Brianna Bennett - Greater Belize Media

K.H.M.H.A.W.U. Representative to be Placed on Hospital’s Board

On Monday, Health Minister Kevin Bernard shared his view that a representative from the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (N.T.U.C.B.) would be the ideal choice to represent the unions on the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital’s board of governors, instead of someone from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority Workers Union. However, he later mentioned that a compromise had been reached: the government and the union agreed to nominate two KHMHAWU members, with one being selected for the board. Earlier today, we spoke with N.T.U.C.B. President Luke Martinez, who confirmed that the Prime Minister’s decision is final, and the matter is no longer up for debate. Here’s what he had to say.

Luke Martinez, President. N.T.U.C.B.

“In my view, we’re beyond we’re beyond this conversation. I don’t think that we should be having this conversation. The National Trade Union and Congress met with the prime minister, as we’re all aware last week, and we discuss several issues, including the amendment to the KHMH Union Act. And we had come to a compromise or an agreement that the KHMH Union would have an opportunity to nominate two of their members. And the government would appoint one out of them. I think that I don’t know why. where we’re still having this conversation. And I don’t know that decision has been moved, no? So that is where we are in my view. Most of these boards they whether government or statutory they have a tripartite structure, meaning government representative, workers representative, and private sector representative. And so the National Trade Union Congress forms a part of the tripartite structure or the respective union in some of these establishments, for example, KHMH, the collective bargaining rights is that is with the KHMH union, and they would form a part of the collective bargaining structure on the part of that tribe, right? That structure, and so all they were saying is that they wanted to keep it that way.”

Health Minister Defends GOB’s Drug Act Amendment

Last month, the Government of Belize overhauled the old Food and Drug registration, licensing, and inspection regulations, introducing new laws to better oversee pharmaceutical products. Amid these legislative changes, the Ministry of Health’s Chief Drug Inspector resigned to join the private sector. Tonight, Health Minister Kevin Bernard confirmed that a new health inspector is being considered for the role. He also explained how the drug inspection unit has been working diligently to ensure that essential medicines remain available in Belize.

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness

“You have seen where our drug inspectorate unit our inspectors have been out. If it was not because of them, we would not have been able to pick up on many of these issues that we’ve seen. We have won cases where we have seen contraband medications coming in, where we have seized, and we work very closely with the Customs and Police Department. And that just proves that work has been going on by that unit. We are serious when it comes to ensuring that the pharmaceuticals, the medications that are coming into this country is of standard. And that’s one of the reasons why our people go out and do constant investigations, constant review of facilities across the country, private and public. And we need to ensure that this is safety of our people. To say that this amendment to the drug act that we are proposing is going to allow these pharmaceutical companies to do the same thing or more, that is not we’re trying to strengthen it. We’re trying to bring in more penalties to ensure that we do not see the repeat of these type of things. If you look at the act completely, it speaks of many regulations it’s a draft at this point in time I was able to take it to commit for approval and then it goes through the necessary. Process of farther content. No, remember this entire bill was had several consultations done across the various sectors of the and we need to ensure that we’re following international regulations set out by the WHO and other agencies. And so we have developed this bill to ensure for the safety of our people and for proper regulations to take place.”

Health Minister Addresses Investigations at Southern Regional Hospital

Recently, the Southern Regional Hospital staff found themselves under scrutiny due to an investigation into the misappropriation of funds. Police have arrested accounts clerk Thalia Gillett for misusing funds. Additionally, in October, custodian Lyndon Parham was charged with sexual assault after allegedly kissing his unconscious boss at the hospital. Health and Wellness Minister Kevin Bernard reassures the public that these incidents have been thoroughly investigated and proper protocols followed. He emphasizes that the hospital’s reputation should not be tarnished by these isolated events.

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness

“When I got the report, I got the call we started the investigation. I asked the CEO to look into the matter and we found that there were some improperties done at the Southern Regional Hospital however I cannot speak to the issue because it’s in the, it’s going to be in the court and so I don’t want to divulge anything at this point in time that will. In terms of this case, we are going, all I’m saying is that we did our investigation. It’s matter now in the hands of the police who will take the matter to the court. And from there, then we can provide a better response.”

