2024-12-18 - Channel 5 Belize

Belize’s Infrastructure and Transport Achievements of 2024

As we wrap up 2024, News 5 is excited to bring you our digital Year in Review! This year, we're diving into the highlights and challenges of the past twelve months, all organized by themes. Join us as we look back at the stories that shaped our year…

2024 has been a transformative year for Belize’s infrastructure and transport sectors. Significant projects have been undertaken to modernise the country’s transportation network, improve accessibility, and enhance the quality of life for Belizeans.

Advancing Public Transportation: The Rise of E-Mobility

2024 marked a significant year for Belize’s public transportation, with the launch of the E-Mobility Pilot Project in Belize City. Spearheaded by the Belize City Council, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other stakeholders, the introduction of electric buses (e-buses) aims to modernise urban transit. The eco-friendly buses feature Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and accessibility options for persons with disabilities. This shift aligns with Belize’s international commitments to sustainable development and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Mayor Bernard Wagner stressed the transformative potential of the project, stating, “When change comes, people complain, but you have to embrace change. We want to transform the public transportation system, at least in the city.” The e-buses generated BZ$33,000 in revenue within five weeks, with over 15,000 passengers utilising the service. Despite the success, private bus operators voiced concerns about competition, citing unfair pricing and potential financial strain on existing operators. Attorney Arthur Saldivar, representing several city bus operators, hinted at possible legal action.

The public’s reception of the e-buses has been largely positive. Many citizens appreciate the modern amenities and the environmental benefits. The buses have been particularly beneficial for persons with disabilities, providing them with much-needed accessibility. The project has also highlighted the need for further improvements in the public transportation system, including better infrastructure and more efficient services.

The pilot project’s data will guide future expansions. Inter-district routes along the northern and western highways are expected to come online in 2025, supported by the arrival of three additional e-buses. The Belize City Council’s “501 Transit” app, which allows commuters to track buses in real time, further enhances the commuter experience.

The Belize City Council’s focus on sustainable transport extended beyond buses. The introduction of four electric taxis (E-taxis) was part of a broader e-mobility strategy. These taxis operate on a lease-to-own model with local taxi associations, starting with the Battlefield Park Taxi Association. Commuters will be able to hail taxis using the “Mi Driva” app, akin to ride-hailing services like Uber. This initiative aims to modernise Belize’s taxi system while promoting cleaner, greener urban transit options.

New Bridges, New Horizons

A key development in 2024 was the completion and inauguration of the Haulover Bridge—the longest bridge in Belize and the sixth-longest in Central America. Built at a cost of BZ$30.9 million, this bridge was conceptualised under the previous administration but executed under the People’s United Party government. With a length of 500 meters, it significantly enhances traffic flow between Belize City and the north of the country.

Prime Minister John Briceño lauded the bridge as “an engineering marvel made in Belize by Belizeans,” while Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH), Julius Espat, said this was a testament to Belizean resilience and ingenuity. The bridge, designed and built by Belizean engineers, reduces travel times and bolsters connectivity between Belize City and the northern districts, supporting socio-economic development.

Meanwhile, urgent attention was drawn to the deteriorating condition of the Belcan Bridge. Structural assessments revealed significant spalling (concrete peeling) on the substructure’s piers, exposing internal reinforcements. Chief Engineer Evondale Moody confirmed that plans to replace the bridge, estimated at BZ$17 million, were delayed pending the Ministry of Finance’s final approval of funding. While awaiting resolution, large-scale events such as parades were diverted from the bridge to avoid further strain on its compromised structure.

Roads and Highways: Repair, Upgrade, and Maintenance

Weather-induced damages, particularly from heavy rains, placed Belize’s road network under significant pressure in 2024. The Belize City Council’s Street Damage Assessment Report found that 147 streets across the city’s 10 constituencies required repairs. Collet topped the list for costliest repairs, with an estimated bill of BZ$423,000 for 10 streets, while Lake Independence had the highest number of streets (27) in need of work.

City Administrator Albert Vaughan assured the public that BZ$1.6 million would be sourced to repair these roads. Efforts were already underway to address damage caused by incessant rains, which had eroded streets and highways across the country. Belize City has seen extensive street repairs, particularly on St. Thomas Street, which had been in disrepair for months. The repairs were funded through a collaborative effort between Belize Telecommunications Limited (BTL), Belize Water Services (BWS), and the MIDH.

Cemetery Road, which had not seen repair work for several years, is now receiving urgently needed resurfacing at two different locations. The Belize City Council and the MIDH are overseeing separate sections of the road, ensuring comprehensive rehabilitation. This project is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce vehicle maintenance costs for residents.

