2025-02-25 - Channel 5 Belize

General Elections 2025: An Election Like No Other

In 6 days, on March 12, more than 204378 registered voters (as of January 2025) will head to the polls to decide which party will form the next government.

Ninety political candidates were officially nominated, representing 6 political parties and 4 independents.

The ongoing rift in the opposition, the United Democratic Party (UDP) has led the Election and Boundaries Department to recognise 41 candidates across 31 constituencies. This is the first time in Belize’s history that voters in several constituencies will have the option to choose two candidates, and in some cases, three candidates, under the UDP banner.

This is only one of the factors that makes this election not only unique but also historical.

The 2020 Shift in Power

On February 11, Prime Minister John Briceño and Leader of the People’s United Party (PUP) officially announced the date of the election. March 12 is 244 days away from the end of Briceño’s five-year term.

His tenure began after leading the PUP to a decisive victory in November 2020, defeating the UDP led by Patrick Faber.

A total of 149,650 votes were cast in the election, representing a voter turnout of 81.86%. The PUP secured the majority with 88,040 votes, accounting for 58.83% of the total. The UDP received 57,374 votes, making up 38.34%. The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) secured 548 votes (0.37%), the Belize People’s Front (BBF) received 820 votes (0.55%), and independent candidates collectively garnered 924 votes (0.62%).

The PUP secured 26 seats in the House of Representatives, while the UDP hung on to 5 seats.

The Rise of the Honourable Dr. Moses “Shyne” Barrow

Moses Michael Levi Barrow, known as Shyne, was born on November 8, 1978, in Belize City and moved to Brooklyn, New York, in his youth. Rising to fame in the late 1990s, he signed with Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Bad Boy Records and released his debut album in 2000, which went gold. However, in 1999, Shyne was involved in a nightclub shooting with Combs and Jennifer Lopez, leading to his conviction on charges of assault and weapon possession in 2001. He served eight and a half years of a 10-year sentence, during which he converted to Orthodox Judaism and changed his name in 2006.

After his release, Shyne was deported to Belize, embracing his heritage and pursuing a political career. In 2010, he was appointed Belize’s Music and Goodwill Ambassador by his father then Prime Minster, Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, promoting the country’s culture and youth initiatives. Shyne’s political involvement deepened over the years; in the 2020 general elections, he took over his uncle’s, Michael Finnegan, constituency and secured a seat in the House of Representatives for Mesopotamia as a member of the United Democratic Party (UDP). Barrow defeated the PUP’s Dr. Candice Pitts for the Mesopotamia. Barrow secured 910 votes (53.06%), while Dr. Pitts received 751 votes (43.79%).

In June 2021, he became the Leader of the Opposition after the UDP’s Central Executive Committee met to set a date for a recall convention to determine the then Opposition leader Patrick Faber’s fate. This followed weeks of scandal surrounding Faber, which led three opposition parliamentarians, including Shyne, to inform Governor General Froyla Tzalam that Faber no longer had their confidence as Leader of the Opposition. As a result, Barrow was sworn in as the new Leader of the Opposition, marking the first successful step in removing Faber. However, Faber would then survive the recall and return as Leader of the Opposition. Then, in January 2022, Faber’s fiancée reported to the Domestic Violence Unit that Faber had damaged her laptop and assaulted her as she was about to leave their home. This led to the police issuing a warrant for his arrest. Although she later withdrew her complaint, describing the situation as a “misunderstanding” and expressing the couple’s intent to resolve the matter privately, there were growing calls for Faber’s resignation from various quarters, including the Special Envoy for Families and Children, Rossana Briceño, and UDP Chairman Michael Peyrefitte. Under mounting pressure, Faber announced his resignation as both Leader of the Opposition and Shyne assumed the role of Leader of the Opposition – for the second time.

During a House debate on domestic violence, Barrow acknowledged his own past allegations of domestic violence involving a previous partner. He expressed deep remorse, stating, “I myself have been accused, and it is not something that I take lightly.” He apologised to his wife, daughter, mother, mother-in-law, and supporters.

His rise to political prominence was portrayed in the documentary ‘The Honourable Shyne.’ The documentary debuted in the U.S. and was screened for Belizean audiences on November 23, 2024, in Belize City. Barrow described the film as “a Belizean success story, a global success story,” but insisted it was not a political campaign tool. “I don’t believe that the documentary is campaigning for me to be the next Prime Minister.” However, when asked about a possible sequel, he said, “The part two is me being the prime minister of Belize.”

