Belize Times March 9, 2014

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

9 MARCH 2014 | ISSUE NO: 4885

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

A People’s Victory … A People’s Leader!

Court Vindicates Hon. Francis Fonseca & Orders Penner Criminal Investigation Belize City, March 6, 2014 The big mouth of arrogant Prime Minister Dean Barrow has been shut up since last Wednesday February 26th when the Chief Justice granted PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca permission to pursue a writ of mandamus against the Government through the Commissioner of Police.

A second blow was delivered this

Penner’s Arrest nears March 9th deadline Pg. 3

PUP WOMEN POWER Pg. 16

Monday 3rd March when the Chief Justice ruled that the Government, through the Commissioner, Allen Whylie, must investigate with acceleration and to conclusion the passport scandal matter with disgraced UDP Minister Elvin Penner.

Pg. 11

Belize tops US

Corruption

list

Pg. 6

Only God can eliminate UDP Corruption Hon. Francis Fonseca flanked by some the strong women leaders of the PUP

CALL THE ELECTIONS NOW!!

Pg. 9

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Health Professionals Enraged at Appointment of Minister’s Daughter Cayo District, March 6, 2014 Health professionals are up in arms after the daughter of UDP Minister Erwin Contreras was appointed to a very important position in the Ministry of Health.

Danini Contreras, a recent graduate of a University in Guatemala, has been appointed as the new “Drug Inspectorate” for Belize.

The move triggered an emergency meeting of the Pharmacist’s Association in Belize City today. The Association is aware of the hijacking of the post and opposes it strongly.

The position was created as part of a plan designed in consultation with the US Government to improve the regulation of the Government-managed pharmaceutical sector in Belize. There has been too much hanky panky going with the importing of pharmaceuticals under the UDP. The intention was that someone with adequate and relevant training and proper experience in the field would take up the key post to lead the Drug Inspectorate Unit. But the hiring turned very controversial when Contreras was awarded the post on Tuesday.

Belize City, March 6, 2014 The UDP has been having conventions over the past months which have proven to be jokey drama contests between losers and wanna bes.

The results have been disastrous for the UDP, with several losing candidates bailing out on the Party and accusing the Party of rigging the process in favour of candidates and standing for corruption. Ask David Constanza in Orange Walk and Charles Mariano in Dangriga. Hours after his convention against Elodio Aragon Jr., Constanza posted on Facebook the following: “I did not go up against a candidate

7 Mar

edly created on contract basis through the National Health Insurance, and is therefore outside of the public service.

There are also more serious concerns. One of the responsibilities of “Drug Inspectorate” is to approve the granting of permits for pharmaceuticals to enter the country. There are allegations of major pharmaceutical hustling involving high officials of the Ministry of Health. Why would someone with such high political connections be placed at such a post?

Also, Erwin Contreras is the Minister of Trade under whose watch too many fishy characters such as Lord Neil Benjamin Gibson have been given permission to meddle in the affairs of Belize. Contreras who never has anything to say is proving to be a very dangerous UDP character.

The BELIZE TIMES will continue to follow this matter.

Erwin Contreras and his new found business partner The BELIZE TIMES has learnt that the new “Drug Inspectorate” post was placed on a higher paying scale than the post of Drug Inspector which it will oversee. The post is also higher than that of Chief Pharmacist. But the problem is that the new “Drug Inspectorate” is a recent University graduate who has zero experience in pharmacy.

Furthermore, the new post was report-

The Real Pappyshow!!

LOCAL

9 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

Roger Espejo

but against an institution. It is because of what I represent and because of the injustice and corruption that my supporters witnessed on Sunday that I would like to state publicly that I have resigned from the United Democratic Party”.

The UDP, aware that its popularity has slumped drastically with so many scandals coming from the Barrow Administration, has had to resort to padding the ballot box by starting the number of votes for candidates at a minimum of 50 votes.

But that didn’t help Roger Espejo who has turned out to be the King of Jokers so far for offering himself to run for the UDP in the Fort George division. He must have been set up by his still-ailing predecessor George Gough.

Espejo, who has done nothing for the people of the division despite being a City Councillor for six years, except for supporting the firing many of the single mothers in the area, garnered a measly 268 of the Continued on page 3

9 Mar

Successful Marshalls meeting in Southern Belize Belize City, February 26, 2014 President of the Marshalls Service Corps Unit continues his working tours, organizing and rebuilding across the country of Belize.

On Saturday February 22nd, in Pomona Stann Creek, President Latchman met with members of the Marshalls representing all four divisions of the Southern Caucus.

Area Representatives Hon. Mike Espat, Hon. Oscar Requena, Hon. Rodwell Ferguson and Hon. Ivan Ramos were present at the meeting. The area reps all pledged their full cooperation and support to the Marshalls unit as well as other units of the Party.

The meeting fostered good exchanges where all present agreed to work in unity, in bringing the party back to government, through involvement in all aspects of our political work.

Next stop on the working tour is Belmopan on Saturday March 16th 2014 where Marshalls from Belmopan and Cayo south will gather. Let us continue to serve the people.

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The Belize Times

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14 APR 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4840

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2014

Penner’s Arrest nears March 9th deadline Belize City, March 6, 2014 There is finally some movement, though minimal, in the criminal investigation into the Penner immigration scandal.

The BELIZE TIMES has been reliably informed that Immigration Officer Addy Pacheco was called in

by Police for questioning.

Pacheco was the second in command of the Belmopan Nationality office when the Kim Won Hong documents were brought for processing.

According to reports, Pacheco has told the Police that former Minister of State in the Ministry of Immigration Elvin Penner directed her to proceed with the processing of the documents despite her indications that the files were incomplete.

Pacheco was accompanied by her attorney Godfrey Smith during the Police interview.

Others are expected to be called in as the Police carry out a last minute investigation.

The Police Department have been forced to act by a Writ of Mandamus order issues by the Chief Justice, following a judicial review of the Commissioner of Police filed by the Opposition Leader Francis Fonseca.

Hon. Fonseca has said that it is the duty of the Commissioner and the Police to uphold the law and seek justice where wrongdoing has been committed.

The Police have until March 9 to charge Penner for involvement in the issuing of a fraudulent passport for South Korean Kim Won Hong. If that date passes and Penner is not charged, the statute of limitations will set him free of criminal charges.

03 3 The Real Pappyshow!!

THE BELIZE TIMES

Continued from page 2

3,000 plus registered votes in the division. His opponent, an unknown who is not even worthy of naming in this article, got 190 votes.

Espejo was seen panicky and worried the entire day as he begged and nagged residents to come out and vote

Espejo’s bounced cheque and $5

for him. No one listened. As for his contender, we understand a handful of “goodies” were literally stripped from his hands as he went around giving them away.

But Espejo’s headaches were not over yet. On Monday, a large crowd of Fort George voters gathered out-

side his company office on Church Street “to collect”.The crowd grew angry as they waited for their money which they say had been promised by the wanna-be UDP standard bearer. To everyone’s disgust, they were given a $50 cheque and $5 in cash to catch the bus. And then it got worse. When they tried to cash the cheque at the local bank, the bank said there was no money in the account! The cheque bounced! It seems Espejo simply wanted them to leave his company office so he could escape.

Poor Espejo doesn’t know what he has signed up for. No endorsement from his arrogant and chancy Mayor or any of his fellow vindictive Councillors will save him from the trashing that is coming his way in Fort George. This is the opportunity Fort George voters have been patiently waiting for, to return Espejo the favor for the victimization, frustration and disrespect they have endured with him and the UDP City Council who have been in office for nine horrific years.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

on the The PUP wins one for the people of Belize

By Francis W. Fonseca The PUP is the Party of TrOn Monday, March 3, 2014 the Chief Justice of Belize handed down a historic decision in the case of PUP LEADER FRANCIS FONSECA v. THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ALLEN WHYLIE. This case was our Party’s last and latest effort to seek justice for and on behalf of the Belizean people in the UDP Penner Immigration scandal.

We have repeatedly called on the Government to stop standing in the way of a full, fair and impartial investigation.

Joined by the churches, unions, and business community, we have called for an independent Senate Inquiry and investigation but here again, Dean Barrow and the UDP have blocked this effort.

I instructed our Party’s Attorneys to write to the Commissioner of Police asking for an update on any ongoing investigation into this matter and to point out to the Commissioner that the Statute of Limitations covering the alleged offences was to expire shortly, but this was met with stony

silence.

