Important Note: This Internet version of 7 News is a verbatum
transcript of our evening television news script. Many interviews on our newscast
are conducted in Creole. In the interest of clarity for our foreign readers,
we attempt to paraphrase the Creole quotes in English
Throughout this year, there has been a string of unprecedented acts of Guatemalan military aggression on the Sarstoon. The targets have been both Belizean military and civilian vessels. It's become so problematic that it seems that if you are Belizean military or a common man or woman, just taking a trip down the Sarstoon is complicated.
Today, we asked Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca if Belize has effectively lost the river that forms our southern boundary with Guatemala:
Francis Fonseca, MFAT/MOECST "As always, we're very proud of our security officers, the BDF, the Coast Guard, but obviously, as I have said, we are alarmed at the way the Guatemalans have been behaving-obviously deliberately-in trying to intimidate our security forces. So our security forces are well trained; they have exercised great restraint, they have acted with great professionalism, with dignity. Yet they have been very courageous and strong and firm in delivering our message to these persons, these Guatemalan Armed Forces personnel who are trying to bully them and intimidate them. So they follow their procedures. Our soldiers follow their procedures, follow their orders. And we're very proud of what they've been doing."
Courtney Menzies: "Does it concern you that while we know that the Sarstoon is ours, that by, it seems by force, we're almost blocked from that part of our water because not military nor civilians can... they're almost prohibited from entering that part of the water?"
Francis Fonseca, MFAT/MOECST "No, no, no, no, that's not the case. That's not the case. Yes, the Guatemalan Armed Forces, we've had a few face-offs with them. But as I said in the House yesterday, our armed forces, the BDF, the Coast Guard, routinely patrol the Sarstoon in our territorial waters. Even these latest incidents, they have gone on to complete their mission. They have returned to the Forward Operating Base. They have continued their mission around the island. They continue to go and pick up supplies, deliver supplies to the base. So they are not prevented from continuing to do their job and exercising our sovereignty over our territorial waters. Civilians as well. The BDF rightly cautioned civilians. They said, 'Listen. Be careful, because we know that these GAF personnel are trying to provoke an incident.' So but there's no question that Belize continues to exercise full sovereignty over our portion of the Sarstoon River that belongs to Belize, that is a part of our sovereign territory, our sovereign waters. We continue to exercise full sovereignty over that. And I keep making the point. We should not play into the hands of those who want to undermine the peaceful process that the Belizean people have determined that we should pursue in terms of settling this claim; we should not play into the hands of those who want to undermine that, and who don't want us to go to the ICJ."
We also asked Minister Fonseca about the 25% ministry budget cuts-or, as he calls it, a reallocation of funds. As you heard the PM say, the government is attempting to reapportion $50 million to be used on cost-of-living relief measures, along with cutting their own allowances in half.
We asked Fonseca how they will balance those cuts with the important operational work of both his ministries:
Francis Fonseca, MFAT/MOECST "Again, I make the point that it's reallocation. So I think using the word budget cuts is a misnomer. It's a reallocation. We're finding 30 to $50 million that will be used for these cost-of-living programs. So it's a reallocation of those funds. Every ministry is looking at their Capital Two budget projects. Maybe this particular project doesn't have to be done in this fiscal year. So we can defer it to the next fiscal year. So we're doing things like that. We're also looking at recurrent expenditure. You know, maybe you don't need to buy these computers and all these supplies that we need that we usually buy at the end of the fiscal year-maybe we don't need all of them. So we're looking at those things. But the bottom line is, as the Prime Minister said yesterday, in terms of education, for example, which is a massive ministry, that is not one of the ministries that they're making cuts. We're making sure that we keep our commitments under the Ministry of Education."
And the PM also announced that housing assistance would be distributed to constituents by their area rep. However, there is some concern when PUDP politicians decide who gets the money, as it opens the door for clientelism. So we asked Fonseca how the government plans to ensure the money is used properly:
Courtney Menzies: "Now, we know, history has told us that when area reps distribute these funds to constituents-and this is a PUDP thing-it opens avenue for corruption and clientelism. Do you think that this avenue is being opened, and how does the government ensure that these area reps are using the money and not getting some type of kickback from wholesalers, for example?"