While the documentary gained attention and debuted at #1 on Hulu, a political story of a different story was unfolding. In October 2024, Tracy Panton founded the Alliance for Democracy (AFD) within the UDP and held a “unity convention.” This is after she and others were deemed “constructively resigned” by the UDP Executive Committee led by Leader of the Opposition, Barrow.

Panton maintains that she has not resigned and claimed that this convention resulted in her being elected as the new leader of the UDP. Five months later, a series of legal disputes over the party’s leadership has unfolded for public scrutiny.

This year’s general elections will feature Briceño at the helm of the PUP, while the UDP enters the race with a divided front—two leaders, Barrow and Tracy Panton, both staking their claim to the party’s leadership.

The UDP Fractures Ahead of Election Year

The UDP is currently embroiled in a significant internal conflict that threatens prospects in the upcoming elections. This dispute centres around leadership legitimacy, control of party assets, and divergent visions for the party’s future.

On October 20, 2024, a convention was convened by the Alliance for Democracy faction within the UDP, resulting in the election of Tracy Taegar-Panton as the party’s new leader. This move was met with resistance from Barrow, who continues to claim to be the legitimate leader of the party. Barrow dismissed the convention as unlawful, asserting that Panton and other involved members, including Patrick Faber, were no longer part of the UDP due to their rejection of the party’s anti-corruption and political reform agenda under his leadership.

The leadership dispute escalated when Panton’s faction occupied the UDP’s Belize City headquarters. On October 28, 2024, they took control of the building, citing authorisation from Philippa Griffith Bailey, a former UDP Secretary General and alleged trustee of the property. Barrow’s camp disputed this claim, questioning Bailey’s authority and labelling the occupation as criminal. They reported the incident to the Belize Police Department, expressing concerns over the legality of the takeover.

Barrow accused the Alliance for Democracy of attempting to mislead the public by using the UDP’s logo and name without authorisation. Barrow took the matter to court, and in November 2024, Barrow successfully secured an interim injunction to reclaim the UDP headquarters. In his interpretation, Barrow said that the court established his faction to be the true leadership of the party. In February 2025, the court clarified that the November ruling applied solely to the possession of the UDP headquarters on Youth for the Future Drive in Belize City and not to the leadership dispute.

According to Panton, there were several attempts on her side to mediate with Barrow. She said, “Shyne Barrow has no interest in sitting and talking, has no interest in finding a solution for the United Democratic Party, and he certainly doesn’t have any interest in us to make our strongest case for the Belizean people to become the next government.”

This has led the leadership dispute to see no progress, with the court now setting a date to resolve this dispute until after election day. Panton and Barrow’s attorney must prepare a trial bundle, including pleadings, relevant documents, and submissions, by 14 March 2025. Oral submissions are scheduled for March 31.

Panton is now operating from a new UDP headquarters in the Mesopotamia Division in Belize City. The building is owned by a candidate running for that constituency under her leadership—Lee Mark Chang. Chang’s candidacy seems aimed at unseating Barrow. During the unveiling of candidates running under Panton’s UDP leadership, Chang said, “When I fight, I don’t fight to lose; you could ask any one of my opponents. I don’t fight to lose. I fight to win, and I don’t come here as a spoiler. I come to win the division and take care of the people. I believe the people of Mesop want the seat to stay for the UDP, but they cannot support that individual, Mr. Shyne Barrow.”

PUP Wins Two Seats Before Elections

Nomination day was a historic day as two PUP candidates were declared winners in their constituencies, 16 days ahead of the general election. Fort George Area Representative Henry Charles Usher held onto his seat in the House of Representatives after his opponent, Melvin Hewlett, didn’t show up. Over in Pickstock, Anthony Mahler, who drew a huge crowd during the morning parade, also secured another five years in parliament after his opponent, Dean Samuels, failed to show up for his nomination, despite attending the UDP’s march to the Civic Centre. Both UDP candidates are supporters of Barrow.

By the end of the day, the Election and Boundaries Department confirmed a total of 90 nominations, with 31 from the PUP and 41 from the UDP.

Two UDPs- One election – What will the ballot look like?

With political campaigning in full force from the blue side and the two factions of the red side, what will the ballot look like on March 12?

