Starlink, the satellite internet service provider operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is under investigation by authorities in Antigua and Barbuda for failing to pay the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) on its services.
The government has identified over 100 users of Starlink, yet the company has not reported or collected the 17% tax required of other telecommunications companies. Minister for Information, Melford Nicholas, told local news channels that while there are no plans to disrupt services, the government aims to ensure compliance with tax regulations. “We do know that there are over 100 people utilising Starlink at the moment,” said Lionel Hurst, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister.
“There was no discussion about disrupting the service. The focus was on collecting the taxes that are owed because all telecommunications companies must pay the ABST—17% on the value of the service they provide,” Hurst added.
Meanwhile, in Belize, Starlink’s application to provide nationwide broadband services was denied by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), limiting its operations to underserved areas, aircraft, and vessels during emergencies. Sheena Garnett, PUC’s Communication Manager, stated, “We are going to allow end users to operate their Starlink terminals at these fixed locations that are currently in these parts of the country where there is no service or underserved areas where existing internet providers are unable to provide that service.”
Earlier this month, Prime Minister John Briceño supported the PUC’s decision, explaining the need to protect local providers while still assisting those without internet access. He said, “We are not giving them [Starlink] an open license, but if a citizen comes and says, and we have been doing that forever. We want a satellite dish; you get a permit to do that. So if you come and live deep in the bush and do not have access to internet service and want to bring it in, they will approve it. So, I think that is the best compromise.”
A 200-page document compiled by the PUC included all the feedback received. In it was an email where the minister, Michel Chebat, stated, “Should approval be considered, Starlink’s operations in Belize should be facilitated through a local agent, ensuring alignment with local industry dynamics and subject to our national tax regime.”
Justice Candace Nanton has found Kyle Aswan Zetina guilty of three counts of murder in connection with the brutal execution-style killings of Excelsior High School Vice Principal, 44-year-old Alarice Andrewin, and her two friends, 39-year-old Vidal Antonio Yuman and 19-year-old Maria Lucas, a Guatemalan national.
The horrific crime occurred on June 3, 2019—five years and seven months ago—inside Andrewin’s home at Mile 10 ½ on the George Price Highway. The victims were found murdered in what authorities described as a calculated and cold-blooded attack.
While Zetina has now been convicted, no date has yet been set for sentencing. Court officials have confirmed that all parties will be informed of the sentencing date at a later time.
A Belizean female patient at an Illinois hospital was found unresponsive on the roof and pronounced dead 14 hours later, leaving investigators and her family demanding answers about the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death.
The family of 28-year-old Chelsea Adolphus has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Vista Medical Centre East in Waukegan, Illinois, after she was found dead on the hospital’s roof last week. The lawsuit, filed by attorney Ben Crump, claims premises liability, negligence, and medical malpractice. Chelsea, of Sana Elena, Cayo, had been admitted to the hospital for a minor medical issue, but her body was discovered hours later on the roof. “I want answers. The family needs answers, and we need answers immediately,” said her brother, Paul Adolphus Jr.
According to the Lake County Coroner’s Office, Chelsea died from hypothermia after being exposed to freezing temperatures. She had been missing for nearly seven hours before hospital staff found her unresponsive. “Her body temperature was 50 degrees Fahrenheit when she was found,” said Coroner Jennifer Banek.
The family is struggling to understand how she ended up on the roof, as investigators say the door was locked from the outside. The hospital has launched an internal investigation and is cooperating with authorities. Still, the family is demanding more transparency. “We want surveillance to be released; we want 911 calls to be released,” Crump said. The investigation is ongoing.
News 5 has received reports of an alleged bullying incident at Santa Cruz Government School in Santa Elena. An eight-year-old girl suffered an injury in her classroom, reportedly in full view of her teacher, who took no action.
According to reports, the child had previously reported being verbally and physically harassed by classmates, but no intervention was made. Recently, her classmates allegedly slammed a door on her dominant hand, leaving her unable to write or perform basic tasks due to severe pain. We are told that the child is being called “dramatic” and a “liar.”
