Belize Times May 24, 2015

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The Belize Times THE BELIZE TIMES

24 MAY

2015

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

24 MAY 2015 | ISSUE NO: 4946

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

Wicked, Wicked

Castro!!

5 murders in 3 days

UDP Representative

Kenroy Arnold

Deep in Scandals

Paul David Signorino

Pg. 4

PUP No Deh with Sedi

PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca has exposed the Barrow administration’s weak defence of Belize’s territorial integrity and sovereignty

Pg. 6

Belize City, May 20, 2015 In John Saldivar’s twisted mind, the level of crime in Belize is decreasing but the reality for most Belizeans is just

Pg. 23

Decomposed

body found identified as Denfield Bowen Pg. 23

Barrow still Petrocaribe Act open to offshore oil Amendments drilling are “Cosmetic”,

Pg. 3

says Mose Hyde

Pg. 3

PUP: NO TO SEDI, NO TO ICJ

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24 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

OPINION OUT

OUT

OUT Six Acres and a Fool!

Kismet’s Cry: Stop Hopkins Beach Erosion!

!

rebuild come from? Can I be advised where to apply for the grant needed for the 10 loads of fill?

The experts say that a sea wall is the answer to the erosion. I am trying my best by building one as I cannot afford to lose another foot. I am rebuilding only a couple feet, hoping the beach will one day come back, while planting more coconut trees on the

WEATHER

LOCAL 22 May

!

Dear Editor, Caribbean people know the value of Literature and expect a more prominent place for the subject in the school curriculum, but the Literature experience will not advance in schools once CXC’s revised plan for the subject is implemented. CXC’s successive revisions of the original conceptualization of Literature teaching and learning has been so detrimental to the discipline that it is now time for teachers to advocate for another examining board to oversee the advancement and protection of the discipline.

Originally, in the 1980’s English B offered schools a 3 year cycle of choice of a minimum of 5 from 12 possible set texts. What a joy it was to teach and assess the responses of students and candidates from the region! What diverse perspectives were offered and what mature discussions were generated among teachers at the marking tables.

CXC’ challenge was the wide variation among the distribution of marks in the 22 optional questions. Instead of addressing the issue by

Dear Editor, The question that the poor people living on the land behind Gungulung should ask the UDP Lake I representative is: who facilitated the chiney man to get six acres of prime land in Lake I? They should also ask him how did the chiney man get this piece of land and who in the Ministry of Lands helped him to get it?

Was it the Lands Minister? Or was it King, who asked for the Minister’s help?

It is a tragedy and shame for the people who have occupied the land for many years to be removed. I can only imagine the level of fear which the mothers and children there are living in.

It’s already bad that the UDP Government is protecting the interest of rich foreigners. Now, King has admitted to be protecting the interests of his UDP cronies first, and then Belizeans last.

Lake I residents need to think about what Mark King has told them over and over. Mark King seems to be working against his own constituency members on behalf of big money spenders. He deserves to lose and lose badly, and then shipped off to Cotton Tree to live beside the people he forced to live there.

Signed, Lauren Griffith Lake I resident

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Dear Editor, Just the other day I was told by a local man that the illegal jetty was completely removed and the beach in Hopkins was already coming back. He said it was true, when I said not true, so we walked over and he was WRONG!! Hopkins Harbor Resort did one day of removing the tip of the jetty while BTB and Lands Department officials were here, after being ordered to remove the jetty they built years ago.

The building of the groin/jetty, along with the dredging and cutting of the black mangroves caused massive erosion of Hopkins’ shore line. When the officials left the site, the removal work stopped. Can anyone tell me why?

The jetty is still in place blocking the sand flow. My coconut tree is now going quickly straight into the sea. That means the beach is still losing sand, eroding the shore.

So much for the court order to take down the jetty to conserve the beach and stop erosion. Here at Kismet, I do not see 1 inch coming back, especially my way. I would just like it to stop, to slow down the caving of my sea wall. I have lost over 100 feet of beach leaving me 45 feet of yard to my front step.

The Minister of Tourism said in the Channel 5 news last week that a certain area in Hopkins Harbor Resort was allowed to put the jetty, but it was poor planning because the neighbors needed to have the same resources if they do get affected drastically, as I did at Kismet. Where was the planning here?

Where will the resources I need to

Belize educators must rescue CXC Literature Curriculum

23 May

24 May

25 May

sea wall.

I am seeking donations and volunteers to help build my sea wall to save my yard. We need gloves, wheelbarrows and strong backs. I am having a ton of river rocks delivered on Saturday. Food and drinks will be provided and housing if necessary.

Please bring me positive vibes. I’ll be waiting at Kismet Inn. Signed, Tricia Wipfler

26 May

2015

developing markers’ skills in detecting and assessing the quality of the candidates’ generic skills set in interpreting the questions and responding to the texts, this ‘entrepreneurial’ regional institution jettisoned the best interest of Literature and introduced in 2006, the first major blow against the original ideal of wide reading, choice and thematic focus in Literature Study – the equally weighted three profiles of Drama, Poetry and Prose. The disaster that created in teacher self-confidence and student reaction to Literature still reverberates today.

The most recent revision in keeping with CXC’s self-serving business plan is to offer a five year cycle, remove choice of question on set texts in the profiles and publish Study Guides to coach candidates’ parroting in examinations which will not involve marker discussion of responses. And I have not even factored their SBA plans for English. Is this not an evil that must be rejected?

Belize is known for the high level of co-operation among its teachers of English. It may very well be that the Caribbean will have to look to Belize to ensure that a genuine movement of teacher professional action will stave off this new CXC onslaught, before the effects of 2006 – 8 are repeated.

It is time to protect our future from CXC’s present plans for Literature.

Martin Jones Lange Park Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago 665-1327

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

|

ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

|

$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed and Published By TIMES NEWSPAPER LTD. Tel: 671-8385 #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize

27 May

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24 MAY

2015 Petrocaribe Act Amendments are “Cosmetic”, says Mose Hyde Belize City, May 19, 2015 KREM Wake Up Belize morning show host Mose Hyde was livid on Tuesday morning as he discussed the proposed changes to the Petrocaribe Act by Prime Minister Dean Barrow. Hyde said the amendments are “cosmetic” and not adequate considering the dangerous aspects of the law.

“The changes are cosmetic.

The changes do not alter the spirit of the law. My position is not an anti-UDP position, it is not an anti-Barrow position, it is anti ripping down of the very democratic ideals of this country. You cannot just write a law to cover behaviour from another law,” commented Hyde on the radio show on Tuesday morning.

PM Barrow told the media last week that he was making changes to the Petrocaribe Act in an attempt to ease the tremendous pressure coming from groups who oppose the legislation. These include the Opposition People’s United Party, the National Trade Union Congress, the Belize National Teachers Union, the Christian Workers Union, the Chamber of Commerce and the Council of Churches.

The Petrocaribe Loan Act was pushed through the National Assembly in a rush by the Barrow Administration, in response to a formidable legal challenge mounted by the Opposition member/Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Hon. Julius Espat to the Government’s borrowing and spending of millions of dollars which was done in contravention to the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act. The legislation gives full immunity to the Government’s past and present actions from the accountability requirements of the Finance and Audit Reform Act. It even gave the Government immunity from the penalties they should have faced for breaking the Finance and Audit Reform Act. And it gave them unlimited power to borrow and spend.

The Petrocaribe Loan Act, understandably, attracted a firestorm.

“They say that I can spend large, take the money and put it in my pocket, hopefully this will deal with that,” grumbled Barrow.

The main proposed change to the Petrocaribe Act by PM Barrow is a declaration that the spending of the money will be reported to the National Assembly, but after the fact.

The changes do nothing about the Government’s illegal borrowing of $230 million between September 2012 and August 2014.

It does nothing about the millions already spent and wasted by the Government without any form of transparency.

The changes to the Petrocaribe Act do not cut it, and Mose Hyde echoed the sentiments of the majority of Belizeans.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Barrow still open to offshore oil drilling PM will lift embargo “if conditions are right”

Belize City, May 18, 2015 Prime Minister Dean Barrow continues diametrically opposed to marine conservationists and environmentalists with his pro-offshore oil drilling stance.

In his last media interview, on Friday May 15th, 2015 Barrow reiterated that the moratorium placed on offshore oil drilling is only temporary and will be lifted by him “if conditions are right”.

