Belize Times February 2, 2014 by Belize Times Press

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

2 FEBRUARY 2014 | ISSUE NO: 4880

Castro in another scandal

The Truth Shall Make You Free

Dean Barrow defends wrong doing and corruption

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

Elvin Penner has not faced a criminal investigation for immigration fraud

UDP hangs on by a thread!! Power Hungry Barrow fires BAA Board but not Castro Pg. 6

Mayor fires 36 workers Pg. 8 Pablo Marin abuses authority!!

Lennox Garbutt

Police ordered to detain Corozal man for showing middle finger to UDP Minister Pg. 31

Dangriga BNTU rally

No Love for Barrow & Faber “…Grow Up Patrick!... You da lee bwoy”, says George Frazer Cayo BNTU rally

Pg. 3

ARREST PENNER NOW!

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OPINION OUT

The curious cases of Gino Peck and Reynaldo Verde

Not happy with CitCo Parks

Gino Peck

Dear Editor, I write to express my dismay and disgust with the lack of priorities in improving patient care at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. In December of 2013, the hospital took out a loan from a commercial bank, the Belize Bank, for over $250,000 to repair and convert the parking lot into a pay-for-use parking lot for the general public. Now this is at a time when there are major shortages of medicines and the doctors have to be giving patients prescriptions for them to buy at outside private pharmacies. Not even the CT Scan at the hospital has not been working for over 2 months and needs significant repair and maintenance but they say they don’t have the money for this. Image that! A CT scan is a very important test that the doctors need to help them diagnose problems such as stroke or if persons have had head injuries or involved in serious accidents to see if there has been

31 Jan

2014

OUT

KHMH: Where are your priorities?

LOCAL

2 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

Dear Editor, I am very disappointed in the outcome of BTL, Memorial Park and Central Park, the way how they have it redesigned. First of all, I don’t see much shade for seating area. Only a few benches are scattered about. What the place seems like is more a market hustle place than a place for relaxation and family outing. Was walking around the Memorial Park on Saturday and behold a long piece of steel jutted out from one of the concrete structure. Someone will get hurt. I don’t know who went and inspected that park and signed off that park, but is not safe. There are a lot of other parks on the south side that could have been made better with those monies spend. Mr. Mayor, very disappointed. Signed, Hakeem Bush

Belize City, January 30, 2014 Before grabbing the public spotlight, Gino Peck, a police officer, and Reynaldo Verde, a GST officer, were for all intents and purposes “normal” Belizeans. That is until they came before the courts on gun charges, which these days usually ends with prison time of up to 5 years. Many Belizeans, particularly those that have fallen prey to the oppressive gun law, have been calling for “across the board” treatment of these gentlemen; in other words, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. Innocent Belizean businessmen, like Yhony Rosado of cave-tubing fame, high school children, grandfathers and grandmothers, single mothers and a host of other “normal” Belizeans who have experienced the wrath of these draconian laws are understandably up in arms over the special treatment offered to Reynaldo Verde and the special pleas being made on behalf of Gino Peck. For those folks, it is clear as daylight that some animals on Barrow’s farm are more equal than others in the streets who have no connections. But why did it have to come to this in the first place? The very same Commissioner Whylie that is now “saddened” by Peck’s conviction has seen first hand how the lives of innocent civilians have been turned upside down, their dignity lost, their reputations tarnished at the hands of Barrow’s gun law. So where was Commissioner Whylie when normal Belizeans were being oppressed? Busy

any internal damage to the brain or other organs. Patients who are sometimes in a critical state have had to be transferred to private hospitals for the CT scan which can make an already life threatening situation worst, resulting in long delays. Instead of the management and board of the KHMH investing in the upkeep and repair of these important equipment and buying reliable medicines, they see it as a priority to get a commercial loan to upgrade their parking lot. I guess the hustle is in the parking lot contract rather than doing what you are hired to do and improve patient care and services. I imagine to the Prime minister this is just an oversight, another distasteful act. Why didn’t he give the hospital the loan from the National Bank at a lower interest rate? Or from Social Security? But I guess SSB will only invest in phone and electricity companies and not in a failing hospital that needs the help. A Concerned Patient

2 Feb

prosecuting them perhaps. And why is he only now realizing the nature of the beast that is destroying the fabric of our society? At the end of the day, the truth is Belizeans do not really want Gino Peck and Reynaldo Verde to go to jail. All they want is for their loved ones who have been victimized and criminalized to be freed from the injustices of Barrow’s oppressive gun laws. The PUP was the first to foresee the danger of these laws and opposed their passage at first instance. Barrow, on the other hand, fought for them to be implemented and got what he wanted. We sympathize with the families of Gino Peck and Reynaldo Verde. What this exercise has taught us all is that it is not only the law that needs to change, but the dangerous people who created them.

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

The Truth Shall Make You Free

ISSUE NO: 4840

www.belizetimes.bz

$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper. Founder: Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, People’s United Party Leader Emeritus EDITOR

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OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed and Published By The Belize Times Press Ltd.

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2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

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No Love for Barrow & Faber

“…Grow Up Patrick!... You da lee bwoy”, says George Frazer San Ignacio, January 24, 2014 Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow’s belated removal of some well-paid flunkeys at the Belize Airports Authority was his only recourse after almost all 720 members of the Belize National Teachers Union’s Belmopan, San Ignacio and Benque Viejo branches ridiculed his new definitions of “corruption” at their protest rally at the Macal Park in the twin towns of Santa Elena/San Ignacio last Friday morning. The teachers decided to do some word playing also, as they were not holding a rally but a “professional development exercise” to get the Barrow administration to agree to a 5 % “floor” for the salary adjustment presently being negotiated between the BNTU and the Ministry of Education. It’s a floor that the Prime Minister has adamantly refused to agree to, which the teachers are equally adamant in demanding. The Prime Minister has said that the teachers have to take what his Government is willing to give them. In a state-

ment to Channel 5 News this week, he accused the teachers of pursuing a reckless agenda rooted in selfishness. “They can tell you that oh, it’s a whole panoply of issues, but it’s about the money,” Barrow proclaimed. He also claimed that BNTU national president, Luke Palacio had become “a wind-up doll” to his membership. “It is about Luke Palacio being as it were the prisoner of his membership and having to operate in this context like a wind-up doll, a wind-up toy, and everything else that they try to point to as being part and parcel of their demands in my view is secondary. It is that they are demanding that I give them a minimum, and I cannot and will not do that,” he declared. What Barrow did do was listen to the teachers, for it is only at their prodding as they humored his interpretation of the BAA’s free-for-all issuance of cheques to Belize Rural North representative Edmond Castro as “wrongdoing” and “distasteful”, that Barrow finally came to see that the fat

cats at the helm of the BAA “got to go! The teachers’ well-warranted criticism of “these demigods living high off the hog” made Barrow see that some other well-paid flunkeys at the BAA Board of Directors also “got to go!” As to Minister of Education Patrick Faber, the teachers let loose a scolding for his continued comments against them. George Frazer called on the Prime Minister to put his Minister into place, saying “Faber da lee bwoy to wi”. The BNTU is adamant that the Ministry will not intimidate them into cancelling their rallies or taking action to show the Barrow Administration that they are serious about being respected.

call 650-8429

4 04

THE BELIZE TIMES

on the

RESPECT OUR TEACHERS By Francis W. Fonseca Patrick Faber’s emotional and irrational attacks on our nation’s teachers must stop. Indeed, as Minister of Education, Faber has a duty and obligation to speak out on issues affecting our Education system, and to defend and protect the interests of all stakeholders in that system:students, management, parents, churches, union, Government, and teachers. Faber has every right to speak out on the failings in

our education system and even to cast blame where such blame is justified and due but he has no right to consistently attempt to embarrass, intimidate, and belittle the majority of the teachers in the country. Similarly, Faber is acting in bad faith when he seeks to undermine the strength and credibility of the BNTU by suggesting that those teachers who are not present at the union’s rally’s, “know better” and are not

in support of their Union. Faber’s irresponsible and immature response to the BNTU’s efforts, to rally teachers’ support for a long overdue salary adjustment and to express their strong concerns on issues of national importance, further erodes confidence in our already very fragile education system. Not all of our teachers are of the standard and quality we aspire to

2 FEB

2014 for our children’s education, but this applies equally across every grouping and sector in our society, including politicians. The answer is not to publicly attack the BNTU and our teachers, but rather to engage in robust, frank, honest dialogue in an effort to find common ground on the way forward to a more vibrant and effective education system. During my time as Minister of Education, I found that most teachers were deeply committed to their work, cared about their students, and appreciated the important role they played, as teachers, in Belize’s development. Yes, there are those, a small minority in my experience, who ended up in the classroom for the wrong reasons and need to be cleaned out of the system, but the great majority of OUR TEACHERS DESERVE AND NEED OUR FULL SUPPORT AND RESPECT!!

2 FEB

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

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EDITORIAL

DESPICABLE B

ome refer to him as Mugabe, the baldhead man, 666, pain and sorrow Barrow, Ali Baba; even his close friends and allies behind the zinc took a slight jab at him last week when they referred to him as the naked emperor. What a ghastly sight that must be. It must have taken a lot out of them to actually pen those words and hit the print button, but it is what it is. Even the zinc can’t stomach the stink. Barrow has been serving up so much highgrade slop that our people are having trouble digesting. In just one week, we saw a criminal who sold our patrimony enter the halls of our National Assembly, instead of being escorted through the halls of the Supreme Court. We saw a Minister of State take corruption to a whole new level by having checks issued into his name personally. Instead of firing Castro, Barrow “fired” his Board (which in typical UDP speak means they will be moved to another post with more perks). We witnessed a Prime Minister re-define corruption to mean that his Minister had to actually steal or hold up the BAA with a pistol in order to be found guilty of corruption by his standards. No wonder Barrow has not been smelling the “whiff ” that he spoke about in his inauguration address. In just one week we sat by and watched UDPs fighting amongst UDPs for prime seafront land in the Caribbean Shores division. In the north, we saw the mighty Aragon family being exposed in a lucrative deal to place a public basketball and recreation area into their family’s hands. We saw a former CEO of Lands and right hand to Gaspar Vega, confiscate private property only to then reissue the same property to her mother and

son. This woman is now offering herself for public office. The UDPs are on a roll. Their appetites are insatiable. Their greed has even caused them to turn the gun on themselves resulting in implosive infighting for all to see. We saw a mayor appear on national television and say that this newspaper has got it all wrong. It is not 1 city councilor that may be guilty of insider trading but rather 3 of them that may have gotten booths inside the BTL Park/bar. Thanks for the correction Mr. Mayor. Yes indeed, we can go on and on. But behind all the incompetence and corruption, there is one man guiding this ship, covering the face of corruption at every turn; one man steering us straight unto the reef and that is Dean Oliver Barrow. Having failed dismally at defending and covering for Penner and Castro, Barrow is now setting the stage for his “final act”: the slaughter of the sacrificial lambs. He will carry these two wounded dogs around on a leash up to the next general election, whenever that may be. Two months before the election, Barrow will take out his political machete and ceremoniously chop off their heads. But by then it will be too late. With each passing day that the government does not arrest Elvin Penner or Edmund Castro, the people are growing sick, tired, weary and yes rebellious. They know that Barrow is naked. They know that he is an actor. They’ve seen him on TMZ. Dean Barrow will never be able to untie himself from the corruption that is swallowing up his government. His words will forever be etched in the people’s minds: “it is not corruption…..it is not corruption…..it is not corruption”. He is Despicable B.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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2014

