2025-05-07 - Channel 5 Belize

High Court Ruling Shakes Up U.D.P. Leadership Battle

After months of legal wrangling, the High Court has delivered a decisive blow in the United Democratic Party’s leadership saga. The court ruled that the expulsion of Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar-Panton from the U.D.P. in August 2024 was unlawful. Additionally, the court found that the Unity Convention held by the Alliance for Democracy faction in October 2024 was not a national convention, rendering its decisions non-binding. This ruling comes after Shyne Barrow, the former opposition leader, challenged the validity of the convention and its outcomes. The controversy led to two competing slates of U.D.P. candidates in the March twelfth general election, resulting in the party retaining five seats in the House of Representatives. Notably, Barrow lost his seat in Mesopotamia. The decision is a significant setback for Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton, who has been referring to herself as the U.D.P. party leader. As the dust settles, Barrow shared his reaction with reporters this afternoon, marking another twist in the ongoing political drama.

Shyne Barrow, Claimant

“Very emotional, very grateful. Grateful to Professor Christopher Malcolm, Imanuel Williams, the entire team that worked on this case, all the supporters, all the UDP supporters that were heartbroken as to what was done to the party by those people who engaged in fraud and deception. And all along, I kept saying to everyone, I kept saying to the media that these people were not the United Democratic Party. They had no basis upon which to make those claims to the legitimacy of October twentieth, and I am very grateful that Justice Hondora saw things our way.”

Reporter

“So, what happens next?”

Shyne Barrow

“Well, we will continue with the rebuilding of the party. I know that the PR officer put out a release yesterday talking about constitutional reform because our constitution needs to be strengthened. Even though the ruling from the judge makes clear that October twentieth was invalid, there are many procedural inconsistencies, gaps, loopholes that need to be closed, ambiguities that need to be clarified so that we never even approach the type of catastrophes that we had with all of these geniuses, political geniuses and constitutional experts interpreting the constitution to their favor. What they did was corrupt, the height of corruption. But this is what I was fighting against for my political career.”

Barrow Stands Firm as U.D.P. Leader Amid High Court Ruling

In the wake of the High Court’s recent decision, Shyne Barrow and his attorney, Doctor Christopher Malcolm, highlighted a key section of the ruling regarding Tracy Taegar-Panton’s status within the United Democratic Party. Justice Hondora stated that Taegar-Panton’s membership is ultimately a matter for U.D.P. members to decide. Despite the legal complexities, Barrow remains resolute, asserting his position as the party leader. This development adds another layer to the ongoing leadership dispute within the U.D.P.

Shyne Barrow, Claimant

“I believe in justice, I believe in what is right. It’s not just who won the election, if the election was won under fraud. It’ s not who won the elections if things don’t get better for the Belizean people. And so, this is justice; this is a strong rebuke of those people from the old guard. This is what they’ve tried to do to the UDP, to justify and to misinterpret and to exploit inconsistencies and ambiguities in our constitution for the furtherance of their interest and not for the UDP.”

Isani Cayetano

“For the benefit of our viewers, those who may not be privy to the details of the judgment, it appears to be a split decision. What does this mean for you?”

Shyne Barrow

“Well, no, you have to read paragraph forty-six, that your colleague just read, that the judge made no determination whether Tracy Panton is a member of the UDP. He said that the expulsion did not follow the procedure but he’s still not making any determination whether she’s a member or not. So the most important decision that was rendered is the fact that I remain party leader. The central executive, the national party council that is in place remains. All of those people that abandoned the UDP for the Alliance for Democracy and we ran other candidates, those are our candidates, those are the NPC. The people in the central executive that they dismissed, that is the party.”

