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VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN PLANBELIZE: A TRANSFORMATION REVOLUTION
By Hilly Bennett
The People’s United Party (PUP) supermajority victory at the polls in November 2020 was the signaling of the changes long sought by the good people of Belize. It was the beginning of a transformation revolution, a BLU revolution, a PUP revolution. Upon taking over the high stool of government, the Briceño government was firing on all cylinders in delivering the mandate of PlanBelize.
The economic turnaround, the miraculous recovery, bringing the Haven of Democracy back from the brink of losing its economic sovereignty, and freeing citizens from the resultant effects of an incompetent, corrupt United Democratic Party (UDP) red regime that feasted on the interests of the people without compunction. The UDP was an utter failure in governance structure.
Embedded in the tenets of the Blu plan, it was written that “#planBelize sets out how to learn, how to listen, to collaborate, reach reasonable consensus; to have access to quality healthcare, progressive education, better ways to work our lands & sea, our industries & be good administrators.” ernment which will make tertiary care available to all Belizeans. Imagine the possibilities of what thirty million dollars could have done to health care in Belize. Simply put, for the red Barrowcudas, Belizeans doesn’t deserve better. However, it is the “elusive” Definitive Agreement that have twisted them into fidget spinners. The revelation of elements within the Definitive Agreement has laid bare the most egregious act of corruption committed in Belize’s political history. A gamut of taxes has been
5 FEB 2023 waived by former UDP Minister of Economic Development, Erwin Contreras. Seemingly none of the John Crow UDPs wants to take the blame, none of the gutter snipers want to feel the shame. Mikey P said he didn’t sign but was head honcho in the drafting of the terms and conditions of the agreement. Tracy said similar likening to Shaggy “it wasn’t me” and Ah me King Dean said that although he had not seen the agreement he has some constructive knowledge about it. Oh how, the sophistry of the English language is being weaved into untruths.
Nonetheless, the Red Hydra, Massa Dean wielded power, for thirteen years of abusive reign, with reckless abandon. The Governance structure crumbled under replaced by malignant failures of leadership. Corruption, incompetence and vile behavior within the United Democratic Party government became the norm. The truth of “where there is corruption, development cannot take place, and where there is poverty social justice is needed” went unheeded. Dean Barrow was heedless and clueless to Belize’s debt crisis. Poverty was on the rise as unemployment soared. The marginalized and downtrodden population had only a glimmer of hope for a life-changing opportunity. That hope was realized on that faithful day in November 2020.
The Belize Times
The PUP sprang into action, armed with its cadre of experts with PlanBelize in hand and northstar bound. The leadership of Prime Minister, Honorable John Briceño understood that the recovery of “poor Belize” depended largely upon the “Good Governance” component of PlanBelize. The PUP Government with its supermajority mandate continues to work in the interests of the country and its citizens/making right decisions, sometimes tough, but in the interests of the nation and its people. Aluta Continua, the struggle continues.
VACANCY:JOB OPPORTUNITY
VACANCY:JOB OPPORTUNITY
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the following post in the Operations Department. In the Port ’s continued effort to promote diversity both males/females are encouraged to apply for the available post.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the following post in the Operations Department. In the Port ’s continued effort to promote diversity both males/females are encouraged to apply for the available post.
TEMPORARY OPERATOR (TOWHEAD)
TEMPORARY CRANE OPERATOR
Reports to: Operations Manager
Reports to: Operations Manager summary of Responsibilities: The primary duties of the Temporary Operator (towhead) are to safely operate and maneuver towhead truck and chassis around the container yard and pier, safely transporting containers (20’, 40’ 45’) and flat racks with out -of-gauge (OOG) cargo.
Notwithstanding, the great achievements of this PUP government, the greater success to the PlanBelize manifesto is the Good Governance component. Governance is intimately intertwined to democracy. Crucita Ken in her article “Belize: A Haven of Democracy, Are We There Yet” proffered that “Governance is the only way left for underdeveloped countries to alleviate poverty, take advantage of globalization and bring about human development. Governance is the only guarantee for democracy to work and produce its intended results.” It was the lack thereof that turned Belize into a pariah nation, reject of the IFIs and pushed Belize to the cusp of becoming a failed state.
Summary of Responsibilities: The Crane Operator reports to the Operations Manager (OM). He/she works on a roster determined by the vessel schedule and berthing plan. He/she are responsible to safely load/unload cargo ships that are berthed at the pierhead. In house training and mentorship will be provided as required
Job Responsibilities:
Job Responsibilities:
• Operate PBL Mobile Harbor Cranes (MHC) at the Pierhead to facilitate the unloading and loading of container/cargo vessels in a safe and efficient manner.