UDP hangs on by a thread!! Power Hungry Barrow fires BAA Board but not Castro Belize City, January 29, 2014 Prime Minister Dean Barrow finds himself in a very peculiar position politically. With only a razor thin majority in the House of Representatives, with the UDP holding 17 seats and the PUP holding 14, Barrow has had to constantly defend and embrace political vultures, Elvin Penner and Edmund Castro, who are lingering like a rotten carcass in the UDP Government. Barrow’s thirst and addiction to power will not allow him to disavow any of the two UDP politicians, no matter how wrong, distasteful, illegal, corrupt or anti-Belizean their actions are. This is the reason why “Passport” Penner is still a UDP area repre-

sentative collecting a hefty salary and is still driving around a Government-assigned vehicle. This is also why “Clear the Cheques” Castro is also still a Minister of State in Barrow’s Cabinet, even know the Opposition Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca exposed the corrupt abuse of funds at the Belize Airport Authority. Barrow’s move to “ask” the Board of the Belize Airports Authority to resign and to shuffle the Belize Airport Authority from the Ministry of Transport to the Ministry of Tourism, is simply a ploy to make Belizeans think that he took direct action. But it’s a sham! There was no direct action! The members of the Board, which includes UDP cronies Bar-

bara Miller and Lindsay Garbutt, and the BAA General Manager, Kenworth Tillett, are directly responsible for the abuse of funds. Miller and Tillett’s signatures were on the cheques approving the payments to Castro. Barrow should have forced them to resign immediately, instead of handling the matter with UDP-cover up style diplomacy. As for Castro, according to Barrow, what he did was wrong but not corrupt. So Castro did not even get a slap on the wrist. He is still a Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport. He still collects his Ministerial salary and perks. He continues to wield authority over other Departments that fall under the Ministry such as the

Belize Port Authority where he attempted several times to force the former Ports Commissioner Retired Major John Flowers to hire his son. The UDP has since replaced Major Flowers with UDP crony Merlene Bailey-Martinez of Social Security Board insider trading infamy. What a web they weave! Barrow’s response to the Castro scandal is no different than his response to corrupt Elvin Penner. It’s a game of illusion and musical chairs. One where Barrow has to defend corruption to hang on to power for as long as the UDP could. But the thread on which Barrow is hanging on is thinning out and soon the Belizean people will cut it loose.

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2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Mayor fires 36 workers CitCo privatizes security department Belize City, January 29, 2014 36 workers employed under the Belize City Council’s Security Department will be terminated on Friday January 31st. The workers received letters on Wednesday, January 22nd, dated January 16th, informing them that the Council has made their positions redundant; therefore they will no longer have jobs at the Council. The heartless and cruel mastermind behind the firings is no other than UDP Mayor Darrell Bradley, who in a pitiable attempt to defend his actions, claimed that the reason the workers were being terminated was the Council’s secret plan to privatize the security department. According to Bradley, the decision was taken in order to reduce expenses. He added that under the private contract, the Council’s the

cost of sanitation services would fall from $700,000 to $300,000, which is more than 50%. The Mayor also claimed that all the workers would be rehired by the private contractor, Hiram Longsworth, who was employed by the Council as the Security Manager. But the move and excuses are highly suspicious as well as irrational. Firstly, there is no guarantee that all the employees will be hired by the contractor, and the Mayor’s promise is nothing more than hot air, especially considering that under the private contract Longsworth will be operating with much less funds. Secondly, there is no substance in the Mayor’s suggestion that privatizing the security services will cut costs. If the very same Security Manager is expected to provide efficient security services for a Continued on page 31

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THE BELIZE TIMES

For Sale By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under:1) A Deed of Assignment and Transfer of Mortgage made the 20th day of October, 2005, between ATLANTIC BANK LIMITED (the Assignor) SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., and CHARLES LESLIE, which said property was mortgaged by the said CHARLES LESLIE to the said ATLANTIC BANK LIMITED on the 12th day of September, 2003, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Volume 33 of 2003 at Folios 341– 380; THE SCHEDULE ALL THOSE pieces or parcels of land being Lots Nos. 84 and 85 in Independence Village Extension, Stann Creek District and bounded as follows:- On the Northeast for 30.476 meters by Lot No. 86; On the Southeast for a total distance 30.476 meters by a street; On the Southwest for 30.476 meters by Lot No. 83; and on the Northwest for30.476 meters by Lots Nos. 70 and 71, containing a total area of 928.786square meters of land shown on Entry No. 6418, Register No. 4 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. 2) A Deed of Mortgage made the 18th day of September, 2006, between CHARLES LESLIE, SR. of Independence Village, Stann Creek District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 34of 2006 at Folios 281 – 350, THE SCHEDULE All THOSE pieces or parcels of land being Lots Nos. 68 and 87 containing 556.179 Square Meters and 556.129 Square Meters respectively and situate in Independence Village, Stann Creek District the subject of Minister’s Fiat (Grant) 23 of 2005 and more particularly described and shown on a plan of survey by licensed surveyor G. E. Valdez with reference Entry 6418 Register 4 lodged at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, Belmopan TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. The said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the properties described in the schedules hereto. All offers to purchase the said properties must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. DATED this 15th day of January, 2014 MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Dara raises funds for feeding program with Bob Marley concerts Belize City, January 28, 2014 “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” – Bob Marley, It is through the teachings of reggae icon Bob Marley that Joel “Dara” Robinson hopes he could leave a lasting impression on Belizeans. Dara, who is Bob Marley’s #1 fan in Belize, has tried for many years to raise the consciousness of the people by holding tribute concerts to remember Marley and to remind people of what he stood for in his music. It is also through Bob Marley’s music that Dara gets his inspiration to organise and manage a daily feeding programme for school children from his Dunn Street address in the King’s Park area of Belize City. Dara doesn’t expect everyone to end up organising a feeding programme of their own, but he would want them to give a little to continue making his a success. And Dara makes the giving a celebratory one. This year, Dara is holding two events to raise funds for the feeding programme. The first is the 5th Annual Food Drive to be held on February 6th at the MCC Tennis Court and the second is the Annual Tribute to Bob Marley Concert to be held on February 9th at the Bird’s Isle. Dara is asking for donations of any type of food supplies at the Food Drive. He says any type of food can be put to use including vegetables and fruits. There is no entrance fee, but everyone is required to bring a donation. The event will feature special DJs and food. A new feature this year will be an information booth for primary school students to visit and learn about the life of Bob Marley. “Most people just know that he is a reggae icon, but they don’t take time to learn about the things he stood for and the values he believed in,” said Dara. The Tribute Concert to be held three days later will showcase more entertainment as Dara will be featuring special Bob Marley concerts on a big screen. This event will have an entrance charge of $7.00 “This event will be to celebrate the life of the great Bob Marley. It is a community event meant to bridge everyone and unite them at a peaceful event. I am appealing everyone who attends to respect each other,” he remarked. The funds raised from the events go directly to Dara’s feeding initiative which prepares daily breakfast and lunch to about 30 children who would otherwise go to school with empty stomachs. Anyone interested in assisting can contact Dara at 623-3662 or make donations to the feeding program account at St. John’s Credit Union at account number 29947.

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2014 Full Basket Belize offers high school scholarships Portland, Oregon USA, January 23, 2014 The non-profit organization Full Basket Belize has begun its annual process of looking for deserving secondary students to receive scholarships for the 2014-2015 academic year. Each scholarship is worth up to $1,000 BZ and covers tuition, books, fees, and uniforms. The first step in this process is for interested Belizean secondary schools to apply to be “participating schools.” This involves a school representative completing a short online Participating Schools Form found at www.fullbasketbelize.org and agreeing to abide by the conditions required by Full Basket Belize in processing its scholarships. Once a school has completed and submitted the Participating Schools Form, Full Basket Belize will send the school a scholarship application to photocopy and hand out to students who they feel are in great need of a scholarship. The organization is looking for outstanding students who demonstrate financial need, represent their schools positively, do well academically, and participate actively in their Continued on page 31

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2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

The Imperial Prime Minister’s credibility gap widens By Norris Hall, January 22nd 2014 PM: “The Financial Secretary suffered a mild case of amnesia.” FINANCIAL SECRETARY: “The Prime Minister made a slip of the tongue.” THERE is an infinite distance between the Prime Minister’s self-delusion and reality. That gap continues to widen ad infinitum. He can no longer seduce the National Teachers Union with his shriveling carrot on a wobbly stick. His recent attempt to blackmail cane farmers, which did not work, will only have a significant negative impact on the national economy. The Prime Minister last year lied about his not knowing about what he called “a Secret Agreement” which was signed by the previous government. When documents proved that he was lying and that the document was signed by the Financial Secretary, he back-peddled that the Fin.Sec. may have suffered a “mild case of amnesia” as he WAS aware of the document that was signed by the FS. It has to do with the extension of the licence to Belize International Services Ltd. Documents proved that there were no “secret” agreements and that both the Prime Minister and the Financial Secretary lied until the facts showed up. In returning the favour, the Fin. Sec. went on a radio station to apologize for the PM’s lie(s) to teachers in his New Year’s message saying that the PM “made a slip of the tongue”. The President of the Belize National Teachers Union responded that it was more than a “slip of the tongue” and that the PM told several lies and kept moving the goal post. The teachers have taken to the streets nationwide in massive protests. A TWISTED WEB OF LIES AND DECEIT These are but three anecdotal examples of the twisted web of lies and deceit the Prime Minister is prepared to do to hold on to power. He continues to extend his nasty claws to tighten his grip on power, by any means necessary. Twenty two months ago the Prime Minister almost had a massive heart attack and his super-ego deflated following the results of general elections. These were elections that he was certain would have consolidated his stronghold to further dismantle the Constitution and the basic human rights and freedom of expression that are enshrined therein and in the UN Charter, so as to solidify his dictatorship. With the votes all counted in the 2012 general elections, his United democratic Party ended up with a drastically reduced skin-of-the teeth majority AND with a minority government. That can hardly be considered a mandate.

