Belize Times January 8, 2012

Sunday, January 8, 2012

SUNDAY January 8, 2011

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THE BELIZE TIMES

www.facebook/Belize Times

Issue No. 4778

KHMH ‘Piggy’ Bank?

Belize City, January 4, 2012 Despite evidence of gross mismanagement, nepotism, and at least one case of stealing, Prime Minister Dean Barrow never acted appropriately on the findings of the 2010 Commission of Inquiry. That report found that near a quarter of a million dollars were lost due to mismanagement or fraud at the public hospital, and it laid out the many cases imputing negligence against high-level employees, from the hospital CEO to its financial director.

But the Prime Minister cannot afford to ignore the allegations that have now surfaced against some of the very same people, who had the doctors and nurses threatening to go on strike just three years ago. Not when the allegations of corruption are being levied by KHMH’s own senior staff.

A reliable source has shared with the BELIZE TIMES a copy of a memo sent by KHMH’s Director of Operations, Mrs. Angela Wade to CEO Gary Francis-Longsworth on March 2010.

Wade titled the document “LACK OF TRANSPARENCY AND FAILURE TO FOLLOW KHMHA POLICY”, and in it, she accused Finance Director Carlos “Piggy” Perrera of serious mismanagement, carrying out illegal transac-

UDP

Councillor Willie Cruz accused of rape Who paid for Carlos “Piggy” Perrera’s trip to the Miami Heats game?

Was it funded by the KHMH “Piggy” Bank?

tions, meddling with tender processes, nepotism, and abuse of authority.

Wade had provided evidence to CEO Longsworth of payments made

by Perrera from the KHMH account without her consent. Those payments were to Alfred Williams, a well-connected UDP supporter in Orange Walk.

In the memo Wade told the CEO, “You are aware of how I feel about the verbal contract with Mr. Williams and that his prices being very high.

Where we use to spend $500.00 or less a week we are now spending over $1,000 weekly. It seems to me

Continued on page 4

SSB Insider Trading?

Belize City, January 4, 2012 In a sure sign that early general elections are imminent Prime Minister Barrow announced in his New Year’s message that the Government of Belize would buy over $17 million in mortgage loans from the Social Secu-

9 yr. old

murdered inside home

rity Board and write them off. According to Barrow’s propaganda 780 loans at or below $50,000 will be forgiven.

A firestorm of protest has resulted from this announcement, as Belizeans from all walks of life recognize what this really is – the use of taxpayers’

Barrow increases fuel prices

Aaron Pope

Belize City, January 3, 2012 The cost of living may be at its highest point in history, but that’s not stopping the Barrow Administration from continuing to hike commodities.

Fuel prices increased on January 1st, perhaps as a late Christmas gift for Belizeans, but it’s not a Christmas bonus or free hams.

See page 6

See page 8

dollars to buy votes.

Both Barrow and his sidekick Finnegan have been claiming that the loan write-offs will assist those at the bottom of the economic ladder to get a foot up. And for those too few strug-

Continued on page 6

Imported Cabbage

disrupts industry Cayo District, Wednesday, January 4, 2012 The reeking incompetence of the Agriculture Minister Rene Montero, his CEO Gabino “Gambino” Canto, and the head of the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation Roque Mai has been exposed time and time again.

We’ve seen how they sinSee page 8

UDP Corozal Town Councillor Willie Cruz is facing serious criminal allegations Corozal Town, January 3, 2012 A 16 year old high school student has accused UDP Town Councillor Willie Cruz of kidnapping, drugging her and rape. The young girl’s report is so frightening it has thrown the UDP into a frantic damage control mode.

See page 4

Opposition wins Jamaica

early elections

See page 8

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Traffic Officers shafted out of proper workplace!!!

Dear Editor,

Penner Blames Prime Minister for Failure Dear Editor, Kindly print the article submitted below in your next issue.

On Tuesday December 13, 2011, Hon. Elvin Penner, area representative for the Cayo North East Constituency held a public meeting at the Spanish Lookout Park. The people attending the meeting were mainly Mennonites with only a few Hispanics from the surrounding villages. Compred to a similar meeting before the General elections of 2008, this meeting was poorly attended.

There was no clear agenda for the meeting. The Minister throughout the meeting could not say one good word about his Party. Minister Penner blamed his UDP government for His failure in not delivering to his constituency a single promise on the UDP manifesto. He had no reservations on his blame game.

He firstly said that in regards to agriculture which is the livelihood of most Mennonites and residents of the surrounding villages that Minister Montero was selfish and brought all assistance to his (Montero’s) constituency only. He also mentioned that during the almost 4 years in government he has not been able to work well with any of his colleagues in government. He claimed that hey are rather selfish and believes that there are too many selfish people in his government. The blame game got worse when he said that he believes that both Montero and the

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

Prime Minister Barrow do not like the Mennonites. He claimed that on several occasions he has tried to get the Prime Minister to listen to him and to award him with the Ministry of agriculture but said that despite Montero’s reputation as an arrogant, selfish and greedy Minister, Barrow seems to have some liking for him.

After the meeting was over, I overheard Penner while speaking to other Mennonites and said that one other of his principal enemies in his government is Minister Boots Martinez. He said he did not know what Boots had against him but he believes it is racial. He told them that he cannot do any infrastructure works with regards to roads and streets in his Constituency because Boots Martinez refuses to help him.

My friends and I could not believe that Mr. Penner could have blamed everybody else but himself for his failure and much worse to do it in public.

Signed Terry Perez Duckrun

Perhaps it’s simply best to refer to this complaint letter by an alternative (and more appropriate) title: “City Council just won’t do right, even by its traffic officers….”

The traffic officers who work on the Magazine Road-Johnston Streets have a very specific (and some would say simple) job... to not only look after the traffic, but also to inspect and certify that vehicles and owners have their proper ‘papers’, i.e. their license and insurance.

But they haven’t been able to properly do that, at least for a whole year or so now. As first reported in other media, the UDP Central Government ‘kicked out’ its own Belize City Council’s traffic officers from their original base out of Magazine Road and forced them to ‘move over’ to Johnson Street under a tent – the site of a former (or perhaps current) Panades Shop. Once the rain came down, fuggedabouit! They had to fend for themselves, and forge ahead with their work. But worst of all, when they (all men are posted there) had a need to ‘go’, they couldn’t. The old shed from which they originally did their business had no bathroom, so they had to – gasp! – pause their work and beg the neighbors to go in their homes. I’ve done research and learnt one can suffer some seri-

The BDF deserves better treatment Dear Sir, The BDF has been having a woeful time when it comes to transportation. On Sunday 18th December 2011, I was coming from Orange Walk to Corozal and I had the pleasure of picking up (4) BDF who were hitchhiking back to Corozal Town. When talking to the two riding in the cab, I found out that they had gone to Orange Walk Town to participate in a church parade in connection with the Christmas season. When finished they found out that they had no transportation to go back home, thus the reason for them hitchhiking.

They also told me that some weeks ago they were coming from Belize City where they had attended a funeral when one of the tires of the BDF truck burst; coming completely off the rim, nearly causing them to overturn. Also previous to that on a trip to Dangriga, the propelling shaft on their BDF transportation fell off and they were left on the road for hours until repairs could be made.

According to them most of the BDF transportations are running on old worn out tires and are mechanically unsound, posing a severe threat to our soldiers. Our soldier not only have to worry about patrolling our borders but they first have to surpass the hazards of getting there on their run down transportations.

Mr. Prime Minister we know that your defense Minister is battling a severe addiction problem, and he has been found to be of no good use, but the buck stops with you.

Instead of buying all those brand new SUV vehicles for your Ministers you should have bought vehicles for the BDF. What the hell were you thinking? Damn boy, you sure know to *^% up a situation. Talk about being dumb. Get it straight Skippy? New Vehicles = Ministers = No, BDF = Yes. It is that simple.

Yours Sincerely, Eulogio Itzab San Narciso Village Corozal District

ous bladder infections from holding.

Dire, ridiculous – the adjectives (and even some invectives and expletives) keep on piling up. But maybe it shouldn’t come as a surprise where the blame (and the anger) should be directed: Councilor Dean Samuels, the man solely responsible for the City’s traffic. His incompetence and utterly depraved mentality to find an immediate solution to this crisis – and yes, it can surely now be called that – is surely ignoble and reeks of inexperience and mismanagement.

Of course, I’ve been told I shouldn’t expect more when the Councillor was a barber before entering politics. At least he should have at least shaved some traffic congestion.

But while the people who must go through the process of checking their licenses are suffering unduly by the combined actions of the inept City Council and the Central Government, the Traffic Officers are essentially forced to ‘grin and bear’ until the Council builds proper facilities that will adequately assist the officers, and perhaps the citizens as well.

But since elections are forthcoming and this outgoing City Council doesn’t believe itself to be beholden to do something about this situation, it would be wishful thinking to hold our collective breaths for something to happen.

I am hopeful the next PUP City Council fixes this problem in its first days in office. This kind of inhumane treatment of workers under the UDP must come to an end.

Signed, Nephew of Senior Traffic Officer

THE BELIZE TIMES EDITOR

Alberto Vellos OFFICE MANAGER

Fay Castillo McKay PRINTING/PERSONNEL SUPERVISOR

Doreth Bevans

LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

MARKETING/ADVERTISING

Rafael Sosa

STAFF REPORTER

Alton Humes TYPIST

Rachel Arana OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed & Published By The Belize Times Ltd.

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

Sunday, January 8, 2012

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THE BELIZE TIMES

PARTY PAGE

PUP

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HON. FRANCIS FONSECA FREETOWN

HON. FLORENCIO MARIN JR. COROZAL SOUTH EAST

HON. cordel hyde lake independence

CAROLYN TRENCH-SANDIFORD COLLET

HON. JOHN BRICENO ORANGE WALK CENTRAL

RT. HON SAID MUSA FORT GEORGE

Rodwell Ferguson Stann Creek West

GREGORIO “PAPAS” GARCIA COROZAL BAY

HON. mark espat albert

IVAN RAMOS Dangriga

Valdemar castillo Corozal North

mike espat toledo east

oscar requeña toledo west

gilroy usher sr. port loyola

phillip palacio mesopotamia

JULIUS ESPAT CAYO SOUTH

anthony sylvestre jr . queen square

ARTHUR SALDIVAR BELIZE RURAL NORTH

anthony mahler caribbean shores

dr. francis smith pickstock

patty arceo belize rural south

dr. amin hegar belmopan

collet montejo cayo central

oscar sabido cayo west

dr. MARCO tulio mendez orange walk east

abelardo mai orange walk south

orlando habet cayo north east

dolores balderamos garcia belize rural central

jorge briceno orange walk north

joseph mahmud cayo north

RAMIRO RAMIREZ COROZAL SOUTH WEST

TEAM BELIZE

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, January 8, 2012

KHMH ‘Piggy’ Bank?

Continued from page 1

that because of this, the past two weeks cheques were made and paid to Mr. Williams with no authorization from me.”

Wade added that she suspects that there may be other cheques issued by Perrera without her authorisation.

Citing a blatant case of abuse of authority, Wade said Perrera had seemingly singlehandedly meddled with the tender process for the hospital’s medical ward renovation. She accused Perrera of disrupting multiple tender processes and manipulating decisions, to allow UDP cronies like Ministry of Foreign Affairs CEO Alexis Rosado and former Senator Rene Gomez, an op-

UDP

Councillor Willie Cruz accused of rape Continued from page 1 On Tuesday morning, the UDP Corozal executive held an urgent meeting and ordered that a life-sized UDP banner displaying photos of Councillor Cruz and the UDP team at the entrance of the town be torn down immediately.

But there is much more than just a politician’s career on the line. The minor has been living a nightmare. She was terrified to recount the horrible ordeal to her family, but did so hoping to find refuge. The minor told her parents that Cruz offered to taxi her to her destination in his vehicle. Trusting the elected official, the minor got into the vehicle, but said she was surprised when Cruz headed another direction.

The 16 year old reports that Cruz’ joyride lasted 10 miles outside of Corozal Town, until they stopped in Consejo Village. The minor said she begged Cruz to take her home, but he refused. Instead, the UDP Councillor gave her liquor to drink, according to the minor. She said she fell asleep, and when she woke up, she saw Cruz beside her with only his pants on. She also reported that when she got out of the vehicle she felt severe pain on her private parts. She said she asked Cruz if anything had happened, but he responded that nothing happened.

Upon relating the terrifying incident to her parents, they became concerned and took her to a doctor who certified that she had been carnally known. The parents have reported the matter to the Police, who have yet to charge the UDP Councillor. Police say that when the investigations are concluded, the information will be sent to the Department of Public Prosecutions for advice on whether the Councillor should be charged.

UDP Councillor Willie Cruz has refused to discuss the incident with any media house.

portunity to benefit from KHMH contracts.

Wade states, “…no matter what line of authority we have in place, Mr. Perera is left to do as he pleases and push people into all Directorate and cause conflicts. This is exactly what went wrong with Belize Waste Control when he and yourself called in the media and Councillor Willoughby to a meeting in the CEO’s office and he then gave the media information on BWC which were all lies and caused us now to have to be burning in Belmopan our red waste and taking our green waste to City Council dump site.”

