Belize Times February 12, 2012

Sunday, February 12, 2012

1

THE BELIZE TIMES

SCAN HERE

SUNDAY February 12, 2012

Issue No. 4783

www.facebook/Belize Times

Loose lips,

nearly sinks ship

PM’s rhetoric lands serious economic blow Belize City, February 7th, 2012 The loose lips of Belize’s irresponsible Prime Minister have once again cost the nation, triggering another unnecessary international embarrassment. As if it weren’t enough that Belize has virtually scared away prospective investors and is known as the murder

capital of the region under the Barrow Administration, Prime Minister Dean Barrow has given the nation yet another black-eye by sending off the wrong signal regarding Belize’s commitment to meeting its debt obligations. In his election announcement on January 31st, Barrow uttered that his administration would seek “clear in-

structions” from the electorate “to do something about the superbond”. This spun Belize’s credit market into chaos and confusion, and the result was a further blow to Belize’s already debilitated economic outlook. In an almost swift response from wary agencies, Belize’s credit rating was lowered to junk status.

Marcel Cardona

will vote PUP!

Standard & Poors immediately cut Belize’s long-term rating from Bto CCC+, citing that “there are signs that the Belizean government is becoming less willing to service its external commercial debt”. These signs were attributed to Barrow’s injection of the debt service of the super bond as

Continued on page 4

PUP MOVES ON

His OW East Upliftment Committee will campaign for Dr. Marco Tulio-Mendez

Cardona says UDP’s 4 years have been a “reign of terror”

BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, February 8th, 2012 The political campaign fever hit a new pitch today when elected UDP area representative for Orange Walk East constituency announced that he was officially defecting from the ruling United Democratic Party and casting his support for the Opposition People’s United Party. At a press conference held this afternoon in Belize City, Cardona said that his support for the PUP will not be as a candidate in the March 7th

Continued on page 6

Import permits “stink up” local potato market Incompetent UDP Minister & CEO of Agriculture strike again Belize City, February 8, 2012 Like spoilt potatoes causing a revolting stink, a slew of permits granted by the Ministry of Agriculture, is threatening to destabilise the local potato market. More than 55,000 pounds of pota-

Yolanda Schakron & David Craig are the PUP’s candidates for Lake Independence and Albert Constituencies, respectively. They will ensure PUP victories!

to, which were approved for importation from Mexico by cronies of the United Democratic Party, have flooded the local market, creating an unnecessary competition for local potato growers who were expecting to put out their full harvest by

Continued on page 8

PUP LEADER PLEDGES

SUPPORT FOR TOLEDO RICE GROWERS

PUP Leader, Hon. Francis Fonseca, addresses rice growers group during meeting in Punta Gorda Town, Wednesday

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, February 12, 2012

No Justice for Ladyville Family Choosing to be an agent of real change Dear Editor, After hearing the PUP Party Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca on Love FM today, I found it necessary to write this letter. In the past four years, our country has rapidly spiraled down, where guns in the hands of our Belizean youth have continued to cement Belize’s status as the murder capital. We have seen police officers implicated in the landing of drug planes and implicated in taking on a contract killing of a Chinese businessman. All evidence was mishandled and justice never saw the full light of day. We also saw honest police officers framed and charged for offences that were later proven in court to have never been committed. We also saw the police department demoralized because of political interference, having to apply for an injunction from the courts to stop their promotion list because of alleged blatant political interference. I am Marlon Robinson and I hold a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts with honors from the University of Belize. I am currently studying for my law degree to become an attorney, with the burning desire to help the Belize Police Department to increase the conviction rate of indictable matters – especially ‘MURDER’. I believe the DPP’s office perusing case files for mistakes after they have been made and then advising the Police Department what to do – is working backward s – to some degree. I fervently believe that the Police Department needs a trained attorney at the inception of every indictable matter being investigated, even when it is their own being investigated. A trained attorney would efficiently and competently serve to take indictable matters and guard them from mistakes – prepare case files with the aim of getting a conviction. A trained attorney would also be able to bring about positive change to personnel. All too often, the Police ‘top brass’ infringe on the employment rights of Police Officers, demoralizing personnel subsequently reducing productivity. And when corrupt police officers are not rooted out, it further reduces the moral of the Police Department and subsequently decreasing productivity. At this point I must add that I was a serving member of the Police Department for twelve years and I was never charged disciplinary for any wrong doings. At the time of leaving the Police Department I did so with an impeccable discipline record and conviction record for the arrests I made. Before finally leaving the Department, I had already left twice in trying to do my law studies on my own; after being denied assistance every time. On the last occasion,

I personally wrote to Minister Perdomo, to whom I hand delivered my request for assistance. I also sent a copy to the then Commissioner, and also formally applied for support from Minister Patrick Faber. My proposal to Minister Perdomo, Minister Faber and the Commissioner was that, I was willing to sign a ‘ten year bond’ to serve the Police Department as its attorney should the Government support my studies - it was rejected for the third time. You can imagine I was devastated but more so, I was confused as to what kind of reasoning was applied to deal with my request. With some support from my parents, I left for the University of Guyana. A year and a half later – I was able to hold a 3.1 GPA. I also remained respectful of the UDP administration’s decision, but after listening to the Prime Minister for four years, I quickly realized that the UDP government is simply arrogant and lack any degree of competence to develop Belize. I know my words are strong but in no way disrespectful in comparison to how Dean Barrow has disrespected the people of Belize. We all witnessed him telling OCEANA they have the ‘gall’ to request for a referendum on the same day of the elections and how this administration was painstakingly checking thousands of signatures from petitions for a referendum but were unable to look into the reports of thousands of nationalization and mass registration without due process, making it illegal! I now want to focus on the upcoming elections. School has commenced back in Guyana, but as most foreign students do, I had planned to spend two more weeks with my children. I scheduled to leave on February 16 to the US, which I have purchased a ticket to do so, thereafter I would leave for Guyana. I have now postponed my plans to simply remain in Belize and be a part of, and witness the overthrow of the Dean Barrow administration. At this time, anyone would be quick to think I am involved in politics and that I am a PUP. The truth is that I have never gotten involved in politics because of my job and future ambitions to work with the Police department. That, clearly, has now been compromised because of this letter. I have never campaigned on a podium or walked on the streets for PUP or UDP. I have never gotten any housing grants, loan reductions, loan cancellations or anything likewise from the UDP. As a matter of fact, I come from a very large UDP family and a large consortium of UDP friends. I am simply writing to express my utter dissatisfaction of the Dean Barrow administration and my now more-thanContinued on page 14

Dear Editor, In this letter I just want to express my feelings for this politics time. I go straight to Ladyville and Hutchinson. To my knowledge Hutchinson is supposed to be a religious Adventist. That’s why I am astonished that he, knowing the Bible, could forget it and help in the release of 2 accused murderers that we believe had something to do with the killing of a young man on the 16th of January in the area of Japan, Ladyville. These 2 suspected murderers are no less the sons of Hutchinson’s secretary who is also the mother of another man believed to have been involved in the attack of Alex, the Chinese man, some time ago in this Japan area. I voted for Hutchinson in the last election because I believed that having God as his teacher he would be a good minister and that he would be able to feel the people’s pain, but now I am so disappointed to realize that he became a spoiled pastor, that money and power rule his big head and not God. People, how can we trust somebody like him who pledged to give us safety but instead is helping to release known criminals to our society and putting our families in trouble. Do you want to live like this; always afraid that the same pain as was caused on the Elvis Cowo’s family could come to you? To everyone who is asking who is Elvis Cowo, I will tell you. On January 16, 2012 at around 9 or 9:30pm, 29 year old Elvis Cowo from Orange Walk was stabbed to the heart and died on the scene. Two weeks have gone and justice

GG offers no help to OCEANA Mrs Audrey Matura-Shepherd V.P. Oceana in Belize #33 Corner Regent & Dean Streets BELIZE CITY Dear Mrs Matura-Shepherd Re: Petition under the Referendum Act 6th February 2012 I refer to your letter dated February 2, 2012, requesting that an enquiry be made into the decision of the Elections and Boundaries Department, rejecting certain signatures appended to the Petition. I have carefully looked into the Referendum Act but it gives no power to the Governor General to order such an enquiry. If you are dissatisfied with the decision of the Chief Elections Officer, the proper course of action would be for you to take up the matter with the Minister responsible for Elections and Boundaries or the Prime Minister. I regret I am unable to assist you further in this matter. Yours sincerely Sir Colville N. Young Governor General

never reached for this young man. I knew Cowo, and I knew him as a hardworking young man who was in no way a problematic nor drunk man. Cowo was leaning on a pick-up with his boss Dr. Valdez. Cowo was holding his bicycle with the left hand, when 2 murderers riding a Bicycle – one pedaling and the other one on the handle – came facing Cowo who didn’t expected what was going to happen. I myself witnessed this crime and I ask God for forgiveness for not having the strength to speak out earlier. The man on the handle was the one who stabbed Cowo. I thought that he was going to punch him. I never imagined that this criminal stabbed him. Cowo didn’t have time to react nor move. I saw him drop his bicycle and die right there in the arms of his brother. I can’t forget the pain I saw in his mother’s face and her shouts, asking her son to please hold on a little. Editor, there were a lot of witnesses but I believe they also are afraid to speak out or worst politics or money has been used to buy their dignity. God forgive them because they know this was an injustice and senseless murder. I have prayed every day that these 2 murderers get justice from God and that the soul of Mr. Cowo and Mr. Alex rest in peace. I also pray that the Cowo family find in God the strength to live without their loved one and that Orange Walk people don’t forget Cowo and ask for justice. We must shout for justice and stop crime and criminals by voting in this election for the right candidates that will give us hope of change to our Belize who have suffered so much. I conclude, Editor, by asking you to keep on as always fight for justice and to try to help the Cowo family who are humble and good heart people. Signature A very disappointed voter

THE BELIZE TIMES EDITOR

Alberto Vellos OFFICE MANAGER

Fay Castillo McKay PRINTING/PERSONNEL SUPERVISOR

Doreth Bevans

LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

MARKETING/ADVERTISING

Rafael Sosa

STAFF REPORTER

Alton Humes TYPIST

Rachel Arana OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed & Published By The Belize Times Ltd.

#3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize Tel: 671-8385 Email: belizetimesad@yahoo.com editortimes@yahoo.com

Sunday, February 12, 2012

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THE BELIZE TIMES

PARTY PAGE

PUP

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HON. FRANCIS FONSECA FREETOWN

HON. FLORENCIO MARIN JR. COROZAL SOUTH EAST

Yolanda SCHAKRON lake independence

CAROLYN TRENCH-SANDIFORD COLLET

HON. JOHN BRICENO ORANGE WALK CENTRAL

RT. HON SAID MUSA FORT GEORGE

Rodwell Ferguson Stann Creek West

GREGORIO “PAPAS” GARCIA COROZAL BAY

DAVID CRAIG albert

IVAN RAMOS Dangriga

Valdemar castillo Corozal North

mike espat toledo east

oscar requeña toledo west

gilroy usher sr. port loyola

phillip palacio mesopotamia

JULIUS ESPAT CAYO SOUTH

anthony sylvestre jr . queen square

ARTHUR SALDIVAR BELIZE RURAL NORTH

DR. DAVID HOY caribbean shores

dr. francis smith pickstock

patty arceo belize rural south

dr. amin hegar belmopan

collet montejo cayo central

oscar sabido cayo west

dr. MARCO tulio mendez orange walk east

abelardo mai orange walk south

orlando habet cayo north east

dolores balderamos garcia belize rural central

jorge briceno orange walk north

joseph mahmud cayo north

RAMIRO RAMIREZ COROZAL SOUTH WEST

TEAM BELIZE

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Fuel prices up AGAIN! City residents up in arms

BELIZE CITY, Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 By Alton Humes It came like a thief that eternally prefers to prowl at night and by the time folks realized it, it was too late. We’re not talking about the loss of life to brazen criminals. Rather, it was yet another increase in fuel prices at the myriad of gas stations through

Loose lips,

nearly sinks ship Continued from page 1 an election issue. While S&P indicated that the statement could very well be political rhetoric as part of the election campaign season, evidence exists of policy unpredictability under the Barrow Administration. For that reason, they took the threat seriously. S&P noted indirectly that the Prime Minister’s statement isn’t the wisest amidst Belize’s “low economic growth, a weak investment outlook, increased levels of crime, and limited ability to raise government revenue”. It simply weakens Belize’s current account and further reduces its financing options and “depresses” an almost non-existent foreign investment. S&P warned that if the Prime Minister repeats the sentiments, it could further downgrade Belize’s ratings which would severely affect the economic outlook. Moody’s credit rating also issued red flags this week, following Barrow’s announcement. “Remarks last week by Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow…are credit negative,” their release stated. While at home the lowered ratings are frightening to local investors and the business community who rely on external financing and support, on the market scene the value of Belize’s bonds have been falling drastically. Market watchers inform the BELIZE TIMES that the value of Belize’s bonds have been reducing almost by the day. While two weeks ago the bonds sold at $60, up to yesterday the price had fallen to between $45 and $48. At the rate of Belize’s weakening economy and the Prime Minister’s inability to restore confidence in our credit capacity, the bonds will likely continue to lose value. S&P has already made analyses of Belize’s steps in case a debt default takes place. The International Monetary Fund, who is working with the Barrow Administration on a new tax system, has warned that they must return to the UDP policies of higher taxes and retrenchment.