The problem with this statement is that, firstly, it is Barrow who said it. The Prime Minister has demonstrated to be deceitful with his promises, vowing to do one thing, but changing positions and ignoring his pledges. Take for example his 2008 election promise that he will appoint a 13th Senator if he had won the elections. He has been Prime Minister for seven years (two terms), and he is relentlessly blocking the call for a 13th Senator. Another example is the Government’s so-called moratorium on the sale of Rosewood a few years ago. Days after issuing the notice, we learnt that the moratorium was lifted secretly to allow the Deputy

Prime Minister’s family an exclusive right to export the prized wood. Is this the kind of “right conditions” which the PM refers to?

The main dilemma with Barrow’s shilly-shallying is that conservationists and a majority of Belizeans who genuinely care about our marine environment are convinced that it is not in Belize’s interests, not now or ever, to pursue offshore oil drilling. The risks are too high. Our marine environment is too precious and valuable. And offshore oil drilling can threaten the environment in ways that can never be fully recovered from.

Barrow, however, could not commit to a permanent declaration that would protect Belize’s marine environment from greedy interests. It would go against the beliefs of the ever thirsty crony capitalist Prime Minister. Oil money is too difficult to resist, it seems.

He wasn’t even sure if he still sup-

ported an earlier commitment to allow a referendum on the issue anymore, as it clearly would put even greater pressure on him to fold on his position. On this matter he spoke condescendingly of Belizeans, referring to the proponents as “these people” and saying that it is “their referendum”.

Barrow said, “…the least that the government can do is to give these people their referendum. Actually, would be prepared to support the government sponsoring the referendum to be held at an ample time. But why would there be a need for referendum now if the thing is subject to a moratorium and if I am prepared to enter into an agreement that would say that, that moratorium could only be lifted at certain circumstances”.

Belizeans must keep close watch on Barrow. Before you know it, he will be shouting his favourite oil chant, “drill we will”.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

24 MAY

2015

Wicked, Wicked Castro!! Fuel prices UDP Representative Deep in Scandals shoot up

Belize City, May 21, 2015 Major scandals have emerged involving Edmond Castro, the United Democratic Party’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Works and area representative for Belize Rural North (BRN).

The most recent of Castro’s long list of dilemmas is that he is accused of illegally occupying land in Santa Martha Village, which is situated in the Orange Walk East constituency, bordering Belize Rural North. The accuser is realtor Emerson Burke who says that Castro’s involvement in the unlawful use of the land has caused major losses for his clients.

Whistleblower Alvarine Burgess

brothers and he was working at Salada in Dangriga.”

The trial will resume on July 3, when the attorneys will make final submissions, which will be followed at a later date by Supreme Court Justice Courtney Abel’s decision on the case of defamation.

While Castro’s statements in Court will have legal implications, the will also be weighed for expected political ramifications.

In Court, Alvarine Burgess testified that at only 15 years old she had affair with Castro Castro does not deny that he is involved in the use of the land. He told the news media on Wednesday that he “cultivates” cane on the land. He might not be aware but cultivate means plant and grow.

Castro also admitted that he is well aware that the land is not his and that it is privately-owned. Yet, he said he still encouraged farmers to use the land and grow vegetables and fruits on it.

Stubborn and confused are the best ways to describe Castro. Facey and pathetic would fit as well.

He refused to accept that he was doing anything wrong. “…Emerson Burke needs to cease and desist because I’m not a man that likes Court,” he said, further charging that Burke “has no proof that any squatting of land is being done by me or any letter or any paper to show that I have owned or claimed to own any land in the Santa Marta area”.

Castro may not like the Court, but considering his behaviour while in public office as an election official, he has found himself there quite often. Burke has issued a Notice of Eviction letter to Castro, which if ignored, could lead to Court proceedings.

The BELIZE TIMES has learnt that this is not the last of scandals involving the embattled Minister. He certainly is no stranger to those things.

Court Confessions Last week, Castro made controversial confessions while appearing in Court for a matter he brought against visa scandal whistleblower Alvarine Burgess, Burgess and Great Belize Production (Channel 5) for alleged defamation of character.

The embattled UDP politician confessed to signing visa recommendations brought to him by Burgess. According to Castro, he did it so Burgess could make money to pay for the medical expenses of her husband.

While under cross examination, for two days Thursday, May 14th and Fri-

day, May 15th, it is Castro who had to defend his character and integrity much more than the respondent.

Castro was drilled for almost the entire first day by Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith, who appeared on behalf of Great Belize Production (Channel 5) and then on the second day of trial by Anthony Sylvestre Jr., who appeared on behalf of Alvarine Burgess.

As a result of Smith’s piercing questions, Castro admitted that he had signed dozens of other visa recommendations for foreigners (mostly Asian nationals) who he did not know and had never met.

Copies of those visa recommendation letters with Castro’s signatures were used as evidence in Court.

Burgess testified that she took over 2,000 requests for visa recommendations to Minister Castro, who at that time was the Minister of State in the Ministry of Works.

“I paid Castro $2,000 for each visa application,” Burgess testified in Court. She also denied that Castro assisted her out of any form of compassion, and that his statement was not true.

According to Burgess, Castro was aware that he was partaking in a visa hustle. Castro eventually accepted it when questioned by Senior Counsel Smith.

“Can you see how the process you explained can be seen as a visa hustle?” asked Smith.

“Yes…I can see that now,” answered Castro, drawing a prolonged moment of silence in Court which allowed the weight of his words to be absorbed by those in attendance.

Burgess also revealed in Court that she has known Castro for over 20 years, and that she and Castro had an affair when she was only 15 years old.

“Minister Castro and I had an affair when I was a young girl attending Belmopan Comprehensive (School) and I was 15 years old,” she said, “He was sharing a house with one of his

In 11 days, on May 30th, Castro will be facing a political convention as UDP Standard Bearer for Belize Rural North. The opponent is Dwight Tillett, a pastor who has questioned Castro’s integrity and credibility and has said that he is unfit to lead.

Tillett has the support of Belize City Mayor Darrel Bradley and former UDP Belize Rural North representative Samuel Rhaburn.

Castro claims that his entire Cabinet colleagues are supporting him, including Prime Minister Dean Barrow, who fired Castro from Cabinet in 2010 for accusations that he had scammed an American woman in a land deal. Barrow also had to defend Castro’s abuse of authority and misuse of public funds in a scandal exposed by the BELIZE TIMES in early 2014. There was tremendous public outcry for Castro to be removed from Cabinet, but the Prime Minister shielded him.

There are other scandals that have followed Castro in office.

In February 2014, Castro was dragged to Court to answer to charges of breach of code of conduct commenced by concerned resident, Trevor Vernon.

In January 2014, Castro’s image was tarnished in the court of public opinion for hustling from the Belize Airport Authority.

In October 2013, Castro was back in the news after whistleblower Alvarine Burgess accused him of hustling from the sale of visas.

Belize City, May 21, 2015 Commuters will be making a lot of fuss the next time they fill up their vehicles’ gas tanks and this is because they won’t be expecting the depressing news that fuel prices have gone up once again.

This week the price of Diesel increased to $8.04 per gallon. Regular fuel increased from $8.88 per gallon to $9.39, while Premium fuel increased from $9.36 to $10.01 per gallon.

This is a 51 cents jump for Regular fuel and a 65 cents hike for Premium gas.

There was no warning from the Government about the increases in fuel prices. They seem to have lost the sense of responsibility to keep Belizeans informed.

The increases come as a big surprise, since on the world market crude oil prices continue at a mid-low point. Light, sweet crude for July delivery settled at U.S. $58.98 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent, the global benchmark, stood at U.S. $65.03.

The current local fuel price for Premium gasoline of $10.01 matches the cost of fuel at the pumps in December 2007, but back then, world oil prices were at a record high of U.S. $140. Something doesn’t add up right?

This is something someone in the Barrow Administration should explain.

They must also tell the Belizean people why it is that fuel prices only climb down when it is election season.

In September 2013, Castro was accused behaving improperly towards a Taiwanese female Government worker, during an official visit to Taiwan.

In November 2010, Castro suffered public embarrassment after an American national accused him of swindling her in a fraudulent land deal. The Prime Minister believed the American woman over his political colleague.

The litany of scandals has left Castro’s reputation tattered and the UDP looking desperate for keeping a politician like him in their circle. You wicked Castro, you wicked!

