Belize Times January 11, 2015

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SCAN HERE

11 JAN

The Belize Times THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

11 JANUARY 2015 | ISSUE NO: 4927

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

Ca単eros say NO to Barrow!

Cane farmers meeting of January 4th, 2015

PM defiant, ASR gives cane farmers ultimatum

PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca said the PUP will deliver municipal and national elections victories

The Battle is Not Over!

PUP calls on GOB to end Sugar Industry impasse Pg. 2

Pg. 6

Dean Barrow

Pg. 3

Darrell Bradley playing games with BML workers Pg. 23

VEGA LAND GRAB!!

The NOT NORMAL family and relatives of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Lands continue to hog up land all over Belize

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January 7, 2015

The Northern Caucus of the People’s United Party (PUP) expresses great concern on the state of affairs of the sugar industry today. It is especially troubled that the start of the crop has been delayed for so long.

As leaders of the North we understand fully the hardships caused to over five thousand cane-farming families, the entire labor force, as well as the negative impact on the national economy, by the postponement of the Zafra. Hence we call on the Sugar Industry Control Board (SICB) to fulfill its obligations under the Sugar Act and declare the crop open by the 14th January, 2015. At the same time we urge the Belize Cane Farmers Association and Belize Sugar Industries/ American Sugar Refinery to resume negotiations to reach an agreement that is beneficial to all parties.

The PUP, through its Northern Caucus, has been following the negotiations between the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and BSI/ASR and supports the cane farmers’ decision to reject the proposed agreement as it is clearly disadvantageous to the cane farmers.

The agreement is unacceptable and is contrary to the ideals of Father of the Nation, Rt. Hon. George Price, who safeguarded the Belizean sugar industry. Due to this effort, when compared to other countries, the Belize sugar industry has a unique design aimed at equitable benefits to both farmer and miller.

Rt. Hon George Price advocated for the cane farmers to be the owners of the primary prod-

9 Jan

uct, and not simply only to be cane cutters.

In an effort to advance the negotiations we believe that good faith has to be shown by all stakeholders including the Government of Belize (GoB). Hence the PUP through its Northern Caucus, makes the following recommendations: 1. That the SICB fix a date immediately to start the Zafra with an interim agreement similar to last year’s.

2. That an independent expert be allowed to look at both formulas proposed by BSI and the BSCFA for reasonable and just payment of the bagasse.

3. The GoB should pass legislation allowing the BSCFA to be a member of the Sugar Marketing Committee that negotiates the sale of all sugar and other by products.

4. That the 2% or more shareholdings of BSI owned by GoB should be transferred to the BSCFA which would allow the farmers to be a member of the board of directors of BSI. 5. The GoB must immediately commence the repairing, upgrading and expansion of all sugar roads to allow for efficient harvesting and transportation of the sugar cane.

The PUP reminds the government that it should assume leadership in this crisis and assist in negotiating for a favorable resolution for the cane farmers. The PUP stands ready to assist in any way possible and reiterates its unwavering support for an equitable resolution to the impasse. (Press Release, Contact: Honorable Jose Mai)

WEATHER 10 Jan

11 Jan

12 Jan

2015

OPINION

PUP Northern Caucus calls on GOB to end Sugar Industry impasse

LOCAL

11 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

OUT Let Better Pay for Cane-Cutters also roll…

“No matter who or what you support, I believe in supporting fairness first.” - Jennette McCurdy

!

Dear Editor, The escalating tension here in the North is indeed a very crippling experience that continues to dampen and even dismantle the spirits of many families particularly those whose livelihoods are anchored in the squealing axis of the Sugar Industry itself.

As a canefarmer, I indeed stand in full support and solidarity with my compañeros cañeros in a most unconditional and steadfast manner as we hope that whatever differences between our representative, the BSCFA, and BSI/ASR are wellironed out in a meticulous way that will seek to always protect and promote our interests in this very important industry.

As much as I will ever support my comrades in this social fight for survival, however, I also seek to underscore that our cane-cutters, who sit at the bottom steps of the ladder, are being forgotten, inadvertently or not, year after year. As the norm embraced by many canefar-

2613Mar Jan

mers, and especially those who not only own numerous acres of cane-fields but also are owners of harvesting equipment (cane loader and trucks and/or tractor with trailers), cane-cutters are generally paid $8.00 a ton for the sugarcane they cut, with no other direct or indirect benefits that can possibly trickle down from any by-products from the sugarcane (such as bagasse) or from any agreements such as Fair Trade agreements with the BSCFA, for example. It is these very same cane-cutters who, drenched in both sweat and morning mist, meet the dawn of the day in the canefields, in fervent hope that a fair day’s pay is achieved before the scorching sun continues to reprimand their noble efforts. It is these same cane-cutters who ensure that fresh, clean, and quality sugar cane remains a priority in the delivery of the same.

With no days-off, severance pay, or vacation pay, coupled with the exposure to the inclements of the climate and other physical threats such as rodent and snake bites, these cane-cutters will always remain indispensably essential in this invisible sugar-sweet chain.

But, is $8.00 a ton paid to our cane-cutters fair enough? Why not at least $10.00 a ton?

Let us study this hypothetical example: Continued on page 13 SCAN HERE

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

|

ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

|

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serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

Alberto Vellos LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

OFFICE ASSISTANT

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

27 Mar Jan 614 Feb

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11 JAN

2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

UDP shuts down Government work for politics in Cayo North!!

San Ignacio Town, January 5th, 2015 The United Democratic Party shut down the Government on Monday, January 5th, as all Cabinet Ministers and their politically-appointed CEOs and hacks descended on Cayo North to lure support and in many cases intimidate voters from supporting the People’s United Party.

Some of the Ministers were out with more than just their lying tongues. Some had special brief cases and manila folders, promising education scholarships and land access and even pledging to give away houses and National Bank loans in return for votes.

The Cayo North by-election turned out to be a real “BUY-election” with the UDP spending over two million dollars to win the seat. Reports of vote buying (votes in exchange for up to $500) were rampant. Democracy was non-existent.

UDP Chairman Alberto August showed no respect for election and boundaries rules

Edmund Castro

Lee Mark Chang

The police were called in to harrass PUP supporters

Juliet Thimbriel

Godwin Hulse & Ramon Witz

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Cañeros say NO to Barrow!

Belize City, January 8, 2015 The Barrow Administration who has a history of expropriating companies and changing Belize’s laws and the constitution purportedly in the name of the people of Belize, appears weak or perhaps compromised in the face of the worst crisis to hit the Sugar Industry.

American Sugar Refining Inc., the owners of Belize Sugar Industries factory, and the Belize Cane Farmers Association which represents over 5,300 cane farmers, are not seeing eye-toeye on critical industry matters, and this has caused a tremendous delay in the start of the 2014-2015 crop season which should have commenced since early December.

Delays normally translate to heavy financial losses for the industry.

ASR wants cane farmers to sign a seven-year agreement that will bind them to delivering quality cane to the mill, would name ASR the owners of the cane once delivered to the mill and would commit the payment of bagasse at 51 cents per ton. Up to Sunday December 14th, BSCFA was supportive of the proposal and following a general meeting its members approved the signing. But when the document was drafted and presented to BSCFA offiContinued on page 23

YOUR PUP BELIZE CITY COUNCIL TEAM

BACK: Jermyn Galvez, David Gonzalez, Lennox Young, Delroy Herrera, Micah Goodin, Michael Novelo, Sanjay Pitts FRONT: Natasha Pipersburgh, Mayoral Candidate, Yolanda Schakron, Delthrude Hylton & Sharrett Yearwood

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11 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Francis Fonseca’s New Year’s Message In 2014 the UDP Government once again offered NO PLAN, NO VISION, NO HOPE, NO SOLUTIONS to the many very serious challenges Belize faces.

In 2014 the UDP said NO to Reform of the Public Accounts Committee, NO to an independent inquiry into the UDP Penner Immigration Scandal, NO to accounting for Petrocaribe funds, NO to disclosure of agreements signed with Guatemala, NO to Equity, No to accountability.

It was another year in which only a CHOSEN FEW UDPs mattered. All other Belizeans were ignored and neglected.

Sadly, 2014 was another year of Murder, scandal, corruption and growing poverty in our beloved Belize.

Our nation stood united in mourning the tragic and senseless execution of Special Constable Danny Conorquie. This was an attack on our national sovereignty and dignity.

We were also shocked and outraged at the brutal slaying of Don Ramon Cervantes Sr., a good, decent community leader and man.

But the end of the year also marks the beginning of a new one bringing with it the HOPE of CHANGE for ourselves, our families, our communities, and our Country.

In 2015 let us stand united in our efforts to create a stronger and better Belize.

The New Year will be filled with politics but even as we fight political battles, let us not forget that we are first and foremost Belizean sisters and brothers living together in this blessed land we call home, our beloved Belize.

Belize is what we, together, make of it!

Let each of us be the change that we want to see!

Let 2015 be a New Beginning!

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU, YOUR FAMILIES, AND BELIZE!!

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BELIZE A.D. 2013 Claim No. 357 of 2013 ( MICHAEL BRUNETTE ( ANN BRUNETTE (also known as Ann Kuffner ( and Ann Catherine Kuffner Brunette)

CLAIMANTS

BETWEEN(AND (GRAND BAYMAN, BELIZE LIMITED (SAN PEDRO CLUB LIMITED

1ST DEFENDANT 2ND DEFENDANT

TO: SAN PEDRO CLUB LIMITED MARINA TOWERS, 4th Floor, Suite 402, Newtown Barracks, Belize City Belize.

