Belize Times April 27, 2014

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

27 APRIL 2014 | ISSUE NO: 4892

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

Lowering the Bar at UB Belize City, April 24, 2014 The Prime Minister and Minister of Education seem to have thumbed their noses at the academic professionals at the University of Belize and Belizean intellectuals at home and abroad with the appointment of a new interim President.

Allan Slusher has been appointed interim UB President according to the President of the UB Board of Trustees Harrison Pilgrim.

Slusher, who has been an old and loyal UDP scout, has been tapped on the shoulder to replace Dr. Cary Fraser who is currently on administrative leave as instructed by the Board, pending a final settlement

on his departure.

But all is not well with Slusher’s appointment. There is major controversy brewing within the University Faculty because Slusher is the holder of a Bachelor’s degree. The University of Belize requires its lecturers to have a Master’s degree. All previous Presidents, and Acting President, have held Doctorate degrees – from Dr. Angel Cal, Dr. Corinth-Morter Lewis and Dr. Santos Mahung.

The announcement has been seen by many as a mockery to the institution which seeks to impart higher learning on Belizeans. How can Slusher lead the University when there are about 20 other members of the UBfaculty who hold a Doctorate degree

and are deemed better qualified than him? Couldn’t the next President come from the esteemed academia that exists in Belize?

Slusher, it appears, is highly fa-

voured by his political friends in the Barrow Administration for positions on behalf of the Government. He served as Central Bank’s Governor, was appointed to the BTL Board, serves on the BEL Board, is an advisor to the Ministry of Finance, and up to recently, was reportedly serving as an advisor to the UB Management Team.

This special relationship with the Barrow Administration could be a major reason behind the appointment. The UDP Government has wrecked the University. This

Pg. 4 Allan Slusher

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14 Yr. oLd KnoCKS down 2 Yr. oLd in orange waLK Vehicle belongs to DPM’s driver Photo courtesy CTV-3 News

US ForenSiCS ProBeS Shooting oF iLLegaL gUatemaLan in ChiQUiBUL

Belize City, April 23, 2014 A vehicle belonging to the driver of Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega, but recklessly driven at the time by a 14 year old minor, almost killed a two year old child in Orange Walk Town on Holy Thursday.

Pg. 3

Canada, US iSSUe traveL adviSorieS againSt BeLiZe Pg. 6

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OPINION OUT

April 22, 2014

Hon. Anthony “Boots” Martinez Area Representative for Port Loyola Dear Minister Martinez, The residents of Port Loyola behind the Jane Usher basketball court, on Pen Road extension, and to the west of Arlington Drive would like to know when will you take the necessary steps to address their cries for streetlights in the division? This is a concern that was brought to your attention more than eleven years ago when you were first elected as their Area Representative. The service is justifiable and long overdue as an average of fifty to seventy-five homes are within close proximity in each of the affected areas; the poles of Belize Electricity Limited (B.E.L.) on which the streetlights can be fixed have been in place for over a decade, and by paying their electricity bill dutifully every month, the residents contribute to the millions of dollars in yearly profit for the company.

With absolutely no streetlights in place the three areas mentioned are jet-black from 6:30 p.m. and very conducive to all types of criminal activities which make them very dangerous to travel at night. Due to the lack of streetlights in these sections of the division robberies, burglaries, and murders are only some of the crimes the residents of these arContinued on page 19

LOCAL 25 Apr

The UN Report and Why Are We Ignoring Structural Violence?

Stewart Krohn’s tough questions for NCL’s Colin Murphy

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2014

OUT

OUT

Gilroy Usher, Sr. writes “Boots” Martinez, lobbies for streetlights in Port Loyola

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27 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

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DEAR EDITOR,

Before I get to my main point I take this opportunity to denote how our psychological wiring and thought process often times have us inaccurately prioritizing issues that affect our lives: The Availability Heuristic says that we will react to what is most available to us and easy for us to mentally process/digest. In this case, I am speaking about the fact that Belize has been branded by the United Nations as the third most ‘dangerous’ country in the world due to our murder rate per 100,000 people, and how we reacted to it.

We must also take into consideration our Arbitrary Coherence, which says that once we get something established in our minds, that ‘something’ will shape how we react and mentally process it today and in the future. Buzz words such as murder, dangerous, violence make the UN report, Coherent, it sends us in a frenzy, we get emotional, we get mad, we feel ashamed of the accolade...and the media feeds this frenzy, since often times the media naturally gravitate towards stories due to their Availability Heuristics.

Let’s look at some facts. Do you know what the top ten causes of death of Belizeans are?

1. Diabetes Mellitus 2. Coronary Heart Disease 3. Road Traffic Accidents 4. Stroke 5. Hypertension 6. HIV/AIDS 7. Influenza & Pneumonia 8. Violence 9. Other Injuries 10. Liver Disease When we hear the word ‘violence,’ we think of stabbings, beatings, shootings. That’s behavioral violence. What we don’t hear about is inequality and how it is killing us.

DEAR EDITOR:

I viewed with interest the hosting of a press tour by Norwegian Cruise Line and the explanation by NCL executive Colin Murphy of why the establishment of a cruise port at Harvest Caye would be such a wonderful blessing for Belize. What particularly prompts me to write is his astonishingly candid – and frightening – statement that “Really, what we are doing is locking ourselves into Belize”. Remember that word, “locked”. Although no longer a member of the Belizean media I could not help but think of a few questions for Mr. Murphy had I been present. Specifically could he explain: –why Belizean taxpayers should pay NCL over a hundred million Belize dollars in direct cash subsidy over the course of its exclusive concession, thus allowing NCL to recoup its entire capital investment at Harvest Caye?

–why Belizeans should be thrilled with the creation of 200 low paying part-time seasonal jobs?

–why NCL needs to reserve 25% of the jobs on Harvest Caye (no doubt the best paying jobs) for foreigners?

–why NCL needs to divert thousands of passengers from Belize City where a new and modern port will be built on Stake Bank?

–why, if NCL so badly wants Continued on page 19

WEATHER 26 Apr

27 Apr

28 Apr

2629Mar Apr

It’s like an odorless, colorless, highly toxic gas that we’re just not aware of.

Meta-analysis are now finding that the main causes of deaths worldwide stems from inequality, now more popularly being referred to as Structural Violence - which is a form of violence where some social structure or social institution may harm people by preventing them from meeting their basic needs. It kills us from the usual diseases: Diabetes, heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure.

It’s the structure of our society, the gap between the rich and the poor, that creates the inequality that kills us from all the usual diseases.

As a Belizean you are statistically susceptible to 7 other ways you are more likely to die before an act of behavioral violence. And these 7 other ways are directly linked to our health.

We have a serious health problem in Belize, and there is not enough public education, outcry and mitigation.

I implore the media and remind them that they are a very important tool and have a very important role in our society when it comes to educating and properly informing the People. I also implore the Government to prioritize attention and allocation of resources towards the health system and thus the health of Belizeans.

Structural violence kills far more people than the behavioral variety.

That’s what we need to change.

Winston Churchill once said, “Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any nation can have.”

Yours In Service, Charles Leslie Jr. Placencia

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

|

The Truth Shall Make You Free

ISSUE NO: 4840

www.belizetimes.bz

|

$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

Founder: Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, People’s United Party Leader Emeritus EDITOR

Alberto Vellos LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed and Published By THE BELIZE TIMES PRESS LTD. Tel: 671-8385 #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize

27 Mar Apr 6 30 Feb

Email: belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com

editortimes@yahoo.com

Exchange rate of One Belize Dollar

United States (USD): $ 0.50

Barbados (BBD): $ 1.00

Eastern Caribbean Euro (XCD):$ 1.35 (EUR) : $ 0.37

Sterling Pound Guatemala Quetzal CANADIAN DOLLAR (GBP): $ 0.31 (GTQ): $ 3.95 (CAD): $ 0.52

CHINESE YUAN (CNY): $ 3.04

Trinidadian (TTD) : $ 3.21

INDIAN RUPEE (INR): $ 31.28

27 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

GOB increases fuel prices on eve of Holy Week Belize City, April 23, 2014 Just when thousands of Belizeans prepared to go on their Easter travelling plans, the mean Dean Barrow Administration sneaked in higher fuel prices.