Francis Fonseca, MFAT/MOECST "No. Absolutely not. The Ministry of Finance has put in place very clear criteria for us to access the funds. So if you're getting supplies, and it's not a lot of money, it's not a lot of money. When it's over 31 constituencies, because it will be given to both UDP representatives and PUP, so all 31. So, you know, when you divide that up among 31 people, it's not a lot of money. But there is established criteria which the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Prime Minister requires before those funds can be accessed. So there's no room, really. No room for corruption, no room for abuse. The bottom line is, if you don't provide the invoices-and they have every right, the Ministry of Finance, to cross-check those invoices and determine whether they're valid or not. And I'm sure they, they can and will do that. If you don't provide those things, then you don't get your, your subsequent allocation because it's over a five-month period. So it's not a lot of money over five months. You know, it's something like $20,000 or so over five months. So, you know, that can easily be monitored. And there's no room for abuse and corruption."
But how is the Leader of the Opposition feeling on the allowance cuts for PUP ministers? This is what she told us in Belmopan today:
Tracy Panton, UDP Party Leader "Well, they afford to take a 50% cut on their allowances? Do you know that we have ministers of this country building several apartment buildings? Buying boats at a cost of $750,000. Driving multiple cars. Yes, they can afford-and let me be clear. That low blow that the Prime Minister offered in the House yesterday to say, 'Come on, opposition, join us.' I want you to know the opposition gets half of what the government ministers are receiving, and the opposition members do not have access to not even one quarter of the services, public services that are available through the ministers. So don't throw those jabs. He forgets. He forgets that this is a wrong world. And his day will come. He is arrogant, he is dismissive, he is rude, and he is bullish-and the people have had enough of that."
Yesterday in Belmopan, Government launched targeted intervention strategies to lessen the impact that the high cost of living is having on regular Belizeans.
This comes after months of increasing anti-government sentiment in pockets of public and social media discourse.
But could one group of regular citizens-without mass party muscle and money-galvanize all that resentment into one defiant protest on the stairs of the National Assembly?
That's what was put to the test for the "Enough Is Enough" protest held in Belmopan on the National Assembly today.
Well, the timing wasn't ideal because the Assembly was empty; the House meeting was held yesterday. But did the numbers reach the threshold to send a message to Cabinet? Jaleeza Roberts was there:
There were chants, shouts, cheers, pan knocking, and even poetry.
But what we did not see was numbers.
A few dozen protestors gathered today at the foot of the National Assembly stairs for the citizen-sponsored "Enough Is Enough" protest rally.
The flyer was circulating for three weeks, but that was still not enough to muster a large crowd.
Nevertheless, the organizer explained why they felt the need to have it:
Marianne Ramclam, Protest Organizer "We are fed up with the corrupted systems. We're tired of being pushovers. We're tired of a government that takes, you know, the Belizean people for granted. We're tired of the stealing within the systems. We're tired of high cost of living. We're tired of everything. We're just a bunch of like-minded, fed-up Belizeans, ordinary Belizean people, who've joined together for this cause today."
Reporter "Can you explain to me what it was like to mobilize persons to actually come out?"
Marianne Ramclam, Protest Organizer "Honestly, I personally sought out like-minded individuals through the social media mediums. I've been paying attention to people who have been posting and people who have been videoing themselves and posting it on social media, and I reach out to those people because they share the very same sentiments as me-and that was how I came about with this 'Enough Is Enough' chat group. It was first a chat group, and now we're here in person."
And while not covered with crowds, they were not alone, as the one-man protester, of course, showed up with hope:
Glenfield Dennison, Union Senator "This is hopeful. I have been given renewed hope and vigor to continue my educational campaign because this showing says to me that people are fed up with the cost of living. They are frustrated with a government who refuses to listen to the people of Belize. Who feels that they are kings and rulers instead of our elected leaders. This showing today-no money to spend out here. This isn't a rent-a-crowd. There are people who take their little bit of money to put together, to come and send a message to Belmopan-and Jaleeza, it's very important to note that the House meeting was moved. Do you know what that means? That there's censorship. They're afraid for the power of the people. But they understand that people are frustrated. They can pretend like they don't know that people are frustrated. But they understand."
And the unions were also faintly present with participation of NTUCB and PSU leadership.