From Wade’s complaints, one can deduce that Perrera has been acting like King “Piggy” at the KHMH, and may have turned the public hospital

into the ‘Piggy’ bank. It appears not even the CEO could have dealt with the situation and reigned Perrera in, as in a letter written by Perrera to Wade in October 2010, he launches personal attacks at her.

In that letter, of which the BELIZE TIMES also obtained a copy, Perrera fires off, “It can be concluded that it is the Office of Director of Operations that reflects inefficiency and lack of effectiveness by offering less than the basic responsibility the institution requires. The Director of Operations is a nice person on a personal basis and I don’t have any problem with her as a person and hope the best for her. However the Director of Operations does need much development to perform as a leader and does not have the mental

agility”.

We are told by reliable sources, that the relationship between Wade and Perrera continues in a contentious tone. Wade has recorded even more instances of abuse and mismanagement, but the CEO seems unable to do anything.

“I feel CEO that you have no control of the Hospital as you seems to leave it all to Mr. Perera to decide,” Wade commented in her March 2012 letter.

Our source has indicated there is more evidence of corruption under the current management of the KHMH. We will follow-up on the allegation and promise to bring more next week, despite any threats from agents of the UDP Government who want to keep the truth in the dark.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Lollypops & Sugar Coated Plums On December 16 2011 Barrow revealed to the nation (coincidentally after a House Meeting) that he had diverted forty thousand or 1.2 million tax payers’ dollars to all thirty one constituencies as a Christmas goodwill gesture for the poor. But what Barrow didn’t tell the Belizean people was that it was the 31 UDP representatives, elected and non-elected, that would be receiving the forty grand. His real intention was to create a Christmas election sweetener in an attempt to win supporters for the upcoming March elections, all in the name of the POOR. The problem here was not the alleged gesture, but the means used to justify the end. Can Belizeans remember when in 2006 and 2007 they called for reforms in the way your government conducts business but most importantly how they spend tax dollars? That call was answered by the PUP who gave the Belizean people the Finance and Audit Act. Barrow as Leader of the Opposition and Prime Minister seem to be two different persons.

Today he chooses to bypass the legislation, hinting to his transparency and accountability dance. This most egregious act has not been missed. It has been protested by the PUP and Business Senator Godwin Hulse. We seem to be waiting for the Unions to catch up, or perhaps wake up.

Barrow seems totally unfazed. He did not even spend Christmas in Belize as he left to Miami, leaving a pre-recorded New Year’s message on DVD. He proclaimed 2011 as the best year that ever was, when every other Belizean knows that is not the case. Life is haada out ya.

The failed UDP Leader returned with a slew of more elections promises, after starving the nation for 3 ½ years. He says he’ll give us the sky, the sun and throw in the moon. But when we put Barrow’s election plums under the microscope, we find the lowering of electricity rates to be similar to his promise of nationalizing oil back in 2008. Can we remember his lowering fuel prices in time for the 2009 Town and CitCo elections, but as soon as the results were in, the prices were jacked up back?

And how does he explain the 35 million his administration said BEL owed to the Belizean people? What has happened to this money? Will they use this same money owed to the people to pay for lower rates? More importantly, how soon after the elections will we see the rates go back up?

Barrow has had to even pretend to suffer selective amnesia, and he’s good at it. After beating up on the business community for the past 3 ½ years, Barrow claimed in his election promises speech that he is setting aside his record of abuse and assault and make it up by installing a business desk in the Office of the Prime Minister. Too late Prime Minister, the business community already knows you are the problem.

Barrow is shamelessly campaigning for his failed town and municipalities, who have failed miserably in delivering the goods and services to the people for the past six years, even with a UDP national government. But the people of Belize are no fools. We remember the pain, the corruption and scandals, the lack of jobs, the headache school fees, the broken streets and incompetence, and the murders. Life harder under Barrow and no amount of feel good promises nor sugar-coated plums will change us. It is time for change Belize.

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9 yr. old

murdered inside home Wednesday, January 4, 2012 Police still have not charged anyone with the senseless New Year’s Eve slaying of 9 year old Aaron Pope.

The child was shot dead in his sleep at 25 George Street in Belize City. He was in his bed along with his mother, Michelle Myvett, when a man stomped down their front door and began to shoot in the house. Two of the bullets penetrated little Aaron’s bedroom wall and mattress and one struck his head. He never woke up.

The bullet entered from the right temple and moved to the other side of his head by the time the cat-scan was conducted. His mother, awakened by the gunshots and by her daughter screaming that she had just gotten shot, jumped up and pulled little Aaron under the bed, but he was already shot. His sister, Kadesha Saldano, 17, who was in another bed, was also hit by a bullet in her right elbow.

The two were Myvett’s only children. The mother narrowly escaped gunshots. She told reporters following the shooting that she faces her loss with faith in God and with hope that her little boy’s killer will be apprehended and brought to justice. The child’s school teacher said that her son used to help her on the computer.

Police are still investigating and Information is that the shooter, identified so far as a dark-skinned male, ran up the stairs of Myvett’s home and kicked in the front door, breaking a latch that kept it fastened at the bottom. The attack is one that has gripped the Myvett family because they are not affiliated with any street gangs and have no qualms with anyone. At best, police believe that the shooter went to the wrong home and opened fire. The shooting is believed to be in retaliation to one that occurred about an hour earlier at the Palm Island nightclub, when Dale Tillett, 19, and Brandon Tillett, 25 were shot during an altercation that broke out among a group of men.

No one has been charged with the murder of Aaron Pope, whose father, Elbert Pope, has also been shot dead on Father’s Day of 2010.

Aaron Pope, who was described as a talkative student at Grace Primary, lamented when his classmate, Janay Moguel, was shot in early February of 2010 as she and her grandfather walked from a shop across the Central American Boulevard to their house. She remains paralysed by the bullet that struck her in the shoulder blade. Now he is the latest child victim of street warfare and the fourth child since 2010 when Marquis Mahler was also shot dead in his yard on Faber’s Road. After him Little Eyanie Nunez, was similarly shot dead as she slept in her house. In all cases, no one was arrested and charged with the killings of these children.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, January 8, 2012

SSB Insider Trading?

Continued from page 1

gling poor and middle class families who will benefit from having their debt wiped clean, this is a welcome announcement, and one we would not argue with.

However, numerous reports reaching the BELIZE TIMES indicate that many of the loans that were included in the bundle of write-offs were made to highly placed UDP cronies who make big salaries and can easily repay the loans. Using their ‘insider trading’ knowledge these managers at government departments and even the Social Security Board itself found out about the PM’s plan and so brought their SSB loans below by the 50K threshold (by borrowing at other financial institutions) and were able to walk away with free money.

In his message Barrow spoke

about non-performing loans, or loans that SSB would not have been able to recover anyway. However a few days later his tune had changed. Now ALL loans at or below 50 thousand, whether the borrowers were paying or not, were bought and wiped off. This is an egregious abuse of taxpayers’ dollars for electioneering purposes, and we call on the government to provide a list of persons whose loans were written off with our money. The person(s) who signed off on that list must explain to Belizeans why it is that these highly-salaried individuals were able to walk away from their loans.

And what about the hundreds of deserving Belizeans who have lost their homes over the last 4 years?

Every week the newspapers are full of foreclosure ads from DFC and SSB, not to mention the banks. Most of them were middle class families where the father and/or mother lost their jobs in this depressed economy

brought on by Barrow’s failed economic policies. This announcement came too late for them.

When asked if taxpayers would foot the bill, Finnegan, in a classic case of political idiocy, said not at all.

Yet it is tax payers who contribute to Social Security and pay taxes to government. If it is not taxpayers footing the bill then who the hell is?

The loans to highly paid UDP cronies were paid off by us taxpayers.

This happened under the watch of Merlene Bailey Martinez, the CEO of SSB and Lois Young Barrow, the Chairman of the SSB Board. So much for transparency and accountability! This is a downright hustle and racket and once again the hard-working Belizean taxpayer has been shafted by this corrupt UDP government. Call the election Mr. Barrow. The People’s United Party will win and we will expose all the dirty deals you and your worthless ministers have been involved in.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Sick and tired of waiting 5 years to change your government? the PUP will make the term of government 4 years and fix the date for all elections

Fixed date for general elections: Again we’ve got it backwards. Government is about transparency and accountability of the people’s affairs. Why should one political party enjoy an element of surprise over the other simply because it is in government? If the people think you’ve done a good job, they will re-elect you regardless of when you call the elections. Besides, has having that element of surprise really helped any government given voting patterns in Belize?

vote for change vote PUP

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Opposition wins Jamaica early elections Jamaica, December 30, 2011 Defying opinion polls that suggested Jamaica’s general election was too close to call, the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) secured a stunning victory, winning 41 of the 63 seats in the House of Representatives on December 29 2011.

The party gained 53 per cent of the popular vote.

The result will place the PNP’s president, Portia Simpson Miller, back to the premiership, a post she held for 18 months and lost a mere four years ago when her party lost after more than 18 years in office.

The defeat of the Jamaica Labour

Party (JLP) signalled the first time in nearly seven decades that an administration has been kicked out after a single term - an outcome that will likely lead to much soul-searching within the organisation.

In conceding the election, outgoing prime minister and JLP leader, Andrew Holness, accepted the result as the will of the people. Holness was prime minister for just over two months, having been catapulted to the job after the surprise resignation of his predecessor, Bruce Golding, who accepted that the JLP would have little chance of victory with him at the helm.

Golding lost public confidence over

Imported Cabbage disrupts industry

Continued from page 1

glehandedly caused the local onion industry to nearly collapse by importing unnecessary onion from Holland, causing thousands of dollars in losses in the industry. Then they threatened to create disorder among the corn farming community with the illegal attempt to test GMO corn. Their idiotic reign then caused the rice industry to go to ruin when imported rice was found in the market. This caused several major rice producers to close down because of the unsustainable market.

Despite the glaring ineptitude, the Prime Minister has refused to remove any or all of the three stooges causing even more pain for local farmers.

The BELIZE TIMES has obtained a copy of a permit granted to Rene Canto, a favourite crony of Montero and UDP Chairman of San Antonio Village, to import thousands of pounds of cabbage just before the Christmas holiday. The permit, dated November 28, 2011, allowed Canto to import 10,000 pounds of Cabbage, 3,000 pounds of

Barrow increases fuel prices

Continued from page 1 In fact, it was increased in secret, and there has still not been any official announcement as yet.

The price for premium increased by 30 cents, to past $10.90per gallon.

Regular gas was hiked by 38 cents and it is also just below the $11.00 mark. Diesel saw a minor decrease of 3 cents, which commuters will find a joke.

In addition to the fact that consumers will no have to dig deeper into their pockets to pay for fuel, what the hike means is that inflation continues to affect the cost of goods, which does not bode well for Belizeans.

Important to note is that fuel prices continue above the $10 mark, even after Government promised in 2009 that it would go beyond $8.00.

lettuce, and 2,000 pounds of carrots from a store “La Poblanita” in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Belizean local farmers never reported a shortage in their supply of home-grown cabbage. In fact, they were preparing to harvest enough for the Christmas season, but the importing of cabbage disrupted their hopes, and instead many local producers had to throw away their produce.

Something sinister is taking place in our country. Local farmers and our agriculture sector are under sustained attack from the very same people elected and employed to protect the industry. It appears, they are motivated by greed and self-interest, and the pain caused on local farmers is only, as the Prime Minister would say, collateral damage.

The Opposition People’s United Party has maintained its call for Minister Montero, CEO Canto and Roque Mai to be removed immediately. The call is supported widely by local farmers, but it is the Prime Minister who refuses to listen.

his administration’s resistance of the United States’ request for the extradition of now-convicted gangster Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, and the hiring of lobbyists to encourage Washington to go soft on the matter.

Heading into the election, the PNP was confident that Jamaicans had ac-

cepted its message that it was capable of leading a return to sustained economic growth for the country.

The PNP also claimed the turnout at its mass meetings was “overwhelming, demonstrating the fact that the people are ready for a change of Government.”

PUP NOTICE

All members of the Eastern Caucus and Belize City Marshalls Corps are invited to a meeting at Independence Hall on Sunday January 8, 2012 at 2pm

Sunday, January 8, 2012

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Trio charged with armed burglary BELIZE CITY, Wed. Jan. 4, 2012

By Roy Davis Three persons were charged with aggravated burglary when they appeared in the # Magistrate’s Court on Friday, December 30, 2011.

They are Richard Wallace, 25; his brother, Michael Wallace, 18; and Dwayne Saldano, 28. The Wallace brothers, both employees of Cisco Construction Company reside at 7259 Reggae Street. Saldano, a carpenter employed by the Ministry of Works, resides at 7190 Reggae Street.

They were also charged with kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser explained to them that she cannot

Dwayne Saldano

Richard Wallace

Michael Wallace

offer them bail because of the nature of the offences. She remanded them into custody until February 6.

