Belize Times June 8, 2014

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

8 JUNE 2014 | ISSUE NO: 4898

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

Bar

Opposes Barrow Bar & Opposition Leader Reject Barrow’s Re-Appointment of Judge

Belize City, June 4, 2014 The Belize Bar Association has bucked heads with Prime Minister Dean Barrow again over the proposed re-appointment of Justice Samuel Awich to the Court of Appeal.

The Bar, in a strongly-worded resolution that was crafted following an

important general meeting of its members on Monday, June 2nd, has declared that Awich’s appointment “gives rise to a real likelihood of an appearance of bias”.

The proposed reappointment of Samuel Awich to the Bench has stirred major controversy

Pg. 3

“ROD OF

CORRECTION”

Unleashed on Barrow administration

Ecuador’s

Most Wanted Linked to UDP Pg. 6

BELIZE CITY, Thursday, June 5th, 2014 It’s been said before, and repeated to infinity, that Belizeans are beyond fed up with the constant disrespect, disregard and abuse of power that has swollen the ranks of this UDP administration, as maestroed by the incompetent, power-hungry marshal, Dean O. Barrow. And while there have been multiple attempts by the social partners and the Unions to fight against the excess and rein in the Barrow government’s continued lust for power, it has never quite reached a point where action has become the only outlet to bring this out-of-control Government to permanent heel.

Pg. 23

Singhing for More Pg. 23

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UDP’s end in Cayo North East is near!

San Ignacio, June 2, 2014 The UDP are at war with themselves in Cayo North East. With Elvin Penner pushed out by royal decree to save the UDP some major embarrassment, several opportunists have jumped into the race thinking that the people of the area are fools to give them another chance.

The war is on and getting intense between three losing candidates vying for UDP Standard Bearer for Cayo Northeast. The post became vacant after Elvin “Passport” Penner turned politically radioactive for the UDP. This is after Dean Barrow discovered that Penner had cheaply signed away Belizean patrimony to a wanted fugitive who was in a Taiwan prison.

The two frontrunners in this race of losers are John August and Eduardo Juan. John August’s campaign against Eduardo Juan is that Juan is a Penner lackey and supporter. A win for Juan is a win for corrupt Elvin Penner.

Juan proved that much in a Channel 7 interview last Thursday in which he spoke insanely saying that Penner is “still loved” by the people. When he referred to “the people”, he probably meant folks like Kim Won Hong, to whom Penner gave away Belizean citizenship and passport illegally.

According to Juan, if Penner would become a candidate tomorrow,

he would step aside immediately.

The UDP really couldn’t have put up a candidate more spineless than him.

In the case of Mayor John August, his campaign has no rules.

August has the upperhand with the Town Council’s resources at his reach, but there are too many skeletons in his closet. Juan has been exposing those skeletons bit by bit.

Juan’s campaign team claims to have evidence that the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council, under August’s watch, has been issuing driver’s licences to underage persons. If true, this is wrong, Illegal and dangerous because the legal age for driving is 18. It is also alleged that the Council has been stepping out of its jurisdiction with the issuance of driver’s license for village residents, when it is the responsibility of the Department of Transport.

Juan’s camp has reported the multiple cases of wrongdoing to the Transport Department, but with no action forthcoming, the conclusion is that the Council enjoys the endorsement and protection of the Barrow Administration.

According to Juan’s camp, there is much more to be revealed.

The BELIZE TIMES will keep monitoring this contest of political failures and keep reporting on the UDP skeletons and spinelessness.

Cayo District, June 4, 2014 A Benque Viejo Town Council vehicle, property of taxpayers, was badly damaged in a collision and left abandoned by the UDP driver and crew last week.

The occupants apparently in an attempt to conceal the identity of the vehicle accident removed the license plates, but they forgot that the Council’s identification sticker remained on the vehicle.

Typical airhead UDPs. What were they trying to hide? Answer: their culpability, recklessness, abuse and waste of Continued on page 23

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weather 7 Jun

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2014

Big Break for COLA’s Prosecution!

Town Council vehicle crashed then abandoned

LOCAL

8 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

Penner file to be tabled at House Meeting next Friday?

Belize City, June 4, 2014 COLA’s private prosecution of corrupt UDP Minister Elvin Penner is about to get a big break!

Government sources have confirmed to the BELIZE TIMES that the much-coveted Auditor General’s “preliminary report” into the Immigration scandal involving Penner’s criminal wrongdoing could be de-classified once it is introduced at the next House Sitting scheduled for Friday June 13, 2014.

Both Auditor General Dorothy Bradley and Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie have rejected COLA’s request for the provision of material evidence found in their investigations.

In a March 28th 2014 letter, the Auditor General stated as one of her reasons for refusing to cooperate or provide disclosure that the information sought by COLA is “exempt” under the Freedom of Information Act because of a “rebuttable presumption” that it is being reviewed

by Cabinet. Documents under review by Cabinet are only made public if they are tabled before a House Meeting.

But our sources also say that major UDP players are trying to block the tabling of the Auditor General’s report at next Friday’s House meeting in an attempt to continue keep-

2610Mar Jun

ing the public in the dark as to the findings of her investigation into how Penner was able to facilitate the giving of Belizean citizenship and passport for South Korean fugitive Kim Won Hong and others.

Those UDPs do not want COLA’s prosecution to succeed because it has major political implications for them.

These implications include the revelation of a larger immigration scandal and their complicity in the criminal scheme. COLA’s private prosecution has met serious challenges and obstacles despite having been recommended by the Prime Minister. COLA’s President Geovanni Brackett and attorney Kareem Musa have accused the Auditor General’s office, the Police Department and the Ombudsman’s office of deliberately obstructing their efforts to get Penner to face justice.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow has Continued on page 3

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The Belize Times

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14 APR 2013

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2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

Bar

Opposes Barrow

Bar & Opposition Leader Reject Barrow’s Re-Appointment of Judge Continued from page 1 The “appearance of bias”, according to the Bar, lies in a sequence of events leading to the Prime Minister’s notification of his decision. The Prime Minister had given notice to the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Francis Fonseca via a letter on Thursday May 19th, four days after Awich delivered the lead decision in favour of the Government in a constitutional case regarding the Barrow Administration’s takeover of Belize Telemedia Limited.

The Government had been aware that Awich’s contract was coming to an end for months. It should have been more proper to sort out any negotiations for a contract renewal way before.

The Bar also noted in their resolution that they had previously opposed Awich’s appointment back in 2012, but Prime Minister went ahead with his decision.

There has been a testy history between the Bar, under various leaders, and Justice Awich as far back as 2009.

