Belize Times June 30, 2013

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

30 JUNE 2013

| ISSUE NO: 4851

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

|

$1.00

PUP to the Rescue!

PUP Representative Oscar Requena responded to the call for help from Jordan Vlllage residents

Blue Creek Village, Toledo West, June 22, 2013 When torrential rains resulting from the passage of a Tropical Depression battered the Toledo District on Thursday June 20, 2013, causing the Moho River to overflow its banks and pose a serious threat to the lives of those in the nearby communities, there was no NEMO to be found to respond to the call for help.

In fact one of the residents, a mother who was terrified about her children’s safety, said that when the recently elected Chairman of Maya-Mennonite community, Jordan Village, called a NEMO official several times, the calls were cut off.

NEMO was blatantly

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Belmopan Morgue in Shambles

Photo courtesy PLUS TV

Cats live inside facility!

City of Belmopan, June 27, 2013 If pictures tell a thousand words, the images of the morgue in use at the Belmopan Hospital is a tale of terror.

The morgue is in shambles,

Entrance to the Belmopan Hospital Morgue

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Denny Grijalva

charged!

In Court UDP Politician recants story, claims D-Mars did not damage Noh Mul Mayan Site

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Ashcroft pays for PM’s London trip PM meets the Queen, hosts expensive gala, while Belize suffers in hard times Belize City, June 27th 2013 Prime Minister Dean Barrow is currently on one of his most expensive junkets yet, which will include visiting the Queen of England and hosting a gala dinner.

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KHMH INjustice!

Pablo Marin: “I am not to blame!”

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KHMH smacks Steven Buckley with $6,561 bill!

The ComPol’s Epiphany

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Steven Buckley asks the Police Dept. – who shot him mistakenly in 2010 – to honor hospital commitment

Steven Buckley

By Aaron Humes (FREELANCE REPORTER) BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 26, 2013 Steven Buckley, 40, cut a bewildered figure as we spoke to him outside his home at 13A George Street on Tuesday.

Apart from the worries he has for providing for 4 boys – two sons and two stepsons – the former construction worker has now been hit with a severe hospital bill of $6,561 for a one-month stay at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in 2010.

On April 28, 2010, he was shot in the face while he was stopped in a vehicle by police on mobile patrol.

The officers were looking for a vehicle reportedly used in a shooting earlier in the night and thought the Dodge Ram vehicle driven by Marlon Myers and carrying Buckley and Alfonso Juarez back to their homes was the ticket.

After Myers was ordered out of the vehicle, without warning, an officer later identified as Inspec-

tor Dennis Lopez allegedly opened fire on the vehicle, spooked by apparent movement which he interpreted as someone going for a gun.

As a result Buckley was shot in the right side of the face (once according to police and twice according to some accounts) and his life was briefly under threat. He has never held another job since because the shooting took away some of his mobility and coordination and in fact one of the pellets from the pump action shotgun is still lodged in his head.

The Police Department at the time offered to take on the bill and there were meetings regarding compensation. But those talks came to nothing and now Buckley says he wants to speak to Continued on page 7

Ashcroft pays for PM’s London trip Continued from page 1 Barrow left Belize on Saturday June 22nd, and all the Government Press Office had to say in a release sent out two days later was that he would attend a Fundraising Gala Dinner to benefit some unknown “Belize Children’s Trust”.

The release disclosed that while the gala dinner would be a one-day event, the Prime Minister would be out for TWO WEEKS. The length of time away seemed more fitting for a vacation, which the Prime Minister is known to take constantly.

But there is much more being hidden from the public. The BELIZE TIMES has learnt that Barrow’s entire itinerary while in London has been planned by Lord Michael Ashcroft. The meetings with Queen Elizabeth II, UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Tate & Lyle Sugar company and the gala which will feature expensive international artists are all designed by Lord Aschroft.

In fact, Lord Ashcroft is footing the entire bill for the Prime Minister’s visit.

This accommodation between Lord Aschroft and Prime Minister Barrow comes at an interesting

ComPol Allen Whylie Belize City, June 25, 2013 The Commissioner of Police appears to have had an epiphany… or maybe he recently had an enlightening experience.

Oh! We know! It is his guru, a professional advisor on loan to the Police Department by the government of India. But there remains good reason to be very cynical.

You see, the pill that the ComPol expected us to swallow with his recent shenanigans, was as difficult for us as the political plum he was given, when he was made to jump his class from Deputy Commissioner of Police to become the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Security. This move was consistent with a pronouncement made by the Prime Minister during his early days in office. He declared that he was going to reward political supporters over professionals. This is a declared policy of the Barrow administration. Is there any need to explain anymore? Do we need to say anymore about a demoralized public service and about the high level of incompetence and corruption by this bombastic government?

At this level, the policeman turned CEO was swimming out of his depth. The Peter Principle (being promoted beyond one’s level of competence) eventually caught up with him. Some political reshuffling had to be done until he was slotted as Commissioner of Police, though still being haunted by Peter.

Here is a major case in point: A Minister - to be specific, the “Gang Minister” (a moniker accorded to the Minister by the Prime Minister himself), was scheduled to go to Court on charges of assault. This case had major ramifications for the government, which has a fragile majority in the Legislature. A grunt Continued on page 11

time.

Barrow has made every effort to make it seem as if he and Ashcroft are political enemies. Ashcroft companies owned BTL, so Barrow took away BTL. Ashcroft companies were stakeholders in the International Companies of Belize registry and Shipping registry, so Barrow took away that company. All in the name of “nationalization”.

Since 2008, Barrow and Ashcroft have been dancing in court, costing Belizeans millions of dollars in legal fees. These fees have been paid to two lawyers, the Prime Minister’s exwife Lois Young Barrow and the PM’s brother, Denys Barrow.

One of those matters involved a $22.5 million loan between Belize Telemedia and British Caribbean Bank, which the Government refused to pay after taking over BTL. British Caribbean Bank sought redress by international arbitration against the Government under the UK-Belize Bilateral Investment Treaty, but the Barrow Administration refused to recognize the treaty.

This was the case since 2010, until May 24, 2013 when in a sudden about turn, Attorney General Wilfred Elrington wrote the British High Commission declaring that the Government had a change of heart and now regarded itself Mesopotamia Constituency Committee as “being bound” by the treaty.

For many years, Barrow was Lord The People’s United Party is accepting applications for memAshcroft’s attorney. Barrow’s law firm did the bidding of Lord Aschroft, and repbers of the Mesopotamia Constituency Committee. resented the British billionaire in many stages of Ashcroft’s expanding role in Application forms at the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, Belize. In return, Ashcroft paid millions #3 Queen Street, Belize City. of dollars. Both men laughed all the way to the bank. The question is: is Barrow still playing this role at the expense of Application must be filled and returned to the Secretariat, adBelize? dressed to the Secretary General by Friday June 28, 2013.

PUP NOTICE

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THE BELIZE TIMES

on the

National Development Crossroads

By FRANCIS W. FONSECA June 26th

As a young Economist serving at the Ministry of Economic Development in Belmopan, in the early 1990’s, I became fascinated with National Development Planning.

My American University education introduced me to the economic philosophy and theories of Ricardo, Keynes, Milton, Smith, Hume and many others, but here I was sitting in a dark, hot, dusty Belmopan office as a part of a small team of economists, both local and Caribbean, tasked with producing a draft 1990-93 Development Plan for Belize.

Here, on the ground, I was faced with reality, a small, fragile, open economy. These

grand theories seemed to lack relevance and significance.

Agriculture was the pillar of the economy with an uncertain future. Tourism was just getting off the ground. Oil was just a pipedream. Manufacturing was non-existent. Financial services were the global buzz. Direct Foreign Investment was minimal. Belize’s labor pool was small and largely unskilled. Poverty and inequality were on the rise. Technology had long passed us by.

Belize was more than a decade into its Independence and we

lacked a sense of purpose and direction. I was overwhelmed and largely consumed by the cynicism that a 20 year old carries with him. Why plan? After all, Belize has very little influence over its own economic growth and development largely determined by regional and international political and economic factors. Little Belize was just a small stone in a global economic ocean that had very little patience or compassion for small, vulnerable, developing economies. The Rich counties kept getting richer and the Poor coun-

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tries kept getting poorer. This was just the way of the world.

In the last 20 years, Belize has claimed its place in the world community as a proud, democratic, sovereign nation. Our economy has grown and diversified marginally but the structural challenges remain and poverty and inequality continue to rise. Agriculture remains uncertain. Tourism appears boundless but fragile. Manufacturing continues to elude us.

In recent years one of the most provocative books I have read has been Erik S. Reinert’s “How Rich Countries Got Rich and Why Poor Countries Stay Poor”. Reinert identifies key economic and technological forces which need to be harnessed by economic policy in order to generate economic development.

Belize can benefit from embracing the view that “economic development involves profound qualitative change not only of the economy but also of society”.

Capital accumulation and efficient resource allocation are critically important but our National Development Agenda must also embrace real, meaningful reforms in governance, education, health, natural resources, culture, and the administration of justice.

WE HAVE A CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT! LET’S STOP WASTING TIME!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP to the Rescue!

Continued from page 1 missing as residents watched the river swell, and the fast-rising water creep into their homes, damaging home items and crops, and killing their farm animals.

The villagers’ moved to their designated shelter, but the small thatched roof shut-in that was patched together by the UDP Government four years ago and called a flood safe-house, was of no help. Not only were residents crammed inside the small space, but the roof did not hold well in the heavy storm. Water dripped from everywhere, making it a living nightmare.

NEMO was still not available.

Residents were terrified and feeling hopeless until Friday when a group of them, who set out in the storm in search of help, met PUP Toledo West Area Representative Hon. Oscar Requeña near Blue Creek. Hon. Requeña was on the alert and responded to their appeal quickly. He contacted PUP Toledo East Area Representative Hon. Mike Espat, who had been monitoring the flooding, and they coordinated an emergency plan.

The brave-heart area representatives knew it would be a daunting task. The road that was designated as the evacuation route was under about seven feet of water, which meant a vehicle could not be utilised to transport the villagers. In the pouring rain, the PUP representatives managed to get a skiff as close as possible to the road. With the dark of night approaching, they carefully began transporting at least 82 residents – men, women, children and babies – from Jordan Village to a safe shelter in the Blue Creek Community Center. To speed up the rescue, Hon. Requeña himself used a canoe to move persons to the skiff. The elected area representatives along with the Blue Creek and Jordan Alcalde and Village Council evacuated people until 11:30pm. All this while, NEMO was still miss-

ing.

Hon. Requena and Hon. Mike Espat assisted with the distribution of much needed food items

At the Blue Creek shelter, another emergency came up. With twice as much people utilising the shelter, the need for food, clothing and water increased. Village Chairman Santiago Teul said he made contact with NEMO, but he was told he would have to wait three days for supplies to be sent for his people.

“NEMO is not working for me and it is not helping my village,” Chairman Teul told Channel 5 news, “I tried in the beginning to ask for assistance, but he told me that he is not going to assist my village because he mentioned to me that he could help me until Monday”.

When NEMO-aid did arrive two days later, the flood victims were shocked when they saw four small bundles of clothing along with dozens of chewing gum.

“It is a shame for NEMO. It seems like they don’t have a heart for us because all they bring for us was four bundles of clothes and two pieces of chewing gum. I don’t want chewing gum; that chewing gum will do me nothing. And even the food that they bring, was just a one meal for me.

