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Attorney Says G.O.B.’s Attempt to Strong-arm B.S.I. Failed

Earlier this week, the High Court handed down a judgment in the case of Belize Sugar Industries Limited and the Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association against the Attorney General, the Sugar Industry Control Board, the Minister of Agriculture and the Controller of Supplies. This was in direct relation to a claim that the two entities had successfully presented after having filed for an injunction. That injunction was to have the amended Sugar Industry Import/Export Regulation, or a Statutory Instrument that was introduced in May of 2023 halted. Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith, on behalf of the claimant, held a press conference today to share the implications of the regulation had it been passed. Essentially, the court found that the regulation was unconstitutional, that it breached the claimants’ right to work, to privacy, to protection of law. News Five’s Marion Ali filed this report.

Godfrey Smith, S.C., Attorney for A.S.R/B.S.I./C.S.C.P.A.

“The court struck down, in fact, it characterized portions of the regulations as obnoxious, saying that it did interfere with BSI’s right to information and privacy, that the regulations would interfere with BSI’s right to work, and it would interfere with its right to protection of the law, because it amounted to an overreach. The effect of the finding is that the government has used its legislative power in an invasive way, in a way that breach people’s, that the BSI’s right to its confidentiality and privacy of its commercial information.”

Marion Ali, Reporting

The Constitution of Belize allows the government to formulate regulations that interfere with a company’s rights, but it must be for the greater good of the people. And, even though the sugar industry is one of Belize’s income earners, the court found that the regulation was the equivalent of an abuse of power. Senior Counsel, Godfrey Smith explained the crux of the matter with one of the sections he argued against.

Godfrey Smith

“The Sugar Industry Act and the Supplies Control Act already regulated export of sugar in Belize. All of a sudden, in 2023, the Sugar Industry Control Board and the Minister of Agriculture promulgated, brought into law, a new set of regulations that had at its core two fundamental things. 01:5The first is a requirement that if BSI wished to get a license to export sugar or to manufacture sugar, it had to disclose all contracts – all – to the S.I.C.B, Mr. Osorio and his group with all of its clients internationally. It also had to do that each time it applies for a shipping permit. There’s a requirement that each time you want to export sugar for each batch you have to apply for a shipping permit and if you haven’t made those disclosures you will not get a permit or you will not get your license or your export license can be revoked.”

Smith explained that the regulation also sought to impose on BSI a requirement to collect from Tate and Lyle in London any Fair Trade premium for sugar due and paid to associations. This is a matter that the claimants argued had nothing to do with them. The basis on which the claimants put forth their case was that the regulation was crafted so as to delve into B.S.I’s private commercial affairs and to force B.S.I to do the impossible – to pay Fair Trade premiums, which are not paid by them, but by the London-based company Tate and Lyle. Smith shared his candid view that the government abused its authority when it formulated the regulation.

Godfrey Smith

“That piece of regulation was a clear, naked attempt by S.I.C.B – Sugar Industry Control Board and the Ministry of Agriculture to strong-arm BSI and force them to do what the law doesn’t allow. So, because the disputes have been ongoing and the government obviously must favor the cane farmers because they represent thousands of voters in the industry, it will never be a case where any government, red or blue, will ever side with a commercial entity, a multinational B.S.I./A.S.R, because they know where the votes are. And for that reason, they were prepared to use their sovereign legislative power in a heavy-handed, hand-fisted way to compel something like that. They were not entitled to compel. It was an abuse of authority. Nobody says you can’t regulate to assist here and there if you believe there is unfairness. But that is why there is a Constitution, which is the yardstick against which you gauge whether a particular piece of regulation or law has gone overboard. So you can’t use force.”

Smith pointed to the fact that a cane farmers association would join A.S.R./B.S.I on the claim is in itself an indication that the association did not trust the intention with which the regulation was drafted.