While serving as a Supreme Court Judge, Justice Awich came under heavy criticism from the Bar Association for reportedly delaying judgments. In 2009 the Bar called on Awich to remove himself. That didn’t happen, and when

Big Break for COLA’s Prosecution!

Continued from page 2 himself been concealing information.

The Auditor General’s preliminary findings have been sitting on his desk for nearly three months. The report was submitted to him and sanctimonious Minister of Immigration Godwin Hulse since March 21, 2014 yet there has not even been a peep about further investigations or actions.

It took the bold leadership of Opposition Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca who sought a Supreme Court order to force the Commissioner of Police to commence a criminal investigation on Penner. The Prime Minister has now attempted to block that order by appealing the ruling before a higher court.

The UDP’s attempts to sabotage COLA’s prosecution have not been successful. Penner has been to court twice, first his arraignment and then on May 29th to receive disclosure. Musa has declared that if it takes subpoenaing persons withholding evidence and information on the case, COLA is prepared to do so. The list of persons includes Prime Minister Barrow and Minister of Immigration Hulse. Penner and COLA will return to Court on June 26th.

Prime Minister Barrow named him to a higher court in 2012, the Bar was vehemently opposed to it.

A resolution put out by the Bar then, declared that “Awich lacks the judicial wherewithal required of a Justice of Appeal”, and cited that “Justice Awich’s tenure as a Supreme Court Judge has been characterized by his failure to deliver judgments in a timely manner”.

Barrow, in his usual pig-head-

ed style, ignored the Bar Association and is expected to do the same this time around.

The BELIZE TIMES has confirmed that Opposition Leader Hon. Fonseca has also responded to the Prime Minister, declaring that he does not support Awich’s appointment. Hon. Fonseca, we understand, cited the concerns from the legal fraternity as key reasons for his lack of support.

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4 04

THE BELIZE TIMES

on the

UDP: A Threat to the Rule of Law

By Francis W. Fonseca At a Special Meeting of the Bar Association of Belize held on Monday, June 2, 2014 the Bar Association expressed in very strong and clear terms its opposition to the proposed re-appointment of Mr. Justice Samuel Awich to the Belize Court of Appeal for a further period of seven years, and condemned the grant of this extension of contract just after the delivery of the judgment by the Court of Appeal in Civil Appeals No’s 18, 19 and 21 of 2012 in favor of the Government of Belize as detrimental to

confidence in the administration of justice in Belize.

Mr. Justice Awich was first appointed to the Court of Appeal on May 16, 2012 for a period of two years over the strong objections of both the Bar Association and the Leader of the Opposition.

The “Nationalisation” appeals were heard in October of 2012 and a majority decision by Justice Awich was delivered on May 15, 2014, the very day of the expiration of his appointment.

Both the Bar association and myself, as Leader

of the Opposition, have objected once again to the proposed re-appointment of Justice Awich.

I have consistently objected to the Barrow Government’s practice of appointing Judges to the Court of Appeal on short term contracts and join the Bar Association in condemning this continued practice which serves only to undermine the independence of our judiciary.

I fully associate myself with the Bar Association in condemning

8 JUN

2014 “ in the strongest terms any attempt to influence the outcome of appeals through the use of contracts, as well as any appearance or suggestion of such, as inimical to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law and as undermining confidence in the administration of justice”.

All Belizeans should be aware and concerned about this issue and join the Bar Association in condemning these practices. The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry in particular know very well how critically important the independence of the judiciary and observance of the rule of law are to a healthy and productive investment climate and economy.

Mr. Barrow and his UDP Government’s belief that the ends always justify the means, represents a clear and present danger to the rule of law and to democracy in Belize.

The patience of the Belizean people is wearing very thin Mr. Barrow.

8 JUN

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

05 5

EDITORIAL

Enough Is Enough!

Something is going very wrong in Belize, and most Belizeans at home and abroad can see it. The government, elected to serve, without fear or favour and with no discrimination to race, creed or colour, has failed the Belizean people miserably, and in such a short time. According to Mark King, the UDP policy is UDP first, Belizeans second and PUPs last. Imagine that!

On an almost daily basis, Belizeans are left to wonder in amazement and disgust when the elected Government of Prime Minister Dean Barrow will get things right. Our people are under constant assault, as safety has become an expensive luxury. While citizen’s security is under attack, so is our national security. This is the result of the Barrow Administration’s failure to define a comprehensive security policy to protect our people from internal criminal activity and our national territory from external attacks. In fact, looking at the level of disregard for our nation’s security and territorial sovereignty, and the lack of appropriate response and inaction from the Government, one would think we have no security policy. This means our security forces are left to figure things out on their own, operating in a haphazard manner.

When the PUP was in Government it responded to threats to our border security with swiftness and unflinching national pride. Equipping our Belize Defense Force soldiers with the resources to patrol our borders and protect our territory was a priority. Our Police was supported, with resources and moral supplements, and the fight to curb crime was launched from all fronts, including social and economic interventions to rid of poverty and dependency.

Now look at the social decay in our country. Can you feel the inherent economic despair, which seems to be a repeated chorus every year? The continued disrespect of our people through victimization, abuse and manipulation?

A priority for any Government should be the protection of its citizens. But today even security officials are sadly wondering if it is worth serving under this Government. Their morale is at the lowest ever. They are constantly abused and manipulated. Their best interests are never a priority. This is the legacy of the UDP – they destroy everything in their paths, even the dreams and aspirations of a people wanting to live a prosperous life.

Of the many wrongs done to our people and the desecration of many of our democratic principles by the Barrow Administration since taking office in 2008, their attack and oppressive rule over right-thinking members of the Judiciary is among the most tyrannical and sinister.

Belizeans have also had enough of the UDP. They have delivered more excuses than GDP growth. They are drowning Belize in a cesspool of corruption. The time to stand up for the sake of the country is near.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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2014

Ecuador’s Most Wanted Linked to UDP Belize City, June 2nd, 2014 When the news of the arrest of Ecuador fugitive, Floyd Wendel Ebanks Jurado, went public the UDP spin masters were quick to find every possible way to paint him as a PUP. Channel 7 was on the forefront and reported that Ebanks “was very active in the 2012 general elections” for the PUP, but it couldn’t be further from the truth.

Ebanks was involved in the PUP Cayo West campaign until mid-2011, when PUP officials learnt of his close links with the UDP. Ebanks was immediately removed from the PUP’s campaign.

