The progressive newsletter edition 8

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ROGRESSIVE P

The

Together We Will

8867 Today! - 8867 Tomorrow! - 8867 Forever!

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 8

BPP Anniversary Cont’d Chairman’s Message Ten Reasons Why Belizeans Should Vote No to the Referendum Why BPP is the Only Machine that Can Save Belize Mock Elections Women’s Page Kids’ Page BPP Press Release Poetry Corner Enemies of Change Health News

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The Progressive (Established 2016)

Publisher:

August/September 2017

Belize Progressive Party

Editor: Hipolito Bautista Asst. Editor: Abdul Nunez Layout: Diafra Nunez Please address correspondence to: # 63 Vernon Street Belize City, Belize Tel: (501) 202-2448 (501) 615-4476

E-mail address belizeprogressiveparty@gmail.com

Website www.belizeprogressiveparty.com

Greetings Belizeans and true friends of Belize (both at home and abroad), I bring this message on behalf of your Belize Progressive Party BPP, in commemoration of our second anniversary. Yes, that's right, today...1st October 2017 marks two (2) years since the leading non-PUDP political entities officially joined forces to form the only viable alternative to the scourge that has and continues to rape and pillage the precious resource of our nation. We at the BPP are hopeful that you are now attuned to the fact that, most disturbingly, Belize is in the throngs of engrained and systemic corruption. This is the sad reality as our nation over the past 36 years has experienced that which is attributed to the stages of corruption which include: PRIDE, ARROGANCE, GREED, INSENSITIVITY, DOMINATION and where we currently find

ourselves...in the midst of TYRANNY. With this realisation, it is aspired that a renewed consciousness among Belizeans has arisen, one that recognises Belize's dire situation and the role embodied by the BPP to provide genuine political leadership, which resembles nothing like Belizeans have known since gaining independence in 1981. In keeping with the spirit of this message, we wish to highlight some of our achievements over the past two (2) years, which admittedly is measured, but nonetheless noteworthy. Our list of achievements include:

· The opening of our national HQ in Belize City, which is staffed and operates five (5) days per week


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BPP Celebrates 2nd Anniversary Continued from Page 1

· The launching of our Progressive Policies, which gives insight into the new paradigm the BPP brings toward addressing the range of socio-economic issues facing our nation · The establishment of our official website, that is our virtual portal to the world, that can be accessed at www.belizeprogressivep arty.org · We initiated our monthly newsletter, “The Progressive”, which is online · We have an official BPP Youtube Channel · Additionally, we are in the midst kicking-off the Belize Progressive Radio, that shall be online · Of note is our consistent focus on the core issues involving: POCA, ROPA and NO to the ICJ! and · We remain attuned and up-to-date with the burgeoning issues affecting Belize All of this has been accomplished without big money funding and that is how it shall remain, for based on our foundation steeped in social democracy, we recognise that funding which comes with rope attached, is the genesis of political corruption. Bearing this in mind, we make this plea to Belizeans, both at home and abroad, to kindly lend your support to our efforts. Contributions can be made to our

Atlantic Bank Account #100272401. Every bit helps because the cause we have undertaken is certainly the road less traveled and without financial support, it makes our task all the more challenging. Nonetheless, rest assured your Belize Progressive Party - BPP shall remain steadfast in its efforts. We are currently in the midst of building our standing committees, which are critical to our quest of being Belize's labour party. Therefore, if you are tired of sitting on the sidelines and want to be part of the solution, whether behind the scenes or up front and centre, please let us know; for once you genuinely want to see substantive change in our nation, inevitably there is a role for you. Additionally, we are gearing-up for the municipal elections slated for March 2018 and likewise, if you feel you are ready to take the necessary leap of faith, contact us, as we have already began constituting our slates for: Belize City, Belmopan and Punta Gorda. With that, a heart-felt “Thank You” goes out to one and all who have contributed to the growth of the BPP over that past two years, as we look forward to even more exponential

