Month: June 2025

Union Leaders Chides Fin Sec Over Tax Remarks

We also heard the union’s response to Financial Secretary Joseph Waight after he suggested on Thursday that an increase in wages could possibly lead to an increase in taxes. According to the union leaders, GOB is working to pit the public against them.

Nadia Caliz, President, BNTU

“Again we are dealing with politicians and we are seeing the fact that the Belizean populace are in  support of what we are doing and they want us to lose that support so they are looking for something to scare people. At the end of the day, I don’t know if you have heard, but there is this allegation that the Belize Tax Service will become a statutory body. Now, think about that. We will be paying taxes, taxes to wherever will get that contract. That is something we were discussing that we don’t agree with. So they will have another fight with workers, because that is something that should remain with the government. Now let us talk taxes. We are already paying very high taxes. The way our system is designed you have one group paying the majority of those taxes. The people at the top pay very little and the people at the bottom, well we understand, they are taking home small change. What we are asking for to have a tax system that allows people to pay based on what they earn. But they continue to ignore that. They give million away to investors and they expect this group of public officers and teachers to continue to sacrifice for teachers. And I understand the whole idea of fiscal incentives, but you don’t have to be giving every single thing away because a friend of yours will get a contract on the side. No we need o go away with that mentality and behavior. The Fin Sec with eh last administration under Dean Barrow they used him for the same thing. So everybody uses the Fin Sec and brother Wight I am tired of you being used. Please let them use you for the right reason.”

 

                      Dean Flowers

Dean Flowers, President, PSU

“And when my own Belizean like uncle Joe, refuse to address the issue of the tax incentives and exemptions that the puts his signature to. Instead of addressing those he threatens the Belizean people with taxes it shows how his lack of creativity and that he has no talent in terms of executing his job effectively. I want to encourage him to stop that nonsense. It is no time to talk about the raising of income tax, it is time to say let us level the playing field. Let us look at the lawyers who have created companies and formed partnerships and who have not been paying their fare share. The professionals, they are paying six percent, but when they create partnerships that is divided. You have the business sector who are unchecked, because this administration, like it predecessors refuse to put a real time mechanism, a real time check system hat really and truly identify what your true sales are so that government can collect its fair share of taxes. So uncle Joe has the home grown remedy. Uncle Joe got it but it look like uncle Joe drink the whit man kool aid, the IMF kool aid all his life and now he want we take care of him from cradle to grave. Now he come with his simpleness about tax. Uncle Joe relax yourself. You see what Dr. Carla Barnett did after she couldn’t fix it for us, she gone relax dah CARICOM. Uncle Joe needs to do the same.”

Trump prohíbe viajes desde 12 países por seguridad

El presidente Donald Trump firmó una orden que prohíbe viajar a Estados Unidos desde 12 países, citando riesgos de seguridad.

Además, hay restricciones parciales para otros 7 países. La medida incluye excepciones para residentes legales y ciertos titulares de visa. Trump aceleró la decisión tras un ataque antisemita en Colorado. La prohibición entrará en vigor el 9 de junio y podría ampliarse si surgen nuevas amenazas.

La medida afecta especialmente a afganos que colaboraron con los Estados Unidos durante la guerra, generando preocupación entre grupos de reasentamiento.

Taiwán refuerza alianza con Guatemala

Taiwán ofrece ayuda a su aliado diplomático en Centroamérica, Guatemala, para evitar que China le arrebate sus socios restantes.

En una reunión, el presidente taiwanés Lai Ching-te destacó cooperación en salud, educación, tecnología e infraestructura.

China busca aislar diplomáticamente a Taiwán ofreciendo grandes proyectos, mientras Taiwán apuesta por apoyos más modestos y democracia. Actualmente, Taiwán solo mantiene 12 aliados diplomáticos incluyendo Belize.

Maestros enfrentan cargos tras protesta pacífica en Stann Creek

Once maestros de Stann Creek, incluidos reconocidos líderes sindicales, enfrentan cargos tras una protesta pacífica por el ajuste salarial y el aumento del costo de vida. La abogada Sharon Pitts y Norman Rodríguez representan a los docentes en la corte.

