Businessman Michael Feinstein has filed an appeal against a recent High Court ruling that upheld the government’s acquisition of twenty-three point four acres of land on Stake Bank Island. The decision, handed down by Justice Rajiv Goonetilleke in late January, supported the government’s claim that the acquisition was legally justified and in the public interest. Feinstein argues that the ruling is flawed, asserting that the Land Acquisition (Public Purposes) Act does not specify a timeline for compensation, making it unconstitutional. He further contends that the government’s move was politically motivated, aimed at resolving ongoing litigation in favour of private investors rather than serving a genuine public purpose. Additionally, he claims that the acquisition should have been carried out under the Land Acquisition (Promoters) Act, which governs private developments, rather than the public-oriented legislation used. In his appeal, Feinstein seeks to have key portions of the ruling overturned, legal costs awarded in his favour, and any other relief the Court of Appeal deems appropriate.
Tag: 2025-02-13
How Will the U.S. Aid Freeze Affect Belize?
The Belizean government remains uncertain about the full impact of the Trump administration’s foreign aid restrictions. Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has halted funding for numerous international projects, including those focused on climate resilience. Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca says the government is still evaluating the potential fallout.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
”We had a very good discussion. They are still gathering information. So we don’t want to make any you know, premature requests. We want to wait until we get all the information and to see exactly what the impact will be. But of course we are also preparing ourselves and, and making sure that we are identifying resources and funds, as I said where there are any gaps that exist we will make sure that we fill those gaps.”
G.O.B. Remains Firm on Palestine’s Self-Determination
Last month, Belize officially filed to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. This aligns Belize with eight other nations to end the genocide of the Palestinian people. However, the United States of America has remained a steadfast supporter of Israel. Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca explains how the government of Belize is navigating this misalignment of allyship.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“ I think, you know, Belize, as you said, participated in the initial meeting of the Hague group. You know, there are changing circumstances and changing conditions and we have to constantly review those. The cabinet is aware of these issues, we are discussing these issues. So. You know, again, our position is that any of these organizations that we engage in, we do so on a principled basis really because of our strong commitment as a country to self-determination. That has been, you know, the critical focus for us in all of these fora that we participate. But, as I said, it’s something that we are reviewing and looking at. You know, and cabinet will discuss these matters in a more comprehensive way.”
Fonseca Unbothered, Too Focused to Know His Opponent
On Tuesday, Prime Minister John Briceño announced that Belizeans will head to the polls on March 12, 2025. With less than a month to go, candidates are in full campaign mode—but in Freetown, P.U.P. Standard Bearer Francis Fonseca isn’t breaking a sweat. In fact, he’s so confident in his re-election that he doesn’t even know who his political opponent is. Fonseca says his focus remains on his work and his constituents, not the competition.
Francis Fonseca, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Freetown
“ I am a representative. Of Freetown So I have to be engaged in campaign and political work. But of course I also have ministerial duties which I have to carry out. I’m doing that today. So it’s a balance. It’s a balance. But obviously, you know, this is political season, campaign season. So, you know, we’re carrying out our work. And finishing up some of the projects that we started. And then, as I said, campaigning. Campaigning obviously takes priority right now.”
Britney Gordon
“ What has the feedback been like from the residents in your constituency? Is there any areas of concern that you’re looking at addressing?”
Francis Fonseca
“No, I mean it’s, we have a great relationship with the people in Freetown. So I feel very confident about my relationship with them. But of course, of course, we talk to them about issues of concern to them. You know. Infrastructure is always an issue that we have to continue working on. People are always concerned about more job opportunities. People are concerned about their land, getting access to land, getting access to housing. Those are big issues. The cost of living, of course, is always an issue of concern. So we talk to our voters about all of those issues and try to you know, respond to them when they come up in a responsible way.”
Britney Gordon
”In terms of Abraham Flowers, how are you feeling having him as your opponent right now?”
Francis Fonseca
“No, I don’t know the gentleman, so I can’t comment on it. I don’t know him. I understand he’s a U.D.P. candidate you know, but like every candidate, I respect all of my candidates, this is my sixth election, I respect all of my candidates, and I never make my campaigns about who I’m running against, I make it about my work and my relationship with the people of Freetown, and that’s what I will do in this election as well.”
Police Investigating Rape Allegations Against Union Leader
Police are investigating allegations of rape made against a Belize City union leader. According to reports, a female coworker claims that she was sexually assaulted by the unionist back in 2019. Police recorded the statement of the alleged victim. We are told that the union leader was being questioned by Ladyville police on Wednesday night. No charges have been levied, and when we checked with the police department’s communication department, we were told that they have no knowledge of any such report.
San Pedro Resident Missing for Five Days
Police are seeking the public’s assistance to locate San Pedro Town resident Carlos Cassanova. He was last seen just before midnight on Saturday and Sunday morning. There are reports that Cassanova was in the back of a police mobile when he was last seen. His sister, Telma Corado, says she has received those reports, but the Belize Police Department has said that this narrative is not accurate. Corado told us, via telephone, what the family knows so far.