And so, I instructed our PUP Legal Team to bring this case seeking judicial review of the Commissioner of Police’s apparent decision to not investigate the UDP Penner Immigration Scandal.

We asked the Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus ordering the Commissioner to carry out or to conclude, if one was underway, a criminal investigation into this immigration scandal and to declare the apparent de-

9 MAR

2014 cision of the Commissioner not to investigate as being unlawful and unreasonable.

On Monday, the Chief Justice ruled in my favor ordering the Commissioner to investigate and declaring his inaction as unlawful and unreasonable.

This is truly a victory for and on behalf of the Belizean people.

I am proud of the work our legal team has done, and so very grateful for the national outpouring of support I and our Party have received over the past few weeks in this matter.

The PUP is proud to stand up for and on behalf of the Belizean people.

We will continue to monitor this matter very closely and carefully to ensure that justice prevails.

Barrow said it was all politics. Well on Monday the Supreme Court said this was real!!!

The PUP is real and we are ready to serve Belize!

CALL THE ELECTIONS NOW!!

9 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

05 5

EDITORIAL Politics and the Belizean Woman

T

he month of March is celebrated each year as Women’s month.

It is a month that affords the nation an opportunity to pay tribute to and acknowledge the invaluable role that our women play in a struggling Belize.

Overcoming womanizers, chauvinists, physical and verbal abuse (even at the hands of UDP Ministers) is a daily challenge for our women.

But more than just facing abuse, women in Belize are now bearing a much heavier burden than times past. Today in many Belizean households, women are playing the roles of both the matriarchs and the patriarchs.

Not only do our women have to nurture their young, but they must also now find bread to put on the table, uniforms for their children, and healthcare in a country where proper medical attention is only available to the wealthy.

This week, the nation saw the launch of the Women’s Agenda 2014 by the active, vibrant and brilliant women of the People’s United Party. It is an Agenda that charts the course in addressing and fixing the problems facing our mothers and our sisters. It is an Agenda for Belizean women by Belizean women.

Also in the news this week, was a hype publicity stunt organized by the Special Envoy and the National Women’s Commission, but you guessed it, paid for by Belizean taxpayers.

Women from all over the country took part in the event because, well, it is all that that is available to us at this time. The slogan for the event asked us to “Imagine”. Where have we heard that before?

Aside from costing the nation $270,000.00, the extravaganza also drove another nail into the UDP’s coffin, as a fork-tongued Patrick Faber openly displayed his hypocrisy by giving

teachers the day off to support “Ms. Kim” but then barking at them when they asked for permission to protest the corruption that has been plaguing his UDP administration.

Faber, in typical clueless fashion asked, “What is it that you have to protest, rally and to invoke industrial action about? And I am sorry. I don’t see it at all.”

And then he wonders why the teachers are protesting. They are protesting Patrick, because you still can’t seem to get the sense. Teachers, public officers, hard-working Belizeans and yes, our women, are tired of the Prime Minister giving out millions of dollars to his family in legal contracts. They are tired of seeing Ministers using the public coffers like their personal piggy-banks. They are tired of seeing Ministers sell visas and passports by the bucket, while the Prime Minister covers for them.

It appears that the faces of these UDP pigs are so deep in the trough that they cannot see that the rest of the country is suffering, the economy is failing, our young men are dying, and our women are fighting to keep themselves and their children alive.

It is time for Belize to wake up from our collective slumber. As a nation, we must demand and expect more, much more, from our leaders.

One day of jumping up is not enough.

We need real plans (not “imaginary” ones) from real Belizean women that will bring about true upliftment and empowerment for our mothers and sisters. The PUP does not just showcase women. The PUP includes women. The PUP respects women. The PUP embraces women around the decision making table. On Wednesday, the PUP unveiled its Women’s Agenda 2014 and it is serious about advancing women’s empowerment. It is real. It represents the kind of Change women want and need.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Belize tops US Corruption list

US declares Belize as “major money laundering”, “major drug-transit” country Belize City, March 4, 2014 “I hereby identify the following countries as major drug transit and/or major illicit drug producing countries: Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Belize…” declared a damning September 2013 memo issued by the United States Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, which is attached to the recently released 2014 International Narcotics Control Strategy (INCSR) Report.

This latest report from the Obama Administration has confirmed that corruption continues unabated in Belize under the watch of the Barrow Administration. This is nothing new to Belizeans, who on an almost daily basis are learning of new scandals involving UDP Ministers and high government officials.

This notorious global status has

been a fixture for Belize now for the fourth consecutive year, as the United States fishes out countries whose financial institutions, they say, engage in business with profits gained from narcotics trafficking.

The INCSR is an annual evaluation compiled by the U.S. Department of State in collaboration with almost a dozen other investigative arms of the U.S. Government. Their evaluation of Belize lists the country in the worst category, under “Jurisdictions of Primary Concern”. The US Government deems this category as the gravest in relation to countries with most inadequate or insufficient regulation and/or prosecution of their financial systems and irregularities that may occur.

The INCSR cites specifically that there are suspicions that money laun-

Edmond Castro – a UDP Pariah!

Belize City, February 11, 2014 Edmond Castro’s reputation is sinking into deep disgrace and humiliation. Not even the UDP can stand him right now. The UDP representatives at last week’s House meeting tried their best not to cover their noses at the stink coming out of Castro as he got up to give his pathetic “I’m a poor man” speech. As Castro spoke vultures circled above the Assembly building.

Now it seems that the UDP hierarchy, in an effort to get rid of Castro, have approved attacks from within on the embattled and disgraced Belize Rural North politician.

In a desperate attempt to rinse themselves of Castro to deflate the constant embarrassment, the UDP leadership has given a political unknown and lightweight, Dwight Tillett, the go ahead to challenge Castro in an upcoming convention in Belize Rural North. Tillett is campaigning with the support of some major UDP players, this despite the UDP’s decision to allow current area reps to go unchallenged into the next elections. This policy will not apply to Castro and a few others who are wading into the political abyss or who are not liked by the imperial leader himself.

Tillett, in a news interview this

week, took the anti-Castro campaign to new levels when he ripped into Castro basically calling the battered politician a pariah.

“We are wondering what next is going to come out”, declared Tillett as a low blow on Castro. What this means is that the UDP are expecting the worse from Castro. Tillett spoke of Castro as if he was a fatal hazard to the UDP and that it was just a matter of time before he is embroiled in another scandal. “We will watch the evening news and want to see what’s next,” the UDP hopeful said regarding the Castro debacle.

But as much as the UDP hierarchy continues their smear campaign on Castro, the reality is that the UDP is stuck with him. Even if, like Elvin Penner who is another UDP disgraced politician, Castro is banned from seeking office under that party. With the razor thin majority (17 UDP seats - 14 PUP seats), Prime Minister Dean Barrow has to embrace the stink let off by Castro and Penner. His forced removal of any of the two means that the UDP will be one step closer to the edge of the cliff.

So what’s next Castro? What’s next Penner?

dering activity takes place in the two free zones, the Corozal Commercial Free Zone and the Benque Viejo Free Zone.

According to the report, “authorities believe it (the Corozal Commercial Free Zone) is heavily involved in trade-based money laundering and the illicit importation of duty free products”.

The report indicates that there is evidence that dirty money from money laundering and narco trafficking is utilized in Belize. It also stressed that the investigative authority, the Financial Intelligence Unit, received limited assistance from other law enforcement agencies and government departments, and that it has poor resources to carry out its work.

The INCSR pointed out that last

9 MAR

2014 year, using one of its instruments, the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), to which Belize is a party to, pressure came down on Belize for “not complying with its AML/CFT action plan” to address the deficiencies. Belize was threatened with drastic and long-reaching sanctions and was forced to amend a slew of its financial laws, as directed by the CFATF. Prime Minister Dean Barrow reluctantly passed those laws early this year, claiming unfair treatment and saying “they are very culpable in terms of practicing this do as I say, but not as I do doctrine”.

The 2014 INCSR report also declares that Belize is among the seven countries who are considered major drug transit countries which significantly affect the United States.

The report states that “approximately 90 percent of illegal drugs from South America destined for the United States are smuggled through the seven Central American countries…”

The report indicates that despite the assistance, drug use and the narco trade are increasing.

“Belize faces a challenging struggle against the threats of illegal drugs. Drug trafficking and drug use appear to be rising, and will continue if left unaddressed,” stated the report.

