2024-09-19 - Channel 5 Belize

U.S. Department of State: Belize Lacks Progress in Fiscal Transparency

The U.S. Department of State’s 2024 Fiscal Transparency Report has identified Belize and Suriname as failing to make significant progress toward fiscal transparency. According to the report, these are the only Caribbean countries that have not met the minimum fiscal transparency standards set by the Department of State.

The report assesses compliance with fiscal transparency standards based on evaluations from the 2014 Fiscal Transparency Report. Key criteria include the public disclosure of national budget documents and adherence to clear guidelines for contracting and licensing in natural resource extraction.

While nations such as The Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago were praised for meeting transparency requirements, Belize and Suriname were noted for their shortcomings.

During the review period, Belize made its enacted budget, end-of-year report, and information on debt obligations publicly available, including online. The report states that the budget information was reliable, and the documents provided a substantially complete picture of the government’s planned expenditures and revenues, including those from natural resources. “However, it did not publish an executive budget proposal within a reasonable period. Publicly available budget documents provided a substantially complete picture of the government’s planned expenditures and revenue, including natural resource revenues.”

The report added that the government reviewed its budget throughout the fiscal year, with actual revenues and expenditures aligning reasonably with the enacted budget. “The military and intelligence budgets were subject to civilian public oversight. While the supreme audit institution met international standards of independence and had access to the entire executed budget, it did not publish audit reports within a reasonable period.”

The report advises that Belize make its executive budget proposal policy available within a reasonable period and ensure that the supreme audit institution audits the government’s executed budget and makes audit reports publicly available within a reasonable period.

US Lists Belize as Major Drug Transit Countries for 2025

Four Caribbean countries have been listed as major drug transit and illicit drug-producing countries for the fiscal year 2025 by the United States. The four countries are Belize, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Haiti. President Joe Biden clarified that this designation is not a reflection of these governments’ counterdrug efforts, stating, “The list is not a sanction or penalty.”

President Biden explained that the criteria for this designation involve geographic, commercial, and economic factors that facilitate drug transit or production, regardless of a government’s commitment to narcotics control. He noted that recent amendments to the definition now include countries supplying precursor chemicals.

Despite the challenges, Biden highlighted a recent decrease in drug overdose deaths in the US, with an estimated 107,543 deaths in 2023. This represents the first annual decline since 2018, which he attributed to his administration’s efforts while also emphasising the importance of a coordinated global response to the drug crisis.

To combat drug trafficking, Biden’s administration launched a Global Coalition in July 2023, now comprising over 150 countries. He stated, “Every continent is experiencing an alarming increase in the manufacturing, trafficking, and consumption of dangerous illicit synthetic drugs.” Other countries included in the US list are Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, China, Colombia, and Mexico, among others.

Belikin or GOB’s Approved 10K Cases of Corona?

10,000 cases of Corona Beer are set to make their way to Belize. It has prompted a wave of debate over the local brewing industry. The government-approved import comes as an effort to address ongoing shortages in the tourism sector, where Belikin has reportedly struggled to keep up with demand.

However, the decision raises questions about the ‘protection’ of local businesses in the face of competition from a global giant.

The Ministry of Agricultural and Food Security has stipulated that the bottles must be labelled ‘Belize Market’ and that the import must occur in stages, with the company required to pay high import duties due to the lack of reduced tariffs for Mexican beer.

The conditional approval has reportedly caused unrest within government circles, as local brewing companies such as Bowen & Bowen have voiced their concerns.

A Lasting Tribute: George Cadle Price Statue Unveiled in Battlefield Park

Belize honoured its first Prime Minister, George Cadle Price, with the unveiling of a statue in Battlefield Park on Wednesday night. Organised by the Government of Belize and the Belize Tourism Board, the event not only celebrates Price’s contributions but also serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy as the ‘Father of the Nation’.

This honour came just ahead of the National Day of Service that pays tribute to Price’s life and service.

The ceremony featured a special message from Cabinet Minister Henry Usher, a musical presentation by Alexander Evans, and closing remarks from Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler. The statue and its perimeter were blessed prior to the unveiling.

The statue was sculpted by Steven Okeke. Standing at 16 feet and 7 inches, it depicts Price in his iconic Guayabera shirt and dress pants, holding a copy of the Belize Times in his left hand to symbolise his commitment to informed leadership. His right hand is raised in an open wave, reflecting his welcoming spirit.

