Jeremy Enriquez and his attorney, Anand Ramlogan, have hit another roadblock in their efforts to stop the March twelfth general election. The case is currently with the Court of Appeal. On Monday, the court held a case management hearing and decided that both sides would make their submissions this week and early next week. This timeline is cutting it close to next Wednesday’s election. Late Monday evening, Senior Counsel Ramlogan filed for special leave to appeal to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). However, today the CCJ ruled that the application lacked merit and denied special leave. Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay, representing the Prime Minister and the Attorney General, described Ramlogan’s CCJ application as “forum shopping.”
Eamon Courtenay
Eamon Courtenay, Attorney-At-Law
“It was very obvious because of his pertinence and impudence that Mr. Ramlogan did not like the way the court granted its order. Without saying anything to anybody we received an application by him for special leave, directly to the CCJ. Today the CCJ dismissed it saying it was absolutely without merit. The matter is before the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal has not even grappled with it, yet because it gave directions that was not to his liking because of timing, he thought he would go to the Caribbean Court of Justice. In my opinion it is a clear case of what lawyers call forum shopping. If you don’t like this court, you will run to a next one. It was transparent and obvious and entirely without merit. In order for you to appeal there are some procedural hurdles that has to be completed. He attempted and the court entertained him, he attempted to jump over those hurdles without completing them. The court entertained him and said well we have to file evidence. You have an application, there has to be evidence and submissions and both sides. Those orders were given. The result of those orders is that it was unlikely that his application would have been heard by twelfth of Match. He felt that the Court of Appeal was frustrating Mr. Enriquez’s claim.”
Courtenay stated that attorney Ramlogan’s application to the CCJ was a last-ditch effort due to the Court of Appeal’s directives. He argued that there is a long-standing tradition in Commonwealth countries where courts do not prevent elections from taking place once a prime minister dissolves the National Assembly.
Eamon Courtenay, Attorney- At-Law
“In my opinion it is the last hope and there were directions given by the Court of Appeal and the Court of Appeal is going to determine when it is going to entertain the case. There are many difficulties which I wont go into at this stage. I think it is misconceived and we will deal with that when the time is right, but I do not believe that the Court of Appeal is going to fall for what Mr. Ramlogan is attempting to do. There is a long and consistent line of cases int eh Commonwealth that says when a Prime Minister dissolves the National Assembly it is time for the people to speak and the courts will not restrain the holding of elections. That is a political decision made by a prime minister in consultation with his advisors. It is a political decision and the court is not going to interfere with it. Indeed when we were before Justice Hondora he pointed out to Mr. Ramlogan asking him whether he had read the Christoher Ram case from the CCJ and there are two CCJ cases which have stated that courts are not going to tell a prime minister when to hold an election and that you cant hold it at this time and you are only going to hold it at that time. That has been consistent throughout the Caribbean. I think Mr. Ramlogan thinks the SC behind his name is not Senior Counsel but Special Counsel, well he is not that special.”
We also heard from Jeremy Enriquez, the claimant in this case. He explained that his attorney filed the last-minute special application to the CCJ because they were worried, they wouldn’t get a Court of Appeal hearing before March twelfth. Despite the outcome, Enriquez is glad to see renewed interest in the matter.
Jeremy Enriquez, Claimant
“The rational for taking this to the CCJ was that we were very concerned that if we did not receive a hearing before the day of the election then there would be attempts to moot our entire case or just call it off. So we wanted to, we were seeking to just make a point in having the government recognize the violation of the constitution that is consistently being done over the past years, especially since the last election when this government promised to ensure there was proper revision of our electoral division. We recognize from the beginning this was not going to be an easy battle. This was an uphill battle, given the short time that we had to call the government to task to be accountable for their actions. This is not the first time that this political party, administration faced the court for re-division, the first time being before the last election which they joined forces with the previous administration to find ways to stop the re-division before elections. So the other case is still before the court with the Belize Peace Movement. I will have to get back to the drawing board with my attorney to see how we proceed, but the question remain, who the Belizean people turn to when their constitutional rights are consistently violated.”
