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THE BELIZE TIMES
SCAN HERE
Issue No. 4787
www.facebook/Belize Times
SUNDAY March 18, 2012
Unpopular UDP PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca, flanked by Party officials, announced that the Party would file three election petitions in relation to the Cayo Central, Cayo North East and Lake Independence electoral divisions
the country. The UDP lost an important seat they held since 2003 in Corozal South West and failed to win Corozal South East even though they had dumped heavy resources and padded the voters list with recently nationalised and registered immigrants, just weeks before the election.
Mennonite
killed
IN plane
crash
Christopher Reimer
See page 27
In Orange Walk, the UDP barely survived as the PUP regained its seat in Orange Walk Central and won Orange Walk East and Orange Walk South, which had two of the wealthiest candidates UDP money could buy. The UDP literally received a trashing in Orange Walk. In Cayo, the PUP trounced the
Continued on page 4
UDP loser targets Free Zone peseros
Corozal Town, March 14, 2012 It is no secret that the Commercial Free Zone in Corozal, which the PUP had turned into a real economic vehicle during its term, is the life-blood of the northern economy. Hundreds of Belizeans rely on the zone for all sorts of jobs. Add to that mix the fact that since the UDP took office, they injected UDP cronies and misfits such as Raul Rosado into the toplevel management of the zone, and it spells a whole lot of trouble. Just before the elections, the UDP used their control of the zone as a political stick, threatening workers that they would lose their jobs if they didn’t vote UDP.
Continued on page 4
UDP victimization begins Single-parent mother fired 2 days after elections BELIZE CITY, Tuesday, March 13th, 2012 In the pantheon of accusations that have been leveled at the United Demo-
cratic Party both before and after the March 7th double elections, there’ve been some fairly staggering ones, such as the arson of a car belonging to
PUP Standard Bearer. This next story about a mother working as a school warden, only later to be fired Continued on page 6
See page 13
Belize City, March 14, 2012 No matter how the numbers are crunched, or how the analysis is spun – the PUP gained massive support with 8 additional seats, so far, while the UDP lost tremendous political ground following the March 7th elections. When the dust settled on election day, the results brought the PUP and UDP almost shoulder-to-shoulder, an unexpected margin in the eyes of those in the UDP camp who were convinced they had this election sealed. But a closer look at the numbers further exposes the UDP as an increasingly unpopular party across the country. The UDP could not muster a big win, even though they dished out millions of dollars in political gifts before elections. No gimmicks could cover up the Barrow Administration’s incompetence, and the suffering they brought upon
TOP MODEL
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Sunday, March 18, 2012
INSIDE THIS ISSUE OAS observers raise major election concerns
Was the offshore oil referendum a joke?
THINK ABOUT IT
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Foul-mouthed & Foul-minded UDPs need reprimand!
Congrats Hon. Francis Dear Editor: I want to first of all congratulate the Hon. Francis Fonseca for a wonderful job he has done in uniting the PUP in such a short time before the elections, hats off to him. Although he didn’t gain the majority to form the government he had succeeded in gaining 14 seats in the house in which most people thought the UDP would have
PUP Standard Bearers move forward! March 13, 2012 The National Standard Bearers of the People’s United Party met today at Independence Hall to chart the way forward following the March 7th general and municipal elections. Details of the many electionday irregularities committed by the UDP were discussed, and Standard Bearers unanimously supported the announced election petitions, urging the Party to file them as soon as possible. Standard Bearers also unanimously supported the motion that by their actions, Mark Espat and Cordel Hyde have effectively resigned from the People’s United Party and can no longer hold any position in the Party nor run for any seat on a PUP ticket. We recognize the challenges that we face in the Belize District, but with a renewed and united effort we will reconnect with our base in Belize City, the birthplace of the peaceful, constructive, Belizean revolution. The People’s United Party and its Standard Bearers are energized by the huge gains made, especially in the South and North, receiving 47.1% of the total votes cast country-wide. We are committed to represent the people of the 14 Constituencies who returned PUP Area Representatives, to the best of our ability, and will vigorously defend the rights of all Belizeans.
swept them away. Now the PUP would have a big majority in the house to answer those UDP who thinks they are untouchable. One good motion with the 14 is that the UDP does not have the majority to change the constitution so Mr Barrow get ready for this is war I love your words “ just test me “ don’t worry we will. Hakeem
Dear Mr. Editor, First I would like to give my congratulations to the Party Leader, Francis Fonseca, for all the success we have been having since he has been at the head and unifying our Party. I feel proud again to be a PUP. I want to thank him and the members of the Executive for that. I also write to share my disgust for the UDP. They had a “victory rally” in front of their place by BelChina on the day after the elections. The UDP had the person who sang the political song for them disrespecting all Belizeans by cursing and being vulgar on national television. I believe the girl’s name is Ernestine Carballo. She took the stage and began to insult PUP’s. She said on national television and at the UDP rally that the “UDP had won a narrow victory but we beat dey r@$^!” This is
the kind of behavior that the UDP allowed to go on while children were watching on television. They did not remove her from the stage but she continued and then went further in her hate filled trance. She continued to flip her middle finger into the camera and say that she had “this” for all those PUP’s. The crowd then began to follow her lead as the camera panned through. I am a proud PUP and I am offended by this and ashamed for the UDP. I also want to know why they have not been sanctioned by the Belize Broadcasting Authority. This is bad. I believe that the public and the PUP deserve an apology. As PUPs we are taught to love. We are the Party of Love. As I see the hate continue from this set of UDP, I doubt that they will serve a full five years. God does not sleep. Sincerely, T. Thurton
Dr. Gough punks supporters Belize City, March 12, 2012 In the wake of the 2012 General Elections, many promises were made to Belizeans by the UDP. Some of our people were tricked by the lure and lies of these UDP politicians who came through our front doors with their pockets full of monies from the public purse. But the battle for the Fort George Division was a career ending loss for the UDP candidate in more ways than one. Dr. George Gough was retired by the PUP in that constituency. Unfortunately, the people of Belize and Fort George have learnt who this man really is after the election fever has passed. The BELIZE TIMES has been notified that the Campaign Manager for UDP’s Dr. Gough has been “punked”. In the 2012 General Elections, Evan “Chengo” Young, 30 year old, labourer of a Goal Lane address, was the campaign manager and bag man for Gough. According to reports, Young was promised by Gough a job at the Punta Gorda NHI health facility. Witnesses confirmed that an elated Young packed his bags after the UDP claimed victory. To his surprise, when he
that the UDP are fielding in the city. We are sure that Gough is the perfect example of how the UDP lie to the people. How they make promises and break them. How they have one story before the voting starts and then another after the elections. All of Belize is now fully aware of how the UDP do it.
THE BELIZE TIMES EDITOR
Alberto Vellos OFFICE MANAGER
Fay Castillo McKay PRINTING/PERSONNEL SUPERVISOR
arrived in Punta Gorda, there was no job and no arrangements for him. Livid, Young returned to the city but Dr. Gough had fled to the good old United States. This is how Gough rewards the man that was his bag man; the man that held thousands of dollars at his apartment and “distributed it” for him. But Young was not the only supporter of Gough to have been duped. Charles Neal heads the list of workers and supporters that are yet to be paid. The group attempted to have the UDP honor the commitment made to them by Gough when they went over to the UDP Headquarters on Youth for the Future Drive but they were sharply turned away and informed that the Doctor would have to pay his own bills. We see the quality of candidates
Doreth Bevans LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST
Chris Williams STAFF REPORTER
Alton Humes TYPIST
Rachel Arana OFFICE ASSISTANT
Roberto Peyrefitte Printed & Published By The Belize Times Ltd. #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize Tel: 671-8385 Email: belizetimesad@yahoo.com editortimes@yahoo.com
Sunday, March 18, 2012
THE BELIZE TIMES
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OAS observers raise major election concerns Evidence of electioneering & possible vote-buying cited in early report The OAS observers caught UDP’s Salvador Fernandez red-handed
BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, March 14th, 2012 By Alton Humes The March 7th double election was important to most Belizean for any varying number of reasons. But on the day itself, another reason was added to that ‘list’ – the presence of the Organization of American States (OAS) and more specifically it’s Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) that observed on the day in 85% of the total polling stations. The team, comprised of 22 observers from 13 member-countries of the OAS and led by Mr. Frank Almaguer, released a preliminary report after the elections, based on the overall observations on the day itself, as well as through prior interviews with the media, all political parties, and other relevant stakeholders. The report cited serious concerns about Belize’s elections that included obvious misuse of state resources for political campaigning, possible vote-buying and unfair electioneering tactics. “The electoral propaganda observed in the vicinity of polling stations and the prevalence of tshirts bearing candidate names and symbols could be construed as electioneering. At one polling station, an OAS observer witnessed a party activist distributing money immediately outside of the polling center to a group of people after they had voted,” stated the early report. Key to its report are some stern recommendations on the aforementioned issues. For instance, on the issue of perceived and perpetuated electioneering (wearing of campaign T-shirts at the polling areas, and even outright ‘hawking’ [watching] of voters and bribery to cast votes), the OAS-EOM observers made it clear that a 100yard boundary must be firmly set in place, in addition to other, more concrete mechanisms. But as the OAS preliminary report went public, so did UDP leader Dean Barrow’s scathing response and criticism of the observations. Barrow called some of the prelimi-
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nary recommendations “clearly impractical” and a “pipe dream”, during a press conference on March 8th. The official detailed verbal report, with full observations and relevant recommendations, will be presented to the OAS Permanent Council in Washington D.C. in a few weeks’ time and will be available through the OAS website at www.oas.org, as well as being presented and shared with the government and people of Belize in due course.
Barrow threw a tantrum at the OAS observer mission’s recommendations
THANK YOU FORT GEORGE
Thank you the Voters of the Fort George Division for your renewed trust and confidence. Thank you the Fort George Executive members, our street captains, campaigners and all who did brilliant work for the victory. Overall, our party under the able leadership of the Hon. Francis Fonseca performed extremely well, better than many expected in the circumstances. Together, with renewed dedication in service to the people, the PUP will soon rise again to form the Government of Belize.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Unpopular UDP
Continued from page 1
UDP in Cayo South and Cayo North – both areas formerly held by the UDP. The results in Cayo Central and Cayo Northeast are still up in the air as the results were close, but the counting was fraught with challenges and questionable decisions. The UDP won Cayo Central by a mere 44 votes and Cayo North East by only 16 votes. The PUP candidates Orlando Habet and Collet Montejo called for recounts based on the high number of spoilt ballots and questionable decisions, but the elections officers refused it. Now the Party is preparing to file election petitions before the Supreme Court in an attempt to correct the wrongdoing and injustice committed in those constituencies. In the South, the people found a cure to the red plague. Not a single constituency was won by the UDP. Stann Creek West voted PUP. Dangriga went blue. Toledo East has re-
UDP loser targets Free Zone peseros Continued from page 1 That threat worked on some, but for the majority, it was another nail in the UDPs coffin. That casket was therefore sealed for UDP candidate Raul Rosado on March 7th as voters in Corozal South East turned out in numbers to support PUP area representative Florencio Marin Jr. Voters were hopeful Rosado disappears into political dust, but since the loss the UDP loser seems to have gone on a cruel tirade, looking for victims to exact his revenge against. He appears to have turned on the 40 peseros who work in the Free Zone, and has made it difficult to impossible for them to continue doing business. The UDP has arbitrarily increased the fee on peseros by a whopping 100%, from $50 prior to elections to $100. To make matters worse, they will also have to pay up three months in advance. Rosado’s act of economic terror against the peseros stems from the fact that most of them reside and vote in the Corozal South East division. Rosado allegedly claims that several of them wanted to beat him up while he visited the area. Because of this, extreme punishment was exacted on 6 peseros who were totally banned from the zone. The UDP truly know how to impose pain and suffering on Belizeans. But Corozaleños are watching and the countdown has re-started. This time it won’t take waiting for four years and they won’t wait for Barrow to call elections. The people will rise against the UDP, and when they do, there shall be no mercy.