This however has failed to humble the Prime Minister, even though he has very little wiggle room to corral the corruption within his government. On the contrary he has become even more obnoxious and bel-

ligerent. THE PM GOT THE MEMO The Prime Minister did receive the memo sent to him by the people during the elections of March 2012. Sources say that he instructed that the people’s memo be returned to the sender. However he must certainly have received the teachers’ memo about their massive countrywide demonstrations of protest against corruption and demand for more pay and better working conditions. And he must have received the memo from cane farmers after he tried to blackmail and pressure them into signing an agreement with Belize Sugar Industries after an impasse between the farmers and BSI over the farmers’ demand for payment for bagasse. He told the cane farmers that un-

11 less they signed an agreement with BSI, the government will not fix the sugar roads. The European Union had provided the government with millions of dollars which was to be dedicated specifically for the repair and maintenance of these feeder roads. Cane farmers are now demanding that this money should go directly to them rather than through a corrupt government and to safeguard their interests. Some of the sugar roads money has been diverted for other road repairs in other areas of the country as a political ploy. There has been no comment about this misappropriation by the EU representative in Belize. Our source is impeccable. In return the cane farmers held out until their demands were met by BSI and then signaled the Prime Minister with a stiff middle finger. But with the industry having already lost about $15 million because of the delay in the cane harvest, the government’s delay in fixing the sugar roads because of the PM’s attempt to force the farmers to sign an agreement Continued on page 19

THE BELIZE TIMES

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FEB 22 FEB

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THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE

TOPMODEL 13

ENTERTAINMENT

NEWS Belizean

in UK’s hottest girl band

Asami, Jessica, Amira & Shereen

Location: BTL Park Pier

A female pop quartet known as “Neon Jungle” has been blazing the entertainment charts in the United Kingdom, and the BELIZE TIMES has uncovered that a Belizean is actually one of the band members. 16 year old Shereen Cutkelvin is a Belizean through her father who is a born Belizean national. Cutkelvin and the group Neon Jungle have grown hugely popular over the last two years. They have signed with Sony. The group is an interesting mixture. Shereen with Belizean heritage, Japanese-born Asami, Amira whose mom is from Gambia and dad from Jamaica, and Jess whose dad is from Jamaica while her mom is British. The BELIZE TIMES encourages music fans to follow Shereen and Neon Jungle as they continue to rise.

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Height: 5’ 1” Career Plan: Entrepreneur Sign: Taurus Favourite Food: Pasta

• • •

TOP MODEL Clothing and Accessories provided by CATWALK FASHIONS

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Likes: Music, Dancing and Fashion Lives in: Belize City Fav. Quote: “Always be Yourself”

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14 SPORTS

2 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

2014

Belize Bank Bulldogs win canoe race Belize City, January 22, 2014 The Belize Bank Bulldogs paddled by Armin Lopez, brothers Amado and Daniel Cruz won the RF&G Insurance Ltd. Haulover Bridge to Burrell Boom canoe race in a time of 2 hours, 34 minutes and 14 seconds on Saturday. It is the 2nd of 4 races which the Belize Canoe Association has organized in preparation for the annual Ruta Maya. The next race is from San Ignacio town to the Dream Valley Resort in Teakettle Village on February 8. Other results Male 2nd - Team Westrac: Hener and Erwin Cruz and Jerry Cante - 2:34:27 3rd - Team Joseph &Taylor: Jerry Rhaburn, Francis Codd

and Chris Guydis - 2:36:53 4th - Belize Coast Guard: Godfrey, Jonathan and Jack Alford (7th overall) Intramural 1st - Team “Wat Eva Boys”: Adrian Williams, Sergio Lopez and Jesus Linares - 2:40:16 2nd - Team Western Home Supplies: Alfred Lopez, Byron Cruz and Armando Lopez Mixed 1st - Team Black Orchid: Wilbert Daniels, Jayda Guydis and Jermain Sanchez 2:42:26 2nd - Team Coast Guardians: Karl Borland, Tiffara Welch and Glen Jones 3:36:17 Juniors 1st - “River Kings”: Jef-

1st Female team: Pawty Tun Up

fery Seguro, Matthew Mask and Ashton Moody Masters 1st - “Grumpy Ol’ Men”: Victor Seguro, Stanley Bailey and Jerry Wilkens (9th overall) Pleasure 1st - Print Belize: Ernest Santos, Rudoph Gentle and Francisco Perez (10th overall) Female 1st - “Pawty Tun Up”: Jane and Bobby Dee Usher, Ana Cruz Camp

1st Male team: Bz Bank Bulldogs

Wesley girls remains unbeaten in football playoff Belize City, January 27, 2014 The Wesley College girls are leading the high school football playoffs without having lost a single match. The Wesley girls struggled to an uneasy 0-0 draw with the Excelsior High School girls, when the playoffs kicked off on Monday. Wesley’s two star strikers Elisha Bernardez and Shanice Neal found themselves completely frustrated by Excelsior’s Dayna Miguel and goalie Diana Lopez. The Wesley defenders Erica Milligan, Danika Sanchez, Denisha Thurton, Emily Castanaza and Karina Hernandez had their work cut out containing the Excelsior attacks and settled for a shaky draw at the long whistle. The Wesley girls’ last 4 games have been a string of draws as they also drew 0-0 with the Gwen Liz girls last Tuesday and drew 1-1 with St. Catherine’s Academy on Wednesday. The Gwen Liz girls had enjoyed their second victory: 3-1 over the Belize High School girls on Monday. Gwen Liz’s Kishay Bevans scored first, but

SCA’s Jada Myvett tackled by Denisha Thurton

Erica Milligan shoots

BHS’ Chelsea Williams equalized before intermission. Eyandra Henry scored Gwen Liz’s second goal after the break, and Tyra Moreira added a third.

The Excelsior girls also held the Wesley girls to a 0-0 draw on Saturday and they drew 0-0 with the Gwen Lizarraga High School girls last Thursday evening

SCA’s Kerry Chee battles for ball possession

22 FEB FEB

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

2014 2014

SPORTS 15

Belikin Cup football finals

FC Belize vs. Bandits!!!

Benque Viejo, January 26, 2013 FC Belize will challenge the defending champs, the Belmopan Bandits in the Belikin Cup football championship finals which start at the MCC Grounds in Belize City on Sunday. FC Belize upset the No. 1 seed Verdes FC of Benque Viejo del Carmen in Game 2 of the playoffs at the wet and muddy Marshalleck Stadium on Sunday. The home fans roared with approval when Shamir Pacheco converted a penalty for a 1-0 lead up to the half time break. In the 2nd half, Verdes’ Best goalie Benito Moreira fouled FC Belize striker Steven Baeza inside the goal area, the referee ruled penalty and FC Belize’s No. 10 Jarret Davis converted to tie the ball game at 1-1 in regulation time. The game went into overtime, and Michael “Soup” Hernandez floated in a long shot that Moreira couldn’t hold on to make it 2-1. Norman “Tilliman” Nunez only made things worse when his angry protests to the referee earned him a red card ejection from the game, and the Marshalleck Stadium erupted into a footbrawl between fans and players, and the referee was forced to call the game after the police fired a few warning shots to calm the crowd. The police protected the

referee’s person, but the fans vented their anger on the referee’s car which ended up with tires slashed and a broken windshield. Things were a lot calmer at the Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga last Saturday night, where the Bandits’ 1-1 draw with the Belize Defense Force put them into the final by a 4-1 goal differential as they had won 3-0 over the BDF the week before. Bandits’ top striker Deon Macaulay blasted in the 1st goal past goalie Derol Roches in the 41st minute to lead 1-0 at the half. The Bandits defense held the BDF scoreless in 90 minutes of regulation,

Deon Macaulay scored Bandits’ 1st goal

and it was not until injury time that the Bandits’ defense soft-pedalled, allowing Shane “Chucky” Flores to equalize for the BDF.

Bandits’ Dalton Eiley

Bandits’ Jerome James on the attack

SJC enters playoffs undefeated Belize City, January 27, 2014 The St. John’s College boys have entered the high school football playoffs with an undefeated record. The SJC boys were visibly shaken when they walked off the field after a 1-1 draw with the Wesley College boys on Monday night. Sydney “Bucket” Bradley andTarique “Snipes” James led the SJC attacks with the help of Trey Guy and Luis Acosta on the wings and Dimitri Fabro and Carlos Guerra at midfield, but the Wesley defenders: Kieffer Mckenzie, Marques Stamp, Kenan Flowers and Jamel Crawford held them scoreless up to the half.

In the 2nd half, Sydney Bradley embarrassed the Wesley goalie Trevaun Moguel with the 1st goal, but Kenyon Lewis came off the bench to help. Lewis caught up to long pass that beat SJC’s goalie Kris Majarrez, and Lewis booted the equalizer into an empty net. Other matches: SJC vs. Excelsior High – SJC win by default ACC vs. Belize High School – 11-0 Gwen Liz vs. Wesley College – 1-0

SJC’s Fabro & Acosta takes on Marques Stamp

2 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

As BIG as you think you are... House #1

2014

House #2 rented to a Judge, paid for by GOB

House #5

House #3

House #4 Juliet Thimbriel, UDP Senator

House #6 under co nstruction

2012 Infinity valued at $120K

youâ€™re living in a small world MORE TO COME...

2 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014 For Sale By Order of the

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Assignment of Mortgage made the 26th day of September, 2005, recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 29 of2005 at Folios 1181 – 1210, between BELIZE MORTGAGE COMPANY 2002-1 (the Assignor) Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. (the Assignee), and the said AURA YOUNG, and under Deed of Assignment of Mortgage made the 13th day of June, 2003, recorded in Deeds Book Volume 23 of 2003 at folios 157 – 188, between DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION (the Assignors) and BELIZE MORTGAGE COMPANY 2002-1, which said property was mortgaged by the yourself to the said DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION on the 5th day of May, 2004 and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 15 of 2004 at Folios 409 – 452; and the said SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedules hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT lot piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 300 situate in the Mile3 Area, Northern Highway, Ladyville, Belize District, as surveyed by Kenneth A. Gillett, Licensed Surveyor and recorded at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, Belmopan at Register 16 Entry4460 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

For Sale By Order of the

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 5th day of April, 2000 between PEDRO GUERRA and VICTOR GUERRA both of 25 Miles Stann Creek Valley Road, Belize District, Belize of the one part, and THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA (Belize) LTD., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 18 of 2000 at Folios 27 - 52 will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT LEASEHOLD INTEREST IN ALL THAT piece and parcel of land being Lot No. 53 situate in Hummingbird Community Village, Stann Creek District, Belize and bounded as follows: On the Northeast for 62.397 metres by a street; On the Southwest for 47.851 metres by Lot No. 54 and Lot No. 55; On the West for 5.833 metres by portion of Lot No. 52; and On the Northwest for 33.571 metres by portion of Lot No. 52 containing 1191.04 square yards of Land as shown on Entry 3713 Register 12 at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. DATED this 6th day of January, 2014.

DATED this 15th day of January, 2014. MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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

2 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES PUP NOTICE Queen Square Standard Bearer Convention

The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Queen Square Electoral Division is scheduled for Saturday May 18, 2014. Application are available from the Constituency Committee Chairperson or the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City. Completed applications must be filled and returned to the Chairperson and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package. Deadline for submission is Tuesday March 18, 2014.

PUP NOTICE Albert Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Albert Electoral Division is scheduled for Sunday May 25, 2014. Application are available from the Constituency Committee Chairperson or the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City. Completed applications must be filled and returned to the Chairperson and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package. Deadline for submission is Tuesday March 18, 2014.

PUP NOTICE Caribbean Shores Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Queen Square Electoral Division is scheduled for Sunday, June 1, 2014. Application are available from the Constituency Committee Chairperson or the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City. Completed applications must be filled and returned to the Chairperson and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package. Deadline for submission is Friday March 28, 2014.