Interestingly, if the Court of Appeal rules in favor of the Government of Belize, they are entitled to costs. But will the defendants seek costs from Jeremy Enriquez in this public interest case? Some might argue that it would be unfair to impose costs on the claimants. We asked Courtenay about their plans.
Eamon Courtenay, Attorney-At-Law
“As a general rule in public law and constitutional law cases, the state, if it wins, does not usually gets cost unless the court is persuaded that the claimants acted wholly unreasonably. That they are persisting in circumstances where the law or the fact are against them and they are still taking up court time. Then an application can be made to say in this particular case there was some unreasonable behavior and we are asking the court to exercise its discretion. I have no instruction by the attorney general to say go after Mr. Enriquez for cost. I will say this, the application to the CCJ was to quote the CCJ, “without merit”. That application was conceived of by Mr. Ramlogan not Mr. Enriquez. There is something called wasted cost which focuses not on the client but the lawyer. That is something that needs to be looked at in this particular matter. Just think about this, there are two members of the National Assembly, Fort George and Pick Stock, how can you stop the elections?”
Courtenay has stated that they do not plan to seek costs from the claimants. However, when we asked Jeremy Enriquez for his opinion, he said it would be hypocritical and disrespectful for them to even consider such a move.
Jeremy Enriquez, Claimant
“The government seeking cost in a matter where people are fighting in a matter where people are fighting for their rights that are violated and on top of that incurring cost where the government themselves ought to support is something I would see as very hypocritical and grossly disrespectful. We are not doing this for ourselves. It is for an entire nation to ensure our democracy is preserved.”
The Belize Peace Movement has a redistricting case currently before the High Court. It’s still in the early stages, and it’s unclear if it needs to be resolved before the general election. The movement is asking the court to determine if the current electoral divisions violate the Constitution of Belize. Attorney Eamon Courtenay provided an update on the hearing.
Eamon Courtenay, Attorney at Law
“There was an order by Justice Hondora that the record be prepared and filed and it was not filed. It is eight hundred and fifty-two pages and was sent to electronically at four-thirty-seven yesterday. The judge indicated this morning hat he had not read or received it and Ms. Sharon Pitts for the claimants apologized and the judge gave her time to file it. He asked her to explain the urgency and she gave her explanation that the elections are coming. It was pointed out to her that her clients are not asking for any urgent relief, any interim relief, any injunction, so what is the rush. So if you ask me my view I will say we don’t know when we will physically get the record of eight hundred and fifty-two pages. I would assume later today or tomorrow. But when we get it the judge will have to make a determination of what is the urgency since you are not asking for an injunction. It is just pure legal arguments. There is no application in that case to stop the election.”
In the vibrant political landscape of Dangriga, the upcoming general elections are set to be a closely watched contest between two prominent figures. Dr. Louis Zabaneh, the incumbent area representative and a member of the People’s United Party, brings a wealth of experience and a track record of educational and economic initiatives to his campaign. Opposing him is Cyril “Uruwei” Garcia, an independent candidate whose grassroots approach and call for change have resonated with many voters. Garcia’s decision to run independently followed his rejection by the PUP, fueling his determination to offer new ideas and a fresh perspective for the people of Dangriga. As the election draws near, both candidates are gearing up for a spirited battle to win the hearts and minds of their constituents. In our ongoing campaign trail coverage, we look at Dangriga. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
In mid-June 2024, Cyril Garcia faced a major letdown when the People’s United Party turned him down. He wasn’t just upset about missing the chance to challenge the current area representative at a political convention; he also felt that the party’s open call for candidates was insincere.
“I was rejected when I applied. I was given no valid reason, and while I was given no valid reason, I was asked to support a man who I have publicly said that I don’t see this man do anything. I have no admiration for the individual and you will come and ask me to support this individual. That’s a slap in the face, it’s very disrespectful if you ask me.”
