June, 2025 - Greater Belize Media

Minister Usher Urges Constructive Dialogue Amid Teachers’ Protests

Minister of Public Service Henry Charles Usher weighed in on the ongoing protest actions by teachers. He said there is need for open and respectful communication between the government and the unions.

Usher stated he supports the unions’ right to express themselves but stressed that dialogue should remain productive. “I believe that they are taking their every opportunity they can to express themselves, which is fine. I don’t have a problem with that,” he said. “But like I say, it’s important to always be discussing it in a productive and a respectful way. We don’t achieve much by just screaming at each other.”

The Minister echoed his preference for meaningful conversation, saying he believes in both sides “talk[ing] to each other, not at each other.” He acknowledged the unions are still awaiting a formal response to their rejection of the government’s latest proposal and confirmed that no official meeting date has been set yet. “I think what is more important is that we can have a reply sent to the unions and then we schedule a meeting for when we can discuss, um, you know, that reply and the response that we receive,” Usher explained.

He noted that despite current tensions, the government is moving ahead with other aspects of negotiations. A meeting is tentatively set for June 18th to discuss and potentially sign a framework for a new round of the collective bargaining agreement. “That’s going to be a whole different set of negotiations and discussions when it comes to what the unions are proposing,” he said.

Belize Monitors U.S. Trade Moves Amid Trump’s Accelerated Tariff Push

As the Trump administration pushes for swift trade concessions from global partners, Belize is navigating a cautious path to safeguard its access to the U.S. market and preserve benefits under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI).

Director General for Foreign Trade, Andy Sutherland, confirmed that while Belize is not currently a primary target of steep tariffs, the country remains actively engaged through diplomatic channels to prevent potential fallout.

A draft letter from the U.S. Trade Representative’s office revealed the administration’s intent to conclude trade negotiations within five weeks. Countries have been asked to submit their “best offer” on tariff and quota reductions, particularly in U.S. industrial and agricultural imports, by Wednesday, in a bid to wrap up talks that began on April 9.

These negotiations followed a 90-day suspension of sweeping tariffs, set to expire on July 8, which had caused turmoil in financial markets.

“So that 90-day timeframe does not apply to Belize because we’re not in any active negotiation with the US or a trade agreement that would define the tariff structures between the US or any other countries,” Sutherland said.

Sutherland added that Belize remains engaged through diplomatic channels. “ We are engaged through the diplomatic channels. Our embassy in Washington DC reaching out to the USTR on re-enstating the benefits under the CBI because all the beneficiary countries under the CBI do not maintain a trade surplus with the US and as such are not in any way infringing on the competitive position of US companies and industry.”

Central American Officials Face U.S. Visa Restrictions

The United States announced visa restrictions on unnamed Central American government officials and their family members for their involvement in Cuba’s ‘controversial medical export programme’, which U.S. officials describe as a form of forced labour.

The announcement was made by the U.S. Department of State.

According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the targeted officials are linked to Cuban medical missions that the U.S. says exploit healthcare workers while enriching the Cuban government. Rubio stated the programme denies ordinary Cubans access to essential medical care while propping up what he called a corrupt regime.

“These steps promote accountability for those who support and perpetuate these exploitative practices,” Rubio said. “The Cuban labour export programme abuses the participants, enriches the corrupt Cuban regime, and deprives everyday Cubans of essential medical care.”

Rubio did not name the officials or countries affected, but he urged other governments to join the U.S. in condemning the programme.

Whether Belizean officials are among those sanctioned remains unclear. However, what is clear is that Belize has publicly supported the Cuban medical missions. “Belize has consistently supported our friends in Cuba in any way we can,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca in August 2024.

Three months ago in March, Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard echoed that support, stating that Cuban doctors, nurses, and other medical staff have long worked in Belize. “I don’t want to get into that diplomatic issue, but all I can say is that I know that Belize continues to enjoy the relationship we have with Cuba. We also have a good relationship with the United States of America, and I’m very sure that the two Foreign Affairs Ministries are working it out and having discussions with the government, clearing up some of the concerns that the U.S. government had.”

That same month, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley also strongly defended Cuba’s medical missions in the Caribbean. “I don’t believe we have to shout across the seas, but I am prepared, like others in this region, that if we cannot reach a sensible agreement on this matter, and if the cost of it is the loss of my U.S. visa, then so be it,” she declared.

Cuba’s foreign ministry has yet to respond to the U.S. announcement. Havana has long dismissed similar accusations and defended its medical missions as acts of international solidarity.

Belizean Students Graduate from Top Universities in Taiwan

Six Belizean students have successfully completed their studies at two of Taiwan’s most respected universities.

On May 27, 2025, Tracy Maria Quetzal, Krissy Constance Sutherland, and Nadir Kevaun Mendoza graduated from Taipei Medical University. Mendoza, who served as Class Representative, was selected to deliver the graduation speech, earning special recognition for his leadership role.

