Belize Times March 17, 2013

17 MAR SCAN HERE

2013

1

The Belize Times THE BELIZE TIMES

Established 1957

17 MAR 2013

|

The Truth Shall Make You Free

ISSUE NO: 4836

www.belizetimes.bz

|

$1.00

VEGAS

COME UP AGAIN! Belize City, March 13, 2013 A shocking revelation was exposed today at Dean Barrow’s press conference and it had nothing to do with the costly restructuring of the Superbond. As with all other acts of corruption and

misfeasance under Barrow’s stewardship, the land grab turned get-rich quick program by Gapi Vega and his friends and family was just a sideshow to the main event.

PM rejects Union’s Counter Proposal!

No discussion over salaries until after Budget debates, says Barrow Belize City, March 13, 2013 Prime Minister Dean Barrow wants to pull a fast one on the Joint Unions Negotiations Team by delaying any possible meeting to discuss a counter proposal over a salary adjustment for teachers and Public Of-

Page 8

Pope

Francis I Gives New Hope!

Page 6

Pg. 10

Gapi Vega gave out land in the Placencia Lagoon to family and close friends

Pg. 3

Fuel Prices go sky high!

Ministry of Housing is a FRAUD! Belize City, March 13, 2013 Since the Barrow Administration got into office five years ago, it has budgeted a whopping $39,321,226 for the Ministry of

Page 19

Many Belizeans have lost their homes as a result of the economic crisis

FOLLOW US! on the social media

2 02

17 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

PRIME MINISTER REJECTS UNIONS’ COUNTER-PROPOSAL February 26th, 2013 Hon. Dean O. Barrow Prime Minister of Belize Ministry of Finance Belmopan Re: Salary Adjustment Proposal 1 – Joint Unions Counter Proposal Dear Prime Minister, As expressed during our meeting held on Friday, February 1st in the Cabinet room, the Joint Unions Negotiations Team of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), the Public Service Union (PSU) and the Association of Public Service Senior Managers (APSSM), have conducted a thorough nationwide consultation with our membership to gather an official position, representative of their collective recommendations.

We have drafted the attached Counter Proposal which encapsulates the consolidated requests of our members and hereby submit to you the same. Our responsibility as Union leaders is to ensure that employers look at ways to improve work – life balance for all employees and our aim is to protect the financial well-being of workers; taking into consideration

5th March, 2013 Dear Madam and Sirs, I was disappointed to receive your letter and “Counter Proposal” of February 26, 2013. I had made clear at the time of our historic first meeting, and you had accepted in principle, that Government can only agree [to] salary adjustments tied to increases in recurrent revenue; and that any such adjustments would begin in 2014 and be spread out over three years. In the circumstances I am at a loss to understand, and must wholly reject, your position now for Government to pay, regardless of revenue performance, minimum 5% annual salary increases starting July of this year.

You ask for another meeting and it is my duty to agree. I stipulate, however, that Government cannot

the high cost of living in our country.

The Government proposes to achieve sustained economic growth, real social progress and diversification of the Belizean economy and we pledge to work diligently along with you to accomplish these objective.

We look forward to hearing from you, as soon as possible, and we are optimistic that we can arrive at a negotiated agreement that will meet both of our needs, including working within our fiscal realities. We humbly request a meeting with you, at some day between March 12th and March 20th, 2013, to discuss same regarding the content of the document and to devise a plan for the way forward.

Signed: Mr. Marvin Blades – President, Public Service Union (Union Negotiating Team) Mr. Luke Palacio – President, Belize National Teachers Union (Union Negotiating Team) Ms. Sharon Fraser, Vice President, Association of Public Service Senior Managers (Union Negotiating Team)

Belize No Longer a Democracy Dear Editor, I listened to Minister Louis Farrakhan talk about the situation in Belize in regard to its so called “democracy”. What came to mind were his words that Belizeans should be able to participate in the process here and his questions whether Belizeans are allowed to participate. I was reminded of the many attempts by this UDP Government to attack anyone who sought to disagree with them.

I believe a democracy suggests that the people are in rule.

A government by the people, either directly or through elected representatives. Sounds good but certainly not our reality in Belize.

Our democracy in Belize allows for elections, which are becoming mere rituals of loyalty to political parties. Elections after elections have come and gone, but many a times it is only used as a process by political parties to acquire power which is used to build fear in the majority and suppress activism and opposition. This is our Belizean reality today.

Our system allows elected leaders to make laws and break them, if they choose. Our leaders are elected to enhance our democracy, not to suppress it to their advantage. Instead of serving us with honour and respect, our leaders become abusers and oppressors. They even get away with draconian laws, and because they divide and conquer our people, there are just too few who are brave to challenge.

In a democracy, the people can voice their views without fearing reprisal. In Belize, people are afraid to lose their land or home, schol-

Office of the Prime Minister Belmopan

depart from the formula you originally accepted. Such a meeting will have to concentrate, therefore, on ways to ensure the revenue increases that can be the only guarantee of salary adjustments.

I am [out] of the country from tomorrow until at least March 12th.

Then the Financial Secretary and Ambassador Espat go on the 13th to the IDB Annual Meeting, and don’t return until the 20th. The Budget Debate is on the 21st and 22nd and the following week is the short Easter week. I would thus propose Friday, April 5th as a convenient date for us to meet.

It [If] this is acceptable, we could do so in the Cabinet Room at 10:00a.m.

Sincerely, DEAN BARROW Prime Minister

Continued on page 18

LOCAL 15 Mar

17 Mar

Dear Editor, Some months ago we heard several stories via the media of mothers who went to deliver their babies at the Northern Regional Hospital and of the horrible outcomes for them and their babies.

In some cases the mothers and fathers told their stories with hope that some action would be taken given that they had ended up with brain damaged children and or severely incapacitated mothers. The lame response given by the Ministry of Health to these allegations and more importantly by the Minister of Health himself was that nothing had gone wrong at the hospital. Some workers of the NRH allege that the Minister could not take action as the medical doctor closely involved with these cases at the NRH was too Continued on page 18

THE BELIZE TIMES serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

Alberto Vellos LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed and Published By The Belize Times Press Ltd.

weather 16 Mar

Has Minister of Health Pablo Marin lost faith in northern public hospital?

18 Mar

19 Mar

20 Mar 6 Feb

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

editortimes@yahoo.com

Exchange rate of One Belize Dollar

United States (USD): $ 0.5041

Barbados Eastern Caribbean (BBD): $ 1.0080 (XCD):$ 1.3618

Euro(EUR) : $ 0.3896

Sterling Pound Guatemala Quetzal CANADIAN DOLLAR CHINESE YUAN Trinidadian (TTD) INDIAN RUPEE (GBP): $ 0.3375 (GTQ): $ 3.9320 (CAD): $ 0.5172 (CNY): $ 3.1337 : $ 3.2334 (INR): $ 27.394

17 MAR

2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

Barrow says Superbond cost is “astronomical”

Belize City, March 13, 2013 On February 12th the Prime Minister disclosed that Belize will be paying $3 million to bondholders to offset the expenses they incurred during the renegotiation of the Superbond. Today, a month after, Barrow returned to the podium to disclose disturbing news that the $3m was actually a base point and that the cost of the entire renegotiation process would be “astronomical” for Belizeans.

The Prime Minister gave no specifics as to exactly how much the total cost

Fuel Prices go sky high!

Diesel up by 60 cents Belize City, March 14, 2013 There is terrible news for commuters. With no warning or public announcement, the Government approved increases to the price of fuel at the pumps countrywide.

The increases are significant.

Premium gas went up by 27 cents to $12.20 per gallon. Regular gas went up by 33 cents to $11.80 and Diesel increased by a shocking 60 cents to $10.71.

Just when Belizeans are clamouring for economic relief, none seems to be coming their way from the UDP Government.

03 3 is. We can report that aside from the $3m to bondholders, the Barrow Administration has had to foot the bill to hire a slew of legal and economic advisors. This is in addition to its Superbond team headed by UDP Ambassador Mark Espat.

Espat alone has cost Belize an astronomical fee. The Government paid his company “HALL MARK” $20,000 per month for Espat’s involvement in the Superbond negotiation. That’s a total of $140,000, and as we expect, it’s only a base point. Unconfirmed information to the BELIZE TIMES is that Espat collected an additional amount – rumoured to be $1.5 million – as success bonus for the completed renegotiation. This, even after Prime Minister Barrow praised House Speaker Michael Peyrefitte as being the one who had made the renegotiation possible. If so, what is Peyrefitte’s cut?

It is plain to see why the PM stuttered in his answer to the question. He said,“We can tell you what the costs are, what the running total is. It’s not completely over until Monday and there are some mop-up costs. Do you have any idea? Or we can get it to you tomorrow. There is nothing to hide”.

4 04

THE BELIZE TIMES

Questions

1.

to Ministers Can the Minister of Health explain to Punta Gorda residents why it took the UDP Government one whole year to get the X-Ray machine operational at the hospital, while his Ministry has been wasting thousands of dollars on over-priced pharmaceuticals?

2.

Will the Minister of National Security update the country on the investigation into the horrific murder of four Belize City residents in the early morning of January 8th 2013? Can he say whether the Opposition’s call for a Commission of Inquiry into the murders will be acted upon by his Ministry?

3.

4.

5.

Can the Minister of Finance say whether the Government is prepared to accept the counter proposal on the proposed salary adjustment presented by the Joint Unions Negotiations Team which represents the Public Service Union, Belize National Teachers Union and Association of Public Service Senior Managers?

Can the Minister of Finance confirm the report that the Government hires over 300 contract officers to whom over $14 million dollars is paid as wages?

Will the Minister of Natural Resources apologize to the residents of Placencia and Seine Bight for wrongfully awarding land to his own son’s girlfriend and other UDP cronies that was designated as a protected area?

17 MAR

2013

17 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

05 5

ABSOLUTION AND RESOLUTION

T

he surrendering body of Ronald Rivers, who was in Belize City street calculation, an established basketball star, should never be lost on us. Rivers’ star power was a quiet and skilled aura, which he carried with a relaxed confidence. To the masses of Belizeans, Rivers’ shocking demise may simply be shrugged off as just another black, male, Belize City youth who made the evening news on one of the two sides of the social pit, i.e. an accused criminal or a dead gang member.

In the uncertainties that have become 2013 Belize, no one will swear, for the off court “fouls” of Rivers, but measuring from his demeanor and peers’ respect, he was no thug.

Quite frankly, there is a latent laziness to dump all violent crimes in Belize into a black hole that we can feel comfortable to forget. This government has come up with flashy rebranding strategies for crime and statistics fixing.

If acronyms (CYDP, GSU, JAGUAR, RESTORE Belize, BOOST) could solve crime, Belize would be safer than Vatican City.

Embarrassingly, rather than solving burglaries and robberies, those crimes were given a branding make over to “home invasions” and feuding youths who could not resolve petty conflicts were remarketed as having “old beef.”

The failing Government and Minister of Police were also to have been excused for the blood on the streets simply because they said being called to task, was finger pointing. This, they argued, would get us nowhere. In reality, we have gone somewhere; it is a worse place, a deadlier place, and an insensitive place.

When will the UDP government wake up? It is not lost on anyone that this murder happened literally in front of the UDP headquarters on Youth for the Future Drive.

Belizeans have become slaves to our collective social failures and guilt. This is such an overbearing reality that we simply flick between newscasts with zombie like vulnerability. We cannot just stop at the leaders. Our own egos restrict the dosages of blame we individually attribute to our own faults. So where do we go and what do we do?

Belizeans have been scolded from a prevailing political guilt, not to blame the driver of the car, that somehow the fatal errors in steering the car are no one’s fault. This just does not make sense.

The budget will be debated in the National Assembly on March 21st and 22nd in Belmopan. The UDP are expected to make a circus of the proceedings. Barrow alone will monopolize the Government side of the “debate” be-

cause despite a seventeen seat government, all other UDP Ministers are incompetent, clueless jackals.

In this regard, crime is bigger than being relegated into a political football match. It has real meaning to us.

We watch our friends die, our brothers crippled, and our mothers drowning in their sorrows on television.

Despite overwhelming evidence of the epidemic levels of violence, we categorize it as a race issue, or a geographic issue, or a neighborhood issue but there is no interest beyond, barricading ourselves and our families from being further stung during the wanton world winds of violence and death.