Reporter

“But as the Minister of Health, can you talk to us about what’s going down in Dangriga? We actually had a case of sexual assault coming from that hospital as well. Most recently, are you guys concerned about the culture down at the southern regional?”

Kevin Bernard

“It’s an unfortunate situation that occurred, but you cannot say this is a culture at the Southern Regional. You’re putting everybody in the same wrong shoe. That’s wrong to say that, man. And you need to correct that. I do not agree that we can put every one of our health people, health professionals that are working hard to improve health outcomes in this country, in the shoe of somebody who made us a terrible, grave error. That is another matter that is going before the necessary processes. It is. As if a person is permanently employed, he has to go to the commission. We will not hold back on any investigation of anything, anybody doing any wrongdoing. I’ve said this from the very beginning. We will go through the processes that has to be followed, but we do it by the rule of law.”

Shyne Barrow is Back in Action at U.D.P. HQ!

Shyne Barrow is back in the building! He returned to the United Democratic Party’s headquarters on Youth for the Future Drive, thanks to a High Court ruling in his favor on Friday morning. Barrow, the Area Representative for Mesopotamia and Leader of the Opposition, is one of five claimants who took Tracy Panton and former Secretary General Philipa Griffith-Bailey to court over the building’s occupation. Barrow and his team are seeking various forms of relief, which the High Court will address at a later date. This afternoon, he sat down with News Five’s Isani Cayetano to discuss these latest developments. We kick off our newscast this evening with that exclusive one-on-one with Shyne Barrow.

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“We are thrilled, extremely grateful for the decision of the High Court to grant this injunctive relief. We are grateful to the lawyer, of course, counsel Immanuel Williams and the Glenn D. Godfrey law firm, and we just feel vindicated. We are extremely satisfied that Belize is a place of rules and laws that must be complied with, no matter how right you think you are. There are procedural norms that must be complied with and we were very confident that the High Court would comply with the case law, all the way to the Court of Appeals, as to how you treat with matters. You can’t just come and be a political gangster and use violence and use might to have your way.”

Isani Cayetano

“What does this mean in terms of a return to the status quo as it were before October twentieth and, of course the resulting events thereafter?”

Shyne Barrow

“Well, that is what the learned Justice Hondura said. His orders were that things would return to the status quo and that the property returns to the Central Executive of the United Democratic Party. In essence, acknowledging the claimants who came on behalf of the U.D.P.”

Isani Cayetano

“On both sides of this debacle, it has been argued that the building is symbolic, as the seat of the United Democratic Party. There’s also the argument that one does not necessarily have to administer the business of the U.D.P. from that particular location. What are your thoughts on that?”

Shyne Barrow

“The building is essential. That is our headquarters, that is where we operate. That is where we have our party organs. So I appreciate the spirit of comments that may have been made by the party chairman. Unlike the alliance, who marshalled a hundred people with force and aggression to take something that they said was inconsequential. We abided by the rule of law.”

High Court’s Decision on True U.D.P. Leader may Come After General Elections

The leadership tussle between Shyne Barrow and Tracy Taegar-Panton is also under the High Court’s scrutiny. Barrow’s claim includes a request for Justice Hondura to decide who the rightful U.D.P. leader is. The timeline will start in January 2025, with a case management session, but with general elections on the horizon, we asked Barrow if the legal outcome would even matter if he and the U.D.P. lose the national vote. Here’s what he had to say.

Isani Cayetano

“The matter that’s before the High Court where the legitimacy of the leadership of the United Democratic Party is concerned. If the general elections are called and held before March 2025, looking at the timeline that has been given by the court, in terms of when they will have a case management and then when they’ll have the trial or the substantive matter before the court, you lose and the United Democratic Party loses the next general elections, would the leadership debate or the leadership argument that’s before the court be an academic exercise at that point? Because they would be open and free to challenge your leadership at that point.”

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“I don’t know, because they are not members of the party. That’s something that you have to look at. These are people that have acted in complete circumvention of the United Democratic Party’s constitution and I believe that what happened in the High Court, the decision that was made by Justice Hondura really underpins the mindset and the behavior of these people, that they act outside of constitution. They act outside of rules, it’s whatever they say.”

