Ministry of Transport Provides Update on Public Transit Consolidation Under National Bus Company

Today in Belmopan, the Ministry of Transport held a press conference to provide an update on consolidating the national public transport system under the National Bus Company.
On Friday, two pieces of legislation were passed to accommodate this. The Public Transportation Investment Bill provides the NBC with fiscal incentives for its first five years, including exemptions from certain taxes and import duties, while the accompanying legislation establishes exclusive and limited concessions along the Southern and Western Corridors to prevent competing road service permits from undermining the company's investment.

Today, the Minister explained that while making this decision, they had to reflect on the errors made during the Novelo era:

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport
"One of the ways to see the need and the value of the bill and the two motions is to look back at the consolidation starting in 2002 that led to the Novelo family owning the one consolidated company plus James Bus Line. There was no legal framework created to protect that arrangement. And what happened after that is road service permits continued to be issued out by some of the same people who sold to the consolidation, undermining the company, and that led to two in 2004, to 31 in 2005. So what... we have learned a lesson from that, and it is that we must have legislation in place that will give assurances over a period of time for the investments that need to go in. The Belizean people's investment is going in there, right, with the $20-plus million for buses, etc. That's representing the people's investment. And then the operators' investment, $19.2 or so million, that's significant investment. So we don't want that come two months later, we have other people getting road service, or two years later, or next term. So that's what the two motions were with the limited and the exclusive concessions for the Southern Corridor and the Western Corridor."

Commuters Face Ongoing Issues as Minister Grades National Bus Company Operations

But the NBC has not made any quantum leap in public transport; commuters still have the same issues: leaky old buses that break down, standees, and scheduling issues.

And as the saying goes, "fisherman would nevah seh ih fish stink," but here's how the Minister graded the company:

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport
"I would say in terms of being on trajectory, I think we get an A for that, on trajectory. In fact, in certain respects, we are ahead of where we thought we would be. In terms of operations, we would have wanted to be able to do better than we are doing now, in terms of the breakdowns and all that. So for that, we probably get a C+. I worry about the plus-I'm not sure if I should give the plus. But as a commuter, nobody wants to be still going on the bus and having breakdowns. So we have to look at it from the perspective of the commuter. With the terminals, I think we are moving along-we would want to move along faster. So perhaps there we might get a B. Now, while I have had the privilege to work in academia, that was a privilege that I got as an adjunct teacher at these different things, so you might want to get somebody more qualified than me to come and give their assessment of it. But in my humble opinion, I think overall for certain things, we've done very well. And for other things, we still need to do more."

The new NBC bus schedules will come out on November 1st.

Orange Walk Bus Operator Alleges Unfair Discontinuation of Longstanding us Run

But an Orange Walk District bus operator claims that he is being singled out and blocked from continuing his regular bus runs from Shipyard through Guinea Grass to Orange Walk Town, after running his bus line for more than a decade on that route.

We spoke to the owner, German Tillett, who told us via a phone call this evening that he has been cautioned by the Traffic Department, but has not been given a reason why he can no longer get a permit approved to continue those runs:

Voice of: German Tillett, Owner, A. Tillett's Jr. Bus Line
"I have a run from Shipyard passing through Guinea Grass to Orange Walk-that run, we have been doing that run for more than 20 years. To be specific, that was one of the first runs that we got as Tillett Bus Service when we started running with buses here in Orange Walk. That run was not given to us by UDP or PUP-that run was asked by the people of Shipyard, by the community of Shipyard and the people of Guinea Grass, because there was no bus at that time running-no bus running from Shipyard and Guinea Grass to Orange Walk. We were the first ones that started that route that crosses through Guinea Grass to Orange Walk. Now, after so many years, by the end of last year I have applied for that run and I was not given that run, and I have applied during this year three more times and I was still not given that run. And today, the Traffic Department went to the bus-they did not even get in contact with the owners, which is me or my father, and tell me or my father that they want us to discontinue that run. They went to the bus with the driver and conductor and told them that the bus cannot run."

Jomarie Lanza:
"So you plan to run your bus tomorrow, although that they gave you a warning?"

German Tillett:
"Well, definitely, because they have not given us a reason why we should stop running."

We'll let you know what happens tomorrow when he makes that defiant run.

