People & Places - Greater Belize Media

Building Code Bill Draws Line Between Public and Private Construction

Belize’s push for stronger building standards took center stage at today’s House Meeting, but not all structures are covered—yet. Minister of Infrastructure Development Julius Espat clarified that the newly tabled building codes will apply only to public buildings for now. Standards for residential homes are still in the works and will be rolled out later. Espat underscored the importance of these codes by referencing a recent tragedy—the death of three tourists at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort. He noted that in incidents like these, having clear building standards can help guide investigations and potentially prevent future loss of life. The message is clear: stronger codes mean safer spaces. And while the focus is currently on public infrastructure, the groundwork is being laid for broader reforms across the construction sector.

Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development

“A couple months ago we had a problem in San Pedro where some visitors died because there was a, still to be determined, but it seems there was a problem with carbon monoxide. The building code or act had nothing to lead professionals to that direction. Mostly the engineers or mechanical engineers will have to rely on international building codes to put it in the process. This now will fall under our building codes which will have jurisdiction over those things. We just passed the disability act, last year. That changes the whole aspect of how we design buildings. Now you will have to make sure people will have access to these building, if it is more than three stories you will have to put in an elevator by law if it is at the ground floor you will have to put in ramps at certain angles to make sure it works.”

Minister Espat also noted that for the building codes to be effective, the Briceño administration will have to make significant investments in the Central Building Authority’s enforcement strategy.

New Families Bill Aims to Strengthen Protection for Belize’s Most Vulnerable

A bold new piece of legislation is making its way through the National Assembly, and it could reshape how Belize protects its children and elderly citizens. Minister of Human Development and Family Affairs, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, introduced the Families Bill today, describing it as a transformative step toward stronger family support systems. The bill outlines key rights and procedures around guardianship, custody, and child maintenance—and for the first time, it formally recognizes a child’s right to receive counseling. One of the most groundbreaking changes? The bill would allow single men to adopt female children, a move that challenges long-standing legal norms and opens the door to more inclusive family structures.

Thea Garcia-Ramirez, Minister of Family Support

“It also allows for the recognition of the relationship between the child and a parent for the purpose of determining succession of property. It removes prohibition on a single man adopting a child as a female, because this prohibition goes against the principle of nondiscrimination. It provides protection for children with disabilities so they can be assessed early, offered appropriate treatment and given equal opportunities in respect of education. It allows for care and supervision orders for vulnerable and abused children to be placed in the care of the Department of Human Development or the Community Rehabilitation Department where they are to be given protective and rehabilitated services.”

Highway Upgrade Debate: Is the Price Too High for a Smoother Ride?

An upgraded stretch of the George Price Highway from Belmopan to La Democracia Village is in the works—and while that may sound like good news for commuters, it’s raising some serious questions about cost. The Government of Belize is banking on a thirteen-million-dollar loan from the Kuwait Fund to cover nearly half—forty-seven percent—of the project. But that still leaves a fifteen-million U.S. dollar gap, which the government will need to fill to complete the eighteen-mile upgrade. Mesop Area Rep Lee Mark Chang isn’t convinced it’s worth the price tag. He argues the road is already in decent condition and that the funds could be better spent elsewhere. As the government pushes forward with its infrastructure plans, the debate continues: is this a smart investment in Belize’s future—or a costly move that misses the mark?

Lee Mark Chang, Area Representative, Mesopotamia

“There are many roads and streets and town that needs upgrade, roads that need TLC in the villages. There are much more important issues to deal with than roads, roads, road, health care, dialysis, food pantry, or grocery bags, home improvements, maybe the outstanding salary raise for teachers or any other social nets programs. I remember a famous quote, we can’t eat the street boss, we can’t eat it. Twenty-nine kilometers of road is equal to eighteen miles. The road from La Democracia to Belmopan already has a lot of infrastructure work, so how will it cost so much money, three million dollars a mile to refurbish a road that already has infrastructure and a lot of stuff. I am no engineer, but it should not cost three million dollars a mile.”