24 MAY

2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

5 05

EDITORIAL

B

It’s A No, No!

elizeans were given an insight into the low lever of incompetence that is the hallmark of the present Government Unfortunately it involved the more important national issue facing the nation.

None other than the “artificial” Foreign Minister of Belize is at the center of this

quiet storm.

On Saturday, 16 May 2015, the Guatemala Foreign Minister flew into Belize to hold an unannounced meeting with the Belize Foreign Minister. There was no press briefing, nor were there any questions or answers for the visiting Foreign Minister especially given the timing of his visit.

On Monday, 25 May 2015 Belize Foreign Minister will be in Guatemala to sign an amendment of the Special Agreement or Compromis of 2008. The amendment will change a fundamental plan of the Special Agreement. The section to be hanged is that rather than holding a referendum in Belize and in Guatemala on the same day, the holding of the simultaneous referenda can be done separately.

This change is expressly at the request of Guatemala. The Belize government, without thinking it through has agreed.

Not only has the Belize Government given no thoughts to the ramifications of the major change but has not bothered to inform Belize’s Parliament or the people of Belize. Indeed, the Foreign Minister expressly told the media there is no duty or responsibility on him or his Government to notify or consult the Belizean people. This incredible statement was fully supported by the Prime Minister in answers to questions by the media last week.

The Foreign Minister, never to be out-done, told the media the people of his constituency, Pickstock, do not care for such an issue as the Guatemala matter presently occupying the minds of the rest of the citizenry. What an insult to the intelligent people of Pickstock.

Neither the Prime Minister nor the Foreign Minister has bothered to properly inform the citizens of Belize in relation to the momentous events surrounding the request

by Guatemala to change the Special Agreement.

As the Foreign Minister of Guatemala was in Belize last Saturday that was as good an opportunity as any to sign the change in the Special Agreement.

Why does the Foreign Minister of Belize have to travel to Guatemala this coming Monday for three minutes to sign a document?

And why with only three months to the Presidential and congressional elections in Guatemala would the President seek to inject the controversial issue into the ballot paper.

Bearing in mind that the President is being swallowed into a huge corruption scandal that has already caused his Vice-President to resign and which has sparked mass unrest in the capital city by over twenty-thousand demonstrators.

It should be no surprise that the Leader of the Opposition has reached a decision not to participate in the amendment of the Special Agreement. Hon. Francis Fonseca has not reached this decision lightly. Given the Foreign Minister and his Government’s incompetent handling of this latest situation, there was no choice other than that taken by the Hon. Francis.

There are serious risks to Belize by what is happening with Guatemala and the incompetent manner in which it is being handled by the Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister has now admitted that it was over a year and a half that the Guatemalan President notified him of the proposal to hold the referendum in Guatemala at the time of the scheduled election in September and November 2015. This information the Prime Minister chose to keep to himself, no doubt on his own arrogant way because he feels he does not have to consult the Leader of the Opposition and the people of Belize.

The Prime Minister must have been harbouring his schemes and dreams for a third term and planned to call general elections in November 2015.

His winning of the municipal elections would have further convinced him he could pull it off. So up to that point he would have met his obligations to the British and Guatemalan government that November would be suitable for the joint holding of the ICJ referenda in Belize and Guatemala.

But as they say about the best laid plans of mice and men; two things occurred to derail this one man’s overriding ambition to be a three-time Prime Minister, who is gambling with the future of our country.

The brazen kidnapping of members of the citizen group – territorial volunteers on the Sarstoon River by Guatemala’s military has soured Belizeans towards the government and its disappointing behaviour in that matter.

Secondly, the Prime Minister’s unbelievable on the 27 March 2015 in rushing through the National Assembly his tyrannosaurus law called the Petrocaribe Loans Act. Suddenly he appeared to be snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory. His gross abuse of the millions of dollars from Venezuela has tarnished his carefully groomed image.

He fell in love with the millions upon millions of Petrocaribe monies and what it could do to sway the elections.

It is the oldest error in the world. The Bible condemns it as the love of money, which is the root of all evil. And like religious sin, the wages of political sin is political death.

The Prime Minister is facing defeat over his mismanaged ICJ referendum matter.

Likewise, the Prime Minister is facing defeat when he comes to the people of Belize with his misguided ambition that he can bribe his way with Petrocaribe money into becoming a third term tyrant.

6 06

24 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP Northern Caucus rejects quota reduction for cane farmers May 17, 2015 The People’s United Party Northern Caucus is greatly concerned over the events that have recently unfolded in the sugar industry, namely the significant reduction of sugar cane delivery quotas for each of the 18 branches, accompanied by a stunning inverse quota increase only for Cane Growing Project (CGP) and Research, which are both owned by American Sugar Refining (ASR)/Belize Sugar Industries (BSI).

This latest blow to the cane farmers of Orange Walk and Corozal demonstrates the failure and ineptitude of this UDP government in the management of the sugar industry.

Once again, the Dean Barrow administration and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture Gaspar Vega have allowed ASR/BSI to ride roughshod and trample over the rights of our Belizean cane farmers. Let us remember that in January of this year, the UDP government joined forces with ASR/BSI in executing certain manoeuvres and manipulations to force the cane farmers into signing a contract with ASR/BSI, that allows ASR/ BSI to seize ownership of the sugar cane at the moment that the cane reaches the weighing scale, without the farmers receiving a single dollar yet for their sugar cane produce. Now, the UDP government is condoning the reduction of 172,000 tons in the sugar cane quotas of the farmers, to brazenly accommodate an increase in delivery quota for ASR/BSI only. This is

an alarming trend.

These arbitrary and oppressive measures stifle the production growth of the Belizean cane farmers and deprive them from increased participation in the sugar industry.

The PUP Northern Caucus condemns these measures and calls on the Sugar Cane Production Committee (SCPC) and the Sugar Industry Control Board (SICB) to halt the implementation of these quota reductions as requested by the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA), whose farmers owns 2/3 of the total sugar cane production.

The PUP Northern Caucus calls on the SCPC to take control of the proper and fair administration of production and quotas, on the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI) to stick to its research and investigation responsibilities, and on ASR/BSI to concentrate on improving the milling operation to accommodate the total available production without bias.

The PUP Northern Caucus hereby asks ASR/BSI, where is their much touted $180 Million investment, since they cannot mill the 1.4 Million tons of cane that are on the fields, especially since prior to ASR’s taking over of BSI, the mill was already milling close to 1.2 Million tons of cane in a season?

The PUP Northern Caucus stands in solidarity with the Belizean cane farmers in ensuring, protecting and promoting their increased participation and stake in the sugar industry for the benefit of Belize and all Belizeans.

2015

PUP No Deh with Sedi

May 21, 2015 The Leader of the Opposition the Honourable Francis Fonseca after consultations has decided that the People’s United Party will not participate nor be a party to any amendment of the Special Agreement made between Belize and Guatemala. While the PUP has always been an active participant in all discussions, negotiations and meetings as part of a national bi-partisan approach to the Belize-Guatemala differendum, the Party has always done so on the condition that Belizeans must at all times be kept fully informed and consulted on all critical matters.

Last month Prime Minister Barrow advised the Honourable Francis Fonseca that the Government was considering a request

by Guatemala for amendment of the Special Agreement in order to allow for Referenda to be held in Guatemala in November of this year during their second round of elections. Accordingly the Special Agreement would need to be amended to allow for Referenda to be held separately instead of simultaneously. To date, the only explanation provided to the Leader of the Opposition on the matter was that the President of Guatemala said that holding the Referendum was a substantial cost and that it was their intention to have that Referendum coincide with

Presidential elections as a cost saving measure. Prime Minister Barrow also indicated to the Leader of the Opposition that Foreign Minister Elrington would be holding further discussions on the matter and prepare a proper statement to be issued to Belizeans outlining the position of the Government and the rationale behind any proposed amendments. An undertaking was given that Elrington would share that statement with the Leader of Opposition before anything else was done. That did not occur.

Furthermore, no explanation has been provided to the Belizean people for agreeing to such a request, save and except that the Foreign Minister Hon Sedi Elrington has said that the Guatemalans “thought that it would be convenient...largely because of cost considerations” and because “...all the political parties (in Guatemala) were in agreement that the matter should be taken to Referendum at that time.”

This issue is of profound national importance and the PUP cannot agree to support any such change to the Special Agreement that was not properly explained and formally consulted with the people of Belize and the Opposition. Therefore the PUP will not attend the meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Guatemala and Belize to amend the Special Agreement, which will be held in Guatemala City on Monday May 25, 2015.