Taegar-Panton Responds to High Court Ruling, Plans Press Conference

While Shyne Barrow celebrates his legal victory, his political rival Tracy Taegar-Panton is also making her voice heard. Following the High Court’s decision, Taegar-Panton took to Facebook to highlight that her expulsion from the U.D.P. in August 2024 was deemed unlawful and unconstitutional. She emphasized that her removal violated her rights to due process and ignored the U.D.P.’s own procedures. Taegar-Panton accused Barrow and former Chairman Michael Peyrefitte of abusing their authority, describing her expulsion as a dark chapter in the party’s history. She noted that her removal was carried out without a fair hearing or formal investigation, driven by personal and political grievances. Despite the court ruling that the Unity Convention was not a national convention, Taegar-Panton pointed out that the judgment underscores the obstruction and constitutional defiance by Barrow and Peyrefitte, which forced reform-minded members to act. She criticized the U.D.P. leadership for ignoring petitions, suppressing dissent, and using party mechanisms against its own members. Taegar-Panton announced she will hold a press conference on Thursday at ten AM to discuss the court’s ruling and its implications further.

Future of Taegar-Panton and Alliance for Democracy in UDP Uncertain After Court Ruling

With the High Court’s decision now public, questions loom about the future of Tracy Taegar-Panton and the Alliance for Democracy within the U.D.P. Justice Hondora made it clear that Taegar-Panton’s status should be decided by the party, not the court, as her expulsion was deemed improper. This leaves the U.D.P. with the task of determining her standing. Barrow shared his thoughts on the matter.

Shyne Barrow, Claimant

“We will meet and we will talk and see how colleagues feel about moving forward and if there is any room for reconciliation. But I believe now is a moment of reflection for Tracy and Co. They need to atone, they need to be contrite. What they did to this party was not just unconstitutional, it was criminal. It was corrupt. It’s why Saldivar was designated significantly corrupt. These are the types of people. So their involvement in the UDP really depends on them deleting that hubristic energy that they’ve been demonstrating over the last thirty days.”

Reporter

“So what now happens in your mind with Tracy Panton?”

Shyne Barrow

“Well, obviously, we will discuss it as a party. We will discuss it as a central executive, we will discuss it as an NPC but I know, even some of my colleagues that were prepared to give her a chance, they were woefully disappointed with the behavior. As you saw, Lee Mark said that if you don’t like it, you get off the ship, well now they have no ship. They are free to do as everyone has been encouraging them to do which is form their own party, the Alliance for Democracy Party as we had all along been saying.”

Barrow Rejects Taegar-Panton’s Petition, Calls for Unity on His Terms

On Tuesday, the Shyne Barrow faction of the U.D.P. issued a statement rejecting Tracy Taegar-Panton’s petition to trigger a national convention. Despite this stance, Barrow expressed his interest in uniting the party but emphasized that any effort to do so must be on terms agreed upon by his side.

Shyne Barrow, Claimant

“I am not interested in being petty, I am not interested in being vindictive and vicious. I am interested in rebuilding the UDP, I am interested in unity, but as I have said all along, it will be on our terms. It will be not with the significantly corrupt, not with people like Faber that don’t respect law enforcement. It will be with the new generation of the UDP and even those that may come from the old generation but are prepared to work together with us. Unless the constitution is changed, you are right, I would not be able to run again, and if my colleagues see it fit to change the constitution then I will continue to serve as leader if they are so inclined to vote for me as leader. Now that the decision has been rendered Hugo Patt is in a much better position to not be pressured by Tracy. They have no standing and, you know, there are some colleagues that would want him to lead the party. Well if he doesn’t want then I’ll continue to lead the party. I am saying, if they amend the constitution, I will serve out my term, I will serve out my term until the next national convention. Show me where in the constitution it says that someone who is occupying the seat upon losing their qualification, immediately has to vacate the seat. These are the ambiguities that need to be clarified, in all fairness. There is no specific procedure for what happens when a member of parliament who is the leader or the deputy leader loses their seat.”