The incident occurred on Friday, December 30. Chinese business-

man De He Li, the owner of De He Li Store, located at 38 Freetown Road, reported to the police that three persons broke into his dwelling house, located upstairs of the store. Li said

one of the burglars had a pistol and he was held up at gunpoint.

Li said the culprits stole his licensed Smith and Wesson brand 9 millimetre pistol that contained 11 rounds of ammunition in its magazine and has a value of $3,000.

Li said they also stole his black Seiko wrist watch that has a value of $800.

The police reported that they apprehended the suspects in the immediate area shortly after the incident and they recovered the stolen items.

of $1,800 and $1,500 and their case was adjourned until February 27.

The incident occurred on Monday, January 2. The complainant, Leroy Banner, reported to the police that his cousin, Orlando Banner, held him and allowed Coleman to stab him in his abdomen.

Leroy Banner was taken to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released. The doctor who examined him classified his injury as grievous harm.

According to reports, Leroy Banner was stabbed because he stole a turkey.

Man stabbed because he allegedly stole a turkey

Sheldon Coleman

Orlando Banner

BELIZE CITY, Wed. Jan. 4, 2012

By Roy Davis Two men were charged in connection with a stabbing incident in Lemonal Village when they appeared today in the #2 Magistrate’s Court.

They are Sheldon Coleman, 22, an auto mechanic of Independence

Village; and Orlando Banner, 34 a farmer of Lemonal.

Coleman was charged with grievous harm while Banner was charged with abetment to commit grievous harm.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges. They were released on bails

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Five freed of gun & ammo charges because firearm expert was unavailable BELIZE CITY, Wed. Jan. 4, 2012

By Roy Davis Five persons charged with kept firearm and ammunition without a gun license were discharged of the charges yesterday in the #5 Magistrate’s Court.

They are Orin Michael, Margaret Harris, Erwin Ellis, Nasceria Mejia and a 17 year old female minor.

After the prosecution closed its case their attorney Michael Peyrefitte submitted that they do not have a case to answer to because the Firearm Examiner did not testify. Peyre-

Orin Michael

Margaret Harris

Car washers claim Police brutality BELIZE CITY, Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

By Alton Humes Reports reaching the BELIZE TIMES are that several car washers, both from their bases on Regent Street, Southern Foreshore (behind Magistrate’s Court and the Bliss Center) and Queen Street were randomly picked up by Police and viciously beaten, over several vehicle break-ins and the stealing of a high-tech Government-property computer.

There was a special presentation by Grace Primary School at the Bliss Center on Thursday, December 15th. While patrons attended the event, thieves broke into sev-

eral vehicles parked outside the building. In one of the vehicles, belonging to Michael Anthony Jenkins who is employed as a Hydrographer with the Belize Port Authority, the biggest prize was yielded: a Panasonic Toughbook computer, valued at BZC$13,000.

Several car washers have reported to the BELIZE TIMES that they were rounded up (even as far as the ITVET campus on Freetown Road) and taken to the condemned Bellevue Hotel building in Southern Foreshore, where they were kicked and beaten repeatedly, all while they were ‘threatened’ and chastised by Police. To compound the misery they were already feel-

ing over their bruised and battered bodies, they were let go and then chased all the way to the Queen Street Police Station.

It’s not surprising anymore

fitte said that there was no evidence as to whether the firearm was a firearm and the ammunition was ammunition so the crown has failed to establish a prima facie case.

The prosecutor said efforts were made to get the Firearm Examiner to come to court to testify but they were all to no avail.

Magistrate Albert Hoare upheld the no case answer submission and discharged the charges from the accused persons.

The incident occurred on March 2, 2011.

Three police officers, two constables and a sergeant testified that when they searched underneath a wooden house with two flats located on Albert Street, they found a Taurus brand 9 millimetre pistol with a magazine containing 16 rounds in a black mask.

when people are rounded up, but to beat people up over a somewhat careless mistake is another sign of abuse of power of the Belize Police Department at large. Hopefully it will be properly investigated.

Ironically, the laptop was later returned to Jenkins intact by a person in the Kings Park area, but none of the other items stolen from him and many others have been returned.

UNDAGROUND

Coke truck jacked on Hummingbird Highway BELIZE CITY, Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

By Alton Humes Christmas couldn’t stop the bizarre and unholy rash of crime throughout Belize before, during and after the Christmas festivities. Even with festive and outwardly friendly thoughts and feelings abounding, pure and plain mayhem simply could not be ‘reigned in’.

For proof, we go all the way back to December 23rd, 2011 around 3:30 p.m., when a gang of 3 armed men targeted employees of Bowen and Bowen Ltd. as they were ‘working’ a route in the Stann Creek District. The company’s ‘Coke’ truck slowed down for a brief stop at a speed-bump located near the Middlesex Primary School. That was when the armed men let loose a barrage of bullet at the truck, which hit the windshield and forced the driver, Mr. Jaime Salguero, and the men accompanying him, to stop. They were then ordered to get out, and lie face down on the barren stretch of road. Salguero was hit for $300 of his personal cash, while the cash-pan of the day’s sales, totaling about $7,000. Two men from the village of Middlesex, 33 and 17 years respectively, have been detained thus far.

Music and Movies Baymen Avenue Belize City

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Sunday, January 8, 2012

11

THE BELIZE TIMES

New Year Message 2011-2012 from Honourable Francis Fonseca

Mensaje de año nuevo 2012 del Honorable Francis Fonseca

Leader of the People’s United Party

2011 has been a difficult and challenging year for our Country and People.

Over the past 12 months more Belizeans have lost their jobs, homes and businesses and sadly many have lost hope in the future.

For families trying to make ends meet; For young graduates in search of a job; For elderly Belizeans struggling to live with dignity; For businesses trying to keep their doors open; 2011 was a year of great uncertainty and anxiety.

It was another year of senseless crime and violence marked by horrific murders and terrifying home invasions.

2011 was also a year of personal loss for our nation as we lay to rest our Great Leader and Father George Price.

We must and will never forget his great life of service and sacrifice to our nation and people.

As our nation paid tribute to George Price we also celebrated our 30th birthday affording us an opportunity to reflect both on our achievements and the challenges that lie ahead.

Indeed much has changed for the better in Belize over these past 30 years.

Yet, still too many of our people are living in poverty without access to dignified employment, without access to quality and affordable education and healthcare, without access to their own land and home. Generation after Generation of Belizeans has been told that Belize has great potential but we seem unable to unlock that potential.

Belize cannot afford to lose any more time.

If we do not begin the work of placing our Country firmly on the path to economic growth and development, our legacy to future generations may be a Belize that is a failed state.

There is plenty of blame to be shared by many for this reality but this is no time for blame.

Our people demand and deserve solutions.

We must cast aside personality politics and adopt a problem–solving, solutions-based approach to governing.

We must offer our people credible plans and solutions to our social and economic problems.

We must get back to the basics of governing and focus on the task of building Belize.

Our political agendas and the interests of the political parties must take a backseat to Belize’s development agenda and interests.

Our Government must work with us not fight against us.

Together we can move Belize forward but it will require a Government that is serious, competent, and focused on SOLUTIONS NOT POLITICS. 2012 offers an opportunity for a new beginning, a new sense of purpose and direction.

Let us embrace this opportunity individually and collectively as one nation and people.

As we enter the New Year let us recall the written words found in Isaiah Chapter 40 Verse 31: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

May 2012 be a year filled with hope, love and peace for you, your families and our beloved nation Belize.

líder del Partido Unido del Pueblo

El año Dos Mil Once ha sido un año difícil y desafiante para nuestro país y nuestro pueblo.

En los últimos doce meses más beliceños han perdido sus empleos, hogares y negocios y lamentablemente muchos han perdido la esperanza en el futuro.

tas;

Para familias tratando de sobrevivir; Para jóvenes recién graduados en busca de un empleo; Para ancianos luchando por vivir con dignidad; Para las empresas, tratando de mantener sus puertas abier-

El año Dos Mil Once fue un año de mucha incertidumbre y ansiedad.

Fue otro año de crimen sin sentido y violencia marcada por asesinatos horribles y aterradoras invasiones de casa.

El Dos Mil Once también fue un año de pérdida personal para nuestra nación porque perdimos a nuestro gran líder y padre George Price.

Nunca olvidaremos su vida ilustre…de servicio y sacrificio a nuestra nación y al pueblo beliceño.

Mientras nuestra nación rendía homenaje a George Price también celebrábamos treinta años de independencia.

Esto nos proporcionó la oportunidad para reflexionar sobre nuestros logros y también sobre los retos que se avecinan.

De hecho, mucho ha cambiado para mejor en Belice…durante estos treinta años Pero aún muchos de nuestros ciudadanos viven en la pobreza, sin acceso a un empleo digno, sin acceso a servicios de salud y educación accesible y de calidad y sin acceso a su propio terreno y hogar.

Generación tras generación de beliceños se les ha dicho que Belice tiene un gran potencial, pero nunca se ha logrado hacerlo patente.

Belice no puede permitirse perder más tiempo.

Si no comenzamos el trabajo de colocar a nuestro país firmemente en el camino al crecimiento económico y desarrollo, nuestro legado a las generaciones futuras será un Belice como estado fallido.

Muchos comparten la responsabilidad de esta realidad pero no es el momento para señalar.

Nuestro pueblo demanda y merece soluciones.

Debemos dejar a un lado la política de personalidades y adoptar una manera de gobernar que cuente con un enfoque de gobierno basado en soluciones.

Debemos ofrecerle a nuestro pueblo planes creíbles y soluciones a nuestros problemas sociales y económicos.

Debemos volver a los fundamentos de un buen gobierno y centrarnos en la tarea de construir Belice.

Nuestras agendas políticas y los intereses de los partidos políticos deben tomar segundo plano al programa de desarrollo y a los intereses de Belice.

Nuestro gobierno debe trabajar con nosotros no luchar contra nosotros.

Juntos podemos avanzar Belice pero eso exige un Gobierno serio, competente y centrado en soluciones y no en políticas partidarias.

El año Dos Mil Doce nos ofrece una oportunidad para un comienzo nuevo, un nuevo sentido de propósito y dirección.

Debemos aprovechar esta oportunidad de manera individual y colectivamente como una nación y pueblo.

Al comenzar el nuevo año se nos recuerda los escritos que se encuentran en Isaías capítulo cuarenta y versículo treinta y uno: “aquellos que tienen esperanza en el señor renovarán sus fuerzas. Ellos se elevarán como las águilas; correrán sin cansarse y caminaran sin debilitarse”.

Espero que el Dos Mil Doce sea un año lleno de esperanza, amor y paz para ustedes, sus familias y para nuestra querida nación Belice.

12

THE BELIZE TIMES

Belize City, Sunday, January 1, 2012 Team Western Spirit’s Geovanni Choto overcame wind and lashing rain clocking 3:43:10 on his 90 mile ride from the Corozal Free Zone to Belize City to win the 22nd Krem New Year’s Day cycling classic on Sunday, and the $2,000 1st prize, a round trip ticket to the United States from American Airlines, a $500 bull from Hon. Edmund Castro, and the winner’s trophy.

Team Benny’s Megabytes’ Byron Pope, the defending national road champ, finished in 3:43:41 to win the $1,500 2nd prize, and a trophy.

Team Western Spirit’s Peter Choto won the $1,000 3rd prize and a trophy,-and also won kudos as the 1st under-23 rider to finish. John Delong of the Hincapie team from the USA was 4th to win a $500 4th prize.

Team D&D consultancy’s Eduardo Reyes was 5th to win a $350 prize, and was also the 2nd under 23 rider.

Team Santino’s Marlon Castillo had set a record of 3:29:55 in 2009, and he had opened a significant gap from the main group passing the Crooked Tree junction, but he was reeled in and finished 6th to claim a $275 prize.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Geovanni Choto wins 2012 KREM New Year’s elite race Other finishers:

Team Santino’s Leroy Cassasola – 7th prize ($200) Team Santino’s Gregory Lovell – 8th prize ($175) Team Benny’s Megabytes’ Allen Castillo – 9th ($150) Panamanian Christian McNish – 10th ($100) Team Santino’s Patrick Bennett – 11th ($75) Team Santino’s Herman Requena – 12th ($75) Team Police’s Sherman Thomas – 13th ($50) Team D&D consultancy’s Kyne Gentle – 14th ($50) Team INDECO’s Geon Hanson – 15th ($50) Team C-Ray’s Brandon Cattouse – 16th ($25) Team INDECO’s David Henderson Jr – 17th ($25) Team Western Spirit’s Daniel Choto – 18th ($25) Team D&D Consultancy’s Richard Vera – 19th ($25) Team M&M Engineering’s Emerson Vasquez – 20th ($25) Team M&M Engineering’s Orson Butler – 1st Masters & 22nd overall Unattached Mike Lewis – 2nd Masters & 26th overall Frederick Sutherland –3 rd Masters & 27th overall Former Cross Country Champ Chris Harkey – 4th Masters & 31st overall

Byrone Pope won 2nd in Elite Geovanni Choto is 2012 Elite winner

Oscar Quiros wins KREM’s Junior Race USA John Delong won 4th Elite

Peter Choto won 3rd Elite

Eric Martinez wins Best jockey at Boxing Day races

One More for Brit and Jockey Erick Martinez (center) won 7 Furlong race Burrell Boom, Monday, December 26, 2011 “One More for Brit” of the Brittany Stables won the Santiago Castillo Cup one mile race culminating the National

Horse Racing Association’s annual Boxing Day horse race meet at the Castleton race track in Burrell Boom village.