The truth is that Ebanks has a very close relationship with then UDP Freetown Candidate Lee Mark Chang. A photo obtained by the BELIZE TIMES, taken at one of Lee Mark Chang’s political rallies in 2011, shows Ebanks and Chang almost cuddling. The photo had been posted on a previously existing Floyd Ebanks Jr. Facebook profile page

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Registry with effect from the dates indicated: 5th day of June, 2014 -- TOUCHING TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION LIMITED 5th day of June, 2014 -- Tremendous Power International Co., Ltd.

Power Point Trust (Belize) Ltd.

Liquor License NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that JIAN LIN JIANG is applying for a RESTAURANT Liquor License to be operated at “Lian Store”, situate at 3 Lord’s Bank, Ladyville, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that ELISEO GUARDADO is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Kendra’s Shop”, situate at San Felipe Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that MD AZIZUR RAHMAN AZAD is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “San Lorenzo Grocery Shop”, situate at #San Lorenzo Housing Site, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

with the caption reading “Lee Mark for Freetown”.

Under the photo, a comment was posted by Lee Mark saying “Nice Pic”.

Mysteriously, the Facebook page disappeared and so did the photo. But a member of Chang’s own camp was keeping tabs and decided to share the revealing photo.

We do not expect pro-UDP Channel 7 to correct their misleading report, as it is their objective to malign the PUP every possible way. Rest assured that the BELIZE TIMES will keep checking your “facts”, Jules.

As for Ebanks, he was detained on May 14th by the Gang Suppression Unit after searching his residence on Teacher’s Street in Belama Phase II and allegedly discovering an illegal firearm. Ebanks has appeared on Ecuador’s Most Wanted Listing for the alleged killing of Teofilo Martin Alejandro Yagual in a land dispute on “La Isla Puna”.

The Police have confirmed that Ebanks is a person wanted by Ecuador’s Police officials, but are clueless if there will be any form of cooperation.

Ebanks is on prison remand for the gun charge until his next court date which has been set for July 21st.

8 JUN

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

07 7

PUP READY for Elections Under the auspices of the PUP Secretariat a capacity building training for officials of the Party was held on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at Independence Hall.

The objective of the training is to fine-tune PUP’s readiness as the Elections near.

For more information about upcoming training workshops, interested persons should contact their PUP Standard Bearers and Constituency Chairpersons.

Join the movement for Change!

The PUP will serve the people!

HAVE HOPE! The PUP will Serve The People

PUP Western Leaders

United in Purpose!

City of Belmopan, June 4th, 2014 The six leaders of the People’s United Party Western Caucus: Hon. Julius Espat, Hon. Joseph Mahmud, Senator Patrick Andrews, Dra. Lesbia Guerra Cocom, Orlando Habet and former Minister Daniel Silva, gathered in Belmopan with PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the Party’s work in the Cayo District.

The Western leaders committed to working in unity to bring about PUP victory in all constituencies and much needed change for the people of Cayo. The UDP have long considered the Cayo District as the safe seats of the “red hills”. That notion was shattered in the 2012 elections when Cayo South and Cayo North turned against the UDP, while in Cayo North East and Cayo Central they barely held on to victories despite massive fraudulent registration of voters and vote buying. This time, the people of Cayo will send their message loud and clear: they deserve better, with true and humble

PUP leadership.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the PUP Leader emphasized that Belizeans have had enough of the usual politics, the kind that the UDPs are masters of – false promises, greed, victimiza-

tion and abuse of power. He said he required of the constituency leaders their full commitment to a PUP agenda focused on three pillars: economic reform, governance reform and education reform. He said that the Belizean people are relying on the PUP to rescue Belize and provide better leadership.

The Western Leaders said they

L to R: Hon. Joseph Mahmud, Lesbia Guerra-Cocom, Senator Patrick Andrews, Dan Silva, Orlando Habet, Hon. Julius Espat and Party Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca

are ready to take on the helm. They Party has been re-organising in the West, adjusting its structure to what works best and attracting new and tested-and-proven blood to the ranks. Senator Andrews and Dra. Lesbia Guerra are new faces to the political scene, but are well known reformists and community activists.

As a former PUP Minister, Daniel Silva needs no introduction, but it must be noted that he is a political force whose re-entry has tipped the scale in Cayo Central in favour of the people and the PUP.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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2014

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THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

2014 2014

9 TOPMODEL 09

ENTERTAINMENT

NEWS Tessanne Chin’s

Season five winner of The Voice, Tessanne Chin, will be releasing a new album titled, Count On My Love, on June 24.

Tessanne has not revealed which artists will be featured on her record, though she has confirmed that the music will feature elements of her Jamaican roots as well as feature different sounds and emotion reflective of her personality.

Count on My Love will mark Tessanne s major label debut as it will be distributed by Republic Records, a label under the Universal Music Group umbrella.

Tessanne rocked the popular US talent show “The Voice” in May, has been touring Caribbean nations to promote her music. Tessanne was named Caribbean Journal’s 2013 Artist of the Year. She is also among the persons being honoured this month as part of United States’ commemoration of Caribbean Heritage Month in June.

Location: BTL Park, Belize City, Belize District

new album

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• • • •

TOP MODEL Clothing and Accessories provided by CATWALK FASHIONS

Favourite Food: Chimole (Black Dinner) with Powder Bun Likes: Travelling, Trying New Things, Outdoor Adventures Lives in: San Ignacio, Cayo District Fav. Quote: “You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.” – Bob Marley

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10 SPORTS

8 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

2014

Victor Valencia is 2014 Strongman Champ

Victor Valencia doing dumbbell reps Belize City, May 31, 2014 Victor Valencia demonstrated that he is true champ material when he repeated as strongman champ in the Belize Body Building & Fitness Federation (BBBFF) 2014 strongman contest held at the Riverside Tavern on Saturday.

Of the four contestants, Valencia scored the most – 32 points – in 9 events to retain the title and win the $600 1st prize.

Theo Gentle, 2008/2010 champ, who had also placed 3rd in the 2011 and 2012 contests, scored 21 points to win the $400 2nd prize.

Victor pulling a 4x4 Ford Emir Perez of Muscle Hut Fitness F-350 Club in Belmopan scored 19 points to win the $350 3rd prize, while Allan Gallardo, also of Muscle Hut, was 4th with 18 points.

Valencia won 5 of 9 events in the contest, taking the 2nd event by squatting 425lbs. He also won the dead lift of 455lbs, in which he tied with Perez, but he won the tie breaker: lifting 9 reps of a 300lbs weight in 30 seconds; while Perez only lifted 6 reps in the time. Valencia also won the 5th event of loading 5 logs across the parking lot in 53.2 seconds. He also won the tire flip of a 450lb tractor tire across the length of the parking lot in 51.72 seconds, and pulled a 4x4 Ford F-350 pickup loaded with four logs across the length of the parking lot in 45.25 seconds.

