2025-02-19 - Channel 5 Belize

EBC Rejects Omar Figueroa’s Request to Remove 124 Voter Names

Back in December, UDP’s Cayo North Standard Bearer, Omar Figueroa, alleged electoral fraud and called on the Election and Boundaries (EBC) to remove 124 names from the constituency’s voter list. On Monday, the EBC issued a statement reaffirming that there has been no electoral fraud and that all voter registration processes comply with the Representation of the People Act.

Orlando Espat, EBC Commissioner, said today that the situation is far from settled and that the People’s United Party is appealing the decision, which prevents the commission from removing the names.

“Well, just remember, it is an appeal. So, if you go to court and the magistrate or the high court tells you they find you guilty and sentence you, but you launch an appeal, there is nothing you can do until the Court of Appeal listens to it,” Espat said.

Espat explained that the matter is now in the hands of the High Court. “We cannot remove any elector and disenfranchise them from the voters list without the authority of the High Court. If they say keep them, we keep them,” he added.

Espat explained that until the appeal process is resolved, those 124 names will remain on the list.

What will be the Symbols to Differentiate the Two UDP Factions?

On Tuesday, the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) ruled that Moses “Shyne” Barrow and Tracy Panton will both appear on the ballot in the traditional United Democratic Party (UDP) red, but with different symbols.

Election Day on March 12 is drawing near, and this decision has raised major questions.

EBC’s Commissioner Orlando Espat weighed in on the growing colour dispute between the two factions of the UDP. Espat confirmed that both sides of the UDP have requested the colour red for the upcoming election ballot. Espat told reporters this morning that “in the case that the political parties cannot agree with a colour, then there’s a section in the representation of the People’s Act that empowers the commission to assign colours or symbols to the political parties.”

Espat added, “What is confirmed is that the two sides will get red on the ballot. What is not confirmed yet is the symbol that they will choose to put on the red.”

While the choice of colour remains settled, the question of symbols is still up in the air. Espat said that the party members will need to return next week with a symbol to distinguish between the two.

But will UDP supporters march to the polls and get confused at the moment of casting their vote? Espat acknowledged the potential for voter confusion, stating that “it is the duty of the political parties to educate people too. It’s not only the duty of the Elections and Boundaries Commission and the department.”

Espat also clarified that while it’s unlikely, a faction could technically request a different colour on nomination day. However, once nominations are in, the EBC will begin the major task of preparing the ballots, and it would be too late to make last-minute changes.

Belize Hosts First-Ever Mobile Air Conditioning Training for Technicians

The Department of the Environment (DOE), in collaboration with the National Ozone Unit under the Ministry of Sustainable Development & Climate Change, is conducting Belize’s first training program focused on Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) systems. The three-day training is designed to equip refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) technicians with the skills needed to service, repair, and maintain MAC systems efficiently.

The training reinforces Belize’s commitment to the Montreal Protocol by equipping RAC professionals with the latest eco-friendly technologies, enhancing technical skills, and reducing the environmental impact of refrigerants.

Participants are receiving hands-on instruction in system diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance of MAC systems, including those in hybrid and electric vehicles. The training also covers best practices for handling refrigerants, with a focus on transitioning to less harmful alternatives such as R-134a and R-1234yf.

Lobster Fishing Season to Close on February 28th

The Fisheries Department has announced that the 2024-2025 Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) fishing season will officially close on February 28, 2025, in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 126 of 2024. The annual closed season runs from March 1 to June 30, aligning with regional regulations established by the Organization for Central American Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector (OSPESCA).

During this period, the possession of lobster is strictly prohibited, and violators will face prosecution under Belize’s Fisheries Resources Act. Fishers are also required to remove all lobster traps from fishing grounds before the closure, as enforcement measures will be in place to ensure compliance.

The Fisheries Department urges the public to report any illegal fishing activity by calling 224-4552 or emailing fisheries_department@fisheries.gov.bz.

Belize City Fisherman Charged for Abetment in Simon Arana Jr.’s Murder

Police have formally arrested and charged 28-year-old Ozen Osburn Rhaburn, a Belizean fisherman from the Belize District, in connection with the murder of Simon Arana Jr., which occurred on Monday, February 10.

Rhaburn was charged with abetment to commit murder and discharging a firearm in public.