State of Emergency Declared in Belize City and Surrounding Areas

In response to a recent surge in murders, the Government of Belize has declared a state of emergency. The violence erupted on Saturday following an attempt on the life of well-known street figure Jimmy Rojas. Since then, three people have been killed in what police confirm is a feud between rival gangs. As a result, the entire southside of Belize City, along with Ladyville, the Eight Mile Community, Roaring Creek Village, and part of Camalote Village, are now under a one-month state of emergency. News Five’s Paul Lopez delves deeper into the unfolding situation.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

In response to a surge in gang violence that claimed three lives within twenty-four hours, a state of emergency has been declared in parts of Belize City, the Belize District, and the Cayo District. The affected areas in Belize City include the entire southside and parts of the northside, covering Queen Street, Handyside Street, and North Front Street. The SOE also extends to Ladyville, the Eight Miles Community, Sunset Community, and Western Pines Community. In the Cayo District, Roaring Creek Village and Young Bank in Camalote Village are under emergency measures. Authorities are taking swift action to restore peace and safety in these communities.

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police (File: May 6^th, 2025)

“With the death of Brandon Baptist the security threat was high and with the shooting of Rojas it has now escalated to a critical level.”

Belize City is reeling from a wave of violence after well-known street figure Jimy Rojas was shot on Saturday on Croton Lane. Rojas, who was accused of the January 2024 murder of Jose Matus, survived the attack, but the incident ignited a series of retaliatory shootings. Just two days later, thirty-six-year-old Aaron Lindo was shot and killed in Double Head Cabbage. Lindo was reportedly linked to one of the rival gangs in Belize City. Hours after Lindo’s murder, thirty-seven-year-old Nelson “Mung” Henry was gunned down on Yellowtail Street in Ladyville. Authorities have confirmed that both murders are connected to the ongoing gang feud. The community remains on edge as law enforcement works to quell violence and restore order.

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division (File: May 6^th, 2025)

“Yes we have some information to suggest that it is, that is why we have sixty persons in detention at this time. We are conducting several operations across the Belize District and continue with our work on the ground.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero reported a third casualty in the ongoing gang feud. Thirty-one-year-old Kadeem Orosco was tragically shot and killed on Ebony Street Tuesday morning, just moments after dropping off his seven-year-old daughter at school. The news of his murder has devastated his family, with one of his aunts calling for a state of emergency and the reinstatement of capital punishment. The community is in shock as authorities work to address the escalating violence.

Teresita Orosco, Aunt of Deceased (File: May 6^th, 2025)

“Hang them, we as families have to cry out for justice. We have to cry out for capital punishment to come back. Hang them ok.”

The state of emergency declared in response to the recent surge in gang violence is now in full effect and will initially last for one month. While it is likely to be extended, the exact duration remains uncertain. Commissioner Rosado has indicated that, if it were up to him, those detained under the SOE would remain behind bars for at least six months.

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police (File: May 5^th, 2025)

“I do believe there is a need for state of emergency to address security concerns when violence is at a critical situation. Present we do have a critical situation in the Martins area and the guys need a time out, but rather than doing a one month or a three months we need to pursue a six months period.”

As the state of emergency takes effect, residents of Belize City’s southside, Ladyville, the Eight Mile Community, Roaring Creek, and Young Bank can expect heightened police presence for the next four weeks. Authorities are stepping up their efforts to ensure safety and restore order in these areas. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez

BNTU Responds to MOE Release on Friday’s Protest

The Ministry of Education has issued a firm directive to public schools across Belize, instructing general and local managers to keep schools open on Friday. This memo follows the Belize National Teachers Union’s announcement of a planned demonstration in Belmopan on the same day. Chief Education Officer Yolanda Gongora reminded principals that they do not have the authority to cancel classes or notify parents of closures. The memo also confirmed that school transportation will operate as usual. In response, B.N.T.U. President Nadia Caliz released a video statement acknowledging the ministry’s right to issue such directives, while questioning the intent behind the memo. The situation sets the stage for a tense Friday as teachers prepare to protest.

Nadia Caliz, President, B.N.T.U.