And some family has big

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family, some people about fifteen children they have. That won’t supply them for one meal,” commented flood victim, Hilda Bolon.

It took a public appeal from Hon. Requeña, who called the radio shows on Monday, demanding that NEMO do its work for Minister of NEMO Godwin Hulse to respond humanely.

It was not until then that the relevant unit was contacted for the deployment of food supplies.

Hulse himself visited the flood area on Monday, and when interviewed and asked how come NEMO failed miserably, he said there was poor communication and he blamed the village leaders.

“There was a lack of communication. I visited the office first, I looked at the chronology of correspondence somewhere up to Friday midday. Correspondence was good and somehow after that it failed and consequently the coordinator was awaiting to hear from the villagers and chairman. And he didn’t hear anything so that communication seemed to have broken down,” he said.

Hulse also said he believes Jordan residents didn’t have to leave the shelter, but they did the “human” thing and panicked. He said the thatch building will be redone for use.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

BEL reports $16m loss Belize City, June 21, 2013 Belize Electricity Limited, owned by the Government since June 2011, has reported a $16 million loss even though it earned $193 million in revenues in its 2012 financial year.

At an Annual General Meeting, BEL officials reported that the high cost of electricity, totaling $164 million in 2012, was one of the factors that put the company in the red.

BEL also claims that what further weakened their financial position was a $30 million reimbursement to its customers. The reimbursement was as a result of 2011 rates which were overcharged by BEL. But no mention was made at the AGM

Belmopan Morgue in Shambles

Inside view of morgue showing resident cat Continued from page 1 with a collapsing front door; a rusty, commercial refrigerator in use, filthy tables used by the mortician and exposed electrical wires hanging from the roof. The building looks like something from a scary movie, and nothing that would be rationally used to prepare the bodies of dead loved ones.

To make matters worse, the facility has been so neglected that the unsecure front door has allowed cats to turn the unsightly morgue into their home.

The images of the morgue captured by our colleagues at PLUS TV have exposed the health officials for their total incompetence and lack of care for serious public affairs.

The morgue became the center of attention this week when a mother’s still born child could not be located.

The hospital officials had given away her child to another mother, who had had a miscarriage.

of a $15 million bailout for BEL with Social Security monies. How this money was used

by BEL is not known, but it apparently did not mitigate the financial loss.

In early 2013, however, BEL hiked their rates by 17%. The significant rate hike is bleeding the poor Belizean family, Even with full control and manipulation of the company the Government has been unable to manage the company affairs successfully. The company has faced severe cash flow strain and funding problems.

BEL says it hopes their primary electricity supplier, Comision Federal de Electricidad in Mexico, reduces the cost of power in 2013 to be able to make a profit.

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KHMH smacks Steven Buckley with $6,561 bill!

Continued from page 3 the Police Commissioner, Allen Whylie, to remind them of their commitment to him.

“I want to talk to them (the Police Department) and make them help me pay this. I’m innocent due to the Police thing. I really want them to assist me to pay for this bill here. [The Department] said they would pay the bill. I gotta pay this money or they’ll take me to court.”

Buckley told us he is a proud man and is not used to begging for his living.

“I’ve got no kind of money. If I could work, I would work for my money to take care of my kids. I can’t work. I worry about that sometime. Sometimes I cry in my house because I can’t work.”

The case against Inspector Lopez was scheduled to be heard this month but all indications are it will be postponed again. We were not able to reach Commissioner Whylie or Department spokesmen Delroy Cuthkelvin or Raphael Martinez for comment this week.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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KHMH INjustice!

Pablo Marin: “I am not to blame!”

Belize City, June 26, 2013 The parents of the 13 children who died at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (8 of them from the Enterobacter cloacae infection) will never know what exactly caused the tragedy.

An assessment carried out by a team of Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) experts on the cases was inconclusive and unable to determine the source of the infection. Further testing by the PAHO team could not be done because the original samples taken from the babies were discarded as a result of “constrained space” at the Central Medical Laboratory.

“There is nothing sinister about it,” defended KHMH CEO, Dr. Francis Gary Longsworth, when asked why a critical aspect of the investigation was not secured. He further explained, during a KHMH conference held on Wednesday afternoon that the infections spread rapidly, and by the time it was detected the samples had already been destroyed.

While the investigation has hit a wall, the PAHO report was damning of the medical standards of the KHMH. It

cited a myriad of gaps, weaknesses and gross neglect in the areas of infection surveillance, prevention and control.

The report pointed out that while the responsibility falls on the Infection Prevention Control Unit, this body was not functioning. This is why when the KHMH ignored one of the critical recommendations made two years ago on infection prevention and control, which mandated the elimination of early syringe preparation in pediatric and neonatology, no flags were raised.

In 2011, KHMH was told the practice was “high risk” but KHMH continued the practice of piling up prepared syringes and using it for multi patients as long as it was within 48 hours of preparation.

While the PAHO report did not directly link the practice to the contamination of the babies, there is a strong likelihood that it could be the case.

In their conclusion, the report cited that the “most plausible explanation” for the infection was “contamination of any device for intravenous puncture or intravenous medication”. Since all

the babies who died were premature newborns, they were all received care and treatment with the use of intravenous medication.

When asked whether anyone would be held accountable, the KHMH and Ministry of Health CEOs Dr. Longworth and Dr. Peter Allen said no one could be held responsible because no one knows the source of infection.

Minister of Health Pablo Marin who agreed to answer questions only after the media insisted, said he was not to blame, not even for deaths caused by the serious malpractices at the hospital over which he presides.

“I do believe that it’s a small amount of persons blaming the Min-

ister. In reality every health system has their problems, in any part of the world.

The only thing we have to do is try to do our best to try the remedy all those problems that we have,” said Marin.

While the Minister tries to wash his hands from any responsibility, and the KHMH authorities are hiding behind a vague report, the families of the children have received little remorse.

Hospital officials have met with the families twice but not to claim responsibility and offer compensation. In the second meeting, held on Monday June 17th, at least two mothers say they were accused of causing the deaths. In this meeting, attended by the KHMH CEO and Minister, one of the mothers was offered a scholarship as a form of appeasement.

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NEWS

THE BELIZE TIMES

What do you think about the baby mix up situation in Belmopan City?

Kareem

2013

Kamela

That is past the mark. Lone r@#$.

Straight up!!! Total disrespect to the family.

I think that’s very irresponsible and the health care providers need to ensure better security and procedures to avoid a problem like this from re-occurring.

Mark

Marcela

That baby mix up, sad, real sad, but I know first-hand that the hospital have people working there that don’t really care about nothing or no one; just a pay check.

FACES & OPINIONS

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Caleb

That is just wrong. How could a mother that knows that she did not have a full term baby accept a full term baby with a tape on the toe? Just plain negligence.

Negligent! Inexcusable! Reckless!

Daisy

Steve

Yolanda

Well I think that’s a disgrace on the hospital because they should have these things recorded properly. Each employee that handles this situation should know who the baby is for.

And well disgrace to the person that actually took the baby knowing that it was not hers shows low moral values in my opinion. How are people certain now that they are given the right child after labour?

If our hospitals have such problems with the care of patients and keeping track of who is who, then there is a real problem with the systems in place. It is so sad that such situations are taking place at the institutions that are a symbol of care and trust. For me there is no urge to play the “Finger pointing” game.

That’s bad girl and sad too. I know if it was me I would freak out.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

The ComPol’s Epiphany Continued from page 3 Police officer, who was the arresting officer and the chief witness in the case, suffered amnesia and refused to testify.

The case was thrown out. The Minister was acquitted. This officer, a bit player in the act, took the government off very thin ice.

As one Attorney implied, the Police Commissioner should have known. He should have been watching the case.

He should have been in the position to advise the Police Prosecutor, who even without any advice should have proceeded with the case treating the officer as a hostile witness, rather than allowing him to recant unchallenged in front of the Magistrate. Or probably he was. He may have directed the outcome.

This was no snafu. This was an act with the major role undertaken by the Commissioner of Police. How could he not know? This case had national implications.

When asked about the case, the Commissioner of Police said: “The charges were not withdrawn, they were dismissed”.

He later said: “I don’t think charges are possible because the matter was at trial and the officer refused (to testify) and it was dismissed”.

What was your point Mr. Commis-

sioner?

OK, the grunt officer should be disciplined. But what about the video evidence? Why was that not presented to the Court?

In short, the Commissioner’s move against the junior officer was an attempt to cover up his own incompetence and that of the Police Prosecutor. He is the fall guy. If he is reprimanded, he should sing, unless he was threatened by the “gang Minister” or received some of that gang money.

The Commissioner, also recently, decided to jumble some numbers to make them look like statistics of which the corollaries are lies and damn lies.

It was obvious that after warming his seat as Commissioner of Police, and after being lowered from higher heights, he needed to get a ‘feel-good’ feeling to make himself look good.

The facts are that the numbers game he played could hardly even be regarded as statistics unless his reference was to the corollaries. In the final statistical analysis the figures hardly make any difference. Worse, shortly after his pronouncement, his magic numbers were thrown out of whack by more murders.

The Commissioner of Police neither explained how he arrived at the figures.

Throw all the numbers in the equation, and really, Mr. Commissioner, sorry to burst your bubble, nothing has changed.

Were your assertions based on what the police determined to be murders? Were any of these downgraded to manslaughter? Are your “statistics” based on convictions? How many convictions were there and how many acquittals? The latter is a very embarrassing question we know, based on the Police and the Director of Public Prosecution’s track record for losing cases due to incompetence in the office of the DPP, exacerbated by poor police work, sloppy forensics and police indiscipline. Worse, the former Commissioner of Police is also a well-established political operative. His incompetence was deplorable, and demoralizing, even by this government’s standards. He was with pomp and ceremony, shoved to the post of Head of Police Forensics. We assumed that Forensics equated with intelligence. The Commissioner also did not say whether or not, the apparently inconclusive case early this year, when four men were murdered with their throats slit, in what has become known as “the George Street Massacre” was included in his stats. Or are the police “continuing with our investigation”?

While is seems hardly likely, there is still a good cross-section of Belizeans who believe that the murders were committed by the Police Gang Suppression Unit (GSU). It may also have been a drug deal gone bad with a Mexican cartel or even revenge killing.

11 Speaking at a press conference called by the Prime Minister in January, shortly after the George Street massacre, the Commissioner of Police made his debut. However in his past life lower down the ranks, he mishandled many a press conference of the Police. With the PM virtually breathing down his neck, the ComPol singled out the Mesopotamia Division which includes George Street, Port Loyola and Lake Independence. He made no mention of the Prime Minister’s Constituency of Queen Square, one of the highest crime ridden areas of the country. In this Constituency, gang members are being paid more to be good than gangs in other areas. This is an official government policy to have gang members on the official payroll.

This programme is being managed by the recently acquitted “Gang Minister”.

The Queen Square Constituency is also one of the poorest areas of the country.

Lots of people here, live on the dole.

This is under a government “Pro Poor” policy. This policy is designed to deliberately keep people poor and dependent in exchange for guaranteed votes.

The Commissioner of Police, at that time, established where he stood politically as opposed to professionally. It is from there that he established himself as an individual, again proven, to have little professional credibility.

His pronouncements on the case which led to the acquittal, on assault charges, of a government Minister in the Barrow administration, give reasons for cynicism. It is nothing but theatrics.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Makoabi R

x:

Relationships, Love Tips & Advice…

No Ring Yet? On a weekly basis, the BELIZE TIMES publishes a long list of new marriages as public service. While this is a healthy sign that the family unit is still going strong, the reality is that many couples have been together for years, living in common-law unions, with one of the parties (mostly the women!) wondering why there is no “ring to bling”!