The northern and western entrances to Belize City are in deplorable condition, with large potholes and damaged culverts. The MIDH has been working around the clock to repair these critical arteries, although the recent rains have delayed progress. The Philip Goldson Highway from the Buttonwood Bay Roundabout to the city is already going through the procurement process, with work expected to start soon.

MIDH had its hands full with emergency repairs near the Bermudian Landing Bridge after heavy rainfall caused a road collapse. Minister Julius Espat said that such incidents are routine challenges his ministry faces year-round.

The paving of the San Carlos Road under the Resilient Rural Belize Program has been a major milestone. This project, valued at $1.19 million, aims to improve access for farmers and residents, facilitating the transport of agricultural produce to markets. The road has been designed to meet international standards, ensuring durability and resilience against weather conditions.

The rehabilitation of the Valley of Peace access road, funded by the Green Climate Fund, has been crucial for the agricultural community. This road supports the transport of perishable goods, reducing wastage and improving market access for farmers. The project has been designed to international standards, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience.

The Coastal Highway saw significant setbacks this year when a bulldozer accident caused severe damage to the road’s surface. Reports indicated that the pin securing a tow hitch broke, leading to the bulldozer sliding off a flatbed and damaging the road. MIDH responded promptly, initiating repairs.

In northern Belize, the Corozal Free Zone’s development continued with the groundbreaking of a new 2.6-kilometre access road from the old bridge at the Rio Hondo to the Free Zone’s entrance. Funded by a BZ$1.9 million grant from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) and an additional BZ$1 million from the Belize government, the new access road aims to improve trade and commerce. CEO of the Corozal Free Zone, Neri Ramirez, reported significant growth, with over 1.1 million visitors and BZ$540 million in sales recorded in 2023.

Transport Sector Regulation and Modernisation

Belize’s transport sector saw regulatory changes, with Minister of Transport Rodwell Ferguson announcing updated standards for bus operators. Initially, bus operators were expected to modernise 50% of their fleets by December 2023 and 100% by the end of 2024. However, following industry pushback, the government considered extending deadlines to support compliance. Chief Transport Officer Leon Gentle noted that many operators had shown good faith efforts by registering newer buses and upgrading their fleets.

Nighttime highway patrols were also announced as part of efforts to reduce overcrowding on buses. This initiative, spearheaded by the Transport Department in collaboration with the Belize Police Department, aims to ensure safer highway travel.

Belize has made strides in developing a framework for public-private partnerships (PPPs) to support infrastructure projects. The new PPP policy, introduced in 2021, has laid the groundwork for future collaborations, although the country still faces challenges in managing and implementing these projects effectively. The policy has created a PPP unit and steering committee, which are expected to play a crucial role in future infrastructure development.

The infrastructure and transport initiatives align with Belize’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting sustainable cities and communities. The focus on eco-friendly transport solutions and resilient infrastructure is expected to drive further progress in the coming years. The government’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality are also in line with global environmental goals.

Securing funding for large-scale infrastructure projects remains a significant challenge. The MIDH has been in discussions with various international financial institutions to secure loans and grants for critical projects. The government has also been exploring innovative financing solutions, such as public-private partnerships, to bridge the funding gap.

Engaging the community and raising public awareness about the benefits of infrastructure projects is crucial for their success. The government has been working to involve local communities in the planning and implementation of projects, ensuring that their needs and concerns are addressed. Public awareness campaigns have also been launched to educate citizens about the benefits of sustainable transport solutions and the importance of maintaining infrastructure.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As Belize pushes forward with its infrastructure and transport agenda, 2025 promises to be pivotal. Projects like the Belcan Bridge replacement and the inter-district e-bus rollout will test the country’s financial planning and project management capacity. Meanwhile, innovations like the “Mi Driva” app and e-taxis signal a shift towards technology-driven transport solutions. With climate change pressures mounting, Belize’s commitment to sustainable mobility and resilient infrastructure will remain at the forefront of its development agenda.

PM Briceño Chimes in on Guatemalan Incursion at Sea

On Tuesday morning, a Guatemalan gunboat made its way into Belizean waters near the Sapodilla Cayes. The Belize Coast Guard reported that the naval vessel was spotted near Ragged Caye, just three miles south of Hunting Caye, where coast guard personnel are stationed. After a verbal exchange, the Guatemalan sailors eventually left the area. This incident prompted a strong response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which announced it would firmly protest this illegal incursion. The ministry is urging Guatemalan authorities to ensure their armed forces do not enter Belizean waters without permission. Earlier today, we spoke with Prime Minister John Briceño to get his take on the situation in Belize’s southern sea space.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“We take any incident serious. Any time the GAF would, the Guatemalan Armed Forces would enter our borders, sometimes they do it innocently, they don’t realize that they are in it and other times they do. But whenever that happens, we take it seriously and we would go and confront them and inform them that they are in Belizean waters. In most instances they would leave without any incidents. Sometimes they would argue but they would leave, and that’s important for us, to be able for them to understand that we are monitoring them, we are watching what they are doing and also, at the same time, I think pretty much in every instance we write to the OAS, we copy it to them, to the Guatemalan government to point out that once again they were infringing in our territory.”