Belize Rural Central said “yes” to Hon. Dolores and the PUP. She is the only woman elected to the House of Representatives
turned a PUP fort and Toledo West supported the PUP big. The South went blue, blue, blue! Looking at the results, the PUP gained momentum and huge wins in 5 of the 6 districts. This coincided with the pre-election polls that predicted the UDP would lose support on important issues such as the economy, crime, cost of living and incompetent governance, and that a wave of PUP support was coming. Those predictions were right. The only area the UDP had comfortable wins was in Belize City where their strategy was vote-buying and victimization. The UDP has focused its attention in Belize City for some time, by giving out hand outs and keeping poor Belizeans dependent on their so-called “pro-poor” programs.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Following the elections, the reaction across the country was one of astonishment as the UDP claimed victory, but that remains shaky as the legal process of challenging the results in Cayo and an additional challenge in Lake Independence against the disqualification of former PUP candidate Yolanda Schakron could bring the UDP’s shaky dollyhouse to crumble. The 14 seats so far held by the PUP are the following: Corozal South East – Hon. Florencio Marin Jr, Corozal South West – Hon. Ramiro Ramirez, Orange Walk Central – Hon. John Briceño, Orange Walk East – Hon. Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez, Orange Walk South – Hon. Abelardo Mai, Freetown – PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca, Fort George – Rt. Hon. Said Musa, Belize Rural Central - Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Cayo North – Hon. Joseph Mahmud, Cayo South – Hon. Julius Espat, Stann Creek West – Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Dangriga – Hon. Ivan Ramos; Toledo West – Hon. Oscar Requeña, and Toledo East – Hon. Mike Espat.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
THE BELIZE TIMES
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PUP’s massive momentum No one can dispute that the People’s United Party has gained massive momentum with the results of the March 7 elections. The odds had been stacked against the party. The UDP had clearly outspent every candidate and the party on a whole, even with the blatant misuse of taxpayers’ monies. They had rigged the election process. UDP agents hiding in the Unions, media, NGOs and even the party’s structure had been silently plotting, and secretly accepting bribes in exchange. They know who they are…nervousness crawled under their skin on election night. Yet, the PUP gained tremendous support and number of seats across the country. The UDP campaign slogan that the PUP ‘gone fi good’ was total rubbish. The PUP under the leadership of Hon. Francis Fonseca is alive and here to stay, and its huge leap is evidence of it. The verdict of the March 7th elections was a vote of NO CONFIDENCE in the UDP and its leader Dean Barrow – his arrogance, his “drill baby drill” attitude, but most of all it was a vote against pain and suffering he had put the Belizean people through because of his mismanagement of the Belizean economy. So sweeping was the verdict against the UDP that it nearly did Barrow in. He held on for dear life from the skin of his teeth, as two testy elections in Cayo had to be stolen from the PUP in order to keep them from gaining majority seats. Those results will soon be challenged in Court, as evidence of the UDP’s interference is piling. The results should have gone PUP, and the PUP should have been the new Government with a new mandate to rescue Belize out of the UDP crisis. Unlike Barrow, the new leader of the Opposition PUP Francis Fonseca did remarkably well. He took over the People’s United Party some three and a half months ago at a time when no one seemed to want the challenge. Then as stability was gained, the Party suffered blows in the Caribbean Shores, Albert and Lake I divisions. Anyone else would have given up, but not Francis Fonseca. He understood his calling and he was focused and decisive. It is that decisiveness that reaped benefits in the north, south, east and west where voters of Belize spoke clearly: “No more Barrow!” It is that decisiveness that will lead the PUP to Government before 2017. The PUP must now utilize the momentum and start the work – the majority of the country is with us. Start campaigning for Village Councils, Town and City Council elections at once. There must be a Re-registration to expose the fraud in Mesopotamia, Queen Square and Port Loyola. We must work hard to win back the Lake I and Albert Divisions. On behalf of the PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca, we thank all who gave the PUP the vote. We are thankful, in fact very grateful. We are sending Barrow our strongest protest: Mr. Barrow, you have stolen the elections but this is no push over opposition. We are United, with one voice to: SERVE THE PEOPLE!
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Faber admits to breaking laws Belize City, March 8, 2012 Patrick Faber is notorious for putting his foot in his mouth and admitting to the most unforgivable and outright illegal acts. Belize remembers Hirian Good, and the infamous declaration by Patrick in 2009 that “he had to put in his people.” He refused to reverse his heartless decision to victimize the widow and her high school children. Patrick insisted that the victimization was justified, relying on the preschool reasoning that “it was his [UDP] turn now”. Well Patty was at it again on Wednesday March 7, 2012. The final ballot had not yet been counted when Patrick ran to the closest camera man and made another shameful and illegal admission. Standing beside Love FM’s Terry Gordon, Patrick gloated to the world that he had voted for himself in the Collet Division. The very thin reasoning he offered was that he grew up in Collet and that if he is put out his house by the wife, he would go back to Collet. More importantly, however, he admitted that he is breaking the law. Patrick Faber confessed that he does not reside in the Collet Division. In fact, all of Belize knows he does not and has not lived in the city for over three years. We all know that he lives in Lords Bank, which is the Belize Rural Central Division; before that he lived in the Port Loyala Division. In all his self-righteousness and his insistence that he “knows everything about everything”, Patrick is fully aware that what he is doing is illegal. There is a law called the Representation of the People’s Act, Chapter 9 of the Substantive Laws. At section 59(1) of that Act, the law says that: “Where a registered person changes his place of residence from one division to another, he shall, after he has resided for a minimum period of two months at his new address, give written notice thereof in Form 17 of the Fifth Schedule,” As creole say, “two months taiyad done pass”. Sure Patty may also want to say that transfers can only be done in the months of July and August but we remind him that at least three “Julys and Augusts” have come and gone. Judging from the interview, however, Patrick seems intent on continuing to break the law. Again, he does not respect the laws of this country, but is intent on doing what he wants to do. What kind of example is this? In any other country the Integrity Commission, other officials and the media would have been all over a statement of this nature. But armed with this public admission and clear evidence that Patrick is breaking the law, the responsibility by law rests at the feet of the Chief Elections officer. Section 59(5) of the same Representation of the People’s Act prescribes that “where it comes to the notice of the Chief Elections Officer that an elector has changed his residence from one division to another and his new address is known or can be ascertained, the Chief Elections Officer shall give a written notice to that person at his new address asking him to show cause no later than the 31 May next...” Just out of shame, Patrick should humble himself apologize and stop breaking the law. Look Patrick, the OAS was just here. It looks bad. It is illegal. This is the lack of respect that the UDP have for the elections process and our laws. From this we clearly see the nature of the man. If this level of shamelessly illegal action can be admitted to publicly, what other darker political sins does Patty have lurking in silence?
THE BELIZE TIMES
Sunday, March 18, 2012
UDP victimization begins Continued from page 1
because she chose to campaign for a political opponent, may not seem so significant to many people, but in these hard times we can assure you, it definitely is. The woman, who asked not to reveal her name for fear of any further harassment, was hired as a school warden by UDP Representative and Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, around September of 2010. Things went rather well, until elections were called in January of this year for March 7th, and the woman was approached by a representative from the camp of PUP Standard Bearer for Lake Independence, Martin Galvez to work for him
on Election Day. She agreed, aware of her constitutional rights to work and association, but was thoroughly unaware of the vindictiveness and cruelty of the UDP. The day after elections she found out, however, as Faber’s representative came to her and told her that they had collected photographic and video ‘evidence’ that she had campaigned for the Galvez camp and that she will lose her job. She was in disbelief and returned to work on Friday, March 9th, but only to be slapped with a letter of termination signed by UDP crony Dale Anthony. But the real tragedy is for the woman herself, whose life has been shattered by the UDP’s chanciness. Already struggling to cope with the killing of her common-law husband and most
recently the death of her 7 year old son, the UDP has landed an almost fatal blow. In a time when jobs are still very hard to find, her greatest fear as the sole breadwinner in her home, is not being able to feed her family of two children. In contrast to UDP cruelty, the PUP is standing in defense of the victimized woman. Yolanda Schakron, who has consistently been on the side of justice, is taking up the job of vanguard and defender.
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Sunday, March 18, 2012
THE BELIZE TIMES
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The People’s United Party Leader
Francis Fonseca Newly Elected Representatives, Standard Bearers and Municipal Candidates thank all persons who supported and voted PUP in the March 7th Elections. We are emboldened by the support and pledge our commitment to continue the fight to rescue our country. The PUP will deliver
“Serve the People”
O
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Jury acquits Dekel Bennett of 2009 Attempted Murder Dekel Bennett BELIZE CITY, Wed. March 14, 2012 By Roy Davis A jury of 5 men and 4 women deliberated for about 2 hours and 34 minutes today in the Court of Justice Herbert Lord before it found Dekel Bennett, 24, not guilty of Attempted
Murder and Use of Deadly Means of Harm. The jury’s verdict was unanimous. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. on June 14, 2009, at Battlefield Park. The complainant, Dwayne Staine, a PC and Network Support Technician at Intelligent Solutions, testified that he and two friends went to a food stand in front of Battlefield Park to buy hot dog. Staine said that while he was there, he wanted to urinate so he went into the park and began to urinate against a tree. He said that while uri-
nating, Bennett came and told him not to urinate against the tree but by then he had already urinated. Staine said Bennett then took out a knife from the waist of his pants so he picked up a rock to defend himself. He said Bennett stabbed at him 3 times with the knife, in his abdomen and his arm and on the left side of his body. Fenton James, one of the persons who was with Staine, testified that he saw when Bennett took the knife from his waist of his pants and stab Staine. James said he and Kenneth Pau-
Sunday, March 18, 2012
lino, who was also with Staine, subdued Bennett and took the knife away from him. Bennett gave a statement from the dock in which he admitted that he stabbed Staine but said that it was in self-defense. Bennett said he saw Staine urinating against a tree in the park and he identified himself to Staine as the security guard at the park and told him not to urinate in the park. He said Staine continued to urinate and when he approached Staine, Staine pick up a rock and threw it at him but missed. Staine reportedly threw a second rock at him which struck him to the back of his head. Bennett said after the rock struck him he retaliated with the knife and stabbed Staine. Bennett was not represented by an attorney. Crown Counsel Stevannia Duncan represented the prosecution. She was assisted by Crown Counsel Kaysha Grant.
