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
Tonight, there is still no certainty about what will happen next with the Ministry of Home Affairs portfolio.
That's because on June 22nd, the Prime Minister appointed Julius Espat to hold the portfolio on an interim basis while the Auditor General conducted an audit of the Ministry of Defence.
She was given three months to complete it, and that period expired today. But Auditor General Maria Rodriguez told us via text message today that her report will be ready at the end of this month.
But still, there has been no announcement on what will happen next with interim Minister Julius Espat or the Home Affairs portfolio. The Prime Minister publicly admonished him last week-so it appears unlikely that he will hold onto it. But he has publicly expressed that he does want it:
Jules Vasquez "And would you be prepared to stay on as the Minister?"
Julius Espat, Minister of Home Affairs "If he believes that I am an asset in the Police Department, I would stay on."
And so tonight, it remains unclear what the Prime Minister will do next or on what timeline. But we do know that he travels to New York tomorrow for the UN General Assembly.
Presently, the last Minister of Home Affairs, Oscar Mira, remains on leave pending the outcome of the audit, which is looking specifically at conflicts of interest. He is also the subject of a complaint made by UDP candidate Edward Broaster to the Integrity Commission-for which there will be a hearing next week.
And while the political situation remains fraught with uncertainty, Belize's 45th Independence Day festivities over the weekend were marked by celebration and contention.
On the 21st, the official Independence Day ceremony was held in Belmopan, where we heard from the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and other officials. But this ceremony wasn't full of fireworks-rather, the speeches were mild, with no shots taken by the Opposition Leader, and a mercifully short speech by the PM.
Courtney Menzies has an overview of the ceremony. Here is that story:
Belize's 45th Independence Day was celebrated in the capital city with a grand ceremony outside the National Assembly. Ministers, CEOs, Opposition members, and other officials were introduced as they made their way to their seats. The Prime Minister then arrived, followed by the Governor General, who conducted the inspection of the guard after a playing of the National Anthem.
After the inspection, the Mayor of Belmopan gave welcome remarks, which were followed by a dazzling display by Guyanese paratroopers. Four paratroopers jumped from a BDF Cessna 208B Grand Caravan from 6,000 feet in the air. The paratroopers were carrying both the Belizean and Guyanese flags. They landed in front of the Curl Thompson Building.
Following the excitement, the Leader of the Opposition took the stand to make her Independence Day speech. She highlighted persons she referred to as everyday heroes who work to keep the Government accountable:
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition "We honor everyday heroes like Jeremy Enriquez, whose steady courage and quiet determination continues to advocate for greater equity in representation and access to public information, and Dean Flowers, president of the Public Service Union, who has vociferously championed the call for legislated protection for public officers, ever prepared to expose corruption and entrenched practices that do not serve the public's interests. Their example reminds us that accountability is not an abstract ideal-it is a duty we owe to the Belizean people. When the visible accumulation of wealth by public officials surpass what a Government's salary could reasonably support, serious questions must be posed and honest answers are required."
Panton's speech lasted about 30 minutes-much lengthier than the PM's seven-minute speech. Briceño chose to speak about unity and, more so, the upcoming hearings at the ICJ that will determine Belize's sovereignty:
John Briceno, Prime Minister "On the 17th of September, we were informed that, started in February 2027, the International Court of Justice will hear our presentations in the case between Guatemala and Belize, and then will hear our presentation on the Belize-Honduras case. For too long, our borders have been disputed by our neighbor, Guatemala. We look forward to the end of this process, when we believe Belize will be vindicated and we can strengthen and enhance relations with the Government and the great Guatemalan people."
And he ended his speech by reiterating this year's theme:
John Briceno: "Today, we invite the world to look at us, to see our strength, our diversity, our beauty, and our promise, and with the guidance of our Creator, we continue firmly focused on the future and committed to living as one."
While the ceremony on the 21st was mild, there was some passive-aggressive jousting on Saturday at the 15th Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony. This ceremony honors George Price, the Father of Independence.
