|
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 |
Cabinet Rejects BTL’s Proposed $80 Million Speednet Acquisition
Tonight "and quite suddenly" everything has changed. That's because in a shock press release at 4:30 PMâ€"it was announced, quote: "Cabinet does not support the proposed acquisition." Simple as that. After monthsâ€"more than a yearâ€"of roiling debate, the much-discussed, much-debated acquisition is D-E-D, simple as that.
We say it is a shock release because Cabinet was to meet with the social partners today, but they could not agree to terms of the meeting so it never happened. When we spoke via text with the Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie a few minutes before 3:00, he said he was awaiting instructions from the PM on how to move forward to possibly reschedule that social partners meeting.
But, when the meeting never materialized, it seems the PM just went ahead and pulled the plug on a deal that has rankled public sentiment, brought the social partners together in opposition, and caused political uneasiness in the ranks of the PUP.
The statement says, quote:
"Cabinet acknowledges and recognizes that the proposed acquisition of SMART/Speednet by Belize Telemedia Limited is a matter of national concern.
The Government of Belize, the Belize Social Security Board, and the people of Belize are the majority owners of BTL. Cabinet, therefore, has a duty and obligation to responsibly review all available data and relevant information. It must also respectfully consider all views and concerns expressed by its members, social partners, including the media, and the public.
After careful deliberation, it is Cabinet's informed position that it does not support the proposed acquisition.
Cabinet thanks all those who engaged in good faith and constructive dialogue on this issue and assures the Belizean people that it remains determined to always listen respectfully to their voices and act in the national interest."
Again, this casual shutting the door on an $80 million deal after more than a year of dancing around it is more than surprising, it's a political shocker.
And tonight, the social partners are trying to remap their positions after a day of intensive planning for protests next Tuesday.
Tonight, some are asking whether a Cabinet "no" really means no to BTLâ€"which the PM himself has always insisted is self-governing:
Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister
"I think we, we should allow BTL to, to do a business decision they need to do, what they believe is in the interest, and the board members have a fiduciary responsibility to BTL. And if they believe that the decision that BTL is making is a good one you should support it. If it's a bad one they should say no."
"I have said that BTL whilst it is own by the government, BTL, BEL and BWSL are private companies and I am certain should that happen, I don't know if it will happen, should that happen, they will be required to give a full explanation to the people of this country and to make the case that it is something that is in the interest of the company."
News Director Jules Vasquez Analyzes Cabinet’s Shock Decision
So, joining me on set now to make sense out of all this is our News Director Jules Vasquez.
Jules, what just happened, and what happens next?
Union Leadership Draws Parallels to 2005 Protests Amid Ongoing Mobilization
And so while the social partners have to wheel and come again "we'll wait to see what they come back with.
But last night, the President of the country's mightiest union sent a message to her membership, a call to arms to get ready for Tuesday. She added that this could be shaping up to be a repeat of 2005.
Courtney Menzies put it in perspective:
The green machine is gearing up for what is promised to be a massive demonstration outside of Tuesday's Cabinet meeting. In a message to the membership last night, the BNTU President explained that the NTUCB called its affiliates to action, and the teachers' union is answering the call.
Nadia Caliz, President - BNTU
"Nothing changes if nothing changes. The BNTU Council of Management had an emergency meeting today to discuss the vote that was taken at the NTUCB's meeting last night. That vote called for all its affiliates which BNTU is a part of and their membership to join in a massive demonstration on Tuesday the 18th of August."
Nadia Caliz
"You have been asking for the BNTU to get involved but the BNTU Council of Management believes that this these are national issues and that the NTUCB should lead. Now that there is a plan of action, the BNTU Council of Management is fully onboard with what the NTUCB has recommended."
Nadia Caliz
"Now this is the opportunity for us to collectively register our discontent as it pertains to all of these national issues including the proposed acquisition of Smart."
And while the teachers' union is fully on board, the Chamber of Commerce's latest press release seems a bit wishy-washy compared to the other joint social partner statements. Those statements insisted that more information be shared before any meeting is held with either the PM or BTL, and additionally, that all social partners be at the table.