BFLA’s Southside Clinic burglarized BELIZE CITY,Tuesday, March 13th, 2012 By Alton Humes It was not reported as a criminal incident amid all of the hoopla and excitement of the March 7th double general/ municipal elections, but it bears the need to be reported. The Belize Family Life Association (BFLA), the non-profit NGO dedicated to the prevention of sexually transmitted infections as well as preservation of families which has seen its share of bad days, and had even emerged from a moderate credit/financial crisis, is now the victim of a robbery-burglary of their NHI Southside Clinic. The BELIZE TIMES spoke to BFLA Executive Director, Joan Burke, who was at the organization’s main office on Mercy Lane, via phone today. She said that the incident in question occurred between the evening of Election Day, March 7th, and the morning of March 8th. Accord-
ing to reports she received, there was a security guard on-duty that evening, but after that, things went south in a hurry. A burglar or burglars entered the building, located at the corner of Central American Boulevard and Mahogany Street Extension, downstairs of the old Matus Brothers building (its previous location was across the street on the opposite corner) through a window that was for one of the doctor’s consultation rooms. Then they attempted, using a screwdriver, to bore through a wall that was connected to an inner stairwell linking the building with the Fair Brothers Pawn Shop, which is suspected to have been the prime target for the burglars. When they failed to gain access to that area, they trashed the building, damaging the walls, a door in the Reception Area and another door for another of the consultation rooms. Ms. Burke said the thief or thieves
Brothers remanded for Mile 8 assault BELIZE CITY, Wed. March 14, 2012 By Roy Davis Two brothers, Zuner Hernandez 33 and Roger Hernandez, 32, who were allegedly involved in a shooting and chopping incident at Mile 8 on the Western Highway, were charged in connection with the incident when they appeared today in the #1 Magistrate’s Court. Zuner, a construction worker of Mile 8 on the Western Highway, was charged with attempted murder, dangerous harm and discharging a firearm in public. No plea was taken from him because the offences are indictable. Neither could the court offer him bail because of the nature of the offences. He was remanded into custody until April 24. Roger, a building contractor of Mile 8 on the Western Highway, was charged with dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. Chief magistrate Ann Marie Smith did not take a plea from him because the offences are indictable. She offered Roger a cash bail of $1,000.
She offered the bail on the condition that Roger stays away from the complainant and that he reports to western paradise Police sub-station once each week. Roger met bail. The complainant, Angel Durado, 31, a laborer of mile 8 on the Western Highway, was also charged in connection with the incident. Durado was charged with causing grievous harm to Roger Hernandez. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on a cash bail of $500. The incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. on March 3. Durado reported to the police that he was in a yard when the Hernandez brothers drove up in a vehicle. He said Zuner fired a shot at him but missed. He said both brothers then attacked him with a machete and he was chopped several times. Durado said he was chopped on both arms and to the back of his head. Roger reported to the police that Durado chopped him with a machete.
made off with the previous sales from contraceptives and other services the clinic offers, totaled at BZC$147.00. That, plus the incalculable damage from the trashing of valuable fixtures of the Clinic, could have likely set back business further. But luckily, the damages are being repaired, and the Clinic will remain open, although Burke clearly felt the Clinic’s
‘private space’ was ‘violated’ due to this unthinkable incident. The security company that BFLA hired to guard the building is scheduled to reimburse the organization for damages as well as the stolen money. There are no suspects detained as of yet, and Police investigations continue at this time.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Last Minute Land Grab Belmopan City, March 5, 2012 Flashback to February of 2008, when the first order of business was for the UDP to “quitar” all the lands that were issued under the PUP government to first time land owners and families. They made a fuss about it too, openly victimizing the people of Belize. The Lands Department was shut down for over six months for a witch hunt that produced nothing. Now the BELIZE TIMES has discovered that there is a last minute land grab and the list of names will have you shaking your head as much as the pittance paid. First up is the arrogant ex- Minister of the Public service, John Saldivar, who went from lease to title in less than a year. The chap even got a purchase price adjustment. This is despite the fact that for the prime land he is only to pay $900. How many public servants, teachers, policemen, or nurses got this kind of deal, we ask. Gluttonous, Juliet Thimbrel, took two parcels at mile 4 ½ for herself. Lease no 270 and 271 al-
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most half acre in total. She is full of it. How does she keep talking about “the poor”? She only wants to collect for herself.
Oh, no, Cadet Henderson, your hand in the cookie jar? As late as January 17, 2012 you got prime piece of land in Burrel Boom Village cited at Block 7252 Parcel 309. But the CEO of Lands, Beverly Castillo,
is with you too. We see that she grabbed up .18 acres in Lord’s Bank Village all paid in full. What favor was done for this favor to you, tell us? We have the real Joe “Land Hog” Bradley red handed too. We see foulmouth cursed his way into a big piece in Maxboro Area, Sandhill. The land that was improperly taken away is a pretty piece of .24 acres for which our record shows, he still has not paid the $40 due since he got it. Fonso might be slow and cannot read news but he sure can get in on the hustle with his piece of the spoils at Mile 8, Western Highway which he just got in December. There is a lot more that we have and, do, keep sending them, even as we look at giving Belizeans justice after they are gone on the morning of March 8. This last minute grab is lamentable and people are watching. The UDP have fattened themselves while they preach poverty to the masses.
Another Belize City Murder; No Answers to Perpetual Crime Tuesday, March 13, 2012 Another young man, David Hernandez, will be laid to rest on Thursday as he was victim of a brutal, senseless murder on the streets of crimeriddled Belize City. 21 year old Hernandez, whose family says he was never in gang activity, was shot dead as he stood talking to a friend in front of a beauty salon on Racecourse Street sometime after 9:00 on Sunday night. Hernandez’ father, Jose, told reporters through tears, that on that tragic night, he spoke with his son minutes before he was killed. David told him he was going to check on his mother and they agreed to meet after. That plan was not to be, however, because by the time Hernandez returned, David had already left home. Jose decided to go look for his son, but by the time he had descended the stairs, three gunshots broke the silence of the night. Minutes later, a friend with whom David was chatting at the scene, ran to the house to tell the family that that he had been shot. The bullets ripped through his left armpit, left shoulder and left lower back. Jose said he felt that the bullets were aimed at the youth who was with his son. He said that neighbours told him that when David saw the gunman, he told his friend to run, but the gunman opened fire, hitting him instead. The bullets ruptured major arteries and David lost too much blood. He died less than an hour later at the KHMH. As their record has proven over a list of murders over the last two years,
David Hernandez
the police have fallen short on gathering tangible evidence against anyone to levy charges against them. A few detentions here and there often occur, but the mounting number of unsolved homicides is getting to be almost as outstanding as the number of murders themselves. The situation has grown unbearable in the nation’s largest municipality and people are screaming for positive change and intervention.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Boledo Bonanza: $11 Million Belize City March 5, 2012 The scandal was loud back in November of 2009 when the news broke that the UDP Cabinet was privatizing the nightly Boledo and Sunday lottery. The fat contract was awarded to Brads, located at the Farmers Market, the favorite hangout, drinking and “gaming” spot for various UDP ministers. Government claimed at the time that by outsourcing the local lotteries, revenues will be maximized from point nine million dollars to a guaranteed two million dollars annually through an annual fee, a profit sharing arrangement and business tax. The new arrangement went into effect in April 2010. We at BELIZE TIMES have the questions of two intelligent Belizean who were interviewed on Channel 5’s coverage of the scandal, echoing in our heads. The first comment was: “I noh think it’s anything good at all because there’s been complaints about the PUP privatize different things. How they going and privatize Boledo? That doesn’t make any sense. ..” But the million dollar question was : “If the people who are taking it will pay them two million, then how much are they getting? It simply means we are losing big time. Why can’t we control this thing?” We at Belize Times finally have the answer for you. Provided to us, at printing time is the ‘hair in hand” to show that Brads Gaming Company, with minority shareholder Anwar Barrow, has raked in BZ$ 10,925,000.00.
January February March April May June July August September October November December Total
2011 $ 596,000 $ 833,000 $ 875,000 $ 876,000 $ 930,000 $ 970,000 $ 984,000 $ 952,00 $ 918,000 $ 968, 000 $ 1, 015,000 $ 1, 008,000 $ 10,925,000
This is from the same contract in which we were lulled to sleep by the UDP who said that the award of the contract was determined by a panel which included the Auditor General, Edmund Zuniga, and Senator Godwin Hulse. Fools no more. Almost eleven million dollars. Want to know why they privatized it? Is there need for any more proof that only a select few of Barrow’s friends and family are getting rich while they fight everyone else and design “pro –poor” policies for us. You do not need to play the odds people want this government out. Come March 7, 2012 you will not be able to hustle the people of Belize any more. The PUP will fix this and make it right.