Truthfully, if you’re waiting on the “ring to bling”, it’s likely it won’t happen.

An engagement ring is not just a piece of jewelry, but a sign of his commitment.

But back to the issue, if you’re waiting to get engaged but still no ring in sight don’t fret just yet. Here are four steps that will help to put your worried mind at ease.

1

Figure out if you’re looking for a proposal or just validation. Write down three reasons you want him to propose. If you find yourself thinking that a proposal will show that he really loves you, or you’re worried that if he doesn’t propose he might break up with you, you may not be ready to get married. If your partnership is strong, you’ll know that he loves and is committed to you, and you won’t need an offer of marriage to tell you that.

Wait as long as you can. Especially if you’re in your 20s. He could be waiting to get a better job, he could be saving for the ring or he could just be waiting until he’s a little older—none of this means he doesn’t want to marry you. And keep in mind that the longer you wait the stronger your relationship will be.

2

If you want kids and you’re worried about your fertility, tell him. If you having kids is more important to you than your relationship, make sure he knows how you feel—but be careful about giving him an explicit ultimatum, which could come across as manipulative. For a softer approach, here are some things you can say. Before you do, make sure you’re in a setting where he can be receptive; it’s harder to have a successful conversation if one person is distracted.

3

It could be as simple as this: “I love you, and I want you to be the father of my children. The thing is I’ve been doing some research, and it looks like my chances of having a healthy pregnancy go way down if I wait another year or two. Can we talk about this?”

Or: “I’m not saying this to make you feel boxed in, although I know that just saying it puts pressure on you. I don’t want you to feel like I’m pushing you, I just want you to know what I’ve been thinking about.”

Talk to a professional. If you’re having trouble sleeping, are feeling overly anxious, or worrying about the proposal and marriage is interfering with your life, you might want to seek counselling. Many problems can be resolved in just a few sessions, and if you have a more serious condition a professional can help you identify it.

4

Next week, we’ll look at the possible reasons why he has not proposed as yet.

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THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE

2013

TOPMODEL 13

ENTERTAINMENT

NEWS

Ms. Carter does it again!

New Single: Tanya Carter has finally gotten over her ex-boyfriend, but has now turned her attention on the DJ in the club.

Belizean songstress Ms. Carter dropped her latest dancehall single “Mr. DJ Boy”, and it is already being called the hit for summer 2013.

The track featuring the Tun Ova Riddim and produced by Christopher Birch is Ms. Carter’s sexy and confident transition from her previously released reggae single, My Ex-boyfriend.

Ms. Carter recently spent time in Jamaica partnering with Birchill Records to work on delivering a higher level of musical entertainment. This effort has seen much success and is only the beginning for his young artist.

To listen to Ms. Carter’s latest single, it is available on Tanya Carter’s account on Sound Cloud, or via link on her Facebook page.

Location: Manatee Lookout Restaurant and Bar

“Mr. DJ Boy”

Neidy • • • •

Height: 5’ 5” Career Plan: Entrepreneur Sign: Libra Favourite Foods: Fried beef tacos, Pasta, Escabeche and Salbutes

• • •

TOP MODEL Clothing and Accessories provided by CATWALK FASHIONS

Likes: Listening to Music, Traveling, Dancing, modeling, football, socializing Lives in Belize City Fav. Quote: “Never stop believing in your dreams.”

visit us at www.belizetimes.bz or Facebook/ Belize Times

Cor. North Front Steet & Queen Street Belize City

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14 SPORTS

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES

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Holy Angels RC girls repeat as volleyball champs Belize City, June 21, 2013 The Holy Angels RC Primary School girls of Pomona, Stann Creek won their 2nd national primary schools volleyball championship over Chan Pine Ridge Government School girls, 25-19, 25-23, on Friday, June 21, 2013.

In 3rd place, Belize Elementary defeated the Toledo Christian girls: 25-21, 25-9.

In the semi-finals, the Chan Pine Ridge girls eliminated Belize Elementary 18-25, 25-20 and 1511. In the other semi-finals game, the Holy Angels girls eliminated the Toledo Christian girls 25-17, 2515.

Sports coordinator Ruth Lamb presented 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies and individual medals to the winners. The Most Valuable Player award went to Pomona’s Tricilyn Coc.

Are you Belize’s strongest?

Belize City, June 26, 2013 The Belize Body Building and Fitness Federation is calling on Belizeans to compete in the 2nd annual Strong Man and Woman Competition to be held this Saturday June 29th at the Riverside Tavern Parking Lot. The event will put athletes to the test, measuring their strength, stamina, endurance and determination in a series of trials that will include deadlifts, squats, bench presses, tire flips and pulling an SUV. Last year’s champ, Victor Valencia, will defend his title in the male division. Last year’s female winner was Kayla Myvette.

Interested athletes can contact the organizers at 636-7875.

Jamie Usher & Denroy Nembhard

win 2013 Olympic Day run

2012 winner Victor Valencia

Jamie Usher

How they advanced: Game 1: Belize Elementary girls vs. Corozal Methodist – 25-19, 25-7 Game 2: Chan Pine Ridge girls vs. Howard Smith Nazarene – 25-20, 16-25, 15-7 Game 3: Toledo Christian Academy girls vs. Corozal Methodist – 25-10, 25-8 Game 4: Holy Angels girls vs. Howard Smith Nazarene – 23-25, 25-21, 15-10 Game 5: Belize Elementary vs. Toledo Christian Academy – 25-18, 25-11 Game 6: Holy Angels girls vs. Chan Pine Ridge - 23-25, 25-19, 15-12

Benque boys win volleyball nationals

Howard Smith Nazarene team Belize City, June 21, 2013 The Howard Smith Nazarene School boys of Benque Viejo del Carmen defeated the Sacred Heart RC School boys to win the 2013 national primary schools volleyball championships at Bird’s Isle on Friday.

The Benque boys won the sets 25-19, 21-25, 15-12. They had defeated the Holy Redeemer boys 25-22, 11-25, 15-10 in the semi-finals to advance.

Sacred Heart RC had won against the Toledo Christian boys 17-25, 31-29, 16-14 to get to the finals.

3rd place went to the Holy Redeemer boys who won over the Toledo boys 22-25, 25-14, 15-12.

Sports coordinator Ruth Lamb presented 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies and individual medals to the winners. The Most Valuable Player award went to Benque’s Charles Coyoc.

How they advanced: Game 1: Holy Redeemer vs. Our Lady of Guadalupe - 25-18, 25-17 Game 2: Howard Smith Nazarene vs. Chan Pine Ridge boys - 25-23 25-14 Game 3: Our Lady of Guadalupe vs. Toledo Christian Academy - 25-20, 22-25, 15-8 Game 4: Sacred Heart RC won over the Howard Smith Nazarene boys - 21-25, 25-23, 17-15.

Game 5: Toledo Christian Academy vs. Holy Redeemer - 25-21, 20-25, 15-8 Game 6: Sacred Heart RC vs. Chan Pine Ridge - 16-25, 25-18, 15-9

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THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE

2013

Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy

even though she walked 4 batters. Las Flores left 2 runners on base.

In the other match, the Camalote United walked over the Esperanza Wolverines 16-3.

The competition

spanks Las Flores in Cayo softball

Camalote, June 23, 2013 The Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy spanked the Las Flores Shooting Stars 13-0 by mercy rule in 3 innings when the Cayo softball competition continued at the Denbeigh Fuller Stadium in Camalote Village on Sunday.

Las Flores’ pitcher Jacqueline Alas struck out 1 batter and gave up only one hit in the 1st inning, but Deandra Banner and Greta Davis came home to lead 2-0.

She gave up only one more hit in the 2nd inning, in which Lisandra Guy came home to lead 3-0.

Alas gave up 6 hits and walked 9 batters in the 3rd inning, while her fielders committed 3 errors.

Shadalee Ho, Anika Brown and Kayla Henry each came home twice, while Tanya Davis, Karlee Bradley, Deandra and Greta came home once to lead 13-0 and the game was called.

Roaring Creek’s pitcher Leyandra Guy had struck out 8 batters, but gave up only 1 hit,

Camalote’s Francine Salazar

continues in Roaring Creek Village on Sunday, June 30, where the Capital City Emeralds take on the Ontario Rebels, the Las Flores Shooting Stars face the Esperanza Wolverines and Grace Kennedy challenges Camalote United.

Esperanza’s Shareenie Soberanis Frances Coye

Jamie Usher & Denroy Nembhard

win 2013 Olympic Day run

Alex Musa and Ryan Usher

(R) Denroy Nembhard wins Men’s Open

Jayda Smith and Sofia Solano

Stefan Sosa, Alex Musa & Jayda Smith are Junior tennis champs

Belize City, June 23, 2013 Jamie Usher won the Open Female division and Denroy Nembhard won the Open Male division of the annual Olympic Day run organized by the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association.

The race was 2 laps around Albert and Regent Streets in Belize City on Sunday, June 23rd. Over 150 athletes of all ages ran and National Olympic committee member Owen “Sonny” Meighan presented medals to the winners, and all runners received certificates of participation.

Open Women 2nd Magdalena Chub 3rd Tichelle Solis

Secondary Schools Female 1st Ashonti Carr 2nd Ashanti Carr

Open men’s 2nd Alexander Alvarado 3rd Anthony Leslie

Secondary Schools Male 1st Martin Hemmans 2nd Selvin Crispen 3rd Emmanuel Tush

Masters Female: 1st Teresita Grajalez 2nd Michelle Young 3rd Aura Young Masters Male 1st Louis Haulze 2nd Anthony Flores 3rd Dr. Victor Rosado

Primary Schools Female 1st Aaliyah Carr 2nd Helen Cacho 3rd Aaliyah Moody Primary Schools Male 1st Wayne Crawford - Holy Redeemer 2nd Kevin Rivero 3rd Dunsel Trapp

Jaguars & FCIB & SQ dragons win in Belize City volleyball

Top 3 - Pope, Arana and Castillo

2013 BCA national road championships results Belmopan, June 23, 2013 Benny’s Megabytes’ Byron Pope returned as the Elite national road champion category, Team Xibalban’s Jairo Campos won as Junior road champ, M&M Engineering’s Robert Liam Stewart won Masters road champ and Team Sagitun’s Shalini Zabaneh repeats as female national road champ, in the Belize Cycling Association held the 2013 Na-

tional Road Championships on the Philip Goldson and George Price Highways on Sunday, June 23.

Pope clocked 5:22:37 in the 115-mile road race from Orange Walk Town, via the Burrell Boom bypass to Mount Hope on the George Price Highway and back to the finish line in front of Belmopan Comprehensive School.

Lady Jaguars win Belize City, June 23, 2013 The Jaguars mauled the SQ Dragons in 3 sets: 25-11, 25-20, 25-18. The SQ Dragons had done better last Thursday as they crushed the Scorpions: 18-25, 25-21, 25-21 and 25-12.

In the Jungle rules interoffice competition, the First Caribbean Bank arrested the Police: 25-22, 25-18, while Digicel shocked BEL: 25-21, 28-26.

Last Thursday June 20, the Lady Warriors schooled the Belize national U-16 team: 25-20, 25-13 and 25-21.

In the Jungle Rules Interoffice, Belize Bank arrested the Police 25-20, 25-23.

