2025-01-20 - Channel 5 Belize

Caribbean Countries Prepare of Elections in 2025

Belize is not the only country buzzing with general election, with the nation’s Prime Minister, John Briceño, keeping the election date under wraps. Many Caribbean countries are also gearing up for a major political year as several nations prepare for general elections. Voters across the region will have the chance to either retain current governments or cast their votes for a change. As issues such as COVID-19 recovery, rising violence, and climate change influence the political stage, this year’s vote carries more weight with all these in consideration.

Among the countries heading to the polls in 2025 are Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Suriname, Guyana, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with each nation facing its unique challenges. In Anguilla, while no official date has been announced yet, Premier Dr. Ellis Webster’s Anguilla Progressive Movement is preparing to launch its campaign in January. General elections were last held in June 2020.

In the month of February, two Caribbean countries are preparing for general elections. Turks and Caicos Islands will go to the polls on February 7, 2025. This election will mark the first five-year parliamentary term in the territory’s history. The Progressive National Party is aiming to retain power after the last election in February 2021.

Bermuda will head to the polls on February 18, 2025, following an announcement from Premier David Burt on January 8. The Progressive Labour Party will be seeking re-election. The last general election in Bermuda was held in August 2020.

Similarly, Curacao will hold parliamentary elections on March 21, 2025, with over 110,000 eligible voters. The country, which recently became an associate member of CARICOM, will finalise candidate lists by February 7. Its last election was held in March 2021.

In Guyana, an official election date is yet to be confirmed, though Vice President Bharat Jagdeo hinted that the next general election is likely to be held in November 2025. The country’s booming oil industry has spurred economic growth, but Guyana has also faced tensions with neighbouring Venezuela over a territorial dispute. Guyana’s last general election was in March 2020.

In Jamaica, the political arena is heating up, but no election date has been set. The ruling Jamaica Labour Party is hoping for a third consecutive term. The last general election in Jamaica was in September 2020.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines will also hold elections, but no date has been announced yet. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, 78, is seeking a historic sixth term after recently being reelected unopposed as the Unity Labour Party’s leader. He mentioned in December 2024 that he would soon advise the Governor-General on dissolving Parliament for fresh elections. The last election was in November 2020.

Suriname will hold its general elections on May 25, 2025, following an amendment to the electoral law that introduces a national proportionality system. The country has faced protests and economic challenges, including in February 2023, when demonstrators stormed the Parliament over socio-economic policies. Suriname’s last election was held in May 2020.

Trinidad and Tobago is awaiting an election date, but Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has confirmed he will not seek reelection and will resign before his term ends. The ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) has selected Energy Minister Stuart Young as the next prime minister. Trinidad and Tobago’s last general election took place in August 2020.

As the region heats up politically, these elections arrive at a critical moment when many Caribbean nations face challenges in economic recovery, crime, and climate resilience. 2025 makes another year where the votes citizens cast are expected to have a lasting impact for another term.

Still No Arrests Made for Giovanni Ramirez’s Murder

Thirty-year-old Giovanni Ramirez was fatally shot while driving his red SUV on Amandala Drive just over a week ago. Since then, there have been no arrests made in connection with his murder.

Last week, the police had reported having video footage that captured the moment of the attack, in which two men were seen ambushing Ramirez on a motorcycle and firing a barrage of gunshots.

Ramirez had faced legal issues himself, having appeared in court for various criminal offences. He played a pivotal role in the conviction of attorney Oscar Selgado, who was sentenced to ten years in prison for attempting to hire Ramirez to murder Marilyn Barnes. Although Ramirez provided key testimony, he never testified in court due to fear, and reports suggest recordings of his conversations went missing. Ramirez had also recently been charged with gang membership.

In an interview today, Commissioner Williams said that the police have located and interviewed persons of interest in the case, but no useful information was obtained, and they were released. Authorities are continuing to search for evidence and urge anyone with information to come forward.

“Those persons who we were looking for at that particular moment have been found. They have been interviewed. They have not been able to get anything tangible from them, and so they were released. The investigators came to the area looking for evidence,” he said. “We invite anyone who has any information that they believe can help us in solving that murder to please come forward, and let’s see what we can do,” Williams added.