Two days after nomination day, the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) issued a statement addressing concerns, particularly from UDP supporters. The EBC announced that, following a 4-1 vote, it had decided to allocate the traditional red colour to all 41 candidates nominated under the UDP banner. This decision came despite efforts by Moses Barrow to block it. In an interview prior to the EBC’s ruling, Barrow had threatened legal action against the commission. “We are waiting for the official decision of the commission, and then we will proceed with civil action if the decision is not fit. The election and boundaries have no right to recognise anybody who claims to be a UDP when we have sent them an official list of who the UDP are when all that will do is cause confusion in the constituencies,” he said.

Meanwhile, Panton supported the EBC’s decision, stating, “I think it is a fair decision,” adding that “there will be no symbols as I understand it—it is the colour red.”

Legal Challenge Filed to Halt General Elections

Meanwhile, a legal challenge looms over the electoral process. Trinidad and Tobago Attorney General Anand Ramlogan is facing intense scrutiny in Belize following his handling of a constitutional claim aimed at halting the country’s upcoming March 12 general election. Representing three citizens—Jeremy Enriquez, Rudolph Norales, and Jessica Tulcey—Ramlogan sought to challenge the constitutionality of Belize’s electoral boundaries. The case was dismissed on February 18 after concerns were raised about procedural irregularities. They argue that proceeding with elections under the current boundaries would be unconstitutional and infringe upon voters’ rights to fair representation. The High Court dismissed Enriquez’s application for interim relief, citing insufficient legal grounds for his claim.

Justice Tawanda Hondora, who presided over the case, raised red flags over the use of digitally superimposed signatures on affidavits and exhibits submitted by Ramlogan’s clients. “There is more than a whiff that someone was given digital copies of the deponent’s and the Commissioner’s signatures,” Hondora noted. The judge questioned who authorised the use of these digital signatures and ordered Ramlogan to provide further explanations. Additionally, Enriquez’s filings were criticised for being overly lengthy and resembling legal arguments rather than standard court documents. Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan was directed to clarify his legal practice arrangements in Belize and provide details about how documents were prepared and submitted. Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay criticised Ramlogan, stating, “Jerry has been writing about this for years, but you can’t wait until 2025, just before the election is called, and say, “I want to go to court now… I think the judge felt that there was too much of a delay here.”

Despite losing his case against the government at the High Court, Enriquez filed an appeal to block the March 12 general election. A virtual case management hearing was held on Monday to set dates for filing affidavits and responses, with the court yet to schedule a hearing. Ramlogan filed an appeal to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which denied the application for special leave to appeal.

The government’s failure to implement redistricting reforms has raised concerns about potential voter disenfranchisement and the legitimacy of the upcoming elections. Legal experts warn that holding elections under the existing boundaries could lead to a constitutional crisis, with possible invalidation of election results and political uncertainty.

Decision 2025: Show Out or Blowout

Channel 5 Belize is gearing up for comprehensive coverage of Belize’s general elections on March 12, 2025, with the theme “Decision 2025: Show Out or Blowout.” The programming will offer pre-election features, voter perspectives, expert commentary, and live updates during Election Day. Viewers can expect in-depth analysis of key issues like the economy, governance, and national security, as well as real-time election results and post-election breakdowns. Channel 5 promises to deliver the most trusted and engaging election coverage. Join us on Facebook and Youtube.

Phillip Willoughby Weighs in on U.D.P No-Shows

Earlier today, we had an in-depth conversation with Phillip Willoughby, the U.D.P. candidate for Port Loyola under Tracy Panton’s leadership, about his vision for the constituency. He is one of three U.D.P. candidates vying for that seat against incumbent Area Representative Gilroy Usher Senior. We’ll share more about that in tomorrow’s newscast. But tonight, we have his thoughts on the “Shyne” Barrow U.D.P. candidates who didn’t show up on nomination day. Here’s what he had to say.

Phillip Willoughby, U.D.P Candidate, Port Loyola

“That is a reflection of Jamal. Clearly it is a reflection of him. That is a reflection of him and on him clearly and squarely, that drops in his lap. Now, I am disappointed because I know the gentlemen and I know everybody would want to swim this far to turn back or drop out. So something is afoot that went on had these four gentlemen step out and step back. It just doesn’t happen like that. What is there to come in the upcoming general election, of course it is a team sport. You will help your colleagues in all shapes and form. But for the people of Port, if it does come, whoever come, anybody come, when they come at the end of the day they will leave. When they leave it will be just you and I in the very same situation.”

