2025-05-13 - Channel 5 Belize

Hugo Patt Breaks Silence on Budget Absence Amid U.D.P. Leadership Tensions

Corozal North Area Representative Hugo Patt was noticeably absent from Monday’s Budget Presentation, but he says politics had nothing to do with it. Patt, who’s found himself at the center of the United Democratic Party’s ongoing leadership shake-up, insists his absence was due to a family emergency, not party drama. The controversy stems from a leadership shuffle following the March twelfth general elections. After Moses “Shyne” Barrow lost his Mesopotamia seat and Tracy Taegar-Panton secured hers in Albert, Patt, then acting leader, briefly took the reins. But in a surprising move, he quickly passed leadership to Panton, sparking speculation about internal rifts. Despite the political noise, Patt says his focus on Monday was family, not factionalism.

Hugo Patt, Area Representative, Corozal North

“I had an emergency with one of my sons, so I had to take him to the hospital. It really caught us off guard. We don’t plan for these things. While I wanted to attend the Sitting of the House, I had to take care of the health of my child. These things do happen from time to time. Friday I was there, I was a bit late, but yes, I was there at the inaugural sitting of the House of Representatives.”

Marion Ali

“I don’t know if you’ve heard but Mr Barrow says he blames you in terms of how things turned out with the whole handing over of the leadership after he handed it over to you. What are your thoughts about that?”

Hugo Patt

“He’s entitled to his opinions and his comments. Ms. Ali, we could lay the blame on anybody or we could blame everybody, but at this point in time, I don’t think it helps. Our supporters are really tired of the situation that we’re in and like them, and like me and many of us, we just want to see us get over the crisis that we have been suffering for the past months. So while everybody is entitled to his or her opinion, and if he’s to blame me and if anybody is to blame me, I can live with it, but my thing is this: I don’t think that blaming anybody will help. Finding excuses won’t help. We need solutions and I think that that is the way that we need to go.”

Marion Ali

“May I ask what happened when Mr. Barrow passed on the interim leadership to yourself? What happened between that point and when you handed it over to Ms. Panton?”

Hugo Patt

“From a legal standpoint, and from a procedural standpoint, yes, I am the acting party leader, but you know, I have not been shy about the fact that I have said that I have never wanted this position. And while, under the constitution, I just can’t hand over the leadership to Ms. Panton, I am willing to make sure that that process is followed.”

Shyne Barrow Doubles Down: He Says Panton is Still Out of the U.D.P.

The political drama inside the United Democratic Party is not letting up. Today, Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s headquarters issued a fiery press release, warning Tracy Taegar-Panton to stop claiming she’s a member of the U.D.P. Barrow pointed to a recent court ruling by Justice Tawanda Hondora, which confirmed that Panton was expelled from the party back on August 28. According to the release, Panton had asked the court to declare her a U.D.P. member—but the judge declined, leaving the final decision in the hands of the party’s executive. Until then, Barrow insists, she remains expelled and has no authority within the party. Barrow even went a step further, calling on Panton to issue a public apology if she wants any chance at reconciliation. But not everyone in the party is backing Barrow. Hugo Patt, a key figure in the U.D.P., says as far as he’s concerned, Panton is still his leader. The leadership tug-of-war continues, and the U.D.P.’s internal rift shows no signs of healing just yet.

Hugo Patt, Area Representative, Corozal North

“As we speak, I think the only viable candidate and the only candidate that has in the indicated a willingness to lead this party is the Honorable Tracy Panton. So, she’s now the present Leader of the Opposition. And so, you know, it’s just a matter of processes for her to become the next leader of the U.D.P. I have said it openl, I support Honorable Tracy Panton to be our next leader. And all it will take this for us to do – from a legal standpoint and from a constitutional standpoint of the UDP to do what is necessary for Honorable Panton to become the next party leader.”

Marion Ali

“So if he happens to win again at that convention, are you willing to work along with Mr. Barrow as the leader of the party? He has said, you know, that he’s basically disappointed in your decision. How do you feel about him?”

Hugo Patt

“ I will respect whatever the decision of delegates is. I have never been the type of person who will go against anybody. I am a U.D.P. I never criticize any U.D.P. I have seen how people criticize one another. You have never seen Hugo Patt criticizing anybody. I believe that my job is first to serve the people of Corozal North; secondly to basically look at the flaws and identify the wrongdoings of the party in government. And that’s about it.”