Gentle had won 3 events: the first, bench-pressing 275 lbs 5 times in 30 seconds.

He also won the 6th event, the Hercules hold with a 30lb dumbbell in each hand, arms fully extended from the shoulder for 49 seconds, and he won the 7th event, lifting a 65lb dumb-bell 50 times over his shoulder in 90 seconds.

Perez won the 3rd event to clean and press a 125lbs Emir Perez was 3rd place weight, for 30 reps.

Theo Gentle finished 2nd place

Lord’s Bank Sunrise leads female softball Burrell Boom, June 1, 2014 The Lord’s Bank Sunrise women’s softball team posted their 2nd win against the Sand Hill Messengers 4-3 at Burrell Boom field on Sunday.

Stacy Smith led Sunrise’s attack with the 1st run in the 1st inning. Sand Hill’s catcher Gaylee Vaccaro tied the score 1-1 in the 1st and Sand Hill took over the lead when Vaccaro and Therese Milligan came home in the 3rd inning.

Lords Bank Sunrise won 4-3 when Ormencia Pou, Lynn Smith and Chelsie Young came home in the 4th inning.

Stacy Smith had also led Lords Bank sunrise to a 16-4 win against Arrows Reloaded of Bermudian Landing as they clobbered Ardeth McFadzean’s piching for 16 runs the previous Sunday in Willows Bank.

Other matches: Willows Bank United vs. Burrell Boom Orchid Girls - 17-7 Orchid Girls vs. Sand Hill Messengers - 11-9

Sunrise’s Stacy Smith

Upcoming Matches: St. Paul vs. Bermudian Landing - Lord’s Bank Sand Hill Messengers vs. Arrows Reloaded Willows Bank United vs. Lords Bank Sunrise

Jomel David scored Collet Strikers’ 1st goal

Hattieville United & Collet Strikers

leads female softball Belize City, May 31, 2014 The Hattieville United Youth Sporting Club and Collet Strikers are both undefeated leading the 2014 SMART Mundialito in Week 4 of the competition.

Collet Strikers enjoyed their 3rd win, upsetting the defending champs, Brown Bombers: 1-0 when Jomel David caught up to a forward pass from Wayne Ford to score the winning goal.

Hattieville United posted their 2nd win: 2-0 against Carlston FC; when Christian Caceres scored the 1st

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THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

forces Game 3 in basketball playoffs

Western Ballaz

2014 2014 Belize City, May 30, 2014 The Cayo Western Ballaz took the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) playoffs to Game 3, where they will host No Limits at the Sacred Heart College auditorium in San Ignacio on Friday night, June 6.

The Ballaz came to Belize City for Game 2 last Friday night and meant serious business, tying the series with SMART No Limits 64-62.

Richard Troyer led the Ballaz with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Travis Lennon followed with 18 points and 8 rebounds.

Kurt “Chengo” Burgess added 16 points and 10 rebounds and Farron Louriano scored 10 points.

No Limits’ big center Elsworth Itza led the scoring with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Kurt Burgess scored 16 pts

Travis Lennan scored final free throw

11 SPORTS 11

SMART’s Elsworth Itza scored 15pts

Belize Bank Bulldogs defeats 2 opponents in softball

Belize City, May 31, 2014 The undefeated Belize Bank Bulldogs posted their 2nd back to back win: 17-7 by mercy rule in the 4th in-

Hattieville United & Collet Strikers leads female softball Continued from page 11 goal in the 1st half, and Shaheed Baptist scored a 2nd goal in the 2nd half.

The once winless Ladyville Jaguars posted their 1st win: 2-1 against Third World. Trivion Bainton scored first for Ladyville Jaguars, but Jonah Chebat equalized for Third World.

Third World conceded a penalty, which D’jon Canelo converted for the 2-1 win.

Heights FC and the London Strikers drew 1-1 with Eshaq King scoring for the Strikers, and Ranolf Witty equalizing for Heights FC. The City Boys posted their 3rd win when Akeem Sutherland scored the winning goal: 1-0 against Ladyville’s Rising Stars.

Upcoming matches, Saturday, June 7 SMART Brown Bombers vs. the Ministry of Education Belize Water Services vs. Carlston FC London Strikers vs. Rising Stars City Boys vs. Hattieville United Ladyville Jaguars vs. Heights FC Third World vs. Collet Strikers

ning against the Ministry of Education/Belize Water Services in the Belize City interoffice softball competition at the home of softball at the Rogers Stadium on Saturday.

Other games: BEL Powersockets vs. KHMH – 33-13 BEL Powersockets vs. Guardian/National Sports Council – 14-6 Customs/Central Bank vs. Belize Telemedia – 19-18

Duck Run I wins Football Marathon

Belize Bank Bulldogs

San Pedro Tigersharks already in finals Hon. Habet with team

BEL’s Sylvano Sutherland

Duck Run I, Cayo District, May 29, 2014 Team Duck Run I won a football marathon organized with the assistance of Orlando Habet and the PUP Cayo North East committee on Sunday May 25, 2014.

Second place went to Billy White and Third Place went to Team Two of Duckrun One. Other participating teams were Duckrun Two and Westrac.

PUP Standard Bearer Orlando Habet will continue to support and inspire the young people of Cayo Northeast with positive activities and opportunities.

San Pedro, June 4, 2014 The San Pedro Tigersharks are already into the finals, and will host Game 1 of the finals at the Angel Nunez auditorium at the San Pedro High School on Sunday, June 8.

The Tigersharks cruised to a 7871 win at the UB gym on Friday.

Tyrone “Joker” Edwards led with 22 points while Michael Adams added 15 points. Jamal Kelly had 14 points and Louis Pitterson scored 7 points and 7 boards.

Bandits’ Erwin Robinson high scored with 13 points.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

8 JUN

2014

8 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

DO YOU KNOW YOUR SCORE?

13

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BY ORDER OF THE CHARGEE HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED, a Licensed Public Auctioneer will sell on site the following property at the time as listed.

At No. 15 Mount Mossey Street, East Picinni, Belmopan, Cayo District on Tuesday, 17th June 2014 at 10:00a.m.