Well, the night before the meeting was scheduled, the BCCI issued an individual release clarifying that it has not declined an invitation or expressed an unwillingness to meet. They explain that they have a prior commitment to send a delegation to El Salvador through August 14th. They're now requesting a postponement of the meeting and, quote, "rejects any mischaracterization of its temporary unavailability to accommodate the proposed Thursday, August 13, 2026, meeting as an unwillingness to engage." They added enthusiastically that they still believe they can have a meaningful engagement before Cabinet's decision on Tuesday.
Still, while the BCCI may still be willing to meet with the PM, they emphasize that their original stance on the proposed acquisition has not changed and they're hoping for substantive responses to their concerns.
And with the BCCI still on their sideâ€"on paper at leastâ€"the BNTU President noted that she's having a bit of déjà vu:
Nadia Caliz, President - BNTU
"I can remember clearly and it's deja vu right now, 2005. The Belize Healthcare Partner issue and everything else started to spiral. It is important for our leaders to pay keen attention to what is happening and understand we are all in power because the peopleâ€"for me my membership, for them the electorate of this countryâ€"voted them in. So it's important that we pay attention to what the electorates are saying."
Nadia Caliz
"Not only will you be having the unions but the social partners as well, will be out there, like I said it's deja vu, 2005."
Indeed, August 18th will be almost just 10 days shy of the 22nd anniversary of the protests of 2004.
That protest, which brought together the unions, the chamber, civil society and the opposition, and was marketed as pro-Belize and non-partisan "saw Belizeans from every sector filling the downtown streets.
Then in January 2005, the BCCI agreed to a two-day shutdown of its business.
That was a tipping point for the Musa administration "though they did not know it yet "but the coalescing of dissenting groups marked a momentum shift.
So will next week mark the start of that kind of momentum for those who oppose the deal? And will Mr. Briceño be as heedless as the last PUP Prime Minister?
Well, it depends on the size, the mood and the muscle of the crowd they mobilize.
And in 5 days, we will know if they are serious enough to send a clear and consequential message to PM Briceño.
No confirmation has been given as to whether the protest will still proceed. We expect a statement tomorrow.
Fisherman Detained Following Fatal Stabbing at Ranguana Caye
Police detained a 33-year-old fisherman in connection with a stabbing incident at Ranguana Caye that left 35-year-old Belize City fisherman Jose Luis Arteaga dead and another fisherman injured.
Initial police investigations indicate that around 4:30 PM yesterday afternoon, the suspect, Arteaga, and several other fishermen were at Ranguana Caye when an altercation broke out. That's when the 33-year-old allegedly stabbed Arteaga and another fisherman before being subdued. They only had sailboats, so getting the injured men to Placencia took a while. Arteaga later succumbed to his injuries, while the other injured fisherman was also taken for medical treatment.
Arteaga leaves behind 5 children, one of whom is a newborn he did not get the chance to meet, as the baby was born just 4 days ago. We spoke to his wife today and she said that, "This hurts."
Elizabeth Reid, Wife of Deceased
"Last night I got the news when I sent my daughter to go buy and they told her and she hurry came and told me, I did not expect to hear that kind of news from him."
"I have 5 kids, a newborn that just born 4 days and he never reach to meet him, not even to hold him."
Jaleeza Roberts, Reporter
"Tell me a little bit about your husband."
Elizabeth Reid
"Well he was a nice person, he never fool around with no people. He didn't like to fight or get in trouble, he always was for his kids, he always worked for his kids. He is a fisherman so he was a good father."
"He loved his kids, he used to love his kids a lot."
"He go like every like, he only come home for 3 or 2 days and then afterwards he go for 8 or 9 days at sea."
"It will be hard for me because I stay with 5 kids and he was the head of the house so it will be hard for me by myself."
"This hurts me because this is my husband, it hurt me because, I don't know how to explain but it hurts, it hurts."