In his address, Price's nephew, Clement Usher, relayed anecdotes from Price's childhood and his path in politics.
At the end, however, he reminded the audience that Price remained humble and kind, and criticized the current political parties for the public mudslinging.
But those comments made Briceño bristle, and when he took the podium afterward, he corrected Usher.
Here's how that went:
Clement Usher, George Price's Nephew "As we gather to reflect on the life of this great Belizean man, let us recall the words of the then Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow, during his address at the funeral service of George Price in Belmopan. And I quote, 'The PUP will never have another leader like George Price. But then the country will never have another Prime Minister like George Price,' unquote. If we are to continue down the path of this great leader and Prime Minister, we must adapt into our lives the kindness, patience, understanding, humility, but most important, service above self that George Price emanated. Recently, I have noticed in the news, even on social media, the horrible and unkind ways that our officials and people who hold high offices speak to or write about each other. Yes, we certainly can agree to disagree, but let us do it in the way of George Cadle Price-a little humility will not hurt or kill anyone."
John Briceno, Prime Minister "Thank you so much for sharing your story from your family, Clement, but let's not forget that George Price was leader for 40-plus years. Not because he was an easygoing and soft man, but because he had steel built in him, and there are many people that were buried in the political graveyard that tried to go against him-and you don't always have to be nice to be able to do that for 40-plus years. I said that with great humility and admiration for a man that could be doing that for long. I certainly have no intentions to do it for so long. I've already served 33 years in the National Assembly, I've done my shared part, but we still have more to do, right, chairman? We still have another election to win. I'm sorry if I sounded political, but that's George Price-he never lost a moment to be able to take opportunity to make that point."
Those sparks escalated into a full-on fiery exchange at the ceremony in Punta Gorda Town. It started when UDP Mayoral Aspirant Frank Polonio gave a lengthy speech lamenting the state of the nation. He emphasized the high cost of living and the struggles ordinary Belizeans face affording basic necessities.
When the Toledo East Area Representative took the stage, he rebutted those comments with an ad hominem attack:
Frank Polonio, UDP Mayoral Candidate "How much more can the ordinary Belizean take? Water, the most basic necessity of life, has also become more expensive. Our families depend on water every single day-water bill has gone up. Then goes electricity. Families are complaining that they can barely afford the light, and we continue to experience blackouts. We are told that million dollars are owed for purchasing electricity from Mexico. So I ask: how independent are we when we cannot reliably provide something as basic as electricity?"
"The Government has borrowed millions upon millions of dollars, but people are asking, 'Where's the Government? Where's the transformation? Where is the opportunity? Where is the benefit reaching the ordinary Belizeans?' We cannot continue owing money today and leaving the people to pay the bill tomorrow without showing the people what those millions have accomplished."
Dr. Osmond Martinez, Area Representative, Toledo East "For six years he was Deputy Mayor, and you know what happened? We had to sue the town council-Carlos Galvez Town Council-so that they can pay his stipend, because his own town council was unable to pay his stipend. And that is a fact. I am not exaggerating-I hate to do this, but we have to say it."
"My brother, we used to play football together-you don't even know how much I hate to do this."
"I hate it with a passion, because I see him with a lot of respect, but I will ask him one question: in two years I have been serving along with Carlos and his town council, and I want him to show me and compare the work he did in six years-compare it to the work we have done in the last two years in Punta Gorda."
"When you were talking I listened-a true leader will learn to listen, and he doesn't know how to listen. And I'm being nice to him-I don't want to go lower."
And if that raised an eyebrow, things got even more heated in Independence Village when the PUP Village Chairman blasted his own government as being hopelessly out of touch with the everyday struggles of regular Belizeans:
Cliffton Garbutt, Independence Village Chairman, PUP "Our economy has seen inflation through the roof, and our basic necessities are no longer affordable. Let us not be shy about that, or pretty it up with excuses of foreign influences-we must do better. Our Government of the day is failing-they have lost touch with the grassroots. They cannot empathize with the struggles of our people. We recognize the allegations and corruption and poor governance which has become increasingly concerning-this is particularly disheartening to those of us who remain committed to the Government."