There is an element of crime solving which is called “motive”. It is a popular North American construct made popular by blockbuster crime thrillers. Motive explains why a person acted or refused to act in a certain way. For example, if a person accused of murder was the beneficiary of a life insurance policy on the deceased, the prosecution might argue that greed was the motive for the killing.

Proof of motive is not required in a criminal prosecution. In determining the guilt of a criminal defendant, courts are generally not concerned with why the defendant committed the alleged crime, but whether the defendant committed the crime. However, a defendant’s motive is important in other stages of a criminal case, such as police investigation and sentencing.

Belize as a society is unaccustomed to getting explanations to the point where we are exploited by overpaid consultants who provide us with voluminous reports on the obvious. We must dig deeper, follow the money. We must be vigilant and start asking more “why’s”.

Predesigned solutions to the crime problem are blown out the water by the Ronald Rivers shooting. He was a productive youth, with all the right credentials. Sports was prominent in his life and he was gainfully employed with no drug addiction. So what explains his misfortune? What makes you insulated from the terror and helplessness of fatal violence in Belize?

As we listen to the Budget and its encyclopedic pages of numbers and codes, we must not lose sight of the fact that the artificial world of politics has real impact on our lives no matter how remote we convince ourselves we are from the crushing tides of crime.

As Belize waved goodbye to a Muslim leader and the Roman Catholic Church said welcome to a new Pope, we continue to look for answers.

The BELIZE TIMES prays they come soon and not too late.

6 06

THE BELIZE TIMES

‘Krucifying’ the Bar! Belize City, March 13, 2013 Embattled Foreign Minister and Attorney General Wilfred Sedi Elrington has deepened suspicions that the Barrow Administration’s plot to destroy the Bar Association has more to do with a personal and political vendetta than anything close to enhancing the administration of justice.

Last week, the BELIZE TIMES broke the news that Government intends to kill the Bar by introducing amendments to the Legal Profession Act that would remove the Bar as the body representing all attorneys in Belize. The Chief Justice is expected to respond to a letter sent by Solicitor General Cheryl Krusen (formerly Cheryl Barrow, ex-wife of Dylan Barrow) which informed the head of Belize’s Judiciary of the ominous intentions.

While the Prime Minister has gone on record many times to explain that his problems have to do with the formidable legal challenge which the Bar

Pope

Francis Gives New Hope!

Vatican City, March 13, 2013 Pope Francis I, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected at the Vatican on Wednesday as the 266th pope. The 76-year-old son of a railway worker was born in Argentina and becomes the first pope to be chosen from outside Europe for more than a millennium, and the very first from Latin America.

He is also the first pope to be elected from the Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits, who were founded by Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century.

Pope Francis has given hope to the Catholic Church after the controversial resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. The name “Francis” was chosen from the humble servant of medieval Assisi who began the Franciscan order 300 years before Ignatius. St. Francis, one of the most venerated figures in the Roman Catholic Church, was known for connecting with fellow Christians.

The name symbolizes “poverty, humility, simplicity and rebuilding the Catholic Church,” explained a Vatican expert. “The new pope is sending a signal that this will not be business as usual.”

The pope’s installation mass will take place on Tuesday, March 19.

has proven to be to his almost absolute executive power, the Attorney General’s concerns seemed frivolous and vexatious – more to do about whisky drinking and his outstanding dues to the organisation.

Elrington’s claim that he is highly concerned about the constitutionality of the legislation since it impedes “freedom of association” is hogwash. As Attorney General, Elrington has dragged his feet on every constitutional matter brought before the court seeking to assert the right to freedom of association.

The citrus growers in Stann Creek and cane farmers in Corozal and Orange Walk continue to operate under archaic legislation that stipulates their member-

ship to on0e group.

But there is something else propelling this legislation, being pursued in almost fast-forward fashion. The Prime Minister has admitted that he hasn’t even read the legislation. Elrington’s direct involvement is superficial. He is likely only the hand that signed the amendment into motion, but not necessarily its creator. This much he revealed when he said that he was not in support of the very same amendment which would make the important General Legal Council a puppet of his office.

So who is?

The letter to the Chief Justice is signed by no other than the Solicitor

17 MAR

2013

General Cheryl Krusen (formerly Cheryl Barrow) who herself ran into serious problems with the Bar Association who made public their opposition to her appointment as Senior Counsel.

The Bar was infuriated by the appointment since Krusen is not even legally allowed to practice law in Belize. The Bar’s General Legal Council committed to investigating whether the appointment could be challenged.

So could this be about Krusen’s “krucifixion” of the Bar? “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”.

The BELIZE TIMES has been reliably informed that the Bar is not taking the attack lightly. It’s newly elected President Eamon Courtenay will bring the matter to discussion at the association’s next meeting to be held on Monday, March 18th.

17 MAR

07 7

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Francis Fonseca

visits

Orange Walk East

PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca and Hon. Marco Tulio Mendez with residents of Palmar Village in the Orange Walk East Division

PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca flanked by Hon. Marco Tulio Mendez, Mayor Kevin Bernard, Deputy Mayor Josue Carballo and Councillor Ian Cal

Hon. Francis during inspection of BDF

Hon. Francis and Hon. Marco Tulio Mendez visits resident of Carmelita Village

Eulogy for May Mehetibel Vaughan Delivered by Ester Vaughan at Service held at the Hattieville 7th Day Adventist We are gathered here today to say goodbye to a wonderful and loving mother, grandmother, sister, great grandmother and Aunt Ms. May Mehetibel Vaughan better known as ‘Ms. Dolly’ or ‘Ms. Moya’.

Aunt Dolly was born to Samuel Vaughan and Emily Vaughan nee Fisher in Orange Walk on the 21st September 1927. They had 5 children of which she was the 5th child. At the age of 24, she went to work with Alicia Moya where she met and fell in love with Victoriano Moya. Out of this union they had 7 kids: 5 girls and 2 boys namely Estella, Margarita, Reynaldo, Thereseta, Francisco, Fannymae Moya and Romalda Bull.

She was a very jovial person, always smiling and giving jokes. I could remember seeing my aunt in her blue PUP hat, while PUP T-shirt and blue ¾ pants. She was PUP to the bone. How can I forget her stick? She would meet people she knows and ask them for a dollar joking and if you say you don’t have she would tell you to dance until she says to stop. If you stop before she says to, she’ll hit you with her stick. Don’t let her hear music because she’ll start to dance. She loved dancing and playing marbles.

Fishing was her hobby. Her kids could remember her taking them to fish and when they are leaving she would make noise and tell them to run because mountain cow is coming. They could run but she couldn’t.

There was never a time I could see my aunt upset or sad. She always had a smile on her face. My aunt also took care of all her grandkids who she loved so dearly they meant a lot to her.

She also had Ms. Ampara Usher who took good care of her and for this we

LAND FOR SALE 1 Parcel of LAND for sale!

In Belmopan Area GOING CHEAP! Serious inquiries call 624-1891

want to say thank you very much.

Aunt Dolly was predeceased by her parents: Samuel and Emily Vaughan; brother Cleophus “Lexy” Vaughan and Lincoln Vaughan; and sister Beatrice Vaughan. She is survived by 1 sister; Eva Vaughan; sister-in-law Iris Vaughan, 7 children Estella, Margarita, Reynaldo, Theresita, Francisco, Fannymae Moya and Romalda Bull and one adopted daughter, Ampara Usher.

She also has 56 grandkids and 43 great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Rest in peace my Aunt Dolly and may your soul rise in Glory.

Love you!

Prayer to the Holy Spirit O Holy Spirit, you who are the fountainhead of all knowledge, who illuminate the pathway which enables me to reach my goal. You who share your divine gift permitting me to forgive and forget past insults and injustices, and who are always at my side within reaching distance. I desire in this short supplication to thank you for all that you have done for me; and to assure you once more that I never want to be separated from you under any circumstances, no matter what the incentive. I want to be with you, I along with, my loved ones, cradled in your unending love. Thank you for your never failing kindness towards me and those I call my own.

(Prayer to be offered for three consecutive days, faith in the Holy Spirit will cause Him to respond to your request no matter how difficult the problem might be. Publish prayer as soon as request has been granted.)

R.E.R.

8 08

THE BELIZE TIMES

PM rejects Union’s Counter Proposal!

Continued from page 1 ficers until after the Budget goes through the National Assembly.

In a rebuking letter to the Unions, the Prime Minister denied their request for a meeting between March 12th and March 20th, and said that he will not be available until Friday April 5th, two weeks after the final Budget Debate is held on Friday March 22nd.

The Prime Minister apparently does not want to give the Unions an opportunity to bring to the table a counter proposal to Government’s February 1st salary adjustment terms before the Budget is discussed at the House of Representatives, since once the Budget is passed, GOB can use that as an excuse that it cannot deviate from its approved financial plans.

The February 1st deal, endorsed as a starting point by the leaders of the Public Service Union, Belize National Teachers Union and Association of Public Service Senior Managers, proposed that teachers and public officers wait until 2014 for an increase that would depend on a significant improvement in Government revenues.

Over the past month, however, the Unions, mainly the teachers belonging to the BNTU, discussed the proposal and concluded that the Government’s offer was not good enough.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, dated February 26th 2013, the Unions indicated this position and laid out a counter proposal that consisted of a salary adjustment as of July this year, despite revenue projections.

The Union’s counter proposal was met with disdain by the Prime Minister. In his letter of response, dated March 5th, the PM said he was convinced that the Unions had accepted the February 1st terms, hook, line and sinker. He said he was “disappointed” as he understood that the Unions leaders “had accepted in principle, that Government can only agree [to] salary adjustments tied to increases in recurrent revenue; and that any such adjustments would begin in 2014 and be spread out over three years”.

The Prime Minister’s letter continued, “In the circumstances I am at a loss to understand, and must wholly reject, your position now for Government to pay, regardless of revenue performance, min-

imum 5% annual salary increases starting July of this year”.

While it surprises no one that the Prime Minister is attempting to bully and hoodwink the Unions, it is left to see whether the Unions will be able to stand together in this fight. It is the force that they showed when they held a massive demonstration in Belmopan in late January, which forced Government to invite them to the discussion table.

Last week Wednesday, Opposition Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca reiterated support to the Unions. Hon. Fonseca said that the PUP has stayed out of the discussion to allow the Unions to deal with Government in good faith, but The BELIZE TIMES understands that the Unions have not met to discuss the Prime Minister’s response.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Both letters are reprinted on page 2.

17 MAR

2013

Police charge 5 men for “Loitering” Belize City, March 6, 2013 Five city residents who were found

by Police hanging out on the middle of the street have been charged for the crime of loitering on a public place.

The Police report that they were patrolling Wagner’s Lane on Wednesday March 6th morning, when they saw a group of five men standing on the middle of the street, obstructing the free flow of traffic.

The Police say they approached the men and informed them of the offence they were committed, and proceeded to detain them. The men were escorted to the Police Station where they were charged for Loitering on a public place.

The five persons are identified as 27 year old Karl Heusner, a fisherman of # 7 Berkeley Street; 27 year old Kendoyll Ottley, a laborer of #163 West Canal; 36 year old Shane Budran, a laborer of #2 Wagner’s Lane; 28 year old Derrick Clarke, a fisherman of # 4 Wagner’s Lane; and a 17 year old labourer.

17 MAR

2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

09 9

10

THE BELIZE TIMES

VEGAS COME UP AGAIN! Continued from page 1 A few months Gapi Vega’s demonstrated his scorn for a majority of Belizeans, when he publicly declared that he and his family were not normal and that he was supervising a full-on land bonanza, ensuring that his family and friends benefit from prime Belizean land. No apologies.

No remorse. Straight like that.

But just when we thought the land grab couldn’t get any worse, Dean Barrow announced today that Cabinet is endorsing handsome compensations to Gapi’s friends and relatives with tax payers’ dollars for land transactions that were wrongful from the very onset.

Dominique Gomez, who is the girlfriend of Gapi Vega’s son Andre Vega, received title from her father-in-law to acres of land within a designated reserve in the Placencia lagoon. The area is home to a number of crocodile and birds. Other close associates of Gapi Vega such as Dorian Pakeman who is employed at the Government Press Office, Bertram Young and Douglas Usher also were awarded land in the same area.

The land grab within this protected area infuriated residents and

environmentalists along the Peninsula. After this blatant violation of our patrimony was uncovered, Vega had no apologies for his disregard for the environment and nepotistic actions.