Murder charges are expected to be brought shortly.
Suspect Remanded to Prison Over Armed Robbery of Belama Store
A robbery in Belama at Guan Fan Shop on July 25th has resulted in an arrest. The owner of the store was held at gunpoint and robbed of $700 in cash, before the gunman took off running towards Central American Boulevard. He was later detained and identified as 20-year-old Christian Denver Ramos, and was charged with robbery. Ramos appeared in court today and pleaded not guilty. Due to the nature of the offense, Ramos was denied bail and he was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until October 19th. We note that this is not Ramos's first charge for robbery; he was previously granted High Court bail in 2024 for a $165,000 armed robbery in San Pedro.
Belize Communications Workers for Justice Demands Transparency Prior to Cabinet Rejection
The Speednet acquisition has lost the support of Cabinetâ€"but before that was announced, this morning, the Belize Communications Workers for Justice demanded greater transparency over Belize Telemedia Limited's proposed $80 million acquisition of Speednet, arguing that Belizeans deserve to see the evidence behind the deal before it is approved.
BCWJ says the transaction raises unanswered questions about the valuation of Speednet's technology, infrastructure, spectrum, customer base, and other assets, as well as the cost of integrating or replacing its systems and the potential impact on competition, consumers, and workers. We spoke with representative Emily Turner today who shared their stance:
Emily Turner, Representative - BCWJ
"We believe that BTL has not provided us enough evidence for us to be able to make a sound decision on this acquisition. And from when we came out in January, nothing really has substantially changed. It is the same information they have shared and they haven't shared with the Belizean public, the social partners, any further information. And that's the reason why we have decided to also come out and show our solidarity with the social partners on this matter. It is an issue at the heart of what we represent. We believe that at the heart of this issue is accountability. And we have had our challenges with BTL when it comes to accountability and BTL is asking us to take their word for it. And that is something that we have had a struggle with doing. Our experiences with the BCWJ members have been real and it is hard for us to say that we can take BTL's word on what they will do and what they say is happening or what they have seen without us getting that information and making an assessment on it. And as a Belizean that is part of the ownership of this company, we all believe that we deserve the answers, we deserve the evidence on this acquisition."
BCWJ Says One Year of Financial Data Insufficient for Buyout Assessment
And the BCWJ says that one year of Speednet's financialsâ€"which were providedâ€"were not enough for the company to make a sound decision on the proposed acquisition:
Reporter
"Do you believe that one year financials is enough?"
Emily Turner, Representative - BCWJ
"No, that's definitely not. We have been, some of us have been part of this industry for over 20â€"25 years and we have also worked in the region and we have consulted with other experts that have done this type of acquisition in the region. And at minimum, there should be at least three years financials, but the most appropriate one is five years as everybody has been asking for."
Reporter
"So they're saying they're not getting assets, they're just getting cash flow and those customers, do you rebut that?"
Emily Turner
"If it's only the cash flow, then it goes back. Now, we have to rely on their financials. How is Smart performing? Because we saw that, I think from what we saw, some of the information shared that the valuation firm, Moores, had done an estimate or a forecast that was in, I think, in 60 million or something like that. Then there were some people saying that they were making 40 million at some point. So the numbers are all over the place and I think that we need to see those figures so that then we can know if this deal makes sense. If we could actually depend on Smart giving us 20 million per year so that we can pay back that 80 million in 4.5 years. I don't think that we have seen that. Anything else that we are doing here is just speculating because we don't have the numbers."
BCWJ Confirms Participation in Planned Protest Actions
And in light of the protest originally planned for Tuesday, will the BCWJ be joining? The answer is an emphatic yes:
Emily Turner, Representative - BCWJ
"So at this time, we know that we are definitely going to be in support with the solidarity for tomorrow with wearing black. And then we are trying to understand where exactly will be the protest, because as we understand, there may be some logistics that we kind of need to clarify. But it's something that we do intend to show our solidarity for."
We expect that some measure of protest will still happen.
