Opposition Leader Shyne Barrow is shaking things up by challenging a recent decision from Justice Tawanda Hondora. On February 14th, the judge dismissed an order that would send Tracy Taegar Panton to jail for contempt of court, along with several other orders from January 16th. Barrow’s lawyer claims that Justice Hondora got the applications mixed up. Even though they were based on similar facts, each one needed to be looked at separately, considering their unique details and context. This is the latest twist in the ongoing drama over who will lead the U.D.P.
This week, the two main political parties revealed their teams for the upcoming general election on March twelfth. On Sunday, the P.U.P. proudly introduced their full slate of thirty-one candidates. Then, on Thursday, U.D.P. leader Tracy Panton showcased fifteen of their hopefuls. The U.D.P. also has other candidates running under the leadership of Moses “Shyne” Barrow, and there’s Anthony “Boots” Martinez, a veteran U.D.P. and former minister, who is running independently of the two main leaders. In the Collet division, the race has been heating up for months. Patrick Faber, a five-term incumbent, is being challenged by basketball star Devin Daly, who is determined to take his seat. News Five’s Marion Ali caught up with both candidates and brings us this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
According to the candidates in Collet, the election there is anyone’s game. Both contenders report receiving warm and enthusiastic support from the community. For the current representative, Patrick Faber, the main concerns are infrastructure and housing.
Patrick Faber
Patrick Faber, Area Representative, Collet
“ I’d say, the streets and drains, that is the number one concern. Of course, there is the situation of Krooman Lagoon, where we have quite a number of people living in that situation. Apart from that, I’d say just the streets and the drains are the main things. Infrastructure and then housing as well. They have serious problems with housing. Our constituency have not gotten any of the houses that the PUPs promised.”
For Daly, improving the quality of life for the elderly and the youths is key.
Devin Daly
Devin Daly, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Collet
“We receive life from our elders, so we always have to show our respect to our elders. And they vote for us just like the other population, you know, and in the three and a half months that I’ve been campaigning on the ground, this is exactly what the people want, people have been telling me. The young people, they want safe spaces. Even if the jobs aren’t there, they want safe spaces. We want to have a community weh da fi everybody, youth thriving, and also the adults, the middle class, everybody. Outside the overall quality of life, the current infrastructure needs immediate and urgent assistance. We have people when we’re campaigning said, their housing situation and also their streets haven’t been addressed.”
Faber firmly believes that his five-term track record in the area is his biggest advantage.
Patrick Faber
“People are telling me that I have no worry, that they know the relationship that we’ve shared for the many, many years and they have no intention of changing course, that on election day they will show up as per normal, as for the last elections. In fact, they’ve told me, Faber, you are the one we vote for every time. We have no intention of changing that.”
But Daly believes his youth and personal connections to Collet give him the upper hand.
Devin Daly
“I am from Collet, born in Collet and raised in Collet, right da the back fence from your same house, so you know it because you deh eena Collet to – Antelope Street, I deh pahn Iguana. And right now the people ready for somebody come and represent dehn weh have fi dehn best interest at heart, nuh only when da time fi election. Da time fi mek wi find solutions and da time fi mek Collet get new leadership. I’m young, fresh, energetic. I have a lot to bring to the table.”
On Thursday, Tracy Panton introduced her team of fifteen U.D.P. candidates to Belizean voters ahead of the March twelfth general election. This morning, ten of them appeared on Open Your Eyes, including Lee Mark Chang, Panton’s pick for Mesopotamia. Panton’s group, Alliance for Democracy, claims that Mesopotamia is the only area with an elected U.D.P. candidate where they are running their own candidate. So, what’s Lee Mark Chang’s real goal? Is he aiming to win or just to unseat Moses “Shyne” Barrow? We asked him.
