Belize Times July 15, 2012

Sunday, July 15, 2012

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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SUNDAY July 15, 2012

Issue No. 4804

PUP lashes out Bogus Budget

Vega Land Orgy!

Close family and friends of DPM hog up land in Cayo, Belize and Orange Walk Districts

mistakenly returned to office with a razor slim majority on March 7th, but also because the upper-hand once held by the UDP in the number of House seats has been cut significantly. From a ¾

2 men executed in Corozal Town

Rowan’s

Historic Walk starts Thursday

See page 4

Where have the Housing

Millions gone??

The goal is to raise $90,000

Michael Finnegan

Belize City, July 10, 2012 While the UDP Government is slicing and dicing the spending allocations for important Ministries such as Education, Youth and National Security, one less-than-impactful Ministry Continued on page 4

Alleged Sea Pirates

face Attempted Murder Charges

See page 2

See page 8

Continued on page 6

Residents to protest lack of proper Police resources Corozal Town, July 12, 2012 An acute sense of fear and insecurity has flooded Corozal Town after two men were fatally shot last night, in an execution-style assault. It is the second double murder in exactly a week in the normally quiet community.

Late-breaking news to the BELIZE TIMES is that the two men were ambushed by gunfire around 10:30 last night, in an area not far from the southern entrance to Corozal Town.

See page 3

majority held in House seats, the Barrow Administrations only holds a slight majority with the Opposition having 14 of the 31 seats. This means no more lop-sided debates.

The debate started with a wellpresented response from Opposition Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca, and it was clear that the ball game was different inside the National Assembly. The Opposition not only had size and mus-

See page 9

position PUP members.

The debate of the General Revenue Appropriations Bill for 2012-2013 (Budget) began today Wednesday, July 11 2012 in Belmopan. The event was much anticipated, not only because it was the first budget presentation for the Barrow Administration who was

TOP MODEL

Belize City, July 11, 2012 For the first time in quite a while Belizeans saw a robust, almost evenlevel discussion at the House of Representatives which had the Governmentside cowering in the crevices of their benches, doing their best to dodge an effective assault launched by the Op-

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

PUP LEADER’S HARD HITTING BUDGET DEBATE SPEECH

04 15

WILL HEADS ROLL AT KHMH?

23

THE MOTHER OF ALL SCHEMES!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

BAVIA holds multi-media symposium July 10, 2012 The Belize Audio Visual Industry Association (BAVIA) in collaboration with the Belize International Film Festival (BIFF) will be hosting a one day Industry Symposium on July 16th at the House of Culture in Belize City.

The full day symposium is an opportunity for anyone involved or interested in the film, television, and audio-visual industry to come together to discuss ways to move this emerging dynamic sector of the Belize economy forward.

Two sessions with panel discussions are planned for the symposium.

The morning session is “The Business of Animation” and will look at the opportunities and potential for animators, designers, and companies to exploit the growing market for animated produc-

tions. The afternoon session is called “Nollywood, Bollywood or Hollywood: Which model makes the most sense for Belize’s Film Industry?”. A panel of filmmakers and distributers will discuss which style of filmmaking would be the best fit for Belize.

BAVIA and BIFF have assembled an impressive line-up of panelists, including: Allen Hughes – director, The Book of Eli, From Hell, Dead Presidents, Menace II Society; Camille Abrahams – festival director, Animae Caribe Animation and New Media Festival, Trinidad & Tobago; Frances-Anne Solomon – filmmaker, writer, producer, distributor, Trinidad/Toronto; S. Torriano Berry – independent filmmaker, associate professor Howard University;

and Matthiew Klinck – director 2012: Kurse a di Xtabia. Matthiew has worked in several countries around the world. He now resides full time in Belize.

Immediately following the morning session, BAVIA will be announcing the winners of our SHOW ME Animated Short Film Competition. Two grand prizes of $1000 each, courtesy of SMART Belize, will be awarded.

Registration will begin at 8:30AM on July 16th and the symposium is scheduled to run from 9:00AM until 3:15PM. Full details may be found on our website www.bavia.bz. Attendees are strongly encouraged to preregister on-line via our website.

Rowan’s Historic Walk starts this Thursday

BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, July 11th, 2012

By Alton Humes Rowan Garel, the young soon-tobe high schooler born with a rare condition of his eyes that has rendered him utterly blind, is special in more ways than one. Firstly, he proved to be an excellent student at Hummingbird Elementary School where he went on to score among the top students in the Primary School Exam despite his ‘limitations’. Secondly, he donates his time to make sure those who are visually impaired like him get the help they wouldn’t get elsewhere.

On the heels of last year’s amazing and unthinkable ascent (with the help of his father, Joe) of Belize’s tallest point, the Victoria Peak, Garel is about to make history yet again. He and his father, under the auspices of the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI), are preparing to go on a 5-day, 90-mile trek labeled ‘Walk Across Belize’ starting on Thursday, July 12th, 2012.

The trek will see Garel and his dad journey from the western-most town of Benque Viejo del Carmen all the way to Belize City, arriving on July 16th, just in time to kick-off the annual BCVI Summer Camp on Princess Margaret Drive.

The goal of the walk is to raise funds of BZC$90,000 to continue the programs of BCVI, including the summer camps, purchasing braillers for ten students, conducting community rehabilitation for 60 students and additional support, as well as to raise general awareness.

The BELIZE TIMES chatted with BCVI spokesperson, Carla Ayres-Musa, who told us via phone yesterday that it felt like Rowan would not have made it to this day, as his condition, known as retinopathy of prematurity or ROP, contributed to continuous pressure (glaucoma) in one of his eyes, leading to it being removed and making him permanently blind. But like the strong, courageous young man he’s always been and will always be, Rowan continues to serve as a true beacon of peace

Sunday, July 15, 2012

The Elite!

Dear Editor, Inequality is rapidly rising in this country, we are experiencing a growing gap between the rich and the poor and that’s a dangerous mix that will create a crisis in the future.

The potential for anarchy is going to be ripe if this trend continues. To whom much is given much is expected.

Those at the top are rising at an accelerating speed, while those at the bottom are falling even deeper into the pit that is poverty. Remember cultural conditioning more than anything else molds human behavior.

Questions!

Why is no one questioning what I can only describe as the vulgarization of our society?

No one, absolutely no one is questioning it, so it continues. Music on the radio, on the TV and in what this society has come to accept. Now you have to remember we are a consumer society, so any filth that is put before us we will consume.

As a nation we must fear God. We need to have reverence for God, and let it be known, especially those among us who say they are Christians.

Thanks for printing M.L.G.

THE BELIZE TIMES EDITOR

Alberto Vellos OFFICE MANAGER

and hope for the abled and differentlyabled, and he decided to continue for this historic.

The BELIZE TIMES spoke with both Rowan and his father via phone today while they journey to Benque about their preparation. And suffice it to say, the father-and-son pair are men of the Shakespearean variety, hardy and undeterred in their goals, with Joe telling us they feel ‘pretty good’ and ‘ready’ to walk. Each day, they’ll start at 5:00 a.m. in order to maximize their goals of making it to Belize City in time. Both Rowan and Joe admitted that they’ve prepared well before hand, be it through walking the length of Princess Margaret Drive, the Burrell Boom Cut-off road, or even the recent Cancer Walk some months ago. And while both say it will be ‘a little bit easier’ than Victoria Peak (where the boulders and crevices posed bigger problems than any disability), the most important thing is that they ‘hope to get a lot of support’ in the venture.

But for Rowan chiefly, he had this to say about accomplishing his goals: “Not just because you have a dis-

ability means you can’t do anything”, signaling just how serious he is in his commitment to helping fellow visuallyimpaired people, especially kids like him.

To get involved with the ‘Walk Across Belize’, you can donate either to Belize Bank Account #71096 or to ‘Walk Across Belize’ at PO Box 525, Princess Margaret Drive, Belize City. Or you can get out there and support in other ways – food, shelter, moral support, etc. Either way, you’ll be giving hope to many young people throughout Belize. We at the Belize TIMES certainly wish the pair good luck on their journey.

Fay Castillo McKay PRINTING/PERSONNEL SUPERVISOR

Doreth Bevans LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams STAFF REPORTER

Alton Humes TYPIST

Rachel Arana OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte The Route: Day 1 / Thr. 12th JulyBenque Border – Santa Elena Day 2 / Fri. 13th July Santa Elena – Belmopan Day 3 / Sat. 14th July Belmopan - Cheers Restaurant Day 4 / Sun. 15th JulyCheers Hattieville Day 5 / Mon. 16th JulyHattieville – Camp / Belize City

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, July 15, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Vega Land Orgy!

Belize City, July 11, 2012 Over the next few weeks, the BELIZE TIMES will be releasing what Belizeans can only describe as a scandalous land grab involving some big UDP big wigs and their political cronies.

Valuable land that could have been of much use to poor Belizeans for farming and housing is being hogged up by greedy UDPs who are engaged in corrupt behaviour.

We start with the most scandalous of them all – a land orgy involving the Vega family and close friends. When Deputy Prime Minister and Orange Walk North Area Representative Gaspar Vega got up to speak in today’s budget debate, we listened keenly as he rambled on about the goings-on at the Ministry of Lands. When the special family land grab was exposed by PUP Corozal South East Area Representative Hon. Florencio Marin Jr. land, Vega denied the accusation and said Hon. Marin had no basis for the allegation.

Well, Senior “Quitar”, not only did Hon. Marin have the evidence, but we did too, and now Belize will also.

There are no less than almost four dozen cases of land grab with the Vegas and cronies close to Gaspar Vega in the mix.

There is the parcel 260 in the Colonia San Diego Phase II area of San Pedro Town acquired by Ignacio Vega who is the brother of the Deputy Prime Minister.

The land document was issued in February 2012, just two weeks before the March 7 elections. The land documents show that the DPM’s family was sold the land for a cheap price of only $1,500.

There are also the 10 acres of land in the Mountain Pine Ridge Area for the same Ignacio Vega. The land documents show that the land transaction also occurred before the recent elections.

There is more for Ignacio Vega, much more. Including 119.74 acres of land in the Carmelita Registration Section of the Orange Walk District which was purchased for a rock bottom price of $11,674.65 and sold on February 24 2012; a 26.38 acre parcel of land also in Carmelita Orange Walk; Parcel number 04319 in an undisclosed area of the Orange Walk District which was bought for only $300; 13.58 acres in the Indian Hill area in Orange Walk purchased for only $2,206.75; parcel number 04308 in another unidentified area of Orange Walk sold to Ignacio Vega for only $800; parcel #01507 located in the Progresso Area of Corozal District sold for only $800; 43.58 acres of land in San Estevan Village acquired for an unknown price but the documents showing transfer to Ignacio Vega; in addition to another 25 acres in Carmelita Village.

It doesn’t end there for Ignacio Vega, who since June 1, 2012 holds possession of 9.9 acres of land in the Block 17 of the Mountain Pine Ridge area, along with another 9.95 in Block 41 of the same area.

For comfort, Vega has also purchased parcel number 09475 in the San Pedro Town for only $2,000.

And then we move on to the other Vegas, a group of elite Belizeans who seem to have access to all the land in Belize.

Diana Rosado is the daughter of the Deputy Prime Minister. Could that be why and how she obtained 10.621 acres of land in the San Miguel Subdivision of Mountain Pine Ridge for a scandalous price of $975? The DPM’s daughter also purchased parcel 01042 of the Mount

3 Pleasant area for $2,500 along with parcel 01816 in the Consejo Road area of Corozal for a sweet price of $1,940.

Next is Karen Vega of a Santa Lucia Street address in Orange Walk, who obtained parcel 04319 in the Orange Walk District for only $300. Once more, she gained possession of a land identified as Lot number 3 in Caye Caulker village and 13.58 acres of land in the Indian Hill area of Orange Walk which was bought for only $2,206.75.

Then it’s on to Omir Vega, who purchased 4 acres of land (Plan Number E12738) in the Burdon Canal Nature Reserve of the Belize District. According to the land documents, the price of the land was originally $3,245.45 but this Vega got a discount and bought it for only $1,947.24. It was a similar low price, of $1,000, which this Vega also got a land, identified as parcel number 00486, in the Mount Pleasant area of the Cayo District.

Eduardo Vega is next in line with a series of land possession including parcel 1 in San Jose Succotz Village, Cayo District; 24.766 in the Southeast area of Benque Viejo del Carmen; parcel number 01230 in the San Ignacio North area which was purchased for only $1,000; and 11 acres of land in the Mountain Pine Ridge Area.

Ronnie Vega obtained 2 parcels of land, one a 9 acre plot in the north side of the San Miguel Road in the Stann Creek District and the other in San Jose Succotz Village in the Cayo District. The document do not show payment of purchase price or lease cost.

The documents also Alma Vega obtaining 55.15 acres of land along the sea coast of the Gales Point Manatee Area but no sign of cost; in addition to paying only $1,000 for parcel 01230 in the San Ignacio North area.

And from the Vega close family, the land sharing moves to the relatives which includes the Hernandez cousins.

The documents show Imer Hernandez holding three parcels of land: 25 acres along the Mollejon Road in Cayo, 4 acres in the Burdon Canal Nature Reserve in the Belize District and parcel number 01565 in Benque Viejo del Carmen. All the transactions started in 2012.

Cousin Omar Hernandez of San Estevan Village’s ‘grabbings’ are more bountiful. It includes 6.92 acres of land in the Mountain Pine Ridge Area; parcels number 01088, 01093 and 01094 in San Estevan; 11 acres of land purchased for $1,547 in the Indian Hill area of Orange Walk; parcel number 01879 in the San Lazaro Housing Site in Orange Walk Town bought for only $1,000; and 35.2 acres of land in the Indian Hill area acquired for only $3,782.