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Valedictory Address

Areli Sutherland Class of 2013 – Corozal Junior College

It’s an honour to be addressing you, my fellow graduates, today.

This is the culmination of our efforts; the results of the work that we put in throughout all the weeks and months here at CJC. And we are glad that it’s finally over. We can look back through it all, and we see the times when we were stressed out, when we were disappointed, when we were surprised, and when we had fun. We look and we realize that even though it wasn’t all sunshine and roses, it was to our benefit and that we learnt from it.

And it’s because of the things that we learnt, not because of what’s on our report cards, that we know we’ve finished the race today. As we march up to receive the acknowledgement of our achievement, we cannot forget that we have a lot of people to thank.

God’s grace brought us here.

Our parents’ sacrifice places us up here. Our teacher’s patience guided us along. Our friends’ encouragement supported us. Our families cheered us on. They all have a share in our accomplishment and we are

grateful that they were there to carry us through. And so we say thank you: thanks Mom, Dad, Sir, Mrs., Aunt, Uncle, Grandparents, colleagues, and friends. We’d be giving you all a diploma too if it was practical.

And as for you, my fellow graduates, remember that even though our schooling here is finished, we can’t afford to forget any of the lessons learnt, be it academic or otherwise. Remember the things that went right; they boosted our confidence. Remember the things that went wrong; sometimes a failed quiz taught us more than the ones we passed. Remember the people who helped you, because we have to remember that we can’t accomplish anything alone. Remember the challenges that you faced, because they made you who you are. Don’t forget any of the things that taught you, because education was meant to be about learning.

We know the world we are entering is hard; that’s why we’re still dedicated to learn as much as we can now. Sometimes, we like to think “When I get to a real university, then I’ll be serious about my work” or “When I get a real job, then I’m going to work really hard.” But the future begins now. We can’t be real in

the future if we can’t be real now. That’s what makes our education so important; not so much that we learn information for the future, but that we learn maturity for the future. And so my message to my fellow graduates is this: value your learning, not that card that you’re going to get right now. Instead, make sure that when you look at that card, you see the more powerful person that you have become through your experiences at CJC. Make sure that you use your learning wisely. Use it to achieve your goals, to extend them, and to make new ones. Be sure too, of what exactly your goals are.

Everyone chases this amorphous reality called success. But we need to be careful that the success we pursue is real. Don’t let your grades fool you.

How many people have we seen fail, even though we knew how smart they were? How many people have we seen pass, even though everybody knew they cheated to do so? A grade is number.

Your success when you leave here will not depend on your grades. It will not depend on which class you were in. It will not depend on how many subjects you took. It will not depend on what your teachers said about you. It will not depend on what your friends or enemies say about you. Your success depends on only one person and that person is you. It depends on your will. It depends on your motivation. It depends on how

much you are willing to sacrifice for your goal. Success isn’t reaching a goal set by society, like making it big. Success is reaching a goal set by you.

That’s why today’s theme is “Yesterday has come and gone; leave the past behind, for today marks a new beginning.” All that happened during our years at CJC, whether good or bad, will not make us better people until we make up our minds to make today a beginning, not an end.

We’re smiling now because we’re glad that it’s over, but we know that in reality, we’re not finished. This is far from the end.

Wherever we go after this, we know that we will have to work harder and push further than we ever did while we were here. I am impressed with the words of Sir Thomas Buxton who said “the great difference between the great and the insignificant is energy- invincible determination”.

You see, without determination, we have learnt for nothing. Without determination, the diplomas might as well be blank, because how you use it depends solely on you and your motivation.

As we leave CJC then, this is what we focus on: we have to know what we want, and we have to use what we have learnt to get it.

Once again, to CJC and to my fellow graduates: thank you. Thanks for the learning experience. Thanks to my classes and my classmates and all the people who sat in class with me. I learnt a lot from you.

Thanks. And congratulations!

BY ORDER OF MORTGAGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL

VACANCY Belize City, Belize June 17th 2013 VICE PRESIDENT FOR BELIZE The largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation, protecting marine ecosystems and endangered species is currently recruiting Belizean applicants to apply for the post of Vice President for Belize.

Since establishing a national presence in 2009, OCEANA has achieved important victories, including helping to make Belize the first country in the world to completely ban bottom trawling as well as landmark legal decisions in the effort to protect Belize’s reef and marine resources from offshore oil drilling.

But we’ve only just begun. OCEANA is fully committed to helping Belizeans protect our reef and marine heritage for future generations. To join our dedicated, brave and passionate Belizean team, candidates are invited to emailing a cover letter and resume to resumes@oceana.org Continue the legacy. Lead the movement. Apply Today.

HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under and by virtue of a Deed of Mortgage registered at the Land Titles Unit between MINERVA CANUL FLORES of the one part and HRCU of the other part.

HRCU will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule below.

ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel or lot of land situate at Guadalupe street in the Village of Sarteneja, Corozal District, Belize, being Lot No. 151B comprising 490.373 square metres as shown and described on a Plan drawn by Licensed Surveyor L.S. Tingling dated the 12th day of June 2000 and being lodged and recorded at the Lands & Surveys Department in Belmopan in Register No. 15 Entry No. 5129 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of MINERVA CANUL FLORES DATED this 10th day of June 2013 HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738

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2013

Salutatorian Speech by

Karen Gladden Excelsior High School Class of 2013

I have embraced the opportunity to welcome you all to our graduation ceremony 2013, and I could easily come and say welcome to everyone but that would defeat the entire purpose of us celebrating the success of completing our secondary education at Excelsior high school. It seems like only four short years ago we were planted like seeds at Excelsior with

the objective being to blossom into a bright flowering plant of Education. Just as seeds need the sun, soil and nourishments to grow, we also needed the support, sacrifices, patience, nourishment and the guidance of many people for us to have grown and blossomed.

So it gives me the greatest of privilege and pride to acknowledge and welcome all of you who are special to all of us on behalf of this, my graduating class of 2013. To our principal, teachers and staff, for being tolerant, patient and many times being that parent for us when we were not at home. It is with the greatest of humility that we acknowledge and welcome our parents, guardians and sponsors, whom despite challenging economic times, have made the sacrifice to provide for us and to ensure we were able to over-

come the difficult times so we can celebrate this success today.

In life, we all deserve a second chance. My father gave me the best gift a parent can give his child, believing in me. I can still reminisce about my first day being brought to this educational institution by my father as though I was still attending kindergarten. Three years ago it seemed as though this day would have never come. As I stand here today, I must admit nobody is as happy and filled with joy as I am. For the rest of my life I will cherish becoming friends with Akeem, Steve, Enfield, Debbie and Kareem whom I often refer to as my brothers and sister. I will miss you guys.

I will never forget Tuesdays, when the bell rang and my clothing and textile classes were over, and I was as happy

as I could be. I would quickly pick up my stuff and leave the room, ‘Oh what a delightful feeling that was!” I am sure my clothing teacher can attest to this. But on a serious note, thank you Ms. Mckay, for bearing patience with me.

This year has been a difficult one for me. But during my hardships, my teachers saw my downfall and guided me back on the right path. Thanks for that teachers, I am extremely grateful. Special thanks to my homeroom teachers Ms. Lorna Milligan and Mr. Ian Mariano, the school counselor, Mrs. Jenkins, Mr. Martinez, Mr. Nick, Ms. Welch and Mrs. Montes. You guys saw my potential and encouraged me to do my best. Most importantly to my parents, thanks a million for your unconditional love and support during my years at Excelsior. I would also like to thank my uncle William Jones Jr. who always assisted me when I needed.

So today on behalf on this radiant bouquet of achievers, the 2013 graduating class of Excelsior High School, I once again say welcome. Welcome!

Welcome! Welcome!

For Sale

For Sale

By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 22nd day of August, 2006, between LYNETTE RODRIGUEZ AND CLINTON D. RODRIGUEZ both of Belize City, Belize (Borrowers) of the first part, the said CLINTON D. RODRIGUEZ of Belize City (Surety) of the second part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the third part, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Vol. 31 of 2006 at Folios 231–298, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 4th day of August, 2005, between ROBERTO COC of Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District, Belize of one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Vol. 23 of 2005 at Folios 1215–1242, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land containing 691.983 S.Y. and being Lot No. 721 in Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District, Belize , shown and described by Plan attached to the Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 554 of 2006 dated 2nd June, 2006 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 26th day of June, 2013.

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

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT LEASEHOLD INTEREST IN ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 78 situate in Hope Creek Village Extension, North of Stann Creek Valley Road, near Mile 8.5, Stann Creek District and as bounded as follows: On the North for 22.856 metres by Lot No. 89; On the South for 22.856 metres by 27 feet road; On the East for 33.523 metres

by Lot No. 77; On the West for 33.523 metres by Lot No. 76; containing 766.202 square metres of land as shown on Plan No. 2080 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 26th day of June, 2013.

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

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The Day Nelson Mandela Walked Out Of Prison

by Greg Myre, NPR.org June 27, 2013 One of the most remarkable days of Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary life was Feb. 11, 1990, when he walked out of prison after 27 years behind bars. Greg Myre, the international editor of NPR.org, covered Mandela’s release for The Associated Press and recounts that day.

The evening before his release from 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela was ushered into a secret meeting with South African President F.W. de Klerk for a conversation that sounded straight from the theater of the absurd.

De Klerk told Mandela he would be a free man the next day, making good on a pledge the president had made a week earlier, though without setting the exact date. Yet Mandela was still caught off guard.

“I deeply wanted to leave prison as soon as I could, but to do so on such short notice would not be wise,” Mandela wrote later in his autobiography, Long Walk To Freedom. “I thanked Mr. de Klerk, and then said that at the risk of appearing ungrateful I would prefer to have a week’s notice in order that my family and my organization could be prepared.”

Taken aback, de Klerk excused himself to consult with his advisers. Several minutes later, he returned and insisted that Mandela, like a house guest who had hung around too long, would have to check out the next day whether he liked it or not. Mandela relented, and the jailer and the jailed shared a glass of whiskey.

Seismic Change It would be impossible to overstate the electric sense of anticipation that coursed through South Africa as Mandela’s release grew imminent. Apartheid was still the law of the land, but de Klerk had declared sweeping changes that were rapidly dismantling the system of racial segregation. South Africans, black and white, knew their country was about to undergo seismic change, yet no one knew where it would lead.

The black majority saw Mandela as their deliverance from more than three centuries of white domination. Many whites feared his release could unleash an explosive civil war along racial lines.

As the nation projected its hopes and fears onto Mandela, the reality was that only a tiny circle of people had seen or heard him for the past quarter century.

Mandela had disappeared from view in 1964 after giving a four-hour speech at the conclusion of his sabotage trial, where he was convict-

Nelson Mandela, with his wife, Winnie, walks to freedom after 27 years in prison on Feb. 11, 1990, in Cape Town ed and received a life sentence. He was a rugged young man in his 40s, a former boxer who had full cheeks, a beard and mustache and was always dressed in a suit at his court appearances.

He spent most of his prison term on Robben Island, South Africa’s version of Alcatraz. On this island fortress, Mandela often labored at a limestone quarry during the day, where the glaring sun harmed his eyes. At night, he could see the twinkling lights of Cape Town in the distance. The damp conditions on the island likely contributed to the tuberculosis he contracted.

During this time, Mandela’s jailers, his fellow inmates and several family members were among the only people who saw him. The white government, in a futile attempt to diminish his reputation, never released photos of Mandela during his years of captivity.

