Issuu

Sunday, December 25, 2011

SUNDAY December 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

www.facebook/Belize Times

Issue No. 4777

“We are ready!”

Belize City, December 19, 2011 Opposition Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca says the People’s United Party is ready for the double elections expected next year, 2012. “People want to see us fight and stand shoulder to shoulder against this vindictive Government and I am saying that fight we will,” declared Hon. Fonseca as he appeared as a guest on Vibes morning show on Monday. Hon. Fonseca was responding to a question regarding Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s recent announcement that he would call the general elections in 2012 either before, after, or on the same day as the municipal elections slated for March 7th. “We won’t be intimidated by Barrow or any of his ministers. Be-

PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca declared on Vibes Radio that the PUP is ready to stand shoulder to shoulder against the UDP and fight back for the rescue and restoration of Belize

The Moya Ruin of Bikal Belize City, December 21, 2011 Belize City’s embattled UDP Mayor Zenaida Moya’s ascent on a tower of controversy and shame reached a peak yesterday with the unveiling of a privatelyfunded, alien-looking structure in Belize City we could best title the “Moya Ruin of Bikal”. The 10-foot struc-

Continued on page 4

Another embarrassing episode for expiring UDP Mayor Zenaida Moya

Fake masked cops torture Toledo family BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, December 21st, 2011 By Alton Humes Police investigations are taking place in Punta Gorda into a series of home invasions that affected – and continue to affect – a farming family. It all started in the home of San Marcos Village resident, Marcos Choc. He was awakened shortly around 11:45 p.m. on December 19th, 2011 by a knock on his door. He was surprised to find ‘Police’ there, or rather 9 men (8 of them dark-complexioned men, wearing camouflage uniforms and masks and a fair-complexioned man without a mask)

Continued on page 6

PUP Team meets with Chamber of Commerce Belize City, December 21, 2011 On Tuesday, December 20, 2011, the Leader of the Opposition, the Honorable Francis Fonseca met with the President and Executive Council of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). Accompanying the Honorable Francis Fonseca were Deputy Leader of the People’s United Party, Carolyn Trench Sandiford, PUP Cam-

Continued on page 6

lizeans want the PUP to fight back, and they are prepared to join us,” said Hon. Fonseca. The Opposition Leader said Belizeans are looking to the PUP for hope. “Belizeans want to know that we are going to be a good and credible alternative. We are working on a solid plan which we will present to the people of Belize to rescue our country out of the disaster caused by the UDP Government,” he remarked. Hon. Fonseca added that the PUP is presently focused on re-organising. Its units such as the youth arm, Marshals movement and women’s group recently went through elections and are headed by new persons with revitalised mandates. The roles they play

Continued on page 4

Mexican Police bust Belizean with marijuana

See page 8

Malpago

Shyne

uses Belize to outsmart U.S. Laws

The PUP Team led by Opposition Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca during Tuesday’s meeting with the Chamber Executive

See page 6

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Dr. Michael DeShield was opposed to GMOs Paul Rodriguez ‘chektises’ Kathy Esquivel’s “Searchlight” Editor Sir, Kindly allow me some of your valuable space to comment on Searchlight of 18-12-11. The article consists of four long paragraphs. In the first she approves of foreign governments using their power to force Belize to accept the Homosexual Agenda. This is a strange position for the wife of a former prime minister to take! At best, she should have left this issue alone. In the second, a very long paragraph, she claims a right for homosexuals because they are mostly born that way, according to her. To be convincing on this specific point, she should have proved her assertion that homosexuals are genetically and naturally programmed that way. After reading in her article, that homosexuality is “hard-wired into their phenotype”, I am still unconvinced. The fact is there is no scientific research to back up that assertion. If there is, she forgot to say which. I am surprised that Searchlight uses rhetoric, so easily as a substitute for logic. She asks: how can their orientation be a choice since it is so difficult for them to express themselves in our society? Is she therefore not saying that freedom of choice does not exist in the psyche of the homosexual but sexual expression is instinctive and non-rational? Doesn’t that sound like saying that homosexuals are ruled by their instincts in like manner to lower animals? Therefore, should not normal

The Party is nothing but the vanguard of the people, the active organ of the people, working at all times in the service of the people.”

people be protected against them? By asserting that Belize is not a theocracy is Searchlight not arguing against a point that has been absent in the debate so far? I agree Belize is not a theocracy. It is a democracy in which the will of the majority of the people is, or should be, the firm basis of law and governance. Up until now we have all thought that in our democracy the minority will have its say, but the majority must have its way. Therefore how can a miniscule minority of homosexuals hope to impose their will upon the vast majority? This makes no sense in a democracy! Finally, if you remove the concept of the Supreme Being out of our Constitution, you also take out the idea of inalienable rights. In a context where man-made law is what counts the power of the majority is what determines what are rights and who has them. I am sorry, but Searchlight cannot have her cake and eat it! Nor can Caleb and his supporters! Signed: Paul Rodriguez

Dear all, The decision to import GM seeds into Belize is folly. At the very least, it’s extremely premature. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority does not have the resources, time, or capacity to do any meaningful monitoring of this environmental release. I find it incredulous that the product was brought in and no risk analysis was conducted. For goodness sake, BAHA does risk analysis for importation of milk powder into this country. It does point to the fact that doing a risk analysis for GMO is an involved process and BAHA simply does not have that capacity. BAHA has been expecting this push to get GM seeds into Belize for some time and has been pro-active in trying to develop the necessary capacity to deal with the request for importation. For instance, September 26th to the 30th, 2011, BAHA has partnered with the offices of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD), to conduct a workshop here in Belize with all the Bio-safety members of the Caribbean and Belize on how to go about doing a risk analysis for living modified organisms (LMOs/GMOs); industry (Monsanto) will be present at this training as well. In addition, we have written a project with the International Atomic Energy Agency and have received PCR testing equipment that can be used for

Opposition condemns the implementation of GOB’s “Christmas Assistance Program” Wednesday, 21 December 2011 The People’s United Party strongly condemns the misuse of taxpayer funds which have been distributed to UDP Standard Bearers and Area Representatives by the Government of Belize. On Friday, December 16, after the final Sitting of the House of Representatives for 2011, Prime Minister Barrow confirmed that his administration has commenced a “Christmas Assistance Program” which they claim is to benefit disadvantaged families in Belize. The Prime Minister confirmed that “area representatives” are being granted up to forty thousand dollars in each of the thirty-one constituencies in Belize, for a total of 1.24 Million Belize Dollars of tax payer monies. What is in fact occurring is that public funds are being distributed only to UDP Members of Parliament and Area Representatives and to UDP Standard Bearers for distribution to a favored few on a purely partisan list. Any public assistance to Belizean Families, particularly at this time of year, should be apportioned in a fair and equitable and transparent manner and channeled via legitimate social organizations; and all duly elected representatives of the people ought to be

consulted as to the distribution to ensure that those in most need receive such assistance. We confirm that no elected Representative from the People’s United Party has received any public funds under this “Christmas Assistance Program”. Instead, unelected UDP Standard Bearers have been allocated public funds to distribute as they see fit. It is clear that this program is nothing more than a blatant attempt by this failed UDP government to win over voters after 4 years of economic hardship and hopelessness. For marginalized Belizeans, any such assistance is not only 4 years too late, but far short of what Belizeans need and deserve, particularly now when most are having the most difficult Christmas season in memory. Not only is there no accountability nor transparency in this program, but it is reported that public officers are being manipulated and forced to engage in extralegal financial activities in violation of GOB’s financial regulations and the Finance and Audit Reform Act. The Peoples’ United Party therefore calls on the Auditor General, as well as the Ombudsman to investigate this program for any fraud and for the blatant misappropriation of public funds.

the detection of DNA in LMOs. Furthermore, the CBD is only now developing guidelines for the international community on how to monitor for stacked events in GMO, which this importation is, and a separate set of guidelines for long term monitoring. This is at an INITIAL STAGE and has not yet been distributed to countries wishing to use these valuable guidelines. But there are many other reasons why this importation makes no sense. Apart from a policy, Belize does not have a national bio-safety framework, which is composed of a policy, legislation, administrative procedures, and public participation into the decision process. In 2005, 2006, a draft bio-safety law was developed, but this draft law does not reflect the policy, is already outdated given the many new developments in the biosafety arena, and is heavily US centric which will legitimize easy access for GM to come in. I sincerely hope that this is not the same law that is now being presented to the Solicitor General’s Office. Any legislation developed for bio-safety must follow the policy of March 2009 as that policy is the result of NATIONAL consultation over a two year period. Belize, like the US, does not have any provision for liability should something go wrong, (and many things have gone awry, even in field trials). It is unfathomable that the Government is pushing for GM in Belize, which will negate the promotion of Belize as a “natural niche” and the markets that we’re developing for our quality Continued on page 29

THE BELIZE TIMES EDITOR

Alberto Vellos OFFICE MANAGER

Fay Castillo McKay PRINTING/PERSONNEL SUPERVISOR

Doreth Bevans

LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

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MARKETING/ADVERTISING

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STAFF REPORTER

Alton Humes TYPIST

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Sunday, December 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Leader of the Opposition

Christmas Message

2011

Christmas means a spirit of love: A time when the love of God and the love of others should prevail over all hatred and violence. A time when our thoughts and actions and the spirit of our lives manifest the presence of God. Let us recall that cold, clear night in Bethlehem made brilliant by a glorious star, the smell of incense, shepherds and wise men falling to their knees in adoration of the Christ child, the incarnation of perfect love. This Christmas let us offer each other love, charity, respect, tolerance and forgiveness. This Christmas season let us embrace the philosophy of the Father of our Nation George Price who said: “on the whole I try to live my life as one of the Pilgrims on this earth; we are not here forever.... as a firm believer in the message of Christianity… I believe someday there will be a better world and that I want to reach.” On behalf of our People’s United Party Family, I wish all Belizeans a happy and blessed Christmas. Hon. Francis Fonseca Party Leader People’s United Party #3 Queen Street Belize City, Belize

Líder del Partido Unido del Pueblo

Mensaje Navideno

2011

La Navidad significa un espíritu de amor y paz. Un tiempo cuando el amor de Dios y el amor del género humano deben triunfar sobre el odio y la violencia. Un tiempo cuando nuestros pensamientos y acciones y el espíritu de nuestra vida manifiestan la presencia de Dios. Nos acordamos de esa noche clara y fría en Belén que se puso brillante por la luz de una estrella gloriosa, nos acordamos del aroma del incienso, pastores y los Reyes Magos cayendo a las rodillas en adoración al Nino Jesús, la encarnación de un amor perfecto. Esta Navidad nos ofrecemos uno a otro el amor, la caridad, el respeto, la tolerancia y el perdón. En esta temporada de Navidad nos aprovechamos de la filosofía del Padre de nuestra nación, George Price, quien dijo: “en general yo trato de vivir mi vida como uno de los peregrinos en esta tierra. No estamos aquí para siempre. Como creyente firme en el mensaje del cristianismo, creo que algún día tendremos un mundo mejor a lo que yo quiero alcanzar.” En nombre de nuestro Partido Unido del Pueblo, les deseo una Navidad feliz y bendición a todos Beliceños. Hon. Francis Fonseca Líder de la Oposición Partido Unido del Pueblo #3 Queen Street Ciudad Belice, Belice

THE BELIZE TIMES

The Moya Ruin of Bikal Continued from page 1

ture has been the center of criticism and disdain ever since the UDP Belize City Council approved and started its construction several months ago. The

“We are ready!”

