ve making four or five years ago, you would see that the public officer had made significant progress in salary while the CEOs did not. So I’m not saying that to justify anything. I’m just saying that. At the end of the day, inflation affects everybody. It not it is, it does not only affect the ordinary public offices, but it also affects the CEOs. So I guess that is split in which the increase was looked at. And if you were to take the old salaries of the CEOs and you add 3three percent to that every year from six years ago to now, it would still be more than eighty-eight thousand dollars.”

Minister of Transport Addresses Concerns on Public Buses

In recent weeks, there have been several alarming incidents involving public buses running off the highway and even catching fire. These events have put commuters’ lives at risk, though thankfully, no one has been hurt. However, the increasing frequency of these mishaps has sparked a public outcry. Many are demanding that the Government of Belize remove these old, worn-out buses from the roads. So, what is the newly appointed Minister of Transport, Doctor Louis Zabaneh, going to do about it? We spoke with him today to find out.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“This is a critical function that must be carried out very carefully. We have seen in the past month alone some serious cases, accidents on the road, busses catching fire. These are of grave concern to us, it is a hazard to the public, certainly commuters on those buses, but also to other persons on the highways. It is critical and I have instructed to carry out necessary inspections of these buses. It goes beyond that because we have to look at a certification program for drivers of buses. They are entrusted with the lives of people on their buses. We cannot have drivers who are reckless, who we understand in between runs, when they are waiting to go back to where they came from, that they are seen in public drinking. Or when they drive, they are seen texting while driving, racing on the road, these are some things that are of grave concern to us and we are going to be adamant in making sure that we use the full force of our rules and regulations to curb these kinds of actions. And, the operators who are engaged with those types of activities will be held accountable.”

Minister of Transport to Meet with Bus Operators

Despite reports of public bus upgrades over the past few years, Belize still hasn’t achieved a truly modernized transport system. Bus operators often resisted changes under the former minister, citing feasibility concerns. However, the new Minister of Transport, Doctor Louis Zabaneh, is confident that he will gain support from many bus operators.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“I will be meeting early next month with all bus operators. I know them, many of them fairly well because of my own experience in the bus sector back a couple decades ago. But many of them are still in the business. I know we have a number of good people in the sector and many of them are very concerned with the fact that a number of other operators are not complying with he rules and regulations so the entire sector gets a bad name. I know I will be receiving support from many of the bus operators who understand their responsibilities and who also will be there to support us when we take the measures necessary for the safety of our people.”

Minister of Transport Welcomes CEO Chester Williams

If the newly appointed Minister of Transport can’t get support from bus operators, his incoming Chief Executive Officer, Chester Williams, will surely give it a shot. With his background as the highest-ranking police officer, Williams brings a wealth of enforcement expertise to the ministry. However, the minister and his new boss will have to wait a couple more weeks for Williams to officially start his role.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“Well it would have been good to have him on board earlier. But he has been, as much as he could, attending meetings and getting familiar with the various areas of the portfolio, but particular his strengths will certainly come to bear and I am excited we will have him on board the first of may, especially looking at areas of enforcement, all these areas of safety, the training of our traffic wardens. We will be looking at things related to laws that could strengthen their presence on the road. These are things that he will be able to help tremendously to ensure we can implement them expeditiously to the benefit of the public.”

Paul Lopez

“There are critics that says Mr. Williams tends to be an authority unto his own. Do you foresee any sort of hierarchical or leadership issues that you will have to tone down?”

Dr. Louis Zabaneh

“I think we are going to work very well together. I know incoming CEO Chester Williams very well. We have worked very well for many of those years. Rember he is from the south, so even before he became commissioner I knew him. And we have the common objective of service to our country, being passionate about what we do and like anything else, whether it is a family business, or the public or private sector, once everybody is clear about their responsibilities or duties, then we are able to work well.”

