2024-09-27 - Channel 5 Belize

Feinstein Group Responds to PM’s Letter to the Unions

Earlier this week, Prime Minister John Briceño addressed a letter from N.T.U.C.B. President Luke Martinez concerning the compulsory acquisition of Stake Bank Island Extension. In his response, the Prime Minister reminded the National Trade Union Congress of Belize that the dispute between the private sector parties is currently before the High Court. He went on to say, “completing a berthing facility in the Belize District is uncontestably in the public interest, such compelling interest recognized by Stake Bank Enterprise Limited, Mister Michael Feinstein and the Government in the Definitive Agreement, and the National Assembly with the passage of the Stake Bank Cruise Docking Facility Act of 2014 and its subsequent amendment of 2017”. Prime Minister Briceño emphasized the critical importance of completing the Stake Bank project to reverse the current decline in cruise tourism arrivals. He highlighted that this initiative is important for revitalizing the economic activity associated with this crucial subsector. On Thursday, Senator Glenfield Dennison, representing the trade unions, informed reporters about a conflict between the pieces of legislation being used to acquire the parcels of land in question. Following Dennison’s revealing interview, the Feinstein Group has swiftly issued a statement addressing the prime minister’s recent letter to the N.T.U.C.B. Although the Prime Minister’s letter seeks to defend the G.O.B.’s actions, Feinstein says that it is fraught with inconsistencies, misrepresentations, and attempts to mislead the public. Ultimately, it falls short of addressing the fundamental issues of transparency and accountability. Here’s more from our interview with Senator Dennison.

Glenfield Dennison, Union Senator

“I think what’s important for the public to appreciate is that as a social partner, we have done our part to show to the government the other view. The questions that we raised in our letter go to the root of clarifying whether it’s a public purpose because we are not saying we’re right. We are saying that if you are clear about what these questions are then you would be sound in your position that it is a public purpose. So whether or not it is, that’s for Mr. Feinstein and his litigation. But in my mind and in the view of the Trade Union Congress, it isn’t a public purpose. They are acquiring it on behalf of the promoter and really, that’s where you trigger the other piece of legislation. I just don’t know that it’s worth the intervention of the government. I don’t think it’s a simple case before the court, but it’s definitely not a complex issue. Mr. Feinstein would have had an arrangement with the bank. It’s really, I don’t want to test the merits or the demerits of it, but that matter is not very complex. And so, it will be resolved in favor of who is the true owner of the land once that goes through the judicial process. There’s also the option of doing nothing until that goes through.”

Reporter

“Urgency, sir.”

Glenfield Dennison

“I get the call for urgency, I don’t share the view. The situation with the cruise industry has been known for quite a while now and it’s now, all of a sudden, they’ve put Mr. Feinstein through quite a bit and now it’s urgent that the port finishes, you see.”

Ivan Ayuso Pleads Guity to Theft and Money Laundering

Ivan Ayuso, former Senior Accounts Officer for the National Sports Council, is spending his first night on remand, awaiting sentencing for the serious offenses of theft and money laundering, involving over one million dollars from the Government of Belize. Ayuso, who had been out on a three-hundred-thousand-dollar bail granted by the lower court in 2021, now faces sentencing in the High Court of Justice Nigel Pilgrim. The judge will hear mitigation pleas from character witnesses vouching for Ayuso’s good character, before delivering an appropriate sentence. Ayuso is already aware that he will receive a prison sentence of no more than five years. However, he was originally facing a potential maximum of ten years for each count if he had risked going to trial and been convicted. His remand underscores the gravity of the charges against him. Today’s proceedings included a plea agreement between Ayuso and the Crown, represented by D.P.P. Cheryl Lynn-Vidal, with Ayuso’s defense led by Attorney Darrell Bradley, who urged the court to consider several factors on behalf of his client. Bradley highlighted that Ayuso entered a guilty plea, thereby saving the court the time and resources of a lengthy trial. Ayuso has acknowledged responsibility for his actions, expressed deep remorse, and thrown himself at the mercy of the court. Bradley emphasized that Ayuso is a family man with a spotless record prior to these allegations, having no previous convictions for theft and no prior encounters with the criminal justice system. Additionally, Ayuso has been out on bail without committing any further offenses, prompting Bradley to request a moderate sentence that would not unduly impact Ayuso’s family.