Continued from page 1

in mobilising and attracting supporters are vital. Its nine slates for municipal elections are also ready, as well as the 31 standard bearers who will vie for general elections. Upon taking up the PUP’s leadership, Hon. Fonseca admitted that the task would be challenging. But the Party has sprung to life since, and even the loudest critics have been silenced. Hon. Fonseca said one reason for this is that many persons have been volunteering and assisting the Party to get back on track. Even individuals and business donors have been assisting. “We’ve gotten a lot of help from volunteers and donors, and I have remained steadfast in my message that the assistance is non-conditional. We will remain unwavering about our Party’s values and philosophy of serving the people,” Hon. Fonseca said. The PUP Leader has also been travelling and holding key meetings with stakeholders across the country. He has travelled to several communities in the Corozal District including Chan Chen, San Narciso and Paraiso; Blue Creek and Orange Walk town where he met Mennonite rice farmers and the Belize cane Farmers Association; San Pedro where he met business representatives; Dangriga for national Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations; and most recently to Punta Gorda where he met with supporters and the Chamber of Commerce in Belize City. He said he will continue to travel and meet with Belizeans throughout the country, getting feedback and spreading the message that the PUP – the party that fought against colonialism and for independence and a Belizean identity – is back. “The feedback I get is clear everywhere I go. The people of Belize are tired of the victimization, empty promises and rhetoric offered over and over by the Barrow Administration,” commented Hon. Fonseca. The PUP leader said Belizeans deserve a better life than the one we are having under the UDP. The economy is at a standstill, the business sector is haemorrhaging, and investors have lost confidence in the country. Moreover, the poverty level has increased, the unemployment rate has doubled, and criminal activity is rampant with more than 400 murders in three years. Belizeans are tired of the UDP’s rhetoric over the last four years, and are looking to the PUP for substance and real solutions to the nation’s problems. That is exactly what the PUP offers under the leadership of Hon. Francis. The PUP is ready. The Blue Machine is revving…any day now, call the elections Mr. Prime Minister.

Council did not consult city residents before erecting the structure, continuing its stubborn sixyear practise of disregarding the views of residents. It then turned into a guessing game as residents had to figure out what possibly was the intention, as layers of concrete surrounded by cannons directed at residents’ homes were placed. The Council let the cat out of the bag when it announced that it was erecting a Maya ruin. That attracted further criticism that focused on the oddly-designed structure. If it was a Maya ruin, it certainly depicted no familiarity with any of the sacred temples in Belize. Instead its height and design closely resembled Tikal, which is in Guatemala. This infuriated residents even more. Not only were the UDP Mayor and Council placing menacing cannons directed at residents, but they were also erecting, of all things and places, a Guatemala

look-alike. With all that controversy, it was not surprising that not even a UDP Councillor, UDP representative and even UDP supporter showed up at Tuesday’s unveiling ceremony. Even Moya loyalists (Moyalists) like Finnegan, Councillors Philloughby, Samuels, Espejo and Usher abandoned the Mayor like she had let off a stink-bomb. In fact, not a single resident attended. The Mayor played it coolly though. It was just her and the erection. She was joined by her generous benefactor, Hans Bhojwani, who also convinced Moya to name the structure on his behalf and even rename the Marine Parade sidewalk the “Hans-Nandini Bhojwani Promenade”. Again, the Mayor and Council submitted, without consulting the residents. While it has become clear that the incestuous Moya/Bhojwani relationship has resulted in multiple erections throughout the city, including five roundabouts and two other structures

Sunday, December 25, 2011 all bearing the Bhojwani nametags, what is not known is how the relationship has benefitted the businessman. Could it be tax write-offs or some other special favour from the UDP? Moya has never uttered a word about it. City residents don’t even know how much Bhojwani donated for the structures, since the UDP Council has never been accountable or transparent. Whether Moya under-deposited any of funds, we will never know.

NOTICE TO READERS & ADVERTISERS The Belize Times New Year’s edition will be publish on Sunday January 8, 2012. There will be no newspaper edition for the week ending Sunday January 1, 2012

Sunday, December 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Christmas is here Belize and while most Belizeans don’t have much to celebrate or the money for ham, turkey, marley, or the usual Christmas trimmings, we focus on the most important gift of Christmas which is the gift of Christ to the world. We celebrate this gift by giving and sharing with the people who matter the most – our loved ones, our friends, our families as the joy of Christmas is always measured by the lighted faces of one who has been touched upon receiving a gift. As we celebrate the season we at the BELIZE TIMES also focus on our most important gift of all which is you, that’s right, it’s you that got us going week after week, finding stories, digging, probing, searching, researching, picking up pieces here and there. It is you our reader that motivates us to put out the best newspaper we can with headlines such as “Fronting for Foreigners All Along”, “NO Raise NO Relief”, “Flippin Hulse Must Go”, “GSU’s Vidal: Child Abuser”, “Black Friday”, “Crisis at the Border”, “Que Viva George Price, Que Viva”, “Moya Resigns”, “Forward with Francis” and “Hook or Crook”. From the sensational headlines to From the Ghetto Streets, Hard Hitting, The Next revolution, Reality Check, Reid Between The Lines, In My Perspective, Amazing Grace, Mariposa, and Think About It, it is because of you who look forward to the truth every week that we’ve kept going. On behalf of the People’s United Party, the Editorial Board, the Editor and Staff of the BELIZE TIMES and all those who in one way or the other help to make the paper a weekly reality, please accept our sincere gratitude. For those who contribute your time, your talent, your energies may this holiday be filled with peace, Joy and Love from all of us at the BELIZE TIMES. It’s time to grab the broom, the grayta, the mouth organ, and bruk down the old fashion way. Put the berries wine on the table, draw the cork, Belize it’s Christmas. Happy Holidays.

PUP Leader’s Christmas Message to Party Members & Supporters December 20, 2011 Dear Members, Supporters and Friends of our great PUP, The year 2011 has been a difficult and challenging one for Belize, our people, our communities, our families and for many of us personally. Across our country our people are going through very difficult times. Many have lost their jobs, their homes, their land, their scholarships, and regrettably many have lost hope. It was another year of deadly violence, senseless murders and terrifying home invasions. In the face of growing economic stagnation and violent crime, the UDP Government offered no plan, no vision, no solutions. This year was also a year of personal loss for our PUP family and our Nation as we lay to rest our great Leader Emeritus and Father of the Nation Rt. Hon George Price who went home to his Lord and Savior on September 19, 2011. Our Nation will never forget his great life of service and our Party must forever be guided by his example, principles, and philosophy. On October 29, 2011 I was given the honor and privilege to become the Leader of our great party. It is a great responsibility but one which I am fully committed to carrying out with a sense of duty and service. Our Party owes former leader Hon. John Briceño a debt of gratitude for the tremendous work that he has done since March of 2008 to rebuild and re-energize our Party. I am grateful for his continued support and advice. We have had to make tough decisions about the Party’s Executive, organs, and units but I wish to assure you that all decisions were made in good faith, always keeping in mind the best interest of the Party and our role and responsibility in Belize’s development. Next year will be an election year and all of us will be called upon to do more, work harder, sacrifice more and contribute more to the work of our party. The work ahead will not be easy but let us all remain focused on our ultimate objective which is to win the municipal and general elections so that the PUP can get back to the work of developing Belize and helping our people to enjoy a better quality of life. People across the country are frustrated, disappointed, and even angry with the UDP but that does not mean they are prepared to embrace and support the PUP. We have to prove to them that we are worthy of their support, of their trust and confidence, of their votes. We must present to them our plans and vision for Belize, and we must go to them in their homes, their communities, their villages, towns and cities and hear their concerns. We must prove to them that we want to win, can win and will win! We have to show the great PUP fighting spirit and invite them to join us in this fight for our country. We belong to a great Party with a great history and record of service and achievement. Let us be proud of our Party and stand shoulder to shoulder in the weeks and months ahead. Our people are depending on us. We will not let them down! We will not let George Price down! May God bless you and your families throughout the Christmas season and 2012! Sincerely, FRANCIS FONSECA

THE BELIZE TIMES

Fake masked cops torture Toledo family Continued from page 1

who claimed they were ‘Police’, there to search from drugs and other items. But it masked their true intentions, as one of the men pointed a black .38-caliber revolver at Choc, and then entered his home, searching for and taking an undisclosed amount of cash tucked away in a room in the home. To add to the indignity of it all, he was gagged and then taken to the side of the road, severely beaten, and abandoned. Roughly 14 minutes after that on the same night, two of the men from the ‘gang of 9’ arrived and stood outside the home of Martin Choc, awakening him at the sound of barking dogs. They accosted him and then told him the same story given at Marcos’ house. But it seemed that Martin was able to figure out what they wanted, and brought out a Stevens 16-gauge shotgun, along with five cartridges and showed it to them. The men then searched his house and took a black Motorola touch-screen cell-phone. Luckily, this time the fake cops didn’t physically attack their victim. But their hi-jinks would wake up another in the family: Vicente Choc, son of Martin and brother/relative to Marcos). He awoke the next day, December

PUP Team meets with Chamber of Commerce

Continued from page 1

paign Manager Julius Espat, Senator Lisa Shoman and the Chairman of the Eastern Caucus, Anthony Mahler. The discussions were cordial and ranged over a wide array of topics including the overall economic situation in Belize, the latest IMF report and recommendations, tax reform, investor confidence, Crime Control, Security and Safety, Corruption and the need for reduction of bureaucratic impediments. The BCCI representatives included President Kay Menzies, Mr. Israel Marin, Ms. Amparo Masson, Ms. Claudette Maheia El Ters, Mr. Alberto Young, Mr. Rishi Mungal, and Mrs. Kim Aikman. The BCCI Executive Council advocated strongly for an input into the annual budget exercise, and informed the Leader of the Opposition that they will be presenting an Investment White Paper in February of 2012, which will examine and set out policy ideas for improvement for doing business in Belize. The Leader of the Opposition welcomed both these initiatives and provided the BCCI representatives with his own BACK TO BASICS plan to sound economic recovery, renewal of social justice initiatives and political reform. The PUP Party Leader also gave a firm commitment to work with and consult the private sector, and engage them fully in a collegial and constructive rather than confrontational manner for the benefit of our nation.

