Eleven days ago, the Alliance for Democracy garnered substantial backing from United Democratic Party delegates. These delegates, transported from all corners of the country, cast their votes decisively in favor of Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar-Panton, electing her as the interim leader of the U.D.P. In the lead-up to the Unity Convention, former party leader Shyne Barrow dismissed the event, claiming it was not officially sanctioned by the United Democratic Party. He consistently referred to the Alliance for Democracy, a faction within the U.D.P., as a third party, underscoring his disapproval. Much has unfolded since last Sunday, with Taegar-Panton firmly establishing her leadership of the embattled party by taking control of the U.D.P. headquarters here in Belize City. On Monday, U.D.P. Cayo North Standard Bearer, Omar Figueroa, wrote to Barrow informing him that U.D.P. supporters in his constituency have decided to recognize Panton’s leadership. In his letter, Figueroa wrote, “given the urgency of the situation, the Cayo North Executive finds it necessary to take a position on the current crisis. In the spirit of achieving unity, we urge all executive committees across the thirty-one constituencies to do the same so that there can be a final and lasting resolution. We join with the call of the delegates as displayed on October twentieth, 2024. Through this medium, we recognize Tracy Taegar Panton as the interim leader, Sheena Pitts as the interim chairman, and their executive as the single executive of the great United Democratic Party”. A similar letter was written to Shyne Barrow on October thirtieth, by Orange Walk East Standard Bearer Elodio Aragon Junior. In the letter, he wrote, “at this time, we believe that Tracy Panton is the leader who can best serve the United Democratic Party and lead the charge into the next general elections of 2025. We know that there are those standard bearers who support Honorable Shyne Barrow, but we also note that many of them do not have the full support of their delegates in that regard”. Earlier today, we had a phone conversation with Panton, who expressed her thoughts on the growing support she’s receiving from various constituencies.
On the phone: Tracy Taegar-Panton, Interim Leader, U.D.P.
“It has been our commitment, and I think I have made it clear that we would make every effort we can to ensure that we solidify the party by extending a hand of friendship and collaboration with those who were not prepared at the time of the convention to get involved and we have been having these discussions with not only Omar and Elodio, the members for Cayo North and Orange Walk East, but other colleagues as well so we can bridge the unity divide. I am very pleased that these two colleagues have taken the step to come on board. It is important to us in terms of unifying the party, but also for our commitment to defend our democracy.”
Isani Cayetano
“What does this mean now, going forward? You seem to be shoring up support from others who may have been on the fence at the time of the convention.
Tracy Taegar Panton
“I think it is our objective to bring as many people under the tent that we can and that includes the former party leader, the former chairman and the former vice chairman. We are one United Democratic Party and we believe that through a United Front we can competitively compete in the next general elections and that is the objective that we want to win and failing that, we want to ensure that we have a more robust democracy and more robust opposition by having more members at the table than we have now.”
After the October twentieth Unity Convention, Shyne Barrow continued to assert that the delegates’ endorsement of Taegar-Panton during the event did not legitimize her leadership of the United Democratic Party.
On the phone: Tracy Taegar-Panton, Interim Leader, U.D.P.
“Who sanctioned the leadership of Shyne Barrow? How is it that Shyne Barrow is considered the leader of the United Democratic Party? It happened when there was a convention at Bird’s Isle in August 2023 when there was an endorsement convention for the party leader by the same delegates who came to the Unity Convention on October twentieth, 2024. There was a change in position regarding the United Democratic Party and a request by the same delegates to have a leadership reset. And to do that, there had to be a recall of the former leader, the honorable Moses “Shyne” Barrow and also an endorsement of an interim leader. It is the national convention that validates or authenticates and defines my role as leader, as the new interim leader of the United Democratic Party. It certainly helps that more colleagues are coming onboard to affirm their commitment to unifying the party, to supporting the new leadership team and to defending the democracy that we believe is currently in peril without an active and engaged opposition. So I don’t know anyone who is clear thinking can say that Shyne Barrow’s leadership was authenticated by a convention, but Tracy Panton’s leadership was not authenticated at a convention where the same set of delegates voted in both conventions.”