Rejuvenated Hope in Dangriga!

Dangriga Town, May 18, 2015 There is a wave of hope and renewed vibrancy stirring in the bowels of the greatest political party in Belize.

As this revitalization makes its way across the nation, a sense of hope and confidence is building throughout the various sectors of the PUP. Dangriga is of no exception.

Following on the heels of the PUP Leadership press conference held last Wednesday to announce a new Standard Bearer for Dangriga, a meeting was held on Monday May 18th with PUP Executive Members from Dangriga, Sarawee and Hope Creek inclusive of the new standard bearer for this division Mr. Anthony Sabal for on a one-onone session to discuss the roadmap for victory in the constituency.

The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Dangriga Executive Committee, Davis Marshall, Regional Campaign Manager, Dr. Henry Canton, National Executive Members from Dangriga, Members of the Order of Distinguished Service, former mayor Cassian Nunez, former councillor candidates, campaigners and supporters of PUP Dangriga.

This meeting took place at the Pelican Beach Resort. Rebirth was the tone set in motion. The room was filled with high energy. The purpose of this gathering was to present to the general body our new standard bearer and to commence charting the way forward on our road to the general elections.

There was tremendous commitment that united the PUP will win the next general elections and keep Dangriga with the only Party that has shown Dangriga love and respect.

The rapport was spirited and the general feedback was positive. There is rejuvenated hope that PUP Dangriga is ready to fight for a better Belize and a better Dangriga. The elements of our machinery are ready and geared for battle. All in attendance pledged their unwavering support for Mr. Sabal and are poised to return a PUP win in the next general elections. Together we are moving forward under the banner “We will improve with YOU”.

PUP Dangriga Standard Bearer Anthony Sabal addressing energetic meeting

24 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

WOMAN IN THE HOUSE

By Dolores Balderamos Garcia

Everybody’s Business?

Just this past week we have seen the spectacle of the mostly silent Commissioner of Police finally breaking that silence to say that crime is everybody’s business. Of course this followed the ranting of the Minister of National Security as he addressed police recruits apparently at a passing-out parade. Major crimes are down, the Minister said!!

Now, what are major crimes?

I believe these would include grievous harm, large scale thefts and robberies, rapes and other serious assaults on persons, etc.

But the most ‘major’ crime must be murder. Perhaps other reported major crimes are down so far this year 2015. But, alas, the biggest crime – murder – is definitely way up. Over fifty murders

have been reported since the beginning of the year, with as many as four or five in one weekend, and alarmingly for me, several of them in Ladyville.

I think it is asinine for the Minister to be scolding and hectoring the media and telling them that they are sensationalizing the crime situation in our country. I saw Pastor Louis Wade yesterday telling television viewers that he travelled from the Belmopan to Belize City to attend a meeting in which the media were being asked to ‘bury’ crime stories deep into their newscasts, no doubt so that authorities can sugar-coat the real situation of crime in Belize. Again, silly I think.

The Minister of Education is fond of singing the sankey that

“Education is Everybody’s Business.” I couldn’t agree more. Parents, principals, teachers, mentors, tutors, pastors, families, communities – everybody has a stake in seeing to it that our children obtain a good education. However, I have to say that the leadership and the pivotal role must be played by the Minister himself and the Ministry. There is simply no getting away from that.

Similarly, I believe that it is not good enough for the Commissioner of Police to say in a hackneyed way that crime is everybody’s business.

The leadership, the stewardship, the formulation of plans, the implementation of strategies MUST come from him and his Police Department.

I recall sitting in court and following very keenly the entire case in which Leader of the Opposition Hon. Francis Fonseca applied before the Chief Justice for an Order of Mandamus directing the Commissioner to properly lead and direct investigations into the now infamous Pennergate scandal.

The Crown Counsel in the case tried the spurious argument that the Commissioner may of his own volition decide not to investigate. But the Chief Justice was having none of it.

He ordered the Commissioner to do his job in such a flagrant instance.

What has come of it?? The Commissioner has flouted the Order of

07 7 Mandamus. Penner has not been brought to justice. This is the same Commissioner who is now weakly intoning that crime is everybody’s business. Indeed we must all be concerned and do our parts to reduce the killing sprees and other awful crimes. But tackling crime is his RESPONSIBILITY. It is, again, simply not good enough for the Commissioner of Police to be seen to be lamenting the crime situation without laying out clear strategies for combatting crime and violence. A ‘commission’ is an instruction or command.

It is also the body which issues such directives. A ‘commissioner’ is the person to whom a specific job or role is given. The Commissioner of Police wears the cap.

Mr. Commissioner of Police: Do your job; carry out your role properly; get to the bottom of the Penner wrongdoing. Also, show the Belizean people that we can have some modicum of confidence in the Police Department to do their job professionally and effectively. I accept fully that crime must be all our business, but the Commissioner is the one in the seat. As we say in the PUP, Mr. Commissioner, Wake Up and Work!!

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24 24 MAY MAY

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10 SPORTS

24 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

2015

Brown Suga wins 2015 Strongman Competition Belize City, May 16, 2015 Victor Valencia a.k.a. “Brown Suga” retained the title of “Belize’s Strongest Man” by winning the Belize Body Building & Fitness Federation’s 2015 Strongman contest held at the BTL Park last Saturday.

Valencia, who had won the 2014 Belize Body Building Fitness Federation (BBBFF) Strongman competition, represented the Body 2000 Gym in a competition with seven other men. He won the $1,000 1st prize by winning the bench press with a lift of 385lbs, in which he tied with Theo Gentle and he was 1st in the “clean and press” with 25 repetitions. He was also 2nd in 3 other events: carrying logs contest in 47 seconds, 2nd in Tractor Tire flip in 47 seconds; and he had the 2nd best time for the SUV pull at 29 seconds. He also won 3rd place in the squats and 3rd place in Hercules Hold at 48 seconds.

The 2008 and 2010 Strongman champ Theo Gentle from Body 2000 Gym placed 2nd

Victor “Brown Sugar” Valencia is 2015 champ

Stephanie Robateau won 1st in Female category

and collected $600. Gentle won the SUV pull in 29 seconds, the overarm pull in 50 seconds, and the Hercules hold – holding two 30lb dumbbells, one in each hand with the arms outstretched level from the shoulder, for 51 seconds.

Oyinkro Akpobodor, aka “the African”, of the Neal & Gordon’s Gym took home the $400 3rd prize. He won the dead lift of

495lbs and the tire flip in 44 seconds. He also won the log competition in 44 seconds and he was 2nd in the Hercules hold with 48 seconds. Oyinkro took 3rd place in the “clean and press” with 23 reps, and also took 3rd in the overarm pull in 40 seconds.

4th place went to Rojas of Spartan Fitness Gym of

Corozal Town.

Former martial arts athlete karateka Stephanie Robateau won a $250 1st prize with an exhibition of female strength by bench pressing 115lbs, lifting 225lbs from a squat and 225lbs in the dead lift, and she did 25 reps in the “clean and press” with a 60lb weight! Karen Gonzalez took home the $150 2nd prize.

Alicia Thompson wins 2015 Female Cross Country Cycling Classic

Belize City, May 17, 2015 Team Belize Bank Swoosh’s Alicia Thompson won the 26th annual Female Cross Country Cycling Classic, a 68 mile ride on the George Price Highway from San Ignacio to the finish line by Leslie’s Imports in Belize City on Sunday.

Team Westline’s Keirah Eiley had won some station prizes as she led the race at the start, but

by Mount Hope Alicia made her move and shook off the chasers at Old Man Hill in Teakettle Village extending her lead to 4 minutes by the time she reached St. Matthew’s Village. The chase group could not catch Thompson because Shalini Zabaneh and Kaya Cattouse were playing a strategy game of cat-and-mouse. Shalini unwilling to take Kaya to the tape, knowing Cattouse was the stronger sprinter, while Cattouse making no effort to catch up with Thompson.

Alicia rode on alone to take the title. 2nd place went to Cattouse of Team C-Ray Cycling and got the $1,500 prize and trophy.

3rd place went to Zabaneh who got $900 prize and trophy. Gabrielle Lovell of Team Digicell, Estephany Cruz of Team Sagitun and Keirah Eiley of Team Westline rolled in 4th, 5th and 6th place.

