The Belize Peace Movement is asking the High Court to enforce the 2022 Redistricting Consent Order. Since the order was issued, the Redistricting Task Force has made one proposal that has been rejected by the House of Representatives. According to attorney Arthur Saldivar, there has been no new proposal since then. So, on Wednesday, May twenty-second, the Belize Peace Movement will bring the matter before the High Court once again in an attempt to ensure that the exercise is completed before the next general elections.
Arthur Saldivar, Attorney at Law
“The elections and boundaries commission agreed that the present schedule is unconstitutional. That is recorded in a consent order. They have subsequently put together a task force and produced a document call a proposal which was to remedy the unconstitutionality of that schedule. But after much monies had been spent and time passing, their proposal had not even broached the threshold of the parliament for debate. So, we are still where we were at the beginning of this process with an election looming and an unconstitutional schedule. We go to court on the twenty-second of this month, next week Wednesday, that is to have the court look at the consent order and seek to enforce it. I don’t know why we must do this. I believe every person in parliament can read. I believe every person in elections and boundaries can read and knew exactly what it was they were agreeing to, so why now is it you behave worst than children without understanding when there Is something so important as the democracy and sanctity of the democracy at stake.”
A new piece of law regarding solar energy is raising serious concerns among stakeholders in that sector, including the Belize Solar Industry Alliance. Today, the BSIA brought forward several issues that it has with the solar legislation and argues that it flies in the face of Belize Electricity Limited’s mission statement. News Five spoke with Jeremiah Allen, a member of the Belize Solar Industry Alliance.
Jeremiah Allen
Jeremiah Allen, Belize Solar Industry Alliance
“BEL’s mission statement is as follows, I want to read it for you, I think it’s a good place to start. It says we deliver safe, reliable, sustainable energy solutions to enhance the quality of life and the productivity of enterprise and to support national development. So BSIA feels like, that BEL and PUC’s new legislation that was just introduced isn’t achieving these goals, this mission, as well as it should be and we want to ask them to come back to the table, let’s negotiate the terms and move forward together. The current legislation, in its current form has several different issues, the biggest of which is just the economic proposition that it offers for the investors, whether they’re individual homeowners or industries and businesses who want to invest in solar there needs to be an economic incentive to do so and this legislation effectively discourages that. There are many Belizeans who have wanted to invest in solar but because of the uncertainties in an unregulated environment, they have held off for now. With this new legislation discourages or disincentivizes investors in that the economics of it often don’t play very well to an investor. The economic modeling often puts the return on investments into the ten-plus year range, depending on the system size. Part of the difficulty is that calculating a return on the investment is very difficult because of the uncertainty of the fees associated under this new regulation. It’s been about nine months now since the PUC has opened up public discourse and we had been involved that entire time. We have gone and we have voiced our opinions. We have gone in private meetings and had off-the-record discussions and we feel like our voices are falling on deaf ears. Our suggestions have not been heard and this is evidenced by the fact that nothing has changed from the draft legislation that we saw nine months ago to the legislation that was implemented last month. As part of Belize Solar Industry Alliance, there are twelve business organizations that have large installations who have in excess of three to five thousand kilowatt hours per day that they could be feeding into the grid right now but they’re not. With the flick of a switch, they could be providing power into the grid, providing power for more than two hundred and fifty homes right here in Belize. It’s available, it’s installed, they want to supply it. All we need is a good regulatory framework which incentivizes that to happen.”
We also spoke with Minister of Energy Michel Chebat, who weighed in on the advantages of the new solar legislation.
Michel Chebat, Minister of Energy
“The new legislation is actually geared at opening up the energy market and the energy sector and it is exactly intended for that so that people who are now using solar panels on their homes, in their businesses, may have an opportunity to sell the excess into the national grid. So it‘s quite the opposite of the statement.”