We sought comment from the CEO of Transport, Chester Williams, who told us he checked with the Chair of the Transport Board on that issue. The Chair did acknowledge receiving an application four months ago. But they say the run is a new run and it clashes with an existing run that someone already has in the area, so it was on that premise that it was not approved. Williams says he explained to the Chair that, according to Tillett, they have been doing their run for a number of years now, so the Chair will look into it. We will investigate the matter, and if it is an existing run as he claims and they have been issued road service permits for it in the past, then certainly there is no way we can abruptly revoke or discontinue that road service permit, end quote.

PUP National Party Council Meets Amid Tensions

Turning now to politics. If you saw the news on Friday, you'll know there's a lot of tension inside the highest echelons of the PUP right now.
So, how would it play out when the party came together on Saturday for its National Party Council meeting-which was more like a party rally-at the Lord Rhaburn Plaza near Memorial Park yesterday?
While the crowd of supporters was not at peak PUP levels, it was a decent turnout, and they were energized.

But, things being what they currently are in the PUP, with Cabinet intrigues and cloaked daggers on the ready, there was some minor shade thrown by Anthony Mahler and Cordel Hyde. Here's a snippet of what they said:

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, Youth & Sports
"Let us stay focused on the people, because service is about these people out here. It's not about talking on the media, it's about service to the people. Let us get it together, let us work together, let us deliver for the people of this party. Let us deliver for the people of this beautiful country that we call Belize-all 8,867 square miles. So from north to south, east to west, we will put our boots on the ground and march in every single house, community, and we will meet the people and serve and work and win the next set of elections again."

Cordel Hyde, Minister of Natural Resources
"Ministers like to feel like they're God's gift to the world. We get swell-headed and carried away sometimes. But you are God's gift to the world. You made it happen-you make us, us. And we can't forget that. So everything you get, you deserve. All the jobs you get, you deserve; all the land you get, you deserve; all the houses you get, you deserve; all the scholarships you get, you deserve-in fact, we should give you more. We should give you our pay... we're going too far now."

Prime Minister Briceño Confirms Return as PUP Party Leader at National Party Council

And for Party Leader and Prime Minister John BriceÃ±o, who has been going through battles recently, it was a welcome relief to be back in front of a crowd of the party faithful.

And the crowd erupted into cheers when BriceÃ±o made it official: he will remain as party leader for another term:

John Briceno, Prime Minister
"In 2018, we won our first election under my leadership, and in 2020, we won a historic victory for the PUP and this country. And we won in '21, we won in '24, and we won in '25. And we are going to win in '27 for the PUP and for our people. And I want to tell you, ladies and gentlemen, members and delegates, I want to solemnly promise to you: if you want me to continue to lead, I will lead the PUP into 2030 for another victory. Are you ready?"

"I want to thank my brother Cordel. We have been in many fights together, and whenever we're together, we fight together, we always win. Right, DPM? We always win."

Contrasting Statements Highlight Internal Friction Between Minister Espat and Prime Minister

And in the PM's speech, he also mentioned that there had been a lot of talk of social justice lately, and he emphasized the steps the PUP has taken in that direction over the past few years.
But the conversation started in an interview we did with PUP Minister Julius Espat one month ago, and it continued on Friday outside the House of Representatives.
Espat gave a lengthy, often cutting early morning interview that drew visible displeasure from the Prime Minister.

Courtney Menzies highlighted the subtle friction between their contrasting statements to the media:

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Home Affairs haven't been seeing eye to eye, and that came out in the interviews they did outside the National Assembly on Friday.

Their first point of contention is with the Ministry of Home Affairs and whether the PM will choose a permanent minister to take over the portfolio. Julius Espat previously stated he was willing to take it on. But he had a different position when we spoke with him:

Julius Espat, Minister of Home Affairs / MIDH
"I'm humbly requesting to the Prime Minister: make up your mind. Put a minister, any minister, bring him from Timbuktu if you want. But place somebody that you have trust in, that you can work with, that the people in Belize are comfortable with, that your police officers are comfortable with, and I will be 100% in support."

Jules Vasquez:
"But you have said you are prepared to be that person."

Julius Espat:
"That is waning. I'm not too sure."

Jules Vasquez:
"What accounts for your waning?"

Julius Espat:
"Uncertainty."