The 23-year-old teacher was shot and killed in Hope Creek Village. Initial reports indicated that he had been socialising when gunshots rang out, resulting in his tragic death.

Maria Annel Rodriguez Sworn in as Auditor General

Maria Annel Rodriguez was officially sworn in as Belize’s new Auditor General today at the Belize House in Belmopan. The Government of Belize Press Office said that her appointment marks “an important step in strengthening transparency and accountability within the government. Her appointment, effective from January 1st, 2025, to July 28th, 2047, reinforces Belize’s commitment to good governance.’

Her appointment did not come without criticism. Despite her extensive background, Rodriguez’s appointment has sparked debate in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Concerns were raised regarding the transparency of the selection process and potential issues related to nepotism. Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow questioned her academic qualifications and the legality of her 2014 promotion to Supervisor of Audit.

BREAKING: Magistrate Attacked in Court by Convicted Criminal

News Five has learnt that a female magistrate was attacked by a male convict this morning at the Punta Gorda Magistrate Court. The incident happened this morning.

Details are still forthcoming.

The attacker, we are told, appeared in court on charges of burglary, assaulting a police officer, and three counts of harm and damage to property and had been convicted in Belize City for attempted murder.

This is a developing story.

Retired Public Officers Demand Unpaid Benefits After 30-Year Wait

A group of retired public officers took to the streets to demand long-overdue benefits, nearly 30 years after they were denied salary increments. Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, Lisbeth Castillo, interim vice president of the Association of Beneficiaries and Retired Public Officers, said the protest aimed to raise public awareness and urge the government to take immediate action.

“We are here to raise awareness to the public and to send a message to the Prime Minister and those who are in authority that it’s been nearly 30 years that we have been waiting for monies that are justly ours.,” Castillo stated.

Between 1995 and 1997, public officers did not receive their annual salary increments. Instead, the government at the time invested the withheld funds into retail shares, which have since accrued significant dividends. The affected retirees argue that their pensions were calculated using incorrect salary figures, leading to financial losses over the years.

“We were promised that years ago when they were able we were going to sit at the table, the calculations would have been done, and people were going to get what is justly theirs. Now what has happened is that all persons from that time onwards who have retired have really retired, and their pensions have been calculated at a wrong salary.”

The group is pressing for the immediate disbursement of their rightful funds, stressing the urgency given their advancing age. “We have retired BDF soldiers, we have ex-policemen, we have public officers, teachers, nurses, and everybody really who has been paid by the public purse, which is actually the government, and who were affected at that time. Now that’s an important point we want to make: only persons who were affected for those two years are to benefit from this trust, not the public service as it is today. Not everybody, as a lot of people have been saying, because what has really happened is a lot of public offices that have not been beneficiaries have been benefiting from our money with loans and different things,” Castillo added.

Meanwhile, another member told News Five, “Many of us have died waiting, and we are still here fighting for what is rightfully ours… This has happened under both red and blue governments, yet nothing has changed.”

The group has participated in numerous meetings over the years, hoping for a resolution, but progress remains slow. “It’s frustrating now. We are hoping they will respect us and finally do something about it—because they can,” the protester emphasised.

The retirees vow to keep fighting. “The fight continues, and I will not stop. Even if I have to be here in a wheelchair with my walking stick, I will be here.”

The retirees argue that the government has long mismanaged their funds, prioritising other interests over their rightful payments. “It is easy for the government to spend people’s money their way for their own interests,” the protester added.

As the group persists in demanding action, they call on the government to honour its commitment and release the funds before more beneficiaries pass away without receiving what they are owed.

Pope Francis Spends ‘Peaceful Night’ After Pneumonia Diagnosis

Pope Francis, who has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, spent a restful night and ate breakfast on Wednesday, according to a Vatican statement. Concerns over the 88-year-old pontiff’s health have grown as he continues treatment at Rome’s Policlinico A. Gemelli Hospital.

In a brief morning update, the Vatican stated that Francis “spent a peaceful night, woke up and had breakfast.” The pope was admitted to the hospital last Friday for bronchitis, but subsequent tests confirmed pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection, indicating the presence of multiple microbes in his respiratory tract. The Vatican said he is receiving cortisone antibiotic therapy.

Despite the complexity of his condition, Francis remains in “good spirits,” engaging in prayer, reading, and rest, according to a Vatican update on Tuesday evening.