President Dean Flowers said that their call is to attack corruption in ministries:
Dean Flowers, President, PSU "Every Belizean who loves their country, every Belizean who wants the best for their country, every Belizean who has the best interests of their children at heart would have funded themselves to be out here today. Today's protest is, I am hoping, the beginning of many more protests or demonstrations by the citizens to say to the government, 'You were elected to do a job.' And part of that job is to ensure that our quality of life is one of dignity. You were not elected to make excuses and to enrich your friends, yourself, and your immediate family. That is the only thing Plan Belize has delivered. The enrichment of every single elected People's United Party representative. Check their assets before they came into office and check their assets now. Some of them couldn't even own one house. Some of them couldn't even drive their own vehicle. But now they've got two, three houses and vehicles. It is saying to me that they are enriching themselves using public funds, and they are not only a part of the problem, because I understand they couldn't enrich themselves without the help of public officers. So yes, there is a lot of corrupt public officers who are so facilitating and who are not blowing the whistles on them, who themselves need to be investigated. And so today 'Enough Is Enough' rally is exactly to start having this conversation-that we need structures, we need systems in place whereby we remove the political appointment of certain oversight offices, that there is more inclusion from the social partners."
And although it wasn't political, the UDP also made a showing-led by Tracy Panton and a few handfuls of supporters:
Tracy Panton, UDP Party Leader "I'm a Belizean first. Before I am the Leader of the Opposition, I am a Belizean, and I have fought for my country, and I have worked for my country for 40 years. Ms. Ramclam didn't tell me that I was not invited. In fact, I spoke to her prior to coming out and said, 'I'm coming to lend my support,' and she was happy to receive my support. But it is open to every Belizean who is concerned about the national issues. And I am certainly one of those persons."
But even with a mass party present, there was no real muscle to back up the Facebook fingers. But the organizers say they're content:
Marianne Ramclam, Protest Organizer "You know what? I am content. Because if it was just me and Senator Dennison out here today, we have a message to bring to our government, and we're accomplishing that today. How? Through the news media-and I'm sure that they will get this information straight wherever they are. If they're in their bedrooms, if they're out in a meeting, wherever they are, they will get full coverage of what's going on out here today. So yes, indeed, even if it was just me, it is a success."
Glenfield Dennison, Union Senator "Listen, I'm telling you, it's a one-man protest. Watch how many people are here. This is a brilliant showing. I am a one-man protest. Every one person here. If every one person here is going to do a protest, we will have a better country by March 2027. Every one person out here can make a difference."
But the one-man protester Glenfield Dennison's pop-up protests have not gone unnoticed by the PUP trolls.
He's just one senator with a whiteboard, but his critics have used social media platforms to launch all kinds of attacks on his credibility.
They claim Dennison, the Crown Counsel, cannot understand the plight of struggling Belizeans because he is not poor.
Today we asked him how he's handling all the smoke:
Jaleeza Roberts: "How do you feel about the personal attacks coming against you?"
Glenfield Dennison, Union Senator "I love it. Listen why: whenever you cannot address an issue, you address the person raising the issue. The people of Belize want to see right through that. And I welcome it because the people of Belize need more reason to get riled up. So come at me. Come out to the messenger. Forget the message. And then pay the consequences later."
Jaleeza Roberts: "There's an accusation out there that you are not able to relate to the poor people, that the things that you're championing. Would you be able to talk to us about what makes you feel as though you can relate to that?"
Glenfield Dennison, Union Senator "Whoever say poor. I've never claimed to be poor. I escaped poverty a long time ago through education. I'm very proud of it. I am very proud of the fact that I have escaped poverty, that the cycle of poverty in my family has ended with me and my education. But I can tell you this. I can relate to the working-class people. And the working-class people do this every payday. Come out and their head come under water. And their head come over water. And their head come under water. And that I can relate to. That's why I'm here. Me, personally, no need to live the experience of poor people anymore. I done escape poverty. So this is not about if I'm poor. Poor people can't afford to stand up like this. That's the fact. They need your grocery bag. So yes, I'm not poor. I'm grateful I'm not poor. Thank God I'm not poor. Because if I'm poor, I couldn't stand up for the poor people. I couldn't stand up for the working-class people. So yes, Jaleeza. Yes, that's true, I no poor. Thank God for that. But I could stand up. I'm rich enough to stand up, and the people needed that."