That person is Dr. Louis Zabaneh. He rode the wave of the PUP’s Blue Tsunami in November 2020 to become the area representative for Dangriga. Since then, Dr. Zab has been hard at work, addressing the needs of his constituents in the town and the nearby communities of Hope Creek and Sarawee.
Louis Zabaneh
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Area Representative, Dangriga
“We’ve been able to do quite a bit with scholarships for education, with land for first-time homeowners, with jobs, in particular. We were able to attract Ready Call Center to Dangriga. We did quite a bit, the Commerce Bight port is now reopening, [and] we now have a beautiful multipurpose park that has started already, a number of things. Yes, so in that sense I feel we’ve done quite a bit.”
But is it enough? That’s the question his political opponent is raising. It’s been over four years since Zabaneh took office as the area representative, but Garcia remains unconvinced that significant progress has been made.
Cyril Garcia
“There are so many people out there in Dangriga, Sarawee and Hope Creek who just want better. People are starting to see and understand that the same old, same old UDP/PUDP thing is not working, is not cutting it. It’s obvious, it’s evident that they have been waiting for something new, something fresh and I believe I can fill that space.”
As the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology, Dr. Louis Zabaneh has played a key role in pushing forward educational and economic projects in his constituency. His strong academic background highlights his dedication to sustainable development and effective leadership. As a member of the PUP, Dr. Zabaneh remains committed to policies that enhance the lives of his constituents and promote growth in Dangriga.
Dr. Louis Zabaneh
“Infrastructure, for example, roads, drains are another big area that we have to put in a lot of work. That’s part of the manifesto going forward. So, while we’ve accomplished a lot, as I said, there’s a lot more that we would be working on once the people give us that opportunity. In a sense, I feel fortunate to have been out since May doing house-to-house visits, so it will not be a lot more area to cover now. So that’s one difference because I had prepared before. The other one is that I see a lot more welcoming to homes. This is something that was different from before, of course I was a newcomer then and so it took a little bit more of an introduction at that time.”
Garcia challenges Zabaneh’s power as a voter in his own constituency.
Cyril Garcia
“In Dangriga, we had an area rep who doesn’t live among us. He doesn’t live among us, he doesn’t understand our plight. We have an area rep, I’m not sure, I think, I’m learning now that he just got registered to vote or transferred to Dangriga in the second half of last year. He wasn’t able to vote for himself in his own constituency, he wasn’t able to vote for his councilors, he wasn’t able to vote for his mayor which is rallying behind him heavily. I don’t even know what to say about that.”
Despite facing sharp criticism, Zabaneh admits that education is the key to empowering his constituents.
Dr. Louis Zabaneh
“We have to be very innovative in how we work with limited resources. I think that has been the biggest challenged because people have genuine needs and sometimes it’s heartbreaking when you can’t do everything that they ask you for. And so, what we’ve focused on is to see how we can empower our people through training like at ITVET.”
So, what unique qualities and ideas does Cyril Uruwei offer as an independent candidate?
Cyril Garcia
“I intend to be inclusive. People are crying out, no opportunities. I mean, we’re just. We’re not properly represented. Now, as to what I am going to do. All that I am, all that I have, I plan to give to my town, to Sarawee, to Hope Creek and represent them. Should they elect me to represent them, I’ll do exactly what they elect me to do, to speak and act on their behalf.”
With just over a week until the general election, the candidates in Belize Rural North are in full campaign mode, trying to connect with as many voters as they can. This constituency has three fresh faces entering the race. In tonight’s edition of “Meet the Candidates,” we introduce you to the contenders from the P.U.P., U.D.P., and P.N.P., all vying for a seat in the 2025 general elections. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the details.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
After serving just one term, Belize Rural North Area Representative Marconi Leal decided not to run for re-election in the 2025 general election, stepping down as the People’s United Party’s candidate for the constituency. Shortly after, his son, Marconi Leal Jr., stepped up to the plate, taking over as the standard bearer. Although this isn’t his first foray into politics, it is his first time running for this position. He shared his plans to continue the work his father started.
