Today was Nomination Day across the country, and both major political parties presented candidates in all thirty-one constituencies. Third parties and independent candidates also joined the excitement, though some struggled to gather the six people needed for their nominations. It was a historic day as two People’s United Party candidates were declared winners in their divisions sixteen days before the general election. Fort George Area Representative Henry Charles Usher retains his seat in the House of Representatives after his opponent, Melvin Hewlett, failed to show up for the U.D.P. elections this afternoon. Pickstock Area Representative Anthony Mahler, who drew a massive crowd during this morning’s parade, also secured another five years in parliament when Dean Samuels didn’t show up for his nomination, despite attending the U.D.P.’s march to the Civic Center. Joining me this evening is News Director Isani Cayetano with a recap of Nomination Day activities across the country.
Tag: 2025-02-24
Moses “Shyne” Barrow Introduces U.D.P. Thirty
On Saturday, the Moses “Shyne” Barrow-led United Democratic Party unveiled its slate of thirty candidates for the upcoming general election. The only constituency without a U.D.P. candidate is Corozal Bay, where they are backing independent candidate Elvia Vega. Barrow and his team also launched their manifesto during the event at the U.D.P. Headquarters. News Five’s Paul Lopez was on the scene to get the details.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
On Saturday, just two days before Nomination Day, United Democratic Party Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow held a press conference to introduce his team of thirty candidates for the March 12th general election.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, U.D.P Leader
“These ladies and gentlemen, my brothers and sisters that have taken up the call to action of our democracy, to hold this government accountable and to provide a viable alternative for the people of Belize. The people of people to rescue themselves form this PUP government and that is the beauty of democracy. These ladies and gentlemen here with me from our beloved United Democratic Party, are asking you to give them a chance to do better than what the wretched PUP has done. We are asking for that chance to do better because you deserve better.”
Barrow’s UDP team of thirty features mostly new faces, along with some familiar ones like Barrow himself, Hugo Patt, Omar Figueroa, and Tony Herrera. During his speech, Barrow didn’t hold back, taking jabs at the Tracy Panton faction and their candidates running under the same UDP banner.
“Today we celebrate the fight, because though they try to distract us, though they send traitors to infiltrate us and be treasonous and to betray their oath to the Belizean people and cause mischief and distraction form the real issues, we have not relented. Certain independent parties say that they would showcase thirty-one candidates. They had twelve and struggled to pick up a few others. Here we are with thirty candidates, because we will not field a candidate in Corozal Bay.”
On Saturday, Barrow and his candidates rolled out their manifesto. This three-page document covers various aspects of governance, including sports, healthcare, housing, and citizen security.
Nelma Mortis, U.D.P Candidate, Port Loyola
“Our manifesto will be reflecting greatly and I know our youth will love to hear this. We will now focus on ensuring that our national university if fully funded to allow access to free education at the tertiary level for all Belizeans.”
Abraham Flowers, U.D.P Candidate, Freetown
“Under the UDP we will upgrade all existing health facilities with proper medical equipment, ranging from basic equipment such oximeter, EKG or ECG machine etc, to complex equipment such as CT scan machine, dialysis machine, Chemotherapy machine, radiology machines.”
Tyrone Louriano, U.D.P Candidate, Caribbean Shores
“We will increase the salaries of our police officers by five percent. This I believe will afford the officers some relief from their daily obligations and allow them to be able to focus on their duties to ensure the safety of their duties. We intend to double the budget for the National Forensic Unit.”
Shane Williams, U.D.P Candidate, Queen Square
“The next UDP government will finally treat those athletes who wear the country’s names and colors on their chest with the appreciation they deserve. All current national team players will be placed on a full livable salary. They finally will be able to focus on their training to deliver their absolute best. No more begging on the side of the road to go an represent your own country.”
“I confess to you the Belizean people, there are days that my head hot mih, mih head the spin, but I know God, because I have been through hell, the worst that a human being can go through. And when my head the spin I say for the Belizean people, for what I know I can do for this country, for what I could leave for my daughter and grandchildren, mek mih head spin. By the grace of God I will continue on until my last breath.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez
Three Women Found Dead in SP Hotel Room
The results of postmortem examinations and a police investigation are expected to reveal how three tourists tragically died in their San Pedro hotel room late last week. The women had checked into the resort for an unspecified stay on the island. They were last seen alive on Thursday night after returning from a private tour. On Saturday, resort staff found their bodies in their first-floor room. News Five’s Marion Ali went to San Pedro on Sunday to bring us this report.