“I am Blessed”, ridden by 11-yearContinued on page 13

Belize City, Sunday, January 1, 2012 Team Cayo Uprising’s Oscar Quiros proved his mettle when he sprinted down the finished line in the 50-mile ride from Orange Walk Town to Belize City to win the 22nd KREM New Year’s Day junior cycling classic on Sunday.

Quiros clocked 2:41:10 and won a $500 1st prize and the winner’s trophy.

The Cayo Uprising team had dominated the entire race, as Gian Zetina had jumped into the lead at the start of the race to win the first $150 station prize at the Tower Hill toll bridge, but his teammate Zahir Figueroa soon took over the place to win the next station prize at the Crooked Tree junction, an eye examination.

Joslyn Chavarria led briefly to win the $50 prize at mile 23 ¼, then it was Quiros on the pace to win the $100 prize from Medina’s Construction at Maxboro, and a prize of $50 gas at the Ladyville gas station.

Giovanni Lovell surged ahead to win a $50 prize at the New Site bus stop, and three more $100 prizes at Low’s supermarket, Ramon’s superstore and at the airport junction.

Oscar Quiros won Juniors

Zahir Figueroa placed 3rd Juniors Zahir Figueroa regained the lead to win a $50 prize at the Haulover Bridge, while his teammate Chris Sandoval took the $50 prize at Maheia’s construction. Quiros took the next prize of Continued on page 13

Sunday, January 8, 2012

13

THE BELIZE TIMES

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Eric Martinez wins Best jockey at Boxing Day races

Caribbean surprise won 4 furlong race Continued from page 12 old Eric Carcana, won the first race of the day, a 3-furlong race in 42.4 seconds. Alessandro Rodriguez on “Wiley” was 2nd while Carlos Rodriguez on “Selassie” placed 3rd.

In the 2nd race of the day, Anthony Barclay on the Cuello’s Stables “Caribbean Surprise” won the 4-furlong Alvan Bodden Memorial in 55.5 seconds.

Emory “Basso” Baptist rode George Gabourel’s Stables’ “It’s Me Again” to finish 2nd and Alessandro Rodriguez on Dunker Stables’ “Diablo” ran 3rd. Martinez on “Hot Coin” was 4th, while Earl Budd on Bradley’s Stables’ “Chispa” was 5th and Eric Rodriguez on Ermeav Stables’ “Déjà Vu” was 6th.

In the 3rd race of the day, Eric Martinez posted his first win on the Esquiliano Stables’ “Cherry’s Bomb”, winning the Benny’s Home Center Challenge in

1 minute 9.5 seconds, in a five furlong race for D-class horses. Anthony Barclay on Stewart Stables’ “Busta” was 2nd while Alessandro Rodriguez on Guy Stables’ “Twinkle Twinkle” won the 3rd prize.

In the 4th race, Martinez rode the Brittany’s Stables’ “Foxy Ruler” to win in the Sir Gilbert Canton Memorial race in 1 minute 8.3 seconds, a 5 furlong race.

Earl Budd on “Lady Anna” of the Hulse Stables took second place.

In the 5th race of the day, Martinez posted his 3rd win riding the L&R Cuello’s Stables’ “24K” to win in 1 minute 22.6 sec-

onds, a 6 furlongs race from a field of 8 horses. David Small on “Blessed Kid” of the Hugo Stables was 2nd, while “Fancy D” of the Ermeav Stables, ridden by Enrique Ramirez was 3rd. “Caribbean Princess” of the Cuello’s Stables, with Anthony Barclay on the mount was leading at start but finished 4th, and “Wild Kiss” of the Canton Stables ridden

by Earl Budd was 5th. Manuel Rodriguez on “Eclipse” was 6th, “Imported Master” of the Banner Stables ran 7th and Alessandro Rodriguez on “Lady Caviar” was 8th.

In the 6th race of the day, Emory “Basso” Baptist on George Gabourel’s stables’ “Dawn” won the 6-furlong

gallop from a field of 5 horses. Alessandro Rodriguez on “Split City” of the Dunker Stables placed 2nd while Martinez on “Britney’s Choice” took 3rd. Enrique Rodriguez on L&R stables’ “Kiss Them and Leave Them” finished 4th and Anthony Barclay on Urbina Stables’ “Victoria’s Princess” finished 5th.

In the 7th and final race of the day, Eric Martinez posted his 4th win on “One More for Brit”.

Canton Stables’ “Perfect Storm” made his move on the curve, but “One More for Brit” had the legs to win and Martinez gave her free rein. “Perfect Storm” had to settle for 2nd.

“Overdrive” of the L&R Cuello’s Stables of Orange Walk was running third coming round the

Senior National Team Tryouts to be held Belize City, January 2, 2012 The senior volleyball national male and female teams will be busy in 2012 participating in at least two international tournaments. First, the World Championship qualification tournament which will likely be held in one of the Caribbean countries in the first half of the year and then the Central American Championships in the latter half of the year.

The Belize Volleyball Association is having open national team tryouts to form the standing national team for these tournaments. Tryouts will be held at the Belize City Center on Saturday and Sunday of the first two weekends, 7th/8th and 14th/15th of January 2012. The tryout times are as follows: Saturdays 9 am to midday: Males from Corozal, Orange Walk, & Belize

Districts 1 pm to 4 pm: Males from Cayo, Stann Creek, and Toledo Districts 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm: Females from all districts Sundays 8 am to 10 am: Males from Cayo, Stann Creek, and Toledo Districts 10 am to midday: Males from Corozal, Orange Walk, & Belize Districts 1 pm to 4 pm: Females from all districts Players are expected to at-

tend all four tryout sessions. If a player cannot make their scheduled time, they can join the other group.

Interested players are requested to contact the BVA at BelizeVB@yahoo.com or on Facebook to express interest and provide their contact information so that the registration form can be sent to them. Alternately, players will have to fill out the form at the tryout.

The coaches are: Albert Humes, Derrick Morgan, Wallace Tillett, Allan Sharp, and Jack Reyes.

THE WORLD IS READING

THE BELIZE TIMES www.belizetimes.bz

bend at the six furlong mark, but “DStar” edged past down the stretch to take third place.

Oscar Quiros wins KREM’s Junior Race Continued from page 12 a $50 tool set at the Truck Parts of Belize Ltd. Figueroa swept the next three prizes entering the city at the Neal & Gordon’s gym, a $50 prize from Community Drug store and a $100 prize from Oceana Belize at the Belcan bridge.

At the finish line, Team D&D consultancy’s Deezan Spence was 3 seconds behind Quiros to win the $300 2nd prize and trophy, while Team Cayo Uprising’s Zahir Figueroa won the $200 3rd prize and a trophy, clocking 2:43:14 as the 1st youth rider to finish.

Team INDECO’s Giovanni Lovell was 4th, while Team C-Ray’s Riis Cattouse was 5th. Team clear di land’s Adrian Lineras was 6th, while Team typhoon’s Harold Zuniga of Orange Walk was 7th.

Other finishers: Team Cayo Uprising’s Christopher Sandoval – 8th Team M&M Engineering’s Kiron Morrison – 9th Team Typhoon’s Yhaszus Emilio Martin – 10th & 2nd youth rider Team Benny’s Megabytes’ Abraham Delawn – 11th & 3rd Youth rider Joslyn Chavarria Jr – 12th Team Santino’s Gian Zetina – 13th Team Clear di Land’s Jafari Castro – 14th Michael Wagner Jr. – 15th Team Cayo Uprising’s Brandon Morgan – 16th Everald Garbutt – 17th Shane Pope – 18th Tariq Flowers – 19th Jordan Lewis – 20th Depredadores Manuel Herrera 1st place Masters Depredadores Carlos Castellan de la Torre – 2nd place Masters Team M&M Engineering’s Robert Liam Stewart –3rd place Masters/1st Belizean Mexican Omar Valerio Gomez Queme – 4th Masters Mexican Edmondo Diaz 5th Masters Team M&M Engineering’s Kenneth Butler – 6th Masters Mexican Freddy Ivan Ramos – 7th

14

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Kaya Cattouse wins KREM women’s cycling classic

Belize City, Sunday, January 1, 2012 Cycling is a team sport, and this was never more obvious as the Team C-Ray’s Kaya Cattouse collaborated with her teammate Kirah Eiley to dethrone the queen of women’s cycling, 3-time KREM classic champ Shalini Zabaneh, to win the women’s cycling classic from Orange Walk Town to Belize City on Sunday, January 1.

Kaya’s time of 3:11:20 was nowhere close to breaking Shalini’s record of 2:49:23 set in 2008, but she had the energy reserve to outsprint Shalini at the finish to win the $500 first prize and a trophy.

Shalini took home the $300 2nd prize and trophy, while Patricia Chavarria was 3rd to win a $200 prize and a trophy.

Team INDECO’s Gabrielle Lovell finished 4th, while Kirah Eiley was 5th. Maricela Garcia pulled in 6th in 3:24:43.

Gabrielle Lovell led at the start to win the first $150 station prize at the Tower Hill toll bridge, but Patricia Chavarria soon took over to win the next station prize at mile 40, and past the Crooked Tree junction, where she won a $120 case of paint.

Kaya Cattouse took over the lead briefly to win $50 prize at mile 23 ¼, then Shalini took over the to win a sheep offered by Hon. Edmund “Clear di land” Castro, and a spa package worth $825 offered by Maruba Resort and Jungle Spa at the junction with the old Maskall road in Sand Hill.

Gabrielle Lovell took the lead at the Burrell Boom road junction to win a Black Orchid Resort prize, and was still leading past Los Lagos, where she won $150 station prize and a $50 cake.

Kirah Eiley took over the lead passing the El Cas supermarket, where she won a $300 prize from the Shaw family, and a $50 prize of internet access passing the Lord’s Bank junction.

Kaya Cattouse would take the lead to win a prize of $100 gas at the Ladyville gas station, and a $50 prize at the Ladyville Community Store.

Next it was Patricia Chavarria again on the pace to win a $50 prize at the New Site bus stop, and $50 more at Low’s supermarket.

Kaya surged ahead to win the $200 station prize at Ramon’s superstore, but Chavarria gave her a run for her money as she won a $100 prize offered by Delmar’s Hardware at the airport junction.

Kirah Eiley took over the lead crossing the Haulover Bridge to win a $100 prize offered by Rosado’s hardware, a $50 treatment from Mapye’s beauty salon and the $50 prize at Maheia’s Construction. Chavarria won a barbeque grill at Bilal’s Welding.

Kirah Eiley would sweep the next four station prizes entering the city: $100

New Year’s Day Horse Race Results Burrel Boom Village, January 2nd, 2012

By Ladrick Shepard Here are the results of the New Year’s Day races at the Castleton Track in Burrell Boom.

3 Furlong 1st place – Jah Bless (Jockey, Presley) 2nd place – I Am Blessed (Jockey, Carcamo) 3rd place – Whilly (Jockey, Alessandro Rodriguez) 4 Furlong 1st place – It’s me again (Jockey, Emory Baptist) 2nd place – Chispa (Jockey, Anthony Barkley) 3rd place – Julian (Jockey, Earl Budd) 4 Furlong 1st place – Buster (Jockey, Anthony Barkley) 2nd place – Twinkle Twinkle

(Jockey, Alessandro Rodriguez) 3rd place – Lady Caviar (Jockey, Erick Martinez) 5 Furlong 1st place – Foxy Ruler (Jockey, Erick Martinez) 2nd place – Lady Anna (Jockey, Earl Budd) 3rd place – Run Man Run (Jockey, David Smalls) 6 Furlong 1st place – Brittany’s Choice (Jockey, Erick Martinez) 2nd place – Dawn (Jockey, Emory Baptist) 3rd place – 24K (Jockey, Anthony Barkley) 7 Furlong 1st place – One More For Brit (Jockey, Erick Martinez) 2nd place – Perfect Storm (Jockey, Earl Budd) 3rd place – Overdrive (Jockey, Anthony Barkley)

offered by Dr. Joel Cervantes, a $300 gold chain and medallion from Medina’s house of jewelry, a $50 prize from Community Drug store and a $100 prize from Oceana Belize at the Belcan bridge, before the sprint to the finish line.