Lee Mark Chang, UDP Candidate, Mesopotamia
“I personally believe that a lot of our colleagues have already realized that some of the promises that has been given to them are just dreams. So, some of them have already reached out and there are, we are in process of talks for them to join the Tracy Panton ticket but welcome arms. As you saw yesterday, Mr. Riverol from Corozal Bay has joined us. We are expecting a couple more very shortly. So, the healing has already started. People are realizing that they have been bamboozled. So we are prepared and ready to accept our fate in the coming elections.”
Paul Lopez
“Let us be real about your candidacy. Is not a fact that you are being placed there as a pivotal peace in determining the way forward for the UDP. Win or lose, once Shyne Barrow lose, the faction will be happy.”
Lee Mark Chang
“It is the only way forward for our part to make sure we can heal and regroup and move forward. Yes, we need to remove the “cancer”.”
Paul Lopez
“So will you be satisfied if you lose, the “cancer” is removed, but a PUP wins?”
On Thursday, Tracy Panton introduced Manuel Heredia as her candidate for Belize Rural South. Heredia, who served as the area’s representative for nearly 20 years before losing to Andre Perez in 2020, seemed to have retired from politics. His return has surprised some people. Today, we asked him why he decided to come back and whether it might be better for the party if he stayed retired. Here’s what he had to say.
Manuel Heredia, U.D.P. Candidate, Belize Rural South
“From the day that it was announced, the night, because I hadn’t decided. I had no intentions of running. On Monday night that decision was made and it dropped like a bombshell on the island. People were clamoring that I run one year after election, because the difference between myself and the now area representative is clear, like day and night. The job that I did, the humility I brought, cannot be compared to arrogance and the dictatorial system of government of our Area Representative cannot be tolerated on the island.”
Paul Lopez
“Some are of the view that your time is up, that you should stay in retirement as you embraced after the election. Why come back?”
Manuel Heredia
“I do agree and I personally believe that younger blood suppose to be there. But, nobody wants to come forward. Leadership is very scarce int hat constituency. There are very few leaders, but I believe like yourself, the time is there when the younger people have to come up. So what I will do this time around is to have somebody behind me, guiding someone so that as soon as this term is oversomeone is already there prepared to lead Belize Rural South.”
What about Phillip Willoughby’s run in Port Loyola? He’s up against two other U.D.P. candidates and the current representative, Gilroy Usher, who is also his father-in-law. Willoughby is married to Usher’s daughter. So, how is he handling the election with these family ties? We asked him.
Phillip Willoughby, U.D.P. Candidate, Port Loyola
“To answer that question quite simply and easily for you and your viewers, twenty years ago I met my wife Andrea at the university while studying and Mr. Usher didn’t approve of the relationship. I didn’t get his blessings then and I didn’t get it this time around. That is on a personal level and there is room to work on that when the time comes, and we go there. Secondly, when it comes to politics, it is the bread-and-butter issues of the people of Port Loyola. I am here to champion the cause for and on behalf of the people of Port Loyola. It is a matter of polices and issues that are affecting them. You will not take away my voice in criticizing the policies. I will not stand up, because your media house and all the others complain about how we behave in the house and conduct ourselves as leaders in our community or parliamentarians. So this is an opportunity for me to substantiate such, that I wont play it nasty and dirty with anyone. It has been done to me. I have to man up and rise above and show the people of Port of Loyola that I am bigger than that.”
Paul Lopez
“And it is not that you are taking it easy on your father law because of the family dynamics?”
Phillip Willoughby
“No, and I just answered you question to say, look where was your voice over the last four years and three months, defending the people of Port Loyola publicly?”
