Carib Scope

标签： Belize

伯利兹

  • FOIA Law Places Burden of Proof on Government

    FOIA Law Places Burden of Proof on Government

    The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) mandates that government ministries must provide a valid justification for denying access to public records, as emphasized by Section 38 of the Act. Under FOIA, individuals have the right to request government-held information unless the document falls under exemptions outlined in Part IV. In cases of refusal, the ministry is required to issue a written notice under Section 21, detailing the reasons for the decision and informing the applicant of their right to appeal to the Ombudsman.

    Section 38 of the FOIA, which governs the Review of Decisions process, explicitly states that the ministry or prescribed authority bears the burden of proof. They must demonstrate that their decision to withhold information was justified under exemptions such as national security, Cabinet confidentiality, or legal privilege, or that the Ombudsman should rule against the applicant. This ensures that access to information remains the default, with the ministry required to validate its refusal rather than the applicant proving the legitimacy of their request.

    Failure to meet this burden can result in the Ombudsman ordering disclosure under Section 39. Recently, the Government of Belize has escalated this process by appealing to the High Court to overturn the Ombudsman’s directive to release information regarding payments to private law firms. While FOIA permits appeals to the Supreme Court under Section 43, such appeals usually follow a completed review. The Attorney General’s decision to directly challenge the Ombudsman’s directive now brings the interpretation of these procedural safeguards before the judiciary, marking a significant development in the application of FOIA.

  • Attorney General Appeals Ombudsman’s FOIA Decision

    Attorney General Appeals Ombudsman’s FOIA Decision

    The Attorney General of Belize has initiated a legal challenge against an Ombudsman’s decision mandating the disclosure of government payments to private law firms under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). On October 28, 2025, a Notice of Appeal was filed in the High Court, naming the Attorney General as the appellant and the Ombudsman as the respondent. The appeal seeks to overturn the Ombudsman’s October 10th ruling, arguing it contains legal errors. The filing references Part V of the FOIA, the Inferior Appeals Rules 2021, and Sections 31 and Sub-Part 8 of the Senior Courts Act. It also bears a General Registry stamp dated October 28, 2025. Part V of the FOIA specifically addresses the ‘Review of Decisions.’

    The Ombudsman’s decision stemmed from a review initiated by civic activist Jeremy Enriquez after the Attorney General’s Chambers denied a FOIA request for details on payments to private law firms retained by the Belizean government for redistricting-related litigation. The Ombudsman ordered partial disclosure, requiring the release of the names of attorneys or law firms involved and the total amounts paid to each, with redactions limited to legitimately exempt material.

    As of October 23, Enriquez reported no updates from the Ombudsman’s Office since the directive was issued on October 15, though the two-week compliance period had not yet expired. The October 28th appeal effectively bypasses the next procedural step outlined in Section 38 of the FOIA, bringing the matter directly before the High Court for resolution.

  • Relief Supplies Dispatched for Belizean Students After Storm Hits Jamaica

    Relief Supplies Dispatched for Belizean Students After Storm Hits Jamaica

    In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Government of Belize, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture & Immigration, has mobilized urgent relief supplies for approximately 75 Belizean students stranded in Jamaica and Santiago de Cuba. The aid package includes essential hygiene products and canned food, delivered via a Jamaica Defence Force aircraft that had sought refuge in Belize during the storm. Coordination of the distribution in Jamaica is being managed by Ms. Elecif Arthurs, Belize’s honorary consul in Kingston, while the Belizean Embassy in Havana is overseeing support efforts for students in Cuba. Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca expressed gratitude to Jamaica for safeguarding Belizean students during the hurricane and reiterated Belize’s unwavering commitment to their safety. The ministry has confirmed that all Belizean students in both countries have been accounted for. Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica’s southwest coast with sustained winds of 185 mph and torrential rainfall, is considered the most powerful storm to hit Jamaica in recent history. The hurricane caused extensive damage, including widespread power outages, severe flooding, and the collapse of critical infrastructure across western Jamaica. This relief initiative comes amid public criticism in Belize regarding the perceived lack of immediate support for students in Jamaica following the disaster.

  • Inside the Hangar Controversy: Who’s Trying to Privatize a Public Road?

    Inside the Hangar Controversy: Who’s Trying to Privatize a Public Road?

    In Belize City, a contentious debate has erupted over the future of the Hangar, a public road that some affluent seafront residents are attempting to privatize. On August 23, 2025, a group of homeowners in the Home Park area submitted an application to the Ministry of Natural Resources, seeking provisional approval to subdivide the Hangar and convert it into private property. The applicants, including prominent figures such as Louis Leslie, Henry C Fairweather, and JRD Holdings Limited, argued that the move was necessary to address safety concerns, prevent coastal erosion, and mitigate rising sea levels. However, the Ministry swiftly rejected the proposal, citing legal ownership issues, as the land in question belongs to the Government of Belize. This decision has sparked a broader discussion about public access to communal spaces and the influence of wealthy residents in shaping urban policy. Despite the rejection, the residents remain steadfast, issuing a press release to justify their actions and pledging to collaborate with the City Council and other stakeholders. The controversy raises critical questions about the balance between private interests and public welfare in Belize City.

