Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow, rejected Sunday’s national convention held by the Alliance for Democracy (AFD) in Belize City.
Barrow condemned the AFD and its leader, Tracy Taegar-Panton, accusing them of “continued fraud and deception.”
Barrow described the AFD’s attempts to mislead the public as “malicious, unscrupulous, and anti-democratic.”
“The ADP is a third party formed by some members of the old guard who left the UDP because they rejected the Party’s anti-corruption and political reform agenda under the leadership of Shyne Barrow, Hugo Patt, Michael Peyrefitte, Alberto August, and the Executive,” said Barrow.
Barrow reiterated its leadership team, stateing that it remains resolute “until the next UDP National Convention to be held 90 days after the next General Elections,” he added.
On Sunday, the Alliance for Democracy (AFD), led by Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar Panton, held what is described as a ‘unity convention’ at Belize City’s Civic Centre.
The event gathered many delegates and supporters of the United Democratic Party (UDP) from across the country.
In an interview with Taegar-Panton at the convention, she stated, “Neither the Party Leader nor the Chairman nor the Executive Leadership Team has greater power than the delegates. The National Convention, which we are having today, is the highest decision-making body of the party.” She said that the convention was convened in accordance with the party’s constitution: “This movement is following the Constitution of the Party in its entirety.”
Taegar-Panton noted that delegates overwhelmingly support the AFD’s call for a leadership change within the UDP, despite Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s claims that AFD leaders and other senior members have been expelled.
Today, Panton took to Facebook to announce the results of yesterday’s convention. In the statement, which branded the official UDP’s press release header, it said, “The United Democratic Party (UDP) is proud to announce that Hon. Tracy Panton has been elected as the Interim Leader of the UDP, making history as the first female to lead a mass political party in Belize.”
The announcement detailed, “A total of 347 out of 528 delegates participated in a critical vote to determine the future leadership of the UDP. The question posed was clear: “Do you support the recall of Moses Shyne Barrow as Party Leader of the UDP?” The results were resounding: 334 delegates voted YES, while 13 delegates voted NO.”
According to the statement, the AFD executive, which claims to replace the UDP leadership, includes Hugo Patt as First Deputy Leader and Beverley Williams as Second Deputy Leader. Sheena Pitts and Lee Mark Chang were announced as Interim Chairperson and Vice-Chairman respectively at the convention.
Former area representatives, including Anthony “Boots” Martinez, Manuel Heredia Jr., and Edmund “Clear the Land” Castro, were also in attendance, along with former CEO in the Office of the Prime Minister, Audrey Wallace. Notably absent was Hugo Patt.
“There is no confusion—there is only one great UDP, and today’s convention solidified that we are both great and democratic,” the statement wrote.
Disney has unveiled the trailer for the upcoming documentary The Honorable Shyne, which chronicles the extraordinary life of Moses “Shyne” Barrow, a Grammy Award-winning musician who transitioned into politics. Barrow rose to fame in the late 1990s as a rising rap star, but his career was abruptly halted after being charged in connection with a high-profile New York nightclub shooting involving rap mogul Sean “Puffy” Combs. In 2001, Barrow was convicted and sentenced to ten years in prison, while Combs was acquitted.
Following his release, Barrow returned to his homeland of Belize, where he shifted his focus from music to politics, eventually becoming the Leader the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives.
“This documentary provides an intimate look at Shyne’s personal evolution as he navigates fame, incarceration, and a return home to Belize, where he finds new purpose and strives to lead his country to a brighter future.”
The Honorable Shyne is set to premiere on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ in the U.S. on November 18, 2024. International release details have yet to be announced.
The body of a middle-aged man was found floating in the Mopan River near the Belize western border over the weekend. The body was reportedly in an advanced state of decomposition.
The remains retrieved from the river on Saturday were transferred to a morgue. A post-mortem examination is pending. The body is believed to be that of 53-year-old Nery Antonio Cardona Sagatume.
According to the brother of the deceased, Fredy Cardona, Sagatume left home on October 16 wearing clothing that matched the description of what was found on the body.
Initial investigation indicated no visible injuries and no foul play is suspected. This is an ongoing investigation.
A shooting incident over the weekend has left a 39-year-old construction worker hospitalised. Reports indicate that Lenny Bengeuche sustained two gunshot wounds and was taken to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for treatment.
