At his event on Saturday, Barrow didn’t hold back, taking aim at Tracy Panton and her fifteen candidates. He argued that if they can’t follow the UDP constitution, how can Belizeans trust them to follow the country’s Constitution? Barrow went as far as to call them frauds, claiming they dislike him because he’s not your typical politician.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, U.D.P. Leader
“That is why they don’t like me, because I am not a traditional politician. I don’t have to sing for my supper. The independent party weh the fraud everybody out here. They don’t have anything to offer other than they want to get rid of me. Imagine somebody wants you to vote for them so that they can stay in opposition. Not that you could get rid of the real cancer which is John Briceno and the PUP. But they don’t like me because I don’t come to thief and if I nuh come fih thief they cant thief eena my Cabinet and the same way I took on gentlemen that were politicians for thirty years, five years area reps that thought they were entitled to do as they please and not follow the constitution of the UDP, because id they don’t follow the UDP constitution they wont follow the Belizean constitution. So, we need to stop that now.”
In Belmopan and Cayo South, the political scene was as heated as the scorching midday sun. The three candidates—Oscar Mira for the P.U.P., John Saldivar under Tracy Panton’s leadership, and Ralston Frazer under Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s leadership—each brought their unique flair to the campaign trail today. Over in Cayo South, the current representative, Julius Espat, drew a huge crowd at his rally after his nomination, while the events for the two U.D.P. candidates were more low-key. News Five’s Marion Ali was on the ground in Belmopan and Cayo South to bring us this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Right at ten a.m., a lively parade kicked off with drumming and a huge banner of Oscar Mira on a trailer truck, leading about a hundred enthusiastic supporters to the Belmopan Civic Centre. Mira, the current representative, told reporters he’s eager for a second term to keep building on the work he’s started in the nation’s capital.
Oscar Mira
Oscar Mira, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Belmopan
“We have livened up Belmopan but there is a lot of work to be done, a lot of infrastructure work. Belmopan is growing so fast. It’s the fastest growing municipality in Belize. It is growing so fast that we need to keep up with the infrastructure work. We have done a lot of infrastructure work. There’s more to be done. There’s a lot more to be done. We have worked extremely hard in ensuring that our young people get an opportunity to education. “Compre” now is free. You can go to Belmopan Comprehensive School and get a free education. You’ll get assistance in food. You’ll get assistance in uniform. When it comes to health, the government has worked really hard to ensure that our people get the opportunity of getting health care and N.H.I. is rolling out to the Cayo district and very, very shortly, we have plans of building the new tertiary level hospital in Belmopan. There’s so much things going on.”
Veteran politician John Saldivar, running for the U.D.P. under Tracy Panton’s leadership, led a spirited motorcade to his nomination. He shared that his time away from the spotlight has allowed him to recharge, and now he’s ready to tackle the community’s demands for improved infrastructure, housing, and goods.
John Saldivar
John Saldivar, U.D.P. Standard Bearer, Belmopan
“The rapid deterioration of our infrastructure, our road network, and land issues have become a serious issue, and people’s land have been taken away from them. The pantry program has been ripped up away from the poor and the elderly of this city. And people are going to rebel against that when election day comes.”
Ralston Frazer is the U.D.P.’s pick Belmopan under Barrow. He did not lead a parade nor a motorcade, but he said the momentum in his camp has given him the fire he believes he needs to cause an upset.
Ralston Frazer
Ralston Frazer, U.D.P. Standard Bearer
“Ninety-five percent of the homes that I stop in I am the one doing the listening. People are telling me what is wrong, what is not right, how things are not going the way they’re supposed to be going and which one of our candidates are not doing what they’re supposed to be doing and all these other things and I end up listening to their complaint. This is telling me of the frustration of our people, particularly here in Belmopan, I know this is national, but particularly here in Belmopan, that response tells me that the people are tired.”
Marion Ali
“What are they tired of?”
Ralston Frazer
“Let’s get to that. One of the thing is people are finding it difficult. This is a national issue, but again, it affects Belmopan. People are finding it extremely challenging to put food on their table. And we know why this is because the national government has the responsibility to make life a little bit easier for children. You would have heard our party leader said in our newly-launched Manifesto, where the fuel price is concerned. Now, measures like that will allow for prices to go down.”
The police maintained order all day, with no incidents to report. Over in Cayo South, the current representative, P.U.P.’s Julius Espat, led a huge rally after his nomination this morning. He shared that he believes the residents are pleased with their work since 2020.
Julius Espat
Julius Espat, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Cayo South
“Everybody is happy, they’re energized and willing to wait for the 12th of March.”
Marion Ali
“What are the issues as you go from house to house and you meet with the supporters? What are they telling you that they need more of, or that they want to change?”