Patt Says NPC and Convention is the Best Way Forward

With the United Democratic Party still tangled in a months-long leadership dispute, Corozal North Area Representative Hugo Patt says it’s time to settle the matter once and for all—with a National Party Council (NPC) meeting and a new convention. Patt believes electing a definitive leader is the only way to bring clarity and unity back to the party. But there’s a catch: before any convention can happen, Vice Chairman Alberto August—who held that role before the controversial October 20th convention—must call the NPC meeting. So far, August hasn’t responded to Tracy Taegar-Panton’s request to do so. Still, Patt says he’s spoken with August and remains hopeful that the meeting will be called “in due course.” As the U.D.P. power struggle drags on, all eyes are now on August—and whether he’ll take the next step to break the deadlock.

Hugo Patt, Area Representative, Corozal North

“Yes, there is a need for the party to heal. Yes, there is a need for us to unify. Yes, there is a need for us to have a party leader that nobody will question. And yes, there is a need for us to move on in the quickest time possible. And so while we in concept have agreed to that it is just a matter for us to get that advice. In my case, I just want to be legally sure that I’m doing the right thing, and from there we move on.”

Marion Ali

You’ve spoken to him? You’ve asked him to call the meeting?”

Hugo Patt

“Yes. I’ve spoken to him and he has said yes, we agreed that that’s the way forward. You will hear a lot of things here and there, Ms Ali and you have to understand that there are two factions within the UDP.”

Family Finds Body Amidst Search for Missing Birthday Boy

After two agonizing days of searching, the family of twenty-four-year-old Moises Garbutt believes they’ve found the heartbreaking answer they feared most. The young Roaring Creek resident, who had been excitedly preparing for his birthday celebration on May eleventh, vanished without a word the night before. When he didn’t check in, his loved ones knew something was wrong. Today, their worst fears came true. Around one p.m., a body believed to be Garbutt’s was discovered about five hundred yards off the George Price Boulevard In Belmopan. Though official confirmation is still pending, family members say the clothing and location leave little doubt. According to police, no visible injuries were observed and the investigation continues to determine the cause of death. The discovery has left the community in shock and mourning, as questions now turn to what happened in the hours leading to his disappearance. News Five’s Britney Gordon has more on this developing story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

What was meant to be a joyful celebration turned into heartbreak for the family of Moises Garbutt. The twenty-four-year-old Roaring Creek resident had nearly finished preparing for his birthday party when he suddenly vanished. He never got the chance to blow out his candles or hear his family sing to him. Two days after he went missing, a body believed to be Garbutt’s was discovered near the entrance of Belmopan. His sister, Leah James, who had been clinging to hope that her brother would walk through the door, is now left devastated. The discovery has sent shockwaves through the community, as loved ones mourn the loss of a young life taken far too soon.

Leah James, Sister of Deceased

“He went missing around between Saturday and Sunday May tenth and May elevent, he went missing. Around that time we realized he was missing Sunday, May eleventh, Sunday was his birthday and he had a few things planned for his birthday. And when one of his cousins, who was his best friend came to look for him, that’s when he alerted us that they hadn’t seen him the night and it’s not like him to just make plants and then pull out from the plans without saying anything. So that’s when we realized he was missing.”

The desperate two-day search for Moises Garbutt came to a tragic end when his own aunt made a heartbreaking discovery, a lifeless body near the entrance of Belmopan, believed to be the missing twenty-four-year-old. What began as a hopeful effort to bring him home turned into a nightmare for his family, who had been clinging to every shred of hope. Now, they’re left with grief and unanswered questions.

Leah James

“As soon as we realized he was missing, all of the family came together, we started search parties. We notified the police that the standard. Operation for reporting. Initially, we weren’t really getting a lot of assistance from the police, but today the CIB and police really helped us a lot. They were on the ground with us for the most part. So we’re appreciative for that.”

While this discovery is devastating for the family, police have yet to confirm the body’s identity due to its advanced state of decomposition.

Leah James

“My aunt was the first one to see his body. We were combing different areas and that’s how we saw birds and that’s what led us to the era where we found him. It was family on the ground. And my aunt saw him from a distance and some of us went a little bit closer to identify and ensure that was him.”

According to the family, his brother had gotten into altercations recently, resulting in threats against his life. However, they never imagined they would escalate to this level of severity.

Leah James

“He did he did receive threats. Initially, he notified us, but it wasn’t something we took serious. Simply because this is a small village, it’s normal to have little threats here and there, but for someone like him, we didn’t take it serious.”