The Barrow Administration has not responded to the INCSR classification.

9 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

Dr. Lesbia Guerra

07 7

for PUP CAYO WEST

PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca & Dr. Lesbia Guerra

Hon. Francis & Deputy Leader Julius Espat meeting supporters

Hon. Francis among some the strong women leaders of the PUP

Deputy Leader Hon. Dolores & Dr. Guerra

Supporters at the PUP Cayo West Convention

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THE BELIZE TIMES

9 MAR

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9 MAR

2014

Magistrate takes GOB to Court Belize City, February 27, 2014 The incompetence and arrogance of the government has caused a sitting Magistrate to take the Barrow Administration to court.

Magistrate Nadia Morgan has applied to the Supreme Court asking the Court to order the Immigration Minister and the Director of Immigration to process her application for permanent residence.

The Magistrate has been living in Belize since 2011. She has experienced embarrassment and discrimination whenever she leaves or returns to Belize as she is from a Caribbean country.

In order to avoid this ill-treatment she applied for permanent residence.

To her astonishment her application was rejected. She tried to clarify the matter with the Director of Immigration and was tried with disrespect. She asked for an appointment with Minister Hulse who told her the Immigration officials were wrong, did not know the law and he would straighten out the matter.

He did nothing.

Having been put through quite a run around and knowing that the law is on her side she applied to the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus.

The case is before a Judge for a decision.

In the history of Belize, no Magistrate has ever taken the government to Court, much less so in relation to such an elementary matter but it shows how arrogant the government is behaving towards its own employees who are frustrated and fed up with how they are being pushed around and taken advantage of.

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Only God can eliminate UDP Corruption Belize City, March 6, 2014 It has been described as a “hotbed of corruption” by Prime Minister Dean Barrow and recently two employees close to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources Gaspar Vega were removed, as a result of pressure to clean up the department, but now the public is finding out the extent of the level of wrongdoing at the Ministry of Lands courtesy the Land Commissioner, Wilbert Vallejos.

In a candid interview on Wednesday this week, Vallejos spoke about the level of corruption at the Ministry, and in his words it is at a mighty level.

Vallejos claimed that the “only God” can eliminate the UDP corruption that exists in the Ministry.

When he was asked about the recent dismissal of two employees, former Assistant Commissioner of lands Nestor Hernandez and former the national

09 9 estate officer, Darlene Padron, he denied that they were removed because of corruption.

“If we wanted to attempt to do that, we will have to move probably the entire department,” he suggested.

The Ministry of Natural Resources under Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega is under a lot of hot water.

The BELIZE TIMES understands that the firing of Padron and Hernandez, who is Vega’s cousin, was the result of pressure brought down on Prime Minister Dean Barrow rather than Vega’s own doing.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

9 MAR

2014

9 MAR

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

A People’s Victory … A People’s Leader!

Continued from page 1 Although Cabinet met on Tuesday March 4th the loud mouth, quarrelsome Prime Minister was still in a state of shock and panic. Cabinet Ministers were seen hastily leaving Belmopan trying to avoid contact with anyone and in particular the media.

Ever since the scandal came to light in late September 2013 the Prime Minister has said and done everything to frustrate and prevent an independent investigation, Police investigation or Senate inquiry into the wanton corruption taking place at the Immigration Department.

Interpol, the International Police, had contacted the Belize Mission in Taiwan to inquire how a Belize passport was issued in person to Kim Won Hong when such a person was in jail in Taiwan. Before this dirty deed could hit CNN, Prime Minister Barrow hastily told the nation that he had asked Penner to leave the Cabinet.

He later told the media that the he and his Party would support Penner and fight away attempts to recall him as an area representative in Cayo.

By this time the calls were flowing in from all sectors of the society for a full accounting of what Penner had done.

Penner himself sent out an email lying to the country that he knew Kim for many years and had personally taken Kim to the Immigration office to obtain a Belize passport. Kim, however, was in a Taiwan jail. This is central to a criminal investigation as Penner incriminates himself with admitted actions.

In the course of the Penner scandal it emerged that Penner was not properly appointed a Minister through the Governor General, in accordance with the Constitution. This meant that the Prime Minister and Godwin Hulse, the Immigration Minister had committed a serious violation of the laws of the country.

The Prime Minister had appeared to have successfully shielded several of his Ministers in some of the worst scandals, corruptions and abuse of their office, ranging from the deaths of 13 babies at the KHMH to the unlawful stealing by a Minister’s relative of millions of dollars’ worth of valuable rosewood to the wanton sale of visas by various Ministers and UDP cronies. No doubt the Prime Minister felt he could hoodwink Belizeans over the Penner scandal. But Krem Radio’s Moses Hyde took it upon himself to call and then visit the Police Station in Belize City to formally make a citizen’s complaint against Penner’s misdeeds. He hoped to trigger a Police investigation.

The Prime Minister who is also Minister of Finance responded in typical fashion. The General Sales Tax (GST) department under his portfolio released confidential but embarrassing information that Mose and Krem radio was not

paying into Government large collections of sales taxes.

Media personality and TV owner/host Louis Wade who was championing the call in Belmopan for a Penner investigation was singled out for swift victimization. UDP Wave radio launched vicious personality attacks on Pastor Wade followed with Government removing all commercials and advertisements from Plus TV. The Churches, the Union, the Chamber of Commerce and other organisations could not be silenced and kept up their calls for an inquiry or investigation. A Senate motion supported by all the social sectors represented in the Senate was defeated by an illegal tie breaking vote which the President of the Senate did not have the authority to cast.

In stepped the Hon. Francis Fonseca, an attorney and trained economist who was a former Attorney General. As Leader of the Constitutional Opposition, he personally used his name on an application to the Supreme Court for a Writ of Mandamus. This Writ asked the Supreme Court to order the Commissioner of Police to carry out his lawful function and investigate the Penner Scandal.

It was a risky move. The Prime Minister in one of his many shocking aberrations had publicly cursed up a Supreme Court Judge last year for ruling against the Government. The judge quietly resigned and left the country. The Prime Minister had been bleating out a skillful tactic to the public saying Hon. Francis had made a wrong move and should have opted for a private prosecution against Penner. The Prime Minister in his disdainful manner had told the media at every turn that Penner did nothing illegal. This was intended to influence any Supreme Court decision.

Then came shock and awe in Belmopan as the Chief Justice rejected Barrow and his Commissioner’s irresponsible behavior to a national scandal. Barrow allowed the ComPol to go to Court and tell the Chief Justice he had decided not to investigate Penner! The Chief Justice and everyone else witnessing the court proceedings including U.S. agents, could not be their ears!

In his ruling, the Chief Justice declared that the ComPol was behaving “irrational, unreasonable and unlawful” and ordered him to commence to completion an investigation into the Penner scandal.

The arrogant tyrant had suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Hon. Francis Fonseca. Make no mistake, the Chief Justice’s upholding of Hon. Francis’ application was aimed at the Government of Dean Barrow. It is the Government that has resisted every call from every quarters for an investigation.

It is the Government which forced Commissioner Whylie to make a fool of

himself by going to Court and telling the Chief Justice he is not investigating Penner. It is the Government through the Minister of National Security which controls the Commissioner. It is the Prime Minister who is responsible for Police Minister John Saldivar and CEO George Lovell, who have been made to look like fools over this matter as well.

The people’s call for justice against the treasonous Elvin Penner has been defended

by Hon. Francis Fonseca. Now it is time to see the wheels of justice take its course and Penner must be investigated and charged!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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MAR 99 MAR

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Ladyville Tech bounces Nazarene girls in softball playoffs Belize City, March 3, 2014 The Ladyville Technical High School girls upset the undefeated defending champions, the Nazarene High School girls, in Game 1 of the high school softball playoffs at the Rogers Stadium in Belize City on Monday, March 3.

The Nazarene diamond made 8 errors, allowing Natasha Ferguson to score the winning run for Ladyville in the top of the 5th inning. Nazarene’s Erleen “Dumpling” Cassasola got on and reached third on Ladyville’s errors, they made 7, but the Ladyville defense had forced Nazarene to leave 6 runners on base. They toughed it out to allow no runs in the bot-

tom of the 5th and secure the 6-5 win.