Godfrey Smith

“One of the cane farmers associations themselves – the Corozal Sugarcane Producers Association – I miss that, I overlooked that point. It’s an important point because they felt the actions of the government with this heavy-handed piece of legislation could mash up the industry and they would be at a loss if whatever draconian penalty is imposed on BSI for failure to comply with these excessive regulations – could mash up the industry – could hurt BSI, but if BSI is hurt, down would go the other associations. So that’s why they joined in that claim.”

The regulation can still be passed, but without the sections that the court found to be unduly unreasonable, which would make the regulation ineffective in what it seeks to do. The defendants have twenty-one days within which to file an appeal of the ruling. Marion Ali for News Five.

B.S.I. Attorney Says Inquiry as Invasive as Sugar Import/Export Regulation

In March 2023, the Government of Belize announced its decision to launch a Commission of Inquiry with the explanation that it was to modernize the sugar industry. The decision came after the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and A.S.R/B.S.I made presentations to the government. While the B.S.C.F.A has welcomed the idea of the inquiry, the other party hasn’t. Today, the attorney for A.S.R/B.S.I., Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith, told reporters that he views the Commission of Inquiry as having the same over-reaching purpose and intent as the amended Sugar Industry Import/Export Regulation.

Godfrey Smith, S.C., Attorney for B.S.I

“I view this intended Commission of Inquiry in almost the same vein as the just struck down regulation. The regulations claim to be innocuous, simple regulations for regulating industry. In reality, it was a disguise to cover an attempt for digging to be a size business, we say. Similarly, it has my beliefs, and I stand to be corrected when I see the final truth. of reference that the purpose of that commission of inquiry will be for the same thing to dig into BSI’s guts, get it to produce all its sensitive commercial information for one purpose and one purpose only, which is to aid the BSEFA in its commercial dispute with BSI. And that would be a wholly inappropriate, wrongheaded and improper use of the power to issue of a commission of inquiry. BSI is a private commercial entity and the cane farmers associations, each of them – this isn’t a public association. These are – it’s owned by the cane farmers. They work their plot of land, the money they get goes into their pockets. It doesn’t go into any consolidated revenue fund or any public fund that would require the government to say, look, this is a deeply-public problem, and therefore, a commission of inquiry is necessary. So it’s going to be, in my view, an attempt to get at what it can’t otherwise get at. And if that is the case, then certainly I would be advising BSI that it must challenge the issuance of that commission of inquiry immediately as it is issued.”{

Sugar Industry Commission of Inquiry Needs Time to Consult

The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association is demanding that the Briceño administration fast-track the work of the sugar industry’s commission of inquiry. The agreed deadline for the commission to be established and its investigation to commence has passed. Well, Prime Minister John Briceño says he has already explained the hold up to the B.S.C.F.A. Here is what he told us.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think the BSCFA if they and I have explained it to them, if they want to be fair, they would understand why it has not happened. It so happened that when the terms of the commission was presented, the minister in his haste to try to get this done quickly, there was not consultations with BSI and the three other associations. There were only consultations with the BSCFA. So the commission of inquiry is headed by the prime minister. It is my responsibility to ensure there are proper consultations by everyone. If you do not have proper consultations then you could have one of the associations or BSI not participate and if they do not participate then it is going to be a waste of time and money. We have contacted the two persons from Brazil that has done similar work in El Salvador and we are in the process of being able to sign a contract with them to be able to work with the other two person that are coming in. So we are working on that. It is of no use to call the commission of inquiry and nobody participates. It is a waste of time.”

PM Briceño Agrees With High Court Ruling on Sugar Regulations

We received a brief statement from the prime minister on the High Court’s ruling in relation to the Sugar Import/ Export Regulations. Prime Minister Briceño says he is not surprised by the ruling. He added that the government will adhere to the court’s decision.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I have not gotten a chance to read the report, but to be honest with you I am not surprised. And that was some of the concerns we raised. And so, we will follow the law and if the law says it is unconstitutional then we will make the necessary amends.”