20th, to the noise that came from his father’s house next door. Upon attempting to go over and see what was happening, he was accosted by 3 of the men in the ‘gang’, who then took him to the house at gunpoint, and questioned him repeatedly over drugs, firearms and money the family supposedly had. Then they finished what they started before, stealing an undisclosed amount of cash that was on the table, a Motorola touch screen cell phone, a sliding-style BlackBlue cell-phone, and a Casio silver wristwatch. In all of that, they made sure to tell him that their fellow compatriots outside of the house, to ‘keep an eye’ on the family. The trio then escaped in a vehicle. Police investigations into both incidents, and a search for suspects, continue at this time.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Malpago Shyne uses Belize to outsmart U.S. Laws

Belize City, December 21, 2011 The last Belizeans heard of the Prime Minister’s convicted son, Jamal “Shyne” Barrow, he was #1 on a group of concert organisers’ hit list after he seemingly ripped them off, and then disappeared, leaving them hanging with a huge bill to pay. This was back in May of this year, when Shyne was promoting a huge concert in Belize. Shyne was paid almost $50,000 by promoters. In return he promised that two platinum artists would make it to the concert. That promise was never kept, and Shyne abandoned Belize and travelled to Jerusalem which he has been calling his new home. Shyne’s return to Belize in 2010, after having spent 9 years in a New York prison for a club shooting, has been filled with controversy. His deportation to Belize was handled most-diplomatically by his estranged father, now PM Dean Barrow. But PM Barrow irked Belizeans, when he overlooked many deserving local artists and appointed Shyne to the post of goodwill ambassador for music. Suddenly, Shyne went from a convicted felon, to Belize diplomat. Many believed the appointment was a strategic one. Before being release from U.S. prison, Shyne’s attorneys fought tooth and nail to avoid deportation to Belize. Shyne even got influential family in Belize to lobby, on his be-

half, for a chance to remain in the US for his music to thrive. It didn’t work, and his cast away to Belize was like a curse. But Shyne found a way around it. As Belize’s musical ambassador, Shyne believes he can travel to the U.S. using his “diplomatic status”.That is what he has told international media. “I can come to the U.S. as a Diplomat because I’m a Goodwill Ambassador for my country Belize,” said Shyne. Belizeans can now see how Shyne and his dad, PM Barrow, are exploiting Belize. Shyne, who is already breaking laws by not fulfilling a rule for deportees that requires him to report to the Police Station regularly has found a way to use Belize to outsmart United States laws. Those U.S. laws prevent convicted felons who have been deported from returning to their country. It’s almost like a ban for life. The worst part is that Shyne isn’t even in Belize. He is not doing any favors for Belize, and has spent most of the time thinking about himself. Belizeans must take a stand and demand that Barrow reverses the great disrespect to our local artists and general citizenry when he appointed Shyne as Ambassador. Belizeans must also demand that Shyne apologizes to Belizeans for his concert scam in May. Finally, Belizeans must let Shyne know he is not welcome to Belize. We have done quite well without the joker who prefers Jerusalem over his native country. Unless Belize wants to suffer an international embarrassment, its best daddy does the right thing.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

If Da Noh soh Economics for Dummies… Almost seems like a waste of time to be taking potshots at ‘mi bally’ Zenaida right about now, just about at the end of an inglorious political term, and dare we say the end of her political career. So what we’ll do is this instead…a

couple weeks ago I expressed my admiration for the wife of the Prime Minister who I feel is a very courageous woman at a most difficult time of her life. This week I must send out kudos to Zenaida Moya, who I swear has got the hide of a rhinoceros and a pair of humongous brass ‘cojones.’ That woman is incredible – incredibly shameless, that is. She will be remembered mostly for a brief stint as a guest of the country’s lawenforcement authorities after she was charged with misappropriation of funds. By all appearances she got out of that

one because of the games these politicos play. Then there’s the unforgettable ‘under-depositing’ - I understand economists and accountants across the country are still trying to figure that one out. Nobody ever has, and likewise nobody has ever accounted for those funds that were mysteriously under-deposited into municipal coffers. Those whammies were so monumental that citizens have almost forgotten that the Mayor dropped a crazy whap on us by overpaying herself huge sums of money. Did we ever get that money back? Ha… nope! Methinks Lady Z will soon be pursuing another career…might I suggest a career in writing. I already came up with a name for her literary debut if she ever takes this humble columnist’s advice – it’s called “Deaf, Dumb, Blind and Facey…City Hall Economics for Dummies! If Da Noh Soh! …………………….. The Roundabout Moya-ments… My buddy Jules went after the monuments man on the news with a passion we have rarely seen from the media maven. Not sure what that was all about – feel like he should have been going after the Mayor instead, but then again Zenaida still has some relatively powerful friends in high places. My question now would be – does Jules know something we don’t about the connection between Moya and Bhojwani? I mean…the man obviously likes to see his name in the spotlight, as evidenced by the garish signs which are almost more visible than the monuments

themselves. And naming the piece of sidewalk for the fellow? Hmmm! How much would Bhojwani be willing to pay to be so idolized? And who did he pay it to? I think there’s a whole lot more to this story….something so rotten that not one present or aspiring UDP city council candidate dared to show their faces at the ribbon-cutting. Now coming from this bunch of rotten-deal mongers, that’s got to be something foul indeed…If Da Noh Soh! ……………………… The $40,000 Vote Buying Scheme… After crippling the economy and causing all our people to suffer for the past 4 years, the brazen, shameless UDP have now announced that they will use our money to buy votes. And the Belizean people (only rabid UDP supporters are chosen, of course) line up like little puppies to gratefully lick the palms of the UDPs who are giving them a couple pounds of rice and flour. Sometimes I am ashamed of my Belizean people. Many of us have no jobs and can barely feed our families. Our economy is at a standstill while only select UDPs have flourished. We can’t afford to send our children to school. Almost half of our people live below the poverty line. And yet we accept the crumbs from the UDP table…crumbs purchased by OUR money, not UDP money. I swear Dean Oliver must sit in his mansion every evening and laugh at us for being so easy to fool. What will it take for us to get the sense? If Da Noh Soh! ………………………. PUNKED…again! You know what I think? No? Well, let me tell you. I think we are all, as Be-

7 lizeans collectively, a bunch of wusses and wimps. I think the old clichéd saying is indeed true – we do get the politicians we deserve. I swear the bald-headed mocha-complexioned miniHitler feeds us the most dutty, wutless scraps from his table and we lap it all up before rolling over so he can kick us in the balls. I’m really pissed off. Seriously! Those of us fortunate enough to have a job go to work every day, and at the end of every workweek GOB lines up to collect their pounds of flesh in taxes. Those taxes are the highest they have ever been. And then the dictator stands on national television and states that he has decided to give his UDP colleagues $40,000 of our money, obviously so that they can in turn buy votes for upcoming elections. That is all it is. It isn’t a case of reading between the lines…no case of subtle insinuation or innuendo. The UDP are buying votes. Cause they sure as hell aren’t giving anything to all the people…just to their UDP stalwarts. I can’t even begin to say how wrong this is. This is not UDP money. If Dean O wanted to take some of his millions and give his UDP cronies I wouldn’t have anything to say. But this is our money – my money and your money. But you know what? He said it, and nobody had a thing to say – not the media, not any of us. We got PUNKED…again! If Da Noh Soh! ……………………… Math Olympiad vs. 2012 Prado… Last week the news broke that the SSB had cancelled the funding it provides for the annual Math Olympiad which has become immensely important as an educational competition promoting excellence. Now, not everybody

Continued on page 29

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, December 25, 2011

A Christmas Message from PUP Belize City Council Team 11 “Have no fear, for look! I am declaring to you good news of a great joy that all the people will have, because there is born to you today a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, in David’s City.” The Christmas Season is one that is filled with joy as Christians everywhere take the time to reflect on the central theme of the very first Christmas – the manifestation of God’s LOVE for mankind. Our Heavenly Father gave His only Son so that through Him the world could receive salvation. The angels who announced the birth of baby Jesus were jubilant as they declared the “good news” and encouraged mankind not to be afraid but to be joyful. It is this joy that marks the Christmas Season as being unique; one that is different from any other season. Let us focus a little more on the true meaning of Christmas and less on all the trimmings that has become customary. In addition to God’s LOVE being made manifest in the person of His Son, the first Christmas also identified the importance of the family as a unit. Mary and Joseph enjoyed none of the luxuries that we have come to associate with Christmas yet they experienced great joy at the birth of baby Jesus. They understood that He was the reason for the season. Both fulfilled their roles as parents to the baby as they received Him with great love despite their meager surroundings. Today, we too, must endeavor to fulfill that special role; the role of being the very best parents that we can be to our children. Let us love them enough to teach them about the true meaning of Christmas. Let the joy, peace and love of that very first Christmas Day fill our hearts despite any challenges that we may be facing. Let us rejoice at the great gift bestowed upon mankind by a loving God.

Mexican Police bust Belizean with marijuana Belize City, December 21, 2011 A Belizean national identified as Luis Herlindo Leyva of the Orange Walk District was reportedly busted by Mexican authorities with some serious quantity of cannabis sativa in the city of Kantunilkín. Leyva was reportedly caught redhanded selling marijuana on the street to Eulogio Cobá Cupul. He was busted with 35 small bags of marijuana, hypertension pills, cigarette paper, a cellphone and money. Leyva who is known in the area as “El Beliceno” (the Belizean), originally claimed that the drugs belonged to Cupul and that it was planted on him by the Police, but when Cupul was detained and brought before Leyva, Cupul fingered him as the salesperson who had sold him each small bag of marijuana for 50 pesos. The Police checked their records and found that this was the second time Leyva was being detained for the similar crime. He was informed that he would be detained and transferred to the Cancun Federal Police.

We invite all Belizeans to embrace the joy that was offered to mankind on that very first Christmas morn when Heaven rejoiced and the angels declared the good news that a Savior was born. There is no reason for us to be afraid but every reason for us to be hopeful. Let us not allow the many challenges facing our nation at this time to cause us to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. We have a Savior who is able to give us the courage to face each day with the joy of that very first Christmas. Most importantly, let us not forget to share this love and joy with all those we meet but more so with those less fortunate than us. The PUP CITCO Team 2012 takes absolute pleasure in wishing our Party Leader, Hon. Francis Fonseca and his family, all PUP Standard Bearers and their families, all members, supporters and friends of the Peoples’ United Party at home and abroad, as well as all Belizeans, a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a BLESSED NEW YEAR! “Glory to God in the highest and peace and goodwill to all men!”

PUP Belize City Mayoral Candidate Karen Bodden

Sunday, December 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Massive Freetown

2011 Christmas Party

Belize City, December 19, 2011

On Sunday December 18, 2011 Freetown Area Representative and PUP Leader Francis Fonseca hosted a massive Freetown Childrenâ€™s Christmas Party at the YWCA on St. Thomas Street, Belize City. It was a fun filled event attended by some 1,000 Freetown children and members of their families. The Children played fun games, drank soft drinks, ate good food, and got nice presents from Santa Claus who was on hand to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Parents had an opportunity to win a few nice raffle prizes. It was indeed a fantastic afternoon of good fun as friends and neighbors greeted each other and chatted with their Area Representative. The PUP Belize City Council team was also on hand led by Mrs. Karen Bodden, to meet and greet the Freetown residents. It was clear to all present and passing that Freetown is solid blue and thatâ€™s not going to change anytime soon!!