Rodwell Ferguson, Area Representative, Stann Creek West "I know you are thinking now that... you know what, we are in a period of inflation where the world itself is in turmoil. Because there is constant development in Belize, that by itself has an effect of every country in the world. While we complain about the price of fuel, I just really saw in California the price of diesel is $10 USD per gallon. Belize is a small developing country with the budget of only $2 billion. It is hard to sustain, because we live from Toledo to Corozal and Benque to San Pedro."
On Saturday, Prime Minister Briceño met with soca artist Machel Montano before he performed at the Belize Soca and Culture Festival.
While speaking with him in Orange Walk at a public tree-planting event, Briceño and Montano discussed music and culture, specifically with the Garifuna people. That exchange was picked up on a hot mic, where Briceño, referring to the Garifuna people, said, quote, "there are only about 3,000 or 4,000 of them" in Belize. Here's how that went:
John Briceno, Prime Minister "You know what's admirable about the Garifuna people, there are only about three or four thousand of them, but they're fighting hard to keep that culture, the language, the music, you know, the art. They're very artistic, and the dance-I mean, it's just in their DNA, it's natural for them, it's incredible."
Now, that figure is way off. According to the last census, there are about 16,000 Garifuna in Belize.
In a statement today, NGC President Alex Nolberto said, quote: "The Garifuna people are more than just song and dance. There are multiple existential threats to Garifuna survival, the most being our traditional lands. The issue facing our brothers and sisters in Honduras is a prime example of this. The NGC has been trying to meet with the PM for months now, but to no avail. We will no longer be prostituted, and if we have to revert to our warlike tendencies to get the respect we rightfully deserve, then so be it. We will no longer allow any government to take us for granted."
We went to meet with Nolberto this afternoon, and here's what he said about what he calls disrespect they have endured from the current administration:
Alex Nolberto, President, National Garifuna Council "I smiled to myself. It's unfortunate that the statistics are not accurate. We make up about six percent. We have between five and six percent based on the Statistical Institute. But ideally, the numbers are driven really by how you associate or how you identify. So if you're familiar with Belize and the melting pot concept, there are more than 21,000, 30,000 Garifuna people in Belize. That is what the five to six percent would equate to. But when you do a detailed study for those who identify as Garifuna, it's more. So it all depends on whether you have a mother who's Garifuna, a father who's Garifuna. So there is a working definition really that the council uses that allows, that we are able to then measure who are Garifuna, because their benefits are also accruing to Garifuna people. So it's a matter of identifying as Garifuna. But using the statistics, it's at least six percent of the population, and that would equate to at least about 30,000 Garifuna persons."
Jaleeza Roberts: "When it comes to looking at the 6% of the population, it's very much a minority group. Do you feel as if that is how you all have been treated? Like you're the minority now?"
Alex Nolberto: "Yes, we have been, for the most recent part, the poster culture of Belize. Whenever there's a visit, whenever there's anything in Belize, it is Garifuna. And so, yes, the country on the whole, I think, has leveraged that aspect of our culture. And really, we have been relegated to just that aspect of the culture. But there's more to being Garifuna than just the music, the dance. And so we need to have the people of Belize and the Government of Belize recognize that we're more than that. We need to be brought to the discussion table to discuss the issues that affect us, our existence on the whole. And so without having these conversations, it lends itself for the loss of the culture, the dance, and language, which is what we're fighting to keep. And so I think it's important that we meet with the Government, and we've been trying to meet with the Prime Minister for some time now, to have these very serious conversations. We have been unable to do so for whatever reasons. We've been given a series of excuses, really. And so we need to get to the point where we're having these serious conversations as to how the Garifuna people will continue to exist and play that important role that we've played in the past in the existence of Belize as a country."
Jaleeza Roberts: "When did you all send a letter to the Prime Minister?"