Sharon Hernandez got 4.5 acres of land in the Burdon Canal Nature Reserve in the Belize District We wish we say it ends there, but we’d be leaving out the close cronies.

Derrick Gillett, a meat seller in Orange Walk whose recent most fame involved selling fish and expensive meat to the KHMH, has obtained 48.69 acres of land along the Northern Highway along with parcel number 04303 in Orange Walk Town.

Lindsay Jeffery, who is close to the hearts, was not left out. Jeffrey has taken hold of 10 acres of land in the Mountain Pine Ridge Area; along with parcel number 3 and 4 in the San Jose Succotz Village.

The list is long, we know, but we believe the transgressions of this UDP ring of family and cronies, which likely don’t end here, must be exposed. While the BELIZE TIMES has obtained these documents, we understand more exists that could reveal an endless scandal at the Ministry of Lands.

Next week we’ll expose even more.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, July 15, 2012

The mother of all schemes!

UDP Minister’s company carries out oil exploration, insurance, real estate, media services, banking, finance and investment…and much more Belize City, July 9, 2012 Someone must investigate UDP Minister Pablo Marin and do so fast! The Corozal Bay politician, who is an electrician but has served as the Minister of Health for the past five years, has gotten Minister of Health Pablo Marin Former Tourism CEO, Mike Singh away with producing below-average in the Santa Rita Layout health services for Belizeans. Marin dio, not stock exchange in Corozal and called it now appears to have a thing for and fishing, etc.

UMuzik FM. This radio But Marin seems anomalous practices, and this time station is now benefitting it’s bigger than just mixing apples to have something sinfrom advertisement paid and oranges, or in his case light ister up his sleeves. for by the UDP GovernIn October 2011 he bulbs and hospitals. ment with tax payers’ Marin has started a company registered UMuzik, a money. that is seemingly ALL purpose. From limited company with Next, Marin could oil exploration, to radio services, and almost unlimited capalikely apply for a license insurance, Marin’s company called bilities. According to to explore for oil in the “UMuzik Limited” can do it all, ac- the company’s docupristine bay of Corozal cording to documents found at the ments, it has up to 60 and Oceana in Belize may Companies Registry. What is wrong objects that run across certainly find it concernwith that, you may ask. Well, every- a wide gamut of sering. thing! Companies in Belize are al- vices including media; This is the kind of lowed to operate with specific ob- oil and mineral exploscheme that raises red jectives. For example Bowen and ration; insurance; real flags. What is Marin reBowen Ltd. is strictly in the business estate; banking; finance ally up to? He may know of soft drinks and juices; it doesn’t and investment; hotel how to wire a house and venture into fuel, cable and a bar- and restaurant; and even change light bulbs, but he rage of other products. Similarly, construction and maintehas proven to be an ignoVibes Radio is in the business of ra- nance of roads, bridges, ramus in everything else. canals and even railways.

It must be an offence to A few months ago, declare false representaMarin opened a radio tion of a company. Such a station at his residence

2 men executed in Corozal Town

Continued from page 1

The men, one of them identified as Robert Hernandez and the other only identified as Kenneth, are well known in the community.

Hernandez was shot dead on the spot, while Kenneth passed away while receiving emergency treatment. Both men reportedly had multiple gunshot wounds.

Residents were just recovering from the double murder of mother and daughter, 35 year-old Clari Celine and 18 year-old Shanny Fredersdorf which occurred at the family-owned hotel, Paradise Bay Villa last Wednesday night.

In response to the unusual spate of crime, the Citizens’ Coalition for a Better Corozal group has planned a protest march through the streets of Corozal this Saturday.

The group said it must show stern disapproval for the unsafe neighbourhoods, “the lack of senior police officers and personnel, the lack of police vehicles, and the increase in senseless violence and crime in this community”.

The protest will start at 9:00am in front of the Corozal Town Hall.

thing may be considered a fraud.

And then we discovered where the office for UMuzik is.

It is registered at #1 Mapp Street, which is the same location as BTALCO Limited, a company which

Where have the Housing

Millions gone??

Continued from page 1

which has received an inflated budget every year is the Ministry of Housing.

Since the UDP took office, there has been no housing project and no housing policy. In fact, more people are losing their homes, and at a rapid pace.

Yet, the Ministry of Housing has reported spending of millions of dollars every year.

In 2008-2009, it had a Budget allocation of $2,913,619.

In 2009-2010, its total Budget allocation ballooned to $16,007,640.

In 2010-2011 allocation remained at a high with $10,603,973.

In 2011-2012, the budget was $7,281,775.

Now the estimated total revenue for this year’s Housing budget is $2,514,219.

In the 5 years of the UDP, the Housing Ministry has spent a total of a whopping $39,321,226!

At a modest $10,000 per home, that should be almost 40,000 homes, but where are they?

Today, the Ministry of Housing under the UDP is but a shell of the robust Ministry it once was under the PUP. Today it only hires about 11 Public Officers at the Ministry and 15 at the

Housing Department, for whom it spends over $700,000.

The bulk of the spending for salaries goes under an allocation for “Unestablished Staff” which is another term for “political cronies”.The Ministry of Housing will spend nearly $500,000 here. Can you imagine this waste?

On top of that the Budget book says the Minister is paid on contract for $81,000 plus $28,000 in allowances.

The Ministry also hires an “Urban Development Planner” who will be paid $25,652 but who is not needed because no urban planning is taking place, not here in Belize City at least.

To top it all off, the Ministry has allocated almost $60,000 for telephone calls.

All that money for a defunct Ministry of Housing that only exists to give one no-good Minister a plush salary and a means to keep paying his cronies and lackeys happy, or should we say “moving on up like the Jeffersons”?

Yet, teachers, police officers, doctors, fire fighters and nurses can’t get a salary increase.

was once under investigation for financial wrongdoing. BTALCO is headed by Michael Singh, the UDP crony who is known for his insatiable greed and mistrustful behaviour.

The two together seem to be a dangerous mix, and we better keep a watchful eye and hope the relevant authorities don’t just dance to Marin’s music.

Police arrest man for firing gun near Church Cayo District, July 10, 2012 Police have arrested 20 year old Melvin Choc, a 20 year old farmer of Armenia Village, for firing a firearm in public.

On July 8th, residents called the Police and reported that they heard multiple shots being fired. When the cops arrived, their investigations led them to Choc, who allegedly had pulled out his licenses 12 gauge shotgun and fired it. He was near a Church.

While Choc was being escorted to the Police station inside the Police vehicle, the cops’ attention was drawn to another male person who was standing on the road with what appeared to be a gun in his hand.

The Police say when the male person saw them he dropped the weapon-like object and ran. They sought him immediately and detained him.

He is 25 year old Allen Herman Peck, a BDF volunteer, who was arrested for the object which Police say was a shotgun.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Half Truths and Red Lies The retirement of veteran union leader George Frazer could not have come at a worst time. The Union’s patience and endurance of the Barrow Administration’s disrespect is at a boiling point. The Unions had made some kind of pact with the UDP Government in 2008, in return for respect and a salary raise for workers. But neither of the two has been granted, and as Barrow presents his 5th Budget, teachers and public officers are being told to settle for discipline after five years of struggling with the same wages but in much harder economic conditions.

Mr. Frazer is the no nonsense type of union leader. He has said he has had enough of the meetings and the disrespect. He has said it is time for action. But despite his seniority in the Union leadership, Mr. Frazer’s voice is lost among other voices, some which belong to so-called union leaders who are badly compromised with cushy positions and perks.

We won’t call names, for these persons know who they are. They care less about what they are supposed to be doing, and who they are supposed to be fighting for. What matters to them is that meeting stipend at the end of the month, and that scholarship that comes at a price.

This awful and selfish compromise is what is hurting the union’s leadership and is harming the workers’ chances to get the salary raise they so much deserve. It is clear in the face of the deafening silence coming out of the union leaders, even as Barrow prepares to pass his Budget with no intent on raising the salaries of workers. What makes all of this alarming are Barrow’s spins; his ability to telling half-truths and red lies and how easy they are swallowed.

The same Barrow who promised a raise in 2008 is now telling Belizean workers that they must be satisfied with a meager increment, and that there will be no more salary raises? He then appears before media houses and nobody dares to ask him why he deceived union leaders. No one asked him why the only one being disciplined by his budget are Belizeans. No one asked him why it is so easy for him to spend $18 million between January and March to buy his way into winning an election, but when it comes to helping Belizeans and easing the pain out here, he says ‘no way’.

Oh, if only George Frazer was in his hey days. Emperor Barrow would be asking for mercy. The Unions would be true unions, and the workers would not be forced to live in despair. Won’t anyone else dare to take a stand?

At least the workers know they have the support of the Leader of the People’s United Party Leader Francis Fonseca. Hon. Francis has called for genuine and meaningful dialogue between the unions and government and has also stated the PUP’s support for workers’ salary increases. The Leader of the Opposition has called out the UDP’s deceit and even pointed out that Barrow could have paid Belizeans workers instead of wasting money on luxury SUVs for Ministers, paying family lawyers, paying gang members and on giveaways to have influence on the outcome of the elections.

Mr. Barrow, our teachers ain’t fools. They have waited long enough. Take heed in the words of Bob Marley, “Every day the bucket a-go a well, one day the bottom a-go drop out”.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP lashes out Bogus Budget Continued from page 1 cle, but it also had intense enthusiasm and its leader led the way.

Preening open Barrow’s late-incoming Budget, PUP Leader Hon. Francis exposed that there was nothing in it for Belizeans who were hoping for relief in these hard times.

“The Hon. Member for Queens Square is presenting his fifth budget to the nation as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and he is still whining and finding excuses for why he cannot grow the economy, create jobs for our people, attract investment to Belize, and bring down the cost of living,” stated Hon. Francis.

The Opposition Leader said those excuses –global economic conditions, a decline in oil revenue and the superbond – had no merit.

He reminded the Prime Minister than in introducing last year’s budget he spoke of a Belize that was “free to fly”, ready to celebrate the achievements of the UDP administration. But the promises foretold seemed to have fizzled as they are totally absent in this year’s Budget. Instead, the Prime Minister has warned Belizeans to brace for discipline, tough times. No flying, no soaring.

“Mr. Speaker, what happened between all that big talk last year and this year, and just how real are these excuses? What happened was more UDP incompetence and inaction. What happened was a failure on the part of this UDP government to launch critical capital investment projects. What happened was a UDP government without any plan or sense of urgency to drive exports.

What happened was a UDP government proven to be totally incapable of attracting foreign direct investment to Belize. What happened was a petty, arrogant, clueless UDP government unwilling to consult and engage with the private sector,” remarked the Leader of the Opposition.

The Prime Minister, unable to handle the heat, jumped off his seat to rail up when Hon. Francis also reminded him of his own admittance of chronic incompetence.

“It was only three months before the general elections Mr. Speaker, that the Prime Minister, worried about his political fortunes, was forced to convene a Business Forum, at which the only memorable moment came when the PM held his head in his hands and in a moment of absolute candor and frustration mumbled, ‘no wonder people say we are incompetent, and 9 times out of 10 they are correct’.”

Clearly embarrassed, the Prime Minister fumbled for words and made

the gravest of errors when he accused the Opposition Leader of dishonesty.

The Prime Minister was caught in his own lie; and he knew it. He had indeed uttered his own judgment of failure, on November 23, 2011 when he scolded his former Agriculture CEO for languishing in heavy bureaucracy and for being a living example of what is fundamentally wrong with the UDP Government. “…people have this perception that we are incompetent in Government, and 9 times out of 10 they are correct,” Barrow had stated.

The Opposition Leader pointed out that if the UDP Government had any sort of purpose and direction, Belize’s economy would have been healthier and opportunities would have been created for Belizeans.

“Instead, we have a Government focused on institutionalizing poverty and dependency,” he said.

He cited the many unlocked opportunities that exist from collaborating with the private sector, and developing the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Offshore, Financial, Real Estate sector.

“Belize has 8,867 square miles or 5,674,880 acres of land, 12 miles of territorial sea, 200 miles of exclusive economic zone, untold petroleum resources and other valuable minerals, and the skill and ingenuity of an over 130,000 strong labor force.

To maximize economic growth we need to competently and efficiently use all of these resources and comparative advantages.”

In a feeble attempt to distract from the issues raised by Hon. Francis, the UDP Area Representative for Belmopan John Saldivar went on an almost one-hour tirade about Belize not being able to compare to other developing countries. According to Saldivar Belize is just fine in the lower levels of development achieved by the UDP Government, and the Opposition Leader’s challenge to aim for higher is hogwash.

Saldivar was unimpressive and was so unprepared in his delivery that he forgot to discuss what should have been his number one priority - the Ministry of National Security. Of course, even if he had remembered that he was the National Security Minister at a time when Belize has the 5th highest murder rate in the region, there is nothing he could have reported on but Budget cuts for the Ministry of National Security. Even the financial support for the much-needed forensics unit which Prime Minister Barrow had promised five years ago is getting slashed.

The Budget debate will continue on Thursday with presentations from the remaining parliamentarians and an expected glitter and no substance closing remarks by Prime Minister Dean O. Barrow.

THE WORLD IS READING

THE BELIZE TIMES www.belizetimes.bz

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Another Government vehicle stolen Cayo District, July 10, 2012 Another Government vehicle was stolen but the incident was kept secret from the public.

This time the vehicle, a 2012 Great Wall Wingle, was assigned to the Forestry Department in Belmopan.

It was stolen from the Forestry Department parking lot and mechanic shop in Belmopan on Sunday just before midnight.