A Fifth Psychiatric Evaluation for Accused Murderer

Thirty-three-year-old Jayme Marin, a resident of Caye Caulker Village, stands accused of the grave crime of killing his cousin and attempting to take the life of another relative. Justice Nigel Pilgrim has ordered a competency hearing to determine Marin’s fitness to stand trial. This afternoon, Marin’s defense was led by the seasoned attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley, who made a virtual appearance in court. Justice Pilgrim informed Bradley that a doctor would be called to testify in court regarding Marin’s mental state. Doctor Jorge Matus has declared Jayme Marin unfit to stand trial after conducting four psychiatric evaluations. Earlier this year, Marin was out on bail, but his failure to appear in court on June 6, 2024, led Justice Nigel Pilgrim to revoke his bail and remand him to prison. Marin’s father testified that he struggled to control his son, bring him to court, and ensure he took his medication. Attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley pleaded for Marin’s bail to be reinstated, arguing that prison is unsuitable for someone in Marin’s condition. However, Justice Pilgrim stated that he is not inclined to grant bail at this time but will reconsider it later. The competency hearing is scheduled for Thursday, October 10, 2024.

Policeman Under Investigation for Assault of Olympian, Shaun Gill

A police officer is currently under investigation, following a dramatic incident on Thursday night involving renowned Olympian Shaun Gill. The altercation unfolded as Gill was driving with another officer, identified as Tyra Smith. The policeman, reportedly Smith’s ex-boyfriend, attempted to intercept them in a black Dodge Charger. Upon reaching Orange Street, the officer, who is part of the Special Patrol Unit, reportedly blocked their path, exited his vehicle, brandished a firearm, and assaulted Gill, striking him on the left side of his face with the weapon. Authorities are now scrutinizing surveillance footage from the vicinity to piece together the events of that night.

Who is Most Likely to Win 2025 General Election?

Who do you think is the most popular politician in Belize? The Belize Poll 2024 sheds light on this question, drawing insights from a survey of 968 Belizean voters. This comprehensive poll delves into the nation’s political landscape, gauging residents’ satisfaction with life in Belize, their economic stability, and their views on corruption. Conducted by Viking Strategies between June 17 and August 6, 2024, this survey continues a tradition of political analysis in Belize that date back to 2010. News Five takes an in-depth look at the detailed seventy-eight-page findings. Here is that report.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The Belize Poll 2024 is a survey conducted by Viking Strategies that provides insight into Belize’s current state and citizens perspective. This year’s polls provide insight from two hundred random registered voters into the nation’s political landscape, life in Belize, the economic landscape, crime and governance. According to the results of the 2024 poll, crime remains a top concern for Belizeans. According to the poll, over thirty-three percent of Belizeans cited crime, specifically gang violence, as their primary issue. Three months ago, the Government of Belize instituted a State of Emergency to address this very issue.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“We have to do more; the public has to do more to work with us and I commented that the police department will continue to build relationships with the public to continue to see how together we can address the scourge of crime.”

The survey also cites declining economic confidence and persistent corruption as challenges Belizeans are facing. On the other hand, the current PUP administration has been praised by sixty-eight percent of the respondents for infrastructural improvements.

Prime Minister John Briceño (File: March 4^th, 2024)

“I remember our ministers in Cabinet were excited and anxious. They said we need to get work going immediately. I said, we can’t spend what we don’t have. So, we had to make sure we could fix the economy, make sure we can fix the collection of revenues and also see where we can get support.”

As for the economic situation in Belize, most of the respondents indicated that they have enough money to buy the necessities and extras to purchase other items, but they cannot afford major purchases like a car. Five years ago, these respondents were stating the opposite, which is that they had money to purchase food, but they were struggling to pay their utility bills. In his 2024 State of the Nation address, Prime Minister John Briceño reported a significant increase in GDP growth for Belize.

Prime Minister John Briceño (File: Sept 17^th, 2024 )

“Gross domestic production as of the end of 2023 has now surpassed six billion dollars, the highest level in the country’s history and in the first quarter of this year by another ten percent. And the condition for continued expansion is compelling.”

As for the public’s view on corruption in government, thirty percent of the respondents said that corruption is widespread, while the majority indicated that corruption is somewhat present. Notably, ahead of the 2020 general election, PM Briceño spoke as the then opposition leader about curbing corruption.