Stolen License Plates Possibly Sold to Tourist

Police are still investigating a string of license plate thefts that occurred in southside Belize City earlier this week. At least nine vehicles on Maris Deena Street were targeted by thieves who made off with license plates and two car batteries. According to Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, the motive of the theft is still unknown, but police are on the lookout for the perpetrators.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I know its something I know it’s something the police is looking at. I’m not sure if they have received any leads on that issue, but again, they’re working in tandem with the traffic department to see what, if anything can be obtained. I know that many of those persons who lost the license plate in that in that incident have reapplied to the transport department, and I’m speaking about city traffic. And it has been addressed from that standpoint. But again, if you know of anyone who is selling license plates, it’s good to report to the police so the police can go and see if, in fact, those plates are stolen. It seems to be something that is that farms part of the tourism industry because again, I know that sometime tourists may want to buy license plate and take back to their respective country so that they can show I was in Belize and I got this license plate from Belize, it’s something we have to look at very seriously. Because it can also be another issue where the license plates have been stolen with the intent that they be used to commit to place on other vehicles to commit crime. We have to look at it from all angles.”

Reporter

“Were you a case the owners would be safeguarded by the mere fact that the paperwork is at traffic?”

Chester Williams

“Certainly yes. If they report to the police that they had lost a license plate and, license plate is subsequently found or identified on a vehicle that is used in the commission of a crime, then that would absolve them to some extent to verify that it would’ve not been their vehicle that was used in the commission of that crime.”

Seatbelts Will be Required in the City

The time is fast approaching when Commissioner of Police Chester Williams transitions to C.E.O. of the Ministry of Transport. For years, the Belize Police Department has been trying to crack down on traffic laws to create safer roads and minimize fatal accidents. According to William’s this is work that he plans to continue at his new post. He also showed his support for the government’s decision to tighten seatbelt laws within the city. Here’s what he had to say.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I have seen a number of issues in the transport industry. A number of issues as it relates to the use of our roads, and these are issues that certainly would need to be addressed. I have been in dialogue with my future minister, Mr. Minister Zabaneh in terms of looking at some of the things that we want to see done within the transport ministry, and certainly road safety is a priority. I’m not going to go into details at this time in terms of what my plans will be because I believe that I would need to sit down with the chief transport officer or that is and his deputy, as well as to meet with the persons who are in charge of DOT across the country and get their input, get feedbacks from them. And based on that, they will put together a plan of action that is going to be implemented to make our highway safer. I will leave it at that for now, and when I fully takes over my new office, then we can have an entire dialogue on what the plan is going to be moving forward. The seatbelt issue is something that cabinet have agreed to and it came into law and I think that it was considered for good reasons. One might say why you seatbelt in a city when in fact you, cannot drive at a very high speed within city limits. But that is not true. I’m sure that you have seen every day vehicles within city limits driving at extremely high speed driving reckless, and we have had a number of fatal traffic accidents in the city where we believe that had the victims been wearing seatbelt when those accidents occurred, they may be alive today. So I do believe that it was done in good sense, one and two, it was also done to ensure that we safeguard the lives of our people as best as we possibly can.”

Gales Point Bus Runs Being Sorted Out

Gales Point now enjoys a new preschool, an upgraded primary school, and a fully paved Coastal Plains Highway for easy access. However, for the past few weeks, villagers have had to rely on others with vehicles for rides since the bus service stopped. Area Representative for Belize Rural Central, Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, assures that this issue is being urgently addressed.

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Area Representative, Belize Rural Central

“I don’t have all the details, but I do know that with the completion of the Coastal Plain Highway, the village is more accessible and it will be more accessible for people to go out to Stann Creek, to Dangriga and also to Belize City much easier. I don’t know what has actually happened, but a bus run did start. So I’m going to be looking into the continuation of it for the good of the people, you know. But, but please, thank you for the reminder on that one.”

Marion Ali

“Can you say how soon because they’ve expressed a little bit of impatience, in fact, that every week, students have to come and go from Dangriga.”

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia

“I have scheduled a meeting with Minister Zabaneh, the new Minister of Transport, and I will be meeting with him and top on the agenda will be a discussion of this. So I think within the next two weeks we should sort it out.”