February, 2025 - Greater Belize Media

UDP Deputy Leader Hugo Patt Calls for Unity Amid Internal Turmoil

United Democratic Party (UDP) Deputy Leader Hugo Patt has expressed deep concern over the ongoing internal conflict within the party, describing the situation as “unprecedented” and “disheartening” for supporters across the country.

During his appearance on Open Your Eyes, Patt acknowledged the turmoil that has plagued the UDP, particularly in the past few months. “It’s very unfortunate what has been happening in the UDP,” he said. “Our very own supporters are waiting for a miracle—for us to get our act together.”

The party’s internal strife, marked by leadership struggles and factional disputes, has left many members frustrated. Patt said that UDP supporters, both in Belize and abroad, are calling for an end to the infighting and a return to unity.

As Deputy Leader, Patt revealed that he has attempted to mediate between the rival factions within the party. However, he acknowledged that the leadership battle remains the biggest challenge, with multiple aspirants vying for control. “Personally, I am of the view that whoever becomes a party leader, that person has to have the ability to be able to work with everybody, to be able to handle all kinds of situations,” he noted.

Powa & Di People: The Countdown to Election Day

Politicians are knocking on every Belizean’s door, which means the election season is officially in full swing for the next 30 days. Campaigns are heating up, political flags are going up, and many are proudly displaying their allegiance by wearing their party’s colour on their sleeves or the faces of the leaders they champion on the backs of their T-shirts. But as the days tick down, what is there to know about the road to election day? What factors will influence your vote? And more importantly—how can you cast a responsible vote?

There are so many questions that plague the minds of many voters, especially young voters. To help you break down these political complexities and the issues that matter most, Channel 5 is bringing you its latest talk show—Powa & Di People. This 90-minute program will debut on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., right after the evening news, and it’s here to tackle those tough questions head-on.

Powa & Di People will air every Tuesday and Thursday leading up to March 11—the eve of Decision 2025 when Belizeans will walk up to the polls and cast the vote that will lead the next 5 years.

Expect lively discussions about the most pressing issues facing Belizeans today. From the economy and job creation to crime, healthcare, education, and beyond, this show is designed to help you understand key topics.

Joining the conversation will be contributors Demmy Williams and Dr. Harold Young, who will provide thoughtful analysis and spark debates on critical matters. But the best part? This isn’t a one-sided show. Your voice matters too! Viewers will be encouraged to actively participate in the discussions, ask questions, and share their views.

Make sure to tune in every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., from February 18 through March 11. Powa & Di People is your chance to be part of Belize’s political conversation as we head toward election day 2025.

PM Briceño Responds to Redistricting Challenge Before High Court

According to Prime Minister John Briceño, the ongoing redistricting matter before the High Court of Belize is not one of controversy.

Briceno told News Five that those challenging the redistricting efforts could have acted earlier if they were truly concerned. “If these people knew that that’s what they wanted to do, they could have done it a long time ago. I think they started to do this, I believe; you are just trying to get attention when they started to hear that we are going to call elections,” he stated.

The Prime Minister also outlined his position on the timing of the upcoming elections, noting that he had faced significant pressure to call them sooner. “I’ve been under a lot of pressure from last year to call elections, and I’ve been saying no, we’re not going to have elections until 2025,” he explained. “Last year in December, I met with my closest advisors, and we felt that March is a good month. Usually, it’s dry, it’s cool, and people are working. So we felt that that would be a good time to call the elections. And so that’s what we did.”

Briceño responded to attempts to block the elections, expressing his disappointment. “I think it’s unfortunate, but we have followed the law. And as Prime Minister, I have the right to call an election whenever I believe that it is the right time.”

Regarding the redistricting process, the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to addressing the issue. “I have committed before that one of the priorities of the new government, of the PUP government, when you get in, is to ensure that we could have the redistricting done successfully,” he said.