Prime Minister John Briceño (File: Oct 6^th, 2020)

“From within ourselves as a government, as leaders in government that we will do everything possible to curb corruption as best as we can. What I can tell you is that we cannot continue to run the government as it has been done under the U.D.P. We cannot continue plundering the treasury.”

The Belize Poll 2024 also set out to rank Belize’s politicians from the two major political parties, based on their favorability and popularity. In the faceoff between Prime Minister John Briceño and the Leader of the Opposition Moses “Shyne” Barrow, the poll reveals that both party leaders are well known. But PM Briceño is most favored among those polled. PM Briceno was also ranked as the most known politician in the country, though his favorability ranking stands at sixth out of thirty-six. Barrow came in as the second most known politician in Belize. His favorability ranking is, however, extremely poor, at thirty fourth out of thirty-six.

According to the poll, Cordel Hyde, the Area Representative for Lake Independence, took the top spot as most favored politician in Belize, followed by Kevin Bernard in second place, and Kareem Musa in third place. Tracy Panton stands at fourth place as the only U.D.P. politician in the top ten most favorable politician list. According to the poll, John Saldivar leads the list of least favorable politicians. He is closely followed by Gilroy Usher, the Area Representative for Port Loyola, and Michael Peyrefitte in third place. And if you are wondering where Patrick Faber stands in all of it, he is ranked as the third most known politician. He is sixth out of thirty-six on the favorability ranking. Looking at voters’ intentions for the 2025 general election, most respondents said that they might vote for the P.U.P. The second highest number of respondents indicated that they would vote for the P.U.P. The poll also measured voters’ intentions where the U.D.P. is concerned. The 2024 Belize Poll predicts a close victory for the People’s United Party in the upcoming election, with forty-one percent of the total ballots that will be cast. Will these figures withstand the test of time? It is anyone’s guess. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

P.U.P. Collet’s Devin Daly Says He’s Answering a Call for Change

Just yesterday, Devin Daly, a dynamic twenty-nine-year-old, was officially endorsed as the People’s United Party Standard Bearer for Collet. Today, he passionately addressed the media to share his vision and reasons for stepping into the political arena. Daly emphasized that he is responding to a heartfelt call from the community for change. Despite facing a seasoned opponent who has secured victory in the last five elections, Daly is confident that his deep roots in Collet and his fresh perspective will resonate with the residents, making him their top choice in the upcoming general elections.

Devin Daly, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Collet

“I was born in Collet, raised in Collet and my entire family is still in Collet.”

Marion Ali

Now you say people are asking for change, but the current Area Rep has been here since 2003 without change. “

Devin Daly

“Usually when you have water and you put hot water and put some fire underneath it, eventually it boils right over. So he’s there for a long time, and the people support for a long time, but complacency can be a very deadly thing. And I think that the people are showing that they’re tired and they don’t feel the representation. They feel that there’s a lack of political will and no lobbying being done by the Area Rep.”

Marion Ali

“So what is the change that you propose to bring?”

Devin Daly

“Cater to the young people, cater to the old people, but most of all, yesterday in my endorsement, I introduced my manifesto, and the manifesto was a blank piece of paper that just had “Collet” on it. So, the change that I’m bringing is the change that the people need. And we are committed to walking the streets, meeting every household, and ensuring that we fulfill our manifesto based on their needs and wants. One of my strategies coming into this is controlling what I can control. Some of the banners and some of the flags that are up were probably up from about six years ago. and we’re not necessarily worrying about his camp. You know, we’re worrying about us and we’re worrying about what we can deliver to the people, and I believe that the representation that I can bring, and my team can bring you know, will definitely give us a fair chance at you know, an upset.”

Devin Daly Says He Wants to Stay in Collet for the Long Haul

Patrick Faber, a tough political rival, has been an impossible challenge thus far. However, Devin Daly maintains that his dedication to Collet goes beyond the upcoming general elections, setting him apart from previous P.U.P. candidates who lost steam after their electoral battles. Despite being a newcomer compared to the seasoned Faber, Daly exudes confidence in his chances. Demonstrating his unwavering commitment, Daly revealed that he resigned from his full-time managerial position at the Belize City Council to fully dedicate himself to his campaign in Collet.

