2025-01-22 - Channel 5 Belize

$2 Million to Repair Sugar Roads in Northern Belize

The Briceño administration is pouring two million dollars into fixing the sugar roads up north. As we’ve reported, many of these roads are in terrible shape due to weeks of relentless rain. Repair work has already started, but the weather is still causing delays. Today, Prime Minister Briceño announced that, on top of the one million dollars already set aside for road repairs, the government has earmarked an additional one million dollars. Besides the awful road conditions, the quality of sugarcane has significantly deteriorated over the years, leading to a drop in sugar production. Here’s what the Prime Minister had to say about these issues.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Yes we have the support of the cane farmers. We have done very well for them. If you remember, the previous government gave them four hundred thousand dollars. What we have done, we have signed a contract in December but we cant control the rain. It has been raining since October virtually nonstop. And, the only way we could fix these road is if it gets dry and we know that. But of course, there is impatience and I understand the impatience. What we have done is put another million on top of what we have signed. So, it is going to be two million. We have never put that kind of money and they know that and they are working with us. But even the factory is not going well for them because the cane has too much water. The content is so high. The ton of cane for a ton of sugar is way too high. Usually, we have about nine tons of cane for one ton of sugar. We are about eighteen tons of cane to one ton of sugar. The amount of mud that comes in is wrecking up the equipment of BSI. So maybe we should have held back a bit more for the conditions to change.”

Major Upgrade of Portion of Philip Goldson Highway to Begin

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing is gearing up to upgrade a significant stretch of the Philip Goldson Highway, from mile eight to twenty-four and a half. This ambitious project, set to last thirty months, will bring the highway up to international standards. After securing funding from the Central American Bank for Economic Development (CABEI) and Taiwan in 2023, the contract was awarded to Teichroeb and Sons for forty-four million dollars. Construction is slated to begin next month. News Five’s Marion Ali has more on the scope of this extensive project.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Chief Engineer Evondale Moody shared that the Philip Goldson Highway Project, covering miles eight to twenty-four and a half, will involve a complete overhaul of the highway. Several new features will also be added as part of this extensive rehabilitation.

Evondale Moody, Chief Engineer, M.I.D.H

“We will be widening the road to an international standard, including shoulders. The section between Ladyville and Lords Bank will be transformed into a boulevard to accommodate the amount of traffic that we have within that corridor. We will also be doing significant drainage improvements within the Ladyville area because that area is usually inundated by floodwaters throughout the years. And so we will be incorporating some new line drains within that section. And these will be covered line drains that will be utilized as sidewalks as well on both sides of the carriageway in an effort to improve road safety as we traverse through the Ladyville and Lord’s Bank community.”

Moody assured that safety will be a top priority in the design.

Evondale Moody

“A number of accidents have occurred within that section of our highway. And so we want to do our best to try and improve road safety within that corridor and for the entire length of the project as we move along. To do that, we have to improve a number of the junctions that we have in place right now. So under the project, we’ll be constructing four new large diameter roundabouts, commencing with one at the airport access road for the Coastal Highway Junction. We’ll be having a second roundabout at Lords Bank Junction. And then a third at the Burrell Boom Junction and then the fourth one will be at the Old Northern Highway intersection with the Phillip Olson Highway. Those are major junctions for us that have always created problems in terms of accidents because of speeding and people not abiding by the traffic signs.”

We caught up with Michael Farrell, a motorist, to get his thoughts as he navigated that stretch of the highway today.

Michael Farrell, Motorist

“The infrastructure is there on all the roadways but the drivers – like the more road they have the more crazy they drive so having the infrastructure, you need to have police on the road with the speed guns that they say they already have. Bring out the speed guns. Vehicles on the roads that needs to be off the road; people need to have their vehicles up to par.”

The project will also include several secondary junctions connecting to the existing highway, like the one at Los Lagos. Additionally, over fifty culverts will be installed to enhance the road’s climate resilience and help it better withstand flooding. Marion Ali for News Five.