Moses “Shyne” Barrow Intends to Sue E.B.C. Over Colors

The color debate is heating up. In the lead-up to the general elections, the Barrow and Tracy U.D.P factions are clashing over which color to use. Barrow has penned a letter to the Elections and Boundaries Commission, firmly stating that there’s only one U.D.P. As the head of the party’s central executive, he insists that his candidates should be assigned red on the ballot for election day. Barrow warns that any other decision could lead to a civil suit.

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Party Leader, U.D.P

“One was sent yesterday and one was sent this morning. We are waiting the official decision of the commission and then we will proceed with civil action if the decision is not fit. The election and boundaries has no right to recognize anybody who claims to be a UDP when we have sent them an official list of who the U.D.P are when all that will do is cause confusion in the constituencies where we have competing claims. There is only one legitimate right and that totally undermines our democracy. We want fair and free elections. That is not fair and free. That is confusion and deliberate. We must understand someone like Josephine Tamai who I believe is an objective public servant. She is taking direction from political stooges in the E.B.C. who makes up the majority.”

Why was Millionaire Boris Mannsfeld Murdered?

Police are still trying to determine a motive for the murder of American businessman Boris Mannsfeld, who was shot at the Cocoplum Villas in Placencia on Friday. Mannsfeld, a major real estate developer in Belize for the past two decades, primarily operated in Placencia. He was shot once in the back of the neck and found lying on the ground with his wallet and still-holstered firearm. While the motive remains unclear, Mannsfeld was involved in several fraud cases before the court, both as the accused and the accuser. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more details.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

The murder of real estate mogul Boris Mannsfeld remains a mystery. On February twentieth, Mannsfeld returned to his beachside villa on the Placencia Peninsula, and by the next night, he was found dead on the front steps. Police believe this was a targeted attack, as Mannsfeld was involved in several high-profile legal battles. In 2024, Mannsfeld sent out emails to media houses across the country, detailing allegations of fraud schemes run by multiple colleagues in the industry, two of whom had been murdered. Several of these emails mention businessman Frik De Meyere, a former associate who severed ties with Mannsfeld in 2023. Mannsfeld accused De Meyere of using Boris Mannsfeld’s website to redirect customers to a separate page, allegedly stealing business. Within forty-eight hours of Mannsfeld’s death, De Meyere was picked up by police for questioning. Attorney Andrew Bennett provides some insight into his client’s ongoing legal dispute.

Andrew Bennett, Attorney-at-law

“Mr. De Meyere tendered his notice of resignation of partnership to Mr. Boris Mannsfeld. Unfortunately, occurring at the same time was the discovery of nonpayment of stamp duties on real estate transactions. This involved the firm of JC Consulting. And as a result of that, there was a further dispute. whereby Mr. Mannsfeld alleged misappropriation of funds by Mr. Frik De Meyere. That led to several lawsuits being filed in the court. We have provided a defense on behalf of Mr. De Meyere. We were going through several of them, but unfortunately, they have not really moved from pleadings In the claim 760 of 2023, which dealt with the allegation of funds being misappropriated by Frik, an application was made to appoint an expert auditor, Cedric Flowers. But as of today that did not move anywhere.”

De Meyere wasn’t the only colleague Mannsfeld accused of fraud. In another email, he detailed a land fraud plot that he claimed involved De Meyere, the late Ricardo Borja, and Darren Taylor. Mannsfeld alleged that the trio commissioned fake passports and bribed government officials to fast-track their scheme. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams stated that these allegations have yet to be proven or disproven.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“For us to be able to investigate, the investigation needs to be triggered by somebody. If it were that there were passports that were fraudulently issued, then immigration would have come to the police and lodged a complaint, and then we would investigate. if it were that situations where, as I read what was posted by Mr. Mannsfeld of, I think it was tax stamp duty, stamp duty fraud. Again, we would need to get a complaint from the Ministry of Natural Resources stamp duty division or section on that matter so that we would be able to investigate. So our investigators are going to touch base certainly with the Ministry of Natural Resources on that issue and see if we will be able to get something from them to prove or dispel the allegations as outlined by Mr. Mannsfeld.”

While Mannsfeld told the media and his clients that he was about to blow the lid off a multimillion-dollar land fraud scheme, he was also facing several claims of unlawful business practices in court. Police Commissioner Chester Williams emphasized that investigators are not overlooking the complexity of this case and are exploring every possible motive.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police (File: February 24, 2024)

“ 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.”