The bodies of three friends—twenty-three-year-old Kaoutar Naqqad, twenty-four-year-old Imane Mallah, and twenty-six-year-old Wafae El-Arar, all originally from Morocco but now U.S. nationals—were found in their suite at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort on Coconut Drive in San Pedro just before noon on Saturday. They were last seen alive around seven PM on Thursday night, heading to their ground-floor room after a full day of touring the island. Bert Novak, the General Manager of the resort, told News Five that there were no signs that anything was wrong.
Marion Ali
”Can you say when they checked in if there was, it was only three of them or somebody else with them, if there was any forced entry in their room, anything like that?”
Bert Novak, General Manager, Royal Kahal Beach Resort
“ No, nothing at all. They came back from a tour, and they went back to the room, didn’t leave the room and then we checked that evening. That’s when we found them.”
Marion Ali
“So they went on a tour on what? Saturday?”
Bert Novak
“No, on Thursday. Thursday and Friday is when we went and checked on them on Saturday.”
“They were supposed to check out?”
Bert Novak
“No, no. They’re supposed to check out on the 19th.”
Bert Novak
“That’s what I heard as well, but until we get the autopsy report, we can’t say something official.”
Inside the suite, police discovered gummy bear candies, snacks, drinks, vapes, and electronic devices. Although the sight of three bodies being removed from the resort could have alarmed tourists and hurt business in the area, Katherine Hubbard, a local condo owner, praised the authorities for their efficient handling of the situation.
Katherine Hubbard, Neighbour
“We hardly didn’t even know what was going on because they were, they were so professional in how they handled it.”
Marion Ali
“You mean the police or the management?”
Katherine Hubbard
“Everybody was. We knew something was going on because we saw the ambulances, we saw the police, you know, but I think how everybody handled it was very professional. They kept it very confidential. I still don’t know exactly, you know, what’s going on.”
According to Novak, the incident hasn’t hurt business at the beach resort. However, management has provided counseling for the staff to help them cope.
Bert Novak
“Of course, everybody’s traumatized and I’m making arrangements for my staff to see somebody as a trauma person so they can talk to them because it’s unfortunate. It affects everybody.”
While the staff of the resort are distressed by the incident, Hubbard expressed sympathy for the families of the three women.
Katherine Hubbard
“I just pray for the families.”
Marion Ali for News Five.
ComPol Says Pathologist Called in to Assist Police at Scene
Today, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams informed reporters that the bodies of the three women showed no signs of foul play. He emphasized that the evidence gathered heavily relies on the pathologists’ input. Although gummies were found at the scene, Williams clarified that this doesn’t necessarily link them to the women’s deaths. The autopsy reports will be crucial in determining what the women consumed and what was in their stomachs. The gummy bears, not made in Belize, could have been brought in by the women or someone else. Forensic experts suggest the women could have been dead for up to twenty hours before being discovered. According to Williams, the women were supposed to leave Belize on Sunday, just a day after they were found dead.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“The bodies exhibited no signs of injuries. Police also saw inside the room what appeared to be vomit beside each female. They policed with a view to ensure that the scene was properly processed. I waited for the Scenes of Crime personnel to arrive as well as the pathologists. This is one of the cases where we invited the pathologists to come on the scene as well so that they could assist the police in navigating the scene with a view to see what can be found of evidential value. That was done. The police did a thorough search of the scene, along with the pathologists and Scenes of Crime and there was nothing of substance that could have been found, other than alcohol and some gummies. You may recall, a couple years ago, we had some gummies that were disposed of from the police exhibit room and they were found by somebody at the dumpsite and sold. And then we saw where some people who consume those gummies had to be rushed to the hospital. So we found some of those gummies inside the room. Now, we’re not saying at this time that the gummies caused the deaths, but we’re looking at every possibility. I know that today the postmortem examination is going to be conducted by the National Forensic Services, and we are anxiously awaiting that result to see if they will be able to unearth anything to assist us in determining the cause of death. There is also a theory that they could have died from carbon monoxide. And so, again, a test will be done, hopefully today or tomorrow, with the National Fire Service who have the equipment to test the level of carbon monoxide in a building. The police have also viewed this surveillance footage from the hotel that they were staying. And this surveillance footage showed that they went to the hotel room Thursday evening and they were not seen leaving that room again and nobody was seen going into the room. On Friday, the housekeeping department went to the room to do the usual housekeeping, but when they knocked on the door, no one answered and so they just left. And I think that is the norm because you know, they do have some guests who do not want their room to be cleaned. So they would not respond when housekeeping would go to check. And the following day, which was Saturday, the housekeeping department went again, to do housekeeping. They knocked on the door and got no response, and they became suspicious. So based on that, they reported the matter to management, and management got a master key to the room, opened the room, and that’s when they found the three females inside the room, motionless, and then the police were called. So, we’re trying to do as best as we can, including to see where they may have gone on Thursday before they went home, what, if anything, they consumed.”