On April 16th, just a day before Holy Thursday, the cost of Diesel and Regular fuel increased by 30 cents cumulatively.

Diesel fuel increased by two cents from $10.39 to $10.41 per gallon, while Regular fuel went from $11.28 to $11.56 per gallon, an increase of twenty eight cents.

Fortunately, Premium fuel was not affected by the price increase and continued at $11.67 per gallon.

Higher in other districts The new prices mentioned above are for Belize City only. In other parts of the country, the prices are much higher. For example, in Orange Walk the price of Regular fuel per gallon is $11.64, Diesel is $10.49, and Premium is $11.75.

To the west side, the cost is a bit higher. Premium fuel is $11.77,

ow PoLiCe SeeK identitY oF armed roBBerS

Orange Walk Town, April 23, 2014 Orange Walk Police have not been able to determine the identity of two men who robbed a thrift store on one of Orange Walk town’s busiest shopping areas, despite having captured the entire robbery on surveillance security camera.

The men, one of dark complexion and the other of Hispanic descent, entered the Orange Walk Bargain Center located on Main Street around 9:45 in the morning and held up the cashier on duty.

They stole money and cell phones valuing a total of $7,250.

The dark complexion man wore a hat and sunglasses, while the Hispanic man covered his face with a shirt to conceal their identities.

The Police is asking for the assistance of residents in this case.

14 Yr. oLd KnoCKS down 2 Yr. oLd in orange waLK Vehicle belongs to DPM’s driver

Continued from page 1 The toddler, Rachel Chan, was standing on Sapodilla Street in Trial Farm when she was hit by the pickup which was driven by the 14 year old.

Baby Rachel was rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital and then transferred to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital because of her severe condition. Hospital authorities report that Baby Rachel suffered a large wound on her forehead and three broken ribs. She had to undergo a major surgery which resulted in the removal of her spleen which had been damaged.

The vehicle, a Ford pickup truck, is owned by Christopher Hendricks, who is Deputy Prime Minister Vega’s driver. It is reported that he gave the vehicle to the 14 year old to drive just minutes before the careless accident.

Orange Walk Police detained the 14 year old minor but released him on the same day of the near fatality, while issuing a Notice of Intended Prosecution.

The vehicle involved in the accident has

Regular is $11.66 and Diesel is $10.51.

It went higher further south.

In Punta Gorda to cost a gallon of Premium fuel is a whopping $11.92. Regular fuel is $11.81 and Diesel is $10.56 per gallon.

Gouging commuters The Government of Belize is taking advantage of fuel consumers with their pricing formula. In effect, the Government, which should regulate cases of over-pricing of consumer goods, is itself gouging Belizeans at the fuel

also been released back to its owner.

This seems to be special treatment, since the Police normally holds onto vehicles involved in accidents.

The Police took very long to admit that they were investigating this serious incident involving a political high-roller in Gaspar Vegas’ camp. However, late Wednesday they informed that they have prepared courts summons for the minor and Hendricks. Both are expected to appear in Court on April 29th and the minor will answer to charges of driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention, for negligent and grievous harm, failing to report an accident, and driving a motor vehicle whilst not being the holder of a valid driver’s license, while Hendricks will answer to the charge of allowing a person to drive whilst not being the holder of a driver’s license.

The BELIZE TIMES has learnt that Baby Rachel’s family is being pressured

by UDP officials to keep away from the media and have been offered money for their silence.

03 3 pumps.

First, the Government collects a fuel tax formula that was initially only deemed sustainable if the prices remained under $8.00.

Second, the Government is skimming off the high taxes from fuel prices while it is selling low-quality, cheaper fuel by mixing the north american imported fuel with Venezuela’s Petro-Caribe fuel This Petro-Caribe fuel is gifted to Belize through a bi-lateral agreement initiated by the former PUP Government to reduce the economic hardships facing Belizeans. But the Barrow Government is instead using it to take advantage of Belizeans who are struggling with the sky high cost of living in the country.

They are charging Belizeans for Venezuelan fuel which the Government gets at a discounted cost. The profits, collected by GOB, are then used for political gimmicks such as their Christmas ham give-away programs which are really schemes to keep Belizeans poor and dependent.

Someone from the Venezuelan Embassy should heed this warning and report the truth to its leaders in Venezuela instead of playing political games with the Barrow Administration. The Petro-Caribe initiative has been misused and abused by the UDP Government to further oppress the people of Belize.

4 04

THE BELIZE TIMES

Cold UDP Government Will Belize demand investigation of Belizean killed in Melchor?

Belize City, April 24, 2014 The case of another Belizean brutally murdered in the neighboring Guatemalan village of Melchor de Mencos might just turn into another unsolved homicide, as the Belize Government has refused to apply any pressure on Guatemalan authorities to provide conclusive answers to the killing of 22 year old Edwin Javier Chan over the Easter holidays.

On Saturday morning, Chan was found dead inside Auto Hotel in the Barrio

Lowering the Bar at UB Continued from page 1 is the reason why Dr. Fraser, UB’s 4th President, took office in August 2011 and was entering his third year when he felt compelled to announce that he was leaving the University early.

In a November 2013 letter written to the Prime Minister, Dr. Fraser frowned upon the challenges he faced at the University which included the Government’s low priority signaled by the “the chronic inability of the Ministry of Education to meet its debts to the University of Belize”, as well as unnecessary intervention by the Board the running of the University which “has undermined the capacity of the University of Belize to foster institutional stability at leadership levels, especially at the levels of the President and the Provost.”

Dr. Fraser held back no punches when it came to discussing the Government’s lack of vision, or financial support for the University. Those were critical matters that have stymied the institution’s growth and development, and ability to prepare a high caliber cadre of young men and women that will be able to fill the demands across the board to meet the development expectations of this nation.

The appointment of one of the members of the old boy’s club which Prime Minister Dean Barrow belongs to, is further proof that the political directorate is too myopic to comprehend the need for a long-term vision for the University beyond a short-term political agenda.

Campito area of Melchor. He had a gunshot wound to the left side of his head.

Chan had travelled to Melchor on Friday April 18th afternoon with several friends. They returned to the Belize side, while Chan remained.

Around 4am the following day, a gunshot was heard within the hotel.

Police say Chan had other bruises on his body, indicating that he had gotten into a fight with someone.

The Belize Government has not intervened in this matter. They have left a Belizean family to grieve and worry with many unanswered questions about their loved one. Not even a letter of condolence from officials or a note of assurance that the Government will ensure that the murderer(s) face justice.

It is the same cold treatment given to the family of 23 year old Benqueno Miguel Gonzalez, who was killed in Melchor in October 2012 and no one has been arrested. Cold UDP Government.

27 APR

2014

27 APR

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

05 5

EDITORIAL How Commercials Stop Violent Murders In Belize there is a direct connection between the health of the Belizean economy and the safety and security of our citizens. There is an undeniable connection between jobs and crime. There is a direct negative correlation between the capitalist business community and the jackals of gangland.

No matter how mischief-makers and media leeches spin it, a healthy and vibrant economy is the best home remedy to the crime virus.