According to Bengeuche, two men dressed in dark clothing shot fire at him before fleeing the scene on foot.
When officers from the Ladyville Criminal Investigations Branch (CIV) arrived at Egbert Quilter Street, the officers discovered an abandoned black 24-inch male-frame beach cruiser bicycle at the location. However, no bullet shells were found.
No arrests have been made. The police continue to investigate.
Police in Dangriga have initiated a murder investigation following the discovery of a dismembered body found in a barrel near a resort. The barrel containing the body parts was reportedly discarded in the sea.
Police conducted a search at a local meat shop as part of the investigation. Initial evidence suggests that the gruesome dismemberment may have occurred at this location. A local butcher has been taken into custody in connection with the case.
As of 6:00 PM on Saturday, October 19, 2024, Tropical Storm Nadine has weakened to a tropical depression, prompting the discontinuation of all coastal warnings. At 6:00 PM, Nadine was located near latitude 17.3N, longitude 90.0W, about 120 miles west of Belize City, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. The storm is moving westward at 13 mph and is expected to continue weakening as it moves further inland and away from Belize.
On the advice of the Chief Meteorologist and the National Emergency Management Coordinator, Prime Minister John Briceno has issued the “All Clear” for the entire country, signaling that Belize is no longer under threat from tropical storm conditions. However, residents are advised to remain cautious as additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected overnight, accompanied by gusty winds. A small craft caution remains in effect, and operators are urged to exercise care.
Flood warnings are still in place for certain areas, particularly the Iguana Creek low-lying bridge and the Coastal Highway from La Democracia to Hope Creek junction, which may become impassable. Rivers, including the Rio Hondo, New River, Booth’s River, Rio Bravo, Mopan, Macal, and Belize Rivers, along with those originating from the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains, remain at risk of flooding. There is also a risk of landslides in the northern and central highland regions. The San Ignacio Low Lying Bridge remains closed, and the Mollejon Spillway is active.
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness are urging the public to avoid contact with floodwaters, which can pose significant health risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries. Exposure to contaminated water may lead to illnesses such as skin infections, stomach illness, and waterborne diseases like typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis, and hepatitis A.
Despite the “All Clear,” residents are encouraged to stay alert and continue following official updates from NEMO and the National Meteorological Service. NEMO’s hotline is available at 936, and the National Emergency Operations Centre, along with all District Emergency Operations centres, remains on alert.
Twenty-six-year-old Kadrian Travis Wade, a farmer from Lucky Strike Village has been charged with the murder of Glenford Davis.
Davis, a 46-year-old farmer from Rockstone Pond Village, was reported missing on March 12, 2024, after last being seen on December 21, 2023. Police discovered his skeletal remains about 75 yards off a feeder road in the Rockstone Pond area on March 16, along with a pair of rubber boots, a bush hat, and a backpack.
Excessive rainfall from Tropical Storm Nadine has resulted in the Mollejon and Vaca dams spilling, while the Chalillo Dam remains stable and continues to hold back floodwaters from the Macal River upstream.
Fortis Belize Limited (FBL) stated that spilling is a natural occurrence when water overflows the dam wall. It emphasised that should the Chalillo Dam begin to spill, it will issue further communication and alert downstream communities that may be impacted. FBL also noted that while dams do not fully prevent flooding, they reduce the risk of flood disasters, even when spilling occurs.
FBL personnel are currently on-site at each facility, monitoring water levels as the storm progresses across Belize. The company says it is maintaining close communication with officials from BEL and NEMO.
Following flooding from Tropical Storm Nadine, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) has declared many drinking water sources unsafe, including municipal systems, rural supplies, wells, and stored water. Affected water may “appear dark in color, have an odor, or have floating fragments.” To make water safe for drinking, cooking, or bathing, the MOHW recommends three treatment methods:
Bleach: Add one tablespoon of unscented bleach to five gallons of water, mix, and let stand for 30 minutes.
Boiling: Heat water until it reaches a rolling boil for one minute, then cool and store in a clean container.
Purification tablets: Follow package instructions and allow the water to stand for the recommended time.
The MOHW urges the public to stay safe and will continue to monitor the situation, providing updates when water sources are safe again. For more information, contact the nearest public health office.