growth, from this point forward. The road is, unquestionably rough, but given our commitment toward being “Agents of Change”, we are certain that once the proverbial “Tipping Point” is upon us, the Belizean electorate shall give us the opportunity to lead this nation on the path toward sustainable development and u l t i m a t e r e c o v e r y. On behalf of my colleagues in the BPP, I thank you for your support and take this opportunity to remind you of our mantra which extolls, “We are not here to replace the PUDP. WE ARE HERE TO CHANGE THE S Y S T E M ! ” Happy Anniversary to the BPP and all who support our efforts and may the ensuing months bring even greater progressive gains for the movement and most importantly Belize.

8 8 6 7 To d a y 8 8 6 7 Tomorrow 8867 Forever Belize, Sovereign and Free - NO ICJ!


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one which made justifiable appropriation for alternative views on this all-important matter”

Paco Smith

Paco Smith Recently, on the request of the organising committee of the forum titled, “Belize: Security Threats At Home and Abroad”, sponsored by the University of Belize's History Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I served on a panel discussion c o n c e r n i n g t h e 'Belize/Guatemala Territorial Dispute and the ICJ Question'. Naturally, I was asked to provide insights concerning why Belize should NOT go to the ICJ. Needless to say, it was a most a unique experience, for few and far in between am I asked to express my views at this manner of forum, particularly on such a distinctly important issue as the impending referendum. I acknowledged this fact by stating that the inclusion of an alternative viewpoint to that of the singular, bi-partisan narrative that has characterised most initiatives on the issue, demonstrated the salience of the national university's motto, “Education Empowers A Nation” and that I was “ever-grateful to the organisers of this forum, for it demonstrated a growing maturity, .

My presentation provided: (1) an historical overview of the issue at hand, (2) a critique of the GOB's approach to the matter, (3) an analysis of the implications and effects of said approach, (4) an explanation as to why going to the ICJ is not prudent, (5) a prescription for a viable alternative; and 6) a wrap-up. In so doing, I touched on topics including, yet not limited to: the Boundary Convention of 1859,, a scrutiny of the GOB's FAILED “4 A Policy”, the increased Guatemalan aggression within Belizean territory as a result of the “4 A Policy”, an assessment of the referendum question, the serious need for alternatives to be sought and a list of ten (10) reasons why going to the ICJ given the existing stipulations of t h e S p e c i a l Agreement/Compromis, is inadvisable. Being seated among those “esteemed” individuals, with their many titles, who reportedly represent Belize at the highest levelsof government, I found it imperative that I touched on the role embodied by the advent of corruption, as it relates to not only security threats, but also the direct connection it holds for the topic of discussion. In keeping with the teachings adopted by the B P P, I e n s u r e d t h a t a l l i n attendance were privy to not only the significance of corruption, but also the six stages through which it evolves including: PRIDE, ARROGANCE, GREED, INSENSITIVITY, DOMINANCE

and ultimately TYRANNY. Of note, I would have been remiss not to highlight that given the unchecked acts of corruption which span successive administrations along with the ever-increasing volume of scandals that persist, it does not lend to an engendering e n v i r o n m e n t, i n w h i c h th e citizens of this nation can feel confident in their elected officials' commitment toward ensuring that on the issue concerning Belize's foremost existential threat, they possess the conviction to place the best interest of Belize above all, first and foremost. In closing, I shared that my hope was that if there is was one thing they gathered from the presentation, is the fact that going to the ICJ, under the current parameters, is neither the only, nor the most prudent means by which to address Guatemala's unfounded claim. Additionally, I implored those in attendance to ask of themselves, three (3) questions: #1 “What precisely is Guatemala claiming? We know they covet our territory, but to what extent?, #2 “What portion or how much of Belize am I willing to GIVE UP, in order to placate Guatemala?” and #3 “What tangible, measurable and identifiable elements is Belize being deprived of, due to the fact Guatemala stands alone in their unfounded claim to our sovereign territory?” Next, I drew inference from the old creole proverb which cautions one to “Sleep wid yu own eye”, as it relates to this Continued on page 5