Reporter
But the new legislation will discourage the uptake of grid tied to solar in Belize. Your response to that…
Michel Chebat
“No, absolutely not. It is intended to have the excess going to the grid. I think this is, for the first time in Belize, in the history of Belize you see a piece of legislation that is actually opening up the energy sector and I think that is important because it has been dominated so far by BEL. And so, what this legislation does it really opens up the field for even new power producers. It opens it up so that people at their homes, individually, people who want to use for their businesses, people who want to use for their industrial sites can now link into the national grid, and so, for the first time in our country we are seeing where the energy market is being opened up to the entire public.”
On Thursday, the Caribbean Court of Justice presided over a compliance hearing in respect of the 2015 consent order as it relates to Maya land rights. Represented during the virtual session was the Government of Belize and the Maya Leaders Alliance. Earlier today, the minister with responsibility for Indigenous People’s Affairs, Dolores Balderamos-Garcia says that there has to be a balance between what the claimants want and what government is prepared to do.
“Yesterday, there was what we call a compliance hearing. It’s done virtually because it is with the Caribbean Court of Justice judges who sit in Trinidad and, basically, the hearing went very well. Apparently there is good progress that is being made and we are hoping to finalize the Maya land policy and then move towards hiring a drafts person for the legislation and, I believe, the judges did say that we are making good progress. Now, that does not mean that the proponents or the people who are claiming can get everything that they want. There has to be a balance, there must be a balance. The idea of government suggesting or proposing that there be a circular area where you don’t have to prove that you actually live there because your houses are there, apparently that was met with a lot of opposition. So we said, okay we won’t use the circular proposal anymore but what we are saying is that if you wish to have communal land when the legislation is past, then you have to show that you have lived there for a certain period of time and we are working on the threshold. What the government has proposed is that you would have to produce an occupation for at least thirty years.”
The LGBT+ community in Belize continues to suffer discrimination and today being celebrated universally as a day to support the plight of this minority group, Minister of Human Development Dolores Balderamos-Garcia discussed a recent study that was conducted in the country. Minister Balderamos-Garcia spoke in the context of the National Gender Policy.
Dolores Balderamos-Garcia
Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of Human Development
“Today is international day in support of LGBT+ communities. Now yesterday, there was an organization that presented a study done here in Belize to provide more data, because, you see, when you are responding to a problem, you have to have data. And so the study was done and the data is showing that our LGBT+ communities do suffer significant levels of discrimination. So that study was presented by the international organization working with UNIBAM. I was there and lent the support and I was also able to mention that the Government of Belize, through our National Gender Policy, is committed to reducing discrimination and to having full equality and inclusion across the board. So I was happy to participate in that as well.”
Reporter
“So what would you say was the outcome of that…”
Dolores Balderamos-Garcia
“Well the outcome was the presentation of the study which is giving us the data that we need to work with. So again, we could say discrimination against disabled people exists in Belize. Anybody can make that statement, but unless you have the actual data, you don’t know the actual level.”
In honor of International Day for Women in Maritime, a ceremony was held this morning to mark the launch of the Belize chapter of the Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean. WiMAC is a regional organization under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization that is dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the maritime sector. The establishment of a local chapter is important because it provides a platform for Belizean women in maritime to connect with each other.
Dolores Balderamos-Garcia
Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of Human Development
“Coming together is a good start. Staying together is progress and working together will be success. So I just want to say that [the] Women in Maritime Association is something that is really, really good for the promotion of gender equality because many times we don’t hear about women in leadership in the maritime sector and the fact that young Jada Sutherland has been able to spearhead this chapter in Belize is a wonderful thing. And I believe that with all of forty-three members already, I think there will be success. She spoke about one of the goals being training for women in the maritime association and I think that is absolutely good. I want to mention, too, that Minister Chebat said that in the administrative sector there is very good progress because there are between thirty percent in some areas, right up to fifty percent in terms of some of the offices in the various maritime sectors, whether public sector, private sector, blue economy, coastal zone, fisheries, all of those areas. And I was also happy to hear Senator Janelle Chanona talk about being kind to our oceans. She has been with Oceana for a such a long time and I thought that her remarks as a guest speaker were right on point. So working towards gender equality, women working together in what may be an untraditional sector and of course them having the goal of being together and promoting their women, doing the training.”