TAKE NOTICE that an action has been commenced against you in the Supreme Court of Belize, Claim No. 357 of 2013 by DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION of MICHAEL BRUNETTE and ANN BRUNETTE, also known as Ann Kuffner and Ann Catherine Kuffner Brunette of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, in which the Claimants’ claim is for an Order that the Claimants be paid specific and particular sums of money by the Defendants under an Agreement for Sale, Declarations that the said Agreement for Sale made in writing and executed on the 15th of January 2008 between the Claimants and the Defendants is valid and subsisting and that the Defendants are in breach of the said contract, or in the alternative have frustrated the said Agreement; an Order for Specific performance of the said Agreement for Sale, an Order awarding General Damages for Breach of Contract or in the alternative, Damages for Frustration of Contract, an Order for Special Damages for breach and /or Frustration of Contract and for interest pursuant to Sections 166 and 167 f the Supreme Court of Judicature Act and for costs.

AND it has been ordered that service of the Amended Claim Form and Statement of Claim in the said action on you be effected by this advertisement. If you desire to defend the said action, you must, within twenty eight days from the date of such publication, enter an appearance at the office of the Supreme Court.

TAKE NOTICE THAT in Default of such appearance, judgement may be entered.

DATED the 16th day of December , 2014.

LISA M SHOMAN SC Attorney-at-Law for the Claimants MICHAEL BRUNETTE and ANN BRUNETTE

11 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

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EDITORIAL

Barrow Compromised!

T

he cane farmers of the north have rejected Prime Minister Dean Barrow and the American Sugar Refining, the owners of the Belize Sugar Industries.

The brave cañeros have done so despite being in the middle of their own personal and collective crisis. They and their families are flat on their backs. They are down and out when it comes to money. But like Jesus in the desert for forty days and forty nights they have rejected all temptations.

Our prayers and the prayers of the nation must be for them and for just and equitable solutions as they wrestle with their adversaries.

Their adversaries start with the stubborn and arrogant Prime Minister. He is the cause of the problem. Had he been a true leader to Belize, the cañeros and other Belizean stakeholders would today be proud owners of B.S.I. Such a bold and Belizean move would have been one of the economic salvation for the people of the north.

Instead the Prime Minister failed to provide any leadership and caused the American Sugar Refining Inc. to buy B.S.I. The Prime Minister refused to assist the Cane Farmers Association to obtain loans or to guarantee them loans to buy the sugar factory. Such behaviour is inexcusable. It smacks of a lack of leadership and the absence of any vision.

Wherever Belizeans can become the owners of the industry and the masters of their destiny that is when the Government should be fully behind them.

The Prime Minister did grab BTL and BEL in an unseemly haste, beating his chest in public and clothing his shoulders with the mantle of a nationalist. The reality was more that of a power hungry egotist locked in personality quarrel with the owners of BTL/BEL and wishing to show who is the star.

The Prime Minister is clearly on the side of BSI which persists in insisting that cañeros sign away their rights now or no cane will be accepted at the factory. This is an old power play. Cañeros are financially strapped and need money for their cane. BSI can sit back and wait them out. Indeed from the very beginning the BSI has been insisting on all along.

To hear the Prime Minister championing the cause of BSI and resorting to make the cañeros the bad guys is disingenuous. So committed is he to the position of BSI that he is now admitting that since 2010 when the Supreme Court found aspects of the Sugar Cane Industry (Control) law to be unconstitutional, he and his Government have ignored the Supreme Court judgment. Now that it is convenient he is suddenly relying on it. The Court was not saying the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association is unconstitutional.

The Court was saying the section of the law that makes the

BSCFA an exclusive entity is in breach of the constitution.

All the Prime Minister has to do is man up and allow the Sugar Industry Control Board (SICB) to set a date for BSI to accept cane. That is the law and the Courts recognise that the law is sound in that respect.

Rather than threatening the cane farmers association the Prime Minister needs to stop abdicating his responsibility and ensure the law is carried out.

Instead the Prime Minister has sided with BSI and ASR to destiny the Cane Farmers Association. This is exactly what BSI set out to do several weeks ago in inviting individual cane farmers to sign agreements directly with BSI and bypass their association. The Prime Minister is faithfully following BSI’s script. Bust up the Cane Farmers Association, form new groups of cane farmers and sign with BSI. Was this not the exact approach when the Prime Minister got into a quarrel with the Bar Association? Unable to crow down the Bar Association, the government resorted to efforts to break up the Bar and change the law for another Bar Association to be formed.

Cane farmers are not lawyers they do not live off the earnings of others. They create wealth with the sweat of their brows. How can a disagreement with BSI result in them being treated like criminals by the Government. What have cane farmers done for the Prime Minister to side with BSI over an industrial dispute?

Must brother be put against brother, son be put against father, family members against their family members, Orange Walk farmers against Corozal farmers? What for?

To please the insistence of BSI that an agreement must be signed? Where is the urgency to such a request? Is there no fairness and justice to be considered? Is this the image the foreign investment is to wear? It’s their way or the highway?

Is this the image that our small developing country must be tarnished with? Investors that co-opt the Prime Minister and have him front for their singular view of how things are to be done in Belize. Workers, employers, farmers, fishermen and tourist operators must genuflect at the altar of the investor or face the wrath of the Prime Minister and his compromised government.

We reject such a scenario. It is not the future envisioned by the generation who fought for our independence under the leadership of the great George Price.

We call on the Prime Minister to climb down off his high horse and display true nationalism the cane farmers and their families. Stop being a force for hatred and division.

Apply his rhetoric in renewed negotiations.

In the meantime start the delivery of the cane crop.

Now.

6 06 The Battle is Not Over!

Belize City, January 6, 2015 People’s United Party Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca vowed that the Opposition Party will be ready for the upcoming Municipal Elections and General Elections at a press conference held at Independence Hall on January 6th 2015, despite the results of the Cayo North By-Election held on Monday January 5th which in favour of the UDP Candidate Omar Figueroa.

Hon. Fonseca said that while the results were disappointing, he accepts the will of the majority of voters who turned out at the polls, and said that the time is right to begin the work to regain the seat whenever the next elections are called.

The PUP Leader explained to the media that the odds were stacked tremendously against the PUP in Monday’s by-election, with the ruling UDP doing everything and spending up to $2.13 million to buy the elections, so he was proud of the valiant efforts put by the PUP candidate Richard Harrison, the PUP campaign workers and supporters. He thanked everyone who was part of the campaign.

Additionally, the abrupt resignation and betrayal of former PUP area representative Joseph Mahmud only made it more difficult, since the UDP were already anticipating this move and had time to strategize, part of which was calling the by-election as early as possible to give the PUP the least time to organise or repair the damage caused by Mahmud’s desertion.

The Opposition Leader said that the PUP will do all it needs to improve, and will be looking at how the units and arms of the People’s United Party can be strengthened to be more effective.

All circumstances surrounding the Cayo North By-election, Fonseca mentioned, will be evaluated, including the resignation of Joseph Mahmud, where the people were upset with Mahmud and perhaps took it out on the PUP, and the limited time Richard Harrison had to campaign unlike Figueroa who had left his bonding with wildcats and had started campaigning for over an year.

The biggest factor in the Cayo North by-election was resources, and the UDP demonstrated once more that they place no boundaries between their campaign resources and public funds.

There were reports of all sorts of vote-buying including land and scholarship give-aways, paying $500 per vote and $200 to wear UDP shirts. The ruling Party was desperate and displayed that there’s no boundaries and they will do whatever for power. This was a dangerous road, the Opposition leader said. Belizeans must look back and ask themselves if this is the direction we want to go? Seven years the UDP has been modelling in office and as elections are nearby they begin to work, surely not for Belizeans but for their self-interest.

While the PUP may not be able to match the UDP’s resources in the upcoming elections, Hon. Fonseca said the Party’s machinery will be well-oiled and ready. He said that the Party has attracted much better candidates and is more committed to reform and pursuing progressive ideas that Belizeans have been calling for.

THE BELIZE TIMES

11 JAN

2015

11 JAN

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

WOMAN IN THE HOUSE

By Dolores Balderamos Garcia

NEW YEAR WISHES In this first entry for 2015 I would like to wish all constituents of Belize Rural Central in particular, as well as all Belizeans a peaceful, productive and very happy New Year. May we as a people pledge that we will all do our best to bring about a better life for everyone in this country; and not better in just material ways, but in the values proclaimed in the Belizean National Prayer.

Yes, may all our endeavors tend to peace, social justice, liberty, national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge. And indeed we need God’s guidance to attain these just objectives.

In reflecting over the brief

holiday period, I have realized of course that there is much work to do in order to retrieve the values that make Belize what it should be.

We have to wake up and work to ensure that the downward trends of money politics, cynicism, selfishness and greed are reversed and that the Social Justice Agenda of our Party can guide us as a Government in waiting and also when we form the next Government.

I write this piece before the Cayo North by-election. When campaigning last week with our candidate Richard Harrison I was very impressed by his commitment, his energy and his enthusiasm. He asked everyone to whom we campaigned to elect him to the job he is applying for. And he was

SICHSTONE HOLDING LIMITED # 73,639 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that SICHSTONE HOLDING LIMITED: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 30th day of December, 2014; and c) Cititrust International Limited whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Third Floor, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

ELSAMEX ENTERPRISES LIMITED # 47,936 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that ELSAMEX ENTERPRISES LIMITED: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 30th day of December, 2014; and c) Vasilios Paraskevas whose address is 9 Kafkasou Treppides Tower, 4th floor, office/flat 401 Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus is the Liquidator of the Company Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

always ready to discuss the issues of the day, both local and national.