Can U.D.P. Heal Before Next General Elections?

It’s highly likely that general elections will be called within the first three months of the new year, given that supplementary funds have already been allocated for the process. But the big question is: Can the fractured U.D.P. and Shyne Barrow mend fences with the Alliance for Democracy to mount a strong campaign against the People’s United Party?

Isani Cayetano

“Would you consider, perhaps, a mending of fences seeing that in this particular case you have two strong candidates who have won their constituencies, in the case of Mr. Faber, five times over, and in the case of Mrs. Panton, at least twice, consecutively. Would you consider, perhaps, making amends for the sake of being able to mount a formidable challenge?”

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“Initially, we had said to those that had seats, the elected members and the one standard bearer that’s from Queen Square. We had invited them when we were doing mediation that we would consider having them return to the fold. But I just don’t see how that is practical at this time.”

Isani Cayetano

“Do you feel confident, notwithstanding all the developments within your party over the past several months, that you would be able to mount a formidable challenge in terms of vying for government and, of course, the leadership of this country?”

Shyne Barrow

“We are confident that the Belizean people are very dissatisfied with this government and the elections in the United States gives very sound guidance as to elections being won on election day. One thing we have done in the leadership executive of the U.D.P. is to keep our standard bearers focused on their people, on the engagement, on the message, and that is a unique message, overall communication agenda but it is unique in every constituency because, as we know, politics is local. So candidates who have been there for maybe a year or two years, they should not have any difficulty.”

Will Godwin Haylock be Kicked Out of UDP Too?

Queen Square Standard Bearer Godwin Haylock, Sista B’s successor in this long-time UDP stronghold, openly criticized Barrow during the takeover of the UDP headquarters two weeks ago. Haylock’s bold stance against Barrow, the nephew of incumbent area representative Denise ‘Sista B’ Barrow, has raised questions. Today, we asked Barrow if Haylock will face repercussions for picking a side in the leadership battle.

Isani Cayetano

“Do those thirty-one candidates include Godwin Haylock? I ask simply because Queen Square has been the stronghold of the United Democratic Party of for all these many years and when you look at the succession that…”

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“Mesopotamia is the longest, since 1979.”

Isani Cayetano

“When you look at the succession in Queen Square though, it went from Dean Barrow, your father, to Denise Barrow, your aunt, to Godwin Haylock. But Godwin Haylock was among them who essentially came out against you when that palace coup was effected post October twentieth.”

Shyne Barrow

“This is the thing, as I said, I don’t want to take anything off the table because I am guided by the majority. Of what my colleagues think is best for the party. We have to have an open mind and open heart towards the possibility of healing and reconciliation but with this crowd I just don’t see it and no one did anything to Godwin Haylock. He decided to be a part of, as you said, the palace coup and I don’t see any return, and I don’t even know that they have any interest in returning because according to them, they have their own executive and their own anything.”

Isani Cayetano

“But can you field a candidate in Queen Square at this present moment that would be able to hold his or her own against Dr. McKay, given the short space of time that one would have to actively campaign in that constituency?”

Shyne Barrow

“Yes.”

Alfonso Noble Exits Wave TV Gracefully

Uncertainty continues to loom over the U.D.P. and the management of its political organs. Last week’s court ruling ordered Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar-Panton and her executive to vacate the premises, which also meant their support staff wouldn’t be there. So, instead of the usual Wave TV and Radio talk show co-hosts Alfonso Noble and Joe Bradley this morning, former U.D.P. City Councilor Dean Samuels and former U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate Dr. Nelma Mortis took over. Up until last Thursday, Noble was the editor of the Guardian Newspaper under the Panton faction, which had occupied the compound and to whom he had pledged allegiance in the ongoing leadership struggle. Panton and her executive believe she is the rightful leader of the U.D.P., based on a convention held on October twentieth at the Belize City Civic Centre, where a majority of U.D.P. delegates voted to replace Mesopotamia Area Representative Moses “Shyne” Barrow with her. Barrow, however, argues that the convention was not valid because it wasn’t presided over by U.D.P. Chair Mike Peyrefitte. Today, Alfonso Noble made a brief appearance at the start of Wave TV’s Fus Ting Da Mawning Show to announce that he would be stepping down indefinitely.