The greater observation is that to the BELIZE TIMES, there is a choking hypocrisy and a flamboyant insult to claim that major crime is “down” by 32%.

There are a few things that need to be said about the expensive, seemingly Jules Vasquez-endorsed commercial saying that crime is down. The first point is that this ad proves that there is a daily Channel 7 marketing campaign for the UDP. We are reminded of the casual assessment of Jules Vasquez, which says “Jules is the most independent news personality until it counts”. This always holds true to form.

Second, the UDP are extremely consistent. They have always redefined words and molested figures to suit their political ends. We know that the UDP are fond of employing the Crispin Jefferies strategy of statistics. This school of thought is that when the real statistics are against you, create your own. No matter how ridiculously unbelievable they might be, just release your own figures.

The third truth that is pointed out by this insultingly unrealistic commercial is that the UDP have the worst Public Relations team ever. At BELIZE TIMES we recall that Godfrey Smith had pointed out this Achilles heel to the current Government in a hotly discussed Flash Point article.

Not very many are surprised by the frail, propaganda machine, which has as its brain-thrust an endomorphic UDP who barely managed to scrape 18 votes in a Stann Creek West constituency of over 32,166 people and over 6470 voters.

Stann Creek West was ranked as the largest constituency nationwide, yet the UDP mouthpiece and public relations “guru” got a whopping 0.056% of the people living in that constituency to vote for him as a UDP. This is a record.

For context the UDP propaganda campaign that Belize is a Garden of Eden sprung into action on the heels of a UN report, using data collated from 2012, which placed Belize as the third most murderous country in the world. Rather than fixing it, the UDP ran to Jules and put the worst propaganda ad into rotation.

The stupidity of it is that days before this ad, Boots Martinez was soiling his trousers in Mikes Club as he witnessed a brazen assassination and Santi Castillo, admitted the failure of his own government to deal with the violent crimes and murders.

Any social scientist or informed observer could tell you that crime would burst at the seams around this time.

Owing to the public interest and sensitivity of the matter and the irrefutable incompetence of the UDP on both the

economy and crime, the PUP have been warning diplomatically, candidly, and with a commendably responsible reserve that the way the UDP are handling things is plainly unsustainable.

The PUP’s warnings have all proven true. Breaking rocks for the short term does not erase unemployment and crime.

The leader of the opposition spoke with an eye opening tone during the Budget debates: “Once again the Prime Minister beats his chest and boasts about boost and pantry…well, Mr. Speaker, we all know, I just said it, the Belizean reality is hard and ugly. So, life is hard and people need help but do not take pride in the fact that under your Government, under your UDP administration more and more people have to line up at politicians’ office to get on a list to get a little bag of groceries or get help with their bills – that is nothing to boast about and to keep people poor is the greatest social injustice. Where are the jobs? So, our people can live with pride and dignity…Mr. Speaker, there is pride in all work but don’t sing to us about ‘bruk stone pan street’ – where are the jobs for our young graduates? They need jobs too. The single mothers need jobs too; many young professionals are looking for work. Where are their jobs? The UDP’s jobs plan is to send you to break stones on street – that is their jobs’ plan.”

It is no wonder that crime continues to skyrocket, and that it has spread to out district with rural massacres, while the perennial kill zone of Belize City keeps plaguing our confused Police Commissioner.

In England and Wales, ironically, where crime rates have dropped not because of PR stunts but because of real reform, a recent crime survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) points to a dip of 15% in household crimes and overall crime down by 10%. The Crime Prevention Minister of the UK, Norman Baker, cites the statistics, which he considered to be “more good news”, and attributes them to “police reform” amongst other economic factors. In Belize there is no reform, as the top brass follow political dictates and interference.

We should be reminded in the Mosquito Coast of the words of Adam Pemberton, assistant chief executive at Victim support, who said in a humanitarian breath of context that “It is important to remember that for many of the victims of … crimes committed last year, the impact will have been severe and long-lasting.”

No commercial fixes that.

In Belize, while the propaganda ads are running, a young naked woman was killed and left floating in our savannah, innocent people are wantonly executed as criminals “test” their guns, daylight assassinations continue and Belize marches past civil war status.

It’s all about the economy. It is not about Public Relations.

It is not about commercials. It is about lives. It is about a clueless government. It is about a dangerous attempt to re-write and redefine failure.

In the mean time, Belizeans are being murdered.

6 06

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP NOTICE

Municipal Elections – Dangriga Town The People’s United Party is inviting interested applicants for the upcoming Dangriga Town Council Elections to submit their applications. A Convention is slated for Sunday, August 17th, 2014.

Applications are available from the Constituency Committee Chairperson Myrick Marshall or the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City.

Completed applications must be filled and returned to the Chairperson and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee must be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application.

Deadline for submission is June 27th, 2014.

27 APR

2014

Canada, US iSSUe traveL adviSorieS againSt BeLiZe Belize City, April 24, 2014 The international reactions to the high levels of crime and violence that currently exist in Belize and the Barrow Administration’s failure to properly safeguard citizens and even visitors have come hard and strong, with travel advisories issued against Belize by the powerful United States and Canada.

The Government of Canada issued a travel warning a week ago, on April 17th 2014, to Canadians who may be interested in visiting Belize, cautioning about the levels of violence in our country.

According to the Canadian government’s warning, “criminal activity, including armed robbery, mugging and sexual assault, is a significant problem throughout Belize. Robberies and assaults have been reported in resort areas. There has been a noted increase in violent crime targeting tourists since the end of 2013.”

The latest travel advisory indicates that Canadians “should exercise a high degree of caution due to a high rate

of violent crime throughout the country”. This advisory has been in effect up to today, April 24, 2014.

The United States’ travel warning on Belize also admonishes their citizens about the risky safety and security in the country.

“The Embassy has noted an increase in crimes against tourists at resorts and on the roads and river ways.

U.S. citizens are primarily the victims of opportunistic crime. There is no evidence suggesting criminals specifically target U.S. citizens, but foreigners have been targeted for crime due to their perceived wealth,” states the warning.

The advisory adds that Belize’s Police do not effectively investigate crime and apprehend serious offenders because of “a lack of resources and training”.

This week there was another spike in the number of murders, with one fatal daylight shooting in the city and three other suspected homicides in other parts of the country.

US ForenSiCS ProBeS Shooting oF iLLegaL gUatemaLan in ChiQUiBUL Prayer To The Holy Spirit May sacred heart of Jesus be Adored, Glorified, Loved and Preserved throughout the world, now and forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us; Saint Jude worker of miracles pray for us; Saint Jude Helper of the helpless, pray for us.

H.C.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICE Notice is hereby given that AUGUSTINE RAMOS is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “One-Ah-Wi”, situate at Hattieville, Boom Road, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that YAN PING CHEN is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Mosul Street Cool Spot”, situate at 65 Cemetery Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Belize City, April 24, 2014 In a show of utmost disrespect to Belize’s law enforcement officers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acceded to Guatemala’s demands for a third party to investigate the fatal shooting of an Guatemalan who illegally inside Belize’s border.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sedi Elrington has conceded that the Barrow Administration caved into the demands, and a U.S. forensics official identified as Dr. James Hamdi was brought into Belize by Guatemala to carry out a parallel investigation.

This is after the Belize Defense Force submitted a detailed report.

Also, after the Belize Police Department carried out its investigation which corroborated the BDF’s account of the March 28th incident.

There is, after multiple investigations, no doubt that Guatemalan 26 year old Tomas Ramirez was well within Belize when he was shot, in self-defense, by Belize’s BDF soldiers.