PUP Leader & Freetown Area Representative Hon. Francis Fonseca greets a mother and child at the Freetown Christmas Party

PUP Leader Hon. Francis was joined by PUP CitCo candidates: (L to R) Gary Ayuso, Edward Young, Peter Lacey, Dorla Vaughan, Mayoral Cadidate Karen Bodden, Swamy Babani & Alberto Vellos

Parents watched on as their children participated in fun games

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Woman tells Court crack cocaine is for tooth ache BELIZE CITY, Wed. Dec. 21, 2011 By Roy Davis Joyce Belisle, 38, a former cook for the Police Department charged with possession of 0.11 grams of crack cocaine, was fined $500 by Senior

Magistrate Sharon Fraser on Monday, December 19 after she pleaded guilty to the charge. Belisle, who is a mother of four, said she doesn’t smoke drugs and she had the crack cocaine because she had

He attempted to stop a fight, but ended up dead BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, December 21st, 2011 By Alton Humes Police in Dangriga Town are investigating the killing a young ‘peacemaker’ who attempted to break up a fight, Randy Vasquez, aged 21 years, of Dangriga. The incident occurred this past Saturday night, December 17, in front of a bus stop on Pen Road, in the area known as Benguche. According to various sources who witnessed the harrowing incident, Vasquez, who lived with his common-law wife just a few blocks away, was walking by the bus stop with some friends, amongst them, 18-year-old Jacob Lammey. Lammey then saw another youth, aged 16 and a minor, with whom he reportedly had a ‘beef’. Lammey walked up to the minor and an all-out brawl broke out between the two. That’s when Vasquez stepped in attempting to quell an already out-of-control situation, but Vasquez unfortunately couldn’t stop his companion Lammey from stabbing the minor in the abdomen with his personal knife. As Vasquez did his level best to part the warring pair, the minor, perhaps believing Vasquez was defending his friend, ‘rewarded’ Vasquez with his own stab wound, also to the chest. Vasquez died on the spot. It is not known if Lammey survived his injuries, but it was Vasquez’s aunt that brought the gruesome news of the demise of their son, husband and family figure. Police have detained the minor

Armed gunmen rob 14 fishermen at sea BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, December 21st, 2011 By Alton Humes Two daring armed hold-ups occurred yesterday evening December 20th, 2011 just 16 miles south of Belize City, in the caye/area known as Blue Field Range, and barely one hour or so apart. Continued on page 11

involved in the fight. He will be charged for the murder shortly, and investigations continue into this senseless act of a peacemaker and friend.

a toothache and she was advised that it would ease the pain if she puts the drug on her tooth. But although she was fined and given time to pay, Belisle was taken to Belize Central Prison to begin serving 3 years and 3 months in default of payment of court fines for two previous convictions for drug offences. Belisle’s common-law husband, Robert Galvez, 57, a.k.a. “Pompidou”, was charged jointly with her. The charge against Galvez was withdrawn after Belisle guilty plea was accepted, but he was taken to prison to serve time for an outstanding court fine of $300. Galvez is also a parolee and the Parole Board will decide if he has violated his parole. The bust occurred around 5:40 a.m. on Saturday, December 17. The police reported that they went

Joyce Belisle

to Galvez house at Mile 16 ½ on the Northern Highway to search for firearm and drugs. When the police searched Galvez bedroom they found the crack cocaine wrapped in foil paper.

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Sunday, December 25, 2011

Barrow Remanded until Valentine’s Day 2012 BELIZE CITY, Wed. Dec. 21, 2011 By Roy Davis Eric Barrow, 50, a construction worker residing at 18 Raccoon Street, who allegedly used a wire to pull out 25 Smart telephone cards from a Chinese grocery shop, was charged with burglary when he appeared in the #2 Magistrate’s Court on Monday, December 19. Barrow pleaded not guilty to the charge. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser offered him a bail of $7,000 and adjourned his case until February 14 2012. Barrow was unable to meet bail so he was remanded into custody at Belize Central Prison. The incident occurred around 9:45 a.m. on November 10 but Barrow was not apprehended by the police until Fri-

Armed gunmen rob 14 fishermen at sea Continued from page 10 In the first incident that occurred about 5:00 p.m., 33-year-old Gaspar Cantun, a boat captain and fisherman from the Corozal District, was preparing to dock his 23-foot ‘Karisha’ sailboat (equipped and powered with a 40-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine) at Blue Field Range with his crew of 6: Benjamin Chulin, Roberto Chulin, Antonio Moreno, Homero Guerrero and Fredrick Mai. The men had quite a catch onboard, and were likely heading to the city, when they were attacked by ‘Flash’, a 15-foot white wooden skiff boat powered by a 60-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine, loaded with 3 darkcomplexioned armed thugs, 2 with handguns, and 1 with a long firearm and dressed in long-sleeve shirts with their faces covered in rags. They went straight to telling the men on board to get off the boat, and they did so, leaving the ‘Karisha’ to her grim fate. The armed men yielded a ‘treasure chest’ of goods with the boat itself, such as: 2 blue containers filled with 18 gallons of gasoline, 25 pounds of lobster, 25 pounds of conch and a red plastic gas tank. The second occurred about 6:00 p.m., an hour later. 51-year-old Isauro Perez, also a Boat Captain and Fisherman of Corozal District, was with his crew of 8 men (Adrian Perez, Lionel Perez, Jermaine Perez, Edilmar Gongora, Christian Tuyub, Allen Tuyub, and Marvin Tuyub) on their 25-foot sailer (boat name not given) when they too were attacked by the dreaded ‘Flash’ and its pirate men. The results were pretty much the same, except that the crew were shot at, and then told to abandon ship. The ‘Karisha’ was later found abandoned half-a-mile from Blue Field Range. Police investigations into both incidents continue at this time.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Eric Barrow day, December 16. Andy Chen, 20, the owner of Honey Shop, located at the corner of Raccoon and Curassow Streets, reported to the police that he was inside his shop when he heard a noise by the

Shell employee charged with Theft BELIZE CITY, Wed. Dec. 21, 2011 By Roy Davis Marcio Martinez, 23, a pump attendant residing at 33 Lord’s Bank Road, was charged with 6 counts of theft when he appeared yesterday in the #5 Magistrate’s Court. Martinez pleaded not guilty to the charges. Magistrate Albert Hoare offered him a bail of $5,000, which he met. His case was adjourned window. He said when he looked he saw his neighbor with a wire pulling telephone cards from his shop through a window. Chen said he hollered at the man and he ran and escaped. The telephone cards have a value of $125.

Marcio Martinez

until January 30, 2011. According to the allegation while Martinez was working as the pump attendant at Shell Gas Station on the Northern Highway in Ladyville he stole money amounting to $2,327.30 between October 1, 2011 and November 28, 2011.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, December 25, 2011

SCA won NSSSA champs

SCA girls

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

are basketball champs

San Pedro Town, Saturday, December 17, 2011 The St Catherine’s Academy girls are the newly crowned queens of high school basketball after they won the secondary school basketball championship at the San Pedro High School auditorium over the weekend. The championship game was between the SCA girls and Muffles College of Orange Walk Town. SCA led from the get-go, 2-1 in the 1st quarter and 7-3 at the half. Kursha Pollard added 7 points for a 14-8 lead by the end of the 3rd quarter. In money time, Minellie Erskine and Tina Liu played big ‘D’ while Kafira Gill scored 2 jump shots. Chelsi Noralez snatched 5 rebounds to score 3 points. To Yun-tse “Zoe” Mao then scored the final bucket for the 30-13

Muffles won 2nd

win. 3rd place went to Delille Academy who spanked the Cayo girls 36-15. Glenda Aranda led with 17 points as the Delille girls dominated 7-5 in the 1st quarter and 18-8 at the half. Elisia Nunez and Moesha Enriquez scored 4pts each, while Shirley Castillo added 3pts to open a 24-8 spread in the 3rd quarter. Leonie Nunez, Shirley Castillo, Clarisia Nunez and Sheyanne Castillo each tossed in a bucket for the 3615 win. San Pedro High School principal Emil Vasquez presented team trophies and individual medals to the champions, 2nd

How they won:

and 3rd place winners and the Most Valuable Player award to SCA’s Gilda Estrada.

SCA vs. Delille Academy (Friday) – 23-15 Top scorers: SCA’s Gilda Estrada, 13pts; Delille’s Glenda Aranda, 11pts Muffles vs. Sacred Heart College – 18-15 Top scorers: Muffles’ Selvani Leiva, 8pts; Scared Heart’s Jasmine Armstrong, 10pts

Millennium Girls win football championship Awards:

1st place – Millennium girls 2nd place – island Stars Most Goals - Lillian Joseph

Sadie Vernon are 3-time champs

launched two offensives to complete her hat trick for a 4-0 lead. Sarah Arzu wanted to make her own mark, and she did when she drilled home the 5th goal. A

Sadie Vernon boys rule high school basketball San Pedro Town, Saturday, December 17, 2011 The Sadie Vernon Technical High School boys have won the high school basketball championship for the second year in a row, adding a 3rd trophy title to their collection in just four years. The Belize City champs defeated the island boys 82-68. Kachief Thomas led the team for a 22-20 lead in the 1st quarter. He scored 27 points in the game. MVP Andrew Ortiz added 20 points and grabbed 13 boards, while Roderick Williams scored 15 points. At the half, Sadie Vernon led 48-36 and by the time the 3rd quarter ended, the lead was 70-53. Despite the island boys’ attempts to clamp down on the How they advanced:

Sadie Vernon vs. Stann Creek Ecumenical College – 77-38 Top scorers: Sadie Vernon’s Andrew Ortiz, 18 points; Ecumenical’s Brandon Castillo, 13 points San Pedro High School vs. Belmopan Comprehensive School – 53-48 Top scorers: San Pedro’s Michael Guan, 17 points; Comprehensive’s Akeem Watters, 25 points

defense, Sadie Vernon continued hammering the board, adding 12 more points to which their opponents couldn’t catch up to in time. At the sound of the final buzzer, the game ended 82-68 for a Sadie Vernon win. San Pedro High School principal Emil Vasquez presented team trophies and individual medals to the champions, 2nd and 3rd place winners and the Most Valuable Player award to Sadie Vernon’s Andrew Ortiz. 3rd place was won by Belmopan Comprehensive who defeated the Ecumenical boys 58-37. San Pedro High School principal Emil Vasquez presented team trophies and individual medals to the champions, 2nd and 3rd place winners and the Most Valuable Player award to Sadie Vernon’s Andrew Ortiz.

Kursha Pollard takes on Vanessa Smith

Belize City, Sunday, December 18, 2011 The Millennium Girls won the 2011 Belize District Football Association’s female football championship in an 8-0 blast of Caye Caulker’s Island Stars at the M.C.C. garden on Sunday. Sheryann “Baby” Tracy and Christine Avila-Jacobs led Millennium’s attacks with the help of midfielders Kursha Pollard, Sandy Vernon, Sharmaine Augustus and Kaya Cattouse. Sherryann Tracy soon embarrassed Caye Caulker’s goalie Maribel Dominguez with the 1st goal as she eluded the defenders and blasted the ball into the net. Caye Caulker’s Lillian Joseph and Stephanie Duarte counterattacked furiously but they made no im-

Joan Dominguez controls the ball

pression on Millennium’s defense who took care of all other challenges. Pollard didn’t have any mercy as she blasted Millennium’s 2nd goal, and the city girls were up 2-0 at the half-time break. The Island Stars’ defense collapsed in the 2nd half, Sheryann Tracy smelled blood when she

“remate” which Island Girls goalie couldn’t control was collected by Pollard who sent it back for a goal that pushed the lead to 6-0. The pain was still not over, as Kaya Cattouse scored the 7th goal and Pollard completed her hat trick for an 8-0 win.