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 501.722 square metres being Parcel 5237, Block 20 in the Belmopan Registration Section situate at No. 15 Mount Mossey Street, East Picinni, Belmopan, Cayo District, TOGETHER with a concrete house with a total floor area of 600 square feet containing three bedrooms, one bathroom, living, dining and kitchen and small front verandah, the freehold property of ISMAY ADELINE SWASO, surety for ALDEN COURTNEY. DATED this 3rd day of June 2014

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1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738

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8 JUN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

Eulogy for Hon. Marcial Mes Delivered by Hon. Francis W. Fonseca

May 30th, 2014, San Pedro Columbia, Toledo

PUP Leader Hon. Francis presenting special Eulogy. Next to him is Toledo West Area Representative Hon. Oscar Requeña We gather this morning in the vibrant, majestic community of San Pedro Columbia, Toledo to celebrate and honor the life of our dear friend and colleague, Hon. Marcial Mes. On behalf of the entire People’s United Party family, I express our profound and deepest sympathies to his wife Odelia; his father Bartolo; his sons Luis, Estevan and Orlando; his daughters Rosita, Felicia, Elena and Isabella; his sisters Amelia, Donicia and Patricia; and to all the other members of the family.

We love you all and we are here to support you.

I first met Marcial Mes when I was only 10 years old and he was a student/teacher at the Belize Teachers College in Belize City.

My own father, William Fonseca, had spent almost a decade teaching in rural Toledo in the 1960’s and it was right here in San Pedro Columbia while teaching at the Roman Catholic School that he met the Mes family and a young Marcial Mes Our families remained in contact, and so it was that when Marcial decided to pursue a career in teaching and to qualify himself through the Belize Teachers College, my father opened our family home

at #2 Keyhole Alley, Belize City to him.

He would stay with us during the week and travel home on weekends.

Life in the big city was new and exciting, and Marcial explored every facet of it, but his heart and spirit were firmly planted here in Columbia.

As the weekend drew near, his smile widened and his pace quickened. He loved and missed his family and was eager to get home to them.

I was a young boy. He was a man. But we became instant friends. We talked, ate meals together, and sat across the table from each-other while studying.

This young Mayan man who had left his home and family in Toledo to further his education taught the little city boy an important life lesson about sacrifice and the value of education.

Sitting around that small wooden table in a dimly lit room in my family home, little could we know that politics and the People’s United Party would bring us together again later in life and form an integral part of our lives and legacy to our beloved Belize.

My friend and colleague Marcial Mes was a dignified, brilliant and humble man.

His life was one of service.

Service to his family whom he loved and cared for deeply. He was proud of all of his children and the house phone at keyhole alley would ring each time there was a new achievement in the Mes household to report. Believe me, it rang quite often.

Service to his people and country both as an Educator and as an Area Representative.

Hon. Marcial Mes served as the duly elected Representative for Toledo West from 1998 to 2008 and served in the administration of Prime Minister Said Musa as Minister of Rural Development and Culture.

He was the first full Mayan Belizean to serve in the Belize’s Cabinet and will long be remembered by our Party and the people of Southern Belize for his dedicated efforts, along with his colleague Hon. Mike Espat, to bring water, electricity, education, healthcare, and infrastructure to the most remote rural communities of Toledo.

The Hon. Oscar Requena, who succeeded Marcial as our Party’s Represen-

A gun salute was part of the Official Funeral Services

tative and is now the duly elected Representative here in Toledo West, admired and respected Marcial and continues to build on the foundation that he laid.

Marcial Mes was an educated gentleman. He had attended Worcester College of Higher Education in England and the University of North Florida.

But he never forgot where he came from. He was a proud Mayan Son of San Pedro Columbia.

The last few years of his life, his love of fishing, hunting and farming led him and his family to settle in San Marcos where they made their family home.

A few months ago I visited that home in San Marcos along with Hon. Mike, Hon. Oscar, Hon. Ivan, and Hon. Rodwell as a part of our Southern caucus Tour.

As always Marcial and his family welcomed us graciously and warmly. We were treated to some excellent, hot Caldo, some fresh tortillas, coconut water, and pudding.

We talked and laughed as we rocked slowly in the hammocks hanging outside.

Marcial Mes’s life, like each of ours, revealed imperfections.

But his lifestory is one of hope, perseverance, pride, dignity, humility and success.

Perhaps his greatest success lies in the family we see before us today mourning the loss of the man they so dearly loved.

Luis, Estevan, Orlando, Rosita, Felicia, Elena, and Isabella, your father loved you and was so very proud of each of you. We are proud of you. Together let us carry on his work and legacy.

Marcial, we will miss you my friend.

May God open widely the doors of his Kingdom to you and may you enjoy eternal life in his glorious presence.

Hon. Mes laid to rest

Friends and supporters of the Mes family attended to pay their respects

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Reid Judiciary: Danger Ahead!

By G. Michael Reid It is not chance that rules the world. Ask the Romans, who had a continuous sequence of successes when they were guided by a certain plan, and an uninterrupted sequence of reverses when they followed another. There are general causes, moral and physical, which act in every monarchy, elevating it, maintaining it, or hurling it to the ground. All accidents are controlled by these causes. And if the chance of one battle—that is, a particular cause—has brought a state to ruin, some general cause made it necessary for that state to perish from a single battle. In a word, the main trend draws with it all particular accidents. ~ Montesquieu The period known as the age of enlightenment began sometime during the 17th century and flourished until about the end of the 18th century. This period produced great thinkers like Francis Bacon, Spinoza, John Lock, Voltaire and Isaac Newton; whose ideas drastically changed the way of the world; both spiritual and secular. It was a time when the world underwent a scientific revolution as well as a revolution in human thought.

New discoveries afforded man a greater ease of industry while new perspectives challenged traditional concepts in culture and politics.

There was a significant shift in the existing paradigm of relying on tradition, faith and superstition to a system based on sound reasoning. The status quo of politics also fell under the axe of reconstruction and the ideas of one man in particular, shook the existing monarchies and “ancien régime” to their very foundation. His The Spirit of the Laws (1748), discourse on government was adopted as the blueprint for many modern day governments.

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gust of this year that the former Chief Justice Conteh brought to my attention the amendment to the constitution. It was then that I discovered that the terms and condition of my appointment as president of the Court of Appeal of Belize had been unilaterally altered and this was done without my knowledge and consent. Once I became aware of this I determined that I will resign my position as Charles-Louis de Secondat, Barpresident of this court. I will say no on de La Brède et de Montesquieu more on that.” Justice Conteh himwas a French political philosopher self had been denied an extension who lived from 1689 until 1755. to his contract and Justice KenProfessor of political science at the neth Benjamin was subsequently University of Houston, Donald Lutz, appointed by the Prime Minister. found Montesquieu (as he is more The appointment of the Prime commonly known) to be the most Minister’s own brother to the frequently quoted authority on govbench of the Court of Appeals in ernment and politics. According to August of 2009 was another alarmLutz, Montesquieu was cited more ing development.