Devin Daly, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Collet

“In the past you’ve had persons who have come in and closed the gap and after that, just get exhausted and maybe move on to different opportunities, but I’m committing myself to not just this term, you know, till after that too. This is my first dance into politics and so I will not give this mighty speech that I know it all, but I’m relying on senior party men and the community members to lead me. We have an existing executive who’ve been working very hard.”

Reporter

“So for those who don’t know you, who is Devin Daly?”

Devin Daly

“Okay, Devin Daly is a homegrown athlete, who has a lot of intangibles to bring to the table, teamwork, I know problem solving, camaraderie, all those stuff to kind of help bring our community together. What better way to enter into a competition, you know, than taking on someone like the Area Rep for Collet currently. I believe I have the necessary exposure, and I believe that I have the necessary soft skills to liaison with people.”

SSB Proposes to Lend Caribbean Tires $7M

The Social Security Board has published a public notice of investment informing that it proposes to lend seven million dollars to Caribbean Tire Wholesale Limited. The purpose of the loan is for capital expenditure and cash flow replacement. It will have a term of fifteen years and an annual interest rate of six-point-five percent, payable in monthly installments. Viewers would recall that on previous occasions public outcry prevented S.S.B. from lending monies to pharmaceutical and liquor companies. Anyone wishing to express concerns may send copies of this notice along with comments via email to info@socialsecurity.org.bz

Senior Citizen Digital Skills Training Program Launched in Belize

A new initiative has been unveiled to enhance the digital ability of senior citizens in Belize. The Senior Citizen Digital Skills Training Program will bring together elders from all corners of the country, pairing them with tech-savvy students from the University of Belize. These students will guide the seniors through the latest technologies, helping them confidently navigate the digital landscape. This empowering project aims to bridge the digital divide, enabling seniors to stay connected with loved ones and easily access essential online services. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Technology is advancing at a rapid rate. With it, the world’s archive of information is accessible at the touch of a fingertip; but for those born before this technology was invented, it is difficult to navigate this online world. For every hundred Belizeans, there are about eight older citizens. It is expected that the number will more than double by 2050. That is why Belize is taking steps to ensure that they are equipped with the skills needed to survive in digital landscapes with the launch of a digital skills training program for senior citizens. Minister of E-Governance Michel Chebat detailed the scope of the project.

Michel Chebat, Minister of E-Governance

“This training will have sessions occurring countrywide covering topics such as the basic button functionality of devices. And include more advanced lessons, such as app downloads and usage. We will also ensure that tablet devices are provided for those who wish to learn but do not have a device of their own. Ensuring accessibility for those who need it the most.”

Supported by the United Nations Development Program, this will also equip older adults with essential online skills such as transferring funds, making phone calls, and booking appointments. Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Belize, Micheal Lund, emphasized the need to ensure senior citizens are advancing their skill set as the country moves towards modernization.

Micheal Lund, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Belize

“The Digital Inclusion Program is working to bridge this gap, ensuring that all persons have the opportunity to harness the benefit of technology. With the establishment of fourteen digital connect centers throughout the country, we are already breaking down the barriers to access. However, the value of access only holds true if individuals get the skills to effectively use the computer to computers and the, and navigate online government services.”

The training sessions will be facilitated by the University of Belize, enabling students to conduct the training sessions with elders. UB President, Dr. Vincent Palacio explained how the initiative benefits both parties.

Dr. Vincent Palacio, President, UB

“When we empower our students to help our elders navigate the world of technology, we’re building relationships. Imagine a young person sitting down with a grandparent, showing them how to video call family members or access important services online. In these moments, our elders gain something invaluable, the ability to stay connected, informed, and engaged in a world that’s becoming increasingly digital. We’re truly helping this segment of the population. Our young people are learning just as much, developing empathy.”

In a society that is moving away from the standardization of cash payments, senior citizens may begin to feel frustrated at their inability to manage their finances. Corine Gallego, an older citizen representative, shared her experience with this dilemma.

Corine Gallego, Older Citizens Representative

“The banks no longer issue bankbooks which you can physically check to see your deposits, withdrawals, or checks you have written to see when they are cashed. It’s all done online. When traveling in foreign countries, you’re required to check in your luggage digitally at the airport or better still from your devices at home. Recently I traveled abroad and thought, Oh, I don’t want to run up my credit card any higher, so I’ll pay for baggage with cash. Imagine my surprise when the airline employee told me they didn’t take cash.”