One sad and poignant moment came when we visited a gentleman who is in his seventies and who has recently suffered a debilitating stroke. He literally cried in our presence when he related that his application to the Social Security Board for assistance was turned down flat, being told by the officials there that he does not qualify.

Though unable to help him at this time, I am even more committed than ever to our Party’s reform agenda which MUST include a review and revamping of Social Security. It is the people’s money, and we simply have to make sure that the people who are in most need can receive some benefits when the time comes. The non-contributory pension for seniors, Pledge number 6 in our Social Justice Agenda, can assist him in this his hour of great need, and the People’s United Party will make it happen.

I wish therefore for good health, continued quiet strength, fortitude and wisdom most of all for our Party Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca, and as well for all of us who struggle daily in the political arena. It is harder than ever to do so, but I take my cue from the prin-

cipal Aims and Objectives of the PUP and our manifesto commitments of the Social Justice Agenda.

These Aims and Objectives call for National Unity, Economic Independence, the Eradication of Poverty, Self Reliance, Democratic Government, the defence of the basic human rights of all Belizeans, ensuring that our Natural Resources are managed in order to benefit all Belizeans, Quality, Relevant and Practical Education, Universal and Quality Health Care, and the vigorous pursuit of policies and programs that protect Children, Youths, Women, and all those who are mentally and physically challenged.

Therefore the New Year Wishes must be that we will continue to toil arduously.

I know that we can create a better Belize. I know that Belizeans deserve way better than what is happening now.

I know that our God of might, wisdom and justice will assist our Party with his/ her Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude. This is my most profound wish for 2015.

AALM Consulting Services Ltd. # 66,025 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that AALM Consulting Services Ltd.: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 30th day of December, 2014; and c) Cititrust International Limited whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Third Floor, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

DRAGON FLY TRADING CORP. # 64,147 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that DRAGON FLY TRADING CORP.: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 30th day of December, 2014; and c) Cititrust International Limited whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Third Floor, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

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THE BELIZE TIMES

11 JAN

2015

11 11 JAN JAN

2015 2015

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

Belizean Beauty

Kyra

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10 SPORTS

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

11 JAN

2015

Mexican

Hector Rangel wins 25th KREM Elite Cycling Classic

Belize City January 1, 2014 Benny’s Megabytes’ Mexican import Hector Rangel rode in solo to win the 25th annual KREM New Year’s Elite Cycling Classic, clocking 3:50:26 for his 96mile ride from Santa Elena (northern border), Corozal District on the Philip Goldson Highway to the Mahogany St./Central American Boulevard intersection in Belize City.

He won a $2,500 1st prize, a round trip ticket to the continental USA sponsored by American Airlines, $250 in phone credit from Digicell and a trophy; another $500 1st prize in the over-35 Masters category, as well as over $3,300 in station prizes, including 2 cellphones as he won all of the last 17 station prizes to the city.

In 2nd place was David Santos of BelCal Cycling team who finished in

3:52:25. He won the $1,500 prize and a trophy. In 3rd place was Ron Vasquez of Team Western Spirits who clocked in at 3:53:00. He won the $1,000 prize and trophy.

The race had begun with a 15-man breakaway group leading the race; with Dalwin Cowo, Gregory Lovell, Luis Avila and Giovanni Lovell, sharing the station prizes with Rangel and Ron Vasquez, but a 2-man breakaway of Rangel and Vasquez left the pack at mile 35 and Rangel left Vasquez behind at mile 13.

Other finishers: 4th place - Angel Tzib (Team SMART) - 3:53:27 $500 prize 5th place - Giovanni Lovell (Team Digicell 4G) - 3:54:00 $350 prize 6th place/2nd Masters John Delong (Team Starlight of USA) - $275/$200 prizes 7th place - David Henderson (Team SMART) - $200

Top 3 Elite winners: Ron Vasquez, Hector Rangel (1st place) & David Santos

prize 8th place - Nissan Arana (Team Predators) - $175 prize 9th place - Byron Pope (Team Benny’s Megabytes) - $150 prize 10th place/3rd in 35 Masters - Henry Moriera (Team SMART) - 3:55:06 $100/$100 prize 11th place - Oscar Quiroz (Team Western Spirits) - 3:55:11 - $75 prize 12th place - Gregory Lovell (Digicell 4G) - $75 prize 13th place - Darnell Barrow (Team SMART) - $50 prize 14th place Patrick Bennett (Team SMART) - $50 prize

15th place - Tariq Flowers (Team Benny’s Megabytes) - $50 prize 16th place - Robert Liam Stewart (Team Western Spirits) - $25 prize 17th place - Joslyn Chavarria (Team Digicell 4G) - $25 prize 18th place/ 1st Masters - Kenroy “Smokes” Gladden - (Team Police) $25/$500 prize 19th place - Philip Leslie (Team Benny’s Megabytes) - $25 prize 20th place - Luis Alberto Avila Balam (Team Predators) - $25 prize 2nd place Masters - Michael Lewis - $200 prize 3rd Masters - George Abraham Sr. - $100 prize

BELIZE BANK’S ALICIA THOMPSON wins 25th KREM Women’s Cycling Classic Belize City January 1, 2014 Team Belize Bank Swoosh’s Alicia Thompson clocked 2:53:00 on her 50-mile ride to win the 25th annual KREM New Year’s Women’s Cycling Classic from the Orange Walk Town Hall on the Philip Goldson Highway to Belize City.

Her prizes included the $1,000 first prize, a $250 in phone credit from Digicell and trophy; and all 27 station prizes from the Crooked Tree junction to Belize City: over $2,000, including a $500 prize passing the Jane Usher residence.

Shalini had won the first $150 prize at the Tower Hill Bridge but Shalini and Lovell suffered a spill that left Shalini with a broken bone,

but she still finished the race.

Finishers: 2nd Kaya Cattouse (Team SMART) - $300 prize & trophy 3rd Patricia Chavarria (Team BECOL/Chavarria) - $200 prize & trophy 4th Gabrielle Lovell (Team Digicell 4G) 5th Shalini Zabaneh (Team Zabaneh) 6th Derlene Martinez (Team Zabaneh)

Alicia Thompson wins

Kaya Cattouse

Kaya Cattouse, Alicia Thompson, and Patricia Chavarria

Patricia Chavarria

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2015 2015

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THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

Belmopan Bandits & Police United lead playoffs San Ignacio, January 4, 2015 The Belmopan Bandits are No. 1 in the Premier League of Belize football playoffs, after 1-0 wins over the Belize Defence Force and Verdes FC. In their 5th playoff outing at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio on Sunday, Shane Armstrong scored an injury time goal for their 1-0 win against Verdes FC. It was a much needed win as the Bandits’ top strikers Jerome “Jaro” James, Elroy Kuylen, David “Mikey’ Madrid and Edmund Pandy Jr were all drawing blanks in front of Verdes’ goal in the first half. Fortunately the Bandits defenders: Dalton Eiley, Tyrone Pandy, Norman Anderson, Shane Armstrong and Khalil Velasquez held off the best efforts of the Verdes’ strikers Gilroy “Bredda” Thurton, Jarret Davis, and Richard “Cheety” Jimenez. Bandits’ goalie Woodrow West made several magnificent saves to shut out the Green Machine the entire game.

In their 4th playoff outing at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk Town on New Year’s Eve, the Bandits had blown away the BDF’s last chance of making the finals, when Evan Mariano came off the bench in the 2nd half, to finish a play created by Dalton Eiley on a free kick, to score the winning goal: 1-0.

For their part the Police United are No. 2 in the PLB with 9pts after they picked up

their 3rd win in their 5th playoff outing at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan on Saturday night: 2-1 against the BDF. Amin “Tacos’ August recovered a rebound from a shot by Clifton West to drive in the 1st goal.

Vallan Symns equalized for the BDF, but Clifton West added a 2nd goal for the 2-1 win.

Quick Playoff Stats!

Verdes were undefeated in their first 4 playoff outings and have 8 points from 2 wins and 2 draws. They can still make the finals with 11 points by a

win against the BDF at the Peoples Stadium on January 7. A draw would put them in a 2-way tie with the Police who have 9 points. They have the better goal differential but they would also need the Police to lose to the Bandits.

Police United needs a win over the Bandits to make the finals with 12 pts, they had drilled the Bandits 2-1 in their playoff debut; the loss would eliminate the Bandits unless Verdes draw with BDF, as they have in their last 2 meetings

Bandits’ Norman Anderson taks on Verdes’ Orlando Jimenez

Verdes’ Gilroy Thurton on the attack

Team C-Ray’s Yan Cattouse

wins 25th KREM Junior Cycling Classic Belize City January 1, 2014 Team C-Ray Road Addikz’s Yan Cattouse clocked 2:43:17 on his 50-mile ride to win the 25th annual KREM New Year’s Junior Cycling Classic from the Orange Walk Town Hall on the Philip Goldson Highway to Belize City. His prizes included the $1,000 1st prize, a $250 in phone credit from Digicell & trophy.