The Police’s report, issued on March 31st, indicated that “a patrol of Forestry officers, police and B.D.F personnel were some (7) kilometers north of Rio Blanco and some (3.4) kilometers east of the border line when they encountered some armed male individuals. They were ordered to stop and in doing so they opened fired at the authorities who returned fire and resulted in one being fatally injured”.

The Police official, who was part of the patrol team, searched the individual and found a Maverick Mossberg Model 88 12 gauge pump action shotgun and in the area they also

found a plastic bag containing 171.1 grams of cannabis seed. Nearby, Police also found a live 12-gauge ammo and 5 expended 12-gauge cartridges from the shots fired at the Belizean patrol team.

Minutes before the encounter and shooting, the joint patrol had uprooted a small marijuana field of about 40 plants that measured between two to four feet in height.

Shortly after the incident, the Governments of Belize and Guatemala issued a “joint statement”, only issued in Belize, in which Belize’s Government emphasizes that they would prosecute

the BDF soldiers if they are found to have committed criminal wrong. This did very little to build the confidence of our BDF soldiers who put their lives at risk to safeguard our borders against constant incursions and illegal activity by Guatemalans.

Meanwhile in Guatemala, false reporting has been done by the media without any form of official correction from the Government. Prensa Libre, for example, has reported that Ramirez was in his “area of work” within the “imaginary border” (sounds familiar Minister to Sedi’s language?) when he was ambushed by the BDF patrol who opened fire at him.

27 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

WOMAN IN THE HOUSE

By Dolores Balderamos Garcia

A Little Jazz April is Jazz Appreciation Month.

A few weeks ago a BBC Correspondent named Serena Field emailed me to ask if she could interview me by telephone or Skype. She was, she said, doing a series of interviews with persons from the Commonwealth about the music they liked, asking them to send a piece of music that represented their respective countries. This is in connection with the upcoming Twentieth Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow, Scotland this year in July and August.

Immediately I thought that I would like to share, and to talk

about in the interview, the music of the Lord Rhaburn Combo, particularly two selections from the early 1960’s Lord Rhaburn album “Tropico y Ritmo,” which on the CD release is titled “Tropical Rhythm.”

Serena had asked me to choose one piece, but when I listened again to the album, I felt that the songs are so short that perhaps she would let me choose two. I picked “Bud Bank Wedding” and “Suddenly It Happens.”

When I listen carefully to these two Lord Rhaburn pieces I hear a little Jazz! “Bud Bank Wedding,” a Gerald Rhaburn composition, is a classic. Great the pity

STATUTORY NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE ESTATE OF Dudley Rudolf Simmons, deceased of Awe Street, San Ignacio, Belize NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 36 of the Administration of Estates Act, Chapter 197 of the Laws of Belize that all creditors and other persons having any claims and demands upon or against the Estate of Dudley Rudolf Simmons, deceased, late of Awe Street, San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize, who died on the 30th day of March 2006, and in whose estate Grant of Probate has been granted to Armandina Simmons of Awe Street, San Ignacio, Belize should lodge such claims of demands with the said Armandina Simmons, c/o MUSA & BALDERAMOS, Attorneys-at-Law of No. 91 North Front Street, Belize City, on or before the expiration of three months from the first publication thereof AND NOTICE IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN that at the expiration of the said three months the said ARMANDINA SIMMONS shall proceed to distribute the assets of the said Dudley Rudolf Simmons, deceased amongst the beneficiaries entitled thereto, having regard only to claims and demands of which they shall then have had notice.

DATED this 10th day of April, 2014 MUSA & BALDERAMOS Attorney-at-Law for ARMANDINA SIMMONS Executrix in the Estate of Dudley Rudolf Simmons

that it is so short. You get the guitar introduction, the horns of George Matthews and Pablo Clarke, and that quintessentially Belizean brukdown rhythm. It is impossible to sit still when listening to it! Of course the Lord Rhaburn-sung lyrics are fabulous as well. Who says Belizeans don’t know how to bram and party – and what better party than a river ‘benk’ village wedding!? I believe that this selection is Lord Rhaburn’s finest hour.

“Suddenly It Happens” is a Herman Bennett and George Matthews composition. Both gentlemen were members of Lord Rhaburn’s early 1960’s lineup, Bennett, the guitarist and Matthews, the tenor saxophonist. When you listen to this piece you hear fantastic composition, a Jazz-inflected Latin rhythm, and even improvisation on the alto sax of Pablo Clarke and the tenor sax of George Matthews. The song clocks in at only two minutes; twenty eight seconds – what a shame, since it is an excellent example of the artistry and keen musicality of the combo, their command of their idiom, and their wonderful versatility in many styles. You also hear the influence of the Caribbean and Latin Ameri-

07 7 can music forms that the combo had thoroughly mastered.

The whole album is a Belizean gem that is not to be missed. It also features their jazzed-up version of Henry Mancini’s “Moon River,” Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Desafinado” (wrongly attributed to Joao Gilberto), Count Duggeler’s calypso “World’s Laziest Man,” and another Herman Bennett composition “Diane Bossa Nova.” And you should hear them play and sing the ‘Spanish’ selections!

Lord Gerald Rhaburn is our greatest music man/calypsonian, and I was more than honored to share two pieces from what I consider his best album with Serena Field, the British Broadcasting Corporation, and millions of listeners from throughout the Commonwealth at this time of the upcoming Commonwealth Games. The interview was recorded on April 11, 2014, and one should be able to access Ms. Field’s programs at BBC World on the internet.

In this April Jazz Appreciation Month take time to listen to the Lord Rhaburn Combo’s “Tropico y Ritmo.” It is more than a little Jazz!!

0 88

THE BELIZE TIMES

27 APR

2014

27 APR APR 27

THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE

2014

9 TOPMODEL 09

ENTERTAINMENT

NEWS

Two new singles by the effervescent and versatile group known as “Di Turth” will debut this Saturday on the “Seh Somting” youth radio show.

The singles are titled “Sweet and Love” and “Island Girl”, dancehall/reggae medleys.

Since debuting on Channel 5’s talent competitions, “Di Truth” has matured from a mere entertainment group to a local artist group composing poetry and musical lyrics.

The group brings a unique blend that consists of Denzel’s rap style, Bryan’s reggae flavor, Stephen’s soul blend and Ramon Rosado’s poetic groove.

Whether Di Truth will be making an appearance on the radio show has not been confirmed.

The Seh Somting” youth radio show airs at 1pm on Vibes Radio 90.5/102.9.

Location: Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel, Belize City

THE TRUTH DEBUTS NEW SINGLES

Markeisha • • • •

Height: 5’ 7” Career Plan: Paralegal Sign: Capricorn Favourite Food: Mexican Food

• • •

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10 SPORTS mexican Juan Pablo magallanes

27 APR

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

wins Holy Saturday Cross Country Classic

Belize City, April 19, 2014 Team Benny’s Megabytes’ Mexican import Juan Pablo Magallanes won the 86th Holy Saturday Cross Country cycling Classic, clocking 5:45:03 on his 140-mile ride from the BTL Park in Belize City to the Columbus Park in San Ignacio and back on Saturday, April 19.

Magallanes had to take 2nd place to Darnell barrow last year, but this time he took the $6,000 1st prize, the winner’s garland of roses presented by and 3-time Cross Country champ Kenrick Halliday, plus 8 trophies, as well as a $400 shopping spree at Mirage, a return ticket to the USA from United Airlines, a return ticket from Maya Island Air, a bull from Cuello’s Distillery, a 2-night stay at Barrier Reef Lodge in San Pedro and a weekend’s stay for two at Captain Morgan’s Retreat in San Pedro, $250 from LC Distributors and an MP4 player from Go Wireless. He had also cleaned up over $6,850 in station prizes when he and Mexican rider Florencio Ramos of the Predators team broke away from the lead breakaway of 5 riders in Camalote, running all the way to San Ignacio, where Magallanes won the halfway prizes, and back to the city until they were caught

by Hector Jugo Rangel at mile

36.