“I want you to know that the ministry is within its constitutional right. That letter speaks to keeping schools open. Nothing is wrong with that. It comes out every single time we decided to demonstrate or go on strike. The other part is this, the indirect aspect is to reduce the BNTU number on Friday, that is up to you the membership. I put that ball in your court. The ministry will send that our because they have a responsibility for education. And the management will work with them and you have seen letters come out of the management telling you hat schools will be open, asking administrators to list the names of those who are going, all of that. It is important to know that if you are going, give them your name. Now your responsibility as a member is to notify your parents and students that you will not be there, but you have no legal authority to tell them not to come to school and that there will be no class. So, please bear that in mind my dear members.”

BNTU President Challenges School Managers Ahead of Friday’s Protest

President Nadia Caliz of the Belize National Teachers Union has issued a strong message to general and local school managers. She argued that if they can cooperate with the Ministry of Education to keep schools open on Friday, they should also be able to work with the ministry to address teachers’ demands. Caliz further advised teachers to be ready for the possibility of not being paid for the day spent demonstrating outside the classroom. This call to action comes as tensions rise ahead of the planned protest in Belmopan.

Nadia Caliz, President, B.N.T.U.

“Management, I love the fact that we have the memos coming out and that is the same concerted effort I want to see from you and the ministry as it pertains to the teachers getting their income tax. A lot off you have not reconciled, so my teachers are suffering for years. So if you can work together on this, you can work together on anything. That is the same energy I want to see concerning my teachers waiting for their increments. If you can work together on this you can work together on that. You can work to get to get exactly what teachers are clamoring for done, you can. Maybe, I am not certain, maybe under the table, they will tell managements not to pay you for the day. Maybe, but be prepared for whatever it is. You got to be prepared to take the stand you voted for.”

Friday’s Protest in Belmopan Gains Momentum with Union Support

The upcoming demonstration in Belmopan on Friday is set to draw even larger crowds as the Public Service Union and the Association of Public Service Senior Managers join forces with the Belize National Teachers Union. Dean Flowers, President of the Public Service Union, emphasized that the teachers’ demands are shared by his members. This united front signals a significant show of solidarity among Belize’s public sector workers. We spoke with Flowers today to get his perspective on the growing movement.

Dean Flowers, President, B.N.T.U

“The BNTU, PSU, and APSSM are part of what we refer to as the joint union negotiating team, and so the issue or issues that we’re currently facing affect all three associations or bodies. So on Friday, in support of our sister union, in support of the issues that they are championing, and as we have a duty and obligation to as part of the joint union negotiating team, we will be issuing an official call to our general membership to be at Friday’s rally and demonstration against what we view as injustices against public sector workers by the Briceño administration. It is important that I also make note that the public service union would have consulted its membership last week and once again on Monday night, and the turnout was great. In terms of our virtual meetings, we have put out surveys to members as to whether or not this is a rally or demonstration that they would want to participate in, and they told us, not only do we want to participate in this rally and demonstration, but we want you to put together a comprehensive plan of action.”

PSU President Questions Ministry’s Motives Ahead of Friday’s Protest

P.S.U. President Dean Flowers is raising concerns about a possible coordinated effort by the Ministry of Public Service to deter public servants from attending Friday’s protest. Flowers pointed out that the Elections and Boundaries Department has scheduled training for village council elections on the same day, notifying public officers of the session. He advised his members to skip the training and join the demonstration, suggesting that the timing might be an attempt to undermine the protest’s impact.

Dean Flowers, President, P.S.U.

“Every parent who say they love their children, that they want the best for their children need to be out there. If they are not our there the government may view it as they could not bring out the crowd, so we wont give them the respect they deserve. That will cause the teachers to be outside of their classroom longer than they need to and when the teachers are out of the classroom longer than they need to your children suffer, my children suffer. I want to say that yesterday we were informed that the ministry of public service via the elections and boundaries department would has sent out letters to public officers informing them that in forty eight hours, seventy two hours there will be training for village council election. We don’t know if there is a plot by the Ministry of Public Service. We find it very coincidental that Ms. Tamai wants to hold a training on Friday, knowing fully well. We are saying to our public officers, training can wait, what cannot wait is for you to let your voices be heard. So, we are saying, if you have training, do not attend that training on Friday. Show up in Belmopan, in solidarity with the joint unions.”