Verdes FC wins Premier League Championship

Alicia Thompson wins 2015 champ

Kaya Cattouse won 2nd place

San Ignacio, May 7, 2015 The Verdes FC of Benque will represent Belize in the CONCACAF Champions league this year, taking the much coveted Premier League 2-0 win over 3-time champs Belmopan Bandits at the Norman Broaster Stadium on Sunday.

Verdes was also the last Belize club to participate in CONCACAF Champions League in 2008; even though Belize fans never got to see their games as Verdes had to play Mexico’s Cruz Azul in Guatemala.

The Bandits came into the game riding the crest of a wave after beating Verdes 2-1 in the playoffs and winning Game 1 of the finals 1-0 with only 9 men, and perhaps this pride was their downfall.

Key players Ian Gaynair and Randy Padilla were sitting out red card suspensions, while the

“Green Machine” penetrated the Bandits’ defense for Alcides Thomas to score the 1st goal in the 31st minute.

This put Verdes and Bandits in a 1-1 tie on goal aggregate until the 88th minute, when Verdes’ MVP Shamir Pacheco executed a corner kick, floating the ball to the far post where no one was marking Jarret Davis as he put the finish on the play with a header into the net 2-0!

Regular Season Awardees: Best Defender - Dalton Eiley (Bandits) Best Midfielder - Jordy Polanco (Bandits) Best Goalkeeper – Woodrow West (Bandits) Best Forward - Harrison “Cafu” Roches (Police United) Most Goals – Harrison “Cafu” Roches (Police United) Most Valuable Player - Shamir Pacheco (Verdes) Finals MVP - Jarret Davis (Verdes)

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Western Ballaz leads NEBL Playoffs Belize City, May 16, 2015 The Cayo Western Ballaz are the No. 1 in the National Elite Basketball League playoffs, after a 53-43 win against the No. 3 seed Belmopan Red Taigaz at the UB Gym last Saturday night.

Richard Troyer led the Ballaz with 18 points and 7 rebounds, while Akeem Watters added 17 points and 13 rebounds and Elvis Usher Jr. scored 7 points. Ivan Flowers tossed 6 points and Kurt “Chengo” Burgess with 5 points and 11 rebounds.

The defending champs San Pedro Tigersharks are at 2nd place, even after an 85-91 loss to the Orange Walk Running Rebels. The Rebels’ captain Randy Usher had a blast as he hit 3 treys for his biggest score of the season: 33 points, while Roger Reneau added 16 points.

The 4th place was not decided as the game between Yellow Pages Hurricanes and Warriors had to be called off at the Stann Creek Ecumenical Auditorium on Saturday night because of poor security; after fans assaulted a referee. The NEBL has ruled that the game should continue at a neutral venue, the UB gym on Tuesday night, May 19. The winner meets the Cayo Ballaz in the playoffs; while the Taigaz sail to La Isla Bonita to take on the Tigersharks.

Holy Redeemer girls & boys lead primary school football

Akeem Watters scored 17pts

Taye Parkinson & Latrell Solis win SMART Jr. table tennis champs

Keith “Superman” Acosta shoots

Brown Bombers lead Smart Mundialito Bombers’ Jovaun Ramos scored 4 goals

Holy Redeemer boys Belize City, May 14, 2015 The Holy Redeemer RC School girls and boys remain undefeated as they lead the Belize City primary school football competition which continued at the M.C.C. Grounds last Thursday, May 14.

The Holy Redeemer girls blasted the Wesley Upper School girls last Thursday. Yu Ting scored 2 goals; while Wareyni Gillett converted a penalty and Amani Allen scored a 4th goal.

The Holy Redeemer held the undefeated Wesley Upper to a 0-0 draw last Thursday.

Other games: St. John Vianney RC vs. All Saints’ School - 2-0 Goals by Michel Palacio, Daniel Hemmans Central Christian vs. Queen Square Anglican - 6-0 (Forfeit) St. Ignatius vs. All Saints’ School boys - 3-0 Goals by Leon Leslie scored a hat trick St. John Vianney RC vs. Ebenezer School boys - 3-2 Goals by Michel Palacio (2), Daniel Hemmans, Marcos Rojas, Trevis Flowers

Belize City, May 15, 2015 St. Joseph’s Taye Parkinson won the 12-and-under division while SJC’s Latrell Solis won the 15-and-under division as well as the 18-and-under division of the 2nd Bi-annual SMART Junior ranking table tennis tournament, hosted by the Belize Table Tennis Association (BTTA) at the Belize Elementary Auditorium on Sunday.

Over 60 junior players came out to compete for the top spots in three age categories.

After over 130 matches the top four in each age division were as follows: 12 and Under Division 1st Place - Taye Parkinson 2nd Place - Terry Su 3rd Place - Samron Pott 4th Place - Jayden Sutherland 15 and Under Division 1st Place - Latrell Solis 2nd Place - John Delcid 3rd Place - Mourice Alvarez 4th Place - Bjarne Gabourel 18 and Under Division 1st Place - Latrell Solis 2nd Place - Bjarne Gabourel 3rd Place - Eric Liu 4th Place - John Delcid

Belize City, May 16, 2015 The undefeated Brown Bombers are leading the 2015 SMART Mundialito annual football competition with 4 wins, while Collet Strikers, Hattieville Youth FC, London Strikers and Ladyville jaguars also posted wins at the M.C.C. garden on Saturday.

Games results: Young Warriors vs. Ladyville Rising Stars – 0-0 Hattieville Youth FC vs. Face of Belize – 5-0 Goals by Brian Martinez (3), Austin Shal (2), Enoch Rhaburn London Strikers vs. Third World - 1-0 Goal by Dereck Brown Ladyville Jaguars vs. Heights FC - 1-0 Goal by D’jon Canelo Brown Bombers vs. Carlston FC – 6-0 Goals by Jovaun Ramos (4), Justin “Akon” Menzies, Eldon “Quincy” Byrd Collet Strikers vs. City Boys – 1-0 Goal by Keyron Requena Upcoming Matches Third World vs. City Boys Collet Strikers vs. Ladyville Jaguars Rising Stars vs. Heights FC Face of Belize vs. Brown Bombers Hattieville Youth FC vs. Young Warriors London Strikers vs. Carlston FC

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2015

Michel Chebat’s “Copa del Verano 2015” - A Huge Success!!

Bullet Tree Falls, May 17, 2015 “I believe that Sports can be a channel to keep our young people out of trouble and engaged in positive development,” remarked Michel Chebat, the People’s United Party’s Standard Bearer for Cayo North.

This past weekend, over 200 sports enthusiasts including football players, coaches and managers participated in the first ever “Copa del Verano 2015” football competition, organised and sponsored by Mr. Chebat.

After eight weeks of rigorous but fun competition, the football tournament came to end at the Bullet Tree Falls Football field on Sunday, May 17, 2015.

The champions, Peñaroll, received a trophy and the first prize of $600.

In 2nd place was Warriors F.C. who received a trophy and $400 prize.

3rd place was Duck Run Striker who received a trophy and a $200 prize.

Awards were also given to the player with the Most Goals, Humberto Requeña; Most Valuable Player, Badir Hegar and Best Goal Keeper, Giovanni of the Duck Run Strikers.

Mr. Chebat congratulated all the players and teams officials for helping to make the sporting event a success. He committed to continue supporting sports and to provide the people of Cayo North with opportunities.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that SHENG YANG CHEN is applying for a Malt and Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Peoples Restaurant”, situated at 100 North Front Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that CAFÉ A SUPRELUS is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Ciboney”, situated at #110 Antelope Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

NOTICE: I Arturo Pazos Suchite hereby declare that I am applying for a Vacancy at Golden Tree Hotel and Bakery located at #1740 Coney Drive, Belize City.

VACANCY: There are vacancies for two (2) persons to assist on Bee Keeping. Interested persons should contact Barbara Johnston at 610-1371.

VACANCY: A Cashier is need at Dollar Grocery Shop located at #2 Water Lane in Belize City. Call 668-9873 for more information.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Southside - A Sad State of Affairs By the Voice of the Common Man I have written numerous articles regarding the senseless crime and violence that have engulfed the old capital, especially the area that has been labelled “Southside”. I have identified several root causes drawing on contributions from various sources even the American journal of psychiatry, which suggested that some people may be born with brain deficiency because of lack of proper nutrients making these individuals prone to violence. Unless a solution is sought the next phase of the gang culture and the wave of violence could be catastrophic for Belize.