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Ten Reasons Why Belizeans Should Vote "No to the Referendum”

T

he impending referendum on whether or not Belizeans should vote to take the matter of Guatemala’s unfounded claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), is a critical issue. For a variety of reasons, Belizeans must ensure they are attuned to the stipulations detailed in the Special Agreement/Compromis, as well as their effects, before casting their vote. At the BPP, we hold true that given the egregiously biased parameters set forth in the Special Agreement/Compromis, Belizeans should vote “NO to the ICJ”. Following are ten reasons: 1. The agreement is entirely inappropriate, as its only particular distinction is that it unduly favours Guatemala

2. The premise of the Compromis flies in the face of all we know that represents, embodies and codifies what it means to be Belizean 3. The gross failure of the GOB’s “4A Policy” of: APPEASEMENT, A C Q U I E S C E N C E , A C C O M M O D AT I O N a n d ADHERENCE, is detrimental to Belize’s cause

opposed to rendering justice. 7. The ICJ’s is not equipped to enforce its decisions; which is particularly significant, given Guatemala’s documented history of reneging on all manner of things. 8. The Maritime Areas Act has yet to be rescinded and therefore bears the potential to be used against Belize, at the ICJ.

4. The subsequent increase in Guatemalan aggression and encroachment into our territory as a result of the “4A Policy” is unquestionable

9. Viable alternatives beyond the singular, bi-partisan narrative of the powers that be, exist

5. Due to the ever-increasing levels of corruption among elected representatives there is a justified lack of confidence regarding their commitment to acting in Belize’s best interest

10. Guatemala is not a friendly neighbour and therefore must be engaged, via the UN, in an accordant manner (e.g. via Article 39 of the UN Charter).

6. The ICJ’s orientation is to seek settlement via compromise, as

Contributed by Paco Smith


WHY BPP IS THE ONLY MACHINE THAT CAN SAVE BELIZE

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by Charles Leslie Jr.

REALITY Playing the blame game will not bring Belize out of our current economic and social crisis. The blame game has been the modus operandi in the House of Representatives for the better part of 35 years. I will not go into the details as to why that is. I believe that all right-thinking Belizeans are fully aware of why we are where we are. But, I understand that most Belizeans are not sure on how the vacuum will be filled once you decide to go to the polls and oust the PUP and UDP and the entire dysfunctional system that they have maintained and allowed to persist. And to add. I understand why you may be reluctant to embrace the Belize Progressive Party. You shouldn't be afraid. A NECESSARY SACRIFICE: NO COMPROMISES! The members who make up the B P P, u n d e r s t a n d a v e r y important concept when it comes to really addressing the economic and social issues of Belize: ·

·

· ·

Political parties put politicians to run for office, and the party with the most winners controls the House, and the Cabinet. They then become the ONLY entity that can make or break economic policies. No one else in this nation has that power. No political party in Belize is capable of addressing the issues that ail our nation, once in the HOR

and Cabinet from a compromised position. It will never happen! The BPP is the ONLY political party that has not compromised its integrity and principles to win an election. The BPP: ● did not take money from special interest groups to win elections, for we did not want to be burdened with giving sweet, accommodation deals to anyone. ● did not attempt to buy votes, for we would simply have become a part of the problem of perpetuating poverty. ● did not stop pushing anticorruption even when we were told we only focused on a few issues, and were proud when the BNTU took up the challenge to take the push to the finish line and getting UNCAC signed. ● were the champions of protecting our sovereignty, our borders and bringing national and international awareness to Guatemala's illegal claim and invasions of our nation. ● never compromised our principles and stance based on the popularity of any one BPP member, for we want to make sure that the integrity of democracy remains intact throughout our growth, even if it means losing some members along the way. WHO IS SERIOUS ABOUT CHANGE