On Monday, Bennett also shed light on the legal battle his client, Frik De Meyere, had along with Mannsfeld against the late Ricardo Borja. With Mannsfeld’s death, it’s uncertain how the legal proceedings will move forward, as they were scheduled to return to court today. De Meyere has since been released from police custody, but his phone, computer, and firearm have yet to be returned to him.

Andrew Bennett

“We coincidentally, we go to court tomorrow, that would have been another claim which involved the in terms of the stamp duties that Mr. Mannsfeld was alleging was misappropriated by J.C. consulting Ricardo Borja and he had joined Frik De Meyere in those proceedings. That would have been the hearing of an application for the appointment of somebody to represent the estate of Ricardo Borja. So at this point, everything now is in suspense. We will need directions from the court in terms of how it will move forward.”

More details to come as the story develops. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Families Mourn Three Revere Women Found Dead in Belize Resort

The families of three female tourists found dead at a San Pedro resort on Saturday are grieving their tragic loss. Twenty-three-year-old Kaoutar Naqqad, twenty-four-year-old Imane Mallah, and twenty-six-year-old Wafae El-Arar were found dead in their suite at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort. Their families are in contact with the U.S. Embassy, which is assisting with the investigation. Police Commissioner Chester Williams stated that a pathologist estimated they had been dead for up to 20 hours before being found. The women, of Moroccan descent with U.S. citizenship, were discovered by hotel staff after failing to respond to housekeeping. While no signs of injury were reported, authorities suspect a possible drug overdose due to vomit and froth found around their mouths. However, Mallah’s family told our colleagues at WCVB Boston that they don’t believe that they overdosed.

Muhammed Mallah, Father of Imane Mallah

“My wife talk to my daughter, no call..nothing. After two-thirty p.m. the embassy called me (telling) me that my daughter is dead. What happened? I don’t know if she died in the room, hotel. After that, I don’t know what happened. He came back to my house, her spoke to the other girls parents. Three people, same room, happy birthday vacation. This is not a problem. They are good friends, the best.”

Hajar El Khalfaoui, Friend of Imane Mallah

“So she had spoken to me about wanting to take a vacation and Wafae end Kaoutar made they rest in peace were also very good friends of hers and she was looking for a while. Last year she wanted to go on vacation with her other group of friends but she wasn’t able to because she got sick so this was kind of her redemption. My reaction at first was that it is not true, that she sick sometimes and that she goes MIA on days on end. And it happens all the time where she will be in the hospital and she won’t speak to me for two or three days and then she will just let me know that she is okay, she is in the hospital. So when they first told me I thought it was just that because they hadn’t told me about Wafae end Kaoutar yet. Then when they said it was also three and they said it might be an overdose, I know that that’s not true and I know that that’s a lie because Iman was clean. She wasn’t doing anything. Wafae end Kaoutar would never. The three of the would not die if that is the case. Iman, she is a very smart girl. She knows not to do that. She knows not to put her friends who she loves so much in that situation. There have been times where Iman when I graduated she didn’t want me to go to a party, she didn’t want to go with me because there would be drinking there. That was the kind of person she was. So when they said that it was OD I will never believe that that’s true. I am going to remember her as my sister as my best friend. I will never forget her. Iman means faith in Arabic and I know that Iman is in heaven and I know that she is much happier. She loves so deeply. She felt everything so deeply and so this life wasn’t always that easy for her. I know that God took her because he loves her and she loves God so much. She loves her faith so much. And I know that she is home now.”