PM Says U.S. Grant Cut Won’t Shake Budget—But Belize Has a Plan B

Prime Minister John Briceño is downplaying concerns over the reported cancellation of a major U.S. grant, saying it won’t impact the government’s financial plans. The grant in question—worth a hefty one hundred and twenty-five million US dollars from the Millennium Challenge Corporation—was earmarked for poverty reduction and energy development. Of that, seventy-three point eight million was set to go toward education, and $twenty-one point seven million for an energy project. Speaking to reporters last Friday, the PM explained that the funds were never factored into the national budget, so their absence doesn’t throw off the numbers. And as of today, he says Belize still hasn’t received any official word confirming the cancellation. Still, Briceño remains hopeful the funding will come through—but assured the public that there’s a backup plan if it doesn’t.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I wish to clarify that these funds are not included in our national budget, but rather directly managed by the M.C.C. under a separate financial and accounting arrangement as set on the Millennium Challenge account, Belize Authority Act of 2024. Mr. Speaker, on the 20th of January, 2025. President Trump issued an executive order which mandated a 90-day pause on new obligations and disbursements of United States Government development assistance funds for foreign governments, including funding for the M.C.C. Compact with Belize. Just over three weeks ago, we received an official word out of Washington that the M.C.C. board would be terminating the compact agreement with Belize, but to date we have not received any official word to this effect. In the meantime, Belize has expressed its concerns at every high level in the United States Government, and we have received assurances that the matter has been further examined to see if there is a possibility to retain the Belize program intact. We are therefore guardedly optimistic that the program will be retained. However, should the program indeed be terminated, we will be actively seeking alternates, alternate sources of funding from our development partners.”

PM Briceño Wants a Year to Review Constitution Report

Prime Minister John Briceño is asking for more time—twelve months, to be exact—to review the long-awaited report from the People’s Constitution Commission (PCC). That’s a big jump from the sixty days currently allowed under the PCC Act. The commission is expected to hand over its final report on May twenty-sixth, which means, under current rules, the PM would have until late July to bring it to the National Assembly for debate. But Briceño says that’s not enough time to properly go through such a critical document. If parliament agrees with the recommendations, the next step could be a national referendum. However, there’s a catch: according to the Minister of Constitution and Indigenous Affairs, holding a referendum so soon after a general election—and in the same year as village council elections—just isn’t financially realistic. The big question now is whether Belizeans will have to wait even longer for constitutional reform—and whether the delay will cool the momentum for change.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Constitution and Indigenous Affairs

“There are some reasons for militating against the tabling before the National Assembly with the possible consequence of holding and conducting a national referendum within less than nine months after the holding of a general election. These are time needed for the government and stakeholders to conduct serious and proper analysis, and deliberation of the recommendations. Secondly, the considerable financial expenditure and human resources that will be required to conduct a referendum only months after the national assembly and public service had to expend and deploy financial and human resources on a similar scale, third the holding of village council elections from May to August 2025, and possible consequential voter fatigue.”

We will wait to see what the Senate has to say about this request.

“Corruption on Steroids”: Opposition Leader Slams Government Over Election Irregularities

In a fiery address at the close of today’s House Meeting, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton didn’t hold back. She accused the Briceño administration of serious misconduct during the March twelfth general elections, calling the alleged irregularities “corruption on steroids.” Panton spent over fifteen minutes laying out what she described as glaring procedural inconsistencies and questionable practices, painting a picture of an election riddled with flaws. Her remarks sparked immediate reaction from the government side. Minister of Public Service Henry Charles-Usher fired back, suggesting Panton’s outrage might be fueled by the recent High Court ruling in the United Democratic Party’s leadership dispute—a case that didn’t go in her favor. The heated exchange added a dramatic twist to the day’s proceedings, hinting that the political temperature in the House is far from cooling down.

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“It happened in Albert, it happened in Collet. It happened in Mesop., it happened in Queen Square. I was told by a colleague ion the government ‘s side, why complain about buying of votes, when both political entities have done it. It does not make it right and what we have pledged to do is ensure that our democracy works for all Belizeans not just those who have heavy pockets.”