However, in a phone call with News 5, the school’s principal denied that any bullying took place. “We dealt with the situation, and there is no information, no documentation that the child has been bullied,” the principal stated.
When asked how the matter was addressed, the principal explained that the school actively speaks with students and teachers about bullying. “We have CCL (Character and Citizenship Education) where we address bullying, where we advise our students. We have devotion. We do our best to establish a safe environment for all students,” the principal said, adding that the school has “competent teachers” who are working to improve the situation.
The principal also dismissed the allegations, stating, “I’m not sure where they are getting this information, sir. At no time have these things been happening in our school.”
The principal shared that the incident has been ruled as an accident.
Orange Walk East UDP standard bearer Elodio Aragon Jr. has announced his withdrawal as a candidate for the United Democratic Party in the upcoming 2025 general elections. In a letter addressed to Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Aragon cited ongoing challenges and internal discord within the party as key reasons for his decision.
“Despite our best efforts to carry on during these troubled times we were hopeful that as a political party we would be able to overcome the challenges and be able to truly represent and put the people of Belize first. We feel that at this time it is untenable and disheartening, and not fair to Belizeans and Belize, and especially to the constituents whom we represent, care for and serve; especially since we believe that this issue will not be resolved before the general elections,” Aragon stated.
Aragon, a former Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, has been a key figure within the UDP and served as the party’s standard bearer for Orange Walk East.
He added, “In light of all the discord and disunity that is happening within the party, I feel that I cannot represent the party in a manner fitting and proper for the people of my constituency.”
He concluded with hope that the UDP would eventually reunite and refocus on winning elections for the benefit of the Belizean people.
His withdrawal comes at a critical time for the UDP, which continues to grapple with internal conflicts as it prepares for the 2025 general elections.
In 2024, Police Constable Deandre Reid was charged with discharging a firearm without authorization, in violation of the Police Act. While on duty at the Governor General’s residence on May 20, 2024, he fired a government-issued 9mm Glock pistol, resulting in the death of a canine belonging to the Governor General. He pleaded guilty before a tribunal on May 24, 2024.
Earlier this week, Police Commissioner Chester Williams told reporters that “the matter went before a tribunal; the tribunal found him guilty, dismissal was recommended, and I upheld the decision.”
News Five has since received a leaked report of the findings. The report stated, “He was given an opportunity to present his mitigation, which was supported by presenter ASP Mejia, Deputy OC Belmopan, relating to his good character, hard work, and dedication as an officer; his record only reflects one absence without leave. He was fined as follows: Fined: $250.00 to be deducted in two equal installments of $125.00 each, on June 30th, 2024, and July 31st, 2024. He was further advised in relation to section 24(9) of the Police Act: a sentence proposed to be imposed by any superior officer or other person delegated by the Commissioner of Police shall be notified to the Commissioner by the office or person and be subject to the approval of the Commissioner, who may confirm or remit the whole or any part thereof, or may enhance it, or may substitute any other sentence that is authorised to be imposed under this section. He was also advised in relation to sections 26(1) and 26(2) of the New Disciplinary Procedure Rules, relating to the review of the verdict to the Commissioner of Police and Advisory Council.”
News Five has also received reports dated as far back as August 26, 2023. One police officer said that after fearing for his life and being attacked by the dogs, he cranked his firearm and fired three shots. He said the dogs retreated, and he was able to return to the booth.
Doctor Leroy Almendarez has unexpectedly left his role as Chief Executive Officer of the Social Security Board after a short stint. His sudden departure comes without any explanation. Interestingly, News Five interviewed him just a day before the announcement, in his capacity as C.E.O. Today, the S.S.B. issued a statement welcoming Jerome Palma as the acting C.E.O. and expressing gratitude for Doctor Almendarez’s contributions during his brief tenure. Doctor Almendarez also shared a farewell message, saying, “leading the Social Security Board, an organization dedicated to social protection for Belizeans, was a pleasure and something I embraced with vigor. Being welcomed by the management team and staff across all nine branches is something I will treasure, as we worked together in service to all”. The board wished him all the best in his future endeavors, but no reason was given for his quick exit. Back in August 2024, when News Five interviewed Doctor Almendarez shortly after his appointment, he spoke passionately about the importance of his role.