Aragon also recounted the history of the internal rift within the United Democratic Party, which emerged after the last national convention. During that convention, it was agreed that Shyne Barrow’s leadership would remain uncontested until after the 2025 general elections.
On the phone: Elodio Aragon Jr., Orange Walk East, U.D.P. Standard Bearer
“The situation where we have found ourselves, this situation never just happened. It happened because of the fact that when the NPC made that announcement, well not an announcement, they made a resolution that no one would be challenging the party leader until after the general elections. In a way, they suspended that part of the constitution that governs a recall. And to me, that is where the party went wrong in that decision because that is the bone of contention that has us where we are. Because if we would have followed that part of the constitution, everyone has a right if they feel that they want to challenge it, if they are not happy with what is taking place with the leadership. People have a right under the party’s constitution to do a recall if they get the amount of delegates’ signature, etc. If that would have stand, we would have gone to a national convention and whoever would have been victorious at that national convention would have to come under and unite under that one individual and be ready and working together towards the general elections.”
Last night, we featured a legal opinion on the Alliance for Democracy’s takeover of the U.D.P. headquarters from Jamaican attorney Doctor Christopher Malcolm, who also serves as a Senior Lecturer at the Mona Law Institute. Doctor Malcolm asserted that Phillipa Griffith-Bailey lacks the authority to transfer the property’s use to Tracy Panton and the Alliance for Democracy. As for those Belizean attorneys who argue otherwise, Doctor Malcolm suggests they need to reassess their positions.
Christopher Malcolm
Dr. Christopher Malcolm, Attorney at Law
“You have heard the saying I am sure that doctors differ, patients die. It is simple to say that the fact you have lawyers giving an opinion doesn’t mean we all go to court every day, I have been doing so for close to thirty years myself as a lawyer. And we go to court sometimes thinking we have good cases, and we lose, we also think we have poor cases, and we win. But the point I am making is that whether that person is to be trusted or not, is immaterial. The starting point must be what does the title say by reference of who the owner is. And if that person is saying that the tittle erroneously recorded the UDP as owner instead of her then her recourse is to take an appropriate action to get the title corrected. And, I am not saying that if she takes those actions that she will succeed, that is not what I am saying. The point I am making is that she is in no position, as I have read, according to what the title reflects, as distinct to what the instrument of transfer. So the persons saying that the instrument of transfer had her, quite frankly I would be so bold as to say those lawyers need to examine their own minds as to what land law is about.”
Doctor Malcolm was also asked whether Moses “Shyne” Barrow should take Tracy Panton to court over the U.D.P. headquarters takeover. Interestingly, he believes that both groups should resolve their differences outside the courtroom. His advice to the U.D.P. is to engage in mature discussions and work towards an amicable solution.
Dr. Christopher Malcolm, Attorney at Law
“This is not a matter I think is amenable to arbitration as a first instance, not at all in my mind. What I think would be most suitable here is something along the lines of an amicable solution, reconciliation. My sense is this, sometimes you need to get to rock bottom to move up. And I think what has happened here in the context of the UDP is that you have a situation, difficult as it is, where the rawness of it has now brought the country and party to a realization that yes, we may have gone down that road, but is it the best way to go, is it what we are hoping for. I think what we need is mature discussions, facilitated by someone or some persons who understand how mediation works, amicable discussions work and who can help the parties to understand the bigger picture. What you are hoping for is that you don’t have further factions being created. You are hoping the persons can sit down and say look we have our own personal ambitions and ideas as to how best to move forward but we should sit down and see how we can iron out our difficulties, make appropriate adjustments and come to something that wills ever the best interest of the party, best interest of the people of Belize and ultimately do what parties aim for, to become government.”
Starlink Services LLC, the U.S.-based satellite internet company owned by billionaire Elon Musk, has applied for a Telecommunications License to offer internet services in Belize. The application, currently under review by the Public Utilities Commission (P.U.C.), has sparked mixed reactions. The P.U.C. is now gathering public feedback and will address the applicant’s concerns based on these submissions. News Five’s Marion Ali has more on this developing story.