Alex Nolberto: "Months, at least three or so months ago. And I've met with him subsequent as well, and he's promised to meet with us, and we've still been unable to meet with him."
Jaleeza Roberts: "Do you all intend to reach out to him again to see if perhaps you can meet?"
Alex Nolberto: "Yes, we will continue to try to meet with him. We're hopeful that we can get a meeting before the 19th celebrations, because I can tell you that my people, they are to their necks with frustration as to how they are treated by the Government, and that they are just an afterthought. And the 19th is around the corner, as I said, and they will want to be held in high graces at our festivities. And it's not about them, it's about us. And so we don't want to come across as being distasteful. We want to harmonize, but we are at that point where we are not appreciative of the way we're being treated, we are not appreciative of the fact that they choose not to meet with us, and that they will only show up for a picture moment."
The President says that if they do not meet with the PM before the 19th of November, the celebrations will look very different.
Last week Monday, we told you about the bodies of a young couple found in their Santa Elena home in an advanced state of decomposition.
Tonight, police have officially ruled the death of Delisha Estrada was a homicide, while they are awaiting the toxicology reports of her partner, Michael Williams. But he died from pulmonary edema, which is fluid buildup in the lungs.
Here's what police had to say:
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "Of Michael Williams and Delisha Estrada. At the conclusion of the postmortem examination for Mr. Williams, the doctor concluded that the cause of death was severe pulmonary edema, and they are now awaiting a result from a toxicology report. Then, as it relates to Ms. Castro, the cause of death has been determined to be blunt craniofacial trauma, and it has been ruled a homicide."
Reporter "So are you all treating this as a murder-suicide."
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "What I can say is that the investigation is ongoing. The result of this postmortem examination has put us closer because, as I stated, um, the result from the, um, autops- the, the autopsies that Mr. Williams died from, um, pulmonary edema, and we are waiting to see what is the result of the toxicology report."
"As the conclusion in relation to her, um, examination was blunt force trauma, um, and the indication would be that it may have been inflicted by another person."
"So that is the extent that I will say at this point in time."
Police Constable Kenyon Barrow is still missing tonight. He was last seen 11 days ago. And while it is concerning, police say this was not the first time he had gone missing:
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "The OC in that area was unsuccessful in that regard, and he subsequently reached out to a relative of Mr. Barrow who was able to communicate with Mr. Barrow and advise the department of Mr. Barrow's condition. Several attempts were made to have Mr. Barrow come in and regularize his status, given that he was absent, however, those proved unsuccessful. The relative, as stated, was in communication... last spoke to Mr. Barrow around the 8th, at which time they had made plans to meet up, but he did not appear at that time. Through investigations, we know that the last time Mr. Barrow was seen was on the 11th of September, and as stated, efforts are still underway. We encourage members of the public who may have seen Mr. Barrow to forward that information to the police via 911, or they can do so anonymously via 922-TIPS as well. We are also asking Mr. Barrow, if he is hearing this broadcast, to kindly make contact with his family, be it the Police Department or his biological family, as we are certainly concerned about his whereabouts and his safety is of paramount consideration at this time."
"What I can say in relation to the questions that you've asked is that the department has, prior to this most recent incident, had involvement by way of the Lotus office, the welfare section, with Mr. Barrow, and they were working along with him. I spoke with the counselor, and he indicated that he last met with him on 13th of July, and they were to arrange other meeting sessions, but Mr. Barrow did not reach out to them subsequent to that."
What's the plan for the Cuban Medical Brigade? Tonight, we still see that future as through a glass, darkly. Tonight, the Government still appears to have not made a decision one way or the other-even though they are under pressure from the U.S. to scrap the program.
The Minister of Health told us today that they're still wrestling with the possibilities:
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness "Well, all I can say to you is I know, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the note has been sent to the Cuban Embassy in terms of looking at how we are able... the proposition is for us to be able to provide individual contracts to these doctors and nurses that are here already. It is our hope that that will be accepted, and we are hoping again, as I said, it is always in our best interest to see that we get these people to stay. And so we are working all the mechanisms. We are just waiting for a response, I believe, as soon as I have, then I will be able to provide a more detailed update."
