Is the UDP’s leadership playing by the rules or rewriting them? That’s the question being raised tonight as the National Party Council, led by Michael Peyrefitte, faces serious scrutiny. Opposition Leader Tracy Panton is speaking out forcefully. At a press conference today, she and her fellow parliamentarians flatly rejected the results of a recent vote to reinstate them as party members, a vote that notably excluded Patrick Faber. Panton claims the in-person meeting didn’t meet quorum and says only twenty-eight out of one hundred and six council members actually voted online. Her words were sharp: “This isn’t democracy — it’s dictatorship,” she said, calling the process “pure madness.” So, what does this mean for the future of the UDP? And who really holds the power in the party? Those are the questions facing both members and the public.
Tracy Taegar-Panton
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“What took place on Saturday, we have yet, up to this point we are yet to receive an official report or an unofficial one from anybody within the party. We have not heard from the chairman, the vice chairman, the secretary general. We have not heard from the former party leader. What we have heard is what everyone has heard in the public domain. We have not even received the courtesy of a text message to tell us this resolution was put on the floor virtually. They did not have a quorum at the physical meeting. They did not have a quorum at the virtual meeting and to say that these resolutions were resolutions that carried, because as I saw in one of the media outlets, there was a message from the chairman who said the voting will end at five. If you don’t specifically object it means you voted for. That is pure madness. That is not the democracy that I know. That is not the democracy we believe in or the democracy we intent to promote or uphold.”
After a court ruling declared the expulsions of certain party members unlawful, some are asking whether the U.D.P.’s National Party Council even has the authority to reinstate anyone. According to Party Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow, the answer is yes. He argues that while the court nullified the expulsions, serious allegations still hung over those members, and that’s exactly why Justice Hondora stopped short of declaring them official members of the party.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Former Area Rep., Mesopotamia
“When it came to the expulsion Justice Hondora said that it was unlawful, not in compliance with the UDP constitution. Unlawful means void of now effect, which are the words the defendants asked to be added for clarity. What is important for everyone to accept is what Justice Hondora said May seventh and when he gave his clarification is that he declined to declare the defendant a member of the UDP. That is what Justice Hondora said, this is not Shyne Barrow’s opinion, not Paul’s opinion. This is what he said and he gave the reasons why he declined, where there are allegations, true or false of a member bringing the party into disrepute, engaged in abhorrent misconduct. It would be inappropriate for the judge to compel that association to reinstate that member.”
The battle inside the U.D.P. is far from over and Tracy Panton is making that crystal clear. She and her parliamentary colleagues are standing firm, insisting their expulsion from the party was never valid. Why? Because, according to them, they’ve got a High Court ruling on their side. Panton spoke bluntly today, claiming that Saturday’s National Party Council meeting was more about optics than unity, a staged effort to make it look like the party is coming back together. But if unity was truly the goal, she argues, why weren’t they even invited to the table?
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“The decision to expel was unconstitutional, it was illegal, it was unlawful, void and of no effect. I don’t know why there would have been a need for an NPC, to make a determination that we are not members of the UDP. The judge made it clear the first time and he made it crystal clear the second time. That process in my view was not necessary, but certainly used to bolster certain narrative that they are making a genuine overture to those of us who stand firmly for our democracy.”
Paul Lopez
“Just for clarity sake, would it have been an acceptable, if Mr. Faber was not was not excluded from it?”
Tracy-Taegar-Panton
“What I hear you asking, you are working from the premise that this was a genuine effort. My response is that this was not a genuine effort. Were it a genuine effort we would have been at that meeting. If the meeting was genuinely to bridge the gap, the divide, to hold hands and say it is not going to be perfect, but lets find a way to move forward together. There would be no reason to exclude a former party, the lead senator in the senate and the care taker for collet.”
While appearing on Open Your Eyes earlier today, Party Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow confirmed the results of an online voting process during the U.D.P.’s National Party Council over the weekend. But what really caught attention was his explanation for why former leader Patrick Faber was left off the list of members up for reinstatement. According to Barrow, nearly everyone agreed, except for one.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Former Area Rep., Mesopotamia
“I will say this. We have to have it own way, not both ways. As I have tried to explain to you why we are having the difficulties we are having you say to me, oh but people nuh want hear about that. Tired of the discord. So I am not interested in talking about that one member who we all know committed another infraction by attempting to interfere with the NPC meeting. I have no interest in rehashing that and everyone agreed, except for one person abstained, he didn’t object, just abstained that the person should not be reinstated at this time based on the actions. We just cant have that type of behavior. That is not the message we want to send to our membership and to our country. We have to respect the rule of law. Things don’t always go the way you ant it to go, but you have to know when and where.”
