2024-11-12 - Channel 5 Belize

Two Belize City Men Must Stand Trial for Kidnapping

Tonight, things didn’t go well for two Belizean men in their kidnapping and wounding case. They tried to strike a deal with the crown, hoping to plead guilty to wounding instead of kidnapping a fifteen-year-old back in 2021. But after asking for a sentencing indication, they found out the crown wasn’t having it. So, the case is heading to trial, and they’ll have to take their chances in the High Court. The men in question are thirty-three-year-old Oliver Sutherland and twenty-four-year-old Elvin Smith, a fisherman from East Collet Canal. They were initially charged in 2021 with wounding, kidnapping, and harming a minor. Allegedly, on March twelfth, 2021, they kidnapped the fifteen-year-old and injured him. This morning, their case was called up in the High Court before Justice Derick Sylvester. The duo, represented by attorney Leeroy Banner, entered plea discussions with Crown Counsel Glenford Dennison. However, after some back-and-forth, they couldn’t agree. The men wanted to plead guilty to wounding, hoping for time served and a chance to go home, but the crown insisted on a kidnapping plea. With no agreement in sight, Justice Sylvester set the trial date for January twentieth, 2025. Their attorney then requested bail. Smith got lucky and was granted bail, but Sutherland wasn’t as fortunate. Smith, who had been unable to post his twenty-five-thousand-dollar bail since 2021, was granted bail at ten thousand dollars, with conditions. He must report to the Queen Street Police Station every Friday and attend all court dates. Sutherland, on the other hand, had his bail revoked earlier for violating its terms and remains in prison. The judge explained that Sutherland could file a written application for bail consideration. If convicted of kidnapping, the men face between ten years to life, with time served potentially reducing their sentence to around six years. Sutherland has been on remand for over a year, while Smith has been incarcerated for nearly four years.

Convicted Former Policeman is Out on Bail for Extortion

Tonight, interdicted police officer Jairo Daniel Amador, who was convicted of extortion on October thirty-first, is home with his family after being granted bail pending sentencing. His sentencing was delayed today before Justice Derick Sylvester. The mitigation plea was scheduled for this morning at nine a.m., but Amador’s attorney, Norman Rodriguez, explained to the court that he had trouble contacting character witnesses. Given that the Crown’s submission for sentencing suggested a fine, Justice Sylvester asked if they objected to granting bail to Amador, considering the delay wasn’t his fault. With no objections, Justice Sylvester set bail at five thousand dollars with one surety. Amador’s case is now adjourned for mitigation plea and sentencing on January twenty-fourth, 2025. On October thirty-first, Amador, a former member of the Belize Police Department, was found guilty of extortion by a nine-member jury. He was accused of shaking down a Canadian tourist at a checkpoint in Hattieville, claiming she had no insurance for her rental vehicle and would be jailed until Monday unless she paid a “donation.” Frightened, the tourist handed over a hundred US dollars, which Amador took before letting her and her husband go. Police were informed shortly after, leading to the discovery of the money in Amador’s holster and his subsequent charge of extortion. The jury deliberated for less than four hours before finding him guilty. Amador, who had been out on bail, saw it revoked by Justice Sylvester and had been on remand pending sentencing.

Freedom of the Press is Paramount

On Friday, November 8, attorney of Glenn D. Godfrey and Company LLP, Immanuel Williams, wrote a letter to Great Belize Production Limited (Channel 5) and Tropical Vision Limited (Channel 7). The letter was in relation to the latest orders handed down by High Court Justice Tawanda Hondora.

Williams is representing Mesopotamia Area Representative Moses “Shyne” Barrow. He is among five claimants who have filed a lawsuit against Tracy Panton and former Secretary General Philipa Griffith-Bailey over the occupation of the party’s headquarters. The court granted the injunction, allowing Barrow and his team to reclaim the property, though the fixed-date claim filed by Williams remains pending.

The letter came after Williams, during a press briefing, told reporters, “Because it’s before the court, I would urge to say it’s an opportune time to not in fact declare anyone as a party leader since it’s before the court and has to be addressed.”

In his letter, Wiliams tells the free press, “…we ask that your publication refrain from referring to Honourable Mr. Moses Barrow as the “former UDP party leader” or making statements that would potentially damage his reputation or undermine his position as the duly elected leader of the United Democratic Party.”

Williams further stated, “Additionally, we would appreciate it if you refrained from referring to the Honourable Mrs. Tracy Taegar Panton as the “interim party leader” or promoting any similary narrative, s this matter is still before the Court and has not been resolved.” He cautioned the media houses when reporting on the matter.

Panton, who says she is the interim leader of the UDP, went on social media to chastise the letter: “It is OUTRAGEOUS that the Legal Representative for Shyne Moses Barrow, Mr. Emmanuel Williams of Glen D Godfrey Law Firm is misrepresenting the ruling of the High Court to this nation by way of letters circulated to the Media. The ONLY matter decided at Friday’s Hearing was for a temporary injunction on the occupation of the UDP Headquarters.”