Just days earlier, on May 24, Kristie Sosa, Joshua Vernon, and Sheryl Ann Leslie received their degrees from the Graduate Institute of International Human Resource Development at National Taiwan Normal University.

For years Belizean students have been earning degrees in Taiwan.

Teachers Might Be Arrested, Charged Following Road Blockades

Tne Belize Police Department has been monitoring and responding to two acts of civil disobedience in Southern Belize by members of the Belize National Teachers Union, said Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith. The incidents, which began around 5:00 AM, are part of the industrial action related to the ongoing salary dispute between the union and the government of Belize.

Both incidents involved teachers using vehicles to block roads at junctions in Dangriga and Bella Vista, respectively. ASP Smith stated, “The department appreciates and the country most appreciates that whilst teachers have their right to freedom of expression, which I understand to mean in this instance them registering their discontent, them expressing their right cannot be done in such a way that infringes on the rights of others.”

She said that “a relevant right in this instance is the right to freedom of movement, which is impacted by the blockage of roads, which certainly prevents citizens from getting from one point to another or to organize the day, and it may also have a cascading effect on their personal plans and the provision of emergency services by respective authorities.”

The department exercised restraint and discretion by giving the teachers “up to two hours to remove their vehicles and disperse,” according to ASP Smith. “It was only after this request was not met that actions were taken and the actions that were taken were very measured.”

The police are reviewing relevant laws, including the Criminal Code, the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, and the Control of Public Meetings and Public Processions Act, to identify offenses such as “obstructing the free flow of traffic, unlawful assembly, obstruction of the officers in the execution of their duties, and aggravated assault.”

ASP Smith stressed that the police commissioner has emphasized the importance of ensuring “all actions that are taken are measured, respectful, and in alignment with effective and lawful management of civil dissent.” She added, “While the department recognizes the importance of democracy to a healthy nation, the actions that are taken in pursuance to democracy must be done within the confines of the law.”

The police have warned that teachers involved in blocking the roads may face arrest and charges if they continue to obstruct public order.

CEO Shal Fires Back at PSU President

A Chief Executive Officer took to social media to hit back at Dean Flowers, President of the Public Service Union (PSU). The CEO of the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government’s, Valentino Shal, a News 5 article with the caption, “Huh? This bally oblivious to the what CEOs do or the pretend to be oblivious.”

Shal’s remarks follow an interview in which Flowers criticised the performance of some CEOs, saying their high salaries don’t reflect their results.

According to Flowers, the unions are not challenging CEO-earned salaries but rather calling for a fair and balanced salary structure across the service; public servants also “contribute to the growth and development of the public service.”

Flowers also stood behind the Joint Unions Negotiating Team (JUNT) unanimous rejection of the government’s proposed 3% salary increase for public officers. He called the offer inadequate, especially since Cabinet CEOs received a 15% raise post-election, on top of existing perks and allowances.

“We’re not questioning whether a CEO should earn sixty thousand dollars a year, seventy-six thousand a year, or eighty-eight thousand dollars a year. We’re not questioning that,” Flowers said in the interview on Tuesday. “We’re saying that if we’re all going to contribute to the growth and development of the public service, then the structure has to be one that equitably distributes the benefits.”

Gun Dealers Say Firearms Board Deadline Retaliatory

A recent directive from the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board (FACB) requiring all licensed gun dealers and company gun licence holders to submit a full inventory of their firearms and ammunition by June 11, 2025, has sparked criticism from members of the firearms community.

The notice said, “The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board informs Company Gun Licence holders and Gun Dealers to submit an inventory of their stock of firearms and ammunition to this office by June 11, 2025, to the above email address. The Board also advises that physical checks of inventory will commence in the month of June 2025.”

While the move may be seen as part of routine regulatory oversight, some gun dealers believe the timing is retaliatory, particularly following public criticism of the current licensing system by gun dealer Abner Murillo, owner of Lock N’ Loaded.

Murillo, speaking recently on News 5, cited the Tropic Air hijacking as a case where a licensed firearm holder helped prevent a potentially deadly situation. He argued that responsible gun ownership plays a critical role in public safety and expressed frustration with what he described as an increasingly burdensome and inconsistent licensing process.

“The way to stop evil is to give people a licensed weapon, simple as that,” Murillo said. “People are frustrated, but they don’t want to speak up. Every day, people come into my store complaining.”

Murillo also criticised the FACB for allegedly revoking instructor licences without justification and for failing to honour previously approved certifications when the licensing authority transitioned from the police department to the FACB. He claims that qualified instructors, including himself, have been unfairly targeted.

“They revoked licences left, right, and centre… It just seems like I am going to benefit this one and victimise that one. That’s how it feels,” he added.

The FACB responded by defending its updated procedures, stating that the changes are intended to improve due diligence and close administrative loopholes. The Board also clarified that only one valid ID is required for applications and acknowledged the logistical challenges faced by rural applicants.