Carpenter remanded to prison for alleged robbery BELIZE CITY, Wed. March 14, 2012 By Roy Davis Shane Fisher, 18, a carpenter of Kelly Street, one of four persons who allegedly robbed Keron Garbutt, was charged with robbery when he appeared today in the #2 Magistrate’s Court. Fisher pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that the offence has become prevalent, that an investigation is still going on into the incident and that the complainant lives in the same area as the accused. Fisher was unable to give a good
reason why he should be granted bail so Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser upheld the objection and remanded him into custody until April 27. The incident occurred on February 24. Garbutt reported to the police that he was walking on Wilson Street near to the Mexican Institute of Culture when he was approached by four persons who held him against a Wall and stole his cellular phone that has a value of $250. Garbutt told police that he recognized two of his assailants and he identified Fisher as one of them.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
THE BELIZE TIMES
Cruz brothers win 2012 Ruta Maya canoe race
BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE
Other finishers: Team BTL Cobb’s Arm canoe – 4th place (16:44:34) Paddlers: Eric Cano, Roberto and Clayton Cobb Team Belize Coast Guard “Redemption” canoe – 5th place (16:54:45) Jack Alford, Godfrey Alford and Arthur Garbutt Team Westrac – 7th place (17:10:41) Paddlers: Jerry Cante, Elmer Cruz, Adrian Waight Team “Beat di Burn” - 1st in Mixed Division, 9th place (17:25:22) Andreas Cabb, Francisca Cruz Phaender and Keron Cabb Team Creative Marketing “Missiles” – 2nd prize in Mixed Division, 13th place (17:50:53) Team Lost and Found –3rd place in Mixed Division, 20th place (18:36:18) St Ignatius High School – 1st place in Intramural Division, 14th place (18:06:27) Paddlers: Alfred Lopez, Armando Lopez, Bayron Cruz Team UB Black Jaguars – 2nd place in Intramural Division, 16th place (18:17:33) Team Wat Eva Boys – 3rd place in Intramural Division, 18th place (18:22:38) SJC 6th formers – 7th in Intramural Division, 64th place (27:16:07) Paddlers: Justin Nicholas, Robyn Ritchie, Gianni Alamilla Team Police “Peacemakers” – 1st prize in the Female Division, 24th place (18:45:24) Paddlers: Audrey Moody, Jane Usher and Ruth Cruz Team Wade’s Women – 2nd prize in Female Division, 20:18:06 Team Coast Guard Dolphins – 3rd prize in Female Division, 49th place (22:11:48) Team Sea Sports – 1st place Masters’ Division, 25th place (18:49:17) Paddlers: Mike Searle, Johnny “Watt” Searle, and Paul Hyde Team “Grumpy Ol’ Men” – 3rd place in Masters Division, 43rd place (21:20:48) Paddlers: Kevin Siroki and Jerry Wilkens Team Police Crimefighters – 1st place in Pleasure Division, 18th place (18:29:52) Paddlers: Roy Cano, Trevor Lennon and Neri Waight Team Print Belize 2nd prize in the Pleasure division, 19th place (18:34:27) Paddlers: Rudolph Gentle, Jesus Flowers and Javier Guardado Team Magic Carpet - 3rd place in Pleasure division, 26th place (19:00:39) Team Cheesy Riders – 2nd prize in Masters Division, 33rd place (20:01:44) Team South West Construction – 1st place in Dory Division (20:09:16) Team “Peace, Love and Joy” – 1st place in Family division, 55th place (24:06:34) Team Stand Up Guy – 25th in Male Division, 62nd place (26:50:04) Paddler: Shane Perrin, 36, of Missouri, USA
Belize City March 12, 2011 The Belize Bank Bulldogs team of Ervin, Amado and Daniel Cruz turned in a recordbreaking time of 16:36:29 as they won the annual Ruta Maya River Challenge for the 5th time at the Bel-Can Bridge in Belize City on Monday afternoon. By their win, the Cruz brothers claimed the $2,000 grand prize and the Kinich Ahau jade head trophy. The Belize Bank canoe had bumped the Ziprider team of Jerry Rhaburn, Efrain and Felix Crux, who were last year’s Ruta Maya winners, causing them to capsize and fall behind just before the finish line. The Ziprider team sponsored by Discovery Expeditions had won the stages 3 and 4 of this year’s race, clocking a total time: 16:55:31 which
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Belize Bank Bulldogs team
ranked them 6th overall. Mike Vincent and Chris Guydis paddled the Oceana Wavemakers canoe into 2nd place with a total time of
16:37:52, while Oscar Cordon, Jimmy Valdez and Armin Lopez paddled the N.I.C.H. canoe into 3rd place with a record-breaking total time of 16:42:44.
Belize Bank team crashes and flips over Zip Rider canoe
SJC boys advance to softball finals Belize City, Saturday, March 10, 2012 The St. John’s College boys will represent the Central Division at the upcoming softball championships to be hosted at the Denbigh Fuller field in Camalote on Friday and Saturday, March 16-17. The SJC boys clobbered the Gwen Lizarraga High School boys 17-3 by mercy rule in the district finals at the Roger’s Stadium on Monday night. The SJC team led 9-1 when only Gwen Liz’s Shaquille Moody came home in the 1st inning, then SJC’s Kenton Young, Nick Chang and Harold Nava came home twice while Taryn Thompson, pitcher Myric Marin and Javier Williams came home once in the 1st. Pitcher Myric Marin shut out the Gwen Liz boys in the 2nd inning, while SJC’s Young, Chang, Thompson, Marin, Philip Codd and
Myric Marin
Jermain Madrill
Kristian Majarrez came home to lead 17-1 in the 2nd. Pitcher Harley Middleton and Kelvin Dominguez came home for Gwen Liz in the top of the 3rd, but trailing 3-17 the Gwen Liz boys threw in the towel and forfeited as the SJC boys only needed 1 run for the mercy rule to be applied.
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BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE
THE BELIZE TIMES
Ladyville Tech girls win district finals Belize City, Friday, March 9, 2012 The Ladyville Technical High School girls will represent the Central Division at the upcoming softball championships at the Denbigh Fuller field in Camalote on Friday and Saturday, March 16-17. The Ladyville Tech outlasted the defending national champs, the Nazarene High School girls, 9-8 in the Central Secondary School Sports Association (CSSSA) championship finals at the Roger’s Stadium on Monday evening, March 13. Ladyville Tech’s Kristen Fuentes and Sherrie Gillett came home in the 1st inning to lead 2-0, but the Nazarene girls took over the lead 6-2 when Elma Wade, Ashley Rudon, pitcher Ashley Lucas, Tromeisha Tillett, Elisa Thompson and Geor-
FC Belize leads Premier League football
Belize City, Sunday, March 11, 2012 FC Belize is No. 1 in Zone A of the 2012 Premier League of Belize football competition, following a 2-0 blast of Juventus of Orange Walk at the MCC grounds on Sunday, March 11. Jerome James blasted in the 1st winning goal for FC Belize in the 27 minute, and Dalton Cayetano came off the bench in the 2nd half to add a 2nd goal in the 73rd minute. Other games: Team Police (Zone B leader) vs. Hankook Verdes – 3-0 Placencia Assassins vs. San Ignacio United – 2-1 Police vs. Verdes – 2-0 San Felipe Barcelona vs. San Pedro Sea Dogs – 2-1 BDF vs. World FC – 7-0 Belmopan Bandits vs. Paradise Freedom fighters – 1-1
Belize District Chess tournament at ITVET March 14, 2012 The Belize District Chess Association will be conducting its annual scholastic chess tournament this Sunday March 18th, 2012. All chess clubs, parents, teachers, community volunteers and chess players are invited to attend the tournament at the ITVET compound. The annual event is held to select a team of 24 players who will represent the Belize District at the National Chess Olympiad in Belmopan. The tournament consists of a 5-round Swiss system, Game 30 for two rounds and Game 25 for three rounds. Any player over the age of 11 years will be required to rotate two rounds. Tournament section Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, 15 and older category Players must be pre-registered by Saturday March 17, 2012. Free lunch will be provided to pre-registered participants. Registration can be made via email to David Martinez at davidvalle2003@yahoo.com or cell number 620-9315. Please submit player’s name, school, gender, age, date of birth and category. Check-in time between 8:30 and 9:30. Any player that does not check in between the time will not play 1st round. Late registration will also be accepted during check-in. Registration is open to belize District players only and it is free.
gia Williams came home in the bottom of the first. The Ladyville girls tied the ball game 6-6 when Fuentes, Gillett, Rebecca and Mardy Nicholson came home in the 3rd inning, but the Nazarene girls led again 8-6 when Tromeisha Tillett and Elusa Thompson came home in the 3rd. Ladyville’s Sherrie Gillett and Rebecca Nicholson tied the score in the 4th, while Rebecca shut out the Nazarene hitters and Elisha Thompson scored the winning run in the 5th inning.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Rebecca Nicholson pitches
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BELIZETIMES SUNDAY MARCH 18, 2012 THE BELIZE TIMES see full color at www.belizetimes.bz or Facebook/ Belize Times
This Week’s Sunday, March 18, 2012
TOP MODEL E-NEWS
TANYACARTER
delivers
While the 2012 elections may be over, one aspect of the campaign that remains in the minds and definitely ears of the public is the popular track “Deliverance” sung by Belize’s music diva, Tanya Carter. The music, accompanied by video, was a raw representation of the emotions and mood of an electorate in search of better leadership and governance. It was raw politics, delivered in soulful music the way only Tanya Carter can do it.
Etana
releases new album
Prominent Reggae songstress, Etana seeks to build on an already accomplished international resume’ as she currently fine-tunes material for her upcoming album. Most of the tracks for Etana’s yet to be titled third studio album have already been completed and will be shipped off to American based Dancehall/ Reggae label, VP Records, who will make the final decisions regarding which singles will make the compilation. The highly regarded songbird hopes to release her album later this year. Etana has given fans a taste with the pre-release of her single, Beautiful Day, produced by Kemar ‘Flava’ McGregor.
TOP MODEL SEARCH
BusySignal
Do you have what it takes to be one of our weekly TOP MODELS?
gets reggae soulful
If yes, contact CATWALK FASHIONS at 203-2936 or 6207481, or walk in to the fashion studio at #148 cor. Queen and North Front Streets, Belize City.
Dancehall artist, Busy Signal will launch his new album on April 24, also via American based Dancehall/Reggae label, VP Records. The Roots Reggae album features 14 tracks and its lead single, “Come Over”, which was unveiled last month. According to Busy Signal “Reggae Music Again” will be “celebrating the uplifting spirit and tightly woven grooves that epitomize Jamaica’s signature rhythm.” Additionally, the new album will showcase the spiritual and sensual sides of Busy Signal, an artiste who’s regularly known for his rough-edged style of music as well as lyrical ingenuity.
Donnalee
• • • •
Attending SJCJC Career Plan: Economist Sign: Gemini Favourite Food: Italian
• Likes: Modeling, dancing, singing, spending time with family & friends, wrting
• Lives in Belize City • Fav. Quote: “it is our choices that defy who we truly are, far more than our abilities”
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Real Leadership at Orange Walk Town Hall
Orange Walk Town, March 9, 2012 The good people of Orange Walk Town have discarded six years of UDP laziness, corruption and incompetence and have replaced it with a future filled with hardwork and hope with the election of the PUP team led by Kevin Bernard. The PUP team surpassed their opponents in capacity and veracity, and the voting results showed that. On Friday March 9th Mayor Bernard and his team which include Councillors Josue Carballo, Ladrick Sheppard, Rozel Arana, Jose Urbina, Neri Ramirez, and Ian Cal were sworn into office with a new mandate to deliver
PUP Marshalls celebrates 103rd birthday
Ms. Matilde Berry On behalf of the People’s United Party Marshalls countrywide, we salute Ms. Matilde Berry, our oldest surviving member, who celebrated her 103rd birthday on Wednesday, March 14th. May God continue to grant her long life and good health. Aside from the well wishes from the President, Executive and general members of the Marshalls Ms. Berry was treated to a special cake by Ms. Birdie and received a special visit from PUP Chairman Henry Usher. We also wish a speedy recovery to ODS member Ducho Thomas.