Alfonso Noble, Former Wave Talk Show Host

“I’ve just been notified that I’ve been put on pause from doing the morning show, but I thought it necessary to advise our viewership that you guys will be on this morning and I’ll take a sidestep until matters are fully resolved. It has been a very, very excellent time for me. I’m working at Wave Radio. It’s really, really good. I’ve done what I can to forward the position of the party as much as I can. And I guess a decision will be made as to my status. I’ve received a call this morning and I just thought it necessary to tell the audience cause, um, you know, um, people tune in and, and, and it’s, it’s, it’s many, many, many, many, many viewers who, who loyally listen to the, um, to the show and listen to, um, myself and Joe Bradley every morning. And I think it necessary to give a little explanation as to why myself and Joe will not be present this morning and what will happen um forward not going forward So I just want to thank all of those people who have always tuned into us, whatever is taking place at this point in time and make my graceful exit at this point in time. So Miss Delma and Dean, carry forward, push the U.D.P. agenda forward.”

Joe and Fonso are Out!

Outspoken talk show hosts Alfonso Noble and Joe Bradley have been ousted from Wave Radio’s Fus Ting Da Mawnin. The staunch U.D.P. supporters made scathing remarks against Shyne Barrow last week after the Alliance for Democracy took over the party’s headquarters. Following Friday’s court ruling, Barrow and his team regained control of the building, along with the U.D.P.’s media outlets, including Wave Radio and the Guardian Newspaper. Noble, who has been the editor of the weekly publication and a fixture on the morning show since 2008, was also affected by these changes. Here’s how Barrow responded to the recent shake-up.

Isani Cayetano

“Many were tuned in this morning to Wave Radio and Television to see what if any new changes in terms of the lineup of host and cohost would have been and, not surprisingly, two new faces showed up this morning to take on the morning. What’s the fate of Joe Bradley and Alfonso Noble where the radio and the TV show is concerned?”

Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“The behavior of Alfonso Noble was reprehensible and it was telling, I guess, to how he always felt. No employer, no organization can have people in those positions that behave that way, and to go along with the criminal, illegal takeover does not sit well with many, but the party chairman and the secretary general are dealing with that as whatever formal notices. And there are some people that say well let them apologize and so we’ll see what the permanent decision is, but I have always been guided by many colleagues who felt that we needed a change on Fuss Ting Da Mawnin and we needed to diversify the hosts. And so, this is a good opportunity to bring different people on different days and offer some diversity. We look forward to having a day where a different standard bearer would host on that day.”

Late this evening, Tracy Taegan Panton issued a statement on U.D.P. letterhead, announcing that she has secured the backing of the majority of the U.D.P. Orange Walk South Executive Committee. According to Panton, thirteen out of fifteen delegates from that constituency signed a letter endorsing her as the party leader. She claims this brings the total number of constituency committees supporting her to eighteen. In her statement, Panton also called out German Tillett, the constituency leader, noting that he has yet to publicly support her leadership. Copies of the signed endorsements from the U.D.P. Orange Walk South Executive Committee were attached to the release.

Man Found Dead Near Secret Beach

A disagreement between two men in San Pedro has turned deadly, leaving one man dead and another facing charges. Mathew Moses was found dead near the Secret Beach area in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Reports indicate that he got into a dispute with a male acquaintance, who then shot him and left him for dead. ACP Hilberto Romero provides more details on the incident.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Friday, the eighth day of November, 2024, police responded to a call in San Pedro where information was received that somebody was there motionless with gunshot injuries. Police visited the area where they found the body of a male person. He was identified as Matthew Moses. He had several gunshot injuries. Investigation revealed that Mathew Moses had an altercation with a male person in that area. This person has been taken into custody. A licensed firearm was retrieved from him. An investigation is being carried out. The conclusion will determine if any charges will be levied.”

Reporter

“Can you say what was the motive?”

Hilberto Romero

“It was a long misunderstanding they had over a period of time. That is what led to the shooting.”