It’s a historic YES. Early on Wednesday night, a clear picture began emerging that Belizeans had decided in favour of taking the Guatemalan territorial claim to the International Court of Justice. The turnout was better that anticipated and a tidal wave of Yes was sweeping across the country. But the certified results were announced until […]
Prime Minister Dean Barrow was in high spirits this afternoon when he addressed the nation, following the results of a historic referendum held on Wednesday. While the territorial dispute between Belize and Guatemala is still years away from being resolved, the overwhelming decision to take the matter before the world court is momentous. Before an […]
In admitting that both campaigns have divided the people, PM Barrow has reached out to the Opposition as a show of unity. This is despite the fact that he is yet to speak with Opposition Leader, John Briceño. According to the prime minister, the belated effort at bipartisanship is a reminder nonetheless that it is […]
The Maritime Areas Act, once a divisive piece of legislation that caused a rift within the United Democratic Party almost three decades ago, will be revised in the days ahead. It is the first order of business as government prepares to formalize its position for going to the I.C.J. PM Barrow outlines the extensive process […]
Will Guatemala’s disclosure relating to its claim over Belize be made public? It’s a question that is at the forefront of the minds of many. After all, Belizeans need to know what exactly Guatemala is seeking before the I.C.J. But PM Barrow could not provide a direct answer. It is a question, he promises, will […]
Belize City comprises ten constituencies with the south side being a traditional stronghold for the U.D.P. and north side normally polling in for the P.U.P. at General Elections. The battle here was fought long and hard, but on Wednesday, the U. D. P. machinery cranked up and out-maneuvered the P.U.P. and the NO vote. At […]
Leader of the Opposition, John Briceño released a pre-recorded statement today, following the outcome of Wednesday’s referendum. In a separate press release, Briceño first thanked Belizeans for being part of the referendum process and lauded the peaceful exercise of democracy. The Party Leader says that it will be the responsibility of the people to hold […]
This afternoon, the Guatemalan Government issued a recorded statement by President Jimmy Morales alongside his Foreign Minister Sandra Jovel. Morales celebrated Belize’s decision to take the territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice and expressed hope that the issue be resolved soon. Here is an excerpt from the two and a half minute statement. […]
On the eve of the I.C.J. Referendum, Belizeans across the country, as well as families and friends who have been sidelined in the Diaspora, are on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the outcome of Wednesday’s historic vote. The national poll to determine whether Belize should go to the International Court of Justice, […]
The message from the Leader of the Opposition, John Briceño, had a different ring. Briceño took aim at the ruling party for failing to properly educate the masses of voters via a public awareness campaign headed by the Referendum Unit. He also points to government’s lackluster record in litigation at home and abroad as a […]
One hundred and forty seven thousand plus voters are eligible to vote this Wednesday when the polls open at centres across the country. On this station our coverage starts at six o’clock and will continue throughout the day until the results are in. While the referendum will held be held under the Representation of the […]
The Elections and Boundaries Department sent out two advisories this evening in respect of the voting on Wednesday. It clarifies that electors wishing to cast their ballots in respect of the Belize Territorial Dispute Referendum can do so with or without their voter’s identification card. So there you have it, once you re-registered and your […]
At this time observers from the Commonwealth and from CARICOM are already in Belize in respect of Wednesdays Referendum. Their role is to keep an eye on the voting process. But there is also a role for monitors which are normally drawn from political parties but on this referendum the Elections and Boundaries Department has […]
An argument between the P.U.P. and U.D.P. over I.C.J. banners was sparked on social media this morning. The U.D.P., on its Facebook page, posted a picture of a banner hung in the Cayo North constituency. The banner reads “In Cayo North, Party Above Country, Say no to the ICJ.” The U.D.P. said “This is so […]
The leader of the relatively small, Belize People’s Front, appeared before the media today. Nancy Marin Juan caused a stir last week following an incident at the controversial Sarstoon. On the anniversary of the signing of the 1859 treaty on April thirtieth, Marin was escorted by Wil Maheia of the B.T.V. and journeyed to Sarstoon […]
There was a deadly explosion at the Ocean Ferry Water Taxi terminal on Sunday afternoon in Belize City. The vessel was loaded with thirty-four passengers about to take-off to Caye Caulker. Two young siblings sitting close to the engine perished in the blast. The girls’ mother was injured and released and their stepfather remains hospitalized. […]
An investigation led by the National Fire Service is ongoing and efforts are being made to determine the cause of the massive explosion that killed Kimberly and Jamiri Guy. The fire department was among the first responders to the scene of the deadly blast at the Ocean Ferry terminal and preliminary reports indicate that it […]
Their seats at the rear of the vessel, a location where most passengers find the boat ride to be smoother, placed Interiano and his family in grave danger. While investigators are yet to determine the source of the blast, Matura says that it is the responsibility of the Belize Ports Authority to inspect and sign […]
The emergency situation in the immediate aftermath of the explosion was dealt with precision. First responders were on the scene soon after, the siblings as well as the injured persons were rushed to the hospitals. The K.H.M.H. describes this type of emergency as a “mass casualty” because of the number of persons requiring medical attention […]
U.D.P. Senator Aldo Salazar was questioned by U.S. authorities last week. Senator Salazar was part of a delegation which included Senate President Lee Mark Chang when he was pulled aside by authorities in Houston, Texas. They were returning from a visit to Taiwan. Salazar, who is the attorney for Atlantic International Bank, was questioned about […]
Turning to an issue that has been in the headline for months…In just two days, the nation will make a very important and historic decision on whether or not submit the Belize/Guatemala dispute to the I.C.J. for final resolution. What should have been a national issue has been transformed into a partisan political matter with […]
On Friday, we showed you the grueling journey of five primary school students from Machakilha Village, who left their homes in the dead of night and walked six miles to another remote village en route to Corazon Creek where they sat part-two of the Primary School Exams. Without an access road, the isolated community is […]
Boxes containing one hundred and seventy-three thousand ballots went up in flames today during an organized exercise carried out by the Elections and Boundaries Department. The ballots were to have been used for the April tenth referendum, but with a new law and a new date, the ballot papers were no longer valid. The Chief […]
Even before dawn this morning, students started their trek to sit part-two of the P.S.E. in southern Belize. There was not even a horse to ride, much less a vehicle to travel in. It was by foot that the primary school students from Machakilha set out to the P.S.E. centre in Corazon, another remote area […]
The hardships and challenges faced by the children of Machakilha have triggered more questions for the Ministry of Education. Today, Minister of Education Patrick Faber says that while he acknowledges the strains and pains of the students, his ministry can only do so much. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education “It is true that they […]