Team SMART’s Guatemalan import Alejandro Miranda Padilla, who finished 20th last year, clocked 5:54:06 as he won the $3,000 2nd prize, a trophy, a return ticket to the USA from United Airlines, an overnight stay at the Magic Island Resort in Caye Caulker, a return ticket from Maya Island Air, and the Altreith Smith memorial plaque.

Florencio Ramos won the $2,000 3rd prize and a trophy from Belize Electricity Ltd; as well as an overnight stay at the Barefoot Caribe in Caye Caulker, and a return ticket from Maya Island Air. He had also cleaned over $8,800 in station prizes as he went sharing the lead with Magallanes and back.

Team Bel-Cal’s David Santos of the USA won the $1,000 4th prize and a trophy from Atlantic Bank.

Benny’s Megabytes other Mexican import, Hector Hugo Rangel, won the $800 5th prize and a trophy from Barrow and Co. Rangel had also cleaned up over $9,050 as he swept 19 station prizes from the Amigos Restaurant at mile 33 to Prosser Fertilizer at mile 7.

Team SMART’s Guatemalan import Julio Miranda Padilla won the $600 sixth prize and a trophy from Bowen & Bowen

2014

Ltd.

Team Hincapie’s Scottie Weisse of the USA won the $400 7th prize and a trophy.

8th was Team Telemedia’s Marlon Castillo, the first Belizean, clocked 5:45:50 to win a $300 prize from BML. Other finishers 9th Giovanni Lovell – Team Telemedia 10th Gregory Lovell – Team Telemedia 11th Cory Williams – Team Bel-Cal 12th Isaac Enderline – Team Hincapie 13th Luis Fernando Hernandez 14th Byron Pope - Benny’s Megabytes 15th Henry Moreira – Team Predators 16th Dwight Lopez – BelCal 17th Shane Vasquez – Team Western Spirits 18th Manuel Ayala Balam 19th Brandon Morgan – Benny’s Megabytes 20th Chris Harkey – Team Hincapie

Top 3

Henry Moriera, Darnell Barrow & Byron Pope lead start

Police United defeats Verdes with 8-man squad

Belmopan, April 19, 2014 Police United FC toppled Verdes FC 1-0 to cement their lead in the 2014 Belikin Cup closing season football competition.

Danny Jimenez struck the winning goal in the 37th minute against Verdes at “La Cancha” Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo last Saturday night. The plays were fast and furious with the referee having to send off Verdes’ defender Everald Trapp and 3 Police players, the visitors were down to 8 men by the end of the game, but held off Verdes’ attacks to secure the 1-0 win.

The Police had also sacked the defending champs, the Belmopan Bandits, 2-1 at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan last Wednesday night. Clifton West scored the first goal in the 35th minute. Bandits’ midfielder Denmark Casey equalized

1-1 in the 55th minute, but Harrison “Kafu” Roches struck the Police’s second winning goal in the 83rd minute.

Police FC leads the Premier League of Belize competition with 22 points from 7 wins and 1 draw.

Other matches: Belmopan Bandits vs. FC Belize - 4-0 Goals by Denmark Casey, Elroy Kuylen, Jerome “Jaro” James (2) Verdes vs. San Ignacio - 1-1 Goals by Anthony Gonzalez, Marlon “Matador” Meza Belize Defence Force vs. FC Belize – 1-0 Goal by Stephen Martinez San Ignacio United vs. Freedom Fighters - 4-3 Goals by Franz Vernon, Darwaine Castillo (2), Tremayne Gentle (2), Tony Gonzalez, Wilmer Garcia

Police lead PLB

Elroy Kuylen scored Bandits 2nd goal

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THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

mo Cal & rigo vellos win Placencia Easter Fest

Placencia, April 20, 2014 Placencia drew a large crowd to the annual Tipsy Tuna’s 14th Annual Easter Fest which featured the Clean & Classy Swimsuit Competition and male Fitness Contest as one of its highlights on Sunday, April 20, 2013.

This year’s competition saw the entrance of new fitness athletes. It

also saw Mr. Belize, Rigo Vellos, defending the title for another year.

Vellos, has had a threeyear winning streak in Placencia, and he did not disappoint his fans after putting off a show that convinced the judges that he was still #1.

Second place in male Fit-

Rigo Vellos flexes Annlyn Polonio, 2nd place in swimsuit competition

ness went to Placencia’s very own Edgar Rogers while Belize City’s Edward Burns won 3rd.

In the female Clean & Classy Swimsuit Competition contest, Mo Cal won 1st Place followed

by Annilyn Apolonio who made a successful transformation from bikini model to fitness model to win 2nd place, followed by Charlyn Flores.

The winners received special prizes.

Central Division wins 25 Golds in athletics

LTHS Jervis Myvett wins 100m & 200m

Fabio Carballo is U-19 Table Tennis Champ

Delile academy’s Kenia Flores win 1500m

Jaryn Lino wins long jump

Belize City, April 12, 2014 SJC’s defending under-19 table tennis champ Fabio Carballo won the 2nd annual Don Omario Cup table tennis U-19 tournament to become the back-to-back champ in a tournament organized by the Belize Table Tennis Association at the “home of table tennis” the Belize Elementary School auditorium on Saturday, April 12.

The final rankings were: 2ndJoshua Gegg - Corozal Community College, 3rd - Gian Lisbey - St. Johns College and 4th John Delcid - St. Joseph Primary School.

The top 32 best Under-19 junior players started out in a double elimination format event with the top seed, and Carballo remained undefeated. He ranked No.3 entering this tournament, and he defeated Maurice Alvarez, Mario Galindo, Amiri Hoare, Joshua Gegg and Gian Lisbey to make it to the finals.

Trophies and the Championship Cup were presented to the winners on behalf of the Sponsors “Travellers” by BTTA Membership Director Mrs. Janine Carballo and Executive Committee Member Mr. Hector Lopez.

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Reid Race for the Garland

By G. Michael Reid The 86th running of the annual Cross Country Classic is history and after two years of home town dominance, the garland has once again gone abroad. As per usual, there is the sentiment of what almost borders xenophobia as the organizers and sponsors again face criticism for bringing in foreigner riders. Since 1971 when Mexican Pablo Calderon became the first foreign rider to win the classic, the fear is always that some foreign rider might come in and leave us heartbroken. Since being allowed to participate, foreign riders have done so 18 out of the 28 times they have participated.

This year there was the usual influx of foreign riders and once again, much to the chagrin of many locals, top honors went to one of the invaders.

Mexican Juan Pablo Magallanes, riding for the Benny’s Megabytes Team, crossed the line first and sent Belizeans to finish the rest of the Easter holidays disappointed. But really, should we be? Isn’t it high time that Belizeans started viewing this race in the same light that the French view the Tour de France? That we stop clamoring for a local rider to win and start looking at this race instead, from the perspective of quality and economic benefits.

The Tour de France is the world’s most prominent and popular cycling race and has lengthened its reach to extend around the globe. Riders from as many as 33 countries compete and the last Frenchman to win the tour was Bernard Hinault way back in 1985. Yet, one would not hear the French expressing the type of indignation that Belizeans do and it might be because of the realization that the Tour pumps millions into the France’s economy each year.

Throughout the race, radio announcers kept lamenting the fact that Belizean riders were being left behind. One announcer seemed almost in tears as he declared that it did not “look good”. I was listening and thinking, ‘Well, it doesn’t look too bad for those five guys in the lead’. Of course, they were all foreign riders and in the end, the first seven cyclists to cross the finish line were all foreign riders.

place finisher Padilla said this about our local boys: “The problem they have is their mentality - they want to be taken to the finish and that won’t happen”.