Julius Espat
“They don’t want any change. They just need more of what we’re doing. Land is an issue always. Cayo South has a lot of people that don’t have title for properties. And so we are working along with the Ministry of Natural Resources a little at a time to make sure that they get the title for their land because as you’re aware, if you build on something that’s not yours, it’s not a good investment. And so we are making sure that we are giving them back the power so that they can have property, title. And so that’s one of the main movements. We’ve been working a lot with infrastructure, every sector. We have a community development fund that was provided to us by the government and we have been using it. If you notice, the nomination was in the refurbished community center and we have been doing community centers in all the villages. We have a program with education where everybody here that has applied for some assistance in education has received from primary school, high school, sixth form, and even universities. Some have gone abroad, studying to be architects, doctors. So we’ve been working hard to really raise the quality of life in Cayo South.”
However, the two U.D.P. candidates disagree with Espat’s positive self-assessment. Dr. June Young, running under Tracy Panton’s leadership, believes there’s much room for improvement.
June Young
Dr. June Young, U.D.P. Standard Bearer, Cayo South
“Across the thirteen villages in Cayo South, some of the challenges and the needs of people are the same. We have some communities where people are clamoring for light, for water, for land to have access to their homes in some areas way to the back of the villages. They do not have access where vehicles can take them to their home. So they need to walk for some miles to get to their homes. So those are the issues. Also, we know the issue of crime. The other day we had, uh, Mr. Samayoa who was shot in Arizona. So campaigning in that community. The villagers were telling me, you know, Dr. Young, we need a substation here in our village. We need a little polyclinic and if possible, a multi-grade school so that our students, our children do not have to walk that far to go to school. So the needs are great.”
Antonio Samayoa, running under Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s leadership, believes he’s the best candidate for the job and is confident he can deliver if elected on March twelfth.
Antonio Samayoa
Antonio Samayoa, U.D.P. Standard Bearer, Cayo South
“ We need some change. And what inspired me to do this is that I am ready for it, and I am ready for the people of Cayo South. And we, together, this is not just about me. This is about the people. I know there are two strong opponents, but my view is that I will get in there and fight for my people. I’m not scared of Julius and my other colleague. This is not about creating divisions. This is for us, for all to be together, but it’s the people’s decision.”
The United Democratic Party (UDP), led by Moses “Shyne” Barrow, has thrown their support behind Elvia Vega, an independent candidate and former People’s United Party (PUP) Area Representative for Corozal Bay. Barrow’s move makes it the first time a UDP leader has endorsed a former PUP candidate.
Earlier today, Barrow told News 5 that he’s confident that Vega has a better chance of securing the seat. “We believe that it is better for Elvia Vega to win that seat than Thea Garcia,” Barrow stated.
Barrow went on to criticise the former UDP candidate, Hernan Riverol, who is now running under the leadership of Tracy Teager-Panton’s UDP. “We will not just put somebody there because, as you know, the gentleman we had there betrayed his party, betrayed his oath, and defected to a third party,” Barrow said, referring to Riverol’s defection.
Barrow added that Riverol “has no chances of winning” and that the decision to endorse Vega comes so as to not “complicate things in that constituency.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister John Briceño expressed disappointment over Vega’s decision to run independently. “She knows she can’t win… If she is a good PUP as she claims to be, then she and her supporters will support the candidate of the PUP. That’s the oath that she took,” Briceño told News 5.
Despite the endorsement and growing tension, PUP’s Standard Bearer for the constituency, Thea Garcia Ramirez, remains confident in her campaign. When asked if Vega’s candidacy could impact the race, Garcia Ramirez stated firmly that it does not affect her campaign “at all.”
Dean Samuels was 1 of the 4 UDP candidates under Moses “Shyne” Barrow who failed to show up today to be officially nominated to contest the March 12 election. He took to Facebook to announce that he will release a video tomorrow to explain the situation. He stressed that he does not owe an explanation to anyone except those he holds in high regard and the people he aspired to represent—many of whom placed their trust in him.
“Hey guys .. will do a video tmr explaining situation.. I really owe nobody, any .. ( but those who means a lot to me and those I hold in high regard )
He stated that, for once, he made the decision to put himself first, and acknowledged that few would truly understand the realities he faces. Samuels made it clear that he has no intention of tearing anyone down, creating narratives, or casting aspersions on the party he still believes is best for the country.
“In the end I chose to do something today I never really practiced doing. I put myself first. in end nobody would understand the realities I face.”
Describing his statement as simply his truth, he said it would be his final word on the matter. As for how others feel about it, he remarked that it is their own concern.
Dennis Williams of the UDP did not show up on Nomination Day for the Toledo East. Melvin Hewlett did not show up for Fort George. Norman Usher did not show up for Toledo East.
The political rivalry between Kaya Cattouse and Tracy Panton intensified over the weekend following comments made by Cattouse during a People’s United Party (PUP) campaign event in Independence Village. The Albert constituency candidate took aim at Panton, the sitting United Democratic Party (UDP) Area Representative, in a fiery address that later sparked controversy.
