Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

Briceño Warns Cabinet: No Room for Personal Gain in Second Term

The Prime Minister of Belize, John Briceño, warned his newly inaugurated members of Cabinet about engaging in unacceptable actions following the party’s re-election.

In an appearance on Open Your Eyes, Briceño discussed the challenges of maintaining humility and focus, especially with the re-election of several candidates for a second term. He warned against complacency, stating that success shouldn’t lead to arrogance.
Briceño stated that it “means nothing… If you’re not looking after the needs of your people and working for them and serving them and keeping in touch with them.”

He cautioned against the temptation of putting personal gain ahead of duty and public service. Briceño did not hesitate to warn his Cabinet about engaging in corruption or exploiting their position, as it would result in removal.

He said, “I did not come into politics to enrich myself,” adding, “I came to help people, to be able to serve people.” Briceño stated that his ministers and colleagues must also prioritise public service. “If you want to be part of the government that I lead, it has to be that you want to be here to serve the people of this country.”

Briceño followed with a strong warning to his newly inaugurated cabinet, “The day I feel that you are not doing that and that you are putting other priorities, you’ll not be able to stay in the cabinet that I manage.”

Woman Found Unconscious in Concepcion, Dies

Police are investigating the death of 37-year-old Wendy Mendez, who was found unconscious in Concepcion Village, Corozal District, on Sunday, March 9. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero confirmed that Mendez “succumbed to her injuries on Friday.” Romero stated that authorities are conducting interviews to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

When asked if her death could be related to a domestic issue, Romero said, “We have certain information that we are following up on.” No suspects are in custody, and police are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to provide further information. This is an ongoing investigation.

In 2022, Mendez survived multiple chop wounds while her cousin, Juan Arturo Mendez, was killed by Jermain Zuniga in a brutal machete attack. Zuniga, a construction worker from Libertad Village, had been staying at Juan’s home temporarily in Concepcion Village, Corozal District. Zuniga reportedly refused to leave when asked, leading to the violent confrontation. Juan was chopped at his neck, chest, shoulders, stomach, and hands. Mendez sustained severe injuries to her face and head and remained in critical condition for several days. Zuniga fled the scene but was later arrested and charged for the incident.

One Arrested in Dueton Coy’s Murder

Police continue investigating the murder of Dueton Coy on Sunday night in Punta Gorda. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, “Coy was along with two other persons in that area consuming alcoholic beverages when several gunshots were heard.”

The incident occurred near the cemetery in Punta Gorda Town, with reports first reaching police around 7:00 p.m.

Romero confirmed that Coy was shot multiple times. Despite being rushed to the Punta Gorda hospital for treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries.

Romero also stated that authorities have one suspect in custody, who is currently being questioned in connection to the murder. “This suspect was at the scene at the time,” Romero said.

“We are seeking one more in connection to this murder investigation,” Romero added.

New Minister Thea Garcia-Ramirez Dismisses Favouritism Claims

Thea Garcia-Ramirez has been appointed as the new Minister of Human Development, Family Support & Gender Affairs by Prime Minister John Briceño. Her appointment has come with scrutiny because some political observers say that it is ‘uncommon’ for a first-time member of the House of Representatives to receive full minister portfolios. But just because they believe it is uncommon does not mean that it is unheard of.

Garcia-Ramirez inherits the portfolio from Dolores Balderamos-Garcia. Balderamos-Garcia served as Minister of Human Development, Families & Indigenous People’s Affairs since 2020.

The portfolio has been split, with Garcia-Ramirez focusing on Human Development and Gender Affairs, while Dr. Louis Zabaneh, a second-time House member, has been tasked with the Indigenous Affairs portion.

When asked about the selection process and possible favouritism, Garcia-Ramirez said, “It’s not favouritism. I think he chooses and selects carefully, and he has to take a number of things into consideration: demographics, certainly gender perspectives, interests, and all manner of things.”

“I think that the call to serve comes from the Prime Minister. I believe it is his choice, so you’ll have to ask him why he chose.” Garcia-Ramirez added. “I think I am correct in saying that if he does not feel that I am not up to the task, then he will ensure to demote me as well and put me where I’m ought to be.”

Garcia-Ramirez has expressed confidence in her ability to handle the responsibility. “I am humbled. I am honoured to be chosen by the PM for this huge responsibility. I feel like I am up to the task,” she said.

Travel Ban Threatens International Students’ Status

Yale Law professors have alerted international students about the possibility of a new U.S. travel ban under the Trump administration. Yale law professors Muneer Ahmad and Michael Wishnie cautioned in an email on Sunday night that a ban could soon target nationals from multiple countries, similar to the 2017 restrictions.

This follows reports that 43 nations could be affected, with 11 facing a total travel ban.