ComPol Responds to AG’s Opinion on DeAndre Reid’s Dismissal

The Belize Advisory Council has received a Notice of Appeal from the attorney representing DeAndre Reid, the former Police Constable dismissed for using excessive force when he fatally shot the Governor General’s pet dog. Reid was charged with discharging a firearm without authorization after the incident in May 2024. Reid, through his attorney, is exercising his right under Section Twenty-five of the Police Act, challenging Commissioner of Police Chester Williams’ decision to dismiss him from the Belize Police Department. The notice was sent to the council in September last year. Last week, the Attorney General’s Ministry wrote to the council, pointing out a procedural irregularity and a breach of Reid’s right to due process. They found that Reid should have been given five days to decide whether to plead guilty or not after being served with a disciplinary form. On Monday, Williams responded to the appeal against him.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“ I have read the opinion and I disagree with certain aspect of it. And I think that to some extent the learned Council 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. Like, for example, if a police officer is found sleeping on duty is absent from duty, intoxicated whilst on duty, discharging firearm without the permission of the Commissioner of Police, those are our internal infractions. So once a police officer commits one of those infractions, there is no need for a notice of complaint. Notice of complaint would apply in situations where a member of the public comes to the police, professional standard branch, and make a complaint against a police officer. On the basis of that then, professional standard branch is going to write the police officer, notify him of the complaint, and ask him to respond within so much days why this action should not be taken against him or her. Those are the instances where. We would normally issue notice of complaint. It’s just like when we deal with the criminal aspect of the law. If the police find a person with unlicensed firearm with drugs committing a traffic infraction, this utterly behavior, the police don’t need an arrest warrant to arrest you. But if done public comes to the police and make a complaint against you that you wo them or what you’re committed, a robbery or burglary, the police have to investigate, then issue a warrant for your arrest before they get arrested. So it’s the same principle that applied.”

ComPol Says Same Principle Was Applied to Nah Case

Williams stood firm on his decision, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense. He believed that Reid was properly informed of his arrest and that the principles of natural justice were followed. Williams explained that he used his discretion to dismiss Reid due to the severity of the incident. Williams says that the same principle was applied in the case involving Elmer Nah.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“He would have been notified of the complaint when it happened, through the diary where he was instructed to give a duty report, which he provided a duty report. And again, there is straight law that in circumstances where a person is aware of the reason for their arrest, there is no need for the police to tell them. That is, there have been case laws on that. Now, following the tribunal hearing, again, with a view to ensure that the principle of natural justice was adhered to. I did similar to what I did in a cases where the legal office wrote the then explain to him the process in terms of the nature of the offense that he was convicted for and requested from him reasons why in light of the gravity of the offense, he has been convicted for, he should not be dismissed, and I think he was given seven days to respond to that notice. He responded to that notice that respond came to me. I read his response. I took it into consideration and uh having read his response and uh look at the nature of the offense. I exercise 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. And importantly, he also said that the nature of the offense was indeed a serious one, which, in fact, he agreed with me then, that the offense is a serious one. And as such – but his issue was basically that the natural justice principle was not adhered to, which in fact, we did adhere to. The principle of natural justice. We did that in our case and you all saw how the court ruled on that.”

How TV Helped to Shape Belizean Culture

Television made its debut in Belize in 1981 with Tropical Vision airing on Channel 7. In the early days, there were three main channels: seven, nine, and sometimes eleven, which rebroadcasted programs from North America. By the mid-80s, the Chicago Cubs games and soap operas such as Days of Our Lives, Santa Barbara, and Another World were all the rage. As locally produced programs started to emerge, along with news and sports broadcasts, television transformed over the next decade into Belizeans’ favorite way to get information. Twenty years in, TV was already overtaking radio and newspapers as the go-to medium for staying informed and educated. Now, almost forty-five years later, television has outshone the other mediums, pushing newspapers to the brink of obsolescence. In this week’s edition of Kolcha Tuesday, News Five’s Marion Ali explores how television has helped shape Belizean culture.

Marion Ali, Reporting

The very first TV programs in Belize hit the airwaves in 1981, the same year the country gained political independence. Back then, most of the shows were broadcasts from U.S.-based TV stations. As TV gained popularity, Belizeans became hooked on what was then the prime source of entertainment. Who could forget Harry Carey and Cubs Baseball, or the steamy plots of soap operas like Another World? From its introduction in 1981, even though we didn’t have continuous on-air programming, there were locally produced shows that aired, like the hoisting of the Belizean National Flag and the Independence Day parade. Quite a few shows followed in the early years of Belizean TV. Silvaana Udz wrote, produced, and presented Belize All Over. She believes that television has transformed Belizean culture over the decades.

Silvaana Udz, Producer/Presenter, Belize All Over 1989-90

“Fascinating medium, but my goodness, it makes things larger than life – television. That burger you wanna sink your teeth into it when you see the ad. We crave things because we see it. What is your image of a beautiful person? We constantly are bombarded with these images. Some of the early rappers in Belize, they would rap with a Jamaican accent, or they would bring in Jamaican wording instead of – “They say this and they say that and go, “Dema say – dema this,” which would be more Jamaican. So, it definitely impacts everything, culture, etcetera.”