I have heard the debate take place in the public forums, that 'third' parties are not serious about politics, and not serious about change. This false premise has been one of the Achilles' Heel of Belize's progress towards a nation that benefits all, instead of a few. Quite the contrary, the only people who are truly serious about change are the people who decided that they will put their names on that ballot and run for office, outside the established political institutions of the PUP and UDP. These are the Belizeans, going as far back as a true patriot and national hero, Philip Goldson, who: ● put our lives, livelihood and families at risk, to stand up for you, the people. Continued on page 8

Chairman’s Message Continued from page 3

issue of national significance. Finally, in keeping with the theme of this year's September Celebrations, particularly within the context of the forum's theme: 'Security Threats, At Home and Abroad', I shared with them the mantra we at the BPP hold true, which conveys: “8867 Today 8867 Tomorrow 8867 Forever; Belize, Sovereign and Free – NO ICJ!” For the full text and/or audio of the presentation, kindly click the f o l l o w i n g l i n k https://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=mNRENAfAdk0


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Mock Elections Simulated by BUFERHD

PRESS RELEASE BUFERHD Belizeans United For Equal Rights at Home and in the Diaspora BUFERHD takes this opportunity to officially release the results of the General Election Simulation to show that your VOTE in NOT SECRET! The variable chosen for the simulation was a 'YES' or 'NO' response to the prospect of allowing the Guatemalan Claim over the Territory to go to the ICJ for a determination on the issue. The Simulation mirrored the protocol and procedures of a General Election including with personnel, ballots, scrutineers and a voter registration process.

Eligible Voters had to be 18 years or older and had to either be an officially registered voters or one whom would qualify for such! The GENERAL ELECTION SIMULATION took place at the St. Mary's Parish Hall in Belize City t h i s p a s t Tu e s d a y E v e n i n g September 13, 2017. The Returning Officer for the event was MR OWEN MORRISON whom has acted in this capacity on a number of occasions in his career as a Public Officer and Principal of Belize Te c h n i c a l C o l l e g e . T h e PRESIDING OFFICER for the event was MR GEORGE MYVETT retired Senior Fisheries

Officer. MR. MYVETT had served in that capacity five or six times during his tenure in the Public Service. MS SHARON BURGESS acted in the capacity of General Logistic Officer for the event. The SIMULATION saw the participation of both the Green Party and the Belize Progressive Party (BPP). The overall purpose of the simulation was to demonstrate that THE BALLOT or YOUR VOTE in a GENERAL ELECTION is NOT SECRET. This is seen by BUFERHD as a fundamental flaw and threat to DEMOCRACY in BELIZE since it allows for the Continued on page 12


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Survival

by Abdulmajeed Nunez

http://www.entertainmentsa.co.za Judge not, less ye be judged! Belizean women are tired of taking on the men role. To survive in Belize some have to give their souls or play a dig for gold role. Like it is said in Super G's Four Men song, here is the real life version. Don't confuse this with prostitution; many won't understand where these women get their sustenance. I interviewed some single mothers who claimed they need four men for survival. One for finance, one for dating, one they trick and the one they love. Most of them claim to be weak for the one they love and that one usually has nothing to offer. The one they trick is the simple one and they use the financier's money to maintain the one they love. They claim that some girls take long to learn than others, that you need to love who loves

you. They claim to have to be on the top of their game juggling their time and that most of the men know about each other and who can't take it just gets up and leave or waits his turn. Single life has its pros and its cons. It gets complicated when you think about safety. One beautiful suggestion that came out of these interviews is one single-parent suggested that we need to have a day care /schools for single moms, where they can leave their child and do job preparedness training. Upon getting their first pay check they can then start paying their way. This needs to be a registered NGO separate from Government in every major town and district. There is 'Liberty' in Ladyville that maintains its program from the babysitting they do alongside

other businesses. The NGO, the women envision, will provide: job skills training, entrepreneurship training and financial literacy. This will largely enhance their ability to be able to pass interviews, assist with marketing and source start-up capital or small grants so they are able to do their own businesses. It will be similar to what the Port Loyola Women's group did in collaboration with the Belize institute of Management, and the Ministry of Agriculture. Single mothers are looking for jobs. Yet representatives from the Labour Department complain that when providing job placement, many of the persons seeking employment lack the necessary skill.