Channel 7 Director Jules Vasquez, on his morning show on Monday, condemned the letter, which he described as “ridiculous” in nature. He said, “They are trying to control speech” and that “this is a nuisance letter,” while daring Barrow to send another letter. “It is really offensive to the concept of a free press.”

Great Belize Productions Limited CEO Marleni Cuellar said, “We expect and understand that political figures may often disagree with coverage that does not fit their preferred narrative. However, we stand firm against attempts to restrict our reporting. As a responsible and professional media house, it is our duty to report the truth and provide balanced coverage. Any efforts to suppress our reporting undermine democracy and the values of a free press. Great Belize Television remains committed to accurate journalism and will not waver in our defense of press freedom, even in the face of threats.”

Responding to the letter was also Senior Counsel Ellis Arnold of Arnold and Company. Arnold tells Williams that “pending the trial, the press is perfectly entitled to report, without fear or favour, that there is a dispute between the parties as to whether or not your client is still the duly elected leader, or whether our client is the interim leader. And the press is free to analyse that dispute and to comment on its consequences as it sees fit, and it is not for you, or for us, to interfere with that freedom.”

P.M. Says He Does Not Understand Senate’s Logic

Today seemed like the perfect moment for Prime Minister John Briceño to call for a general election, and many thought he would. So, when the house meeting kicked off with a speech from PM Briceño that felt more like a state of the nation address or a campaign pitch, everyone expected him to announce an election date. But that didn’t happen. We’ll explain why later in the newscast. First, let’s talk about Belize still being without an auditor general, even though the government keeps running. On Monday, the Senate blocked a motion to appoint Deputy Auditor General Maria Rodriquez as the acting auditor general. She would have filled the role for four months while a permanent auditor general was found. However, neither the opposition nor the social partners backed the motion. They argued it didn’t make sense to appoint a temporary auditor general for such a short period. So, they voted it down. At today’s House of Representatives meeting, Prime Minister Briceño was asked about the Senate’s decision. He suggested we should ask the ‘geniuses that voted against it’.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think that is a question you need to ask those Senators that voted against it. I cannot understand their logic. It is a flawed logic. The point is that we don’t have an auditor general. We wanted to appoint a temporary one while we advertise and have people to come in and apply for that post. Looking at either in house or outside the service. We do recognize that it is a very specialized skill and looking at it we may need to pay them more than what the serious pays. I think you need to ask the geniuses that voted against that, because we were without an auditor general and the work of government continues. Senator Peyrefitte pointed out that was the same reason Ms. Bradley’s contract was extended and during that time you guys were unable to find a replacement. And What is the guarantee that after the four months one would have been found? There is only one way to find out. So what happens now, you try to put a rush on it? Absolutely not. We are going to go through the four month period and when we find an auditor general that is adequate then we proceed.”

$300,000 Supplementary Not for Early Election Preparations

A couple of weeks ago, the House of Representatives passed a one-point-six-million-dollar supplementary allocation, and the Senate couldn’t do much to change it. Among the line items was three hundred thousand dollars earmarked for the Elections and Boundaries Department, sparking rumors that it was for early election preparations. However, the Prime Minister didn’t call for an election today and dismissed the speculation, saying people are getting worked up over nothing.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“People the get excited over nothing. Remember the three hundred thousand, we had a by election in July and we did not present a supplementary budget to pay for it. So, we had to use other resources. So, we are paying back the monies from what we did, we advanced monies to Election and Boundaries, now we are replacing the monies we used for by elections. And I know the U.D.P wants us to get them out of their misery by calling an election so they can decide who will be the next leader. So we are going to call the election when we believe it is the right time. There is still a lot of work, as I pointed out in my presentation, thanking the Belizean people for that awesome mandate they gave us. We have done a lot but there is a lot more to do. When we say we have reduced poverty by half that does not mean everybody rich, we still have a long way to go. That is the case that we are trying to do.”

PM Says He Will Call General Election “Anytime in 2025”

Any rational person might think the Briceño administration would seize the chance to call a general election while the U.D.P. is dealing with its internal conflicts. However, P.M. Briceño confidently states that it doesn’t matter when the election is held—the U.D.P. won’t win.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Both sides recognize that they are not going to win. But they believe that once we have the elections things will settle and they can settle their affairs. So they are looking at the elections for that. And, yes if I was another kind of politician I would have called the election six months ago. But it us not about that. It is about doing the work you are elected to do. I take that very seriously and I know sometimes we joke around and whatever, but this is an awesome responsibility that has been entrusted on us. And, me as the leader and the Prime Minister, I cannot be gloating and boast. I am looking and saying, when will be best to hold the election. Yes, I also have to think when will be best so we have an advantage of wining. If I don’t say that nobody would believe me. That is apart of the calculus. Right now we have a lot of work that is why we have said we will not call elections in 2024. Anytime in 2025 we will be able to call the election. That is why I tell everybody get ready, but you should have been ready from day one.”