Ifasina Efunyemi, líder del Sindicato Nacional de Maestros de Belize (BNTU), explicó los detalles de la protesta. “Varios de nosotros sufrimos fallas vehiculares en la entrada del pueblo mientras nos dirigíamos al trabajo. Aprovechamos esta oportunidad para destacar públicamente nuestro conflicto pendiente con el gobierno, en particular el ajuste salarial del 8,5%, los incrementos congelados y el aumento del costo de vida en medio de la alta inflación. Distribuimos folletos a la gente que pasaba cerca y sostuvimos discusiones pacíficas entre nosotros sobre apoyo mutuo. La policía llegó rápidamente y al principio solo observó desde cierta distancia, al ver que era una protesta tranquila. Sin embargo, la situación cambió cuando llegaron oficiales superiores con una grúa. A pesar de que explicamos que esperábamos a mecánicos para evaluar los vehículos, ignoraron nuestra posición y no hicieron ningún intento por verificar las fallas mecánicas ni ofrecer ayuda”, relató Efunyemi.

Tras esta manifestación, la policía confrontó a los docentes que bloqueaban la carretera en Dangriga. Según la activista sindical, la fuerza policial utilizó violencia en lugar de mediar pacíficamente. “En ese momento, maestros que iban camino al trabajo en autobuses bajaron y se unieron a nosotros, así que comenzamos a cantar ‘Solidaridad Eterna’ porque estábamos unidos y queríamos dejarles claro que nuestra lucha no era solo por nosotros, sino también por ellos. Sabemos que ellos no pueden participar en acciones sindicales, pero esperábamos que al menos mostraran algo de comprensión y empatía. La policía alega que su respuesta fue medida. Pero la evidencia en video muestra una historia muy diferente: una de agresión desproporcionada. Lo que es particularmente inquietante es que se trataba principalmente de oficiales masculinos usando fuerza física contra las maestras. Este tipo de conducta se refleja muy mal en el departamento de policía”, denunció Efunyemi.

Crecen tensiones en KHMH por demandas de pensiones

En el Hospital Karl Heusner, la presión sindical sobre el gobierno por la falta de pensiones para más de 300 trabajadores de la salud continúa en aumento. Esta mañana, el Sindicato de Trabajadores de KHMH protagonizó una protesta frente al hospital, justo antes de una reunión clave con funcionarios gubernamentales. El pasado viernes, también realizaron una marcha en Belize, dejando en suspenso si sus demandas serán finalmente atendidas.

El jueves por la mañana, los miembros del sindicato se reunieron para demostrar unidad y firmeza en sus reclamos. Andrew Baird, presidente del sindicato, se dirigió a los manifestantes y subrayó la demanda principal: la concesión de pensiones completas para el personal.

“Nos mantenemos enfocados en una sola cosa: obtener nuestra pensión. Esa siempre ha sido nuestra lucha, y hoy seguimos diciéndole al gobierno: queremos lo que nos corresponde. Ahora están otorgando pensiones completas a los Guardias Costeros y a los maestros subvencionados, ¿por qué no a nosotros? Trabajamos igual de duro; merecemos lo mismo”, afirmó Baird.

Luego de la protesta, el comité ejecutivo del sindicato sostuvo una reunión de poco más de una hora con representantes gubernamentales. Sin embargo, los funcionarios no ofrecieron comentarios sustanciales, señalando que primero deben obtener la aprobación del gabinete. El Secretario de Finanzas, Joseph Waight, presente en la reunión, describió el encuentro como “breve pero productivo” y destacó la necesidad de continuar las consultas para avanzar.

Mientras tanto, el Ministro de Servicio Público, Henry Charles Usher, advirtió que la solución al problema de las pensiones no es sencilla debido a la compleja estructura institucional del hospital. Explicó que cuando el KHMH se convirtió en una autoridad estatutaria, los empleados tuvieron la opción de permanecer en el servicio gubernamental o unirse a la nómina del hospital, lo que ha generado una situación diversa en cuanto a sus estatus laborales.

“Cuando una entidad se convierte en cuerpo estatutario, siempre existe un proceso para que los empleados decidan si permanecen en el servicio gubernamental o se integran a la institución estatutaria. Cuando la KHMH se convirtió en una autoridad estatutaria, se dio a los empleados la oportunidad de seguir siendo empleados del gobierno o de ser empleados por la KHMH. Hoy, algunos trabajan bajo el KHMH y otros siguen en nómina gubernamental, pese a laborar en la misma institución. Por lo tanto, no es sencillo convertir a todo el mundo en funcionario público o hacer que todo el mundo sea empleado de KHMH. Debemos analizar caso por caso y avanzar. Pero hay una salida, siempre que dialoguemos con responsabilidad y respeto mutuo para alcanzar una solución”, señaló Usher.