The Ladyville girls may yet face the Nazarene girls again in the finals as the playoffs are being played under the Paige system by which the winner of the second playoff, Gwen Lizarraga High/Wesley College girls on Tuesday, March 4, will challenge the loser of Game 1: Nazarene High on Thursday, March 6.

The winner of Game 3 goes on to challenge Ladyville Tech in the finals on Friday, and that winner may yet be the Nazarene High girls, who had not lost to either Wesley or Gwen Liz in the regular season.

Nazarene stomps SJC in softball playoffs

Ladyville Tech girls team

Nazarene girls team

Belizean

Zachary Usher has promising basketball future in US

Nazarene boys

Calvary Temple win Belize City softball competition

SJC boys Belize City, March 3, 2014 The undefeated Nazarene High School boys shut out St John’s College boys in the softball playoffs held at the Rogers Stadium in Belize City on Monday, March 3.

Nazarene High’s pitcher Jerome Carr struck out 10 hitters, and gave up only 3 hits, but he walked 8 batters, allowing the SJC boys to get on, but none came home.

The Nazarene diamond made only 2 errors, forcing the SJC boys to leave 8 runners on base.

The SJC boys may yet challenge the Nazarene boys again in the finals. The winner of the second playoff game, Wesley College/Gwen Lizarraga on Tuesday, March 4, will challenge the loser of Game 1: SJC on Thursday, March 6. The winner of Game 3 goes on to challenge the Nazarene boys in Friday’s finals, and that winner may yet be the SJC boys, who have not lost to either Wesley or Gwen Liz in the regular season.

Tribune Chronicle file photo / R. Michael Semple.

John F. Kennedy’s Zachary Usher drives into the key between Cleveland Central Catholic’s Antwon Lillard (22) and James Tell during this Dec. 13 game at John F. Kennedy High School.

March 3, 2014 Belizean national Zachary Usher was featured in the Tribune Chronicle for his role in the John F. Kennedy High School basketball team.

Zachary was scouted during the King James Tournament while he was a part of the Belize Team.

6-foot-7 Usher, who is averaging 16 points and 12 rebounds per game, is getting looks from a variety of schools. His goal is to play college basketball.

Belize City, March 3, 2014 The Calvary Temple School girls and boys both enjoyed wins when the Belize City primary schools softball competition continued at the Rogers Stadium on Monday, March 3.

Pitcher Pauline Jex struck out 5 batters as she led the Calvary Temple girls to an 8-5 win over the Wesley Upper School girls. Wesley Upper led 3-0 when Erica Cadogan, Brianna Gillett and Hilary Gladden came home in the top of the 1st inning. Wesley’s pitcher Erica Cadogan walked 8 batters even though she struck out 2.

Continued on page 15

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2014 2014

SPORTS 15

Joel Borland & Ron Vasquez win cycling time trials Burrell Boom, March 1, 2014 Team Telemedia’s Joel Borland won the Cycling Federation of Belize’s 12-mile individual time trial on the Burrell boom bypass on Saturday morning, and Team Western Spirits’ Ron Vasquez won the 2nd Hills circuit race held in Spanish lookout on Sunday.

The Federation has collaborated with Oceana Belize in organizing a “Ride for the Reef”, from Belmopan to Belize City on March 9, before the annual Belmopan classic on March 16.

Elites 1st Joel Borland – Telemedia - 33:57 (1st under-23) 2nd Byron Pope - Benny’s Megabytes - 34:12 3rd Giovanni Lovell - Telemedia - 35:03 (2nd under-23) 4TH Liam Stewart - Benny’s Megabytes - 35:50 (1st masters)

5TH Darnell Barrow – Team SMART - 36:30 Juniors 1st Zahir Figueroa - BECOL Uprising - 20:44 over 6 miles 2nd Tarique Flowers - Benny’s Megabytes - 21:00 3rd Delawn Abraham Benny’s Megabytes - 21:39.

4th Zamir Guerra – Team Cayo High Road - 21:52 5th Delon Gentle - BECOL Uprising - 21:57 Youth 1st Devin Azueta – Team Cayo High Road – 22:20 2nd Michael Grajalez Mando’s Cycling - 24:25 3rd Patrick Williams - 24:25 4th Darien Anderson – 25:13 Females 1st Alicia Thompson - Team Belize Bank Swoosh - 23:49 2nd Keirah Eiley – unattached - 23:55 In the Spanish Lookout

Calvary Temple

Giovanni Lovell

Joel Borland

Hills circuit race: Elites 1st Ron Vasquez – Western spirits 2nd Henry Moreira – Team Predators 3rd Oscar Quiroz – Western Spirits 4th Liam Stewart - Benny’s Megabytes 5th Joel Borland – Telemedia - was fourth

and Borland – fifth.

Juniors 1st Keion Robateau BECOL Uprising 2nd Zahir Figueroa 3rd Zamir Guerra Youths 1st Devin Azueta 2nd Michael Grajalez 3rd Darien Anderson Females 1st Alicia Thompson

Joshua Gegg & Taye Parkinson win junior ranking table tennis tournament

win Belize City softball competition

Calvary Temple girls

Taye Parkinson

Joshua Gegg

Calvary Temple boys Continued from page 14 Wesley’s Nicole Flowers came home in the 2nd and 3rd innings and Danika Magdaleno also scored in the 2nd, but Calvary Temple won 8-6.

The Calvary Temple boys also came back from being down 0-4 to win 5-4 over the Wesley upper boys. Wesley’s Andy Alford struck out 2 batters and they led 4-0 when Alford and Camron Joseph came home in the top of the 1st inning, Herman Ciego came home in the 2nd, and Joseph scored again in the 3rd inning.

But Alford’s pitching collapsed and the Calvary Temple boys scored 5 runs as Marion Fuller, Miguel Jex, Jordan Trapp, Geovanni Augustine and Jordan Burns came home in the bottom of the 3rd.

Lady Jaguars, SQ Dragons & Jaguars win volleyball

Sherley ThurtonYoung hits

Belize City, February 28, 2014 The Lady Jaguars dominated the Belmopan Mystics 25-4, 25-11 and 25-14 as the Belize District volleyball competition continued over the weekend.

The young SQ Stars gave the Lady Jaguars a full workout on Saturday in a hard fought 5-set duel before the Lady Jaguars won: 25-18, 25-14, 20-25 23-25 and 154.

In Game 2 on Friday, the SQ Stars hammered the Belmopan Warriors 25-16, 25-14 and 25-0. The Warriors defaulted on the 3rd set; after Jasmine Anderson injured her ankle and was unable to continue.

On Friday, the Belize City champs: the Jaguars upset the defending national champs, the Belmopan Blingz: 2512, 21-25, 25-17 and 25-20.

On Saturday, the Jaguars also dominated the Scorpions 25-19, 25-21, 21-25 and 25-18.

In Game 2 Saturday, the SQ Dragons recovered from a 1-set deficit to upset the 2012 champs, the Rebels: 1825, 25-21, 25-23, 23-25 and 15-8.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

9 MAR

2014

PUP LAUNCHES 2014

WOMEN’S AGENDA

United Women’s Group President, Yolanda Schakron

PUP Cayo West Standard Bearer, Dr. Lesbia Guerra

PUP Deputy Leader & Belize Rural Central Area Representative Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia

Members of Parliament and women leaders at the launching of the agenda

First Female Minister of Foreign Affairs & current Senator Hon. Lisa Shoman

A large crowd of women gathered to support the Party’s efforts to empower women

PUP Deputy Leader in charge of Policy & Reform, Carolyn Trench-Sandiford

PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca said the PUP will continue it’s proud record of supporting and respecting Belizean women

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2014 PEOPLE”S UNITED PARTY

Charting Greater Pathways For Belizean Women As Nation Builders

THE BELIZE TIMES

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2014 WOMEN’S AGENDA

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9 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES PUP NOTICE Queen Square Standard Bearer Convention

The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Queen Square Electoral Division is scheduled for Sunday May 18, 2014.

Application are available from the Constituency Committee Chairperson or the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City.

Completed applications must be filled and returned to the Chairperson and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package.

Deadline for submission is Tuesday March 18, 2014.

PUP NOTICE Albert Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Albert Electoral Division is scheduled for Sunday May 25, 2014.

Application are available from the Constituency Committee Chairperson or the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City.

Completed applications must be filled and returned to the Chairperson and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package.

Deadline for submission is Tuesday March 18, 2014.

PUP NOTICE Caribbean Shores Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Caribbean Shores Electoral Division is scheduled for Sunday, June 1, 2014.