Marconi Leal Jr.
Marconi Leal Jr., P.U.P. Candidate, Belize Rural North
“ Well, I’ve been the chairman of the P.U.P. Belize Rural North Executive for the past four years, supporting my dad. So the work continues. I’ve been supporting him, the project that we’ve been executing, supporting our twenty-five different villages. I’ve been involved. So I’m excited about continuing the work. People believe in P.U.P. and the work that they have been seeing that has been done across the country. And so definitely excited to be serving the BUP and serving the people of Belize Rural North.”
Also new to the scene is Leal’s opponent, Eustace Shaw. He admits that he hasn’t had much time to campaign in the large constituency, but he’s doing his best to show the people of Belize that he plans to make a positive difference in the area.
Eustace Shaw
Eustace Shaw, U.D.P. Candidate, Belize Rural North
“One of the things I hope to bring to Rural North is to stop all victimization and try to work with everybody. Because at this time, people, some people don’t get attention because they are branded one color or next. And with my candidacy, I promise that I will try to end the victimization. I will work for the people of Belize Royal North. Whether red or blue, green, doesn’t matter. I entered into this race it has been a dream of mine. And when I was asked to represent the people of Belize Rural North, seeing all the problems that we have faced, experiencing it personally, I thought it would be a good thing to enter the race and assist people in this area to try to overcome all the trials and tribulations that we face.”
The third candidate competing for the seat in Belize Rural North is Andrew Reynolds from the People’s National Party. He threw his hat into the race after feeling dissatisfied with both P.U.P. and U.D.P. representation throughout the years.
Andrew Reynolds
Andrew Reynolds, P.N.P. Candidate, Belize Rural North
“ I’m sick and tired of seeing what UDP, PUP, PUP, UDP, UDP, PUP is doing to our country. Alright, many people right now don’t even want to vote. Because of the lies, the deception, and the trickery with these parties. So for me, I want to see better for my people. Better for my country. I want to work on the farm. Let people get back to the farm. Let them start plant again. Let our youths start loving farm again.”
Leal admits that the constituency is a vast area to manage, but he’s determined to fix the crumbling infrastructure in many of the villages.
Marconi Leal Jr.
“There’s a lot. We have twenty-five villages. There’s a large road of, network of roads. So, it’s definitely infrastructure. Continue the work that we’ve been doing, paving the Crooked Tree paths. Right now, we’re hot mixing from Lucky Strike to Mascal. We’ve done some work on the Burrell Boom riverside, but there’s so much more because of the twenty-five villages that we serve. So, infrastructure is definitely one of the most important things, continue to work on education, continue to support our libraries, citizen security for our different networks of police booths that we have there’s a lot of work to do in Belize Rural North on that. How do we support tourism, because we have different tourism sectors.”
Shaw says the residents have welcomed him with open arms. He believes their concerns are manageable and is confident that, if given the chance, he can make a real difference in their lives.
Eustace Shaw
“I don’t see the problem of why we have so many stuff that’s not done, why people are struggling in Belize Rural North. And for the most part, we can bring back Belize Rurall North into what used to be like the breadbasket of this country. Agriculture has been one of the greatest things in Belize Rural North, but that have died. With no assistance from government, that have completely gone or almost completely erased.”
Britney Gordon
“And what makes you the candidate to step up to the plate and address these issues?”
Eustace Shaw
“Because I have experienced it firsthand. I know what it is like. Imagine growing your own stuff and being able to feed yourself. It’s a different feeling from going to the market and buying. People know me, people know what I stand for. That’s why I am definitely the person for Village Rural North.”
Reynolds aims to breathe new life into the farming industry in the constituency. His vision is to build a community where both young people and elderly people can thrive and support themselves.