El sindicato se mostró serio tras la reunión y señaló que hoy presentarán a sus miembros la postura del gobierno para definir los próximos pasos. “Sin duda fue una reunión positiva. Como en cualquier negociación, hubo que resolver algunas diferencias menores, pero en general siguió siendo productiva. Esta noche presentaremos la postura del gobierno a nuestros miembros y buscaremos su orientación sobre cómo proceder. Esperamos una carta del gobierno para las 5 pm hoy, aclarando su posición”, concluyó Baird.

Llamado al Diálogo en Medio de Tensiones Sindicales

El Ministro de Servicio Público, Henry Charles Usher, hizo un llamado al diálogo respetuoso tras el rechazo unánime de los sindicatos a la última oferta salarial para maestros y funcionarios públicos. “Cada incremento representa, más o menos, entre el dos y medio y el tres por ciento de un ajuste salarial,” explicó Usher, insistiendo en que “siempre preferiré resolver estos temas en la mesa de negociación, de manera productiva y respetuosa.”

Mientras tanto, el exministro de Educación, Francis Fonseca, expresó su decepción ante los bloqueos de tráfico realizados por el Sindicato Nacional de Maestros (BNTU) para exigir un aumento del 8.5%. Fonseca señaló que el gobierno aceptó seis de las siete propuestas, aunque no de inmediato, y advirtió que las protestas podrían dañar la credibilidad del sindicato.

“Estoy profundamente decepcionado porque, en mi opinión, el BNTU ha roto la buena fe que caracterizaba nuestras discusiones,” dijo Fonseca, enfatizando la importancia de resolver las diferencias “en la mesa de negociaciones” con “transparencia y voluntad.”

Bloqueo sindical por aumento salarial

Este miércoles, maestros y servidores públicos en Belize lanzaron una fuerte protesta nacional bloqueando carreteras principales desde la ciudad de Belize hasta Dangriga y Bella Vista, exigiendo un aumento salarial que consideran justo y adecuado. La medida causó grandes retrasos en el tráfico y envió un mensaje claro al gobierno sobre la insatisfacción de los sindicatos.

Coral Lord, presidenta del BNTU en el distrito de Belize, afirmó: “Todas nuestras ramas a nivel nacional acordaron mostrarle al gobierno que vamos en serio: exigimos nuestro ajuste salarial y los incrementos congelados que ya nos habían ofrecido.” Añadió que las acusaciones del Primer Ministro, quien dijo que tomaban a los niños como rehenes, “no es cierto.”

El bloqueo de carreteras busca forzar la atención tanto del público como del gobierno, pues como explicó la oficial ASP Stacy Smith: “Entiendo que en este caso significa que registren su descontento, no pueden ejercerlo violando los derechos ajenos… el derecho a la libertad de movimiento que se ve afectado por el bloqueo.”

Coral Lord también denunció la falta de equidad salarial: “Pedimos lo que sabemos que hemos trabajado duro y lo que sabemos que merecemos. Ya han permitido que aquellos que están en el nivel más alto del gobierno obtengan un aumento, sin siquiera pedirlo.”

Aunque la protesta fue pacífica, la policía advirtió que está revisando las leyes para actuar contra posibles delitos relacionados con la obstrucción vial y reunión ilícita. ASP Stacy Smith declaró: “Donde haya evidencias, llevaremos a los responsables ante los tribunales.”

Ralph Fonseca Passes Away at 75

Tonight, we begin with the passing of a towering figure in Belizean politics. The People’s United Party has confirmed the death of Ralph Fonseca, former Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment, and longtime Area Representative for Belize Rural Central. Fonseca served in parliament from 1993 to 2008 and was a key strategist for the P.U.P., leading several successful national campaigns. Known for his sharp mind and fearless decision-making, Fonseca was never afraid to take on tough challenges, even when they weren’t popular. The P.U.P. describes him as a “true nation builder,” a man who lived by the principle that “your word is your bond.” He championed what he called “capitalism with a social conscience,” a belief he carried throughout his career in public service. As Belize mourns his loss, the P.U.P. is calling on the nation to stand in solidarity with Fonseca’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

 