Workers Union Criticizes BTL Board Chairman's Stance
And when it comes to the Chairman of the BTL Board of Directors, the BCWJ is not convinced that he is connected to real sentiment on the ground:
Emily Turner, Representative - BCWJ
"I think that his comments were very... He's not in touch with what's going on on the ground. Like you said, you have to read the room. He's not reading this environment at all because for some reason he believes that he can just proceed with this. Then he changes the statements that he makes every time he is asked something. Then he introduces a whole lot of things that makes the whole thing muddy and murky. It's intentional so that we all start getting confused about this thing. But this thing isn't confusing. This is numbers. Show me the financials. Show me your technology assessment. Show me your costs. If you say you're going to move towers and you're going to put it somewhere else, show me what that costs. Because moving a tower is not you want to move it and just lift it and it's gone. You have to build a base station. You have to assess whether you can move that steel that's there and if the equipment that is on that tower can integrate into what BTL has. There's a lot to it. So he is introducing a lot of things that creates a lot of confusion. I think it's intentional so that we can start going after each other or scattering around to try to figure out what he's saying. But I think with true evidence presented to us, assessments, the proper assessments, the financial records that everybody's asking for for five years, all of this would go away. We wouldn't have to be guessing or we wouldn't have to be doubting what he's saying. We want to believe him so let him show us the information."
BTL Chairman Defends Acquisition Information Sharing Metrics
But, as we learned when we spoke to him earlier this week "Chairman Lizarraga has a much different threshold for information sharing than regular folks. In fact, what we call news, he calls mischief. Jules Vasquez reports:
Channel 7 first reported on this intended acquisition in June of 2025â€"which was, in our opinion, an important heads-up for the public:
Reporter
"There are discussions for those cable companies to be bought over by BTL, which had started years ago. Smart may also be bundled in there, right, Smart the phone company, which, again, the Briceño family has an interest in, but I have to flag it now because the Briceño family has a vested interest. But if it would happen, the Briceño business empire, all respect to it, would gain substantially. We're talking 10s of millions of dollars."
More than a year later that's still what is on the tableâ€"but the Chairman says it should never have been reported:
Markhelm Lizarraga, Chairman - BTL
"It's unfortunate that this whole process was leaked prematurely for mischief, and it continues to be perpetuated like that for mischief."
And while he calls lively public debate "mischief," here's how he describes public consultationâ€"the kind which was never done in earnest:
Markhelm Lizarraga
"You have to remember that consultation, public consultation came throughâ€"legallyâ€"the PUC. That's the place where the public can go and make all its representations and express all its concerns as well. All its concerns as well. That was another venue for consultation."
He's talking about this: 7 letters sent to the PUCâ€"all objecting to the acquisitionâ€"for Chairman Mark that constitutes public consultation. It's a graphic and worrying distortion of what consultation really meansâ€"totally shifting the burden of engagement to consumers. And it's especially bad when those consultations were politically mandated:
Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister (February 15, 2026)
"Take their time one consultation at a time and if after a couple of months of consultations the people aren't with it, then BTL will have to take a chill pill, you know. They will have to take a chill pill, they will have a shelf it, because, ultimately, it's the people of Belize who owns the company. It's not Mr. Lizarraga, it's not the board of BTL, it's the people of Belize."
Markhelm Lizarraga
"Anybody that has wanted to meet with us, has been afforded the ability to meet with us, ok?"
Julius Espat, Minister
"Consultation is never enough. And I think there's a misconception that you have these privately/publicly owned companies and they believe that they don't owe, they don't have to consult with the Belizean people, that I have a serious problem with. You either own it or you don't own it and we own it so if we own it, then you have to come to us to ask our opinion."
Belize Hosts Regional Environmental Leaders for 75th CCAD Council of Ministers
This week, Belize is hosting regional environmental leaders under its pro tempore presidency of CCAD. The high-level regional meetings are being hosted here as part of Belize's leadership of the Central American Commission on Environment and Development (CCAD) under SICA.