development to the people of “sugar city”. Mayor Bernard also announced the distribution of portfolio responsibilities as follows: Councilor Carballo will take on Civil Works, Traffic, Streets and Infrastructure, Councilor Arana will focus on Culture, Tourism and Women
Affairs, Councilor Sheppard will be responsible for Youth and Sports and Youth Enhancement Program, Councillor Urbina takes up Parks, Playground, Civil Society, Cemetery and Information Technology, Councilor Ramirez is in charge of Garbage Collection, Staff Relations and Special Events and
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Councilor Cal’s responsibility is Health, Public Safety Civic Pride Campaign and Information Technology. Mayor Bernard will be in charge of Financial Management, Market Management, Administration, Taxes, Human Resources and Sister City Relations. The team also announced that Councillor Carballo will serve as Deputy Mayor for the first year, followed by Councillor Rozel Arana. The PUP team enjoys unwavering support from the residents of Orange Walk Town. Finally, real leadership has returned to Orange Walk Town Hall.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
THE BELIZE TIMES
Was the offshore oil referendum a joke? By Carla Bradley On March 12 2012, Treaty Energy, Princess Petroleum Ltd and AllEnergy, who have become partners in the Princess Concession of over 2 million acres (1 million eight hundred thousand acres offshore and two hundred thousand acres on the mainland) announced the discovery of oil just adjacent to the Big Creek port in Independence Village in the Stann Creek District. Keep in mind that in January of this year, they had made the same announcement
CARICOM could collapse by 2017 Bert Wilkinson, Gleaner Writer PARAMARIBO,SURINAME: The secretariat of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has submitted a troubling report indicating that the regional bloc could collapse by 2017. The report was submitted at the CARICOM summit now underway in Suriname. In the report, the Guyana-based secretariat warns that the regional integration movement could come to an end because of poor financing, dissatisfaction and the ongoing world economic crisis. The report contends that if CARICOM and other regional institutions continue to struggle for funds, they could collapse in another four to five years. The operating budget of the CARICOM Secretariat has remained stagnant at just under US$20 million for the past four years. The report says this is despite inflation and an increasing workload of international travel, commissioned studies and other assignments from leaders. Requests for additional funding have been denied as member governments blame harsh economic times. But the report notes that there is a significant risk that CARICOM could be brought down quickly if the international economic situation deteriorates. It further says many member countries are highly indebted and are struggling to meet domestic and international commitments. However, the CARICOM secretariat says alternative funding arrangements must be made quickly for its headquarters and other bodies. According to the report, the whole CARICOM project is in unprecedented difficulties, and with no current prospect of economic recovery in the region, its authors said the secretariat has been barely able to meet its expenses for most of the last decade. But the authors say all is not lost as a turnaround could be made if the nature of the current crisis and its seriousness are fully appreciated. The report also says it might be necessary for officials to embark on a major effort made to raise awareness of CARICOM and the work of the secretariat. The CARICOM review was commissioned by leaders more than a year ago to examine the state of regional bloc after 39 years in existence. Eleven of the 15 regional leaders are attending the CARICOM summit in Suriname. Those absent are the heads from Belize Haiti, The Bahamas, and Grenada.
but the Prime Minister outrightly denied it and it became his word against the word of the oil drilling company. It is expected that this well known as San Juan #2 contains over six million barrels of oil or more and the company seems very excited about the discovery. New equipment should be on its way to Belize on Friday to assist in this particular well and other future wells used in the Princess Concession. Both Treaty Energy Ltd and Princess Petroleum Ltd have made headlines in the past, as the Princess Concession is one of the largest concessions in the country and covers most of our waters and has been one of the concessions that triggered Oceana and the people of Belize to vote for a referendum. On February 29th 2012 over 28 thousand Belizeans voted against oil exploration and offshore drilling making
it clear that the people of this country were against such activity. On March 2nd, after the people voted and results were released showing massive opposition, the Prime Minister, Dean Oliver Barrow agreed to a referendum just five days to an election. He stated, “…had it been a real referendum, they would have been nowhere near the threshold that is required to have a referendum pass. The least that the Government can do is to give these people their referendum. I personally would be prepared to support the Government sponsoring the referendum to be held at an appropriate time after we would have allowed for a full-throttle debate during which people will not just hear from one side.” People were pleased to him accepting that there should be a referendum held
15 but he kept stressing that there needed to be a full debate and not just a one sided opinion, and debates as is known to be conducted by this government, have their own definition. In an article written in the National Perspective in 2010, it was mentioned that it was possible that in July of 2008 the Government of Belize, the UDP, might have received a little note under the table in the amount of half a million dollars and shortly after this they received one of 17 concessions. Could it be true? Is this a Coincidence? We have yet to see the outcome of the 29 thousand Belizeans who voted no to offshore drilling and oil exploration in the Oceana oil referendum elections. We have yet to see if the Prime Minister will keep his word of agreeing to an oil referendum as he announced on national television in an interview on channel 7 prior the 2012 general and municipal elections, or was it just an election promise? Fact: The PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca supports the holding of a referendum on offshore oil drilling, and supports a moratorium on offshore oil exploration to allow for proper studies to be conducted before the people of Belize can decide.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Teens Belize Hosts
E-Pageant
Janel
Marcia
March 14, 2012 Teens Belize presents the 5th Annual Miss Top Celebrity Pageant from March 1327th, 2012. The Judges and the Pageant Committee will meet on the 28th of March to make final a decision. The candidate with the highest score will be crowned Miss Top Celebrity 2012 by outgoing Queen, Idolly Saldivar in a plush ceremony on TV. The candidates participate in four segments: Application Form, Preliminary with the Judges, FB Dialogue and Internet Voting. Percentages of each segment are tallied to select a new winner. The winner and runner-ups receives numerous prizes donated by generous sponsors from across Belize. You will have the opportunity to visit www.teensbelize.com and vote your favorite candidate into the semi-finals. In addition, Miss Photogenic will be chosen via “Most Likes” on Facebook. I invite you to tune in during these two weeks and support our 10 lovely young ladies vying for the coveted crown.
Cuba to test new AIDS vaccine on humans HAVANA: Cuba’s top biotech teams have successfully tested a new AIDS vaccine on mice, and are ready to soon begin human testing, a leading researcher told a biotechnology conference in Havana on Monday. “The new AIDS trial vaccine already was tested successfully (on mice) and now we are preparing a very small, tightly controlled phase one clinical trial” with HIV-positive patients who are not in the advanced stages of disease, researcher Enrique Iglesias said. Iglesias, who heads up the vaccine development team at the Biotech and Genetic Engineering Center (CIGB) here, was speaking at the International Biotech ConferenceHavana 2012, which started Monday in Cuba’s capital. He told the crowd at the convention center that the vaccine TERAVAC-HIV-1 was made from recombinant proteins aiming “to cause a cellular response against the (HIV) virus.”While upbeat, the Cuban expert was quick to downplay high hopes for a longawaited successful AIDS vaccine. “So far, there have been more than 100 clinical tests (on humans) with HIV” in Cuba and other countries, “and all of them have failed,” he stressed. Cuba spends more than $200 million a year on its AIDS prevention and care programs, including free care with antiretrovirals, some of them Cuban-made.
Brianna
Christine
Cindy
Indira
Tanya
Vicky
Stephanie
Aidan
Sunday, March 18, 2012
THE BELIZE TIMES
PUP’s Electoral Gains in Port Loyola By Gilroy Usher, Sr. (PUP Standard Bearer for Port Loyola)
I begin this essay by saying a big thank you to the 990 residents of Port Loyola, who voted for me in the general elections on March 7, 2012. A heartfelt thank you is also extended to all the campaigners, individuals and businesses who assisted me with preparation for the elections. I was not victorious at the polls on March 7, but I did well given my financial limitations, the short notice to preparation for the election, the internal challenges we faced to replace three candidates only days after the date for the general election was announced, and the huge war chest of my opponent. On March 7 I received 990 votes, which was just short of 10 for me to have garnered 1,000 votes. That was almost double the votes the PUP Standard Bearer got in the previous general election. March 7 was also the first time the incumbent got lesser votes in the division for a general election. There was no traditional landslide victory for the incumbent in Port Loyola on March 7. Instead his margin of victory was reduced by 571 from 1,370 in the previous election to 799 on March 7th. That was terrible performance for a man, who has been a Minister of Government and Area Representative for the division four long years with millions of dollars at his disposal. Boots Martinez got no margin of victory to brag about on March 7,
because that same day the victorious PUP Standard Bearers in both Stann Creek West and Toledo West overcame similar deficits to win their divisions. I am therefore confident that with continued handwork in Port Loyola, the next time around I will be able to overcome that deficit in the division, to bring more upliftment to the area that the people so rightly deserve. Based on the scores of persons in red shirts; the scores of vehicles with red posters, the number of large buses that brought in persons from out district specifically to vote in Port Loyola, and the promise of a full week’s pay as reward for over 400 campaigners if he was re-elected to office, the evidence clearly shows that I was outspent by my opponent at least 50 to 1 in Port Loyola. Martinez however only got 1789 votes for all that money, because hundreds of residents of the division set aside Boots Martinez’s last minute jobs and last minute giveaways and voted blue for better with PUP and Gilroy Usher, Sr. on March 7. Boots Martinez had to try and buy the election on March 7, because for four long years as Area Representative for Port Loyola he did absolutely nothing to bring upliftment to the area. Despite the short one-month notice for the general election, once we had successfully replaced those Standard Bearers who withdrew their candidacy at the last possible moment to cause the party the most damage, the electorate began to swing more and more towards the People’s United Party every single day, as the party has a long and proud history of service to people and country of Belize. Indeed if the People’s United Party had two more weeks to campaign, we would have won the elections on March 7 instead of the UDP who won, so far, by the skin of the teeth with a 17 to 14 victory.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Reid A
s I write, the People’s United Party have still not conceded defeat in last week’s elections and has taken the matter to court. On paper, the United Democratic Party squeaked by with the narrowest of margins but from all accounts, the decision should have gone the other way. Two seats in particular, both in Cayo, have left many questions unanswered. In Cayo North, PUP candidate Orlando Habet was ahead in the count for most of the night yet miraculously, by the time the results were released, incumbent Elvin Penner was declared the winner. Meanwhile in Cayo Central, basically the same scenario was playing out where unpopular Minister of Agriculture Rene Montero was declared winner by the narrowest of margins. Both men requested recounts but for still inexplicable reasons, both requests were denied. It can be said then that last Wednesday’s elections were decided by a total of some sixty votes and under some very suspicious circumstances. In both cases, the number of spoilt ballots far outnumbered their margin of loss. There is absolutely no sound reasoning why these two recounts were not given and hopefully the PUP will receive some justice in court. Dean Barrow and the UDP on the other hand, have gone full steam ahead in forming their cabinet and carrying on with no regard to the objections. Regardless of the outcome of the court actions, the United Democratic Party was sent a stern message by the people of Belize. We are not happy with your performance! Dean Barrow’s response, in usual arrogant form, was to warn the people of Belize to not test him and his government. One would think that his slim, albeit suspect victory, would be enough to temper that man’s arrogance. With a formidable opposition in place however, Dean Barrow can be sure that his bullying tactics will no longer have much effect. At a victory rally on Friday night
in Belize City, Barrow suggested that had the PUP won, “the streets would have run red” with the blood of our people. Hate to be the one to point this out ole Baldie, but the streets are already red with blood. It began the day after you took office in 2008 and after just four years, the body count was over five hundred. While the so-called gang truce has had some effect in the city, country wide we are still ahead of last year’s murder statistic for the same period of January to March. Add three more murders from this past weekend and I believe we can see the current trend continuing. What is most interesting about these past elections is that they were basically decided by the Belize City votes. This has once again raised the question of Proportional Representation. Belize City has a total of a little over forty thousand voters which accounts for about a quarter of the one hundred and seventy-eight thousand total registered voters countrywide. Yet, Belize City controls ten seats, which amount to a full one third of the total thirty one seats available. According to the Constitution of Belize, “each division shall have as nearly as may be, an equal number of persons eligible to vote”. The reality is that some constituencies outside of Belize City have twice as many registered voters as some constituencies within Belize City leaving many to believe that at some point, a proper re-districting will be in order. Given the fact that the elections were basically decided by the Belize City constituencies, one has to wonder if, despite the cheating, the results would not have been quite different had there been equal and proportional representation. Given the reality of what transpired, it is obvious that voters outside of Belize City were guided by different parameters than those within Belize City. In the outer districts live the farmers, the producers and folks who work hard to earn a living. In the urban areas of Belize City live the impoverished, unemployed and disenfranchised. These are the ones more likely to fall victims to the handouts, empty promises and propaganda. How else can one explain the reelection of a hapless, incompetent and corrupt City Council that has done absolutely nothing for the past six years? The short period leading up to this past election saw some of the most unscrupulous, unethical
and illegal activity of any election campaign season so far. The mass nationalization of thousands of illegal aliens, the outright buying of votes and the squandering of the people’s money on Christmas gift packages and other giveaways had much to do with influencing the elections. Even if the loss stands, the PUP has little to be ashamed of and much to be proud of. In three short months, Francis Fonseca has unified the party and has a team in place that can stand toe with toe against the bullying tactics of Dean Barrow and his band of dimwits. It is quite obvious to anyone who will admit it that the UDP stole the elections. The PUP have come away though, a more unified and electrified political party. We look forward to some very interesting debates in the House a solid representation for those faithful members of the People’s United Party. GOD bless the PUP and may GOD bless Belize.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
The short period leading up to this past election saw some of the most unscrupulous, unethical and illegal activity of any election campaign season so far. The mass nationalization of thousands of illegal aliens, the outright buying of votes and the squandering of the people’s money on Christmas gift packages and other giveaways had much to do with influencing the elections.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
THE BELIZE TIMES
REALITY CHECK!