Today, sixteen, young, promising, Belizean athletes are making the trip to Costa Rica to participate in the annual Central American and Caribbean Athletic Championships. This prestigious event allows athletes across the region to showcase their talents and dedication in various sporting disciplines. In 2023, Belize brought home seven gold, eight silver and two bronze medals in various disciplines. Today, we attended a press conference held with the delegation before they departed for the competition. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with that story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
The 2024 CADICA Games are almost here, and sixteen Belizean athletes are brimming with anticipation. Last year, the delegation returned home with seventeen medals, and the Belize Athletic Association is confident that this year will be another success. At the final press conference held before athletes left for Costa Rica, we spoke with BAA president, Cojac Smith, who said that they are simply encouraging the participants to do their best.
Cojac Smith
Cojac Smith, President, Belize Athletic Association
“We just encourage them to do their best and whatever results are yield from that, then we’re okay with it. So we just want the athletes to be okay, performing and at the peak level and don’t have any additional pressure in what type of medals they bring down. But to be honest with us, with you, and the Belizean public, the Athletic Association is very confident in this group of kids that we’re sending out. So we think that they’ll do well.”
Over the course of two days, the athletes will participate in a variety of running, throwing, and jumping events. Smith said that the level of preparation the athletes have been able to achieve while balancing schoolwork is commendable.
Cojac Smith
“It has been arduous. It’s a year in process. They’ve been training with their coaches. Some of them are from out district. One of the things that this association wanted to do was capture at least from throughout the country getting the best possible at least that we could get throughout the country. So we did some research and got somebody at least him from the high school nationals that went and we were able to get someone at least there. They went to the nationals that we did recently and they performed well and they met the standards. So it’s not a easy process balancing school as well as athletics. So you have to give kudos to these young people that are pushing forward and trying to balance both of it.”
The delegation will be accompanied by several coaches, chaperones, and a physiotherapist to assist with any discomfort or injuries. Minister of Sports, Rodwell Ferguson said that it is crucial that Belizeans continue to support sports as it is expensive to maintain.
Rodwell Ferguson
Rodwell Ferguson, Minster of Sports
“I believe every citizen in this country should be proud to say I contributed for the team that went to represent our country because when they come back and they win, we all make a big hooray and say congratulations. But we don’t ask ourselves, how much have we contributed? And as the Minister of Sports, what I have noticed lately, that many letters are coming to the Ministry and the National Sports Council for requests. We do not know if these letters are authentic. Anybody who wants to do a quick fundraiser, wah write and seh I di do X, Y and Z in sports and I expect to get a contribution. Our budget is very small. We have to spend it wisely.”
Ferguson said that in order to assist the association with funding, he had to get creative.
Rodwell Ferguson
“Fortunately, you are lucky that when you came over two and a half months ago, I had to put on my thinking cap and we were able to sponsor over seventy-five percent of your trip going to Costa Rica, so we expect you to come back and make Belize proud. I also want to commend the coaches. Miska was in Venezuela that they go and they take very good care of our children. That is the most important thing. Because the parents expect that when they come back, you might see that the child was well disciplined, and they performed to the best of their ability.”
We spoke with Rupert Cardinez, who competes in one hundred and two hundred meter runs and hurdles. Last year, he brought home two medals for Belize.
Britney Gordon
“Last year, you said you took home a medal. What medal did you bring home?”
Rupert Cardinez
Rupert Cardinez, Athlete
“For one hundred I get a silver and for my next race in El Salvador I get a bronze for hurdle.”