American Business Mogul Murdered at Placencia
Police are investigating the murder of American real estate developer Boris Alexander Mannsfeld. On the night of February twenty-first, around nine p.m., Mannsfeld was found dead at his luxury home, Cocoplum Villas in Maya Beach, with a gunshot wound to the neck. Nearby, police found a spent shell casing, his wallet with cash, and his loaded firearm still in its holster. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the full report.
According to his website, fifty-six-year-old Boris Mannsfeld fell in love with Placencia during his first visit in 1992 and officially moved to the peninsula in 2006. Over the years, he invested heavily and became one of Belize’s top real estate developers. Tragically, his journey came to a sudden end when he was found dead at Cocoplum Villas in Maya Beach, one of his projects. Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that they are investigating Mannsfeld’s death as a murder.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“He came into the country that same day, as you would know that he has been in and out of the country following the death of Borja. And he was in his yard. When seemingly he was approached by whoever the gunman or gunmen are and he was shot once to the head behind the neck. He succumbed to his injuries. At this time, we don’t know much. Investigators are still busy trying to investigate around Mr. Mannsfeld.”
In 2023, Belize City businessman Ricardo Borja, a close associate of Mannsfeld, was shot dead outside his apartment. Then, in 2024, businessman Darren Taylor was killed at his home in Dangriga. Both men were involved in investigations into fraudulent land deals at the time of their deaths. Police Commissioner Chester Williams has revealed that authorities are looking into a possible link between these murders.
“We have one person in custody who is of interest to us. And so we’re also investigating around that individual. We’re also looking at the business transactions that Mr. Mannsfeld may have with other individuals without being able to see if we will be able to close in on a possible motive and perhaps suspect. So at this time we don’t have much where that is concerned. A t this time, cannot say that but we’re not ruling it out. We have to first establish a motive in order first to be able to make a definitive connection but it will not be wrong for one to assume that there may be some connection there. And we’re looking at that possibility.”
Chester Williams
“We have seen the discourse on social media where it is said that, um, there are several claims before the court. So again, investigators have communicated with Mr. Mansfield attorney and today they’re going to the court to see what are those claims, um, that existed before the court and when those claims We’re going to be heard and against whom so those again a part of things that investigators will be looking at as a part of the investigation”
Police have detained businessman Frik de Meyere for questioning. He was also questioned back in 2023 after the death of Ricardo Borja.
“Yes, He’s a suspect. And again, let me make it clear that Frik, or whatever his name is, It’s the person of interest who is in police custody at this time. And let me make it clear that he, he is just a suspect, in this matter. I don’t want no lawsuit to come, so I’m making it clear that he’s just a suspect. The police are interviewing him to see if there’s anything that he would be able to assist the investigation with as it relates to this matter.”
Before his death, Mannsfeld sent emails to his clients, revealing that he had securely stored crucial evidence about a land fraud scheme. He shared this information with trusted individuals, instructing them to release all files—names, bank details, receipts, messages, and passwords—to major news outlets and US lawmakers if anything happened to him. Britney Gordon for News 5 Live.
Frik De Meyere Questioned for Mannsfeld Murder
Police are investigating the murder of American real estate developer Boris Alexander Mannsfeld. On the night of February twenty-first, around nine p.m., Mannsfeld was found dead at his luxury home, Cocoplum Villas in Maya Beach, with a gunshot wound to the neck. Nearby, police found a spent shell casing, his wallet with cash, and his loaded firearm still in its holster. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the full report.