“Shyne” Barrow’s U.D.P. Leadership Is an Asset to the P.U.P., Says PM

As we told you last night, Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow is of the view that the People’s United Party won in eight municipalities because of foreign government interference and electioneering. Well, PM Briceño says Barrow needs to look in the mirror and evaluate his own leadership. He also says that Barrow’s leadership is proving to be an asset to the P.U.P.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I have no idea what he is talking about on both instances, on both accusations that he has made. Probably he is talking about the former government that use to use openly government resources and funds on election day. We were very clear that nobody should use a government vehicle throughout the entire campaign. You need to use your own vehicle, go on your own time, pay your own expenses, the people that were around me campaigning I would pay for political work. I think that the leader of opposition needs to start off by looking in the mirror and taking a hard look and look at where he is going wrong and look at what he can do to make those changes. And if you are not prepared to do that you are bound to make those same mistakes but who am I to advice him. I would love for him to continue his ways, we are very happy with that. Let’s keep him where he is. He is one of our best assets. It doesn’t matter who is the leader of the UDP. We depend on the work we are doing. I think we are doing very well, when you look at the World Bank report, the IMF report, both of them are glowing reports on the work we are doing. This work we did on our own, we did not follow the usual formula that the IMD would give and the World Bank in cutting cost and expenses and firing people and raising taxes. We did it the right way, working with the Belizean people, inspiring confidence, working with the economy, growing the economy, opening up opportunities, working with public officers to make sure that we can prove the necessary service for our people, continue the social programs. So it does not matter who is the leader of the opposition. Shyne wants to be there, let us put it this way, I will not object.”

PM Briceño Disappointed With Results in SI/SE

One municipality the People’s United Party is not celebrating in is San Ignacio, Santa Elena. In that municipality, the United Democratic Party won most of the seats that were up for grabs, except for one. This afternoon, Mayor Earl Trapp and his councilors were officially sworn in. Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow was present, along with Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber and former U.D.P. Mayor, Darrel Bradley. When we asked Prime Minister Briceño about the results, he said that he was disappointed. He believes that the P.U.P.’s area representatives in those towns should spend more time on the ground with their constituents.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I must admit that I was very disappointed with the results in San Ignacio, Santa Elena because I believe we had a very good team. When you look at somebody like Mathew Preston, very young, dynamic man that had offered himself up for public service, I was disappointed but at the same time it gives us a chance to look in the mirror and see where we are going wrong and what we are doing well and make those corrections. In particular Minister Chebat and Habet can have that opportunity to take a hard look and see what changes they need to do. It is not necessarily about the machinery because they took out the voters but it seems the voters were probably sending them a subtle message that they need to do more work or spend more time in their constituencies. I try to remind ministers at all times your primary job si to be an area representative. Like I always tell everybody, I never forget that I can only be prime minister because the people of Orange Walk central continue to support me. So maybe it is a good message to them, a timely won, better you get the message now and make the changes that.”

Belize National Suicide Prevention Plan Introduced

There have been quite a few suicides over recent years, and even more attempts. A lot of the incidents could have been prevented, if only the victims had access to help. But the 2024-2030 Suicide Prevention Plan aims to save more of those lives that oftentimes slip through the cracks without detection of problems or despair. The document outlines a multi-sectoral approach that addresses the underlying risk factors that contribute to suicide, including mental illness. It addresses suicide behaviour, trends, suicide attempt and self-harm, as well as protective factors, and overall goals and objectives of the plan. Today, News Five spoke with Christa Courtenay who heads two key organizations that work to prevent suicides. She explained that the Mental Health Association and Mind-Health Connect work in their own different way to offer important information of where to go for persons with suicidal tendencies and their families.