PUP NOTICE Lake Independence Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Queen Square Electoral Division is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, 2014. Application are available from the Constituency Committee Chairperson or the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City. Completed applications must be filled and returned to the Chairperson and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package. Deadline for submission is Friday March 28, 2014.

2014 PUP NOTICE

Corozal Bay Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Corozal Bay Electoral Division is scheduled for Sunday, March 30, 2014 from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

PUP NOTICE Joint Endorsement Standard Bearers Convention for Orange Walk Central, Orange Walk East & Orange Walk South The People’s United Party announces a Joint Endorsement Standard Bearers Convention for Orange Walk Central, Orange Walk East & Orange Walk South constituencies on Sunday, February 16, 2014.

PUP NOTICE Mesopotamia Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Mesopotamia Electoral Division is scheduled for Sunday April 27, 2014. Application are available from the Constituency Committee Chairperson or the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City. Completed applications must be filled and returned to the Chairperson and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package. Deadline for submission is Thursday February 27, 2014.

PUP NOTICE Collet Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Collet Electoral Division is scheduled for Sunday May 4, 2014. Application are available from the Constituency Committee Chairperson or the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City. Completed applications must be filled and returned to the Chairperson and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package. Deadline for submission is Tuesday March 4, 2014.

2 FEB

2014 The Imperial Prime Minister’s credibility gap widens Continued from page 11 with BSI before he made a move to fix the sugar roads, will have a further negative impact on the industry and a negative impact on GDP. Incessant rains simply made the situation worse but cannot be used as the only explanation by the government, for its incompetence in dealing with the sugar crisis and not looking after “we the people, we the cane farmers”. VOODOO BUDGET The Prime Minister and his Financial Secretary will have to come up with some voodoo accounting to make for it to sound that all is “honkey-dorey” in the budget speech coming in March. When the numbers are crunched, as we have already been doing, the picture is indeed gloomy on all fronts. There now appears to be some reckoning by the PM. This is reason for more cynicism. Perched at the tip of his arrogance at the top of the pyramid, the PM continues to breathe that rarefied air. Aloof and mostly indifferent to the cries of the poor and huddled masses at the base of the pyramid, except at Christmas with a little ham and turkey teaser, which qualifies as his government’s “pro-poor” policy, he appears to be getting a whiff from down here. Suddenly, the noise pollution and discontent from the “masses” have affected and polluted his environment. It is high frequency signal from the airways in the daily morning talk shows. This pitch has begun to penetrate his aloof serenity. Using his hotline from above, our Imperial Prime Minister recently called a talk-show host in an attempt, no doubt, to intimidate the messenger for carrying the PM’s bellicose message delivered with bravado, about his boast of millions of dollars that he would spend on the Cayo Northeast Constituency, in an attempt to save face for his government. This, after a maggot of a Minister and area representative, who is a discarded politician and unwanted in that electorate as was indicated in a recall petition that the Elections and Boundaries Commission has rejected, became the poster boy for profiting from the sale of the national patrimony in what has now become the most massive passport scandal in the history of Belize. This alone has shaken and paralysed the Barrow government to the core. This government has no credibility. On principle, “Papa” Barrow and his government should resign. But it is said that a snake becomes even more dangerous when it is cornered.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Eulogy for Wilma Maureen Bradley Luis Brown Delivered by Linsford Castillo WILMA MAUREEN BRADLEY LUIS BROWN was born on a Saturday, on August 1st, 1953 in southern Belize, or as one of my dear political comrades would fondly refer to as the Southern Corridor, in Sittee River Village. Her mother’s name is Sylvina Williams and her father’s name was Fenton Bradley. Wilma spent her formative years in Stann Creek District. She met her first husband Donatilo Luis while she was living and working in Pomona Village. Because she didn’t receive a formal education, she was taught to read and write by Donatilo who, at the time, was an insurance broker with Home Protector Insurance Company. By the time Donatilo met her, she already borne her two eldest children, Steve and Georgia. Wilma and Donatilo’s union produced 7 children. Donatilo eventually became an active member of the New Apostolic Church. They moved to Hattieville Village around 1978 doing missionary work on behalf of the church and I am proud to say that my wife, Wendy Luis Castillo, was the first child from that union to be born here in Hattieville. Wilma and Donatilo parted ways; she then gave birth to two other sons before she met and married the ‘love of her life’ Horace Brown known to us as ‘Gramps’. That union produced her last three kids: Dernel, Theriel and Shaniki. Ms. Wilma lived a very humble life. Her’s was a life filled with ups and downs but I’m happy to say that there were far more ups than downs. Ms. Wilma truly enjoyed life. Her favourite pastime was fishing. She LOVED fishing! In her younger years, Ms. Wilma would be the chief organizer of the many fishing expeditions to Patty Pond and Long Pond. Her best friend, Bertha, can attest to this. Bertha can tell many stories of these fishing expeditions that she and Ms. Wilma along with Mr. Thomas and the late Ms. Yvonne Young would embark on. She was also a lover of country music. Wendy would always tell me of the many weekend mornings when they would wake up to the sound of country music blasting throughout the house while Ms. Wilma was busy in the kitchen making tamales or doing other chores around the house. Yes, Ms.

Wilma believed in making an honest living. Many of you had the privilege of enjoying Ms. Wilma’s delicious tamales and hot Creole bread and bun as well as her finger-licking fried chicken. She was a very giving person. She always gave out of the little that she had. She often put others before herself whether it was her husband, her children or even a stranger. Wendy often likened her to Jesus who fed the multitude with 5 loaves and two fishes because Ms. Wilma, indeed, could have fed a multitude with one tin of chicken sausage and 1 pack bread. How she did it, is still a mystery to us. Up to the time of her death, Ms. Wilma’s house was always open and available to any family member, friend or stranger. Many in this building can attest to stopping by unannounced and enjoying a hot plate of food or a place to sleep. That was the type of person Ms. Wilma was. When it came to politics, for Ms. Wilma, it was BLUE all the way! She loved Mr. Price and she loved the People’s United Party. Her passion and devotion to the PUP can still be seen in many of her children today. And just like her politics, she also loved her cigarettes but I will not get into that at this moment. If you ask me for words to describe my mother-in-law, I would use three: HARD WORK & DETERMINATION. If nothing else, Ms. Wilma was a very, very hard working and ambitious individual. She often told us how hard she worked from the time she was a very young child, throughout her adolescence and into adulthood. It was hard work and sacrifice that helped her to raise her family, put a roof over their heads and put food on the table. As I said before, life was not always easy for her and many times, it was utterly unfair, but it was Ms. Wilma’s determi-

nation that helped her and her family to persevere and prevail through life’s challenges. Believe me when I say that Ms. Wilma was the ROCK of this family and her presence will be sorely missed in the days, months and years to come. The month of January will NEVER be the same for us after this. Neither will Mother’s Day or her birthday which is August 1st. In fact, life will NEVER be the same after this because she is no longer with us. As I stated before she was a hard worker all her life. Ms. Wilma was always on the go and she was one of those persons whom you would refer to as a ‘busy body’; the type of person who would be on her feet from sunrise to sunset. As fate would have it, tragedy struck in March of 2011 where, at the age of 57, she suffered a series of strokes which left the entire left side of her body paralyzed. As a result, she was confined to a wheelchair and up to the time of her death, was attending therapy twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, because she was determined to walk again. She never realized that dream to walk again but God, in His wisdom, had other plans for her and called her home on Wednesday January 22nd at exactly 1:20 a.m. I say God’s plan because just a few hours before her death, Ms. Wilma, who was in the hospital since Sunday, asked the Anglican Bishop, who was visiting the ward and praying for the sick, to pray for her. There and then, she re-dedicated her life to the Lord and that is why I believe that she was ready to meet her Maker. So, even though her passing has left all of us sad and in a state of shock and grief, we should be joyful knowing that even though she is absent, she, at this very moment, is present with the Lord! So today let us celebrate the life of a great woman! A woman, whose offspring produced 14 children, 37 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; a woman who will live on in our lives forever! You are now at peace Grans; you are no longer suffering. You are no longer confined to a wheelchair. You no longer need therapy. Rest in peace Wilma Maureen Bradley Luis Brown aka ‘Grans’. We love you and you will be greatly missed by all of us!

THE BELIZE TIMES

Hon. Jose Mai awards 8-a-Side Football Winners San Lazaro Village, January 29, 2014 On Sunday January 26th, the Hon Jose Mai Orange Walk South Female Eight-a-Side Tournament came to a thunderous finale! Hundreds of football fans convened in San Lazaro Village to witness the two exciting games between Carmelita and Guinea Grass and Las Pesadas of Indian Church and Chan Pine Ridge Girls. Both games were extremely competitive and caused great excitement. In the end, Chan Pine Ridge Girls were crowned as the Champs as they defeated Las Pesadas of Indian Church who settled for second place. Guinea Grass and Carmelita settled for third and fourth place respectively. Mariely Flores of Chan Pine Ridge was named as Most Valuable Player while Naely Hernandez and Marisela Pat were awarded for Most Goal Scored and Best Goal Keeper respectively. Both Naely and Marisela hail from Guinea Grass! The four Teams received trophies and cash prizes totaling $2,100. The Hon. Jose Mai has sponsored and organized the best sporting tournaments in Orange Walk South and will continue investing in youth and sports in his constituency!! The Hon Jose Mai thanked all the teams who participated and congratulated the four teams who qualified to the finals.

Saint Expedite, you lay in rest. I come to you and ask that This wish be granted. (State your request) Expedite now what I ask of you. Expedite now what I want of you, This very second. Donâ€™t waste another day. Give me what I ask for. I know your power, I know you because of your work. I know you can do it. Do this for me and Iâ€™ll spread your name with love and honour and cause your name to be invoked. Expedite this wish with speed, love, honour, and goodness. Glory to you, Saint Expedite! Thank you S.M.A.