And another protestor with a large boulder on his shoulder was Eddie Webster. The former and longest-serving Clerk of the National Assembly was on familiar territory in front of the Assembly building he presided over for 14 years.
But tonight, two years after resigning, former National Assembly Clerk Eddie Webster has still not received his pension.
Webster is now 64 and is pleading to the government that after his years of service, the least they can do is ensure he gets a pension:
Eddie Webster, Former National Assembly Clerk "I was asked to resign before the age of 65, because 65 is the age where the clerk or deputy of the National Assembly would retire. So it's early retirement in the arrangement. I was given all my money until I reached the age of 65. But when you resign in Chapter 37, two in particular, the Laws of Belize, it states that the person who resigned and older than 50 years would like to serve 15 years with the government and doesn't have a bad record. That person is entitled to their pension, and so that pension to receive it, you must write to the Governor General. I have written to the Governor General through the Cabinet Secretary. August the 18th, I received a copy of a letter that went, finally went to the Governor General. But to date, I have not heard anything. When you think about it, I was removed from my-I had resigned from my post in 2024. We are now at 2026. November. More than two years and months and still haven't received my pension. Time hard, time hard, time. Even harder for the people who expect for get in pension and they'll get it. Living off pension is a horrible thing. Yes, but at least I live relief. So I'm begging for my money."
Jaleeza - "How does it feel knowing that you work for all those years and you have to be fighting for your pension?"
Eddie Webster, Former National Assembly Clerk "Well, I don't want to start to answer that question, but I will, though. I really feel about it because I'm one of those people who work extremely hard for my country. When you go to the National Assembly right now, as you enter the Assembly, there is the first Constitution of Belize that was given to us at independence. That Constitution, I was the person who protected it and preserve it, and later on give it to the curators, the curator, or the people who work at the archives to take care of it so that know that it can be there on display."
"Just give me my pension. Just give me my pension. If they find it in their heart that they figure that someone who protected the first Constitution of the country should be awarded anything-they always give salutation-if they feel like they need to give me an... I will. I'm good with that. I'm not even asking for that. All I'm asking for is my pension."
Reporter "Would you be able to, like, tell us more or less how much money you're expecting to receive from them?"
Eddie Webster, Former National Assembly Clerk "The pension is like 2,000 something dollars per month. So it's not even a miracle, no lot of money."
Tonight, we confirm that nothing was found in a pair of shipping containers that the Police Department deemed suspicious.
As we reported yesterday, based on information, the containers were singled out for special examination at the pierhead.
After being kept under police guard last night, this morning they were moved to the Queen's Bonded Area. Our cameras were there as the Anti-Narcotics Unit, the K-9 Unit, and Customs Enforcement Unit thoroughly searched their contents on the suspicion that illicit substances were stashed inside. We are told they searched each container more than once-but up to news time had not found anything of note. The search has been discontinued at this hour.
According to our information, both containers were imported by two different Belizean companies-one based in Belize City, the other in Orange Walk.
Police never reported it, but on October 28th, four men robbed an electronics store in Corozal Town, making off with 16 iPhones valued at more than $20,000.
Two men entered the establishment, pretending to be interested in cellphone accessories, when suddenly one of them pulled out an object resembling a handgun and ordered the sales assistant onto the floor.
Two more masked and hooded men then stormed in and proceeded to ransack the establishment, snatching all the iPhones they could find. They then fled, and there is surveillance video of a getaway vehicle.
Well, yesterday, Corozal Police formally arrested and charged 20-year-old Jahdey Castillo of Silk Grass Village for the crime of robbery.
If the name sounds familiar, it should. He's the same one caught at the scene of Tuesday's Post Office burglary in Belize City.
Police suspect he may be part of a crime ring that has been terrorizing the east, the south, and the north since June.
US Army Blackhawk helicopters are in Belize-reportedly as part of a contingent trying to encourage the country's leaders to allow the US military to play a more active role in drug interdiction efforts. And they could also be sending a message to the Guatemalan military.
Today, the Ministry of National Security posted this video showing a Blackhawk helicopter landing at the Sarstoon Forward Operating Base.
Pictures posted by the US Embassy in Belize show that Minister of National Security Michel Chebat and US Ambassador Andre Bauer were on board.
