By: Omar Silva I Editor/Publisher

 National Perspective Belize – Digital 2025

www.nationalperspectivebz.com

Belize City: Saturday 26th April 2025 | Belize City

The political landscape following the March 12, 2025, general elections in Belize has been profoundly shaken, not only by the failure to deliver on a promise to conduct electoral redistricting, but now also by serious allegations of misconduct in the judiciary.

Jeremy Enriquez, who led the constitutional challenge demanding redistricting before the elections, has filed a formal complaint against Supreme Court Justice Tawanda Hondora , accusing him of improper conduct, apparent bias, and ethical violations during the judicial process.

The complaint, addressed to Chief Justice Louise Blenman in her capacity as chairperson of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, puts the issue of trust in Belize's justice system at the heart of the national debate.

🎙️ The Origin of the Controversy

During a break in the hybrid hearing held in February, Judge Hondora's microphone was allegedly left on in error, and members of Enriquez's legal team overheard inappropriate comments about the pending case.

Although the judge categorically denied making such statements, an audio recording presented by Enriquez's team captures conversations about the case between Judge Hondora and an unidentified third party, raising serious questions about his impartiality.

Although the specific phrase "I've made my decision" was not recorded, the existence of informal conversations about an ongoing trial constitutes a potential violation of the principles of natural justice.

⚖️ Legal Basis of the Complaint

Enriquez 's 157-page complaint is based on several essential legal pillars:

1. Apparent Bias

Justice must not only be delivered but also appear impartial. The public perception that a judge has prejudged a case is enough to compromise the integrity of the process.

2. Violation of Natural Justice

The judge is also accused of displaying hostility, disdain, and unprofessionalism toward the defense team led by Trinidadian lawyer Anand Ramlogan, which would violate the fundamental right to a fair trial.

3. Violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct

The Judicial Code of Belize requires judges to:

"Exercise their judicial functions independently, based exclusively on their assessment of the facts, without external influence or predetermined conclusions."

The recorded informal conversations represent a serious breach of this principle.

4. Request for Judicial Disqualification

Enriquez also requests that Judge Hondora be removed from any further proceedings related to her case, including the appeal on court costs, due to the loss of public confidence in his impartiality.

🏛️ A Historic Fight for Democratic Integrity

The challenge filed by Enriquez marks one of the most serious episodes of questioning judicial conduct in Belize's recent history.

Although State Attorney Eamon Courtenay called the accusations “outrageous” and “undignified,” Enriquez maintains that his fight is not personal, but in defence of the public interest:

“A serious investigation must be conducted to ensure that all judges maintain their integrity and independence and ensure that trials are conducted fairly and transparently.”

The legitimacy of the Belizean judicial system depends on these allegations being objectively clarified.

🔥 From Political Manipulation to an Institutional Crisis

The John Briceño administration's refusal to comply with the redistricting process before the election, coupled with its subsequent attempt to overrule Enriquez's request, had already undermined public confidence.

Now, with accusations of judicial bias, Belize faces an institutional crisis that threatens the very pillars of its democracy.

If the Judicial Commission does not take these allegations seriously, it would send a devastating message that justice in Belize can be shaped by political interests.

📢 National Perspective Belize's call:

Judicial independence is vital to democracy.

Accountability is not optional: it is an inescapable duty.

The people of Belize must remain vigilant.

History will judge how the institutions respond to this critical test.

#JusticeUnderTheMagnifying Glass #ElectoralCrisis #DemocracyInBelize #NationalPerspectiveBZ