One would have expected that Barrow (who once claimed that he would stomp out even the whiff of corruption) would have cancelled these titles – end of story. But not so. Instead of punishing Vega for the indiscretions, Barrow today placed his stamp and seal on this apparent get-rich quick program by announcing that Vega’s friends and family will be rewarded with market value compensation for the return of this prime piece of property to government.

What this means is that regardless of the low value that Gomez, Pakeman and others paid for the land, they will be repaid approximately 100 times more than what they had paid.

For example, if Gomez paid $2,000.00 for her piece, government will now pay her $200,000 (or more) upon the cancellation of her title. Pakeman who allegedly paid only $7,930 for 6.395 acres will likely laugh all the way to the bank.

This is not the first time the UDP is carrying out this kind of hustling.

Two weeks ago the BELIZE TIMES revealed that in June 2010, the UDP Government had offered $148,000 to one of their cronies in Orange Walk, Derrick Gillett, as compensation for a privately-owned parcel of land that they had wrongfully awarded to him.

Gapi Vega is no fool. Before giving out property to his family and friends, he knew full well that Barrow could never sanction, criticize or chastise him when Barrow himself has given out questionable contracts to his brother, ex-wife, and daughter; and SSB and BTL contracts to his son; and made his other son the music ambassador; and the list goes on.

In their world nothing appears to be sacred anymore. Today’s press conference served as just another jolting reminder that Dean Barrow and Gapi Vega have become so drunk with power and out of touch with the concerns of citizens that they are not answerable to anyone at any time.

So self-consumed is Barrow that he now makes the most outrageous and scandalous comments without blinking an eye. In the words of Lord Acton they have achieved absolute power and absolute power corrupts absolutely

17 MAR

2013

Faber gets new luxury ride Belize City, March 6, 2013 These times are the hardest for Belizeans. People are barely putting food on their tables, and the Government is refusing to give public officers and teachers a small salary raise. But it appears the Government has an open access to cash – public funds – to do whatever it wants.

Adding to the wasteful spending is no other than the Minister of Education Patrick Faber, who has dumped his late-model Mitsubishi Montero for a brand new 2013 Land Cruiser.

How can the Education Minister flaunt this kind of spending for material, when he recently told teachers “noh money deh” for a small salary increase?

We hope teachers are watching the hypocrisy of the UDP Ministers.

We also wonder whether this new ride is meant to appease the failed UDP politician who is known to throw fits and tantrums when he doesn’t get his way.

17 MAR

2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

11

An Imminent National Social Uprising?

Contributed Without dreams of hope and pride a man will die Though his flesh still moves his heart sleeps in the grave Without land man never dreams ‘cause he’s not free All men need a place to live with dignity. (Chuck Mangione Lyrics “Children of Sanchez”) A number of small but very significant issues popped up in the news over the past week.

By all indications they may be the catalyst, or the spark, that could ignite a national uprising against a government that is failing to meet the needs and aspirations of the majority of Belizeans across the national spectrum. They are farmers, teachers, students, business people and investors as well as the thousands of unemployed Belizeans who are now beginning to live in a hopeless and fearful environment.

The social fabric continues to unravel with unabated crime and violence. This is dovetailed by an unholy relationship between the Government and the Gangs who remain on their payroll. This perhaps is a natural symbiosis given the rampant corruption in the Barrow Administration and the thugs who form a part of his Cabinet.

There are no clearly defined policies in the broad scope of development - not in education, not in agriculture, not in social reform programmes, not in national security, not in transportation, not in labour, not in attracting investment, not in land reform and land distribution.

Like everything else all decisions are based solely on political expediency which is so far-removed from the government’s responsibility to govern. Every decision is made on an ad hoc basis. This makes the govern-

ment an Adhocracy in addition to the already well established fact that it is also known to be a “Kleptocracy”, or, a government that is run by thieves.

The recent reports of demonstrations and the increasing activisms on social, political, educational, land and border issues are indications of frustration among young and old Belizeans. It is a real litmus that indicates the manifestation of social discontent.

A demonstration in Belmopan by some two hundred mostly young men and women, some with “dreadlocks”, though small in numbers as compared to an earlier massive demonstration by thousands of teachers demanding fair wages, was significant. They represent the frustration of many thousands of Belizeans who continue to try to own a small piece of their birthright. They are being persistently insulted and given the run-around by an increasingly mismanaged and totally corrupt Ministry of Lands.

At the helm of this Ministry is

an equally corrupt and indifferent Minister of Lands, who also recently re-secured his position as Deputy Party Leader of the United Democratic Party at its national convention. This type of an endorsement, for a man who is not the sharpest tool in the box, signals in many ways that corruption is at the core of the government in power.

It is this same political strongman within the UDP hierarchy, that, not too long ago, publicly declared that he is “not normal” like the rest of us who are becoming increasingly poor and dispossessed while our human rights, that are enshrined in our Constitution, are being increasingly trampled upon.

This Minister continues to run the Ministry of Lands like his own fiefdom. He hands out land titles, or sells government lands to his relatives and cronies far below real market value in choice areas of the country. This continues unchecked.

Consequently, the tide of discontent will continue to rise. More recently he gave out land titles,

with impunity, on an island in the Placencia Lagoon area of southern Belize to close family members.

Even worse, these lands are located in an area that has been earmarked as a nature reserve. There has not been a beep from the Minister of the Environment, nor the toady, Chief Environmental Officer who was appointed by the Lands Minister.

Simultaneous with the recent demonstrators in Belmopan who expressed their frustration over the incompetence and inequity in the Ministry of Lands, a group in a village in the Cayo District was taking more drastic measures to secure land rights. Machetes in hand, they began to claim their natural rights to land in their village. They had become frustrated over the inaction of the Ministry of Lands in recognizing their legitimate request for land in their village.

Indications are that if left unchecked and with the corruption and ineptitude in the Ministry of Lands, which has been packed Continued on page 16

12

THE BELIZE TIMES

17 MAR

2013

17 MAR MAR 17

THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE

2013

TOPMODEL 13

ENTERTAINMENT

NEWS

Concego Visit www.Facebook/ Concego Ogaldez

Etana

reveals 3rd album

Reggae Artist Etana has just released her third album, Better Tomorrow, which is also the meaning of her name.

BBC has called her latest work her most “vocally subtle and seamless album to date.” And VIBE magazine has said she has already “established herself as a formidable performer and songwriter whose music and reputation precedes her.”

Etana says she hopes her music will bring change to stop political war and violence.

Dana

• • • • •

Height: 5’ 6” Career Plan: Business Administrator Sign: Taurus Favourite Food: Fry Chicken Likes: reading, socializing, writing poems, modeling, listening to music

TOP MODEL Clothing and Accessories provided by • •

Lives in Belize City Fav. Quote: “What people say or think about you does not determine who you are, you are the author of your own life history, so breathe in, breathe out and think big”

CATWALK FASHIONS

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

Cor. North Front Steet & Queen Street Belize City

Follow us on facebook

14 SPORTS

17 MAR

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES

2013

Armin, Daniel and Amado Did It Again!

Belize Bank Bulldogs win Belikin Ruta Maya River Challenge

Belize Bank won 1st Place

NICH won 2nd Place

Belize City, March 11, 2013 Defending Ruta Maya champs Belize Bank Bulldogs: Armin Lopez, Daniel Cruz and Amado Cruz won the 15th annual Belikin Ruta Maya River Challenge in Belize City on Monday, March 11.

The Bulldogs were 3rd across the finish line on Day 4, but they still had the best overall time: 18:31:21 to win the 1st prize and the Kinich Ahau trophy. The overall re-

Ziprider won 3rd

Belize to play US, Costa Rica & Cuba in Gold Cup

sults are as follows: Males 2nd – Team N.I.C.H. (18:31:24) Paddled by Oscar Cordon, Efrain and Felix Cruz 3rd – Team Ziprider sponsored

by Cruise Solutions (18:31:10) Paddled by Jerry Rhaburn, Jeremy and Jermaine Sanchez 4th – Team Westrac (18:38:32) Paddled by Jerry Cante, Erwin Cruz and Henner Cruz 5th & Most Perseverance Award – BTL Cobb’s Arm (18:39:24) Paddled by Roberto Cabb, Roy Cano and Andres Cabb Females 1st Team – “Vicious Ambitions & Delicious” (21:17:51) 2nd – UB Lady Jaguars (23:16:10) Paddled by Jayda Guydis, Louise Rodriguez and Shanice Ferguson 3rd – “Long Wait Bembehs” sponsored by the U.S. Embassy (30:09:23) Paddled by Salira Rico and Ellen Mckaney Intramural 1st – Team “Happy Cow” (19:17:20) Paddled by Alfred Lopez, Byron Cruz and Armando Lopez of St. Ignatius High School 2nd – Team Sprouts (19:29:08) Paddled by Kenrick, Michael

Belize City, March 13, 2013 The Gold Cup draw was held in Chicago on March 13, 2013. The President Mr. Ruperto Vicente represented Belize at the draw. Belize is in Group C along the teams Costa Rica, Cuba, United States.

The game schedule is as follows: Tuesday, July 9 (JELDWEN Field, Portland, Oregon) Costa Rica vs. Cuba (8:30 p.m.)

Belize vs. United States (11:00 p.m.).

Saturday, July 13 (Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah) United States vs. Cuba (4:00 p.m.)

Costa Rica vs. Belize (6:30 p.m.)

Tuesday, July 16 (Rentschler Field, East Hartford, Connecticut) Cuba vs. Belize (5:30 p.m.)

United States vs. Costa RIca (8:00 p.m.)

and Wilberto Daniels of Ladyville Technical High School 3rd – UB Black Jaguars (19:31:43) Paddled by Hector Bejerano, Alfonso Lind and George Ortega Mixed 1st – Team Coast Guard Guardians (19:37:35) Paddled by Tony Franzua, Keyren Tzib, Glen Jones 2nd – Team “Lost & Found” (20:17:35) 3rd – Team “Bachika” (22:49:55) Masters 1st - Oceana Wavemakers - 2010 champs (19:24:01) (Paddled by Chris Guydis and teammates 2nd – Team Sea Sports’ “Watt a Ting” (20:39:36) Paddled by Michael and Johnny “Watt” Searle and Robert Bailey 3rd - “Grumpy Ol’ Men” (21:17:08) Paddled by Joe Segura, Stanley Bailey and Jerry Wilken Pleasure 1st – Team Police Crimefighters (20:20:44) Paddled by Nery Waight, Tyrell Alvarez and Jesus Linares 2nd – Team Print Belize (21:08:02) Paddled by Rudolph Gentle, Timoteo Vanegas and Javier Guardado 3rd – Coast Guard’s Team “Magic Carpet” (21:14:32) Family 1st – Team “3 in 1” (21:47:16) 2nd – Team “Bubble & Grine”

Western Eagles & Berlan win in Smart/Harrison Parks cricket Rancho Dolores, March 9, 2013 Defending subchampions Western Eagles and Berlan both enjoyed victories at home when the 2013 SMART/Harrison Parks national cricket competition continued in Rancho Dolores and Bermudian Landing on Saturday, March 9.

The Western Eagles batted out the Strugglers of St. Paul’s Bank for a 49-48 schooling in Rancho Dolores with 10 wickets to spare! Wendell Pook batted 28 runs for Western Eagles while Jermaine Pook, Glen Pook and Kenroy Roca each took 3 wickets. Alvin Stephenson led the Strugglers’ batting with 20 runs.

Berlan also hosted Bright Star of Sandhill for a 113-109 win at Bermudian landing with 6 wickets to spare! Jermaine Baizar batted 29 runs for Berlan, while Conway Young took 4 wickets. Aston Vacaro led Bright Star with 23 runs and Darren Rhaburn took 2 wickets.

The Wicked Eleven also held cricket clinic 9694 for Brave Union of Burrell boom in Flowers Bank with 10 wickets in hand. Travis Robinson

17 MAR MAR 17

2013

THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE

SPORTS 15

Marlon Castillo wins SMART/Belmopan Cycling Classic Belize City, March 10, 2013 Team Santino’s Marlon Castillo won the 34th annual SMART Belmopan Cycling Classic on Sunday, outsprinting the defending champ, Ron Vasquez of Team Belikin Western Spirits on the 100mile ride from Belize City to Belmopan and back.

Castillo clocked 4:29:08 as he crossed the finish line in front of the SMART headquarters on the Philip Goldson highway.