The 75th Ordinary Regional Council of Ministers brings together 8 SICA member states to discuss regional environmental cooperation and climate change challenges. We spoke to our Minister of Sustainable Development who is representing us at the event. Here's what he shared about today's meeting.
Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development
"So today we are celebrating the 7th meeting of the Council of Ministers of Environment of Central America and Belize holds the pro temp chairmanship from the 1st of July to the end of December 2026 and this meeting now is to 1 pass over the presidency from Dominican Republic to Belize and for Belize also to take over and put in its priorities for the projects that we see, that we can hopefully implement within the region in the six months which is sometimes difficult because six months is a short time. But luckily the governance structure allows for us to be able to try to complete the projects that the past presidency couldn't complete we start off ours and try to do as much as we can and then the next presidency takes over from where we left. For us it is very important because..."
Orlando Habet
"...sometimes it is difficult to come by alone but when we have a regional project with the same focus with the same priorities, CCAD can be the leverage for that funding from the global international financial institutions to be able to seek the funding to effect these projects on a regional basis."
One major discussion on the table for CCAD is how they can secure international funding for climate initiatives. We asked Minister Habet what they have in mind for projects in Belize.
Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development
"We want to concentrate, Belize has always tried to see how it can focus on the issue of water. Water is essential it is a basic necessity but we have seen that we have had a depletion in water especially the issues with El Niño and other climatic events we also focus water with drought because it is one extreme or the other, on a regional scale we are already seeing the effects of the El Niño and drought periods especially along the corridor of Central America, and the Dominican Republic we have requested support for framework for Sargassum at our regional level we had started with Dominican Republic and Belize and now yesterday we had a meeting with the ministers who are present and luckily they all have agreed that we will pass a resolution today and make a declaration from the late framework and see how we can seek funding for projects on a larger scale to find the solution of course."
The meetings run from August 10th to the 14th.
Minister Habet Refuses to Commit to Single Theory on Belize River Fish Kill
In other environmental news, we have closely followed reports of fish kills in the Belize River these past 2 weeks.
It has greatly impacted the ecosystem in the water, killing not only fish but other wildlife as well. Based on what we know so far, the speculation is that it may have originated from Santander or an illegal rice farm in the area.
We asked the Minister for Sustainable Development about it today and he refused to commit to any theory:
Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development
"These businesses when they commence and especially when they have to do land clearing there are rules and regulations one for example you have to do an EIA for clearing anything above 300 acres of land. Whether it is for agriculture or any other productive area, the thing is that many times they start off well but there is not sufficient monitoring and compliance checking then they don't comply we try to be there as much as possible it is not only the Department of Environment, there is Pesticides Control Board, there is the Ministry of Agriculture, there is the Ministry of Infrastructure, if they have to do any digging if they have to do any canals or anything else then you have the ministry responsible for mining so it is a group of us so I think what we have to do is try to see how we can hold them to task on those commitments that they make because they have to sign an ECP, they sign it and until they sign it then the Department releases environmental clearance."
Orlando Habet
"But as you mentioned the fish kill certainly has been affected by farms upstream from where the fish were actually dying and the investigation took a while because you just can't come and blame somebody if you don't have the evidence because you know we are a litigious nation and they will take you to court and you have to find money to pay so we have to be very careful. But as I have always said you recall the issue with the tourists trying to touch the jaguar, yes they did it it was something they should not have done but for me it is more on the area of education because if people are educated then you know what you should do what you can't do and you know what you should not do again on another occasion."
Sustainable Development Ministry Investigates Unpermitted Rice Farm in Fish Kill Probe
As for that rice farm, the Minister was unable to confirm whether or not they had obtained an EIA to operate in that area. He explained that they are working to determine whether or not that farm or the others in the area may be the source of the problem.
Reporter
"Minister, so in that case that raising of so much forest cover, 380 acres, that's what would have happened for a rice farm, so the Forest Department was not aware of that?"
Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development
"They are looking at it because I don't know if they, if those people had a request of an EIA or environmental clearance, so if they are not then they would have to be dealt with by the law, but normally they should have to, but it was not only that farm. I think in the last year or so there was over 3,000 acres of land that was cleared, right? But remember also, Santander, yes, close to Santander, and so what the report is showing that even some of the independent studies that people that went in to say, okay, this canal is coming from Santander, but it is not that Santander is dumping directly into the canal, they have their ponds, leaching ponds and everything else, and when they overflow they go into a next one and a next one and then they go into the canal and then eventually into the river. But some of these farms, I think two or three of them also empty into the same canal, so that is why I say it is hard to just pinpoint and say one, maybe it is all of them that are contributing and even other farms. We have farms, there is another large sugarcane plantation in Big Falls, there is I think across from Big Falls..."
Reporter
"Down south?"
Orlando Habet
"No, Big Falls here by mile 23, 25..."
Reporter
"That is not Santander?"
Orlando Habet
"That is not Santander."
Reporter
"A sugar farm?"
Orlando Habet
"A sugarcane farm, and you have agriculture production, corn production."
Reporter
"So this farm is producing to provide sugarcane for Santander to mill?"
Orlando Habet
"Yes."
Reporter
"So it is not owned by Santander? That is interesting."
Orlando Habet
"No, no, no."
Area Rep Expresses Disappointment Over Appeals Court Ruling in Land Dispute
Last week we reported on an Appeals Court judgment in favor of Fowler Works Enterprises Limited and against the Minister of Natural Resources regarding a land sale agreement that occurred in the last days of the Barrow administration.
The Ministry of Natural Resources had entered into four separate agreements to sell a total of nearly two thousand acres of national land in the Duck Run area of the Cayo District to Fowler Works Enterprises Limited.
The new government refused to honor the sale, which the High Court said they were wrong to do. They challenged it at the Court of Appeal which unanimously dismissed the appeal, leaving GOB facing millions of dollars in damages.
The land is in Habet's constituency and we asked him about the outcome of that case today and he said he was totally disappointed.
Reporter
"Are you disappointed at the Court of Appeal's ruling regarding the Fowler Works acreage in Duck Run, I can't remember which one of them?"
Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development
"Yes, it is in Duck Run 3, yes, certainly, totally disappointed because firstly it is in my constituency, secondly I found out almost a few weeks from the 2020 elections one of my constituents asked me to help him secure his title for his lot of land where he was living in Santa Familia and then he gave me these documents that then my former opponent Mr. John August had left there and when I saw a 1,910 acres sold to Fowler Works Enterprises, but most of this land has been occupied by people from Santa Familia for 30–40 years, they got it handed over from the parents to the son. And I took it to the minister and the minister immediately put a stop to it, but then the person who had already purchased the land about 20 days before the election of 2020 took it to court and now the court is saying that the government has to pay him 10 million dollars. That is ridiculous, I don't even think he knows where the land is, he has never put foot on the land, he won't put foot on that land if you have 40–50 local farmers on that land there."
Minister Avoids Taking a Stance on BTL Speednet Buyout
And while his government lost in that case, they were also losing big time in the proposed BTL acquisition of Speednet.
Well, he steered clear of taking a position on that.
Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development
"Yes it has been discussed amongst our Cabinet we had 3 presentations from Social Security, BTL and what is it, the PUC? And so I am waiting on Tuesday to see what will be the decision."
Reporter
"You have to decide, you will contribute to that decision."
Orlando Habet
"That's why, so we will see as a Cabinet that is what we have to do."
Reporter
"Do you feel the pressure of the people to oppose this deal?"
Orlando Habet
"There is from the people, but the people is also Social Security, represented by Social Security in a way because they have some investments in BTL so we have to look at it from all sides."
Reporter
"The people don't want it."
Orlando Habet
"Which people?"
Reporter
"Belizean citizens, the owners of BTL and the owners of SSB."
Orlando Habet
"How do you know that?"
Reporter
"Because you see it all on social media, you speak to people, they have been making their positions known."