Kaydine Pinello won the first $150 prize at the Tower Hill Bridge, while Patrick Williams won the prize at the Crooked Tree junction. Pinello then won $200 worth of sand and gravel at the Cattouse Farm at mile 14, and $50 gas at the SHELL service station in Ladyville.

Darien Anderson won $50 Internet access from Digicell 4G at the Airport cutoff; and Anthony Marin won $50 at Maheia’s United Construction. Pinello won 3 more $50 prizes at Westrac, Belize Tire Depot, and Grace Kennedy Belize Ltd. Yan Cattouse took the lead to win a cellphone at the SMART headquarters, but Darien Anderson remained in contention to win 4 prizes at Truck Parts of Belize, Neal’s & Gordon Gym, and at Twin Supermarket. Cattouse won the last station prize from the SanCas Group at the Belcan Bridge.

Other finishers: 2nd place - Kaydine Pinello (Team Police) - $300 prize & trophy 3rd place - Anthony Marin (Team Cabral/Marin) - $200 prize & trophy 4th place - Darien Anderson (Team SMART) 5th place - Shane Jones – (Team Chavarria) 6th place - Shaun Codd (Team Police) 7th place - Michael Grajalez (Team Nando’s) 8th place - Brian Sutherland (Team Police) 9th place - Derick Chavarria (Team Chavarria)

Yan Cattouse wins

Kadine Pinello

L-R: Kadine Pinello, Yan Cattouse & Anthony Marin

Anthony Marin

12

THE BELIZE TIMES

11 JAN

2015

11 JAN

2015

Continued from page 2 For Cañero A, with everything else held constant, he remains with a surplus of $1,300.00 in a ten-day period for a 100-tons delivery, income that will certainly be partially re-directed to the 3-4 acres of canefield that harvested said 100 tons, similarly to Cañero B who has in his pockets far more surplus than his counterpart who does not own any equipment (loader and/or truck). I reiterate that this is taking into consideration that an average of ONE 10-ton trip is delivered on a daily basis by 4 cane-cutters on both scenarios. Most certainly, there can be instances where more than 4 cane-cutters are employed by any canefarmer. For Cañero B, who owns both the canefield and equipment, payment for loader and truck operators/drivers in the $1,800.00 is already included. It is important to highlight that Cañero A is paying his cane-cutters $2.00 more than Cañero B despite only owning the sugarcane but no equipment. The payment of $10.00 a ton to cane-cutters by a canefarmer who does not own any equipment is NOT always the case however as some tend to also pay $8.00 a ton. Similarly, more than one ten-ton trip can be possibly delivered in any day depending on the tonnage allowed for each reaping group or individual canefarmer not in a reaping group.

In both scenarios, furthermore, economies of scale will always kick-in since it will eventually cost less to harvest more.

Of important note also, the $43.00 paid by the bank is an average payment for the first-payment

THE BELIZE TIMES

only; canefarmers continue to get 2nd and 3rd payments a month after the sugar crop closes and in early December respectively. Both payments vary nonetheless amongst reaping groups since it is dependent on the quality of sugar delivered during the sugar season by such groups. Income derived from both 2nd and 3rd payments is once again partially re-invested in the fields with no payments whatsoever for harvesting and delivery equipment such as the loader and truck/tractor with trailers.

So then, if Cañero A, who does not own any equipment, can afford to pay cane-cutters $10.00 a ton and still juggle around with his daily expenses and obligations quite efficiently, why not a canefarmer with greater cane ownership including equipment such as loader and truck/tractor with trailers, be generous enough to pay his cane-cutters at least $10.00 a ton???

Perhaps standardizing the minimum payment for cañeros is a great idea that will not only add economic relief to the cane-cutter but also spread social equilibrium on this side of the playing field. I am sure that on this side my colleague canefarmers with enviable assets such as loaders and trucks/tractors and with sugar delivery licenses of more than five hundred and even a thousand tons will understand the canecutters’ plight.

As a teacher and a canefarmer, I go for fairness; this value means a lot to me and has thus convinced me to continue paying my canecutters $11.00 a ton.

But again, $25.00 and $20.00 a day respectively for cane-cutters in both scenarios continues to be a pittance in every sense of the word. ¡El cortador de caña merece más!

Respectfully, Germán Tzul (signed) Teacher / Canefarmer

13

14

11 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES GOLDBERG LTD. # 48,322 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that GOLDBERG LTD.: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 30th day of December, 2014; and c) Mrs. Oksana Dalli whose address is Flat 6b, Xghajra beach mantions, Triq Il-Knisija, Xghajra, Malta, XJR 1024 is the Liquidator of the Company P.O.S. Belize Limited Registered Agent

2015

TRIDENT CAPITAL LTD. # 30,927 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that TRIDENT CAPITAL LTD.: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 30th day of December, 2014; and c) Cititrust International Limited whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Third Floor, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

11 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

Scales of JUSTICE

by anthony sylvestre

Two years later, and still nothing…

On the serene morning of Tuesday January 8th 2013, two years ago, the residents of Dean and George Streets in Mesopotamia and Queen Square constituencies in Belize City awoke and busied themselves as is their daily routine. The stillness in the air (which in retrospect now should have been a foreboding of things to come) abruptly ended with the frantic cries and wails spurned on by a ghastly discovery. It was like none the people in that community had seen before. True, the boys from the area were legendary warlords, but the throat-slitting, stabbing, butchering and near decapitation of the four men in that apartment building at the corner of Plues and Dean Streets were still too much. And besides, we are a country of laws anyway; none should be judge, jury and executioner all at the same time.

The initial shock quickly turned into an internalizing of what had transpired.

Men or ghosts (you take your pick) had secretly entered the apartment and slain the men, unbeknown to anyone.

Not even the police officers at the police sub-station, located 100 yards down the street, knew what had taken place. And as luck would have it, the police camera on the lamppost was malfunctioning at just about the same time, so there was no video footage to see who went in and out of the building.

And so, naturally and understandably, the residents began pointing fingers and laying blame. It had to be the GSU they conjectured. For they alone had a motive; that is, to destroy the George Street Gang which is based in that community. The head of the GSU had publicly stated so in unequivocal words. And, the residents reasoned further, no rival gang would dare come into the George Street turf. To do so was a sure suicidal mission that not even the bravest gangster was up to.

Dean Barrow, the Prime Minister, and area representative of one of the affected constituencies (Queen Square) held a meaningless press conference later in the afternoon (as is his wont) and related the residents’ suspicion: “… the bad news is that the people from George Street are absolutely convinced that these were state sponsored murders that not to put too fine point on it that it was the GSU that killed the 4 persons in that apartment building.”

Barrow then flippantly dismissed the allegations of the residents of the area and said “…it constitutes a very serious allegation indeed against the integrity of the GSU; against the integrity of the police department; against the integrity of the security forces and against the integrity of the government.”

One would believe that when the integrity of a government and its security forces is questioned on the scale that Barrow’s one was then, a serious and responsible leader would have tried to do something to try to quell that tainted public perception.

So what did Barrow do to quell the residents of the area suspicion and belief? NOTHING! PUP Party Leader, Hon. Francis Fonseca, by contrast, at the time went into the George and Dean Streets area and met with the residents and discussed their fears and concerns. He then called on the Prime Minister to appoint a Commission of Inquiry into

the four murders.

The Commissions of Inquiry Act states that the Prime Minister may appoint a Commission to inquire into any matter which in his opinion would be for the public welfare. The Act further prescribes that the inquiry shall be held in public unless otherwise decided by the Commissioners. The purpose of a commission of inquiry is to fully and impartially inquire into a specific issue and to return an opinion or report on the issue.

In other countries, faced with similar growing distrust of the security forces, the government has held commissions of inquiries in an attempt to quell the public perception of a tainted security force.

This is what transpired in Jamaica following the 2001 killing of seven

15 young men in Braeton, Portmore. The young men were all reputed members of a criminal gang. The residents in the Braeton area decried the killing as unjustified state sponsored killings. A Commission of Inquiry was eventually held into the circumstances of the killings of the seven young men.

A Commission of Inquiry was the ideal way to publicly show that the GSU or the security forces were not involved in the mass murders on Dean Street.

But two years after the Dean Street massacre and the public perception that the State was involved still lingering, Dean Barrow has still not appointed a Commission of Inquiry into these most horrific deaths; and the deaths remain the most brazen and gruesome unsolved crimes in our country’s history. The question is: why?

PUP COROZAL TOWN COUNCIL TEAM

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THE BELIZE TIMES

NOTICE Be it known that BLUE WATER LOGISTICS INC. and NEWSPAPER REPUBLIC INC., Belize International Business Companies, are in dissolution, effective 31 December 2014. The liquidator for said Companies is Ms. Jihan Abdelwahab Gafar of Khartoum, Sudan Global Formations and Management Limited

NOTICE Be it known that INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS LTD., BILL WING GROUP LTD. and SUPRA GROUP LTD., Belize International Business Companies, are in dissolution, effective 18 December 2014. The liquidator for said Companies is Christos Kongorozis of Nicosia, Cyprus Global Formations and Management Limited

11 JAN

2015

11 JAN

2015

Reid New Year, Old Plans

By G. Michael Reid This week’s result of the by-election in Cayo North was disappointing to say the least but not the least bit surprising. Elections in Belize are now decided, not by the quality of the candidate but by the quantity of the money that each has at their disposal. In that regard, Richard Harrison, who ran on the ticket of the People’s United Party, and who in the opinion of most independent observers was by far the better candidate, never had a chance in that contest. Petro Caribe money was rolling and the UDP spared no expense to secure a victory for their candidate Omar Figueroa.