As I embark on this article my fingers are getting numb, my ink is running out and my voice is getting weary. The “Southside” is being crushed to a violent degradation and no one seems to care. The church seems intent in remaining silent to the issue of crime and violence “behind the anesthezing security of stained glass windows”. The Minister of National Security John Saldivar seems content on “putting more boots on the ground” and waging a war on gangs and the southside community “smothering them in the air tight cage of poverty”.The United Democratic Party has lost two great opportunities to tackle this problem: their victory in the 1984 general election when the gang culture was at its nascent stage and their 2008 victory and the availability of the Petrocaribe funds. As the body count continues to rise, the UDP’s sole concern is holding onto national power and becoming a third term government instead of stopping the haemorrhaging of the inner city youths killing each other.

Today the old capital is being described as a tale of two cities: Northside is considered the affluent section, opposed to a destitute Southside. Yet Southside was once the center of the old Capital, Belize. Across the old Belize river the Southside connects the Northside by four bridges, the old Swing Bridge, Bel-China, Bel-Can and the newly constructed Chetumal Street bridges. Today, Southside has suffered the stigma of being the pariah of society and the criminogenic portion of Belize where poverty, inequality and joblessness are rampant.

The millions spent already in the Southside and the present availability of the Petrocaribe funds earmarked for more spending; notwithstanding, the people on the Southside have become victims of UDP broken promises. Their hopes blasted away, leaving only the shadow of disappointment settling on them along with the pain of the social ills.

Historically, the “Southside” was the hub for the development of Belizean life. Various areas sprang up with political labels attached to the several constituencies: the Alberts, Mesop, Collet, Queen Square and Lake I. There was no “southside” then, only “south” which was the area in Yarborough known for some “bomb” weed, good dice game and juke box blaring blues and funk – Johnny’s was the place back then. There were various micro-enterprises and local businesses. Ms. Lina, Di Di Pitts and Mrs. Smith and their baking skills, Aunt Joyce and her well known snack shop, Sunny and Tan Bakery. These small businesses

Dean Barrow, Queen Square

Herman Longsworth, Albert

Patrick Faber, Collet

Michael Finnegan, Mesopotamia

survived in close proximity on East Canal and Racecourse Street. These little businesses contributed hugely to the development of families and the community.

Many individuals received and developed their lifelong skills and made their rite of passage on the south. Inspired boxers trained at either Eustace Vernon Gym in the back part of the old Havana Hotel or Scotland gym or Georgia and showtime bouts played out at Bird’s Isle – the entertainment mecca – where in one instance the famous words of Lindy Rogers echoed “the hurricane is no more, the hurricane is no more”, at the defeat of the “hurricane” Bowser, to the Caribbean pugilist Cameron of Jamaica.

The educational institutions were St. Michaels College headed by Mr. Blackett, Wesley College and St. Hilda’s college for girls. There were the youth centers, the Friendship Youth Association (FYA) and Stafford Youth Club which was situated on the fringes of the Berger field (today a failed promise to reconstruct the project by Herman Longsworth).

The Youth of FYA were mentored by Paul Jones who required strict adherence to discipline. Young boys learned to swim at “old college”, foreshore or at the old swing bridge. The universities for footballers were Yarborough green and Berger field in Lake Independence. St Ignatius and Bird’s isle was our “parquet” floor for basketball and the fierce rivalry of Carnation and Dunlop and Belikin Wheels and Jah Jam. The “south” had an informal apprenticeship program that parents sent their kids insisting they engage in the art of trademanship – automotive, cabinet making, tailoring, plumbing, tin-smith, construction work and the cottage industry for girls. A number of the professionals – doctors, lawyers, educators, policemen and politicians had their origins on the “south”. There was a strong communal spirit along with the

Boots Martinez, Port Loyola

traditional cultural values – “it takes a village to raise a child”, “I am my brother’s keeper” and the “neighbour principle”. Everyone was an extension to the family. Eventually the “Southside” began to transform, negatively losing its traditional values.

Several factors have been contributed to the sad state of affairs and the stigma attached to today’s Southside. During the early 1970’s the citizens were offered plots of land on the reclaimed mangrove swampland, a government initiative of the Peoples United Party government. Both the common men and the skilled professionals took advantage of the initiative which resulted in an expanded Kings Park area. Additionally, Belizeans sought opportunities in the “land of milk and honey” the great United States. Many migrated to the glitter of Uncle Sam, most of them leaving their children to be tended by the grand folks. Their contribution to their children’s well-being was made through the postal service – boxes of goodies and money orders. When the old-

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er generation (the matriarch and patriarchs) passed on, these youths were left to fend for themselves. The affluent and skilled professionals who had moved across the city for a better life took their resources and the respect they commanded within the communities of Southside. The fabric of the Southside society became brittle and began to cave in.

Nevertheless some respectable families remained applying themselves in their various capacities.

Compounding the situation was the emergent gang culture: CRIPS and BLOODS in the mid-80s. Belizean youth who became involved in gang activities and criminal behaviour were deported from the USA, curiously creating an impact on the area called Southside. A mass initiation began as young people became enamoured with the dress code, the colour red for Bloods and the colour blue for Crips and the “sagging” pants worn for below the waistline. Each member represented his “set” by “throwing up signs”.

Tagging became the norm with threats being posted on the walls of rival gangs. The culture with its own set of rules and kangaroo court has escalated into today’s murder for hire.

The cultural traditions of Belizean life, which was the extended family that centers on the rearing of children and caring for the elderly, became something of the past.

Evidently the traditional culture and values surrendered to the emergence of the gang culture. The youths became receptacles for the creativities of the street “generals” and “Dons”. This cultural surrender or cultural destruction, as Dr. Asa Hilliard in his book “the Maroon Within Us” has suggested, “led inevitably to the loss of any possibility for a group to mobilize on its own behalf…” He further explains that “cultural surrender is more than a matter of rejecting the culture of one’s father and mother. It means that one accepts a man’s definition of the human being as a person. The culturally dependent person is a mere spectator, a receptacle for the creativities of others”.The result has been the loss of respect for parents, grandparents, siblings, neighbours and even our political leaders.

At the same time the “Gangsta 4 Life” culture was gaining momentum and capturing the inner city youths lives on the Southside the momentum to capture the votes at the polls for the 1984 general election became fervour. The United Democratic Party was victorious on their platform promise “from the boardroom to the bases” and “raise up”.

The people got comfort in the promise and voted the UDP into office.

In the aftermath of their victory the UDP in usual fashion failed to make good on their promise. The social issues of Southside and the rising gang culture were neglected. The youths on the “bases” were left to fend for themselves once again. An opportunity to reach the center of these at-risk youths’ lives, their conscience and their soul was missed.

Southside was de-invested and allowed to crumble on its own. No social analysis was done to deal with the underlying cause and effect of the gang culture. The UDP politicians have failed and failed miserably to carry out progressive social engineering.

31 years has past and the Belizean way of life has sunk to the depths of the abyss of UDP political morass. Dean Barrow is more concerned with power than listening to the wailing sounds of sirens and the cries of families, especially the single mothers of Southside. Mesop, Queen Square, Collet and Lake I have become the “heart of the Gideon”, our own “Gaza Strip”. Imagine these malignant constituencies including the expanded Continued on page 16

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15

THE BELIZE TIMES NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given BASIN GROUP LTD. commenced dissolution on 16th April, 2015; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

Notice is hereby given WIBA INTRANS CORP. and ELITE PORTFOLIO CORP. both commenced dissolution on 22nd April, 2015; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company.

Notice is hereby given LEON HOLDINGS LIMITED commenced dissolution on 28th April, 2015; and Mr. Gyor Jonathan Levy of Auring 61, LI-9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein, is the Liquidator of the company.

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given ONE O ONE MANAGEMENT LTD. commenced dissolution on 30th April, 2015; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company.

Public Notice Businesses, give Credit Master Systems all your bad debt information to put in the Complaint Information System to share with the business community.

Sharing your bad debt information will make it harder for hard payers to access credit, forcing hard payers to pay their debts. Let us work together and stop hard payers’ abuse.

Contact Mr. Jeremia Cassanova at: Credit Master Systems PUTTING VALUE BACK INTO “YOUR WORD”

Notice is hereby given LAZERTIS FINANCE LTD., CRESTLINE PROPERTIES S.A. and RIVA OVERSEAS LTD. all commenced dissolution on 4th May, 2015; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company.