The security watchman told Police that he was assaulted by two masked men who beat him, gagged him and tied him up. He said the men emptied a container where the employees keep the vehicle keys. They selected the Wingle keys then left in the vehicle.

Police say they believe the men were really after a Toyota Hilux which was also in the compound at the time.

Luckily, Police eventually found the stolen Wingle abandoned in Camalote village near the cemeter. The key was left in the ignition.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Humor

in UDP Politics!

The following matters were discussed in Cabinet: • Cabinet members asked the CabSec what were the serious changes in the budget and if he could name one thing they should be most proud about. “Well,” said the Cabinet Secretary, “we got nothing much to offer but we must give thanks that Melvin Hulse is not in the Flippin House to ramble away about it”.

• Santino was asked why he takes a Red Bull to House meetings and places it where everyone can see. He replied, “because unlike the jankro wings Prime Minister, I have real wings that could fly”.

• Saldivar was asked how he could make the big mistake of talking for almost an hour and not say a single thing about the Ministry of National Security. He explained that he didn’t eat garnaches that morning, so he was full of pure hot air.

• When Castro heard the story about the Guatemalan horses used to patrol the border, he texted Sedi asking that they let him know next time so they become part of Team Clear the Land.

• The Speaker of the House was heard asking the Prime Minister if he’d be allowed to use Tasers in the House. When asked what he needed it for, the Speaker responded because a certain member from Collet just

7

doesn’t know when to shut up.

• Penner had to write an essay explaining why he was late at yet another House Meeting. He explained that he overslept since he had stayed up late the night before preparing Visa papers for next year’s airport arrivals.

• Longsworth was asked if he will give a report on the Marion Jones Stadium and the million-dollar project he promised at Berger Field. He said he will speak on the Berger Field project and announce the budget for the fence.

In other related matters: - During an interview with Prensa Libre over the referendum and issues in Belize, Sedi was asked to explain Barrow’s budget. Trying to impress the young female reporter, Sedi said “mucho palabras, mucho palabras”.

- The Mayor of Belize City was asked what the planned to do with all the bad streets. He said they will stay as is and city residents will just have to pick and choose the cement streets to walk or drive on.

- Boots was asked how he intends to cover his pledge with Mrs. Barrow project should the OPEC money, like the Russian goodies, doesn’t come true. Before Boots could answer, the Cabinet Secretary said “let me answer this for him. My friend got a few pool tables that we can sell”.

- Cabinet was interrupted by a disturbed call from Companies Registry about a new company being registered with the name “Puppet Master”. He asked who the Directors are, “Hall Mark and Zinc Fence?” “No”, said the caller, “it is Judas and Iscariot”.

8

THE BELIZE TIMES

No Justice!

Mother of four condemns acquittal of four men accused of murdering her common-law husband BELIZE CITY, Wed. July 11, 2012

By Roy Davis Lisa Tracey, the common-law wife of Glenford Matura Jr., cried hysterically yesterday when she was told that Lionel Neal, 27 and Michael Kerr, 20, were found not guilty of the murder of her husband.

Tracey, a widow mother of four, was in the Court Marshall’s office, located next to the Supreme Court, when she got the sad news.

“There is no justice”, she said with the tears streaming down her face.

Matura, an employee of Belize Maintenance Limited (BML), was shot and killed around 7:30 a.m. on March 10, 2010. He was working on Euphrates Avenue near to its junction with Dean Street when two persons rode up to him on bicycles. According to the allegation, Kerr held Neal’s bicycle while Neal fired several shots at Ma-

Glenford Matura Jr. tura.

The only eye witness was Denfield Tasher, who is currently an inmate at Belize Central Prison.

The prosecution’s case fell apart when Tasher took the stand and said that he was at home at the time of the incident.

Tasher had given the police a state-

Jury Acquits Ronlee Petillo of Attempted Murder BELIZE CITY, Tues. July 10, 2012

By Roy Davis Ronlee Petillo, 24, who charged with the attempted murder of Stackle Monsanto, was acquitted of the charge today in the court of Justice Herbert Lord.

Monsanto was shot several times around 9:10 p.m. on April 7, 2009.

The case for the prosecution fell apart when Monsanto, its first witness, took the witness stand and said he does not know who shot him. Monsanto said he only thought that the shooter was Petillo.

Monsanto testified that he was walking on Allenby Street when his assailant rode up to him on a bicycle and began to fire shots at him. Monsanto said he ran and he collapsed behind St. Ignatius Church, then the police came and took him to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

Monsanto was shot in his right shoulder, lower back, right leg and right foot. He said the bullet is still lodged in his right leg.

Monsanto admitted that he gave the police a statement in which he identified Petillo as the gunman but in the witness box he refused to identify Petillo as the person who

Sunday, July 15, 2012

ment in which he identified Neal as the person he saw shot Matura. But when Crown Counsel Sharmela Williams, who represented the prosecution, asked him about the statement he said he could not remember what he told the police officer who had recorded the statement. Only the officer was with him at the time.

Tasher said that he did not read the statement and the statement was not read to him. He was given the statement to read while he was on the witness stand and he said that the statement does not contain anything that he told the officer.

In addition to that, Tasher said he saw his name on the statement but the signature was not his.

Without Tasher’s testimony about the incident the prosecution did not have any case Attorney Alifa Elrington Hyde submitted that the prosecution has not proven that it was the accused persons who committed the offence and as a result a prima facie case has been established against her clients and they do not have a case to answer to.

The trial judge, Justice Adolph Lucas, upheld the submission and he directed the jury of 9 women and 3 men to return a formal verdict of not guilty for both accused.

Justice Lucas said Tasher had taken the court for a fool, a puppet show and from the time Tasher took the witness stand he knew that Tasher was going to be a hostile witness.

Tasher, he said, came to court to play “Bush Lawyer”.

“Justice is for the public’s interest and Justice is for the state of Belize”, said Justice Lucas.

He chided the prosecution counsel for not entering a nolle prosequi which would have enabled the prosecution to “bring back the case” at a later date, especially since a new law will soon be enacted which will allow statements by witnesses, who refuse to testify, to be admitted as evidence.

Although Neal and Kerr were acquitted of murder only Kerr was set free. Neal was kept in custody because of a dispute concerning a bail he got for a charge of attempted murder, in an incident which occurred about 6 years ago for which trial is still pending.

Before Tasher took the witness stand, only one witness, Scenes of Crime technician Audrey Cleland testified for the prosecution. She described the blood and the expended shells she saw and collected when she processed the scene and the photographs she took were tendered as exhibits into evidence.

Alleged Sea Pirates face Attempted Murder Charges

Duo accused of ambushing vessel and assaulting Sarteneja men while out at sea

Ronlee Petillo

Sherwin Moore

Brenton Brackett

shot him.

Because Monsanto did not identify Petillo there was no evidence against him. So after the prosecution closed its case, having called only one witness, Justice Lord directed the jury of 9 to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

But although Petillo was acquitted of attempted murder he was not freed because he is remanded at Belize Central Prison for another charge.

Petillo was not represented by an attorney.

Senior Crown Counsel Cecil Ramirez represented the prosecution.

BELIZE CITY, Tues. July 10, 2012

By Roy Davis Two Dangriga residents, Brenton Brackett and Sherwin Moore, who the police believe were two of four sea pirates who ambushed a vessel and shot one of the occupants, were charged with 3 counts of attempted murder and 6 other offences when they appeared today in the #1 Magistrate’s Court.

The other offences included 1 count of burglary, 1 count of dangerous harm, 1 count of use of deadly means of harm, 1 count of robbery, 1 count of aggravated assault and 1 count of handling stolen goods.

Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith did not take a plea because the offences are indictable. Neither could she offer the defendants bail because of the nature of the offences. She remanded them into custody until August 28.

The charges arose from an incident which occurred on July 3, at Colston Range Caye in the Stann Creek District.

Police reports are that a fisher-

man, Cornelio Verde, 60, was in his fishing boat with his two sons when they were approached by four men in another boat who asked them for fuel.

The four men produced firearms resembling AK 47 assault rifles and ordered Cornelio and his sons to jump overboard. As they complied they were shot and Cornelio was shot between his buttocks and thigh. They were then instructed to get back into the boat and were escorted to camp at Colston Caye.

Cornelio was robbed of several items which included his spear gun, Sprat net, fuel tank, wrist watch and $650.

At the fishing camp the gunmen entered Cornelio’s residence and they stole a number of items which amounted to $9,570 in value.

The gunmen also committed an aggravated assault with firearm on Francisco Cho. The police reported that on July 6 they went to Southern Long Caye and they detained Brackett and Moore. They also reported that they recovered one of the stolen items, a stainless steel propeller.

Two other suspects are still at large.

THE WORLD IS READING

THE BELIZE TIMES www.belizetimes.bz

This Week’s

9

BELIZETIMES SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012 THE BELIZE TIMES see full color at www.belizetimes.bz or Facebook/ Belize Times

Sunday, July 15, 2012

TOP MODEL Make-Up

tips

By Tania Tanesha (E-mail: mua.tania@ gmail.com, Cell: (501) 604-0736) Let’s face it: your face’s expression is a dead giveaway of how you feel. Lightercomplexioned persons are easily sold out by their faces. Blushing is one way. When a person blushes, a flow of blood rushes to the face making their cheeks seem pink or even red. It actually makes the skin glow and really brings out that person’s complexion. The same happens in makeup when one applies blush.

In general, blush is applied for an attractive luminescence which is typically on the rosy or peachy end. There are different types of blushes that come in different textures which have different applications.

- Powder blush - Great for all skin types, but best for oily skin and anyone looking for long-lasting color (it’s the densest and most common form of blush). Apply with a brush and blend well.

- Cream blush - Better suited for dry skin because of its rich, moisturizing ingredients. It is best applied with the fingers.

It’s also dense, but let’s your skin show through.

- Tint blush - Like gel blush, fastdrying and can look streaky over foundation. Blend it fast and blend it well with your fingers or a synthetic makeup brush. Once it sets, it won’t budge until you wash it off.

Take into consideration your skin-tone.

A foolproof way to choose your blush shade is to find one identical to the flush-shade on your cheeks when you are flustered. You can find out by touching your toes for two minutes or walking up a flight of stairs. That shade of red or pinkish hue on your cheeks is the right shade of blush to buy.

Another tip is to pick a color that is close to your own skin tone. Typically, darker skin tones benefit from burgundy or wine-colored blush colors, while lighter skin tones will be enhanced by pinkish hues.

You can also match it with your current lip color. If you favor pink tones for your lips, it’s likely that a pink blush color will also work well on your cheeks. Likewise, corals and peach-tones on the lips will look better with Peach or coral blushes.

Note: Try on blush when you’re finished applying all your makeup. If the color is too intense, wipe with a cosmetic sponge. If you’re not wearing makeup, test the blush inside the forearm.

Easy ways to apply blush: 1. Make a cute fishy-face to identify where your cheekbones are. Suck in your cheeks as if you’re gearing up for a kiss.

Start from below the cheekbone and brush outwards along the cheekbone, towards the hairline. Make sure to blend. This method is sure to give your face a slimmer appearance.

2. If you’re going for a rosy look and want to enhance your cheeks. Before applying your blush-smile! Smiling brings out the apple of your cheeks. Brush on the blush just halfway onto the apples of your cheek going out towards the hairline. Make sure to blend properly and you’re set for a glowing, beautiful face forward.

Tanya • Career Plan: Teacher/Model • Sign: Cancer • Favourite Food: Chicken Wings • Likes: Modelling, softball and listening to music • Lives in Crooked Tree Village • Fav. Quote: “Every cloud has a silver lining”

CATWALK FASHIONS What’s Hip...What’s Hot...What’s Now! Phone: 203-2936 / 620-7481 #148 Cor. Queen & North Front Streets Belize City, Belize

10

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, July 15, 2012

19th Caribbean Cup and the 6th America’s Cup darts championships

Belize City, July 8, 2011 Belize’s best darts players will be going up against the finest in the region at the 19th Caribbean Cup and the 6th America’s Cup darts championships to be hosted by the Belize Darts Federation at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel from July 20-30.

Team Belize comprises of Omar Guerrero, Dimas Guerrero, Mario Graniel, Ricky Manzano and George Eiley of San Pedro, Valentin Marin,

Jim Novelo, Wilbur Perez and Emmanuel Gabourel of Caye Caulker, and Theodore Lennon and David Cortez of the Cayo district.

In the women’s competition Melanie de Paz, Cecilia Joseph and Marie Osmon of Caye Caulker will represent, along with Lorena Guerra and Elvira Meighan of Belize City and Felicia Hulse from Cayo.

The rest of the field in the competition comes from the Bahamas, Bermu-

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Belize to host 6th America’s Cup & 19th Caribbean Cup darts championships

Felicia Richards

da, Brazil, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Turks & Caicos Islands, the Cayman Islands, Jamai-

Belikin Men’s Open 3x3 basketball competition

Edge, Warriors, Yabra & Kruzzars lead Sprite/ Belikin 3x3 basketball Belize City, July 7, 2012 Edge, Warriors, and Yabra are leading the Belikin Men’s Open 3x3 basketball competition organized by the Belize Basketball Federation and the Belize District Basketball Association, while the Kruzzars are leading the under-18 Sprite 3x3 basketball competition which began at the Riverside Tavern parking Lot in Belize City on Saturday, July 7.