The by-election became necessary after the sudden and unexpected resignation of sitting member of the House Joseph Mahmud. In October of last year, Mahmud, whose victory at the polls in the General Elections of 2012 had helped to bring the People’s United Party (PUP) within 60 votes of forming the government, announced that he was resigning as representative for his area. He initially indicated that he would be serving out his term of office but made it clear that he would not be seeking re-election. Mahmud gave no reason for his decision and rumors began running amok. Less than a month later, Mahmud became the first member to voluntarily resign from the House of Representatives. Again, no explanation was given nor did Mahmud even have the courtesy of informing his own party that he was calling it quits. Party Leader Francis Fonseca, who admittedly only learned of Mahmud’s resignation via the public media, expressed in an interview that “I think it reflects poorly on him and I view that as disrespectful to the party.” Again, Mahmud’s silence caused rumors to abound and there was much talk about him taking money to betray his party and the people of his constituency. There were reports that

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Mahmud had racked up huge debts and was desperately in need of money. The UDP themselves were in desperate need of such a distraction and bolster to their faltering image. Despite extravagant spending of Petro Caribe money, the people had grown tired of the nepotism and cronyism associated with the wasteful disbursement of these monies that will eventually have to be paid back. The cost for Mahmud’s defection might never be known but latest reports put the figure at 2.12 million that was squandered to buy Monday’s by-election. This more than ever highlights the fact that Belize is in desperate need of campaign financing reform.

Not only is it necessary to reduce the influence of money in politics overall but more importantly, taxpayers’ money should never be used to finance any political campaign.

Following Mamud’s resignation, the Prime Minister quickly announced a date for the by-election and began pouring money into Cayo North.

In fact, many believe that the UDP knew well in advance of Mamud’s intention and had already begun their campaigning and spending in the area. For their part, the PUP had to quickly put a candidate in place and had less than a month to prepare and campaign for the election. While the election was confined to the Cayo North constituency, Belizeans from all over the country were hoping that the people of that division would use their votes to send a message to Dean Barrow and his ruling United Democratic Party. Hope of course is one thing but readily available and unlimited campaign finances is another! Under our system of governance, the political party in power has unfettered access to the public coffers and can spend at will with no need to account to anyone.

Previously, there were in place oversight committees that, while not perfect or foolproof, did provide some safeguard and to some degree kept our politicians in check. Since assuming office in 2008, the current administration has broken every rule, violated every law and pushed the proverbial envelop clean off the table.

There is no longer an Integrity Commission whose role was primarily to prevent unlawful enrichment by public officials. The Public Accounts Commission (PAC) is dormant and the couple times that it did meet, it was without participation of the Opposition. Transparency International, the global coalition against corruption no longer even rates Belize and has complained that they are not being given the necessary data to allow for assessment. Year after year the Auditor General’s report is fraught with examples of corruption but each year

this report lays on the Prime Minister’s desk and is completely ignored.

The election process itself in Cayo North was a complete sham as the UDP totally ignored every code of conduct established by the Representation of the People’s Act. This act sets in place specific guidelines for holding elections and meticulously outlines required conduct of political parties and their operatives. Alberto August, who went from Chairman of the Elections and Boundaries to Chairman of the United Democratic Party himself had to be forcibly removed from the polling stations during voting. August was reportedly seen at odd hours at the office of Election and Boundaries leading up to the election which if not illegal must certainly be considered improper, unprofessional and dishonest. This man of all persons should be aware of the consequences and penalties for such actions. The way we are governed however, gives no recourse to the address of such improprieties and who can one complain to; the very ones who are violating the said Act! On Election Day in Cayo, many government vehicles were seen transporting voters to and from the polls which is again a violation of the Act. This makes for an unfair and unlevel playing field. If political parties are not going to abide by the rules governing the process, then it makes no sense to indulge in this ridiculous charade. It will take a forceful and

united demand from the people to effect the necessary change in this harmful routine but unfortunately, it seems the only change that interests us is the kind that jingles in our pockets. Dean Barrow recognizes this and with Petro Caribe at his disposal, disburses just enough to keep the masses satisfied and complacent.

Another contributing factor to the UDP’s victory in Cayo North is the recent influx of immigrants from across the border. Not only do many live in the constituency but quite a few who still live in Guatemala are registered to vote in Belize. Many will remember that leading up to the last election there was flurry of nationalization of immigrants in that area. The number of voters in Cayo North rose exponentially since the last general election and no doubt had a profound effect on the final vote. Notwithstanding that 29 (3) of our Constitution expressly states that “No person shall be entitled under the provisions of this chapter to be a citizen of Belize or be granted citizenship of Belize if such person shows any allegiance to or is a citizen of a country which does not recognize the Independence, sovereignty or territorial integrity of Belize”. Joseph Stalin once remarked that “Those who vote decide nothing. Those who count the vote decide everything.” Do not take your eyes off the tallyman!

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 8th day of May, 2012, recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 11 of 2012 at Folios 921 – 934, between ATLANTIC BANK LIMITED (the Assignor), Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., and NELSON RIVAS SR., which said property was mortgaged by the said NELSON RIVAS SR. to the said ATLANTIC BANK LIMITED on the 4th day of May, 2007, recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 17 of 2007 at Folios 851 – 880, will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land situate in Independence Village, Stann Creek District, Belize being Lot No. 28 containing 556.205 square meters of land bounded and described as shown

by Plan No. 66 of 2007 TOGETHER with all buildings, erections and developments standing and being thereon.

DATED this 11th day of December, 2014.

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

18 In my perspective…

11 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

Will the Corruption End in 2015? Not a chance

by Rayford Young One of the rising stars in the Illinois Democratic Party was Jesse Jackson, Jr. He was an elected congressman serving in the House of Representatives. About a year ago he was convicted of illegally spending $750,000 in campaign money on everything from cigars to mounted elk heads and a gold watch - $60,857 at restaurants, nightclubs and lounges and $43,350 for a gold-plated men’s Rolex watch. His wife Sandi was also convicted of lying on her tax returns and will have to serve a year in federal prison. Mr. Jackson is serving a 2½ year prison term. U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. is the son of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson Sr. Similarly, Former Virginia Gov Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen are convicted of corruption in federal court; McDonnell was found guilty on 11 counts of conspiracy, bribery and extortion, his trial shattered his political career and peeled back his private life to the bone; both McDonnell’s now face years in prison. He too loved gold watches and often showed off his watch while driving down the highway. They were both accused of taking monies from a businessman; she purchased jewelry, clothes and shoes.

Bob McDonnell was a rising star in the Republican Party and was considered a possible future Presidential candidate. He has been

sentenced to 2 years imprisonment, while his wife will face sentencing later this month.

Both these men had great potential in the political arena but greed got in the way and both couples will serve prison sentences for their crimes. I just cannot get what is so attractive about gold watches and shoes to make men lose their way. It doesn’t matter which political party you’re from or which community you grew up in, it seems we all like the same things - cars, clothes, shoes, jewelry, mansions, cigars, gold watches, women and on and on. What is it about these things that make people lose their minds and risk it all?

In the USA there are three separate branches of Government - the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial. Each with separate and independent powers and areas of responsibility so that the powers of one branch are not in conflict with the powers associated with the other branches. It’s because of this system that appropriate investigation can be done and judgment fairly executed. So men like McDonnell and Jackson can be held accountable for their actions and are in prison or waiting to be sentenced. Government needs checks and balances without which you have anarchy.

In Belize there’s a different system, a Parliamentary system where the Prime Minister holds all the power and he’s also the Minister of Finance. He appoints the police chief and the judges and has total control of the country’s finances. His Party controls both houses and passes legislation he wants without much trouble. It’s a one man show which is not good for openness and transparency and a democratic way of

2015

governing.

2014 was the year of corruption and scandals in Belize but not one so called investigation brought anyone to justice. Many of these investigations were smoke screens, the appearance of an investigation but we all knew nothing would come of it.

In Belize we have two systems of justice, one for the rich and the other for the poor. Just this week I read of a lady who was sentenced to seven years in jail for a few ounces of cocaine. Many poor people are sentenced to long prison sentences for minor offenses like shop lifting but the politicians are untouchable and do their deeds and corruption openly for they know they cannot be touched.

Belize politicians are like any other politicians everywhere. They like the same things. They live lavishly while many of the poor live in huts and dilapidated houses - many without running water and sewage. The political system is so broken and unfair that we offer the poor ham and turkey for Christmas while the rich politicians fly to Miami to shop. Our politicians ride around in new expensive SUVs thanks to Petrocaribe monies while the poor are handed a ham. What dignity is left in anyone after you have to stand in line to accept a token? People much prefer a job than a handout

from a crooked politician. This is life in Belize and too many have accepted this is the way it is. Until we have a system in place where politicians can be held accountable nothing will change.

So as the New Year approaches much remains the same. Life is good for a few while the masses continue to suffer. No jobs, no justice no dignity left for so many. People’s doors are kicked in, no search warrant, their belongings are taken and who do you turn to for justice?

People are thrown in jail for not having headlights on their bicycles or for stealing a can of tuna to feed their children but the politicians walk and drive freely because the system protects them.