Kaya Cattouse races to 1st place

Sunday, January 8, 2012

15

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP Team ready

to rescue Belize City

“We dream of a Belize that can become a beacon of hope in the region. We have a dream of a Belize City where the basic services are rendered with efficacy; a city where garbage collection is no longer a novelty but the norm; a city where the quality of life is such that every resident feels valued; a city where our children experience a sense of security as they embrace opportunities; a city where the business community works in true partnership with a Council that is knowledgeable, skilled and creative to ensure an improved economic climate; we dream of a Belize City where we are no longer afraid to walk the streets or sit in a restaurant. We are ready to make the sacrifice to move this dream into reality.” – PUP Belize City Council Team

PUP Belize City Council team members during PUP Port Loyola campaign

PUP Mayoral Candidate Karen Bodeen (center) meets Collet residents

PUP Councillor Candidates Edward Young & Swamy Babani greet Fort George PUP supporter

PUP Councillor Candidate Erwin X taking notes from young Lake Independence residents

PUP team visiting party supporters on Victoria Street, Fort George Division

PUP Mayoral Candidate Karen Bodden and Councillor Candidate Dorla Vaughan distributing healthy meals

PUP Councillor Candidate Alberto Vellos shares a warm meal with the needy, as part of PUP Team’s Christmas initiatives

16

THE BELIZE TIMES

Mayan Calendar Predicts Doomsday in 2012. Or Not Jan. 3, 2012, MSNBC.com On Dec. 21, 2012, many doomsday believers fear the apocalypse — anything from a rogue planet smashing into us to our world spinning end over end. However, the world should expect nothing more next year than the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, NASA says.

Many people point to the end of the Mayan Long Count calendar on Dec. 21, 2012 as evidence of the coming apocalypse, but astronomers have been quick to stress that there is nothing to be concerned about.

According to the ancient Mayan calendar, next year’s winter solstice marks the end of a 144,000-day cycle. This cycle, which begins at the mythical Maya creation date, has already been repeated 12 times. The 13th will end in 2012, capping a full 5,200-year Mayan cycle of creation.

This date has long been shrouded in mystery, with many claiming that it will bring destruction to our planet.

Rogue planet Nibiru?

One fear is that a rogue planet that has been dubbed “Nibiru” or “Planet X” is supposedly aimed at Earth. Self-proclaimed Nibiru expert Nancy Lieder, who says she is in contact with the aliens from Zeta Reticuli, first said Nibiru would cause widespread disaster in May 2003, only to change it to Dec. 21, 2012.

There is, however, no evidence that Nibiru is real.

“Nibiru is ridiculous because it doesn’t exist — it never existed as anything other than a figment of the imagination by pseudo-scientists who don’t seem bothered by a complete lack of evidence,” astronomer Don Yeomans, manager of NASA’s Near-Earth Object program office at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., told SPACE.com.

There is no basis for the claim that it might be lurking behind the sun, as it could not have hidden from observation until now, Yeomans said. If such a planet was headed toward Earth by Dec. 21, 2012, it would already be visible to the naked eye.

Cosmic alignments?

There are also concerns that planets or stars might line up in ways that will transform Earth. For instance, some theorists claim that from our point of view, the sun will cross in front of the plane of our galaxy on Dec. 21. However, the sun already does this twice a year, Yeomans said.

In fact, the sun will eventually cross the plane of our galaxy. However, the sun is about 67 light-years from the galactic plane, so it should take several million years to do so, Yeomans said. Even then, when our solar system finally does cross the plane, nothing special will occur, he added.

Some also claim that gravitational effects from planets lining up with each other will somehow affect Earth. However, there is no planetary

alignment due on Dec. 21, 2012, “and if there were, it wouldn’t cause any problems,” Yeomans said.

The only bodies that have any significant gravitational impact on Earth are the moon and the sun, effects we see as the tides. Tidal effects from other bodies in our solar system are negligible at best, and in any case, we have experienced them for millions of years without notice.

Solar storms?

Solar storms — deluges of energetic particles from the sun — do happen, usually waxing and waning in cycles that last roughly 11 years.

When these charged particles collide with Earth, they can trigger auroras and damage satellites and power lines, although not really inflicting any lasting harm, Yeomans said.

There are accounts of a solar “super-storm” slamming into Earth in 1859. Although that caused relatively little damage back then, there are concerns that such a storm might cause far more harm now that our world is more dependent on electronics.

Yet, there is no evidence that such a super-storm will happen on Dec. 21 of next year, Yeomans said.

Flip-flopping Earth?

There is some alarm that 2012 could see the flipping of Earth’s poles — either the planet’s geographical poles, which mark the Earth’s axis of rotation, or its magnetic poles, which our compasses point toward.

But, there is no reason to fear such an occurrence, scientists said, because the moon stabilizes our planet’s spin. The planet’s magnetic poles do flip, but over periods of about 500,000 years, and not suddenly, “but over thousands of years,” with no evidence of a flip on Dec. 21, 2012, Yeomans said.

Even if the planet’s magnetic poles do flip, no real problems would occur, other than the inconvenience of us having to change our compasses from north to south, he added.

Cosmic impacts?

The Earth is always vulnerable to impacts by comets and asteroids, but giant impacts are rare, with the last major collision taking place 65 million years ago, ending the Age of Dinosaurs.

Still, astronomers do monitor the sky for near-Earth objects.

“There are no known near-Earth objects in 2012 that present a credible risk to Earth,” Yeomans said.

“None, zero, zip, nada.”

But despite evidence to the contrary, doomsdays theorists have garnered attention, and similar prophecies will continue to proliferate unless scientists become more involved in bringing truth to these outlandish claims, Yeomans said.

Mounting hysteria regarding these unfounded doomsday predictions “will improve only if scientists get more engaged in debunking pseudoscience,” he said.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Under Barrow & the UDP: UNEMPLOYMENT is 24% POVERTY is 43% OVER 400 MURDERS GST was raised to 12.5% COST OF LIVING is the HIGHEST EVER NO SALARY INCREASE for Teachers, Police, Nurses FUEL PRICES are almost $11.00 NO NHI ROLLOUT School FEES have INCREASED Local Farmers Under Constant Threat HUNDREDS OF BUSINESSES SHUTTING DOWN INFRASTRUCTURE IS WORSE NO KENDALL BRIDGE

MORE PAIN & SORROW

Sunday, January 8, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

JOE BRADLEY

Dirty Mouth Slanders Innocent Belizeans Everyday

17

DARREL BRADLEY

Silent Approves His Action and Behavior

Nasty

Silent

Doesn’t Give A Damn Who He Hurts

Silent

Has Collected Salary for Going To Work at 10am and Leaves Early

Approves of UDP Mis-management for Six Long Years

Defends “under deposits” and corruption at City Hall under Zenaida Moya-Flowers

Legally Defends UDP wrong doing, Corruption and Mis-management at City Hall

NOW JOE BRADLEY WANTS HIS SON TO BE MAYOR? MAYOR OF WAVE RADIO PERHAPS

Belize City CAN’T AFFORD another nasty Joe Bradley

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Sunday, January 8, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

19

DOLORES brings

Christmas cheer to Belize Rural Central December 20, 2011 On Sunday, December 18th and Monday, December 19th, 2011 Dolores and the People’s United Party Belize Rural Central Committee brought good cheer and happiness to many residents of the constituency with the provision of ham and turkey dinner for elderly and needy persons.

In Hattieville the delicious food was cooked, dished up and delivered to over one hundred and seventy-five persons who otherwise might not have had a good Christmas-time meal. Hattieville residents, including PUP stalwart Elizabeth Hamilton, received the dinner and enjoyed their plate of food courtesy of Standard Bearer Dolores and her vibrant and hard-working PUP Committee.

The next day in Ladyville and Lord’s Bank, Committee members and Dolores prepared and dished up over two hundred and twentyfive plates of ham and turkey dinner for delivery to shut-ins, disabled and elderly residents and less fortunate persons in the community. Many people were remembered, and Committee members from the Lord’s Bank and Ladyville area made sure that priority was given to those most in need.

In a gesture of good will, Dolores and the PUP Committee also provided a dozen ham and turkey dinners for the Ladyville Police, who thanked the Committee for remembering them at Christmas.

The Police in Ladyville have to serve a very wide area, and they work hard with very few resources at their disposal.

Dolores told the BELIZE TIMES: “Christmas is a time of sharing and giving and reaching out to our sisters and brothers.

I am so pleased that with the help of our PUP Committee members we were able to put a smile on the faces of many. One elderly lady received the food with tears in her eyes, saying that no one had ever remembered her at Christmas-time before. We were also very happy to remember the Police. We expect a lot from them, and this was a way to say Thank You!” Dolores thanked all Committee members and everyone who made the ham and turkey dinner possible, whether by cooking, dishing up the food, delivering or helping in any other way.

In the New Year, the People’s United Party Belize Rural Central Committee will stay very active and engaged in the various communities that comprise the constituency and will continue to bring the message of the Party to all residents of Belize Rural Central. Together we will bring back the People’s United Party so that our people can prosper once more!

A Happy PUP New Year to All!!!!

PUP Belize Rural Central Area Representative Dolores Balderamos-Garcia and Hattieville PUP Executive Committee during special Christmas initiative

Dolores and supporters in Ladyville preparing special Christmas food packages before delivering to needy residents

Dolores sharing delicious Christmas food with Belize Rural Central residents, while spreading Christmas joy and cheer

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, January 8, 2012

New Year Message from PUP Dangriga Team Venancia Flores

PUP Dangriga Standard Bearer, Ivan Ramos

Mayoral Candidate, Major Gilbert Swaso

Gwen Gentle

Gilroy Flores

Myric Flores

Howard Melendrez

Liberato Teul

T

he New Year 2012 is right on the horizon. With the advent of New Year, a new era begins and with it comes new hopes and new possibilities. Every past year teaches us some of life’s most important lessons, and with that learning we put our step forward into the New Year.

When we celebrate this very special occasion with our loved ones, the happiness just doubles. For this very purpose, we the PUP Team brings to you our message of hope; “Together we will!!!” Together we will find solutions to the obvious evidence of hopelessness bestowed on us by a Municipal Government that has no vision or compassion for our people. Together we will dig a little deeper to bring economic development to Dangriga. In order for us to achieve the level of development that we so deserve, we must develop our human capital and potentials. No measure of success can be attained without the collaboration with

and the integration of people. Working Together the task will be easier.

So, get ready and welcome the year 2012 with a bang.

2012 will give us an opportunity to elect a team that will SERVE

Santa Flipping gives out haad beans!

Flipping was giving out haad beans during Christmas

By Carla Bradley Residents of the Stann Creek West constituency were visited by Santa Flipping this Christmas where he had his little helpers distributing rice and beans to the residents. A Christmas gift too good to be true for some residents as most almost lost their teeth and wasted butane and time trying to make a meal out of it. Residents say the beans and rice gifts seemed to be provisions NEMO had in stock in the event of a disaster during this year’s hurricane season. Mr. Flipping was giving out haad beans during these haad times.

This might sound familiar as earlier this year, Hulse

you and your best interest. We are listening and will continue to do.

The plan that we are preparing is one that is considering your very concerns and one that will usher in upliftment of our people and town.

was busted distributing provisions to residents of various villages in the Stann Creek West Constituency that were expired. Luckily no one was gullible enough to suffer food poisoning.

Minister Hulse has a tendency, or so it seems, to give Stann Creek residents goods that no one else wants, not even him. But here’s the real question. If these are expired NEMO

So there is hope and reasons to be joyful. So with God’s grace and your support, 2012 will indeed be a happy one. On behalf of the PUP Family we wish every Dangrigana a Happy and Blessed New Year.

provisions, where did the $40,000 Christmas tip granted by the Prime Minister disappear?

The UDP is trying hard to buy the next elections. Now they want to visit people they neglected for over 4 years, and expect to get the people’s support for another five years.

People deserve food, security and good roads throughout the year; not months before an election.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

2012 and the Milestones of the Next Revolution: One Belize-Prosperous, United and Free

By Carolyn Trench-Sandiford – Deputy Leader People’s United Party - Belize

T

oday I had a brief discussion with the Editor of the BELIZE TIMES on the next phase of writing this column. As I have often said, and continue to say, I am not a writer. My academic background and professional experience is in planning, engineering and law.

So writing articles for a newspaper with weekly deadlines and guidelines for maximum amount of words is not necessarily my cup of tea, and to put it bluntly, English and I were always at a crossroad.

Ms. Castillo can testify to that.

And then it gets even more complicated, but challenging and interesting, when one throws in the fact that this newspaper is the voice of a political organization. Inevitably, the right mix becomes illusive at times, particularly when the red light rears its head unexpectedly, no pun intended, in bright and bold capitals when I am writing, shouting ‘PROCEED WITH CAUTION’.

Of course I rarely do, proceed with caution that is, which has led to many persons saying to me, I enjoy your writing, but you are too radical sometimes. My response has always been that if we are serious about effecting change in the lives of our people, we must be radical and revolutionary in our thinking. Status quo and evolutionary have failed. In fact, I often remind them that our Party is founded on radicalism and revolutionary thinking.

This leads me to pause here, and note that so far the Editor has not seen it fit to put in italics at the end of my columns, ‘the views expressed by the author are her own and not that of this newspaper.’ So of course, I must thank the Editor for having afforded me the opportunity to share my thoughts and opinions as to the path we must travel as a people, to fulfill, and go beyond the dreams of the architects of the first revolution.

I was also compelled today to brief him on the direction of what I have dubbed phase II of the radical and revolutionary writings, so he is aware of the journey that I am about to embark on, and have an idea of the issues and topics that will be presented and elaborated on in the upcoming articles, which will enable our Party and country to transition from the peaceful constructive Belizean Revolution to the radical progressive Belizean Revolution.

