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标签： Belize

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  • UDP Protesters Enter BTL Compound

    UDP Protesters Enter BTL Compound

    BELIZE CITY, BELIZE – January 27, 2026 – In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, United Democratic Party (UDP) protesters breached the gates of Belize Telemedia Limited’s compound on St. Thomas Street earlier today. The demonstration commenced shortly after 10 a.m., fulfilling the group’s previously declared commitment to directly confront the telecommunications giant.

    Opposition Leader Tracy Panton arrived at the scene and delivered impassioned remarks to assembled journalists, confirming her awareness that BTL’s anticipated board meeting had been unexpectedly postponed. The meeting was reportedly scheduled to consider provisional approval for a controversial acquisition deal that has become the center of political conflict.

    Panton defended the protest as essential despite the meeting’s cancellation, stating: ‘We had to demonstrate our serious opposition to corruption. This Briceno administration will be remembered as the most corrupt in our nation’s history.’ The Opposition Leader explicitly condemned the proposed acquisition of SMART by BTL as ‘detrimental to Belize’s interests’ and vowed that her party would ‘persist in resistance’ against the arrangement.

    In a show of political solidarity, Panton pledged UDP’s full support for any party members facing legal consequences from the protest action. Major labor organizations including the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) and the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) have joined the demonstration, significantly amplifying its impact.

    Panton characterized the government’s approach to the acquisition as fundamentally undemocratic, noting: ‘Had our concerns been taken seriously during meetings with the Ashcroft Alliance and BTL’s board, this public action might have been unnecessary. Their apparent determination to force this deal through regardless of opposition left us no alternative.’

  • Belize Moves Toward Solar Power

    Belize Moves Toward Solar Power

    In a significant stride toward sustainable energy transformation, Belize has formally initiated development of a nationwide solar power infrastructure project. The ambitious endeavor, a collaborative effort between Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), the national government, and the International Finance Corporation, aims to establish up to 80 megawatts of large-scale solar generation capacity across multiple strategic locations.

    The project advancement commenced with BEL’s issuance of a formal ‘Request for Prequalification’ on January 26th, 2026. This preliminary procurement phase seeks to identify and vet qualified private sector entities capable of developing solar installations at three to four designated sites throughout the country.

    The operational framework will follow the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, wherein selected companies will assume full responsibility for financing, construction, ownership, and long-term operational management of the solar facilities. These private entities will maintain plant operations over a 25-year contractual period, with BEL committing to purchase the generated electricity through power purchase agreements.

    This renewable energy initiative represents a cornerstone of Belize’s national energy strategy, which targets generating 75% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The solar expansion is projected to substantially diminish Belize’s reliance on imported electricity while simultaneously enhancing grid stability and power supply reliability for consumers nationwide.

    The prequalification stage serves as the critical first filter in the competitive selection process. Only companies demonstrating robust technical expertise, financial capacity, and proven experience in utility-scale solar development will advance to the subsequent phase, where they will be invited to submit comprehensive project proposals.

  • UDP Stages Protest Outside BTL Over Speednet/SMART Deal

    UDP Stages Protest Outside BTL Over Speednet/SMART Deal

    BELIZE CITY – A significant demonstration organized by the United Democratic Party (UDP) unfolded outside Belize Telemedia Limited’s headquarters on St. Thomas Street this Tuesday morning. Dozens of activists gathered to voice strong opposition to the telecommunications giant’s proposed acquisition of competitor Speednet/SMART, raising concerns about transparency and corporate governance.

    The protest, characterized by its peaceful nature, featured participants displaying banners with messages including “Our future matters,” “BTL Board do the right thing,” and “No secret deals.” Chants of “Bacon must go!” echoed through the streets, reflecting growing public discontent with the proposed merger arrangement.

    Opposition Leader Tracy Panton confirmed the demonstration yesterday, stating the party felt compelled to take direct action as BTL’s board convened today to reportedly seek provisional approval for the controversial deal. This development follows Monday’s joint statement from the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, both urging a complete halt to any binding decisions until comprehensive public consultations are conducted.

    Adding to the chorus of concern, NGO Senator Janelle Chanona issued remarks addressing the delicate balance between meaningful public consultation and national decision-making processes. Although not directly referencing the BTL acquisition, her statement emerged amid ongoing discussions surrounding the telecommunications merger.

    The protest, which commenced at approximately 8:00 AM local time, continued through the morning with participants pledging to enter the BTL compound at 10:00 AM to further amplify their demands for transparency and proper democratic process in the significant telecommunications sector decision.