Belize City and the entire country as a whole. The new prices are as follows: BZC$11.58 for Premium, BZC$11.13 for Regular Unleaded, and BZC$10.45 for Diesel. Of them all, only Diesel show a faint, almost blip-like decrease of 0.04 cents, while the first two increased by a significant margin. With all of the uncertainty and displeasure that would surely follow such a ludicrous and seemingly unnecessary increase, the BELIZE TIMES hit the streets at the Esso Gas Station on New Road to get a ‘read’ on what residents thought of this latest increase. No sooner did we arrive at the station did the opinions (and the heavy anger) flew at the now-defunct UDP Government. Even before we asked him a single question, one Creole taxi

driver vehemently opined that Prime Minister Dean Barrow “buck[ed] ih head” on this unforeseen and unnecessary increase, and was lamenting the fact that he now must stick to buying gas in smaller amounts, since anything higher would kill off his business. A Latin maintenance worker, attached with the St. Martin de Porres Parish and Church, brought BZC$100plus worth of gas for his truck. But the increase, even when he first heard about it, was still a surprise. He admits that the Parish, which uses vouchers with the Esso Station, will now have to ‘slow down’ when buying gas, and likely will limit what he can buy to about once a month. Another young man, a deliveryman and errands runner for the Belize Healthcare Partners, also had no knowledge of the increase, but insisted that the hospital (likely with its own credit crunch) won’t immediately cut back on buying gas. The sole female respondent in the mix only had this to say: “Mek ih (gas prices) come down, instead of

Sunday, February 12, 2012 goin’ up.” And while there wasn’t a legitimate reason given as to the increase itself, no blame can be laid at the feet of the gas stations, or at the very least, not at the feet of the Esso Station. An employee of the station told us in confidence that they receive word directly from the local depot whenever a price increase is imminent, although any direct warnings as to when an increase might happen vary significantly. This is the third time fuel prices increase in 2012. The previous increases were on the January 1st and January 17th. In total for 2012 alone, Premium has seen a $0.98 increase, Regular prices have jumped by $0.95, and Diesel has increased by $0.38.

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Sunday, February 12, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

5

Change the Government,

Save Belize

When Dean Barrow called for early elections last week he did so in an attempt to dodge his presentation of a UDP Budget that includes IMF recommended higher taxes and UDP-style retrenchment. But the effect of his elections call dealt a chilling double-blow to the economy with the lowering of Belize’s credit-rating by Standard and Poors and Moody’s. The credit rating agencies have placed Belize under a sharp microscope as all indications are that with the UDP, Belize’s dollar could be spiraling down to possible devaluation. A devaluation of the Belizean dollar is the worst thing that could ever happen to Belize. It is not farfetched. The economy is weak. Investors are no longer interested in Belize. The debt has increased exponentially with the UDP. The credit rating agencies believe the Government isn’t serious about its debt obligations. Belize could default on its debt payment, sending the country into economic damnation. This is the predicament Belize finds itself with the UDP, and a new UDP Government would only make things worst. Having become irritated with a Government that fails its commitments and abuses its legislative authority to get its way, no financial institution will ever show sympathy or give breathing room to a UDP Government. The only way for the reset button to be pressed and for Belize to get a break to get things right is for there to be a change of Government, and for a PUP Government to be elected to office. The credit rating agencies know Belize was in a better economic position when the PUP left office. The superbond is the UDP’s boogieman, but financial experts including the UDP’s own Carla Barnett, recognize its importance in stabilizing the debt on a long term basis. The superbond was not meant for a weak economy nor for a negligent Government; therefore the superbond, no matter how much it stabilized Belize’s debt obligations, could not be sustainable under the reckless UDP Government. Barrow and the UDP have squandered the past four years. They have done nothing, so they got nothing to show for it. They have failed on their manifesto promises to provide jobs for our people. But how could they when they FAILED to grow the economy and allow it to slip and slide into a negative, resulting in Belize worst unemployment record and hopelessness for our young graduates in need of a job. Business has never been this worst and for the first time in Belize, homeowners have been under the constant threat of losing their homes. Barrow’s report card for the past four years is an F. He has failed the Belizean people on every account. The people have been sending out a resounding message which is: WE ARE suffering and WE WANT IT to STOP and now that the elections are here we will make it stop by voting out Barrow and the UDP. Save Belize will take a responsible Government. The People’s United Party, amidst all challenges from within and without, has overcome and is moving forward with Party Leader Francis Fonseca. The PUP has become the credible alternative to the four years of UDP suffering. The PUP has a plan to fix the economy, to provide jobs for our people, to combat crime and violence, to respect NGOs and give real power to the Senator, to re-establish independence in the Judiciary and attract investors to Belize. The suffering of the past four years must not be forgotten with any glitz and glamour dance to wooh the Belizean voter into compliance. Our country needs a change, our people need a change. Save Belize and vote for the PUP on March 7th.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Marcel Cardona

will vote PUP! Continued from page 1

general election, but as a voter of the Orange Walk East Constituency. He announced too, that his 200-plus Orange Walk East Upliftment Committee and supporters would also join him in supporting and energetically campaigning for the PUP candidate, Dr. Marco TulioMendez. Cardona, who has been at odds with the UDP since 2008 when he was fired as a Cabinet Minister after opposing what he called a secret “sweetheart contract”, had found it impossible to speak against the UDP because Part VI, Section 59 (2) (e) of the Belize Constitution disallowed him to do so without being accused of “crossing the floor”, which would lead him to lose his seat in the National Assembly. But with the Prime Minister having called for the House of Representatives to be dissolved, Cardona said he felt like “a free man”, and he spoke ever freely as he lambasted and verbally flogged the UDP Leader and Prime Minister, Dean Barrow, calling him “a false prophet” and a “1st class actor”. Cardona said Barrow recruited him as a UDP candidate in the 2008 elections by personally convincing him that

UNIBAM’s Caleb Orozco attacked BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, February 8th, 2012 By Alton Humes There has been no formal word as of yet on when a preliminary decision will be handed down by the Supreme Court in the case of the United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM) versus the Government of Belize and the Churches of Belize over Section 53 of the Laws of Belize. But the man at the center of the case, UNIBAM Executive President Caleb Orozco, became a target of a physical attack in the heart of the Southside of the City. Orozco was riding his bicycle in the area of West Street in Belize City this afternoon, when he was blindsided in what he said was an unprovoked attack. He was hit to the right side of his jaw with a pint bottle. He admits that he never saw the attacker coming, but he did see the attacker, or at least, his face. As for further injuries, he only moderately complained of bruising and feeling the effects of the hit later rather than immediately. He has also admitted to being in a ‘state of heightened emergency’ over the incident. And thanks to the incident, he will now attempt to use the incident as further galvanization for his case. Orozco said he was lucky to have gotten away safely before further harm occurred, and realized that people in the neighborhood, while seeing the incident, were not going to help him.

the UDP would be a party of no-nonsense and anti-corruption. But it was all a lie, he indicated, because as Prime Minister, Barrow has been promoting and covering up corruption in the forms of nepotism and cronyism that involves the enrichment of his close friends and families. “…is awarding of millions upon millions of tax-payers’ dollars in legal services to the Prime Minister’s exwife Lois Young Barrow and brother Denys Barrow, when there are other equally competent, if not more competent local attorneys who could do the job, NOT a blatant act of “CORRUPTION” and “NEPOTISM” on the part of Mr. Anti-Corruption, Prime Minister Dean Barrow? Is the awarding of lucrative oil contracts to the Prime Minister’s nephew, Kimano

Barrow, to allow him and his family to benefit from the oil bonanza in Belize, NOT another blatant act of “PUBLIC CORRUPTION” and “NEPOTISM” on the part of Mr. Anti-Corruption, Prime Minister Dean Barrow? Is the hundreds of thousands, and perhaps millions of dollars in earnings or legal fees provided to the Prime Minister’s own Law Firm, Barrow & Williams, by the several oil companies which have been granted oil concessions to operate within Belize, not another blatant form or act of “PUBLIC CORRUPTION”, or “BRIBERY in exchange for PATRONAGE” on the part of Mr. Anti-Corruption, Prime Minister Dean Barrow?” asked Cardona in his 9-page long statement. Cardona also accused Barrow of punishing his people in Orange Walk East ever since he took his stance in 2008. He was ostracized and support to his area or people was prohibited. In 2010, the UDP executed a carefully planned political convention and exerted tremendous effort to ensure that their implanted candidate, Or-

Sunday, February 12, 2012 lando “Landy” Burns, would replace Cardona as the next UDP candidate. Furthermore, Cardona said that during the last four years the UDP would “intimidate, coerce and punish” anyone who would even associate with him through various methods including threatening to fire if one was in the public service, taking away leases and private property, cancellation of business contracts, intimidation from GOB tax and regulatory departments, taking away of scholarships and even callously threatening senior citizens with cancellation of pensions. Cardona described the last four years under Barrow and the UDP as a “4 year reign of terror, intimidation, oppression and victimization”. He said for that reason the Belizean electorate, starting with those in Orange Walk East, will exact punishment on the UDP on March 7th. He warned Belizeans not to be deceived by Dean Barrow and his many promises, and begged Belizeans to ask themselves how many of the promises which Barrow made in 2008 have been kept in the last four years.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

7

PUP Leader Francis Fonseca’s working visit to Toledo District

Meeting with Toledo farmers

PUP Leader Francis Fonseca embraced by supporters upon his arrival in Punta Gorda

Hon. Francis discusses the PUP’s plans to provide necessary aid and support to Toledo rice and corn growers, and rescue the agriculture industry

meeting farmers

and investors in Spanish Lookout PUP Leader Hon. Francis flanked by PUP Cayo Northeast Standard Bearer Landy Habet & Dan Silva during meeting with Mennnonite producers in Spanish Lookout

O

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Import permits “stink up” local potato market Continued from page 1

mid-February. The permits were granted in a rush of a few days in late December last year by the Belize Agriculture Health Authority. The amount of potato imported is so tremendous that it has inundated the market for local growers who are now unable to sell their produce. Instead, their potatoes have been rotting in farms. This latest crisis in the local food market is once more the work of incompetent Ministers and UDP cronies. Under Agriculture Rene Montero and CEO Gabino “Gambino” Canto the agriculture sector has been turned upside down. Local farmers have been the targets of constant attacks instead of assistance as Government has given priority to imported products instead of local produce. In a very similar manner, the Ministry of Agriculture had brought the onion industry to near collapse as onion from Holland was imported when the local market had sufficient domestic supply. The same occurred in the rice industry when it was found that imported rice was being sold in the market.

Albert Street becomes war zone Belize City, February 8, 2012 The gang war seems to have resurfaced on Belize City streets as no less than four persons were shot in the downtown area on Tuesday night. The incident happened at around 10:30pm and has left Evon Jones, 49, with a gunshot wound to the right rib cage – the bullet exiting the left rib cage; Gilbert Wade, 20, of Ross Pen Road with a gunshot wound to the right thigh, Kendell Flowers, 18, with two bullet wounds to both arms, and Dion Lord, 30, of Gill Street with a gunshot wound to the inner thigh. Police say that Wade, Flowers and Lord were changing a flat tire on a white Astro Chevrolet van which was parked on Albert Street near the hot dog stands when they were shot. Eyewitnesses say that the gunman was inside another vehicle which passed on Albert Street. Police have also recovered five expended 9 millimeter shells from in front of the scene but they are still looking for suspects. Jones is in a stable condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital while the others have been treated and released. According to sources, this latest attack is the result of a gang feud among youths from two opposing gangs.

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Sunday, February 12, 2012

9

THE BELIZE TIMES

SAID W. MUSA A servant for the people! • Said Musa has always served the people of Fort George both in and out of government. • As a part of the next PUP government, Said Musa will continue to fulfill the manifesto promises of creating jobs and opportunities for the youth of Fort George. • Said Musa will continue to expand on the work of the Fort George center with more programs and activities, especially for the children of Fort George. • Said Musa will ensure that the needs and concerns of the people of Fort George are heard in the National Assembly by his ever presence at House Meetings. • Said Musa will bring back grassroots initiatives that benefit Fort George residents. • Said Musa will help Fort George residents to benefit from having the Tourist Village in our area. • Said Musa will work with the next PUP City Council to pave and upkeep the streets of Fort George. • Said Musa will continue to be readily accessible to the people of Fort George.