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Sunday, December 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Kulture Yabra beats Plaza United 4-0 Belize City, Sunday, December 18, 2011 The football veterans of the Kulture Yabra football club won the championship final of the Belize City over-40 football competition, 4-0 over Plaza United at the M.C.C. grounds on Sunday, December 18. Norman “Tilliman” Pipersburgh proved he is still dangerous as he and Steve “Gellis” Young led the Yabra offensive with the help of Cecil Jones and Charlie Slusher on the wings, and David ”Manu” Macaulay Sr. and Gilbert Brown at midfield. Plaza’s Benedict Lopez and Kenrick Velasquez tried to get an attack going with the help of Norman Bonnell, Barbie Gentle and Errol Wade, and they did get three shots at goal in the opening minutes of the ball game, but Yabra’s able goalkeeper Glen Arzu took care of these challenges, while the Yabra defenders,

Felipo Alario, Merlin Diaz, George “Peely” James and Basil Milton locked up shop. Cecil Jones kept alive a forward pass from Pipersburgh and found Steve Young who put the finish on the play for a 1-0 lead. Pipersburgh next unleashed a cannonball shot that goalkeeper Valentine Ferguson dived and managed to deflect. The Plaza defenders would not contain Pipersburgh who on his next try unleashed a grassburner shot that Ferguson got down on his knees in vain. The light rain made it easier for the ball to slip right through Ferguson’s gloves and legs and into the back Steve Young scored the 1st goal of the net: 2-0. Slusher next brought the ball up the right flank and centered the ball to Pipersburgh their offensive and defensive lineups. who worked the ball past three defend- Kulture Yabra won a corner kick, and ers until he found an opening to blast David Macaulay connected with a shot in another shot. Again Ferguson dived that embarrassed Ferguson with a 4th for the save, but the ball slid right un- goal before the final whistle. Yabra won der his left armpit into the far corner two more free kicks, but Ferguson manof the goal as Kulture Yabra led 3-0 at aged to stop Pipersburgh’s next shot though the wall of defenders and Charintermission. In the second half, Plaza refreshed lie Slusher’s try went over the crossbar.

Succotz football Results By Wilson Pat Here are the results for the semi-final football games played over the weekend of December 17th, 2011 I Succotz Village. Manchester United vs. Real FC – 9-4 Goal scorers: Luis Chan, 2; Ismael Vivas, 4; Alex Cocom, 3; Edwin Chan, 2; Anthony Cus & Jose Hernandez, 1 Yellow cards: Luis Chan, Edwin Chan, Henry Garcia, Anthony Cus Red card: Ismael Vivas All Stars vs. Crusaders – 9-0 Goal scorers: Jason Alas, 4; Gerson Uck, 3; Alvin Cus, 2 Finals Games (Saturday, December 24th): 1st GAME: CRUSADERS vs. FEAL FC 2nd Game: ALL STARS vs. MANCHESTER UNITED Trophies and award will be given after the game.

Gilbert Brown on the attack

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, December 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

PEOPLE

Althea Sealey,

Dancing For 42 Years BELIZE CITY, Wed. Dec. 21, 2011 By Roy Davis Althea Sealey, 50, the assistant manager of Brodies Supermarket and the artistic director of Belize Dance Company, has been dancing from the age of 8 years. Althea started her dancing career as a student of the Bob Reneau School of Dance. After the school of dance broke up she joined Leomar, a dance group with Marjorie Bradley and Leonie Henry, two of Bob Reneau’s seniors from who the name of the dance group was derived. She was with Leomar for about 8 years until Rebecca McFadzean branched off on their own and became Belize Creative Dancers. After that most of the seniors dancers of Belize Creative Dancers migrated to the United States. Athlea remained and continued dancing. She became one of the founding members of Belize National Dance Company along with the Cuban, Professor Edwardo Rivero. Belize National Dance Company which began its inception in 1990 has a junior group and a senior group. Rosita Baltazar is the manager of the juniors. In October Belize National Dance Company celebrated its 20th anniversary with a show titled “Spirit of Dance” that was staged at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts. Althea was a performer in that show. Althea is not only a dancer, but also a choreographer. She has attended dance workshop in Jamaica, Florida and Cuba under the tutelage of Professor Rivero, who has had extensive training in choreography and dance. Althea has danced with Belize National Dance Company in the United States, Europe and the Caribbean. During its years of existence Belize National Dance Company has developed a diverse style of dance that has encompassed the Garifuna,

Althea Sealey Mayan and Creole cultures. Its choreographic pieces are filled with AfroCaribbean modern and contemporary dance techniques. The company has 25 members. In 2008 Belize National Dance Company was the recipient of the Belize Tourism Board Cultural Award through which it was officially recognized for its continued efforts to share Belizean culture at home and abroad. “I have choreographed a number of dances in which I have infused dance techniques from different Belizean culture groups”, explained Althea. One of her most memorable performances was “Weeping Willow”, which she did in 1990 at a show at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts. As the artistic director of Belize National Dance Company, Althea has to use her creative ability from time to time to come up with her dance techniques. “It is very challenging but I look forward to it”, she said. In some of the dances she choreographed, Althea has combined folklore with jazz and other contemporary dances. She said that she hopes to continue dance and do choreography for as long as she is able.

Son fights to keep his father’s business alive BELIZE CITY, Tues. Dec. 13, 2011 By Roy Davis When his father, George “Big George” Lopez, died in 1999 at the age of 64, Jerrison “Jerry” Lopez, 38, began to walk in his footsteps, selling apples and grapes during the Christmas season. So every year around Christmas time, for the past 12 years Jerry has been on Albert Street with his bicycle cart loaded with apples, red and yellow, grapes – seed and seedless – American black plums, strawberries and pears. The apples sell for $1.00 each; the pears are for $1.25 each; the seedless grapes sell for $7 per pound; the grapes with seed are sold for $6 per pound; the plums are Jerry next to his stall on Albert St. sold for .75¢ each and the strawberries sell for $2 per box. “I have peach sometimes a steady job, Jerry plans to make but I don’t really relish selling fruit vending an all around the year it because it spoils too easy”, business. “I want to start selling other explained Jerry. Usually Jerry starts selling fruits and other items and I am his Christmas fruits early in De- going to start in the new year cember but this year he began 2012,” said Jerry. With his bicycle cart at the coras early as October. “I don’t have a steady job ner of Albert Street and King Street, so I have to depend on my Jerry works selling Christmas fruits fruit sales to maintain myself, sometimes for 12 to 14 hours per my common-law wife and our day. He said business is slow so far and he only has 11 more days for it son”, said Jerry. Jerry used to work at Ma- to pick up. “I have faith and by the grace lic’s Supermarket that was located at corner Vernon Street of God I know it will get better”, and Central American Boule- said Jerry optimistically. vard. But he quit a couple of Although the price of Christmas months ago when the business fruits have gone up this year from was turned over to a Chinese what it used to be last year, Jerry businessman. has not raised the price of his fruits. Jerry not only uses the prof“I can’t do that to my customits from Christmas fruit sales ers so I am going to absorb some to support his family, he also of the loss by keeping the price helps his mother Ethel Arnold the same”, he said. Jerry gets his fruit supply from Lopez, 62. Now that he does not have Parra’s.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, December 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Over 1,000 Children enjoy

Fort George Christmas Party Belize City, December 19, 2011

Not a grey cloud in the sky could spoil the cheer that filled up the hearts of over 1,000 children as they arrived at this year’s Fort George Constituency Children’s Christmas Party held at the Memorial Park on Saturday, December 17th. The large crowd of children was greeted by joyous music and their cartoon character friends, Dora and Diego. After singing and dancing to the popular Children’s music, the children collected their soft drinks and healthy food treats. Shortly after, they were surprised with the arrival of Santa Claus. They followed the big man in the red suit who shared out presents to all the children one by one. The Christmas Party has become a tradition for the PUP Fort George area representative, Rt. Hon. Said Musa, because it is important to spread joy and cheer with the children even during the most difficult of times. The PUP representative also attended the Christmas event and greeted the children and their parents.

PUP Fort George Area Representative Rt. Hon. Said Musa continues the tradition of sharing and caring with constituents, young and old

Fort George children dancing with Diego

The children greeting Dora

Santa sharing out gifts to over 1,000 children

THE BELIZE TIMES

SAND – The UDP’s X-mas/Pre-election treat for Dangriga Dangriga Town, December 21, 2011 Take a drive or even a stroll into most areas of Dangriga, right now you are very likely to be obstructed by piles of sand dumped on the streets courtesy of the UDP Area Representative and the Mayor. What a crying shame!!! For several months and even years many residents of Dangriga were calling both the offices of Area Representatives and the Mayor for needed support. These two elected officials either deliberately hid from their respective offices or they would, the UDP way, lie to our Dangrigana. However, now that the Xmas season is upon us and more importantly for the UDPs the elections are right around the corner, they are now in such great haste to buy and/or steal the hearts and mind of our residents with their Xmas Treat – SAND. The UDPs obviously have their priorities wrong as usual. If you were told that the Rivas Estate Extension, a developing community, well within the heart of Dangriga do not have electricity you perhaps will be very surprised and heart broken. But it’s true! Rivas Estate Extension, like most places in Dangriga, has been neglected. The residents of Rivas Estate Extension, for the past three years, are living without the proper infrastructure: no drains, mud-

dy and slippery streets and above all no electricity. In an effort to try to brighten the spirit of our residents this Xmas, the UDP is dumping loads of sand to a selected few within various depressed communities. Image The Possibilities of your children wanting to light up their Christmas Tree; however, instead of having the basic necessity of electricity, all you see is your house bypassed with loads of Sand. While oth-

er municipalities are getting food out of our tax dollars, Dangriga is getting is $40,000 worth of SAND. IT IS ALL VERY CLEAR THAT THE UDP HAVE NO LOVE FOR DANGRIGA. WE ARE TIRED OF EMPTY PROMISES AND THE CONTINUED DISRESPECT. The PUP Team led by Retired Major Gilbert Swazo, when elected into Office, will demonstrate to the residence, including UDPs, how to serve with love.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