Belizeans quickly became fans of many U.S. TV shows from the ’80s. There was Solid Gold and comedies like The Jeffersons, Barney Miller, and Different Strokes. Many housewives tuned in to these daily programs back then. Eventually, television began to take hold in Belize. Denvor Fairweather, who grew up watching the lights, cameras, and action of U.S. TV, became a producer while working in television-based jobs. He saw the need for more local TV productions and acted. He is best known for the hit series Noh Matta Wat.

Denvor Fairweather, Local TV Producer

“I realized that there nothing much on TV in terms of entertainment, so I made investment from my salary to get equipment and actually did my first local TV show “You Name It” in 1995. We did actually four seasons of Noh Matta Wat. We did season one in 2005. We did season two in 2006. I believe we did season three in 2008. And we did season four in 2010 because Steve Berry was still a professor at Howard, and he just took some sabbaticals or periods off where he did come back and then we worked on the seasons. In 2017, we teamed up with Kim Vasquez, and we did a pilot for episode season of a sitcom named “Living Mi Life.”

Fairweather recalls his childhood before TVs were in every bedroom and living room. He feels that television has taken away some of the old-time traditions we used to cherish.

Denvor Fairweather

“The social aspect of watching movies in theatres and going out on Sunday evening for ice cream and stuff like that changed people to stay home and watch TV. So it was, let’s say, it had a negative social effect in that aspect. The other negative social, major negative social effect that TV had was, I remember when Colors came out back in about 1987. I think Colors came out around that time. That’s when you started to hear about Crips and Bloods and then the gangbang. And I suppose you had bad man and you had bad areas, but they weren’t affiliated or associated and teaming up as such.”

Stewart Krohn is the former Managing Director of Channel. Having spent several years in TV and News production, Krohn agrees that television is an extremely powerful medium that has had its pros and cons, but he believes that Belizean television is greatly influenced by U.S TV, and some are based on personal tastes.

Stewart Krohn, Former Managing Director, Channel 5

“Things like smoking, you know, fewer Americans smoke now. Guess what? Fewer Belizians smoke. It might be because cigarettes are so much more expensive now, but it might be that people are more health conscious. People work out and live healthier lifestyles more than they used to. Maybe this was a homegrown thing, but maybe, just maybe, it was influenced by what we see on television. It’s a very powerful medium and in many cases it sets the narrative.”

But Krohn also pointed out some more serious issues that television might have influenced.

Stewart Krohn

“Let’s take the instance of environmentalism. It’s my belief that as the United States Culture moved more toward environmentally friendly, um, a more environmentally friendly position. I think Belize reflected that. While you had your forces in Belize pushing toward conservation and that, certainly it got a boost when you saw that culturally the United States got big into conservation. It made it much easier for that message to sell in Belize. I would add to that the same attitudes towards LGBTQ plus things. Personally, I see that as a positive influence. Others might look at it as a negative influence.”

Fairweather would like to see more local culture in Belizean television, but he says it takes a lot of capital investment for these types of programs.

Denvor Fairweather

“When it comes to entertainment based programming that may not have as much viewership as news, albeit it would be more entertaining, but also costs more to produce. For example, when I do, for a season of “Noh Matta Wat,” we would actually spend about six months shooting, planning and shooting. And another two months editing, so we were doing somewhere between six and eight months of work for eight to ten episodes, weekly episodes. Now, if I try to charge, when we look at it, I only have about twelve minutes of advertising.”

Fairweather revealed that he’s working on a new program set to air in December. The series will be called Clutches. Marion Ali for News Five.

The UDP’s Color Controversy is Settled!

After a late evening meeting, the Elections and Boundaries Commission decided that all forty-one United Democratic Party candidates, under the leadership of Shyne Barrow and Tracy Panton, will be assigned the color red. This decision is based on the fact that the High Court won’t rule on the UDP leadership dispute until after March thirty-first, well after the general election. The debate over the color red arose because both Barrow and Taegar-Panton claim leadership of the embattled party. On March twelfth, voters will head to the polls, where the ballots will feature a red block with the names of the candidates, without any distinctions for the UDP.

Meet the Candidates in Belmopan and Cayo South

Tonight, we will continue our “Meet the Candidates” series. In this segment, we’re heading west to Belmopan and Cayo South. Voters in these areas will have to choose between the incumbent P.U.P. candidate and two U.D.P. candidates. It’s shaping up to be an unprecedented election season for these divisions. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the details.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The race is really heating up with just two weeks to go before the March twelfth general elections. Constituencies in the Cayo District nominated their candidates on Monday and are all set to cast their votes. In Belmopan, it’s a three-way showdown between two United Democratic Party candidates and one People’s United Party candidate. P.U.P. incumbent Oscar Mira is hoping to secure a second term in office.