We want Said Musa in Fort George

X

Said Musa

X

P.U.P.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Ministry of Works employee fined $10,000 for Drug Trafficking BELIZE CITY, Wed. Feb. 8, 2012 By Roy Davis Orwin Ferguson, 25, an employee of the Ministry of Works who was one of four persons charged with drug trafficking for 171 grams of cannabis was fined $10,000 today in the #5 Magistrate’s Court after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

The others charged were Tracey Ford, 20, an employee of the Ministry of Works who is the common-law wife of Ferguson; Sherman Rodney, 21, an employee of the Ministry of Works; and Eric Gilharry, 25, an unemployed. The charge was not withdrawn from them. They were each offered a bail of $4,000. They were unable to

meet bail so they were remanded to prison. Ferguson was also taken to prison because he was unable to pay an outstanding court fine of $200. The bust occurred around 9am today. The police executed a search at a house, located at 4 Gentle Avenue.

At the time all four persons charged were present. When the police asked Ferguson if he had anything to declare, Ferguson handed over to them two black plastic bags that were in a pants hung against a wall. The bags contained a total of 171 grams of cannabis.

Trio remanded for .25 Pistol BELIZE CITY, Wed. Feb. 8, 2012 By Roy Davis Three persons were charged with kept firearm without a gun license when they appeared today in the #4 Magistrate’s Court. They are Stanley Moore, 20, a fisherman of 88 Fabers Road; Adam Joseph, 18, a student of Skills Training Center who resides at 67 St. Jude Street; and Clifford Lorenzo, 18, a student of Skills Training Center who resides at Mile 2 ½ on the

Western Highway. They pleaded not guilty to the charges. Magistrate Roberto Ordonez explained to them that the Court cannot offer them bail because of the nature of the offences. He remanded them into custody until March 8. Joseph alone was charged with the possession of 4 grams of cannabis, a charge which he pleaded guilty. He will be sentenced when he is brought back to court.

Woman convicted of attempting to use minor for sex work BELIZE CITY, Monday, February 6th, 2012 By Alton Humes The continuous war against the illegal trafficking of persons had a brief victory in the courts of Belize, when a naturalized citizen from the Cayo District was convicted last Tuesday, January 31st. 54-year-old Narciza Orellana goes into the records and annals of our history books as the first person, under laws that Belize signed with international organizations such as the United Nations, to be successfully convicted on the charge of ‘attempted trafficking of (a) person(s)’. The person in this case is a female minor (age, name and other specifics withheld for protective reasons), and the incident dates back to the 26th of April, 2010. According to the statement she gave to the Police, she was looking for a job in the New Area of Santa Elena Town, where Orellana resides, and was at a supermarket when they met. Orellana then offered the young woman a ‘job’ as a helper in her home, located in the Bradley’s Bank section. As the minor would find out, how-

ever, ‘nuthin’ no go soh’, and when she arrived at the home expecting to do some household work, she instead was put to work at a bar located in the yard. And it snowballed out of control from there, when a ‘client’ came and asked to have intercourse with the minor. But most bizarre of all was Orellana’s ‘sales pitch’ – something to ‘convince’ the girl to go along with what was asked of her. She told the girl (presumably in Spanish), “While you are young and pretty, you should take on the opportunity of prostituting yourself….” But the girl wasn’t about to take up such a ludicrous offer, and she left the next day to report the matter. Orellana was found guilty and sentenced by presiding Chief Magistrate Mrs. Ann-Marie Smith, to 18 months in the Kolbe Prison in Hattieville. It’s a small victory, but for all those fighting (and continuing to fight) for the desisting, and eventual end to such unforgivable acts, especially involving young people, its worth celebrating, even as the fight never seems to end.

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THE BELIZE TIMES www.belizetimes.bz

The incident occurred yesterday. According to the allegation, the three defendants robbed $25.00 from a tacos vender and when they were pursued by the police one of them threw an object in a yard on Santa Barbara Street. The police reported that when they retrieved the object it was a .25 pistol with serial number 100. So far the three have not been charged with robbery.

Adam Joseph

MS13 gang member fined $1,000 BELIZE CITY, Wed. Feb. 8, 2012 By Roy Davis Salvadoran national Marcos Antonio Moriera, 22, a member of El Salvador-based MS13 criminal gang, was fined $1,000 today in the #4 Magistrate’s Court after he pleaded guilty to failure to comply with the conditions of his visitor’s permit. Magistrate Roberto Ordonez, who imposed the fine, ordered Moriera to pay it forthwith. Moriera was unable to pay so he was taken to prison to serve a term of 6 months in default of payment. At the end of the term Moriera will be deported to Salvador.

Marcos Antonio Moriera Moriera who spent some time in the United States, entered Belize on November 9, 2011, from Guatemala through the Western border. He was given a visitor’s permit to stay until January 6, 2012. However, Moriera over spent the time given to him and when he was picked up by Immigration officers on Monday, February 6 he was charged because his visitor’s permit had expired.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

The Referendum was “Sabotaged” Oceana V.P. Audrey Matura-Shepherd claims GOB acting in bad faith BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, February 8th, 2012 By Alton Humes We’ll be perfectly clear in saying that the key word in the above title, ‘sabotaged’, although never once uttered by the Vice-President of Oceana in Belize, Mrs. Audrey Matura-Shepherd, does little to change the facts of the present situation. The planned referendum on drilling in offshore areas that was scheduled to coincide with the March 7th double election does seem to be, without being too crass, permanently in the toilet. But when the BELIZE TIMES visited the offices of the notable marine protection organization at the corner of Regent and Dean Streets today, you got the immediate sense that while they’re down for the moment, Oceana in Belize, and its allies in the Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage, are far, far from being out of the game. We asked Mrs. Matura-Shepherd about the genesis of their challenge to potential concessions for oil drilling. It wasn’t until around 2009/2010, after receiving ‘scathing’ responses to letters individuals and groups alike sent to GOB, that the Coalition was formed, with the direct intention to challenge the concessions. What made it worse was that the Government initially gave support to the fight, and then in May 2011, they backpedaled furiously, and GOB started to campaign against it, thereby forcing Oceana and its Coalition allies to be more responsible in their speech with the media and make attempts to prevent any further polarization along political lines, which the Government was already heavily engaged in. Instead, they embarked on a majority successful campaign throughout the country. Indeed, Mrs. MaturaShepherd referred to this education strategy as “critical” to any potential success. But it wouldn’t be easy, as she highlighted the four factors that she believes would have severely hindered the educa-

tion process: political divisions (for major political parties), the high unemployment rate, the 40%+ living below the poverty line, and the system of dependency on political representatives that would negatively influence their plans. To add on top of that, she wasn’t even “100% sure” that our citizenry would keenly listen to what the Coalition had to say. The silver lining in all of that was that they turned to 2 key allies: village and town leaders/ elders that would be more influential with their people and, more importantly, a ‘disenfranchised’ youth population that would serve as a voice to more staid, older folks in getting the message across. As for the question itself that was proposed, namely, “Do you agree to oil exploration and drilling offshore and in its protected areas?”, Mrs. Matura-Shepherd says that there were key considerations in the formulation, especially under the ‘Guiding Principles’ that the Coalition was formed. Rather than attack all drilling as a whole (which would be costly), the game-plan was to attack just offshore and land- and marine-based protected areas. As for the signatures, the root of all the controversy and backlash, signatures, through the publicly advertised petitions, were collected with the assistance of all Coalition-affiliated organizations as well as volunteers, and were independently

Coalition defends validity of Referendum Petition February 1, 2012 The Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage (BCSNH) has been informed through its member organization, Oceana, that the Governor General wrote to them on February 1, informing that the Elections and Boundaries had rejected 8,047 signatures of the 20,160 signatures submitted. As such, the rejection of 40% of the signatures means that the petition did not meet the 10% of the registered voters which is the required threshold for triggering a referendum. Oceana has written to the Governor General requesting a formal explanation for the rejection of 40% of the signatures as neither the letter from the Governor General or the Election and Boundaries indicated the reason for the rejection. The Coalition remains firm in its position that the signatures were collected in a transparent and open manner. The petition signatures were pre-vetted through an independent consultant researcher to ensure overall accuracy of the petition as best as possible. The referendum on offshore oil exploration and drilling is the people’s referendum, giving all Belizeans the right to vote and decide on a critical issue that has long term generational impact. The right to vote is at the heart of democracy and should not be denied.

vetted by an in-house expert, as well as consulting with all relevant parties to ensure parity in the process. And as we now all know, it backfired, although not fully on OiB and the Coalition. When we asked why she believes over 8,000+ signatures were rejected by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), she gave us the standard response of ‘I don’t know’, but then ‘haz-

11 arded’ some guesses of her own. They were: the EBC possibly operating under ‘ignorance’ or overzealousness (although not to doing what’s right), a vacuum that allowed the law to be circumvented, no official update to the voter’s list (overdue for more than a decade, and thereby adding to all the confusion), and/or finally, outright political interference on the Government side of things. In her mind, although there were duplicates and ‘mischief-makers’ that were struck out by their expert (other names separate from their petitions were later included to buffer up the 18,000+ signatures they had already collected), she refused to believe that that the person who signed weren’t who they said they were. As for ‘fall-back plans’, there are, and there aren’t, any at the moment. Since they have already sent letters to the Prime Minister, the Minister responsible for elections and the EBC, and the CEO of the Ministry demanding the names of the rejected voters, all that can be done now is to continue on with what was started, and explore all possible options available. She rhetorically asked this question, which will be key in moving forward: “While the focus is on [what happened with] the referendum, do the people of Belize still want drilling in atolls and other marine areas? Do they want just anyone drilling here, and will there be contracts that will ensure maximum benefits to the Belizean people?” It will be of great interest to see where and how far all this goes, and the BELIZE TIMES will be certain to continue following this story.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Ziprider team

Ziprider canoe wins Haulover-toBoom race

Belize Bank Bulldogs won 2nd place

ruary 4. A total of $900 was received from the registration; this was shared equally across the five categories, first place finishers all received $140 Ziprider’s Jerry Rhaburn, Efrain & Felix Cruz and a trophy, second place finishers also reBurrell Boom, Saturday, February 4, ceived a trophy and $40. The Belize Bank Bulldogs paddled by 2012 The defending Ruta Maya champs, Erwin, Amado and Daniel Cruz settled for Jerry Rhaburn, Efrain and Felix Cruz 2nd place coming just three seconds after at clocked 2:16:57 as they won the 2nd 2:16:40. The NICH canoe paddled by Oscar CorHaulover Bridge to Burrell Boom upstream race held by the Belize Canoe den, Jimmy Valdez and Armin Lopez, folAssociation. They paddled their Ziprider lowed five seconds later to take 3rd position canoe going against the strong current at 2:16:45. Westrac was the 4th canoe, padto cross the finish line by Black Orchid dled by the youngest paddler: Carlos Linarez, Jungle Lodge resort and win the $140 13, and Jerry Cante and Hener Cruz, they 1st prize and a trophy on Saturday, Feb- clocked 2:24:31.

Gwen Liz girls advance to national football finals Belize City, Monday, February 6, 2012 Defending national football champs, the Gwen Lizarraga High School girls, won the secondary schools’ football championship, taking game 2 of the finals in a penalty shootout against the Wesley College girls on Monday evening. Deandra Coote and Kishay Bevans led the Gwen Liz attacks with the help of midfielders Jersha Estrada, Roxanne Andrewin, Ebony White and Roslyn Smith, and were consistent enough for Estrada to score for Gwen Liz. Shanice Neal and Elisha Bernardez got the better of the Gwen Liz defenders

when they each scored a goal for the Wesley girls for a 2-1 win in regulation. But the Gwen Liz girls had won Game 1 with a late goal scored by Kishay Bevans so the score was tied on aggregate, taking the 2nd game into overtime. No goals were scored during that overtime and it came down to penalty shootout. Deandra Coote, Ebony White and Jersha Estrada converted for Gwen Liz, while only Erica Milligan converted for Wesley. National Finals, Friday, February 10 Gwen Liz girls vs. Independence High School girls Orange Walk Technical High vs. Sacred Heart College girls

Other finishers: 5th place overall & 1st Mixed Team – Oceana canoe Teammates: Chris Guydis, Jayda Guydis & Jamel Seguro 6th place overall & 5th Male Category – Coast Guard’s Redemption Teammates: G. Alford, K. Borland & A. Garbutt 7th place overall & 1st Intramural/Juniors – Natius Canoe Teammates: Alfred Lopez, Bayron Cruz & Armando Lopez 8th place overall & 2nd Mixed Team - Missile Teammates: Samuel Nicholas, Shermain Faber & Nalbert Seguro 9th place overall – Sea Sports Belize’s Watt A Ting Teammates: Euken Arnold, Paul Hyde & John Searle 10th place overall & 1st Pleasure Canoe – Print Belize Teammates: Jesus Hozes, Rudolph Gentle & Jabier Guardado 11th place overall – D & D Wata Top Teammates: Garret Bermudez, Adrian & Darren Williams. 12th place overall & 2nd Pleasure Canoe – Team Police Male Teammates: Trevor Lennon, Roy Cano & Nery Waight 13th place overall & 7th Male Team – Grumpy Old Men 14th place overall & 1st Female Team – Team Police 15th place overall & 2nd Female Team - You Know Us Teammates: Maricella Guardado, Delilah Cruz & Francisca Pfpender 16th place overall – Sit Down & Bounce Teammates: Simon August, Leon Guild & Steven Castillo 17th place overall & 3rd Female Team– the Cutter Teammates: Kaina Martinez, Sheridan Sambula & Tiffara Welch 18th place overall – Tripple S Teammates: Claire Gentle, Mr. Gentle & Michael Sanchez

