2024-08-28 - Channel 5 Belize

Update: Decomposed Body Found on Lark Caye; Police Commissioner Indicates Unclear Cause of Death

Last week, a badly decomposed male body was discovered along the shores of Lark Caye, near the Placencia Peninsula. The island’s owner and a group of individuals came across the body. Local authorities were immediately notified, and a team of police and coast guard officers responded, transporting the body to the mainland.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams told reporters today that, at this time, there is no indication that the death is a result of homicide or natural causes. He added, “We still don’t think it’s a case of homicide or natural death; the police are still probing to determine exactly what happened.”

UDP Chairman Rejects Recall Petition

On Tuesday, Tracy Panton and Beverly Williams submitted a petition to the Secretary General of the United Democratic Party (UDP) requesting the recall of Party Leader Moses Shyne Barrow. In a release, the Alliance for Democracy said that the petition garnered 208 signatures from 17 constituencies.

According to Article 9(7) of the UDP Constitution, the Party Leader can be removed if one-third of the registered delegates sign the petition and two-thirds of the delegates present vote in favor. The Alliance for Democracy then said that the Party Chairman has no grounds to reject the petition, citing the Constitution’s provisions.

In response, UDP Chairman Michael Peyrefitte issued a statement addressing the petition. Peyrefitte noted that the petition with 173 signatures falls short of the 176 required for a recall under normal circumstances. He criticised Panton for alleged breaches of the UDP Constitution and declared that Panton’s actions, including forming a new party, rendered her constructively resigned from the UDP, thus lacking the standing to submit the petition.

Peyrefitte emphasised that the National Convention had unanimously voted on August 13, 2023, for Barrow to serve until after the next general elections and that this decision suspended all related constitutional provisions. He stated, “There is absolutely no emergency that has arisen since the August 13, 2023, National Convention decision that the Party Leader serve until after the next general elections.” Peyrefitte also referenced a resolution passed on April 7, 2024, reaffirming the National Convention’s decision and expressing full confidence in Barrow’s leadership.

Peyrefitte mentioned a recent letter from 20 Standard Bearers supporting adherence to the August 2023 decision and reiterated that the UDP Constitution should concern only the UDP itself. He concluded, “I have responded in the interest of the public record.”

Briceño and Arévalo Agree on Trade, Border Cooperation, and Investment Opportunities

Prime Minister John Briceño led a Belizean delegation on an official visit to Guatemala, where they met with President Bernardo Arévalo. The discussions covered various topics, including trade, border issues, and bilateral cooperation. Briceño described the meeting as highly productive, stating, “We had a very good meeting with President Arévalo, and several of our ministers presented along with their counterparts. We addressed many issues, including trade, the border, and how we can work closer between both countries.”

He elaborated on the agreements reached, noting, “What was agreed to is that we’re going to set up subcommittees to address issues such as trade and border incursions. Both the Belizean and Guatemalan forces will work on improving communication and coordination in these areas.”

Briceño also highlighted the involvement of Belizean investors, stating, “There were almost 20 Belizean investors looking for markets in Guatemala or opportunities for Guatemalan investors to come into Belize. We had a meeting with AG Export, Guatemala’s largest organisation dealing with exports, and there was a lot of networking to explore how they can access our market.”

Briceño emphasised the success of the visit, noting the positive steps taken to enhance collaboration between the two nations.

PM Briceño: “I don’t have anymore to comment on that.”

Last week, over a hundred protesters gathered outside Prime Minister John Briceño’s office in Belmopan to oppose the government’s decision to purchase fifteen acres of land for $6.9 million for a new tertiary hospital. The demonstration, organised by activist Nigel Petillo, saw participation from various trade unions and workers’ associations that criticised the government’s rejection of free land offered by the University of Belize. They argue that the chosen site, located near a sewage pond, poses health risks and represents a misuse of public funds.

Prime Minister Briceño defended the decision, stating that moving the project to a different site would still cost millions due to existing contracts and agreements. He emphasised that the decision was based on technical advice and that all questions regarding the purchase had been addressed. Briceño told reporters, “There’s a contract and any lawyer that’s worth his salt will tell you there’s a contract. Unless if the seller would want to come and say, you know what, I want back my money, even if it’s yours. So I think we have moved on. I think we’ve answered all the questions. The technical people have come on board and explained as to why they prefer that position. So I don’t have any more to comment on that.”

Opposition leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow has expressed plans to pursue legal action, citing allegations of corruption and questioning the valuation of the land.

Andrew Baird, President of the K.H.M.H. Workers Union, expressed concerns about the suitability of the location and suggested that the funds could be better spent on improving infrastructure at the University of Belize site.