Team C-Ray’s Brandon Cattouse won 3rd place, while Team Benny’s Megabytes’ Byron Pope took 4th and Team Belikin Western Spirits’ Richard Troyer rounded out the top 5.

Marlon Castillo wins

BDF takes over as No. 1 in Premier League

Independence High School.

The Nazarene High School girls will represent the Central division and will take on the Western regional champs, the Belmopan Baptist High School girls on Friday evening, while the Northern regional champs, the Belize Rural High School challenge the Southern regional champs, the Georgetown Technical High School girls.

Nazarene boys

All eyes on National Softball Championship

San Ignacio, March 10, 2013 The Belize Defence Force is No. 1 in the Premier League of Belize football competition with a 3-1 win against FC San Felipe Barcelona in week 5 of the Premier League Belize tournament at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio on Sunday.

Byron Usher scored the BDF’s first winning goal. Vallan Symns converted a penalty for a 2-0 lead at the half and Shane “Chucky” Flores iced the win with a 3rd goal. San Felipe scored 1 consolation goal. BDF now has 12 points.

Defending champs Belmopan Bandits are now No. 2 with as the FC Belize denied them a 4th win, holding them to a 0-0 draw at the MCC grounds on Sunday.

Other games: Police United vs. Verdes – 1-0 San Ignacio United vs. Placencia Assassins - 1-1

Marinette Flowers, riding unattached won the women’s 60 mile race to the La Democracia and back, clocking in 3:23:01, as she beat Kirah Eiley of Team BECOL Uprising in the sprint to the finish. Team Belize Telemedia’s Gina Lovell took 3rd prize in 3:35:02.

Team Xibalban’s Oscar Quiros defended his title as junior champ clocking 2:44:32 to win the 60 mile junior race.

Team BECOL Uprising’s Delawn Abraham took 2nd in 2:26:22 and his teammate Zahir Figueroa took 3rd.

Devin Azueta and Michael Grajalez won 1st and 2nd prizes in the Youth category.

Belize City, March 8, 2013 The high school softball championships will be hosted by Wesley College at the Rogers’ Stadium on Friday and Saturday, March 15-16.

The Nazarene High School boys won the high school softball championships: 17-7 by mercy rule against the defending city champs, the St. John’s

Nazarene girls

College boys at the Rogers’ Stadium on Saturday, March 9.

They will take on the Western regional champs, the Belmopan Comprehensive School boys on Friday evening, while the Northern regional champs, the defending champs San Pedro High School challenge the southern regional champs,

Western Eagles & Berlan Continued from page 14 led Wicked Eleven’s batting with 57 runs, while Winston Flowers took 7 wickets for Wicked Eleven. Brian Cassassola top scored for the visitors with 16 runs.

Other matches: Surprise vs. Isabella Uprising – 138-119 Sunrise vs. Alfred Dawson Cricket Club – Sunrise win Excellence vs. Easy Does It - postponed Upcoming matches: Isabella Uprising vs. Bright Star (Sandhill) Wicked Eleven vs. Brilliant (Crooked Tree) Berlan vs. Surprise (Lemonal) Sunrise vs. Strugglers (St Paul’s Bank) Police vs. Easy Does It (Belmopan) Western Eagles vs. Alfred Dawson Cricket Club (Gardenia)

16

17 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

An Imminent National Social Uprising?

Continued from page 11 with political cronies and who are frustrating the few honest professionals, this will sooner or later result in a domino effect.

It should be encouraged in this environment where our government is failing in its commitment to look after the best interests of the Belizean people.

These issues are no different from that of the Guatemalan claim to Belize. But this one is more than a land issue. It is also about a nation, and a people and its varied cultures in a country that even before 1859 had its borders clearly defined and now enshrined in the Belize Constitution.

The decision by the Barrow administration to sign an agreement with the Guatemalans, who are claiming our land and our birthright to hold a Referendum on whether or not we should go to the International Court of Justice for a determination on what or who we are was arbitrary. We should have been asked if we wanted such a referendum.

What is even more concerning is that the so-called Referendum Commission (Why do we really need one?) has been subtly promoting a “YES� vote on the ICJ by promoting the ICJ. This is biased and so wrong - so very wrong. They should be advised that they are holding a very short fuse to a powder keg of a fermenting and emotionally charged patriotic and national issue.

It is because of this issue why a group of Belizeans this past weekend exercised their right to symbolically demarcate our borderline with Guatemala. It is the responsibility of our government to protect

our citizens in such an exercise. Yet, when Guatemalans are assaulted by our soldiers who are protecting our border, we willingly pay compensation. Because a group of energetic and patriotic Belizeans are trying to make a point about the integrity of our borderline, they have been rebuffed by their government, and more so by the buffoon, our Foreign Minister. It would appear that Guatemala is dictating our Foreign Affairs in accordance with the 1981 Heads of Agreement that was soundly rejected by the people of Belize.

Instead of trying to frustrate the move by patriotic Belizeans to physically, though symbolically, define

our borders with machetes in hand, our government and the Minister of Foreign Affairs should have with the support of the Ministry of National Security, provided some protection and support.

The Minister should be reminded that within the definition of a failed state, is one that cannot defend and protect its borders, nor its citizens. This man is more and more displaying symptoms of a bi-polar disorder. We encourage him to stay home and walk his dog in the mornings and relax with his family in the evenings. There is another story to be told about that.

There is perhaps a need for a national social uprising to defend

our land, our people and our cultures and to be allowed to live in dignity. Without any meaningful and equitable land distribution in Belize we can hardly expect to see any meaningful economic growth. This was one of the hallmarks of the People’s United Party as it moved the country toward Independence - land redistribution in a country that is defined by its borders and its people.

Belize and its people have been defined. It is no longer a piece of British Colonial territory used for exploitation. Belize is a people with land not a land without people.

17 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

17

Guatemala’s claim to Belize

A political red herring that will never go away, the ICJ is in-appropriate. It will resolve nothing.

After the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the United States’ covert war against Nicaragua was in violation of international Law, the United States withdrew from compulsory jurisdiction in 1986.

A ruling by the ICJ has exacerbated, not resolved, a territorial dispute between Colombia and Nicaragua. Following the Court’s ruling in favour of Nicaragua, the war of words between the two countries have been ratcheted up. Colombia has said that the ICJ’s ruling was not in accordance with international law and that it will fight the ruling over Nicaragua’s Sea Territory.

It is only sovereign states that may bring cases to the ICJ. If Belize is recognized by the United Nations as a sovereign state with its borders defined by its Constitution, why should the ICJ consider Guatemala’s challenge to this sovereignty?

Using that argument, Taiwan’s case cannot be heard by the ICJ. Taiwan has said that the ICJ is not qualified to consider its aspirations.

By Norris Hall The Guatemalan claim to Belize has become irrelevant. There is an extremely long historical perspective of the two colonial powers, Britain and Spain dating back to the 1300s. The period prior to that, dates back to the Mayan historical era. In 1763 Spain and Britain signed an accord giving rights to the British to cut and export logwood in the northern half of what was to become British Honduras. This was in 1850 under the Clayton Bulwer Treaty.

Since then, much has been written, millions of dollars spent, numerous diplomatic initiatives taken and highfalutin discussions and articles written on this spurious claim. Finally, it was in 1991 that the then President of Guatemala, Jorge Serrano, decided to put aside Guatemala’s claim to Belize. Aside from this, it is quite clear that Guatemala has made every attempt to punch holes in any move towards a negotiated settlement. What will make it any different if the ICJ rules in favour of Belize and its territorial integrity?

This is unlikely to happen given the ICJ’s history of ceding territory to settle disputes despite the lauded opinions of the legal elites and other international jurists. Many of these legal opinions appear, all too often, to be overridden by the ICJ. Colombia is a case in point. Space will not allow a listing of the ICJ decisions. Most of its rulings cede land. Some, like Colombia, say that many of its rulings are skewed and are not consistent with international law.

It is not insignificant that the Guatemalan President recently made a strong protest against the Belize Referendum Act. It is yet another example that Guatemala is not prepared to respect our laws and sovereignty. It is obvious that it will not accept the ruling of the ICJ if it does not get its way. It also appears to be hedging on the Special Agreement on the referendum.

Guatemala is a sitting member of the United Nation’s Security Council. It can veto Belize’s bid to go to the ICJ if it is not on its terms.

It is becoming clearer and clearer by the day that they are trying to renege on their commitment to a referendum on whether or not to go to the ICJ. Belize is at a political disadvantage at the UN where influence peddling is a strong currency.

The antics of the Barrow government and the shenanigans of his Foreign Minister are legitimizing their place in history. But it is not the way they would like to be recorded by adding fodder to Guatemala’s unfounded claim. This includes Mr. Elrington’s assertions, much to the advantage of Guatemala, about our “invisible borders” and flaws in the Maritime Areas Act which was the creation of his party’s government. According to a recent comment by Mr. Elrington, he would prefer to be walking his dog. In the meantime he has become Belize’s worst Foreign Minister, a perceived puppet of Guatemala and an international laughing stock.

Rather than encourage and protect a group of Belizeans who chose to begin the demarcation of our border with Guatemala, our Foreign Minister shamelessly echoed the mantra of the Guatemalan President in warning against such an expedition. It took place without any border incident.

The proposal to consider the ICJ as the arbiter in Guatemala’s claim to Belize is inappropriate. The proposition is that the ICJ will be asked to consider a territorial dispute dating back to four centuries ago.

Belize has evolved with major constitutional changes in its national personality. It is no longer British Honduras. It has never and will never be “Belice”. Belize is Belize in any language under the sun. It is no longer a piece of mahogany

and logwood rich forested territory or a baymen’s or buccaneer’s haven that was raped and plundered by the British colonist who left very little behind.

Belize has evolved, not by accident but with the vision of George Price and the People’s United Party in a struggle against British oppression and towards decolonization.

It was a struggle that ended racial division and the relegation of people in the “out districts” as inferior to the Royal Colonial elites who continue to be personified by Prime Minister Dean Barrow.

Belize is people and land not land with people. The forging of this national identity was no coincidence. It was a deliberate move to mobilize the people of this land to work together in forming a national identity and a nation under the fundamental credo and principles of the United Nations.

Belizeans (except for a few hundred or less) suffer no crisis of identity.

Its democracy, its way of life, its people and cultures are distinctly separate from that of Guatemala with its history of civil wars, oligarchical governments, brutal dictatorships (as reflected in the book EL Senor Presidente by Oscar Arias), human rights abuses, rampant poverty and corruption (which has taken hold in Belize under the Barrow government) and even a history of genocide of its large population of Maya who continue to be poor and landless.

The Internartional Court of Justice is not qualified to sit in judgment to determine the future and aspirations of a people. Belize is its people with a rich and diverse culture forged together despite the deeply rooted British colonial

policy of racism to divide and rule.

Economically or territorially, this country may be but a straw in the wind, given British, American, German and Israeli massive investments in Guatemala. By putting our way of life and our culture that is Belize in the hands in fifteen aloof Judges, is like waiting for a Judge and jury to decide our fate and the fate of who we are as a people. We have carved out our unique destiny on this isthmus of Central America, albeit one that has been temporarily delayed by the UDP administration.

Assad Shoman, in his book “A History of Belize in 13 Chapters”, addresses the issue of a national identity. It is a very important and relevant issue. But in the years and years of talk and diplomacy this has been ignored. It was a pivotal issue for George Price in the making of Belize as a nation and in the internationalizing of Belize’s bid for independence.

It is one that the many intellectuals, lawyers and politicians have ignored.

Having their roots in the Royal Creole elites, Barrow and Elrington and the character of the UDP, were far removed from the struggle of the people of Belize for a national identity, the anti-British decolonization movement and the struggle for constitutional changes leading up to independence-an independence movement which the UDP tried to frustrate. It is too late for them to legitimize their place in history.

Guatemala has no claim to us as a people. We are what Belize is.

Do we want the ICJ to rule on what or who we are or should be?

18

Has Minister of Health Pablo Marin lost faith northern public hospital?

Continued from page 2 close to him.

Both the Minister and the CEO came out in defence of the medical staff at the Northern Regional Hospital and even took offence at the allega-

Belize No Longer a Democracy Continued from page 2 arship for their children or promised favour from a politician in power.

Even in the face of corruption and mismanagement, our people hush up and pretend everything is alright.

The actions of our leaders do not auger well in our already-shaky democracy. Our union leaders, workers, teachers and policemen are disrespected by those elected to lead us, but remain divided and powerless.