In some instances, senior citizens may need to purchase items such as medication or appliances abroad, but they are unable to do so without assistance. There have been several digital training sessions for senior citizens in the past, but as technology advances, the need for updated programs remains.

IX Chel Poot, Executive Director, NCA

“In 2021, the National Council on Aging held the first round of virtual training in digital literacy in collaboration with CETO. And it brought into focus for us two very important points. One, that older persons are capable of adapting and learning once they are given the opportunity and the space to do so. Two, that the challenges faced when becoming a digital native doesn’t change with age. Our older participants were interested in exiting WhatsApp groups and blocking people on Facebook and knowing how to get out of email trains. So those are challenges that older people were facing.”

Also partnering in this program is the National Council of Aging, which is committed to helping elders gain the confidence to make decisions on their own and take back control over their presence in online spaces. Britney Gordon for News Five.

11-year-old-girl with Debilitating Disease Needs Your Prayers

Scoliosis is a condition where a person’s spine develops an irregular curve that can worsen over time. One brave little girl, diagnosed with this condition in 2023, is in urgent need of surgery. She awaits an international organization’s decision on the best procedure for her. In the meantime, her mother has reached out to the public, not just for assistance, but for heartfelt prayers for her eleven-year-old daughter. News Five’s Marion Ali visited Jenica Jenkins today and found that despite her challenges, she strives to live like any other child her age. Here’s that report. Here’s that report.

Jenica Jenkins, Needs Surgery

(Singing…I Love You, Lord…of the goodness of God.)

Marion Ali, Reporting

Jenica Jenkins appears to be a typical eleven-year-old girl, but she faces a critical need for life-saving surgery that has hindered her from enjoying activities other children her age take for granted, like attending school or riding a bike. Diagnosed with scoliosis in January 2023, Jenica’s condition has rapidly progressed, severely affecting her mobility and her ability to perform everyday tasks.

Kezia Young, Mother of Jenica Jenkins

“Within like a few months, we noticed that the curve was starting to be more pronounced in her spine. Like you could visibly see her starting to lean and her body tilted one side. Right now, the situation is the curvature in her spine is at – the last time we checked, was at a sixty-six-degree angle, meaning it’s beyond brace, beyond being able to be braced.”

Jenica’s mom, Kezia Young, took to the public, through social media, and began asking around for referral hospitals that could help her child. Then she decided to contact World Pediatrics, a non-profit organization that offers medical assistance to critically ill children. She got a response that gives her hope.

Kezia Young

“We’re waiting to hear back from them between today and Monday. So, thanks to everybody who has been sharing her story, who has been sending prayers and donations. Her case is under review. We have her MRIs because she did get a couple of MRIs, we did those in Mexico. We have her CT scan. So, they have – because Spine Overseas already had a file. I gave them permission to share the file with World Pediatric who will be reviewing the file today and getting back to us about you know, if she needs to go through one more evaluation and what would be the determination of that.”

Jenica has been unable to attend classes because sitting for extended periods and walking cause her significant pain. More recently, the curvature in her spine has begun pressing on her stomach, leading to organ cramping and making it difficult for her to know when she needs to eat or use the restroom. As they await feedback from World Pediatrics, Kezia earnestly asks for your prayers.

Kezia Young

“We’re asking just that everybody just keep her in prayers as she goes through this journey, because I know it will be a tough journey for her and for myself. So, right now, we’re just asking for prayers.”

Jenica, who was also diagnosed with autism, attended Stella Maris School, where she took great pride in her English classes. Now, as she transitions to home-schooling, Jenica is doing her best to embrace a normal childhood, despite the challenges she faces.

Jenica Jenkins

“I like to decorate my doll house a lot. And it’s so much fun because I can play with them. I can put them to sleep, cook, anything.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

Kezia Young has opened an account at Atlantic Bank under the name Kezia Arnold – account number two-one-one-five-three-four-one-five-one. She has also opened a Go Fund Me page for her daughter where you can assist them through this time. And if you would like to contact her directly, you can call or message her at six-two-one-eight-nine-four-zero.