The Embassy post says they, quote, "saw firsthand how Belize's partnership in the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition supports our shared mission to keep the region safe, secure, and prosperous."
Yesterday we asked Chebat's CEO about the presence of the Blackhawks:
Francis Usher, CEO, Ministry of National Security "There are three Black Hawks, three U.S. Black Hawks out of Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras that are here in Belize currently."
Jaleeza Roberts: "Okay. So what are they here for?"
Francis Usher: "Well, one of our best bilateral partners is the U.S. From time to time you get Black Hawks or Chinooks from Honduras that come in sometimes for training exercises, just sometimes to remind the general public that the Belize and the U.S. are allies and partners. And there were plans to do a tour of the border, different OPs yesterday, but weather did not permit. There are plans to accomplish that in the future aboard the U.S. helicopters. But they are here simply to demonstrate that we are... we have a great relationship. We are allies. We are partners. And you know, this is-oh, sorry. This is just a relationship, a good relationship that we have."
And while everyone in officialdom is smiling and glad-handing with Uncle Sam, the Trump Administration has cast a frown on Guatemalan cartels.
The US government has formally designated three major Guatemala-based drug-trafficking organizations as terrorist entities, with accompanying Treasury sanctions.
In a press statement issued today, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Trump Administration is imposing terrorist designations against Los Lorenzanas, Los Huistas, and Los Mendoza.Washington accuses all three criminal networks of maintaining deep operational ties with Mexican drug cartels to move and export illicit narcotics across the region.
Under the coordinated action, the U.S. Department of State designated Los Lorenzanas-described by Rubio as one of Guatemala's most powerful drug-trafficking clans-as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). U.S. officials hold the group responsible for widespread violence against civilians, government officials, and military forces in Guatemala.
Notably, in its official filing, Treasury lists the Los Mendoza Drug Trafficking Organization as operating across Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize.
Last night we told you about how the BDF is transitioning from mess halls to a $17 daily food allowance. It sees soldiers and officers given a daily allowance to cover their meal expenses rather than eating in the mess halls.
But what about the field and fresh rations, and how will it be distributed to the battalions? The CEO explained:
Francis Usher, CEO, Ministry of National Security "So the field rations will be the MREs. The fresh rations will be bought in very small quantities. The reason we would still buy small quantities of fresh rations is because the camp guards and the standby, which are just two patrols-two small patrols-they will have a kitchen to be able to cook a meal there since they're on camp. They're not deployed to the jungle. But the field ration would be the MREs."
Jaleeza Roberts: "Okay. And can you talk about the American MREs, which will be distributed to the battalions, and what that will be-what will be it going forward?"
Francis Usher: "So the... we did get American military-grade MREs from a company that provides for the US military. That is a supply just until April. It was bought just to hold us over until we go through the open tendering process, which we will advertise and go through. We have specific requirements for the MREs for the entire year, which we will clearly lay out. And for any interested people, they can bid to supply the BDF. Not to segue, but we did an analysis in the Coast Guard as well, who will begin receiving feeding allowance in the new financial year. And I've had this discussion with them, but after sitting with the commandant and his team of planners, what we realized was that the MREs, because they are... they're not walking, and more often than not, they're not exposed to the elements for an extended period. They have kitchens at all of their forward operating bases on the islands. And so they can still get fresh rations and prepare meals there. They prefer to go that route. It was not an option in the BDF after we did our analysis. So their version of what they will receive will be slightly different, but the feeding allowance will be the same. Okay."
Jaleeza Roberts: "And what about those who don't want MREs?"
Francis Usher: "Those who are operationally deployed and don't want MREs? Yeah. They're still receiving their $17 a day and are free to buy their own meals."
The new program of ration distribution will also involve the widespread distribution of MREs to soldiers. We asked how healthy it is to be distributing ultra-processed foods:
Francis Usher, CEO, Ministry of National Security "When we were deploying before, we were not giving them fresh and healthy food, just to call a spade a spade. They were getting ultra-processed corned beef, duck, chopped ham, all of these things. So actually, the replacement of the MREs did factor in to be short-term and healthier. And with the rotation, when we did our analysis with studies, the rotation based on how often you deploy or how often you would be forced to eat the MREs did not have long-term medical side effects."
Jaleeza Roberts: "Okay. So since you said we're just calling a spade a spade-you've been in the BDF before-would you say they're eating better now?"