When did we become so selfish and greedy? When did we stop caring for the less fortunate and only think of ourselves? Matthew 25:40 gives food for thought. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Unfortunately, this didn’t start yesterday and sadly, it doesn’t seem it’ll end any time soon.

Rayford Young is a Belizean-American, who currently lives in Michigan, U.S.A. Send comments to rayfordyoung@comcast.net

FERAKHA OPERATION LIMITED # 120,189 (“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that FERAKHA OPERATION LIMITED has been dissolved as at 3rd December, 2014 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

11 JAN

2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

Petrocaribe Rolling??

By Herman Diaz There is political fervour among the populace in the Jewel anxiously waiting to cast their political lots in the upcoming town council elections set for March 2015. This could well be the test of choice for both political parties.

The leader of the Opposition People’s United Party has sounded the call to battle, “We will be battle ready”, whilst the United Democratic Party leader and Prime Minister of Belize chants “Petro Caribe Rolling”.

The engine to the PUP’s battle ready mode is running on the Party’s Social Justice agenda and other promised reforms, especially in the area of governance directed at making the executive more accountable and ensuring that Ministers and public officials are legally responsible for their illegal or unconstitutional acts.

One of the intentions of the PUP is the development of Belize through the development of People – one of the noblest undertakings a government can pursue.

Their aim is to put upright the people lying down at the bottom of the societal ladder – the marginalised, the disadvantaged, the ones left out of the equation of social and economic development.

The UDP engine seems to be oiled and rolling on oil as the Prime Minister strives in his attempt to hold on to national power continues to hurl the political Pixie dust of Petrocaribe in the eyes of the Belizean populace.

The Petrocaribe enchantment is nothing but a political gimmick set up to make the poor wretched souls such as those on the Southside of Belize City look prosperous. The political rhetoric and propaganda are intended to create a false sense of wellness for the poor, the sick, the elderly, and the

disenchanted youths of Belize, as well as the rest of Belizean citizens.

The Petrocaribe fund which has become a sort of trump card for Prime Minister Barrow and the UDPs was the vision of the late comandante Hugo Chavez of Venezuela implemented in the Caribbean region and Latin America to be utilized in development programs in the associated countries to benefit, especially, the less fortunate citizens.

The People’s United Party joined the funding in 2005 receiving monies that were granted to Belize. Seemingly, the United Democratic Party at that time viewed the move as a “bad thing” for the Jewel and as the Honorable Said Musa declared to the House on the 18th November 2014, Prime Minister Barrow even characterized the late comandante Chavez at that time a pseudo-nationalist. Ironically, the PM is singing high praises and repeats the refrain “Petrocaribe rolling”.

The Belizean populace is now aware that the fund has rolled to the tune of 228 million in Belize dollars. What the UDP government has failed to do is to tell the people that the money spent is considered a loan that will be pegged to the national debt. What Prime Minister Barrow has failed to do is to tell the people of Belize man, woman and child that they, their children and grandchildren not yet born will have to pay this debt after he has gone. The Prime Minister has failed to show through proper accounting how the money is being spent and how it has changed the environs of urban Belize – the livelihoods, better housing for the poor, parks and playgrounds, educational centers, availability to proper health

services, etc.

The Government even failed to allot funds to the conservation post and the special constable arm at Characol at the behest of head of the Tourism Police, Ms. Hall. The result of this gross negligence was the death of Special Constable Danny Conorquie.

The reality is that the Prime Minister and his Government Ministers derive their power from the Petrocaribe fund they control, not from the people of Belize. They have little reason to share the wealth, but every incentive to maintain themselves in power regardless of the destruction of the fabric of the society. This is exactly what happened prior to the general election of 1998.

The United Democratic Party government propagated that the social order was moving in the right direction, the economy was strong and the people were better off.

The People’s United Party was victorious; however, they found the country in crisis. The economy was in shambles, investor confidence was at its lowest, public debt had spun out of control, education and health services had seriously deteriorated. Poverty had risen to levels that created social discontent.

When the People’s United Party took office, as Honorable Said Musa declared in his State of the Nation address on 16th September 1998, “We had to restore and repair crumbling infrastructure, and we had to begin addressing the thousand and one problem of a people abandoned and neglected.

And we had to do this quickly and simultaneously.”

Today the UDPs are riding the musical wave of “Petrocaribe rolling” and members and supporters are doing the “Orangutan dance”.

However, the egregious reality is

DANGRIGA

19 that the UDP government bogeyman is wrapping the noose around Belizeans’ collective neck. The national debt has ballooned due to lack of pragmatic spending and improper accounting. The social realities exist with poverty rising to some forty odd percent, proper health care cannot be accessed by the indigent, who must endure living in dilapidated housing conditions. The saddest reality is that some of the very people living under these conditions are being used in images of propaganda ads to give a false sense of wellness in urban areas especially Southside Belize. This Petrocaribe fund was supposed to be used especially to change the circumstances that have engulfed the poor, the sick, the elderly and the disenchanted youths live on a daily basis. What makes it more alarming is that several international organisations have given this Government funds in the form of grants or loans to alleviate poverty.

For instance, the recent agreement signed by the Prime Minister with the European Union for some $67.5 million nfor rural poverty alleviation.

However, the poor continue to live in squalor under this UDP administration.

The time is fast approaching when the Belizean populace will have to choose come election time: their choice will be to continue with the arrogant, corrupt, vindictive practices of the UDP government which shalled lead us to tyranny, to more poverty and oppression or choose freedom and sustainable development with the PUP. The Belizean people WILL choose freedom. They have waited and suffered too long. The day of reckoning is coming. It always comes when everything you’ve tried to repress rears up in the road to meet you. Whatever you bury deepest is always waiting for a moment of greatest stress to explode to the surface. That moment lies in the general election. Roll the Election NOW!!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that JING WEI CHEN is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “L & F Fast Food and Grocery”, situated at 7 Douglas Jones Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that GEORGE NINGH is applying for a Malt and Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Siesta Inn”, situated at 3 ½ Miles Phillip Goldson Highway, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that JORGE M. NAVARRO is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Black and White Sports Center”, situated at Fonseca Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that REINA ISABEL DELCID is applying for a Malt and Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Pupuseria Dianita’s”, situated at 64 Otro Benque, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that HAROLD TILLETT is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Harry’s Store”, situated at 14 Gristock Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that JOSE E NARVAEZ is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Smokey Mermaid”, situated at Tower Hill, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that ANA MARIA VASQUEZ is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “El Norteño Restaurant”, situated at Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that NICOLASA CRUZ is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Nicolasa Shop”, situated at San Felipe Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that ROBERTO CASTILLO is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Luisa’s Grocery”, situated at Yo Creek Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that ARMANDO CHANG is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Chon Saan Palace”, situated at Kelly Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that JIABI NUÑEZ is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Kim’s Shop”, situated at 7386 Antelope Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that MARGARITA KOH is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Maggie’s Sunset Kitchen”, situated at Caye Caulker Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that ANNA MCKAY is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Anna’s Lunch Box”, situated at 90 North Front Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that HELAL MIAH is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Ahmed Grocery and Laundromat”, situated at 46 Mahogany Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that JORGE CASTILLO is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “C.C. Meat”, situated at 1 George Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that HELAL MIAH and SHAHEEN CHOWDURY is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Dallar Grocery Shop 1”, situated at 2 Water Lane, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that LILIAN RACQUEL SALAZAR is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “La Cascada Bar”, situated at 20 Slim Lane, City of Belmopan, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that CAROL BETTY SUTHERLAND is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “E&R Groceries”, situated at Rancho Dolores Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that SCOTT OSCAR ESQUIVEL is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Scotty’s Tavern”, situated at 111 North Front Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that RAY WAGNER and ROSA WAGNER are applying for a renewal for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Smuggler’s Den”, situated at Consejo Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that DEBORAH GEGG is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Smokey Mermaid”, situated at 13 Cork Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that JARRETH ALFARO is applying for a Malt and Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Allsaro Place”, situated at 133 Gaulin Street, Ladyville, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that LINDFORD ROSADO is applying for a Night Club Liquor License to be operated at “Thirsty Thursday”, situated at 164 Newtown Barracks, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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2015

Notice is hereby given that JAIME BRICENO is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Shell One Stop”, situated at 50 Corner Central American, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that ELIO REYES is applying for a Publican General Liquor License to be operated at “IBW Ltd”, situated at Phillip Goldson International Airport Terminal, Ladyville, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that ELIO REYES is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Duty Free Belize”, situated at Phillip Goldson International Airport Terminal, Ladyville, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that JUN MING ZHAO is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Enjoy Restaurant and Bar”, situated at Caye Caulker Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that JUN MEI SU is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “T&C Supermarket”, situated at Caye Caulker Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that ELVIRA MEJIA LANZA is applying for a Malt and Cider Liquor License to be operated at “A&E’s Restaurant and Bar”, situated at Maskall Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that MARIO LOPEZ is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Camaron Loco”, situated at Valley of Peace Village, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that ALCIDES CHIN is applying for a Malt and Cider Liquor License to be operated at “The Price Is Right”, situated at Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that EUFEMIO JIMENEZ is applying for a Malt and Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Jimenez Shop”, situated at Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

11JAN JAN 11

2015 2015

THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE

REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

NEWS

21

Shell to pay $83.5m for Nigeria oil spill FBI chief ‘confident’

North Korea hacked Sony

James Comey tells cybersecurity summit that November hack was traced to IP addresses used exclusively by North Korea.

The out-of-court settlement averted a full trial at the High Court in London.