PUP expresses condolences on passing of Dr. Michael Deshield December 21, 2011 The Leader of the People’s United Party, Honourable Francis Fonseca, and members of the People’s United Party, extend sincere condolences to the family of the late Dr. Michael Anthony Deshield, a former long serving and outstanding public servant. Dr. Deshield passed away on Tuesday morning following a long battle with cancer. During his tenure as a public servant, Dr. Deshield left a lasting imprint in the agriculture-health sector, assisting in the development of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority in 2000, and advancing many of Belize’s policies in Food Safety. Dr. Deshield was also very involved in the community, and pioneered animal health care with the opening of his private veterinary on Lancaster Street. Funeral service is scheduled for Friday at 3:00p.m., leaving from his Moguel Street residence in Belize City. May he Rest In Peace.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Shame & Disgrace! Belize City, December 13, 2011 In a letter that appeared in the Sunday, December 11, 2011 issue of the BELIZE TIMES, a parent expressed her anger and frustration at the Minister of Sports, John Saldivar and the UDP Government for allowing the Belize City High School Basketball Competition to be played at the Belize City Centre. As the parent explained in her letter, Saldivar and the Government had publicly declared the City Centre “condemned” and were therefore placing the lives of the students at risk. Despite the letter, and previous concerns from other parents, the competition continued as if all was well. But that is not the case. What Saldivar and the UDP have allowed is nothing less than shame and disgrace. The finals of the competition were held on Friday, December 9, and while the boys of Sadie Vernon Technical High School played valiantly against St. John’s College and the girls of St. Catherine Academy (SCA) triumphed over the girls of Wesley College, in their victory they were also silent victims of downright neglect from the Barrow Administration. By now, everyone who has passed by the City Centre over the last few months would agree that the building has become a public eyesore. The condition of the building’s exterior shows that much, but the inside is appalling, as if a storm had passed through the building. Piles of wooden debris could be seen all over the floor. Water from

the rains flood the perimeter of the basketball court. The scorekeepers table is broken in half, bleachers are collapsing and a roof leaking all provide for a depressing experience. No basketball competition should have ever been allowed to take place at the City Centre as its dilapidated condition exposed our young athletes to great danger and injury. As it were, we learned that during a recent volleyball game, a player was terribly injured following a nasty fall she suffered as a result of being forced to play on a wet/ slippery court. In 1998 the then UDP Government had spent millions of dollars on the purchase of a “synthetic” court and the importation of foreign coaches. Today, that highly priced synthetic court remains but all in ruins as sheets of plywood have had to be nailed down to cover the broken areas. While the 2011 Belize City High School Basketball Competition has concluded, the reckless behavior of the Minister of Sports and his Government cannot go without reprimand. Belize boasts enormous talent among her young citizens and this fact was evidenced last Friday as our young athletes displayed their incredible skills and potential. It is incumbent upon us to give these young athletes the respect and treatment they rightfully deserve. But Saldivar and the UDP have greatly disrespected and mistreated our young people. While their peers in the region get

the opportunity to compete and train in modern, state-of-the-art facilities, our young people are forced to compete and train in broken down facilities. Saldivar and the UDP couldn’t

care less, however, and will never care about the welfare of our young people. Like the good parent, we say to John Saldivar and the UDP, SHAME on YOU!

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, December 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Julius Espat

Unitedville

Valley of Peace

St. Magaretâ€™s

Armenia

Cotton Tree

Blackman Eddy

brings Christmas joy to Cayo South

Toys were given to Over 2,000 children

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, December 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP spreads

Christmas cheer in Belmopan Belmopan, December 15, 2011 The Belmopan Civic Center was filled up with bright, smiling children as the People’s United Party held this year’s Children’s Christmas party. Hosted by PUP Standard Bearer Dr. Amin Hegar and the PUP City Council Team led by Mayoral Candidate Jorge Flores, the Christmas party spread joy and cheer for over 1,000 children and their parents who came to enjoy the fun-filled entertainment. The Civic Center was ram-jammed like never before, and all the children enjoyed an evening of Christmas fun, games and laughter with the clowns and Santa Claus.

PUP Mayoral Candidate Jorge Flores (Left) & PUP Belmopan Standad Bearer Dr. Amin Hegar (Right) welcome Santa to the Christmas Party

PUP Mayoral Candidate Jorge Flores shares out gifts

Belmopan Civic Center was ram-jammed with children

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Free Zone sales in crisis Santa Elena, Corozal District, December 20, 2011 Sales at the Corozal Commercial Free Zone have dropped drastically in 2011, making it one of the worst years for business. According to statistics, the December season which normally attracts over 2,000 vehicles a day has been dismal, barely attracting 500. A picture taken by a Mexican press on December 16th, showed how empty, almost abandoned, the free zone has been this December. “The main avenue of the free zone remains empty, except for vendors who eagerly await the arrival of buyers. One dispatcher said that in the week discouraged the arrival of buyers has been low, contrary to all expectations kept for this purpose this year,” stated the news report. What is causing the crisis in sales? The report says Mexican consumers

have just not been flowing to the Free Zone as they normally would in previous years. Another factor is that Mexican customs are often confiscating products, such as wines and spirits, which sells very cheap in the free zone. Customs have also implemented high security measures, making the process of importing goods slow and frustrating. Meanwhile, the Free Zone is constantly under scrutiny, and accusations of being a hub for illicit business. A recent report in Guatemala’s Siglo21 newspaper claimed that 12% of the cigarette consumed in Belize was derived from contraband through the Free Zone. Two years ago that amount was only 8%. The report notes that contraband cigarettes pose a serious health risk, as the illegal modes and methods of transportation, are unsanitary and can

GOB disrespects Xaibe Village Xaibe Village, Corozal District, December 18, 2011 The Minister of Natural Resources is yet to respond to a scathing letter sent by the Xaibe Village Council last week Monday, December 12th. In that letter, the Village Council Chairman Daniel Tzul accused the Ministry of disrespect and abuse of authority. The letter was drafted at the request of villagers who became con-

cerned that the Ministry was carrying out a survey of lands in the community. When the residents approached the Council Chairman to find out what was going on, Tzul couldn’t say because neither he nor any member of the Council was consulted. Village residents met on Sunday, December 11th, and agreed that a letter would be sent to the Minister of Resources, Gaspar Vega and Area Rep-

‘Fishiness a-gwan’ with Mercury levels in Macal River! BELIZE CITY, Monday, December 12th, 2011 By Alton Humes The old adage of ‘halligata cuhn fram riva battam’ may or may not be appropriate to this story, but a Ministry of Health press release from the “Belize Press Office’ (i.e. GOB) on ‘decreasing’ mercury levels in the Cayo District’s Macal River and its concentration of Bay-Snook is, well…. fishy. To get down to the basics, experts (unless otherwise implied) from the Ministry tested for mercury levels in the fish (Scientific name: Petenia splendida) in August of 2011. But those results reek of a kind of unusualness, and in a more worrying tone, does not change the fact that thanks to still-present mercury level, Bay-Snook fish are pretty much inedible.

The Ministry noted that ‘current’ levels (tested for three days in August) are at 1.35 milligrams per kilogram (mg/ kg), a ‘decrease’ of 0.28mg/kg since last testing in April of this year. To add to that, of the fifteen samples tested (with only two, or 13.3% not available to be compared to the last test), a whopping ten samples (or 66.7% ) ‘had decreases ranging from 0.5 to 0.01mg/kg’, with three (or 20%) having decreases ranging from ‘0.01 to 0.3 mg/Kg’. What makes it worse is that the Ministry insists valiantly that it’s relatively safe to eat (if you’re 175 lbs and like small portions), they’re also insisting you shouldn’t because the concentration in the fish is three times the normal ‘recommended’ dose, and in the release, suggested other ways to get sources of oils within a diet.

This area, unlike other times, looks empty and the shops have reported few sales despite being the end of the year

cause mold or bacteria on the products. The report raised alarm for Guatemala’s business sector, as it pointed out that a significant portion of the cigarette is then illegally exported to Guatemala. “Not only is this a health risk and negative economic issue, but also a national security issue for Central American countries,” states the report. Funds obtained from contraband cigarette sales are used to carry out other illicit activities, such as human

trafficking, and the contraband of other products. A further study carried out by Guatemala’s Chamber of Industry found that there exist 43 “blind spots” where contraband goods are illegally transported between Guatemala and Mexico. When Corozal “experts” were consulted, they claimed the number of blind spots is actually 54. Belize’s Free Zone authorities have always discredited all negative reports on the Free Zone as specially funded attempts to hurt their businesses.

resentative Gabriel Martinez demanding that the surveying be suspended immediately. The letter, signed by Tzul and accompanied by a list of signatures, read: “It came to my attention that an area of land in Xaibe Village has been surveyed to be distributed as land parcels without I being informed or notified as chairman of the Village. To make matters worse the people involved in carrying about the operations are people who do not have any authority to do so. These actions clearly show a violation of the village council act which gives me the authority to look at the affairs of the village of Xaibe. These also show a gross disrespect for the

citizens of Xaibe.” Tzul, with the authority given to him as elected Chairman, then requested that the survey be abandoned until proper procedures are followed, which would include informing the Village Council and getting their approval. The Village Council Act authorizes the Village Council as the sole entity who can distribute land in their respective communities, barring the Ministry of Natural Resources, Area Representative or any political operative from arbitrarily meddling in land matters. The letter also makes it clear that if the village’s request is not met, they are ready to fight for their right. Area Representative Martinez has also not responded to the letter.

THE WORLD IS READING

THE BELIZE TIMES www.belizetimes.bz

Sunday, December 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP Port Loyola

holds Children Christmas Party

Belize City, December 21, 2011 On Saturday December 17th, Gilroy Usher Sr., PUP Standard Bearer for Port Loyola and the PUP Port Loyola Committee held a Christmas party for over 200 underprivileged children from across the division. The party started at 2:00 p.m. and ended at 6:00 pm. During the event the children participated in a number of games after which they each received delicious food and drinks, a party bag, and a gift. Also in attendance were scores of parents, and many of them who took the opportunity to encourage Usher to continue the work of up-liftment in the division. The Christmas party for underprivileged children was a tremendous success. That was only possible because of the generous contribution of residents of the division, members of the business community and the voluntary services rendered by numerous persons in the area. To all those, who helped to make the Christmas party the success, Usher expressed deep gratitude. This is the second time the Usher organizes a Christmas party for the children of the area. Last year’s Christmas party was held last year for over 200 children. The mean-spirited UDP Representative for Port Loyola “Boots” Martinez has never held a Christmas party to spread joy with the children of the division. That is despite the fact that in an effort to try and buy votes for the Belize City Council election in March of next year “Boots” Martinez has received $40,000 to help residents of Port Loyola this Christmas. Boots is selfish and mean, and has refused to help thousands of needy residents. Forward with Gilroy Usher, Sr. and P.U.P. in Port Loyola.

PUP Port Loyola Standard Bearer Gilroy Usher Sr. spreads the Christmas cheer among children. The UDP have never had any Christmas event for the young ones.

The children were happy to attend the PUP Christmas party

THE BELIZE TIMES

A Christmas Message from the PUP OW 7 Belizeans love Christmas time, it is our favourite season of the year. For all of us the traditions of Christmas remind us of some of life’s most important virtues: charity, kindness and of course, love. Through our generosity we give gifts and presents to our friends and families hoping it will bring a smile to their faces and joy to their hearts. It is kindness that compels us to give generously to the needy. It is because of our love for each other that we share in the festivities and the compliments of this joyous season. And for these reasons many believe it is more blessed to give than to receive. Of course, for those of us who are Christians, we celebrate the birth of our Re-

deemer, and remind ourselves of that extraordinary moment when we received the greatest gift of all, the birth of our Lord and Savior. For all of us in Belize, the

season is marked by music and laughter. The traditions of the lights that decorate our homes, the ornaments on the Christmas tree, happy children everywhere, and the kindness we

Sunday, December 25, 2011 show to each other in the gifts we give and the meals we share...all lift our spirits and renew in us our humanity. This year as we gather around our Christmas tree, at the dinner table, or with our friends and loved ones, let´s take the time to give thanks for the blessings in our lives. Let us rejoice in our families, and enjoy the company of friends. And most of all...let us pray for peace. Let us also remember those who have less than we do and who are suffering in these tough economic times. Let us say a prayer for those who have passed on, especially for those whose lives have been taken due to crime and violence. Let us also give thanks for our men and women of the security forces who put their lives on the line for our safety and for all those who work in the service of others. We thank you for the greatest gift of the season. Christmas reminds us that the values we share far outweigh the differences among us. The twinkle of a child´s eye on Christmas morning, the joy of grandmother´s laughter, the love in the hearts of mothers and fathers for their children are all gifts, they are all blessings that should be unwrapped in our homes on Christmas morning and then shared throughout the year. And so from all of us, to all of you, may the peace, joy, blessings and the loving kindness of the holiday Season be in our hearts and homes this holiday season. Have a safe and blessed Christmas.