Teachers Intensify Industrial Action Against Briceño Administration

Early this morning, teachers in southern Belize staged roadblocks, claiming “mechanical issues,” with vehicles “breaking down” in the middle of highways in areas such as Mile 2 on George Price Drive in Dangriga and at the Independence-PG junction.

This is part of the Belize National Teachers’ Union’s (BNTU) intensified it’s industrial action as teachers continue to protest longstanding issues, including salary adjustment and unpaid salary increments.

Police were seen at the locations trying to control and de-escalate the situation.

In a standoff with police, one teacher criticised the authorities, saying, “So many times we need police officers; we call them, and we can’t get them to respond because they have mechanical problems. Well, they could have had mechanical problems this morning, but they are out here in full force from last night; they were instructed,” the teacher said. “Imagine being instructed against your own, your sister, your brother, your auntie, your wife. You are being instructed against them, and you are going to follow those instructions by the same people violating you?”

Another teacher called out government officials, questioning Prime Minister John Briceño’s decision to approve salary increases to CEOs when there were unresolved matters with teachers and public officers.

The teacher stated, “When they decided to give themselves a 15 and 18 per cent increase, they didn’t think twice; they didn’t bat an eye. When they decided to take out 10 per cent, they didn’t bat an eye. And they want to talk stupidness about we no make no sacrifice.”

The teacher went on to call out the Prime Minister, John Briceño, questioning if he even knew the meaning behind “sacrifice”, stating, “He needs to get his assessment just like us, twice a year, to see if he deserves the salary that we give him; it’s a hefty one, plus all those perks that they get. “

Former Ambassador Alexis Rosado Back in Court Over Rape Charges

A high-profile legal case that once sent shockwaves across the nation is back in the spotlight. This morning, former Belizean Ambassador Alexis Rosado returned to court after spending three years out on bail. Rosado, who once represented Belize on the international stage, including at the International Court of Justice, now faces serious criminal charges stemming from allegations made in 2021. The accusations involve a disturbing claim of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, beginning when the alleged victim was just thirteen years old. Rosado has been charged with rape, sexual assault, and multiple counts of aggravated assault of an indecent nature. Originally brought before the Magistrate’s Court in 2022, the case has since been elevated to the High Court. At today’s arraignment, News Five briefly spoke with Rosado and his attorney, Richard “Dickie” Bradley, as the legal process moves into its next phase.

Britney Gordon

“Do you have anything to say today?”

Alexis Rosado, Arraigned for Rape

“No miss.”

Britney Gordon

“Any comments on today’s session?”

Alexis Rosado

“Not at all. None”

Britney Gordon

“And how are you feeling going into today’s session then?”

Alexis Rosado

“I good. I don’t have anything to say. Thank you.”

Richard “Dickie” Bradley, Attorney-at-Law

“This matter has now come to the High Court, and the ambassador has been basically arraigned in the high court of the country on the allegations that have been made against him.”

Reporter

“Okay. So this was just a regular arraignment.”

Richard “Dickie” Bradley

“It was just a regular arraignment, nothinh special, nothing out of ordinary in the matter. Following an arraignment, procedurally the two sides, the defense and the prosecution would ensure that what is referred to in the lower court as a disclosure up here, we talk about a deposition, that we are all on the same page in terms of what is the deposition, which includes statements, exhibits, medical reports, expert reports, whatever is is. So that was something that came up today as well. And so our side and the prosecution will sort that out between ourselves. So when we return back to court, we have a deposition that is in fact the same thing for all sides.”

Reporter

“Could you remind us of the charges brought against your client?”

Richard “Dickie” Bradley

“The charges are that there is one charge of a sex assault, a charge of rape. I think they have put in an aggravated assault, which normally would be dealt with at the magistrate court, but rather than having a trial there, and a trial here. That is the charge that is against the accused person.. The bail was nothing excessive. It was a signed bail for I think maybe ten thousand or eight thousand dollars. Bail is just a procedure that the court puts person’s through to ensure that somebody would have to be responsible, that they do turn up. Otherwise they will use their land or their money.”

The next court session is scheduled for June twenty-fourth, 2025.

Budna Jailed Again Amid Cyberbullying Claims

A controversial figure is back behind bars tonight. Self-proclaimed journalist Joseph Ryan Budna is spending the night at the Belize Central Prison after allegedly violating bail conditions tied to a previous charge. This latest development follows fresh accusations of cyberbullying, targeting both a male and female complainant. The female victim claims Budna used a Facebook livestream to spread damaging and humiliating misinformation, including salacious claims involving political figures. Budna has pleaded not guilty, but the court denied him bail. He’s expected to reappear on June tenth. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith has more on the arrest.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“On Friday thirtieth, May 2025. Police formerly arrested and charge Joseph Bunda of Trial Farm Village for two counts of using a computer system to publish computer data to cause a person substantial emotional distress, and one count of using a computer system to disseminate a false information, a false statement with the intent to cause another person to be the subject of public ridicule. This arrest and charge was as a consequence of a report made by a female in relation to several postings of Mr. Budna”