Jomarie Lanza: "Do you know how soon you should hear back from them?"
Kevin Bernard: "I mean, it goes on a daily basis, and we are hoping that by this week we should hear some positive news."
But the Ministry of Health has been busy trying to find other staffing options in case the Cubans are forced to go back home.
He had mentioned previously that they were looking at sourcing labor from Honduras, but today he told us they have reached out to other countries as well for help:
Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness "Well, as you know, those are initial discussions that we spoke about, and we are still working on the MOU through the Foreign Ministry to sign with the Honduran government. Again, it is merely three different approaches: one, for Belizeans to be able to access their residency program as well in Honduras; exchange in terms of our health professionals; and, of course, if we can access some of those trained specialists that are in Honduras seeking employment otherwise. So those are the initiatives. We are looking at all other areas as well. I mean, we have been talking to El Salvador, we have been talking to Nicaragua, and we are starting to touch base with some people in Mexico who have interest in coming to work with Belize, too."
We also asked Bernard for an update on the new Central Medical Stores warehouse outside Belmopan.
It's a brand-new building costing unspecified millions, but it still lacks the basics to make it functional for storage.
Bernard says he hasn't visited it yet:
Jomarie Lanza: "In regards to the Central Medical Stores building, we have received reliable reports that it does not have any air conditioning, no office per se, no internet, and no phone-it's just a warehouse. How much will it cost to upgrade it, and who's going to bear that cost?"
Kevin Bernard: "I have not been to that building yet myself, but I know that it entails all of these things that will come with it. I am told that all of these are being put in place. I believe that when that initial arrangement was made through the Ministry of Finance, and, of course, the Ministry of Health has to take the responsibility for what is there, but I can tell you at the end of the day, that will be one of our best facilities in terms of our supply chain management. And we just had a meeting, I think two weeks ago, with all our teams, both from Karl Heusner, our Central Medical Lab, and our Central Medical Store, because that's where the distribution starts in terms of how... and, of course, the staff will be going over there in terms of making sure. So I think it is just a little bit of tweaking that has to get done, but for the most part, the facility is almost fully ready."
We also asked Bernard what kind of support his ministry is providing for the UB School of Medicine. He says they assist with scholarships and stipends for nursing students:
Kevin Bernard: "Well, of course, you know, we have constantly supported the medical school that we offer scholarships for students. There's that we can't offer as much through the Ministry of Education as well as a joint effort-not just the medical school, but programs that is in medicine. I mean, nursing: look at the number of persons we have invested in in terms of the recent scholarships that we offered. There was roughly 67 scholarships offered to Belizeans, and most of it are in nursing, and that goes to the University of Belize. And outside of that, we also provide stipends for certain students that are doing nursing that did not get the scholarship. So again, as I said, I think there was three main scholarships that were offered for those in the medical school at UB. So every year we try to do our best to afford, and I know outside of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education also does provide support through the ministry."
Orange Walk Town hosted thousands of revelers and onlookers yesterday for the Carnival celebration.
The event went off without a hitch, but the aftermath was something else. The streets were left overrun with garbage left behind by the all-day street party.
We asked Minister Bernard about this as the Area Representative for Orange Walk East.
He says he dealt with the issue when he was mayor and continues to be disappointed by the lack of civic pride each year as the practice persists where people simply refuse to clean up after themselves:
Kevin Bernard: "When you look at the theme, 'I Am Belize, Look at Me, I Am Belize at 45,' I said to myself this morning, 'Man, if we could only understand what that means!' It means that, you see that garbage that is left behind, it should not have been there, because I really want to encourage citizens... because you don't do it in other places, but you come and you do it in our own country. It is a shame, it is a disgrace to see garbage all over the place. The workers were up from early this morning trying to clean the entire parade route full of garbage. It leaves a bad taste in one's mouth to see that you cannot, if you have garbage, put it in a bag and take it home and dispose of it properly. I keep saying this, and even when I was mayor, that is something we used to ensure, that very early-though you know you get up at 6:00 and the town would have been properly cleaned. I also made note to the mayor this morning that the operation team should have been up from a very earlier time. But as I said, as patriotic Belizeans, as citizens of this country, we need to learn to protect our environment, we need to learn to keep our towns and cities clean, and just by picking up your garbage and taking out your garbage with you is one example of how you can say you are Belize at 45."