Edge enjoys 3 wins Edge’s Isani Enriquez, Jamir Enriquez, Kenroy Usher and Jason Hyde posted three wins, edging past the Architects: Denford Bevans, Chris and Greg Mollard 11-8, then they held basketball clinic for Taiwan’s Andy Chan, Rei Lee, Aries Lin and Jason Lin: 14-9, and they cooled off the Heats’ Michael Murillo, Stanis Thomas, Ensworth Tzul and Jacob Westby to post a 12-6 win.

Warriors’ three-peat victory Warriors’ Marcel Orosco, Wilfred Richards Ervin Orosco and Frederick Gabourel had no trouble edging past Yabra’s Vince Estrada, Angus Cherrington, Darren Neal and Cassian Flowers in their first encounter 16-15. The Warriors would also crush the Taiwan squad: 21-9 and also posted their third victory over the Heats.

Yabra serves revenge Yabra’s Vince Estrada, Angus Cherrington, Darren Neal and Cassian Flowers had better luck in a 19-11 victory over the Taiwan boys, after leading 6-4 in the first period, and went on to post a 16-8 win over the Architects and also enjoyed an 18-8 win over the Edge squad.

Kruzzars’ defeats competition Kruzzars’ Devin Daly, Tariq Middleton, Brian White and Frederick Williams blew away the Heats’ Alejandro Baptist,

Theodore Lennon

ca, Guyana, Puerto Rico, and St. Lucia for a week of grueling action to determine the best in the region and in the hemisphere.

Belize City Softball Competition

Orchid Blazers blows away Hurricanes 17-10 but the Blazers took over the lead 6-1 when Ashley Lucas, Fiona Rivero, Jolene Davis, pitcher Nicole Arnold, Georgia Williams and Latoya Belisle came home in the bottom of the 1st.

No runs scored in the 2nd inning, and the Hurricanes tied the ball game 6-6 when Kiri Lizama, Tyra Moriera, Kira Arnold, Kesilyn Lizama and Tiffara Welch came home in the top of the 3rd inning. The Hurricanes gave up no runs to the Blazers in the bottom of the 3rd, and their lead grew to 9-6 when Moriera, Kira Arnold and Kesilyn came home in the top of the 4th inning.

The Blazers took over the lead 13-9, when Ashley Lucas homered in the bottom of the 4th, and Rivero, Davis, Nicole Arnold, Hortencia Richards, Jahneka Hilton and Pauline Bradley followed her home in the bottom of the 4th.

Hurricanes’Bianca Mcfadzean scored their 10th run in the top of the 5th inning, but the Blazers’ Ashley Lucas, Rivero, Davis and Arnold came home in the bottom of the 5th to secure the 17-10 Fiona Rivero made 3 runs win.

Belize City, July 6, 2012 The Orchid Blazers humbled the Hurricanes 17-10 when they meet at the softball field at the Roger’s Stadium in Belize City on Thursday night July 5.

Kiri Lizama scored the Hurricanes’ first run against the Blazers in the top of the 1st inning,

Winston Reynolds scores

Lincey Lopez, Kyle Middleton, and Winston Reynolds 10 -7 in their first encounter, and the Kruzzars cruised past the Heats: 16-12 in the rematch.

The Heats posted a 17-12 win against Taiwan.

The tournament was interrupted by the weekend’s downpour at this point, so the remaining games of the first round will be played at a later date, while the tournament’s Orange Walk leg of the national Sprite/Belikiin 3x3 basketball tour, scheduled for Sunday, July 8, also had to be postponed this coming weekend.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

11

THE BELIZE TIMES

Telemedia win in Belize City women’s softball BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Belize City, July 6, 2012 The Telemedia women shut-out Mirab Lady Rebels 7-0 on Friday night, July 6.

Telemedia’s pitcher Mary Flowers stuck out four batters to give up no runs, while Rebels’ pitcher lanisha Jones also struck out four batters, allowing no runs in the first three innings, until Barbara Cadle scored the first winning run in the fourth inning.

The Telemedia women extended their lead to 3-0 as Lydia Cacho and Erline Belisle scored in the top of the fifth inning. Belisle, Elaine Humes, Kaylie Mcfadzean and Kimani Williams scored four more runs in the top of the sixth for the 7-0 victory.

Elain Humes

Lydia Cacho scored BTL’s 1st run

2012 Belize City interoffice basketball semifinals

QTC outlasts Tuff E’Nuff, 71-64 Belize City, July 5, 2012 Quan’s Trading Company toppled the favorites, Tuff E’Nuff, in Game 1 of the 2012 Belize City interoffice basketball semifinals at Bird’s Isle on Thursday, July 5.

Quan’s Trading Company upset Tuff E’Nuff 71-64. QTC’s Kachief Thomas, arguably Belize’s best u-20 point guard, scored 24 points and snagged 3 rebounds as QTC led 19-16 at the end of the 1st quarter.

QTC’s Vince Garbutt added 16 points, 10 boards, while Godsden Ferguson tossed in 8pts to lead 34-25 at the half.

Tuff E’Nuff’s Raul Roches had come to play ball and led with 17 points, 12 boards while Farron

The latest on NBA Trades July 11, 2012 Brooklyn Nets re-signed G Deron Williams to a 5-year contract and F Gerald Wallace to a four-year contract.

Toronto Raptors traded G Kyle Lowery to Toronto for F Gary Forbes and an unspecified first-round draft pick.

Signed C Marcus Camby and traded him to New York for G Toney Douglas, C Josh Harrellson, C Jerome Jordan and two unspecified second-round draft picks.

Los Angeles signed F Blake Griffin to a five-year contract extension.

Miami Heats signed G Ray Allen and F Rashard Lewis.

Milwaukee Bucks signed G Doron Lamb.

New York Knicks signed G-F James White.

Phoenix Suns signed G Steve Nash and traded him to the L.A. Lakers for 2013 and 2015 first-round draft picks and 2013 and 2014 second-round draft picks.

Sacramento Kings re-signed F Jason Thompson.

San Antonio Spurs re-signed F Tim Duncan.

Brookyn Nets signed G Tyshawn Taylor.

Golden State Warriors signed F Festus Ezeli. Thursday, July 5, 2012 Cleveland Cavaliers signed G Dion Waiters and C Tyler Zeller.

Indiana Pacers Signed F Miles Plumlee.

Vince Garbutt scored 13pts

Kachief Thomas scored 24pts

Louriano played big D in the paint adding 13 points but it was not enough to hurt QTC who led 51-47 by the end of the 3rd quarter.

Tyrone “Joke” Edwards tried to regain the lead for Tuff e’Nuff as he tossed in seven points, while Jamal Kelly hit a 3-pointer to add six points and Ashton Edwards also drained in a single 3-pointer in their loss.

Game 2 of the series come up on Friday, July 13, and Game 3, if necessary, will be played on Saturday, July 14.

2nd Semi-Finals Game Alamilla’s Furniture vs. C.Y.D.P. – 65-61 Top scorers: Greg “Chippy” Rudon, 25 pts; Brandon Rogers, Kevin Lorenzo, 8pts

Ray Allen joins the Miami Heats

Steve Nash joins the LA Lakers

12

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Leader of the Opposition

Hon. Francis W. Fonseca’s Presentation on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013

JULY 11, 2012 As always, Mr. Speaker, I am deeply humbled and honored by the trust and confidence the good people of Freetown continue to place in me.

This year, I am equally honored to, as well, be making my contribution as leader of the People’s United Party.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to assure this Honorable House and the nation that those of us who sit on this side of the House take our roles and responsibilities as members of this House very seriously.

We understand and appreciate both the great privilege and responsibility bestowed upon us as 14 of 31 elected members of the People’s House.

On behalf of all our elected representatives, standard bearers and our elected Mayors and Councillors in Dangriga, Punta Gorda, Orange walk, Belmopan City, and San Pedro, we thank all those Belizeans who have stood with and fought for our great Party over these past four years and who came out on March 7th of this year to support us. To those who did not support us, we continue to work each and every day to earn your trust and confidence.

We intend to be a strong, responsible, effective opposition both inside and outside of these chambers.

Where the Government is pursuing meaningful programs and policies which our party finds to be in the national interest, we intend to be clear and open with our support. The days of opposition for opposition sake ARE OVER! Our nation and people expect and deserve better.

And where the government is acting against the interest of the Belizean people by pursuing wrong-headed, flawed policies and programs, and putting the UDP family and friends agenda ahead of the Belize agenda, we will be relentless and blistering in our attacks and vigilant in exposing the incompetence, cronyism, pettiness and hypocrisy which have come to characterize this UDP government after 4 years in office.

It is no wonder, Mr. Speaker, that after their strong victory in 2008, their numbers have dwindled so rapidly on the other side of this house.

Had they not called elections one year early, they would most certainly have been a one-term government, this despite their scandalous abuse of taxpayers money to fund their political campaign and broker deals with cowards.

Regrettably, Mr. Speaker, the Budget for FY 2012/13 perpetuates this failed and flawed UDP agenda of 2008-2011.

It is an absolute shame and disgrace, Mr. Speaker, that there was absolutely no consultation on this budget by the UDP government. No consultation with the Unions. No consultation with the Council of Churches. No consultation with the agro-productive sector. No consultation with the Chamber of Commerce or the Belize Business Bureau. No consultation with youth and student government leaders. No consultation with the artists and musicians. No consultation with the people of Belize. No consultation even though the budget is being presented almost 90 days late.

And, Mr. Speaker, no consultation at a time when you are calling on the people of Belize to be disciplined and asking us all to understand the need for sacrifice. Such a time demands meaningful consultation.

Well, they did not consult, Mr. Speaker, BUT WE DID! Yes, the People’s United Party, even in opposition, recognizes that we have an obligation to consult with our social and economic partners.

We have consulted with the National Trade Union Congress, the Public Service Union, the Belize National Teachers Union, and the Christian Workers Union. We consulted with COLA, youth leaders, and the student governments of the University of Belize and Galen University.

We consulted with the farmers and with the Chamber of Commerce and the Belize Business Bureau, and we consulted with the artists

and musicians. WE DID WHAT OUR UDP GOVERNMENT FAILED AND REFUSED TO DO!!

So Mr. Speaker, our contributions to this budget debate are better informed and more meaningful as a result of these consultations.

We are grateful to all those who took the time and braved the threats and intimidation to meet with us.The Belizean people are better served as a result of your willingness to participate in consultations on the Budget for fiscal year 2012/13.

Mr. Speaker, in the 10 days since the Hon. Prime Ministers Budget presentation on June 29th, people from all walks of life have offered up their own descriptions of the Budget. Needless to say the most accurate of these descriptions requires the use of language which most certainly has no place in this honorable House.

Some have described it as a “Snoozer”, a “clueless” budget, “empty budget”, “WaWa budget”, “Haaad-Time” budget, “pain and sorrow Budget”.

But perhaps the most frequent description applied to this year’s budget is “EXCUSES”. A BUDGET OF EXCUSES, MR. SPEAKER!!

The Hon. Member for Queens Square is presenting his fifth budget to the nation as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and he is still whining and finding excuses for why he cannot grow the economy, create jobs for our people, attract investment to Belize, and bring down the cost of living.

The PM groans and moans about everything from the US recession, Eurozone crisis, bad weather, to ‘di oil di done’. And of course his loudest groans are reserved for his number one excuse, the so called “superbond”.

All this whining and these excuses from the very same Prime Minister who only last year stood in these very same chambers presenting the 2011/12 budget and boasted of “success” and a “return to growth”.

“We have turned things around and once more are free to fly”,“it is onward and upward” he proudly proclaimed.

FREE TO FLY! ONWARD AND UPWARD! Well Mr. Speaker, the Prime Ministers flight seems to have crashlanded. As one mischievous senior gentleman said to me: “he nevah tell we dat da wan bruk wing jankro I mi di fly pan”.And the Prime Minister also nevah tell the Belizean people dat da onward and upward to mo haad time and higher cost of living.

So, Mr. Speaker, what happened between all that big talk last year and this year, and just how real are these excuses?

Let me tell you what happened.

What happened was more UDP incompetence and inaction.

What happened was a failure on the part of this UDP government to launch critical capital investment projects.

What happened was a UDP government without any plan or sense of urgency to drive exports.

What happened was a UDP government

proven to be totally incapable of attracting foreign direct investment to Belize.

What happened was a petty, arrogant, clueless UDP government unwilling to consult and engage with the private sector.

It was only three months before the general elections Mr. speaker, 3 months before, that the Prime Minister, worried about his political fortunes, was forced to convene a Business Forum, at which the only memorable moment came when the PM held his head in his hands and in a moment of absolute candor and frustration mumbled, “no wonder people say we are incompetent, and 9 times out of 10 they are correct.”

What happened, Mr. Speaker, was a UDP government unable to grow the economy, create jobs and bring down the cost of living!!

And what of these excuses, Mr. Speaker?

EXCUSE #1 is global economic conditions particularly the US recession and the Eurozone crisis. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, the world economy has been in decline since the last quarter of 2006. But what has our UDP government done over the past 4 years to respond to and prepare Belize for the inevitable ripples of this decline?

The answer is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Instead of doubling down and working day and night to implement creative, innovative policies, projects and programs to stimulate economic activity, they do what the UDP do best, whistle into the wind and cower under the desk waiting for the darkness to pass and hoping, just hoping, that things will somehow work themselves out.

Well, Mr. Speaker, things have not worked themselves out. Unemployment is at a whopping 24% and growing! For youth and women it is over 30%. Some 30,000 Belizeans actively seeking a job cannot find one!

143,000 Belizeans are now living on less than $5.50 per day for food.

Foreign Direct Investment has fallen by 50% and 90% respectively in the previous two fiscal years.

Cost of living has skyrocketed. According to an analysis done by our own local union community the cost of living has risen by some 31% over the past 5 years.