The acronym FEAR stands for False Events Appearing Real. This is the method used by the Government to erode many of our rights and freedoms. Let us replace the above with equal opportunities, hope, optimism, collective action and the restoration of democracy in Belize.

To make Belize a true “haven of democracy” as our anthem states, we will soon have to “drive back the tyrants”.

Thanks for publishing my first of many letters of what I learnt during Minister Farrakhan’s visit.

Signed, Leonel Tucker

17 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

tions made by those directly affected. Very reliable sources have now confirmed that his spouse/common law has just given birth (February 13, 2013 to be exact) to a full term and healthy baby in Chicago, USA. The people of Orange Walk and Corozal are asking how is it that the Minister’s baby could not be delivered at the Northern Regional Hospital. After all, he himself went public saying that the hospital was delivering exceptional services.

The sad reality for the mothers and babies who suffered at the hands of the incompetent staff at the Northern Regional is that they cannot afford to fly out to deliver their babies in the USA. More than likely these mothers could not even afford to go to a private hospital in Belize much less to one in the USA. The poor parents who have been severely and negatively affected for life due to the outright negligence of the medical personnel at the Northern Regional Hospital and the failed leadership of the Ministry of Health are left to fend for themselves without any assistance from the Ministry or GOB. People from both northern districts are up in arms upon learning that the several cases of negligence at the Northern Regional Hospital will be swept under the rug while the Minister himself loses faith in his hospital and chooses to have his baby delivered at a hospital outside Belize.

Expectant mothers of these two districts are afraid to go to the NRH to deliver their babies…I don’t blame them. The hundred dollar question is… has the Minister of Health lost faith in the Northern Regional Hospital or the public hospitals in Belize?

Signed Rosa Blanco Orange Walk Town

2013

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BELIZE A.D. 2012 (DIVORCE) Action No. 167

RACHELLE REBECCA ESTEPHAN CODIANNE BETWEEN and

PATRICK CLARENCE CODIANNE

PETITIONER RESPONDENT

TO: PATRICK CLARENCE CODIANNE TAKE NOTICE that a Petition for dissolution of marriage dated the 13th day of September, 2012 endorsed with a notice to you to appear and answer the charges therein has been filed in the Supreme Court of Belize by RACHELLE REBECCA ESTEPHAN CODIANNE and that you are required within fourteen days of the second publication hereof to enter an appearance at the Supreme Court in Belize City, Belize, should you think fit to do so and thereafter to make answer to the charges in the said Petition AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that in default of your so doing the COURT will proceed to hear the said charges proved and pronounced judgment, your absence notwithstanding.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS ATTORNEYS FOR THE PETITIONER

BY ORDER OF MORTGAGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL 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 KAY USHER 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 of parcel of land situate on Bougainvilla Street, Ladyville Village, Belize District, being the Lot No. 80 and more particularly delineated and described as shown on Plan No. 1651 in the Lands and Survey Department, Belmopan, recorded at the General Registry in Crown Lands Book (Plans) TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of KAY USHER DATED the 25th day of February 2013 HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738

17 MAR

19

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Ministry of Housing is a FRAUD! Continued from page 1

Housing.

In the upcoming fiscal year, GOB is budgeting $2,079,977 more for the Housing Ministry.

Three core objectives of the Ministry of Housing are to: 1. To facilitate low income earners with low interest housing loans 2. To provide grants to low income earners for home repairs 3. To develop special programmes whereby Teachers, BDF, Police, Nurses and Public Officers can benefit through incentives officered for long services With a total of $41 million from 2008-2013, the Government could have constructed over 8,000 homes for needy Belizeans.

But where are the houses?

Where are the housing loans?

Where are the housing projects?

The only housing projects visible throughout the country – whether it is Cohune Walk in Belmopan, Mahogany Heights and 8

Miles on the George Price Highway, Los Lagos on the Phillip Goldson Highway, San Lorenzo Housing Site in Orange Walk Town, or Chula Vista, Joseito, or Dominguez Layout in Corozal – were all accomplished by the former PUP administration OVER EIGHT YEARS AGO. Squandering Funds So if there have been no housing projects and no housing loans available, where have all the millions allocated to the Ministry of Housing gone?

A closer look at the Ministry of Housing’s budget will show that the millions have been squandered every year to feed the Barrow Administration’s practice of cronyism at the highest expense of the public.

The Ministry hires a small staff – 11 public officers, yet its budget for salaries is $400,000.

The Housing and Planning Department, whose mission “to ensure that houses are constructed for Belizean families countrywide” reads like a sick joke, has a full com-

Michael Finnegan’s record as Minister of Housing is a dismal shame?

plement of an Urban Development Planner, Building Inspector, Building Supervisor and mechanic, whose skill is not being put to full use. Altogether, the budget for the Department’s salaries is

$706,659.

But it is a sub-item on the Department’s budget that must be called into question. There is an allocation of $401,113 for “Unestablished Staff”, which seems to represent the hiring of all the political cronies that the Minister of Housing Michael Finnegan wants and then some.

Finnegan has been the Minister of Housing since 2008, collecting $81,000 plus $28,000 in allowances yearly. He has nothing to show for it, except for idly twiddling his thumbs as a financial crisis has led into a housing/ mortgage crisis which has destroyed housing ownership in Belize.

There has been no rescue for Belizeans who have lost their homes as a result of the ailing economy in Belize.

One of the key responsibilities of the Ministry is to “achieve accountability and transparency for its expenditure of funds allocated by ELIMINATING WASTE and ensuring the budget presentation is prepared bearing this in mind”. This is another sick joke.

Referendum 2013You Will Decide PUP Eastern Caucus-Educational Campaign.

A Discussion on the Merits and Demerits of taking Guatemala’s unfounded claim to the ICJ Where: INDEPENDENCE HALL, QUEEN STREET TIME: 7:00 P.M., TUESDAY, 19TH MARCH 2013 On 6th October 2013 - You will vote on the following question: “Do you agree that any legal claim of Guatemala against Belize relating to land and insular territories and to any maritime areas pertaining to these territories should be submitted to the International Court of Justice for final settlement and that it determine finally the boundaries of the respective territories and areas of the Parties?”…

Educate yourself, be prepared.

20

THE BELIZE TIMES

17 MAR

2013

Recipe of the week bine cornmeal and flour; season with salt and pepper. . Working in batches, lift fish from egg-white mixture (letting excess drip off), and dredge in cornmeal mixture, patting to adhere; transfer to foil-lined sheet. . In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Working in batches, cook fish until golden brown and opaque throughout, 4 to 6 minutes, turning once (if fish is browning too quickly, reduce heat). . Transfer to wire rack, and keep warm in oven while remaining fish cooks. Serve with ketchup.

Cornmeal-Crusted

Fish Sticks

Ingredients 4 large egg whites Coarse salt and ground pepper 1 pound skinless tilapia fillets, cut into 1-by-3-inch strips 1 cup yellow cornmeal 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup vegetable oil Ketchup, for serving Directions . Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil; fit another with a wire rack. . In a large bowl, whisk together egg whites, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper; add fish, and toss to coat. . In another large bowl, com-

MARRIAGES Felipe Wade Alfaro, 27, to Analin Mayola Rash, 22, both of Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District James Molina, 32, to Lynee Roleen Martinez, 32, both of Seven Miles (El Progreso), Cayo District Elmer Obdulio Vail, 26, to Amparo Areli Moreno, 39, both of Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District Jose Rafael Choto, 27, of Santa Elena Town, Cayo District, to Claricia Bridget Banner, 41, of Camalote, Cayo District Cecil Martin Lorenzo, 31, to Taralee Vanessa Flores, 32, both of Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District Melvin Donald Cacho, 62, of Seine Bight, Stann Creek District, to Neomi Carmella Martinez, 43, of Georgetown, Stann Creek District Allen Eugene Gilmore, 55, to Connie Sean Riordan, 50, both of Hoyt,

Kansas, U.S.A. Andres Hernandez, 53, to Evelin Crespo, 33, both of Corozalito, Cayo District Jacinto Emilio Cawich, 31, to Iris Diamantina Gonzalez, 26, both of San Jose, Orange Walk District Gareth Anthony Richard Forbes, 30, to Lashanna Devan Sabal, 20, both of Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District Michael Anthony Adolphus, 32, to Celida Lamb, 31, both of Belize City Constancio Magdaleno Caliz, 21, to Anselma Cal, 18, both of San Roman, Stann Creek District Darwin Emil Itza, 20, of San Jose Succotz, Cayo District, to Keyna Julissa Ochoa, 22, of Benque Viejo del Carmen Town, Cayo District Carlos David Lara, 22, to Maria Rosenda Rosalez, 16, both of Kendal, Stann

Important Note: Slicing fillets lengthwise then crosswise into samesize strips allows the fish sticks to cook evenly.

Creek District Abran Tomas Carrillo, 27, to Maria Esther Barahona, 28, both of Carmelita, Orange Walk District Jonathan Casanova, 21, to Carla Yasuri Zetina, 24, both of Calcutta, Corozal District Alvaro Ricardo Sanker, 36, to Shanira Beatriz Herrera, 23, both of Carolina, Corozal District Juan Alberto Montalvo, 49, to Cindy Lyna Gonzalez, 28, both of Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District Alberto Adrian Sentimento, 19, to Thalia Albina Lanza, 20, both of Guinea Grass, Orange Walk District Junior Thomas, 31, to Patricia Pitterson, 29, both of Ontario, Cayo District Steve Badillo, 33, to Shamira Elena Awe, 30, both of San Ignacio Town, Cayo District Ernesto Teul, 26, to Verginia Coh, 24, both of Silver Creek, Toledo District Windel Coc, 27, to Sabina Milan, 21, both of San Pedro Columbia, Toledo District Kevin Larmon, 25, to Lauren Coles, 24, both of Westminster, Colorado,

U.S.A. Anthony Israel Alvarez, 42, to Paula Marie Vera, 38, both of Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District Cecil Isidor Lino, 58, of Tacoma, Washington, U.S.A., to Zinnia Christine Alvarez, 35, of Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District Walter Aguirre, 28, to Evangelina Idalia Toledano, 19, both of San Roman, Orange Walk District Juan Carlos Choj, 27, to Miriam Ycely Harris, 35, both of Santa Elena Town, Cayo District Armando Shol, 20, to Elida Frutos, 20, both of Central Farm, Cayo District Loyden Bejerano, Sr., 53, to Juana Saravia, 48, both of Unitedville, Cayo District Ruel Melgar Cruz, 24, to Shandell Elisha Smith, 22, both of Teakettle, Cayo District Yoni William Cerna, 26, to Elsa Johanna Arevalo, 24, both of Mile 25 Hummingbird Highway, Stann Creek District Manuel Hernandez, 39, to Aurora Briceno, 34, both of Silk Grass, Stann Creek District Joel Ray Duncan, 36, to Mitchell Chartolle Ramclam, 31, both of Western

Paradise, Belize District Mario Ramon Castellanos, 21, of Louisville, Corozal District, to Lenlie Itzel Lin, 17, of San Roman, Corozal District Scott Bell, 27, to Dorita Young, 24, both of Corozal Town, Corozal District

BIRTHS Born to Jose Rax and Natividad Rax nee Xol, a girl, Shadira

DEATHS Josephine Rhaburn, 61 Carlton Rose, 79 Lincoln Gentle, 78 Jason Young, 39 Nessie Burn, 98 Erna Myvett, 50 Clifford Orosco, 65 Romel Palacio, Jr., 35

17 MAR

2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

Reid Despots Exposed

By G. Michael Reid “But the poor person does not exist as an inescapable fact of destiny. His or her existence is not politically neutral, and it is not ethically innocent. The poor are a by-product of the system in which we live and for which we are responsible. They are marginalized by our social and cultural world. They are the oppressed, exploited proletariat, robbed of the fruit of their labor and despoiled of their humanity. Hence the poverty of the poor is not a call to generous relief action, but a demand that we go and build a different social order.” ~ Gustavo Gutiérrez There were two events this past week that has major significance for Belize. First, we received the sad news that Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez had passed away.

Chavez was the embattled leader of Venezuela who stood up for poor people everywhere. Despite a sustained propaganda against him, Chavez was loved by a great many people as was evident by the millions who turned out to mourn him publicly.

The second event was the third visit to Belize by the Leader of Nation of Islam, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. There is much to say about Farrakhan’s visit but I will leave that for another article. What is interesting is that the Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Oliver Barrow, seems to have gone to great lengths to ignore and avoid both of these significant events. He stayed in Belize just long enough to say a brief hello to Minister Farrakhan after which he quickly bolted for the United States of America.