Last week, Deputy Commissioner of Police Bart Jones and ASP Stacy Smith-both attorneys-attended the 31st session of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances in Geneva, Switzerland.
She explained to us today why they were required to attend:
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "On 18th and 19th September 2026, Belize made representation before the Committee on Enforced Disappearances at the 31st session of that committee's sitting. The Committee on Enforced Disappearances is a body of independent experts which monitors the implementation of the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance by state parties. This follows Belize's submission of its response to the list of issues in the absence of a report, which was adopted by the committee at the 26th session, which was held in February and March of 2024. The response submitted was compiled, and it included input from various ministries and departments, as well as other agencies. The validation of that report was done in July of 2025, and it was subsequently submitted to the Cabinet, which approved it in 2025 and also approved, inter alia, the request to comply to obligation in that convention to domesticate the convention, having acceded to it in 2015."
The Belize contingent was led by Ambassador Harold Young, the Permanent Representative of Belize to the United Nations Office in Geneva.
He explained why-after signing the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance in 2015-Belize had still not made it part of domestic law. That led to some piercing questions from the UN rapporteurs:
H.E. Harold Young, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva "Belize acknowledges that enforced disappearance has not been established as an autonomous offense in the domestic criminal legislation in line with definition in Article 2 of the Convention.
"However, Belize has legal, institutional, and operational safeguards designed to protect persons from circumstances that could lead to enforced disappearance. I can assure that should a case ever arise, our systems and authorities are able to respond effectively.
"Although Belize has no recorded cases of enforced disappearances, we have clear procedures for responding to cases of missing persons."
Juan Pablo Albán Alencastro, Rapporteur "Paragraph 20 of the replies states that the existing records do not make it possible to determine state involvement in disappearances. However, Paragraph 23 concludes that an analysis of all missing persons reports showed that there was no state involvement in any case.
"Could the delegation please explain the methodology used to reach that conclusion, in particular, what steps are systematically taken in every disappearance case or missing person case to determine whether a public official may have participated directly or indirectly? This is to say whether a public official supported, authorized, or tolerated, gave acquiescence to the actions of non-state actors in the specific cases of disappeared persons or missing persons.
"Also, we would like to know if this assessment is conducted by an authority that is institutionally independent from police or security forces, especially in those cases where security forces could be involved, implicated."
Marija Definis, Rapporteur "In cases involving alleged enforced disappearances perpetrated by state agents, how does Belize legally guarantee that such investigations remain entirely independent, neutral, and free from executive or political interference if the power to initiate and appoint commissioners rests solely with a minister?
"To ensure full transparency when prosecuting state agents or high-ranking military police officials, does the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions possess complete institutional and financial independence from the executive branch to prevent political pressure from halting the prosecution?
"Regarding reply to Paragraph 17, the text states that Ombudsman is limited to making recommendations for corrective action if the Police Department refused to investigate a complaint. Given that recommendations are non-binding, what legal mechanisms ensure that law enforcement can be compelled to launch an immediate investigation if they refuse to do so in a suspected case of enforced disappearances?"
And the elephant in the room here, of course, is Joseph Budna. Going by the plain language, he was the victim of an enforced disappearance, likely involving state actors.
Now, in its formal replies, Belize acknowledges, quote, "the importance of criminalizing enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity."
So, doesn't the Budna abduction meet that standard? Smith says no:
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer "What I will say in relation to that question is that several things need to be borne in mind: firstly, the definition of what classifies as an enforced disappearance. Strictly speaking, Mr. Budna's whereabouts is known and has been known for quite some time. What also needs to be taken into account is that this report was compiled from 2024, I think, up to June of 2025, and the validation occurred in July of 2025, so this predated the matter concerning Mr. Budna, and that is the extent to which I will comment."