Application are available from the Constituency Committee Chairperson or the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City.

Completed applications must be filled and returned to the Chairperson and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package.

Deadline for submission is Friday March 28, 2014.

PUP NOTICE Lake Independence Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Lake Independence Electoral Division is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, 2014.

Application are available from the Constituency Committee Chairperson or the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City.

Completed applications must be filled and returned to the Chairperson and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package.

Deadline for submission is Friday March 28, 2014.

2014 PUP NOTICE

Corozal Bay Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Corozal Bay Electoral Division is scheduled for Sunday, March 30, 2014 from 8:00am to 5:00pm at St. Francis Xavier School.

PUP NOTICE Joint Endorsement Standard Bearers Convention for Orange Walk Central, Orange Walk East & Orange Walk South The People’s United Party announces a Joint Endorsement Standard Bearers Convention for Orange Walk Central, Orange Walk East & Orange Walk South constituencies on Saturday, March 8, 2014.

PUP NOTICE Mesopotamia Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Mesopotamia Electoral Division is scheduled for Sunday May 18, 2014.

Application are available from the Constituency Committee Chairperson or the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City.

Completed applications must be filled and returned to the Chairperson and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package.

Deadline for submission is Thursday March 18, 2014.

PUP NOTICE

Orange Walk North Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Orange Walk North Division is scheduled for June 15, 2014.

Application are available from the Constituency Committee Chairperson or the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City.

Completed applications must be filled and returned to the Chairperson and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package.

Deadline for submission is Friday April 4, 2014.

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2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Scenes from

SAN NARCISO

AGRICULTURE AND TRADE SHOW

Corozal South West Area Representative Hon. Ramiro Ramirez at the official opening of Agriculture & Trade Show

PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca checks out locally produce

Hon. Francis poses with young PUP supporters

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2014

9 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

Scales of JUSTICE

by anthony sylvestre

The Cover-Up! On Thursday the 19th September, 2013, when most Belizeans were getting ready and making preparations for the celebration of our 32nd anniversary of Independence, the Office of the Prime Minister sent out a shocking press release that caught all of us unaware. It decreed that henceforth, Hon. Elvin Penner, Minister of State with responsibility for Immigration was fired from this post and kicked out of cabinet. We were told tersely that a subsequent investigation would commence into the issuance of a Belizean Nationality certificate and passport to a South Korean.

“What could Penner have done?” everyone asked, that warranted such a powerful press release, at that time when, as said, Belizeans were in a festive and patriotic mood. Such a news release, no doubt, could and would take away from the Prime Minister’s annual Independence Day speech only days away. So, naturally, the Prime Minister’s naysayers discounted the release as propaganda being used to divert Belizeans’ attention: but from what, no one could sensibly discern. Other naysayers were more forensic: the United States must have forced the Prime Minister’s hands, they opined. For who else could have Prime Minister Barrow make such a public declaration on the eve of Independence and overshadow his Independence Day speech?

But, as they say in Kriol, ‘ting staart cum out.” The Belizean rumour mill started churning with characteristic excessive speed and a week later, at a special sitting of the House of Representatives on Friday the 26th day of September, 2013, the Prime Minister had to, as the Jamaicans would say, “fess up” though of course, only partially.

The Prime Minister told us that Penner admitted that on the 9th day of September, 2013 he signed a Belizean Nationality certificate for a South Korean Won Hong Kim. This certificate was backdated to April, 2013 (but not by Penner,

the Prime Minister said). But, the Prime Minister could not dodge the obvious: the South Korean had never set foot in Belize and was in a Taiwan prison when Penner signed the nationality certificate.

Not to be outdone by the Prime Minister, Penner on the same 26th September, 2013 sent an email to the media detailing his role in the issuance of Belizean passport to Kim. And days later, Penner’s former immediate boss, Senator Godwin Hulse, Minister of Immigration, further detailed the extent of the scandal: he received word from the Taiwanese officials confirming that Kim was in prison in Taiwan all the while Penner was signing Kim’s nationality certificate and accompanying a Kim imposter to the passport office to get Kim’s passport.

All these facts of course revealed the obvious: there was the commission of a crime.

For indeed, section 22 of the Belize Nationality Act states that it is an offence for a person to make a statement, which he knows to be false in a material particular, for the purposes of procuring a Belize Nationality Certificate. And to obtain a Belize nationality, the applicant must have lived in Belize for at least five years continuously. Citizen Kim could never have satisfied this requirement; therefore, it is obvious a person or persons had to make false statements in order for Kim to be issued a Belizean nationality certificate.

A crime clearly also was committed when Kim was issued the Belize passport. As it turned out, no less than Penner, the Minister with responsibility for Immigration at the time, signed a passport recommendation dated the 3rd September, 2013. He vouched in the recommendation that he knew Kim for three years: but remember, Kim had never ever been to Belize.

Section 3 of the Passports Act makes it a criminal offence for

a person to vouch for the fitness of an applicant of a passport if he does not have actual knowledge of the applicant. Which sounds like what went down here.

Thing is, these offences under the Belize Nationality Act and Passports Act are what are called summary offences. And because they are summary offences, the law (section 18 of the Summary Jurisdiction Procedure Act) requires that criminal charges be brought within six months from the time the offence would have been created. In this case, charges arising from the illegal issuance of the Belize nationality certificate and passport to South Korean Kim would have to be brought by 9th March, 2014 the latest.

But to date, no criminal charges have been forthcoming against anyone in this matter leaving everyone (except of course those having vested interest) believing that a cover up was a foot.

Which brings us to the court proceedings before the Chief Justice brought by the Leader of the Opposition Francis Fonseca against the Commissioner of Police and in which the Chief Justice made a monumental ruling on Monday.

With the six month limitation period fast-approaching, the Leader of the Opposition commenced judicial review proceedings against the ComPol on the 19th February, 2014. The court proceedings followed a letter sent by attorneys for the Leader of the Opposition to the ComPol detailing the necessity for urgency in criminal investigations commencing in the illegal issuance of the nationality certificate and passport to the South Korean Kim. The ComPol in his defence declared that the law gave him a discretion to determine whether to initiate criminal proceedings and that as it relates to the South Korean Kim matter, he chose not to

21 investigate.

It was a bold declaration on part of the ComPol, no doubt, because the law (the Police Act) mandated that the police department’s duty is to preserve the peace, detect crime, apprehend offenders and enforcement of all laws of Belize. Thus it was perturbing to everyone how the ComPol could conceive that the police’s powers could be exercised in such a way. It also did not escape anyone, including the court that a confidential memorandum, leaked from the Office of the Director of Prosecutions was telling another tale. It starkly revealed that the police had in fact commenced criminal investigation into the illegal issuance of the passport and nationality certificate, but it was halted on instructions from someone.

This, the Chief Justice declared on Monday, was cause for more than concern, and was what tipped the balance in him granting the mandamus compelling the ComPol to continue, accelerate and conclude criminal investigations into the illegal issuance and procuring of the Belize nationality certificate and passport before the end of the sixth month limitation period, which ends on 9th March, 2014.

Now, as expected, many believe that the ComPol will just continue to bid time, do nothing and have the limitation period run out.

It is an understandable feeling that the cover-up will continue, given all that has taken place thus far.

The next few days therefore, will be very interesting as the public watches to see whether the ComPol- the man in charge of enforcing the laws of Belize- will comply with the orders of the Chief Justice, or continue to ignore the laws in an attempt to cover up the obvious. It will also be interesting to see what will be the next move of the Leader of the Opposition.

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Teaching Children about the Value of a Dollar

By Angela Banner-Joseph I believe parents should teach children that money cannot buy you happiness, but it can afford you many luxuries if you work hard to earn your own money. I began teaching my son about money management when he was very young. I wanted to teach him to understand the value of a dollar and to understand the importance of saving for the future. I believed he needed to understand that my money did not belong to him and it was necessary for him to learn the difference between need and want. In our household, we bought only what we needed; wants were oftentimes unnecessary luxuries that were never used after they were purchased. I shared that we could not live above our means, and “wants” would not happen in our household unless he worked to earn the necessary funds.

His first money management lesson came at age 3. One day we were shopping when he saw a vending machine that offered rides. The ride was 25 cents. I gave him 50 cents for two rides.