Pothole Problems on PG Highway Being Addressed

So, what about those pesky potholes that are turning into craters at the northern and western entrances to Belize City? Chief Engineer Moody explained that the Ministry has been battling the frequent rains to get those repairs done. A particular trouble spot is the section of the Philip Goldson Highway, between the Haulover Bridge and Biltmore, that breaks up every few years due to the unstable ground underneath. Moody mentioned that until they can secure the hefty funds needed to drive piles into the earth to stabilize it, they’ll have to keep up with continuous corrective work.

Evondale Moody, Chief Engineer, M.I.D.H

“The maintenance crew is out doing those works, but we need to deal with the weather as well in carrying out our work successfully. The idea is to try and see how best we could garner funds to do the piling foundation for that section of the highway because I think I’ve mentioned before that that will continue to settle as time progresses because of the amount of peat that we have underlying the pavement surface there. And so what we’re doing as a ministry is just corrective measures, but that’s only on a temporary basis because that is not a long term solution to fixing the problem. The long-term solution is for us to pile the carriageway similar to what we have done to the approach of the bridges. And also the piling that we’ve done to the roundabout near the Benny’s apartment. Once we could get funding to do that, then we would have a long-term solution to solving that consolidated problem that continuously, uh, bothers us, but until such time, we’ll have to just do the, the regular maintenance that the MIDH is doing.”

What Does Trump’s Order on Financial Aid Mean for Belize?

On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed a flurry of executive orders, many of which will directly and indirectly impact Belizeans. One notable order will temporarily halt US aid to foreign countries until certain policies are revised. We asked Prime Minister Briceño how he thinks this order will affect the financial support Belize receives from the US. He was also asked for his thoughts on the appointment of a US Chargé d’Affaires instead of an ambassador.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“We do not get a lot of financial assistance from the U.S. We were awarded and signed a contract with the Millenium Corporation, MCC. The MCC is a private entity, not a government entity. But it is funded by the U.S. Government. So, when we signed a compact that money had already been set aside. So, I believe we will be fine. We will still have access to that money. So, whether the MCC will get more funding for signing other compacts in other countries I hope it could be worked out, because I think MCC is doing a great job in different countries, and we are excited to work with them in education and energy.”

Reporter

“Should we be offended that we are now with a Charge’ and not an ambassador?”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“That is for their country to decide. We have been without an ambassador. I am told that Bahamas from 2012 did not have an ambassador and finally Hershel Walker the football player has been nominated to be ambassador. It is up to them. We hope they put an ambassador. I am sure the people close to Donald Trump will realize that there is an opening to come to Belize.”

Belize Pushes Back Against U.S. Over Panama Canal

The Forty-seventh President of the United States has announced plans to invade Panama and take control of the Panama Canal, a crucial shipping route connecting the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Prime Minister Briceño has made it clear that Panama is a sovereign nation and has Belize’s full support.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I don’t see that happening, the United States invading Panama to take over the canal. It is good politics, good to say but I don’t think he will go through with that. But our support is one hundred percent with Panama. Panama is a sovereign country, and the canal belongs to Panama.”

P.M. Supports Limitations Placed on Starlink Belize LLC

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has put the brakes on Star Link Belize’s operations by denying its application for a Class License. The company had hoped to provide fixed and mobile broadband internet across the country. With this restriction, Starlink services will now be limited to unserved or underserved areas, vessels and aircraft under Earth Station in-Motion, and during natural disasters when other providers can’t deliver emergency services. Today, Prime Minister John Briceño explained that this decision was made to protect Belize’s local internet providers, like B.T.L.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“What happened is that remember we Belize our citizens have made an investment of over ten million dollars in BTL and we need to find that balance. We also have another telecom, another investment and providers. It would be, the competition, we cant fight the wealthiest man on earth. We have been encouraging Star Link to get resellers, work with BTL, work with other companies, but they want it all. We cant allow that. Many countries have had many problem by allowing Star Link to come and operate because they have been running out a lot of country. So, what we have, the PUC position, which I support, we are not giving them an open license, but if a citizen comes and say, and we have been doing that forever. We want a satellite dish, you get a permit to do that. So if you come and living deep in the bush and do not have access to internet service and want to bring it in, they will approve it. So, I think that is the best compromise.”