A victory for the People’s United Party
By Carla Bradley Elections have come and gone and my people are still suffering, why you may ask? Because they were sold dreams and given pocket change in exchange for power for another 5 years by this UDP government. The People’s United Party did tremendously well and I applaud them as a supporter and member, for the long way we have come as a Party. It took us great strength and will-power to do what was right for our country and truly unite for one cause: the betterment of our people. The districts understood the importance of this election, as our cane, citrus, banana, papaya, rice farmers and so many others were feeling the pinch of what has become of our economy under the United Democratic Party Government. Unfortunately my people in the city, especially those truly taking the brunt of it even if they wish to admit it or not, gave in to the pocket change handed out by these now ministers. It is alleged that these UDP ministers did the impossible to get a piece of that pie and they were successful as eight of our constituencies gave majority vote to these UDP candidates. I hope and pray that the promises, pocket change etc. you were given for that important stroke of a pen, will last you the five years because that may be all that you will get from them so they may get richer. I have been asked by many if I am ok with the loss of the PUP and my response is and will always be: we did not lose, in my eyes we won. We played fair and won the elections. Fourteen seats in the house is a full team. I am extremely excited that a woman was ELECTED to the house and not appointed like others now, no offense, but Mrs. Dolores Balderamos Garcia earned her spot because the people of Rural Central believed in her and not because of friendly ties or favors done. Congratulations to the women who were appointed by the UDP, I as a young woman will wait and see if you will make the women of this country
proud or not. If PM Barrow so believes in you women, why didn’t he make you all run for office? This is just my opinion. I as a young Belizean, a single mother, a working woman of this country, am proud to say that I supported the People’s United Party because I like many other young people, believe in what the PUP stands for. They gave the young people of this country a chance to be a part of their manifesto, and addressed the issues affecting us. I have yet to see that from the United Democratic Party. I as a young person in this country, will be watching and if necessary standing up for injustices that may come about under this UDP administration. Once again I take this article to congratulate all of the candidates of the People’s United Party, you made me proud as well as your families, friends and Belizeans across the country. The fight for a Peaceful Constructive Belizean Revolution continues in unity and strength as we move forward!
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THE BELIZE TIMES
In my perspective… No Time To Retreat
By Rayford Young “FOR THE ATTENTION OF ALL: After having analyzed figures and events that occurred after polls were closed on election day, it has been concluded by a vast amount of honest Belizeans, and Corozalenos, that the electorate process had involved a high level of CORRUPTION. On Wednesday night, after the polls were closed in Corozal Town, boxes containing ballots from the voters were taken to the Corozal Civic Center for counting. Ballot boxes were in the Custody of Customs officials. Upon arriving to the Corozal Civic Center, an event took place that was more than likely a planned attack at “STEALING” the elections by the UDP. UDP supporters, who work at the Northern Border in Corozal, were at the Corozal Civic Center. Upon the arrival of ballot boxes to the Corozal Civic Center (where counting took place), two (2) UDP supporters retrieved their firearms and an altercation began between them. The police, who should have been looking after the arrival of the Customs officials with the ballot boxes, proceeded towards where the firearms were. This as well caused everyone to be diverted from keeping eyes on the boxes, to going towards where the altercation was taking place. What happened with the ballot boxes? We have found out. We are therefore asking for the lady who was out at the Corozal Civic Center taking footage, to provide the Belizean public with the pictures along with the videos of how the elections were “Stolen” by Pablo Marin, Hilberto Campos, and the help of the Customs and Border employees. Will be posting more to this story soon.” This story was posted on Facebook. Similar charges have been made by the Peoples United Party officials, who have filed charges in the courts. They will decide if these charges are real in the months ahead. It is very hard to overturn elections unless you have proof. If the PUP knew of these tactics and that they have been going on for decades, then it’s on them to protect those ballot boxes. I would have had a video camera focused on those boxes at the polling stations and the trip to the counting centers across the country. These elections are too close - in some cases less than 20 votes - not to have done this or something else to protect those ballot boxes. Then again, in this day and age why are we still counting ballots by hand and transporting ballots in boxes to counting centers. The opportunities for mischief are a good example to stop this antiquated practice. Modern computers are the way to go and are cost effective, quick and less prone to corruption.
This is truly a setback for the PUP. But it also gives the party a time to reflect and reset their agenda to fix the problems this election has brought forward. Elections are about the future, your vision and goals for the country. I think the PUP were so confident they were going to win they were not as diligent as they should have been, especially with the mechanics of getting your people to the polls. If election day falls on a holiday and the buses are not running, how will you get your people to the polls? If it’s raining are the people expected to stand in the rain? What about mothers with kids? Do you have a tent or something to look after the kids while parents stand in line to vote? An old rule is to feed people and they will show up for anything. I would have free food at every polling station. These are some of the complaints I’ve heard. Elections are very expensive and it takes a lot of money to address some of the concerns I brought up. The opposition party cannot compete with the ruling party. They can pay off your mortgage and reduce your electricity and gas bills, etc. So you have to be smarter and more diligent if you are to win elections. Here are a few ideas I would suggest: 1. Set up an internet account so Belizeans abroad can donate financially to the party. Keep in touch with all of your donors and let them know frequently what the party is doing. Keep them updated. 2. Have a data base of all your voters in the country and stay connected with them. Know who needs a ride to the polls on election day. If they move you should know where they move to. 3. Make a way so Belizeans living abroad can vote. (Absentee ballot) 4. Make sure your ground operations are the best, up to speed, no glitches. 5. Present a positive and consistent message to the people. What is your plan for jobs, the infrastructure, roads and crumbling bridges? 6. One of the responsibilities of the opposition is to keep the government in check. Critiquing the ruling party is one thing, but also have a positive alternative message. Too much negativity turns off voters. 7. Modernize your voting system. The current system is outdated and inadequate. Five years is a long time before the next elections. It’s a time to plan and get your operations in order, a time to reflect, a time to think and retool. Let’s be a bit more humble in the next five years. Let’s not be so pompous, confident on an election win before the first vote is cast. A hard lesson for the PUP indeed, but it will make the party stronger and more vibrant. Sometimes it takes a devastating defeat to motivate one to get back on track. It should make the party forward-looking not inwardfighting. The Country needs a strong and progressive opposition party. This is no time to retreat. Rayford Young is a Belizean-American, who currently lives in Michigan, U.S.A. Send comments to rayfordyoung@comcast.net
Sunday, March 18, 2012
The Good, the Bad and the Aftermath Contributed The double General and Municipal Elections of March 7th, 2012 surely ought, by now, to be cemented in the Belizean history scrapbook. But try telling that to the masses of people who stood their ground…who never forgot the pain, the suffering and the sorrow imposed upon them by the UDP Government and Prime Minister Dean Oliver Barrow… who welcomed, enveloped and embraced the Blue Tsunami!! But even the force of the Blue, under the guided leadership of the Hon. Francis Fonseca, hoping to lead Belize in a bold, new, and fruitful direction, was not enough to stem the ‘Red Tide’ of greed, dishonesty, unfairness, and ultimately, dirty politics which ‘won’ them the election. This opinion column won’t be about the numbers per se, but rather the unforeseen, the unpredictable (or perhaps highly predictable) variants that sent these elections from a seemingly sure thing to something quite unpredictable. We start with the pair of divisions that were all but guaranteed to have been returned to the PUP folds – Lake Independence and Albert. Cordel Hyde and Mark Espat, the men who once held those respective PUP seats, apparently valued their loyalty to one another (and perhaps, to some
well-known, but soon-to-be-named ‘masters’) rather than being open to the promise of a new start. But Mark and Cordel were one story; Carlos Diaz was another. His choice to run as the independent ‘Man in the Area for the Area’ (i.e. Lake I) decreased the opportunity for PUP Lake I candidate Martin Galvez to gain victory. But aside from those two, and there’s no bad name not worthy enough to call them, what else led to this now seemingly insurmountable setback? It may not have worked in the districts where the Blue took over (even with the happenings in two of the constituencies in the Cayo District, and those will be fought out in the Courts), but the City ‘stayed silent’, thanks to the overindulgent, decadent ‘giveaways’ lauded upon them, thereby translating that into votes. The above only constitutes some of the gross, heinous misdeeds of the ‘duly elected’ UDP Government. While it’s hard for the Party’s faithful and loyal to sing ‘Shudda, Coudda, Wudda’, we need to beg them to stop doing so publicly, for the sake of the people. We are now at the whim and mercy of this ‘new’ UDP government. They don’t have a supermajority anymore, but some of the same Ministers who sponsored the hanky-panky the first time are still around, and there are the new ones who are about as trustworthy as the veterans. Long story short: Belize, Belizeans, never forget!!! PUP WILL STILL SERVE THE PEOPLE!!! PUP WILL DELIEVER!!!!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
THE BELIZE TIMES
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WOMEN’S MONTH
COLOUR ME!