PUP Marshalls

Sunday, December 18, 2011 Independence Hall

PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca speaking to the son of legendary Antonio Soberanis

Christmas Party

PUP Leader th anks outgoing President Dr. Marshals Cecil “Chubby” Reneau for hi s service to the Party

L to R: Marshals members Winfield Vernon, Lawrence Mejia, Claude Staine, PUP Caribbean Shores Standard Bearer Anthony Mahler, PUP Eastern Caucus member Danny Madrid, Marshals President Steve Latchman & Henry Mortis

Sunday, December 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Christmas message from

Anglican Bishop, Rt. Rev. Philip Wright

My Sisters and Brothers in Christ, The vision of the Diocese of Belize is to be “A Christ-centred, Spirit-filled, vibrant and growing community of believers making a difference in the lives of all God’s people”. This is the vision with which we continue to forge forward, even as we prepare to enter a new year. For the past five plus years, we have structured the work of the Diocese (its mission, ministry and the mechanisms through

which these are delivered) under five general areas of focus. These are: Stewardship/Finance, Youth, Ministry, Fellowship and Outreach. During the past three sessions of Diocesan Synod, clusters or groups gathered under these themes and sought to plan the work of the Diocese in accordance with the five foci. At our last Synod held in October 2010, we established five Diocesan Commissions to give guidance and support for these five aspects of the Church’s life and work. Each commission is co-chaired by a member of the clergy and laity, and made up of members from across the Diocese. It is always a very encouraging experience to see individuals come to the realization of the tremendous opportunity available to the church at this time. It is especially heartening to see them take the step to join the team and play their part; to help us make this vision a reality. We are cognizant, however, of the fact that the journey ahead has a very spiritual component. And even though we have put a finan-

cial value to the initiatives mentioned in this report, the real desire is the ‘equipment of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the Body of Christ’ (Ephesians 4:12). The Diocese of Belize is making a conscious effort to invest more into the development (physical, mental, spiritual) of its human resources. This renewed focus will be beneficial as we continue to lay the foundation for the future. Our appeal comes to you to join us in this effort; to assist with your time, talent and treasure, as we share with you from the riches of God’s bountiful grace given to us, as well. As we enter 2012 we will see the formation of the Lay Ministers’ Guild. This development promises to be an exciting one as the diocese takes concrete steps in its effort to show greater appreciation for the good work our lay ministers do week after week. Their executive and members will be able to organize retreats, workshops, training courses, etc., for the lay ministers. We will also be organising the servers/acolytes into their own diocesan grouping with the view of bringing our younger leaders together for recreational and educational events. This too will be a significant step forward. We forge forward with our companion relationships and this coming year we look to see our

27 links with Newfoundland, Canada, St Albans, UK, Barbados, Southern Virginia and others grow and expand. The opportunities for partnership in mission and ministry are tremendous and we hope to capitalize on these mutually beneficial engagements. Kindly read the brief report on the visit of Bishop Alan Smith and Archdeacon Jonathan Smith from St Albans. The highlight of the new year will be (i) the 200th Anniversary of the Laying of the cornerstone of St John’s Cathedral (June 24th to July 22nd); our Biennial Diocesan Synod to be held in October (11th to 14th). We have produced a Diocesan Calendar of Events for the New Year and strongly encourage that you get a copy. It is something we will all use to help us stay in tune with what will be happening around the diocese. Over the next few years this calendar will continue to develop to reflect as many events as possible. Also, look for the anniversary and birthday dates of your clergy and others. Use the Diocesan and Provincial Prayer Cycles to remember each other in prayer. Together let us move forward with the exciting opportunities God has presented to us. By His grace and with His guidance we will move from strength to strength. God’s richest blessings be yours. +Philip Belize

THE BELIZE TIMES

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE - 2011

By Dr. Oliver Ottley

District Superintendent Emeritus, Church of the Nazarene him in a dream and said, “Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife. For it is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived. 21. She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus – because he will save his people from their sins.”

TEXT: Matthew 1:18 -21 (Good News Bible) 18. This is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. His other Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they were married, she found out that she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit. 19. Joseph was a man who always did what was right, but he did not want to disgrace Mary publicly; so he made plans to break the engagement privately. 20. While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to

HOW HE CAME, WHEN HE CAME, AND WHY HE CAME The HOW of His coming is recorded in the four Gospels. Each of the inspired writers tells it differently. If each one wrote exactly the same thing in the same format, it would be considered a conspiracy. If they were reporting a building on fire, viewing it from different positions, each description would be somewhat different yet speaking in truth of the same building on fire. So, also, the report of His coming in each of the four Gospels is an integral part of the whole story which is more important than the sum of its parts. The WHEN of His coming is not necessarily a matter of a calendar date. While there is a history of calendars based on various scientific conclusions and religious convictions, the WHEN of the birth of Christ has more to do with the chronological certainty of His coming which we celebrate. The WHY of His coming is the

Sunday, December 25, 2011

heart of the Gospel. The angel of the Lord said to Joseph, “She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus – because he will save his people from their sins.” The irony in the reason for the season is seen in the way so many celebrate His birth. The laws of our country classify what are called misdemeanour and crime; what Scripture

calls sin includes far more than what the law of the land calls wrongdoing – and remember, Jesus came to save us from our sins, not in our sins. One who is enjoying Vanity Fair does not want to give up the ways of the world. But one who is drowning wants more than anything else to be saved. In light of this message the lines of poetry below bear repeating:

VEILED IN FRAIL HUMANITY Veiled in frail humanity, The Christ of Christmas came To save us for eternity, And Jesus was His name. For joy could shout and sing, We should join in celebration Of our salvation He came to bring! All things by Him created, Christ the eternal Word; Messiah long awaited, Made flesh, our blessed Lord.

Angels came to celebrate With tidings of great joy, For unto us was born that date The incarnate Christ - A Baby Boy! If angels who need not redemption, To think a lowly manger, From which the cattle fed, Cradled the Creator, And made a royal bed. A crowded town of Bethlehem, No room was in the inn, But in that sacred trough lay then A Saviour from all sin. -Oliver Ottley.

On behalf of the Church of the Nazarene in Belize, A BLESSED CHRISTMAS All the best of God’s blessings for 2012

Sunday, December 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Dr. Michael DeShield was opposed to GMOs Continued from page 2

and organic agro-products. This is a specialized market that Belize is tapping into with higher returns; Belize certainly cannot compete with countries like Canada, Argentina and the US, all non-parties to the Cartegena Protocol, in exporting any GM corn. The most comprehensive assessment of agriculture and food security to date, that involved over 400 scientists and authors internationally, including the bio-tech industry, was the International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD), co-sponsored by the World Bank, FAO, UNEP, UNDP, WHO, UNESCO and GEF, which found, among many other things, that in the future, agriculture can only be sustained by small farms without the

In Memory of Christopher “Chris” Galvez SUNRISE: November 9, 1986 SUNSET: December 22, 2009 Sadly and eternally missed by father: Martin Galvez, sisters: Chelsey & Britney, brothers: Zane & Jermyn, beloved son: Jaylen “Buddy” Galvez, grandmother: Margaret Fuller, Dearest Aunt: Yolanda Galvez, cousin Daniel Shackron and a host of of aunts, uncles and friends.

We think of you in silence We often speak your name What would we give to hear your voice And see your face again ~~ We, your family, miss you In the house where you used to be We wanted so much to keep you But God willed it not to be Now you are in God’s keeping You suffer no more pain So dear God take care of him Until we meet again ~~ Pray for us O dearest Father To Jesus Christ our King That He may bless our lonely home Where once you dwelt therein And pray that God might give us strength To bear our heavy cross For no-one knows but only He That treasure we have lost ~~ Gone are the days we used to share But in our hearts you’re always there Never more than a thought away Loved and remembered every day ~~ In Gods garden up above Stands a rose we dearly love He stands with petals open wide Watered by the tears we’ve cried His fragrance fills our lives each day Locked in our hearts he will always stay

use of GM. This is where Belize has an advantage and should use it by supporting our small farmers to ensure food security and sustainability. This is my considered opinion. Michael DeShield, BVSc, MSc Director of Food Safety 20012011 Bio-safety and BCH Focal Point 2004-2011 Editor’s Note: We print this letter penned by Dr. Deshield in October 2011 protesting the importing of GM corn to Belize, to show that he was a fair and conscientious man, who wasn’t afraid to voice his opinion, and put wrong-headed official on check. Aside his strong work ethic, Dr. Deshield was an amiable fellow, kind and compassionate. Belize has lost a great man.

If Da Noh soh Continued from page 7 may know that the money for the Olympiad comes out of the Social Security Development Account, a fund which is put aside to assist with community development projects. That money comes from workers’ and employers’ contributions. While nobody has made a big deal about it, it is huge in the education scheme of things. Especially since word coming out of the SSB is that just this week, the sour CEO took delivery of a brand new 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Luxury SUV. Now, just to put things in context, the Math Olympiad which pits the best of the best from educational institutions countrywide costs the SSB about $150,000 a year. Messy CEO Prado cost more than $200,000. WTF? How do you like them apples? If Da Noh Soh! ………………………….

Hijacked… The fact is that all the monies from the Fund which was created out of workers’ and employers’ contributions have been hijacked for political use. Sources within the SSB say that any assistance for any project must now be approved by a UDP minister. And that’s a true story straight out of the UDP Animal Farm political manual…If Da Noh Soh! …………………………. Happy Happy Joy Joy? I know I should end this column this week extending warm wishes to everybody including the mocha-megalomaniac and his minions, but I won’t. Call me scrooge, but I can’t summon up any happy happy joy joy feelings right about now. Stand strong, those who have suffered under this bunch of hopelessly incompetent and abusive morons! Their time is fast approaching! Merry Christmas!