Garbutt, a father of two, is described as a humble family man. His entire family, who had gathered in excitement to celebrate his birthday, instead banded together to search, in the hope that they would bring him home.

Leah James

“He was a very humble person. He was very loving and he loved kids. There’s always this little thing that I always remind him. I told him, you remember when we were younger? He took some little pieces of board. Board that my dad did construction work with, took the board and little cup covers and nail them together and made his own truck. That’s the type of person he’s really good with his hands. He can take a machine dong and put it up right back in front of your face. That’s the kind of person he is. He’s a humble person. Always has a smile on his face. It’s very rare that you are gonna see him upset and if he is upset. By the end of the day, he’s gonna be smiling right back again with you.”

While police are still investigating the case, James and her family are praying that the right people will be brought to justice.

Leah James

“We’re definitely hoping we can get justice. We have with the police department in Roaring Creek Village. They are definitely doing the work on the ground for us now, which we are grateful for, and we’re hoping the persons involved with this will be brought to swift justice.”

Now that the party supplies and food have been packed away, the family prepares to lay Moises to rest. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Moises is described as a loving brother, son, father and stepfather. Police will be conducting a DNA test to ascertain the identity of the individual.

Teen Group Dragged to Court Under State of Emergency—Charges Dismissed

Five people, including four minors and a nineteen-year-old, were hauled before the Belize City Magistrate’s Court this morning after being charged under the State of Emergency (SOE) regulations. The group—two thirteen-year-olds, a fourteen-year-old, a seventeen-year-old, and nineteen-year-old Donie Wite—were accused of assembling in a group of more than three on May tenth, at the corner of Administration Drive and Ordonez Street. The SOE was declared in parts of Belize City following a spike in deadly shootings. But when the group appeared before Chief Magistrate Deborah Rogers, she found no grounds to proceed with the case. Calling it a “victimless offense,” she dismissed the charges, stating, quote, It’s entrapment when someone is arrested for something they don’t know is a crime, end quote. The courtroom heard troubling claims that the arresting officer was intoxicated and abusive. Wite and the minors said they were simply talking and had no idea they were breaking any law. The Chief Magistrate advised them to file a formal complaint with the Professional Standards Branch. The case has raised serious questions about how the SOE is being enforced—and whether innocent young people are being unfairly targeted.

City Council Employee Accused of Attempted Murder Still Behind Bars

Tonight, forty-five-year-old Travis Flowers, a coordinator with the Belize City Council’s Enforcement Department, remains behind bars—still waiting to secure bail for a second time. Flowers is accused of attempting to murder a co-worker and has been on remand for over two months. He appeared unrepresented before Chief Magistrate Deborah Rogers this morning, only to learn that his case file is still not ready. The court set his next appearance for July eleventh, when disclosures are expected to be handed over. Flowers asked the court to consider granting him bail, but because he had already been denied bail by the High Court, the Magistrate explained that the lower court could not intervene. His only option now is to reapply through the High Court—a move that carries no guarantees. Back in March, Flowers’ bail application was denied by Justice Pilgrim after multiple adjournments. He was first arraigned on March eleventh. As the legal process drags on, Flowers remains in custody, awaiting his next chance at freedom.

Sealy Family Demands Answers After Son Dies in Police Custody

A family is demanding answers after thirty-two-year-old Selvin Sealy Junior died while in police custody on Monday, following his arrest for trespassing on private property. According to police, Sealy was found in a tree when officers arrived at the scene. Assistant Commissioner Hilberto Romero told reporters that Sealy became aggressive when approached and had to be forcibly subdued. Moments later, he reportedly lost consciousness. Officers rushed him to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where he was pronounced dead. The police department says an internal investigation is underway, led by the Professional Standards Branch. But Sealy’s family isn’t satisfied with the official version of events. Earlier today, Selvin Sealy Senior told us his son was last seen alive that same morning by a sibling on the island — and he appeared to be in good health. Now, the family is left grieving and searching for the truth behind what happened in those final moments.