Christa Courtenay, Rep., Mind-Health Connect NGO & Mental Health Association

“The Mental Health Association has been in existence for a very long time. Back in 19, I think, 97, we were instrumental in getting suicide decriminalized. So we’re a policy advocacy organization, also of course, constantly advocating for the reduction of stigma, the increase of services, appropriate care. One of our major projects is running the Welcome Resource Center, which is like a daycare center for persons who are homeless or who subsequently also have some mental health disorder and need daycare. We have shower facilities. They participate in making their meals – again, trying to make sure that they can live with a little bit of dignity and participate in their own care. We coordinate services for people who might need additional support with any of the polyclinics to make sure that they’re getting access to the services that they may need. Mind Health Connect is a more recent NGO, I think in the last maybe seven or eight years. One of our major projects is a website, MindHealthConnect. com, that seeks to make sure that every available mental health or wellness resource that is available in Belize. Both private and public are listed all in one place. Everybody nowadays has their own device, they have data, they access the internet more than any other tool, and so we wanted to make sure that reaching out for help is more easily accessible after creating the website, which is supposed to be a comprehensive sort of list of resources, as we augment those resources, then services are added to the site, but for people who are interested in getting help, but don’t know to access care. All of the P.N.Ps that he mentioned are listed there. All of the clinics that are both public and any private mental health counsellors, for instance, who work in private practice. All of them are listed there so that people can access the help. We also have a phone number. It’s not a hotline per se, but people can call and ask us for direction if they’re not sure where to go or how to access it.”

La Ruta Maya 2024 Kicks Off With A Splash

This morning, the twenty-seventh annual Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge commenced with much fanfare in the twin towns of Santa Elena and San Ignacio. Over the course of four days, sixty-seven paddlers will compete against each other and the currents, as they race one hundred and eighty miles to Belize City’s BelCan Bridge on Monday. This year, hundreds of supporters eagerly await to see who will take home the prize in the event that is recognized for its ability to bring people together. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

This morning, the twin towns of Santa Elena and San Ignacio were alive with activity as people from all over the country gathered to secure their spots on the banks of the Macal River for the perfect view of the 2024 La Ruta Maya River Challenge. This year boasted a large turnout, as sixty-seven teams would be vying to be the first to cross the finish line on Monday. The race began at its usual starting point, at the Hawkesworth Bridge in San Ignacio where it journeyed down the Macal River to Banana Bank. Among this year’s competitors are returning champs Slim and Trim Like Guava Limb, who stated they were felling the pressure.

Britney Gordon

“So you guys are the returning champs. How do you feel about that?”

Daniel Cruz, Paddler, Slim & Trim Like Guava Limb
“Well, we feel, proud and pressured, right? Because, you know, they will want to win us and we have to try defend it.”

Britney Gordon

“And are you confident that you and your team will be able to pull it off today?”

Daniel Cruz

“First God, yes.”

Fellow Guava Limb team member, Andres Cabb stated that they have put in about four months of training and plan to recite a prayer before the race to prepare.

Andres Cabb, Paddler, Slim & Trim Like Guava Limb

“Well right now we just did, we’ll do a prayer and then we’ll get in the water. Warm up. So we don’t stretch no muscle when we start.”

As one of Belize’s biggest events of the year, the race garners a lot of tourist attraction to San Ignacio. Visitors from all over the country travel to witness and participate in the activities. We spoke with first team manger of the first time competitors, the Panthers, Jim Berriman, who is a past paddler himself. Berriman stated that the team is representing BATSUB and while, they did not have a lot of time to prepare, they are excited to participate.

Jim Berriman, Team Manager, Panthers Team

“They’ve done a few training sessions only two training sessions actually. First one was about twelve miles, second one was thirty-seven, so they’re not the most experienced, but we’re here to take part.”

Britney Gordon

“Alright, so are you guys confident in your performance today?”

Jim Berriman

“Oh yes, very confident. I think we’ve got a good chance of the win. Yeah, we’ve been eyeing the trophy up, so yeah, definitely.”