However, the law of unintended consequences prevailed. As time passed and the anti-apartheid movement grew, Mandela’s invisibility only added to his mythic status and helped transform him into an international icon.

A Polished Statesman Shortly after that odd meeting in Cape Town between de Klerk and Mandela on the eve of his release, the South African government reversed its long-standing policy and began handing out a photo of Mandela to the journalists who had converged on Cape Town.

It was a simple snapshot of Mandela standing stiffly in a suit and tie, and yet it was mesmerizing. He had gone gray, though he still had a full head of hair. He was clean shaven and had become noticeably thinner in his face and torso. He looked even more distinguished as an elder statesman than as the combative figure of the 1960s.

Still, there was no clue about what kind of leader he would be.

Would he be out of touch and too moderate for the young black activists born after he was incarcerated? Could he, or anyone, live up to his billing as a national savior? Would this 71-year-old man be up physically for the enormous demands of his new role?

An Explosion Of Joy Mandela began to answer those questions shortly after he walked out

the front gate of the Victor Verster Prison in suburban Cape Town on the sunsplashed afternoon of Feb. 11, 1990, arm-in-arm with his then-wife, Winnie.

Each raised a fist in triumph.

Black South Africa exploded with joy. A raucous crowd of some 100,000 blacks squeezed into the Grand Parade grounds outside Cape Town’s City Hall, infusing it with the energy of a rock concert. Mandela was to deliver his first speech there, at what was almost certainly the largest black crowd ever to gather for an event in what was still formally a white city.

Yet for several excruciating hours after he left prison, Mandela again vanished from public sight. His organization, the African National Congress, did not want the white South African security forces present in large numbers at his first public appearance. The ANC was worried about the both the symbolism and the potential for violent clashes.

However, the ANC, which had only recently been unbanned, had no experience organizing such a massive, unruly event.

This was the first of many such dances between the white authorities and Mandela’s ANC as they launched negotiations that would ultimately bring down apartheid.

Mandela Is Mobbed Meanwhile, Mandela’s journey from prison to City Hall came to a virtual standstill as his car approached downtown Cape Town and was mobbed by supporters.

“People began knocking on the windows, and then on the [trunk and the hood],” Mandela wrote. “Inside it sounded like a massive hailstorm. Then people began jumping on the car in their excitement. Others began to shake it and at that moment I began to worry.

I felt as though the crowd might very well kill us with their love.”

Rather than continue into the crowd, Mandela diverted the driver to the nearby home of Dullah Omar, one of Mandela’s lawyers. Omar was stunned to find Mandela at his front door. “Aren’t you meant to be at the Grand Parade?” he asked.

Mandela went in for a cold drink at

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Omar’s home, but shortly afterward Archbishop Desmond Tutu called in great distress.

“The people are growing restless. If you do not return straightaway, I cannot vouch for what will happen. I think there might be an uprising,” Tutu told Mandela.

Mandela got back in the car, only to be mobbed again as he approached City Hall. He eventually arrived at twilight, facing a sea of frenzied supporters from the balcony. He took out his prepared remarks ... and realized he had left his reading glasses at the prison. So he borrowed Winnie’s.

His First Public Words He then uttered the first words most South Africans had ever heard him speak: “Comrades and fellow South Africans, I greet you all in the name of peace, democracy and freedom,” said Mandela. “I stand here before you not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you the people. ...

“Today, the majority of South Africans, black and white, recognize that apartheid has no future. It has to be ended by our decisive mass action,” he said in a speech frequently drowned out by roars from the crowd. “We have waited too long for our freedom.”

For a man cut off from the world for so long, Mandela looked at home in the spotlight, connecting with the black crowd that worshipped him, while taking the first steps to win over skeptical whites. However, Mandela later acknowledged that he felt anything but comfortable as he was thrust onto the world stage.

“Frankly, when I saw that crowd, I must confess that I didn’t have the courage, the confidence to speak to them. It rather took me by surprise,” he wrote in his autobiography.

After speaking for 30 minutes, Mandela was whisked away. He wanted to spend his first night of freedom among black South Africans, yet for security reasons, he was taken to Tutu’s home. However, the archbishop’s official residence happened to be in a leafy, posh Cape Town suburb that was officially a whites-only neighborhood. Tutu was allowed to live there only because of his position.

Across the country, celebrations and violent clashes lasted until dawn. Black South Africans danced and drank the night away in the black townships. White police fired on black looters. Rival black factions battled each other.

Difficult days lay ahead. Political violence would claim more than 10,000 lives over the next four years, almost all of them blacks. Negotiations between de Klerk’s government and Mandela’s ANC stalled and broke down on multiple occasions before the country’s first allrace election that elevated Mandela to the presidency in 1994.

But on that summer’s day in 1990, South Africa entered a new era, and Nelson Mandela was the man who led the way.

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2013

Reid Tricks and Travesty!

By G. Michael Reid The recent saga in the life of Belize’s top “drama” King is, for all intents and purposes, over and done with. This one leaves a very bad taste in the mouths of most Belizeans. The outcome of this case, (against perhaps one of the most dishonorable men to wear the title of honorable), is neither surprising nor unexpected.

By a show of hands, who really thought that this case was going anywhere?

Sometime in the wee hours of Tuesday February 5th, when most “normal” and decent folks are resting and preparing for a day of work, King was hard at play. Far removed from his constituency of Lake Independence, Mark King, accompanied by an entourage, was seen drinking, gambling and carousing behind a poker table at the Princess Casino in Corozal.

Workers report that King was acting boisterous from earlier in the night but obviously knowing who he was; Casino managers were reluctant to address the situation.

After all, Mark King is a UDP and who doesn’t know how vindictive this crowd can be?

According to the official reports, sometime around 2am of the same date, an associate of King got totally out of control. Casino security personnel attempted to restrain the man, identified as one Diego Witz Jr. Unfortunately, as is often the case, hangers-on of these elected officials consider themselves as sacred and untouchable as their bosses are. A scuffle ensued and Mr. Witz reported became quite violent, refusing to be restrained. It was at this point that Police Constable #1021 Nelson Ramos became involved.

Ramos intervened and tried

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to bring the situation under control but was himself set upon by Witz.

Witz reportedly punched Ramos after which PC Ramos placed him under arrest and escorted outside of the casino. Mark King would have none of it and decided to pull rank.

The Police Officer held his ground and radioed for a transport to the station. A mobile arrived and Witz was placed in the pan of the pickup.

King however would have none of it and began to take things into his own hands.

This is where the report became conflicting. There are those who swear that King pulled a weap-

lar case has stirred serious public emotions; everybody is not happy.

Sensing this, the Commissioner of Police has decided to act. After all, his department is looking very bad.

From the reports, Officer Ramos decided on his own that he would not pursue the charges. In his capacity as a public officer, that is not within the purview of his authority.

The Commissioner has directed that PC Ramos be interdicted and relieved of his duties immediately.

On the surface, it would seem like a good move by the Commissioner and it has even been hailed as “gutsy”. One has to wonder however, if it is not a part of the overall collusion that was suggested by one learned individual.

Let us look at what an interdiction does. An interdiction suspends an individual from reporting to work, performing any functions in the department and being reduced to collecting only half of his regular salary. At any given time, there are dozens of Police Officers on interdiction. In the past, interdic-

tions have been known to last as long as several years. Many, while awaiting hearing, will go out and acquire a second job, often as security officers.

It would be interesting to get the statistics on how many officers ever really lose their jobs following an interdiction. I know quite a few who spend months on half-pay, only to be re-instated with full honors. These individuals then receive the entire amount withheld during their absence from duty. For many then, it becomes little more than a paid vacation with half of their pay being put into a “syndicate” with the accumulated amount collected at the end of their suspension.

A sweet deal to say the least!

A couple of questions are left unanswered. Why were the video tapes not entered into evidence?

Why were the tapes from the casino’s cameras not subpoenaed?

Why were the charges not brought back by the DPP? This case is the latest in a long line of travesties and mockeries of our justice system. When this story first broke, I was willing to bet that it would go nowhere.

Now, I once again wager that Ramos will be on interdiction for about a year and when everyone had forgotten and moved on to other happenings, PC Ramos will once again appear in full uniform and in full employment. Bet yu!

There are those who swear that King pulled a weapon and even fired a few shots. This never made it into the official Police report. What we do know is that there were at least two cameras rolling. on and even fired a few shots. This never made it into the official Police report. What we do know is that there were at least two cameras rolling. In this day and age, everyone carries a cell phone and most cell phones are equipped with video recording capabilities. One of the recordings eventually made it to Channel Seven but by the time it was aired, some images had obviously been blurred and the contents edited. Damage control was already being implemented.

Eventually, both King and Witz were escorted to the Police Station and booked on Assault charges. To this point, PC Nelson Ramos was looking like a very brave Police Officer and the Corozal Police Detachment was looking good.

Somewhere between arrest date and court date however, something happened. Somebody called somebody who advised somebody for after all, Mark King was a big somebody. Many will remember a case in Belize City a few years ago when a certain Councilor discharged a firearm outside of a popular night club. The Prime Minister himself was caught on tape advising the then mayor on how to handle the case. Wonder if there was a recording of this episode?

The outcome of this particu-

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BELIZE, A.D. 2009 CLAIM NO. 258 of 2009 BARRY PAPWORTH CLAIMANT

BETWEEEN AND

RUSHIEL BEVANS DEFENDANTS

(a.k.a. Rashad Bevans)

R & F BRICKMAKERS & CONSTRUCTION LIMITED TO:

NOTICE Mr. Rushiel Bevans a.k.a. Rashad Bevans No. 620 Keating Crescent Buttonwood Bay Belize City, Belize And R & F Brickmakers & Construction Limited Cor. Faber’s Road & Central American Blvd.

Belize City, Belize

TAKE NOTICE that the assessment of the damages due to the Claimant will take place on the 9th day of July, 2013 at 10:00am before the Honorable Madame Justice Arana.

If you do not attend this hearing, an Order may be made in your absence.

Dated 11th day of June, 2013

MUSA & BALDERAMOS Attorneys for the Claimant BARRY PAPWORTH

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2013

30 JUN

2013

Renewed Life

By Dr. Angela Banner Joseph “Don’t mistreat someone who has mistreated you. But try to earn the respect of others and do your best to live at peace with everyone.” - Romans 12:17 Alright, I am guilty as sin when it comes to mistreating another human being. I won’t lie, because in life we have all done it; intentional or not. We are humans and we all have made mistakes. Okay, now that my confession is over, let me get real with you. I have worked on forgiving others who have wronged me. Oh, how a few people have seriously wronged me! I clearly have examined what people have done to me, and I have either verbally and or silently forgiven them, for my own sanity.

Forgiveness is the greatest gift you can give yourself.

I release the negative and accept the positive of a situation, and believe it or not, I have remained friends with many who have wronged me.

I truly believe that we have to accept all human beings with perfections and flaws, because I am sure that many have forgiven me for my erred ways. This is the reason I choose not to play tit-for-tat and retaliate over what people have done or said to me; they were all life lessons.

I have always tried to be the bigger person in most situations, even if I wanted to whip others’ rear ends. I have questioned what a verbal disagreement or physical fight would solve: Nothing.

I have tried to earn the respect of others and I hope they have felt the same about me. I strongly believe in the teachings of Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Thích Nhat Hanh, and the readings of the Dalai Lama, whose teachings embody forgiveness, kindness,

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respect, and trust of others.