Marion , Reporting
Starlink has become the latest buzzword in Belize’s internet circles. The U.S.-based satellite internet company, primarily owned by billionaire Elon Musk, has applied for a license to provide internet services in Belize. While BTL’s Chairman, Mark Lizarraga, declined to comment today, BTL was among several entities that wrote to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) objecting to the service. BTL’s letter highlighted concerns that introducing a third internet provider in a country with a small population could significantly disrupt the existing telecommunications system.
This letter to the P.U.C by Ravi Nandwani states that quote, “we should not allow any foreign company to provide such a type of service. We have seen what they do. Especially this guy. They will take over the market and if he is personally annoyed with our government’s policies, he can deny us access to the Internet if he feels. He will also have access to our data,” end quote. Additionally, there are concerns about the competitive pressure Starlink’s service would place on the two existing providers, BTL Digi and Smart. Critics argue that introducing a new player could disrupt the market dynamics and impact the current telecom landscape.
There are also other letters that welcome the service in Belize. These concerns are particularly prevalent among individuals living in remote areas of the country, where internet service is either poor or non-existent. Additionally, those developing properties in these regions are also voicing their support, highlighting the critical need for reliable internet access. This letter reflects the author’s opinion that Starlink will not directly compete with the current providers. It also points out that land-based internet providers that use fiber-optics are faster and more affordable, as opposed to Starlink which requires purchasing equipment and a monthly charge.
News Five was unable to obtain a comment from the P.U.C., but an industry insider with extensive telecommunications experience highlighted a recurring issue: the potential for new technologies to cannibalize existing services. This concern has surfaced before, such as when WhatsApp began to replace direct international calls, and when mobile cellular technology overtook live paging. The source also recalled the introduction of satellite phones in Belize, which initially sparked fears they would replace mobile phones. However, today, satellite phones are rarely used, except by large companies and individuals with emergency plans.
News Five understands that the P.U.C was approached over a year ago by representatives of Starlink with the idea of providing satellite internet in Belize. A reputable law firm contacted the P.U.C on behalf of Starlink. The company, we were informed, would have to meet all taxes and other obligations, if the license is granted. That decision will be made in the coming weeks. Marion Ali for News Five.
On Wednesday, we reported on the tragic discovery of Wilmer Che, whose lifeless body was found at the Red Bank dumpsite in the Stann Creek District. The twenty-five-year-old was found shirtless, bearing multiple cut wounds, in what police suspect to be a murder. Today, News Five’s Britney Gordon traveled south to speak with Che’s family, uncovering the profound impact this unexpected loss has had on their lives. Here’s her story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
It’s been two days since the devastating news of Wilmer Che’s murder reached his family. The twenty-five-year-old was found at the Red Bank dumpsite, discarded among the trash. His sister, Irma Che, remains in shock, struggling to comprehend how anyone could commit such a heinous act against her brother.
Irma Che
Irma Che, Sister of Deceased
“I mi just come in from work and I finished cook. Then I receive a call from the police saying that they need for his birth paper and social security. But I told the police that he lost it when he used to work. So then the police told me that he have a bad news for me. So, then I ask the police what is the bad news is. Then he tell me that. Miss Irma Che, your brother dead. Then I ask him how, why? And then he told me that they just killed your brother. I said what? I’m in shock because why didn’t have to do that to my brother?”
Over the past five years, Wilmer battled a mental disability that gradually worsened. Watching his mental state decline and seeing him become increasingly isolated from society has been incredibly challenging for his family.
Irma Che
“ I know my brother before he used to work and so but I just don’t know what happened to my brother. Who bad minded my brother like that? Why didn’t do he bad? And then from when he started to get like that, like he don’t sleep home. He goes sleep by the creek side. He goes sleep in the bush. My mom tried her best to help him five years. No, he’s like that. Sometimes we ask for help. Like, you know, sometimes like people just want to ignore you.”
Wilmer often wandered and found refuge in odd places. Despite the immense challenges of supporting him, Wilmer’s family never wavered in their dedication. They tirelessly cared for him, ensuring he was fed and dressed, always striving to provide the best care possible. Irma tells us that the memory of her brother is all she has left of him because they do not own a single picture of him.