2 FEB

2014

2 FEB

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

dence on Currasow Street in Belize City. They found his licensed firearm but also found a few extra rounds of ammunition. Not a bomb, not an AK47 or any other type of prohibited firearm; a couple rounds of ammunition! No reason was ever given why the Police even bothered to search the house of one of their fellow offices. Peck is not the type of officer whose name is called in investigation would be launched connection with any type of imto root out all the evil. This is not proper behavior. the case. Consider the Penner Interestingly enough, just affair and the wholesale hustling earlier this month, a person at the Immigration Department. whose name has been called Immediately after the matter before; for gun offenses no came to light, the focus went less and who has actually bestraight to finding out how the ing arrested twice on attemptfiles got into the hands of Arthur ed murder charges, was found Saldivar. That is what the Police in possession of an unlicensed investigation was about. Instead firearm. The DPP went to great of trying to find out what happains to explain the difference pened and how it happened, the between “actual possession” workers at the Immigration Deand “constructive possession”, partment were made to sign an you know, like “factual guilt and oath of silence. They were also criminal guilt”. Reynaldo Verdes warned that their phone records was released because, according to a power way up, it was believed that Peck was marked for jail and we can only assume the gun was planted on that he had made someone very important, very, very him. If anyone could plead that defense, I believe it is mad. I wish our law enforcers could be as vigilant in Gino Peck. the case of Elvin Penner! Elvin Penner should The interesting thing is that while the DPP is be in jail and Gino Peck should free to continue rarely seen in court except doing his job and providing for his family. Until in high profile cases, she there is justice, there will be no peace! made sure to personally prosecute Corporal Peck. While her conviction rate for murder cases stand at a dishe made a good undercover man. would be confiscated. mal 3%, she spared no effort to Peck was responsible for quite a This takes us back to 2008. make sure that Corporal Peck number of arrests of bad guys beJust a few months after being was convicted. The chief magiscause he was good at what he did. elected with grandiose promistrate herself heard the case and Many believe that his problem es of attacking corruption with a even the usually proficient Simestarted when he was transferred double-edged sword, Dean Baron Sampson could not mount a to the Phillip Goldson International row’s government was hit with viable defense. Peck was marked Airport. It was a time when much its first major scandal. Evidence for jail and we can only assume was happening there. Planes were emerged that Zenaida Moya that he had made someone very coming in at night and even in broad was going crazy with city counimportant, very, very mad. I wish daylight, many questionable charcil money. She was overpaying our law enforcers could be as vigacters were arriving by the planeherself, using the Council’s seilant in the case of Elvin Penner! loads. Peck is a good Police Officurity for her own use and givElvin Penner should be in jail and cer and somehow, at some point, ing hundreds of thousands of Gino Peck should free to continsomething went wrong. dollars to her brother for doing ue doing his job and providing for On January 19th of last year, jobs that the Council already had his family. Until there is justice, the feared Gang Suppression Unit other people doing. Dean Barrow there will be no peace! paid a visit to Gino Peck’s resithen stepped in and instead of ordering an investigation; he demanded that all councilors sign an oath of silence. When asked about the situation with Moya’s brother, Barrow stated that it is not something that he would do, but… Of course; it wasn’t long after that, that Barrow appointed his own brother to the Court of Appeals! It was wrong and it was nepotism but I guess it’s not corruption. Mark King then decided to “play man” and called a press conference. He accused the mayor of “mis-spending, nepotism and corruption.” He laid out the evidence for all to see but his reward was to get banished from the party. Dean Barrow was

Reid The Injustice Continues! By G. Michael Reid Given the innumerable reports of corrupt practices, in particular from elected officials and public officers, we need to ensure that those who betray the public trust are brought to justice. If we do not demand it now, then what we will get from every future government is much of the same. Every House Meeting we hear the same “well you did it too” or “how about when you were doing it”. It is time to bell this cat! It is not only important that the guilty ones pay for their wrongs but also that those brave enough to expose wrongdoing be adequately protected. The need for a fair, fearless and workable Whistle Blower’s Act has never been more pressing. It is obvious that none of what we now know about this onslaught of corruption would come to light had it not been for some brave public officers. For a fact, not all are corrupt and at least some are willing to leak out the information when it comes to their attention. It is easy to say that they should not allow their bosses to convince them to do anything wrong but workers have families. Jobs are not easy to come by and many of these public officers have many years invested in their careers. Oh they have unions and a Public Service Commission, but that is a process that takes many years. Besides, if the government really wants to fire an employee, they will stop at nothing to get it done. Ask Corporal Gino Peck, and I cannot finish this article without talking about this travesty. One would hope that whenever evidence of wrongdoing surfaces, an immediate

not the least bit interested in what was going wrong but rather, in the fact that King had violated the oath of silence. King was banned from running for office and it took much pleading, begging of pardon and sucking up before he was allowed back in. Zenaida went on to do as she pleased until she herself decided to “play woman”. She called Barrow “balls-less” and apparently, while corruption was okay, attacking the emperor’s shortcomings was going a bit too far. Not even Finnegan could save her then. The issue with Gino Peck is a troubling one. Corporal Peck worked many years in the Police Department; twenty-two to be exact. During that time, he did exemplary work and his record was unblemished. He worked many years as an undercover cop with the Department’s Special Branch. Peck was not the kind of cop that would chance anyone and in fact, if one didn’t know, they would never suspect that he was a cop. That is why

Valuing Friendships

By Dr. Angela Banner Joseph “What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.” ― Aristotle A few days ago, I was asked this question “What is a friend?” I reflected on the question, and this is what I believe a friend is. I will share a few thoughts about my two best friends. In life, if you are fortunate to have one good friend, then you are blessed. A true friend is a gift. I am fortunate to have Val and Peter as my best friends, for 42 years and 39 years, respectively. Besides my parents, they are the only two people I would give up my bed for, and they would do the same for me. The greatest time in my life was when I met these two wonderful and genuine friends. I am thankful, blessed, and fortunate to have them in my life. They are intimate, trusted confidantes whose thoughts are intertwined with and perfectly matched to mine. My two best friends and I met in grammar school and we have grown together, accepting each other’s perfections and flaws into adulthood. Today, my soul buddies travel extensively so we take advantage of the tools technology has provided to communicate from any area around the world. What I love about our friendship is that it is fluid, continuous, and real. There are times in our lives when we do not hear from each other for a week or two, but we can always pick up where we left off and we share great conversations and much laughter. Oftentimes, I listen to young children who worry about why they have only one friend or maybe no friends at all. I tell them they must learn to be their own best friend before they can be a friend to another person. It is important for you to find one good person in your life who will provide you with a positive relationship. With that friend, you will never have to worry about your self-worth. Quality, not quantity, is what is important. Some people need to set a minimum requirement for their

2 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

friends. Others are methodical about who they bring into their lives. Even others only hope and pray for friendship that fills them with joy to provide a special bond. Relationships are like marriage: you must work at it and continue to communicate in good times and bad. At some times in your life, you may feel betrayed, abandoned, or confused about your friendship. Sometimes you may question whether to remain friends with someone who betrayed you, or you may not even understand how true friendship can exist. I have learned from my two friends that our friendship sustains, nurtures, and inspires us. It is the type of great friendship that warms and protects us as we cherish the best possible friendship. Over the years, there were moments in our friendship when we felt that we took our friendship for granted, and there were times when we felt our relationship was being tested. During these trying moments, we wondered why we chose each other as friends in the first place. There were a few times when we questioned if we would have each other in the future. But our friendship is solid and has weathered the storm. My friends Val and Peter are awe-inspiring. The friendship between us is important, because I definitely believe that God chose these two individuals to provide me with unlimited friendship. I hope everyone can find such a friend. Our friendship has allowed us to eat and drink together, share goals and dreams, put a smile on each other’s faces, or just give each other a morning call to say, “I love you” and to have a good day. I close by saying that having Val and Peter in my life has been a rare gift. We balance our friendship and we are true equals. We never impose on each other, but are acutely aware that we have each other’s back. Our relationship will never become one-sided, no matter the circumstances we are in, because we took the time to let our friendship grow. Dr. Angela Banner Joseph holds a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Change from the Fielding Graduate University

2014 For Sale

By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 3rd day of July, 2002, between FRANCISCO CAL of Red Bank Village, Stann Creek District, Belize of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded at in Deeds Book Vol. 24 of 2002 at Folios 787 – 808, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule here to. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece and parcel of land being Lot No. 10 comprising of 1505.92 Square Yards situate in the Red Bank Village, Stann Creek District, Belize bounded described as shown on Plan No. 276 of 2002 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 276 of 2002 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 15th day of January, 2014. MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE BY ORDER OF THE CHARGEE HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED, a Licensed Public Auctioneer will sell the following property at the place and time listed. At the Parking Lot across the street from the office of Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited, No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City on Monday February 17, 2014 at 2:00p.m. ALL THAT parcel of land together containing 20.703 acres being Block 24, Parcel 1776/1 situate in the Society Hall Registration Section (Blackman Eddy Village) TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon the leasehold property of GEORGE DAVIS (Deceased). DATED this 22nd day of January 2014 All sales are strictly cash and deemed final. For more information contact: HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738

2 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

Home Economics The Deficit, Competitiveness

& Productivity

By Richard Harrison Belize’s deficit continue to grow each year. In the year 2000, Belize’s visible imports were $1.048B (Billion) and exports were $0.42B. In 2005, imports were $1.185B and exports $0.425B (this was before petroleum was found). By 2011, imports were $1.662B and exports were $0.682B (including $0.29B in petroleum. In 2012, imports climbed to $1.76B, while exports slipped to $0.68B. The reality is we have not been able to advance our non-petroleum exports. This deficit gap is like a gaping wound in our body.....blood-letting. No amount of job creation efforts through increased government spending (financed mostly by foreign debt)....or the increase or introduction of new taxes or tax rates......or an increase of Belizeans sending money home from the USA....or tourists coming to spend money in Belize....or foreigners moving to retire in Belize.....or new investments coming in from abroad....will cause this boat to float higher, because the gaping hole of this wide and growing deficit just lets it leak away. This deficit gap needs to be closed. There are only two ways to close this gap: (1) produce more of what we consume, so that we demand less imports from abroad (import substitution) (2) produce more goods and services for export Either way.....we have to PRODUCE more. There is no INCENTIVE to produce more in Belize because the Belize economy is not COMPETITIVE & PRODUCTIVE when compared with our principal competitors thus investments in production cannot generate appreciable PROFITS to make those investments sustainably viable. The greatest enemy of Belize’s COMPETITION & PRODUCTIVITY profile is the outdated, colonial inheritance that is the CUSTOMS TARIFF LAW. This law makes it more conducive to import than to produce which places high tariff on input materials for production (especially fuel and

low tariff on finished products for consumption that Belize has the capacity and capability to produce. Thus....even if a producer in Belize had the same knowledge, technology and investment capacity, he could not compete with his Mexican and American competitors because the Customs Tariff Law puts him at a disadvantage from the get-go, in terms of his cost of inputs, especially fuel which is at the base of every production chain. Discretionary, politically-driven government “development incentive” subsidies can help, but making substantial long-term investments based on those is like making a leap of faith....not quite how bonafide investors make decisions. The second greatest enemy is the structural imbalances caused by wide variations in CONSUMPTION & BUSINESS TAXES charged across the consumption and production spectrum.....causing artificial advantages for those investments that are “favored”. In other words, the Government’s liberty to determine winners and losers does not make for an open, fair and balanced competitive field....which discourages entrepreneurship and investments. Not everyone is willing to do what it takes to become “favored” by the government of the day. Besides, these variations place more burden on some....while others ride free. What specific plans does Belize have to improve its COMPETITION & PRODUCTIVITY profile? What specific plans does Belize have to PRODUCE more and slow the blood-letting? Richard Harrison is a local businessman and investor in the manufacturing and service industries. Mr. Harrison holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from Lancaster University, United Kingdom. Send comments to harrisonbz@ yahoo.com

BELIZE TIMES

The fastest selling newspaper in Belize

THE SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 106 comprising of 766.202 S.M. situate in Hope Creek Village in the Stann creek District bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 490 of 2006 attached to Minister’s Fiat No. 490 of 2006 TOGETHER with all buildings, erections and developments standing and being thereon. 2) A Deed of Mortgage made the 19th day of February, 2002, between CARLOS ACOSTA, of 9 Miles Stann Creek Valley Road, Stann Creek District, Belize of the first part and JOSEPH ACOSTA of 13 ½ Miles Stann Creek Valley Road, Stann Creek District, Belize of the second part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the third part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 7 of 2002 at Folios 1027 – 1052;