Gwen Liz are headed to national finals

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Gwen Liz, Ecumenical, ESTM & Mopan Tech enter football national finals

Belize City, Saturday, February 6, 2012 The Gwen Lizarraga High School boys won the high school football championship, taking game 2 of the finals 2-1 against the Anglican Cathedral College boys on Monday evening. Akeem Jones and John Valerio led the Gwen Liz offensive with the help of midfielders Naim Wilson, Marvin Sosa, Martin Flowers and Justin Coote. Sosa eluded the ACC defenders to give Gwen Liz a 1-0 lead at the half time break. Stephen Zuniga managed to score a consolation goal for ACC in the 2nd half, before Ralph Martinez scored a 2nd winning goal for Gwen Liz. In Game 1 Gwen Liz had also won 2-1. Akeem Jones drew first blood with a textbook execution of a free kick to the near upright and goalie Glenford King was beat. He could only watch helplessly as the ball flew into the top of the net. A.C.C.’s Richard Waight soon equalized with a long lob that flew over goalie Akeem

Gwen Liz boys will face Ecumenical High School

Caye Caulker & Nashus boys win primary school basketball games

Caye Caulker boys Belize City, Thursday, February 2, 2012 The Caye Caulker, St. Ignatius and St. Martin’s RC School boys all posted big wins in the Belize City primary school basketball competition at the City Center on Thursday, February 2. The Buttonwood Bay Nazarene School girls, led by Monique Mortis with 13 points, won 19-6 over the St. Martin De Porres School girls, while Alicia Alpuche, Shahad Young and Shantia scored 2 points each for St. Martin’s. The St. Martin’s boys blew away the Buttonwood Bay Nazarene School boys: 44-6, with points led by Clincy Lopez

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THE BELIZE TIMES

with 16 points, while Bryan Pavon scored 4 points for Buttonwood Bay. The St. Ignatius School boys won 22-13 over the Unity Presbyterian School boys. Michael Sarmiento and Luguan Flowers led Nashus with 4 points each, while Ruben Leslie scored 6 points for Unity Presbyterian School. Other games: Caye Caulker School vs. New Horizon Academy – 41-11 Top scorers: Carlos Jimenez, 18pts; Komron Ivanov, 6pts Queen Square School vs. Ephesus 7th Day – Queen Square win by default Holy Redeemer vs. Calvary Temple – 27-9 Top scorers: Herman Card, 12 pts; Darwin Gamboa, 3pts Queen Street Baptist vs. St. John’s Anglican – 42-18 Top scorers: Anthony Gillette, 16 ps; Tyrone Flowers, Shadrick Lord 5pts Wesley Upper School girls vs. Belize Elementary School – 12-10 Top scorers: Shandy Vernon, 12pts; Chelsea Williams, Karen Quan 3 pts

Richardson’s outstretched gloves and into the back of the net for a 1-1 draw at the half. John Valerio scored a 2nd winning goal for Gwen Liz when he finished by paly by Marvin Sosa to embarrass Glenford King a second time.

National finals, Friday, February 10 Gwen Liz vs. Ecumenical High Escuela Tecnica Secundaria Mexico vs. Mopan Technical High

BTA Junior Tennis Tournament held Belize City, February 6, 2012 The BTA held junior tournaments in the 8s, 10s and 14s categories last weekend at the Pickwick Club. In the 8s category, there were only three entries namely Leeza Sinai, Adrian Fonseca and Hali Mcfield. A double round robin was played and in the end Hali Mcfield defeated Adrian Fonseca in the finals 15-8 to win the 8s category. In the 10s category ¾ court, there were five entries namely Kristin Musa, Nabil Musa, Gavin Riveroll, Adrian Marshalleck and Ilyasah Watters. Gavin Riveroll was victorious over Adrian Marshalleck

15-10 to win this 10s category. In the 10s category full court, there were four entries namely Claude Burrell, Samron Pott, Max Mcfield and Jonathan Smith. Claude Burrell narrowly defeated Samron Pott 6-5 to win this 10s category. In the 14s category, there were five entries namely Carlos Mendoza, Jodi Pott, Mya Musa, Mishek Musa and Jonathan Marshalleck. Jonathan Marshalleck defeated Mishek Musa 6-3 to win this 14s category. First and Second place medals were presented to the winners and runners up at the end of the tournaments.

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More taxpayer’s money used for electioneering Belize City, February 8, 2012 The wanton abuse of public funds continues under the UDP, sanctioned at the highest levels by the Prime Minister and the Government’s Financial Secretary. Just one day after the Prime Minister announced the election date, the Ministry of Finance was busy at work opening the public’s coffers for exploitation and misuse by UDP politicians. Via a memo sent by Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, it was confirmed that $50,000 of tax payers’ money has been disbursed to each UDP political candidates, whether elected or not, for last minute electioneering. Through the secret scheme, called the Constituency Assistance Program,

Choosing to be an agent of real change Continued from page 2 ever strong support for the People’s United Party’s new vision. The People’s United Party is not only 31 standard bearers, but it is also thousands upon thousands of Belizeans who are ready to work in the rebuilding of our nation. The cumulative billions of dollars of development the PUP has brought to Belize even before Independence was not as a result of individual PUP ministers or PUP area representatives. Sure we have had brilliant PUPs and the current PUP team 31, I can tell, is charged with optimism, which greatly adds to competence. But when I talk about cumulative billions of dollars of development the PUP has brought to Belize, I recognize it was a result of thousand of Belizeans that the PUP has inspired with optimism to build our nation, not the Dean Barrow type of arrogance. In my perception the UDP administration is over-bloated with pessimism, incompetence, arrogance and victimization. I believe there are thousands that have been victimized and left out of the process of improving Belize, simple because of being branded a PUP. The sad part of my situation is that the excuse that they had given me as to why I didn’t get the support in exchange of my 10 year commitment to helping reduce the MURDER RATE in Belize was that they no longer give financial assistance for law degrees. They may have thought that I wouldn’t have seen the shores of Guyana. But, when I arrived I met Belizeans studying law. One of them is Mrs. Faith Babb’s son, who lived most of his life in the US and went to school there. At this point I will not mention anyone else because I believe my point has been made. I still fervently remain focused on my goal to contribute to the reduction of the high crime rate that cannot be ignored by anyone. Signed: Marlon Robinson Law student

the Barrow Administration has been releasing funds from the Government’s account to UDP candidates for the sole purpose of buying over last minute votes. Phase I of this program occurred just before Christmas when $40,000 was distributed to each candidate. Phase II is the release of $50,000 each. This is the height of abuse, misappropriation and diversion of taxpayer’s monies for political purposes by the UDP. It is illegal and stinks of hypocrisy at the hands of an administration that preached honesty, transparency and accountability when it entered office. Complicit in this devious plan are high level Government employees such as Financial Secretary Joseph Waight and others who are going along with the program, cognizant of the abuse that is taking place.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

19 yr. old murdered,

no arrests Monday, February 6, 2012 The already strained Police Department, plagued by mounting murder cases and little resources to convert them into solved files, has yet another such case to investigate. It happened just past 8:30 on Monday night in front of a beauty salon on Central American Boulevard near Iguana Street. The victim, Dundre Brannon, 19, who was a part-time barber, was gunned down as he rode towards his house not far away on Antelope Street. Reports are that Brannon was hanging out at the barber shop earlier in the day but left. He had just rode past and hailed a friend on the boulevard a few minutes before. The friend, who heard the shots, said that he never imagined that it was Brannon who was the target of the killing.

Today that friend went to view the body of the youth and could not control his grief. It was a youth in whom he had placed much respect, he said, because despite peer pressure, his young friend had stuck to a positive path in life. “He never troubled anyone”, said the friend. “In fact, Dundre helped people who wanted a trim and shave and didn’t have (money) to pay”. Today, Brannon’s mother, Chandra Smith, a teacher by profession, is looking for answers for her son’s murder. Her son was not the type of youth who would engage in violence or criminal activity. The police, limited in its ability to deliver convictions for hardly any of the arrests they make, is even more challenged in this case, because it doesn’t have a motive, a suspect, or even an eyewitness who is willing to speak.

Dear

Caribbean Shores Resident, I accepted the endorsement as the Standard Bearer for the People’s United Party in the Caribbean Shores constituency in the upcoming March 7th general elections. I am grateful for the support and the willingness to continue the work from Anthony Mahler and his hardworking and capable committee.

I am a medical doctor and specialist in eye care. I am married to Dr Yolanda Diaz Hoy for 30 years, and we have 3 daughters and one son. I have worked for 10 years as the chief public eye doctor, and today continue to work closely with the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired and National Health Insurance (NHI). I have lived in Caribbean Shores for the past 25 years. Today our constituency and country face many challenges including the rising cost of living, increasing crime and violence, lack of job opportunities, deteriorating infrastructure, less educational opportunities for our children and limited access to affordable health care. I am still optimistic about the future of Belize and firmly believe that with your help we can be part of the solution to create a better Belize. I look forward to meeting with you in your homes, workplace and on the streets. I will listen to your concerns and vision for our constituency and together we will chart a better way forward.

I humbly offer myself to serve my neighbors in Caribbean Shores and Belize, and ask for your support in the March 7th elections.

Sincerely, David Hoy

Dave New Vision

VOTE PUP

for Caribbean Shores

Sunday, February 12, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Barrow’s day of infamy!

…remembering Antanacio Gutierrez San Victor, Corozal District, February 2, 2012 By Carmelita Perez Three years ago, on February 2nd 2009, cane farmer Antanacio Gutierrez was shot dead by Government’s security forces as he took part in a protest at the Belize Sugar Industries Compound. It is a day that has gone down on the history books as Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s Day of infamy. Guttierez, the father of six, was killed following Prime Minister Dean Barrow instructions to armed security forces that “any means necessary” be used to clear the Northern Highway on which farmers had gathered. The farmers were protesting the use of the core sampler equipment by the sugar factory, and were demanding that the Prime Minister travel to Orange Walk to meet with them. Barrow ignored those calls, and instead effected the chilling instruction which cost an innocent man’s life. As the third anniversary of that tragedy passed last Thursday, the widow Benita Ewan, and her six children, who are left without the family breadwinner and without answers or assistance from Government despite numerous pleas for an official inquiry, continue to live in sadness. But while the Dean Barrow Administration has responded coldly, the PUP has vowed to fight for justice, on behalf of the selfless victim and his defenceless family. On Thursday, February 2nd, in

PUP Leader Hon. Francis, Hon. Florencio, Ramiro & Valdemar Sr. offer support and hope to Benita Ewan

Guttierez’s honor, PUP Leader Francis Fonseca, visited the home and family to celebrate his life and recommit that when the PUP becomes the next Government, justice will be served. “We came here to pay tribute to our fallen brother Antanacio Gutierrez. The Government has a responsibility to this family and we made it very clear to the family today that when we form the government of Belize we will make sure that justice is done for this family. We will make sure that these children get a good education, we will make sure that this family is adequately compensated for their loss and that is the only good and right thing to do,” said PUP Leader Francis Fonseca. More than six attempts have been made by the family, to get the Prime Minister to provide answers. In his last letter to the family, PM Barrrow just said there is no case to answer. Neither have the family’s requests for compensation nor assistance for

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Sunday, February 12, 2012 was a police man or a BDF soldier they were doing it because of the instruction that were given to crush the people who were protesting,” remarked former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Said Musa. While the PUP representatives remembered Gutierrez for the man he was, his family honored him today by having a rosary in his memory. Gutierrez’s common-law wife said she finds consolation from the support. “When I see all these people here it makes me feel as if he’s here again,” said Benita Ewan. Ewan said that since the dreaded day in 2009, life has been a struggle. “My eldest daughter sells raffles and when no one wins it, the product stays for the family. But if someone wins it, then we don’t get anything and it becomes very difficult for us. My son gets work every now and again, but the little he makes isn’t enough for all of us,” added Ewan. The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association Corozal Branch assists the family with a monthly assistance of $100 worth in food items.

education or family-rearing have been looked at. To the PUP leader and his visiting entourage, which include former Prime Minister Said Musa, Corozal South West Standard Bearer Ramiro Ramirez; Standard Bearer for Corozal North Valdemar Castillo; Standard Bearer for Corozal Southeast Florencio Marin Jr.; and Standard Bearer for Corozal Bay Gregorio “Papas” Garcia, the many forms of injustice against the family is unjustifiable. “This man gave his life for all of us because he was fighting against injustice of this UDP administration in the way they managed the cane industry. An innocent man was shot down by the administration of Dean Barrow, let us not mix words about The fatherless family has received no help it and we must never frmo te UDP Government forget this, whether it

8 9 10 reasons 11 why Barrow 12 has called Early Elections

. Economic Default! – Under Barrow we have experienced an economic recession that turned into Belize’s first depression. This period of serious economic downturn started in 2009 and it has lasted ever since, because of the Barrow Administration’s inability to attract investors, or any sort of growth. Barrow has simply given up.