While leaders from many countries around the world gathered in Caracas last Friday to pay homage to Hugo Chavez, our own leader decided to stay in America and send his distrusted deputy instead. That was total disrespect to a country and nation that has given much to Belize.

Poverty was around 25% but today, it is at a whopping 43%. program has since been discontinued. What has our leader done for our poor?

In his address to the students of the University of Belize (UB) Farrakhan was surprised to learn that they were paying for the level of education that they were receiving. He suggested that what the government was doing was tantamount to a “street robber with a gun”. In Venezuela, higher education is free and receives 35% of the education budget. In Belize, students at UB were recently informed that their tuition rate would more than double. Of Venezuelans aged 15 and older, 95.2% can read and write, which is one of the highest literacy rates in the region. In Belize, our literacy rate is currently among the lowest; as low as 47 percent in some areas. Who is the real despot here?

In 2007, Venezuela’s primary education enrollment was around 93%. In a release last year, Education Minister Patrick Faber reported that some 30,000 of our school age children are out of school.

21

democratically elected and not once, but four times. Each election was overseen and certified

by UN monitors. In 2002, the US initiated a coup that temporarily removed Chavez from office but Venezuelans put Chavez on their shoulders and carried him back into the Presidential palace. In October of last year, El Commandante won his fourth term in ofBelize currently still enjoys fice. By that time unfortunately, many benefits from Venezuela. he was well into the late stages Belize is one of many nations that of the terminal cancer that would receive cheap oil through that naeventually claim his life. tion’s Petro Caribe initiative. InterChavez was charismatic, bold estingly enough, there are many and extremely popular. In a 2006 people even in the United States address to the United Nations that benefit from this so-called General Assembly, Chavez fa“oil diplomacy”. Citgo Petroleum mously referred to US President Corporation, a subsidiary of VenGeorge W Bush as “the devil”. ezuela’s state-owned oil compaFollowing Bush to the podium, ny, has for years been providing he sarcastically remarked that the heating oil to hundreds of thoupodium “reeked of sulfur”. Chávez sands of poor Americans to keep made the sign of the cross, posithem warm during the cold wintioned his hands as if praying, and ter months. Under Chavez’s rule, looked briefly upwards as if invoVenezuela also subsidizes fuel oils cation of God. While the speech to Haiti and was among the first was received with sustained apto rush to Haiti’s aid following the plause in the General Assembly, devastating earthquake of 2010. it was obvious that Bush did not Without Venezuelan help, Haitians find it funny. Still, when Hurriwould be in a much worse state cane Katrina ravaged the Gulf than they already are.

Coast, Chavez was the first to offer food, water, fuel, and other humanitarian asContrast that with Mr. Barrow’s record. When sistance. His offer was rejected. the UDP took office in 2008 unemployment As much as Chavez was was at 8%. Today, it stands at 23%. considered a friend to the Poverty was around 25% but today, it is world’s poor, he was considered an enemy to the at a whopping 43%. program has since rich. Still, there are many been discontinued. What has our leader who recognized Chavez’s worth. Former US Rep Jodone for our poor? seph Kennedy II recently said that Chavez cared about the poor at a time when “some of the wealthiest people on our planet have Given that more than half of our Venezuela has given Belize more money than they can ever population is young; that makes tens of millions of dollars in grants reasonably expect to spend.” The for an extremely high percentage. as well as aid for housing and rich might be happy to see him The American media has tried medicine. Hundreds are flown go but the poor will never forget to convince the world that Hugo to Venezuela each year as a part Chavez. Rest in peace El ComanChavez was a dictator. That is of the Mission Milagro program dante, rest in peace! absolutely not true! Chavez was for eye care and surgeries. Was it too much to ask that our Prime Minister take a couple of days to express our thanks to these generous people? Chavez’s charity was most notable in his own home however, where he literally lifted the Venezuelan people from poverty.

New York Times journalist Mark Weisbrot notes in an article that since Chavez became President of Venezuela, “…poverty has been cut by half, and extreme poverty by 70 percent. College enrollment has more than doubled, millions of people have access to health care for the first time and the number of people eligible for public pensions has quadrupled”.

Contrast that with Mr. Barrow’s record. When the UDP took office in 2008 unemployment was at 8%. Today, it stands at 23%.

22

THE BELIZE TIMES

17 MAR

2013

17 MAR

2013

CitCo’s Denial of Service Bad for Business

By Gilroy Usher, Sr. Shortly after it was elected to office, the Belize City Council led

by Darrel Bradley put a stop to the licensing of vehicles or the processing of driver’s licenses for anyone who has an outstanding bill with the council. The denial of any of the vital services is maintained until the customer settles his or her debt.

The net for those outstanding bills include property tax, garbage fee, liquor license, trade license, traffic ticket, and any other service for which the council charges a fee.

The persons mostly affected by the draconian policy are the poor, grassroots, low income people, who live from paycheck to paycheck. These are the people who have no fat savings at the bank where they access funds easily to pay off their taxes with the council.

This new law is a financial whip for single mothers and taxi drivers, especially those who operate cabs or tour operators. If they haven’t paid their taxes, they won’t get licenses.

Consequently, there has been a steep increase in the number of persons driving unlicensed vehicles and driving without a valid driver’s license. That of course is a recipe for disaster. If any of the drivers are involved in a traffic accident, they will experience double jeopardy because they will find that the illegal status of the vehicle or driver prevents them from getting any compensation for the accident from the company that insured the vehicle.

In addition, they can be held liable for operating a vehicle illegally.

As the Council squeezes every ounce of payment out of the poor, many people who owe thousands and thousands of dollars in unpaid taxes remain untouched by the Mayor’s policy. These are the people with good political connections or fat bank accounts. After one phone call or a brief meeting with the right person everything is smooth sail-

23

THE BELIZE TIMES

ing whenever they request any service from the council despite their huge and long overdue bill with the municipality. Do they really want us to believe that nobody with political or financial influence in the city owes the council any overdue taxes?

The council recently stated that it has collected two million dollars out of twelve million dollars in long overdue taxes. What it did not say is who paid the lion share of the two million dollars collected and who is responsible for the lion share of the ten million dollars that remains unpaid in taxes. You can bet your last dollar that poor people paid most of the 2 million dollars collected in back taxes. You can also bet your last dollar that those with good political connection and fat bank accounts are responsible for most of that $10 million dollars in back taxes for the council.

It’s very likely that the council’s term will end with hardly any of that ten million dollars collected from those with political or financial influence in the city.

I agree that the council needs to collect current as well as outstanding taxes to provide the necessary services to the people. I, however, would like the council to be even-handed without. And the council should offer poor people a payment plan to pay off their overdue taxes. That is a necessity with poor people because they don’t have quick access to funds. The Council should also remember that when it denies vital service like the licensing of a vehicle or the processing of a driver’s license, it often prevents people from engaging in their particular field of work from which they earn money to support their families and pay taxes.

Editor’s Note: The Minister of Local Government Godwin Hulse has publicly declared this policy as illegal and has indicated that the Council is overstepping its legal jurisdiction. Despite this, the Council has proceeded with the rule.

City residents who are affected by the policy and who believe they are being wronged have a right to challenge the matter before our Courts. We encourage brave residents to do so.

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 Mortgage under a Deed of Assignment of Mortgage made the 26th of July, 2010, between RICHARD M. ESTEPHAN of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Vol. 23 of 2010 at Folios 1371–1396, 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 being Block No. 4 containing 3.75 acres situated East of the Northern Highway near the Houlover Bridge, Belize District as shown on the Plan attached to the Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 820 of 2008 dated 15th December, 2008 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 6th day of March, 2013.

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

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

Home Economics

Moratorium on taxi license: sign of the times

By Richard Harrison I understand that various municipal governments have decided to enter into a moratorium on issuance of taxi licenses, under pressure from existing taxi operators, i.e. they are no longer issuing licenses to new applicants who want to operate a taxi.

Taxi service in Belice is a business that allows a person to be self-employed. It has “low barrier to entry”, in that the capital costs of entering the business is relatively small....with $7,000 one can buy a nice enough car, and pay for license and insurance... and bam!....he is in business.

As with most businesses that have “low barriers to entry”..... there are usually a lot of “participants”.....because many such persons can find the $7,000 that it takes to participate.

If that business leaves the participant with $250 profit per week, it is better than if he took a job that pays $200 per week.

As unemployment in Belice is over 20%, there are many such persons earning less than $200 per week....and thus many takers in the bets for the taxi sweepstakes.

The same scenario exists in the provision of food and catering services. All it takes is a stove, some pots and pans, a few materials...and bam!.... one can sell food under a tent on the street side...employing herself, her daughter-in-law and a taxi man to take her and her accouterments back and forth from the factory (home) to the “place of business”.

How about all the men and their sons who manage to put

their hands on a weed eater... and go around offering “lawn management services”? We don’t see too much of them around....LOL. Neither have the “public markets” become over-flowing with persons trying to make ends meet by selling everything under the sun.....making not a complaint....from sunrise to after sunset, they toil....trying to make ends meet.

Belizeans are a very resilient people....the majority see this as their fate...and go about their daily business without nary a word of resistance.

I hear that the new owners of supermarkets are also pushing for moratorium on store licenses...they say there are too many stores now.

The bus owners have also put a moratorium on new bus operator licenses. They say there are too many bus operators now.

The noose is tightening even on some “big businesses”.....but more so on the “businesses with low barriers

17 MAR

2013

to entry”.

As this trend grows.... more and more families are forced to withdraw their kids from school. This is having all kinds of repercussions on the choices that young people are making.

Belice is in a race to the bottom.

There is a way how to fix it....as a qualified Belizean, I already presented a formula....and am willing to debate it publicly with any qualified person(s)...especially with the public officials that are defending the status quo formula.... and their accomplices within the “entrenched and benefiting” private sector.

Are there any takers????

This article was written by Richard Harrison, a local businessman and investor in the manufacturing and service industries. Mr. Harrison holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from Lancaster University, United Kingdom.

Send comments to harrisonbz@yahoo.com

17 MAR

25

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

World Happiness Day

COLOURING FUN WITH BOOTS & DORA!

The very first Happiness Day is celebrated this year!

Be happy on Wednesday, March 20!

Ok, so to take part in World Happiness Day you have to ACT. A - Affirm or Uphold the Happiness Pledge!

I WILL TRY TO CREATE MORE HAPPINESS IN THE WORLD AROUND ME! C- Cheer Happy Heroes – this means we celebrate the people who make us or others happy!

T- Take part! Tell a nice joke, share your toys, do something nice for your parents or make your teacher smile!

BE HAPPY! Be happy colouring Boots & Dora!

BE HAPPY In this word search the word happy is in 7 different languages Italian, Spanish, Swahili, Dutch, Welsh, Swedish and Filipino.

Can you circle and find all of them?

felice feliz

furaha gelukkig

hapus lycklig

masaya

CONNECT THE DOTS Strawberry Shortcake and her friends are building a tree house can you help them?

26

17 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

BRAIN

TEASER

SUDOKU PUZZLE #7/2013

Energy

Saving Tips With the ever-increasing cost research before your heater fails of living in Belize, and the crippling will enable you to select one 17% Government-approved hike that most appropriately meets in BEL rates, more and more Be- your needs. $ Long-Term Savings Tips $ lizeans are looking at ways to save - Consider installing a $$$. One way Belizeans can ease the pocket pain caused by the high- drain-water waste heat recovery er electricity rates is by practising system. Drain-water, or greywaEnergy Saving Tips. This week’s ter, heat recovery systems capture the energy from waste hot tips: Some homes have moved past water—such as showers and the boiling water era for warm dishwashers—to preheat cold showers to the butane or electric water entering the water heater water heaters. In those homes, or going to other water fixtures. water heating is the second largest Energy savings vary depending energy expense typically account- on individual household usage.

- Heat pump water heating for about 18% of your utility bill.

There are several ways to cut ers can be very cost effective in some areas. They typically your water heating bills: - Install aerating, low-flow use 50% less electricity to heat water than conventional elecfaucets and showerheads.

- Repair leaky faucets prompt- tric water heaters. However, ly; a leaky faucet wastes gallons of this technology can pose some installation challenges, so you water in a short period of time.

- Set the thermostat on your should consult with an installer water heater to 120°F to get com- before you purchase one. fortable hot water for most uses.