Mr. Speaker, the Hon. Prime Minister has spent a lot of time in this Chamber and in the media promoting the view that, “well…given the global situation, you people better be happy that we are where we are.”

He even whined to his fawning hosts on “The Read-Deal”, Dougie and Stevie, “we don’t get enough credit…people don’t give us enough credit”.

CREDIT FU WHAT MR. PRIME MINISTER??

The facts and the reality won’t give the PM the credit he seeks and won’t allow him to get away with this lame excuse.

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) reports that in 2010 our region grew by 5.9%. In 2011 South America grew by 4.6% and Central America grew by 4.1%.

In 2011 Panama grew by 10.5%, Argentina 9%, Ecuador 8%, Peru 7%, Chile 6.3%, and Guyana 4.5%.

In 2012 Panama will have growth of 6.5%, Argentina 4.8%, Ecuador 5%, Peru 5%, Guyana 4.5%, and Haiti 8%.

And the Prime Minister of Belize, the man who promised us 6% annual GDP growth, 5000 jobs, lower GST, lower fuel costs, lower cost of living “no matta what”, is now boasting about a very fragile 2% growth. No more excuses Mr. Prime Minister!

ECLAC also reports that regional unemployment fell from 7.3% to 6.8% in 2011 and is expected to drop even further to 6.6% in 2012.

Here in Belize we have 24% unemployment.

Four times the regional unemployment rate. Tell us why Mr. Prime minister. We tiad of all the excuses! Our people need jobs not excuses!

And what about Foreign Direct Investment.

Well, Latin America and the Caribbean got US$153B in FDI in 2011. Brazil attracted US$66B, Mexico US$19B, Chile US$17B, Columbia US$13B, Peru US$7.6B, Argentina US$7.2B, Venezuela US$5.3B, Uruguay US$2.5B. In Central America, Foreign Direct Investment was up in 2011 by 36% over 2010. Panama attracted US$2.7B, Guatemala-US$881M; Costa Rica US$2.1B, Honduras US$1.1B. In the Caribbean FDI was up by 20% in 2011 over 2010. The World Bank reports Foreign Direct Investment in 2011 for the following countries as follows: The Bahamas- US$861M; Barbados-US$668M; Cayman-US$12B; GuyanaUS$269M; Haiti-US$150M. Mr. Speaker, these countries are bringing home the bacon, attracting investment, growing their economies and creating jobs for their people.

Why can’t this UDP government do the same?

ONE WORD: INCOMPETENCE Investment is market driven. Investors have wide and varied choices as to where, what, how and when to invest. In this interconnected, borderless world, the market for investment is broad and fiercely competitive. Investment in Belize will not come about by chance. We can’t sit in Belmopan and hope for investors to roll off the planes and then curse the dark when they don’t.

We have to be actively engaged in that competitive market and aggressively and strategically tell and sell the great “Belize Story”.

Investment requires certainty. Our Party has proposed the enactment of a Foreign Investment Promotion Act to achieve this objective.

Under this Act, a net benefit test will be applied to determine: 1. The effect of the investment on economic activity in Belize; 2. The degree of participation by Belizeans in the business in question; 3. The effect of the investment on productivity, efficiency, technological development, product innovation, and product variety in Belize; 4. The effect of the investment on competition; 5. The compatibility of the investment with national, industrial, economic and cultural policies; and 6. The contribution to Belize’s ability to compete globally.

We have to go out and target the right investors and convince them that Belize is the right place to invest their money. Our diplomatic missions across the globe have to be enlisted, as a matter of urgency, in this frontline battle for investment.

And in pursuing these investments, Mr. Speaker, it’s all about creating good paying jobs for our people, jobs for our young graduates, jobs for our single parents, jobs for our skilled workers, jobs in Tourism, jobs in Information Technology, jobs in the financial sector.

No more excuses Mr. Prime Minister. Our people need jobs and money in their pockets, NOT EXCUSES! EXCUSE#2: DI OIL DI DONE. Surprise, Surprise! We all know that oil is a non-renewable resource Mr. Speaker.

In many ways since the first commercial discovery of oil in Belize, the petroleum sector has been a learning process. The price of crude oil has fallen from US$120 to $80 and Belize’s production has fallen from 4200 barrels a day to about 3000 barrels a day and this is expected to continue.

We all knew that this time would come, and we hoped it would be later rather than sooner, and we still hope there will be other finds.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

A petroleum fund was established under the last PUP administration for the management of funds derived. This UDP government never utilized this structure for the long term management and sustenance of these proceeds.

Instead it squandered these proceeds to meet severe budgetary shortfalls resulting from their incompetence and failed policies.

Proceeds derived from petroleum should be used for the long term benefit of the country not for short term consumption.

So, Mr. Speaker, the Hon. Prime Minister and his UDP government should have been planning and preparing for this inevitability.

No whining and crying over spilt oil. Again, the incompetence and lack of purpose and direction of this UDP government has left Belize unprepared and vulnerable as the oil wells dry up.

This brings us to EXCUSE #3. The biggest excuse of them all, the “Barrow/Mark Espat Election Superbond”.

Mr. Speaker, let me be clear. Public debt is serious business and indeed when a nation’s debt is approaching 100% of GDP as Belize’s is when you factor in the compensation for the nationalizations, this is indeed a matter that requires urgent attention.

The PUP administration in 2006 recognized this and set about doing something about it. The result was a restructuring of Belize’s commercial debt that brought with it significant cash flow benefits to the economy.

The Central Bank of Belize Annual Report for 2007 states: “payments during the first 9 years of the bond are projected to fall by an average of US$48M per year or US$431M cumulative over that period.”

It further states: “The positive development should improve the country’s general economic outlook, investment climate and credit rating. The longer repayment period should also afford the country the opportunity to expand its economic base so that higher debt servicing obligations that fall due in the later years will be less burdensome.”

This was exactly the objective of the debt consolidation exercise carried out by the last PUP administration: to give the government and country space and time to breathe and grow.

And what of the composition of the debt.

Again here it is convenient for the UDP and their apologists to ignore the facts and continue to perpetuate their false propaganda that we have nothing to show for the debt.

They conveniently forget Hurricanes Mitch, Keith and Iris and tropical storm Chantal which wreaked economic havoc on Belize by virtually wiping out the Banana and Citrus industries, destroying shrimp farms, devastating San Pedro and Placencia, all at a cost of some BZ$450M. It was the PUP that had to move quickly to access financing to get these major industries and the tourism product up and running again in record time, and we did it without whining.

And what of the 1500 new classrooms built by the PUP, 8 new high schools, 2 new sixth forms, a new University of Belize campus in Belmopan, new ITVET centers in every district town, and a bold tertiary level scholarship program? All of this at a cost of some BZ$150M. The masters of excuse and their apologists also forget the 72 villages that got water and electricity under the Rural Electrification project and the Rural water supply and sanitation project.

And what about the completion of the southern highway, the Orange walk by-pass, the Deep River-Golden Stream bridge, the New Sibun River Bridge and highway project, the La Union Project in Orange Walk, Silver Creek Bridge, the Feeder roads Infrastructure Project, and Marine Parade? What of the new polyclinics and regional hospitals? What of the new museum and our investments in the Tourism Product Development Initiative? All of this cost money, Mr. Speaker, as much as $160M. These are real projects with real value.

And what of the investments made in housing? Again thousands of Belizean families became first time homeowners under the PUP. The days of trailer homes was put behind us.

Again a significant investment of millions of dollars.

Mr. Speaker, not all these projects produced the value hoped for and there are important lessons gained from these experiences but this absolute nonsense about millions of dollars being unaccounted for is just that, pure nonsense!

And it is nonsense repeated by those who have nothing better to tell the Belizean people,

THE BELIZE TIMES

those who can’t create jobs, those who can’t attract investment; those who can’t reduce the cost of living.

They do what they know best, personal attacks and living in the past!

The Belizean people have had enough of this excuse. They are living in the here and now and they want to hear us in this National Assembly talk about the future and about specific ways of making their lives better.

Mr. Speaker, Belize has 8,867 square miles or 5,674,880 acres of land, 12 miles of territorial sea, 200 miles of exclusive economic zone, untold petroleum resources and other valuable minerals, and the skill and ingenuity of an over 130,000 strong labor force. We have geographic proximity to and share the English language with the wealthiest country on earth.

We have other large markets in our immediate vicinity and have inherited the preferred and familiar English common law legal system.

To maximize economic growth we need to competently and efficiently use all of these resources and comparative advantages.

Government must focus on its core function, the delivery of reliable, quality, affordable public services. Government must view the private sector not as a source of ever increasing taxes to fund government projects and political ambitions, but as the sector that holds the key to economic development by creating the enabling environment for the private sector to attract and undertake investments, grow businesses, and create employment. And government must reduce its bureaucracy and bureaucratic spending while enhancing its regulatory and enforcement capacity.

Mr. Speaker, my colleagues will take a closer look at key sectors and industries but I would like to highlight some areas I believe offer exciting opportunities if properly engaged, incentivized, and supported.

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY - Belize already has all the essential tools of production necessary to enable an immensely successful ICT sector particularly in the area of near shore outsourcing for North American businesses that can not only attract substantial foreign and local investment and generate foreign exchange earnings but also create thousands of high paying jobs for Belizeans. These tools include such basic advantages as our language, our law, our people, our geographic closeness to North America compared to other outsourcing centers like India, the affordability and availability of real estate in Belize and, of course, bandwidth.

We must reduce the cost of bandwidth to allow the ICT sector to effectively compare and compete with other outsourcing centers in Latin America and we must work along with the private sector to establish e-commerce and outsourcing parks in population centers such as Belize City, Belmopan, Orange Walk and San Pedro. New investment incentive policies and laws are needed to organize and encourage investment in this sector as well. This will ultimately mean jobs not only in terms of telemarketing but also in more high paying areas such as software development, network design and systems management.

OFFSHORE SECTOR/FINANCIAL SECTOR/REAL ESTATE - These sectors represent exciting opportunities for economic growth but as we in Belize have learnt, sometimes painfully, growth in and of itself is not enough.

That economic growth must bring with it development and equity.

Increases in output and income alone, are not enough. True development requires us making the underlying structural, institutional and qualitative changes that expand a country’s capacity.

It is regrettable that the Budget for fiscal year 2012/13 does very little to move us in this direction.

Today in Belize, the administration of justice and the rule of law are under threat.

For some two years our Country has not had an Integrity Commission, a Contractor General or an Ombudsman. These are institutions critical to development.

Instead, we have a Government focused on institutionalizing poverty and dependency.

Mr. Speaker, there is no denying there are many Belizeans in need of help. Indeed for a majority of Belizeans these are the worst of times. Each day brings with it uncertainty and anxiety.

How will they put food on the table?

How will they keep the lights on?

How will they keep the stove burning?

How will they keep their children in school?

How will they pay the rent or mortgage?

What if I or my child gets sick? Where do I turn?

Will I be able to find a job? Or for those lucky enough to have a job, will my employer be cutting back or cutting my salary?

These are real concerns of real Belizean families in July of 2012 under this failed UDP Government.

And what is the government’s response?

What is the Prime Ministers response? The UDP offers no job creation policy, no new investment program, no development agenda. Instead the PM beats his chest and celebrates poverty.

Catch the line for the food pantry!

Line up outside of Hon. Boots’ office five da mawning, if u lucky u wan get wan lee BOOST! Our people are humble and respectful people. They will do what they have to do to feed their children, but have a conversation with any of them and you will find out that what they most want is a JOB, an opportunity to provide for their own and to lead lives of dignity.

Mr. Speaker, over the remainder of today and tomorrow, you will hear the Hon. Gentlemen on the other side of this House get up one by one to boast about the government’s pro-poor agenda.

Well, let it not be lost on the Belizean people that for two fiscal years they budgeted some $5M for these programs but only actually made available to the Belizean people some $150K. It was not until December of 2011 and January and February of this year leading up to the elections that the money started to flow in specially selected constituencies. For the UDP this is what these programs represent, political opportunity and advantage.

Mr. Speaker, we need to move away from this politics based approach to governing and toward a problem-solving solutionsbased approach to development. This is why the People’s United Party calls on the Government to support its Reform Agenda. Let us together enshrine in the constitution a requirement for a Referendum for any proposed amendment which in any way undercuts or degrades the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Belizean people.

Let us work together to set a fixed date for elections and reduce the term of office for future governments to four years.

Let us work together to put in place an elected senate.

Let us review the structure and composition of the Elections and Boundaries Commission.

Let us pass a Freedom of the Press Law to guarantee free speech and protect whistle-blowers who expose abuse, acts of corruption and waste of resources.

Let us work together to appoint an Independent Commission to review immigration policy and laws and implement its recommendations.

Mr. Speaker, I say to the UDP Government, let us set aside the political pettiness and work together to find solutions for Belize and our people.

We must certainly do so on the critically important issue of crime and security.

Belizeans continue to live under the threat of violence and criminality on a scale unprecedented in the modern independent Belize. Law abiding citizens live in fear. Whenever another murder, robbery, or home invasion takes place, people’s sense of security is negatively impacted, and investment and economic growth are stymied.

When so many of these crimes go undetected and where the conviction rate of accused criminals is so appallingly low, there is a deep-seated distrust of the Police and the system of justice.

To effectively address the scourge of violent crime, we must reaffirm our respect for and commitment to the rule of law, and we must move to strengthen law enforcement with a sense of urgency.

DNA testing and an up-to-date ballistics registry are no longer matters for discussion.

But above all, Mr. Speaker, we must fix

13 the economy. This is the first step towards reducing crime. Robberies, murder, and violence have a direct correlation to rising unemployment and downturns in the economy.