. Imminent Devaluation – The way the Barrow Administration is handling the economy and sending off bad signals, causing Belize’s economy to weaken what may be next is the devaluation of Belize’s dollar. The value of Belize’s credit rating is already falling through the floor, thanks to the vision-less Government. Next could very well be the value of Belize’s dollar since they have mismanaged the economy causing pain and sorrow on Belizeans.

. Broken promises – Barrow and his Cabinet have been searching in detail through their manifesto to look for anything they can claim to have accomplished and so far they are stuck at one and a half. No promises made were kept – not the lower cost of living, nor lower cost of fuel, nor a national oil company, nor greater autonomy to NGOs…NOTHING. The only promise kept is that Belizeans have indeed been imagining the possibilities under the UDP. . Weak candidates – Barrow has felt the pressure of heading a team with litter glitter and no substance. There is no one he can turn to for help, and he has had to intervene to solve every crisis. And there have been many. Barrow says he doesn’t want to continue with a dodo team so it’s time to call it quits. He knows 9 out of 10 times his UDP team is incompetent. . Crime out of control – Barrow has realized that Belizeans are not in support of his payments to gang members’ scheme in which he has paid near $1m to notorious figures in Belize City. Barrow also knows that he will not be able to sustain this scheme for longer and sooner or later things will get out of hand and he won’t have any more thousand dollar handouts to give out.

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. Oily Enough – Barrow and his family have become oily enough. His law firm is in bed with major oil companies. His nephew was granted a major oil concession. His daughter has finished studying law with focus on oil matters.

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. No international support – Barrow has lost credibility in the international scene. The Russians snubbed him and he didn’t get the promised $30m grant, the World Bank has refused to give his corrupt and lazy UDP Councils any money for municipal development, the IMF has told him to increase taxes and fire workers or they won’t support him, Moody’s has downgraded Belize under his watch and so has Stnadard & Poors. No one wants Barrow running Belize any longer, and everyone is waiting for March 7th to show him the exit. …..more next week.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

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18 Belize Launches International Year of Credit Unions and Cooperatives On Saturday, February 4th 2012 at the Belize Credit Union League (BCUL) New Headquarters at #88 Victoria Street in Belize City, representatives from BCUL and affiliated Credit Unions countrywide, the Cooperatives Department, the Belize Fisherman Cooperatives Association, the Central Bank of Belize and other invited guests officially launched the International Year of Credit Unions and Cooperatives (IYC2012) and inaugurated BCUL’s new headquarters. In recognition of the value of the Cooperative Business Model, the United Nations named 2012 the International Year of Cooperatives. In October 2011, The National Assembly of Belize designated the Year 2012 as the International Year of Credit Unions and Cooperatives (IYC2012). A National Committee comprising of representatives from the Cooperative Department, Central Bank of Belize, the Belize Fisherman Cooperative Association and BCUL was established in early January and already, has planned joint activities for the year which are geared towards heightening the awareness of the Credit Unions and Cooperatives as a special business model, and mobilizing the public to embrace the cooperative principles. The first activity is the official ceremony to launch IYC2012. In his address to launch IYC2012 and inaugurate the new headquarters, President of BCUL, Mr. Clement Usher informed guests that “At our core are the basic values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. Like our pioneers…we still believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. We hold close to our hearts our cooperative principles, the guidelines by which we put our values into practice. Among these principles are “voluntary and open membership”, “democratic control”, “member participation”, “autonomy and independence”, “education and training”,“cooperation among cooperatives”, and very important “concern for the communities we serve” . Credit Unions and Cooperatives were reminded to use this year to increase public awareness about the Cooperative Movement’s solid contributions to socio-economic development. Preference Share Certificates were presented to eight affiliated Credit Unions who provided funding to acquire BCUL’s new headquarters. The President described this effort as one of the core cooperative principle…that of “cooperation among cooperatives”. After 56 years of service our League has brought us together to this inauguration ceremony of our “owned” headquarters. He said that although it has taken the movement a long time to reach this milestone, we are grateful to all our presidents who have worked tirelessly towards the attainment of this goal. Those Presidents were identified as Donald Daly, Jane Usher, Fred Gill and Ned Pitts – pioneer Presidents of the League; George Smith, Arcelia Leiva, and Gilroy Graham – Presidents who kept the reunification fires burning; John Morris and Reynaldo Burgos – Presidents who together delivered us to the doorsteps of today’s monumental occasion. Awards of appreciation were presented to Past Presidents except Donald Daly and Fred Gill who are now deceased. Also recognized were two of BCUL’ current employees namely Mrs. Nadia Gibson employed for over 35 years and Ms. Johnie Pollard for her 20 years of services to the League. The Building was blessed by Mr. Glen Buckhalter from Evangel Credit Union and Mr. Abe Rempel from Blue Creek Credit Union. Mr. Eric Eusey, Vice President of the BCUL and a Director at St. John’s Credit Union gave the Vote of Thanks. Mrs. Jane Usher from Holy Redeemer Credit Union cut the ribbon and the event ended with a tour of the building followed by a reception.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Sunday, February 12, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Food Price Volatility and Government Interventions Continued from last week Contributed by: Orlando Habet, San Ignacio The FAO says that the extent of potential future increases in prices and volatility cannot be estimated accurately, but the risks are sufficiently large to warrant serious reflection about what can be done to mitigate it. Significantly higher food prices are disastrous for the poor especially in developing countries and food price inflation can also be a serious issue in middle income countries. Low or volatile prices pose significant problems for farmers and other agents in food chains, who risk losing their investments if price falls occur while they are locked into strategies dependent on higher price levels. The FAO report calls for investment in developing countries to help create stability, with most of the investment from private sources. It also calls for greater investment in research which in turn requires greater management skills. The FAO told the G20 leaders in the report that increasing public investment in transport and productive infrastructure, as well as in human capital, is central in stimulating productivity and reducing post-harvest wastage. All these responses to increase the resilience of agriculture and stabilize prices require public interventions and government expenditure on agriculture can have a significant positive impact on productivity. The FAO also called for an improved information system on the food chain with better information on stocks. It said that monitoring food prices, both on cash and futures markets, is essential in a food market monitoring system. FAO adds that attempting to stabilize prices by using buffer stocks is potentially very costly and has had a reverse effect in the past. FAO adds that there are divided opinions about whether speculators on the futures markets, the markets themselves and hedging on the futures markets stabilizes or destabilizes commodity prices. However, it calls for more transparency in these markets and dealings. Comprehensive trading data need to be reported to enable regulators and participants to monitor information about the frequency and the volume of transactions to understand what is driving commodity prices. The FAO said that trade can help ease the fluctuations in domestic markets but the trade has to be free from markets distorting prohibitions and obstacles. It recommended: • substantially improved market access, while maintaining appropriate safeguards for developing countries, especially the most vulnerable ones; • substantially reduce trade distorting domestic support, especially by developed countries; and, • eliminate export subsidies The FAO also called for a system of national and international safety nets to handle short term crises. It said that these are necessary because food price surges, as well as increased prices of inputs such as fertilizers, reduce the incomes of poor and vulnerable households, and put stress on family budgets. ………………….. How Has Belize heeded to the FAO report and advice? Producers are more concerned about low prices, which may threaten their living standards as well as their longer term ability to continue, when income is too low to provide for the farm family or for the operational needs of the farm. In Belize, I have taken a look at the meat production and income. While some costs of production increased from 2008 to 2011 (labor, fencing, seeds, medication, feed), fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides reached a peak and reduced a little but still some 40% above 2007 levels. At the same time, prices changes somewhat for poultry but that too was volatile. Chicken and egg prices follow a more normal trend with increases and decreases based on demand

but more often change with an increase in feed prices. Beef prices suffered the most. At a price of around 1.35 per pound for steers on the hoof in 2007, prices went to lows of .85 cents per pound in May of 2011. This represents a yearly loss of more than 400,000 on eight thousand steers weighing 1000 lbs each. This does not include the loss on the value of heifers and cows which went from 1.20 per lb. and 1.00 per pound to .90 and .70 per pound, respectively. The cattle industry lost more than $3,000,000 in the past 3-4 years. This translates to lower and fewer investments in the sector. Poultry may be the lowest cost meat for the consumer but at the expense of the producer. Here, the middleman makes up his profits by moving more chicken at the expense of moving less beef. The poultry producer is making pennies and is only hanging in there because they already have the infrastructure and because they do other farming activities to complement their income. Where are the policies recommended by FAO? “Policy measures should improve market functioning and increase countries’ resilience to shock. Authorities should seek better coherence and coordination in their policy responses.” Other policies says the FAO include “more reforms of existing instruments, such as the Compensatory Financing Facility and the Exogenous Shock Facility of the International Monetary Fund, could help vulnerable countries cope during times of crisis by providing global safety nets. These instruments need to act ex ante (beforehand) by providing import financing or guarantees with minimal or no conditionality to alleviate the burden of credit and foreign exchange constraints, which have afflicted countries’ ability to meet food needs in past crises.” On the contrary, the productive sector in Belize has for years been advocating the taxation of agriculture post harvest so as to reduce cost of financing and thus production but with no heed to the voices of the sector. Belize removed GST and other duties on products such as canned imported meats (spams, chicken sausages, hams etc.) and put its pork producers in dire straits. The marketing and development corporation a.k.a. marketing board, imported tonnes of onions while our local producers had to dump all their onions and suffer the loss of income and of investment. Then we ask why there is no local investment? Later, the same Belize Marketing and Development Corporation imports URUGAYAN rice while we have our Mennonite producers in the north and the producers in the south who cannot sell their rice. Will the Blue Creek producers continue investing in rice production after this? Is this the Food Security we are promoting as a policy and as recommended by FAO? FAO states that the “Coherence and coordination must yield both greater assurances of unimpeded access to global supplies, and improved confidence and transparency in market functioning”. How transparent is the BMDC? In October 2011, we celebrated World Food day. The theme was: Food Prices, From Crisis to Stability. While this theme may have been adopted from FAO, in Belize we are far from stabilizing prices. The Government of the day has not come forward with any policies to address the crisis and political elections for a change in government are now imminent. The turkey and chicken handouts for Christmas will not solve our poverty problems. While it can be conceived as a way in which a country can distribute food to its poorest populations when there is food reserve, it is a not a long lasting action or policy. The FAO recommends that “In the long run, countries can lower their vulnerability by raising agricultural productivity for a diverse set of crops that proves both competitive and sustainable, as well as by promoting dietary diversification.”

Source: 1. FAO Policy brief 12, December 2010; 2. FAO’s Initiative on Soaring Food Prices: Guide for Policy and Programmatic Actions at Country Level to Address High Food Prices. 3. Personal documentation

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Sunday, February 12, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

A Development Plan for Port Loyola By Gilroy Usher, Sr. (PUP Standard Bearer for Port Loyola)

With a proven record of service in Port Loyola, I am happy to present this manifesto for the division. Job Creation a) Make every effort to provide the people with jobs both within Port Loyola and outside of the division as people need jobs to pay their bills and uplift their families. b) Promote self-employment by encouraging interested persons to learn a trade and rent a large area for around $1,000 per month and sub renting 5 spaces within it at $200 per month that the small business persons can afford. c) Provide special grants and low interest loans for small businesses to upgrade their service, which will enable them to provide more people with jobs. Street Improvement Ensure the network of streets and roads are trafficable with the least discomfort by filling large holes, grading the streets regularly, and paving as many of the streets as possible. I will also ensure that proper drains are built and cleaned often. Better Housing Build low income, two and three bedroom concrete houses with amenities such as proper roofing, electrical wiring, and proper sewerage connection for families that really need a home. Repair homes for as many persons, who really need such assistance. Land For the People Work closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources to secure house lots for the people with priority for first time land owners. Crime Prevention Form a neighborhood watch in each of the three polling areas in Port Loyola; insist that the police substations in the constituency are operational, and provide police patrols in the division. Better Education a) Promote primary school education by meeting with principal and staff of the two primary schools in the area at least twice per year to assist them with needed school supplies. b) Make every effort to secure the maximum number of scholarships for deserving students from the division to attend high school,

sixth form, and university. Needed Access to Electricity c) Have streets lights installed behind the basketball court in the Jane Usher Blvd Area and on Arlington Drive behind 88 Restaurant to reduce crime in the community and enhance the lives of the residents. Every effort will also be made to get B.E.L to provide safe and secure electricity to the many residents in those areas. Sport Improvement Provide lights at the four basketball courts in the division in less than a month as the new Area Representative for Port Loyola to enable the youth to enjoy sports at those facilities as long as they wish. Provide bleachers at the basketball courts at Pen Road and Faber’s Road Extension. Meet with the different sporting teams in the division at least twice per year to help address their concerns. Meeting the Public Maintain the office Cor. Central American Blvd and Trinity Street, and set aside 8:30 am to 5:00 p.m. every Wednesday to her the concerns of the people. I will also move around in the division on weekends to hear the concerns of the residents. Service for all As the next Area Representative for Port Loyola there will be no victimization. I will serve all the people. I will provide good representation for PUPs, UDPs, and those who do not support any political party. I will also be the Area Representative for Creoles, Metizoes, Garifuna, East Indians, and all the other ethnic groups in the division. Financial accountability Show how all the funds that the division receives are used for the benefit of the people by printing a monthly report of such funds in the leading newspapers. ** On March 7 the choice for the residents of Port Loyola is simple. If you want an Area Representative that will result in another five years of insults after visiting his office 3 o’clock in the morning , victimization, no jobs, no land, weak and incomplete houses, the most terrible streets, no financial assistance ,and other broken promises Boots Martinez is your man. If you want a hardworking, honest, competent, and reliable Area Representative who has a track record of service to the community and who will work seven days per week to address your concerns to build a better division with greater opportunities for all its people vote for Gilroy Usher, Sr. Only better can come with Gilroy Usher, Sr. and P.U.P. in Port Loyola Vote P.U.P. on March 7

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THE BELIZE TIMES

SOBER Reflections SOBER By: Mike Rudon Jr.