Patrick Faber says, “Don’t believe the hype.” He’s vehemently denying claims that he crashed Saturday’s meeting just to stir up trouble. According to Faber, that version of events is completely backwards. He insists he was on his best behavior, even if he did refuse to leave when asked. And as for the real disruption? Faber says he was the one who got confronted by none other than former Belize Rural Central candidate David Almendarez. Here’s how Faber breaks down what really went down inside that meeting room.
Patrick Faber, Lead Opposition Senator
“And for those who believe the narrative that I went their and created a scene. I know that you and others were their. You saw me go up to that meeting and I saw you took my picture and when I went up there, let me tell you what happened because the narrative spun is completely different. I was greeted with hugs and handshakes. I made my way to the left corner of the room by the podium and I sat their and refused to move and I sat their quietly and endured the abuse, very little from Michael Peyrefitte, which clearly shocked me. He clearly has something personal, because in the room he had very little to say. He did not even ask me to leave. It was Alberto August who asked me to leave and I said quietly to August I am not leaving, I have all rights to be here, I have not been expelled. I am a former leader, a lead senator, I have all right to be here. I know that as a former party leader, in fact Peyrefitte said Shyne is a member of the central executive and the NPC and national convention for life and so is Dean Barrow, well so is Patrick Faber. In fact the only ruckus that happened is when David Almendarez physically assaulted me and that was when, cause I heard you say on your report you said their was a ruckus and you heard they assault me. Others had to intervene to say that is disrespectful to our former leader, put the man down. That was what happened. And when Yellowman came in, not to ask me to leave, he said Faber has a right to be here. I will show you the video where Shyne Barrow phsycally picked up yellow and pushed him through the door. That is what caused the ruckus.”
So, where does the United Democratic Party go from here? Well, that really depends on who you’re talking to. Ask Moses “Shyne” Barrow or Michael Peyrefitte, and they’ll tell you the door is wide open; Panton, Beverly Williams, and John Saldivar are welcome back in the fold. But Tracy Panton? She’s not buying it. In fact, she’s calling for a full-on leadership reset, saying Barrow shouldn’t even be steering the ship. According to her, it’s time for serious change at the top.
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“Let me be clear, Jamal Barrow lost in Mesop. He came in third in a three man race. And, any prudent and responsible leader of the UDP would respect the will of the people. He cannot, under the current constitutional construct be the leader of the UDP. He lost his seat. And so, the rest of us in this party need to come together and stand firmly on what is constitutionally right and more important what the people of this county are saying, what they said in the general election and what they are saying now. We need a leadership reset in the UDP and we must allow that to happen in the shortest amount of time.”
Just weeks after the government wrapped up tough negotiations with the teachers’ and public service unions, another union is stepping into the spotlight and they’re not coming quietly. This time, it’s the UB Faculty and Staff Union demanding action. Their call is for a ten-million-dollar subvention which they say has been overdue for nearly a decade. And this morning, they made their voices heard, marching right up to the prime minister’s office to send a clear message that they are done waiting. News Five’s Britney Gordon was on the ground in Belmopan and brings us the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
The call is growing louder for the Briceño administration to make good on a promise to the University of Belize. At the heart of it? A ten-million-dollar subvention that the UB Faculty and Staff Union says is long overdue. When the university was first established back in 2000, it received the full ten million from the government. But that figure was slashed to eight-point-five million under the previous UDP administration, a move the now-ruling People’s United Party strongly criticized at the time. Fast forward to today, and despite pledges to restore and even increase the funding, the union says the government still hasn’t delivered.
Julianne Pasos
Julianne Pasos, President, UB Staff & Faculty Union
“Last year we called year we called out the government on their promise and they put a true press release saying that it was due to COVID. They could not live up to that. But they promise that in this budget, in the budget for this fiscal year, they would increase it and the budget was red and there is no promise for increase.”
Staff at the University of Belize say morale is at an all-time low as the institution grapples with dwindling resources and struggles to offer competitive salaries to its educators. The UB Faculty and Staff Union is calling on the government to restore its financial support to at least ten million dollars, arguing that the boost is essential to keep the university functioning effectively. However, not everyone agrees. ander Francis Fonseca says the government is already providing significant funding and suggests the university needs to manage its current budget more efficiently.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Former Minister of Education
“They have obviously have every right to protest it, the UB Union. What I can say for the record is that this government, this Ministry of Education, has provided unprecedented support to UB. In addition to the subvention that they get, we provide over five million dollars a year in assistance to university, which is used to pay salaries, which is used to provide support to students. Unprecedented support. More money is going to UB under this government than ever before.”
It’s a growing divide at the University of Belize, the government says it’s doing its part, but staff say they’re still being left behind. Former Education Minister Francis Fonseca insists that extra funding is helping to pay teachers. But here’s the catch, university staff say they haven’t seen a real raise in nearly a decade. Now, the President of the Christian Workers Union, Leonora Flowers, is stepping in, throwing her support behind the university’s faculty and staff.