Over the past months, I have presented the new political, social, economic and environmental order that forms the skeleton of the next revolution. In the weeks to come, I will be adding the flesh, the arteries and the veins, the muscles and the

organs and breathing life into it, as I will be setting the milestones and mapping the coordinates to them, as they did in 1950.

For them, it started with the birth of the People’s United Party, a political organization established for the sole purpose of creating a New Belize to bring about a better quality of life and a just share of the national wealth for all Belizeans.

The Party was the vehicle to transport the revolution along a journey to gain adult suffrage, one man, one vote; to gain self government and the right to take charge of our own affairs; and to gain political independence, that severed our umbilical cord from bondage, rape and exploitation.

It took us 31 years to achieve those milestones.

31 years later, Belize is a technologically advanced country with a more enlightened and educated populace, but an impatient and intolerant one. It is in this environment that the next revolution will occur. It will also take place in a Belize that is scarred by unprecedented unemployment [24%], scandalous levels of poverty [43%] social exclusion and economic disparities.

As well, it will occur at a time when our democracy is under threat, our sovereignty is eroded and our borders are described as artificial or reclassified as adjacency zones.

It is at a time when crime and violence is a way of life and a paid profession sanctioned by the government, when fear permeates our society, and when children are murdered in their beds while sleeping. It is a time when cynicism and disillusionment in our young people as to what the future holds for them is at its highest, which is disheartening, as it jeopardizes the potential of the future of Belize.

Undoubtedly, our destiny must be recalibrated. Urgency and purpose is now required. We do not have 31 years. And if other countries, for example, Bermuda and Trinidad, which have land masses of 54 and 5,128 square kilometers, and populations of 68,679 and 1,227,505 persons respectively, can have Gross Domestic Product [GDP] of 4.5 and 26.1 billion dollars, per capita incomes of $69,900 and $21,200, and rank 4 and 61 of 227 countries on the Human Development Index, why can’t we?

If their unemployment and poverty rates are contained at 2.1% and 6.4%, and 19% and 17% respectively, and their land masses and wealth are less than ours with higher population densities, why can’t the opportunities for Belize be unlimited, as we are blessed with a land mass of 8,868 square miles or 22,966 square kilometers and endowed with wealth untold?

To paraphrase Morgan Heritage, tell me how come we do not have a higher GDP and per capita income than they?

Tell me how come Belize does not have total employment and no poverty? Tell me how come all our people are not enjoying a high standard of living and we do not rank in the top 10 countries of the world on the HDI? We have all the ingredients.

So 2012 will be the year we define the milestones for the next revolution to bring clarity and renew the purpose of our existence. For only so can the revolution continue, and only so can we create One Belize-Prosperous, United and Free.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

In my perspective…

Belize City Mayor Passed Over for Award

By Rayford Young The Royal family in England has announced that members of the Royal family will be visiting various parts of the world in 2012 as part of a celebration to commemorate the Queen’s diamond jubilee. As part of the Royal family plan Prince Harry, also referred to as The Happy Prince, will visit Belize and other Caribbean countries.

Ever since that announcement was made there have been some very interesting comments made about the Royal family. Some even questioned if we should allow the young Prince to visit Belize.

I have heard words and expressions like colonialism, hedonism, “the monarchy enslaved my people”, and one permanent politician said “we are still fighting to break free from the psychological shackles of colonialism”. I’m sure there are many things to blame the Monarchy and the British for but this young Prince had nothing to do with the past. Yes, he represents the Royal family, but to try and place all this pent up frustration on this Prince is a bit much.

I believe there’s enough blame to go around for the sad state Belize is in. It’s been thirty years since we’ve had independence and governed ourselves. If after thirty years we cannot break from the shackles of colonialism we are in a sad situation indeed. It is so easy to blame everyone else for our problems but if you keep electing the same politicians and their goal is to keep you poor and in the shackles of colonialism then who is to blame?

Let’s be honest, we have run this once beautiful prosperous Country into the ground in thirty years. We have elected some of the most ignorant, self-serving, corrupt people for thirty years. We all know of individuals who were poor and had nothing before they went into politics and over night they became millionaires and built themselves mansions. We’ve seen this movie played so many times.

One such politician is the Mayor of Belize City. Mayor Zenaida MoyaFlowers is one of the most inept, corrupt, pitiful mayors I’ve seen in decades. I am ashamed to visit Belize City - the place is a disgrace.

Trash all over the place, homes and businesses look like a hurricane just went through the city. The streets are the worst I’ve seen in a long time.

Street signs are worn out and rusty and have been there since I was a child, some are upside down. The place is a mess. Then the crime in Belize City - no one seems to know

what to do about the daily murders in the city. The lack of jobs, so many people unemployed. Yet the Mayor can go on a worldwide trip sponsored by a business man. Any politician that goes on a free trip all over the world tells me that’s where their interest lies. When this business man calls he gets what he wants.

They are obligated to him not to the people of Belize City who elected them to office. This is one example of what is wrong with our Country today. Our politicians are there to enrich themselves, to appease the rich and the well connected. They do not represent you and me, the common people who need help. By the way, Mayor Zenaida Moya got herself a mansion too.

Every year the organizers of the World Mayor Project look for city leaders who excel in qualities like: leadership and vision, management abilities and integrity, social and economic awareness, ability to provide security and to protect the environment as well as the will and ability to foster good relations between communities from different cultural, racial and social backgrounds.

This year, Marcelo Luis Ebrard Casaubón, Head of the Federal District Government of Mexico City, has been awarded the 2010 World Mayor Prize. He has been Mayor of Mexico City since 2006. The mayor is a liberal reformer and pragmatist who has never shied away from challenging Mexico’s orthodoxy. He has championed women’s and minorities’ rights and has become an outspoken and internationally respected advocate on environmental issues.

Runner-up in the 2010 World Mayor Prize and winner of the World Mayor Commendation for services to his city is Mick Cornett, Mayor of Oklahoma City.

No, Mayor Zenaida was not even on the list and for good reason. Below is a Code of Ethics for city leaders.

As we approach a new year, 2012 I would hope our politicians would read this document and, better yet, adopt the Code of Ethics. You’ve sucked the life out of this country and its people; you’ve raided the treasury for thirty years. Isn’t it time to do something good for this Country? No, I don’t blame the Monarchy for the state of our Country when we had total control of our destiny for thirty years.

Code of Ethics for city leaders

The City Mayors Foundation and the World Mayor Project were established in 2003 to promote, encourage and facilitate good local government.

To strengthen local government further, a Code of Ethics for city leaders, who wish to perform their duties beyond all reproach, has been devised.

All mayors wishing to be considered for the World Mayor Prize are expected to observe the Code of Ethics.

Code of Ethics Preamble Good and honest local government is the foundation of any nation that strives to provide its citizens with

happiness, security and prosperity.

Incompetence, corruption and misconduct in local government threaten fundamental decency in a society.

Article 1 Mayors shall execute the office of mayor for the common good of their communities while refraining from actions that may harm other communities or the wider world.

They shall take full responsibility for any acts performed by themselves or by members of their administrations.

Article 2 Mayors shall not discriminate against individuals or groups because of their race, religion, gender, disability or sexual orientation.

Article 3 Mayors shall support and uphold the letter and intent of the laws of their cities and nations as well as relevant international laws. They shall demand the same degree of respect for the law from all members of their administrations.

Article 4 Mayors shall be free to oppose any laws of their cities and nations where such laws contravene the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Article 5 Mayors shall administer public resources for the public benefit of their communities while considering whether such use could cause unreasonable harm to other communities and the wider world.

Article 6 Mayors shall never use their official positions to secure unwarranted

Sunday, January 8, 2012 privileges or advantages for themselves, members of their families, friends, colleagues or others.

Article 7 Mayors shall not perform any official actions where a direct or indirect financial or personal involvement might reasonably be expected to prejudice their objectivity or independence of judgment. They shall demand the same degree of impartiality from all members of their administrations.

Article 8 Mayors shall accept no gifts or offers based upon an understanding, stated or implied, that they were given to influence them in the discharge of their public duties. They shall demand the same degree of honesty from all members of their administrations.

Article 9 Mayors shall be open to public scrutiny of their official actions and those of their staff, including their relationships, contractual and otherwise, with vendors, consultants, and business associates. Mayors shall report any improper actions they witness, such as bribes, kickbacks, and gift offers.

Article 10 Mayors shall work to strengthen civil society by raising public awareness of, and confidence in, their city government’s activities.

Article 11 Mayors shall use their influence to promote co-operation and good will between cities, nationally and internationally.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Reid are still waiting but instead now, we are being fed with even more lies.

The prospect of lower electricity bills might be just another well thought-out con by the self-professed master of the game. Many people put up lights and burn more energy during the Christmas season making for a higher than usual light bill at the end of January. Usually

by February, things have leveled out and bills return to normal. Interestf every promise of every ingly enough, Mr. Barrow’s lower speech delivered by our light bill is timed to coincide exactly Prime Minister was to be with the time when bills traditionally fulfilled, Belize would be show a decrease anyway. You’ve nothing short of paradise. got to give it to him; the boy is sharp Instead, we are living in a hell hole as a tack. where babies are gunned down Mr. Barrow has also promised to in their sleep and one out of every write off housing loans to the DFC two persons live below the poverty for people who have not been payline. The economy is in shambles, ing. Judging from the sentiments just about every major industry is expressed on the morning call-in in turmoil and the frustration on the shows, people are not buying this streets continues to bubble and boil one either. What about the many over. people who labored for years to pay The Prime Minisback their loans, or ter was at it again in the ones who have his New Year’s Day fallen in default and address with another lost their homes? And promise-filled speech Rumor is that what kind of message that did little more than is this sending? high profile confirm that General A more sensible Elections were indeed gang leaders scheme would be to right around the corner. have been re- identify folks who Many of the promises are really struggling are in fact, recycled ceiving on av- to pay and give them pledges from speeches erage, $6,500 the relief. It is not fair past and the general refor someone who has per person sponse from most peothe means to pay back ple was, “ahem, right!” these loans to just get monthly to The Prime Minister a free ride while so promised once again to keep their foot many others over the lower electricity bills. soldiers sub- years have lost their Haven’t we heard that dued. Word is homes due to forecloone before? Fact is that sure. There is somehowever, that thing not too right one of the major campaign promises leading the funds are happening here. Why into the 2008 elections does it seem that this was that utility bills on getting harder government is always a whole were to be to find and as rewarding those who lowered.

Four years do bad and punishing a result, the later and staring down those who do well? the barrel of a sure streets are getMr. Barrow reelection loss, Mr. Barvealed before Christting hotter.” row claims to be finally mas that his governready to deliver. Many ment was spending will remember how low $50,000 per week to fuel prices fell prior to Municipal pay the local hoodlums to “hold it Elections three years ago. Shortly down”. He admitted that this was after their victory, the UDP raised not sustainable but apparently has fuel prices by more than double and no alternative plan to deal with this now has it hovering near twelve dol- very serious problem. Rumor is that lars per gallon. For an oil producing high profile gang leaders have been nation, that is simply ridiculous. receiving on average, $6,500 per The cold stone fact is that not person monthly to keep their foot one of the famous twenty-one soldiers subdued. Word is however, pledges made by this United Demo- that the funds are getting harder to cratic Party leading up to the past find and as a result, the streets are elections has been kept. Cost of getting hotter. Over the Christmas living was to be lowered no matter holidays, things came to a head with what, crime was supposed to have several shootings and the murder of magically disappeared and Belizeans yet another nine year old. Mr. Barwould own shares in a national oil row, there is need for a better plan. company. Four years later, Belizeans The unfortunate thing is that

I

there are many young people who walk the straight and narrow and make the necessary sacrifices to do the right thing. They stay in school, keep out of trouble and prepare themselves to be contributing citizens. These are the ones that should be given consideration and all this money would be better spent creating opportunities for them. Many want to stay in school but because of economic hardship must drop out and try to make a living. How about putting this money into making education more affordable?

The year 2011 was no walk in the park and from all indications,

23 2012 will be even rougher. The oil upon which Mr. Barrow has hinged his bets has not materialized and with our credit ratings scraping bottom, money will be harder and harder to come by.

Belize needs a more efficient and intelligent government and a more able management team. We do not wish to revisit the mistakes of our past but we cannot keep living on promises and dreams. We cannot afford to sell our future down the drain for a “little ham, a little turkey” and a few crates of promises.

Elections will be early and there will choices to make. Choose wisely Belize, choose wisely, please!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Crunch time The Caribbean in 2012

By Sir Ronald Sanders Sunday, January 01, 2012 2012 dawns on a gloomy horizon for the 15 countries of the Caribbean Community (Caricom). It is a dawn whose breaking, although foretold, was largely ignored. If the inertia continues in the vague hope that external conditions will improve to the extent that global buoyancy will lift the region, it is a hope without basis.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), apart from Guyana, Suriname and St Lucia -- each of whose economies grew by 4.4 per cent in 2010 -- the other 12 Caricom countries experienced no meaningful growth and the economies of most of them contracted, including oil-rich Trinidad and Tobago (-0.6 per cent).