Notice is hereby given SINGING PROPERTY S.A. commenced dissolution on 5th May, 2015; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the company.

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

#11 Douglas Jones Street Belize City Tel: 223-5845/2283 Email: cmsbz@btl.net Website: cmssearch.bz ALWAYS REQUIRE A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD WHEN GIVING CREDIT

NOTICE OF COMMENCED DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given DUQUESNE CONSULTING INC., EDGECLIFF TRADING CORP. and LE TOUQUET BUSINESS CORP. all commenced dissolution on 6th May, 2015; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

Notice is hereby given TEXTRON FINANCIAL INC. commenced dissolution on 7th May 2015; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

Notice is hereby given LAIMA ASSOCIATED LTD. commenced dissolution on 8th May 2015; and Belizean Liquidators Services Inc. whose registered office is at 50 Shirley Street, P.O. Box CB-13917 Nassau, Bahamas, is the Liquidator of the companies.

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Limited

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Companies listed below have been dissolved and duly struck off the IBC Register as follows: NAME OF COMPANY EAMON ASSOCIATED S.A. AMURAMA INTERNATIONAL INC. UNITECH INVEST & TRADE LTD. CELIC VENTURES S.A. HIELLO CONSULTING INC. GRISSOM ASSOCIATES LTD. HUVAL TRADING LTD. KNIGHTSBRIDGE FINANCE LTD. PORTIAGATE TRADING LTD. NEW BERMUDA LTD. SANA MANAGEMENT S.A. KNIGHT & DAY S.A. DILIS LTD. KOJAKS CUSTARD HOLDING S.A. VILADA GROUP LTD. DELLMAR INTERTRADE INC. REEVE INVEST CORP. FIDEXPERT ADVISORS LTD. RAZTOWER LIMITED WEDTIME BUSINESS S.A. MACHINE TECHNOLOGY LTD. WONDERFIN CONSULTANTS INC. IRWINA TRADING CORP. PAN AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION CORP. LEXI INVEST & TRADE INC. MANOR HOUSE LTD. SIZEMORE HOLDING S.A. ASOCIACION CIVIL DEMOCRACIA Y DESARROLLO S.A. ALCINA GROUP LTD. GAMGEE HOLDING S.A. RUDE ENTERPRISES LIMITED GLOBAL GROUP INVESTMENT S.A. MILLCROFT ENTERPRISES INC.

Date of Dissolution 01-Apr-15 01-Apr-15 01-Apr-15 08-Apr-15 08-Apr-15 08-Apr-15 09-Apr-15 09-Apr-15 11-Apr-15 11-Apr-15 11-Apr-15 14-Nov-15 15-Apr-15 15-Apr-15 15-Apr-15 17-Apr-15 17-Apr-15 17-Apr-15 17-Apr-15 17-Apr-15 17-Apr-15 17-Apr-15 17-Apr-15 17-Apr-15 17-Apr-15 17-Apr-15 18-Apr-15 21-Apr-15 21-Apr-15 22-Apr-15 25-Apr-15 28-Apr-15 29-Apr-15

Morgan & Morgan Trust Corporation Belize Ltd.

16 PUP Cayo Central youth hold successful camp fire Santa Elena, May 16, 2015 Over 40 young persons from Cayo Central participated in a first of its kind Youth Campfire organised by the PUP Cayo Central youth leaders.

The event was held on Saturday, May 16th, on Orchid St. in Santa Elena Town.

During the gathering, there were team-building games and activities surrounding the theme “I have power”.

One of the activities was to answer questions such as “If I were the Prime Minister of Belize what would I change”, to which the responses were, “I would stop spending Petrocaribe money crazily” and “I would let teachers get pay on the 15th and ending of month”. Another question asked the participants how they could make a difference in their community. They said that forming youth groups and carrying out community service were key ways.

One of the PUP Cayo Central youth leaders, Zoila Palma, expressed a positive message to the participants saying “It is important for you to know that working together WE as youths have power! Our main goal is to empower young minds! Build a better future for Belize! It is important that we are counted in as well”.

The group will continue to plan future activities and collaborate with the PUP youth arm, the Belize Youth Movement in its goal of engaging young people.

Southside A Sad State of Affairs Continued from page 14 Port Loyola are represented by so-called “roots” people who have no empathy for their own kind. Imagine that Prime Minister Dean Barrow and Minister Finnegan, in their humble beginnings, experienced their rite of passage on the “south”.

These politicians have lost their social conscience and have separated themselves from Southside, “from the boardroom to the bases” have become another withered grape.

This article is written with the hope of creating the sort of tension in society necessary to engage the marginalized and youths trapped in the gang culture to rise from the depths of the dark social and economic prejudice being inflicted by the UDP government. The Southside must “rise to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood”.We must rebuild by any means necessary. Even if it means presenting our very own bodies and lives as a means of laying our case before the political conscience of this government. Let the war begin. The war on poverty, the fight for equality and the war against the injustices which this UDP government has inflicted on the good people of Southside.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

PUP Cayo Central youth leader Zoila Palma with participants

PUP Cayo Central Standard Bearer, Daniel Silva presenting gift to participant

24 MAY

2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

Reid The Master of Games

By G. Michael Reid A while ago, journalist extraordinaire Glenn Tillett told me a story that has resonated over time. According to Glenn, there was a farmer who lived out in the country on a farm with lots of animals. Eventually, the farmer met a girl and they got married. Unfortunately, the house in which he lived, while okay for him, was way too small for his new wife’s liking. He promised her that he would build a bigger house but as time went by, the wife realized that her husband had no intention of making good on this promise. She began to constantly complain and her incessant nagging began driving the old farmer insane.

One day, after listening to his wife carry on seemingly without end, the farmer went outside and brought the cow into the house. Well, as could be expected, the wife went berserk since the already teeming quarters had now become even more cramped. She increased her nagging and the next day the farmer went out and brought in the horse. The more she complained, the more animals came into the house; he brought in the pigs and after that the chickens. This of course, meant that there was now hardly enough room in the house to move and the wife wondered if her husband had totally lost it.

They lived like that for a couple of weeks and all the while the wife kept on complaining and complaining.

One day the husband came home and without warning, moved all the animals out of the house. The wife was relieved and extremely grateful for the much needed space in her home.

She thanked her husband for being so considerate and kind and they lived happily ever after in the same tiny little shack that was once so impossible to live in.

There are ironic similarities between that story and what is happening now in Belize. Prime Minister Dean Barrow recently announced that he would be going to the House at the end of June and it seems that he will be taking the animals out of the house. The original house however,

that which he had not only already borrowed but much of which he had already spent. The same Petro Caribe money was then spent to mobilize and fund a big rally at the foot of the National Assembly while the three required readings of the Bill were rushed through inside in one sitting.

Realizing though, that that still did not go far enough and that the suit in court still had a good chance of succeeding, Barrow went back to the House. This time on March 26th, and despite strong objections from the Opposition People’s United Party, Mr. Barrow pushed through another Bill which gave him wide access to Petro Caribe monies. The Bill additionally legitimizes government spending of the Petro Caribe funds retroactive to September of 2012 when the program was restarted. This then, in effect, basically covered his behind for crimes committed and which I personally believe was the initial and primary objective of that whole exercise.

The irony here is that it was this very Prime Minister who in 2010 might have cut his own switch when he passed an amendment to the Finance and Audit Reform Act. At that time, the Act was amended to “provide sanctions for a violation of the provisions of the Act”.Those sanctions are to include penalties of fines and

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so much I’ll make you happy. I will put the money in the Consolidated Fund (as is required by the Constitution anyway), and thereby making it subject to the scrutiny of the Finance and Audit Reform Act. That is all good and well but that does not go far enough. Mr. Barrow will still allow himself to borrow money from Petro Caribe in any amounts without authority of the National Assembly and that being the original intent of his Petwill be able to spend in anyway he ro Caribe Act, will remain the same. damn well pleases. This crazy “Prime Unfortunately for Mr. Barrow, unlike Ministerial” law; this “malignant tuthe naïve little woman who married mor that eat away at democracy” “is the farmer, there are those in Belize indeed repugnant to the established who are seeing through his chicanery. legal order of Belize” and must be reIt has become abundantly clear pealed in its entirety. that the primary reasons for Dean BarMose Hyde on his “Wake Up Berow’s Petro Caribe Act was to make lize” morning talk show gave an even legal that which was obviously illegal better analogy. He compared what is and also to give him unfettered achappening here to a man who is sellcess to Petro Caribe money. In 2005, ing you a used car. Upon buying the after Belizeans took to the streets car, you find that the transmission is to protest plenteous borrowing and not working so you complain to the spending, the government of the day vendor. He then takes the car and was forced to pass the Finance and fixes the horn and he installs air-conAudit Reform Act of 2005 (FARA). The ditioning and he cleans up the rims.