Fishing community to get compensation for 2008 spills that destroyed thousands of acres of mangroves in southern delta.

Oil giant Royal Dutch Shell has agreed to pay a Nigerian fishing community about $83.5m for the worst oil spill ever suffered in the African nation’s southern delta region.

Wednesday’s agreement ends a three-year legal battle in Britain over two spills in 2008 that destroyed thousands of hectares of mangroves and the fish and shellfish that sustained villagers of the Bodo community.

It “is thought to be one of the largest payouts to an entire

US says Cuba frees some ‘political prisoners’ State Department says Havana has released some of 53 inmates on US list, following last month’s US-Cuban rapprochement.

Cuba has freed some of 53 people the United States regards as political prisoners as agreed under last month’s US-Cuban rapprochement, the State Department has said.

“They have already released some of the prisoners, we would like to see this completed in the near future,” spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters, saying she would not provide a specific number.

On Monday, Psaki had said she was unable to say whether any of the 53 had yet been freed.

Last month US President Barack Obama signalled a historic shift in US ties with Cuba, ordering his administration to initiate steps to normalise relations.

The State Department must also study the prospects of lifting communist-run Cuba from the list of states that sponsor terrorism.

Obama also wants to eventually gain cooperation from Congress in lifting the 54-year-old US trade embargo on Cuba which he has described as “self-defeating.”

Senior officials from both countries are due to meet to start the process of normalising ties in Havana later in January. An exact date has not been set.

community following environmental damage,” the claimants’ London lawyers, Leigh Day, said.

The Anglo-Dutch energy giant said it was paying $53.1 million to 15,600 fishermen and farmers and $30.4 million to their Bodo community.

“We’ve always wanted to compensate the community fairly,” said Mutiu Sunmonu, managing director of Shell Nigeria, which is 55 percent owned by the Nigerian government.

The out-of-court settlement averted a full trial at the High Court in London and the money has been paid to the claimants’ lawyers.

Shell originally offered $6,000 to the entire community, Leigh Day said.

Sunmonu said Shell also has agreed and is “fully committed” to a cleanup.

Chief Sylvester Kogbara, chairman of the Bodo Council of Chiefs and Elders, said he hoped “that Shell will take their host communities seriously now” and embark on a cleanup of all of Ogoniland.

A UN Environment Programme report has estimated it could take up to 30 years to fully rehabilitate Ogoniland, an area where villagers have been in conflict with Shell for decades.

Kogbara said the community money will be used to provide needed basic services.

Mayor Jose Luis Abarca and his wife Maria de Los Angeles Pineda are suspected of masterminding disappearance of 43 students

Mexico charges mayor’s wife over missing case Maria de los Angeles Pineda is main suspect of being behind kidnappings of 43 students in Iguala that rocked country.

The wife of the ex-mayor of Iguala, the Mexican city where 43 college students went missing in September and are feared dead, has been jailed indefinitely on suspicions of masterminding the abductions that rocked the country, prosecutors have said.

Maria de los Angeles Pineda, who had been held under provisional arrest, has been transferred to a high security prison in the western state of Nayarit from the capital Mexico City.

On Monday, a judge issued a warrant for her pretrial detention “for her likely role in committing organised crime ... and operations with funds of illicit origin,” said Tomas Zeron,

The head of the FBI has said he is confident North Korea was behind the November cyberattack on Sony Pictures Entertainment.

James Comey said on Wednesday that threats made against the Japanese company were traced to Internet Protocol addresses used exclusively by the North Koreans.

Comey made the remarks at a cybersecurity conference at New York’s Fordham University.

He said there was evidence that North Korea had sought to use proxy servers to conceal the Sony hack, but he added that sometimes the hackers “got sloppy” and did not use the servers.

Earlier on Wednesday, US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper revealed that he had previously dined with the North Korean general believed responsible for the hack.

He said the meeting took place two months ago during his secret mission to Pyongyang.

Clapper said on November 7, the first night of his mission to free two Americans, he dined with General Kim, “ [who was] in charge of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, the RGB, the organisation responsible for overseeing the attack against Sony”.

He did not give the general’s full name but he apparently was referring to General Kim Yong-chol, director of the RGB, also known as Unit 586, one of three North Korean entities sanctioned by the US in response to the hack.

who leads the criminal investigation unit of the prosecutor’s office.

Pineda and her husband Jose Luis Abarca, Iguala’s former mayor, have been named by prosecutors as the “probable masterminds” of the kidnappings allegedly carried out to prevent opposition demonstrations.

The students went missing September 26, in an apparent massacre by a police-backed gang that sparked nationwide protests and caused a crisis for President Enrique Pena Nieto.

Confessions made during the investigation have indicated that Abarca ordered police to crack down on the students to stop them from protesting at a public event his wife was to lead.

Authorities say the aspiring teachers vanished after gang-linked police attacked their buses in the city of Iguala, allegedly under orders from the mayor and his wife in a night of terror that left six other people dead.

The police then delivered the young men to members of the Guerreros Unidos drug gang, who told investigators they took them in two trucks to a landfill, killed them, burned their bodies and dumped them in a river.

For now, only one of the students has been positively identified from charred remains, which leaves little hope of finding the 42 others.

On Christmas Eve, the students’ parents held a protest under heavy rain in front of the Los Pinos presidential palace.

22

THINK ABOUT IT UDP IN BIG TROUBLE The UDP Party and the UDP Government, which have become one and the same are in big trouble.

Having spent millions of dollars in Cayo North, having pulled out all the stops and having a candidate campaigning non-stop since February, the turnout was only 2,600 voters who supported the UDP. Total voters in Cayo North constituency is 7,000.

The very poor turn-out for the UDP took place despite the Prime Minister himself and most of his Cabinet Ministers putting in days and weeks of campaigning.

Is that poor showing of only 2,600 out of 7,000 the best that such a massive and expensive effort could produce? The answer is: yes.

The P.U.P. candidate had only three weeks to campaign. There was no way he could cover the amount of ground needed to bond with voters.

He was on a small budget and he was the underdog in the campaign. Yet he brought out 1,300 voters. Imagine what he would have done if he had a six month period to campaign with quarter of the millions the U.D.P. spent in the area.

The UDP is in real big trouble.

Their strategy to abuse tax dollars and engage in wanton bribery is not going to make much of a difference.

The vast majority of Belizeans believe it is time for a change of government.

The Opposition has its work cut out for them. Non-stop campaigning and taking the message to every house and every voter.

MURDERS CONTINUE One hundred and twenty odd murders took place in our country for the year of 2014. This is a disgraceful and shocking indictment of our government, and specifically the Ministry of National Security.

On Monday morning 5th January, 2015, in broad daylight around 8:00 a.m. at the busy Pound Yard Bridge, a cold bloodied murderer shot a man in front of dozens of persons.

There is a gross insensitivity by the government towards this unacceptable state of affairs. Each year the murder rate is above one hundred persons. For seven years the government cannot provide any solutions. The Monday morning execution raised the issue of why, with millions of dollars being wasted, can’t the government install security surveillance at strategic locations around this small city? Why? Why is there no Police presence at the Pound Yard bus terminal, which adjoins the busy market? Why are there no regular foot patrols, bicycle patrols and vehicle patrols across this small city?

Every text book on the duties and

11 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

functions of a government mention the protection of the citizen from external and internal threats to life, liberty and property. Citizens in Belize, and especially in Belize City, are not safe in their homes, their work places and neither the streets.

RUN THE SUGAR BOARD There is nothing sweet about sugar city right now. The Caneros of Orange Walk have voted overwhelmingly not to sign an agreement with B.S.I. The delivery of cane to the B.S.I. sugar factory should have started on 8th December, 2014. It is now the 8th January, 2015 and no delivery of cane is taking place because the Caneros were told they must sign an Agreement with B.S.I. before any cane will be accepted for grinding at the factory.

B.S.I. has recently been purchased by A.S.R. – American Sugar Refinery. From 2002 there have been no written agreement between caneros and the sugar factory, but every year sugar is planted, grown, cut and delivered to the factory; it is grinded and sugar is sent abroad to be refined. The Caneros are paid and the factory takes their cut of the revenue.

Along came A.S.R. and their insistence of new and onerous terms which are against the interest of the Caneros. They insist the Caneros must sign over their rights to their cane. They insist the caneros must deliver cane to the factory for the next seven years. They insist the by-product of cane, called baggase belongs to them and the Caneros must settle for 51 cents for payment for baggase.

There is a Law called the Sugar Cane Industry Control Act, chapter 283. It can be located on the internet at www.belizelaw.org. This law has been in effect since 1960. In 1966 it was amended with additional improvements at Section 16(i).

We reproduce Section 16(i) which speaks of “ the power and duties of the Sugar Control Board SHALL be as follows: “in respect of each crop year, to fix, after consultations with manufacturers and the Committee, the period or periods to be known as the grinding season, during which manufacturers SHALL accept deliveries of sugar cane from growers and cane farmers”.

This Law means that the Sugar Cane Industry Control Board has been given the power and the duty to set a date for delivery of cane and for the factory to grind the cane. In doing so the Board is to consult B.S.I. and the Caneros.

Consulting with the factory (manufacturers) involves finding out if the factory equipment is in condition to grind cane. Consulting with Caneros (through their representative Association) means finding out if they are

capable of delivering cane to the factory. Whether two sides like or dislike each other has nothing to do with the matter. Whether the two sides have a dispute and one side doesn’t want to deliver their cane or the other side does not want to accept sugar cane, has nothing to do with it.

