2025-01-13 - Channel 5 Belize

UB Unveils Mahatma Gandhi Statue

On Friday, the University of Belize unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the iconic political ethicist celebrated for his leadership in nonviolent resistance that led to India’s independence from British rule. Gandhi’s enduring legacy of peaceful protest continues to inspire civil rights and freedom movements worldwide.

High Commissioner of India to Belize, Dr. Pankaj Sharma, described the occasion as a profound privilege and honor. “This institution, as a beacon of learning and enlightenment, is a fitting place for the likeness of Mahatma Gandhi, who held education in the highest regard.”

Dr. Vincent Palacio, President of the University of Belize, reflected on the two-month anticipation surrounding the Mahatma Gandhi statue, which was hidden under a blue tarp awaiting the Prime Minister’s unveiling. Dr. Palacio stressed the statue’s alignment with the university’s mission of fostering critical thinking, compassion, and leadership, inspired by Gandhi’s principles of truth, harmony, and equality. “This unveiling of the Mahatma Gandhi statue is a ceremony and reflection of our values: peace, nonviolence, and the transformative power of education. Hosting this statue on our campus, on the campus of our university, this institution, is deeply fitting.”

Prime Minister John Briceño attended the unveiling. He said, “There are a lot of similarities with the Father of our Nation, George Price. Both of them were extremely spiritual. Both of them were extremely humble. But both of them had this will of steel that cannot be bent.”

A New Name for S.O.E.

Prime Minister John Briceño is considering renaming the “State of Emergency” (SOE) to better reflect its purpose against gang violence. In this morning’s appearance on Open Your Eyes, Briceño likened the measure to a “time-out,” a strategy used by parents to manage children’s behaviour.

“Sometimes you need a time out… At home, when you and your brother are fighting, what does a parent do? They’re like, ‘Okay, you go to your room.’ That same analogy works in the streets,” Briceño explained, adding, “I hate the words ‘state of emergency’ because it is not the entire state—the entire country, but rather some sections.”

Briceño stated that he has been in discussions with Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa and said they are exploring alternative terminology for SOEs, which are enacted in high-crime areas. “This is a temporary solution for things to calm down,” Briceño stated. He said that it is not a “band-aid” but a necessary step to bring relief to communities while longer-term solutions are developed.

“It is not fair to the people in these neighbourhoods who are good, decent, hard-working, law-abiding citizens who live in fear of these guys when they start out shooting. And then they shoot, and in many instances innocent people get hurt,” he said.

“If that is the only way that we can have peace on the streets, then we are going to do it,” Briceño added.

While SOEs have helped lower the murder rate, they also come with concerns about rights violations, especially for those who are suspected of gang activity. Despite this, Police Commissioner Chester Williams reported in September that SOEs have contributed to a noticeable decrease in crime.

Sugar Roads Being Repaired

Efforts to repair the dirt roads leading to cane fields in northern Belize are underway. Last week, the Corozal Sugarcane Producers Association issued a press release raising concerns about their inability to meet the daily sugarcane delivery quota. The fields where mature cane is planted are located in low-lying areas that have become inaccessible. The root of the problem lies in the poor condition of the roads, exacerbated by weeks of heavy rainfall and the constant use of heavy-duty equipment, which has further damaged the infrastructure. With a break in the rains, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing has begun repairing as many roads as possible.

Repairs have already been completed in parts of Caledonia, San Victor, and Louisville, with ongoing works in Pachacan and surrounding areas.

For cane farmer Jose Majil, the challenge is slightly different. Unlike other farmers who can’t access their mature cane, Majil has been unable to deliver any cane since the crop season opened in December because his crop won’t mature for another month. This delay translates to an estimated loss of $400 per day, based on the 39 tonnes of cane he should be delivering daily.

He said, “We cannot work, and some farmers have big machinery, so they try to take out the product, but at the time they’re hurting the roots too.”

The poor condition of the roads, worsened by persistent rains and the impact of heavy machinery, has made it difficult for farmers to transport their crops.

During his appearance on Open Your Eyes today, Prime Minister John Briceño explained that it is difficult to repair the roads when it’s raining constantly.

Belize Pushes for Tren Maya Expansion

Is the Tren Maya heading to Belize? Since early 2024, a delegation from Belize has been in talks with Tren Maya officials in Mexico. In March, they discussed the possibility of setting up a station at Belize’s northern border with Mexico.

In July, Amir Espadas, President of CANACO SERVYTUR, spoke about the potential benefits of extending the Tren Maya to Belize, saying, “The president said that there is the possibility of extending the Tren Maya, according to conversations with the government of Belize, into Belize.”

Prime Minister John Briceño also addressed the idea in an interview in May 2024. He said, “That is one of the meetings we are going to have with them to see how we can get the Tren Maya a little over three miles to be able to connect to our border.” He added, “Ideally what we want to do is connect it to our border, build the facilities, and get the tourists to come to Belize and also products. We no longer have to depend on transporting by ship.”

Yesterday, Riviera Maya News, a Mexican news outlet, reported that the government of Belize has officially requested Mexico to extend the Maya Train across the Hondo River and into Belize. In a formal letter to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Briceño proposed a two-phase expansion. The first phase would add over 7 kilometres of track from Quintana Roo into Belize, including a spur connecting Chetumal International Airport near the border, according to Rivera Maya News. The second phase would extend the train through Belize to Guatemala, reaching the famous Tikal National Park.

Briceño explained the significance of the proposal to Rivera Maya News: “The letter was to follow up on the two proposals we have; the first is that we can bring the train to the entrance of Belize from Chetumal, and the second is that it can go from here in Belize to Guatemala City.”

He added, “This would bring many benefits to Belize. It could open a new market for tourists since those who come to Cancun are often from Europe… With the Maya Train, it would be much easier for them to travel to Belize.”

“Also in trade, Mexico is a country from which we import millions of dollars, so with the train moving products from Mexico to Belize would be easier, and also moving our products not only to Mexico, but to the United States and Canada, so it is an opportunity for everyone to win,” he said.

Although studies are still needed, Briceño stated, “I am very hopeful that this can be consolidated.”