Since I first started writing articles, way back in the early nineteen nineties, I have been crying out for a national team.

Why is it that our best riders are made to ride as domestiques for imported riders? It is time for us to assemble the best of our best and establish a National Cycling Team. The guys could ride for their respective teams throughout the year but come Cross County or any other international event, it is time to represent country. These guys should be paid to train and sent out regularly to compete against formidable teams in different environments. Cycling means a lot to Belizeans, and few would balk at some money being spent to promote our local cyclists. Heaven knows, we throw away enough on cronyism and wasteful projects.

What also has to happen is for cycling to keep the dirty embrace of politics from around it. Recently we saw a move where government assisted in

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2014

Wouldn’t that money have been better used to sponsor a national team instead of financing a team that also involved foreign riders?

Earlier this year, Minister of Sports Herman Longsworth was on television boasting and promising that the Marion Jones Stadium would be ready by Cross Country. When the time drew near and it was obviously not going to be ready, he said that Megabytes apparently had a plan and there was no rush because the Prinit worked to perfection. cess Margaret Drive wasn’t ready.

This year, for the first time in sevWe have had one excuse after the eral decades, cycling enthusiasts and other but the fact is that after inherthe man most singly responsible for iting a project that was already well bringing in foreign riders, did not put a underway, this government has done team in the race. The man who likes to nothing but stuff Longsworth’s pocket be called “the chief” will tell you how with cash. He built a fence for a mildifficult and frustrating it is to keep lion dollars and apparently has gotten our local riders focused. Santino, himenough. Maybe we should shift our self a rider, was known to go to great focus to fencing instead of cycling. lengths to accommodate his riders.

There is one incident involving cyHe would pick them up from home cling that gnaws at my craw and I will and pay them extra to practice. He continue to write about it until somehires many of the guys who ride on one takes notice. It occurred in 1961 his team, gives them easy jobs and when the races were finishing near time off to train. Yet he could always the pound yard bridge. At the finish line, there was one rider, Edward Miguel ahead of everyone else. Duncan Vernon and When the time drew near and it was obviously not going to Edward’s brother Arthur was be ready, he said that there was no rush because the Princlose behind. Realizing that cess Margaret Drive wasn’t ready. We have had one excuse he had won, Edward threw up after the other but the fact is that after inheriting a his hands in victory. Unfortunately, unbeknown to most inproject that was already well underway, this govdividuals and riders even, the ernment has done nothing but stuff Longsworth’s association of the time had pocket with cash. He built a fence for a million dolimplemented a rule that stated lars and apparently has gotten enough. Maybe we that no one should take their should shift our focus to fencing instead of cycling. hands off their handlebars. It was a silly and most ridiculous rule. Fortunately, it has long removing a legally elected president and be heard complaining that his riders been removed from the books and replaced him with a politically connected did not want to practice. Belizean ridwe saw this year’s winner do the very individual; same as they did with football. ers keep complaining about the level same thing. That decision must be reThis move apparently paid dividends as of competition that comes in but why versed. It is too late for Edward for he Channel Five was this year blocked from can’t we reach that level? All year long is already deceased, but for the sake covering the race. Government-owned you see these guys on the road trainof the association and cycling fans of Belize Telemedia Limited poured megaing and there are races throughout Belize, Edward Miguel should be given bucks into sponsorship of a team and the year. This is our turf; we should be his championship, albeit post-humousstation prizes along the way. If the comoverly familiar with the terrain. The bigly. This is important because it would pany is indeed owned by the people, gest problem is that Belizeans riders move Edward into the elite rank of fourthen shouldn’t the people have a say in are just too damn undisciplined and time Cross Country champions where how the company’s money is spent? need to step up their game. Second he rightly belongs.

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Hope is a renewable option

By Dr. Angela Banner Joseph “If you run out of it at the end of the day, you get to start over in the morning.” - Barbara Kingsolver What is hope? Hope is something that we all feel at some point in our lives. Today’s hurried lifestyle may leave us weary or burned out. At times, we search for hope through life’s adversities as we look for a sense of purpose and understanding to engage in all our challenges. In moments of despair, we question the meaning of living.

Daily living provides us with multiple dilemmas, but how we embrace life’s changes, whether good or bad, is what inspires us when we feel like every step forward takes us two steps back. Journeying through moments of despondency teaches us to look within ourselves to find the strength to search for guidance from a higher power when we feel like there is no way to go on.

Have you ever wondered why some people are born into wealth and others into poverty? Do you question why some on this planet suffer or experience disappointment after disappointment? Do you ever question why a healthy person suddenly becomes ill? Do you know how to pull yourself together during life’s emergencies?

Life offers many strategies for daily living, and yet many of us do not believe strongly enough in ourselves to persevere when we encounter difficult situations. Think of moments of uncertainty as a welcome gift, for they may encourage us do things for ourselves or others when a lack of action would cause later regret.

We all struggle with our purpose on this planet and we all have some days when we seek guidance because we feel discouraged or powerless. On such days, we fight hard to take care

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of ourselves and our families or to spend quality time with friends. Still, we must continue to deal with internal pain and heartache as life’s difficulties weigh us down with exhaustion and make us feel confused. The burden is heavy to bear, and once again, we may feel hopeless or question our sense of purpose.

Feeling discouraged may allow our minds to wander into a dismal abyss or may cause us to feel like we are falling over the edge of a cliff. The darkness of life’s destruction can weigh heavy on our minds. Through these trying times, we should not question God, but instead should understand His plan. His plan is greater than our needs and He understands our pain. We must listen during those moments of despair as He guides us and nurtures us to a deeper understanding of how to deal with the challenges in front of us.

Even though we may feel broken or lost, it is important that we fight through disillusionment to seek help from our spiritual advisor: God. He is our strength during our moments of despair, pain, or anger, because he soothes our souls and provides us with the stability and strength to go on.

We are on this planet for a reason.

We all are on a specific assignment from God; some are placed on shortterm assignments and others have long-term responsibilities. Some of us may question why He does what He does, but during such moments of hopelessness, we must find solace by meditating, going for a walk, visiting others, or just sitting quietly to accept the hand extended to us. Rise above the pain, hurt, anger, or confusion.

Sometimes we may feel that we are void of hope and possibilities. We may find ourselves in the trenches of futility that beckon for us to give up.

It is these times of desperation and despair that can spur the fire and desire of hope. Therefore, steady the course, because without hope as a human being, we are lost. Rid yourself of hopelessness and open yourself to the idea of wonderful new possibilities.

Dr. Angela Banner Joseph holds a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Change from the Fielding Graduate University

For Sale

By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 18th day of March, 2011 between ADRIANNE SARAVIA of Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Vol. 7 of 2011 at Folios 1517 – 1542, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 109 comprising of 766.202 square metres situate in Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District, bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 351 of 2010 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 351 of 2010 and also delineated on Plan No. 2080 Comp. No. 77 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 19th day of March, 2014.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

For Sale

By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 5th day of March, 2012 between NAZARIO ITZA JR. of San Jose Succotz Village, Cayo District, Belize of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Vol. 5 of 2012 at Folios 1163– 1170, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT lot, piece or parcel of land being Lot Nos. 284 and 285 comprising of 609.718 Square Yards and 495.109 Square Yards respectively situate in Succotz Village, Cayo District, bounded and described as shown on Plan No. 1151 of 2003 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 1151 of 2003 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 4th day of April, 2014.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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Home Economics

The Dynamics of Domestic Easter Tourism

By Richard Harrison Domestic Easter tourism expenditures is the biggest for Belizeans of all levels of income. This year Belizeans spent an estimated $60 million on domestic and foreign travel...to vacation spots, to visit families/friends in a different part of the country, to meet new people in a new place, or for parties with family and friends at home.