The People’s United Party is a part of the solution and stands ready and willing to work with the Government on this important issue.

Mr. Speaker, it is time for Government to deliver the salary increase our teachers, nurses, doctors, police officers, BDF soldiers, and other public officers have been demanding and deserve.

It is no longer a question of wanting a salary increase. Many of these public officers need this salary increase to keep from falling into poverty.

The Prime Minister has been dismissive, almost contemptuous of this reality.

His argument, well essentially its…be happy you have a job, and are collecting a salary and by the way remember you have gotten a raise because the increments represent a 3% increase while inflation has been around 1.5%.

Well, this twisted logic defies common sense but more than that it demonstrates a troubling lack of understanding of basic economic terms on the part of the Minister of Finance.

Inflation is not cost of living and cost of living is not inflation. Inflation has to do with the relationship between spending and the supply of goods on the market while cost of living refers to how much, in dollars, it costs to maintain a certain standard of living or buy a certain basket of goods.

It is cost of living that is used to calculate salary adjustments. Just ask the unions and Belizean families, they will tell you the real difference between inflation and cost of living.

So, Mr. Speaker, let’s get serious and deliver for our public officers. The government can find millions for pre-election giveaways, millions for political/business deals with Ambassador Mark Espat, millions for contract officers, millions for fuel and allowances for their special advisors, millions for their foreign travel and friends and family sitting in diplomatic missions, millions for fancy vehicles (10 since march 7th), but they can’t find the money for our teachers, doctors, police, soldiers and public officers.

Well, we on this side of the House join with the Public Officers in demanding that the Government delivers this necessary salary increase.

The public officers need and deserve it, and it will be a good injection of capital into an economy on life support.

No more excuses! The UDP may have compromised a few union leaders but the rank and file ain’t buying what you gentlemen are selling anymore!!!

Mr. Speaker, The 2012/13 budget is more noteworthy for what it DOES NOT DO than for what it does.

It does nothing to inject confidence into our economy!

It does nothing to attract investment!

It does nothing to reform the tax system!

It does nothing to create jobs for our people!

It does nothing to effectively tackle the crime and violence crisis we are facing.

It does nothing to strengthen our democracy and system of governance.

Mr. Speaker, it does nothing to offer our people hope and inspire them to become engaged in the work of building our beloved Belize.

Our vision, Mr. Speaker, is for a Belize in which our children are born into strong functional families, receive a quality education which equips them with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to find or create employment and lead lives of dignity while raising a family, contributing to their communities, and preparing for a comfortable retirement.

This must be our shared vision. If Belize is to grow and develop, all of us must be committed to a strong Belizean economy and society grounded in credible, practical plans and solutions to the social and economic challenges we face.

The People’s United Party is ready and able to lead Belize on this great Journey.

May God continue to guide and bless our people and nation.

14

THE BELIZE TIMES

Of this and that…

FLAVORS OF BELIZE Every so often Belize looks first class. Flavors of Belize is the latest cook book. It makes Belize look top shelf.

Belize is a story told in plates. Our dialect can be taught with a pot spoon and a pudding pan. We are diverse.

Belize does not have a national dish.

Belize has a favorite national body part.

We love our belly. It is the way to our hearts.

The book is the best gift shop item right now. It is hot. It is spicy. It melts off the bone and on to your tongue. It is eye candy.

This cook book will sell off. It is a showoff thing. We should love it.

The Belize Hospital Auxiliary Cook Book cut trail with machete. Flavors of Belize is driving through that picado. It drives through it in a limousine.

It is culinary fine art. It is like the book Heavenly Belize. Tour de Belize, one frying pan at a time. One pressure cooker at a time. One finger licking at a time.

This is flat out impressive.

Flavors of Belize deserves a follow up second serving.

TIME FLY The Budget Debates are hot. It is finally a fair fight.

The Government looks tired. They sound stale. They are not hype any more.

The Opposition PUP looks comfortable. They look confident. Poised.

They look strong. They look serious.

Johnny is nothing to play with.

Julius is fearless. Said has the skill of Yoda. Francis is refreshing. He is deliberate and measured. He is a leader. He is a statesman. He is a Prime Minister.

But the champion bubbler on Wednesday was Dolores. Dat girl is on fire.

This is the best come back since FDR. The PUP is feeding from the estrogen.

What are they eating in Belize Rural Central?

Dolores is nothing nice. Smooth and deadly.

I am pleasantly surprised. Leave it to the PUP to empower women.

Patrick betta duck.

This is all out woman fum fum.

GOLDSON VS. PRICE September is here.

Do not check the calendar. Do not check the carnival foolishniss.

Check the radio.

Soon we will hear Abel’s March until we are sick. The celebrations calendar is being put together. Debates are in style.

Caleb vs. the Church. Torres vs. Traffic. Yasmin vs. the Budget. Francis Gegg vs. the Election results.

It is a good time.

For the September

Celebrations we should keep it going.

The UDP dash weh Sharon Pitts Robateau. Poor girl. But she has an egg up her sleeve. A great debate would be Sharon v. Godfrey. Goldson vs. Price.

For that we would need a time limit and dictionary. But it would be healthy.

Oh, the possibilities if SPEAR were not dead.

COP KILLER The Belize City streets have legends. The criminal underworld has ruthless heroes. The Police create animals in uniform. They are breed to brace the gang animals. There is always an alpha police beast to match the street gangs.

Tablada. Broaster. Chester. Aldo Ayuso. Jemmoth. Blackett. Kevin “Cowboy” Alvarez. Palomo. This is the history of the “no sense” alpha police beast.

The Police Force will always have a black ops element. A head bashing officer. An outta order police. A police officer acting above the law. A police that gangsters say “nuh happy”. He is a feared dark horse for the Police.

This is our history.

The latest Police mutant is Constable Elmer Nah. He is the nephew of GSU gang leader, Marco Vidal. The Street has it that Nah is nothing nice.

The boasting is that even George Street trembles at his feet. Taylors Alley wants no piece of him. Ghost Town laps its tails and grabs a corner.

Jane Usher set and the Southside (SSG) run for the swamp.

But the Gungulung Gangsters stands with him toe to toe. This is in the Minister of Gangs’ constituency.

The Gungulung Gangsters have become the knack head set.

We are going to have a “kick in the face while handcuffed” incident

soon.

The UDP has no vision to solve crime. Deadly cops who terrorize gangsters and civilian alike are no answer. Beware of your biting dogs.

Pit bulls tend to bite their owners.

BOOTS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE The funniest thing in the Budget Debate was not Said’s shamefullyfunny horse joke. Boot Martinez actually said. I quote: “this budget can be summed up in one word: “pro-poor budget” Even Yellowman shook his head. Boots..Boots…Boots…

Buddy... Hey… Listen… Over here… Pssttt... That is not one word, son. “Pro-poor budget” is two words.

One. Two. Please increase the education budget. We do not need any more Boots. This is a pro-stupidity government. If Boots represents the head of leadership in the UDP, we are doomed.

Boots stop talking like a crack head. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. So is a vote.

PAPPYSHOW Belizeans will have to start asking questions. What is Mose Hyde doing in Australia? Who is paying for it?

They say it is a coral reef symposium.

Sounds nice. But why are we giving away free vacations.

This is a shame. Just last year he got a free trip to South Africa. Yippie.

That trip was for Climate change.

Hey, look at the 2012-2013 budget. We cannot afford this hush money thing.

You wonder why KREM is so kissy kissy with the UDP. Here is your answer. Follow the money. That does not lie.

KREM is UDP. Like Mark. Like Godwin. Like Cordel. It is simple.

Look at who is paying them. Do not listen to the jibby jabba of “power to people”. Look at all the UDP ads in

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Amandala. BTL. BEL. WASA. Angelus Press and UDP Auctioneers selling poor people’s property.

Hush money.

Rome is burning. KREM is eating Caesar’s grapes “down under”.

There is a holocaust of black youths. The UDP is making life worse.

They have crashed our economy. That is the news. That is Belize’s priority.

But KREM is in Australia with white men. They are eating caviar.

Their interest is a reef. That is their priority.

Living the life.

They make money from poor people’s misery. Now they enjoy that money openly.

The more blacks die in the city, the fatter the Amandala newspaper gets.

They sell newspapers on a lie.

Nothing is “independent” about KREM. They are Ambassadors for the UDP. Bought and paid for.

Check the invoice.

THE TALKING OF THE MOPAN MAYA Le-coo a maya que-noo Toledo maa tan-oo cajsabul ichil a bujet ada.

Leec a gobierno ada ma w yadaj ti-I ma-ax ju-un tu-ul aj cha bej.

Le-ec a UDP maa tach w tziquik aj mayas.

Ma bel uh ca tubul to-on!!!!!!!

Translated: The Mayas of Toledo were not included or consulted in this budget.

This government did not consult not one Mayan leader.

The UDP does not respect the Mayans.

We will not forget!!!!!!!!!

STUBBORN GOVERNMENT My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest.

Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. Hosea 4:6

Sunday, July 15, 2012

15

THE BELIZE TIMES

Covering up UDP fishy business Why the Integrity Commission can’t bite nor bark Belize City, July 9, 2012 A majority of the UDP House of Assembly members dragged their feet in submitting their declaration of assets, income and liabilities to the Integrity Commission. Someone should remind them that this is not a favour to Belizeans and neither is it a political gimmick to gain votes; it is a mandatory exercise required by the Prevention of Corruption in Public Life Act. The deadline to do so was in June 2012, and according to the law, those who do not abide by the law are guilty of an offence and should be fined $10,000 or serve 3 years jail time, or both.

The way we see it Kolbe Prison should start making preparations for the “arrival” of some not so honourable UDP representatives, but this isn’t going to happen; not when no other than the Prime Minister has disrespected the Commission. PM Barrow perhaps deliberately abused his executive power to delay the appointment of a Chairman and new members. In the words of the PM, who was asked about the composition of the important body weeks after the elections, “it is not time for that.”

Dean Barrow

Godwin Hulse

The last time the Commission existed was two years ago, since June 2010 when B.Q. Pitts sat as the Chairman. Of course Pitts, the little that remains alive of him, is just another UDP puppet who went on to become the failed UDP Attorney General, so even the essence of the Integrity Commission, which should act as a non-partisan check and balance, has been desecrated by the UDP. But why is the UDP – the self-professed guardians of democracy – so opposed to this particular law. Could it be that it is meant, as its title declares,

to “prevent corruption in public life”?

Are UDP representatives so deeply embedded in funny business that the Integrity Commission is a threat? Is this why the Prime Minister dragged his feet to appoint the Commission, and when he does appoint one, he has political lackeys in charge who end up inhibiting the role of the important watchdog body?

Since the UDP won its first term in 2008, the BELIZE TIMES has investigated numerous reports of corruption and abuse of authority. We’ve concluded that the UDP is engaged in fishy

Elections & Boundaries Department knows no bounds

BQ Pitts Belize City, July 3, 2012 It is supposed to be one of the pillar departments symbolizing Belize’s subscription to democratic principles, a body that represents all that is fair, impartial and bi-partisan. Undoubtedly, of all the governmental departments, Elections and Boundaries should never be subject or open to abuse by government officials who are deadest on carrying out their personal and electoral agendas.

But as with all things UDP, the Elections and Boundaries Department has, leading up to the March general elections, become even more politicized (if that is even possible) and is being used as a vehicle to victimize the Opposition People’s United Party, a Party that now enjoys the overwhelming support of 49% of the Belize’s voting population.

The “Change of Address” campaign being implemented by the Department commenced on July 1st, 2012 and has been advertised in the Guardian, Re-

porter and Amandala newspapers, but incidentally the Department elected not to advertise this very important public notice in the BELIZE TIMES. The registration of voters, and any process related thereto, is vital to the effective, transparent and bi-partisan administration of any democracy. As part of their mandate, the UDP government has a duty to ensure that the integrity of our electoral process is maintained at all times. This latest disrespect directed at the PUP, and by extension half the voting population of this country, is tantamount to blatant institutionalized favoritism for one party over the other, a sort of systematic manipulation of our electoral process. And, it goes without saying that the introduction of bias into the democratic process, no doubt violates the principle of democratic equality.

Is it that the UDP government is so petty that they want to take the Elections and Boundaries Department down the path of no return with them? Or is it a more sinister and direct attack against the People’s United Party in order to leave 49% of Belizeans in the dark when it comes to our electoral process, our rights and responsibilities as citizens?

This UDP government, and in particular its Prime Minister who is always beating his chest at every corner and preaching about transparency and accountability, needs to explain to this nation why it is that whenever the opportunity arises, they are hell-bent on disrespecting and exploiting the voting population of Belize.

business, and the Lands Department and Companies Registry are their fish markets.

The stench of improperness out of those Government offices reeks. Just last week the BELIZE TIMES reported that the UDP’s not-so holy Senator/ Minister Godwin Hulse had acquired 100 acres of land for a mere $25,000.

The week before we had reported on the UDP Ambassador’s company, called Hallmark, which is being paid with taxpayer’s money for private services to the UDP Government. There are also the cases of Ministers cruising in expensive and luxurious cars which cost more than the allotted amount for vehicles. How can they afford to live such fancy lifestyles at the expense of Belizeans?

This week, another major UDP land grab is being exposed. The family and relatives of Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega are hogging up our land!

And then the BELIZE TIMES also reveals that UDP Minister of Health Pablo Marin is the owner of a radio station company in Corozal, called UMuzik, which is also supposedly involved in oil exploration and financial services.