PM Briceño on Compulsory Acquisition of Disputed Stake Bank Extension

The Government of Belize announced on Tuesday the compulsory acquisition of the disputed 24-acre extension of Stake Bank Island. A government press release stated that the parcel of land, identified as Fiat Grant 881 of 2021 and allocated to Michael Feinstein, the former Chairman and Shareholder of Stake Bank Enterprises Ltd., is currently involved in an ownership dispute in the High Court.

Prime Minister John Briceño told reporters today that this dispute is hindering the completion of a project deemed to be in the public interest.

Briceño said, “That project has been at a standstill. We have, I think, approximately $217 million invested. But because there is a dispute with the land, that project cannot be finished. If you look at the numbers for the cruise lines, they are going down. We need to be able to finish that project.”

He further explained the government’s approach: “We believe that as a government, what we did is first put the first notice of acquisition. What does that trigger? It triggers the owner to come to the government and say, ‘Okay, this is my land,’ and they negotiate a price. If a suitable price cannot be worked out, then we go to the second stage where it is compulsorily acquired, and then the courts take over after that.”

Once the acquisition and transfer to Stake Bank Enterprises are finalised, construction on the cruise berthing facility, which has been on hold since the company entered receivership in March of this year, can resume and move towards completion. The Prime Minister emphasised the urgency, noting, “If we want to finish that project, then that land is essential as it is right now because no work is taking place. I’m told that probably as much as five acres have already been washed away. So we really need to move with a sense of urgency.”

The company’s entry into receivership and the ensuing land ownership dispute have stalled the project, causing significant delays in constructing a facility that would, for the first time, allow cruise ship passengers to disembark directly onto a dock. Cruise tourism arrivals in the Belize District have continued to decline due to the absence of a proper berthing facility.

Stake Bank’s receiver and creditors petitioned Cabinet to consider the acquisition to save the project and protect the BZ$270 million investment made to date. The creditors have provided a comprehensive indemnity to the government, ensuring that any costs arising from the acquisition, if any, will be covered by the creditors, not the government. “It will cost taxpayers not one single cent,” said Prime Minister Briceño. He clarified, “When this was brought to the Cabinet, the Cabinet then said the only way we would consider this is if there is an indemnity agreement. When this is settled by the courts, if we go to the courts, the investors will be responsible for any costs.”

Prime Minister Briceño highlighted the financial security in place: “We also have the financial backing. There is a deposit in the government’s account as a down payment, plus another financial institution responsible for the payment.”

Ten years ago, the then government enacted the Stake Bank Cruise Docking Facility Development Act of 2014, which provided various investment incentives and committed to supporting the completion of Stake Bank. The need for a cruise berthing facility is even more pressing today, as cruise ships have increased in size. Establishing a dock for cruise ships, extending visitor tour times, and salvaging a significant investment project are key reasons behind the Cabinet’s decision.

Fusion CX Invests in RCC BPO: A Strategic Move to Enhance Global Customer Experience Services

The call centre industry in Belize is taking a big step in the international arena by partnering with the global workforce Fusion CX. Fusion CX announced its strategic investment in RCC BPO, a leading outsourcing services provider based in Belize. This investment is set to enhance Fusion CX’s international presence and improve its customer experience (CX) services.

Nubia Ramirez, Co-Founder and CEO of RCC BPO, stated, “Joining forces with a global customer experience solutions provider like Fusion CX will also allow us to enhance our service portfolio in international markets and enjoy organic growth with minimal or no change in our existing working environment. We will benefit from Fusion CX’s strong presence in the APAC, EMEA, North American, and Latin American markets.”

“The integration of RCC BPO epitomizes our commitment to expanding our reach while delivering innovative and culturally aligned customer service solutions. With RCC BPO’s expertise and regional insights, we are set to redefine the customer service landscape.” Pankaj Dhanuka, Co-founder, CEO, and Director of Fusion CX, added.

David Long, Executive Vice President of RCC BPO, noted, “We are leaping forward in our mission to provide outstanding BPO and CX services. Our clients will greatly benefit from this partnership’s advanced technologies and resources.”

The announcement praised Belize’s native English and Spanish proficiency, competitive pricing, and favourable time zones, making it an ideal location for customer service operations. The addition of Belize to Fusion CX’s delivery locations will enhance its nearshore solutions for global clients.

High-Level Belizean Defense Leaders Discuss Strategy and Cooperation with U.S. Counterparts

A high-level delegation of senior Belizean defence leaders, led by the Minister of National Defence and Border Security, Florencio Marin Jr., returned to Belize this past weekend after a series of strategic meetings with U.S. defence officials in the National Capital Region last week.