A legal injunction was filed to halt the upcoming general elections, arguing that the absence of constitutionally required redistricting violates the principle of equal representation. The claimants, including Jeremy Enriquez, contend that proceeding without redrawing electoral boundaries undermines democracy. While the government insists it has met its constitutional obligations with redistricting proposals, the challenge seeks to delay elections until the process is completed.

A decision is expected this week.

Elections and Boundaries Commission Rejects Fraud Claims

The Elections and Boundaries Commission has firmly denied allegations of electoral fraud in the Cayo North Electoral Division. It said in a press release that all voter registration processes comply with the Representation of the People Act.

The statement comes amid concerns over the inclusion of certain names on the electoral list. “Any challenges regarding voter residency within the division are being properly addressed through the appropriate legal channels,” it said.

The Commission acknowledged an appeal filed in Inferior Appeal No. CV20240006, challenging a decision by Revising Officer Her Honour Kara Walters on November 13, 2024, regarding the legitimacy of specific names on the Cayo North voter roll. The matter is now before the courts.

Additionally, a constitutional application under Section 20(3) of the Constitution of Belize has been filed, seeking judicial clarification on whether the Revising Officer’s proceedings adhered to legal and procedural requirements under the Representation of the People Act, Cap. 9.

“The Commission remains committed to upholding the integrity of Belize’s electoral system and will continue to cooperate with the courts to ensure that all legal and constitutional questions are properly addressed.”

Belize Secures Funding for Feasibility Studies on Two New Hospitals

The Government of Belize has secured funding for feasibility studies to develop the Northern Regional Hospital and Punta Gorda Town Hospital.

The studies, valued at US$986,050, are funded through the Taiwan Cooperation Partnership Trust and facilitated by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). The official signing ceremony featured Prime Minister John Briceño, Ruth Calderon of CABEI, and Lily Li-Wen Hsu, Ambassador of Taiwan to Belize, who served as an honorary witness.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Kevin Bernard, highlighted the importance of these studies in ensuring the hospitals meet the healthcare needs of their respective regions. Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Osmond Martinez, also stressed the broader impact of the project on Belize’s healthcare system.

KHMH Receives Vital Medical Equipment Donation

The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority (KHMHA) has received a donation of medical equipment from local and international donors.

KHMHA acknowledged the contributions of donors, including Edward and Patricia Lord, who helped secure a donation worth $333,604.01 USD from the Providence Healthcare System in Southern California. Key contributors from Providence included Brandon Allen (St. Joseph, Burbank), Sharon Gross (Cedar Sinai Tarzana), and Dr. Bernie Klein (CEO, Holy Cross Mission Hills).

The donation includes 35 HillRom Med Surge Beds, five ICU Beds, six Patient Recliners, seven Patient Sleepers, and assorted care supplies. Additionally, six GE OmniBed Giraffes and NICU supplies, valued at $104,178.36 USD, were sourced through collaboration with Providence and local donors.

KHMHA covered $26,800 BZD in shipping costs to bring the donation to Belize.

KHMHA CEO Chandra Cansino expressed gratitude to all sponsors.

Fisherman Survives Shooting in Belize City

Gunfire erupted near the San Pedro Belize Express parking lot on North Front Street in Belize City over the weekend. The target of the attack, 32-year-old Akeem Smith, a fisherman from the Lake I area, was with three other men travelling along Haulover Creek toward the Swing Bridge when they spotted two men standing on a concrete deck behind the Musa & Balderamos Law Firm.

One of the men on the deck suddenly opened fire, releasing four to five shots in the direction of the boat.

Smith and his companions leapt into the creek, swimming toward City Hall on Regent Street to escape the hail of bullets. The boat captain later climbed back into the vessel and manoeuvred it away from the scene.

Smith sustained a graze wound to the head and was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries.

Major Water Disruption in Belize City as BWS Repairs Broken Main Line

Belize Water Services (BWS) has issued an urgent notice to customers regarding low water pressure and an unplanned water interruption affecting Belize City.

According to BWS, the disruption is due to a break in a 24-inch main transmission line, impacting both Northside and Southside Belize City.