Most of the foreign travel is to Mexico’s Riviera Maya beaches... where Belizeans who can afford it perceive better value for money...wider variety of entertainment choices, newness, difference...more safety.... better and more reliable services.

Domestic travel is mainly to the islands, principally San Pedro and Caye Caulker, with Placencia and Hopkins catching up fast. San Ignacio, a scenic inland town, has traditionally attracted large numbers as well, but it seems to be in decline.

The sun, sea and sand gives natural advantage to the coastal areas during these summer days, with the very pleasant weather resulting from the north-easterly winds and Easter full-moon effects...so the inland destinations wanting to grow their share of this pie have to work much harder to make their offers more attractive for vacation planners.

San Ignacio used to have a very popular horse race in the 1970’s and 80’s which attracted large crowds from across the country. Since then, while the capacity and capability of the tourism offers in the islands and Placencia has increased significantly, San Ignacio has settled for an Easter fair that features the same old, same old...ferris wheel, food, drinks and games. It has not found a way to attract more than food/drinks sales from the large following of the annual cross country cycling classic...which appears and disappears rapidly. It needs to re-invent its Easter offer if it plans to see its declining market share turn around. The community leaders need to take their job more seriously, and become more creative and entrepreneurial...working more closely with the private sector to make cohesive plans and then advertise them appropriately...instead of disappearing themselves to the Riviera Maya and coastal areas...sleeping with the competition.

Belizean Easter vacationers are looking for fun activities for singles.... others for families. They search for good deals that offer value for money in terms of room, food, drinks and tours...and for a safe place to socialize with existing friends or to meet new ones.

The vast majority (about 70%) of vacationers are between the ages of 16-30....and “entertainment” offers focus mostly on liquor and sex...

wrongly assuming, in my opinion, that this is what this group is looking for. These younger vacationers usually pool their resources to arrange for rooms, meals and tours... however, the most dollars are spent by those over 30 years who travel with their families and/or partners.

There is not much there for families traveling with children. So what happens, is “confused” parents suck in the gory stage acts cheering alongside their now-not-so-innocent children. There is not much creativity in terms of decent “entertainment”.

Both coastal and inland tourism vacation providers need to do a better job at planning to receive the growing numbers of Easter vacationers, if Belize is to avoid sinking

further into the dark pits of drunken gory tattoo-exposing sexiness...and not much more.

There is obviously a rapidly growing appetite among the Guatemalan elite to vacation in Belize during Easter week. A small, well executed budget for promotions in Guatemala leading up to Easter could grow the revenues for this weekend significantly in the years ahead.

Much more domestic vacation travel would take place if the public transportation system did not shut down for the weekend. Not only those who have a private vehicle want to vacation and there are also many tourists in the country who want to move around.

There should be a reliable schedule of sufficient, safe public transportation throughout the vacation weekend.

Inspections need to be carried out before the Easter...of piers/marinas, ferries, water taxis, planes, buses and other public infrastructure and transport vehicles that are important to public safety during this period of heavyload traffic. The transport department and police should facilitate smooth, orderly and safe travel throughout the weekend…not only on Saturday.

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Belize’s unique public and bank holiday of “Easter Monday” is a spectacle that adds revenues to the weekend and allows for easing the crowds back home over a longer period without the drunken Sunday night rush that can be seen in other countries.

Am starting to think we should make “Easter Thursday” a public and bank holiday as well...LOL In short.....Easter tourism is already big business for Belize...with an even bigger potential....both from a domestic and foreign tourist perspective....and our community planners should put more into planning and execution....not depend solely on the Belize Tourism Board. They cannot be all things to all people....especially when the Minister in charge is from the coastal region. The key words, I would suggest, are “differentiation”, “segmentation”, “value-for-money” and “advertising”.

Richard Harrison is a local businessman and investor in the manufacturing and service industries. Mr. Harrison holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from Lancaster University, United Kingdom. Send comments to harrisonbz@yahoo.com

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE

BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEE HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED, a Licensed Public Auctioneer will sell on site the following property at the time as listed.

At Front Street, Caye Caulker Village, Belize District on Monday, 5th May 2014 at 1:00p.m.

FIRSTLY ALL THAT lot, piece or parcel of land comprising 451.347 square yards situate on Front Street, Caye Caulker Village, Belize District bounded on the North by the property of Leopold Franco and there measuring 96 feet on the South by the land of Belizario Martinez and there measuring 105 feet or thereabouts and on the West by land the property of the Roman Catholic Mission and there measuring 44 feet 10 inches (marked 19D) save and except a portion of the said lot, piece or parcel comprising 60.589 square yards (marked 19C) SECONDLY, ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 91.069 square yards (marked 18A) being a portion of the land comprised in a Conveyance dated 6th July 1978, recorded at the General Registry in Deeds Book Volume 9 of 1978 at folios 95 to 1000 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of ORVILLE J. HOLDEN and PATRICIA HOLDEN (Jointly) DATED this 10th day of April 2014

All sales are strictly cash and deemed final. For more information contact: HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738

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Recipe of the week

Chocolate Waffles Mother’s Day is coming up and we’re going to share simple and delicious recipes that will help make any mom feel cherished on her special day.

Ingredients 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons sugar 3 large eggs 1 cup milk 1/2 cup chocolate syrup, plus more for topping 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Cooking spray Confectioners’ sugar and/or berries, for topping (optional)

OUT Gilroy Usher, Sr. writes “Boots” Martinez, lobbies for streetlights in Port Loyola Continued from page 2 eas have had to endure.

With the exception of Port Loyola, the government provides street lights throughout each community where the homes are supplied with electricity. In 2014 this necessity is provided in even the smallest villages, where the homes have access to electricity 24/7.

Therefore as the Area Representative for Port Loyola for the last twelve years, why have these three areas in the division been without needed streetlights for more than a decade?

The only time when the residents behind the Jane Usher basketball court benefit from lighting in the area is when I have repaired the lights at the court. However, that is a costly venture which is only sustainable with financial assistance from the government, which you have never provided.

Furthermore, it is a fact that ensuring adequate lighting at any public basketball court in the country is the full responsibility of the Government and the relevant Area Representative.

Putting the necessary streetlights

in Port Loyola will only cost a few thousand dollars, which is like a drop of water in the ocean out of the $1 Billion budget for this new fiscal year. Funding for the necessary streetlights in Port Loyola could therefore be provided from the over $84,000.00 you receive yearly (at least $7,000.00 monthly) specifically to address the concerns of the division. Funding for this vital community need could also be provided out of the $5 million set aside in the budget year after year for Poverty Alleviation for which you are the Minister. Better still, since the government has been the owner of BEL for the last five years, you could lobby your colleagues in Cabinet to have the energy company provide the necessary streetlights in the affected areas of your division.

Like Belizeans countrywide the hardworking people of Port Loyola behind the Jane Usher basketball court, on Pen Road extension, and to the west of Arlington Drive are tired of the endless broken promises of the government following the last two general elections.

They are therefore calling on you, Hon. “Boots” Martinez to begin fulfilling your responsibility as the Area Representative for Port Loyola by taking the necessary steps to have their need for streetlights and other basic services in their community addressed immediately.

Sincerely yours, Gilroy Usher, Sr. You can leave comments at Facebook/gilroyushersr

Directions Melt the butter and shortening in a small saucepan, stirring to combine; remove from the heat and set aside. Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a large bowl.