After the two rides, he asked to borrow $1. I told him that I had no problem lending him a dollar, but he must give me $2 when he got home. He was startled at my response. He asked, “Why must I give you $2 when I get home, when I only borrowed $1?” I responded, “Banks charge interest and they set their own terms and conditions of the loan.” He learned quickly and declined the offer because he realized that he would use up most of the money he had saved.

We implemented a household rule that all borrowed funds must be paid back with double interest or there would be no loan, and we signed a promissory note as a check and balance that the loan was repaid. I also implemented that policy for nieces and nephews who wanted to borrow money. I have it; you want it, then it will cost you. I hoped they would get the message to save. I wonder if this is

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THE BELIZE TIMES

how payday loans got started.

When my son was 7 years old, our local bank had a summer contest for children. Contestants had to draw what they did over the summer. My son entered the contest and was surprised when he won third prize—$10. He went to the bank to pick up his money. They gave him a single $10 bill. He went to the teller to ask for 10 one-dollar bills. I asked, “Why did you want the 10 one-dollar bills?” He replied, “I want to feel like I have a lot of money in my pocket, so when I take you to McDonald’s, I can feel rich.”

Well, he took me to McDonald’s and ordered one children’s Happy Meal, which included a burger, toy, drink, and fries, and he added a one-dollar burger plus an extra cup. He gave me the burger and half of his soda. Then he said, “I did not give you the fries because you don’t eat fries, and the toy is mine, and we will share the drink, because you just needed a taste.”

I laughed. I did not complain about his savvy way to take me out with his winnings. In fact, I was thankful that he thought of me to share his gift, and the meal cost less than $4.

In another scenario, I remember one day that I needed change for a $50 bill. My son was about 12 years old when he said, “I don’t have change, but I can lend you $20.” In my rush to get to work, and not thinking straight that day, I quickly took the money and left for work. When I arrived home later that night, I called my son to return the $20 that I had borrowed earlier that day. He stopped me in my tracks to tell me that I owed him $40. I asked, “What for?” He laughed and said, “Bank charges interest.” We both laughed as I gave up the extra $20.

As a teenager, my son requested a pair of sneakers designed by the renowned basketball legend, Michael Jordan. I told him that I could not purchase his designer sneakers and he protested that I could afford it. I told him that I could afford it, but he could not, because he had no job. I continued by saying that if Michael Jordan could not put my son’s name on a sneaker and wear it, then he could not put Michael Jordan’s name on his foot. It was very simple to me.

I was not going to allow him to demand designer items with my money. He had to learn to earn his money to purchase any high-end items he wanted. Well, he got the last laugh, because using money he had saved, he designed his

2014

first sneaker and had it made in China. His sneaker is the “Belizean Breeze”, and he is now a budding entrepreneur with multiple businesses.

Over the years, I can count on one hand how many times he borrowed money from me.

He realized the importance of saving and managing his own money for the things he wanted to purchase to get what he wanted out of life and to plan for emergencies. Borrowing cost him more because it

made him incur interest. Saving his own funds helped him realize the value of a dollar and learn how to take control of his finances. Today, he is an adult; a very responsible man who can afford his financial independence. He goes to work, saves his money, and spends wisely. I am not worried about his future.

Dr. Angela Banner Joseph holds a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Change from the Fielding Graduate University

For Sale

By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 2nd day of September, 2008 between BERTRAND FAUX of 11 Miles Northern Highway of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Vol. 34 of 2008 at Folios 125-192, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

SCHEDULE All that piece of parcel of land situated along the new Northern Highway in the Belize District of Belize and containing 1.084 acres and being more particularly delineated and described as shown on Plan No. 103 of 2001 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 103 of 2001 and lodged at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys in the City of Belmopan in the Cayo District of Belize TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 17th day of February, 2014.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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2014

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

Recipe of the week

Fish Tacos with Lime Sauce Here at the recipe corner we hope to help you stick to the annual Lenten sacrifice of giving up meat. So join us for the next few weeks as we explore tasty meals made with fish.

Ingredients (Recipe makes 18 cupcakes) 1 pound fresh fillet fish of your choice 3 limes 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon chili powder 2 tablespoons cooking oil 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 8 6 inches flour tortillas 1 cup shredded cabbage 1/2 cup shredded carrots (2 small or 1 medium) 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, thinly sliced Directions Rinse fish and pat dry. Cut into 1-inch pieces.

For lime sauce, juice two of the limes into a bowl (cut remaining lime into wedges for serving). Stir mayonnaise and chili powder into juice.

Transfer 1/3 cup of the sauce to another bowl; toss fish in it. Set aside remaining sauce.

In a large skillet heat oil over medium heat. In a shallow dish combine flour and salt.

Working with about a third of the fish at a time, toss fish in flour mixture and add to hot oil. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until fish flakes, turning to brown evenly and adding additional oil as needed. Drain fish on paper towels.

Wrap tortillas in paper towels; heat in microwave for 30 seconds. Top tortillas with fish, cabbage, carrots, and jalapeno.

Drizzle with Lime Sauce and serve with lime wedges.with desired frosting.

Nutrition Facts (Fish Tacos with Lime Sauce) 652 kcal cal.; 39 g Fat, total; 67 mg chol.; 5 g sat. fat; 41 g carb.; 5 g Monosaturated fat; 15 g Polyunsaturated fat; 2 g fiber; 2 g sugar; 31 g pro.; 0 mg Pyridoxine (Vit. B6); 56 Âľg Folate; 0 mg Riboflavin; 5 mg Niacin; 2 Âľg Cobalamin (Vit. B12); 7 mg iron; 202 mg calcium; 473 mg Potassium; 557 mg sodium; 0 mg Thiamin; 19 mg vit.

C; 3790 IU vit. A Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

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2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

BRAIN

TEASER

SUDOKU PUZZLE #56/2014

BELIZE RED CROSS SOCIETY VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

_____________________________________________________________________

The Belize Red Cross (BRC) announces the following job opportunity: POSITION: Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for RITA Project CONTRACT PERIOD: 15 months

See answers NEXT WEEK

Job Summary: • • • • • •

Develop and implement an effective Monitoring and Evaluation Plan Showcase the impact and effectiveness of the services provided by the National Society on the communities in which we work Ensure integration of cross-cutting themes, such as gender equity, accountability to beneficiaries, and environmental protection, in M&E activity Work with staff to ensure data is analyzed to inform lessons learned from the project monitoring that in turn influence policy formulation, implementation and program budgeting.

Strengthen and improve programs’ capacity to contribute evidence-based knowledge in the field Provide evidence of service use, effectiveness, and demand in order to justify the need for further support and funding

Education and Experience: • Bachelor’s Degree in Social / Management Sciences, Public Health or other relevant studies and experience (preferably in the not-for-profit sector) • Specialized training in Research or Monitoring & Evaluation methods required • Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team, and willingness to ‘pitch in’ as required in a small organization.

• Willingness to work outside normal office hours and to be on call as required during evenings and weekends.

Skills and Knowledge: • General understanding of the not-for-profit sector.

• Experience in the design, implementation and management of results based M&E plans or systems • Prior experience with performance monitoring and evaluation for development programs, including developing logic models, performance indicators, conducting focus groups, needs assessments, rapid appraisals or other forms of evaluative research.

• Strong statistical and critical analysis skills, quantitative and qualitative research skills, with particular experience in the design and development of databases.

• Ability to work with diverse and high risk/needs populations.

• Excellent English (verbal and written) communication skills.

• • •

Additional language skills (Spanish and other local languages) Red Cross or other cooperation agency exposure.

Willing and able to travel whenever required for work purposes.

Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to provide constructive feedback.

All applicants are invited to submit their application to Director General, Belize Red Cross, P.O. Box 413, Belize City, Belize. Email: bzercshq@btl.net.

Deadline for submission of applications is March 15th, 2014. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted

Answers for last week’s puzzle SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTION #55/2014

Answers for last week’s puzzle

See answers NEXT WEEK

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

BELIZE TIMES WEEKLY

SCIENCE & TECH R

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Long-lasting contraceptive also defends women from HIV 5 March 2014 by Helen Thomson A flexible ring inserted into the vagina could offer long-term protection from HIV, herpes and pregnancy. It is the first device to deliver two drugs for different conditions at the same time and may help fight the spread of HIV. Crucial to the battle against HIV in low-income countries is giving women a way of protecting themselves should their partner refuse to wear a condom. But trials of daily pills that cut the risk of HIV infection have mostly failed, as have vaginal gels that are used before and after sex. The problem isn’t that the drugs are ineffective, it is that the gels and pills aren’t used correctly, says Patrick Kiser at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

A vaginal ring developed by Kiser’s team could offer an alternative.