Andrew Bennett, Attorney-at-law
“In my experience, whenever you’re dealing with a firearm and you want that firearm to be, I was examined by the Forensics Department. What normally happens is that firearm is secured in an evidence gun box. It is sealed, and the owner of the firearm would sign on those on the tip, which is a seal for the box. When I questioned the police about whether that was done it wasn’t as well as in terms of personal property. If the police take custody of your personal property, I know that normally they would issue a receipt. It’s called a triplicate receipt. None was issued to my client. So I was, and I remain very apprehensive and very weary in terms of how that whole process was dealt with, especially because it was done by a, I would consider Mr. Gonzalez, Mr. Jaime Gonzalez, to be a very senior officer and would have known what the procedure is, but unfortunately, that is the case.”
Isani Cayetano
“Is there anything else involving your client on this particular matter that I may be overlooking that you care to announce?”
Andrew Bennett
“That my client is innocent? Other than that, my client remains he is very cooperative with the police. He has attended an interview. I must say that the interview has been very I would say professional. My client is not being mistreated in any way, but that does not mean that he waives any right to bring an action against the police for false imprisonment because we are of the view that he was detained unlawfully and that there was no probable cause to hold him in detention for forty-eight-hours.”
Deadly Shooting in Hattieville Claims Life of Beloved Electrician
On Saturday, Hattieville resident Tyrel Thomas was tragically shot and killed by three men who reportedly mistook him for someone else. Thomas was installing surveillance equipment at a home in another part of the village when he was ambushed. Known for his dedication to community service, the electrician and former village councilor was also working on refurbishing a local park. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
A well-known and beloved Hattieville resident, licensed electrician Tyrel Thomas, also known as Tyrel Requena, was tragically gunned down on Saturday afternoon. He was installing a camera system in the Windmill area of the village when the deadly shooting occurred. Thomas was on the job with his goddaughter when they came under fire.
Tyra Thomas, Sister of Deceased
“All I can say, that was definitely mistaken identity. He went to install a camera at this house and that was it. He went to do what he loved to do. He went to do his work, you know. He was definitely not the intended target.”
Thomas was on a ladder outside the bungalow when three men reportedly appeared from a nearby overgrown area. They approached the property and unleashed a hail of bullets in his direction. The spot where he stood on the ladder is now marked with bullet holes.
ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division
“We have several persons in custody and no one has been charged at this time.”
Reporter
“Is he collateral damage in a gang war and was the target someone else?”
“Yes. We have information that the intended target was someone else. There were three persons there and two of them got shot.”
Tyra Thomas was at a store in Hattieville when she received the news about the deadly attack on her brother.
Tyra Thomas
“I was in J Mall and one of my uncles stopped me and he asked me if da true Tyrel get shot. And I da like no.”
Tyra Thomas
“It still feels surreal. I went to sleep last night and I got up believing that it was a dream. So honestly, it feels surreal. We have honestly not come to the terms of it. He’s a licensed electrician, he worked at BATSUB for twenty-five years. As a matter of fact, he had recently received his award of service, a big accomplishment for him. That was literally him. Tyrel would you have any kind of electrical job, everybody knows Tyrel will be willing to assist.”
Could Thomas’ death be a gang-related attack targeting the person who hired him to install the surveillance equipment?
“Yes, we have some information that it’s related to that, yes.”
Reporter
“Do you know the motive for why they were after that other guy?”
Hilberto Romero
“The same rivalry between the two groups in Belize City.”
These two groups have been clashing for a while, but the violence has surged since Brandon Baptist’s death a few weeks ago. Isani Cayetano for News Five.
Major Parties, Third Party and Independent Candidates Out West
Returning to our Nomination Day coverage, we head west to the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, as well as Benque Viejo del Carmen. These towns are divided into four constituencies. Both the People’s United Party and the United Democratic Party have candidates running in each constituency. Additionally, there are third-party and independent candidates in most areas. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the details.
At ten a.m. this morning In Cayo North, People’s United Party Candidate, Michel “Micho” Chebat showed up to be nominated inside the San Ignacio Magistrates Court which much fanfare. He was backed by a large following of supporters and a live performance by Supa G.