Port Clinic Closed; Patients Can Go to Matron Roberts

Today, our newsroom received a complaint that a mother and child were turned away earlier this week from receiving medical attention at the Belize Medical Associates clinic on Regent Street. The Port Loyola resident had gone to the N.H.I. facility for medical help because the Port Loyola Health Center is closed for repairs. However, the downtown clinic was reportedly overcrowded, and they were denied assistance. News Five reached out to B.M.A., National Health Insurance, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness for a response and clarity on the matter. Both N.H.I. and Medical Associates explained that in emergency situations, no health facility would deny treatment. However, for other services, there are specific facilities that people need to go to. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.

Marion Ali, Reporting

A complaint by a mother of a young child that her baby was denied medical treatment at a privately-run facility that offers N.H.I services has been flatly denied by facility and N.H.I. The report is that the mother was turned away amidst a crowd that was waiting to see a doctor. The mother, a resident of Port Loyola, had gone to the downtown facility because the Port Loyola Clinic had been temporarily closed for repairs. But both the privately-run clinic and N.H.I have said that their investigation of the incident has revealed something different. Dr. Victor Rosado is the chairman of the Belize Medical Associates’ Board of Directors.

On the Phone: Dr. Victor Rosado, Chairman, B.M.A Board

“This was a woman who – a patient from Port Loyola Health Center, who called us to see if we can read her results at BMS outside NHI clinic, and I think you have knowledge of how the NHI clinics work. You need to be registered with that clinic, and so my manager has told you that that patient was told she should go to more than likely Matron Roberts because the ministry had closed down the Port Loyola clinic. If you’re not registered and you go in with results from another clinic, because everything is computerized, it will be very difficult for them to give you proper service. These patients need to be seen within the public system if they are not registered under NHI. If they are registered under NHI, then they need to go to their NHI clinic.”

We reached out to Dr. Ramon Figueroa, the general manager for National Health Insurance. He explained further how the N.H.I. system operates.

On the Phone: Dr. Ramon Figueroa, General Manager, N.H.I

“If you’re registered with Matron Roberts, really, all your information is at Matron Roberts, and you should be seeking attention at Matron Roberts. You can request a transfer to one of the other clinics because that’s the way it functions. We need to have the information on the registered members so that we can track the use of all the referrals for labs, pharmacy, and so on. Port Loyola is a registered provider under Maitland Roberts. So if you are registered at Port Loyola, you’re literally are registered at Maitland Roberts. So your preferred provider is Maitland Roberts. And that should have been explained to them.”

Dr. Rosado emphasized that if it had been an emergency instead of just a lab result request, B.M.A would have had no choice but to step in and help.

On the Phone: Dr. Victor Rosado

“B.M.A would never turn away someone who, like I said, is in an emergency situation. All health facilities, I believe that is in the Hippocratic Oath, that nobody will be turned away in event of an emergency.”

Dr. Melissa Musa, the Director of Public Health and Wellness, told News Five that the Ministry of Health is committed to making sure everyone gets the primary medical care they need, even if they’re not registered with NHI.

Dr Melissa Musa, Director, Public Health & Wellness, MoH

“We’re rolling out the National Health Insurance. And in this rollout, more and more people are able to register for National Health Services. And so what we are saying at this point is that if you are registered at any provider, so there are numerous providers in the Belize district, you should attend to those clinics that you are registered at. If you are in that thirty percent that you’re not registered as a provider, we do have Matron Roberts, and we have Cleopatra White. So Matron Roberts is what we call a dual facility. So we see registered National Health patients registered for that service and we have patients who are not eligible for that service and are seen as well and provided with care, medication, labs, whatever else is needed at Mitron Roberts. Now Cleopatra is solely a government facility. We’re not selling any services through NHI. So, anybody not registered at, at any NHI facility are, they’re free to come to Cleopatra White for care as well.”

Dr. Musa shared that the Port Loyola clinic offers both outpatient and mental health services. She assured that patients needing these treatments will soon have access to them again.

