Politics and Government

San Pedro resident Mahmoud Dani Lagha has been appointed as the new Standard Bearer for the Belize Rural South (BRS) Constituency under the United Democratic Party (UDP). The announcement was made public on Tuesday, August 27th, taking many islanders by surprise. The young entrepreneur is determined to contest the BRS seat in the next general elections, set for November 2025.

The People's United Party (PUP) has officially endorsed Andre Perez, the current Belize Rural South (BRS) area representative, for the 2025 General Elections. The endorsement event took place at Boca del Rio Beach Park in San Pedro Town on Friday, August 23rd. Many supporters and specially invited guests attended to support Perez's candidacy to continue representing San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

On Tuesday, August 21st, an official statement was issued announcing that Ramon Vasquez, the Chairman and CEO of Belize Broadcasting Network (BBN), had decided to resign from his position as the standard bearer for the United Democracy Party (UDP) in anticipation of the upcoming General Elections scheduled for November 2025. Vasquez was appointed as the standard bearer for Belize Rural South (BRS), encompassing Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, on August 20, 2024, but has opted to step down from his role.

The United Democratic Party (UDP) has named Ramon Vasquez their new Standard Bearer for Belize Rural South (BRS), comprising Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Vasquez is the third standard bearer after Jazelie' Jaz' Azueta was removed and former Mayor Daniel Guerrero stepped down. Vasquez is now the new face for BRS; however, many in San Pedro Town are unfamiliar with him as he has been absent from the political stage for quite some time now.

Over the past weeks, there have been reports of several developments within the Opposition of the United Democratic Party (UDP), which have seen attempts to remove the current leader, the Honorable Moses' Shyne' Barrow. The controversies have led the Standard Bearer for Belize Rural South (BRS) (Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker) Daniel Guerrero to withdraw his application.

With 3,268 votes, Dr. Osmond Martinez of the People's United Party (PUP) won the Toledo East by-election on Wednesday, July 17th. Martinez's opponent, Dennis Williams, with the United Democratic Party (UDP), garnered 1,169 votes, while William Maheia, under the People's National Party (PNP), received 202 votes.

On Wednesday, July 17th, the constituents of Toledo East in southern Belize will democratically elect a new Area Representative in a by-election contested by three candidates seeking to replace the late Honourable Mike Espat. They include Dr. Osmond Martinez of the People’s United Party, Dennis Williams of the United Democratic Party, and Wil Maheia of the People’s National Party. The Toledo East constituency, with its 21 villages and Punta Gorda Town, is home to nearly 8,000 registered voters, each of whom has a voice in this crucial decision.

On Sunday, June 9th, the People's United Party (PUP) hosted a convention for the Toledo East Constituency to elect a Standard Bearer for next month's upcoming bye-election. The convention was held following the passing of Area Representative Honourable Mike Espat. Three PUP candidates contested the Standard Bearer seat, which included former Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, Dr. Osmond Martinez, Nicanor Requena, brother of Toledo West's area representative, Honourable Oscar Requena, and Melhem Espat, son of former Toledo East area representative, the late Honourable Espat. Following the counting, Dr. Martinez was declared the winner at the end of the day with 1,762 votes.