Andrew Reynolds
“Right here where I’m campaigning right now, in Cookred Tree. All the people, the road is very bad, alright? It’s bad, these people are complaining about their road. In Lemonal, a place like Lemonal, in Rancho Dolores, the roads there are bad, no farmers get no assistance. These people continue come and lie to our people, and when they get nominated they, when they win the election, we don’t see them again. Me, I want to come and sit with the people. I want to come and help them with their roads, with their farm. We need to get back to the farm. We need to plan. Because famine is coming on this land, miss. We already can’t go to the grocery store. Because when you go to the grocery store, what are you taking back home? But if we get invested in the farm, we could sell, we could eat. You understand? We could be secure.”
For many voters, this Election Day will be their first time voting for a U.D.P. candidate in several constituencies where there are multiple red boxes on the ballot paper. On March twelfth, this might cause some confusion about which red box to mark. However, Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai assures us that each candidate has a specific number assigned to them. And if you’re unsure and make a mistake, don’t worry, you can request a new ballot paper.
Josephine Tamai, Chief Elections Officer
“ I want to emphasize that at all times, it’s only one seat. So, persons can only mark the X beside one candidate. If you mark your X beside more than one candidate, your ballot paper will be rejected. So, you have to vote for one. No more and no less. But if there’s an error, and I would imagine there would be, especially where people have visual challenges and so forth, and their alignments aren’t, you know, in sync, so they might mark the X beside the wrong red.”
Marion Ali
“Can they ask for a new ballot or is it with a pencil that has an eraser on it that they can erase?”
Josephine Tamai
“No. What we do is we utilize indelible pencils. And so it does not have an eraser. You cannot remove the mark from there. But when a voter goes into the polling station, if that voter makes a mistake on the ballot paper, that voter would need to return that ballot to the presiding officer, inform the presiding officer that the ballot is spoiled. They will give the ballot back to the presiding officer. Who will cancel that spoiled ballot paper. The presiding officer will retain that ballot paper and re issue and re and issue a new ballot paper to that voter.”
Marion Ali
“ And destroy the spoiled ballot in front of the voter?”
Josephine Tamai
“ No, it would not be destroyed. They have a separate envelope that they will put that and that will be marked cancelled because a ballot, a spoiled ballot paper does not go into the ballot box. And so I know that sometimes people confuse what is a spoiled ballot paper with what is a rejected ballot paper. A spoiled ballot paper is a ballot paper whereby the voter makes an error during polling, returns that ballot paper, and they are issued with a new ballot. When it comes to a rejected ballot, no. That is a ballot paper that is inside of the box and when it is being counted. So at that time, at counting, The returning officer will decide if the ballot is a rejected ballot.”
On March twelfth, Belizeans will head to the polls to elect a new government. To ensure everything runs smoothly, public officers who will serve as returning officers, presiding officers, and election clerks are undergoing training. Today marked the second round of training. While some officers are familiar with the process, the new ones have a few things to learn. Chief Elections Officer Josephine Tamai emphasized that the training aims to ensure everyone fully understands their roles and responsibilities, leaving no room for confusion.
Josephine Tamai
Josephine Tamai, Chief Elections Officer
“We need to ensure that the forms that they submit to us are filled out accurately and properly. And so we’re actually doing practical exercises today with those officers.”
Marion Ali
“Okay, so they’re learning things like what, for the new ones?”
Josephine Tamai
“Well, for the new ones, we introduce the forms to them. We also want for them to ensure that they fill out the form properly and for example, sometimes when people make errors on a form, people would write over rather than just putting a line through and properly initialing it. So we’re doing training in terms of the importance of those things for those persons because at the end of the day, we need to ensure that the information that they provide that was on the forms are accurate. These forms are the forms that they will utilize to come up with the persons who have the most votes on election day. And so we need to ensure the additions are accurate. We have done some of the training for them. We also introduce an application that makes it easier for them to cross-check that the forms are added properly and so it makes it so much easier for officers. So we’re training them on how to utilize it. This is not the first time we’re utilizing it, but at the same time we have some officers who are new to the process. And so we need to ensure that they’re competent and capable of ensuring that the information is accurate.”