He/she is responsible for to safely drive within the facility and abide by PBL speed limits and safety measures put in place. In house training will be provided.
• Operate ‘Dragline Crane’ as needs arise and directed by Supervisor/Manager
• Assist in operating any other PBL equipment/vehicles when needed and operations/driving duties that may arise from time to ti me.
• Check, fuel and service Towheads before commencement of vessel
• Daily equipment inspection per Checklist, servicing and all preventative maintenance of the equipment as assigned.
• Prompt reporting of all faults to the Cargo Operations Manager in order for him to put in a work order to the Mechanical Mana ger for repairs.
• Maintain and update the MHC Logbook with all required relevant information including engine hours / mileage, service and repa irs and maintenance.
• Daily equipment inspection per Checklist, servicing and all preventative maintenance of the equipment as assigned
• Prompt reporting of all faults to the Operations Foreman in order for him to put in a work order to the Mechanical Manager fo r repairs.
• Maintain and update the Container Stacker Logbook with all required relevant information including engine hours / mileage, re pai and maintenance.
• He/she shall conduct a pre-operation check and test run of the crane to ensure that it is ready and fit for work.
• Responsible for the upkeep of the equipment by assisting with minor maintenance from time to time.
• Position and fuel equipment (both stacker and towheads) at allocated time as coordinated with Technical Dept.
Dean Barrow’s weeping for poor Belize and the worry for who comes next did not deter the Briceño government from taking the bull by the horns in returning the country to its halcyon days of the PUPs. Today the country and its citizenry is witness to a massive transformation revolution. The Saudi government has entrusted the Jewel with ninety million dollars to build a tertiary care hospital, equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities and health services. The was the realization of another PlanBelize promise of expanding healthcare. Critics abound within the deceitful, gutter sniper, rake and scrape, and corrupt UDPs who are attempting to undermine a noble investment - the building of a tertiary care hospital. Lest we forget, it was the same government that had the opportunity to thirty million in grant funding to build a new hospital in Belmopan and because of incompetence blew the deal in 2017. Thirty million dollars of free money! But then again it was supposed to be built in the Garden City of Belmopan. Now the Leader of the Opposition, Shyne the Nonsensical Intellectual Barrow has the audacity to criticize an investment of the PUP gov-
• Operate towheads to facilitate loading and unloading of container/bulk vessels from Pierhead to yard and vice versa.
• Assist with stripping of containers at the warehouse as required
• Assist with refueling the mobile harbor crane (MHC) in preparation for the next operation and park the MHC in the designated area as directed by the Operations Foreman.
• Report all accidents and damage incidents immediately to the Operations Supervisor on Duty. Take pictures of the accident sce ne order to assist with the investigation.
• Report all accidents, damage incidents and performance issues immediately to the Operations Foreman on duty.
• Actively multi -skill in order to have ability to operate other PBL equipment including towheads, forklifts, vehicles etc.
• Any other duties and functions, of a related nature that may be assigned from time to time.
• Actively multi -skill in order to have ability to operate other PBL equipment including vehicles, towheads, forklifts and ultimat ely stackers.
Job Qualifications/Requirement:
• Wearing proper PPE at all times, and report any safety non -compliance issues to the Operations Foreman.
• High School Diploma
• At the end of operations ensure the towheads are parked in its designated area as assigned.
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience working as a heavy equipment Operator; Crane Operator certification would be an asset
• Any other duties of a related nature assigned from time to time.
• A valid class E (All) driver’ s license
Skills/Competencies:
Job Qualifications/Requirement:
• High School Diploma
• Able to work as a team
• Ethical
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience working as a heavy equipment Operator
• Ability to work independently
• Able to work flexible hours
• Experience operating container handling equipment such as forklift, container stackers and/or Crane Operator certification wo uld an asset
• Supervisory and leadership skills required
• Proactive in addressing Operational emergencies
• A valid class E (All) driver’ s license
• Computer literate
Skills/Competencies:
Compensation Package: Will be commensurate (in accordance with the Company's Salary Structure).
• Able to work as a team
• Ethical
To apply: Provide updated resume, cover letter (addressed to Human Resource Manager ), copy of valid social security card, valid police report, vaccination card, name and phone number of two (2) previous employers.
• Ability to work independently
• Able to work flexible hours
Applications should be emailed to: jobapplication@portofbelize.com
• Proactive in identifying operational improvements and addressing operational emergencies
Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, June 9th, 2023
• Computer literate