Francis Usher: "Yes. A hundred percent. A hundred percent. And I would challenge with... so I would say this about me, and you can ask any soldier, every disposal I go into, I tell them, I said, 'This is not going to be attributional. We will call a spade a spade. I want to know what's truly going on. Let's have an open, honest, and frank discussion.' And I've done that at every single camp that we have had in mass numbers with the soldiers, and you can ask them about that. In every forum that we've been in, after discussing, after having an open and frank discussion, they have all agreed that they are eating much better now than they were before."
And so will the new system of paying soldiers a daily food allowance and minimizing mess hall meal preparations minimize the hustling? Earlier this year we showed you widespread abuses of Ministry of Defence procurement to companies owned by friends and family members of ministers, and even the Prime Minister.
We asked Usher about that:
Jaleeza Roberts: "How will this prevent a repeat of the tender abuse and the different conflicts that we saw earlier this year?"
Francis Usher, CEO, Ministry of National Security "The perceived abuse?"
Jaleeza Roberts: "Yes. The perceived abuse. Right."
Francis Usher: "So I believe that we-so there will only be one contract for MREs for an entire year, right? Which will feed all of our deployed personnel. The smaller portions of fresh rations at a local purchase level-by local purchase, I mean, it's to feed small quantities of people for a shorter span of time. Those quantities are a lot easier to manage. I think that the proper management and communication of the system is actually what led to a lot of what blew up in the public."
Earlier this week, we reported on the miscommunication regarding the Treasury Department circular that stated sub-treasuries were only to decorate for September Celebrations and Christmas. Today we asked the Minister of Culture about the National Garifuna Council's response:
Francis Fonseca, MFAT/MOECST "I think, you know, we... I think we're very proud of the very strong support that the Ministry of Culture, the Government of Belize, NICH provides to the National Garifuna Council. We provide unprecedented support to them at this time. So we're very proud of that. We have a very strong partnership with NGC. You know, I've met with them several times over the past few months. We have a lot of plans in place to work together to collaborate more on issues affecting the Garifuna community. So, you know, I'm very, very proud of that relationship we have with them. And we continue to listen to each other. So if there are things we can do better, we're prepared to listen. But we work very, very closely with them."
Courtney Menzies: "Do you think money should be in the budget for the different ministries to decorate for Garifuna Settlement Day?"
Francis Fonseca, MFAT/MOECST "Generally, the ministries do that. I know the Ministry of Education in Belmopan, they always put up some flags. And, so I think that's already built into the budgets. And most of the ministries do that just as they do for Independence Day, around Christmas time, you know, for all of the other holidays throughout the year. So I know at the ministry, I was there recently in Belmopan at Education, and they had Garifuna flags at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Belmopan. We always put up our flags for Garifuna Settlement Day. So I think ministers are already doing that."
Last night we told you about the government decision to discontinue using Tropic Air for medevac flights from San Pedro to Belize City. Managers of the San Pedro Polyclinic passed on the directive to ambulance services like Triple R Emergency Response, who confirmed it to us.
But the move made no sense, because the Tropic Air terminal is literally across the street from the polyclinic, while the Maya Island Air terminal is across the runway-a difference of 130 meters.
Well, after we broke the news last night, it seems local politicians started calling around and querying it.
And then at 2:41 this morning-an emergency airlift was needed. The first responders activated Maya Island as instructed, but they could not get ready in time, so they had to use Tropic Air instead. He said that over time Tropic has reduced its readiness time for a medevac flight to 15 minutes.
Today the Minister of Health Kevin Bernard told the San Pedro Sun, quote, "We are using both airlines. The news that was aired yesterday was totally misleading and wrong."
Getting the names of registered voters stricken from the approved list of electors-is not easy-but the UDP in Cayo North have persevered.
On Wednesday Cayo Magistrate Sashawna Thompson ordered the immediate removal of 23 names from the Cayo North list. The individuals, registered in Polling Area 73, had already been ordered struck off the list following earlier electoral fraud proceedings. However, the Elections and Boundaries Department left the names on the roll-allowing those individuals to cast ballots in the general elections-after indicating it would appeal the initial decision. No appeal was ever filed, prompting Wednesday's hearing to enforce the original ruling.