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WHY BPP IS THE ONLY MACHINE THAT CAN SAVE BELIZE Cont’d from page 5 by Charles Leslie Jr.

T● who risk getting ostracized from friends and families, to stand up for you, the people. ● who risk getting politically victimized in every way possible, to stand up for you, the people. Belizeans have been calling for saviors of our nation. Those saviors won't come on white horses in shining armor, nor come from the elite families. They will come from among you, they are the ones who are willing to take a bullet for you. They are the ones who live your reality every day. They work hard, just like you, to feed their families. They feel your pain, because they live it...every...single...day...just like you. The BPP is made up of those people. WHAT YOU CAN DO Financial: This is the real world we live in. And it takes financial and human resources to get things done. From the small donations that have trickled in since our inception, we were able to prove our mettle and get our headquarters up and fully functional in less than one year after the 2015 Belize general election. Our Secretariat has been doing a wonderful job, and we have managed to publish 4 issues of our The Progressive Newspaper, and working on the fifth. All of which we are doing by pooling our own personal resources and the resources that are trickling in. The more you contribute to the growth of the BPP, the better a chance we can fill the political vacuum with a political party that is

built by the people and for the people. Ideas: If you are unable to help financially, then, please, volunteer your ideas. We have people who send us ideas every day, and we have been archiving those ideas and studying them.

to stand up for yourself, your countrymen and your country. You are a true hero in my eyes. This is not a hobby for us, this is not a game for us, we know we deserve a better Belize, and we will continue fighting for it. With your support, we can. Together, we will save Belize.

For us to bring this nation out of this abyss, we know that we have to listen...and we are listening. Volunteer: If you are able to volunteer some of your time, please do so. We need all the help we can get. Most of us have jobs or own our own small businesses, thus making it a challenge, but necessary sacrifice, for us to grow the BPP the right way, without compromising. Vote: Belizeans, especially our young Belizeans who have withdrawn from participating in the political process. We understand why. However... …We do not need you to march in the thousands. We do not need you defend us on Facebook or the radio. We do not even need to know that you support us. Help us send a clear message: "We have had enough. We deserve better than this. We demand better than this." From the bottom of my heart, I would like to take this time and thank all the Belizeans who have come out to support us. I know it is a risk, however, it shows that you are willing

THE FIRST STEP TO CHANGING THE SYSTEM IS TO STOP COMPLYING WITH IT.


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Belize’s Independence Day

http://www.atlanticibl.com/blog/belize-cultural-melting-pot/ F a c t s a b o u t B e l i z e ’ s Main Celebrations and Activities in villages are smaller, but all display love of country. Independence Battle of St. George's Caye Day Did you know that Belize was September 10, the Battle of St. Children's Events a s e l f - g o v e r n i n g n a t i o n George's Caye, starts the month Special events are planned for b e f o r e r e c e i v i n g o f I n d e p e n d e n c e D a y the younger citizens. Children I n d e p e n d e n c e i n 1 9 8 1 ? C e l e b r a t i o n s . F e s t i v i t i e s , take part in talent show patriotic music and people competitions and through adorned in country colors are patriotic songs or musical Belize was previously called some of the highlights of this pieces. British Honduras and was a day's celebration. The Expo colony of Great Britian. Marches and Parades For about two weeks, floats, One of the largest events is The In 1964, most ministries were bands, marchers, cultural and E x p o T h i s p o p u l a r e v e n t managed by Belizeans, all national attire are displayed in attracts over 15,000 people. except for the Ministries of several local parades and There is dance, singing, music, Foreign Affairs and Defence. marches throughout towns in vendors displaying a variety of Belize. These marches and items and of course delicious The political party, People's parades display patriotism as local dishes. United Party (PUP), was the seen in the colors of red white Independence Day most successful and won and blue. elections between 1964 to On September 21, Live Musical Concerts Independence Day is 1981. U n d e r t h e l e a d e r s h i p o f Live cultural musical concerts celebrated and concludes G e o r g e P r i c e , t h e P U P are held throughout the country t w o w e e k s o f p r e attained Independence in every year. Some of these are independence activities. 1981. large events while some held in