  • Two Men Killed in Ladyville, Police Suspect Drug Conflict

    Two Men Killed in Ladyville, Police Suspect Drug Conflict

    The Belizean communities of Ladyville and Lord’s Bank are confronting a surge of violent crime following the separate yet connected fatal shootings of two close friends on Sunday evening. Shakeem Ferguson, 26, and Elroy Bainton, 29, were killed within a mere thirteen minutes of each other, sending shockwaves through a neighborhood still grieving the murder of a security guard just one week prior.

    According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, the sequence of events began at approximately 5:32 p.m. on Joe Lewis Street. Ferguson was returning from a store when he was ambushed by assailants in a vehicle who fired multiple shots, inflicting fatal injuries. Shortly thereafter, at around 5:45 p.m., gunfire erupted on nearby Yellowtail Street, where Bainton was shot. He was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital but succumbed to his wounds.

    Police investigations indicate the two victims had been socializing together prior to the attacks. ACP Romero stated that evidence suggests the men were specifically targeted and trailed, with the murders being ‘drug related’ and connected to an ‘internal issue’ within a local group. This revelation contrasts sharply with the perspective of Ferguson’s family. His sister, who spoke anonymously, described him as a man who would typically relax in an alleyway, socialize, and spend time with his one-year-old daughter. She expressed profound shock and confusion over the motive, stating, ‘I never expect something like this.’

    The tragic incidents have exacerbated existing fears in the area. While police have found no direct link to the recent killing of BWS security guard Darwin Valerio, the cumulative effect of these events has left residents feeling increasingly vulnerable and alarmed. Authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage and searching for two suspects connected to the vehicle used in the attacks.

  • Investigation Stalled in Fatal Lord’s Bank Shooting

    Investigation Stalled in Fatal Lord’s Bank Shooting

    Authorities in Belize acknowledge their investigation into the fatal shooting of security guard Darwin Valerio has yet to yield a suspect, despite multiple days of evidence gathering. The 35-year-old was killed while on duty at the Belize Water Services warehouse in Lord’s Bank, an incident that continues to baffle investigators.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, who heads the National Crime Investigation Branch, confirmed the ongoing challenges in the case during a press briefing. While video footage from the entity’s surveillance system and nearby cameras has been obtained and is under review, Romero stated the evidence has not progressed to identifying a perpetrator.

    When questioned by reporters about the potential involvement of a coworker, ACP Romero maintained an objective stance, clarifying that while no evidence currently points to any colleague, the investigation remains active. The police force continues to pursue all available leads in their efforts to deliver justice for Valerio’s killing, though the absence of arrests highlights the complexities of the ongoing probe.

  • Harry Trapp Arrested in Sarita’s Double Murder Breakthrough

    Harry Trapp Arrested in Sarita’s Double Murder Breakthrough

    In a significant breakthrough in a case that has captivated national attention since December 11th, law enforcement authorities have formally arrested and charged 49-year-old Harry Trapp in connection with the double murder of Raynard Garbutt and Robert Crawford. The arrest marks a pivotal development in the investigation that has gripped the public conscience for weeks.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, disclosed that meticulous investigative work involving extensive video surveillance analysis and follow-up operations ultimately led to Trapp’s apprehension. According to Romero, the homicides resulted from a robbery operation where the victims were accosted and transported to a highway area before being killed for money stolen from their truck.

    Trapp represents a familiar figure to criminal justice authorities, having served over two decades in prison for previous manslaughter convictions. His criminal history gained notoriety in 2007 when he made headlines after being intercepted at a police checkpoint while traveling toward Belize City alongside two other inmates and a former Deputy Chief of Prison Security. That incident triggered substantial institutional scandal and additional criminal charges.

    While Trapp remains the primary suspect currently facing charges, ACP Romero indicated the investigation remains active with multiple leads being pursued. When questioned about potential accomplices, Romero confirmed that additional charges would be filed should evidence emerge implicating other individuals in the crime.

    In a separate development, police also announced progress in another homicide case, arresting 28-year-old call center agent Tyron Castro for the January 7th murder of Mark Anthony Gabourel. Castro faces charges of abetment to murder for allegedly facilitating the deadly attack, with his arrest occurring on January 26th as investigators continue reconstructing the events leading to Gabourel’s killing.

  • Rising Opposition as BTL Moves Toward Speednet Acquisition Vote

    Rising Opposition as BTL Moves Toward Speednet Acquisition Vote

    BELIZE CITY – A major corporate acquisition faces mounting opposition as Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) moves toward a decisive vote on its proposed takeover of Speednet. With the board reportedly preparing to decide as early as Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has issued a formal demand for government intervention.

    The Chamber’s strongly-worded statement calls on the government, which holds controlling interest in BTL, to halt any binding decisions until comprehensive stakeholder consultations occur. BCCI representatives have secured a meeting with BTL management scheduled for Wednesday, but express deep concern that a board vote preceding this dialogue would render their engagement merely ceremonial.