Leonora Flowers
Leonora Flowers, President, Christian Workers Union
“For ten years. Imagine living on the same salary for ten years. You can’t pay your bills properly. You can’t, you’re barely surviving. You’re barely making ends meet, and you’ve been promised this increase. And it has not come about, as I said ‘todos ganamos’, but we really, who’s winning, the people of the UB aren’t winning. The citizens of Belize aren’t winning.”
The union’s peaceful demonstration occurred just outside the Sir Edney Cain Building in Belmopan, where government officials were arriving for a scheduled cabinet meeting. It turns out the timing was no accident. The University of Belize staff made sure their voices were heard, loud and clear. Their message was a protest and a strategic move. And it worked. Minister of Transport Dr. Louis Zabaneh has confirmed that the issue will be brought to the Cabinet table.
Louis Zabaneh
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport
“Well have to discuss it at cabinet, right? That’s the idea for everybody to be here to let cabinet hear the voice of the people and especially for hardworking faculty at UB. So we’ll see how it goes.”
Britney Gordon
“So is that on the table for today?”
Dr. Louis Zabaneh
“I believe so. I think that was mentioned that we would be discussing it, but we’re here to talk about all the important issues that the country faces, and of course we hear our wonderful faculty from UB.”
According to UBFSU President, Julianne Pasos. The increased funds would not only benefit the teachers’ pay, but also the university’s infrastructure and classroom resources.
Julianne Pasos
“I believe that the faculty and staff will push for it until they get it. So in terms of classes, we hope that, and we call on our students to be understanding the increase in subvention is for all of us because if we can improve the university, we can improve it for our students, for our faculty, and our staff. And in terms of moving the class, it might be a little sacrifice that we all have to do.”
The fight isn’t over yet, not by a long shot. While there’s still no guarantee that the University of Belize will get the increased government subvention it’s asking for, the union isn’t backing down. Union leader Julianne Pasos says if the government doesn’t follow through on its promise, they’re ready to take the next step and that means turning up the pressure on the university’s administration and board of trustees. Britney Gordon for News Five.
With gun violence and organized crime on the rise, the government says it’s time to strengthen the fight. This Wednesday, the public will get a chance to weigh in on the proposed Thirteenth Amendment during a consultation at Swift Hall. Now, officials are making it clear, this isn’t about introducing new laws but about giving the Constitution more teeth to enforce the ones already on the books. And alongside that push, the government is also calling for a specialized gun and gang court to tackle the growing threat of illegal firearms and bold criminal activity head-on.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Homa Affairs & New Growth Industries
“You know the thirteenth amendment is a constitutional amendment and we are engaging in the public consultation this Wednesday I believe deputy this Wednesday at swift hall ten AM on Wednesday at Swift Hall, in terms of the thirteenth amendment I’ve said it before and Ill say it again this is not a new legislation this law has been in existence since the year nineteen ninety three we are merely moving it, upgrading it, so to speak to give it an extra layer of protection in our constitution as deputy was able to demonstrate today in our COMSPTAT meeting in explaining the contents of this thirteenth amendment there are more safeguards now in this thirteenth amendment with the declaration of special areas than there are state guards for the state of emergency law that both administrations ours and the previous have been using when it comes to declaring state of emergency. In terms of the specialized gun and gang court I think the time has come for that because we have seen where so many of the offenses that are happening right now across the streets of this country involve illegal fire arms and there is no fare on the part of criminals to be importing or using shooting people recklessly and the case just a week and a half ago with an elderly mother and her handicap son prove that very point that today criminals know no bounds in todays day and age.”
Former Mesop Area Rep Shyne Barrow has made a move that’s catching everyone off guard. He is throwing his support behind the government’s proposed Thirteenth Amendment Bill. His reason? A heartbreaking double murder in Belize City that claimed the lives of sixty-six-year-old Evadnie Jones and her disabled son, Luke. Barrow says he’s had enough of the violence plaguing our communities. While he’s clear that he doesn’t support any abuse of power, he believes it’s time for bold action against those who continue to terrorize innocent families.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Former Area Rep., Mesopotamia
“I said when I expressed support was on the heels of the murder of Mrs. Jones and her son which is abhorrent, shocking and something has to be done. I have been a vociferous critic of the Briceno administration, minister of police, former ComPol, but at some point you have to find middle ground and support an effort being made to deal with the crisis of crime. It does not mean that I support the violation of anyone’s civil rights. But if we have to make a decision between the civil rights of those terrorizing our nation and those who are innocent civilians, such as the innocent mother gunned down in her yard and her son, then difficult decisions has to be made. I asked the government to consider the constructive criticism of the stakeholders and take into plan, into mind, what it is they say can make the legislation better and let us try to come up with as good a bill as practical.”