Central to the legal challenge is a critical factual distinction regarding voter eligibility. Contrary to media characterizations suggesting the dispute hinges on whether the challenged voters currently live in the constituency, the case rests on evidence that these individuals never resided in Cayo North in the first place.
While the 23 names have now been ordered removed, the broader legal battle is not yet over. A separate "case stated" matter remains pending before the magistrate.
In what the UDP is interpreting as another victory, Magistrate Thompson ordered the Elections and Boundaries Department to hand over complete, unredacted investigation sheets which query addresses. During the original court proceedings, election officials had complied with a disclosure order by submitting investigation sheets with key information covered up.
Today Beltraide hosted its eighth Entrecon-the convention that brings together entrepreneurs and small business owners for an opportunity to learn and network. This year's theme was "From Grant to Growth: Building Investment-Ready Enterprises." Courtney Menzies was there:
The Belize Chamber of Commerce today hosted its second Men's Forum. This year's edition was called the "Gentlemen's Exchange."
Around 60 of BCCI's members, along with special invited guests. The President of BCCI as well as the special guest, Senior Minister Francis Fonseca, told us more:
Giacomo Sanchez, President BCCI "This is the second year, um, since we launched it, um, and, um, it- we found it very necessary because there's always, we've always been hearing that there are so many initiatives for women."
"And so as part of that, uh, our platform, we decided that, you know, we need to invite the men from our membership, primarily from our membership, um, or their representatives to come and, and understand and appreciate, um, topical issues relating to men's, um, physical well-being, uh, work-life balance, and that kind of thing, which is important to, you know, sustaining a, a healthy lifestyle."
"So far it has, uh, generally been surrounding, um, medical, um, interventions. And so we have had two doctors who, who gave, um, issues on cardiovascular care and also, uh, primary care."
"Um, so those are two areas that were heavily emphasized in the earlier session."
Francis Fonseca, MFAT/MOECST "Men are notorious for, for not wanting to talk about their own health and, and wellness."
"Um, and of course, you know, I've had my own experience, uh, with my health issues, um, this year. And so I'm glad they invited both me and Dr. Coye, who was my physician, um, to talk about, you know, our experience and to share, um, with these business leaders, um, you know, how I have recovered, um, and what are some of the, you know, um, challenges that, that I faced, uh, and how can they learn from my own experience."
"Um, so I talked to them, you know, about ensuring that first you, you listen to your body, um, you make sure that you get regular checkups."
"Um, we have to learn to manage our schedules, you know, as leaders, whether in the private sector or public sector, we're always busy. There are lots of demands on our time, but you have to manage your schedule and make sure that you carve out in that schedule, um, times for physical activity."
"One of the killers, because we're talking about heart disease today, is really just being sedentary, you know, sitting down, and that's, of course, for business people and, and, and leaders like me, um, we spend a lot of time in meetings sitting down."
"Um, so you have to make a deliberate effort to, to carve out time to, to be active and, and to do exercise."
Tomorrow, November 14th, is observed as World Diabetes Day. In Belize, activities start at the beginning of the month. Today the Belize Diabetes Association held its Diabetes Health Fair. We learnt more from their Legal Advisor, Sharon Fraser:
Family Organizes Fundraiser to Help 21-Year-Old Tarrell Sutherland With Urgent Medical Costs
If you've watched Channel 7 over the years, you may remember Tarrell Sutherland. He first appeared on Channel 7 when he was just a kid suffering from a rare skin disease.
Well, now he's 21, and tonight, the family of 21-year-old Tarrell needs your help again as he battles severe health complications associated with that same skin condition.
The young man is currently experiencing an extremely painful period in his ongoing health battle.
His doctors urgently require a CT scan, ultrasounds, and blood work to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
However, the family is seeking financial assistance to cover the medical expenses. To help raise funds, the family is organizing a BBQ fundraiser on Saturday at #16 Guadalupe Street in Belize City:
Pickup and delivery services will be offered, and orders can be placed by calling 615-9413. Persons who are unable to purchase a meal but still wish to contribute to Tarrell's medical fund are also encouraged to reach out directly to his mother.
US FAA Nationwide Ground Stop Halts Flights From Belize to Miami and Houston
It hasn't happened since 9/11 in 2001, but tonight, for the first time in 25 years, the United States Federal Aviation Administration announced a rare nationwide ground stop on Friday afternoon, halting nearly all departures from US airports and stranding thousands of passengers. It's being called a major, unexplained outage affecting its air traffic control system.