THE SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Block No. 365B comprising 19.76 acres situate North of the Stann Creek Valley Road, Between Miles 13 & 14, Stann Creek District, bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 101 of 1998 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 101 of 1998 TOGETHER with buildings and erections standing and being thereon The said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the properties described in the schedules hereto. All offers to purchase the said properties must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. DATED this 24th day of January, 2014. MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

Recipe of the week Slow Cooker Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup Ingredients • 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1” cubes (optional, white or red potato) • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1” pieces • 2 stalks celery, diced • 1 cup whole kernel corn (optional) • Kosher or sea salt to taste • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 1/8 teaspoon allspice • 1 teaspoon paprika • 1 bay leaf • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, more or less to taste (can be substituted with cayenne pepper) • 2 cups frozen or fresh green beans • 4 cups vegetable broth, low sodium (chicken broth can be substituted) • ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley • 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes • 2 cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed

(navy, black or chick peas can be substituted) Directions Add all the above ingredients to the slow cooker, stir to combine, cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or until carrots are tender. Note: To make this a meat dish, simply add 1 pound chicken fillets (cut into 1” cubes) to slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Tip: If you prefer a thicker soup, near the end of cooking time, remove 1/2 cup of soup (liquid and veggies) and combine with 1-2 tablespoons flour or corn starch, puree and return to the slow cooker. A fork works well to mash the ingredients along with the flour or cornstarch. Be careful not to allow the hot mixture to spin out. Continue cooking until soup thickens, about 15 minutes. Minimum Slow Cooker Size: 4 quarts

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

Celebrating Black History Month

African American Inventors

Have you ever heard of the phrase the real McKoy? Ever wondered about its’ origin? Well…

Lewis Latimer (1848– 1928) invented an important part of the light bulb — the carbon filament. Fast Fact: Latimer worked in the laboratories of both Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell.

George Washington Carver (1860–1943) developed peanut butter and 400 plant products! Fast Fact: Carver was born a slave. He didn’t go to college until he was 30.

Elijah McCoy (1843–1929) invented an oil-dripping cup for trains. Fast Fact: Other inventors tried to copy McCoy’s oil-dripping cup. But none of the other cups worked as well as his, so customers started asking for “the real McCoy.” That’s where the expression comes from.

Garrett Morgan (1877–1963) invented the gas mask. Fast Fact: Morgan also invented the first traffic signal.

Madam C. J. Walker (1867–1919) invented a hair-growing lotion. Fast Fact: Walker grew up poor. But she became the first female African- American millionaire.

2 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

Liquor License NOTICE Notice is hereby given that PERCY CHOW is applying for a Liquor License to be operated at “Yin Kee Restaurant”, situate at 64 Freetown Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that NICOLASA CRUZ is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Nicolasa’s Shop”, situate at San Felipe Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that JUAN ELISEO JAX is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Quiche Shop”, situate at #11 Water Lane, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that CHAO YAO HUNG is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Chao Hung Store”, situate at #626 Belize Corozal Road, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

2014

BRAIN

TEASER

SUDOKU PUZZLE #50/2013

Notice is hereby given that ANA MARIA RESTAURANT is applying for Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “El Norteno Restaurant”, situate at Belize/ Corozal Road, Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that ALAN S. BURN is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Tropical Spot”, situate at #36 Racecourse St., Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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www.cmssearch.bz CREDIT MASTER SYSTEMS #11 DOUGLAS JONES STREET BELIZE CITY TEL# 223-5845/2283

Answers for last week’s puzzle SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTION #50/2013

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2014

BELIZE TIMES WEEKLY

SCIENCE & TECH R

More harm than good?

Antioxidants defend cancer in body 29 January 2014 by Andy Coghlan They may be marketed as a way to protect yourself against disease, but antioxidant supplements are increasingly thought of as more foe than friend. We now have an idea why: antioxidants may protect healthy cells from DNA damage but they also protect cancer cells from our bodies’ defences. Antioxidants are chemicals such as beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, which mop up destructive free radicals produced when our cells metabolise energy. The new finding could help explain why some research, particularly in smokers, has shown that antioxidants end up raising rather than reducing the risk of getting cancer. For example, in a prostate cancer prevention trial in 2011, men who took vitamin E for 5.5 years had a 17 per cent greater risk of developing the disease than men who took a placebo. Now, research in mice has

yielded a plausible explanation, at least for lung cancer. It seems antioxidants help early tumours survive and grow by protecting them and their DNA from damage from free radicals. They do this by deactivating a gene called p53, dubbed the guardian of the genome, whose job is to destroy cells with defective DNA, including cancer cells. “Basically, the antioxidants shut off p53,” which means the cancer cells can keep growing, says team leader Martin Bergö at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. To work out what was going on, Bergö and his colleagues triggered small lung cancers in mice and then gave some of them antioxidants. Of those receiving treatment, half got vitamin E and the other half an antioxidant called N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a drug given to reduce mucus levels in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Total knock-out The results were dramatic. “The tumour number, size and aggres-

siveness increased threefold in the mice receiving either antioxidant, compared with non-recipients,” says Bergö. “Also, survival was cut by at least 50 per cent.” Further experiments on colonies of tumour cells from humans and mice showed that they grew faster after exposure to the antioxidants. Moreover, the activity of p53 fell dramatically, suggesting that the antioxidants switched off the gene’s ability to sense and destroy defective cells. The effect of antioxidants on tumour growth was the same as knocking out p53 altogether, Bergö found. Bergö says the results only suggest risks for people who already have small lung tumours, or are at risk of them. “Our study doesn’t say anything about the use of antioxidants in healthy people, and their risk of cancer in the future,” he says. “But if you have lung cancer, or increased risk of lung cancer because you smoke or you have COPD, our results suggest antioxidants would fuel the growth of

any tumours, so use them with caution, or not at all.” Balanced diet Concerns have also been raised that antioxidants may interfere with cancer treatments, says Emma Smith, a spokesperson for Cancer Research UK. “We recommend that people stick to a healthy balanced diet, which should provide all the nutrients needed without taking supplements,” she says. Shyam Biswal of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore says the next step will be to see if NAC and other antioxidants promote tumours in mice at high risk of cancer having been exposed to a carcinogen, as well as those bred to have the disease. “It also warrants more study in patients with COPD,” he says. Bergö plans to perform some of this follow-up work, as well as investigating the effects of antioxidants on other cancers, including malignant melanomas and gut cancers.

Stem cell breakthrough could reopen clone wars The ability to easily reprogram any cell to an embryonic state will inevitably bring out maverick human cloners. We shouldn’t let them set the agenda 29 January 2014 IT DIDN’T take long after Dolly the sheep was cloned in 1996 for maverick scientists to start talking about cloning humans. One, Severino Antinori, attracted global condemnation when he announced plans to use cloning to help infertile couples. Critics of the idea argued that vital questions had to be answered first: about the health of the progeny, their identity and, for those so inclined, the spiritual dimensions. Those clones never arrived: the technology was not up to it. But now comes news that biologists have turned mature animal cells into something resembling “totipotent” stem cells – and are

trying to do the same with human cells (see “Stem cell power unleashed after 30 minute dip in acidMovie Camera”). Totipotent cells are the most versatile of all stem cells; a single one can develop into an embryo with a placenta, and hence give rise to a fully formed animal – in other words, a clone. The researchers do not use the word “totipotent” and have no stated intention of cloning a human. But the research seems to have reopened the possibility – and the questions that go with it. First, though, let’s rewind a little. Does the claim to have made the cells even stand up? The technique is astonishingly simple, and combined with the chequered history of stem cell research, this lends the story a distinctly “too good to be true” feel.

But it has been published in the prestigious journal Nature, where New Scientist understands that it was subjected to tighter-than-normal scrutiny. The research will now be subject to yet more scrutiny as other teams try to replicate it. Cracks may yet appear. But right now it looks like that rarity: an actual breakthrough. If so, the implications are huge. First and foremost, it promises an almost ridiculously simple route to regenerative medicine. There is a lot of work still to do, and many potential pitfalls before it could be applied to human patients, but in principle almost any illness caused by damaged or ageing tissue – heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and dozens of others – could be fixed this way.

That’s an exciting prospect, but as so often with stem cells, ethical concerns are lurking. Regardless of whether the technique can or cannot be used for cloning, its apparent simplicity makes it likely that mavericks will again emerge with publicity-seeking plans to clone a human – or even with a baby that is claimed to be a clone. Such antics would poison the promise of this advance before it even begins. This is an area where passions run high, and consensus will be hard to find. So the time is ripe for renewed discussion of the uses of stem cell technologies. We should make a clear-eyed start on it now.

THE BELIZE TIMES

The Mutations of Lies and Swine Flu

recent health scare has skyrocketed national health awareness in Belize. This awareness, I’m certain, is spanning the globe. At the root of the fear and extensive cautionary warnings and efforts is the new strain of the influenza virus. Scientists have dubbed the strain: “Novel Influenza A (H1N1)”, but it is more commonly known as the ‘swine flu’. Some symptoms of swine flu are fever, cough, runny nose, and headaches. Unfortunately, these symptoms are indicators of dozens of other illnesses and in no way point solely to the virus. It is no exaggeration to state, then, that the swine flu is one of the most dangerous and potentially deadly viruses that this century has ever encountered. What makes this particular strain of swine flu so different is its ability to spread easily and to mutate into other strains which scientists may not be able to predict. Imagine the potential havoc this virus can wreak (and has already begun to wreak in some parts of North America and Asia) when unleashed and unrestrained. I cannot help but notice a parallel to the expert mutation of the swine flu and the sticky evolution of lies. Today a colleague at work shared a story about her seven year old daughter. Apparently, the child had a healthy aversion to school attendance (unless the day was scheduled for P.E.). Being a clever little girl, she researched the symptoms of the swine flu and tried her best to imitate them, nearly scaring her mother to death. The child was swiftly carted to the doctor, as the mother was taking no chances. But as she entered the doctor’s office, the youngster began to cry and admitted to fibbing for the sake of a desired unofficial holiday from school. The doctor was perplexed and the mother was justifiably upset. That little girl had not expected to be treated with such urgency. Her desire was to stay at home for a day, not to visit the hospital. Her lies, however, spiraled so out of her control that she ended up in the doctor’s office, wasting the doctor’s time and her mother’s efforts and energy. Perhaps this is the saddest part of spinning tales. The mother complained to us, quite bitterly, about how her daughter’s pride and selfishness caused her to miss a day of work unnecessarily. Before this incident, she’d had complete trust in her daughter; she’d rushed her to the hospital on the child’s word alone! Now the fragile trust that she had with her little girl is broken, and trust is one of the hardest things to repair. Like the swine flu, few people are immune to the painful effects of lies and deceit. This is why marriages crumble and politicians are voted out. This is also why so many find it hard to believe in a loving Creator. Everyone has been lied to at one time or the other, but those who allow the hurt of deceit to color their view of every relationship in life will find it hard to trust in a God that claims to never lie. Deuteronomy 7:9 states “Keep in mind that the LORD your God is [the only] God. He is a faithful God, who keeps his promise… ”. Trusting in man is a guaranteed way to be let down, just as trusting only in the doctor’s ability to keep you from the swine flu virus is sure to fail. Along with cautionary heath practices, I urge you to talk to the Healer of all illnesses. He is guaranteed to always have your back. Until next week, God bless

