Systemic Elder Abuse Alleged in Land Dispute Case

An 84-year-old woman known affectionately as Mama Tona is at the centre of growing public concern after suffering a massive stroke during a prolonged legal battle to defend her land in Big Falls, Toledo. Once an active Sunday school teacher for over four decades, she has mobility and speaking challenges.

According to the Belize Home Carers Association, Mama Tona’s health deteriorated following what her family describes as relentless legal pressure and systemic neglect. Despite her age, frailty, and hearing impairment, the Supreme Court required her to be physically present in Belize City to defend herself in a land dispute, a case involving a neighbour who allegedly forged her signature to claim access to her property.

According to the association, the family says they spent over $12,000, originally meant for home repairs, to comply with court demands. But the stress, travel, and emotional toll allegedly triggered the stroke that left her partially paralysed. With a new court date looming, they have now been told another $15,000 is needed for legal proceedings, and once again, Mama Tona must appear in person.

“This is not just a land dispute; it is elder abuse. This is bullying,” the association said. They allege that the neighbour, an American national, has repeatedly destroyed fences and ignored boundaries, using Mama Tona’s land as a personal road despite the availability of a public one. Photos shared by the family show damaged fences and gates they claim were torn down by the neighbour.

The National Council on Ageing (NCA), through Justice Moore, has since made contact and is now reportedly looking into the matter.

Critics are questioning why the case concerning land located in Toledo was not heard at the Punta Gorda Supreme Court, a move that could have spared Mama Tona from the physically demanding journey to Belize City. “This is a failure of the system,” the association stated. “There are no clear protocols for accommodating elderly or disabled persons in our justice process. That is unacceptable.”

They are now calling on the Ministry of Human Development, the judiciary, and relevant authorities to revise court procedures for elderly and disabled citizens, investigate the court’s decision to require her physical presence, and acknowledge the trauma and health consequences caused by the judicial process.

The family also questioned why the courts are entertaining what they say is a “baseless” challenge to a legally titled property. “This should never have gone this far,” they added.

MoHW and UNICEF Train Frontline Workers in Child Mental Health

The Ministry of Health & Wellness (MoHW), in collaboration with UNICEF, has launched a new training initiative aimed at strengthening mental health services for children and adolescents in Belize. The program focuses on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a widely recognised psychological approach used to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioural issues in young people.

The training is designed to equip frontline professionals, including psychiatric nurse practitioners, social workers, and school counsellors, with the tools needed to recognise early signs of mental distress and apply basic CBT techniques. By building the capacity of those working directly with children and adolescents, the Ministry hopes to expand early intervention efforts and promote resilience in youth facing emotional challenges.

Facilitated by Dr. Susanna Mitchell Hoy, a leading child psychologist at the MoHW, the sessions brought together key stakeholders from across the public sector. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Health & Wellness, the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

Officials say the training reflects a whole-of-government approach to mental health, emphasizing the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in improving outcomes for Belize’s youth. It also aligns with national efforts to create a child-centered mental health system that is inclusive, accessible, and rooted in community-based care.

Former PCC Members Challenge Final Report

A group of former representatives of the People’s Constitution Commission (PCC) met with Prime Minister John Briceño earlier this week to express serious concerns about the PCC’s final report, submitted to the government in May 2025.

The group includes former delegates from civil society organisations such as the National Women’s Commission, Maya organisations, LGBTQI+ advocates, student and youth alliances, the University of Belize, the National Garifuna Council, and major unions like the BNTU and PSU.

They outlined several issues with the report, including that it did not follow the decision-making process mandated by the PCC Act, lacked a sound methodology for reviewing the Constitution, and failed to sufficiently reflect public opinion. In response, the group proposed a number of steps, including appending a disclaimer to the report stating that it does not represent the views of all commission members, extending the timeframe for organisations to provide feedback until October, and seeking expert input from regional or international bodies such as the Commonwealth Secretariat. They also recommended a public review period of at least three months once the report is laid before the National Assembly and called for clear, politically neutral referendum questions.

The group said the meeting with the prime minister was productive and that he acknowledged their concerns as valid. He invited them to submit a consolidated set of recommendations and committed to keeping them involved as the government continues reviewing the report.

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