Below, I have chosen a few sage words of advice from these spiritually centered individuals and have provided you with a few of their quotes to get you through the tough times. Their words may help you decide how to deal with renewing your life as you earn the respect of others and live peacefully with everyone.

“I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.” - Mother Teresa “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

- Mother Teresa “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” - Nelson Mandela “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, thatgoes to his heart.” - Nelson Mandela “Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.” - Mahatma Gandhi “Nobody can hurt me without my permission.” - Mahatma Gandhi “When another person makes you suffer, it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over. He does not need punishment; he needs help. That’s the message he is sending.” – Thích Nhat Hanh “Nonviolent action, born of the awareness of suffering and nurtured by love, is the most effective way to confront adversity.” - Thích Nhat Hanh “If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.” - Dalai Lama “Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.” - Dalai Lama Dr. Angela Banner Joseph holds a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Change from the Fielding Graduate University.

STATUTORY NOTICE OF CREDITORS IN THE ESTATE of NESSIE BURN Deceased of #63 Eve Street, Belize City

NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 36 of the Administration of Estates Act, Chapter 197 of the Laws of Belize that all creditors and other persons having any claims and demands upon or against the Estate of NESSIE BURN, deceased, late of #63 Eve Street, Belize City, who died on the 1st day of February, 2013, and in whose estate Grant of Probate has been granted to ALAN STOLF BURN; should lodge such claims or demands with the said ALAN STOLF BURN c/o MUSA & BALDERAMOS, Attorneys-at-Law of No. 91 North Front Street, Belize City, on or before the expiration of three months GIVEN that at the expiration of the said three months the said ALAN STOLF BURN shall proceed to distribute the assets of the entitled thereto, having regard only to claims and demands of which they shall then have had notice.

DATED this 25th day of June, 2013.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS

Attorneys-at-Law for ALAN STOLF BURN

Executor in the Estate of Nessie Burn

STAUTORY NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE ESTATE OF DORA ESTELLA CHANONA Deceased of Belize City, Belize

NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 36 of the Administration of Estates Act, Chapter 197 of the Laws of Belize that all creditors and other persons having any claims and demands upon or against the Estate of DORA ESTELLA CHANONA, deceased, late of Belize City, Belize, who died on the 2nd day of October, 1997, and in whose estate Grant of Administration has been granted to ANTHONY CHANONA; should lodge such claims or demands with the said ANTHONY CHANONA of No. 2 Lamanai Street, City of Belmopan, on or before the expiration of three months from the first publication hereof AND NOTICE IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN that at the expiration of the said three months the said ANTHONY CHANONA shall proceed to distribute the assets of the said DORA ESTELLA CHANONA, deceased, amongst the beneficiaries entitled thereto, having regard only to claims and demands of which they shall then have had notice.

DATES this 26th day of June, 2013.

ANTHONY CHANONA No. 2 Lamanai Street, City of Belmopan

Administrator in the Estate of Dora Estella Chanona

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2013

Recipe of the week Chef Emeril’s Caribbean Chicken Ingredients 4 scallions, ends trimmed, cut into thirds 2 to 4 Scotch bonnet or jalapeno chiles (or to taste), stems and seeds removed (use gloves) 6 garlic cloves, peeled 3-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons light-brown sugar 1 tablespoon pumpkin-pie spice (substitute mixed spice) 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 whole chicken (about 3 1/2 pounds), giblets and liver discarded Vegetable oil, for grates Coarse salt Directions . In a food processor, combine scallions, chiles, garlic, ginger, lime juice, soy sauce, sugar, pumpkin-pie spice, and thyme; puree into a thick paste. Set aside. . To butterfly chicken: Using a knife or poultry shears, cut out the backbone. . With a heavy pot, crack breastplate so

the bird lays flat. . Place butterflied chicken in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag. Rub reserved paste over chicken, and seal bag. . Refrigerate for 12 hours (or up to 1 day). . Heat grill to medium-low; lightly oil grates. . Wipe chicken with paper towels to remove excess paste, and season with 1 tablespoon coarse salt. . Place, skin side down, on grill and cook, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and an instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest part of a thigh (avoiding bone) registers 165 degrees, 35 to 40 minutes (if browning too quickly, move to a cooler part of grill). .

Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Chef’s Note Butterflying reduces the bird’s cooking time -- ask your butcher to do it, or see step 2.

To give the meat big taste, puree the marinade ingredients into a smooth paste. Plenty of (hands-off) marinating time deepens the flavor.

MARRIAGES Ismael Moises Bardalez, 35, to Maria Elena Landa Velez, 32, both of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye Felipe Josias Chan, 28, to Esmeralda Noemi Manzanero, 19, both of Bullet Tree Falls, Cayo District Gilbert Oliver Gibson, Sr., 46, to Sherlyn Rushane Crawford, 30, both of Belize City Raymond Wilfred Pitterson, 51, to Patricia Marie Smith, 50, both of Belize City Cesar Antonio Navarette, 27, to Sandy Leticia Lima, 23, both of Belmopan Jeovany Lima, 19, to Wendy Isabel Martinez, 18, both of Belmopan Dennis Raymond Miles, 42, of Roaring Creek, Cayo District, to Laura Corinne Young, 62, of New York City, New York, U.S.A. Humberto Hernandez, 33, to Mariaflor Puertas Ramos, 20, both of Sarteneja, Corozal District.

Stephen Michael Young, 31, to Tiffany Joy Gray, 20, both of Denver, Colorado, U.S.A. Gaspar Vasquez, 24, to Sabina Mai, 23, both of Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District Godfrey Orlando Wagner, 59, to Lisa Elizabeth Neal, 43, both of Belize City Ernesto Severo Shull, 29, to

Anita Beatrice Chiac, 25, both of Santa Rosa, Stann Creek District Weiren Luo, 28, to Huandan Gong, 29, both of Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District Tylon Dane Gladden, 32, to Lourdes Ogaldez, 24, both of Belize City Denis Ulises Zelaya, 26, to Vanessa Yorleni Espinoza Sarto, 35, both of Bella Vista, Toledo District Alrick Alexander Cattouse, 24, of Belize City, to Hannah Abigail Trujeque, 20, of Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District Wilder Valentin Suarez, 20, to Dianelis Yasmir Pech, 19, both of San Narciso, Corozal District Windy Marcony Suarez, 22, to Lilian Giselle Patt, 20, both of San Narciso, Corozal District Michael Shawn Donovan, 38, to Jennifer Lynn Good, 39, both of Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. Adiac Yarrin Galan, 23, to Karen Eunice Aleman, 21, both of Belize City El-Khalil Ben-Driss Sekoum, 40, to Erendira Esther Baeza Ballon, 32, both of Belize City Hugo Estuardo Mendez, 25, to Jessica del Carmen Aldana, 21, both of Benque Viejo del Carmen, Cayo District Patrick William McDaniel, 39, to Rebecca Lee Carlson, 38, both

of Westminster, Colorado, U.S.A. Amado Eulalio Vasquez, 42, to Joana Massiel Wright, 27, both of Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District Andy Rene Garcia, 22, of Chan Pine Ridge, Orange Walk District, to Amisarrai Nolemi Wright, 22, of Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District Florinario Butz, 22, to Candelaria Cucul, 17, both of San Benito Poite, Toledo District Curtis Kent Sutherland, 23, of Belize City, to Cristal Marie Westby, 21, of Crooked Tree, Belize District Eric Martin Huegele, 32, to Crystal Lynn Zerrath, 30, both of Sugarland, Texas, U.S.A. Trenton Joseph O’Connor, 34, to Erin Marie Bloomer, 27, both of Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A. Derek Roland Wood, 27, to Amanda Lynn Pushko, 27, both of Manhattan Beach, California, U.S.A. Jesse Raymond Burke, 32, to Cindy Christine Seitz, 39, both of Kent, Ohio, U.S.A. Jerome McKesey, 28, to Vickie MacLean, 34, both of Windsor, Ontario, U.S.A. Timothy Scott Booth, 47, to Jennifer Van-Trang Kunke, 42, both of San Diego, California, U.S.A. Alan Louis Frooninckx, 61, to Marjorie Anne Lueker, 53, both of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye Monte Dwayne Vincent, 28, to Frances Bernett, 33, both of Katy, Texas, U.S.A.

JL’s EZ CREDIT

BIRTHS Born to Herbert Yestrau and Melany Paulita Yestrau nee Blair, a girl, Ashley Marie Born to Alfonso Jesus Chicas and Janine Rosela Chicas nee Avila, a girl, Sofia Rose Born to Landy Bernard Casimiro and Irma Casimiro nee Bo, a boy, Nigel Cleofo Bernard Born to Tereso Alexander Vallejo and Karen Gabriella Vallejo nee Santizo, a boy, Nathan Alexander Born to Chrisnor Monde and Marie Judith Monde nee Jean, a boy, Elijah

DEATHS Ysidra Morales, 74 Gary Andrew Bowen, 33 Alicia Mary Acosta, 85

ON SILVER AND CONTEMPORARY JEWELRY “THE LATEST CRAZE IN JEWELRY” ALL YOU NEED IS A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD AND A GOOD NAME. JL’s Quick Loan #11 Douglas Jones, Belize City Tel: 223-1392

Liquor License NOTICES Notice is hereby given that YING YUAN LUO is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Denny’s Grocery Shop”, situate at Camalote Village, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that EDGAR COPO is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Brianny’s Grocery”, situate at 51 San Joaquin Street, Orange Walk Town under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

You worked really hard this year. Now it’s time to relax a little. Summer holidays are here! Let’s have some summer fun!

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2013

Mexico and BRAIN Central America

look to a renewed relationship

On February 20th, 2013, the President of Mexico, Enrique Pena-Nieto attended the First Summit between Mexico and member countries of the Central American Integration System (SICA), held in San Jose, Costa Rica.

It was the second international tour of his presidency and which he dedicated to approach visit a region that binds us like no other: geographical closeness or proximity, history, sisterhood and culture.

At that time, the Government leaders instructed the Foreign Ministers to convene to, “explore new formulas aimed at deepening and strengthening the ties between Mexico and Central America.”

The foreign ministers of the Central American region, as well as Colombia, Dominican Republic and Mexico met on Friday, June 21st at San Cristobal de las Casas, state of Chiapas, an emblematic city of southern Mexico and meeting place with Central America. They held frank political dialogue based on solid democratic culture, sustained on common values.

They analyzed ways to promote and strengthen economic ties that last year reflected a trade exchange to a value of 10 billion US dollars and accumulated Mexican investments of a similar amount.

It is evident that modernization

and simplification of the movement of goods through borders is an essential element to increase the exchange and enhance competitiveness. Therefore, they explored alternatives to achieve that objective, including the development of the Pacific Corridor and the Mexican funding of regional projects through the “Trust for the Infrastructure of countries in Central America and the Caribbean”.

They also exchanged views on migration flows prevailing in the region. The economic slowdown in the countries of final destination of migrants has had a significant impact on the number of people migrating from Central America as well as the amount of remittances to their countries of origin. The participating governments shared the concern about the increased risks and threats to the safety of people in their transit through the countries of the region.

Mexico has offered to intensify preventive and social measures.

Based on a common diagnosis of the situation and the priorities established by the Central American countries in the document entitled Security Strategy of Central America, cooperation to address transnational organized crime will intensify.

In this global outreach effort, which began in June 2011 during the Conference of Guatemala, the experience and programs developed by Colombia are of great value. Mexico will focus on the strengthening of institutions, the prevention of crime and the essential contribution of social policies to shape a prosperous, secure and peaceful region.