Reporter "Did you feel any sense of disingenuousness to go to Switzerland behind a national position which is that there has been no enforced disappearances in Belize, other than James Herbert, knowing that Budna's abduction meets all the criteria for that?"
ASP Stacy Smith: "I will refer to the response that I gave first, in that Mr. Budna's whereabouts is known, so strictly speaking, it does not fall within that criteria. And I will also refer to the fact that that report was in relation to matters up to 2023, I believe, so that is what we were presenting. They would have gotten the report in 2025, but when the review was done, it was up to the period of 2023."
You can find a link to the two three-hour sessions in Geneva on our website.
Former Ombudsman Major Herman Gilbert Swaso has filed a constitutional claim in the High Court against the Attorney General, alleging that the Government's failure to appoint his successor has left a major human trafficking investigation in legal limbo.
The stalled investigation focuses on allegations of human trafficking involving nine Haitian minor girls and the alleged involvement of senior government officials.
Before Swaso's tenure ended, the Office of the Ombudsman was actively conducting the investigation and requesting documentation from the Ministry of Human Services, immigration authorities, and the Refugee Department.
On July 20, 2026, Swaso filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request through the Office of the Attorney General to ascertain whether the investigation had been reassigned, suspended, closed, or left dormant. The FOIA request was subsequently transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, which officially refused access to the requested information on July 31, 2026.
In his legal filing, Swaso asks the High Court to issue declarations that the Government's continued failure to appoint a new Ombudsman violates constitutional rights and denies citizens the independent review process guaranteed by law. The suit asserts that leaving the watchdog post vacant directly undermines public transparency, accountability, and access to justice.
Swaso stated that citizens are entitled to know that serious cases involving vulnerable children will not be buried or forgotten due to administrative inaction.
As we understand it, the girls are now living in Spanish Lookout with Mennonite foster families. We are told several of the girls are old enough to travel and are studying in North America.
Wellness is not limited to just physical activity and nutrition; it includes caring for the mind and emotions as well. That's what the Ministry of Health and Wellness is promoting through Wellness Week, a comprehensive approach at reducing non-communicable diseases. It was launched today in Belmopan, and Jomarie Lanza was there:
Non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases, remain the leading causes of illness, disability, and premature death in Belize.
Mexico's Ministry of Economy today announced that it is taking new steps to keep beef prices steady. And that means a new duty-reduced import quota for up to 10,000 head of live cattle, effective immediately through December 31st.
The move opens up critical market access for regional exporters, with Belize standing as one of Mexico's top suppliers.
For Belizean ranchers, this presents a direct trade opportunity. Official data from Mexico's Agri-Food and Fisheries Information Service shows that Belize accounted for 21.3% of all live cattle imported into Mexico in 2025, ranking as its third-largest foreign supplier behind Guatemala and Nicaragua.
Under the new regulations, Mexican buyers trading with established partners in Belize can apply for direct allocation permits through Mexico's VUCEM trade portal. The quota will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis until the 10,000-head cap is reached.
Local livestock producers and exporters interested in participating in this window must coordinate directly with their Mexican buyers. The decree takes effect tomorrow morning, and allocations will remain open through the end of the year unless exhausted earlier.
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Julius Espat, Minister of Home Affairs
And while the political situation remains fraught with uncertainty, Belize's 45th Independence Day festivities over the weekend were marked by celebration and contention.
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
"On the 17th of September, we were informed that, started in February 2027, the International Court of Justice will hear our presentations in the case between Guatemala and Belize, and then will hear our presentation on the Belize-Honduras case. For too long, our borders have been disputed by our neighbor, Guatemala. We look forward to the end of this process, when we believe Belize will be vindicated and we can strengthen and enhance relations with the Government and the great Guatemalan people."