Rocky Raquel...

February 8, 2012 I figure some people won’t much like me saying this at this point in time, but the cartoon ad depicting Dean Oliver doing his Rocky Raquel impersonation was absolutely hilarious. Personally, I loved it. I stress the ‘personally’ to save my Editor the trouble of having to attach a disclaimer to this column. I thought it was disrespectful, downright irreverent and rude. Did I mention funny as hell? Did I mention that I loved it? Hope I don’t have flashbacks the next time I visit one of my favourite spots… The PUP did not sanction or endorse the ad. They certainly did not put it together. But I am disappointed at how neatly some of us were boxed into the position of condemning the ad in such vehement terms. I believe that such vehemence and righteous indignation and condemnation should be directed in other directions, and God knows Dean Oliver and the UDP have given us much to condemn. I am appalled at the level of moral outrage which was fuelled, on Facebook at least, by UDP operatives pleased as punch to have gotten the PUP to jump like a scalded cat and condemn the ad. I did not realize the nation possessed so many pious and righteous individuals. It gives me hope that maybe the end of the world is not just around the corner as I thought, since we are all still pure as the driven snow and the Almighty thus has no reason to cleanse the earth. Just incidentally, right next to the post of the cartoon which invoked the wrath of the righteous, there was a post about an attack on an elderly woman who had been brutalized by criminals who invaded the sanctity of her home. There were much less comments than those on the cartoon, and much less moral outrage. I was a little confused. This morning while driving I thought about Hirian Good and wondered what had become of her.

Mrs. Good was a school warden and mother of four children who was fired by Patrick Faber because he needed to make space for one of his supporters. He made no apologies for it, even though the woman had been recognized by the Ministry of Education for the quality of work she did. Mrs. Good went so far as to go by Brads where Patrick and other UDP idiots drink and hang out. She went to ask why, because she needed her job to keep her children in school. Patrick rebuffed her in front of all his friends. Mrs. Good and her husband Charlie Good, a man who had given his entire life to law enforcement in Belize, mounted a silent protest. Every single day in the hot sun the couple stood in front of the Supreme Court to cry out against the injustice. The UDP sent thugs to intimidate and harass them. Eventually, Charlie Good died for his wife’s cause. Yeah, I wonder what became of Hirian Good and her children? Were they forced to drop out of school? See, I ask only because I saw 100 times more moral outrage because of a stupid, wickedly funny cartoon than I ever saw on behalf of Mrs. Good. Just saying… I also thought about Atanacio Gutierrez, a cane-farmer who was murdered on February 2, 2009. Cane-farmers had mounted a peaceful protest against some of BSI’s

policies. They asked for the intercession of Dean Oliver. He refused… he was far too busy to deal with a matter like that. Instead, he ordered the Police to break up the protest by whatever means necessary. One hour later, Atanacio Gutierrez was shot in the head, murdered by a Policeman’s bullet. He left behind his wife and six young children. His wife begged Dean Oliver to launch an investigation into the killing. None was ever launched. On no less than six occasions, the widow pleaded for assistance. None ever came. When I was in Corozal one day about a year ago, I had a chance to speak to the widow. At that time, her 14 year old son had been forced to drop out of school and go work in the canefields. I wonder whatever became of them. How many more of the children were forced out of school? I ask only because I don’t remember much moral outrage and righteous indignation then. Certainly not as much as I saw expressed because of a minute long cartoon. I thought about a lot of things this morning. I thought about Patrick Faber standing up in the House of

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Representatives and stating in front of the nation that he had fired single mothers and the elderly because they were PUP. I thought about a woman who came to visit me about three years ago when I was at the BELIZE TIMES. She was a warden who had been fired by Patrick. Her daughter was in the hospital after trying to commit suicide when she was told that she would have to drop out of college because there was no money. I thought about a man who got a minor drunk and raped her just recently. He is a UDP politician. Nothing was done. See, I don’t much give a damn about Rocky Raquel…oh excuse me, I mean our wonderful Prime Minister whom we obviously owe an overwhelming measure of respect at all times, even when he gives us the shaft. I give a damn about a whole lot of things, and I have been known to express outrage on many occasions. Rest assured, one of those occasions won’t be because of a one minute cartoon. Life is much bigger than that, much worse than that. Dance on, Dean Oliver.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Reid endorsement gatherings, UDP workers were regularly seen taking notes and writing down the names of those who they knew or suspected of having government jobs. Many are the reports of people being fired, transferred or just frustrated after daring to partake in what should be an unrestricted, democratic process. How long my people, how long? Now elections are costly beasts and in this regard, the PUP’s fight inally the Prime Minister will be extremely hard. The PUP has made public what many cannot match the UDP dollar for dolsuspected from early last lar since one side has all access to December. Both Municipal public funds, social security money, and General Elections will BTL and BEL bank accounts. Not be held on the same day to mention advances for oil concesnext month and a new mandate will sions and even all public money combe sought. This kicks off then, a very ing from existing oil. With the hatchshort and tight official campaigning et job on Michael Ashcroft effected season. I say official because both with strategic precision even many parties have been obviously in cam- within the party would balk at acceptpaign mode for quite some time now. ing his contributions. While the “big Things are in seriously high gear now blue machine” stands oiled, renewed though and with such and committed, the limited time to work PUP will have to win with, look for the hype this one on mere will, to be dense, tense and stone cold facts and intense. without the usual flow Mr. Barrow, Although I am perof cash. That might in usual arsonally very much in the not be such a bad thick of things, I myself thing. rogant form, become very much nauOnce in office, the has stated seated by the copious PUP will not be able ads, incessant political categorically to afford returning any discourse and the awefavors or repaying that he makes big less mudslinging. Tradiany huge campaign tionally and unfortunatedebts. There will be no apology. ly, while it does wind aplenty to cover “Any govern- debts down some immedileft over by the reckately after elections, for ment close to less spending, pork the most part it carries practices and elections will barrel over and forward seemthe unbridled greed ingly unto perpetuity. At spend money of this crowd now at some point we will have the trough. Superto learn to make our de- on its people”. bond will seem but a cision, close ranks and mere pittance when True, but move forward as one to the fithere is some- compared nation. A big dream, but nal tally of these past leave me to my wishful four years. BEL must thing inherthinking, please. paid for, BTL must ently wrong in be There is a reason be paid for, the Venthis reconciling process spending tax- ezuelan money must does not occur, in particbe returned. Then all ular under an administra- payer’s money debts connected with tion such as the current or incidental thereto on partisan one. The victimization the piñata pre-election programs and witch hunting that gimmicks and giveensues, again in particuaways will haunt the geared prilar following any UDP government like marily to one next win, is nothing short of an unkickable habit. relentless and merciThe big news this certain group less. Even now, four past Friday was the and with the revelation of yet more years into their term and staring down the barrel sole purpose money being doled out of a next and imminent UDP Area Reps and of influencing to election, people are still unelected Standard being weeded out from Bearers. For Christan election. government jobs if they mas it was $40,000 are even suspected of each for a total of 1.24 being PUP. million dollars. This After Cordel Hyde’s decision to time it is $50,000 each for a total of quit this past week, the media went 1.58 million bucks. This now, from a into Lake I to interview a few support- government that cannot fix roads, ers. Very few people dared speak on pay debts, equip security or buy bacamera for fear of being identified as sic items for hospitals. Where is PUP. During PUP conventions and the money coming from and do they

F

have the right? Mr. Barrow, in usual arrogant form, has stated categorically that he makes no apology. “Any government close to elections will spend money on its people”. True, but there is something inherently wrong in spending taxpayer’s money on partisan programs geared primarily to one certain group and with the sole purpose of influencing an election. By all means, use your campaign financing but for Mr. Barrow to admit using dividends from BTL shares to disburse to even un-elected standard bearers is just wrong. Make no mistake this has been anything but a fair and equitable “for the people” program. The recent Christmas giveaway program, Social Security writeoffs and nationality grab tub were all tainted with the same process of political partisanship. Again, no one could very well complain if this boodle was coming from the personal finances or campaign funds of any of these politicians. The reality is that it is coming directly from the public coffers. Money that should be used to fix streets, build and maintain schools and equip hospitals and security people are instead being given to politic cronies and flag wavers. And the way it is done in such a blatant and openly shameless manner says basically to the rest of us, “like it or lump it”! A recent Standard and Poors rating gives a very damning report and paints a rather gloomy picture of Belize’s future. It says basically that

23 this current administration has made a royal mess of things. According to the report, Belize is experiencing “low economic growth, a weak investment outlook, increased levels of crime, and limited ability to raise government revenue”. Yet in justifying his $3 million vote-buying giveaways, Mr. Barrow told Belizeans last Friday from Miami that “We are slush with funds right now”. Flushed with funds but being flushed right down the economic drainpipe. Elections are less than a month away and Belizeans must make a decision. If, in the face of all that has transpired; four years of total neglect, broken promises., an arrogant and excessively corrupt government, increasing poverty and unemployment, etc., etc. If in spite of all that, Belizeans decide they want more of the same, then surely we deserve every thorn and prickle added to our crown and to watch our jewel fade into oblivion. There’s really not much that the PUP has to say or do, these UDP dimwits have done it all to openly discredit themselves. Like virgin schoolboys at a harlot’s convention, these incompetent dodo birds have been running around make a total mess of things. Seriously, if this bunch of do nothing, know nothing, “base, proud, shallow, beggarly, three-suited, hundred pound, filthy, worsted-stocking knaves” can get back into office, then yes Belize, we deserve just what we get. (Shakespeare’s definition in quotes, by the way). Send comments to gmikereid@hotmail.com

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Divine

Intervention!

By Gregory Ovado “Difficulties are opportunities to better things; they are stepping stones to greater experience. Perhaps someday you will be thankful for some temporary failure in a particular direction. When one door closes, another always opens, as a natural law it has to be, to balance.” ~ Brian Adams (from ‘How to Succeed’) ~ I believe that we can live a hundred years and we will never be able to understand the balance of nature. Some things are simply mysterious and are beyond the human intellectual capacity. As it stands there are multitudes of speculations as to why we are having an early general election. I believe in divine intervention and that there is a spiritual purpose for early elections. The quotation above indicates, there has to be some balance, the UDP door must close so the PUP door could be opened. The people of Belize have their keys and they are ready to open the PUP door come March 7th 2012. It is not by accident or by design that we are having early election. It is a clear case of divine intervention from a super natural force. The UDP has gone on record as the only one-term government in the history of this nation. Considering this fact, it is a blessing that general elections are called early! Woohoo, thank you Jesus! Can you “imagine the possibilities” of five more years under this UDP regime? Let me help you paint a picture. Imagine these possibilities: mass nationalization and monopolization of local and foreign businesses at the stroke of a pen; more downgrade by Standards and Poors; the inability to close the deal on the collective bargaining agreement with the unions, aka “salary increases”; more “propoor” policies that only increases the poverty rate (43% today); increases in taxes; more Christmas ham and Easter baskets and Valentines chocolate all at the expense of our tax dollars; tampering with the voters’ list before elections; creating longer lines at the offices of the area representatives all in an effort to marginalize, brain wash, and have our people wallow in dependency syndrome. Imagine that! Can you? It is in the best interest of the UDP that we remain docile and compliant