Mexican President Enrique Pena-Nieto has determined that Mexico will commit itself to act with global responsibility. This means having as a starting point, a strategic partnership with our immediate neighbors, in which Mexico is a source of initiatives and is at the forefront of joint projects.

Answers for last week’s puzzle

Answers for last week’s puzzle

Jose Antonio Meade-Kuribreña Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Minister

SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTION #22/2013

TEASER

SUDOKU PUZZLE #23/2013

See answers NEXT WEEK

See answers NEXT WEEK

30 JUN

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2013

BELIZE TIMES WEEKLY

SCIENCE & TECH R

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Selected By Chris Williams

Snapchat: the self-destructing message app that’s becoming a phenomenon A messaging app that makes photos and videos disappear moments after being sent or received is valued at $800m.

Posted by Leo Benedictus Wednesday 26 June 2013 In any other messaging app, you’d think it was a bug in the software. Moments after you send or receive a photograph or video clip on Snapchat, it disappears – permanently. Yet this simple twist on picture-messaging has made Snapchat a phenomenon.

Just over two years ago, Evan Spiegel was presenting the idea of a self-destructing message service to his classmates at Stanford University. They hated it, but in September 2011 he dropped out to launch it as an iPhone app with a fellow student, Bobby Murphy. Now more than 200m snaps are being sent every day around the world, compared with 40m on Instagram. In February, Snapchat raised a chunk of investment that valued the company at around $60m. Now, it has raised a chunk more, valuing it at $800m. Most flattering, the service has been ripped off – but not replaced – by Facebook.

Why would so many people, mostly teenagers, want to be able to send one another photos and videos

Now you see it, now you don’t: the app that instantly deletes photos after you have sent them. Photograph: Michael Melia/Alamy

that nobody else will ever see? I think you know why. The exchange of sexually explicit messages has been popular for as long as it’s been possible, but sadly so has humiliating people later with the evidence. Snapchat at last provides sexting with a prophylactic.

The company denies this.

“I’m not convinced that the whole sexting thing is as big as the media makes it out to be,” Spiegel has said. “I just don’t know people who do that.” He may be right. It is the nature of the app that no one knows how it is generally being used.

Although of course Snapchat’s

guarantee of privacy isn’t quite a guarantee. The recipient can photograph the screen with a different camera – or use the smartphone itself to take a screenshot, but then the sender is told they have done so. And if you’re determined enough, old images can often be recovered anyway. This may support Spiegel’s point, in fact. If teenagers know about this, which they surely do, would millions of them really be using Snapchat for sex? Perhaps most of it is merely embarrassing, rather than explicit.

The app’s true appeal may be something more fundamental.

Smartphone and social media users know the addictive buzz of a fresh message. Making it ephemeral and secretive intensifies the buzz. Dennis Phelps of IVP, one of Snapchat’s new investors, said: “The temporary nature of the photo or video often creates a sense of excitement and an urgency of consumption that is rare in this era of information overload.” After the mild era of texts and ‘Likes’, perhaps Snapchat is the hard stuff.

Nerve grafts let paralysed rats pee again 25 June 2013 by Sara Reardon The ability to urinate normally is something that paralysed people often say would improve their lives. New work offers some hope.

When the spinal cord is severed, the brain can no longer control muscles below the break, which affects bladder control.

Grafting nerve tissue onto the injured spinal cord so that new neurons from the brainstem can grow over the gap could help to reverse this, but scar tissue gets in the way.

About a decade ago, research-

ers discovered that a bacterial enzyme called chondroitinase breaks down this kind of scar tissue. To test how this enzyme might help a graft regrow, Jerry Silver of Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, and colleagues performed surgery on rats whose spinal cords had been completely severed. The researchers removed a section of nerve from another part of each rat’s body, such as the leg, and used it to form a graft over the damaged spinal cord. They added chondroitinase to the area, along with a signalling molecule called FGF that helped the grafts align correctly.

Pressure’s on Six months later, the rats still could not walk but they were able to pee unaided. The pressure in their bladders indicated that they had regained roughly twothirds of their bladder function. The team found that nerves from the brainstem had regrown across the break and were transmitting signals to the muscles that control the bladder.

It seems some brainstem neurons can grow down the spinal cord if helped through scar tissue, says Silver. “That’s really cool, I was shocked.” He says he suspects that humans have a similar set of super-regenerating cells.

Before the technique could be tried in humans, however, it will have to be trialled in larger animals such as cats, says John Houle of Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Additionally, Silver and his colleagues still have to establish whether the technique can repair spinal cords that were injured long before the graft surgery, which may be less able to grow back.

The good news is that both chondroitinase and nerve grafts have been used safely in humans before.

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The Belizean Titanic (Proverbs 14:12)

The first time I saw the movie (The Titanic) I was glued to my TV screen. We had borrowed the video from a friend. It was so long that it came in two separate videos. The complete movie was captivating from start to the finish. Well written, well directed, powerful story line, romance, you name it and it could be found in that movie. Although there were many heart wrenching scenes, one that struck a deep “chord” in me was the scene where a rich male passenger gave one of the ship’s attendant a big stack of money to do a favor for him. Not surprisingly it was rejected! See it came at a time where money did not matter. The ship had already hit the ice berg, there were far too many people than life boats and it was a sure thing that this attendant would be dead and facing his maker in nothing more than a couple of hours! At that time the wealthy women and children were put on the life boats first and following that would be the wealthy men. If you were poor you would be last and well basically out of life boats by the time your turn came around! To make matters worse, if you were an employee of the ship you did not get the privilege of leaving on a life boat while your customers perish!

After the iceberg crash, this behemoth of a ship was filled with uncertainty and confusion. People’s basic need (survival) became the top priority and not finance. But today we would confuse it even more. We would have men of the male gender saying ‘well, today, I feel like I’m a woman and with this freedom I am entitled to go on the boat first’. There would then need to be a new rule saying if you’re a woman with male ‘genetalia’, you would not be able to go first! Wow, what a confusion it would have been!

See, Belize is setting itself up to run into an iceberg as she is speeding way outside her speed limit in the open iceberg infested seas, with a young immature but full of potential vessel. Her eye is on the prize it appears, being it dollars, acceptance, or approval, so she sees nothing else! It’s almost as if she cannot see for herself but rather have foreign interests make decisions for her! A sickness usually caused by the greed of rabid, addicted, politicians!

Belize consistently overlooks basic but vital values continuously, and intentionally neglecting the instruction of God that it ‘claims’ it serves! In the titanic for example, the first vital instruction that was ignored was that of having as much lifeboats as would facilitate every single person onboard. But Nooo. This ship was so unsinkable that not even God could let it take in water! Now as if this deficiency of life boats was not enough warning for them to tread carefully on the journey, they began spanking the ship to its extreme in terms of speed! The proud Captain in the movie said “Let’s stretch her legs!” Well they disobeyed two small or seemingly small instruction because their focus was not on principles but rather on the massive appearance of this unsinkable ship! Well you and I both know the story that suddenly in their journey they met up with principles and found themselves floating up a certain famous creole creek with no paddles!

In Belize we have decided to ignore the instruction of the Maker of the earth and believe apparently that we are indestructible!

Who is God? Who gave him permission to tell us how many life boats we need or how fast we should travel? How daring can He be to tell us who is male or female? Who is He to try and tell us when, or with who, we can have sex?

We have made life boats out of condoms and are plunging ahead full speed with more passengers on board than life boats!

Look out Belize, there are icebergs in this ocean!

Until next week God bless!

30 JUN

2013

GALLSTONES The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ on the right side of the abdomen

By Dr. Mark Musa below the liver. The gallbladder contains digestive fluid called bile which is important in the digestion of fats from the diet. Gallstones are hardened deposits/crystals of bile.

Causes It is not clear what causes gallstones to form. Three contributing factors are: 1) If the liver excretes more cholesterol than your bile can dissolve then the excess cholesterol develops crystals/stones known as cholesterol stones.

2) If the bile contains too much of the pigment bilirubin which is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. Certain conditions such as sickle cell anemia and liver cirrhosis can lead to pigment / bilirubin stones.

3) If there is a problem with gallbladder emptying, the bile becomes too concentrated forming a thick sludge which leads to stone formation.

Symptoms Gallstones may cause no signs or symptoms. Gallstones can cause sudden severe pain in the upper middle or upper right side of the abdomen and is often associated with vomiting. Seek immediate medical care if the pain is worsening and severe, and if you develop fever/chills and yellowing of the white of your eyes (jaundice).

Risk Factors Factors that may increase your risk of gallstones include: being female, being overweight or obese, being pregnant, eating a high-fat/cholesterol diet, eating a low fiber-diet, having diabetes, having a family-history of gallstones, losing weight very quickly, taking cholesterol-lowering medications or birth-control / hormone-replacement therapy containing estrogen.

Test & Treatment An Abdominal US scan is the best test to diagnose gallstones.

It may show other problems such as a stone in the bile ducts. Treatment for gallstones that are causing signs and symptoms is surgery to remove the gallbladder (Cholecystectomy). This surgery can be done through a camera and instruments called Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. The benefit of doing it by the minimal invasive camera is that the incision/cut is much smaller, pain after surgery is less, the hospital stay and recovery period is shorter, and the risk of skin infections is much less. Gallbladder removal doesn’t affect your ability to digest food, but it can cause diarrhea which is usually temporary as your digestive system adapts.

No Alternative medicines have been proved to cure or dissolve gallstones. Eating a diet high in fiber and low in saturated animal fats can help to limit symptoms and flare-ups of pain caused by gallstones.

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2013

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Friendly football match in Port Loyola Belize City, June 27, 2013 Due to a number circumstances beyond control, the football and basketball marathons that Gilroy Usher, Sr. and the PUP Port Loyola Committee had planned for Saturday June 29th at the Cumberbatch Field in Belize City have been cancelled.

Instead of those events, Gilroy Usher, Sr. and the PUP Port Loyola Committee invite football players from the division to participate in a friendly football match at the Cumberbatch Field on Sunday June 30 at starting at 3:00 p.m. sharp. The winner of this event will receive a cash prize of $200 among other things.

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THINK ABOUT IT Alan Dershowitz, one of America’s most respected defense attorneys, has written his considered views of the justice system based on his many years of experience in the U.S.A. Alan says that he has come across a series of “rules” which govern the justice game in the U.S.A. Below he list some of the key “rules”.

RULE 1: Almost all criminal defendants are in fact, guilty.

RULE 2: All criminal defense lawyers, prosecutors and judges understand and believe Rule 1.

RULE 3: It is easier to convict guilty defendants by violating the Constitution than by complying with it, and in some cases it is impossible to convict guilty defendants without violating the Constitution.

RULE 4: Almost all police lie about whether they violated the Constitution in order to convict guilty defendants.

RULE 5: All prosecutors, judges and defense attorneys are aware of rule 4.

RULE 6: Many prosecutors implicitly encourage the police to lie about whether they violated the Constitution in order to convict guilty defendants.

RULE 7: All judges are aware of rule 6.

RULE 8: Most trial judges pretend to believe police officers who they know are lying.

RULE 9: All appellate judges are aware of rule 8, yet many pretend to believe the trial judges who pretend to believe the lying police officers.

RULE 10: Most judges disbelieve defendants about whether their Constitutional rights have been violated, even if they are telling the truth.

RULE 11: Most judges and prosecutors would not knowingly convict a defendant who they believe to be innocent.