“Ralph Worked for All of Us”: Belize Remembers Ralph Fonseca

Belize is mourning the loss of one of its most influential political figures. Ralph Fonseca, a longtime politician and businessman, passed away early this morning at the age of seventy-five after a long battle with declining health. Fonseca died just after three a.m., leaving behind a legacy of bold leadership and public service. He served as the People’s United Party Area Representative for Belize Rural Central from 1993 to 2008 and held several key ministerial roles, including Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment. Known for his sharp political instincts and dedication to national development, Fonseca played a major role in shaping Belize’s economic policies during the administration of former Prime Minister Said Musa. Though his career was not without controversy, his impact on Belizean politics is undeniable. Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, including from former Mesopotamia Area Representative Michael Finnegan, who described Fonseca as “one of the kindest people” he had met in politics. Here’s Britney Gordon with the following story.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

It was a phrase often heard in Belize Rural South— “Ralph works for all of us.” And for many, it wasn’t just a slogan; it was the truth. Ralph Fonseca, who served as area representative from 1993 to 2008, passed away early this morning, just after three a.m. He was seventy-five years old. Among those mourning his loss is Wendy Castillo, a longtime friend who first knew Fonseca not as a politician, but as the man who helped her family when they needed it most. Growing up in poverty, Wendy says her family relied on Fonseca’s support to get by—and his kindness changed their lives.

 

                        Wendy Castillo

Wendy Castillo, Friend of Deceased

“Mr. Ralph truly and sincerely represented the poor within his constituency and within this country will. To me, I will forever remember Mr. Ralph, because, there’s one thing about Ralph, his word, if he gives you his word, that’s his bond, right? Politically, I think being engaged now, he’s one of the hardest worker that I’ve encountered. When you look at the political landscape, at the time when Mr. Ralph was at the pivotal point of his political career, Belize was transforming.”

Over the years, Ralph Fonseca wore many hats within the People’s United Party. He wasn’t just an area representative, he also served as a Minister of State and even took on the big job of national campaign manager for former Prime Minister George Price. His last public appearance came in 2022 during National Service Day. That day, he looked back on his career and shared what it meant to serve under Price’s leadership, a moment that now feels even more meaningful as the country reflects on his legacy.

 

                       Ralph Fonseca

Ralph Fonseca, Deceased

“On returning, Premier Price appointed me to lead the logistics committee for independent celebrations. Then chairman of the then BTA and BEB, setting me off on the road to public life from 1987 as his national campaign manager. And then in 1989 as his minister of state, we work together from early morning to late night planning the ize development agenda and the campaign to execute it. After 1993 in opposition, we worked a smooth and planned transition of leadership of the PUP in government. 1998 to 2008, we stayed in touch exchanging ideas with his tested experience as the ultimate guide.”

 

Fonseca was the first Belize Rural Central Area Representative after the constituency was created. He was also in the Cabinet as Minister of Budget Management, Investment, and Home Affairs until 2003. After loyal service to the party for over fifteen years, Fonseca finally retired from his political career in 2008. PUP chairman Henry Charles Usher says that even after his retirement, Fonseca maintained a close-knit relationship with the party.

 

On the Phone: Henry Charles Usher, Chairman, P.U.P.

“Even after his elected year as well, he remained close to the party as an advisor. I was glad that he spoke on National Service Day a few years ago, reminiscing about the time he spent with Judge Price. Also. I am glad I was able to visit him recently, and as you know, with his usual wit and charm, he said, chairman, what are you doing here visiting me when you have so much work to do? No, he always had a second. Second to none work ethic.”

 

Ralph Fonseca wasn’t just known for his bold leadership and generosity, he earned respect across the political aisle. While he was a key figure in the People’s United Party, even members of the opposition, like the United Democratic Party, admired him. One of those was former Mesopotamia Area Representative Michael Finnegan. He stood by Fonseca right up until his final moments, a rare bond in the world of politics that spoke volumes about the man Fonseca was.

 

On the Phone: Michael Finnegan, Friend of Deceased

“We were in different political parties and political opponents, but we were respectful to one another and we work together. As a team, whether my government was in power or whether his government was in power and he was one of the most care, caring, caring human being. I have met a human being with the lack of hatred, malice. Jealousy and vindictiveness. He was the most kind person I have met in met in politics.”

 

Ralph Fonseca’s passing has left a heavy heart across Belize. But while he may be gone, the impact of his work and dedication is here to stay. His legacy isn’t just remembered; it’s firmly rooted in the lives he touched and the communities he helped build. Britney Gordon for News Five.

 

The government of Belize has extended their condolences to Ralph Fonseca’s family and friends across the nation.

 

Exit mobile version