Whisk the eggs, milk, chocolate syrup and vanilla in a large liquid measuring cup or a separate bowl. Whisk the egg mixture into the flour mixture until combined. (The batter will be slightly lumpy.) Whisk in the butter mixture until combined.

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Preheat a waffle iron and spray with cooking spray. Ladle some of the batter into the waffle iron to within an inch of the edge (1/3 to 1/2 cup batter, depending on your waffle iron); cook until crisp. Transfer the waffle to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven.

Repeat with the remaining batter.

Divide the waffles among plates.

Dust with confectioners’sugar and top with berries and/or chocolate syrup.

OUT Stewart Krohn’s tough questions for NCL’s Colin Murphy Continued from page 2 Belize to benefit from the project, they insist upon opening a duty free emporium on Harvest Caye that sells only foreign luxury goods; plan to build a zipline on the caye when there are already two ziplines in southern Belize in need of more visitors; will operate their own tenders between the caye and the mainland instead of contracting with local tender operators; deal only with tour operators that “meet their standards” to the total exclusion of the independent tour operators who form such a large part of the Belize City based cruise industry; and loudly proclaim that if Belizeans do not take advantage of the business opportunities on the caye NCL will bring in “Filipinos and Europeans” to do the job?

The fact is that the NCL cruise port at Harvest Caye is a project that may seem like a big deal but

in fact produces a net economic impact to the country about equal to the opening of a single medium size hotel—and that’s not counting the hundred million in cash the taxpayers will send to NCL’s Miami headquarters in exchange for the privilege of being exploited.

Mr. Murphy may talk big but the fact is that he and his bosses are scared. They need this project far more than Belize needs them.

When confronted by residents of the South at the EIA public consultation in January they were exposed as the con artists they really are. Not even their well paid lackeys could or would come to their defense. But we really cannot blame Mr. Murphy–or even his local cronies—because that is what they get paid to do. Who we can blame—and the ones who really need to answer these questions—are those politicians, on both sides of the aisle, who allow the Colin Murphy’s of this world to buy them off so cheaply.

We look forward to seeing the proposed final agreement with NCL that the Prime Minister promised would be brought to the National Assembly for approval. We are confident that when the Belizean public has a chance to see exactly what Mr. Murphy has in store for them they will put a stop to a disastrous project that should have been rejected out of hand over a year ago.

Respectfully submitted, Stewart Krohn Chairman, Placencia Chapter, Belize Tourism Industry Association

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CREDIT MASTER SYSTEMS BONDED COLLECTION AGENCY

WE ARE CURRENTLY RESEARCHING INFORMATION.

CONTACT CMS IF YOU KNOW THE WHEREABOUTS OF ANY PERSON LISTED AT

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For Sale

By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 13th day of June, 2012 between GREGORY CRICHTON and PATRICH GARBUTT both of No. 2 Piccini Site, Buttonwood Bay, Belize City, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Vol. 15 of 2012 at Folios 339 – 408, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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SCHEDULE ALL THAT lot, piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 45 a portion of the land being known as “Dewdrop Farm” situate at Mile 11 ¾ on the Old Belize-Corozal Road in the Belize District of Belize as shown in Subdivision Plan registered at Entry No. 5325 Register No. 16 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 26th day of March, 2014.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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Brazil approves use of

genetically modified mosquitoes 23 April 2014 by Hal Hodson Mozzies in Brazil could soon be dropping like flies. On 10 April, Brazil became the first country to approve the commercial use of genetically modified insects when it gave the green light to GM mosquitoes designed to control the spread of dengue fever.

Dengue fever affects more than 50 million people worldwide every year and can be deadly. Now biotech firm Oxitec of Oxford, UK, has genetically engineered males of the species Aedes aegypti so that their offspring die before reaching maturity. If released GM males mate with enough females, a population crash should ensue, dramatically reducing the chance

they will pass the dengue virus to humans.

Field trials of GM insect control have been under way for some time, including a recent test of Oxitec’s mosquitoes in the Brazilian city of Jacobina, where mosquito populations plummeted by 79 per cent between June and December last year, the company claims. In the US, where dengue has recently begun to reappear, the insects are up for approval by the Food and Drug Administration.

Thomas Scott, an entomologist at the University of California, Davis, says the modified mosquitoes could

Genetically modified mosquitoes could stop dengue fever spreading (Image: Sergio Moraes/Reuters)

help, but that the main problem with dengue control is that the traditional method of spraying insecticide often isn’t done correctly. “If you look at most endemic areas, people aren’t doing larval control thoroughly enough,” he says. “By the time someone is sick, the virus has gone far beyond the 100 metres they spray around the house.”

Blanketing a country the size of Brazil with GM mosquitoes would also be prohibitively expensive, he adds. But for targeted control on the scale of towns and small cities, the modified insects could prove to be a useful tool.

Giant solar farm uses molten salt to keep power coming Renewable energy could help underpin the grid now that the world’s biggest concentrated solar storage plant is up and running in Arizona

23 April 2014 by Hal Hodson IN THE searing heat 130 kilometres south-west of Phoenix, Arizona, 3000 mirrors carpet hectares of desert. Part of a power plant that produces about 900 gigawatt-hours of electricity a year, they gather enough sunlight to power 70,000 homes.

This is Solana, the largest solar plant of its kind in the world, directly coupled to the biggest non-hydroelectric energy-storage system in the US. Opened in October 2013, it’s a zero-carbon power plant that could underpin the energy grid of the future.

I’m standing on a raised platform at its centre, decked out in clunky safety boots and a high-vis jacket. Thick pipes run away beneath me like arteries, pumping oil out to the mirror field. There, it is channelled into thinner piping that runs right through the focal points of the mirror troughs, absorbing the heat of the Arizona sun until the oil reaches nearly 400 °C. It

Greening the desert..with mirrors (Image: Ed Gunter)

then returns to the plant, where the oil superheats water vapour that spins two 140-megawatt turbines.

Six enormous white tanks surround the platform. Filled with molten salt, they can store enough heat to keep those turbines spinning at full capacity for 6 hours. The oil from the mirror field unloads its heat into the salt when the generators are at capacity. These tanks are what make Solana truly useful, not just producing car-

bon-free energy for Arizona, but storing it for use whenever the grid operator needs it.

According to Haresh Kamath, who manages energy storage research at the Electric Power Research Institute in Palo Alto, California, Solana does a similar job to the coal and gas plants that provide the baseload supply underpinning renewable power. “It’s renewable energy but it’s also a balancing resource, which conventional photovoltaics are not,” he says. “PV is variable and can drop off very suddenly. You’ve got to have something there to pick up for it.”

A concentrated solar power (CSP) plant like Solana can play the baseload role because, unlike solar cells, it produces energy in the form of heat. Heat can be stored far more efficiently than electricity, as it does not need to be converted to other forms.

“The attractive thing about thermal storage, particularly with

CSP, is that the round-trip efficiency is very high,” says Charles Barnhart, a physicist at the Global Climate and Energy Project at Stanford University in California.

Brad Albert of Arizona Public Service, one of the state’s utilities, says Solana is a game changer. APS has agreed to buy Solana’s electricity for the next 30 years.

More plants like Solana are due to come online in the next year or so. In California’s Mojave desert, Abengoa, the company which built and runs Solana, is constructing an even larger plant. Globally, CSP capacity is set to roughly double over the next three years as more plants come on stream, and a further 10 gigawatts of CSP has been announced worldwide.

For now, Solana is one of the few of its kind. Albert says its flexibility has already proved invaluable.

“In the wintertime when it’s cold, we have a morning peak in demand at 6 to 7 am, an hour or two before the sun comes up. We’ll ask Solana to store energy overnight and start up a couple of hours before sunrise.

How cool is that?”

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