Jules Vasquez:
"Limbo."

Julius Espat:
"In limbo. I am a man... limbo drives me in a different direction."

John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I don't know how he can say it's in the limbo-he is the minister. I did not appoint him minister of limbo, I appointed him as the minister, not even the acting-he's the minister responsible for the police. But we need to appreciate... I just came back on Monday, and as soon as I got back on Monday, we had the visit from the Taiwan Foreign Minister and we've been dealing with that. Yesterday we had Cabinet, today we have House Meeting, so it would have been difficult to answer. I think that it's not a matter of me being pressured or being given a timeline when to answer. I think as the Prime Minister, I should be given the opportunity to make the decision when I believe is the right time. I was hoping that we'd be able to get a report from the Auditor General on what are her findings and what if any are the recommendations we can do. I haven't gotten it as yet. Maybe sometime next week I'll try to find out if she needs more time-maybe we have to make a decision sooner than later."

Another point that the two disagree on is whether the PM is prone to ill-informed outbursts. Last month, BriceÃ±o publicly chastised Espat for comments that he made. However, Espat stated that the PM had gotten some wrong information and they were able to work it out. So was that the case when BriceÃ±o used profanity directed at 7News Director Jules Vasquez? Espat seems to think so:

Jules Vasquez:
"What did you think when you heard the Prime Minister using profanity?"

Julius Espat:
"I think one of the concerns I have is in the information that he receives at times is not correct. And then he reacts to information that's not correct. And then when he reads it himself and realizes the facts, then he is the first to apologize, as he did to me. And so I just would hope that his advisers advise him properly. We need that. And by the way, I saw what you said, and I didn't... I didn't think it was offensive."

Jules Vasquez:
"We also asked him about the comments you made on Love FM's morning show. He said you guys worked it out and that sometimes you are given wrong information. Is this the case that you mischaracterize sometimes or misspeak?"

John Briceno:
"I think that's best left unanswered-let's leave that as it is."

But Espat has taken a nonchalant attitude to the public scolding, chalking it all up to stress:

Julius Espat:
"Can you imagine the stress that a Prime Minister is under? So you have to work with what you have, and you have to understand his emotions take over at times, and if I eased it a bit, then I'm good with that."

Historical Pontoon Bridge Disaster Offers Lessons Ahead of Swing Bridge Replacement

And turning now from the politics of the day to a national tragedy from more than six decades ago. Jules Vasquez went to the Belize Archives and Records Department to dig up some old history that's very relevant today.
As Belize City prepares for the replacement of the iconic Swing Bridge-a project that will once again require commuters to rely on a temporary river crossing-history offers a stark reminder of how things can go very wrong, very quickly.
Decades ago, during an overhaul of the bridge, tragedy struck when the apron of a temporary pontoon bridge suddenly collapsed.

Tonight, we look back at that historical disaster as a timely lesson for the city as new temporary structures are readied:

This was the headline in the Belize Billboard on Friday, June 15, 1962: "6 Drown in Bridge Tragedy".

It happened the day before when dozens of pedestrians fell off a temporary pontoon bridge made up of two barges that had been erected between Richard Sidewalk and Pickstock Street while repairs were being done on the Swing Bridge. In those days, the Swing Bridge still used to swing, and the temporary bridge had to do the same.

On June 14 at 10:30 a.m., an oil barge got stuck at the Swing Bridge-and pedestrians, who after 25 to 30 minutes couldn't wait, walked down Regent Street West to the temporary bridge.

The Billboard reported:
"Six lives were known lost up to press time yesterday, after the weight of 45 to 60 women and children standing on the 10' by 12' stand-apron of the Southside barge of the Pickstock St. pontoon bridge opened the eye bolt holding the apron in place, and plunged with the people on it into eight feet of water in the Belize River."

Seven people drowned-five children and two adults.

It was considered an unprecedented tragedy in Belize at the time, which had a population of less than a hundred thousand people.

A commission of inquiry was established which held public hearings; their conclusion:
"The cause of the accident was the overloading of the apron by the rush of the crowd on to the apron before the Pickstock Street barge was placed in position under the end of the apron. Had they waited on the Richard Sidewalk barge, clear of the apron, until the Pickstock Street barge had been connected, the accident would not have occurred."