With just over two weeks until Belize’s 2025 General Elections, the Belize Police Department is gearing up for a busy day. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams expects a hectic day with some aggressive voters. However, he assures the public that officers nationwide are being briefed on best practices to ensure every Belizean can vote in a safe environment. Here’s more on that.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“We are prepared. Elections and Boundaries had a meeting I think on Wednesday to discuss the issues or strategy as it relates to elections. from a police department standpoint, we have put together our elections data having received the different polling stations, and we’re doing election briefing across the country, making sure that police officers understand what is going to be their role and expectations on election day. Our duty is to make sure that the election goes through free and without any hindrance and we are prepared to do we work in tandem with the Elections and Boundaries Commission they set the rules at the polling stations and we just are there to enforce or to act in support of them. And that is going to be how we’re going to police this election as we have done.”
Reporter
“Are you concerned about the risk of violence with the plurality of UDP candidates because you will have multiple people claiming their UDP and It lends itself to friction.”
Chester Williams
“Of course we do have that in mind. To look at the different factions of the UDP and what they’re going to bring. Not just from the UDP, but we also have the gang issue in certain areas of Belize City. That we also have to make sure that we are prepared to police. We don’t want that people go to polling stations to vote and then they become victims of crime. So we are looking at the entire dynamics to make sure that everybody who wants to go and vote can do so in a safe environment.”
For the past twenty-five years, World Pediatrics has been making a huge difference in the lives of children in Belize. Today, they got a big boost with a two-million-dollar donation from a couple who recently moved to Caye Chapel. The donation was celebrated with a ceremony in Belize City, attended by the generous donors and the C.E.O. of World Pediatrics. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the full story.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
In the past twenty-five years, World Pediatrics Belize has provided specialized care to over three thousand, six hundred children. They’ve performed more than one thousand surgeries and conducted nine thousand medical evaluations. Over the last two decades, one hundred and seventy-five visiting medical practitioners have teamed up with Belizean healthcare professionals. Today, World Pediatrics Belize received a generous two-million-dollar donation from Greg and Kristin Chapman, who recently moved to Belize.
Greg Chapman
Greg Chapman, Donor
“Kristin being a pediatrician, it was natural for us building a home, how can we get involved with pediatrics and World Pediatrics being here twenty-five years we knkew they are a great organization. The funds will get used well and it made us feel really comfortable. This is a great way to give back.”
Kristin Chapman
Kristin Chapman, Donor
“It was just a natural fit. Being a pediatrician, the best part of my job is making a difference every day of my work. It does not feel like work. I am giving back as I am giving. I am looking forward to retiring in the next year or two so to be able to make a difference in the lives of children n this way makes it easier to look towards retirement and not be nervous about that amazing gift my job gives me.”
As new residents of Caye Chapel, the Chapmans wanted to make a meaningful contribution. Today, we met nine-year-old Jahir Gentle, who has benefited from World Pediatrics Belize. Jahir’s mother shared that he was born with a spinal defect and was expected to live in a vegetative state. But now, thanks to World Pediatrics Belize, Jahir walks, goes to school, and even plays football. With tears in her eyes, his mother expressed her heartfelt gratitude while Jahir stood by her side.”
Jahir Gentle
Jahir Gentle, World Pediatrics Belize Patient
“I was feeling sad because my mom started crying because my mom was crying and now, I am feeling good.”
Paul Lopez
“Talk about how you feel about the fact that you got surgery that saved your life and make your life different?”
Jahir Gentle
“I feel good.”
Paul Lopez
“How did it make your life different, what did it do to make your life better?”
Jahir Gentle
“It made me walk better, it makes me feel good.”
Paul Lopez
“What do you enjoy doing as a kid?”
Jahir Gentle
“Football, I play football at school on Wednesdays.”
World Pediatrics has touched over twenty-five thousand lives across Latin America and the Caribbean, including Jahir Gentle’s. At today’s ceremony in Belize City, CEO Vafa Akhavan (Ak-ha-Van) was on hand to explain how the generous donation will be used to benefit children in Belize.
Vafa Akhavan
Vafa Akhavan, C.E.O, World Pediatrics
“There are three areas of care these funds will be focused on. One is in direct care,when we send the teams into Belize to provide surgery for the immediate needs the children has, because they are suffering today. The second is in empowering care, which is more about capacity building, sponsorships, training, etc. The third is about transforming care, working with the hospitals and the ministry of health around pediatric health systems.”