On the Phone: Telma Corado, Sister
“For right now, we’re a bit relieved since the police have taken our report seriously, because at first they weren’t really paying mind to it. So they’ve started their investigation and started reviewing nearby footage. I don’t know much for now. All we know at the moment is that he went missing on Saturday night. The last persons who saw are saying that he was last seen between the hours of twelve in the morning Saturday into Sunday morning. So, they’re currently investigating, and they’ll start getting videos from nearby stores that have cameras so that we can figure out what time more or less he came down. That’s really all we have for now. But I do feel relieved that the police have already taken my report and started the investigation.”
Benita Palacio
“We understand that he was last seen behind a police truck; is this true?”
Telma Corado
“Well, that’s what people are saying, and that’s what they’re investigating now.”
Benita Palacio
“We also understand that he left his phone in his room; is this true?”
Telma Corado
“Yes, that’s right. He left his phone, his wallet everything. He left everything; didn’t take anything with him. The only thing we see he might have taken is his keys because the door was locked.”
San Pedro Fisherman Reported Missing
A second San Pedro Town resident has been reported missing. Twenty-six-year-old fisherman Ernesto Lopez went missing on Saturday night into Sunday morning also. He was last seen socializing with friends. His relatives have been desperately searching for answers. We spoke with a relative who revealed that he left his friends that night to meet up with an ex-girlfriend.
“The last time my brother saw him was Saturday night. That was the last we knew about him that he was staying around drinking with friends. But, they have already investigated friends. They said they were with him but they got a call from some ex-girlfriend from him. My concerned is that I was speaking with his mom from two days ago and she said that she had received a message from his ex-girlfriend stating that she was dumped by the barge area and that his body is still there. But when she went back and look into the picture, it was only put as view one. She was under investigation and released today because she says she doesn’t know anything, and she just went to find him because he was going to give her some money. That is the story she is giving. At the moment my brother and six friends which are very close to him are on the boat doing the search. At the moment the police has not put their search to find them, because as you know another person is missing.”
Paul Lopez
“Could it be that the two missing persons are related in any way?”
On the Phone: Relative of Ernesto Lopez
“No, we don’t think so.”
Mold Takes Over Court Houses, Delaying Hearings
On Wednesday the Belize City Magistrates Court had to be closed, because employees raised health concerns related to mold infestation in the building. The Punta Gorda Magistrates and Family Court are also faced with a mold infestation issue. That is yet to be addressed, even though there are complaints from employees of a similar nature. The High Court building directly in front of Battlefield Park is also tackling mold and a rodent problem. We heard from Attorney General, Anthony Sylvestre, on how these concerns are being addressed.
Anthony Sylvestre, Attorney General
“I’m not sure if you were present at the opening of the High Court, but the chief justice did indicate that there are plans, in train to address the and this structure similar to what was done with respect to the other, structure which previously housed the Prime Minister’s office and the chief Justice office. So a similar plan has been developed to refurbish these premises.”
Reporter
“How much would be the cost.”
Anthony Sylvester
“That that project ran about two million, a little bit over two million.”
“Okay. So we’re looking at, similar quantum for this its a little bit smaller but…”
Anthony Sylvester
“I would say in the range of two million. So the family court issue at Punta Gorda, that is an issue that would be addressed in the new fiscal year. One of the things so one of the issues with respect to the interim period is that in terms of allocations of financing but you haven’t raised it and it being a critical matter I will undertake that I’ll address and certainly, operating within reasonable provisions that are allowed for a government during this interim period it certainly will be addressed but thank you for that.”
“Caretaker Government” Role for Briceño Administration Until Elections
Tuesday, Prime Minister John Briceño advised the Governor General to dissolve parliament and to issue a writ of election. So, what becomes of the powers held by the executive branch? According to section eighty-four of the constitution, the country continues to be governed by the Prime Minister and other ministers until the appointment of a new prime minister after the general elections. Attorney General, Anthony Sylvestre refers to the role of a caretaker government.
Anthony Sylvestre, Attorney General
“I don’t recall the specific constitutional section, but it does make provisions that the ministers and ministers of state continue to act. You need to have a government that ensures that national security issues, and other issues, that those are being addressed. In the interim we are a caretaker government at the time.”
Fonseca Clarifies Cabinet’s Role Ahead of Elections
As the Constitution states, the country remains under the leadership of the Prime Minister, along with his ministers and ministers of state—including Francis Fonseca.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
“ The National Assembly has been dissolved. The Constitution provides that the executive remains in place until the elections are complete. So until the votes are counted. And the new representatives are declared and the executive of the country, which is the cabinet, constitutionally carries out their powers and authority until that time. There should be no confusion. As I said earlier about what happens once an election is called. Once the National Assembly is dissolved, Parliament is dissolved. So you don’t have representatives. You don’t have any representatives in Parliament. But the Constitution of the country, which is the supreme law of the country, provides that the executive of the country, which is the cabinet continues to manage the affairs of the country, continues to govern the country, has full powers and authority to conduct the work of the country during that period, as I said, until a new government is formed on election day or after election day.”