The ring is made of a malleable tube that contains two drugs – tenofovir, an anti-HIV drug, and levonorgestrel, a contraceptive. It can be inserted into the vagina by the woman and

HIV protection (Image: The Kiser Lab) aims to protect her from HIV and pregnancy for up to three months.

Once diffused into the vagina, both drugs should remain effective for several hours, which means the ring can be removed temporarily. “We’re hoping to give women something that is easy to use,” says Kiser. “You can [put it in and] forget about it for a few months.

You can have sex while it’s in place or take it out for brief periods of time.”

Wide appeal In trials with sheep, the ring delivered tenofovir at similar doses to anti-HIV gels used in previous human trials – shown to reduce the rate of HIV infection by 54 per cent – together with effective levels of contracep-

tive. In separate trials, tenofovir also protected against herpes.

The team are awaiting approval to start a trial of the ring in the US, and hope to roll it out to other countries within the next five years. The device costs around $10, but can probably be reduced to $5, says Kiser, comparable to the daily cost of anti-HIV gels.

“I’m really hoping that in the next five to 10 years we see several devices like this on the market,” says Kiser.

He adds that use of the ring isn’t restricted to women in low-income countries. “People in the US might like to use this ring too – particularly if it can also prevent herpes.”

Salim Karim, president of the South African Medical Research Council, describes the ring as an important step forward for HIV prevention. “From my experience, even a ring for HIV prevention has challenges in terms of adherence,” he says. “However, combining it with a contraceptive creates a dual commitment that may do better in terms of adherence.”

Girls may be more resilient to autism-linked mutations 28 February 2014 by Clare Wilson More genetic mutations may be needed to give rise to autism in girls than in boys. The finding supports the notion that the female brain is somehow protected against autism, and this may in turn explain why four times as many males have autism than females.

Although some cases of autism are associated with one mutation, most are thought to involve several genetic abnormalities. In the past few years, hundreds of mutations have been discovered that can make people more vulnerable to the condition.

To see if the mutations affect men and women differently, Sébastien Jacquemont at the University Hospital of Lausanne in Switzerland and colleagues mea-

sured the frequency of two different kinds of mutation in 762 families that had a child with autism.

Among the children with autism, one class of mutation known as a copy number variation – deletions or duplications of a large chunk of genetic material – was three times more common in girls than in boys. The team also found that substitutions of a single letter of DNA were about one-third more common in affected girls.

Jacquemont says this suggests it takes more mutations for autism to arise in girls than in boys. “Females function a lot better than males with similar mutations,” he says.

Females shielded The results reflect the “shielding” effect of being female, he says.

“There’s something that’s protecting [their] brain development.”

A larger, as yet unpublished, study of about 2400 people with autism, conducted as part of the Autism Genome Project - an attempt to sequence the whole genome of 10,000 individuals

affected by the condition – has produced similar results, says Joseph Buxbaum of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

The hope is that understanding the mechanism behind the “female protective effect” can be translated into a treatment for autism, says Buxbaum, who was not part of Jacquemont’s study.

“That’s why we are doing this research.”

Jacquemont says the finding is compatible with the controversial idea that autism represents an extreme version of the male brain, first put forward by Simon Baron-Cohen at the University of Cambridge. According to the theory, males have, on average, more tendencies that could be thought of as mildly autistic – so it makes sense that it would take fewer mutations for autism to arise.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Flying South

W

hile at an assembly the other day I heard a principal tell a story about a bird who decided to try an experiment in flight. It was a season where all the birds of his flock would fly south but he decided that he was tired of that and would do his own thing!

So he decided to stay back while the other birds flew south but to his surprise the weather started to pick up and got quite cold. After it became unbearable, he decided he couldn’t hold out any longer and started to follow behind the now long gone companions.

While in flight, water accumulated on his wings and eventually he froze up and could no longer fly, ultimately crash landing in a farm yard! A cow passed, saw the frozen bird, and decided to poop on it. Amazingly, this caused the ice to thaw out; causing the bird to be free from its trap. The bird was so happy that he began to sing.

Passing nearby was a cat who heard the singing and came in closer to investigate. He moved the cow droppings aside, saw the bird, and ate it!

Now, while there are many lessons we can take from this story, there is one that stands out the strongest to me.

Who made this rule that birds should fly south and for what reason?

Too many times we as humans make decision to do things that are against the rules of the current “King of kings”.

We do so desiring no consequences. We even feel that, because nothing bad has happened so far, we are off the hook.

Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but it doesn’t work that way.

The Manual tells us the salary for sin is death (Romans 6:23).

So, even if we feel that we have escaped it doesn’t change the fact that we have entered through the door of death.

The beautiful bird in this story thought everything was ok. He never knew that he would start freezing up. In fact he was quite happy after the cow defrosted his situation, while not expecting to meet a big-mouthed cat!

The biggest lesson to take away here is that there are rules of life that are handed down to us not by our parents, or teacher, or law enforcers, but by the Maker of the universe!

He has given us the option to choose whether to follow the rules or not. If we should look at these merely as rules, we may try different stunts such as the bird in this story. If we, on the other hand, are wise enough to look at these principles as vital to life and success, we will have a totally different approach. Rather than taking one step forward but moving five backwards, we would find ourselves progressing at a faster rate while moving away from the claw of death!

What are you rebelling against today? Are you rebelling against lies spoken to you or are you rebelling against the constitution of God? I suggest rebelling if it is against lies, but if it is against the constitution of God, it would be in your best interest to take a more serious look at your choice of flight as winter is coming soon!

Until next week God bless

By Dr. Victor Rosado, Paediatrician

9 MAR

2014

Polio outbreak in Belize: Is it Possible?

What is Polio?

Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus that lives in the throat and the intestinal tract of the human body. It is most often spread through person to person contact via stool and oral/nasal secretions.

Polio was a very prevalent and devastating disease in the first half of the 20th century, until the introduction of two very effective vaccines in the mid-1950s.

What are the symptoms of Polio?

Almost 3 out of every four patients infected with the polio virus present no symptom whatsoever. They can, nevertheless, spread the virus to other susceptible individuals. Of the one in four patients who presents symptoms, these primarily include fever, sore throat upset stomach and other flu-like symptoms. Of this symptomatic group 1-5% develop spinal meningitis and subsequent flaccid paralysis, usually of the legs.

With the introduction of two new polio vaccines in the 1950s, the incidence of new polio virus cases decreased significantly. During 1940-1950, some 35,000 new cases were being reported yearly in the US alone, and in 1965 a mere 61 cases were reported.

Is Belize at risk?

The entire Americas was certified as free of wild poliovirus in 1994, 3 years after the last reported case in Peru in August of 1991.

As a requisite to be certified as a country free of wild polio virus each had to fulfill 3 basic criteria. a) have national average of vaccinated infants against polio greater than 80% b) active surveillance of polio virus in flaccid paralysis cases and c) at least 3 years without any confirmed polio cases.

Belize’s surveillance program of infectious diseases is considerably burdened by the fact that our laboratory services cannot confirm cases. Viral specimens need to be sent to faraway labs like the regional lab (CAREC) in Trinidad for definitive confirmation. This affects many surveillance programs not only flaccid paralysis, but also other viral illnesses like HIV, hepatitis A, Influenzae, and H1N1.

Since we are in a hemisphere certified free of Polio since 1991 and because more than 90% of our infants under 1 year of age are vaccinated against polio, I would conclude that our risk of a polio outbreak is minimal.

We cannot, however, let our guard down. Polio is still endemic in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. Last year, 13 cases were confirmed in Syria, most likely due to the fact that as the social conflict in that country drags on, the number of unvaccinated infants grows.

Notice that polio, as an enterovirus, is transmitted via contact with feces. Belize as a country, and especially Belize City, needs to modernize its sewer treatment and disposal system. Our water pipes are presently being replaced in the city due to leaks, and I would guess our sewer pipes are leaking too, but they are not being replaced.

99 MAR MAR

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

2014

REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

NEWS

29

Bolivians struggle to cope after flooding As aid reaches some areas, residents in the indigenous reserve of Tipnis are still waiting for help.