Although official figures are not yet available for 2011, it is clear that economic and financial conditions continued to deteriorate with rising debt and weak fiscal performance in the majority of countries. In the seven Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) there is increasing concern about the quality of assets in the banking system, particularly of indigenous banks with urgent action required to improve the situation.

The debt burden of many Caricom countries -- and the region as a whole -- is quite alarming. Apart from Suriname, no Caricom country has a debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio below 50 per cent. The ratio is over 100 per cent in St Kitts & Nevis, Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada. It is pretty close to that figure in Antigua & Barbuda, and Belize.

It is significant that while Caribbean countries watch, with increasing unease, the unproductive debates in the European Union (EU) over its crisis in sovereign debt, and in the US on its rising debt and fiscal weaknesses, regional authorities have not even started a discussion about their own encircling predicament.

Of paramount importance is how Caricom countries can achieve a high-

er sustainable rate of growth to help reduce their serious debt burden and improve their peoples’ living standards.

IMF programmes are in place in Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, Jamaica, and St Kitts & Nevis, but these are aimed at preserving economic stability; they cannot produce the required economic growth.

The solution to the problem lies in both national and regional approaches.

The Government of each country has to devise programmes of recovery and growth linked to creative utilisation of its resource endowment. They also have to stop the pretence that, acting alone, they have the capacity to overcome their overwhelming difficulties.

The seven small member-states of the OECS, in particular, have to turn words into action by intensifying their proclaimed integration arrangements at every level. Not one of them will recover or prosper by clinging to barren sovereignty. For them, it should be more, not less integration, including joint regulatory authorities for onshore and offshore banks, and for insurance companies. They should also establish joint missions for overseas representation and, where this cannot be achieved at institutions such as the UN agencies and the World Trade Organisation, joint support offices should be put in place manned by the best available persons.

Donor countries and regions, such as the EU, Canada and the United States have grown tired of waiting for the region to propose sustainable projects and programmes for which they could provide financial support. They are unwilling to continue to prop up the region’s traditional uncompetitive production in circumstances where they, too, must be watchful of the cost of living in their own countries, and the use of tax dollars.

The region has to forget the idea that Europe, America or anywhere else owes it help because of past relationships. The decision of the British Government to maintain the oppressive Air Passenger Duty on travel to the Caribbean despite regional protestations should have made that reality crystal clear. Even if it is true that some European countries do owe the region, they feel that debt has been paid and, while they remain willing to be helpful as part of their assistance to developing countries, they want Caribbean countries to demonstrate that they are overhauling their arrangements to make themselves more competitive and less reliant on aid.

They would also like to see the Caribbean put up regional projects to

utilise 200 million euros (US$258 million), set aside for the area over the period 2006 to 2011, that has been languishing in the European Development Fund.

Caricom as a whole requires new external diplomatic/economic planning strategies and initiatives in order to be effective. Old ways of doing business are no longer viable.

These strategies and initiatives, including re-thinking the priorities of the Caribbean Single Market, should be part of a new policy direction that takes full account of the changed global dynamics. But where is the leadership to produce them coming from?

Where is the new thinking responsive to the new realities?

In 2011, both the technical and political leadership of Caricom failed to inspire the people of the Caribbean with a sense of hope in fulfilment of their desire for improved standards of living, for more employment, for greater food security, for personal safety and

Sunday, January 8, 2012

for the assurance that their countries could compete in the world and be respected.

Regional authorities, such as the Caricom Secretariat, the OECS Secretariat, and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) should have already provided new policy directions for the consideration of the political leadership. At least by now, they should have posed the relevant questions about what new direction, and how its elements can be financed. But this has not happened.

The regional private sector has also not produced proposals for new arrangements that could diversify and expand the region’s production and make it competitive. Too many companies continue to rely on governments to protect them from competition and to subsidise their operations either directly or through donors.

The regional ship needs extensive overhaul and the regional journey needs a revamped chart to guide it through the turbulence which lashes it on every side. It also urgently requires dedicated captaincy at the highest political level not only to pilot it, but also to inspire all its crew and all its passengers to work together for its safe passage.

In 2012, it cannot be business as usual. The passengers on the regional ship -- the Caribbean people -- expect better.

Sir Ronald Sanders is a consultant and former Caribbean diplomat.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Oscar Sabido

PUP Cayo West Standard Bearer Oscar Sabido shares out gifts to families

Succotz

Calla Creek

Benque

Arenal

brings Christmas joy to Cayo West

Christmas missed us in Corozal North Corozal District, January 2nd, 2012 Hugo Patt, aka ‘the Golden Kid’ (as he is known in his home village), his Chairman Porky and the ex-cop Luciano were seen giving out groceries, toys and ham in Corozal North. Many UDPs were left out, while PUPs were completely forgotten, even those he paid to vote for him in the UDP convention.

In Altamira for example, they left out almost all the UDPs. When some workers from Bel-Cuisine approached the Golden Kid and Porky for their gifts, they UDP politicos ran away. Many chil-

dren saw the Golden Kid, Porky and the ex-cop pass by with their Santa Claus, but no sweets were given to the children. This was the case in Patchakan when kids saw the trio coming with their Santa, the children came out running very happy, but they were disappointed. The Golden Kid, Porky and ex-cop Luciano completely ignored the innocent children and hurriedly went to the house of the father-in-law of their campaign manager to deliver sweets, gifts and grocery. What a trio of ignorant and heartless politicians, led by the Hugo “the Golden Kid” Patt.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, January 8, 2012

PUP Stann Creek West Machinery Rocks!!

Belize City, December 21, 2011 Rodwell Ferguson, Standard Bearer for Stann Creek West, and the Constituency Executive Chairman, Emilio Zabaneh, had a full house when an important training exercise was held at the Center in Independence on Sunday, December 18. The event was organized by the Secretariat for the Southern Caucus.

The morning started with some hot ‘johnny cakes’ and juices prepared by Emilio and his Independence crew. At 10am, community leaders convened to strategize and train for the upcoming elections. The moderator, Orlando Augustine, opened the session with an overview of campaigning and strategizing.

Chairman Emilio Zabaneh then gave exhilarating opening remarks before introducing the PUP candidate. At this point, it was standing room only. Standard Bearer Rodwell Ferguson spoke intensely of his will to represent his people once again and to set his people free from the

PUP Standard Be arer Rodwell Ferg uson, Elizabeth Zabane h & Emilio Zabane h

Participants at PUP training

bondage of the UDP. He promised his supporters that he will continue the fight for affordable education; job opportunities for adults and youths; taking a hard stand on crime; and better health care and health care facilities. He expressed full support of the Village Councils’ management of communities.

Participants were hyped throughout the day, as the interest and enthusiasm was at an all-time high. After he finished his speech, testimonials of Rodwell’s past achievements and assistance to the communities were too numerous to mention. Participants lamented on the hard times they are experiencing under this administration and related to the audience instance after instance where their communities are suffering under the UDP. The consensus was that, ’with Rodwell, we will do well’ and with the People’s United Party, we shall have a future. Also recognized was that in Party Leader, Francis Fonseca, we have a Leader with strength and commitment to people from all walks of life.

Shortly after lunch, the participants were treated to a pleasant surprise when the distinguished party loyalist and niece of the late Leader Emeritus, the Right Honorable George Cadle Price, Mrs. Betty Zabaneh, arrived. She gave a short but compelling address

to those in attendance, and even shared a Price memorabilia with a lucky participant. It was a mug with a picture of ‘Uncle George’, as she so warmly described him.

As the session came to a close, we thanked the team of eight experienced Strategists and Trainers who conducted the training. Special thanks also went to Dangriga Standard Bearer, Ivan Ramos, for offering the three Trainers for this event.

This is the kind of spirit that the People’s United Party stands for – working together for one common goal.

Participants pledged their support and willingness to fight to get their Standard Bearer, Rodwell Ferguson back as their Representative and the People’s United Party back in Belmopan.

WIN WE WILL!!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Patty Arceo

share Christmas joy in San Pedro

PUP Councillor Candidate Vianie Perez & Mayoral Candidate Conchita Flota distribute gifts

The children of San Mateo were treated to a Special Christmas event

United Women’s Group promotes healthy living PUP Mayoral Candidate Karen Bodden knows that healthy living is a priority

UWG President Wendy Castillo

Belize City, December 20, 2011 The United Women’s Group (UWG) held a health fair on December 17, 2011 at “Ground Zero,” (former site of the old Paslow Building.)

UWG President, Wendy Castillo, and her executive organized the event, partnering with the BCVI and two prominent nurses.

They collaborate to offer

free eye exams, breast exams, diabetes tests, and blood pressure tests which benefitted over 100 men and women who visited the fair.

The UWG thanks PUP Secretary-General, Myrtle Palacio, and the PUP CitCo Mayoral and Councillor Candidates for participating in and supporting this venture. UWG...reaching out to the community...always ready to serve the people!

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Sunday, January 8, 2012

PUP hosts children’s

Christmas Party in Hopkins Village

By BGM This grand extravaganza was attended by over 300 children from our community accompanied by their parents.

Among the many surprises were gifts for each child, enough food and drinks and a visit from Santa. As the music played and children danced, you realize the real meaning of Christmas…… the coming together of people of all walks of life in the name of love.

Thanks to the Hopkins branch of the P.U.P. for their assistance; our Village Council for their support and the many persons that helped to make this day special for our children.

Hundreds of children and their parents attended the PUP Christmas party

Belizeans attend regional art & drama training January 2, 2012 El Proyecto Lagartija is the umbrella name of a Central American regional network of organized professional actors and actresses. They were formed for the specific purpose of the strengthening and development of Central American theatre and to work for positive social changes in our region.

Ms. Bevely Swasey, director, producer, writer and actress in Capital Culture Theater Company, is also General Assembly member in this regional network.

Lagartija’s main goal is to facilitate regional workshops with international well known actors as instructors and have participants replicate the workshops locally in their communities.

For the past three years, Belize has been represented regionally by Ms. Beverly Swasey, Ms. Yanira Bonilla, both from Capital Culture in Belmopan as well as Ms. Eleanor Carrillo

(Pre School Administrator,-OW) and Mr. Donald Sandoval sponsored by Ministry of Education and OWHOC. The project requests that all participants must do similar workshops on their return to their respective countries.

This year the Vll regional meet will be held in Honduras and BADA along with Capital culture theater group is recommending Miss Rosemarie A. Wood as workshop beneficiary to attend theater training in acting, this two weeks workshop will be held January 15 to 29, 2012. The Vll meet of this present cycle, will be held in Honduras in 2012 and the eighth in Belize, 2013.

We are hereby kindly asking for your support in sponsoring adverts for our representatives to this meet.

Ms. Swasey departs from Belize to Honduras, Jan.4, 2012 & Miss Rosie Wood departs on Jan.15, 2012. Both Ms. Swasey & Miss Wood will return on January 30, 2012. (Press Release)

Cuba´s Child Mortality was 4.9% in 2011 Havana, January 4, 2012 Cuba ended 2011 with an infant mortality rate of 4.9 per thousand live births and seven provinces reported figures below the national average, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

For the past four years, Cuba tops the list of countries on the continent with less than five percent infant mortality, the same as Canada, Granma daily published today.

In 2008 the figures reached 4.7, in 2009, 4.8and in 2010 infant mortality registered 4.5.

With 5, 317 more births compared with the previous year, the province with the lowest rate was Las Tunas, with

3.5. Other provinces with below average rates were Artemisa (3.9), Pinar del Rio and Holguin,(4.0), Havana, (4.3) and Ciego de Avila and Granma (4.4) The newspaper also notes that 17 municipalities were able to register zero infant mortality, most of them in the eastern provinces.

Among the factors contributing to these results are the will and policy decisions of government, a highlevel of education of the population and a comprehensive vaccination program, with one hundred percent coverage of children.

Added to this is the health care system that is accessible and free for all, the scientific-technical qualification of workers and a comprehensive maternal and child care program.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Richard Wagner, Belize’s noble benefactor, passes Belize City, January 4, 2011 Belize has lost a noble benefactor whose contribution has saved many lives, in many ways.

On the January 1st 2012 Canadian-national Richard Wagner passed away. Many may not recognise Wagner’s work in Belize, but his has been a proud legacy. Richard Wagner and his wife Bobby started by supporting the Wings of Hope Air Ambulance Service in the early 1990s.

During that time, the Ministry of Health operated ambulances but only for inter-hospital transfers and not primarily for emergency response. The Wagners recognised the need for a land-based emergency response system so they established the Belize

Emergency Response Team (BERT).

Since then, BERT has been providing first-response emergency services with trained as Emergency Medical Technicians, which has improved access to emergency treat-

ment.

That is not the end of the Wagners’ imprints. When Kolbe Foundation was formed and took over management of the Kolbe Correctional Facility, the Wagners visited and provided funds to build a separate facility for the younger inmates. This facility housed two large buildings - one used for housing or sleeping quarters – and another for feeding or conducting family visits. A third building referred to as ‘WYF Tradeline’ is located at the far end of the area and contains four classrooms for skills training. The building has since been named the Wagner’s Youth Facility.