We should note that the pontoon bridge was not meant for pedestrian traffic, and construction had not been finished.

Fast forward 64 years, and this time the Swing Bridge isn't being repaired-it is being retired-and another temporary bridge is being built in its place. This one, though, is not a pontoon; it is concrete spans, and it will go from West Canal to Hyde's Lane. And while it was planned to be temporary, now it is going to be permanent:

Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing
"Well, the one by Swing Bridge, definitely we have agreed. Originally, it was just a temporary bridge and then we got a costing for a single lane. And then I said, 'What would it cost if it would be double lane?' And the cost came in extremely minimal because the spans were about the same. And so I said, 'If we are going to invest all of this money into a temporary bridge, could it not remain permanent?' And everybody said, 'Yes.' So we spoke to the City Council and we asked them if they had any problem with that remaining permanent. They said no, and I thought it was a good idea because then you have more access to Northside and Southside."

"Because we purchased the land. And so it is... it is owned by the Government of Belize. The one that we... I don't think we will be able to leave permanent is the one by San Cas, because we are renting that."

We thank the staff at the Belize Archives and Records Service for their assistance in sourcing the historical photographs for that story.

Twenty-Two-Year-Old Barber Jahrule Gibson Fatally Shot in Sandhill

On Friday night, 22-year-old barber Jahrule Gibson was killed in Sandhill. Reports suggest it is because of ongoing gang rivalry in the small village. Jaleeza Roberts reports:

A beloved barber is dead, and his family wants answers. But what could have led Jahrule Gibson down Salt Creek Road in Sandhill after 10:00 p.m. on Friday night? This is what his mom told us:

Voice of: Tracy Pasqual, Mother of Deceased
"He was already in his bed, and then a friend came and called him out and they went. He was on his bike and the friend was on a horse, and they walked the way to Salt Creek. And entering that location, I heard that the gunman came out in a black hoodie and fired several shots. The first one that hit him, he ran, and then they fired a couple shots after that, and he was on the ground. And the friend that was with him went towards his family and told him that my son just got shot, and they ran out. But his cousin got there and he held him in his arms, and he asked him what happened, and he told him that he just got shot. And it's like he was telling him where all part of the body he got shot, and that was his last words."

But this is what police had to say:

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
"On Friday, the 2nd day of October 2026, around 10:45 p.m., police responded to a shooting incident in Sandhill. Upon arrival, they saw the lifeless body of a male person identified as Jahrule Gibson, 21 years, of Sandhill Village. Jahrule Gibson received multiple gunshot injuries. He was taken for treatment, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Information is that he was riding his bicycle in the area at the time when he was approached by a person who fired several shots towards his direction, causing his fatal injuries. We are seeking one suspect in regards to this investigation."

Reporter:
"Any previous altercations between those two?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"They had some rivalry in that area, and that is what led to the shooting."

Jomarie Lanza:
"Is the victim known to police?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"Yes, he is known to police."

Reporter:
"A gang rivalry we are talking about?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"Yeah, some sort of rivalry between him and other persons in the village."

But even though police say his murder may be gang-related, his mother knew him as one to always help others:

Tracy Pasqual, Mother of Deceased
"To me, he was a good person, you know. He always tried to help out once he had it, and I know that everybody in this life isn't perfect, and probably he had his issues that I did not know about, but I still think that what has happened... his life shouldn't have gone like that."

"I will always remember him as a good person, just the positive, not the negative."

And she says she doesn't want retaliation, but justice:

Tracy Pasqual, Mother of Deceased
"I am a person with a good heart, so all I'm looking for is justice. And whoever did it, they will get caught, because they can't hide-Belize is a small country, so they can't hide."

Jaleeza Roberts, 7News.

No one is detained for the murder.

Immigration Officer Charged with Extortion Following Big Creek Port Shakedown Investigation

Tonight, Immigration Officer Ruben Manolo Requena, assigned to Independence Village, has been criminally charged for extortion after allegedly shaking down a shipping agent at the Big Creek Port.
It's a story that goes back to the Humilde Viajero, whose captain had been charged for uncustomed goods while six crew members were ordered to remain on board-this in relation to the cargo of over 50,000 gallons of diesel fuel onboard which did not receive a permit for importation.
Well, they also had a crew of six, and the immigration officer allegedly collected one thousand dollars per head from the agent.