Dr. Leroy Almendarez, Former C.E.O, S.S.B
“In terms of transition, I must say that understanding the role that social security is supposed to play in our society. The United Nations really basically said it’s human rights when it comes to social protection, when it comes to creation of employment and skill building and those kind of things, and the fact that you should be able to participate. So, for me, it’s really moving into a situation where I think I have an understanding, but it’s until you enter the organization, then you get a full understanding. But for me, like I said, one of the major things where it’s concerned, S.S.B. is concerned, is the fact that it’s contributors’ money. It’s employees, it’s employers and employees money. If you work for yourself, it makes it even more challenging.”
In a pivotal decision on Wednesday, the High Court of Belize delivered a verdict that’s set to impact the future of cruise tourism in the country. Michael Feinstein had taken the Government of Belize to court, arguing that their plan to forcibly acquire twenty-three acres of Stake Bank Island infringed on his constitutional rights. After a four-month legal battle, Justice Rajiv Goonetilleke ruled that the government’s intention to acquire Stake Bank Island does not violate the constitution. As a result, the High Court dismissed Feinstein’s case, giving the Briceno administration the green light to seize the land for public use. Tonight, News Five’s Paul Lopez dives deep into the twists and turns of this case and how we arrived at this critical juncture. Here’s the full report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
On Wednesday, the High Court of Belize made a significant ruling in the case brought by Michael Feinstein against the Government of Belize. Feinstein challenged the government’s plan to forcibly acquire twenty-three acres of Stake Bank Island, claiming it was unconstitutional. However, the court found that the government’s actions did not violate any constitutional provisions. The Briceno administration had announced its intent to acquire the land back in August 2024, and now, with the court’s decision, they have the green light to proceed. This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing saga of cruise tourism development in Belize.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño (File: Aug 28, 2024)
“As you all know this, there’s a legislation that was passed by the UDP whereby we deemed this project of national importance. And now that it seems that between the different investors, they have been having issues. That project has been at a standstill. We have, I think, approximately two hundred and seventy million dollars. But because there is a dispute with the land, that project cannot be finished. And if you look at the numbers for the cruise lines, they’re going down, we need to be able to finish that project. We believe that as a government, what we did is first to put the first notice of acquisition. What does that trigger? It triggers then the owner to come to the government and to say okay, this is my land, and they negotiate a price.”
The Feinstein Group didn’t hold back in voicing their objections to GOB’s plans. They accused the government of siding with the OPSA Group, a Honduran company financing the project, which later got entangled in a legal dispute with Feinstein. The Feinstein Group also claimed that the Government of Belize couldn’t prove that the land acquisition was in the public’s best interest. As a result, the acquisition has been put on hold.
Godfrey Smith
Godfrey Smith, Attorney-At-Law (File: Oct 17th, 2024)
“The end goal is vindication that the twenty-three point three acres standing in his name which was issued to him by the ministry of natural resources, he validly holds title to it, and it is lawfully his.”
The Briceño administration presented the compulsory acquisition to the public as an attempt to resurrect the cash strapped multi-million-dollar tourism project, to save Belize’s cruise tourism industry. Just days before the High Court’s preliminary hearing, Prime Minister John Briceño dropped a bombshell on “Open Your Eyes.” He revealed that Mediterranean Shipping Company, one of the giants in the cruise and shipping industry, was keen on taking over the project. This announcement added a new twist to the unfolding drama.
Prime Minister John Briceño (File: Oct 7th, 2024)
“They’re saying, “Well, now, we’d be interested, but we don’t want to get into this mess. The only way we’d be interested is if this mess is settled, and we buy over then.” So that the only way we can do that is by compulsorily acquiring land.”
Godfrey Smith, Attorney-At-Law (File: Oct 17th, 2024)
“That is why we are in court, because the instruction from our client is that he does not believe it is for a legitimate public purpose and a number of other grounds. His position is he intends to challenge that. Within the land being vested to the government it cannot be transferred to MSC or OPSA or Stake Bank or anybody else.”