Orlando Habet
"I too have seen."
Reporter
"So the unions are going to demonstrate Tuesday while you all are meeting, the unions represent hundreds of workers, thousands actually."
Orlando Habet
"So it is going to be a decision that Cabinet will make on Tuesday."
Leaked CCJ Emails Reveal Belize Judge Taking Moderate Tone
Turning now to news of the crisis at the Caribbean Court of Justice, earlier this month, we told you about the leaked emails coming out of the CCJ, reported on by the Trinidad Express.
It shows a rift between the President, Winston Anderson, and Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji. This came after the judge wore traditional Nigerian clothing, leading Anderson to remove Eboe-Osuji from the panel for two cases, including one for Belize. Anderson explained to him that business attire was required and copied the other judges in the email chain which revealed a long string of grievances that 5 of the 6 judges have with President Anderson.
The 6th judge no one has heard anything about is Belize's own Justice Denys Barrow. But his email—which was far more moderate—was mentioned in a press report last night by CCN TV6. Here is a clip:
Reporter
"The email exchanges resulted from a July 3rd email sent by Justice Anderson to Justice Eboe-Osuji about judicial dress for hearings related to the upcoming case of Fisher vs. Guyana Elections Commission and the AG calling for July 16th, 2026, and Ramirez and Zabaneh vs. AG of Belize, July 28th, 2026. Anderson said, ‘Dear Judge, you're currently listed to be a member of the hearing panel for two cases cited in the subject. Pending the adoption of the CCJ judicial dress code, I humbly seek your assurance that you will conform to the wearing of traditional business suit and tie for these judicial hearings as is customary in this court and in this region.'"
Reporter
"On the same day, Justice Barrow also weighed in, stating, ‘We need to be careful not to elevate to a finding of fact the misgiving that removing Chile from D'Almada was a device to suppress or eliminate the discussion in that case of the ratio, TCL v Guyana. Let us consider whether Winston could really have thought that none of the other judges would share Chile's views. I raise these matters to ensure we maintain perspective as we advance our demands for a reset.'"
Belize Bus Association Demands Urgent Response from Government on Fuel Subsidy
BTL may have gone to the back burner, but the Belize Bus Association (BBA) is pressing the Government for an urgent response on its request to extend diesel subsidy support for bus operators, warning that persistent high fuel prices and mounting economic pressures could push the sector toward another breaking point.
In a letter dated August 12, BBA President Philip Jones reminded Transport Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh that the association had first written to him on July 15 seeking an extension of the subsidy and had requested a response by the end of July. According to the BBA, no response was received, and when the association followed up on August 5, Minister Zabaneh instructed them to forward the request directly to Prime Minister John Briceño, which they did on August 6. The association says that, as of August 12, neither the Prime Minister nor the Transport Minister had responded. The BBA is now requesting a response by the end of this week, stressing that the issue affects the general public and should be addressed with the urgency required before economic pressures escalate "to a breaking point for a second time."
Belizean Centenarian and Sporting Legend Bertie Ellis Passes Away at 109
And finally tonight, we note the passing of sporting legend and centenarian plus Gilbert Wilton "Bertie" Ellis at 109 years old. He passed away, leaving behind a long legacy in Belize. Over the course of more than 40 years, Ellis served as a warehouse keeper with both Santiago Castillo Company and the Belize Port Authority. In later years, he took on a role he especially enjoyed as a taxi driver.
But beyond his work, Ellis was a cricket lover and participated in and supported several other sporting disciplines throughout his life. He also remained involved in the game as a coach and manager, including with the Guinness Softball team, where his daughter Glenda Ellis was a player.
Ellis also contributed to public life through his involvement in several community organizations, including the Harmony Housing and Telephone Board. He also served as a Justice of the Peace and held the position of Grandmaster of the Oddfellows Lodge.
Ellis never married but was the father of 18 children, three of whom predeceased him. He is survived by 15 children, along with numerous grandchildren and extended family members.
Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us
|
Email
Print