Paul Lopez
“How important are these types of donations?”
Vafa Akhavan
“Very important. Fortunately, we don’t depend on government funding. It is mostlythese donors, large, medium, small, very diverse demographics. They all love the health of children and that is why they make these contributions.”
Last night, we covered the distribution of license plates and stickers in Belmopan. Many drivers have been waiting for months, and in some cases, years, due to supply shortages at the transport department. Today, the distribution continued in Belize City. We visited the transport office and spoke to a few excited drivers who finally received their plates and stickers.
Paul Lopez
“How long has you been waiting for your license plate?”
Noe Rivas
Noe Rivas, Belize District Driver
“Quite a while, I cannot remember.”
Paul Lopez
“It has been that long that you cannot remember?”
Noe Rivas
“Yes.”
Paul Lopez
“How did you feel when you heard the news?”
Noe Rivas
“I felt really good.”
Paul Lopez
“Did you have any difficulties at the checkpoints?”
Noe Rivas
“Not really, because they give us a receipt.”
Paul Lopez
“And you use to show them your receipt.”
Noe Rivas
“Whenever.”
Paul Lopez
“And how do you feel today?”
Noe Rivas
“I feel good because finally we got the license plate.”
Paul Lopez
“I see you have two license plates right now. These are like gold.”
Lloyd Joseph
Lloyd Joseph, Belize District Driver
“Bway, well I think me and my boss lady the go a couple months. My boss lady seh she hear the word that they have a lot of license plate now, so that is the reason I step on this one and received these ones.”
Paul Lopez
“How you feel bout that?”
Lloyd Joseph
“I feel good, because I always use to get harass by the police man deh and all kind of things at times without license plate. So I feel safe now, thank god.”
Paul Lopez
“Congratulations, dah like yuh win the lotta.”
Llyod Joseph
“Yes man, dah like that because I got it here now dig.”
Today, the National Commission for Families and Children held a media sensitivity workshop to teach journalists from across the country how to best report on children, youths, and sensitive topics. The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the media, law enforcement, and child advocacy organizations to discuss ethical standards in reporting. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams attended and emphasized the responsibility of journalists to protect children and the need for stronger laws to safeguard children in unsafe situations.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“When it comes to children who come into conflict with the law, the media must be responsible enough so as not to publish the identity of these children because then either way you take it whether they’re victims or offenders, it is going to bring some degree of of embarrassment to them. And I don’t think that we should expose children to things like that. Today was good and I want to thank NCFC for the invitation for even setting up this event. I think that this discourse today was very important and productive. And I wish that there was going to be more of this.”
Reporter
“What was the reception in relation to the proposition for a law change regarding that incident that you pointed to which you also prosecuted? Someone being a child who’s been a victim of cruelty has to be in someone’s custody in the abuser’s custody?”
Chester Williams
“Like I said, if it is that we don’t take care of our children today, then our future is going to be dim. We cannot live in a society where our children are being abused and the laws that are put in place to protect them is inadequate. To see that, in order to prosecute a person for cruelty to a child must be in the care or charge of the abuser. I don’t think it is right. If you abuse a child, if you are cruel to a child, it should not be dependent on whether or not the child is in your care or charge. It should be across the board. And so I would like to see that aspect of the law change, as well as to make the penalty for persons who abuse children to be more severe than what it is now it is now.”
Caribbean leaders are wrapping up their three-day summit, aware that the region will face challenges from the new Donald Trump administration in the United States. Despite this, they agree on the need to seize any opportunities that come their way. Trump’s policies include deporting illegal Caribbean migrants, cutting funds for development programs, and reversing initiatives that fostered closer ties with Cuba and Venezuela. Here’s Peter Richards in Bridgetown, Barbados with more details.
