Sixty-One Percent Young; So Why Is Power So Old?

In Belizean politics, youth aren’t just underrepresented; they’re almost invisible. The numbers don’t lie, just one of thirty-one area representatives is under thirty-five, and the Senate isn’t any better. Meanwhile, sixty-one percent of Belizeans are younger than thirty-five. So why the disconnect? Are young people unelectable, or are they being shut out? As the country’s leadership gets older, that question is getting louder. There are small signs of change. At the municipal level, parties are starting to make room for younger voices. Tonight, News Five’s Paul Lopez looks at the growing generational gap and whether Belize is finally ready to close it. Here’s his report.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Electoral politics has long been seen as a tough, no-holds-barred arena; one dominated by seasoned, familiar faces. But in a country where sixty-one percent of the population is under thirty-five, many are now asking where our young leaders are. Despite that overwhelming youth majority, political parties often lean on the same tried-and-tested names, recycling candidates instead of introducing fresh voices. So tonight, we are asking, does Belize’s political landscape truly have room for the next generation, or are young people still waiting on the sidelines for their chance to lead?

 

Melvin Sutherland, Aspiring Municipal Candidate, UDP

“You cannot raise minimum wage with one hand while taking back the same money at our gas station, the light bill, grocery store, NHI, social security.”

 

 

Kerwick Samuels, Aspiring Municipal Candidate, UDP

“This current PUP Government woke up and chose violence.”

 

 

 

 

Thirty-year-old Melvin Sutherland and thirty-three-year-old Kerwick Samuels have expressed their interest in contesting the 2027 municipal elections as candidates under the United Democratic Party in Belize City. Sutherland also serves as the leader of the UDP’s youth national youth arm.

 

Melvin Sutherland

“People always referred to me as the nerd. I always have had the interest for international news and always had the interest for what is happening within our political arena in our country. I remember growing up, riding on my bike to go see Dean Barrow speak.”

 

 

 

Kerwick Samuels

“I realize that I have to be able to do something different, I have to be able to stand up for something and be a leader at my capacity and that is why I was inspired.”

 

 

 

 

Thirty-three-year-old Malcolm Nunez serves as a Belize City councilor for the People’s United Party and leads the party’s youth arm.

 

Malcolm Nunez, Councilor, Belize City

“It became a life mission of mine just to serve. It does not have to be recognized, but serve to see the development for young persons or for anybody.”

 

Critics often argue that young people lack experience and struggle to handle the pressures of political office.

 

Kerwick Samuels

“Go to the high schools, the primary schools, the sixth forms, the universities, and you engage with these young people and see what they are doing and come and tell me that they don’t have the potential to serve at a different capacity.”

 

 

 

Malcolm Nunez

“Everyone has their own perspective of what they believe and your age. Once you are in a position anywhere in life. The maturity develops overtime and you become comfortable in the position you currently hold.”

 

Can younger leaders steer clear of corruption and self-serving politics?

 

Malcolm Nunez

“I have a son, a young son and I want when it is his turn to do whatever he wants in life, he can look back and say my dad was instrumental in making sure young persons have a voice in whatever capacity.”

 

Melvin Sutherland

“For me it all comes down to morality, right or wrong, my conviction. That is what I go on. That is what boiled down to Paul.”

 

The leaders of both major parties have publicly declared their support for younger representation in the 2027 municipal elections.

 

Tracy Panton, Leader, United Democratic Party

“The youth voice is going to be an integral part of leadership for the UDP moving forward.”

 

 

 

 

 

John Briceño, Leader, People’s United Party

“I know about two young men that are considering running, and I think they are excellent choices for Belize City.”

 

Ironically, when Pollard expressed interest in 2023 to run for mayor, PM Briceno told him to “sit back and think things through”.

 

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“My recommendation to him is just sit back and think things through as to what are your real objectives, what are your long-term objectives and do not lose sight of that.”

 

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

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