Michel “Micho” Chebat, P.U.P Candidate, Cayo North
“This is a confirmation of the work we have been doing and an appreciation of the people of Cayo North. They have seen the work we have done over the last few years. And they are out here in number to express that support. And so we are humbled and grateful to them.”
Paul Lopez
“I see you moving around greeting people, let us talk about what people are saying to you right now.”
“We have done a lot, but there is so much more to be done. We have given out over four hundred and fifty lots here in Cayo North. There are many people out here who still want lots. So the work continues. We have given out about twenty starter homes. But, more people want homes. You know, when somebody gets a home you are giving them a shelter. It is not just a home , you are empowering them. So we hope that in this second term we can give more homes to people. I can tell you and I don’t want to preempt our prime minister, but one of the things coming for us is that Sacred Heart College, High School will be absolutely free coming September.”
At midday, third party candidates showed up at the various nomination stations to declare their candidacy. The Belize Justice Movement is fielding two candidates in the Cayo constituencies. They are the party’s leader, Roody Wade who is contesting the Cayo Central division and Leroy Lisbey who is running in the Cayo North division. They arrived at the nomination station with only a handful of supporters, mainly nominators.
Tracy Taegar-Panton Officially Nominated for Albert
At midday, Tracy Taegar-Panton and her team for the 2025 general elections paraded through the streets of Belize City, heading to the Civic Center for their nomination. Surrounded by a lively and enthusiastic crowd, Taegar-Panton remarked that this turnout was just a preview of the support she expects on Election Day. We caught up with her before she entered the Civic Center to see how prepared she was to sign her name on the nomination sheet.
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Standard Bearer, Albert
“Well I’m very encouraged, very excited. We’re grateful. That we have gotten to nomination day in one piece. I’m looking forward to contest the next general elections.”
Britney Gordon
“And do you think that this crowd today is a good reflection of the support that you have been able to garner for your party?”
Tracy Taegar-Panton
“Absolutely. Absolutely. I wish you know nomination day was on a weekend when we can have more supporters out. But I think this is a good subset of the people who will be coming to support us on election day.”
Reporter
“The decision to come during the lunch hour. Can you speak about decision to come during the lunch hour?”
Britney Gordon
“Yes, does this technically, mean you are approaching as an independent candidate as this time is reserved for independents?”
Tracy Teagar-Panton
“Absolutely not. Absolutely not. We are members of the United Democratic Party and we’re here to be nominated as members of the UDP.”
Britney Gordon
“What do you think is motivating your supporters to bring you back into the Albert area?”
Tracy Taegar-Panton
“The love. It’s all about the love. I have stuck with them and they have stuck with me. The good times, the bad times, the highs and the lows. We do it together. I embrace them and they embrace me and I feel a lot of love today.”
Britney Gordon
“Are you fearful of any possible conflict that might happen with the remaining PUP supporters out here?”
Tracy Taegar-Panton
“Absolutely not. We are Belizean. We are all Belizean and we have a right to support the political party of our choice. The United Democratic Party is alive and well, and we’re ready to successfully contest the next general .”
U.D.P Throws Support Behind Former P.U.P. Area Rep
As mentioned, Moses “Shyne” Barrow and his U.D.P. team are backing Elvia Vega, an independent candidate and former P.U.P. Area Representative, in Corozal Bay. This is likely the first time a U.D.P. leader has supported a former P.U.P. candidate over one of their own. The reason? Barrow’s original candidate for Corozal Bay switched sides to join Panton’s team. Barrow believes it’s better for Vega to win the seat.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, U.D.P. Leader
“In this regime, this authoritarian regime, where is see that former minister honorable Eliva Vega has now decided to run independent and abandon the PUP. They repossessed her vehicle right away. That is prime minister petty. We believe that it is better for Elvia Vega to win that seat than Thea Garcia. Because we care about the Belizean people. We will not just put somebody there because as you know the gentle man we had their betrayed his party, betrayed his oath and defected to a third party. He has no chances of winning based on his actions. So, rather than complicate things in that constituency we would hope that Elvia Vega would hold on to her seat, because anything is better than the PUP getting Corozal Bay.”