Barrow’s tenure, by the American Founders than any albeit brief, eventually raised conother source except the Bible. Moncerns of an “appearance of bias in tesquieu is credited with perfecting a case involving the Public Utilities the political system under which we Commission, which his son Kimaare currently governed; discerning a no sits on. ” separation of political powers among The recent move by Mr. Bara legislature, an executive, and a jurow to re-appoint Justice Samuel Awich to the Belize Court of Appeal will present The appointment of the Prime Minister’s own another interesting test for brother to the bench of the Court of Appeals in Auour democracy. Both the Leader of the Opposition gust of 2009 was another alarming development. and the Bar Association have voiced their objection Barrow’s tenure, albeit brief, eventually and if the Prime Minister raised concerns of an “appearance of bias in pushes through this apa case involving the Public Utilities Commis- pointment, it will serve to further blur the lines of dission, which his son Kimano sits on.” tinction between the Executive and the Judiciary.

Consultation is defined as “a ernment gave itself direct control diciary. According to Montesquieu, discussion about something that over the length of time that they can the judiciary is to be seen as the is being decided” .

In Belizean polallot when appointing sitting judge most important of these branches, itics, it is merely a letter sent to on the Court of Appeal” .

In regard to “independent and unchecked”, but inform someone of a decision bethe appointment of Judges perceived must also be considered dangerous. ing made.

This particular matter sympathetic to the policies of govMontesquieu held that the “the inrequires much more discussion ernment, Mr. Marshalleck goes on to dependence of the judiciary has to and attention. Belizeans will have suggest that “The practice subverts be real, and not merely apparent” to be more aware and instead of the constitutional framework and, like after all, Judicial Independence is vigiving attention to the distracting political decisions generally, is motital and important to the very idea of squabbles between members vated by an overwhelming desire to democracy. of the House, pay attention to cling to power” .

The Bar Association The direction in which we are these bills that are being pushed successfully challenged the initiative headed in Belize seems in direct through. In the words of Frederick but the “parados” had been set. contrast to the gains made during Douglass, “Our destiny is largely in Justice Elliot Mottley resigned the age of enlightenment. There our hands”! in disgust stating that “It was in Auappears an erosion of the tried and tested “separation of powers” concept. There seems almost a fusion of what is supposed to be three distinctly different branches of government. More alarming is complacency on the part of the citizenry that, if we are not careful, could be construed as giving acquiesces to the current state of affairs and affairs of this current state. Montesquieu warned that “The Tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy.”

What has happened over the past six years in Belize should be of major concern to any freedom loving citizen of this country. There are many events and occurrences that should have been sending up some very loud warning signals. It is very, very dangerous and regardless of which side of the political fence one sits, this must viewed as a clear and present threat to our precious and indispensible form of governance.

It began shortly after the United Democratic Party assumed office in February of 2008 with several proposed amendments to the Constitution. Most dangerous and alarming was the amendment called an ‘Instrument of Appointment’ which basically gave Judges one year tenure of office. In his very informative thesis “Political Interest in Judicial Appointments – A Case for Reform”, attorney Andrew Marshalleck notes that “In these amendments, the Gov-

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Celebrating Our Bright Minds!

High School Graduation Season 2014

Featuring: Anglican Cathedral College, Excelsior High, Sadie Vernon High, Maud Williams High, Gwen Lizarraga High, Pallotti High and St. John’s College

By Alton F. Humes (Freelance Reporter) BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, June 4th, 2014 Our third series on the special High School Graduation Season begins with Anglican Cathedral College, located on Albert Street in Belize City.

According to Principal Ismael Requena, who spoke with the BELIZE TIMES via phone last Wednesday, May 28th, 92 out of 103 students took their march at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, June 1st at 2:00 p.m. Requena admitted the 2014 class was “the biggest graduating class” since the school commenced following the amalgamation of St. Michaels and St. Hilda’s in 1982.

Leading those ranks are: Brandon Jackson (Valedictorian, with a Grade Average of 92%), Jorge L. Rodriguez (Salutatorian, with a Grade Average of 87.3%), Eluid Miller (3rd Place, delivered the Vote of Thanks), and Ajaih Hamilton (4th Place, who introduced Graduation Guest Speaker Dr. Carol Babb).

The BELIZE TIMES interviewed the two top students on Monday, June 2nd at the school campus. 16-year-old Jackson and 17-year-old Rodriguez (who both study Business under the classes of 4Michael and 4Hilda respectively) are close friends and, like many of those students we’ve spoken to previously, rival in excellence. Jackson, who describes himself as “the hype one…. the one who stands out”, loves to rap, as does Rodriguez, who adds writing music, football, and a ‘love’ of business to his list of hobbies. But it’s their mutual love of school that has them where they are now, and will push them to reach that next level. Jackson plans to study accounting at St. John’s Junior College in hopes of becoming an Accountant, while Rodriguez plans to study Business Science at the University of Belize, with hopes to “own a family business.”

So who’s their motivation for being their best? Well, it’s each other, they told us, although it was never better expressed than by Rodriguez, “When you have competition, you do better every day”.

Concerning their feelings about graduating, Brandon had “mixed feelings” about leaving ACC, ‘nervous’ at the prospect of furthering his education at a higher level while joyous because he “accomplished a great feat.” Jorge admitted he “knew it would happen” and yet, “when you see the results, you can’t believe it.”

Their advice to inspire the next generation to succeed in their footsteps moves like a metronome of rhyme and rhythm.

Brandon puts it like this: “Life will be full of many obstacles… make sure the next action will outdo the last.” Jorge was more optimistic: “When something happens, it will feel like a dream, but remember, dreams do come true.”

Like many schools in Belize City, many people seem content to write off Excelsior as just another ‘Southside’ school. But through its reincarnations and switching up its focus, Excelsior is poised

once more to make its mark amongst its fellow high schools. They will have 14 graduates (5 girls, 9 boys) marching up on Saturday, June 7th, 2014 at the St. John’s Vianney Church, also located on Faber’s Road. Leading them will be Valedictorian 16-year-old Rebekah Smith (of Class 4TR, with a Grade Average of 88%), Salutatorian Tyrone Gabriel and 3rd place finisher Zane Bartley.

Ms. Smith, who was reticent to reveal much about herself, is by no means an average student. Her ambitions are

19 fi yuhself, noh fi anybody else.” Such a sentiment is being echoed by their Principal, Ms. Gayle M. Thompson, who told us of her small-yet-impressive graduating class, “They’ve worked hard, and they lived up to the expectations of what the 4th forms should be doing”.