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Belize Progressive Party Press Release

Your Belize Progressive Party BPP congratulates the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) and its organizers and sponsors on the successful completion of the 2nd Annual Sarstoon Island Eco-Challenge, on the w e e k e n d . This activity is an outstanding achievement which serves to sensitize and attune the general public as to the importance of the Sarstoon River, in terms of e c o l o g y, a s w e l l a s i t s si g n i fi ca n ce p e rta i n i n g to Belize's territorial sovereignty. With the advent of Guatemala exercising undue command and control over the entire Sarstoon River, this effort is highly commendable as brave Belizeans embarked upon the challenge despite the presence of five (5) Guatemalan gunboats awaiting them at the mouth of the Sarstoon River. In keeping with their unbridled disrespect for Belize's territorial i n t e g r i t y, t h e G u a t e m a l a n military vessels sought to

intimidate the paddlers, by disrupting their effort. Despite the attempted disruption, the participants proceeded, meanwhile other brave Belizeans briefly visited the S a r s t o o n I s l a n d . The strong arm tactics of the Guatemalan military, well within Belize's territorial waters is illegal and entirely unacceptable. Yet the GOB, by way of its failed “4A Policy” of: A P P E A S E M E N T , A C Q U I E S C E N C E , A C C O M M O D AT I O N a n d ADHERENCE has once again failed the nation by neither attempting to defend nor ensure the safety of its citizens to traverse areas within our sovereign territory, free from external threats. Not only is the GOB's unwillingness to defend Belize's sovereignty egregious, it is all the more magnified given this time of year, during our national celebrations of the nation's independence.

The Belize Progressive Party, in the strongest manner, condemns the actions of the Guatemalan military for illegally entering Belize's sovereign territory and harassing Belizean citizens. On the same token, we condemn the inexcusable abrogation of duty, by the GOB, to fail to ensure the safety of its citizens from foreign intervention, particularly within the confines of Belize! The BPP reminds all Belizeans, both at home and abroad of the significance of this most unfortunate and despicable demonstration of a lack of patriotism by the powers that be, as it demonstrates the lack of will of the GOB to fulfill its obligations. This is additionally important to note, due to the impending referendum concerning whether Belize should take the matter of Guatemala's unfounded claim to t h e I C J . For the record, your Belize Progressive Party stands firm in its assertion that Belizeans must vote a convincing “NO to the ICJ”, to ensure that not only the Government of Belize, but also the Government of Guatemala, the OAS and the international community understands that Belizeans shall not place our nation's territorial integrity at the jurisprudence of those at the ICJ. Therefore, along with congratulating those who took part in this past weekend's BTV activity, the BPP reminds Belizeans both at home and abroad the necessity to stand-up for Belize, particularly since those in government continue to summarily fail the nation.. Vote “No to the ICJ”, to ensure Belize maintains its territorial integrity. 8867 Today 8867 Tomorrow 8867 Forever Belize, Sovereign and Free - NO ICJ!


