Shyne Barrow Supports 13th Amendment

UDP Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow supports the Briceño Administration’s Belize Constitution (Thirteenth Amendment) Bill, 2025. Barrow’s statement came after the tragic murders of Evadnie Jones and her disabled son, Luke Jones, on the south side of Belize City.

“The 13th Amendment that was introduced recently may not be perfect legislation. I encourage the government to consider the suggestions of the different stakeholders to make the legislation as good as practical; however, the time has come to put measures in place to neutralise domestic terrorism,” Barrow said.

“We cannot continue to live in a Belize where murder is the easiest crime to get away with,” Barrow stated. “We know who the gang leaders are, yet we allow them to act with impunity.”

The proposed 13th Amendment bill introduces several significant changes to Belize’s legal framework in the fight against crime. One key provision allows the Governor General, acting on the advice of the National Security Council, to declare any part of the country a “special area.” In these zones, certain constitutional rights, such as freedom of movement and protection from warrantless searches, could be suspended to address security threats. The bill also proposes the creation of a specialised “Gun and Gang Court,” which would combine the powers of both the Magistrate and High Courts to expedite the prosecution of gang-related cases. Additionally, the legislation includes a retroactive clause that would validate all past States of Emergency and regulations, even those previously declared unlawful, by deeming them constitutional under the new law.

Barrow said, “I do not encourage the breach of anyone’s civil rights; however, we are in dire need of Bukele-esque policies that will put the civil rights of innocent mothers and law-abiding citizens before that of heartless murderers.”

“The lines have been crossed! The government must immediately put in place the necessary legislation to assure not another innocent mother perishes at the hands of the bloodthirsty.”

The 13th Amendment has drawn criticism from civil society and legal groups, who warn it could erode constitutional rights. A public consultation is scheduled for July 16th at Swift Hall in Belize City.