Oscar Mira, P.U.P Candidate, Belmopan

“It is a humbling experience. It is an honor a very few have gotten the opportunity. I thank the Lord for giving me that opportunity. I also thank the people of Belmopan for putting their trust in me.”

Mira says his team has made significant investments in the Capital City over the last four years. He says equitable educational and healthcare access were also priorities.

Oscar Mira

“The infrastructure work in Belmopan must continue. We are growing too fast, and we must keep up with the demands of infrastructure, the demands of water and light and all the utilities we have to have in Belmopan. Another high school for Belmopan, a vocational high school for Belmopan, as well as the hospital for Belmopan. It is not time that we in Belmopan have a covered infrastructure for sports.”

But to secure a second term, Mira will have to overcome two U.D.P. candidates on March twelfth—a challenge no P.U.P. candidate has faced before in Belmopan. Luckily for Mira, his U.D.P. opponents, John Saldivar and Ralston Frazer, are at odds with each other. Frazer has claimed that the Capital City has become divided under the PUP’s leadership.

Ralston Frazer, U.D.P Candidates, Belmopan

“In one word you can call it inequity, fairness is not being applied in Belmopan. I am going to touch on this a bit. I know it is going to be controversial. There is a growing segregation in Belmopan. We all know, and I think we need to make every effort to let it not be. This did not happen by the will of the people in Belmopan. There are certain elements among us in Belmopan who are propagating this, because they benefit from it. The whole divide and conquer situation. And we cannot afford this anywhere in the world, in Belize and Belmopan, we do not want it in Belmopan.”

On the other hand, John Saldivar argues that Belmopan has been rapidly deteriorating under Oscar Mira’s representation. Saldivar is hoping to regain control of the constituency after failing at the polls in 2020.

John Saldivar, U.D.P Candidate, Belmopan

“Land issues has become a serious issue. People’s land has been taken away from them. Pantry programs have been ripped away from the poor and elderly of this city and people are going to rebel against that when election day comes. I don’t think the people of Belmopan will be confused at all. They know what is happening and who the traditional leader is here in Belmopan, and they understand the leadership riff which has nothing to do at all with who is on the ballot in Belmopan. They understand that John Saldivar is the man for Belmopan.”

The Cayo South constituency, which borders Belmopan to the west, is made up of thirteen villages. In the upcoming March twelfth general election, two U.D.P. candidates are competing for the seat. However, they’ll have to unseat the incumbent area representative, Julius Espat, who is aiming for a fourth term in office.

Julius Espat, P.U.P Candidate, Cayo South

“We built a primary school in Saint Matthews which was extremely important. We are building a primary school in Roaring Creek which is much needed. We have paved about half of the villages, the main arteries. We have opened farmers roads. We have dealt with most if not all the education assistance request. NHI is now in Cayo South. It will start in about a month’s time. That will alleviate the health problems. We continue, there is a lot of employment and work going on. We are working on every facet of life. The idea is to raise the quality of life for rural residents so that they will be on par with urban residents and I think we have come a long way.”

The U.D.P. candidates in Cayo South are Dr. June Young and Jose Samayoa. We caught up with Dr. Young to hear what she’s been hearing from constituents on the ground.

Dr. June Young, U.D.P Candidate, Cayo South

“Some of the challenges are the same. We have some constituencies where people are clamoring for light, water, for land to have access to their homes in some areas to the back of the villages. They do not have access where vehicles can take them to their homes. So, they need to walk for miles to get to their homes. So those are the issues. We know the issue of crime. The other day Mr. Samayoa was shot in Arizona. The villagers are telling us we need a substation in the village, polyclinic and if possible a multigrade school so our children do not have to walk that far to go to school.”

In our conversation with Jose Samayoa, he conceded that Julius Espat is a strong opponent, while asserting that Espat has been unable to fulfill his promises to the people.

Jose Samayoa, U.D.P Candidate, Cayo South

“What inspires me is that we are hurt in Cayo South. We had this area rep out there. He is very strong because he is within the government. He promised a lot to the people of Cayo South. He is a liar. We know already. The reason why I am here is to serve the people of Cayo South and I guess I am ready. I am telling my people of Cayo South I am ready and let us make Cayo South great again.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez