2025 - Greater Belize Media

3-Day Seminar on Parliamentary Duties for Parliamentarians

It’s a new chapter for Belize’s National Assembly as parliamentarians, both fresh faces and seasoned lawmakers, gather for a three-day Post-Election Seminar. Hosted by the National Assembly and led by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and ParlAmericas, the event is all about sharpening the tools of democracy. From mastering parliamentary procedures to tackling modern challenges like social media’s influence, it’s a crash course in better governance. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Parliamentarians stepped out of the National Assembly and into a more relaxed setting at Kiki Witz for a three-day training seminar. The goal? To sharpen their skills and better serve the people of Belize. Led by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the sessions offer a chance to share experiences, tackle challenges, and learn how to shape stronger policies for the country.

Jack Hardcastle, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

“The post-election seminar is a program that we at the CPA offer to all our members and it is typically delivered in the short period after a general election. So, we were brought here on invitation by the National Assembly and will be delivering sessions to both members of the House of Representatives and Senators. It is open to both newly elected members as well as those more experienced returning members as well.”

President of the Senate, Carolyn Trench-Sandiford is among the participants. She knows all too well about the important work of parliament, and especially parliamentary behavior.

Carolyn Trench-Sandiford, President, Senate

“There are parliaments which if you would review the tapes, have become very much out of order. I have seen parliaments where people are juping over the chairs and attacking. Of recent in the Caribbean one of the parliamentarians threw an item at a presiding officer. They had to take them out. We have not reached there. There is the apparent political partisanship with parliament. But within the Senate, I want to say that unlike the lower house, in the upper house we do have the contribution of what we call our social partners. They bring diverse, specific interest conversations to the dialogue, which makes Belize very unique.”

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Belize’s first-ever female Leader of the Opposition, made history just by showing up, and she was front and center on day one of the seminar. Her new role marks a major milestone for women in Belizean politics. While most people only see parliamentarians in action during House and Senate meetings, Panton says the real work happens behind the scenes, when the cameras are off and the tough conversations begin.

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“I believe our work in the House committees, the standing committees of both the upper and lower house, that is where we trash things out. That is where the stakeholders group engage with their parliament. Recently I was in a meeting examining the families bill. It took ten hours, but it was important. That ten hours was time well spent. But we were able to hear from the persons that piece of legislation meant to be a beneficiary for. We heard from them what makes sense and what does not serve them.”

Fort George Area Representative and Minister of Public Service, Henry Charles Usher is also a member of parliament. But, despite his experience, he says that there remains room for growth.

Henry Charles-Usher, Parliamentarian

“So it is important for new and returning parliamentarians to benefit from some of these sessions. It is a three day course going through different aspects when it comes to representation, standing orders and being a representative of the people. I am here both as the minister of public service and as the parliamentary whip for the government side. I thought it was important for me to be here and stay for a few of the sessions.”

The seminar will be concluded on Wednesday. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Fonseca Explains Why Alexis Rosado Kept for Belize ICJ Case

On Tuesday, Ambassador Alexis Rosado stood before the Belmopan High Court, formally arraigned on serious charges: one count of rape, one count of sexual assault, and aggravated assault. The allegations are deeply disturbing; Rosado is accused of engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a female complainant from the time she was just thirteen years old, continuing until she was twenty-seven. Rosado, once one of Belize’s most respected diplomats, also holds a critical role as Belize’s co-agent in the ongoing territorial case against Guatemala at the International Court of Justice. And despite the gravity of the charges, the government has made the controversial decision to keep him on that case. The decision has raised serious questions about accountability, justice, and the message it sends, both at home and on the international stage. Rosado remains on bail and is expected back in court on June twenty-fourth for case management. The trial will be held behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the allegations.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Obviously, I’m not in a position to comment on the case, the criminal case before the court. What I can say is that a decision was taken several years ago to keep Mr. Rosado. In his capacity as a co-agent on the ICJ team, along with, of course, ambassador Assad Shoman. And I think the justification for that, the rationale for that was that he had been involved with this process for a very long time. He had a lot of knowledge and experience of engagement with the ICJ process. We were at a critical juncture. We are at a critical juncture in terms of that. The progress of that case before the court International Court of Justice. And the feeling of the government is that we should allow him to continue to serve along with Ambassador Shoman in advancing that work.”

Reporter

“Along those lines and looking at that work how soon can we expect to hear any developments with regard to our case?”

Francis Fonseca

“As the both Belize and Guatemala have made their written submissions to report. So that has been completed. That has been done now for almost a year. What we are doing now is waiting really, with and see mode for the court to set a date for the oral hearings. The oral hearings. And we have to wait until they set a date for that. The court, there’s been a backlog of cases. There have been election of new judges, so there has been a delay caused by their own administrative inner workings of the court. We’re hopeful that we’re very hopeful that a date can be sent. Hopefully we get that date sometime this year or next year early next year. We get that date. And then of course, once the oral hearings have been have been made then of course we then await the judgment of the court.”

Trump Tariff Negotiation Deadline Does Not Impact Belize

June fourth marks a key moment in the Trump administration’s global tariff standoff. Earlier this week, the U.S. gave dozens of countries a deadline—submit your best trade deal offer by today, or risk facing tariffs. But Belize is in the clear. Andy Sutherland, Director General of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that Belize isn’t affected by this deadline. He explained that CARICOM countries, including Belize, are in ongoing talks with the U.S. to bring back the Caribbean Basin Initiative, a program that allows duty-free access to U.S. markets.