Reporter

“What do you tell Belizeans who feel that we are too passive in these instances?”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I will be calm, I will be nice. What do they expect us to do, shoot everyone out of the water? There are fifteen, twenty thousand of them, fully equipped. Obviously, we need to be able to be firm but diplomatic in ensuring that, making sure that they understand that they are in our waters and that we will not allow them to come into our waters. As much as we might want to do more, what else can we do? Whatever citizen would say that then I will ask them to advice, I’d like to hear their advice, what would they do?”

Reporter

“Do you acknowledge that there is a lack of respect by the Guatemalan Armed Forces. They were all the way in our waters, they weren’t near the border.”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I will repeat again, whenever that happens we go to them and we tell them that they are within our waters and they leave. They don’t put up a fight, they leave.”

Who is Footing Government’s Legal Expenses in Stake Bank Dispute?

Developer Michael Feinstein’s claim against the Government of Belize over the compulsory acquisition of about twenty-three acres on Stake Bank is set to be heard in the High Court on Thursday. The Briceño administration has defended the takeover, but Prime Minister Briceño also mentioned that the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is interested in buying the island to finish the tourism development project. When reporters spoke with the PM this afternoon, they asked who is paying for the high-priced lawyers representing the government.

Reporter

“While the acquisition doesn’t cost the taxpayers, who is paying for the legal bills for the two foreign attorneys and Magali Marin?”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Well they are suing the government, they are taking the government to court for an action that we think is within our right or our ability to do as a government. So obviously, we will have to defend our position, so then the government will have to pay for that.”

Reporter

“Which means that the taxpayers will pay.”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Obviously.”

Reporter

“But if the acquisition goes through then the taxpayers are paying for an attorney for land that will eventually belong to a private [land]holder.”

Prime Minister John Briceño
“No. I think what you need to do is to start speaking to Mr. Feinstein because he continues to take out lawsuits for everything and we have a responsibility to defend. If we do not put anybody and then we lose the case then what? One: it will set a bad precedence. Secondly: I don’t think he’s right, but he just continues to prolong. So we have to ensure that we put the best possible minds to ensure that we do not set a precedent, that the government can make these decisions to acquire land on the national interest.”

PM Briceño on GST-free Shopping, “It’s a win”

Get ready for another tax-free shopping spree this weekend, just in time for the Christmas holidays! The first GST-free weekend, held a few days ago, provided some valuable lessons for Belize Tax Services. Shoppers raised concerns about noncompliance, such as store owners backdating receipts or telling customers that credit card transactions didn’t qualify for the twelve-point-five percent discount. So, what does Prime Minister Briceño think about this tax holiday? Let’s find out!

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think that this GST-free weekend, I think has had some other unexpected, I’m trying to find the word, win, for the Belize Tax Department because it allowed them to see who are the ones that are, that it’s questionable, what it is that they are doing with their reporting of the GST. I know some stores they closed down, they didn’t want to participate and you need to ask why. Some of them came with all sorts of excuses, “Oh, it’s already in the price but yet they do not discount it in the invoices. So what that has done is that it has alerted the BTS, they need to go and visit these businesses to see how they are managing their operations, probably do some audits to see if what they are collecting is being reported back. I am not suggesting that they are doing anything wrong, but it makes us question. So from that end, I think it’s something positive came out from it. But most of all, the citizens were excited, that they are saying well, in effect, we’ve gotten a 12.5% discount or if you want to be mathematical and take it from the dollar, take it down from that…the point is they’re getting a huge discount.”