While the ceremony on the 21st was mild, there was some passive-aggressive jousting on Saturday at the 15th Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony. This ceremony honors George Price, the Father of Independence.
"As we gather to reflect on the life of this great Belizean man, let us recall the words of the then Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow, during his address at the funeral service of George Price in Belmopan. And I quote, 'The PUP will never have another leader like George Price. But then the country will never have another Prime Minister like George Price,' unquote. If we are to continue down the path of this great leader and Prime Minister, we must adapt into our lives the kindness, patience, understanding, humility, but most important, service above self that George Price emanated. Recently, I have noticed in the news, even on social media, the horrible and unkind ways that our officials and people who hold high offices speak to or write about each other. Yes, we certainly can agree to disagree, but let us do it in the way of George Cadle Price-a little humility will not hurt or kill anyone."
"Thank you so much for sharing your story from your family, Clement, but let's not forget that George Price was leader for 40-plus years. Not because he was an easygoing and soft man, but because he had steel built in him, and there are many people that were buried in the political graveyard that tried to go against him-and you don't always have to be nice to be able to do that for 40-plus years. I said that with great humility and admiration for a man that could be doing that for long. I certainly have no intentions to do it for so long. I've already served 33 years in the National Assembly, I've done my shared part, but we still have more to do, right, chairman? We still have another election to win. I'm sorry if I sounded political, but that's George Price-he never lost a moment to be able to take opportunity to make that point."
Frank Polonio, UDP Mayoral Candidate
"My brother, we used to play football together-you don't even know how much I hate to do this."
Cliffton Garbutt, Independence Village Chairman, PUP
Rodwell Ferguson, Area Representative, Stann Creek West
John Briceno, Prime Minister
Alex Nolberto, President, National Garifuna Council
Last week Monday, we told you about the bodies of a young couple found in their Santa Elena home in an advanced state of decomposition.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
Police Constable Kenyon Barrow is still missing tonight. He was last seen 11 days ago. And while it is concerning, police say this was not the first time he had gone missing:
What's the plan for the Cuban Medical Brigade? Tonight, we still see that future as through a glass, darkly. Tonight, the Government still appears to have not made a decision one way or the other-even though they are under pressure from the U.S. to scrap the program.
"Well, all I can say to you is I know, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the note has been sent to the Cuban Embassy in terms of looking at how we are able... the proposition is for us to be able to provide individual contracts to these doctors and nurses that are here already. It is our hope that that will be accepted, and we are hoping again, as I said, it is always in our best interest to see that we get these people to stay. And so we are working all the mechanisms. We are just waiting for a response, I believe, as soon as I have, then I will be able to provide a more detailed update."
We also asked Bernard for an update on the new Central Medical Stores warehouse outside Belmopan.
Orange Walk Town hosted thousands of revelers and onlookers yesterday for the Carnival celebration.
Last week, Deputy Commissioner of Police Bart Jones and ASP Stacy Smith-both attorneys-attended the 31st session of the Committee on Enforced Disappearances in Geneva, Switzerland.
H.E. Harold Young, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva
"Paragraph 20 of the replies states that the existing records do not make it possible to determine state involvement in disappearances. However, Paragraph 23 concludes that an analysis of all missing persons reports showed that there was no state involvement in any case.
"In cases involving alleged enforced disappearances perpetrated by state agents, how does Belize legally guarantee that such investigations remain entirely independent, neutral, and free from executive or political interference if the power to initiate and appoint commissioners rests solely with a minister?
And the elephant in the room here, of course, is Joseph Budna. Going by the plain language, he was the victim of an enforced disappearance, likely involving state actors.
Former Ombudsman Major Herman Gilbert Swaso has filed a constitutional claim in the High Court against the Attorney General, alleging that the Government's failure to appoint his successor has left a major human trafficking investigation in legal limbo.
Mexico's Ministry of Economy today announced that it is taking new steps to keep beef prices steady. And that means a new duty-reduced import quota for up to 10,000 head of live cattle, effective immediately through December 31st.