Barrow and Patt No Show to House Committees

At the last house meeting, Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow removed Tracy Panton and Patrick Faber from various House Committees. This left Barrow and Hugo Patt as the only opposition members in over a dozen working groups. However, when it was time for those committees to meet and discuss the bills today, both Barrow and Patt were nowhere to be found. Panton didn’t hesitate to call them out on their absence.

Tracy Taegar Panton, Area Rep., Albert Division

“I think it is, if I can be candid, a travesty, almost a national disgrace. The two members form the opposition side who have been assigned to all committee meetings are not here. And when you silence the voices of the people you silence, and you impact negatively the democracy of the country. You silence the people, and you compromise the democracy of the country.”

Paul Lopez

“Did you or Mr. Faber make any attempt to enter the meetings?”

Tracy Taegar Panton

“No, we did not. It is the prerogative of the leader of the opposition to determine who will sit in house committee meetings and he did not extend that to us. WE try to be very much respectful of the processes in parliament and also we have an opportunity to voice our concerns when the sitting of the house resumes.”

Panton Confident High Court Will Ultimately Rule in AFD’s Favor

While Panton has been criticizing Barrow for missing the House committee meetings, he scored a victory over her last Friday. Following a High Court ruling, Panton and her team have vacated the U.D.P. headquarters. We asked her how confident she is that the court will eventually rule in her favor. Here’s what she had to say.

Tracy Taegar Panton, Area Rep., Albert Division

“I am very confident. I had a very long meeting yesterday with the attorneys representing us in this matter. The interim injunction is temporary and deals with a singular matter, which is the occupation and use of the headquarter. I have gone on record to say and I continue to maintain that the institution of the party is not a building, it is a people who have been a part of this party for a long time who have worked tirelessly for the United Democratic Party.”

Paul Lopez

“What is your interpretation of returning to status quo?”

Tracey Taegar Panton

“What the judge says and certainly you should get a copy of the perfected order, it says limited to the use and occupation of the headquarters.”

Panton Confident of Victory at Polls

With rumors of a general election on the horizon, the big question is whether the U.D.P. can mount a strong challenge against its rivals. And under whose banner will Tracy Taegar-Panton run? We asked her, and here’s what she had to say.

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Area Rep, Albert Division

“I am running for the U.D.P as representative for Albert.”

Paul Lopez

“How do you ensure your name reaches the U.D.P slate knowing that Shyne will appoint another standard bearer?”

Tracy Taegar-Panton,

“Let us see what he does. I have every confidence in the strength of our case. I have every confidence in the will of the people and I will be running in Albert and I plan to run as a member of the U.D.P.”

Paul Lopez

“And with your desire and aspirations what have you been doing to prepared?”

Tracy Taegar-Panton,

“What I have been doing for the last for last nine years, serving the people in the Albert constituency.”

Paul Lopez

“As for the rest of the country and those people support you, I understand you are on a national tour right now, is that to prepare for the next general election?”

Tracy Taegar-Panton,

“Certainly to ensure that our constituencies start readying themselves for when the next general election is called. It is going to be in 2025. Some people predict it will be early. Whenever it is called we will be ready.”

Paul Lopez

“Do you share the view that the U.D.P will not win in the next general elections?”

Tracy Taegar-Panton,

“I absolutely do not share that view.”

P.M. Briceño Celebrates Four Years in Office

Monday, November eleventh, marked the fourth anniversary of the Briceño administration’s election victory. During today’s sitting of the house, Prime Minister John Briceño took a moment to reflect on the 2020 election and how his administration has delivered on its promises. In a half-hour address, PM Briceño covered a wide range of topics, including inflation, poverty, health, education, and agriculture. His language had the tone of a state of the nation address or even a campaign speech. With a general election on the horizon, he seized the opportunity to remind Belizeans of the achievements his administration has made with their support.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Four years ago, yesterday, the people of Belize entrusted my party the People’s United Party with the task of fixing what at the time was a broken nation. It was an overwhelming mandate. It was not an occasion for wild celebration. It was a sobering experience, because we were trusted with the responsibility to steward this nation through what was essentially the worst of times. Must have been done to right our ship. But, the work continues. Good progress is incremental. Once again, on behalf of our party, the P.U.P, I sincerely thank all Belizeans for the awesome responsibility they have entrusted us. I promise we will never take your for granted or betray your confidence. As you all know 2025 is an election year and we will be once again asking the Belizean people for us to continue to build a Belize where everybody fih win.”