Police Department Awaits Deported Belizeans

At the age of 78, Donald J. Trump has officially been sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday. His return makes Trump the only the second former president in U.S. history to return to office. Trump took the oath of office in an intimate ceremony inside the Capitol Rotunda.

Trump wasted no time outlining his bold agenda. “All of this changes starting today,” Trump said, adding his pledge to reverse what he called the “horrible betrayal” of the previous administration. He announced plans for over 100 executive actions on his first day, including increasing oil production, declaring a national emergency at the southern border, sealing the U.S.-Mexico border, and beginning mass deportations of immigrants in the country illegally.

When asked about the potential impact of these policies on Belize, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams commented, “Let’s congratulate President Trump for taking office today… It’s a historic moment for America, and certainly the world is watching—the world is waiting to see what is going to happen.”

He added that Belize would monitor the return of deported individuals, particularly those wanted by local authorities to face charges. “In terms of the people that will be sent back to Belize… we will wait to see who will be coming back. We certainly are looking forward to certain people coming back that are wanted by the police to face charges here in Belize. So, we welcome them,” Williams said.

Taiwan Donates US$3 Million to Belize for School Feeding and Wi-Fi Programs

The Government of Belize has received a US$3 million grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to support two key education initiatives. Prime Minister John Briceño was presented with the funds by Taiwanese Ambassador Lily Li-Wen Hsu, and they are to go towards the National School Feeding Program and the Wi-Fi in Schools Program.

The grant is the final disbursement under the 2023 Bilateral Cooperation Program. The breakdown of the funds includes US$950,000 for the National Healthy Start School Feeding Program and US$2,050,000 for the Wi-Fi in Schools Program.

The National Healthy Start School Feeding Program has been operational since 2022, providing daily meals to over 8,000 students across the country. The Wi-Fi in Schools Program, also launched in 2022, ensures that all 197 schools in Belize have access to secure, high-speed internet. By March 2023, all schools were successfully connected.

PUC Restricts Starlink Operations in Belize

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has placed limits on the operations of Starlink Belize, LLC (SBL), approving its services only in specific circumstances. While the company had applied for a Class Licence to provide fixed and mobile broadband internet across Belize, the PUC declined the request after assessing consumer needs, regulatory requirements, and the impact on current service providers.

However, the PUC will allow the use of Starlink equipment under the following conditions:

-Unserved or Underserved Areas: Starlink terminals may be imported and operated in areas lacking adequate internet services.

-Vessels and Aircraft: Usage is permitted on ships and aircraft in compliance with regulations for Earth Station in-Motion (ESIM) technology.

-Emergency Situations: Starlink equipment can be deployed during natural disasters when other providers are unable to deliver emergency services.

The PUC has also mandated that current Starlink users in Belize register their equipment within 60 days through the PUC Spectrum Online Centre. New applications for Starlink usage will be evaluated individually, following the PUC’s importation guidelines.

The commission said that it is committed to balancing technological innovation with equitable access to reliable services. It says that it is actively working to refine Belize’s utility regulations and develop a comprehensive licensing framework.

BNTU President Says January Demonstration is Not Ruled Out Yet

In late 2024, the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU) voted to organise a national demonstration in January, demanding the Government of Belize address overdue teacher increments. While the government committed to settling the payments by the end of the year, BNTU President Nadia Caliz confirmed that more than 200 teachers are still awaiting their rightful increments.

During this morning’s episode of Open Your Eyes, Caliz stated that the union had initially planned a demonstration but has since adjusted its approach. “Belize is used to seeing BNTU in a more confrontational approach, and we have decided to change strategy,” Caliz said.

She added that the union has not yet ruled out the demonstration, as the month of January is not yet over.

Caliz said that the union has been “gathering accurate data” since January 1, 2025, through January 17, to determine how many teachers received their increments and whether they were paid the full amount owed. According to this data, the issue of unpaid increments involves not only the government but also school administrators and management.

“This situation is not only about government; it’s about management; it’s about school administrators; all three entities,” Caliz said, adding that the information gathered suggests the issue is “pointing at all three.”