The race not only exists to garner tourist attention, but it brings attention to the cultural and environmental significance of the river. Event organizer, Roberto Harrison, highlighted the significance of these aspects to us.

Britney Gordon

“This event started as a way to get people of San Ignacio together to have an event for the long weekend. How has the event elevated itself since its beginning?”

Roberto Harisson, Event Organizer, La Ruta Maya

“First of all, we were looking at something to replace the one day event, the ninth of March, the Baron Bless Day. Normally, small events happening, but nothing much and at the rest of the day and the rest of the weekend. So we coined the idea of putting something that would be more than just San Ignacio. And we came up and finally agreed that we would try this for the event. It’s been a very trying thing over, over the years because initially we looked at promoting not only the race as a sport, but looking at the culture the different communities along this river. There’s a history behind this river.”

Harrison explained that there are several key factors to consider when highlighting the importance of the river, historical, environmental and cultural.

Roberto Harrison
“It was the business highway for people from San Ignacio to Belize city and Belize city to San Ignacio, we look at the environmental side because then, and now there’s quite a bit of difference in the banks of the river. So we wanted to look at how we can promote or create that awareness to replenish some of the green in the riverbanks. And we also look at the historical aspect because, again, history has it that this river was used by the Mayas to transport food from up Belize down or down Belize and up to San Ignacio. We looked at the communities themselves during the logging period where we knew that those communities were significant on how the goods were transported up on the road. So we look at the race in three parts; environment, history, and the culture of the river itself.”

Typical for the race is the overturning of canoes, as paddlers battle with the currents rushing against them. One team that encountered this setback was the Belize Coast Guard, which still managed to place third, despite the initial drawback at the start of the race.

Wilberto Daniels, Captain, Belize Coast Guard Team

“We placed top three today. Unfortunately we had a bad start and that’s the consequences of a bad start, right? But as a team captain, I’m always, my job is to keep the motivation high in my boat. So that managed to pick up back a momentum and start closing back the gap on the other teams. And today was one of the hardest day ever in my years of pulling La Ruta Maya, we really work hard today. Maybe if we had a little more time, maybe we would have closed the gap a little more, but yeah that’s a part of race. And we still have three more days and anything can happen in a race.”

The race ended with a close call as returning champs Guava Limb finished with a point five second lead over Team Lucas Oil Male, which encountered an obstacle just before the finish line. We checked in with today’s victors post-win for an update.

Britney Gordon

“So you just finished the race and you came in first place. How are you feeling?”

Andres Cabb

“First of all, I want to give thanks to God and that have given the opportunity to win the race. And we’re feeling tired and well, we are feeling tired but happy at the same time.”

Britney Gordon

“Do you feel that this win has eased some of the anxiety as the returning champs? “

Javier Guardado, Captain, Slim & Trim Like Guava Limb Team
“Well, I guess so. So like we want today so tomorrow maybe will be a better day for us.”

The feelings of the paddlers may be mixed, but the race has only just begun and that coveted title is still up for grabs. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Victorious Nazarene is “More” Inclusive

In a remarkable display of commitment to the Ministry of Education’s More Campaign, Victorious Nazarene School is once again in the news showcasing the community of Succotz as a beacon of inclusivity and setting an example for institutions across Belize. In this week’s Look on the Bright Side, we returned to Benque Viejo where we met another teacher doing “More” this time by being inclusive. How? That’s what we want you to see.

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

Victorious Nazarene School has been redefining education, breaking barriers, and leading the charge in the Ministry of Education’s More Campaign. In our initial story, we shared how this rural school uses artificial Intelligence to teach programming, a sophisticated aspect of computer science. This time around, however, we stopped at a classroom where we met Shereece Sabal, a teacher, engaging her students in sign language. She took on this initiative when she learned that she would be teaching a student with special needs.