Brazilian Traveler Sent Back Home by Immigration Officers

A Brazilian traveler who arrived in Belize with just sixteen dollars in cash was sent back home, even though they had proof of accommodations. This situation raises the question: was the visitor being profiled by immigration officers upon arrival? Prime Minister Briceño addressed this issue earlier today. Here’s what he had to say.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I’ve asked the CEO to give me a briefing because I knew you would probably ask me that one. Basically what has happened, there is a policy, they’ve set up, certain criteria for when somebody is coming in. We’ve had a number of instances when people from Central and from South America would come to Belize in an attempt to get to the United States. They have seen that our borders are fairly porous with Mexico and so they think [that it’s easier] fly to Belize and then from PGIA to the Mexican border, to the west or the north, it’s an hour and a half, two hours, they’re there. If they land in Guatemala City they have hours of traveling to do, so I think they find it easier to go through. I’m not suggesting that this person wanted to do the same, but based on the past there’s a certain profile that our officers look at. So when the officers saw that profile, the officer brought it up to the port commander, that commander consulted with another port commander and they all came to the conclusion that that person did not meet the criteria, that that person not be allowed to come into Belize. The persons were understanding and we handled it very professionally and the person is welcome to come back once they could satisfy the immigration officers that they are coming here for holiday.”

FIU Breaks Its Silence on Caribi Bleu Casino Investigation

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is finally speaking out about News Five’s investigation into the operations at Caribi Bleu Casino. This investigation has already prompted responses from the Gaming Control Board, the Central Bank of Belize, the Prime Minister, and a representative of the casino. However, the FIU’s input is crucial, as they are legally tasked with overseeing casinos, which are often hotspots for money laundering. So, what does the FIU have to say about the unauthorized ATM dispensing U.S. currency inside Caribi Bleu Casino, and the source of those funds? News Five’s Paul Lopez brings us the details.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

For over two months, News Five has been digging into the operations at Caribi Bleu Casino in San Pedro Town. Our investigation uncovered an unauthorized ATM dispensing U.S. currency, prompting swift action from multiple law enforcement agencies. Tonight, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the supervisory authority for casinos in Belize, is weighing in on our findings. We spoke with FIU Director, Leni Ysaguirre McGann, to get their perspective.

Leni Ysaguirre McGann, Director, Financial Intelligence Unit

“Speaking generally to investigative matters and enforcement matters, the FIU to protect theses processes and our investigations are under strict confidentiality obligations. This means that we conduct our work and investigations with the strictest of confidence.”

In other words, the FIU can’t share the specifics of its investigation or findings just yet. They’ll need to wait until charges are filed or the case goes to court, if it even gets that far. Prime Minister John Briceno is in favor of these actions.

Prime Minister John Briceño (File: Dec 9^th, 2024)

“All we can do is encourage them to do their investigation and if there is any person that should be found guilty of any wrongdoing, they should be charged to the fullest extent. We need to find out from customs if that was even registered or if they paid to have that atm in Belize.”

Leni Ysaguirre McGann

“There are principal law enforcement agencies sitting on the financial crimes working group, the police department, the department of immigration and border management, the customs department, the tax authority, and so it depends.”

It’s clear that operating an unauthorized ATM, particularly one dispensing U.S. currency, is illegal—especially within a casino. The Central Bank of Belize has confirmed that their investigation into this matter is still ongoing.

Kareem Michael, Governor, Central Bank (File: Nov 27^th 2024)

“I am sure you will appreciate that I can’t say much on that, because it is a live investigation.”

As the watchdog for casinos, the FIU ensures these establishments follow anti-money laundering rules through on-site inspections and other methods. McGann noted that while the FIU has previously uncovered violations of the Exchange Control Act by various entities, this case stands out because it involves an ATM.

Leni Ysaguirre McGann

“You would of course appreciate that we have to look at the resources we have and how to apply them. So, we take risks into consideration. There are certain risk factors such as size, maybe geographic location and our circumstances must be able to respond to an event, or changes in risk circumstances.”

Paul Lopez

“Is that to say a compliance visit was never done at this establishment because the risks were not there or there were not any justified risk to do that?”

Leni Ysaguirre McGann

“I did not say that. In fact that would be asking me to delve into the specific case at hand which I am limited from doing. That is to say that adverse information or any discovery does change the risk circumstances.”

Interestingly, casinos are required to have an anti-money laundering compliance officer approved by the FIU, as per the Money Laundering and Terrorism Prevention Act. So, how did Caribi Bleu Casino’s compliance officer miss or fail to report this unauthorized ATM? Once again, McGann couldn’t delve into the specifics of the case.

Leni Ysaguirre McGann

“They are not hired nor are they employees of the FIU. In terms of reporting, they are required to respond to request from the FIU for information, or their supervisory authority and they also have an obligation report suspicious transaction report as well as ensure that other aspects of the compliance regime are in place.”

Our investigation also revealed that the name Caribi Bleu Casino is not registered on FIU’s website. So, is this a simple oversight, or is the casino operating under a different name than the one it’s registered with?

Paul Lopez

“Could it be a case where businesses trade under a different name than it is registered?”