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT PUT CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS “I feel like bombing a church, now that I know the Preacher is lying” Bob Marley. In three days the Christian nation of Belize will be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God who was sent by his heavenly father to save the world from its sinful self. Jesus was born in a manger, in the most humble and poorest of surroundings. There is this one incident highlighting how humble and modest the son of God conducted himself. In entering Jerusalem, now celebrated as Palm Sunday, Jesus asked his disciples to go and borrow a donkey – not a horse. He rode the humble donkey into Jerusalem. His words and teachings were about staying real. He said those who big up themselves will be humbled, and those who remain humble will be exalted. His parables against the rich and the selfish are many. One such is that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. In Belize, Christmas is an occasion for the heathen and the infidels. It is for the selfish and the ungodly. It is about rum drinking, materialism and hedonism. There is nothing about Jesus. It is all about Santa Claus. And who the hell is Santa Claus. He is represented by a big, fat white man who is the symbol of the merchants and Pharisees and hypocrites. Christmas is about encouraging the poor to spend their last dollar buying goods while Santa laughs ho!ho!ho! all the way to the bank. Christmas is no longer about the sick, or the children’s home or the poor people’s home. It is not about taking a meal to the needy or taking cheer to the elderly or the shutins. It is said in the Christian Bible that the shepherd is responsible for the flock. In Belize the shepherd has allowed the flock to be taken over by the Pharisees and hypocrites, the heathen and the infidels. Belize is a broken society. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Poverty is 44% of the population and rising. A large part of this situation can be traced back to the failure of the churches to stand up for Jesus. Each year the churches turn a blind eye to the increasing hedonism and Santa syndrome instead of sober reflection of the message of Jesus, each year the society gets worse. The rising violence in the society, glorified by American television along with nudity, idiocy and materialism has been destroying the tranquility and way of life in Belize. The church has been silent. Thanks to UNIBAM the church seems to have found their voices. If nothing else comes out of the so-called homosexual agenda it is that the divided and selfish churches are uniting for a common cause. Christians all across the nation are joining forces against the UNIBAM efforts to amend the criminal law. Christians should use this weekend to reflect on how their church leaders have allowed Satan and his Santa fol-

lowers to mock and scorn the sacred birth of Jesus with alcohol and hedonism. Let us put Christ back into Christmas and start the renewal of ourselves and our nation. JUDGE HANOMANSINGH Supreme Court Judge Dennis Hanomansingh has been standing up for the constitution and the liberty of Belizeans. Persons charged by the Police and who are denied bail in the Magistrate Courts can be assured of a fair hearing and just decision when they apply for bail in front of Judge Hanomansingh. Attorneys who appear in front of the Judge have all been commenting favorably on his balance and fairness even when their application may be unsuccessful. It is encouraging to hear that a judge believes there has to be darn good reasons to keep a person in prison before he is even tried by a court. The judge will not grant bail if a person will interfere with witnesses or threaten the complainant or is likely to avoid court trial. The flakie excuses taking place in other courts to deprive persons of their freedom is becoming a blight on our constitutionally protected freedom. We hear of persons being denied bail particularly in the Magistrate Courts on the flimsiest of excuses. A person’s liberty is almost a sacred matter. Sending a citizen to jail before his trial is something that should have no part in our judicial system. The recent laws which have been encroaching on the liberty of the citizen need to be amended, if not struck down. As we go to press, reports on one of the local stations is giving the impression that in an application for bail the judge ordered the man to marry a minor. This is completely false. The Senior Counsel Oscar Sabido informed the Judge that the adult wished to marry the minor with whom he had a child and the parents were in agreement. Because an undertaking was given to the Court the Judge agreed for the person to regain his freedom. If the undertaking is breached the person will have his bail revoked. The news also erroneously reported on a bitter argument in Orange Walk where in November a husband stabbed his wife. A local tv news has aired an extensive interview with the wife about how she is the victim of domestic abuse and fears for her life but her affidavit in court never answered her husband’s serious complaints of provocation and aggressive behavior. The facts in Court are that the wife has been committing adultery. Equally bad, she has been committing adultery with her husband’s brother. This was of no importance to the Judge. Claims that the woman, when caught by her husband, started to provoke and berate him over his sexual inabilities and so forth were of little importance. What concerned the judge was whether the wife would be in danger if the husband was released on bail. From all the facts presented, the judge granted bail, including an extraordinary provision with the consent of the husband that he would move from Orange Walk and have nothing to do with his wife. It is important for the media to

report accurately what transpires in Court and not give Belizeans the wrong impression. Judge Hanomansingh is a champion for what is right and what is just and we must respect the right decisions of the courts which protects all of us. AND THE CHIEF MAGISTRATE? The Chief Magistrate who has been coming in for criticism among our people showed compassion this week in her court. A man who punched a woman breaking her jaw was facing imprisonment. He deserved to go to jail. But when the Chief Magistrate heard mitigation she stayed the awesome power of the law. She heard that the man had worked at a steady profession for over eighteen years. He was the only provider for his family including a daughter attending College. She would have to drop out of school if he went to jail. In what was right, proper and just, the Chief Magistrate chastised the offender and spared him imprisonment but ordered that he pay compensation forthwith to the victim. The victim has indicated on advice of one Davis that she will sue for all her medical expenses. That is the way to go in civil law. In the criminal law, sending a man to jail and destroying his innocent family is not always the right thing to do. Justice must always be tempered with mercy. PRINCE HARRY Prince Harry, one of the two sons of the ill fated Princess Diana of Britain will visit Belize. Big deal. These rich, privileged people born with many golden spoons in their mouths mean nothing to us. They do nothing for us. Want to do something? Bring a cheque as reparation for the horrific injustice your people did to our people during slavery and colonialism. Coming here because an archaic and anachronistic queen who neither rules nor reigns, is having a so called diamond jubilee. What utter rubbish. PASTOR WADE VS UNIBAM Although UNIBAM appears to be a one man (woman) organization, it is applying to the Supreme Court to strike down a section of the criminal law which makes homosexuality a criminal offence. The face of UNIBAM is Caleb Orsoco. The section of the law which makes it a sexual offence says that homosexuality is a contrary to the order of nature. This is so. Bishop Akinolo of Africa has stated that no lion nor tiger no elephant nor alligator nor no animal in the animal kingdom of the male species goes looking for another male when it is mating time. Men do not mate with other men. They cannot produce children naturally, as in the order of nature. Whatever is a person’s belief on the matter there are not to be prejudice and hatred against persons who has a different sexual orientation. No one else claiming to be a homosexual has appeared on any of the media championing the UNIBAM cause. But UNIBAM has thousands of supporters in Belize. Luis Wade of Plus TV is a Pastor. He is one of the outspoken antagonists against the challenge of UNIBAM to change the criminal law. Luis Wade is an articulate believer in his cause. That cause is grounded in

Sunday, December 25, 2011

clear language in the Holy Bible that “if a man shall lie with another man as if he was lying with a woman, it is abomination and they shall be stoned to death.” A face to face between the two sides is necessary for a debate on the issues surrounding homosexuality as it is beginning to boil up in Belize. It can get nasty. THE TONGUE S OF ANGELS “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing. “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing. “Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. “Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. “Rejoiceth not in inequity, but rejoiceth, thinketh in the truth; “Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” - 1 Corinthians 13, Verses 1–7. QUALITY OF MERCY “The quality of mercy is not strained It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven. Upon the place beneath: it is twice blessed. It blesseth him that gives and him that takes ‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest: “ -Merchant of Venice, By William Shakespeare

Sunday, December 25, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP PG municipal campaign launched

PUP Leader Hon. Francis flanked by PUP Punta Gorda Mayoral candidate Anthony Fuentes, PUP Toledo East Standard Bearer Mike Espat, PUP Toledo West Standard Bearer Oscar Requeña, PUP Dangriga Mayoral Candidate Major Gilbert Swazo and PUP Town Council Team Punta Gorda, December 19, 2011 Following Friday’s House Meeting in Belmopan, PUP Leader Francis Fonseca headed south to Punta Gorda to join Toledo East Standard Bearer Mike Espat; Toledo West Standard Bearer, Senator Oscar Requeña; Stann Creek West Standard Bearer Rodwell Ferguson; and Dangriga Standard Bearer Ivan Ramos for the launch of the PUP Punta Gorda Town Council team and campaign. After a few meetings, the team headed to the PG Sports Complex for a public rally where they met with the PUP Team

7 headed by mayoral candidate Anthony Fuentes. Fuentes is a former President of the Belize National Teacher’s Union and a long time teacher who served in a previous PUP PG Town Council as Deputy Mayor. The PUP PG 7 is a dynamic team made up of both youth and experience and with all the excitement in the air on Friday night it is clear that come March 7, 2012 the voters of PG will fire the incompetent UDP Council that has neglected the town for the past 6 years. Victory is in the air for the PUP in PG!

What is going on at

Belize City, December 20, 2011 Millions of dollars are being spent on a lifetime, life-sized project at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex. Belizeans can’t really tell what is going on inside the stadium because the UDP Government paid the UDP Albert standard bearer Herman Longsworth $1.7m to build a fence to conceal everything. It is the first time a fence is built at a project site before any actual structure goes up. Typical UDP. Now we are starting to know why the fence was built first. The BELIZE TIMES has learnt that some of the construction at the complex is substandard and might not be value for the millions of dollars being spent by the UDP. Photos obtained by the BELIZE TIMES shows recently constructed concrete walls and bleachers cracking. It also shows the recently paved running track ripping through, as if done cheaply or inadequately. Reports are this was done for a whopping $2.9m. Something fishy is going on at the

Marion Jones Complex??

Unless UDP Senator Juliet Thimbriel uses the track, some explanation must be given as to how a newly paved $2.9m track can look like this!

Marion Jones Sporting Complex, aside from the big time hustling of public funds among UDP friends and well-connected cronies. Belizeans, keep your eyes on this one, it is bound to get interesting.

31 Humor in UDP Politics! The following matters were discussed in Cabinet - That the container of Uruguayan ham and rice stamped UNIBAM be used only for cabinet members, immediate family and close friends with relations. When asked what “relations” meant, Flipping blurted out “dat dah sweetheart ham. We Flipping sweetheart, like Juliet and Audrey”. - Santino reported to join a Cabinet meeting and was rejected a second time. This time the reason given was that while Perdomo is a lame duck minister who often falls asleep in Cabinet, he still votes yes on everything Barrow wants, even if he ain’t sure what he is voting on. - Barrow has received an early release of Shyne’s new single titled “Mo Money Mo Problems Pa, I told you f*%^* so”. ……………………… In other related Cabinet matters: Saldivar is booked solid over the Christmas Holidays to play Santa Claus with a special red and white suit sent to him by FFB’s Jack Warner with a belt that reads “Go sack it to ‘em Santa”. Barrow has received the first edition of 2012 Miami Retirement Magazine which he subscribed to last week. Finnegan has been asked to lay off on the Effexor for a week, while Boots has been told to dust himself off for a few days at least. ……………………… Things are so bad under Barrow that people have to stretch their wine and rum by mixing them with water. Things so tough that most kitchen in the hoods are back to fire hearth and Battlefield Park Hotel is almost filled with people who got no where to go this Christmas Holiday and they won’t be able to put anything under their tree as City Council cut them down. Things are so bad, there has been a special request by Easy Glenn, Z Moya for Pawn shops to remain open on the 24th and 25th, just in case they need some extra change. ……………………… The independent candidates cornered Darrell B. to tell them exactly why he could not be in the debate. “I think”, he paused, “um-em, I had a previous engagement with my client DJ Dalla (who incidentally was out of the country on that day) or was it with my dad and Alfonso? I really can’t remember”.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, December 25, 2011