Answers for last week’s puzzle - Insulate your electric hot-water storage tank but be SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTION #6/2013 careful not to cover the thermostat. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

- Insulate the first 6 feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater - Install heat traps on the hot and cold pipes at the water heater to prevent heat loss. Most new water heaters have built-in heat traps.

- Drain a quart of water from your water tank every 3 months to remove sediment Answers for last week’s puzzle that impedes heat transfer and lowers the efficiency of your heater. Follow the manufac¬turer’s directions.

Although most water heaters last 10-15 years, it’s best to start shopping now for a new one if yours is more than 7 years old. Doing some

BELIZE TIMES

The fastest selling newspaper in Belize

See answers NEXT WEEK

See answers NEXT WEEK

17 MAR

27

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

BELIZE TIMES WEEKLY

SCIENCE & TECH R

E

V

I

E

W

Selected By Chris Williams

Send a text message to charge your cellphone People living off-grid can now pay for electricity to power their phones simply by sending a text message – the cheapest method found so far 9 March 2013 by Anil Ananthaswamy AT THE Konokoyi coffee cooperative on the edge of Uganda’s Mount Elgon national park, Juliet Nandutu is trying out a new toy: a solar-powered cellphone charging station that is activated by text message. She is offering the service to her village. “I charge 18 phones a day, sometimes 20,” she says.

How many phones she charges depends on the local electricity supply.

When it’s there, people can charge their phones at home, but that’s not very often. “It’s not so reliable,” she says. “It’s on and off.”

A patchy or absent power grid poses a conundrum for rural areas in the developing world, particularly in Africa and Asia, where the use of cellphones is rapidly rising. Farmers, for instance, use cellphones to get up-to-date pricing information for nearby and distant markets, allowing them to better manage the sales of their crops. In Kenya, people without access to banking services exchange money using their phones.

Still, an estimated 500 to 650 million

Power to the people

(Image: Claudio Orozco Quirarte)

cellphone users are off-grid. Now London-based company Buffalo Grid and its portable charging station is hoping to step into the gap.

The lack of access to grid power means that people have to trek for kilometres to a nearby town to find a charging station, powered by diesel

World’s largest telescope array opens for business 13 March 2013

ALMA has arrived, and she is enormous. The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, or ALMA, was officially opened today in the high desert of the Chilean Andes. Guests including the president of Chile, Sebastián Piñera, gathered to celebrate the the largest groundbased astronomical project in the world.

ALMA consists of 64 of these huge antennas, shown here against

a backdrop of the southern Milky Way on the left and the Magellanic Clouds at the top. They work together to produce images of extended objects in the night sky such as giant cosmic clouds of gas and dust.

Even during its construction, ALMA has been working hard.

With only a dozen of its antennas online, it produced stunning images of the colliding Antennae Galaxies and a glowing red, spiral star system.

generators or solar panels. More importantly, it’s not cheap. In Uganda, charging a cellphone can cost 500 Ugandan shillings, or about $0.20.

That’s a huge burden for those who earn less than a dollar a day, especially when you have to charge the phone two or three times a week. Rural areas need stronger signals from cellphones because there are fewer cellphone towers nearby, a further drain on power. “In rural economies, about 50 per cent of the money spent on mobile phones is actually spent on charging them,” says Buffalo Grid’s Damon Millar. “That is some of the most expensive electricity in the world.”

Buffalo Grid’s basic technology, which was recently trialled in Uganda, should help cut those costs. A 60-watt solar panel charges a battery that is taken to the village on the back of a bicycle. The battery extracts power from the solar panel using a technique called maximum power point tracking (MPPT). A solar panel’s power output is dictated by environmental conditions, such as temperature and the amount of sunlight, as well as the resistance of the circuits connected to it. MPPT monitors the conditions and changes the resistance to ensure the maximum possible power output at any given

time.

The innovation lies in how the stored power is released to charge a phone. A customer sends a text message, which in Uganda costs 110 shillings, to the device. Once it receives the message, an LED above a socket on the battery lights up, indicating that it is ready to charge a phone.

At the Konokoyi coffee cooperative, each text message allows a phone to be charged for 1.5 hours. A fully charged Buffalo Grid unit can last for three days, has up to 10 charging points and charges 30 to 50 phones a day.

To bring the cost down further, Buffalo Grid hopes to co-opt the cellphone network operators into subsidising power for charging the phones, or even making it free. What’s in it for the network operators? “When you bring power to phones that don’t have any, people will use them more,” says Buffalo Grid’s Daniel Becerra. “Instead of paying for the charge, people will spend more on airtime.”

It has taken Nandutu a while to make villagers comfortable with the process. “It’s a cashless business,” she says. Sometimes, phones can take more than 1.5 hours to charge, which means sending another text message. “You need to explain to the people what it means,” she says. “It’s not just about one SMS. It depends on the time the phone takes to charge.” Two text messages are still cheaper than the usual cost to charge a phone.

Buffalo Grid also plans to do trials in Sierra Leone, where coffee traders are gearing up to pay farmers for their crop using cellphones. “It’ll be a tragedy if a family cannot receive their wages just because they don’t have enough battery power,” says Becerra.

“So, the coffee traders have asked us to implement our unit across these communities, to make sure that every single phone is working all the time.”

28

THE BELIZE TIMES

La Ruta Maya and God It has been an eventful weekend. One of the biggest races in our country has been completed. It is such a huge race that it’s cut into three pieces. There are three humans who sit in a canoe, and their main instrument is the paddle.

They paddle for hours and hours quitting only for a quick lunch break! During the night time, they camp at the river side to sleep and some who can afford it hit the hotels, but it’s right back to the river early the next morning! They are in the hot sun, stroke after stroke, sweat after sweat, with a goal of reaching into Belize City. I heard that there are people who drive down from the states every year to partake in this race. As I sat behind my television set, I was amazed as a few elderly gentlemen were interviewed after the race. They had done the complete distance regardless of their age and had done well. I then noticed the announcer boasting of his family members who were quite young girls who also completed the race. That was also amazing to me!

To properly prepare for a race of this magnitude, one has to be strict about his diet, rest, and type of exercise. One has to practice pushing on when he feels like quitting, and one has also got to learn how to work with others as a team effort. Those paddles have to move in a certain sequence to steer the canoe and to make it move forward efficiently. If it rains they continue to paddle, if the sun beats on them they continue to paddle, if they are hungry they continue! It will take much more than that to take an enthusiast out of a race that they only get to participate in once a year!

As an encouragement, there are little goodies that the makers of the race put alongside the river that whosoever passes there first can claim but do not be mistaken, winning these prizes along the way does not automatically guarantee winning or even completing the race. You must paddle across the finish line!

Similar to our beautiful canoe race, we as humans are running another race. The problem is that whether or not we want to be in this race we are still in it. In this race, there are both rewards and consequences, and those who do not win will receive the worst consequence ever. If you lose this race your reward will be death. This is not death as we understand. This death means firstly: to be separated from our maker for eternity which is the worst thing that can happen to anyone and secondly: to enter into everlasting torment which is the second worst thing that can happen to anyone!

You must remain steadfastly in the race. If you come out, you lose. If you break the rules, you’re likely to lose. If you follow those who want to do their own thing when and how they feel like, your time might run out, and You Lose!

For humans this is a one-time race. You don’t have a second chance. You are given any time between zero to one-hundred and twenty years to run in this race, and once it is finished ‘it is finished!’(Hebrews 9:27)

17 MAR

2013

Cost of Diabetes As the number of people with diabetes grows worldwide, the disease takes an ever-increasing proportion of national health care budgets. Without primary prevention,

By Dr. David Hoy the diabetes epidemic will continue to grow. Even worse, diabetes is projected to become one of the world’s main disablers and killers within the next twenty-five years. Immediate action is needed to stem the tide of diabetes and to introduce cost-effective treatment strategies to reverse this trend.

The size of the problem An estimated 30 million people world-wide had diabetes in 1985. By 1995, this number had shot up to 135 million. The latest WHO estimate (2000) is 177 million. This will increase to at least 300 million by 2025. The number of deaths attributed to diabetes was previously estimated at just over 800,000. However, it has long been known that the number is considerably underestimated. A more plausible figure is likely to be around 4 million deaths per year, which is about 9% of the global total. Most of them are premature deaths when the people concerned are economically contributing to society. This situation is increasingly outstretching health-care resources.

Direct costs: • The total health care costs of a person with diabetes in the USA are between twice and three times those for people without the condition. It was calculated, for example, that the cost of treating diabetes in the USA in 1997 was US$ 44 billion.

• Direct costs to individuals and their families include medical care, drugs, insulin and other supplies. Patients may also have to bear other personal costs, such as increased payments for health, life insurance.

• Direct costs to the healthcare sector include hospital services, physician services, lab tests and the daily management of diabetes – which includes availability of products such as insulin, syringes, oral hypoglycaemic agents and blood-testing equipment.

Costs range from relatively low-cost items, such as primary-care consultations and hospital outpatient episodes, to very high-cost items, such as long hospital inpatient stays for the treatment of complications.

• For most countries, the largest single item of diabetes expenditure is hospital admissions for the treatment of long-term complications, such as heart disease and stroke, kidney failure and foot problems. Many of those are potentially preventable given prompt diagnosis of diabetes, effective patient and professional education and comprehensive long term care.

Costs of lost production (“indirect costs”) • Combining the cost estimates for 25 Latin American countries suggests that costs of lost production may be as much as five times the direct health care cost. This may be because there is limited access to high quality care with, consequently, a high incidence of complications, disability and premature mortality. Families too, of course, suffer loss of earnings as a result of diabetes and its consequences.

Prevention and diabetes: Effective prevention also means more cost-effective healthcare.

• Primary prevention protects susceptible individuals from developing diabetes. It has an impact by reducing or delaying both the need for diabetes care and the need to treat diabetes complications.

Lifestyle modifications (appropriate diet and increased physical activity and a consequent reduction of weight), supported by a continuous education programme, were used to achieve a reduction of almost two-thirds in the progression to diabetes over a six-year period.

This type of measure is not easy, but is likely to be cost effective if it can be implemented on a population scale.

• Such preventive measures will have benefits above and beyond diabetes since improvements in diet and day-to-day physical activity will reduce obesity, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.

17 MAR

2013

THEBELIZE BELIZETIMES TIMES THE

ARTPAGE 29

HEAD-U-cation Part 2

By Yasser Musa March 6, 2013 “All for Plato, screech I’m out here balling, I know y’all hear my sneaks Jesus was a carpenter, Yeezy he laid beats Hova flow the Holy Ghost, get the hell up out your seats, preach...”

- Kanye West and Jay Z, No Church In The Wild, Watch The Throne TOO MUCH TIME INSIDE IN OUR SEATS We spend too much time inside sitting down at school. Over the past four years I’ve thought about the idea on how we can restructure our coma style education system into a more vibrant outdoors one where students can retreat, play, and find more entertainment for their development.

High School is an area of our system that needs the most reform. It is the space where the students demand the most when it comes to them taking intellectual responsibility for their lives.

It is the area of greatest physical transformation in terms of the human body.

High School is the time when the spiritual, cultural and academic potential of our youth has the greatest chance to be cultivated, awakened and unleashed.

A LIVING SCHEDULE High School should start at 7 am.

Students should be encouraged to wake up at 5:30 am so that dawn becomes an emotional fisherman. Parents should recognize that sending their children to school “on time” is one of the most important educational lessons they can teach.

All heavy-duty academic subjects should be scheduled in the morning including Language (English and Spanish), Science and Math and other “core” topics like Information Technology. Closer to lunch time the liberal subjects should be staged like Social Studies, History and Literature where vigorous debate, argument and cantankerous engagement is encouraged and celebrated.

The body and mind needs to light up just before lunch. Lunch should be no

longer than 30 minutes. Students should be discouraged from eating too much rice during lunch.

WE DIE IN THE AFTERNOON The afternoon in Belizean education is currently the most oppressive, boring and discouraging time of the day. Why? Most of the time it is hot and many kids are either hungry or over fed a horrible diet of fried foods, sugary drinks and mountain stacks of rice. The solution is simple. All afternoons should be about the creative and athletic.

I think that all High School students should be exposed to at least one hour per day of physical education and one hour of creative education (art, music, drama, and dance). So from 12:30 to 2:30 our students should be engaged with their bodies and hearts and not just their minds.