ANNA CHAN CAROL WILLIAMS CAROLYN TRENCH-SANDIFORD ELDA BERMUDEZ ELOISA TRUJEQUE EMERITA FLOWERS GWEN LIZARRAGA KAREN BODDEN LISA SHOMAN MARY PALACIO MYRTLE PALACIO PATTY ARCEO ROSARIO REYES SHAROLE SALDIVAR SYLVIA GILLETT WENDY CASTILLO YOLANDA FONSECA YOLANDA MURRAY YOLANDA SCHAKRON
March is International Women’s History Month. In this month we celebrate the great things women have done in the past and are doing now. Last week, Dolores Balderamos Garcia was elected to serve in Parliament for the PUP. She is one of the many hard working women of the PUP. To all the women of PUP who stood strong during the elections we want to say thank you for the example you set for all the girls of Belize!
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Make-Up
Aries March 21-April 19 It really is all about work and money, and you have a unique opportunity to turn a new financial page. Contemplate what financial health would look like and then be intentional in your endeavors. Taurus April 20-May 20 Bask in the brilliance of the combined light of Venus and Jupiter in your Sign, and then channel that light into all the areas of your life in need of grace, beauty, and wisdom. Gemini May 21-June 21 You have a rare opportunity to feel grounded, inside and out, rooted and connected, in the reality of life. Should that centeredness feel elusive, take your shoes off and literally feel your feet on the earth. Cancer June 22-July 22 Allow yourself to experience the ties that bind you to friends and family. If the lines of connection are negative, contemplate how to transform the energy. If they are positive, make them stronger. Leo July 23-August 22 Like your fiery counterparts, Aries and Sagittarius, there are abundant opportunities to improve your career and financial situation. Be willing to do the hard work of the day-to-day, and you’ll be pleased with the results. Virgo August 23-September 22 Taking a stand for what you believe in is not the challenge. What’s difficult is finding the ground of compromise that allows others to do the same without anyone having to feel vanquished. Libra September 23-October 22 Continue to anchor yourself in the truth of who you are, and you’ll find the insight and strength to work through relationship issues in need of clarity and adjustment. Scorpio October 23-November 21 The focus is on relationships, including and most importantly your relationship with yourself. Contemplate how you can apply greater creativity and grace to all your interactions, internal and external. Sagittarius November 22-December 21 Continue your efforts to actualize your ambitions and don’t let any retrograde or other obstacle interfere with your goals. Yes, it’s hard work; but the results are worth it. Capricorn December 22-January 19 The grunt work can wait. You have a chance to dial up a new wave of creative inspiration; so don’t procrastinate by spending your time on chores. Aquarius January 20-February 18 Let yourself rely on the depth of your innate creativity. Of course, there’s work to do, but if you trust and use your full potential, the “work” will effortlessly turn to joy. Pisces February 19-March 20 You can make war or love, and while the choice sounds like a no-brainer, choosing love means acknowledging and respecting your sensitivities, as well as the vulnerabilities of others.
tips
By Tania Tanesha Mascara: one of those makeup musthaves. I love mascara. The formula in mascara successfully creates the effect of longer, thicker, and fuller lashes, which brings out any color eyes. Normally, the most popular mascara comes in black but in this article, I’m going to teach about the different mascara types and colors that are available and their uses. HISTORY: As far back as 4000BC the Egyptians were using a substance called Kohl. Kohl was used as eye makeup for both men and women to ward off evil spirits and protecting the soul and the formula in Kohl was composed mainly of charcoal, malachite and crocodile stool –yes, crocodile stool. Water and honey were added to the Kohl to prevent it from running. Isn’t that amazing? MASCARA COLORS AND CLEAR MASCARA: Mascara comes in so many different colors but the most popular color is black, of course. Black mascara can be used on practically all shades of skin and eye color, making any eye look fantastic. But for lighter-skinned women or blondes, black mascara can be too harsh. If you’re a blonde, opt for brown mascara for a classy day-look and the use the black mascara for a more nighttime, dramatic look. BE MORE CREATIVE: On the more creative end, burgundy and purple mascara do wonders for brown eyes. That tint of color on the lashes pops out brown eyes. Navy blue mascara makes blue eyes look amazing! Clear mascara is used for more natural looking eyelashes. Clear mascara gives you the same lengthening benefits of any other color mascara, just without the dark, heavy, lash look from black mascara. Also, one sweep of clear mascara on your eyebrows helps the hairs stay flat and neat throughout the day. HOW TO APPLY: There is no rule of thumb when it comes to mascara application. Normally a few sweeps upward would do the trick but to prevent that dreaded clumping, separate the lashes by using a lash comb before applying the mascara OR using the same mascara wand, start at the root of the eyelashes, and in a zig-zag motion, move upwards. This separates the lashes while applying mascara. Try to wait 5 seconds before blinking to give the mascara time to dry and prevent that dotted line on your face. Curl your lashes before or after you apply mascara, just make sure it’s dry. Applying mascara to lower lashes is optional but a quick sweep sideways will give you a more dramatic look. So there you have it, ladies. The cosmetic wonders of mascara! Now with the right information and buying assurance you can find the perfect mascara for you! Be confident with your gorgeous lashes and put your best face forward.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
THE BELIZE TIMES
BELIZETIMES EXCLUSIVE
Living with
AUTISM
Contributed by Yadira Williams Founder of Autism in Belize Support Group
Everyday Autism…
A
utism has become a very important part of our daily lives. It’s not easy raising an autistic child, but we need to make it through the day and remember that it’s not about us or what we would like our day to be like or even what we need… it’s all about our 7 year old autistic son Christopher and what his day would be like, what his interest will be today. You see, we live our lives around his world, what he likes and how he feels on an individual day, because no one can tell us what our day will be like, it just is, we can’t really plan our day as a normal family would because, we are not a normal family. Many times we as parents plan and do things without any interest as to how it affects our children, or even think of asking our children’s opinion on things we have decided. And in reality it affects them as much as it affects an autistic child. Every day we need to stop and think how our decision will affect Christopher’s daily routine and what will be the outcome. It’s like when we go shopping, I always have to remember to check the stores we are going into because if there is music playing, Christopher would refuse to enter the store. For some strange reason the music in a large enclosed or even open space affects his hearing and he would keep covering his ears by pushing his fingers as far into his ears as he can. It’s very strange because he loves music and he listens to music every day, however, inside the stores it affects his ears. With all the research I have done online, I haven’t found out the reason why the music affects him. Recently we have been having some difficulty with Christopher staying inside his classroom. I thought it is because of the transition between holiday breaks and returning to school, but it seems to be something else. Christopher would normally be very happy to go to school, but lately it’s been difficult keeping him inside the classroom. Christopher is like those wild horses you see running about free as the wind. You wish you could tame them and so you try to keep them locked up to see if their spirit can be tamed, but as soon as they see a way out, it’s out the door and feet in the air as fast as they can, they take to the
Chris Williams Jr. is one of so many children born with autism in Belize. There is little or no support from the government for Special Needs children in this country.
wind. I guess he is tired of school and just wants to be free. Weren’t we all going through this phase at one point or the other? For a time now, I have been struggling to establish the Autism in Belize support group for children and families with autism. However, the outcome has not been as I would have hoped. It takes a lot of self-motivation and patience to put together a support group, when people that really need the extra help or a shoulder to lean on, would not accept that their child is autistic or are too ashamed to admit their child needs help. We all need someone to talk to, especially young families that are going through the same things my family is going through. It’s not easy raising an autistic child in a country that does not provide help or even a support group or a specialized care center that you can go and ask questions when you feel lost. This is why a family support group is so important. If you can share and learn from others, especially the struggles, our autistic children will be the ones that benefit. Their lives will be much better if we can only come together and share our struggles and accomplishments. It’s about time people learn the truth about Autism. It’s about time you educate yourself and learn what our autistic children are capable of accomplishing, if only given a chance in this crazy world of ours. As Dr. Temple Grandin would say “we would not have electricity or phones or even computers, our world would not be so accomplished, if someone with some sort of autistic spectrum did not develop it”. So tell me isn’t it time we put our fears aside and put our children first? Give them a change and see, what the future holds for them. I encourage families who have children with autism to contact me. We can work on getting more support and care for our special children together. Visit my Facebook “Autism in Belize” to share ideas.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Sunday, March 18, 2012
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Sunday, March 18, 2012
THINK ABOUT IT FRANCIS FONSECA Francis beat a massive, concerted and concentrated attack in the Freetown Division to win comfortably over multi-millionaire and leader of the Chinese posse. Francis also grabbed a leaderless, divided and defunded party with 4 or 6 seats and made it, within two months, a winning electoral force. The PUP under Francis performed spectacularly. The PUP came within a handful of votes to become the new Government. Apart from the weird behaviour in Lake I and Albert Divisions, two public officers – known UDPs – made incredible decisions in denying a recounting in two Cayo divisions. The two decisions are being challenged in the Courts and Penner for sure is in trouble for electoral offences. All that is needed is one voter to step forward and claim Penner bribed him or her. BELIZEANS WANT A NEW GOVERNMENT No one, except die hard UDP fanatics can escape from the results of the general elections. Belizeans wanted to send the arrogant Dean Barrow home. UNEXPLAINABLE The public humiliation and demotion of Orange Walk caudillo and don, Gaspar Vega, is unexplicable. How can the senior official of the UDP, its Deputy Leader, be so humiliated by his Party Leader and Prime Minister? From Deputy Prime Minister with the second largest and most powerful Ministry of Natural Resources to the new Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture. In this case, Natural Resources means only land. Gone are Geology, Petroleum, Public Utilities, Electricity, Water, etc. The Agriculture part of the Ministry is assigned to Minister of State Hugo Patt. The only thing Minister Vega has to do in Belmopan is sign lease papers and plot revenge. There is deep suspicion behind the P.M.’s strange decision to bring Miss Grant from nowhere and put her in charge of the nation’s oil industry, its minerals and public utilities like telecommunications and electricity. Miss Grant is fronting for the PM who is now the real oil Minister. She won’t even be in the House of Representatives to answer oil revenue questions. NO MAYA, NO GARIFUNA Not a single Maya or Garifuna was good enough from the Toledo or Stann Creek District to be appointed to the Senate or to a Minister of State post. This is a terrible affront to our indigenous brothers and sisters. The insult was all the more glaring when another of the weird and questionable appointments created a new Minister for Rosewood and Tilapia and Endangered peoples. Hon. Alamilla who tried to sabotage Oceana and the Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage. SANTINO While nondescript Charles Gibson and others like Grant and Alamilla become full time Ministers, Santino was relegated to a Junior Ministry. Santino becomes Minister of State for Capital Budget and Social Investment Funds which are next to nothing. And a broke DFC and Economic Development which
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THE BELIZE TIMES
is a pie in the sky. Santino is a natural for Minister of Tourism, Youth, Culture and Sports but it did not happen. Ride with Santino on his journey of disappointment. ATTORNEY GENERAL The new Attorney Geneal is Jamaican Cheryl Krusen, who is the Solicitor General. Wilfred Elrington holds the title but will be travelling extensively to and from Israel and will be too busy to protect the independence of the judiciary and the remaining handful of Belizeans from foreign encroachers. Imagine the constitution was butchered to allow for appointment of Attorney General who would not be elected to the House or appointed from the Senate. AND THE BIGGEST SECOND LOSER IS… Anthony “Boots” Martinez gets the second prize for public demotion and embarrassment. Gone is his Ministry of Works and his CEO Cadet Henderson. No more lucrative contracts. No more plycem houses. Boots becomes responsible for Human Development which means giving poor people then dollars a week at the Women’s Department on Albert Street. Boots is also responsible for Poverty Alleviation which means giving out
twenty nine dollars worth of groceries from Santino’s Bottom Dollar to a few hundred UDP stalwarts. And the ham and turkey programs at Christmas. What an insult. WHAT A WASTE There is no need for FIFTEEN Ministries in a tiny, poverty-stricken county which is perennially short of funds. There is no need for a Ministry of Labor, and Local Government could have been part of the Ministry of Public Service. Waste. There is no need for a Ministry of Housing (they don’t build houses). This could have been part of the Ministry of Health and Housing. Waste. Poor Belize. Was it Allen Paton who wrote “Cry the Beloved Country”? MARK AND CORDEL Rumors continue to fly fast, and multiply as they fly. The latest on the circuit is that the duo is up for big appointments have changed tack with the appointment of all Senators. New rumors flying are one is to be special envoy to renegotiate the superbond. The other is to be a special ambassador. We await the official announcements. RUFUS X FOR OBMUDSMAN Rufus X would be the ideal person for Ombudsman of Belize. The indefatigable and audacious Rufus would investigate wrong doings and would be guided by the legal people as to how to process such information.