    BCCI President Giacomo Sanchez conveyed the business community’s apprehension in exclusive comments to News Five, stating that reports of provisional approval being advanced without proper discourse remain deeply troubling. Sanchez emphasized that transactions of this magnitude, carrying significant implications for market competition, public expenditure, and consumer welfare, demand absolute transparency and inclusive decision-making processes.

    The escalating controversy highlights fundamental questions about corporate governance and public accountability. Sanchez warned that proceeding without genuine consultation risks eroding public trust and established governance standards, potentially setting concerning precedents for future state-involved business transactions.

  • NTUCB Members Reject BTL–Speednet Deal

    NTUCB Members Reject BTL–Speednet Deal

    In a significant development within Belize’s telecommunications sector, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has formally declared its opposition to the proposed acquisition of Speednet by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). The union’s position comes with a clear mandate from its membership, following a decisive vote during recent consultations with affiliate organizations.

    NTUCB President Ella Waight confirmed that the membership vote resulted in a strong rejection of the merger proposal, with the union now demanding an immediate suspension of the acquisition process. The organization warns that proceeding without comprehensive regulatory approval and an independent business valuation could jeopardize Belize’s entire telecommunications infrastructure and create dangerous market concentration.

    According to Waight, the vote against the acquisition was based on multiple critical concerns raised during membership consultations. Primary among these was the potential risk to Social Security Board dividends, given the board’s substantial 33% ownership stake in BTL. Members also expressed apprehension about how market consolidation would affect customers of both BTL and Smart services, alongside broader implications for Belizean taxpayers and telecommunications workers.

    The union president highlighted additional concerns about media freedom, noting that telecommunications monopolies could potentially compromise independent journalism through controlled access to communication channels. Waight particularly emphasized the questionable $80 million price tag associated with the acquisition, describing it as difficult to justify without transparent financial documentation.

    The NTUCB’s position emerged from what Waight characterized as insufficient information and unsatisfactory responses to stakeholder questions during consultation processes. The organization now calls for a deliberate slowdown of the acquisition process to allow for proper public disclosure and thorough regulatory examination, arguing that Belize cannot afford to gamble with such crucial national infrastructure.

  • NTUCB Demands Public Consultations on BTL Deal

    NTUCB Demands Public Consultations on BTL Deal

    The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has escalated its opposition to a proposed acquisition deal involving Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), demanding comprehensive national public consultations before any agreement is finalized. NTUCB President Ella Waight has declared the union’s multifaceted strategy to challenge the transaction, citing insufficient stakeholder engagement from BTL management.

    Waight revealed the labor organization has initiated legal proceedings to explore potential courtroom challenges to the acquisition’s validity. The union leader emphasized that BTL’s previous presentations to stakeholders appeared designed solely to secure approval rather than facilitate genuine dialogue about the deal’s implications.

    “Their ultimate goal was for us to say yes, we agree to it,” Waight stated, characterizing BTL’s engagement as insufficient for an institution of its national importance. The NTUCB president confirmed the union is coordinating with other concerned entities who similarly oppose the transaction, noting this represents broader societal concern beyond just labor organizations.

    Waight issued a definitive ultimatum: if administrative and legal channels prove unsuccessful, the union is prepared to organize public demonstrations as a final measure to ensure their objections receive adequate attention. This warning signals potential civil unrest should the process advance without addressing the union’s demands for transparency and public consultation.

  • Chanona Warns Democracy Needs Real Engagement

    Chanona Warns Democracy Needs Real Engagement

    In a significant political intervention, Belizean Senator Janelle Chanona has issued a stark warning about the fragility of democratic institutions, emphasizing that genuine public engagement represents the fundamental bedrock of the nation’s governance system. Her statement arrives amid mounting scrutiny of the proposed BTL–Speednet merger, positioning public consultation as far more than procedural formality.

    Senator Chanona articulated that authentic public consultation must embody three core principles: complete transparency, broad inclusivity, and timely implementation that allows citizen input to materially influence policy outcomes. She contends that this approach produces more robust legislation by incorporating diverse lived experiences, identifying potential implementation challenges proactively, and potentially generating innovative solutions through collective deliberation.

    The senator’s warning carried particular gravity regarding the consequences of excluding public participation. Chanona asserted that such exclusion not only diminishes public trust in governing institutions but simultaneously strengthens entrenched special interests. This dangerous combination, she cautioned, progressively weakens democratic foundations while fostering widespread political cynicism among the citizenry.

    Citing concerning global democratic regression where authoritarian regimes now numerically surpass democracies, Chanona reminded Belizeans that democratic systems require active protection rather than passive assumption. Her central thesis maintains that placing meaningful public consultation at the heart of national decision-making processes represents the most effective mechanism for safeguarding Belize’s freedoms and enhancing its democratic resilience against contemporary threats.