Leni Ysaguirre McGann

“So what I will say that in terms of the names published on our website, that is a list of the names currently registered with us. So, if they are not on the website it would be a fact that the registration process is not complete and they have not been finally registered or published on the website are registered.”

One of the major questions in this investigation is: where is the U.S. currency loaded into the ATM coming from? The FIU highlights its strong track record of international cooperation and emphasizes that investigating money laundering falls squarely within its mandate.

Leni Ysaguirre McGann

“We can’t speak to any specifics, however it is obviously within the FIU’s mandate to investigate money laundering as well as financial crimes, as well as in line with that we do have a roll to play in terms of the supervision for anti-money laundering obligations in casinos. So, running from those two mandates of the FIU, naturally we are very concerned in terms of the operation of casinos in Belize.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Belize Records No Deaths, Lower Dengue Cases than Predicted

As of the end of EpiWeek 50 last week, we’ve seen a total of one thousand, one hundred and sixty-six cases of dengue up to Saturday. Remarkably, there have been no deaths this year, which is a complete turnaround from the high dengue incidences we started with. National Surveillance Officer at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Myra Fernandez, told News Five that the success in this fight was due to effective interventions.

Myra Fernandez, National Surveillance Officer, MOHW

“We have only seen five cases of severe dengue; forty-three percent of those cases were really cases with no warning signs. We’re seeing that the Toledo, Stann Creek, and Cayo District recorded the highest numbers this far for 2024 with a total of 420 cases for Toledo, 341 for Stann Creek and 208 for the Cayo District. I would say that there is a really good program in place in terms of elimination of these mosquito breeding sites. There is also the chemical controller. We all know the ULV spraying that happens and other interventions that happens around each case that is investigated. Apart from that, there is a really good public health education campaign that happens along with the program. And then there is, of course, that community engagements that happen at the community level. So I would say that the response is very quick in terms of what is being done for dengue. So it’s a permanent program that the ministry has in place and we have the services available really countrywide. And that would probably add to why we did not see the numbers that we expected post Tropical Storm Sara.”

Tour Operators Association Supports New Fuel Depot in Caye Caulker

On Tuesday, two Caye Caulker residents wrote to the police to voice their objections to a proposed fuel depot in their area. However, today, a group of tour operators on the island took the opposite stance. The Caye Caulker Tour Operators Association publicly supported the project, led by Petrol Alliance Group Holding Company Limited. The association, which includes several tour companies on the island, issued a brief “No-objection letter.” In it, they stated, “we understand that the company plans to build a fuel station on parcel 957, Block 12, in the Caye Caulker Registration Section, on the northern side of the village. We have no objections to the proposed construction, as it will benefit all residents in the area”.

Julio Paiz Jr. Gets Life for San Pedro Murder

When Julio Paiz Junior was eighteen, he shot and killed his friend and former co-worker in a shocking act of revenge. After bullying his co-worker’s wife and getting reported, Paiz Junior came back to settle the score, executing his friend in public, right in front of his wife. After spending three years on remand, Paiz Junior claimed he had changed and asked the court for leniency, expressing remorse for his actions. However, this morning, Justice Nigel Pilgrim considered various factors before sentencing Paiz Junior to a fixed life term of thirty years, starting from December sixteenth, 2024. Paiz Junior will be eligible for parole after serving half of his sentence. Justice Pilgrim considered the circumstances of the crime, the offender’s background, and both mitigating and aggravating factors. He noted that while the murder was premeditated and carried out in broad daylight, it did not qualify as the “worst of the worst,” thus avoiding a death sentence. Instead, a fixed term was deemed appropriate. The judge also reflected on the impact of the murder on the victim’s family, reading heart-wrenching statements from Hilberto Cáliz Junior’s mother and brother. Despite Paiz Junior’s young age and claims of remorse, his history of infractions and the heinous nature of the crime led to the thirty-year sentence. Paiz Junior’s sentence will be backdated to December sixteenth, 2021, when he was first remanded. In court, the prosecution was represented by Senior Crown Counsel Sheniza Smith, while Paiz Junior was defended by attorney Emerita Anderson.

RTA Victim Believed to be Guatemalan National

On Tuesday, a tragic road accident in Stann Creek District claimed the lives of a man and his dog. The incident occurred in the morning along the Stann Creek Valley Road in Hope Creek Village, near the entrance to Dangriga. A white truck struck the man while he was walking his dog. Police are still investigating and have not yet confirmed the victim’s identity. However, locals believe he is Jose Angel Castillo, a Guatemalan national from Chiquimula, who was known to walk his dog in the area daily. Stay tuned for more details as the story develops.