ACP Romero gave us details today on how they managed to gather evidence to levy the charge of extortion:

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
"On the 8th day of September, Daniella Cardinez, a shipping agent from Independence, reported that she was approached by an immigration officer who requested $6,000 from her for six persons in a vessel that had docked at the Big Creek Port. The captain of that vessel had been charged for uncustomed goods, and the six persons remained in the vessel. She made arrangements and paid an immigration officer $6,000. She then contacted another person to verify if they had received this payment, as no receipt had been given to her, and thereafter she was informed after that no payment was received. She made a report, an investigation was carried out, video footage was obtained, evidence was gathered, and we have since arrested and charged Ruben Requena for the crime of extortion."

Reporter:
"What about the threat?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"There was a threat made that he mentioned if she had made a statement, the matter would not be left like that. And she still went ahead and made a statement, so he was charged."

Reporter:
"But no actual charge for the threat?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"That is being followed up at this time. If necessary, that will be an additional charge, but for now he has been charged with extortion."

Requena was on administrative leave for the past few weeks while police investigated. Now he will likely be placed on interdiction.

Armed Robbers Disarm Security Guard During Daylight Robbery at Midtown Restaurant

Terrified patrons scrambled and dashed out of one of the city's most popular restaurants on Friday during a broad daylight robbery.

Police told us more about the daring robbery at Midtown Restaurant where the security guard put up a fight and the robbers left with his gun:

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
"On Friday, there was a robbery at Midtown Restaurant in Belize City. Police went to the restaurant where the security guard reported that he was on duty with a 9mm pistol, when an SUV arrived with three male persons who were armed with firearms. One of them struggled with him and took his 9mm pistol. One of them entered the establishment and took a bag containing some documents. We have recovered the vehicle, and we are looking for three suspects in regards to this robbery."

Reporter:
"The clothing that the suspects were wearing, was there anything unusual?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"Nothing unusual. They arrived there and they held him up."

Reporter:
"Um, is it suspected it may be an inside job?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"We do not know at this time. What was stolen was the firearm and a bag containing some documents."

Reporter:
"And recovered?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"Nothing has been recovered."

Jomarie Lanza:
"So how many persons are you currently seeking?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"Three persons."

Police Arrest Belize City Suspects Following Aggravated Robbery at Caribbean International Brewery

Last week, we told you about an aggravated robbery that happened at Caribbean International Brewery in Independence Village.
Well, police found the vehicle used-and just left it there, waiting for the robbers to come back for it. They did-all the way from Belize City-which is when police arrested them.

ACP Romero told us a little more:

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
"Reference the robbery that occurred at CIB in Independence, we have since arrested and charged two persons, Selen Martinez and Jamar Vernon, for the crime of robbery. This was after evidence was gathered and some of the cash was recovered."

Corozal Police Thwart Abduction Involving Disputed Stolen Goods

Police in the north have also thwarted an alleged abduction that occurred in the Corozal District. The incident involves two men who are believed to have purchased stolen goods from another person. ACP Romero told us what their investigations have revealed so far:

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
"Then on Saturday, police intercepted a red pickup truck in Corozal in the San Andres area after information was received that they had forcibly taken two persons in the vehicle. Police found four persons in the vehicle. Ricardo Zetina and Walter Pineda reported that they were forcibly taken into the vehicle, and two persons inquired about some stolen items from them. Thereafter, they went to the brother of one of the persons and also questioned him. Thereafter, the police were called. The police intercepted the vehicle, and the two suspects are presently in custody, and they will be charged sometime today."

Reporter:
"What was the motive there? The intention?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"I mentioned they were inquiring about some stolen items from the two victims. The information is that they were accusing them of buying some stolen items from persons in the area."

Belmopan Traffic Accident Claims Life of One Man and Leaves Another Injured

There were two fatal accidents that also happened last week. The first one happened in Belmopan on Thursday, claiming the life of one man and leaving another injured. ACP Romero told us more:

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"On Thursday, police responded to a fatal road traffic accident in Belmopan near La CabaÃ±a area. Upon arrival, they saw a Mazda vehicle had been overturned in the bushes. The lifeless body of a male person was found in the area-he was identified as Chad Borland of Belmopan. Information is that Borland was driving the vehicle when he lost control, and he was thrown out of the vehicle. Another passenger was along with him, but he received minor injuries."