After checking/consulting both sides the issue is the delivery and grinding of cane. In the present situation the Board can set a date and cane is to be delivered and the factory is to accept and grind cane. If the factory refuses then they will find out why the country has such a law and why there is a government in charge of seeing the law is obeyed. The interest of the nation is more important than a quarrel between the factory owners and the Caneros.

The Chairman of the Sugar Cane Industry Board is a former UDP Politician, Gabriel Martinez. This needs to be amended to remove a political agent and replace him with an independent and upstanding citizen who is not intimidated by his political bosses.

This Chairman and his fellow members of the Control Board have failed in their duty under the law. They have shown they are not fit to sit on the Board.

It is unbelievable that the Board should be sitting idle while thousands of Caneros are facing financial desperation and the cane in the field will start to deteriorate.

Love radio and TV presented a one sided view of the dispute between the B.S.I. and the Caneros.

Last week they had as guest the Chairman of the Control Board and another official. A few days thereafter they had a lawyer and an official from B.S.I. This was done leading up to Sunday 4th December, meeting of the Association of Cane Farmers.

The Cane Farmers Association or its spokespersons were not allowed on Love to present their views before the Sunday meeting.

This is very one-sided journalism.

Love FM is suspect because the Chairman of the Control board, B.S.I. and the government are all on the same side. And the cane farmers are on the other side. It can be interpreted as nothing other than to weaken the cane farmers and promote the B.S.I./government side.

The cane farmers were being bombarded with the message from the Chairman of the Control board, B.S.I. and the government that they must sign the agreement with B.S.I. or no cane can be delivered.

This is a naked lie.

The Chairman of the Control Board must go.

The government has openly exposed itself to be working hand in glove with B.S.I. against the Cane Farmers.

The cane farmers are being told to follow the law and apply to the Supreme Court for an Order of Mandamus, meaning an order to the Control Board to set a date.

2015

The government out of the mouth of the Prime Minister has issued a threat to the Judges of the Supreme Court, telling them openly they have no Police and army to force the Control Board or B.S.I. to do anything, so don’t go making any useless Court Order.

Wow! What utter disrespect the Leader of the Executive Branch of government has for the Leader of the Judicial Branch of the government.

And yet, the warning is true. While in every democracy an Order from the Courts is carried out by the Executive, we need to see what is done in Belize.

In this new Belize when the Court said the taking of B.T.L. was a violation of the Constitution the government used Police and B.D.F. to strong arm the re-taking of B.T.L. When the Penner scandal was taken to the Supreme Court and an Order was issued for the Police Commissioner to conduct an investigation, the government prevented such investigation.

The Managing Committee at Harmonyville wished to plant corn on a small piece of land, used as a buffer reserve. The government was told by the Court it is a simple matter that can be worked out by both sides. Months have now passed and not one stalk of corn has been planted.

The government is behaving like it is above the law and above the Courts.

This is most unhealthy state of affairs.

For the cane farmers and their suffering families, civil disobedience is their only option… unless common-sense gets the factory to accept cane and start to grind.

ANOTHER SHAME The news has reported that a sixteen year old who is in the care and custody of a government institution for disadvantaged and troubled children, had gotten pregnant.

It got worse, she gave birth and her three-month child has suddenly died.

The institutions which are under the care, control and responsibility of Ministers of government and U.D.P. hacks have been collapsing from negligence and mal-administration.

Education, Health, maternity wards, mental hospital, Customs, Police, Lands, Prison, Children’s Home, Immigration, the Court system, the Public Service and others are in unacceptable conditions.

And the Ministers are busy spending their monies of one hundred and twenty thousand dollars officially taken from tax payers funds.

PETROL PRICES The price of imported petrol has been falling for months. From a high of U.S. $120 a barrel to present U.S. $50.

A drop of 50 percent.

Yet in Belize the price has not fallen even 25 percent.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

Darrell Bradley playing games with BML workers Belize City, January 8, 2015 Next week Friday, January 16th, over 150 sanitation workers will be terminated from Belize Maintenance Limited as the Belize City Council ends its contract with the sanitation company. Despite the Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s promise that the workers shouldn’t fear being unemployed because the Council will hire them immediately, the workers have been in limbo for many months as Mayor Darrell Bradley made it very clear that he not only does not support the PM’s plan, but it makes him very uncomfortable to acquiesce to it. Bradley protested on the basis that the increase in staff, from 270 to 428 personnel, will mean an increase in financial burden to the Council. The Prime Minister’s ultimatum even had the Mayor threatening behind closed doors that he will not run for another term if he is forced to accept the PM’s decision.

Bradley, despite being an over melodramatic politician, is premium political commodity in the UDP and they have done everything possible to keep him happy and on board. This week, Bradley revealed that he will be conceding to the PM’s demand and the Council will be “taking on” the employees. Bradley said that about

there is more to the plans than what is being revealed. According to sources, UDP political agents have crafted a plan which will soothe Mayor Bradley’s headaches and at the same time give their political cronies an opportunity to feed their greed at the expense of public purse. This plan will see a big UDP crony take up the private management of the sanitation department, which will be a part of the Council on paper only. The sanitation services and employees, we are told, will be headquartered at rented apartment building owned by a Belize City UDP Minister and the finances to operate and manage will come from Central Government. At the request of the Council, they want little to do with the sanita-

tion department as possible.

Bradley, it is reported, will be leaving the poor BML employees at the whim and fancy of political cronies to do as they wish. These BML workers are the same who protested the UDP Council and the UDP Government back in August of last year. The same ones who called the UDP chancy after they were thrown in piss-house and their humanity degraded. Now, at the wishes of the UDP Council, they will face the brunt of the UDP’s vindictiveness and wrath.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that YUE SHAO RUAN is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “R & I Snack Shop”, situated at 7680 Faber’s Road Extension, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

For Sale

By Order of the

110 employees will continue under sanitation while the others will be placed in other departments.

While it sounds like a fair ending to the dilemma, the BELIZE TIMES has learnt that

Cañeros say NO to Barrow!

Continued from page 3 cials days later, it included an additional point that proposed to establish a new quality control body to be led by ASR. BSCFA officials considered this adjustment to the document as a sign of bad faith, and at general meeting held with its members on December 28th, the cane farmers rejected its signing.

Instead of providing leadership and regulating the industry through the Sugar Industry Control Board (SICB), as stipulated in the Sugar Act, the Government of Belize, instead chosen to be a mere spectator while the industry comes apart.

The conflict has reached a boiling point, with ASR taking steps to break up and destroy the BSCFA in order to target the weaker individual cane farmers. Meanwhile, the BSCFA members have stood united and have fought off attempts to divide their union-like organisation.

Some officials of the BSCFA have accused UDP Government officials of working in ASR’s interests and not the cane farmers’. They have accused the Barrow Administration of failing to ensure that the SICB carries out its regulatory functions under the law. The

BSCFA has also called on the SICB to announce a date for the start of crop, but this has fallen on deaf ears.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow has supported ASR’s position generally. This morning he announced a final ultimatum for cane farmers at a press conference held this morning in Belize City, declaring that ASR will not open their factory gates unless a satisfactory agreement is signed by cane farmers.

According to the Prime Minister, ASR has threatened to close its shutters and leave if there is no agreement.

The Prime Minister then joined ASR’s bandwagon and encouraged cane farmers to sign agreements with ASR individually.

The BSCFA received support from the Opposition People’s United Party on Wednesday, when the PUP Northern Caucus issued a release (see page 2) calling on the SICB to announce a date for the opening of the cane season. The PUP reminded the Government that it has a responsibility to assist in negotiating for a favorable resolution for the cane farmers.

The BSCFA has also received the support of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB).

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 7th day of July, 2010 between DEVONNY LIZETTE JOSEPH of #17 First New Site, Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 20 of 2010 at Folios 763 – 830, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT lot piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 10 comprising 413.245 Square Meters, being a portion of Block 533 belonging to Harry Sabal by virtue of Grant Fiat No. 321 of 1994 situate in the Carib Reserve South Area, Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District bounded and described as follows:- On the North by proposed 40 Feet Wide Public Road; On the East by existing 40 Feet Wide Public Road; On the South by Lot No. 9; and On the West by Lot No. 11 more particularly shown on a plan of sub-division by License Surveyor, John Hertular registered at the Lands and Survey Office, Belmopan City, Cayo District in Register No. 7 Entry No. 9780 and more particularly described as follows: - Commencing at a concrete pillar located on the Southern Boundary of the said proposed 40 Feet Wide Road that said pillar being the North Western corner of the said Lot No. 10, thence in an Easterly direction along the said boundary of the said proposed 40 Feet Wide Road on a grid bearing of 90 degrees 00’ 00” for a grid distance of 12.189 Meters to a concrete pillar thence in a South Easterly direction on a grid bearing of 135 degrees 00’ 00” for a grid distance of 4.309 Meters to a concrete pillar thence in a southerly direction along the said boundary of the said existing 40 Feet Wide Public Road on a grid bearing of 180 degrees 00’ 00’ for a grid distance of 24.379 Meters to a concrete pillar thence in a Westerly direction on a grid bearing of 270 degrees 00’ 00” for a grid distance of 15.237 Meters to a concrete pillar thence in a Northerly direction on a grid bearing of 00 degree 00’ 00” for a grid distance of 27.427 Meters back to the point of commencement TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 8th day of January, 2015.

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

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2015