Rufus X is one of several brave citizens who formed part of the independent candidates in the general elections. They are to be congratulated for their bravery. SPEAR BRUK UP SPEAR is an acronym for Society for the Promotion of Education and Research. It was founded by the outstanding Assad Shoman and has done great work in Belize. Over the years it has been ailing. We regret to announce the death of the organisation known as SPEAR. Its passing is sad commentary on the academic and intellectual community in Belize. MARCEL CARDONA Former Hon. Marcel Cardona, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports in the previous vindictive UDP Government was last seen wearing a “hard hat” in a meeting of the House of Representatives after his party stoned him from the gallery. Then Speaker of the House, Arguelles, did nothing about this outrageous and unprecedented disrespect to the Honourable House and its elected representative. But then, neither did the Prime Minister or his Government who jeered and laughed at Hon. Cardona. Cardona had the last laugh after he delivered on his promise. He resigned the UDP and helped public to campaign and defeat he pretender who was pushed into his constituency. Orange Walk, like Cardona, went blue by you.
THANK YOU MESSAGE DR. AMIN HEGAR
Fellow Residents of Belmopan and supporters of the Peoples United Party: The general and municipal elections are now over. I give thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ for granting us a peaceful event, and to you the residents of Belmopan for exercising your constitutional right to vote. I take this opportunity to thank my family for granting me the tremendous support in this process. Also, to my Executive Committee, campaigners, election day workers, and those who supported me with resources to conduct my campaign and to build up an effective election day machinery, THANK YOU, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Most important, I wish to recognize YOU the voters of Belmopan who prayed and placed your trust and confidence in me. Our democratic process has once more been successful …… the votes were counted and the majority voted for the United Democratic Party. To the Honourable John Saldivar and His Lordship Simeon Lopez, my warmest congratulations and best wishes. I ask of them and their Government to serve the people well and not to abandon them. The Peoples United Party has proven, in Belmopan and throughout the country of Belize that it is strong, and that 48% of the people believe in its policies for a better Belize. We shall endeavor to work harder, and be in constant contact with our people in order to be successful in the upcoming elections. The work starts NOW. LONG LIVE THE PEOPLES UNITED PARTY. LONG LIVE BELMOPAN!!!! Thank you and may God Bless Us all.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Don’t Let Glaucoma Darken Your Life! By Carla Ayres Musa A gradual darkness begins to take over your peripheral (outside) vision. It is not very noticeable until it increases to the point where your sight has obviously been reduced. By then, Glaucoma has ‘Darkened Your Life’ and any vision lost cannot be restored. We highlight this disease once a year, during World Glaucoma Week in March. Although eye care is often neglected, due to its severity and irreversible nature, the disease is something that should be on our minds and our health checklists at least once a year. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steals sight without warning and often without symptoms. It is characterized by damage to the optic nerve at the back of the eye, and is often associated with an increase in the eye’s internal pressure. If left untreated, the nerve damage will start to destroy your peripheral vision. Gradually, the area you can see will become smaller and smaller leading to ‘tunnel vision’ and eventually, blindness. The risk of developing Glaucoma increases from the age of 18 and is more prevalent in certain groups: people of Afro-Caribbean descent (Creole and Garifuna), diabetics, and those with a family history of the disease. But don’t be fooled, it can affect anybody. The good news about this sneaky eye disease is that in most cases Glaucoma can be controlled with medication or, with simple laser surgery, in more stubborn cases. However, once nerve damage has occurred and vision has been lost, it cannot be restored. Therefore, the aim of the treatment is to prevent any further vision loss.
New Art Show opens at Image Factory Belize City, March 15, 2012 A new art exhibit featuring artists Ruhiel Trejo and Briheda Haylock will open at the Image Factory on Friday March 16th. The exhibit is titled “SOCIETY KILLED THE TEENAGER”. The exhibit opens at 7:00pm.
If treatment is started early enough blindness can be prevented, leaving the patient free to enjoy a full and happy life. Since severe damage to the optic nerve may occur before you notice anything is wrong, early diagnosis is important. Everyone 18 years and older should have their eyes tested once a year. This is fast and painless. The doctor at the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired (BCVI) will check your vision, look into your eyes and measure the pressure of your eyes. Those who have the disease may be referred to see the specialist. If you or someone you know has Glaucoma, or would like to know more about it, call BCVI at 203.5206. If you visit any of our countrywide clinics between March 9th and March 16th, you can receive a 10% discount on any frame and discounts on Glaucoma medication!
Don’t Lose Sight of Your Vision! Call for an appointment today! Belize City - 203.5206
Orange Walk - 322.0227 Cayo - 822.3541 Stann Creek - 522.3832 Toledo - 722.2025
Sunday, March 18, 2012
THE BELIZE TIMES
Mennonite
killed IN plane crash BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, March 14th, 2012 By Alton Humes 22-year-old Christopher Reimer wasn’t the sort of ‘endangered male’ you often hear about getting stabbed or shot on the news. He was a Christopher getting his aircraft ready rice farmer by occupation, a young ‘country bwoi’ who rarely, if ever, left the comfort unforeseeable doom near an airof his home village of Blue Creek in the strip. The two male companions Orange Walk District. So it would be sadly who were watching him fly, identifitting that he would perish in that locale fied as one of his brothers and the brother’s friend, tried to save him this past weekend. Reimer, a Mennonite by ethnicity and from the wreck and took him to a a proud young Belizean-born citizen, was nearby clinic, but young Christoinstantaneously killed after the wing of pher would be pronounced dead his recently purchased MicroLight® light thereafter. The loss hits rather hard and aircraft (better known as a flying hang gilder) failed. The incident occurred this past close for his father, businessman weekend, Sunday, March 11th, 2012. Re- Ed Reimer, who, like his son, enimer, who had prior knowledge and some joyed such recreation. In particular, experience with these types of aircraft, the loss is unexplainable, since had meticulously gone over the aircraft the aircraft had already been ina few weeks after he purchased it from spected and approved for use. But someone in Placencia Village and getting Reimer, befitting of his Christian the permits from the Civil Aviation Depart- faith, took solace in the fact that ‘God picked him up and gave him ment, was about to air-test the craft. He wasn’t high up in the air, only the wings of angels’ where man’s about a hundred feet or so, but he wasn’t ingenuity and design were not prepared for a wing of the craft which enough. Young Reimer will be laid malfunctioned, causing young Christo- to rest sometime today, Wednespher to lose control and plummet to his day, March 14th.
Humor in UDP Politics! When pressed hard, Barrow was asked for the name of the Ministry he is giving Boots. After rubbing his hand on his face until it turned purple, Barrow looked up and said ‘Oh…most understandably, the paltry Minister is in charge of the Food Pantry…and hopeful that he goes through a transformation he also gets Social Transformation’. ………………. Salva Fernandez is reported to have visited the hospital at least six times for treatment for High Blood Pressure. He was admitted right after the news of his election loss came in, then again when he learnt that Mahmud beat him by a wide margin, then again when he found out he was caught in a compromising position giving out what seemed to be money on election day. A fourth time when he saw the picture of himself handing out the goods, one more time when he saw the PUP victory motorcade, and again when he heard Montero got Minister of Works and Penner Minister of Immigration. ………………. Lee Mark’s baptism into politics has turned out to be a funny thing. Lee Mark went on record to say, on election day, how he had beaten PUP Leader Francis Fonseca by 250 votes or “worst case scenario” at least by 150. When the voting was over, it was indeed the worst case scenario for Lee Mark as he lost by 150 votes. That caused him to break down and cry lee tear drops. ………………. Boots noh happy. Santi noh happy. Saldivar noh happy. Gapi noh happy. Herman noh happy. Only Castro happy. When asked why, Castro said, “I had it before, then it was taken away. Now I get it back but it won’t be long before it’s taken away again, so I will celebrate this yah”. ………………. Before Ms. Underdeposits Zenaida Moya could exit City Hall properly, Darrell sent security guards to force her out without taking out personal items. Moya couldn’t understand it as she left behind her favorite stilettos, make-up kit and pink jacket. Then a memo was sent out from the Mayor’s office, declaring that it was still ok to refer to the boss as “Madam Mayor”. ………………. All 10 Belize City Councillors are now locked in a battle for Deputy Mayor. Philloughby said he deserves it, Samuels said he worked for it, Dion said he bought it, Espejo said he hustled for it, Chang said he bet too high on it, Singh said he never even got a sniff of it, Pitts said his dad promised him it, Elrington said she planned it as an early maternal holiday gift, Theus said he dreamt of it from Venezuela, and Gonzalez said he would kill for it. Guess who got it?
Thank You I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who in such a short time gave me your support and confidence. Your warmth, love and prayers gave me the strength to remain focused while facing an uphill battle. I wish all Belizeans and especially the voters of Caribbean Shores progress and betterment over the next 5 years. Once again, THANK YOU! Sincerely, Dr. David Hoy
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Sunday, March 18, 2012