Reporter:
"Any indication alcohol may have been involved in that one?"

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"Yes, the information we received, alcohol was involved."

Driver Killed in Coastal Highway Collision with Trailer Truck

The second RTA happened on the Coastal Highway, involving a much larger motor vehicle. ACP Smith gave us details on what officers observed at the scene of that accident:

ACP Hilberto Romero:
"On Friday, police responded to a road traffic accident on the Coastal Road. Upon arrival, they saw a trailer truck and a car that was involved in an accident-the car was completely burnt. Information is that Hector Moralez was driving the trailer truck when he made a turn, and then the car ran into the trailer. The driver of the car was identified as Ramzi Assad, 43 years, of Belize City. An NIP was served on Hector, and a urine sample was obtained, and an investigation will be carried out to determine if any charges will be levied."

Immigration Act Amendments Introduce Investor Residence Permits and Employment Visas

And going back to last week's House meeting-which we did not have space to cover in a very loaded Friday newscast-two amendments to the Immigration Act were introduced. These bills seek to establish an investor residence permit, extend the category of persons who qualify for permanent residence, and provide for the issuance of Temporary Employment Permits. Immigration Minister Kareem Musa explained more:

Kareem Musa, Minister of Immigration
"These bills-and in particular, the Immigration Amendment Bill-has several objectives, one of which is to include the Labour Commissioner as a member of the Visa Vetting Committee, because currently she does not sit on that committee. And a lot of the factors and considerations that are deliberated on this committee are whether or not... are the individuals seeking visas are going to be applying likewise for labour permits, and so those two things are interconnected. So having her on that Visa Vetting Committee will be extremely important. We're also, under the Immigration Amendment Bill, seeking to allow the Director to issue Temporary Employment Visas for three particular industries-mainly the agriculture-agribusiness sector, construction, and hospitality industries-because we find that these are particular areas or sectors that have a significant labour shortage. Of course, the consideration will always be that we find Belizeans to fill the vacant posts, but in the event there are no Belizeans, we have to look outside to fill these vacancies. This bill seeks to introduce an investor permit for investor residency. As you know, Belize is competing in an increasingly global market for capital, talent, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and a well-structured residency by investment program would give Belize another tool to attract qualified investors who can establish businesses, support development, create employment, and contribute meaningfully to our economy."

House Debates Motion Approving Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan Under Blue Bond Agreement

The House also debated the motion approving the Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan as the Marine Spatial Plan for Belize.
This is part of the conservation funding agreement in the Blue Bonds Act that requires Milestone 6 no later than five years after signing the agreement. That milestone involves securing biodiversity protection zones covering 30% of Belize's ocean.

While the Opposition supported the conservation efforts, they lamented receiving the motion late the night before:

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
"Those of us on this side of the House received these documents just shy of 9:00 p.m. last night. And we know... not only that we received it at that ungodly hour, but it is expected that this motion will go through all its stages today. Standing Order 49 provides for at least 10 days between the first and second readings, and that is reasonable time. And the question is: what is the emergency? Why is it that we know for so long that this milestone will have to be approved by a certain time, that the members of the Opposition does not get sufficient time to review or to examine and to provide our input? We vehemently object to this lack of respect and consideration shown to this legislature. Presenting a report of this magnitude at the 11th hour and expecting its approval treats Parliament as a rubber stamp to the Executive."

John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I would have had a lot more respect for the honourable member, the Leader of the Opposition, with her position if, when she was seated on this side, the previous government used to always bring bills and ram it down our throats in one sitting. And not once-not a single time-did the Leader of the Opposition back then get up and say, 'Madam Speaker, I think it is not right what we're doing, that we're not giving the Opposition an opportunity to be able to study.' If she would have taken this position back then, I would have had a lot more respect for her, but I understand. She's grabbing at straws. Her political life as leader... even the member for Mesopotamia, when he talked about having a thick skin, he looked at her. I don't know why-he is supposed to look at us on this side because he's criticizing us, but he looked at his leader and told her, 'You have to have a thick skin if you want to be here in this National Assembly.'"