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Shut down Shop The death is announced of Belize’s Democracy Killed in 1981 By the Price Administration Distancing himself from the union Price decided to serve the Vatican To get it back its broke away lands They use Guatemala to control the region First infiltrating the people’s movement Then forming the new government Subsequent governments Have been nothing but embarrassment All loyal to the US via the Guatemalan government Guatemala have bought out PUDP governments

Both agreeing with Guatemala for no Haitian resettlement The Plan is Manifest Destiny To control the Americas in its entirety They rehashed 17 proposal Turn thirteen proposals Then the Maritime Act Then the Compremi straight outta Washington While they foster Belize Guatemala assimilation Now the ICJ is here to make fifth columnist millions To save what’s left of the jewel From this bunch of Jezebels Belize has to act well Turn to America’s enemies The Russians, Indians, Brazil South Africans and Chinese Germany will be the next super power with ease This is the only way to save Belize

Let’s take stock Delaying re-registration is a trap We have to lock down shop And take our country back PUDP will run a next lap With the new ultra vires laws they will enact To stay pan top SSB is bankrupt But Belize too corrupt Public officers just want come up So they involved in the cover up Thinking that’s the only way out Corruption deh all about Dah time fi shut down shop Take the country back! By: Abdulmajeed K Nunez

Disclaimer "The opinions expressed on the Poetry Page are those of the contributing poet and are not necessarily representative of the BPP's position."


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Enemies of Change. They Want to Keep You Enslaved. You Must Stop Them, Belizeans

The enemies of change are the Belizeans who will defend this failed, decrepit, dysfunctional SYSTEM that harms you and 100s of thousands of other Belizeans every single day. They present themselves as caring. However, they are false prophets. You will hear and see them every day on Facebook, call-in shows, on TV; they also sit in the House of Representatives....calling for change. They will sing from the mountain top how bad the SYSTEM is. However, once we or anyone starts to point out the things that need to be done, now, so that we can have real change, the type of change that will remove the power from the elected and appointed politicians and give it back to the Belizean people.... ...they will find a hundred, a thousand excuses as to why those changes would not work. A perfect example is the 17-yearold Final Report of the Political Reform Commission which was published in January 2000! A l m o s t n o n e o f t h e recommendations that would remove power from the politicians and give that power back to the people, have been implemented. The politicians today have even more power and the Belizean people even less. See, fellow Belizeans, these people don't want change. They are comfortable with calling for change, but the SYSTEM as it is, benefits them, their families and friends, and the politicians they feed off of and who feed off you, the people.

And they genuinely do not care about you, or the fact that each one of your children has a debt of around $16,000BZ. A debt that will continue to grow and enslave our children, while the few, well-connected continue to benefit. Your children are literally growing up as slaves: we live in a country where the politicians have grown to become gods in their own right. You have to go to a politician and beg for every single thing - land, job, scholarship, food baskets, money to pay your light bill... ...while in a fair, just, balanced and equitable SYSTEM, you should get what you need because you are a Belizean and you deserve and qualify for it...and no politician should have such powers as to deny you anything if you do not support them or their party.

The BPP is here to replace the SYSTEM: once we create balance and equity in the SYSTEM, we will be on our way of having different political parties (proportional representation) that represent the interests of our very diverse people and culture. Each having their own needs and wants, and deserves the right to chose who they want to represent them, not the PUDP cherry-picked pseudo-leaders. You must remember: â—?

the people who are enemies of change, and want to keep you enslaved, are the people who will continue to call for change, but once REAL change presents itself, they will find any and all excuses as to why it will not work, and they will continue to tacitly and subliminally (and notso-subliminally) point out that only the PUDP is a choice.

â—?

BPP does not want to deny Belizeans anything, we know, like the PUDP does, that Belize has more than enough for ALL Belizeans. However, the difference is: PUDP will continue to want it all for themselves and control it so as to control you the Belizean people. The BPP will make sure that we have balance and equity u n d e rp i n n e d b y meritocracy, pragmatism, transparency and accountability.