Britney Gordon
“So how are you feeling? You’re about to make this long journey over to Costa Rica to represent Belize. How are you feeling right now?”
Rupert Cardinez
“Well I feel good Because I’m only going with one mindset. I just want everybody to be proud.”
Saturday night is fight night inside the Belize City Civic Center as Belizean boxer Eduardo ‘Mecanico” Esquivel is set to take on Mexican Albino “Cobra” Meza. The championship match is being sanctioned by the World Boxing Council. Several fights are scheduled for the night, leading up to the championship bout. Boxers from five different countries will be competing on the night of the event. And to top it all off, Boxing Hall of Fame Referee, Joe Cortez will be in attendance. He is in Belize to work alongside the Belize Boxing Development Council to uplift the discipline here in the country. We spoke with Assad Martinez, founder of the Belize Boxing Development Council.
Assad Martinez
Assad Martinez, Founder, Belize Boxing Development Council
“This is what I would call the threshold event for the nation. Of course, we have the boxing hall of fame referee Mr. Joe Cotez that came from Las Vegas to help us build our intangible capacities for the sports. Those who have been coming to see our fights know what they are going to get. But this particular one is going to bring even more because we have two fighters from the U.S. Then we have this guy Albino Cobra who is fighting the Mechanico. He is very hard. He is very consistent, so this is a very difficult fight for us. But we do what we do to set the proper paradigm for our athletes to succeed, in particular in boxing. We have had boxing in the past, whether you want to go from Simon Lucas to Lightburn, to Dakers but we never set the proper intangible paradigm for the fighters to progress and join the global talent pool and make economics from it. Boxing is an economic sport and as Belizeans we have the physical attribute and the physical attribute and the intellectual temperament to succeed in this sport.”
March twenty-second was celebrated globally as World Water Day, but the conversation about protecting one of our most essential resources should extend beyond a single day. This year, the Public Utilities Commission invited schools across the country to participate in a poetry competition with the theme, “Water for Peace.” Primary school students showcased their talents, reciting spoken word poems that called for the protection of our water resources. One standout entry came from Maya Mopan Government Primary School. With a little over a hundred students, this school delivered a powerful message that captured our attention. Sabreena Daly traveled south to meet the students and learn about their message in this week’s Look on The Bright Side.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
On hot days or after a day of physical activities, the body yearns for rehydration. Whether it’s ice cold or room temperature, water is a source of survival for every living thing. It’s essential for bodily functions, ecosystems, and agriculture, making its preservation crucial for future generations. Saxil Cho participated in a poetry competition and spoke about the importance of water.
Saxil Cho
Saxil Cho, Student, Maya Mopan Government Primary School
“We drink it to stay strong and well. In baths and showers, we can tell. For plants and animals, it’s a live key. A precious resource for you and me.”
Cho was one of five students from Maya Mopan Government Primary School, who participated in a poetry competition organized by the Public Utilities Commision. Principal Magnolia Pop told us more.
Magnolia Pop
Magnolia Pop, Principal, Maya Mopan Government Primary School
“We wanted to show off the talent of our students here. Because most of the time, sometimes we feel like we are a forgotten school, you know, we are in the rural area. So I think this is the best opportunity for us to show what our students are capable of doing. And again, encouraging them in their writing, especially when it comes to poetry.”
Gia Teck emphasized the importance of protecting larger bodies of water, noting that while we enjoy water for leisure, we must also safeguard it, just as we do with smaller bodies of water.
Gia Teck
Gia Teck, Student, Maya Mopan Government Primary School
“In Belize, by the Caribbean Sea, where water flows so wild and free, children play and laugh with glee as they learn of peace and harmony. Water for Peace, a theme so grand, it teaches us to work hand in hand to protect our rivers, lakes, and sea for a future where peace will always be.”
