Of course, we've been hearing that talk about this Sarstoon Protocol since 2019. Three successive Ministers of. Foreign Affairs have mouthed it - but "nada" in terms of results.
Fonseca says despite all that he remains hopeful:
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Culture
"The discussion of a protocol has been around for much longer than that this has been discussed it views different terms, but there is always been a discussion about how we can negotiate Some understanding on how we patrol and we use those waters so that we do not engage in any activities that either side the view as provocative. The truth is as you said our government over the past three years has raised this issue. We raised it with the OAS. We have raised it with Guatemala. Guatemala, of course, has gone through an election cycle. The newly elected as you know is just a few months and we have engaged with them and you know there seems to be an opportunity for us to renew the dialogue about some agreement on the SR soon so we remain hopeful. We are committed to working with them."
Boots Asks E&B For Extended Verification
On Monday we told you that Anthony "Boots" Martinez's recall petition was rejected. Well, he isn't giving up just yet. He retained attorney Richard "Dickie" Bradley, who sent a letter to the Chief Elections Officer. In that letter, it states that, quote, "among the reasons listed for disapproving the signatures was that 188 signatures did not match with the Elections and Boundaries Department's records of registered electors… Mr Martinez takes strong issue with this criteria as he had personally visited, contacted, and witnessed the signatures on more than 90 percent of the petitions." End quote.
The letter also states that Martinez went back to the 188 petitioners with a Justice of the Peace to confirm that they did sign, by having them also sign individual statutory declarations.
And today he held a press conference stating that they are now appealing that the E&B office conducts an extended verification process which includes confirming with the actual petitioners, as opposed to just comparing signatures.
Here's what he told us.
We'll let you know where it goes - if it goes at all.
Culture Minister Will Help Miss U
As the New Miss Universe Belize Halima Hoy begins to settle into her new journey to the international stage the Minister of Culture Francis Fonseca expressed his support for Hoy today, stating that the ministry will be willing to assist her during her reign.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Culture
"We congratulate her I did not get a chance to see the pageant myself, but we congratulate her and of course we always NICH will always provide our full support to our universe and Belize, as you said that person is an ambassador of Belize a cultural ambassador you know and so we are absolutely prepared to work alongside of her and support her in anyway that we can congratulate her."
Jules Reads Between Shyne's Lines On Diddy
And, finally tonight - we're revisiting that global exclusive that UDP Leader Shyne Barrow gave the Belizean press yesterday when he spoke about the mounting allegations against his one time mentor Sean P-Diddy Combs.
As Jules Vasquez tells us - it almost didn't happen:
Jules Vasquez
"How do you feel viewing all that's unfolding with your one time Northern star and your role model, Sean Diddy Combs?"
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"Well, I didn't call the Leader of the opposition briefing for that, I could answer."
Jules Vasquez
"But you can't run from the darkness in the night."
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"No, no, no. I'm not interested in discussing what is happening in North America. I'm interested discussing what is happening in North America."
But, 30 minutes later, at the end of a lengthy press briefing, Shyne Barrow did agree to speak for the first time on the events in that Manhattan nightclub that changed his life:
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"It opens wounds and when you hear, you know the victim saying that it was Diddy that shot her - that is what is the most remarkable. And that is what stands out to me the most, because, you know, I've done my best to put it behind me and to move forward. And so but it certainly reopens the wounds that I've been saying this all along. Everyone knew all along that I was the fall guy."
But, Barrow would go no further than that and refused to join the chorus of accusers:
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"I'm not going back on that. I'm not about to point the finger now. I'm not going to get into that."
Jules Vasquez
"Well, others are doing it, sir."
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"I'm just saying that I maintain my innocence all this time. I said I was defending myself. I didn't get into who did what. But the victim is telling you who did what. And another. I understand that there are other witnesses."
Jules Vasquez
"Is she, is she accurate, sir?"
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"I'm not going to get into that."
But for Barrow, the undoing and exposure of his one time mentor and current financier seems therapeutic:
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"Certainly I am relieved that people are saying what the truth is, that, you know, I did not shoot those people."
And while he gains some measure of exoneration - he may lose a financier - who's also a billionaire. Barrow has very publicly reconciled with Sean Diddy Combs and worked on some partnerships:
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"I am appreciative of whatever contributions Diddy has made to help the people of Belize. I wish him well. I pray for him and I pray for the alleged victims. And if it is true, me justice be served. If it is not, it's a tragedy because a global icon would have been destroyed."
Jules Vasquez:
"Have you spoken to him, in solidarity, at least?"
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"I've been in touch."
Jules Vasquez:
"Is he one of your financiers?"
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"He has supported me openly, yes."
Jules Vasquez
"You have to work with people and in order to maintain that productive financing relationship, you have to be on his team."
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"Well, I am on team Belize. that's what I'm saying, I haven't even. I've gotten a million requests for interviews, but I'm not concerned with what is happening in the United States outside of the elected officials that I meet with. Certainly someone that has been a supporter and has contributed this, this is not something that I wish to happen to them. But as I said, justice must prevail."
But there's a very specific narrative here saying that you sacrificed your freedom so that he could be free.
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"Yeah."
Jules Vasquez
"Do you accept that? And if so doing, did you receive anything in exchange for your long incarceration and long and undeserving incarceration, you say, because you didn't do it, you say."
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"You said I said? That's the Belizean reality."