House Debates Public Transportation Bill Amid Opposition Concerns Over Asset Transfers

The Public Transportation Bill was also back in the House for its second reading. This will approve, ratify, and confirm the Government's investment in the National Bus Company Ltd. It will also allow certain public transport assets to be transferred and vested in the company and provide for certain exemptions from taxes and duties.

But the Mesopotamia and Queen Square area reps had major concerns and a whole lot of questions:

Lee Mark Chang, Area Rep., Mesopotamia
"Modernization is not the issue the issue is how we modernize it. Are we modernizing the entire transport industry or are we using public money, public assets, public concessions and exclusive rights to build one powerful company? That's what they forgot to say because before this House approve this bill, there are basic questions that must be answered. Who owns NBC?"

"Government is acquiring 22+ shares in consideration of $1,000 a share that comes up to 22 million dollars, almost 23 million dollars and that is government's portion. It is not necessarily the total proposed value of NBC so I ask, who determines the $1,000 per share value? Where is the independent valuation, where is the opening balance sheet? Where are the assets, where are the liabilities? Where is the financial projections, this is public money that we are investing. Show us the numbers."

"What is the value of the charging infrastructure, what is the total value of all assets being transferred and after everything is valued how much additional money if anything will taxpayers have to put in? Tell us, we need to know."

Godwin Haylock, Area Rep., Queen Square
"We believe that the entire public transportation investment bill was drafted for the benefit of the National Bus Company, a private company. But the reality is it is the 22 million dollars taxpayer investment that should be the greatest protection of this bill. Today in this bill, parliament is being asked to approve not only the share payment but the share payment as a formula only without the exact bill to say how much it's worth. So if the government assets are valued in this company lower than expected, taxpayers will pay the bill through the consolidated revenue fund. But what happens if government assets are valued higher? We just don't know because the bill is silent on this situation."

But the PM asked the Opposition to put politics aside and consider the commuters:

John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Appealing to the Opposition: there are times we could put politics aside. Everything is political-this is one case, this is one issue. You're always complaining that the government is not paying attention to the needs of the people. This is something that touches the lives of thousands of people every single day when they're riding these old buses. These buses are broken down and leaking-some of them are twisted and sideways-buses they buy for $5,000 or $10,000 in the US and bring it here and put it on our highways. We're a blessed country that we have not had a lot of accidents on these buses. Now, we do recognize that it's also difficult for these small bus owners. It will be difficult for us to buy these new buses and pay it-no bank will lend you $400,000-plus to buy one bus."

"All of this is being addressed."

Developer Settles for $10,000 Following Unauthorized Mangrove Clearing Along Belize River

It caused quite a stir when the new owner of a 7-acre property adjoining the Belize River decided to clear-cut the bushy area right up to the water's edge.
Tonight, as a consequence, developer Sanju Chulani, director of Rio Caribe Company Ltd., has agreed to a $10,000 Belize dollar out-of-court settlement with the Forest Department following the unauthorized clearing of red mangroves. An official government receipt confirms that the settlement payment was made on October 1, 2026, at the Corozal Sub-Treasury.
On September 16, a multi-agency team comprising officers from the Department of the Environment, the Forest Department, and the Lands and Surveys Department verified that approximately 3.78 acres of red mangrove had been altered without a permit, stripping vegetation entirely down to the banks of the Belize River. Notably, the primary affected mangrove area was less than one-quarter acre.
In addition to the monetary settlement, the DOE instructed Chulani to install a seawall and replant mangroves along the shoreline. The developer has been given a strict seven-month deadline from September 29, 2026, to complete the seawall installation and commence replanting, contingent upon approval from the Lands and Surveys Department. This will be a costly undertaking, and Chulani may well ask for a time extension.

The Forest Department warned developers and contractors that unauthorized environmental alteration will face continued enforcement and urged the public to report violations to the department's hotline at 610-1524.

Prime Minister Addresses Low Sugar Prices and Highlights CARICOM Expansion Plans

This past crop season, cane farmers were estimated to have received $10 per ton as their final payment.