Some of the actions of UDP Ministers, like Marin having a radio company that can explore for oil and minerals, are very suspect and would trigger an immediate investigation by the Integrity Commission. But there are no investigations, no special inquiries and no check and balances because there is no real Commission. Until the subversion of this important body ends, UDP Ministers will continue to rip off Belize. Until then, the Integrity Commission will just be a toothless tiger.

16

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, July 15, 2012

How the good pays for the bad Belize City, June 11, 2012 A new rule for visitors to the National Assembly Building in Belmopan forces every male person to empty his pocket and leave his wallet at the security entrance. This rule is the newest “security measure” imposed without notice to visitors. The no-wallet rule was a recommendation from the National Assembly’s special security after a dangerous and disrespectful act, not surprisingly, carried out by a UDP fanatic.

It happened just over a year ago, on July 5, 2011 when known UDP supporter, identified as Allan Kelly, stooped over the visitor’s gallery railing and, with hands clenching an empty wallet, belted former UDP Orange Walk Area Representative Marcel Cardona who was wrapping up a feisty

UDP supporter Allan Kelly stoned Hon. Cardona

Hon. Cardona sported a hard hat at the following House Sitting

presentation.

Kelly was removed from the gallery but barely reprimanded. His assault, which is a criminal act punishable by law, was allowed to pass with no kind of serious condemnation. His punishment was merely a three-time

ban from future House Sittings; a high school jug would be deemed harsher.

Today Kelly is back in the honourable House. He may no longer have a wallet to stone anyone, but with the dangerous mind he has, any object can become a missile.

Macy’s still fighting to see the light of day BELIZE CITY, Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012

By Alton Humes It’s been a few weeks since the BELIZE TIMES first broke the story on the impending closure of popular Southside eatery Macy’s Restaurant located on Bishop Street since 1982. And though many folks in certain places might not want to admit it openly for varying personal reasons, the story touched a nerve not only with other media houses, but also with long-time supporters who’ve been begging and pleading with the owner, Mrs. Mavis ‘May’ SamuelsPitamba, to defer the closure, due to come at the end of July, and remain open, at least for their sake.

While Mrs. May is more than happy to oblige them all, what was a way to salvage the happy memories of a couldstill-be-great business, has instead become a grave quicksand-type dilemma that not even King Solomon in all his wisdom could solve.

On the one hand, there’s more competition that not even Mrs. May could compete with – Asian (Chinese-Taiwanese) restaurants serving up ‘greasy bag’ fried chicken and other fried ‘delights’ and Latin vendors with their hot dog and burger carts. Of the two, it’s the Asians, said her son and fellow worker in the 30-year-old venture, that are running the chances for Macy’s to regain its customers back from the ‘heavenly grease’.

And then, there’s crime. Without a continued Herculean effort to stem and curb the still-simmering flames of violent shootings and murders, there’s no way on earth or heaven that Mrs. May could stay open late to allow hungry tourists and Belizeans alike to ‘fill dehn belly-battam up good’. And Bishop Street, flanked all around by crimeridden zones, is not under protection

Ms. May & former Barbados PM Owen Arhur at Macy’s Cafe

from the Police, even with the Jason Canto murder which happened just across the street from it some months ago.

It’s a struggle that seems to be impossible to win, but Mrs. May is leaning on family, friends and God, in that order, to maintain dignity and hope that one day soon, there’ll be light up ahead, and Macy’s Restaurant will emerge to the other side – stronger, better and still proudly Belizean.

The Kelly incident is not the first and only instance when the UDP has disrespected the honourable House.

His stoning of an elected member may have set a new low, but it’s a continuance of a string of shameful acts.

Remember the time former UDP Pickstock wanna-be candidate Kenny Morgan threatened the members of the House with the use of a grenade? Or when current UDP Minister Mark King made a mockery of the House and walked on top of the railing, shouting at the honourable members?

Instead of harassing innocent visitors for the crimes of UDP idiots, the best security measure may be to banish all UDPs from the House. History has shown that their dangerous minds and acts of insanity and disrespect know no bounds.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Home Economics!

Subsidizing Wheat At the Expense of Corn

By Richard Harrison Belize has become very efficient in the production of corn....it does not produce a grain of wheat.

If we changed our policy on taxation on petroleum fuel....to make the pump price competitive with Mexico and Guatemala, we would become even more efficient and competitive in production of corn.

Yet.....Belize favors wheat consumption by charging 0% rate of import duty on wheat....that is heavily subsidized in the exporting country.... yet Belizean farmers get no subsidy for producing corn....an uneven playing field. Belize has also put a price-control on bread, but the market has gotten around this by making all different kinds of breads and charging a wide range of prices for them. A single flour mill owned by ADM Mills benefits from 100% market protection, since no flour is allowed to be imported into Belize and neither is bread allowed. By so doing, the policy makers suggest that it is keeping the retail price of bread, considered an important basic commodity, at the lowest possible....but this is not practical....the market is full with all kinds of breads, at all different price levels.

It can be argued that this policy is counter-productive in various ways: 1. This favor given to wheat, artificially creates a greater demand for it... thus requiring that we import more and more of this commodity....which we will never be able to produce ourselves. Wheat has never been grown in Belize.

2. If the government raised the tariff on wheat from zero to 20%, it would earn much needed revenue from wheat importation....the price of flour would increase....and so would bread and other products made of flour. People would shift from using bread and products of flour....to using corn and products of corn. Belize would become more self-sustainable in food supply....and reduce its need for foreign exchange to pay for import of wheat....which would contribute greatly to improving its balance of payments.

3. By importing so much wheat.... we are creating jobs for many farm-

ers in Canada and far off places. If consumption in Belize shifted more towards corn, we would be creating more jobs for local farmers, millers, tradesmen, corn tortilla factories and hand-made corn tortilla neighborhood shops.

4. If imported wheat flour became more expensive, we would be more creative in using it in a more economic way (stretching it)...which means that we would start to mix it with local “filling” materials...such as sweet potato flour, casava flour, bread fruit flour, banana flour, etc. This would cause us to become more creative with these other types of flours....each of which has export market potential and better nutritional and health profiles. Our ingenuity would be sparked to create new products and industries around them.

5. Wheat flour products are produced using tons of grease and lard and fatty oils....which are not used in the products of corn. A shift to cornbased breads and tortillas and chips.... would reduce our fatty intake tremendously....contributing to a reduction in obesity and obesity-related illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, etc.

The average weight of Belizeans would be reduced over time, and more Belizeans would look much more beautiful!!! This would also cause us to import less fats and grease, again reducing our import bill.

These are just a few of the benefits that would accrue to Belize....if it adopted policies that favored locally produced corn over imported wheat.

It cannot be argued that there is a cultural preference for flour products....ALL persons in Belize love to eat products of corn....it’s just that the current policy preference given to flour has given it greater market advantages over our own products and producers.

It cannot be argued that we will lose jobs from milling flour and bakery jobs. Mills will adopt to processing corn instead....and bakeries will become more creative and shift production to more corn and local “filling” materials.

This policy of favoring imported wheat.....which we will never be able to produce for ourselves...should be reconsidered....and gradually reversed.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, July 15, 2012

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n p n n k h n b g u g o h t z k a w e l i q k t

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boxing

equestrian

handball

rowing

table tennis

weightlifting

beach volleyball

diving

gymnastics

pentathlon

swimming

water polo

wrestling

triathlon

sailing

volleyball

shooting

judo

football

cycling

basketball

G L D O

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www.ActivityVillage.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy

G

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Every row, column and mini-grid must contain the letters G O L D. Don’t guess - use logic

_____________ 12. witnigilhgfet

_________ ________

______

15. flbooatl

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Copyright © www.ActivityVillage.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy

14. wtlsrnegi

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13. eiaertqsun

_________ 10. ahilctste

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_____ __________ 8. becha vlyebloall 9. vellabyllo

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______ 5. rowgin

_________ 3. talnothri

_____ ____

____ 2. jodu

4. wetar pool

________ 1. swmmigni

Olympic Sports Word Scramble

OFF TO LONDON!

hockey

fencing

canoeing

badminton

O D L G

www.ActivityVillage.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy

L G O D

Olympic Sudoku

D O G L

THE BELIZE TIMES

Copyright © www.ActivityVillage.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy

athletics

archery

a a c b c o f e n c i n g l o t s a i c o r p q r i w s t t k v p w h m y f f n i h a j o e w x y w x n s i u g n i t f i l t h g i e w h g t q m k s d r g

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Every row, column and mini-grid must contain the letters G O L D. Don’t guess - use logic

It is almost time for the Olympic Games!

You must have heard the news that we will have an athlete participating in Judo at the Olympics.

I think it is exciting. I will also be watching our other Caribbean athletes as they try to win medals at the Olympics.

To celebrate the countdown, have some fun with these games.

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j g n w x u g o v t d t f l u o

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v x g c e p t a l x h m e j n m s i t o s i v f c q n i n h

z m n n q n o i e g r k h c

t j d e e

t s b t n i z w r r e y k g q q i l i z e b p s b a z a d l k k

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o v o j u s q d h p g y o b n m l x o d

f r d v j b e m a d a l

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Olympic Sports Word Search

Olympic Sudoku

Sunday, July 15, 2012

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Educational summer program off to rousing start BELIZE CITY, Monday, July 9th, 2012

By Alton Humes This summer of 2012 will not be a bust for at least 300 students, ranging from Infant 1 (pre-school graduates) to Standard 6, as they are currently taking part in a summer program organized by community activist, Peter Lacey.

As previously reported, the program which began two weeks ago is split between Belize City (held at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall on North Front Street, Belize City) and Orange Walk Town (held at the St. Peter’s Anglican Primary School) will engage the students in various disciplines, from reading and phonics for the younger

Summer program participants

PUC approves increase in BEL fees

BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, July 4th, 2012

By Alton Humes The Government-nationalized Belize Electricity Limited recently underwent a stringent Full Tariff Review Proceedings (FTRP) from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on rates. But it wasn’t for residential consumers; rather, it was industrial and business consumers, who also will undergo revision of their status into Commercial 1 (those who generate 2,500 kilowatts/hour and below) and Commercial 2 (those who generate above 2,500 kilowatts/hour).

But while the 4 fees – pole reconnection (based on tampering / non-payment), meter replacement (based on disconnection / tampering), pole rental and late payment fees – will only apply to various large, medium and small-scale

businesses, ranging from offices and hotels to food manufacturers, make no mistake about it – it’ll be the average Joe who frequents and buys from these businesses who’ll undoubtedly pay the real price.

Each fee varies with certain conditions, particularly on pole and meter replacements, but the PUC team –led by Leroy Almendarez, a Director of Tariffs and Administration - was insistent during its press conference on Monday, July 2nd, that consumers - residential and industrial alike - won’t know the difference, that BEL doesn’t stand to recoup substantially from these fees, and most importantly, that rates will remain low.

But like many things in the world of the UDP, it’s a case of ‘da fool di talk, but da no fool di listen.’ We’ll just have to see what there is to see.

students to PSE prep for the older students, as well as sports activities.

Out of those 300 students, the Belize City section at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall hosts a maximum of 185 students.

The BELIZE TIMES visited the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall session today and observed the young participants hard at work. According to co-organizer/manager of the City programs, Andrea Lacey, there are 9 classes in total which are divided between 3 teachers in a rotating fashion.

The sessions are held from Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

(Monday/Wednesday/Friday) and from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The program is scheduled to end on August 3rd, with a certificate ceremony.

Ariel Rosado Foundation awards 8 scholarships

Scholarship recipients BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, July 11th, 2012

By Alton Humes In keeping with the wishes and spirit of the late cyclist star Ariel Rosado to provide scholarships for young students as well as fostering other potential opportunities for them to grow in mind, body and spirit, the Memorial Educational Foundation bearing his name today awarded 8 primary school scholarships to the secondary institution of their choice at the Belize Institute of Management campus on Chancellor Avenue.

The foundation, now about 6 months old, has been steadily raising funds in order to begin the process of providing scholarships to young students. 21 primary school students applied for scholarships although the ‘hope’ was for 50 scholarships to be offered, according to Senior Executive Member, Bruce Sanchez Sr. They were vetted by a selection committee that narrowed down the worthier candidates to 8.

Those 8 – Vidal Adolphus, Kerron Arzu, Diana Chavarria, Latrell Gabourel, Sabrina Jackson, Fran Malik, Ashanti Wade and Kendra Woodeye will be attending various high schools in Belize City,

with one, Adolphus, staying close to home by attending St. Ignatius High in the Cayo District.

The foundation didn’t stop there, as it also gave a donation of BZC$1,000 to the St. Luke Methodist Primary School as a form of dues towards joining the Belize Sailing Association so that five bright students can not only build their own club within the school, but also learn to sail and gain the interest of other students.

The Foundation remains hopeful that through its various partners, the media, and other business houses that it will continue to raise funds to provide scholarships for needy and deserving students. They also thanked and honored their various partners with certificates of recognition. And while not all students will get the kind of opportunity that was offered today, it remains the goal of the foundation to build ‘men sana en corpora sano’ - a healthy mind in a healthy body, jus the way Ariel would want it.

Visit Us Online at: www.belizetimes.bz

Sunday, July 15, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT A STAR STUDDED DAY It was Budget Debate day in Belmopan. The new team of fourteen electedmembers of the House on the Opposition side was having their first working session. They did not disappoint.

The Review started with Party Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca giving a sober and insightful analysis of the Government’s Budget Proposals. The Party Leader is a serious and no-nonsense person and his personality was reflected in his analysis. Like most Belizeans he saw through the flakiness of the budget.

There was no strategy, no vision, no new program and no way out of our current crisis reflected in the figures in the budget.

Some of his words helped to underscore his points. “Today in Belize, the administration of justice and the Rule of Law are under threat.