Shereece Sabal, Teacher, Victorious Nazarene School

“I had no idea that I had a student that couldn’t talk. So when they told me, I said, now what will happen because I don’t know sign language. So from then we had to have to put different things in place to make sure that he gets everything that he needs from me. And he’s included in every subject that we, um, that I teach here.”

Sabal’s commitment to inclusivity is not only evident in her words, but in the vibrant classroom atmosphere that she has cultivated. Learning sign language was not just a task for her; it was a commitment to ensuring that everyone, including her special needs student, is an integral part of the learning journey.

Shereece Sabal
“This for me was a huge It’s a huge task to take on. First, I have to teach myself how to sign. And then include not only him, but all the other students. Because they also help, right? Because if I am busy or doing something with another student, then they’ll be able to help him if need be.”

Principal Shirley Humes, the guiding force behind Victorious Nazarene School’s inclusive ethos, sheds light on the school’s dedication to embracing diversity.

Shirley Humes, Principal, Victorious Nazarene School
“We strongly believe in, in inclusion. And we believe that every child deserves a chance, despite their need. And, um, like I mentioned, you know, this is, it’s a, it’s a great challenge because signing is not easy. And you need to be a specialist to be able to sign. However, that, um, did not keep us away from not being able to, to take him in.”

What sets Victorious Nazarene apart is not just a commitment to inclusion, but the student body genuinely embracing diversity. When the Ministry of Education learned of this, it acknowledged the effort and shared that this is a prime example of doing more.

Dian Maheia, Chief Education Officer, MOECST
“That sort of inspiration is really what moves me and I think it’s what moves our team at the Ministry of Education. That’s why being more inclusive is one of our core pillars under the more campaign because to show that you have that level of consideration for someone else. That you will go beyond what is expected. It really doesn’t diminish your capacity. You’re thinking more of someone else, and you’re building your own capacity. That teacher and those students have learned way more than sign language. They have learned to be better human beings. And that’s what we want. We want them to be more for Belize.”

That remarkable revelation unfolded not only through the teacher’s enthusiasm to making life easier for the hearing-impaired student, but also through the commitment of his classmates, who eagerly embraced the challenge of learning sign language.

Sabreena Daly

“What was your reaction to seeing the other students embrace learning sign language to communicate with their classmate?”

Shereece Sabal

“Well, in the beginning, it was very surprising. Because when I would sit back and I see them doing the little signs to him, I was like, well, I don’t know. It was very surprising for me. It was a great feeling. And then again, that motivated me more to teach them more so they can communicate with him more.”

Shirley Humes
“That’s the beauty about Victoria’s Nazarene: our students embrace our children no matter what their condition is. And that’s what I’ve seen from his classmates. They embrace him, they help him along, and that has been the reaction from the students ever since preschool. They have been there, um, and I must say there are even parents who have sent their children with him. To sign in class to be able to help him out.”

Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly

P.U.P. Routs U.D.P. in Municipals: 8 to 1

The People’s United Party remains on top after steamrolling all political opponents, including the United Democratic Party which it soundly defeated during the municipal elections on Wednesday. Tonight, we’ll begin with a recap of what transpired across the country on election day and how the blue machine overwhelmed the U.D.P. across all cities and towns with the exception of San Ignacio/Santa Elena. We’ll also show you what the Opposition Leader says following the stunning loss at the polls. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano to begin our post election coverage.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

The opposition, as well as all third parties and independent candidates, was walloped at the polls on Wednesday by the People’s United Party. In hindsight, this bold prediction, initially made on Nomination Day by Party Leader Shyne Barrow, will likely go down in history as egg on his face.

Isani Cayetano

“What is your confidence on the ground, in terms of the municipal slates across all nine cities and towns.”

Shyne Barrow, Leader, United Democratic Party (File: February 21^st, 2024)

“I want the Belizean people to see, with all humility, this is my projection. Nine, nine municipalities and it is not farfetched. There was a time where the United Democratic Party administered all nine municipality and no municipality was out of reach.”