for our basic needs. You see, in this way, the population is kept in line as he who paid the piper calls the tune. This colonial, “give a fish”, “fish bowl”, “microwave mentality” is a serious case of degradation of the human spirit. In my view, it is the highest form of psychological oppression otherwise known as mental slavery. How can this be an acceptable standard of living in the twenty-first century? We are but ordinary people who seek just the ordinary things in life that will give us a sense of security, comfort and stability. We never seek fame and fortune. We simply cry out for a better quality of life not for those who support the winning party only but rather for all of us. The reality is that in the last four years this government has done everything possible to destroy anything associated with the PUP. This began shortly after getting into office in 2008. Former Ministers were not only accused, but also charged and dragged through the courts but not convicted. Ordinary drain sweepers lost their jobs even as we see the UDP cronies rise to prominence in all the municipalities. This was certainly not good for the country. Then, to add salt to wounds, I have heard ministers come on national radio and refer to people who were victimized as “collateral damage.” What a shame! We elect these people into office to make our lives better. Not some of us, all of us. We did not elect them to destroy our opposition. In fact, let us not forget that “her majesty’s opposition” is an alternative government also serving the needs of the people. What I would like to see is for us to have some reform in which there is a budget allocation for the opposition to ensure that it has the financial capacity to be the eyes and ears of the people as it oversees the work of the government. However, you and I know that that kind of reform could only come from the PUP. In all truth and honesty, what our people have endured over these past years is criminal. Our people all across this nation have been stripped of all sense of self-esteem, pride and dignity. It appears that the entire country is on welfare living on hand outs from the area representatives. We deserve better and PUP is that hope. We need a government that will lift our spirit as a nation of strong, independent, lifelong critical thinkers. We need a government that is creative and self sustaining, one that is prepared to create the enabling environment for its people to develop their full intellectual capacity to become producers and not consumers. In other words, “we must be taught to spin our thread and weave our cloth.” It is imperative that we become masters of our own destiny. We have an opportunity now to make that change. The ball is in our court and it is incumbent on us to make the best decision ever. We cannot afford to imagine anything at this time. Let us not stay at home and al-

low this opportunity to pass us by. Let us seize the moment and register our dissatisfaction with this government. As usual, there will be those who will try to deceive you by devious means. Stay focused and do not listen to the rhetoric but be able to separate reality from rhetoric. “Check you change and forget the noise in the market!” Remember that the people we elect will have the power to impact our lives for a life time for better or for worse. I don’t know about you but I would rather a change for the better, not for worse. Therefore, make no mistake on March 7th. Stand up and be counted.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Despite the propaganda, the PUP is still the undisputed, greatest political party in the history of this nation. It is the only political party that has brought prosperity and development to this country. Thanks Mr. Prime Minister for calling early elections or maybe I should say thanks Mr. Divine Intervention. In any case, what is real and certainly not a mystery is that one door is closed and another is wide open. With God’s grace and the leadership of the Honourable Francis Fonseca the PUP is poised to walk through that door on March 7th 2012. Forward with the PUP!!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

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THE BELIZE TIMES

In my perspective… Cayman vs. Belize: have we learnt the lesson?

By Rayford Young I know it’s a lot to read negative comments and columns week after week in the BELIZE TIMES and in other news outlets. But this is what the Opposition and the news media does and it’s all good for democracy. It keeps the government accountable and transparent. But when a columnist of the Washington Times who has no stake or is not aligned with either political party writes an article that details why Belize is so poor and the reasons for it, I think it’s worthy to listen and comprehend what this reporter has to say. I stumbled on this article a few weeks ago and this should be a wakeup call for all Belizeans, especially since we will have a chance to turn the Country back on the right track on March 7, 2012. It is worth reading. Here are some of the key sentences I got from the article and what we should be thinking about on March 7th when we go to the polls: “… Cayman had and maintained a competent and honest judicial system… In addition, many judges in Belize are poorly trained, incompetent and, in some cases, corrupt…. Tourists and other visitors walk around freely day or night in Cayman without fear…. Also, the regulatory environment in

Cayman is largely free of corruption, which is not true in Belize… The latest Index of Economic Freedom ranks Belize as the 77th most economically free country in the world (out of 179). If Cayman were large enough to be ranked, it almost certainly would be in the top 10…. Belize ranks a miserable 93 out of 183 countries ranked by the World Bank’s Doing Business project… It is obvious why Cayman is rich and Belize is poor, and it comes down to one word: governance…” Once again we see the old tricks at work just before elections - streets being worked on and the lowering of electricity bills (which will probably go back up after the elections). And this is a new low - taxpayers are now funding a few UDP candidates in the amount of $50,000 a piece. These are the reasons the Cayman Islands are so much more advanced than we are. We are still playing the 1950’s political game in a world that has moved on and left us way behind. On March 7th let’s try to be smart and wise in choosing our next leaders. As we go to the polls keep that one word in mind that was mentioned in the article - Governance. Who has the best ideas and policies to get us back on the right track? Let’s not allow ourselves to be fooled by last minute gimmicks that we’ve seen at every election time. It won’t work this time. There’s too much at stake to be playing these games with our Country and the decent people of Belize. Good and honest governance is what Belize needs and deserves. Rayford Young is a Belizean-American, who currently lives in Michigan, U.S.A. Send comments to rayfordyoung@comcast.net

Caring for your aging parents Caring for your aging parents is something you hope you can handle when the time comes, but it’s the last thing you want to think about. Whether the time is now or somewhere down the road, there are steps that you can take to make your life (and theirs) a little easier. Some people live their entire lives with little or no assistance from family and friends, but today Belizeans are living longer than ever before. It’s always better to be prepared. Mom? Dad? We need to talk The first step you need to take is talking to your parents. Find out what their needs and wishes are. In some cases, however, they may be unwilling or unable to talk about their future. This can happen for a number of reasons, including: • Incapacity • Fear of becoming dependent • Resentment toward you for interfering • Reluctance to burden you with their problems If such is the case with your parents, you may need to do as much planning as you can without them. If their safety or health is in danger,

however, you may need to step in as caregiver. The bottom line is that you need to have a plan. If you’re nervous about talking to your parents, make a list of topics that you need to discuss. That way, you’ll be less likely to forget anything. Here are some things that you may need to talk about: • Long-term care insurance: Do they have it? If not, should they buy it? • Living arrangements: Can they still live alone, or is it time to explore other options? • Medical care decisions: What are their wishes, and who will carry them out? • Financial planning: How can you protect their assets? • Estate planning: Do they have all of the necessary documents (e.g., wills, trusts)? • Expectations: What do you expect from your parents, and what do they expect from you? Evaluating your parents’ abilities If you’re concerned about your parents’ mental or physical capabilities, ask their doctor(s) to recommend a facility for a geriatric assessment. These assessments can be done at hospitals or clinics. The evaluation determines your parents’ capabilities for day-to-day activities (e.g., cooking, housework, personal hygiene, taking medications, making phone calls). The facility can then refer you and your parents to organizations that provide support. If you can’t be there to care for your parents, or if you just need some guidance to oversee your parents’ care, a geriatric care manager (GCM) can also help. Typically, GCMs are nurses or social workers with experience in geriatric care. They can assess your parents’ ability to live on their own, coordinate round-theclock care if necessary, helping your parents remain independent. Get support and advice Don’t try to care for your parents alone. Once you’ve gathered all of the necessary information, you may find some gaps. Perhaps your mother doesn’t have a health-care directive, or her will is outdated. You may wish to consult an attorney or other financial professional whose advice both you and your parents can trust.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Declaration of Conscience

By Cassian K. Nuñez Maritime definition of “abandon ship” differs from “Jump Ship”. Some may argue that “jump ship” can occur before “abandon ship”; some may also argue that abandonment had long occurred before the jump – and the moral debate can

Agriculture & Trade Show will be April 27th to 29th Belmopan 8th February 2012. The Ministry of Agriculture takes this opportunity to inform the public that the National Agriculture and Trade Show Committee Met on the 8th of February 2012, as part of its ongoing preparation for this year’s show. The Official dates of the National Agriculture and Trade Show are 27th to the 29th of April 2012 at the show grounds in Belmopan. The National Agriculture and Trade Show Committee has been holding meetings in preparation for this year’s event. Over the past few years the Committee has made an extra effort to ensure that the emphasis of the show is placed once again on the importance of agriculture and its contribution to the development of the country.

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begin. The circular argument is just that, except – individual thought process is involved in both. At any rate, one definition is universally legal, and the other is not, connotatively. Hence the title: “Declaration of Conscience”. March 7 elections are expressions of our “democracy” through the will of each citizen. Political Parties are agents, who, traditionally, organize to marshal the collective “Will” to vote their choices. The People’s United Party, through its Creed and Motto, encourages its members, not only to be free thinkers, but that they are all “free” to think. This is the “big tent”, diversity, tolerance, etc. concept; these are the pragmatic, functional aspects of the PUP in dealing and serving people. Therefore, I ask and I urge the

members of the Party to stay visible, locally and nationally, by the Grace of the Most High, to whom turn the hearts of the just. We will campaign, demonstrate and instruct, without distinction, the principles of our creed and motto to all Belizeans. We will pursue this task with overwhelming confidence in ourselves and the leadership; it is legal, always, but especially for this election season – a water-shed event. It requires work and it must be done. Any agent, government or organization, who takes from you the rights to be employed, by retrenchment, takes land, puts you and your family in poverty, then footnotes it as “collateral damage”, or even hints of tampering with the Judicial, cannot be that agent you can go to, to get those values back. Imprint of their historical DNA will not allow, or

permit it. Finally, one should not see the Party merely out of curiosity; one may not make contact with the soul and spirit of the Party, if so done. If the member registers in the fellowship, with his highest good and purpose, then the member will see and feel the truths of the promises he/she will develop within. I believe, when this is done, good deeds attached to the real desire of the member, could lead the Party to the member, and the member to the Party. A party now exists that will lead your thoughts “back to the past”; another one seeks to capture powerful potentials of today’s future – that one is the People’s United Party. Cassian Nuñez is a former Mayor of Dangriga Town. He continues to serve the People’s United Party as an advisor, member and supporter.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

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THE BELIZE TIMES

LADY BUG LOVE MAZE Can you help the ladybugs find each other?

Valentine’s Day, 2012, I am remembering Mr. Price and his message of service; which is also a message of love. To truly and faithful serve, we must be acting in the spirit of love. This Valentine’s Day, do one kind act of service.

A BEARY VALENTINE’S CONNECT THE DOTS!

Count The Hearts

How many hearts can you spot in this picture of a Valentine’s Day feast? Also have fun colouring the picture!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

tips

By Tania Tanesha As a freelance makeup artist, I always try to share any knowledge that I may have to others. When I’m working with clients, I always walk through the entire process of what I am doing; from start to finish. I was working on a client one night, and out of my professional kit, I took out a very tiny jar with a pinkish substance and applied it onto her eyelids and lips. It made them look white! She asked what it was; I told her it is a primer. Jokingly she said, “Oh like what you use on walls?” I replied, “Exactly.” She immediately turned to me in disbelief. It was then I started laughing. I further explained in details about the roles of primers and its benefits. When you think of primers, normally you would associate them with painting walls, cars, etc. right? Primers work like this: Let’s say you already have a wall painted red, but now you want it brown. Chances are, if you paint the brown right over the red, the coverage will not be adequate enough so you might be able to see the red through the brown. Paint primers would provide complete coverage over the red giving you a base to work on. It covers the red so well, that when it’s time to paint the brown, you won’t be able to tell what was underneath it in the first place. Primers give the paint something to stick to. That’s the coverage needed. Makeup primers work in the exact same way and they have specially formulated primers for eyes, lips, and face. A makeup primer for your face does wonders! Applying primer to your face before your concealer or foundation will fill in the gaps on your face such as wrinkles and large pores. A primer for your face gives your foundation a base to stick to other than your bare face. This will make your foundation last so much longer and prevents creasing, especially around your mouth (laugh lines). MAC has excellent primers but if you don’t have one, you can always use a light facial moisturizer. A primer for your eyelids is almost a staple in makeup application. This happens all the time: You go and purchase some eyeshadow that looks so bright and potent on the palette. But after you apply it, the color looks faded and doesn’t last throughout the day. Primers will eliminate this problem because when you prime your eyelids you give your eyeshadow a base to stick to. And providing this base will eliminate creasing, make your colors pop out much brighter, and provide that fresh makeup look that lasts throughout your day. E.L.F and BH are some of the more common eyelid primers that are affordable, and are right here in Belize. The same concept applies to lips. If you don’t have a Lip Primer, you can always use a lip balm or moisturizer before applying lipstick. Priming lips prevents feathering and creasing. Wipe that thought out of your mind that primers are just for painting. We need a base in everything we do, even makeup application. Now you know one of the secrets to long lasting makeup: Prime! Your makeup will stay fresh with far less touchups and your colors will be bolder and brighter. Remember ladies always put your best face forward. Tania’s contact: 604-0736 and email mua.tania@ gmail.com

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Write to us at: editortimes@yahoo.com

We Are the Change By Lucia Moguel Even though my political views are almost none, as the young person I am, I cannot shut my eyes to our perilous situation. We have lived for far too long under the treacherous reign of this present government.We have seen the deterioration of the infrastructure that was once erected. We have tolerated broken promises, insults, fraud, injustice… and the list continues; all of this bravura in just four very long years. Yet one thing we cannot forget is the fact that at one point we were utterly enraged with the past government that we decided to change our leaders. Therefore, this current government was placed there thanks to us, the people. With the previous being stated, I now dare to ask the following question: If the people elected you to lead us to glory, why have you forsaken them? It has been four years since the past General Election; however, I have seen no change. All I can contemplate is the many debts we have been obligated to bear, the many craters on our streets, the unjustified death of an innocent cane-farmer, the forced eviction of residents in Belize City, the proposal of an amendment that will harm me and not benefit me, the increase in poverty, the decline in employment, the upsurge in taxes… and the list continues. I can hear the clamor of the people for a better tomorrow. The conditions in which we attempt to survive today are deplorable. We have been deceived and betrayed, thus, the power to change is in our hands. I have heard many youths stating that they do not wish to vote because they are not interested in politics. I believe this is alarming, because we cannot take a lethargic position. Where will our country end if no one tries to bring forth a change? It is true that a young person is naturally rebellious and uninterested, especially in terms of politics. But it is precisely due to their rebellious nature that innovation can be obtained. Our elders already have a built-in party; no matter what their party does, they might still attempt to demonstrate their loyalty and vote in favor of their party of preference. As we can see, the decision to change is left within the grasp of the conscientious people and the youths. I am young and I still don’t have a party of preference, but I am not going to be a part of the audience. I have seen the needs of the people and I do believe that a change must be made. We need a new beginning, employment and education. We have great power within our reach, for we are the change. We can no longer live under the shadow of this current government. The people of this country do not deserve to continue suffering. (Email comments to luciamoguel@gmail. com)