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2014

H1N1 Flu Virus Has Come Back, Should the World Worry? January 30, 2014 The fatal Influenza A (H1N1) virus, which became pandemic in 2009-2010 with at least 18,138 global deaths, has resurfaced in various parts of the globe. Should the world worry? “[Usually] the most common problem from the flu isn’t the virus itself, but the bacteria and pneumonia that the virus sets you up for,” Bruce Hirsch, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at North Shore Long Island Jewish Hospital in New York. “(But) this season - unlike few others - we’re seeing this H1N1 flu cause viral pneumonia in and of itself and causing an occasionally fatal flu in young adults who would not be otherwise vulnerable.” “H1N1 seems to be a character - a bad actor - and causing more problems [than other flu strains],” Mr Hirsch said. “So far the outbreak of this flu season seem to me, as an infectious disease practitioner, to be more dramatic and more severe. It seems to be a little bit of an explosive onset, and what I’ve seen in my patients is a few cases trickling in and then boom! It’s much more common.” Dr Terry Frankovich, Western UP Health Department’s Public Health Medical Director, told Upper Michigan Source that in Michigan, “it’s been about 91 per cent of the flu’s tested so far have been the H1N1 strain that we saw first a few years ago when it was a brand new strain out and about.” Mr Frankovich said there is no cause for global alarm because since the flu strain erupted four years ago, scientists have developed a vaccine to contradict its effects on its victims. “This year, the flu vaccine has coverage for that strain as well.” But while indeed there is a vaccine, they “don’t work all the time,” Calandra Burgess, mother of 5-year-old Ronan who recently died from the infection, told KVAL News. Young Ronan had received his anti-flu vaccine in November. He was dead on Dec 29. In fact, all of Ms Burgess’ three children had the nasal spray. But “my other two kids didn’t get sick at all,” she said. Only Ronan, who was the youngest. Since the time Ronan got sick on Dec 20, Ms Burgess and her husband, with the help of medical practitioners, worked around the clock to fight off the infection on their son’s frail body. “The thing people seem to forget is that vaccines don’t work all the time. In this case it wasn’t a 100 per cent guarantee, and people need to remember that,” she said. “It saved two of my children from getting horribly sick, and I will always make sure my family continues to get them each year.” Dr Patrick Luedtke of Lane Public Health admitted that in spite of having the shots, they still can fail a person’s health. “It’s not perfect, but it is much better than not getting vaccinated,” Mr Luedtke said. Mr Frankovich said a vaccine, to become effective, needs two weeks to work its magic inside a person’s body. “If I get exposed yesterday and I get my flu vaccine today, it doesn’t have time to provide me with protection,” Mr Frankovich said. “So, the vaccine itself will not give anyone the flu, and that’s important for people to know, but it does need some time to provide protection.” For kids up to eight years old, Mr Luedtke recommended getting two doses to ensure effectiveness and protection. Apart from getting the flu shot, the proverbial “an ounce of protection” cliché still works, which include washing one’s hands thoroughly and covering one’s mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent the further spread of the flu virus to others. Once sick, symptoms to watch out are coughing and sneezing which last a week or longer.

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2014

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

NEWS

Obama urges Guantanamo closure this year

Uganda anti-gay bill close to becoming law If president signs bill, gays could face long prison terms for consensual sex. 23 Jan 2014 Kampala, Uganda - A little more than a week after the Ugandan parliament passed a bill outlawing homosexuality, Frank Mugisha - a leader of Uganda’s gay rights movement - turned up at a posh hotel in Kampala, the capital, to attend a gala for Ugandans working abroad. His decision to attend was a bold move: Homophobia runs deep in Uganda, and the anti-homosexuality bill will see gay men like Mugisha jailed for up to 14 years if found guilty of engaging in consensual homosexual acts. Those convicted of “aggravated homosexuality”

- which is defined to include acts committed with children, by HIV-positive individuals, or by authority figures - would be jailed for life. International condemnation Tabled in 2009 and amended to remove a clause that would have imposed the death sentence for aggravated homosexuality, the bill has attracted widespread condemnation from Western countries. When it was passed last month, one of Britain’s leading businessmen, billionaire Richard Branson, called on companies and

In State of the Union address, US president says 2014 should be the year to finally close the US prison tourists to boycott Uganda, sparking a firestorm of criticism by Ugandans on social media. “I have been trying to not be disappointed in you, for I have bought and read three of your books and admire your ‘screw it, let’s do it’ approach to business. But, dude, I am not going to watch you screw us on this one,” wrote top Ugandan comedian Richard Tuwangye on his Facebook page. Few things in Uganda stir up as much emotion as the debate about homosexuality. In 2012, a prominent evangelical pastor burst into the studio of a TV station in Kampala when a transgender activist was being interviewed and interrupted the show. Pastor Martin Ssempa told the TV talk show host that the activist, named Pepe

Julian Onziema and a winner of the Clinton Global Citizens Award for his gay rights-related work in Uganda, was a sham and was promoting immorality to win fame and make money. Onziema, who also attended the gala dinner at Serena, was forced to walk out of the studio in protest as the pastor continued to rail against him.

The ‘greenest’ island in the world?

29 Jan 2014 President Barack Obama told Americans that 2014 should be the year to finally close the US prison at Guantanamo Bay as the United States winds down its military role in Afghanistan and shifts away from a “permanent war footing”. In his annual State of the Union address on Wednesday, Obama renewed his old vow - dating back to the start of his presidency five years ago - to shut the internationally condemned jail at the US Naval Base in Cuba, and he called on Congress for further action to help him do so. “This needs to be the year Congress lifts the remaining restrictions on detainee transfers and we close the prison at Guantanamo Bay,” Obama said.

Nicaragua scraps presidential term limits The reform adopted by the National Assembly allows President Ortega to run for fourth term.

Eigg’s renewable energy sources include solar, wind, and hydroelectric

Scotland’s remote Eigg island is on pace to become completely self-sufficient in renewable energy 29 Jan 2014 Fort William, United Kingdom - The tiny isle of Eigg, off Scotland’s north-west coast, can feel like a land outside time. Buzzards, ravens, and even golden eagles swoop over heather-filled fields. The occasional car moves ponderously along the is-

land’s few kilometres of road. A sporadic ferry service provides the only connection with the outside world. The 31-square-kilometre island’s hundred or so inhabitants call this languid pace of life “Eigg Time”. But the island, part of the Hebrides archipelago, is proving that a relaxed approach is no bar-

rier to making big changes. Eigg is firmly on course to become the first island entirely self-sufficient in renewable power. Dotted around the picturesque island are solar panels, wind turbines and hydroelectric schemes that provide almost all of the residents’ energy needs.

Nicaragua’s national assembly has voted to scrap presidential term limits, which could allow socialist President Daniel Ortega to remain in power indefinitely. The National Assembly voted for the amendments a second time on Tuesday with the constitutional changes approved by 64 votes to 25. Opposition legislators walked out of the chamber in protest after the resounding general vote. “These reforms are not necessary,” said Eduardo Montealegre, leader of the opposition Liberal Independent Party. “Perhaps they’re important for the president because they give him absolute power.” The latest reform would allow President Daniel Ortega to follow in the footsteps of his ideological ally, late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, and a string of other Latin American nations to give presidents power extending beyond their traditional limits.

THINK ABOUT IT INJUSTICE In January 2012 the G.S.U. raided the home of Police Corporal Gino Peck. They found a firearm and several different rounds of ammunition. They arrested the Corporal and his wife. The matter made news so reports leaked out that the Police Commissioner saw no need to bring criminal charges against the Corporal. He was made to back down and the GSU was allowed to charge the Corporal under the draconian gun laws. The Corporal could not get bail under the law and had to find money for a lawyer to go to the Supreme Court where bail was granted. Last week the Chief Magistrate found Cpl. Peck guilty of possession of ammunition. He will be sent to jail for five years this Friday as that is the minimum sentence under the gun law. If he had only one single ammunition he would still have to go to jail for five years. It is obvious to everyone that Cpl. Peck has been targeted and singled out for destruction. His conviction and jail sentence will ruin his life forever. His twenty-two years of service to the Police Department has been brought to an abrupt halt and he will lose his pension and gratuity benefits. His children and his family are ruined. Cpl Peck, if he can find the money, may seek a lawyer to appeal his case, but the courts in Belize are not famous for striking down unjust and unconstitutional legislation. The problem is the law. And the unfair application of it. In a rush to placate public opinion over rising crime and gun violence, the politicians have been rushing legislation and increasing draconian results. These results have been pushing innocent citizens into prison in the most ridiculous of situations. A magistrate cannot give bail for a minimum of three months. Magistrates must give jail time for nothing less than five years for any person found with even one round of ammunition. There are other disgusting and unjust provisions of the gun laws but it is Corporal Peck’s situation that is the present concern. The laws allow Police Officers to be issued with firearms and ammunition. It allows them to shoot persons under the proper circumstances, yet a Corporal who has a few bullets is treated as a criminal and is now going to jail for five years. Police Officers come across guns and knives and bullets in the course of their duties. They should turn in these items. If they don’t, they should be taken before a Disciplinary Tribunal as the law requires. It is an extreme measure to charge a Police Corporal of 22 years service for a crime under the draconian gun laws because he had bullets. It is extreme and unjust and it highlights how the system or certain persons in the system are using the gun laws to ruin the lives of those they do not like. On the 24 January, 2014 the Judges and the lawyers had a “fruitful discussion”. None of the young lawyers practicing criminal law attended. The executive of the Lawyers Association is comprised entirely of lawyers practicing civil law. They are all about their practice and their clients. The beating that unjust laws and three foreign Magistrates are administering to the poor people of Belize is nowhere on their radar. There are FIVE HUNDRED human be-