Well, after nearly four months of deliberation, High Court Judge Rajiv Goonetilleke delivered his verdict. He ruled that the compulsory acquisition of Stake Bank Island is not unconstitutional and aligns with the idea of acquisition for public purposes. The Feinstein Group couldn’t substantiate their claims, leading to the dismissal of their case. This ruling is a significant win for the Briceno administration. Looking ahead, the future of the project is intriguing, especially since Prime Minister Briceno recently announced plans for a similar development just a few miles away at the government-owned Port of Belize Limited. What will this mean for cruise tourism in Belize? Only time will tell.
Prime Minister John Briceño (File: Jan 22, 2025)
“I believe that by the end of the next government we should have a cruise port and a modern container.”
Reporter
“So does that mean Stake Bank is dead. It makes no sense to have two mega cruise port in the Belize District within miles of each other.”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“We all knew that Stake Bank was short to medium term investment.”
Earlier this week, that latest statement by PM Briceño received heavy criticism from Michael Peyrefitte, the Chairman of the UDP.
Michael Peyrefitte
Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, U.D.P.
“Sometimes I don’t think he appreciates that he is the head of government for a sovereign nation. By saying this is temporary, what has he done? He has essentially killed that project with his words, because how do you go to cruise lines and say come somewhere that is only temporary.”
Interestingly, on January fourteenth, during an appearance on “Open Your Eyes,” Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler was asked which port project in Belize he thought was the most feasible and practical to complete. He threw his support behind Stake Bank. Mahler also suggested that both Stake Bank and the Port of Belize Limited could coexist harmoniously in the same area.
Anthony Mahler
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
“That would be Stake Bank if you have to look at it honestly, because that is nearer to be completed. We are working on a master plan for Port of Belize which should be completed in March. But that has two components to it, cargo and cruise and they can work together. It is done all over the world. People who want to push their own agenda would say no, but they can work together.”
Belizean investor Michael Ashcroft, who owned the Port of Belize Limited, has weighed in on the Stake Bank situation. He expressed his doubts about the government’s true intentions for the island, adding another layer of intrigue to this developing story.
Michael Ashcroft
Michael Ashcroft, Investor
“On something like Stake Bank, what is the plan? What do they need Stake Bank for? Is it a temporary measure? Is it a permanent measure? Until they sort that out, nobody knows what is going to happen on that. Nobody knows if there is a secret agreement or arrangement. But at this point everything appears to be flat.”
The Feinstein Group is set to appeal the High Court’s decision on the government’s compulsory acquisition of land on Stake Bank. They see this ruling as just a temporary setback and are confident they’ll win the appeal. In their release, they stated, “as a Belizean company that has invested in Stake Bank for the past twenty years, we knew taking on the combined forces of the Government of Belize, Atlantic Bank Limited, and the Honduran bankers would be a long and tough battle. But we won’t give up the fight for justice, fair play, and what rightfully belongs to us as a Belizean company”. The Feinstein Group believes compulsory acquisition is unconstitutional and not for a genuine public purpose. They’ve instructed their attorneys to immediately file an appeal. The release ends with a strong message that the Feinstein Group will use all resources at its disposal to, “defend itself and expose the wrongdoing of the government, wherever it may lead”.
On Wednesday, we found out that Marconi Leal Senior, the Belize Rural North Area Representative, decided not to run for a second term. According to a P.U.P. press release, he’s stepping back to focus on his health and personal life. The party said they would consult with the constituency committee to find his successor. Well, it didn’t take long! Just a day later, a flier featuring a photo of Leal and his son, Marconi Leal Junior, confirmed that Leal Junior would be stepping into his father’s shoes as a candidate in that constituency. Leal Junior, one of two C.E.O.’s in the Ministry of Human Development, Families, and Indigenous People’s Affairs, was initially appointed C.E.O. in the Ministry of Transport, Youths and Sports, before being transferred to his current role.