She also addressed the broader struggles within the education system, which have led many teachers to seek alternative employment. While some leave the country for better opportunities, Caliz pointed out a surprising trend in data from the Ministry of Education. She said, “80% of teachers are going to the call centres.”

When asked if 2025 being an election year is a factor in the negotiations with the government, she stated, “Election year, or no election year, whenever you ask the people to vote for you, you are committing to improving the lives of citizens. So they’re still the government, and they have that legal responsibility to improve the quality of life for all of us.” She added, “When I approach them, I approach them with the same mantra that they campaigned us with.”

Could Bird Flu Threaten Belize’s Poultry Industry Again?

The ongoing H5N1 bird flu outbreak has made its way into commercial poultry in states like California, Washington, and Colorado. While the risk to public health remains low, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the situation, particularly among poultry workers.

The virus, which spreads primarily through wild birds, can also infect poultry and mammals. Human cases are rare, but experts caution that farmworkers, dairy, and poultry workers are at higher risk of exposure.

With it clearly being an outbreak in the U.S., how can this affect Belize? Although human cases are rare, the virus spreads mainly through wild birds and can infect poultry and mammals. In Belize, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) and the Belize Poultry Association (BPA) are working together to monitor the situation and protect local flocks.

Dr. Victor Gongora, a veterinarian with the BPA, stated that while Belize successfully eradicated the virus in 2015, neighbouring countries like Guatemala and El Salvador still face ongoing outbreaks.

“We’ve had avian influenza for a long time in the region, Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador, but Belize has been the only country in the region that we have had an infection in 2015, and we were able to eradicate it and declare ourselves free. Because unlike Guatemala, El Salvador still has it with them, and they’re vaccinating, and Belize is not vaccinating,” he said.

Signs of avian influenza in birds can include reduced appetite, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and a drop in egg production. Affected birds may show signs of weakness, such as lack of energy, swelling around the face, and purple discolouration. Other symptoms include lack of coordination, diarrhoea, muscle tremors, drooping wings, and twisted head and neck movements. In severe cases, birds may become unable to move or die suddenly without any prior symptoms.

The bird flu’s economic impact on Belize’s poultry industry can be significant over a long-term period, said Armando Cowo, the manager of the BPA. Cowo stated that systems are in place to assist local farmers to better protect their birds even if some farmers are not members of the association.

Cowo and Dr. Gongora stressed the importance of the public’s assistance in reporting suspected cases. The public is urged to report any suspected cases to the BPA at 822-3221 or 615-9694 to help protect Belize from this disease.

Official Statement on B.D.F. Fatal Shooting

Press Release

On Sunday, January 19, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m., a tragic incident occurred at Crique Sarco Patrol Base, resulting in one fatality and one injury. While the circumstances remain under investigation by the Police Department, it has been confirmed that one BDF soldier succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, while another patrol member sustained two gunshot wounds and is currently in stable condition, receiving medical treatment at the Punta Gorda Hospital. Both injuries were inflicted by another BDF soldier of the patrol.

The First Infantry Battalion has taken all necessary measures to ensure that the Crique Sarco Patrol Base remains secure. The Belize Defence Force remains committed to maintaining the national sovereignty of Belize.

At this time, the Commander of the Belize Defence Force and all officers and soldiers extend their heartfelt condolences to the families of both soldiers. Welfare officers have visited the families to offer comfort and support in their time of grief. His life and memory will be honored by the Belize Defence Force.

Trump Makes His Return to the White House

All eyes are back on the United States as Donald Trump makes his return to the White House as the 47th president. JD Vance will become vice president after a rapid rise, having been elected to the Senate in 2022.

Trump’s swearing-in is set for noon indoors in the Capitol Rotunda due to concerningly low temperatures in Washington, DC. Trump has made it openly clear that his first actions in office will include executive orders on immigration and other key policy areas. And after the emotional rollercoaster Americans felt over the weekend, he has also been vocal about extending the deadline for TikTok’s potential ban.

The schedule includes a church service, tea at the White House, and the formal swearing-in ceremony. Afterward, Trump will deliver his inaugural address. Trump and Vance will then sign key documents before attending a lunch hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.