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service

“I don’t know if it is because the Leader of the Opposition is reeling from her recent loss in the High Court where the High Court found the convention held in October weas invalid therefore her declaration as leader was invalid, therefore the candidates placed in certain constituencies may be challenged for being invalid. I don’t know if that is the reason she is standing up today for adjournment.”

Usher also challenged Panton over what asserts is consistent voters registration fraud in the Albert division.

Taegar-Panton Says She Will Go to Court for NPC Meeting

The political drama inside the United Democratic Party (U.D.P.) is heating up fast, with lawsuits and accusations flying from all directions. Former Mesopotamia Area Representative Moses “Shyne” Barrow has come out swinging, accusing his successor, Lee Mark Chang, of voter fraud. Barrow, who recently lost his seat to Chang in a bitter internal battle, says he’s ready to take the matter to court. But Chang isn’t backing down. In fact, he’s threatening to sue Barrow for defamation over comments made during a press conference, where Barrow allegedly linked him to a passport scandal. Chang’s legal team is demanding a public apology and $5,000 in damages—or they’ll take it to court and ask for up to fifty thousand dollars. Meanwhile, the U.D.P.’s internal tensions don’t stop there. Party Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton is also threatening legal action—this time against the party’s Deputy Chair, Alberto August. She says August is refusing to call a National Party Council meeting, something she insists he’s obligated to do. If he doesn’t act by a timely manner, she says she’ll ask the court to force his hand.

Lee Mark Chang, Area Representative, Mesopotamia

“If he takes me to court or takes us to court, it is what it is and the court will decide what is our fate.”

Marion Ali

“Do you feel as if though – if it does end up before a judge, it could reach as far as having a by-election?”

Lee Mark Chang

“First of all, the word fraud whe dehn dh claim – we went in as U.D.P. candidates and the constituents wi nuh win by one or two votes. We win by two to one. If I have to do it again, it will happen again and it’ll be the same verdict, just that he wa look bad again after this.”

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“There was no fraud as he alleges, but the legal system is there for any citizen of this country to utilize as they see fit. So that’s entirely his prerogative.”

Reporter

“Can you comment as well on the letter that was leaked to Alberto August asking for an N.P.C. and if the N.P.C. is failed to call, you stating that you will step down or focus your efforts more on being the Leader of the Opposition as opposed to the leadership of the party?”

Tracy Taegar-Panton

“Let me say this: Tracy Panton is going nowhere. I am here to fight to ensure that the democracy in this country prevails. I am going to fight to the best of my ability to ensure that the needs and concerns of the people are heard. Alberto August as the Vice Chairman ante has a duty, an obligation, a responsibility to convene the N.P.C. It has been petitioned, so he has no discretion where that is concerned, I will not be held hostage to a vice chairman status quo ante, who refuses to do his job. I will not be undermined by a vice chairman status quo ante, and I will certainly not yield to a madman.”

Reporter

“So what’s the next step if the N.P.C. meeting isn’t called?”

Tracy Taegar-Panton

“I believe the N.P.C. meeting will be called. And if the N.P.C. meeting is not called, we will have to take the matter to court and have the court compel Mr. August to hold the N.P.C. meeting.”

Reporter

“But you’re not planning to step down from leadership of the party?”

Tracy Taegar-Pantion

“Where did you get that idea from?”

Reporter

“Just what they quote said in the letter.”

Tracy Taegar-Panton

“I just answered your question. Tracy Panton is going nowhere. I have the confidence and support of my colleagues. I certainly have the support of the public at large. I will not be held hostage. I will not be undermined. And Mr. August has a duty and a responsibility to execute and if he loves the party as much I, as I believe he does, and as much as he advocates that he does, he will call the NPC.”

San Pedro Man Dies After Police Altercation

A San Pedro resident is dead following a confrontation with police early this morning. According to reports, the man was allegedly trespassing on private property when officers arrived to remove him. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero stated that the man refused to cooperate and became aggressive. Police then used force to subdue and detain him. Shortly after being taken into custody, the man reportedly lost consciousness. He was rushed for medical treatment but later died. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, as questions arise about the use of force and what led to the man’s sudden collapse. ACP Romero is expected to provide further details as the investigation unfolds.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“This morning. Police responded to a report of a male person that had trespassed into a property. Upon arrival, the police saw that this person had climbed a tree. He was ordered to come down. There was a dispute between the him and the police. Thereafter he came down and forced that to be used for him to be subdued, he was then taken to custody, taken to the San Pedro station where we noted that he was in distress and had become unconscious. He was rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where he succumbed. He was identified as Selvyn Seely, twenty-three-year-old resident of San Pedro.”