“For some time our country has not had an Integrity Commission. Neither a Contractor General or Ombudsman.

These are important institutions that are critical to development.

“Instead we have a government focused on institutionalizing poverty and dependency. “…for a majority of Belizeans these are the worst of times. Each day brings with it uncertainty and anxiety.

“And what is the Prime Minister response? The UDP offers no job creation policy, no new investment program, no development agenda.”

Presentations were also made by former two-term Prime Minister Hon. Said Musa, Hon. Dolores Balderamos, Hon. Johnny Briceño and Hon. Florencio Marin.

Said, as always, was in top form. He brought down the House with his horse joke. And in the midst of the laughter he reminded the House that it was no joke.

He was reporting an incident in which the BDF, lacking resources from the government and forced to patrol the Belize-Guatemala Border, had to do so on three horses. These horses were stolen horses in the sense that the BDF did not buy them but confiscated them form illegals who crossed from Guatemala into Belize.

As the horses neared the Guatemalan Border they bolted away from the BDF. In doing so they carried away the BDF supplies and equipment.

This was a reminder of the sorry state we are in as the government is unable to properly provide resources to our army, to our police and indeed to the public service and institutions that are vital to our National Security and wellbeing.

The Minister of National Security in his presentation wasted his whole time reviewing the Opposition Leader’s Review of the Budget. And what must be a first in the history of Budget Debate and Presentation not a single word was said about the state of the country’s national security, the resources if any being provided to our army and police and what his ministry and the budget would accomplish by way of fighting crimes, reducing criminality and making citizens safe. Incredible!

Hon. Dolores did a super job in exposing Hon. Patrick Faber who spent most of his presentation quarrelling and praising himself. Dolores quietly, diplomatically and lady-like mentioned the words “self-praise is no recommendation”. She listed school after schools and

projects after projects that had their budgets slashed by government. She backed up her presentations and criticism with reports and studies done by UNICEF, the World Bank and other agencies.

She told the House that a UNICEF study done on Belize showed a whopping forty thousand children out of school. 27 percent of our schools had contaminated water. There was no effective truancy projects for schools. Vocational training was grossly under-utilized.

Education system in Belize is failing our children as nothing was being taught about entrepreneurship, how to foster a culture of wealth creation and gainful employment.

As Dolores gave her measured and articulate exposure of government’s failure in education, Patrick Faber was beside himself – yelling, screaming and throwing tantrums; a laughing stock even to some of his own UDP members.

Supporters of the People’s United Party were so proud of their new Party Leader and his team’s performance in their presentation in the House on Wednesday.

POLICE KILLS THREE The sensational news over the weekend was the reported shoot-out on north San Pedro Caye in which the Police/BDF and Coast Guard shot dead three Belizeans.

Because of the low esteem and low status in which the Police are held by the majority of street people and roots Belizeans; the Police were forced to call two press conferences.

Their first press conference was on Monday when they reported what had already been widespread news in Belize City. That a shoot-out had occurred and three persons were shot and killed.

The official version of what was reported by the Police at their conference was met with skepticism.

So on Tuesday the Police felt it necessary to send for the media and release additional information in an attempt to lend credibility to their story.

A surveillance photo was shown to the media of a person holding a high powered weapon. Clearly visible was Kendale Flowers, one of the victims of the shootings. The Police informed that the photo was of the person they shot.

It is not clear if the photo was taken in Belmopan, Belize City or the island. Such persons were supposedly on the island over a month ago.

Family members of Flowers and Mazariego have said to the media that they do not believe the Police version of what occurred. Flowers had a single bullet hole to the head.

Alexander Mazariego also had a single bullet hole to his head and bullet wounds to his body. It is not yet known if the third victim, Ismael Garcia, also had a bullet hole to his head. If so, then it is too much of a coincidence.

We may never know what actually happened.

The Police, BDF and Coast Guard could learn from Special Forces Marco Vidal who video tapes his operations and has some kind of documentary evidence in the event of any thing going seriously wrong during an operation.

This much we can say; for two “land” men from Cayo and one street thug from Belize City to be on North San Pedro in a known drug trafficking zone is cause for suspicion. For them to be in military clothing with heavy weapons

raises grave suspicions.

If indeed they opened fire on the Security Forces of this country; having been warned that they were surrounded and to give themselves up (if such was done) and they started shooting at our forces; our forces have every right to respond with lethal fire.

We say also, the Police have to do much more to regain the trust and confidence of all the citizens of this country.

SEA PIRATES Slowly but surely our seas are becoming unsafe, for passengers and fishermen.

Some months ago, a boat with tourists was attacked and a female tourist raped while others were robbed.

Some days ago, fishermen were the victims of pirates on the sea, who robbed them, took them to their fishing camp and stole more items. One fisherman was shot by the pirates.

Two alleged pirates were caught for this incident. If the trial is held within a reasonable time and the victims testify it is highly likely the pirates will be prisoners for a long time.

Coast Guard patrols need to increase and all boat captains and fishermen camps should have emergency numbers for the nearest patrols.

MEDIA DOES A BOYCOTT The media in Belize City did a commendable thing last week.

A whistle-blower exposed what appeared to be serious irregularities involving finance at the KHMH. So serious were the allegations that an Audit was conducted on the hospital for the short period in question.

The KHMH bosses received the Audit and before it was released the media the bosses scheduled a press briefing, last Wednesday.

The KHMH bosses refused to give the media the Audit Report in advance so they could read it and ask relevant questions.

The Reporter newspaper, Channel 7, Channel 5, Plus TV, KREM Radio, Amandala newspaper, and the BELIZE TIMES all agreed not to be disrespected by the bosses of KHMH and did not attend the Press Briefing on Wednesday.

Only Love FM and the UDP Guardian newspaper attended. We are not surprised but are disappointed in Love FM. We express respect to Auditor General Dorothy Bradley and her staff for combing through so much documents and presenting a timely Report, given that they have many other duties to perform.

The disrespect by the Government appointed bosses of KHMH gave the media houses a rare opportunity to liaise with each other and to hold fast on a matter of principle.

The media has a very important responsibility to inform and educate Belizeans. They must be fair, balanced and present the two sides of the issues.

Some media houses are allowing their political bias to detract from their responsibilities to the greater good of their country.

Some media houses are deliberately playing the three monkeys – see no wrong, hear no wrong, report no wrong.

Some media houses are allowing their advertising contracts with government and government agencies to blind, dumb and deafen them.

You know who you are.

Nuff said.

UNEMPLOYMENT AND BETRAYAL In the USA 14 percent of African Americans are unemployed.

For Latinos it is 11 percent. For white

21 Americans it is 7 percent.

A research into the situation of African Americans show that the majority live in poor neighborhoods with limited opportunities. There are poor schools and early drop-outs. One out of every three black Americans have been, are in or will soon be in prison.

Sounds like Belize City?

Unemployment in Belize is probably around 20 percent. On the Southside of the City it must be over 30 percent.

The Southside has the good fortune, or is it a curse? Of being represented by the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Housing Minister, the Education, Youth and Sports Minister , the Human Development and believe it or not the Poverty Alleviation Minister, and a special unheard of – Gang Minister (Mark King).

And with all of this the Southside citizens live in the worst situation in all the country.

The bitter fact that FOUR of the SIX Southside constituencies have been represented for more than FIFTEEN years by black Creoles Area Representatives – Collet, Mesop, Queen Square and Port Loyola.

These are among the worst areas in unemployment, school drop-out, lack of skills, prison incarceration, indiscipline, poor education, lack of decent housing, run-down neighborhoods, single mothers with multiple children, absentee fathers, drug abuse and the list goes on and on and on.

It is a shocking indictment and brutal betrayal of unfortunate and vulnerable human beings.

3,600 ALLIGATORS Three thousand, six hundred crocodiles were recently rescued.

They were being smuggled to Guangdong province in China where they are considered delicacy.

In Belize our Chinese compatriots have been quietly eating our alligators, wowla snakes, sea-eels, sea-horses and other animals and insects which we would never put in our mouth, even if we were starving.

But at the rate the country is being mismanaged we may have to start eating alligators and sea-urchins – if any will be left by then.

BTL IN TROUBLE The BTL phone company now under full government control is engaging in one of the worst behaviors possible. Some of its employees are accessing private text information of citizens and taking the information to persons who have no right to it.

If you want to find out who your man or woman is texting and to whom, for a small amount of money some employees at BTL are all too evil to sell the information.

This is illegal, unethical and absolutely wrong and it shows what is going on in the country and the lack of strict control of BTL over the most private and confidential information from citizens’ telephones, cellphones, text messages and email messages.

NICKI MINAJ Nicki Minaj is the biggest female hip-hop artist right now. She is Trinidadian.

Rihanna is as big as Beyonce and Mary J. Blige. She is Barbadian.

Shyne a.k.a. Jamal a.k.a. Moses Levi is a Jew. He hangs out in Israel.

One of these days Belize will have a Musical Ambassador who is a full-blooded Belizean and is proud to be from Belize. And who will promote Belize and Belizean music.

22

THE BELIZE TIMES

Father of 3 clings to life after near-fatal robbery

Marty Harold Goff

Belize City, Wednesday, July 11, 2012 A family man who just got married and who has been employed

Business that have closed under the Barrow Administration: A&R Gas Station Advance Advertising Bargain Bash Belize Unit Trust Corporation British Forces Radio Station Caribbean Tobacco Company Limited Carol’s Pizza Cellmart Central Drug Store El Centro Fabros Fresh Catch Belize Limited HL’s Burgers (5 locations) Jambels JMA Motors La Tavernetta Restaurant Laura’s Beauty Salon Macys Café Malics Mobile Hardware New Holland Old Belize Limited Odis Home & Garden Supplies Perky Parrot Peyrefitte Brothers Limited Royal Motors Scoops Ice Cream Shad’s Boutique Surprise Cafe The View Restaurant The Wood Depot …and many more

at Kee’s Bakery for the past eight years lies critically wounded in the Intensive Care Unit at the KHMH, the victim of a vicious robbery and shooting while on the job.

Marty Harold Goff, 35, a father of three children, the youngest of whom is six years old, arrived at his job site at Kee’s Bakery at mile four on the Northern Highway just before six on Monday morning and went about his daily duties.

He left to make deliveries along with another employee and that took them to YM Shop at the corner of MM and MY Street behind the Charles Bartlett Hyde building in the Lake Independence area shortly before one in the afternoon.

The Belize Times has confirmed that Goff, who was driving the delivery truck, parked the vehicle while his sideman went around the side to begin offloading bread for the shop. Goff got out and went to the shop to carry out the transaction and just then, two youths rode up to the shop on bikes and pretended to make a purchase. But one of them pulled out a handgun and pointed it at Goff, searched his pockets and stole money belonging to his employer. The thieves were not satisfied and the gunman shot Goff twice – once in the ribcage and attempted to finish him off by pulling the trigger a second time at his head. Luckily for Goff, however, the bullet merely grazed his forehead. Goff, already handicapped by the bullet wound to his ribcage, stumbled to the street where he collapsed.

Neighbours heard the shots and ran out to find the critically wounded family man lying helplessly in the middle of the dirt road. The shooters were nowhere in sight. The incident has raised the ire of them and Goff’s relatives, who say that he had to undergo a surgery to repair ruptured arteries. The bullet, however, remains in his back and he is still under anesthesia. So far, doctors believe he has a 50-50 chance of survival.

Many people have lashed out at the robbers who shot Goff and left him to die and at the system that has deteriorated to a point where no one fears taking a gun and killing another. The police have made no arrests and just like the countless other unsolved cases, might never solve this one.

Visit Us Online at: www.belizetimes.bz

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Sunday, July 15, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Audit discovers mismanagement and waste at KHMH…but will heads roll?

Belize City, July 9, 2012 The findings into the Special Audit commissioned by the Barrow Administration after Delroy Herrera, a former employee, bravely blew the whistle last December on questionable practices and transactions have been out for weeks now. Yet it was only made available to the media one week ago, after the Prime Minister’s arm was bent by reporters who demanded transparency.

The KHMH management had refused to provide the media copies of

the findings before a scheduled press conference to discuss the same document. So in protest of that decision by the KHMH CEO, Gary Longsworth, most of the media houses including the BELIZE TIMES, boycotted the press conference.

The Special Audit was for the period April 2010 - December 2011, and while the auditors claimed not to have detected any criminal wrongdoing, they cited concerns and questions over transactions.

For instance, that the KHMH over-

paid Skilled Solution, a foreign supplier, on one occasion, in excess of $17,000 for medical equipment which it never received. Despite that, the Hospital went ahead and paid Skilled Solutions another $10,300, and again it never received the items it ordered. There was another instance when the same Skilled Solutions was paid for blood supply items to the tune of $22,500 but there is no evidence that the supplies made it to the hospital.

Then there was the matter of the use of the hospital’s credit card, which is

23 reserved for its CEO, Gary Longsworth and the Financial Officer, Carlos Perrera.

On four separate occasions, purchases were made using the credit card in Houston, Mexico, Chetumal, and Belize for which no receipts were provided.

In its response to the questions raised, the KHMH states that the majority of the transactions that the auditors cited were within Longsworth’s allowance and required no receipts. The KHMH accuses the auditors of sensationalizing the issue. In his comments when presenting the findings, Longsworth said that he has never personally gained from any transactions that the hospital has conducted and that he would not compromise his job. He did acknowledge, however, that the hospital continues to tighten its system as the auditors had recommended. The KHMH had come under fire three years ago when members of the Belize Medical and Dental Union raised red flags that prompted a Commission of Inquiry over similar overspending and waste.

Patrick Faber gets CATATONIC!

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, July 15, 2012