Cattouse declared to supporters, “Because the PUP will win across the north, the south, the west, and in Belize District. We will win Albert, and unu know why? Because Tracy time come and Tracy time done.”
She followed up with a remark that drew sharp reactions: “Because mek we be real, she can’t keep up with me—nuh pan the bike, worse on the campaign trail—and nuh mek we talk bout we ina the mirror.”
Panton swiftly responded via social media, calling the remarks “body shaming” and labeling them “in poor, poor taste.” She insisted that she has intentionally avoided negative campaigning, adding, “Voters are more interested in what I am bringing to the table… Ms. Kaya Cattouse attempts to ‘body shame’ me in Independence yesterday was not well received.”
Cattouse has since defended her comments, stating they were taken out of context. In an interview, she explained:
“I think this is a competition, Isani. And for anybody who took my comments to be other than that, definitely got my message wrong. Looking in the mirror, it’s an introspection. Take a book out of Michael Jackson’s page—The Man in the Mirror. When I look in the mirror, I see a young, fresh, new politician. One that no opponent can keep up with. And that is what I was referring to. So, for anybody who took it other than that.”
The Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Education, honoured several schools and youth groups at the National Grant Fund Awards Ceremony held on Friday. The ceremony celebrated exceptional climate change proposals across Belize.
Five primary schools were awarded BZD 2,000 each to support their climate initiatives, including Bullet Tree SDA Primary School and Yo Creek Compassion School. Meanwhile, two youth groups, Belize Youth Movement and ILS Phoenix, received generous awards of BZD 10,000 and BZD 6,000, respectively.
Three high schools were also recognised for their contributions: St. Catherine Academy, Our Lady of Guadalupe High School, and Methodist High School, each receiving BZD 5,000.
In the statement, the ministry said, “These schools and youth groups are being recognized for their efforts to engage with climate change solutions and raise awareness in their communities.”
Reports reaching News 5 indicate that Dennis Williams of the UDP did not show up on Nomination Day for the Toledo East. He is the fourth UDP candidate to have not shown up. The PUP’s candidate, Dr. Osborne Martinez, will still be challenged by an independent candidate and a third-party member.
This is what we reported earlier:
With nominations closed at 4:00 p.m. today, two divisions will see PUP Standard Bearers running unopposed. This marks a historic moment in the country’s electoral process, as Anthony Mahler of Pickstock and Henry Usher of Fort George faced no challengers. Under the Barrow UDP faction, Dean Samuels was expected to be nominated, and so was Melvin Hewlett in Fort George. Meanwhile, in Dangriga Town, supporters waited on their UDP candidate, who did not show up.
With nominations closed at 4:00 p.m. today, two divisions will see PUP Standard Bearers running unopposed. This marks a historic moment in the country’s electoral process, as Anthony Mahler of Pickstock and Henry Usher of Fort George faced no challengers. Under the Barrow UDP faction, Dean Samuels was expected to be nominated, and so was Melvin Hewlett in Fort George. Meanwhile, in Dangriga Town, supporters waited on their UDP candidate, who did not show up.
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, “Three male persons fired shots towards the direction, causing the fatal injuries to Requeña and injuries to Novelo.”
Tyrel Requeña Sr., a former village councillor and Justice of the Peace, was installing a camera system when three men emerged from nearby bushes and opened fire. Villagers reported hearing up to 20 gunshots. The incident happened on Saturday afternoon in Hattieville, Belize District.
Requeña was accompanied by his goddaughter, Kiana Novelo, who was also injured but has since been treated and discharged from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). Requeña was pronounced dead at the KHMH after 3:00 p.m.
Romero stated that police investigation revealed that Requeña was not the intended target. “We have information that the intended target was someone else,” he said, adding that the shooting is linked to a wider surge in gang-related violence, “between the two, uh, groups in Belize City.”
Romero added that several individuals are in custody for questioning, but no charges have been filed.
Reid appealed the Commissioner’s decision to the Belize Advisory Council on September 5, 2024. The Attorney General’s Ministry, in a memorandum, stated that Reid “is alleging that the decision of the Commissioner is unlawful, as there was a breach of legitimate expectation, natural justice, and procedural irregularity, and further that the decision to dismiss was unreasonable and disproportionate.”
In his appeal, Reid argued that the disciplinary proceedings were rushed and that he was not given adequate notice, depriving him of a fair opportunity to respond to the charges.
When reporters questioned Williams about the matter, he said, “I think that to some extent the counsel from the AG Ministry was not privy to all information when he wrote that opinion because, one, when we have breaches of our disciplinary code, we don’t need to issue a notice of complaint.”
Williams defended his handling of Reid’s case, describing the advice given by the AG Ministry as an “opinion,” not a definitive statement. He said that Reid’s case did not fall under the specific conditions that would require such a notice and that the decision-making process was lawful. While Reid was fined $250, Williams stated, “I exercised my discretion in dismissing him on the basis that the response given was not satisfactory, right? And so for the council to have said that natural justice was not followed, that’s not true.”