In a letter shared among friends,

Co Chairman of Kolbe John Woods, Country Director of BERT Yvette Burks and Co Chairman of Kolbe and Chairman of BERT Arsenio Burgos remembered Wagner’s great contributions to Belize remarking, “We should remember him every time we see a BERT Ambulance and also when we witness or hear of someone who turned his life around while serving time.

The people of Belize have all lost a major friend and benefactor but lost is not the right word as he is certainly now in a place where he can help us more.”

Richard Wagner passed away at age 74. He is survived by his wife, Bobbie, and two daughters.

Business worsened in 2011

Low tourism arrivals; reduced foreign investment; businesses closing down Wednesday, January 4, 2012 All indications are that 2012 will be even tougher and tighter for the Belizean people in the face of the failed economic plans of the Barrow regime. Since taking over in 2008, the economy of this nation has plummeted to new levels in the history of independent Belize, including a decline that led to zero growth in 2009.

Everyone will agree that the past four years has yielded nothing but higher cost of living, victimization, and unbearable and unprecedented taxation. In a Channel Five online poll conducted for the Christmas holidays, a wide majority admitted that Christmas of 2011 was their worst yet.

The figures will show that since March 2008, direct foreign investment has taken a downward spiral with no hope for any immediate improvement. It went

from $139m in 2007 to a meager $38m in 2011. Without new foreign investment, the economy shrinks.

The Unemployment rate shot up to 33% in 2011. The youth unemployment rate is at 50%.There are more graduates each year that can’t find jobs. Just imagine that today one in every three employable person does not have a job to feed or help their families.

But that is not all. Coupled with this reality is the fact that investments that were already made have been lost by the closure of hundreds of businesses.

Just a quick check with the weekly newspapers reveals that more and more businesses and homes are closing or are up for sale, no matter their size: Juanitas, Malics, Central Drug Store, Caribbean Tobacco Company Limited, A&R Gas Station, Mena Group of Companies, Fabros, British Forces Radio Station, JMA Motors, and Royal

Motors were just a few.

Just after Christmas, Channel 7 did its own investigation into the business climate, and discovered that for many retailers 2011 was a nightmare.

“The year was sluggish, and it was sluggish all the way up to early December,” remarked Hofius Hardware Limited’s Managing Director.

At another retail store, Wellworth, the Manager reported that his sales were down by as much as 10 to 15 percent.

Earlier in the year, the auto industry reported a massive 60% contraction.

People have also been losing their homes and their livelihoods at alarming rates! This only results in loss of existing jobs and a higher crime rate. No doubt that 33% unemployment status has skyrocketed as a result.

Still yet, we need to factor in another area that influences Be-

lize’s decline: major losses in tourism. When was the last time you heard that there has been record tourism arrivals in Belize? You will only hear that there has been a slight increase over the last year, and that increase was possible because the previous year’s figures had declined. The last time this country saw real growth in tourism arrivals was when the Ministry of Tourism was steered by the PUP. But this government doesn’t want people to look at these very real issues. Barrow prefers instead to further insult us by talking about an insignificant cut in electricity rates. Let’s be real, Mr. Barrow, no one will be better off by $4 or $5 off their light bills. What you should have done if your efforts were genuine was to remove the 12.5% burdensome GST that your government imposed upon poor Belizeans. Your flimsy election gimmicks are paper-thin. You will get the message on Election Day.

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Sunday, January 8, 2012

Devout hospital staffer killed in Cayo armed home invasion BELIZE CITY, Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

By Alton Humes It seems like no matter what happens, crime never takes a holiday. And it would certainly seem that there’s been a big fat target on the foreheads of the residents of the Cayo District, which has the misfortune of being the district with the most home invasions in the country as of the close of 2011.

The latest victim in the senseless rash of these incidents is also the most unlikely victim possible: a devout husband, father of two girls and church goer. Sylvan Roberts, 39 years, of Santa Elena Town, was devoted to the Seventh-day Adventist Church and employed as the Director of Imaging Services at the La Loma Luz Hospital in the ‘Twin Town’ of San Ignacio.

But none of the above qualities mattered to those who sought out

Sylvan Roberts the family’s Santa Elena residence at around 10:50 p.m. on Friday, December 23rd. Instead, the assailants saw a house, and a family, armed with cash and things. Except that they weren’t, at least not in a material sense. But when the thugs, at least 3 to 4 of them, broke the home’s window to

get in through the main door, they were not prepared to face Roberts, who woke up upon hearing the din that couldn’t be disguised, even by the rain.

But they did face him, and one ended up shooting him, without a shred of remorse, in his left armpit, thereby damaging his heart, which killed him almost instantaneously (he later died at the same hospital in which he worked). To add insult to grievous injury, another railroaded his terrified wife to the floor when he swung open the door. Already with a wound to her forehead, she was asked for her money and jewelry, of which Mrs. Roberts could only give $50.00.

They also invaded the rooms of the children and stole their piggybank. And even with another person within the household who left and tried to seek help, and a courageous neighbor who

fired after the merciless thugs, they escaped on foot.

Reports have come in that there are arrests in the last Cayo homicide for 2011. Two people, a 16-year-old minor of the Red Creek Area of Santa Elena Town and 22-year-old Donovan Casildo of Esperanza Village, have been charged for murder, with possible indictments and other charges to follow.

It begs the following questions: When will such senseless acts cease?!! Perhaps Inspector Claudio Mai, the deputy commanding officer of the San Ignacio Police Formation, the unit investigating the case, said it best (or worst) in a TV interview: “Unscrupulous individuals see nothing but what the outside is telling them… [it’s] pathetic to say that a man with high religious beliefs would be a victim of such unscrupulous things that are happening now….”

Did PM Barrow lie or did he Barrow a lie?

Toledo District, January 5, 2012

By Carla Bradley The Prime Minister finally found it fit to speak on the rice issue after months of neglect, but was still not able to announce an honest solution to the matter. The C.E.O. Gabino Canto made public that the milpa farmers were paid and that the matter was resolved. But the bank has not received any funds so no deduction can be made to pay farmers, which then means that the Prime Minister along with Canto lied

to farmers again. The BELIZE TIMES has confirmed that the matter is unresolved.

Farmers are very concerned.

They are asking where is the assistance promised to them publicly by the PM and the Agriculture Ministry CEO. Why the deception and lies? If the Prime Minister can instruct the Social Security Board to write off a loan of 17 million dollars, why is it that the farmers cannot get the same treatment and some assistance be given? The farmers’ money is an es-

New Year, New Life

2012’s first born was delivered ‘through the phone’!

BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

By Alton Humes In all of the mayhem and chaos that surrounded the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, a spot of good news is in high order. The semi-traditional ‘First New Year’s Baby’ in Belize is always a small but potent source of excitement for those interested in the decent things in life.

And it was no different this year, as Karen Willoughby was the lucky momto-be who honored Belize with the gift of the first newborn of the year 2012.

The kicker of it all was that she was at home in the Mahogany Heights area (likely celebrating the New Year’s with much-needed rest) when she went into labor. It was with the help of a patient and very steady family support and a doctor at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital all the way in Belize City that she managed, just around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, to deliver a healthy-in-the-rightplaces baby girl, tipping the scales at 7

pounds, 12 ounces.

And while she and the babe were later rushed over to the KHMH, no immediate hospitalization was needed, as the babe came out, in the mother’s own words, ‘perfect’. No name has been given, and Willoughby half-jokingly suggested that the family will ‘raffle’ for names to give the newborn.

And of course, such a fitting distinction wouldn’t be complete without the usual semi-traditional gift baskets (this year with Ovaltine® products – the famous malt-chocolate powder, cookies and a booklet given to Mom and the baby) given by the San Cas Group of Companies.

Care packages were also distributed to the other mothers in the KHMH who delivered on New Year’s Day and at hospitals nationwide. We at the BELIZE TIMES salute and offer best wishes to Ms. Willoughby, her daughter, the Willoughby family, and the mystery doctor who guided her through the birth.

timated 1.5 million dollars which is much less than the SSB write-off.

It must be reminded that exactly one year ago, the chairman of the BNDC, Dennis Usher had written to the Prime Minister warning him that if they go to commercial banks for a loan, that they would fall right back to square one in no time. So said, so done. A loan was made at the Belize Bank to assist the rice growers. Also during the Agricultural Trade Show LAST year Minister Montero committed the government to buy all the

rice from the growers.

Agriculture is one of the largest economic sectors in our country and the government has neglected this sector. There is turmoil in the Rice Industry, Citrus Industry, Sugar Industry, Shrimp Industry and Tourism Industry. The country has been crippled to the point of no return. Our farmers have been neglected for the past four years with little or no assistance and 7000 families are now struggling as ends meet is not even in the horizon.

The People’s United Party Corozal Bay Executive Committee Date: January 4, 2011 The PUP Corozal Bay Executive Committee strongly condemns the act of sexual violence and alleged rape committed against a sixteen year old minor in Corozal Town. It is especially disturbing that this act of violence was committed by an elected official and standing member of the Corozal Town Council, the body elected to govern the affairs of our community and to respect and protect the rights of all its residents.

The Committee stands in solidarity with the minor and her family and calls on the authorities to take all necessary steps to bring the accused to justice in a speedy manner.

It is unacceptable that these crimes committed against our children and youth too often go unpunished and the perpetrators are set free.

The Committee also calls on the National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC), the National Women’s Commission (NWC), the Women’s Issues Network (WIN) and other organizations to join in condemning this heinous act to follow up and ascertain that the Police and other authorities bring the perpetrator in this matter and perpetrators in similar matters to justice.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

UDP Destroys Agriculture Sector

This document shows that the UDP Government is hell-bent on destroying the local agriculture sector. Even though local farmers produced sufficient cabbage, a UDP crony was granted a permit to import 10,000 pounds from Mexico just before Christmas.

UDP disrespect of Xaibe Village continues Xaibe Village, Corozal District, January 4, 2011 The Minister of Natural Resources the Hon. Gapi Vega continues to disrespect the Xaibe Village Council and Village Chairman Daniel Tzul.

Vega first disrespected the elected UDP Area Representative Nemencio Acosta when he supported Hugo Patt with finances in the recent bought-out UDP convention for Corozal North.

Then Vega stabbed Acosta once more when he ordered that all resources go to Patt instead of the elected representative.

Now, Vega thinks he’s all powerful and has launched an attack on the entire village of Xaibe. The Minister approved his agents to strangle away land in the village. Those agents went to survey land, which the UDP wants to distribute among their cronies. This has the elected Xaibe Village Council and residents up in arms. They were never consulted or involved, even though the Village Council Act solely gives the Council the authority to distribute land.

The Chairman has written Vega, demanding an explanation, but he is yet to get a reply.

Even the UDP supporters have called on Vega to explain what is going as, as Vega has involved UDP cronies Luciano Noh and Hugo Patt. The UDP supporters feel that Noh should not be involved in UDP affairs, as he recently switched political allegiance. They are

saying that if Noh betrayed the PUP, he will also betray the UDP. In protest of Noh’s involvement, the UDP in Xaibe will reject Hugo Patt in the upcoming elections.

31 Humor in UDP Politics!

The following matters were discussed in Cabinet: A questionnaire was circulated asking the following: - How much of the forty thousand ended up in your personal bank account?

- How much was spent on sweetheart?

- And which Cabinet member took it all?

As expected, half did their best to argue that they didn’t take a cent, three admitted to spending it on sweethearts and the only one who admitted he took it all says it was for a new pool table. ………………………….

In other related Cabinet matters The Committee set up to disburse Cabinet-stashed containers of sugar has reported that all the sugar has been given to Cabinet family members and friends. The sugar disbursed in the north was used to barter Uruguayan rice. ………………………….

Santino third request to join Cabinet has the same result.

A majority voted – NO. Perdomo promised he would swing the votes differently if Santino agreed to a drug test before riding from Belize City to Belmopan. ………………………….

Eden Martinez and Turo Roches got a toy flogging in Cabinet as they handed back thirty thousand each. They claimed they could not find good UDP’s to spend the forty thousand on. Finnegan asked that the monies be spent on his charity, the Housing Department. Nasty Juliet was eavesdropping, and quickly texted Barrow that she could do well with another grant. ………………………….

In a late Cabinet memo, it was agreed to lower light bills but raise the price of fuel. ………………………….

Cabinet has written to UB, requesting them to provide quizzes to the VIP candidates to keep them very busy between now and March, to see if the DPP can make up criminal charges against Okeke to keep him out of the media, and that Love FM interviews Torres on TV and not on radio.

When asked about their own candidate, Darrell Bradley, they suggested that he remains in hiding under Joe Bradley’s bed until the day of the elections. ………………………….

Things so bad under Barrow that Christmas day set a new record for people staying at Battle Field Park motel, so bad Hutchie couldn’t afford a Santa Claus. Things are so bad Castro had to use his driver as additional bed sheet. Things are so bad, Lee Mark is considering taking Broaster off his payroll in 2012.

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Sunday, January 8, 2012