RULE 12: Rule 11 does not apply to members of organized crime, drug dealers, career criminals, or potential informers.

RULE13: Nobody really wants justice.

STEVEN BUCKLEY Three years ago a Police shot Steven Buckley through the windshield of a vehicle. There were several witnesses.

Buckley was a passenger returning from his job in his boss’s vehicle.

The shooting was an error by a Police working the new brutal anti-crime campaign.

Buckley has four young children. He has no criminal record and is not a trouble maker. The trial of the shooting Police has just reached the Supreme Court and should soon start. In the meantime Buckley is unable to work, is incapacitated, can barely talk and is forced to beg to feed and clothe his children.

This case is just one of many which highlights how uncaring and cold hearted is the government. The Police are employees of the government. When the Police wrongly injures a citizen the government should do the right thing and shoulder the responsibilities.

The government is wasting millions of dollars, paying private family lawyers to go to court in useless endless litigation that are of no reliance to the people of Belize, and which they lose anyhow.

But that same government refuses to

30 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

send some groceries, some school fees money for an innocent hardworking father who they have injured.

Mr. Buckley this week took to the media to once again highlight his plight.

No one called in to offer help.

We know many hearts have been shocked to see a whole family suffering.

Our people want to help – their hearts are willing but their pockets are weak.

NELSON MANDELA Nelson Mandela and his friend Fidel Castro are the greatest living heroes in our present time. Both are well on in years and walk closer to the grave.

Nelson Mandela is very ill. He will soon be gone. We miss him already.

Nelson Mandela was the symbol of the fight against naked racism in our time. White people in the nation of South Africa have ruled over millions of black people with an iron fist. This was happening not in far gone days, but in the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s.

Although most African nations had successfully fought for their independence against various white European countries that had conquered and colonized them, South Africa was unique. The white had gotten their independence but kept their evil system of control over millions of blacks. They called it Apartheid.

The black South Africans had formed a movement to fight against their brutal oppression. That movement – The African National Congress later felt it had no choice but to resort to violence.

Nelson Mandela, a young black African joined the A.N.C. and became their articulate spokesman and champion. He publicly agreed that force would have to be used to get rid of the racist government.

In those times the U.S.A. and Britain supported the racist South African Government. They themselves had a long history of racism against black people in their own country, much so against black people in other countries.

Nelson Mandela like so many other thousands of innocent black men, women and children was thrown in jail. He spent 27 years of his life behind bars. He became the great international symbol of the struggle to end racism in South Africa.

In the end, Mandela had to be freed and the racist government collapsed. He became the new President. He never victimized the racist people who destroyed his life and killed and tortured so many black Africans. He did not take away any land or farms from the evil people. He preached reconciliation and forgiveness.

And he practiced it. He is the most extraordinary leader we have seen in our time.

He did visit Fidel Castro to personally thank him and the Cuban people for all the help and support Cuba gave to fighting the Apartheid government and its foreign allies.

The University of Belize, which has manifested a failure to promote panel discussions on important topics, should consider hosting a forum on the great Nelson Mandela. Or better still, Galen University could do it on their TV programs.

And why is Assad Shoman not the President of the University of Belize?

LOOK MAYOR, NO DRAINS Belize City has over 540 streets.

Can’t say how many alleys. Maybe a hundred or two.

Belize City is in the hurricane season 2013. God be praised that we have not had a major hurricane since 1962. Should a hurricane pass through the city all of Minister Boots’ plycem houses will be gone with the wind.

Our grandparents built their wooden houses on stilts, strong wooden posts.

As concrete replaces wood, the new generation builds their bungalows flat on the ground.

Belize City is below sea level. It suffers from being low-lying. This is why raising our streets and filling our yards is important.

The Belize City Council and its ambitious Mayor have borrowed twenty million dollars to pave one hundred streets.

Incredible as it may sound, not a single drain is being put in.

Even as the first month of the hurricane season is completed, five more to go, hundreds if not thousands of drains are seen clogged up and overgrown with grass and muck.

Incredible.

B.E.L. The Belize Electricity Limited has collected a total revenue in 2012 of 193 million dollars. It spent every single dollar it collected and then some.

It announced at its general meeting that it is broke.

It sent 164 million dollars to Mexico for power we buy from them.

It spent 30 million dollars to repay monies.

What awesome waste and mismanagement.

All the millions of dollars sucked out of the economy from the pockets of the poor to the overtaxed business people – gone, gone to Mexico.

Is this what B.E.L. is sucking our millions of dollars for?

Is it not time to seriously look at how solar power can reduce the cost to a poor struggling people?

ROY GILL Roy Stanley Gill is the proprietor of the popular pharmacy on Freetown Road known as Alpha Drug Store.

Mr. Gill is a highly trained and qualified pharmacist with many years of experience in the medical and pharmaceutical industry.

He is the oldest child or Roy Gill Sr. and Evadne Gill nee Eusey. He was on born on Wagner Lane and educated at St. Michael’s College.

Roy Gill as well as his brother Stephen Gill, a public officer at the MET Department are the people whom the Bible describe as the salt of the Earth. They are the good people. No malice, no hatred in their hearts. They go out of their way to help others. The playboy of the family is Andrew Gill of New York.

Roy Gill recently celebrated his sixtieth birthday or was it fifty five, with family and friends at a surprise party organized by his wife Diana. Minister of Sports, Herman Longsworth, who is family was among the guests who were given a treat with several stories of legendary Wagner Lane personalities like Alejandro Mariano Castellano, Choocho, Rhodas, Seven-up, Ordonez, Gilly King, Doctor No, Freddy

2013

Punk, Cholong and many others.

Many happy returns Stanley.

RAY FULLER Ray Fuller was considered one of the brightest Permanent Secretaries in the Belize government service prior to independence. He was the youngest Permanent Secretary in his time.

His brother, Ernest E.N.D Fuller also became a Permanent Secretary.

Ray also became the first manager of the newly formed Development Finance Corporation. He had been one of a new breed of Permanent Secretaries who were university trained. He also did an extensive tour in Trinidad, heading one of their quasi-government business.

Ray Fuller was always an affable and approachable person and was well liked by younger public officers.

In the late 1970’s he was elected President of the Cycling Association and oversaw many improvements in that sport, including the first Miss Cycling beauty contests and collaboration between horse-racing and track racing as joint programs at the National Stadium.

He increased the number of prizes for the Cross Country riders and obtained sponsorship from the business community for many cyclists. He got Ministry of Works to do major improvements to the highway.

Ray Fuller has been living in Burrell Boom with his wife Judith Reid Fuller for sometime and has battled a stroke. But he is still the jovial, brilliant mind that everyone was endeared to him for.

Gratitude is due for all the good things you did for Belize Mr Ray. B.T.L. B.T.L has been ripping off Belizeans with their high telephone and text and internet rates for sometime now, and getting away with it.

A recent report comparing B.T.L., known scornfully as Barrow’s Telemedia, with other Caribbean telecommunication company has B.T.L. rates among some of the highest.

Shame!

Shameful!

PUBLIC OFFICERS Public officers, who used to be known as Civil Servants have been among those in Belize on fixed salaries who are in dire need of a salaries increase.

These employees of the state are the ones who do all the work and in these hard economic times, keep the government service going. Politicians/Ministers get all the pay but the civil servants do all the work.

If Public Officers decide to strike the country would come to a stand still.

The wages and salaries paid to Public Officers are way behind the cost of living.

Like teachers, nurses, Police and B.D.F these workers deserve an increase in their pay.

13 BABIES DIE-NO ONE AT FAULT 13 babies died at KHMH and no one is responsible.

A bogus press conference on Wednesday provided little answers or no responsibilities on any of the arrogant big shots.

And from where did the government find those two strange characters named Dr Allen and Dr. Longs-worth.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Denny Grijalva

charged!

In Court UDP Politician recants story, claims D-Mars did not damage Noh Mul Mayan Site

such as construction equipment used in the offences. The Mines and Minerals Act which gives special provisions for the protection of cultural resources like Noh Mul, and penalties if that section of the law is broken.

accountability at KHMH PAHO’s findings point to Ministry of Health/ KHMH incompetence and lack of accountability June 27, 2013 Yesterday’s Press Conference, led by Minister of Health Pablo Marin, to brief the nation on PAHO’s findings and recommendations on the KHMH neonatal deaths offered very few answers to the grieving families of the babies who tragically died at the KHMH in May of this year, and did nothing to begin the process of restoring confidence in Belize’s Health Sector.

The Report points to a disgraceful and frightening breakdown in the KHMH’s infection’s control infrastructure and environment currently in place. The Report finds that the Infection Control Committee (ICC) and the Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPC) at KHMH are NOT FUNCTIONING and lack proper direction. Even Hospital Infections Reports are not being adequately produced according to the report. All this means that our ability to identify and combat any infection which may arise at our National

Hospital is presently very seriously compromised and may lead to further loss of life.

It is our respectful view that this Report confirms that our current Ministry and Minister of Health have failed the Belizean people and must be held accountable for this failure which continues to manifest itself in new revelations of incompetence each week. Thirteen beautiful Belizean babies have died and the Government of Belize and Minister of Health Pablo Marin offer no accountability.

After five years of incompetent leadership at the Ministry of Health, the Belizean people deserve and demand better.

We call upon Prime Minister Dean Barrow to immediately return to Belize to provide leadership on this most important matter involving the Health of our nation and repeat our call for him to remove Pablo Marin as the Minister responsible for Health in our Country.

CARTOON

Orange Walk District, June 27, 2013 The UDP’s Orange Walk Central Mayan site undertaker Pastor Denny Grijalva was summoned to the Corozal Magistrate Court this morning to answer to a single criminal charge for his company’s destruction of the 2,300 year old Noh Mul mayan site.

Grijalva and his wife appeared before Magistrate Clive Lino and were informed of charges brought before them as Directors of the company.

When asked how they answered to the charge, Grijalva, who had admitted publicly that his company was responsible and he will pay whatever fine there is in a press release, suddenly changed his story and pled not guilty.

Two of Grijalva’s employees were also charged.

D-Mars’ truck driver 19 year old Emil Cruz and foreman Javier Nuñez were charged for the removal of stones from an ancient monument and wilfully damaging an ancient monument charges and causing the destruction of an ancient monument, respectively.

Between Monday and Wednesday, Cruz and Nuñez were detained by the Orange Walk Police for interrogation.

These interrogations come after seven weeks of foot-dragging. The Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Lyn Vidal had rejected the initial investigation file sent to her office after it was discovered that no statements were taken from any of the persons who were caught operating construction equipment on top of the Noh Mul Mayan site. The Police’s sloppy work meant more weeks of delay.

But the charge laid on Grijalva is being taken with a lump of salt by the Belizean public. Is it just a political stunt? Will the case crumble like the Mark King trial, with the Police Officers suffering sudden cold-feet and amnesia? Confidence in the Police and the DPP is at its all-time lowest The BELIZE TIMES has been told by reliable sources that a political directive has been issued to the Police that Grijalva cannot be found guilty of any charges. Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega, in whose constituency Grijalva was constructing roads with the material extracted from the Mayan site, is currently the all-powerful Acting Prime Minister.

The BELIZE TIMES can almost predict that Grijalva will walk away scotch free because the Police are being directed to use the employees as scapegoats.

The UDP is not applying the full force of the law. The National Institute of Culture and History Act gives authorities permission to forfeit vehicles

PUP demands

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THE BELIZE TIMES

30 JUN

2013