The US Secretary of Homeland Security said tonight that fixing the issues will take an extended period of time.
In Belize, this means that two flights-an American Airlines flight to Miami and a United Airlines flight to Houston-were unable to leave for their US destinations this afternoon. All other flights departed before the stoppage.
An Air Alaska flight, which was en route to Belize when the stoppage was ordered, arrived safely.
The stoppage continues at this hour.
And that's it for 7News tonight. We leave you with footage of the Garifuna Folkloric Ballet of Honduras, who will perform in Belize next week.
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Throughout this year, there has been a string of unprecedented acts of Guatemalan military aggression on the Sarstoon. The targets have been both Belizean military and civilian vessels. It's become so problematic that it seems that if you are Belizean military or a common man or woman, just taking a trip down the Sarstoon is complicated.
"As always, we're very proud of our security officers, the BDF, the Coast Guard, but obviously, as I have said, we are alarmed at the way the Guatemalans have been behaving-obviously deliberately-in trying to intimidate our security forces. So our security forces are well trained; they have exercised great restraint, they have acted with great professionalism, with dignity. Yet they have been very courageous and strong and firm in delivering our message to these persons, these Guatemalan Armed Forces personnel who are trying to bully them and intimidate them. So they follow their procedures. Our soldiers follow their procedures, follow their orders. And we're very proud of what they've been doing."
But how is the Leader of the Opposition feeling on the allowance cuts for PUP ministers? This is what she told us in Belmopan today:
"Well, they afford to take a 50% cut on their allowances? Do you know that we have ministers of this country building several apartment buildings? Buying boats at a cost of $750,000. Driving multiple cars. Yes, they can afford-and let me be clear. That low blow that the Prime Minister offered in the House yesterday to say, 'Come on, opposition, join us.' I want you to know the opposition gets half of what the government ministers are receiving, and the opposition members do not have access to not even one quarter of the services, public services that are available through the ministers. So don't throw those jabs. He forgets. He forgets that this is a wrong world. And his day will come. He is arrogant, he is dismissive, he is rude, and he is bullish-and the people have had enough of that."
Yesterday in Belmopan, Government launched targeted intervention strategies to lessen the impact that the high cost of living is having on regular Belizeans.
Marianne Ramclam, Protest Organizer
Glenfield Dennison, Union Senator
Dean Flowers, President, PSU
Eddie Webster, Former National Assembly Clerk
Tonight, we confirm that nothing was found in a pair of shipping containers that the Police Department deemed suspicious.
Police never reported it, but on October 28th, four men robbed an electronics store in Corozal Town, making off with 16 iPhones valued at more than $20,000.
US Army Blackhawk helicopters are in Belize-reportedly as part of a contingent trying to encourage the country's leaders to allow the US military to play a more active role in drug interdiction efforts. And they could also be sending a message to the Guatemalan military.
Francis Usher, CEO, Ministry of National Security
And while everyone in officialdom is smiling and glad-handing with Uncle Sam, the Trump Administration has cast a frown on Guatemalan cartels.
Last night we told you about how the BDF is transitioning from mess halls to a $17 daily food allowance. It sees soldiers and officers given a daily allowance to cover their meal expenses rather than eating in the mess halls.
Last night we told you about the government decision to discontinue using Tropic Air for medevac flights from San Pedro to Belize City. Managers of the San Pedro Polyclinic passed on the directive to ambulance services like Triple R Emergency Response, who confirmed it to us.
Getting the names of registered voters stricken from the approved list of electors-is not easy-but the UDP in Cayo North have persevered.
The Belize Chamber of Commerce today hosted its second Men's Forum. This year's edition was called the "Gentlemen's Exchange."
"This is the second year, um, since we launched it, um, and, um, it- we found it very necessary because there's always, we've always been hearing that there are so many initiatives for women."
It hasn't happened since 9/11 in 2001, but tonight, for the first time in 25 years, the United States Federal Aviation Administration announced a rare nationwide ground stop on Friday afternoon, halting nearly all departures from US airports and stranding thousands of passengers. It's being called a major, unexplained outage affecting its air traffic control system.