Dr. Melissa Musa

“In the near future, we will more than likely. We have a team with the Welcome Resource Center, which is run by the Mental Health Association, we’ve met with them. They have a building on the end of Vernon Street, a very nice building and we’re able to put our resources together and provide even better care for the community who suffers with mental illness.”

Dr. Musa mentioned that contractors are currently evaluating if the Port Loyola Health Center can be repaired or if they’ll need to construct a brand-new facility. Marion Ali for News Five.

PM Briceño: Belize Receives Minimal Financial Aid from the U.S.

Following his inauguration, U.S. President Donald Trump wasted no time putting his agenda into action, signing a series of executive orders that could affect countries around the world, including Belize.

One significant move by Trump was the suspension of U.S. foreign assistance for the next 90 days, as part of an effort to address what he termed a “cost-of-living crisis” and to reassess financial commitments abroad. Trump also reaffirmed his “America First” stance, continuing policies that prioritise U.S. interests over global partnerships.

While Prime Minister John Briceño says that Belize receives minimal financial aid from the U.S., he believes the country won’t feel significant effects from Trump’s executive orders. “We do not get a lot of financial assistance from the U.S. We were awarded and signed a contract with the Millenium Corporation, MCC. The MCC is a private entity, not a government entity,” Briceño said, despite it being funded by the U.S. government.

Briceño stated that the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) funding was already allocated prior to Trump taking over office.

“When we signed a compact, that money had already been set aside. So, I believe we will be fine. We will still have access to that money. So, whether the MCC will get more funding for signing other compacts in other countries, I hope it could be worked out, because I think the MCC is doing a great job in different countries,” he added.

Additionally, Trump’s administration has decided to replace the U.S. ambassador to Belize with a Chargé d’affaires. When asked about this, Briceño responded, “That is for their country to decide. We have been without an ambassador… It is up to them. We hope they put in an ambassador.” He compared countries like the Bahamas that have also been without an ambassador for years, pointing out that this decision is within the U.S.’s discretion.

PM Briceño Says Trump’s Claim on Panama Canal is “Good Politics”

In response to President Donald Trump’s repeated claims about China controlling the Panama Canal, Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño has firmly rejected the notion, expressing strong support for Panama’s sovereignty. Briceno asserted, “Panama is a sovereign country, and the canal belongs to Panama.” He said that his government stands “one hundred percent” behind Panama.

Trump had suggested that China “operates” the canal, citing Chinese investments and infrastructure projects in the region. However, Briceño dismissed the idea of the United States taking military action to claim control, saying, “I don’t see that happening.”

Briceño characterised Trump’s statements as more about political posturing, stating, “It is good politics, good to say, but I don’t think he will go through with that.”

Panama, which has controlled the canal since 1999, operates the waterway through its Panama Canal Authority. While Chinese companies have invested heavily in the region, including managing key ports, the claim that China directly controls the canal remains unfounded. Briceño made it clear that “Our support is one hundred percent with Panama. Panama is a sovereign country, and the canal belongs to Panama.”

New Belize Currency Notes to Be Revealed Thursday

Belizeans will get their first glimpse of the country’s redesigned currency notes this Thursday. The Central Bank of Belize is set to unveil the new bills, which will feature images of two national heroes: George Cadle Price and Phillip Goldson.

As previously reported, the Central Bank says that the new notes are more modern and include enhanced security features to prevent counterfeiting.

Prime Minister John Briceño told reporters this morning, “I know what to expect. It is a beautiful note. We have been using our two national heroes, George Price and Phillip Goldson, and we have them in different denominations.”

This redesign follows an announcement made in November 2024 by the Central Bank, which confirmed that the new currency designs would be revealed in January 2025. Despite the fresh look, the redesign will not affect the value of Belize’s money, reassuring the public that the currency will continue to hold its value.

“I know some people will say, We don’t have the queen. Well, the queen is dead, and that has nothing to do with the Belize dollar; it is based on our economy and the amount of U.S. reserves; that is not the pound; it is the U.S. dollar.” Briceño said.

The currency change, which has been in the works for some time, is expected to be well received by the public, as the new notes will not affect the value of money.