Sunday, February 12, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT NO REFERENDUM The UDP Government has sabotaged the efforts to have a referendum on the issue of whether drilling in our protected barrier reef areas should be allowed. The alliance of Civil Society groups, including COLA and OCEANA, has been dealt a body blow by the decision. The decision came last week from the Elections Office which explained that a whopping eight thousand and odd signatures had been rejected from the 18,000 and odd submitted. Sixteen thousand signatures of registered voters are enough to trigger a national referendum on the drill or no drill issue. So rejecting eight thousand results in stopping the move for a referendum. The explanation given by the Elections office is that the vast majority of signatures on the referendum form do not match the signatures on voters’ identification forms. Most of these date to fifteen, ten and over five years in age. Clearly the signatures will not match in all the cases. Belizeans have rejected the government’s explanation and are of the view that more persons should have been employed to contact those who signed the referendum forms to obtain verification. Audrey Matura Shepherd, former Editor of the UDP propaganda newspaper and a former UDP Senator, has been placed in a quandary (a state of uncertainty as to what to do in a difficult situation). She was hoodwinked by her Prime Minister into thinking he would allow a referendum. But, the Prime Minister has been talking and walking like an attorney and representative of the oil companies. How could Audrey have missed all the signs that her Prime Minister is dead set against referendum and is in favor of drilling? Audrey, on behalf of her organization, had quite properly written to seek the Prime Minister’s assistance in having the National Assembly approved the holding of the referendum and to hold it on the same day as national elections. This is provided for the referendum law and it makes sense – dollars and cents. The Prime Minister not only said no. This is how he did it. At his press conference, he insulted Audrey, her organization and the thousands who signed the referendum petition. He said Audrey had the effrontery to write him, and that she had ‘gall’ to even make the request. He did not use the words his Mayor Zenaida had accused him of lacking. Nor did he utter the ‘jackass’ adjective he used in the Honourable House. Way to go! Pharaoh DICKIE BRADLEY SPECIAL On Monday night this week, Channel 5 viewers got another treat from Hubert Elrington, former UDP Attorney General and two-time Minister and elected Area Representative. Hubert said this is the elections where the rubber will hit the road. Meaning economic reality will hit us in the face. For the first time in our history we will know “how barly grow” i.e. What real hard times are all about. He said the further downgrade of the nation’s standing by the International Ratings Agencies Standard and Poor and Moody’s indicates and in fact vindicates his earlier predictions that the Barrow government was running the ship of state on the reefs. He said Belize is like a ship, the famous unsinkable Titanic. There was nothing wrong with the Titanic. The Captain

was negligent and incompetent, causing the ship to hit iceberg and sink. Belize is heading to the iceberg. Hubert also said the country’s leaders did not have the intellectual capacity to lead the country. He used harsh and brutal words to describe certain ministers, saying one of them could not even train a little poodle. Listening to the Channel 5 show we folks got a little glimpse into several serious issues which apparently will not receive public debate and discussion. One such issue is how come not a single word has been uttered about what the upcoming Budget will contain. Retrenchment? Tax increase? Wage freeze? Loss of Jobs? BOB MARLEY Nestor Robert Marley was born on 6 February 1945 in St. Andrew Parish in our sister country of Jamaica. Of the large quantity of slaves “stolen from Africa” and brought to Jamaica, some were sent to Belize. Jamaicans and Belizeans are brothers and sisters. Bob Marley became an international supporter for his lyrics and the many songs he made famous. No other song writer in the world has captured so many Biblical phrases and protest messages in popular music. For this, Bob has become a legend that lives on, long after his death in May 1981. Even here in Belize, where Marcus Garvey visited three times and where Creole soldiers returning from the First World War in 1919, rioted against naked white and Baymen racism, and so many other historic events are ignored annually – Bob remains alive. At the “Freetown” Barrack Sunday night, by the MCC Sports Stadium a successful tribute to the reggae King was held. Kudos to the organizer Dara Robinson. In Jamaica the whole February is called Reggae Month with much commemoration for the greatest Creole to emerge from Jamaica and the Caribbean. In his words – “One Good Thing About Music, when it hits you feel no pain. So hit me with music.” HANG RIOS MONTT Efrain Rios Montt is facing court trial on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity. The former military dictator of Guatemala was behind some of the worst violence and atrocities during the 36 years of civil war in Guatemala. Montt, who was a general in the Guatemalan army, had command of the troops who murdered Mayas, burnt whole villages, raped and tortured innocent people. Montt who is 85 years of age is being kept under house arrest. During the period he was President of Guatemala, in 1982 and 1983 his soldiers went on a rampage, slaughtering whole villages of Maya, whom the military with USA weapons, training and support were treating as supporters of rebels fighting the government. During the 30 year civil war over two hundred thousand (200,000) civilians were murdered by the military. Rios Montt had immunity which expired in January when his term of office as a Legislator came to an end. DFC HOUSING LOANS Section 16 of the Constitution guarantees to everyone that they cannot be discriminated against by the government. So when the government, as part of its election gimmick, “writes off” mortgages at Housing Department and at

Social Security it has to do the same for mortgages at the Development Finance Corporation – DFC. All persons with mortgages of fifty thousand dollars and less should stop paying and apply to the Supreme Court for a declaration that they should receive the same treatment as others. Simple as that. Stop pay DFC and if they mess with you, go to the Supreme Court. ELECTION MARIJUANA Have you heard anything more about the Police Minister’s suggestion that Cabinet will be asked to decriminalize a certain quantity of weed? Just another election gimmick. THEREE MEN AND A PELLET GUN Three Belizeans were in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court last week on a trial for Keeping a firearm without a gun license, for a pellet gun. When the men were first arrested and charged, the Court could not give bail under an outdated law that locks up every accused before a trial. They all endured their 3 months in jail. This is a naked injustice because a pellet gun is not a firearm under the law. A firearm must be able to discharge a bullet, NOT a pellet. Yet these three men have been put in jail and are still facing a trial which is Farce, because the Court cannot convict them for a pellet gun. Someone needs to advise them to sue the Police and the government for thousands of dollars. It’s a dirty shame what is done to poor people. THERE WAS NEVER AN OBUDSMAN There was never any Obudsman for the past four years of the UDP government. Mass cancellation of the land titles of citizens went on from February 2008 to last year when there were no more titles to cancel. Those that could not be cancelled were frozen in an illegal activity called a Ministry audit. Thousands of such land titles were cancelled, illegally and some were signed over by Minister Vega, so he could claim he was the one to give out the land. None of these matters were investigated by the Ombudsman and the result reported to the National Assembly and people of Belize. None. For the past 4 years Police brutality, illegal beatings and illegal detentions reached an all time high. Sickening images of citizens – male and female sometimes minors – were a regular feature in the newspapers and on the television screens. Not one of these violations of the law

29 and rights of citizens were dealt with by the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is required by law to publish an annual Report to the National Assembly and to list all complaints of abuse by Ministers, government departments, public officials and what action has been taken. No such Reports were published. The post of Ombudsman was filled by a person closely associated with the UDP government. A government which not only showed scorn for the protection of citizens from abuse, but went on to form the notorious GSU which has chalked up a real bad reputation across the nation. Police Minister Perdomo and Singh need to read what is happening to Guatemalan President Rios Montt for his stewardship in 1982 and 83 and ask themselves if they can escape criminal charges for their crimes against citizens. Call and ask the DPP if there is any limitation on charging officials for a crime. HOMOSEXUALITY COMES FROM WHITE PEOPLE? 37 out of the 50 African nations make homosexuality a social taboo and a criminal offence under their laws. The USA, UK, Canada and most European nations accept homosexuality and it is not a crime under their laws. More European and Western nations are changing their laws to allow homosexuals to marry. Is homosexuality a white people thing? CALEB ASSAULTED Notorious homosexual Caleb Orosco was in the news once again. This time as a victim of an assault in Belize City on Wednesday evening. Caleb who has been flaunting his homosexual lifestyle was on the south side of Belize City in the area of Euphrates Avenue when he was hit with a bottle and lost one or two teeth. It is not known whether this is the result of homosexual jealousy or homophobia. It is not known whether Caleb reported the matter to the police or whether he was to identify his attacker. JAMES DAWSON IN JAIL 10 YEARS James “Jimmy” Dawson has been in jail for the past ten years awaiting a final trial in the Belize Supreme Court. It is a shocking revelation of the slackness and cold hearted situation of law enforcement and the Judiciary in our country. Dawson is charged with murder. He had a trial but on appeal a retrial was ordered. Ten years in jail in Belize awaiting a final trial. Does the word injustice come to mind? What’s going on in Belize?

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Sunday, February 12, 2012

PUP Leader & CitCo Team meets with Belama Phase IV residents Belize City, February 6, 2012 Keeping their commitment to practice true consultation, People’s United Party Leader and Freetown Area Representative Francis Fonseca and the PUP City Council Team led by Mayoral Candidate Karen Bodden held a meeting with over 100 residents of PUP Leader & Freetown Representative Francis Fonseca the Belama Phase IV area says the PUP will continue its housing development plan on Saturday, February 4th. The meeting was held to discuss the issues that are affecting the livelihoods of residents, and to chart a way forward to improve the quality of life of the residents as soon as the PUP is elected to Central Government and City Hall. The residents noted that while the housing project was initiated by their Mayoral Candidate Karen Bodden pledges to improve PUP Freetown Representhe quality of life for residents of Belama Phase IV tative under the PUP Government, development has been stagnant under the UDP. In fact, housing community, but the UDP sabotaged those nothing has changed apart from the plans. flooding in the area which has worsEven with a UDP City Council over the last six ened. years and a UDP Central Government for the last PUP Leader and area representa- four years, the residents have been abandoned and tive Francis reminded the residents left to reside in dilapidated homes and swamp yards. that the PUP had a full-scale plan for Bodden and her team committed to the resiBelama Phase IV which would have dents that the next PUP City Council will work hand seen the area developed into a decent in hand with their PUP representative Francis Fonseca to ensure that the proper infrastructural improvements are carried out in the area within weeks of taking office. “We are proud Belizeans and we all deserve an equal opportunity to live like decent human beings. Your next PUP City Council and PUP representative will not let you down,” remarked Bodden.

PUP Belmopan Team will deliver victory City of Belmopan, February 7, 2012 The Belmopan PUP tag team Standard Bearer Dr. Amin Hegar and Mayoral Candidate Jorge Flores and his candidate councilors are working together visiting homes in the City and discussing with voters reference their political platform, and one of their message is only together can development come to our City, Belmopan. They are listening to the voters and their main concern is that they want to see that both national and municipal leaders work together and desist from doing what the present administrators are doing fighting each other because only we the voters lose. Remember our PUP team was elected by us; they were not stuffed down our throat like the UDP. The UDP scatter shot can’ work together they are calling half the team lazy and do nothing for six years, but that they love the sweets. While the old councilors and Mayor are saying that they have the majority and will run the show regardless of what and that the new comers who were forced on the scatter shot arrangement by John Saldivar to secure his interest can’t do anything.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Humor in UDP Politics! While campaigning in Pickstock a woman came up to Sedi and ask him if he was Sedi Elrington or if he was “Crazy Glue”. Sensing that the woman was out to make fun of him, Sedi responded “I myself am not sure.” …………………….. Dean Barrow have received no less than thirteen texts from 10 Cabinet Ministers who request to meet one more time in the Cabinet Room. When asked why was there a pressing need, they told Barrow that since they did nothing in four years they wanted another opportunity to do something, anything they pleaded or just one thing. …………………….. Rumor has it that Erwin Contreras is campaigning heavily in Melchor. It is rumored that he has even rented a house over there and resides there more than in Belize. When asked why he spends so much time in Melchor, Contreras said that it was part of his strategy for Belize to claim a portion of Guatemala. …………………….. Flipping was asked by one of his constituents to highlight what he believed was his three biggest successes while in office. His response was 1. the bus owners strike, 2. Kendal Bridge, and at 3. he blurted out “I can’t remember the Flippin next one”. …………………….. At a special meeting held at the UDP headquarters to familiarize with the new candidates, Mayor Moya asked after her 2 hour presentation on how not to run a city if they had any questions. All six hands shot up in the air as they all asked, ‘what’s under depositing?’

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, February 12, 2012