Returning to the U.D.P.’s press conference, the spotlight turned to the Shadow Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, who is also the party’s deputy chair, Alberto August. He didn’t hold back criticizing Minister of Transport Rodwell Ferguson for the ongoing supply shortages and poor conditions at bus terminals. August confidently declared that the U.D.P. would tackle these issues on their very first day in office if elected.
Alberto August, U.D.P. Shadow Minister of Transport
“The ministerial incompetence of the current minister of transport and sports, the honorable Rodwell Ferguson is as clear as crystal for not only Belize, but for the world to see. For the very first time in the history of this country, the nation is experiencing a prolonged unavailability of vehicle license plate, vehicle stickers and drivers license. We will recall that the minister telling the nation this matter will be addressed by September last year. The Prime minister then came on and said that this matter would be addressed by the end of the year. We are almost finished with eh first month of the new year and the nation is still experiencing this level of incompetence. When we look at the various bus terminals across this country and the dilapidated conditions of these facilities, it is a further indication of the ministerial incompetence of Rodwell Ferguson. The next UDP government with the blessing of the people of the country will immediately address this matter of vehicle license plate, license stickers and the national availability of drivers license.”
Belize’s public transportation system is still facing challenges, despite the Transport Department’s push for bus operators to upgrade their fleets. It’s been over a year and a half since the Ministry of Transport called on stakeholders to improve their buses. Ahead of a meeting later today, Transport Minister Rodwell Ferguson, speaking on Open Your Eyes, praised those who have stepped up and made the necessary upgrades, while issuing a stern warning to those who are still dragging their feet.
Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transportation
“We are meeting with the bus operators I believe today. And we’re going to read them the riot act. While we noh di ask fi ah brand new bus, because we understand that there are limitations when it comes to the finances, we are telling them that their bus must be in a certain condition. And so when we meet with them today or tomorrow, we are going to remind them we have given you at least one and a half year notice and we are going to make it effective and make it as quickly as possible But in that regard we have improved the bus transportation significantly. I want to highlight some operations, James Bus Line has done some upgrades, we have Floralia, who brought in brand new buses, the Tillet’s from Orange Walk have done some upgrades, Gilharry from Corozal has done some upgrades and likewise Westline from Cayo district, and a few other small operators. So they are taking heed and making the sacrifices to upgrade.”
Drivers, especially in the Belize District, are fed up with the shortage of license plates, stickers, and cards. The Transport Department has been getting a lot of heat over this issue. When we spoke with the Minister of Transport earlier today, he admitted that the problem is due to the department not ordering enough of these items.
Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transportation
“Because I’m the minister, I get the blame. The minister has to assume responsibility. I’m telling my Department of Transport but there must be a minimum and maximum reorder level. For argument’s sake, if we reach a hundred that means you know that you must reorder the quantity of maybe five hundred if that is the maximum.”
Sabreena Daly
“So this is an ordering issue and not so much a supplier issue minister?”
Rodwell Ferguson
“No, it’s more an ordering issue.”
Sabreena Daly
“An ordering issue.”
Rodwell Ferguson
“Just two weeks ago or last week, we made an order for a large amount of license plates stickers and cards. So this will now be an issue of the past. So once those license plates are produced and stickers, we can say that the Department of Transport is on top of that now and it will not happen again under my watch.”
On Tuesday, vehicle owners voiced their frustrations over the delays at the Department of Transport, struggling to get their driver’s licenses and vehicle stickers on time. Earlier today, Prime Minister John Briceño acknowledged the inconvenience and outlined how his government plans to resolve the issue.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I did meet with Minister Ferguson and acting CEO Shal. They ordered a large number of license plates and stickers and what has happened is that, as what CEO Shal confessed that he did not know the extent of the need that was out there and that’s why that’s finished. We already have another order and I am to check with the Ministry of Finance to see if they have already made the payment, but an order has already been made. With this order, we should be able to address all the needs going forward.”
The New Year has just kicked off, but the frustration for rural drivers in Belize is already in full swing. For years, they’ve been dealing with the tedious process of licensing their vehicles and renewing their driver’s licenses, only to face even more challenges due to the lack of insurance stickers and driver’s license cards. Many drivers have been diligently renewing their licenses, only to receive a receipt instead of an actual card. Today, we spoke with a few disgruntled drivers to hear how they’re coping with these delays. Their stories highlight the ongoing struggle and the need for a more efficient system.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Where are all the car license stickers and driver’s licenses? That’s the burning question on the minds of Belize’s rural drivers. For years, they’ve been handed receipts instead of the actual cards or stickers they’ve paid for, all because of a shortage. As the new year rolls on, drivers are left wondering just how much longer they’ll have to wait to finally receive what they’ve been diligently paying for.
Juan Colocho
Juan Colocho, Belize Rural Driver
“Only print the receipt.”
Britney Gordon
“And how long have you been trying to get a license?”
Juan Colocho
“One year.”
Britney Gordon
“What did they tell you? Why did you get a receipt and no license?”
Juan Colocho
“I don’t know. Bout three years no bring the driver’s license, only bring the receipt.”
One frustrated driver shared that she’s been trying to license her vehicle since 2023, but each time, she’s only been given a receipt. She’s worried about losing or damaging the flimsy piece of paper, which is far from a proper driver’s license.
Voice of: Belize Rural Driver
Voice of: Belize Rural Driver
“I was waiting for my license but unfortunately, they don’t have so we’ll have to do with the receipt. And it’s very frustrating because when you have a receive it could get damaged or anything and when they ask you or you lost it, it can be very frustrating. We paying full price so we expect.”
She says that this is an issue she’s faced before.
Britney Gordon
“Have you ever lost or damaged your receipt before?”
Voice of: Belize Rural Driver
“Yes, I have.”
Britney Gordon
“And how much does it cost to apply for your license?”
Voice of: Belize Rural Driver
“Depending on the car it’s sixty. Sixty-eight dollars. Depending on the type of car you have.”
Britney Gordon
“How long did they tell you or did they say you’d have to wait indefinitely?”
Voice of: Belize Rural Driver
“They did not tell me and I didn’t ask because I’m already used to it so.”
We reached out to the Department of Transport’s Chief Transport Officer, Leon Gentle, for an update. Although he couldn’t comment as he’s currently out of the office, he assured us that the issue should be resolved sometime next week. One driver we spoke to also received this assurance, hoping for a quick resolution.
Britney Gordon
“This is my first time trying to get your license?”
Kyle Mosiah
Kyle Mosiah, Belize Rural Driver
“Yes.”
Britney Gordon
“So you just recently started driving?”
Kyle Mosiah
“Yes.”
Britney Gordon
“Were you able to get your physical license today?”
Kyle Mosiah
“No.”
Britney Gordon
“What did they give you today?’’
Kyle Mosiah
“A paper with I think it’s the receipt.”
Britney Gordon
“How long did they tell you you’d have to wait?’
Kyle Mosiah
“A week.”
Britney Gordon
“So do you expect that in a week you’re going to come back and pick it up.”