IT IS TIME WE PUT A STOP TO THIS The BPP is not here to win elections: if that was our intent we would have long compromised and taken the big money from the people who benefit from this dysfunctional SYSTEM that creates nothing but debt, and slavery of you, the people. The BPP is not here to replace the PUDP: we don't want to deny Belizeans choices and freedoms, as the PUDP has done. We want to create equity and balance. Something the PUDP could have easily done over the past 17 years since they knew what needed to be done. But, they will never fix a SYSTEM that benefits them, at the cost of the majority of Belizeans. The PUDP wants loyal slaves: they want to continue growing their power so that they can continue enriching themselves and punish whomever challenges them.

#ReRegistration NOW!!!


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Remedies and their Effectiveness for the Common Cold In spite of ongoing studies, the scientific jury is still out on some popular cold remedies, such as vitamin C and Echinacea. Here's an update on some common alternative remedies: Vitamin C It appears that for the most part taking vitamin C won't help the average person prevent colds. However, taking vitamin C before the onset of cold symptoms may shorten the duration of symptoms. Vitamin C may provide benefit for people at high risk of colds due to frequent exposure — for example, children who attend group child care during the winter. Echinacea. Study results on whether Echinacea prevents or shortens colds are mixed. Some studies show no benefit. Others show some reduction in the severity and duration of cold symptoms when taken in the early stages of a c o l d . D i ff e r e n t t y p e s o f Echinacea used in different studies may have contributed to the differing results. Echinacea seems to be most effective if you take it when you notice cold symptoms and continue it for seven to 10 days. It appears to be safe for healthy adults, but it can interact with many drugs. Check with your doctor before taking Echinacea or any other supplement.

Zinc There's been a lot of talk about taking zinc for colds ever since a 1984 study showed that zinc supplements kept people from getting as sick. Since then, research has turned up mixed results about zinc and colds. Some studies show that zinc lozenges or syrup reduce the length of a cold by one day, especially when taken within 24 hours of the first signs and symptoms of a cold.Some studies also show that taking zinc regularly might reduce the number of colds each year, the number of missed school days, and the amount of antibiotics required in otherwise healthy children.

Zinc also has potentially harmful side effects. Talk to your doctor before considering the use of zinc to prevent or reduce the length of colds. Take care of yourself Although usually minor, colds can make you feel miserable. It's tempting to try the latest remedy, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids and keep the air around you moist. Remember to wash your hands frequently. http://www.mayoclinic.org


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Mock Elections Simulated by BUFERHD

nefarious practice of the BUYING OF VOTES on Election Day by both of the MASS PARTIES. 25 Ballots were casted by the voters. The results of the POLL were as follows: ■ 14 'NO' Votes ■ 8 'YES' Votes ■ 3 'SPOILT' Ballots On the basis of these results BUFERHD President Hon Rev Derek Aikman was able to DEMONSTRATE how 100% of the VOTERS voted. This included the naming of those people who 'Spoiled' the Ballot and how these Ballots were spoilt. President Aikman in his summary remarks appealed to BELIZEANS both at HOME and in the DIASPORA to t a k e t h e P U B L I C D E M O N S T R AT I O N o f t h e FUNDAMENTAL FLAW of the BALLOT seriously such that the GOVERNMENT can make the necessary amends before any other VOTING or POLL in BELIZE. He specifically cited the fact that none other than the PRIME MINISTER promised to 'look at the issue' if one was able to demonstrate the fault in the voting process. President Aikman said that it was his earnest hope that BELIZEANS would join in to move the process forward in as short a time frame as possible. BUFERHD takes this opportunity to firstly thank MR LUIS 'BLAS' MENDES of the GREEN PARTY for their support and assistance. B7FFERHD also takes this opportunity to thank PARTY LEADER MR PATRICK ROGERS of the Belize Progressive Party (BPP) for his support, especially in regard to the logistical support leading up to and including the simulation event. BUFERHD most importantly takes this opportunity to thank those VOTERS whom braved the odds and showed up to cast their VOTE on this historical occas.

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