On the Phone: Andy Sutherland, Director General, Foreign Trade

“That ninety-day time frame does not apply to Belize because we are not in active negotiation with the U.S. for a trade agreement that would redefine the tariff structures which the U.S. and any other country. But we are engaged through the diplomatic channels or embassy in Washington D.C. are reaching out to the U.S. DR on reinstating the benefits under the CBI. All the beneficiary countries under the CBI does not maintain a trade surplus with the U.S. and not in any way infringing on the competitive position of U.S. companies and industries. We are also forging with CARICOM and various institutions, the CARICOM Caucus of Ambassadors to make the pitch of U.S. reinstating the benefits of the CBI to the Caribbean region.”

So while the pressure is on for many nations, Belize is still in the game, working behind the scenes for a better deal.

Stronger Together, Rising Forever: Belize at 44

September might still be months away, but the excitement for Belize’s 44th Independence anniversary is already building. This afternoon, the National Celebrations Commission officially revealed this year’s patriotic theme at a lively ceremony held at the Belize House of Culture. The winning theme? “Stronger Together, Rising Forever.” And for the first time, two individuals share the spotlight as co-winners. Their powerful message was chosen from hundreds of entries submitted by proud Belizeans across the country. We caught up with the two men behind the theme to learn more about their inspiration and what this message means for Belize as the nation prepares to celebrate another year of independence.

David Pena, Winner

“I was seeing how together as the Belizeans, we can be stronger, as the theme says stronger together, and we can rise together as Belize.”

Reporter

“Is this is the first time you’ve entered the competition?”

David Pena

“No, I entered last year also, and then I got inspired by my parents this year.”

Reporter

“So how did it make you feel to know when you finally won?”

David Pena

“Actually when I reached from college after school, myy parents told me I have something to tell you. And I was worried like, if I do something bad, and then they told me how I win and then I said, I can’t believe it. And and I cried to then they showed me the picture where I was invited to right here.”

Holly Vasquez, Winner

“It was my first time entering the competition and I’m a person into the international pride, and I was sitting and pondering upon the team and I said, what a fitting team for this year. Belize at forty-four, stronger together, rising forever. Belize has been through a lot of economic hardship. We went through the pandemic and we managed to rise above it, so it was just fitting that I put that team together and it was selected by me and Mr. David, and it came as a shock to me as well, that I was selected as one of the winner as well. So I’m grateful for it and it’s just fitting for this year’s theme.”

Gunfire Erupts on Victoria Street, One Man in Custody

A routine police checkpoint turned violent on Tuesday night when gunfire broke out near Victoria Street in Belize City. The incident unfolded around 10:30 p.m., just a few blocks from where officers were stationed on New Road.

According to ASP Stacy Smith, “An officer who was posted at the checkpoint located on New Road in Belize City reported that whilst on duty, he heard shots coming from the direction of Victoria Street to which he responded.”

The officer proceeded toward the sound of gunfire and encountered a man behaving suspiciously. When he ordered the man to stop, the situation quickly escalated. “He observed an individual who he saw in a suspicious manner and instructed him to stop and that person responded by firing shots at the officer,” ASP Smith explained. “The officer, in turn, returned shots in the direction of the individual.”

Police have since detained one man, identified as Clive Hendricks, in connection with the shooting. A firearm was also recovered as part of the ongoing investigation.

Child Raped By Stepfather in Corozal

Police say that a 12-year-old girl was raped by her stepfather in Corozal.

The investigation began on May 29, when a woman and her daughter visited the Corozal Police Station to report a series of incidents involving the child’s stepfather. The girl disclosed that the abuse began in June 2019, when she was allegedly subjected to inappropriate touching and forced contact. She further reported that the abuse escalated to sexual intercourse later that year and occurred again on two separate occasions in 2025.

A medical examination was conducted following the report, and a medical officer confirmed that the minor had been carnally known.

KHMHWU: ‘Every Time We Want a Meeting, We Have to Demonstrate’

The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Workers’ Union (KHMHWU) is calling on the government to urgently address unresolved pension concerns affecting hundreds of employees.

According to the union president, Andrew Baird, workers have been in a “struggle” for nearly six years to secure pension benefits promised under the Karl Heusner Act.

He said this morning during Open Your Eyes that while a mandatory provident fund was introduced for new employees from January 1, 2018, workers employed between 2000 and 2017 were left without any pension or fund coverage.

“Those workers, according to the Karl Heusner Act, in Section Eight, it states that the workers at Karl Heusner are pensionable in accordance with the Pension Act. So our claim is for those services,” Baird stated.

He added that while some older staff opted into the voluntary fund, many did not and remain without any pension plan. Of the 1,700 KHMH employees, around 350 are union members, mostly senior staff affected by this gap.

“From day one, our position is that we want full pension, and we’ve always said that we are open to flexibility,” Baird said.

Vice President Dr Alain Gonzalez said these workers have received no compensation for years of service and that union leaders have repeatedly sent requests for meetings with the government but have gone unanswered.

“It seems like every time we want a meeting with the government, we have to go to a demonstration… We have communicated with the government three times, and they have lacked to communicate back to us; they haven’t returned our emails, and they haven’t come back to us. And so we are like, These people are not taking us serious, and so this is why we get to the point of demonstrating and doing the plan of action because we have to make sure we are being heard; our hospital is the number one referral hospital in the entire country, the only tertiary hospital,” Gonzalez stated.

Baird warned that further industrial action is possible, stating, “We do not want our plan of action to extend to where we have to send in 21 days notice of strike action, even to work slow.”

This standoff with the government is part of an even bigger wave of unrest, as the Public Service Union and the Belize National Teachers’ Union have also launched their own protests and industrial actions over the past few days.

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.