  • Tax Service Workers Clash with Government Over SARA Transition

    Tax Service Workers Clash with Government Over SARA Transition

    Belize Tax Services employees are preparing for a confrontation with the government over the proposed transition to the Semi-Autonomous Revenue Agency (SARA). While officials claim the move will enhance efficiency and increase revenue, the Public Service Union (PSU) remains skeptical. The union has raised concerns for months, warning that employees could lose essential benefits and face job security uncertainties. Additionally, they question the validity of the government’s revenue-boosting claims, citing a lack of concrete evidence. PSU President Dean Flowers has highlighted the growing discontent among workers, emphasizing the government’s failure to address their concerns. Following a recent meeting, the union has declared a formal dispute and issued a 21-day notice to the Minister of Labor, signaling potential industrial action. Flowers criticized the Briceño administration for its lack of accountability and transparency, stressing that public officers deserve clear communication and dialogue. The escalating tension underscores the broader challenges in Belize’s public sector reforms.

  • Will the Public Service Union Strike over SARA Implementation?

    Will the Public Service Union Strike over SARA Implementation?

    The Public Service Union (PSU) in Belize is on the brink of declaring a trade dispute as tensions escalate over the government’s plan to transition into the Semi-Autonomous Revenue Agency (SARA). PSU President Dean Flowers has voiced frustration, stating that the union’s concerns have been consistently ignored, with only one meeting held to address the issue. Prime Minister John Briceño maintains that the shift to SARA is essential for improving efficiency and boosting revenue but acknowledges the union’s right to strike if necessary. Flowers has outlined the legal steps required before any industrial action, including notifying the Minister of Labor to attempt mediation. He emphasized that while strike action remains a last resort, the union is prepared to explore various forms of protest to safeguard essential services and protect national revenue streams. The situation remains fluid as both sides await potential intervention from the Ministry of Labor.

  • Union Accuses BAHA of Breaking Labor Rules After Two Firings

    Union Accuses BAHA of Breaking Labor Rules After Two Firings

    The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) is under scrutiny following the dismissal of two employees, which has sparked allegations of labor rule violations. The Public Service Union (PSU) has accused BAHA of breaching its Collective Bargaining Agreement, citing a lack of due process in the terminations. One employee was let go in August, and another last week, raising concerns about fair treatment and adherence to established procedures. PSU President Dean Flowers emphasized that the disciplinary process, as outlined in the agreement and aligned with the Belize Constitution, was disregarded. Flowers stated that the employees were summarily dismissed without compensation, effectively nullifying their 15 years of service. The union plans to escalate the matter to the Labor Commissioner, who may refer the cases to the Labor Complaints Tribunal. If unsatisfied with the tribunal’s decision, the employees and the union reserve the right to pursue the case in the Supreme Court. This controversy highlights the tension between statutory bodies and labor protections, with potential implications for workplace justice in Belize.

  • Leap into Adventure at Mayflower Bocawina National Park

    Leap into Adventure at Mayflower Bocawina National Park

    Belize, a country renowned for its natural beauty, boasts an impressive 103 protected areas, ranging from dense forest reserves to marine parks and national treasures. Among these is the Mayflower Bocawina National Park, a 7,000-acre tropical rainforest located in the Stann Creek District. This park is not only a haven for biodiversity but also a site of significant historical importance, featuring ancient Mayan temples and artifacts. The park is co-managed by local community organizations with support from the Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations (APAMO) and the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), ensuring its preservation and sustainability. Visitors to the park can explore seven stunning waterfalls, with the Antelope Waterfall being the most popular due to its breathtaking views and natural swimming pool. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, and toucans. Park rangers like Dolores Sho and Darren Budna emphasize the importance of conservation efforts to protect these natural resources for future generations. The park, established in 2001, also serves as a natural therapy space, offering visitors a chance to reconnect with nature. Despite its historical use as a logging site, the park now stands as a testament to Belize’s commitment to environmental preservation, with rangers vigilantly monitoring for illegal activities to ensure the park’s continued thriving ecosystem.

  • Woman Ends Breast Cancer Month with Completion of Treatment

    Woman Ends Breast Cancer Month with Completion of Treatment

    As Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, Belizeans have been proudly donning pink to show solidarity with those affected by the disease. The month ended on a triumphant note as Janine Cattouse, a 36-year-old literature and religion teacher, rang the bell at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital’s oncology unit, symbolizing the completion of her breast cancer treatment. Diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in August 2024, Cattouse endured a year of intensive chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and radiation. Her journey, marked by resilience and hope, culminated in a heartfelt ceremony attended by family, friends, and her medical team. Cattouse expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support she received, particularly from the nurses who went above and beyond their duties. As a teacher at St. Catherine Academy, she used her experience to inspire her students, demonstrating courage and faith even on her most challenging days. Cattouse’s story highlights the importance of purpose and perseverance in overcoming life’s toughest battles. She hopes her journey will raise awareness about triple-positive breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease, and encourage others to keep fighting. Through her ordeal, Cattouse’s faith has deepened, reinforcing her belief that with prayer and support, anything is possible.

  • Belize Red Cross Issues Urgent Appeal After Hurricane Melissa

    Belize Red Cross Issues Urgent Appeal After Hurricane Melissa

    The Belize Red Cross Society has issued an urgent humanitarian appeal in response to the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The storm, which struck Jamaica on October 28 and Cuba the following day, has left a trail of destruction across the region. Homes have been flattened, infrastructure severely damaged, and widespread power outages reported. Hundreds of families have been displaced, with many in dire need of shelter, clean water, food, and medical assistance. The Belize Red Cross has activated its National Emergency Response Mechanism to address the crisis. However, officials emphasize that the scale of the disaster necessitates immediate financial support. The organization is calling for cash donations to fund emergency shelter, food, hygiene supplies, medical services, and psychosocial support. Director General Lily Bowman has urged individuals, businesses, and the international community to respond swiftly to this critical situation.