Sadie Vernon Technical High School will have 27 graduates (out of

proof of that, as she plans to go to the Institute of Technical and Vocational Education Training (ITVET) to study Food Preparation in hopes of becoming a chef and preparing the best gourmet meals in the world. And in getting there, she admitted to us that her teachers deserve all the credit for her success, saying that “they motivated me to continue with school”. Her advice to her fellow graduates was to, “Nuh give up, noh matta how haad things get… remember, yu di do it

Ernesto Vasques

Nadiya Sedasey, Celeste Blanco & Siomara Torres

Ming Gui Li, Taisha Jorguensen & Shanty Miralda

Sharnel Baptist, Karl Hulse & Moesha Ifield

Mariesha Dixon

33 students) marching up on Thursday, June 5th, at the King’s Park Nazarene Church on Princess Margaret Drive at 6:00 p.m. 12 males and 16 females will make that march. At the top of the class is Mariesha A. Dixon (Valedictorian, of the class of 4Arts/Science, with a Grade Average of 83.4%) and Ernesto V. Vasquez (Salutatorian, also of the class of 4Arts/Science, with a Grade Average of 80.3%).

The BELIZE TIMES spoke to the duo on Tuesday morning, in the middle of exciting preparations for their Graduation Ceremony. The 17-year-old Dixon and 19-year-old Vasquez are night and day – Dixon, a high achiever with a love for poetry and the Guides Movement was a transferee from Nazarene High to Sadie Vernon, while Vasquez referred to himself as an intriguing mix of an adventurous but studious talent. But what isn’t in doubt is their rise to the top of Sadie Vernon’s 2014 graduating class. Their college plans are rather modest, if not immediately leading to career ambitions – Dixon will take Summer Classes in hopes of applying to the University of Belize to study Nursing, while Vasquez will major in General Studies at Wesley Junior College.

The influences that steered them to their current successes, on the other hand, are not modest at all. Dixon credits her grandmother, a woman who she says ‘beat it into my head’ that “education is the key” and who was there for her every step of the Continued on page 21

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We’re still celebrating our amazing fathers and “father figures” here at MKC! What are you planning to do for your Dad for Father’s Day? Do you know we also celebrate persons who are like fathers to us like our step dads, grandpas, uncles, father figures or our Moms who are raising us alone?

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Make this Father’s Day special with a card, a drawing or something you’ve made so they’ll always have it to remember this special year.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Celebrating Our Bright Minds!

High School Graduation Season 2014

Continued from page 19 way. Vasquez credited his teachers – current Vice Principal Mr. Daniel Tillett and Mr. Swasey with giving him confidence and opening his mind to the possibilities of life.

At Maud Williams High School, 26 out of 29 students (with 3 to receive Certificates of Attendance) will be graduating on Thursday, June 5th, 2014 at the Central Assembly of God Church on Freetown Road.

Ming-Gui (Lisa) Li of class of 4S1 is the Valedictorian, Kayla Robinson is Salutatorian, and Taisha Jorgenson will deliver the Vote of Thanks at is 3rd Place. The school will honor Ms. Shanty Miralda as the ‘Student of the Year.’

Li, at 21 years old, admitted that when she started at Maud Williams, transitioning to high school life wasn’t easy.

When getting her school and homework assignments, she would often look up certain words to better understand what was said. And apparently, the extra effort to get the work done was more than enough to propel her to the top of the class of 2014. Her ambitions, both academically and career-wise, are impressive – she intends to study at St. John’s Junior College, majoring in Business Accounting, with the hope to become a Bank Manager. Lisa credited her teacher,

Ms. Gray, with steering to her path of success, as her teaching of Principles of Accounts “taught me a lot of the accounting knowledge and skills.”

She also admitted to being “excited” about the prospect of graduating from Maud Williams. Her advice to her fellow youths is simple and born from her Asian background: “Just study hard.”

Shanty Miralda, the 17-year old student of the year honoree, came to Maud Williams beginning in her first year and stuck through for all 4 years. “I’ve always pushed to be the best I can be,” she said. And even though her honor denotes hardwork, she doesn’t admit to ‘challenging times’. Miralda intends to study in the United States in Food and Nutrition, Hospitality Management.

She wants to pursue a career in hotel management. As for the inspiration behind that choice and her academic excellence, she credited one of her teachers, one Ms. G. Bowen, with steering her down that path, saying: “Even if you can’t do it, she’ll push you”.

Gwen Lizarraga High School will have 112 graduates (50 females and 45 males, with 17 more at press time taking ‘supplementary classes’ to ensure their places on the list as confirmed by Principal Lorna McKay via phone on Monday, June 2nd). They will take their march-up

on Sunday, June 8th, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at the Ramada Princess Hotel in Belize City. At the head of the list will be Sharnell Baptist (Valedictorian, of Class 4A2), Karl Hulse (Salutatorian, of Class 4C1) and Moesha Ifield (3rd Place).

16-year-old Baptist, who lives in Hattieville Village, Belize District and 18-year-old Hulse, the son of an immigrant mother and Belizean-born father, will have arrived to Sunday’s graduation on somewhat similar paths. Both plan to attend St. John’s Junior College – Sharnell said her studies will be aligned with her interest in becoming “a teacher or a social worker”, while Karl will be a triple major in Economics, Math and Accounting, with hope to not only becoming a ‘successful’ bank manager, but ascending to the peak of banking institutions, the Central Bank of Belize.

And when it comes down to who was vital to their success, they both mention family, but Karl made it clear that a Higher Power was his Guide: “It was God who got me through, because He was the only One that was there for me.”

Pallotti High School’s Valedictorian is 16-year-old Nadiya Sedasey (of Class 4Science, with a holding a Grade Average of 93%), while the Salutatorian is Allene Mangar while the 3rd place is Celeste Blanco (also 16 years old and of Class

21 4Arts, and holding a Grade Average of 91.1%).

Nadiya and her fellow grads are a direct representation of the moral, spiritual and hard-working ethos the school has represented for its long existence. When the BELIZE TIMES interviewed Sedasey on Friday, May 23rd, she shared her plans to attend St. John’s Junior College and major in Mathematics and Physics with hopes of becoming either a Mechanical or Chemical Engineer.

Nadiya credited her parents, saying that they “brought me up to do my best, [to] REALIZE My Best.” Her advice to their fellow graduates and young people boils down to this: “Be focused in what you want to do…without focus, you lose track of your goals.” And her highly stern, if not world-wearied principal, Sister Clara Teul, SAC, indeed concurs, telling the BELIZE TIMES in a brief interview on the day that “I feel a sense of accomplishment in guiding these young women through their four years of study here at Pallotti.”

