2025-03-31 - Channel 5 Belize

Court Hears Case Over Legitimacy of UDP’s Leadership Convention

The High Court is currently hearing the claim involving Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton and former United Democratic Party Secretary General Philippa Bailey. The claim was brought by former Opposition Leader, Moses “Shyne” Barrow. This court hearing comes days after the general election, in which Barrow lost his Mesopotamia seat to his UDP opponent, Lee Mark Chang.

Barrow’s attorney, Christopher Malcolm, argues that an extraordinary general meeting held by the UDP lacked proper authorisation. Drawing from a similar Jamaican case, Malcolm contends that the meeting’s notice and the subsequent appointment of a new committee were invalid due to lack of executive authority.

According to Malcolm, no evidence has been provided to validate the voter eligibility for the October 20th “unity convention” that named Panton as the new interim leader of the party, along with a new executive committee.

The defence, represented by King Counsel Peter Knox, focused on the delegates’ rights to vote, asserting that this right cannot be denied.

The case is expected to conclude with Justice Hondora reserving a ruling at a later date.

Trump Suggests a Possible 3rd Term, Claims “There Are Methods”

In an interview with NBC News on Sunday, President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of seeking a third term in office, despite the constitutional limitation set by the 22nd Amendment. Trump stated that “there are methods” to circumvent the two-term restriction.

Trump suggested one possibility where Vice President JD Vance could run in 2028, then step down, allowing Trump to assume the presidency. While Trump didn’t elaborate on other strategies, he insisted he was “not joking.”

The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, prohibits any person from being elected president more than twice. Legal experts have pointed out that such an approach could violate constitutional provisions, with Notre Dame law professor Derek Muller clarifying that Trump could not serve as vice president if he were ineligible for the presidency under the 22nd Amendment.

The proposal to amend the 22nd Amendment, introduced by Republican Rep. Andy Ogles, would allow for non-consecutive terms but faces significant political and legal hurdles, CNN reported.

Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, who served two consecutive terms, would not be eligible for a third term under Rep. Andy Ogles’ proposed amendment. Only Trump, who won in 2016 and 2024 but lost in 2020, could potentially benefit from such a change. However, not all Republicans support altering the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Trump added the idea was premature, stating he is “focused on the current.”

20-Year-Old Murdered in Pomona Village

Police are investigating the fatal murder of 20-year-old Santiago Garcia. The incident occurred in Pomona Village on Sunday night at around 9 p.m.

According to police reports, Garcia’s stepfather, Jason Sharp, had asked Santiago to pick him up and take him to buy marijuana from a man known as “Soap”.

At “Soap’s” yard, Santiago was attacked by another man. Sharp rushed to assist but was soon involved in the struggle. As Santiago stepped back, he collapsed to the ground.

Santiago was later confirmed dead.

Police Officer Shot in Attempted Murder at Nightclub

A police officer was injured early this morning during an attempted murder at the Fire Night Club, located on Mile 11 Phillip Goldson Highway in Belize District.

Police reports indicate that at around 12:50 a.m., Corporal Manuel Chub and another police officer were conducting checks at the nightclub when they were alerted to a man on a motorcycle, armed with a firearm and a knife.

Chub approached the man and ordered him to raise his hands. When he did so, the suspect pulled out a 9mm pistol and fired multiple shots, injuring Chub. The suspect fled towards the Burrell Boom Junction, where police personnel from the Belize River Valley pursued him. During the chase, the suspect opened fire on the police vehicle, damaging the hood and windshield before he was eventually apprehended.

The suspect was identified as 36-year-old fisherman Stanley Flowers from Crooked Tree Village. Flowers was arrested after the chase, and a 9mm Smith and Wesson pistol, along with expended shells, was recovered.

Flowers suffered abrasions and was admitted to the hospital in stable condition, along with Chub.