The proposed “red list” includes countries like Afghanistan, Cuba, and Iran, while other nations could face visa restrictions or be given time to address security concerns, The Guardian reported. Yale’s advisory also warned that all foreign students might face intense scrutiny, especially regarding their stance on Palestinian causes.

Brown University professor Rasha Alawieh was deported despite a court order, and Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil faced detention. As the travel ban looms, universities, including Brown, have urged students to return or avoid leaving the U.S. in anticipation of tighter restrictions.

Guatemalan Vessel Escorted out of Belizean Southern Waters

On Sunday morning, March 16, the Belize Coast Guard intercepted a Guatemalan military patrol operating in Belizean waters. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard (BCG), confirmed that “a patrol that was based out at Hunting Caye spotted a Guatemalan vessel that was inside Belizean waters.”

Bennett explained that the Coast Guard team stationed at Hunting Caye quickly deployed to intercept the Guatemalan vessel. During the encounter, “there was an exchange of information, an exchange of words between the Guatemalan navy and members of the Belize Coast Guard,” Bennett said.

The Guatemalan military officers aboard the vessel claimed they “were lost” and experiencing “mechanical issues, that they lost one of their engines, and also that they were disoriented,” according to Bennett. He added, “They did not agress our patrols.”

The Guatemalan vessel was described as smaller than usual for the area, and the officers were cooperative. “We escorted them out from that location with no problem,” Bennett stated.

When asked about potential damage to the reef, Bennett clarified that it couldn’t be confirmed. “When we intercepted that vessel, it was not on the reef; it was not near the reef, so we cannot say that they ran aground on the reef.”

UN Judge Convicted for Forced Labour Abuse

A British jury convicted Ugandan High Court judge Lydia Mugambe on Thursday for forcing a young Ugandan woman to work as a slave whom she “exploited and abused” in the United Kingdom.

According to her profile on the UN website, Mugambe had been appointed to a United Nations court in 2023. The Guardian reported that three months after her appointment, police were called to her address in Oxfordshire. Reports made against her are that Mugambe tricked the victim into coming to the UK with promises of work in a diplomatic household but instead forced her into domestic servitude. Once there, the victim was coerced into unpaid labour, and her passport was confiscated.

The Associated Press reported that the prosecution lawyer Caroline Haughey described Mugambe as exploiting the victim’s lack of rights awareness. Mugambe was studying for a doctorate in law at the University of Oxford when the offences occurred.

Mugambe denied the charges, and insisted she had treated the woman with care and love.

In footage released by Thames Valley Police, Mugambe tried to invoke diplomatic immunity during her arrest, claiming, “I am a judge in my country; I even have immunity. I am not a criminal.” Any immunity she held as a UN judge was waived by the United Nations.

The officer asked to reaffirm that she had immunity; she told the officer, “Yes, I have a diplomatic passport.”

Mugambe will be sentenced on 2 May.

First Picture of Pope Francis Since Hospitalization

Pope Francis was photographed for the first time since his hospitalisation in mid-February. The photo shows the 88-year-old pontiff concelebrating Mass at the Gemelli hospital in Rome on Sunday, March 16.

Pope Francis was captured seated in a wheelchair, dressed in alb and stole, during a Mass held in the private chapel on the hospital’s tenth floor. He appeared to be praying before the altar, with his attention focused on the crucifix. The photograph was released by the Holy See Press Office.

The Vatican press confirmed that this was the first Mass he had concelebrated in the hospital, although he had been participating in daily Eucharist and liturgies in previous weeks.

Since his admission to the Gemelli hospital on 14 February, the Pope’s condition has remained stable, and his medical care, including respiratory and physiotherapy treatments, continues, the Vatican reported.

Around 200 children gathered outside Gemelli Hospital on Sunday in hopes of catching a glimpse of the Pope.

Man Shot Dead in Punta Gorda

Police are investigating the murder of Dueton Coy on Sunday night in Punta Gorda.

Initial investigation revealed that Coy was shot multiple times. Despite being rushed to the Punta Gorda hospital for treatment, Coy succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities have yet to release any information on suspects or motives.

This is an ongoing story.

Panton Focuses on Rebuilding UDP

The newly sworn-in Leader of the Opposition, Tracy Panton, has made it clear that rebuilding the United Democratic Party (UDP) is her top priority. Panton mentioned that this is something her legal team will handle.

Panton spoke about the challenges ahead, describing the task of rebuilding the UDP as “running on fumes” after a difficult journey. “This is day one. We are getting ready now to be the next government in 2030,” she stated this afternoon.

Panton also pointed out the importance of unity within the UDP. “We have to meet as a wider UDP family… do a proper postmortem of what has happened,” she added.

The party faces significant challenges, not only in rebuilding but also in addressing internal leadership disputes with Barrow’s continued claim to the party’s leadership until “a national convention is held to elect a new leader among those who are qualified to be leader,” he said in his concession address.