SPORTS AND CULTURE A youth that has good health and strong creative skills is one that will flourish in the 21st century. Sports and culture should be pillars of our new education system.

With our perfect climate and high energy culture for expression our students will create sparks in the afternoons.

Sports and culture in the school will develop the body and the soul.

An environment of competition, action and determination is easily created with sports. Likewise with cultural activity a space of experimentation, exploration and discovery is fostered.

The new education schedule should have three distinct modules. It would go like this – mornings for the brain, afternoons for sports and culture and evenings and night for reflection and rest.

Next time I will try to tackle the issue of the teaching of African and Maya history at the High School level and why it remains an enigma.

30

THINK ABOUT IT THE REFERENDUM COMMISSION The Government appointed a Referendum Commission. Its purpose was to prepare Belizeans for the upcoming referendum, on 6 October this year, on whether we should vote yes or no to taking Guatemala’s claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

On the same day the commission was launched, the Prime Minister reneged on his public promise to remain neutral. He announced he would be voting yes. He also announced that his Cabinet Ministers would be voting yes, and that his party members would be asked at their February convention to vote yes.

By stark contrast, the Leader of Opposition, speaking at the same launching, committed to working and supporting the public information campaign of the Commission. He made no mention of how he would vote, but informed that his party would embark on a public consultation of its members and then hold a national executive conference to arrive at a formal decision.

The Prime Minister did not see it fit to consult his party members or the people of Belize on such an important matter.

He already decided, and his government already decided even though the people, in whose name they govern, had not yet heard from the newly appointed Commission.

Now then, can a commission appointed by the said same one sided government conduct an impartial, two sided, public presentation as it sets out to inform and educate the public?

It is doubtful.

Has the commission been conducting its work in an impartial and professional manner?

That is not what the reports are saying.

The constitutional opposition in Belize has a duty to the country and its citizens that the work of the commission does not reflect the Prime Minister’s view on the ICJ. Citizens have a right to expect that they will be given all the available information. Not some information.

Not one side of the information.

The government has a duty to ensure that the commission provides the two sides of the “going to the ICJ” issue.

The members of the Commission need to ask themselves, what is their side? Is it to provide all information to Belizeans, or just a one sided view?

We are dealing with serious matters here, ladies and gentlemen.

May we be reminded that this government chanced Belizeans and signed a Compromis compromising us to this referendum matter, and got away with it-so far?

It should be remembered what happened when the British, the Guatemalans and the Belize Government signed a document called the Heads of Agreement in 1981.

There were widespread riots, civil disobedience, arson and one shooting death.

LAND OF THE FLEA Well! Well! Well!

The government of Guatemala, led by President Molina, a former military official accused of grave (pun intended) human rights atrocities, has pulled out their old military map.

That map shows Belize as part of Guatemala.

Effective Friday 8 March, all Guatemalan schools are to teach students about the new/ old map. That Belize belongs to Guatemala. Millions of young will grow up with hatred against us.

And what is Belize teaching its people? A bogus battle of St. George’s Caye, in which a handful of British Baymen claimed they defeated a large armada of Spanish warships. No one was injured. No one was hurt. No blood was shed. No boat or canoe was sunk.

17 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

L.O.L as the cell phone text generation would say. Laugh out loud.

But seriously now.

In the 1970s tensions were high between Guatemala and the British with threats of invasion to recover Belize. Then Postmaster General, Charles B. Hyde approved the use of a slogan to be used on all mail, internally and externally.

Hundreds of thousands of letters leaving Belize to foreign destinations carried the slogan. In bold words it proclaimed to the world “Belize Belongs to Belizeans.” This special postmark has become a collector’s item.

The government of Belize needs to start taking bold initiatives to expose and confront Guatemala’s propaganda.

The offensive map, challenging the territorial integrity of the whole of our country has not brought any howls of protest from Government.

We have a punkish government. They cannot do anything without the approval of the OAS and the British.

There is an Ambassador to the United Nations and staff costing two million dollars. The United Nations has received no protest on behalf of Belize.

The Ambassador to Washington cost Belize one and half million dollars last year. No protest has been lodged against Guatemala’s map.

Our Guatemala embassy cost us one million one hundred thousand dollars. A strong diplomatic note of protest cost only $4.25 cents.

None lodged. The Embassy in London cost taxpayers one million, three hundred thousand dollars. Nothing said or done. Please note there is a British High Commission in Belmopan and an American Embassy there too. Nothing was lodged with them.

There is a Belize Embassy in Brussels, Europe, costing us one and a half million dollars.

Yet the European community was given no briefing on Guatemala’s threatening and disrespectful action.

Our best friend, the Mexican government, received no letter from our Embassy there which we spend nine hundred thousand dollars to keep open.

Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad, Guyana, Barbados and our other Caricom partners got no briefing on Guatemala’s latest insults to us.

India, China, Africa, the General Assembly of the United Nations heard nothing from Belize.

The Belizean people are in trouble.

The Belizean government ministries probably listen to a different anthem.

Land of the flee, or should that be, Land of the Flea, by the Carib sea, our manhood we sold with our liberty. Tyrants here linger, despots are free to sign away our territorial sea.

IT’S A SIN TO KILL A MONKEY It is with a heavy heart we report on a national outrage.

Students in third form at an agricultural college sling shot and then beat to death a poor, helpless howler monkey.

Howler monkeys are part of our national treasures. They are harmless. They attack no one. They are wonderful creatures made by our Creator.

Third form students are old enough to know better. Human beings, especially children and young people must be taught to love animals, and birds and the elderly and the disabled.

If children do not learn and practice this basic love, what type of adults will they grow up to be?

Young teenagers should not even have sling shots much so use it on a helpless monkey. But to whap and lash and beat a howler to death is a whole new level.

It is not only a crime to be cruel to animals. It is a sin against God who created us

and them.

2013

This is a good start on the road to taking back the streets.

HORSE MEAT What happens when horses die, or become too old to carry on?

Does horse meat find its way mixed into cow meat and sold to us?

A person who claims to know say Belizeans would be surprised.

CREOLES AT FARRAKHAN City.

Birds Isle, Friday night, 8 March in Belize

Minister Louis Farrakhan spoke to a full house. Creoles packed Birds Isle to listen to a message of hope, and inspiration and mild chastisement.

The leader of the Chinese community nor any of the Chinese in Belize City did not show their faces. Too busy selling fry chicken and groceries, boledo and gambling.

The Indian/merchant community, like their Chinese counterpart could not be bothered with such black power type message. Making money is their only interest. Plus most of the persons working in the stores are serfs and indentured laborers and cannot go anywhere unless told to do so.

The upper middle class and the wealthy have absolutely no interest in Farrakhan or his message.

The Evangelical and Christian church leaders quite properly stayed away. These mostly one day Christians who do everything, except the work of the Lord, knew they would receive some deserved criticism, and stayed away.

The working class and the roots people turned up in numbers.

RIHANNA NAKED HERSELF Rihanna is a huge star. A dancer and singer who has risen to the top of her game. She is big in the entertainment world and in the USA. She is a Caribbean girl, born in Barbados.

She has millions of admiring fans. She is a kind of role model to many.

Rihanna lost some credibility when she made up with an American show-off singer who had beat her up.

Last week Rihanna brought on a scolding on herself from her mother and disapproval from many, for following the wrong path. She posted two naked pictures of herself on the social network.

If she is not careful, before she knows it Babylon will have her snorting cocaine and turning into a slut.

HUTCHIE STILL SIGNING A certain Mr. Hutchinson, who was an area representative for Ladyville and a Junior Minister for the UDP, like most of his political colleagues, had distinguished himself by accomplishing nothing.

What he did do, according to some allegations, was make a bad name for himself by signing land applications reportedly for a fee.

Having lost his bid for re-election last general elections in February 2012, Hutchie continues to sign letters of recommendation to the government for persons to get land. He has no authority to do so.

But he does so anyway because his government encourages these sorts of malpractice.

Hutchie has said he is signing no papers for residents in Hattieville as it is Hattieville voters who overwhelmingly voted him out.

POLICE ARE ZONING The new Police Commissioner and his deputies have gained a little of the plenty loss of credibility they had been experiencing in Belize City.

The city has been separated into about four zones. Each headed by senior officers.

There is a visible increase in police mobile patrols and quick response to citizen’s calls.

THREE JUDGES The government has succeeded in getting three local judges on the Court of Appeal.

The judges are Hon. Manuel Sosa, Hon. Samuel Awich and newly appointed Hon. Minet Hafiz. They are joined by Hon. Mendez and Hon. Dennis Morrison from the Caribbean.

On the criminal side of the Judiciary no additional judges have been appointed to tackle the ever growing backlog of serious cases crying out for justice.

Judge Boyd Carey who has served on our Appeal Court and who has handed down sound judgements for Belize, remains on extended vacation.

CHINA PASS DOWN USA The rise of the eastern dragon continues unabated. The mighty Chinese nation has now surpassed the USA in overall world trade i.e. combined Chinese imports and exports have reached $3.87 trillion. USA is $3.82 trillion.

ARTHUR, PATRICK AND PASTOR Arthur Saldivar is a Fullbright Scholar. He holds a university degree in Economics and a second university degree in law. He is practicing attorney and has interest in becoming a Minister of government.

What is also special about Mr. Saldivar is that he calls the various talk shows and shares his views on a range of topics. This is almost unique among university educated Belizeans and professionals.

Big respect is due.

Patrick Andrews is a co-host on Plus TV morning show. He is outspoken and has a sharp mind. He is a thinker. He is the son of the late Joseph Andrews from Cayo. Joseph was a firebrand on the Opposition NIP/UDP rostrums. He defeated Assad Shoman in San Ignacio when Assad first entered electoral politics.

Luis Wade is an evangelical Pastor. He is bright and outspoken and may be the owner of Plus TV, the most watched station in Belmopan.

Pastor Wade had commenced a power point presentation on Guatemalan’s claim and upcoming referendum on ICJ. It appears he favors a yes vote.

Patrick appears skeptical of the ICJ and sounds as if he is not in favor of going to the ICJ. On Tuesday morning 12 March the Pastor moved away from host of the show to advocate for ICJ. He displayed intolerance towards Patrick’s skepticism. He was impatient with Arthur’s call. His facial presentation and impatience prompted someone to call and accuse him of disrespecting his co-host Patrick.

What Arthur and Patrick do not know is this: Prime Minister Barrow contacted the Pastor. The Pastor probably got briefing from Lois Young Barrow. The Pastor thereafter became a campaigner for the “9th Amendment” of the Constitution.

It now appears that the Pastor is being influenced to champion a yes vote for the ICJ. It may be that he personally believes in a yes vote. But it is improper for him to conduct a campaign on his TV and to be openly dismissive of those who do not share his view.

A talk show host has a responsibility to ensure his listeners and viewers get the full benefit of both sides of an issue.

In fairness to the Pastor, his position is to be contrasted with other talk show hosts on other media. They remain silent on the ICJ issue and do not encourage callers to voice opinions thereon.

Although in truth we know not which is worse; to remain silent and let ignorance reign or to speak and let bias dominate.

17 MAR

31

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

THE WORK CONTINUES IN CAYO SOUTH

Hon. Julius Espat and the Valley of Peace community worked together to grade roads in the community

Go walk your dog, Sedi!

Belize City, March 6, 2013 Belize has a serious problem with Sedi with the things he says and what his words really mean. Sedi seems to have a problem with himself too in that right or wrong, he is far removed from reality and could care less what the Belizean man or woman thinks of him, even when he blunders saying things like Belize’s border is “artificial”.That statement alone stirred up so much anti-sentiment against the Foreign Minister that al-

most everyone wanted him gone and Barrow had to resist the pressure.

But instead of toning down, Sedi keeps sputtering wrong things, like a chimney bellowing toxic gases.

Just recently, no other than Belize’s former Foreign Minister and senior Attorney Eamon Courtenay had to chide Sedi over remarks he made that could be used against Belize and in favour of Guatemala. Of course, Sedi

didn’t get it and had no apology or retraction to give.

Sedi is a huge liability as Foreign Minister.

He could end up saying the wrong thing at the wrong place and it could cost Belize more than we could afford to give up. Before that happens, we have some advice for Sedi… tone down your reckless talking, tread softly and carefully, or go home and retire quietly so that you can go back to doing the things you enjoy best, go walk your dogs Sedi.

While Belizeans head to work at 8am on Wednesday, Sedi walked his dog

32

THE BELIZE TIMES

17 MAR

2013