The trio and 62 other graduates will be marching up on Saturday, June 7th, 2014 at the Fordyce Chapel of St. John’s College on Princess Margaret Drive in Belize City, beginning at 3:00p.m.

Finally, we complete this week’s series with St. John’s College (High School).

We have confirmed at press time that the Valedictorian is Siian Rancharan and the Salutatorian is Mr. Misheck Musa.

The Graduation will be held on Sunday, June 8th at 8:30 a.m. at the campus’ College Gymnasium on Princess Margaret Drive.

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As BIG as you think you are...

2014

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

House #1

House #5

House #3

Juliet Thimbriel, UDP Senator

House #4

House #7, now under construction

House #8 2012 Infinity valued at $120K

House #6 - recently renovated

...and now...House #9?

you’re living in a small world

2014

Singhing for More

Belize City, June 5, 2014 A proposed mega resort on the Lighthouse Reef Atoll appears to have encountered a major glitch from an unsuspecting source.

Mike Singh, whose name was once called up in an investigation of a major money laundering ring in El Salvador, has weighed in on the Puerto Azul project which, from all appearances, has the backing of heavyweight Ministers, Erwin “Danini’s Papa” Contreras and Manuel “barefoot and wasted” Heredia.

The two were photographed rubbing elbows and partying like rockstars with Hollywood superstars John Travolta and Adrien Brody at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

Like Castro, who took a page straight out of Dean Barrow’s book of nepotism and started issuing checks to his family members, these two lavish Ministers appear to be following in the footsteps of their leader’s wife, Kim Barrow, who too seems determined to make it to superstardom no matter the cost (at our expense of course).

But the flashing bulbs, the luxury junkets, the TMZ lifestyle, and all the pricey champagne seem to have caught the ire of one disgruntled millionaire.

You see, as the CEO of the Ministry of Economic Development, Mike Singh believes that he must have a say (or hand) in all projects in Belize or else they just won’t fly.

Singh, who was the chief promoter of the US$50 million NCL deal off the coast of tranquil Placencia is now uncharacteristically criticizing the Puerto Azul project. All of a sudden, Singh is “concerned” about environmental impacts. All of a sudden, Singh wants to downscale this “fantastical” project. What is more fantastical than NCL turning the Garifuna’s sacred dugu ceremony into a Mickey Mouse song and dance?

Could it be that Singh was not “inspired” in the manner that he is used to?

Or is it simply a case of whining because he didn’t get to strut his stuff on the catwalk with Erwin, Heredia and Kim? Whatever the case, Singh is clearly a bitter man. There is a lot of jealousy and competition brewing in the UDP, but they are not competing for the hearts and minds of our Belizean people. It is all about personal beefs, magazine spreads, lavish lifestyles and multi-million dollar deals.

Our leaders are now so out of touch with reality, that their petty squabbles can make headline news while our children go to bed hungry at night and our mothers cry themselves to sleep, feeling helpless and destitute.

Out of touch, out of line and out of order. The days may be dark, but our people are not sleeping.

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Town Council vehicle crashed then abandoned Continued from page 2 tax payers’ money for wrecking the town’s property.

Information to the BELIZE TIMES is that the vehicle was driven at the time by Town Council employee, Obed Contreras. The vehicle was outside its jurisdiction and driven at night with no authorization.

Sources say Contreras and his passengers identified as Ricardo Garrido and Heraldo Rancharan were returning to Benque

after a night of partying in Belmopan when they crashed into a horse that was on the road side in Roaring Creek village.

The horse was fatally injured and the vehicle was extensively damaged.

Instead of facing the consequences of their actions, and reporting the matter to the Police, the duo packed up the license plates and left the vehicle abandoned on the road side. The owner of the horse was notified of the accident that same night.

A week has passed and there has

been no report from the Police or from the Benque Town Council. Contreras has neither faced reprimand nor punishment. Instead he has been allowed to use another Council vehicle.

The BELIZE TIMES has learnt that the vehicle crashing culprits are protected by the UDP. They are friends and party buddies of that wasteful party. Heraldo Rancharan is the UDP’s Mayoral in Benque. This is a crying shame! Such abuse of authority and cover up is unsupportable.

The BELIZE TIMES has confirmed with the Roaring Creek Village Council that the matter is being investigated as the horse owner has not been compensated. They are also concerned that the vehicle could have knocked down anyone travelling on the roadside that night.

“ROD OF CORRECTION” Unleashed on Barrow administration

Continued from page 1 That all changed this morning with the launch of a joint Union-social partner movement known as “The Rod of Correction” Movement, during a meeting with various stakeholders at the Belize National Teachers’ Union’s (BNTU) conference room on Mercy Lane in Belize City.

The media was not invited to the closed-door meeting, but BELIZE TIMES understands from a close source that President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), Dylan Reneau stated in the movement’s initial mission statement: “The movement recognizes the fight against the rampant, if not absolute abuse of power, and has been brought together, unified to fight against it….”

But fighting this bloated, soul-sucking, humanity-draining behemoth known as the UDP will not be an easy task in the least. And the Unions and social partner organizations (represented by various

entities such as Sarstoon-Temash Institute for Indigenous Management, the Pharmacists Association of Belize, Citizens Organized for Liberty thru Action, the Nurses’ Association of Belize, the Belize Council of Churches, Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association, Belize Action/the Association of Evangelical Churches, and the Belize Urban Music Association in addition to the BNTU, the Public Service Union, the Belize Energy Workers Union and the Association of Public Service Senior Managers) not only recognize it, but are organizing a formal Secretariat that, with the agreement of the gathered, will be working on a Declaration and varied Plans of Action to formally combat and bring the Government’s misdeeds to a halt.

The first task for this Movement will be supporting the Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment

Association (BGYEA) protest this Saturday, June 7th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The protest concerns Government’s resistance to BGYEA’s planting of corn in the “buffer zone” between Harmonyville and other crown lands.

The real test for the movement is cohesion. The Barrow Government practices divide and conquer against its enemies. Will one social partner or one Union walk away when the Government ‘satisfies’ their demands? How will the movement stand together if the Government engages in their oppressive tactics against a particular organization? Those are hard questions to answer at this juncture, but one thing is certain – the Barrow government no longer has a ‘free pass’ to do as it pleases. BARROW AND COMPANY, WATCH YU BAK! THE ROD IS COMING!!!!!!

CARTOON

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