Stephanie Thomas
Stephanie Thomas, Teacher, Maya Mopan Government Primary School
“They were talking about how important it is for them to keep the water clean. The use of water. For example, for it to water the plants. For them not to waste water. Those were some of the things that they included in their poem.”
Anya Pop
Anya Pop, Student, Maya Mopan Government Primary School
“It’s about what’s happening on Earth and in Belize. There’s violence coming into the world, and that is how we pollute the water. It is violating the water with pollution and littering the water. And if it starts with us taking action to stop littering, and by bringing that action, it will bring it to the world, and we will have peace, like water.”
Enola Boucher
Enola Boucher, Student, Maya Mopan Government Primary School
“In Belize where the water flows, bringing peace to hearts aglow. From the Caribbean sea so wide, the caves where secrets hide. Blue hole deep, mysterious and grand. Maya mountains towering, a majestic land.”
Stephanie Thomas assisted many of the students with writing their poems. She observed that those who participated clearly understand the value of what they expressed.
Stephanie Thomas “They did not take it for granted. One of the reasons why is because like, look at us right now. Water is needed and it’s really hot and what is keeping us active is the water. So, for them, they don’t take it lightly.”
Enola Boucher
“Well, water is part of our earth. It’s part of us as well. Water brings peace to our world. Without water, we wouldn’t be here. We wouldn’t survive. So then water is pretty much part of us, and it brings peace to our countries.”
Sabreena Daly
“So what was it like writing a poem like this to ensure that the public would know that water is peace and it’s important for us to preserve it?”
Enola Boucher
“Well, it was challenging and also interesting at the same time. I had to do some research, but I also had help from my family, my classmates, and my teacher.”
Anya Pop
“Water for peace. In rivers calm, peace finds its place. Oceans gigantic, a tranquil embrace. Each droplet speaks of unity. Let’s guard it with the greatest scrutiny. From kindness springs, let’s draw our sip, and wash away differences in its grip. Hand in hand, let’s spread the call, for water’s peace unites us all. Ki ki ha, se me ti du na, Agua Rica, nice water.”
Stephanie Thomas
“The message behind it is for us to know that as people we should unite together and to keep water, to remind ourselves that water is very important, not only us as people but for the animals, the plant and everything in Belize.”
Daijah Shol urged all Belizeans to do their part in recognizing the importance of water every day.
Daijah Shol
Daijah Shol, Student, Maya Mopan Government Primary School “So let’s conserve and not waste. Water for peace, let’s make it a taste. Let’s share and care for every drop. In Belize, let’s make water our top. So here’s to 2024, Water Day. Let’s celebrate in a big way. Water for peace, let’s all unite. In Belize, let’s make it right.”
Belizean Patricia Arana, former Registrar of the Magistrate’s Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), has been appointed as the new Resident Magistrate in Grand Turk, the nation’s capital. This is being reported by Turks and Caicos Weekly News
Arana was officially sworn in on Monday and has since commenced her duties in the new role. Arana initially joined the Judiciary of the Turks and Caicos Islands as Registrar of the Magistrate’s Court in April 2022. Before that, she served as the Deputy Registrar General at the Supreme Court of Belize.
Arana began her judicial career as a Magistrate in 2010 and was promoted to Senior Magistrate in 2015. As Senior Magistrate, she worked in several districts in Belize and acted as Chief Magistrate on multiple occasions. Additionally, she was seconded for two years as Legal Counsel to the Financial Intelligence Unit of Belize.
Arana is an alumna of the University of the West Indies, where she earned a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) Degree, and the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, where she obtained her Legal Education Certificate. Notably, she was awarded the H.H. Dunn Memorial Prize for Legal Drafting and Interpretation at the Norman Manley Law School.
Regionally, Arana serves as an Executive Member of the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO) on behalf of the Judiciary of the Turks and Caicos Islands. She is also an active member of the Caribbean Association of Women Judges (CAWJ) and the National Garifuna Council (NGC) Orange Walk Branch.