Irma Che
“I remember my brother, when he does used to work, he’s a nice person. He’s respectful, he don’t disrespect nobody. You know, I remember when he used to go fishing, he bring us fish. He used to work. He was, he’s a nice person. He come and he talk to me. When he, when that, before this happened to him, he used to say that will work and then, he’s planned that to have his wife. But it never happen.”
The situation shines a light on the vulnerability of the mentally disabled population, they are highly susceptible to violent crimes. A community effort is often necessary to ensure that these individuals remain safe and cared for..
Irma Che
“When he go somewhere, some people that have good heart, some people, like, give him a clothes to change or give him food, some people talk to him, make a change, like, I don’t know if I don’t know then, I just confused. Because sometimes I sit down and I ask God why he is like that? Why \ people, bad minded, why they have to do my brother that. I don’t know why?”
Irma explains that the death comes at a difficult time for her because her mother is unwell. And she, herself is reeling from a car accident she was involved the day of her brother’s death.
Irma Che
“My mom is here. My mom, she’s not a healthy woman. My mom is sick as well. She has sweet blood and then she’s stressed. Don’t know what to do because We already lose one brother, my baby brother. He died like five years now. We lose the next one again. So I don’t know what more else could do. I don’t know.”
The family is now urgently seeking the resources needed to give Wilmer a proper farewell. As they await justice, Irma is reaching out to the public for any assistance they can provide. She can be contacted at 654-1815. Britney Gordon for News Five.
A coordinated police operation unfolded in the Lake Independence area on a bustling Wednesday night. Officers from the Special Patrol Unit, Quick Response Team, and K-9 Unit converged on the residence of Leon Gray. Their efforts led to the significant discovery of marijuana, totaling one thousand, nine hundred and forty-three grams, cleverly concealed in a chair within the yard. During the raid, forty-year-old Chester Noralez, of Fern Lane, was present. He was promptly arrested and transported to the Raccoon Street Police Station, where he faced charges for possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply. The night’s operations didn’t end there. Shortly after nine p.m., the officers proceeded to an abandoned cement house on Marigold Lane. A thorough search revealed three firearms: a .38 revolver, a 9mm pistol, and a .22 Ruger. These weapons were meticulously sealed and labeled as found property, marking the end of a productive night for law enforcement.
Tonight, a police officer finds himself on the wrong side of the law after being charged with harm. Thirty-year-old Andres Choc, a Belize City police constable, stands accused of a shocking assault involving beating, strangling, and submerging a woman’s head in polluted drain water. The incident allegedly occurred on October thirtieth around 12:30 a.m. when twenty-nine-year-old Janielle Lopez was socializing with Choc and two friends, Oliver Giron and Reyannie Duran, at Choc’s home. An argument erupted between Choc and Giron, and later, as Lopez stood outside with Giron, Choc reportedly approached and began smashing Giron’s windshield. Lopez claims that when she alerted Giron, Choc grabbed her by the neck, threw her into the drain, and choked her under the water. Duran, hearing the commotion, rushed out to help, allowing Lopez to escape into the house to grab a knife for self-defense. Choc was granted bail of one thousand dollars, plus a surety of the same amount, with strict conditions to avoid contact with the victim or her family, stay at least one hundred yards away from her, and refrain from any similar offenses, or his bail will be revoked. Despite these serious charges, PC Choc remains on active duty and has not been placed on interdiction.
Tonight, another police officer finds himself in serious trouble with the law, facing charges of extortion. Jairo Amador, a police constable from Cayo District, stands accused of extorting a Canadian tourist and her husband back in 2022. The tourist, who was in Belize to view properties, alleges that she was pulled over at a checkpoint in Hattieville, where Amador falsely claimed that her rental vehicle was uninsured. He then allegedly told her she would be detained over the weekend unless she provided a “donation.” Out of fear, she handed over one hundred US dollars. The woman also claims that another officer at the booth restrained her husband from intervening during the exchange. After the money was handed over, the couple was allowed to leave. However, the police were alerted to the incident, and the money was found on Amador. Amador contends that he found the money in the bushes while relieving himself. This afternoon, he was found guilty and remanded to prison, with sentencing set for November twenty-fifth, 2024.