Joining Minister Marin were Chief of Defence Staff Rear Admiral John Borland, Commander of the Belize Defence Force Brigadier General Asariel Loria, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, and Director General of National Security Ambassador Oliver Del Cid.

Over four days, the delegation engaged in discussions with key U.S. government officials, including Jana Nelson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for the Western Hemisphere at the Pentagon, and Ruben Lopez, Deputy Director of the Perry Center. The talks focused on enhancing security cooperation, military training, and education, as well as consultations on the development and implementation of a National Security Strategy and the conceptualization of a National Defence Strategy for Belize.

Chelsy Castro is KTV the Remix Season 6 Winner, Claims $10,000 Prize

After weeks of intense competition featuring 12 talented contestants, Chelsy Castro emerged as the standout winner of KTV the Remix Season 6, securing the $10,000 grand prize. The Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts in Belize City was abuzz with excitement last night as fans cheered the final three contestants: Chelsy Castro, Flor Augustin, and Elijah Norales.

Castro, 19, who discovered her passion for singing at just nine years old, admitted on stage that the road to victory was fraught with obstacles. “I almost dropped out, but I really wanted to push for it,” she shared candidly.

In an interview this morning on Open Your Eyes (OYE), Castro reflected on her journey throughout the competition. She revealed that, despite lacking a sponsor, she was committed to delivering her best performances every Tuesday. Castro performed at nightclubs and various events to gather votes and build her fan base, all while juggling her business management studies and a job at the Belizean Melody Art Gallery in San Pedro.

She also highlighted her efforts to build her reputation beyond her island home. “My name was not that well known, and I had been singing for my island for quite some time… I wanted to show Belize what I had to offer, not just for San Pedro,” she said on OYE.

Castro also mentioned her initial struggles with securing sponsorship, noting that she effectively had to be her own sponsor until the finals. “I was actually my votes. I didn’t have a sponsor up until the finals… I really really worked for where I am,” she added.

Castro acknowledged the sponsors who supported her during the final stage of the competition, and her responsibility to be a great role model for children who aspire to pursue a musical career.

Cuba and Belize Address Migration Issues

Prensa Latina is reporting that diplomatic representatives from Cuba and Belize are convening in Belmopan for the 4th round of migration talks, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday.

According to the Cuban Foreign Ministry, the discussions will focus on reviewing the state of migratory flows between the two countries and addressing illicit activities related to migration.

The talks will also assess the effectiveness of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Exchange of Migration Alerts and Security Information, aimed at ensuring regular, orderly, and safe migration.

The Belizean delegation is led by Amalia Mai, C.E.O. in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Cuban delegation is headed by Ana Teresita González Fraga, General Director of Consular Affairs and Assistance to Cuban Residents Abroad.

During the meeting, González Fraga met with Cuban medical collaborators who are currently providing services in Belize.

The Cuban delegation’s agenda also includes a meeting with Cuban nationals residing in Belize, highlighting the continued strengthening of ties between Cuba and its diaspora.

Reward Offered for Hildebrandt Codd’s Arrest

The family of Densmore Owen Bowman, 32, is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Hildebrandt Codd, a convicted murderer currently on the run.

Codd was found guilty of the November 29, 2018, murder of Bowman, who was tortured, killed, and buried in a shallow grave near mile 25 on the George Price Highway.

On December 5, Codd and another prisoner escaped custody at the High Court, taking advantage of a security lapse. Codd was in court to receive the guilty verdict now handed down against him.

Presiding Justice Ricardo O’Neil Sandcroft described the evidence as largely circumstantial but “overwhelming,” noting an alleged confession to the Crown’s main witness, DNA evidence linking Bowman to Codd’s vehicle, and testimony from another witness who claimed to have helped clean the car of evidence.

Justice Sandcroft stated, “The authorities must do their jobs now and make sure they find him.”

The main witness provided chilling testimony, revealing that Codd and another unidentified man killed Bowman after a night of bar hopping. They got him intoxicated, tied him up in a vehicle, tortured, and beheaded him, initially leaving his body by the roadside before returning the next day to move it to a makeshift shallow grave. Bowman pleaded for his life, saying, “Nuh do meh like this Paps, mein.”

According to the witness, neither a chop to the face nor a stab through the heart was immediately fatal to Bowman—he attempted to flee, but Codd severed several of his toes to prevent his escape. Codd then mutilated the body further before finally beheading him with a cut through the throat and back of the neck.