Off the coast of southern Belize, something remarkable is happening beneath the waves and it’s being led by women. In Placencia Village, seaweed farming is more than just a livelihood, it’s a movement. These women are not only cultivating the ocean’s bounty, but they’re also building businesses, protecting the environment, and inspiring the next generation to dive into the maritime world with confidence and purpose. News Five has partnered with the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future to highlight its work with various community-based, environmental organizations under the Blue Bond initiative. Here’s Isani Cayetano with the following story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
In the warm, clear waters off Belize’s coast, a quiet revolution is taking root, led by women. In Placencia Village, these ladies aren’t just helping out, they’re leading the way in seaweed farming. It’s more than just a job. For many, including Jalima Gold, it’s a lifeline that supports their families, strengthens their communities, and even helps protect the environment.
Jalima Gold
Jalima Gold, President, Belize Women Seaweed Farmers Association
“I’m very passionate about our waters here in Belize and so when I kind of found out that you could do farming in the ocean, that’s for me, personally, kind of where it sparked like an interest, you know. Something that you could farm in the ocean, in the environment where I always felt comfortable and happy.”
Belize is the first country in the Americas to seal a groundbreaking deal that turns national debt into a powerful tool for ocean conservation. Through the Blue Bond initiative, the country has pledged to protect thirty percent of its marine territory, that’s ten thousand, one hundred and thirteen square kilometers of sea space, and it’s doing it by bringing everyone to the table, including the Belize Women Seaweed Farmers Association.
Alisha Westby
Alisha Westby, Member, Belize Women Seaweed Farmers Association
“I’ve been hearing about this association for years, through Ms. Jalima Gold. She’s always been a big advocate, and so, through her, I got to know about… that they were even accepting members. I had no idea about all the particulars until like she kinda sat me down and was like, “Hey this is a great association that you should join.”
Back in July 2019, a group of determined seaweed farmers came together to form the Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association. Their mission? To grow more than just seaweed. They’re building an industry from the ground up, turning locally farmed Eucheuma into high-value products like seaweed gel and powder.
Jalima Gold
“There are many uses to these same types of seaweed that we have here. We have two different types. We have the Kappaphycus alvarezii and we have the Euchumatopsis isiformis. They are both in the red algae [species], they are part of the red algae. We have brown algae, and we have red. But those two are part of the red algae.”
It might look like just another plant from the sea, but Eucheuma seaweed is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s packed with protein, fiber, omega-3s, vitamin C, and a whole range of essential minerals. In Belize, this seaweed isn’t new, it’s been a staple in traditional drinks and puddings for generations, blending health benefits with rich cultural flavor. And here’s something cool, it’s also the source of a gel-like carbohydrate, a natural thickener used in everything from food to cosmetics.
Alisha Westby
“I have a little business called Natural Goddess Scrub and I use all natural ingredients. So it kinda makes sense that eventually I will add the seaweed into my scrubs, I just have to get the science down. The science is kind of lagging for me. I plan to start making seaweed-based soaps to go alongside with my scrubs that I will eventually, hopefully get the science for to narrow down how to make it to my all-natural, oil-based sugar scrubs.”
When added to soap, they bring a whole lot to the table: natural moisture, gentle exfoliation, and a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Plus, they give the soap a beautiful green tint and a fresh, ocean-inspired scent. The magic happens when powdered seaweed is mixed into the soap as it thickens, turning a simple bar into a spa-like treat.
Dawn Dean
Dawn Dean, Founder, Barranco Botanics
“Their plan is to use seaweed in all of the soaps that they make. I think, sometimes in Belize, as small business owners, as entrepreneurs, we are reluctant to share our knowledge about how we create what we create. But I personally believe that that there is space in the industry for a lot more soap because, ideally, everyone bathes everyday.”
In seaweed farming communities, it’s often the women who are leading the charge, not just in the water, but in shaping a more sustainable future. They’re the ones championing eco-friendly practices, managing vital resources, and driving local projects that help their communities grow stronger and more resilient.
Our cultivation line three-eights inch.
Jalima Gold
“That’s one of the main things for me. I have a daughter who wants to be a captain. She does scuba diving, she’s in the maritime space and when you talk about women and seaweed, it’s not just women in like the seaweed farming aspect, right. It’s women in maritime space, in general. And so it’s very important for us to start pushing boundaries and kind of breaking those barriers for other young females, young women and little girls to feel like they have a safe space and it’s something that if they’re interested in or if they’re passionate about that they can go forward and do that.”
So, when we talk about women in seaweed farming, we’re really talking about something much bigger; it’s about opening doors across the entire maritime world. Whether it’s farming, diving, or captaining a vessel, women are stepping up and showing the next generation that the ocean is theirs too. And with fishers, scientists, and community leaders all working together through marine spatial planning, Belize is not just protecting its waters, it’s shaping a future where everyone has a place in it. Isani Cayetano for News Five.