Selvin Sealy Sr., Father of Deceased

“I’m heartbroken about my son and I don’t wish this on anyone, it’s a really rough feeling. Even right now, I get emotional. The call came to my house about 7:30, somewhere around there, about 7:30, I was getting ready to go out and then I heard that my son was critical at the polyclinic in San Pedro. So I got the news and I got ready and I went there directly. In all the chaos, and all the situation, I saw my son lying dead on the table and it was a really heartfelt emotion for me. They told me that, someone at the police department, that he was at some, I think it’s like a private house, rental, pool, swimming [when] the security called the police to come and see. I don’t know what transpired from there. They do have videos which I would like to see and get for my personal satisfaction. But after that, in between, something happened when the police picked him up or so. That part, I would really like a clarification. And then they took him, it seems [like] because I heard [that] they were talking about they had him in a handcuff. They took him to the station and so forth. He was well in the morning because my other son saw him at 6:30, passing by the boats on the beach. It’s a human being, like everyone else. Somebody dies, your children somebody dies, you want justice because no matter how the person is… if he had committed a crime or something it’s different. I just want justice. I’m not pinpointing fingers, but my son died.”

The mystery surrounding Selvin Sealy Junior’s death deepens, as authorities have yet to determine what caused the thirty-two-year-old to lose his life while in police custody. The Belize Police Department says its Professional Standards Branch is still investigating the incident, but so far, no clear answers have been given.

A Centuries Old Yucatec Maya Dish Remains on the Belizean Breakfast Table

It’s messy, it’s time-consuming, and it takes nearly a full day to get it just right. But for Adolfo Reyes, it’s all worth it. For the past ten years, Reyes and his family have been waking up early and getting their hands dirty to prepare one of Belize’s most beloved traditional dishes: pork pibil. At his popular spot, Dolf Pitmaster Tacos, the slow-roasted, flavor-packed Yucatec Maya delicacy is more than just food, it’s a cultural mission. Each week, Reyes fires up the pit and gets to work, honoring a centuries-old recipe that’s become a staple on breakfast tables across the country. And his loyal customers? They keep coming back for more. In this week’s Kolcha Tuesday, News Five’s Paul Lopez dives into the smoky, spice-filled world of pork pibil to find out what keeps this tradition alive, and why Belizeans can’t get enough of it.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

One bite of a pibil taco from Dolf Pitmaster Tacos and you’re not just eating, you’re time traveling. The rich, smoky flavor of the slow-roasted pork takes you straight back to the 16th century, when this iconic dish first made its way into the Yucatec region.

Lily Nunez, Customer

“Top tier, better than any tacos I have ever had to be honest.”

Adolfo Reyes, the man behind the magic, has turned his passion for tradition into a culinary experience that connects modern Belizeans with their deep cultural roots, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Before the sun rises and the fire pit is lit, Adolfo Reyes is already hard at work. For the past ten years, Reyes, the man behind Dolf Pitmaster Tacos, has been serving up more than just food. He’s been sharing a piece of his culture, one pork pibil taco at a time.

Adolfo Reyes, Owner, Dolf Pitmaster’s Pibil Tacos

“From seven in the morning we go to Shipyard, we need to get firewood, so that we comeback and put the firewood to burn. We use lone coal. We start to clean up the meat, shave it, soak it in vinegar a couple times, and then season it and after that we wait til the pit is already set. We put the meat on top of the pit, because I had to build a crane to submerge the pot and then take it out, because it is not a little bit of work. My pot is almost this big and this wide.”

A roasting pot over three feet tall to slow roast over a thousand pounds of pork weekly. The roasting can take up to six hours. But it is all hands-on deck for Reyes and his family, from the moment the meat is sourced, to the minutes when the last ounce of pibil is sold. His wife, children and in-laws are all active in business.

Adolfo Reyes

“Very popular, but it is not just me, it is a family business and thank God, he is the one that grant me this way of doing things. Because, if it was not for him I would not have thought about it. It is a family business too.”

But behind every bite is a backstory of grit and dedication. Taught by his father, now an elderly man, Adolfo has spent years perfecting the traditional recipe. And his customers? They know exactly what to expect: rich flavor, slow-roasted goodness, and a taste of culture in every bite. Among the crowd was Colin Estrada, a loyal customer of four years who’s taken his love for Dolf Pitmaster’s tacos to the next level — hiring Adolfo to cater his private events.

Colin Estrada, Customer

“I have come here, but Dolfo has also done catering when I have staff activities too. It was very nice, juicy and the thing about it is that it has a lot of meat and it is not like you are scraping the meat off. You have to hold the tortilla and make sure it does not drop out. So, a lot of meat he has in it.”

If you’re a foodie on the hunt for satisfaction, look no further than a pibil taco from Dolf Pitmaster Tacos. These aren’t your average tacos, they’re packed to the brim with tender, marinated pork and topped with a bold, zesty salsa that hits all the right notes.