5 Mar 2014 Tens of thousands of Bolivians are struggling to cope after weeks of heavy rain and bad weather.

The floods killed dozens of people last month and authorities declared a state of emergency in response to the crisis.

In the northeastern department of Beni, navy and army officials came together as they prepared to reach isolated communities cut-off by the floods.

S Sudanese refugees forced to flee to Darfur The outlook for the humanitarian situation is dire if the violence continues, the United Nations says [AFP]

Obama sends $3.9 trillion budget to Congress Fiscal blueprint speaks to Democrats by promoting initiatives such as job growth, education and infrastructure March 4, 2014 Barack Obama administration sent Congress a $3.9 trillion budget Tuesday morning, laying out a vision for the country that focuses on boosting growth through greater spending on infrastructure, education and other large-scale projects and addressing income inequality.

The annual fiscal blueprint by the White House is the clearest and most comprehensive articulation of the administration’s economic priorities, but the proposals are rarely ever enacted as is.

Instead, they are supposed to serve as a starting point for negotiations with lawmakers.

This year the budget framework was even more restricted by the deal congressional Republicans and Democrats struck in late 2013 that has placed caps on discretionary spending for the next two years.

In advance of the midterm elections in November, Obama’s spending and taxing priorities seemed to corroborate Democrats’ worldview rather than offer concessions to Republicans to entice them to come to the bargaining table on the budget, as it has in years past.

Desperation and hunger forces South Sudanese civilians to continue to flee, even to war-stricken Darfur, UN says.

5 Mar 2014 The civil war in South Sudan has left people so hungry and desperate for relief that they are even fleeing across the border into Darfur, a long-troubled region of famine and suffering in neighbouring Sudan, according to the United Nations.

About 900,000 South Sudanese are homeless since the conflict erupted in December, and about 195,000 of them have fled as refugees to Uganda,

Ethiopia and even into Darfur, the UN humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan Tony Lanzer told the Associated Press on Tuesday.

South Sudan broke away from Sudan to become independent in 2011. Sudan’s western Darfur region has been gripped by violence since 2003, when rebels took up arms against the government.

“I never thought I would see people fleeing into Darfur,” Lanzer said. “It’s a

very painful thing for the world’s youngest country if your people are fleeing.”

South Sudan’s conflict broke out in December between supporters of ousted Vice President Riek Machar, from the Nuer ethnic group, and the forces of President Salva Kiir, who is an ethnic Dinka.

The two sides agreed to a ceasefire in January, but that agreement does not appear to be holding.

Russia tests long-range missile amid tension Test of intercontinental ballistic missile was conducted as Russia and the West face off over turmoil in Ukraine.

Rio puts protests on hold for carnival Thousands gather in Brazilian city as participants endeavour to show the world that the country is a safe destination.

2 Mar 2014 Revellers in Rio have joined a whirl of festivities as carnival fever took hold, the world’s biggest street party putting firmly aside lingering protests over corruption and the cost to Brazil of hosting the

World Cup. With the football extravaganza now just three months away, flamboyantly dressed metropolis residents indicated that, for the moment, they had spent enough time demonstrating and wanted to let loose instead.

“Carnival is carnival. Celebrate! Protests can wait, at least for now,” shouted Christophe Land, one of 50 men decked out in black Spiderman outfits from the Cordao da Bola Preto group that comprises Rio’s biggest street party, known as bloco.

“But the people are the majority and carnival is for us.”

Rio’s tourist board said 1.3 million people, some 200,000 less than expected, turned out to see the bloco, honoured by the city’s heritage institute on a day that is considered the 449th anniversary of Rio’s founding.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

9 MAR

2014

The full PUP Social Justice Agenda is available at www.pup.org.bz

9 MAR

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

Faber robs school children of HOPE

Rhaburn Ridge Village, March 5, 2014 Minister of Education Patrick Faber has exposed himself to be a petty bureaucrat, ungratefully looking a gift horse in the mouth, when he shut down the Hope SDA Christian Academy School located in the village of Rhaburn Ridge in the Belize District on Friday February 28th 2014.

Faber and Prime Minister Dean Barrow have been crying hard times about giving school teachers a long overdue raise, which won’t even come close to the 5% increase the teachers were asking for this year, yet when the Belize Union of Seventh Day Adventist Church is unselfishly offering to build a school and provide the teachers to educate some needy rural children, Faber slaps aside the offer.

The school management applied for a license in July of 2012, well in advance of the proposed date of school opening, to open the school in September 2013.

Yet even though the government was not being asked to contribute a penny, the application was denied on a technicality: that the Education Rules, 2000 required for the license application to have been submitted 16 months before the proposed opening of the school.

In a press release sent on March 4th the Ministry of Education also wrongfully claimed that the idea of the school “was not in alignment” with their plans since the community was situated “only about” 10 miles from Biscayne. The Ministry says it is currently focused on reducing the number of small schools that are in close proximity to each other.

This decision is a dangerous indication of the Ministry’s lack of understanding of the needs of our country. Education plays a critical role in our country’s development and the Ministry of Education seems to be acting as an obstacle. There are children in Rhaburn Ridge who are hungry to learn, but who cannot learn at the previously nearest school, which is located exactly 11 miles away in Biscayne Village, because they cannot afford the long trip or are afraid to travel the distance.

The move has angered the parents,

PUP NOTICE Belize Rural South Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Belize Rural South Electoral Division is scheduled for Sunday, June 22, 2014.

Application are available from the Constituency Committee Chairperson or the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City.

Completed applications must be filled and returned to the Chairperson and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package.

Deadline for submission is Thursday March 28, 2014.

who say the school is the best and for some, only option for their children. The parents claim that they want the school to remain open, or else their children will not get an education.

“It’s unfair because it’s been 2 months since the school opens and kids are attending there from January and if they go back to Biscayne school they would have to repeat because it would be difficult for them to pick up from 2 months their grades,” said one parent.

The license issue aside, the teachers at Hope SDA are clearly dedicated and committed to imparting knowledge to their young charges. The garden where the children are learning to grow vegetables and other crops demonstrates that the curriculum is in tune with the children’s environment, and moreover that the teachers are putting time an effort into preparing lessons that the children are learning and grasping. Faber should simply say a big “Thank You!” and be on his way. Instead his pettiness is spiting children.

There are thousands of Belizean children of school age who are not in school, even though as much as a quarter of the government’s annual budget goes to education. Faber claims that in implementing his policy of amalgamating small schools this was to improve the standard of teaching and to homogenize the quality of learning being offered across rural and urban schools. But to turn aside the efforts of a church group who are trying to help ease the situation by building a school and paying teachers, all of which is not costing GOB a penny, is downright nonsensical ungrateful.

CARTOON

31

Penner’s quid pro quo?

Passport Penner brokers “investment deal” for Barrow Administration Belize City, February 19, 2014 It seems that corrupt UDP politician Elvin “Passport” Penner is trying everything possible to remain in the good graces of his Party as he seems to be the front man in an investment proposal involving a fellow Canadian investor.

On February 11th Penner had a secret meeting with Prime Minister Dean Barrow at the PM’s office at the Whitfield Tower on Coney Drive. An Amandala reporter cornered Penner into talking, but all he said was that the encounter “was simply a meeting with investors, nothing about politics”.

But the BELIZE TIMES can report that the meeting was about both business and politics, at least how through business Penner can extend his fast-fading political life. We are reliably informed that the meeting with the PM was over a proposal for a wind energy project reportedly headed by Canadian investor Boris Mannsfeld. Penner seems to be the front man, or at least in charge of the negotiations to get the Government to buy into the idea.

We are also reliably informed that the investor is interested in acquiring a large tract

of land in the Mountain Pine Ridge and are looking at a specific area where a UDP politicians holds some private property. The problem for the Barrow Administration is that the area being looked at is a national reserve and should not have been held privately in the first place.

Penner who is known for his fast handling of false nationality papers and fake passports, now seems to think he is better at handling investment schemes.

But how, with a reputation that links him international fugitive Kim Won Hong and rogue City Councillor Eric Chang, how could he still be trusted by the UDP to be involved in any kind of business scheme?

Sources in the UDP say that it is just a desperate attempt by Penner to keep himself somewhat important in Barrow’s eyes. Barrow is also a desperate man. With a dwindling economy and a cash-strapped Government at his helm, to attract any sort of investor – even those willing to join his band of corrupt politicians – may be the only option he has.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

9 MAR

2014