Reporter

“He’s a young man. I understand that you all aren’t doctors that a postmortem has to be conducted, but was there an indication that the gentleman was maybe asthmatic or suffering from some other condition that could have led to these respiratory issues?”

Hilberto Romero

“We do not know at this time. A post-mortem will be conducted, and a thorough investigation will be done to determine his cause of death.”

Reporter

“The officers, they had to subdue him?”

Hilberto Romero

“That is correct.”

Reporter

“Did the officers by any chance, use suppression holds or other things that may have obstructed his respiration?”

Hilberto Romero

“Yes. He had to be held down and at some point he was restrained and then taken to the station and that is when they notice his condition, he was taken to the clinic.”

Reporter

“In a situation like this, how does one determine if the force used is necessary?”

Hilberto Romero

“Again, the investigation will be conducted by the professional standard branch at the completion and after the post-mortem results the file will be sent to his DPP for her advice.”

Reporter

“Was the gentleman under the influence of anything or did he appear to have been at the time of the attempted detention?”

Hilberto Romero

“We do not know. All I know is that he was behaving violently force that to be used to subdue him.”

Reporter

“And anywhere in this exchange were you able to determine what he was doing on that tree?”

Hilberto Romero

“No the report came that he was seen first outside of the property and he entered and he climbed onto the tree. That is when the police were called.”

State of Emergency in Belize City: 35 Detained, But Gun Violence Persists

Less than a week after a state of emergency was declared in parts of Belize City, police have already detained at least thirty-five individuals. But despite the crackdown, the violence hasn’t stopped. On Friday, another person was gunned down in the city—raising fresh concerns about whether the emergency measures are actually working. Today, Assistant Police Commissioner Hilberto Romero gave an update on the ongoing operations. While authorities say they’re making progress, the latest killing has left many residents questioning if the strategy is enough to bring lasting peace to the streets.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“The SOE operations continue. So far, thirty-five people have been sent to prison. We have another thirty-five that are being interviewed, and then we’ll know how much from that amount we be sent to prison today.”

Reporter

“Sir, how do you respond to report a number of the, especially the heads have been able to escape the SOE incarceration because they turned over weapon or a kilo of cocaine?”

Hilberto Romero

“Several persons were detained, interviews were conducted and then they’re vetted and then we determine who are taken to prison. That is all I know.”

Reporter

“But are you all trading weapons for freedom?”

Hilberto Romero

“Not that I know of.”

Reporter

“So is it your position that the department has not managed to secure any illicit firearms or drugs?”

Hilberto Romero

“There are several searches that continue to be done. Whenever we find firearm, drugs then they are confiscated or if persons are found, then they are arrested. That is all I know.”

Mother’s Day Turns Tragic as Trial Farm Man Killed in Road Accident

What should have been a joyful Mother’s Day weekend ended in heartbreak for one family in Trial Farm Village. On Saturday night, Francisco Melendez lost his life in a tragic road accident while riding his bicycle along San Martin Road. According to reports, Melendez was struck from behind by an SUV. He was reportedly on his way home after buying a Mother’s Day gift for his wife—a gesture of love that would be his last. Assistant Police Commissioner Hilberto Romero confirmed the details of the fatal collision, which has left the community in shock and a family mourning the loss of a husband and father.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Saturday, the tenth day of May, 2025, police respond to a Trial Farm in the Orange Walk District. Upon arrival there saw a SUV damages and a damaged bicycle. The SUV was driven by Anastacio Bermudes. Information he was driving and hit a bicycle being ridden by Francisco Melendez. Melendez was taken for treatment where he succumbed his injuries. Bermudes is in custody and will be charged.”