Despite its best efforts, the United Democratic Party was trounced in Belize City, one of the most hotly contested municipalities in the country. By the time the ballots were being counted, halfway through the process, the PUP had already claimed victory over the Old Capital.

Bernard Wagner, Returning Mayor, Belize City

“I always have to say thank you to the people of Belize City and I also have to thank God, he has been the person behind me. I have to thank my family, I have to thank all the people of Belize City. But clearly, some of the indicators, essentially, are really significant from some of the key polling areas, constituencies of Lake-I, Pickstock, Freetown, Caribbean Shores. Clearly those numbers that we are seeing and are being forwarded to myself, we’re looking, pretty, pretty good.”

A total of four hundred and fifty-two thousand, seventy-three ballots were cast during yesterday’s elections in Belize City. Of that amount, roughly sixty-three percent of votes were in favor of the ruling People’s United Party. For the UDP, things got off to a slow start and ended in much the same way.

Dr. Nelma Jones Mortis, U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belize City

“If you notice, I think, thus far, when I checked, I think about three hundred and twenty of our pledges have cast their vote. Each standard bearer is responsible for their constituency and for bringing out the vote. We collaborate with them, in terms of when people approach us, we pass it on to the standard bearers. So each standard bearer has their machinery set up.”

It’s the same approach that was employed by the P.U.P. area representatives. In Freetown, Francis Fonseca was able to secure seventy-six percent of the twenty thousand, eight hundred and five votes. In contrast, the UDP only had four thousand, two hundred and seven votes, or roughly twenty percent of that total.

Francis Fonseca, Area Representative, Freetown

“So we have a very experienced team in Freetown and so we have a very clear plan. So today has been all about executing that plan. You know, we’ve been campaigning with the team with Mayor Wagner and the city council team over the past few months, since the start of the year, and the campaign has been very good. They’ve been warmly received in Freetown, both in Belama and here in King’s Park.”

Taken as a whole, the turnout in Belize City, as in other municipalities, was lower than expected.

Alisha Craig, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate, Belize City

“I wish it was higher. I just checked the polls and they say it’s only about nine thousand out of thirty thousand. So, you know, that’s not really good, but maybe it’s a good sign as well. Like I said, that’s where the machinery, getting your taxis and everything in place to get out your voters. I think that’s what’s going to decide who wins the elections.”

Dr. Nelma Mortis

“ I was a bit disappointed in the low voters turnout, but I walked in confidence and I walked in confidence because I have put in the work and I have shared my vision and it’s up to the workers to decide who or what they expect for Belize City. And so, I did my best. I’ll be Nelma Mortis tomorrow, the same Nelma Mortis tomorrow.”

On the other hand, despite a low voter turnout, Eluide Miller was optimistic and remained so for the duration of the voting process, as well as the counting later in the evening.

Eluide Miller, P.U.P. Councilor Candidate, Belize City

“I’m feeling very excited seeing our residents flowing in to cast their votes. It’s a really beautiful moment and so we’ve been working very hard over the past couple weeks, past couple months and so it all comes down to today. Today is what matters most. I am very excited and yeah, I’m happy.”

Ultimately, returning mayor Bernard Wagner has secured a third term in office, along with his team of ten councilors, five of whom are carrying over from the previous Belize City Council.

Isani Cayetano

“It’s rare that we see, if perhaps not the first time that we’re seeing someone go for three consecutive terms in municipal office.”

Bernard Wagner

“I am telling you it’s overwhelming for me, personally. Really overwhelming. When I started in 2018, I could never conceive in my own mind that at some point in time I would be grappling with the idea of being a three-term mayor. But I believe in the will of the people and clearly the people in Belize City have spoken resoundingly again. And so, we are really excited to be able to serve the people again.”

Isani Cayetano for News Five.