Water Supply Schedule:

7:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Low water pressure
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM: No water (Northside)
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM: No water (Southside – updated schedule)

BWS is urging residents to conserve water and prioritize essential use, discouraging activities such as recreational water use, excessive watering of gardens, unnecessary laundry, and car washing.

Despite challenging weather conditions, BWS assured the public that its crew is working diligently to repair the damaged pipeline and restore normal water service as soon as possible.

“Our crew is on the ground, pushing forward with determination despite weather conditions and any challenges they face, all in the effort to repair the line break. Their commitment to getting the job done, no matter the obstacles, deserves a huge shout-out. We are proud of their hard work , as they continue to make progress and prioritize getting things back on track,” the company stated.

Tracy Wins Contempt Case Against Shyne in Court

There’s big news from the United Democratic Party! With less than a month to go before the general election, Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar-Panton has secured a legal victory in the High Court. Earlier today, Justice Hondora threw out the contempt claims against the head of the Alliance for Democracy, which were brought by Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow late last year. Barrow, along with his attorney, Christopher Malcolm, had pointed to a November 2024 court ruling that called for a return to the previous status quo. But the court has now made it clear that this ruling only applied to the occupation of the U.D.P. headquarters on Youth for the Future Drive in Belize City. Sheena Pitts, who was appointed chairperson by Panton, sheds more light on the decision.

Sheena Pitts, United Democratic Party

“On their contention, they’re saying status quo ante refers to him being definitively the party leader and that when the order was granted, it definitively established that he is the party leader. And on our case the position of the Honorable Panton and her learned attorney is that that is not what the order established and what was argued before determining contempt or any injunctive relief is exactly what did the order grant. And so in the backdrop was, remember you will recall, a claim was filed for possession, and the claim for possession was filed in relation to the headquarters, and attendant to the claim was the application for interim relief. And so when the interim relief was granted, it was granted in relation to possession of the headquarters. And so on the contention of the Honorable Panton and her learned attorney, Peter Knox Casey, is that the order is confined to just that and the status quo ante refer in its context. So the claim for position and the position of the headquarters so it would not be true and correct to say that when the order was granted, it extended itself to definitively declaring the honorable shine barrel party leader. And I can tell you, casing to the conclusion by the court that the court agreed with Peter Knox Casey, that the order of November, it did not. Definitively establish that the party leader is borrowed because that question remains to be determined and that the order issued November 8 is limited to trespass where possession was granted back to Barrow.”

Shyne Maintains That Nothing Has Changed, Despite Court Ruling

This afternoon, at a press conference at the U.D.P. headquarters, Shyne Barrow addressed the dismissal of his contempt claims. He argued that despite Justice Hondora’s decision, the leadership of the party remains unchanged. Barrow’s remarks have certainly stirred the political pot, leaving many to wonder what’s next for the U.D.P.

Shyne “Moses” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“The applications that were filed by myself and the UDP Central Executive: Hugo Patt, Michael Peyrefitte, Alberto August, Shari Medina, an application for contempt and an application to restrain the defendant, Mrs. Panton, from passing herself off as UDP leader and other related orders, they were both dismissed.”

Reporter

“How does this impact you going into the elections?”

Shyne Barrow

“Well, it is not idea. But nothing has changed, which is evident as to where you are right now, at the UDP headquarters, and the Guardian, the Wave, the operations of the UDP remain as it was ordered in the November eighth order which is to return to the Central Executive of the UDP. I will share with you that the defendants, Tracy’s lawyer, Senior Counsel Knox, pleaded to the court that this is a matter of free speech and that his client is free to say whatever she wants because what she is saying has no impact on my operation and function as leader. According to Senior Counsel Knox, there has been no injury or no interference with my function as leader. I’ve removed candidates, I have elected new candidates and I have continued to function as the party leader. So she could say whatever she wants, but I continue to function as party leader, controlling all of the assets and operations of the party.”