Robert Tillett, Customer

“Bway I don’t know what kind of secret, what kind of season they have in this thing, but mein, can’t go wrong with it.”

Serving up tradition isn’t getting any cheaper. As the cost of ingredients continues to climb, cultural food vendors like Adolfo Reyes are feeling the pinch.

Adolfo Reyes

“That is something we look into, because we need to deal with the veggies, the meat. Just this weekend the butcher said prices are going up again and I said I just carry up the tacos in March, now see what will happen now. I will have to hold back to see what will happen.”

For Reyes, maintaining the rich flavor and generous portions his customers love means walking a fine line between authenticity and affordability. And while prices may inch upward, it’s all in the name of keeping the standard high and the pibil tacos just as mouthwatering as ever. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Economy on the Mend, But Government Says the Work Isn’t Over Yet

After weathering the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s economy is back on its feet and walking tall. But according to government officials, keeping it that way will take more than just momentum. It’ll require smart planning, steady hands, and a whole-of-government push. The Briceno administration has set its sights on maintaining a healthy budget surplus, between one-point-five and two percent of G.D.P., over the next few years. That’s a key part of its strategy to keep the economy strong and debt under control. In Monday’s budget presentation, Prime Minister John Briceño touched on public debt which, he says, has already dropped faster than expected. According to the Minister of Finance, the budget deficit now sits at around sixty percent of G.D.P., well ahead of IMF forecasts. But trimming it further, down to fifty percent by 2029, won’t be easy. Slower economic growth and unpredictable global interest rates are making the road ahead a bit bumpier.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Although our economy has stabilized with a robust rebound following the COVID Pandemic, sustained growth will require unceasing policy initiatives and whole-of-government efforts. With regard to fiscal policy, my government’s goal is to maintain a consistent primary budget surplus -in the range of 1.5 percent to 2.0 percent of GDP – into the medium term. While public debt has come down years ahead of IMF projections, to the 60 percent range, further reductions will be more challenging, given the limitations on GDP growth and our lack of control over global interest rates. Our goal is for the public debt to gradually fall to 50 percent of GDP by 2029. Our gross financing needs are estimated to average 7.5 percent of GDP, supported by continued fiscal discipline, a manageable repayment schedule for the Blue Bond, and limited short-term refinancing needs from domestic creditors. Despite this positive outlook, the Government remains committed to mitigating emerging risks, such as climate-related events, volatile global markets, and commodity price shocks, by maintaining primary surpluses, building buffers and contingency funds, establishing contingent credit lines, while keeping public debt in careful check and improving disaster risk financing (DRF) arrangements. Our fiscal policy stance will remain consistent with other macroeconomic policies and growth objectives, requiring careful management to mitigate potential risks and ensure long-term sustainability.”

The message is clear: the economy may be stable now, but staying that way will take vigilance, coordination, and a long-term vision.

Patt Concerned about Sugar Industry Woes

While the United Democratic Party is preparing a united response to Monday’s national budget presentation, Corozal North Area Representative Hugo Patt is already sounding the alarm on one key issue: agriculture. Speaking with the media today, Patt, who is also a cane farmer, said his biggest concern lies with the struggling sugar industry. He pointed to low yields, falling prices, and what he described as a “bleak outlook” at the end of this year’s crop season. Though the U.D.P. plans to present a collective position on the budget, Patt made it clear that for him, the future of Belize’s farmers, especially in the north, must be a top priority.

Hugo Patt, Area Representative, Corozal North

“The Leader of the Opposition will call – during the course of the two weeks, will be calling meetings to basically discuss the budget in its entirety. And so, areas of interest will be basically assigned to all five of us in the host. And so based on the decision that is taken there, and of course with the guidance and the leader for our part leader, we will present the points that we need to present during the days that we will have the budget issue.”

Marion Ali

“Does anything stand out at you at this particular point?”

Hugo Patt

“Well, my interest has always been agriculture, and so, if you ask me now, I mean the sugar industry is in a state of disrepair. So it is really concerning what is happening now, given that one, we do not have the kind of production that we had expected. Secondly, there is a huge shortage of labor. And thirdly, there is the issue of the price that we are seeing very low. I’m just concerned for many of my farmer colleagues who I feel at the end of the day – banks will just pull in on them or whenever the final payment is made, they will stay without any money.”