The base of the statue features an inscription: “George Cadle Price, Sunrise: January 1919, Sunset: September 19, 2011. The Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price led the fight for Belize’s independence, transitioning from Belize’s first Premier to its first Prime Minister. He led a title of service to its nation and its people as our ‘Father of the Nation.’ His legacy continues to inspire as we strive for progress and unity.” A QR code that can be seen on the base provides additional information about the statue’s design.

This tribute, and the conversion of Price’s family home to an “immersive educational environment,” serves as a lasting reminder that George Price’s legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with generations to come.

National Day of Service by Hipolito Novelo

William “Danny” Mason Indicted on Kidnapping and Blackmail Charges

William “Danny” Mason and Ryan Rhaburn were indicted at the High Court this morning before Justice Nigel Pilgrim, each facing two counts of kidnapping. Mason was additionally charged with blackmail. Both men pleaded not guilty.

Mason seemed surprised at the development, stating he was unaware that a retrial had been ordered in his case. He believed a letter had been sent to the Chief Justice regarding how the matter would proceed and was shocked to learn that his case had been transferred from Belmopan to Belize City for a retrial.

Mason appeared in court without legal representation, as his attorney, Hubert Elrington, is currently ill. He may need to seek new counsel and has requested 30 days to prepare. Meanwhile, Ryan Rhaburn was represented by Simeon Sampson. The case has been adjourned until October 17, 2024. Justice Pilgrim has instructed that Mason be provided with the necessary documents related to case management, and all parties are required to file their case management forms by October 11, 2024.

Mason and Rhaburn are accused of kidnapping businessman Lloyd Thiessen and his wife, Rosie, in May 2016 at Mason’s ranch near Mile 31 along the George Price Highway. The alleged kidnapping is said to have arisen from a business dispute, as the couple had reportedly paid Mason $300,000 to import corn, which was never delivered. When they confronted him about the matter, the kidnapping allegedly occurred.

NEAB Reacts to Arrest of Rev. Hernandez on Rape and Sexual Assault Charges

The National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) has expressed shock and sadness following the arrest of its president, Rev. Victor Hernandez, on charges of sexual crimes. In an official statement, the association said, “Situations like this are extremely serious and violate God’s Biblical standards for leadership, as well as NEAB’s Code of Ethics.” A

Rev. Hernandez has been immediately removed from NEAB’s Executive Leadership while the investigation is ongoing. Rev. Launcelott Lewis has taken over as interim president.

The 65-year-old pastor, who leads the Toledo Faith Outreach Christian Center, was arraigned earlier this week on two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He was granted bail of $10,000 with one surety of the same amount.

Hernandez is accused by a 38-year-old woman who alleges that he raped her twice—once in August 2015 and again in March 2016. According to reports, one of the incidents took place at a store that Hernandez formerly owned. The victim did not come forward earlier, citing fear, shame, trauma, and a desire to protect her family.

In addition to the rape charges, Hernandez faces a sexual assault charge from a 2021 incident in which he allegedly grabbed the woman’s breast.

NEAB urged police to conduct a thorough investigation and confirmed that the victim is receiving support from a licensed trauma therapist and family members.

Price Family Home to Become Centre for Public Education

The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Price Family. This is to ensure the preservation and transformation of the Price Family Home at #3 Pickstock Street, Belize City. A release from NICH says, “This site, where George Price—Father of the Belizean Nation—grew up, is recognised for its immense national value and will be repurposed for public benefit.”

NICH’s vision is to develop the house and its grounds into an engaging educational space. Planned features include a state-of-the-art classroom and lecture hall, designed to support learning in history and culture, and a botanical and sculpture garden in the spacious yard, promoting both biodiversity and the arts.

According to NICH, the development will take place in consultation with the Price family and subject matter experts, ensuring that the site remains an inclusive, non-partisan space open to all Belizeans and international visitors alike.

Materials on Belize’s path to independence and the legacy of George Price will be available via Access501, a new educational portal that has already drawn over 7,000 visitors since its launch.

According to NICH, a specially crafted marble plaque will be unveiled, bearing the inscription “Price Family Home/Birthplace of George Price/Father of the Belizean Nation.” The multilingual plaque, with translations in English, Kriol, Spanish, Garifuna, and Maya, will also pay tribute to George Price’s parents, Irene Cecilia Escalante Price and William Cadle Price, as well as his siblings Lydia, Jane, Alice Margaret, Ann, Josephine, Samuel, Elizabeth, Katharine, Judith, and John.