On Friday, the PM-as Minister of the Sugar Industry-lamented this low price, but added that Belize is selling more into the CARICOM market and will soon be selling refined sugar as well:

John Briceno:
"I think it's estimated, I think it's about $10. We know the sugar industry is going through a very difficult time. A lot has to do with nature, issues of climate change, fusarium last year, and now this year the mealybug. As a government, we've been working with them, trying to assist in any way we can. We have a 50 million dollar project through the 5Cs working with the cane farmers how we could address some of these same issues. These prices are set. The point is that we're selling more and more of our sugar into the CARICOM market, and that will give us a better price. The last meeting I had with BSI and Santander, the refinery that Santander is setting up is almost finished-I think they want to inaugurate if not at the end of this month, sometime next month in November. It's amazing what they have done so far, and both of them are saying that we can take all of the sugar that we have, refine it here, and then sell it as refined sugar to be able to get a better price not only for the company, but also for the farmers."

Prime Minister Rejects NTUCB Demand for Direct Board Seat on BTL

The NTUCB has asked for a seat on BTL's board following the BTL-Smart debacle. While SSB has a member on the board who is a part of the NTUCB, they're saying that's not enough. Here is how the PM responded:

Reporter
"The NTUCB said that it's erroneous to say they have a director through SSB, because at any time SSB can appoint a non-labor director to BTL's board."

John Briceno, Prime Minister
"And the point is?"

Reporter
"The point is they're saying they want a director on BTL board."

John Briceno:
"Well, I've already made the point that we believe as a government, we need to be able to appoint who we believe would best manage the company. The present directors have been doing an excellent job, they've been acting in the interest of the company, and Cabinet does not see any need to make any changes."

Minister Espat Comments on Possibility of Fuel Tax Relief

But the unions would definitely be appalled if the Government of Belize did what the government of Guatemala has done; that is, waive all taxes on fuel for three months.

On Friday, we asked Minister Julius Espat if he would support that in Belize. Here's what he said:

Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing "Guatemala, for example-the President has just given up taxes on fuel to be able to ease the burden there. That's a fact. They're doing something to try."

Jules Vasquez:
"That's something our government would contemplate?"

Julius Espat:
"I would hope so."

Jules Vasquez:
"Do you support it?"

Julius Espat:
"Definitely."

Minister Espat Addresses Cabinet Strength Amid Benched Ministers

And on Friday while speaking to Espat, we asked him about the other members of his Cabinet.

Right now, three ministers are sidelined on what we can only call indefinite leave.

And then there are those who seem to be a kind of political untouchable-unsuited to hold any portfolio substantively.

So, if it were a basketball team-would that mean that many of them are on injured reserve?

Jules Vasquez:
"As an old basketball player, you will know the strength of the team is the strength of the bench, but it seems that your Prime Minister has a problem with his bench. You are one of his starters, so to speak, and you say, 'I can take over Home Affairs.' He doesn't appear to me, outsider, to have many others on the bench who are capable of taking on a burden like that. We saw this when he himself had to take up the Ministry of Defence portfolio. Is there a problem of capacity, maybe integrity, other issues that make the PUP right now seem to have a weak bench?"

Julius Espat:
"I don't think so. The secret of management is to place your players in the correct positions, and that's what he needs to do. And you can't be dealing with 'because I'm a friend' or 'from a district' or 'because I want the object to me.' You can't do that. He has sufficient talented people, but he has to put them in the correct position. That's all I'm saying."

Jules Vasquez:
"But you are on the court saying, 'Pass me the ball. I'm willing to handle this.'"

Julius Espat:
"I would win the game, I would shoot the 3-pointer."

Minister Espat Indicates Willingness to Support Cabinet Allowance Adjustments

And that might be a two-pointer, if he cuts his allowances:

Jules Vasquez:
"Would you support cutting your allowances?"

Julius Espat:
"Yes, if it has to be. As I said, we are blessed and we have done it before. Our allowances and our salaries were reduced during the COVID period, and so we have precedents that that has been done before. And if that is needed to show... it would be a symbolic reality that won't cut down inflation, but if that helps for the people to understand that we are willing to do our part, I think it's important."

Investigation Examines Produce Wholesale Costs and Market Price Equivalency Claims

The price of produce, namely onions and potatoes, has been a hot topic for a few weeks. Still, the BMDC and Ministry of Agriculture are protecting their sole supplier and doubling down on claims that the market price in Belize is not far off from retail prices in Mexico, where much of the produce comes from.

But is that really so? Well tonight, Jaleeza Roberts looks more closely at the recent claims of cost equivalency and the most updated wholesale prices:

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