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THE BELIZE TIMES

ings languishing in jail awaiting trails. Trial by jury has been taken away from the citizens of Belize. The aspects of a fair trial requiring an accused person to be able to question his accusers has been replaced with a statement obtained under all types of conditions. Bail is used to punish persons before they have a trail. The Constitutional presumption of innocence has come to mean nothing. Police torture, the planting of evidence and lying in court is now a routine practice. How did our country come to this? 3 PERCENT FOR TEACHERS On Monday morning the Prime Minister called the UDP radio station to inform that teachers will be given a THREE percent salary adjustment. This reliable report comes for a Union Leader. She said this is how the Prime Minister treats the Unions. The Unions are in negotiations and are awaiting the budget figures to learn what is the surplus of revenue over last year’s figures. While they wait, a decision has been made. The Unions representing the public sector have not had a salary increase for the past ten years. In the campaign for the 2008 general elections the PUP government offered the Public Officers Union a salary increase. Incredible as it now seems, the P.S.U. rejected a raise. The Union at the time was headed by UDP supporters and they were playing politics. They also believed and were no doubt promised by the UDP that once in office the UDP would give them a raise. No such thing happened. In fact the Unions have been treated with utter disrespect. Teachers, Nurses, Police, Soldiers and Public Officers have now reached the stage where they are working but their take home pay is unable to meet their expenses. The statistics and figures confirm that salaries are lagging by some thirty percent while the cost of living increases. The Unions are negotiating to have a raise spread over several years. Three percent will not cut it. This is an insult to the struggling teachers and public sector workers. One reason the government has no intention of giving teachers and the others, a decent salary increase, is because they want the money to bribe voters and spend on show time projects. PRISON REFORMS END The reforms that have been taking place at the Prison have now come to an end. They ended the day John Woods announced his retirement as the spear-head of Kolbe. Kolbe is a private charitable foundation which agreed to manage the prison, thereby removing it from the bureaucratic government system. Mr. Woods armed with a strong religious faith and a successful private sector construction company was able to move mountains at the prison. He will always be remembered for his humanitarian concerns and an abiding faith that the worst of criminal can change. Many did change their lives and are out in the society living productive lives. Many did not make it and

returned to a life of crime and drugs. John Woods’ dedication to improving the lives and the living conditions of prisoners also serves as an important reminder that one person can make a difference. SPEAKING OF GOOD MEN We cannot praise this young man enough. Like John Woods, he is a one of a kind. We talking about Louis Wade. On Saturday 25 January 2014, through his Plus TV station Mr. Wade organized a session where citizens flocked form across the country to get legal advice on how to proceed with problems that they are encountering with the Ministry of Lands. Mr. Wade obtained the services of five attorneys from morning till evening, providing legal assistance on the way forward. Mr. Wade was assisted by his sisters and other family members and a number of Christians from his church. This is an excellent initiation and many citizens benefited form the legal advice. END OF ZENAIDA She was the first female Mayor of Belize City. She had charm and charisma. She even got re-elected. And thereafter it was all over for Zenaida Moya. What went wrong? She crossed Dean Barrow. The Prime Minister had set out to drag her down to earth. He got the DPP to bring criminal charges against her for shenanigans with taxpayers’ money at the City Council. Nothing came of the charges which could not be proved in the Courts. But Zenaida, days after delivering her child, had suffered public humiliation and police arrest. She lashed out saying it was Barrow’s doing and that he had no ‘bolas’, for attacking a woman on her delivery bed. Michael Finnegan who had latched on to the then popular Zenaida had publicly stated he would be handing over his messed-up constituency to the then most popular lady in politics and UDP most ascending star. But there is only one star in the UDP. As long as he reigns over the party the likes of Zenaida, Audrey Matura and Ann Marie have no future. Word has come down. No mess-up for Z. The reward goes to the partisan speaker of the House one Michael P. MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS From all that millions upon millions lying around waiting to be squandered and used for political bribery, someone should consider investing in improving agriculture in the country. We can’t eat National Bank building or bus terminals. We need to have a solid base to feed ourselves, reduce imports and start to export more. YEAR OF THE HORSE The Chinese New Year starts on 31 January. For the Chinese, 2014 is the year of the Horse. For them the horse represent strength, vigour, boldness and loyalty. China has a population of one billion, three hundred million people. In Belize we have learnt nothing from the small numbers of Chinese. They are awesome business people. They corporate with each other. It is said they do not borrow money from the banks but borrow from among themselves. They have become the masters of fast food service. They have taken over groceries. They dominate the motel business and boarding for “short night” stays. They know to dodge taxes and customs duties. They have succeeded in penetrating the

2014 corrupt UDP government and have taken over the boledo and lottery thanks to Godwin Hulse and Dean Barrow. The Chinese are part owners of Fantasy Five gambling. They have moved into the supermarket business and in Ladyville huge supermarkets line the highway. The Chinese do their own construction. They paint, weld, plaster and do everything for themselves. They save. They are not show offs. In Belize City the creoles watch the Chinese progress through hard work and sacrifice (they sometime sleep in their grocery shops) and learn nothing form this lesson. All their children go to school, college and sixth form. Happy New Year to these amazing people. JUSTIN WELBY Justin Welby is the relatively new Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Anglican Churches across the world. He is calling for a curb on the power of the IMF and the World Bank, two of the weapons used by the capitalist nations to help control the world by managing the global economy. NIGEL AND DONELLE Nigel looks like a Principal of a high school, strict and focused. But once you hold a conversation with him, he is soft spoken, courteous and mannerly. He is a trained and experienced attorney and that accounts for his eloquence and sharp mind. Donelle is also a trained attorney. She is outgoing and full of life. She has a pleasant personality, a ready smile and engages easily in conversation. Nigel had impressed friends and foe on the opposite side when he addressed the Supreme Court of the Chief Justice in the Unibam case. He is acting as the Solicitor General. Donelle is in charge of all the Prosecutors in the Magistrate Courts and has been conducting training for them which they say has made them move confident and knowledgeable in their jobs. Nigel and Donelle are a husband and wife team from Guyana and they are such a contrast to some of the rude and unpopular foreigners who have been imported in the Magistrate Courts and DPP office. MISCHEK MAWEMA Ray Lightburn, Orton Clarke, Adolfo Rosales, Domingo Perez, Desmond Vaughan, Jesus Ken and Mischek Mawema are some of the names of trade union leaders whom Nick Pollard Jr. mentioned in his book “Understanding the Role of Christian Trade Unions In the Making of a Modern Belize.” His father Nicholas Pollard Sr. was also an outstanding union leader during the period of the nationalist movement in Belize in the 1950’s and 1960’s. DAVID GIBSON David Gibson is a child of the southside of Belize City. He went to the University of the West Indies and became a career public officer rising to the highest rank of Permanent Secretary. He was ever the Financial Secretary for a period. And an Ambassador. David has awesome experience and knowledge in the proper workings of a professional public service. As we watch the ongoing collapse of this important institution and rampant politicization of public officers we will come to appreciate the immense contributions of bygone heroes.

2014

Airport Authority Board Gone Rogue Belize City, January 29, 2014 The credibility of Prime Minister Dean Barrow is at an all-time low. His very late decision to require the members of the Belize Airport Authority board of directors to resign cannot disguise his ill-advised lawyer-style defense of the very same Board members at last week’s House Sitting. PM Barrow pretended to be wearing his Court armor at the National As-

Full Basket Belize offers high school scholarships Continued from page 10 communities. It is hoped that all secondary schools will provide their students with the opportunity to qualify for $1,000 BZ scholarships to help them continue their educations and take the first step by completing an online Participating Schools Form application no later than February 21, 2014. Last year, 14 Belizean students were beneficiaries of the scholarships.

Mayor fires 36 workers Continued from page 8 less cost under a private contract, why couldn’t he do the same when he was employed by the City Council? Was he undermining his own ability to perform while convincing his bosses that it’s better to private the service? Or, is this just another irrational explanation by the UDP in their quest to fatten another UDP crony with another contract? The Mayor’s sudden decision to privatize the Council’s security service also totally contradicts his publicly stated position that the control of the sanitation contracts, which are currently held by private interests, should be returned to the City Council in order to save money. The Mayor has had to suffer the humiliation of being dragged to court and called hard pay for failing to settle the Council’s debt with one of the sanitation companies. This has caused him to oppose the private contracts and he has promised not to renew them when they expire early next year. Now his sugarcoated talk of privatization smells rotten. The Mayor’s ego has been inflated recently by the haphazard street construction projects throughout the city. He calls his sloppy and mediocre work a tremendous achievement. This ego trip seems to have made him feel as imperial as his naked UDP Leader Dean Barrow.

THE BELIZE TIMES

sembly when he proclaimed that the distribution of over $40,000 in public funds from the coffers of the Airport Authority to UDP Minister Edmund Castro for personal and political purposes was “wrong” but not “corrupt”. Barrow seems to have appointed himself as the sole authority on defining the word “corruption”, and when it comes to his UDP Cabinet colleagues like Penner and Castro, limitations to what it can be applied to suddenly appear. As for the members of the Board who willfully facilitated this fleecing of taxpayers’ money, according to Bar-

row, they did nothing corrupt either. “The Airports Authority in the full exercise of their jurisdiction obviously assisted the minister on several different occasions,” declared Barrow, with his head hanging in shame. Despite knowing that they had breached their fiduciary duty to safeguard the funds from any possible form of abuse, the Prime Minister Dean Barrow defended them to great lengths. At times he even sounded confused, as if the two sections of his brains had been split and controlling separate parts of

his mouth. While they did nothing wrong, if he were a member of the Board he would have resigned in protest, he claimed sanctimoniously. Still yet, in his eyes there was no corruption. Even though there was the hint to the Board of their failure, no one resigned amidst the controversy. Instead, they hid under the Prime Minister’s cover, but it didn’t last for long. Someone must have hinted to the Prime Minister that the Act ultimately placed the responsibility of the Airport Authority’s financials at his feet, which made him realize the deep doodoo he had not just stepped into, but fallen on face first.

Pablo Marin abuses authority!! Police ordered to detain Corozal man for showing middle finger to UDP Minister

Corozal Town, January 29, 2014 Pablo Marin must be turning into the next tin-pot dictator. Over the weekend, the UDP Corozal Bay area representative ordered Corozal Police Officers to detain a man for allegedly showed him the middle finger. That man is Corozal resident Lennox Garbutt who is very furious at the UDP Corozal Bay politician. The UDP Government callously stripped away a property in Corozal that belongs to Garbutt’s family and transferred it to Pablo Marin’s sister. Garbutt has given several media interviews, explaining his dilemma and why he believes Marin was aware of the dealings and even played a role in the land grab. Now it appears that Marin wants to get even. Over the weekend, Garbutt was with some friends when Pablo Marin reportedly drove past the same area in his

expensive luxury car. Garbutt said he see the Minister, but a short while after the Police arrived with orders to detain him. Aware that the Police could use deadly force unnecessarily, Garbutt let them take him to the Police Station. He explained to Orange Walk’s CTV-3 News that the reason for the detention, he was told, was that it was ordered by Pablo Marin. “I went to the station and they asked for my properties and stuff and they wanted to put me in the cell but a police constable said ‘no, leave him alone on the bench’ and I was there for about three to four hours because the sergeant told me that it is an order from Mr. Ramirez to detain me until he comes back and so I asked what was my charge and they said because I pointed my middle finger to the minister,” Garbutt explained. The Police have confirmed that Marin did visit the Police Station and filed a complaint against Garbutt. Marin claimed

that he was disrespected in public by Garbutt who showed him the middle finger. But Garbutt denies doing anything wrong, and says that Marin is simply abusing his authority as a Minister. The Police seems to have lost it as well. Accordng to Garbutt, he was advised by the Police that if he sees Minister Pablo Marin walking on a street, he should stop and divert to another street. He rejected the idea. UDP Minister Pablo Marin is among the least liked politician that belong to the incompetent UDP bunch. Marin has presided over the worst kinds of scandals at the Ministry of Health, including the death of babies from an infection outbreak. But it is his petty and do-nothing leadership as the Corozal Bay area representative that has really turned off residents.

BALANCING CORRUPTION

CARTOON

2 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

2 FEB

2014

Belize Times February 2, 2014

Published on Feb 2, 2014

Belize Times February 2, 2014

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