Act was in response to a call for more He then brings the car back to you accountability and transparency in and expects you to be happy and government spending and to ensure satisfied. All that is good and well that any exorbitant borrowing was but the main problem yet persist first approved by the House. and the car won’t go. Regardless of Section 7 (2) of FARA states spehow the Prime Minister pretties up cifically that “Any agreement, contract this law, it is a bad law and should or instrument effecting any such borbe rejected outright. It is a major step toward dictatorship and Belizeans It has become abundantly clear that the primary reamust put all biases aside, sons for Dean Barrow’s Petro Caribe Act was to make put all political differences aside and completely relegal that which was obviously illegal and also to give law. him unfettered access to Petro Caribe money. . ject Ithis do not believe that This then, in effect, basically covered his bethe Prime Minister ever expected to get away with hind for crimes committed and which I personthis law in its initial form. ally believe was the initial and primary objective What is interesting and concerning was to watch of that whole exercise. are how his minions and confinement for not only the perpetratrough-feeders have lined up to suprowing or loan to the government of tor but for any who knowingly involves port this law; even in its extreme or to the equivalent of ten million dolthemselves in such a violation. This form. The Prime Minister has statlars shall only be validly entered into would no doubt include the Financial ed in his usual arrogant stance that pursuant to a resolution of the NationSecretary and is there any wonder “there is not a chance in hell that al Assembly authorizing the Governthat he has been so vigilant in trying there will be any repeal of the Petroment to raise the loan or to borrow to convince people that all is above Caribe loans act.” Well, let’s test that the money”. Since 2012, this governboard? because come “hell or high water”, ment has borrowed in excess of 300 The Prime Minister is now saythis law cannot be allowed to stand. million dollars from Venezuela. ing look, since you are complaining May GOD bless Belize!

In October of last year, after Belize’s loan from Venezuela had climbed to well over two hundred million, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Julius Espat filed a lawsuit claiming that the Prime Minster was being “unlawful according to the Finance and Audit Act”. A few weeks after the suit was filed, the wily Dean Barrow quickly prepared a Bill and presented it to the House of Representative seeking approval to borrow same money;

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24 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

For Sale

By Order of the

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 5th day of February, 2008, between CUPERTINA PULCHERIA TEUL of New City Area, Toledo District, Belize of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded at in Deeds Book Vol. 6 of 2008 at Folios 1189 – 1214, 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.

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 5th day of March, 2012, between NAZARIO ITZA JR. of San Jose Succotz Village, Cayo District, Belize of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded at in Deeds Book Vol. 5 of 2012 at Folios 1163 – 1170, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the properties 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.

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

SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE

ALL THAT piece and parcel of land being Lot Number 31 containing 464.576 SM situate West of Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District being more particularly shown on Plan of Subdivision of Block Number 28 by surveyor Valdez, Register 4 Entry 2194 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys in Belmopan TOGETHER with all buildings and erection thereon.

ALL THAT piece and parcel of land being Lot Nos. 284 and 285 comprising of 609.718 Square Yards and 495.109 Square Yards respectively situate in Succotz Village, Cayo District, bounded and described as shown on Plan No. 1151 of 2003 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 1151 of 2003 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 23rd day of April, 2015.

DATED this 4th day of April, 2014.

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

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

24 MAY

2015

Belizean makes history at Duke University graduation

Belize City, May 18, 2015 Last week, Belizean Kara Nisbet graduated from Duke University with an LLM concentrated in banking and finance law.

She is the first Belizean to attend the Duke University School of Law, which is ranked 8 in the United States.

Kara also attained an LLB with first class honors from the University of Buckingham (United Kingdom). While there, she also received the Butterworths Prize for the student with the best performance in Part 2 examinations and the prize for the best performance in the June 2013 part 1 examinations.

She also holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in international studies from the University of South Florida.

The BELIZE TIMES takes the opportunity to congratulate Kara on her remarkable performance and achievement and we look forward to having her home.

VACANCY: A Cashier is needed at B&B Grocery Shop located at #19 Orange Street. Call 668-9873 for more information.

VACANCY: A vacancy exists at New Shah Jalal store located inside the Caye Caulker Water Taxi terminal located at #10 North Front Street in Belize City. Must be male, with previous experience and between ages 25-30. Call 664-2534 for more information.

VACANCY: Needed: Shoe Shop Assistant at Belmopan Market Square. Must have at least two (2) years’ minimum sales experience. Police record needed. Salary is negotiable. Deadline to apply is June 5th, 2015. Call 631-3885 for serious inquiries.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Mexican celebs in San Pedro San Pedro, May 18, 2015 Mexican-American journalist and author based in Miami, Jorge Ramos and his girlfriend Maria Chiquinquira Delgado vacationed at Cayo Espanto celebrity resort, according to a report in the Ambergris Today.

On Monday, May 18th, Ambergris Today caught up with the TV personalities from the Univision network who were vacationing in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Jorge Ramos is a veteran journalist and anchors the Univision News television program, Noticiero Univision; hosts the Univision Sunday-morning, political news program, Al Punto; and hosts the Fusion TV English-language program, America with Jorge Ramos. His girlfriend Chiqui Delgado is a Venezuelan TV host, model, and actress. She is currently a co-host of Mira Quien Baila on the Univision; prior to that, she was the host of ¡Despierta América! Delgado was first runner-up in the 1990 Miss Venezuela beauty pageant.

Both Jorge and Chiqui posted a few images of their vacation in San Pedro on their personal Instagram accounts stating how much they loved their vacation in Belize.

Univision Journalist Jorge Ramos and Chiqui Delgado in San Pedro

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24 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2015

BELIZE TIMES WEEKLY

SCIENCE & TECH R

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3D-printing human skin: The end of animal testing?

Beauty conglomerate L’Oreal has partnered with biotech company Organovo to facilitate printing human skin for product testing.

By Jessica Mendoza, Staff Writer May 19, 2015 The era of animal testing may be coming to an end.

Earlier this month, French beauty conglomerate L’Oreal announced a partnership with bioprinting company Organovo, setting the stage for using 3D-printed human skin to evaluate cosmetics.

The collaboration could pave the way both for bioprinting on a commercial scale, and for animal-free testing across a number of industries.

“3D printing is really powerful because you can make a nice, thick tissue with all the cell types,” says Keith Murphy, co-founder and CEO of San Diego-based Organovo.

“That makes it more replicative of native tissue,” which in turn makes for better product testing.

For years, scientists have been working to apply 3D printing — a $2.7-billion industry as of 2013 — in medicine and veterinary care by using living cells instead of plastic or metal in the same layering process that has brought us toys, food, accessories, even cars, Popular Science reported.

“Instead of printing a test tube out of plastic to do chemistry in, let’s say we now print our test tube out of tissue, and we do chemistry in the tissue and look at the response in real time,” Lee Cronin, a University of Glasgow chemist and nanoscientist, told the magazine.

“That’s where things get really interesting,” he added.

So interesting that, according to Popular Science, investment has soared as labs and biotech companies worldwide began developing more sophisticated printers and printing prototype body parts, including heart valves, ears, bone, and skin. Scientists are currently exploring the technology’s potential to treat burns and aid in reconstructive surgery for humans.

Bioprinted tissues could also make product testing cheaper and more accurate, cutting down the need for tests on animals.

“Such technology could speed up drug development by replacing

E-Cigs May Not Help People to Stop Smoking for Good A 3D printing machine at the Organovo offices in San Diego.

less-ideal animal testing or the simpler testing done on human cells in petri dishes — and perhaps save millions or even billions of dollars from being wasted on dead-end drug candidates that fail in human clinical trials,” wrote LiveScience’s Jeremy Hsu. For L’Oreal, bioprinting tech is the next step in its efforts at cosmetics innovation.

The company’s technology incubator “is driven by collaborations with emerging companies, entrepreneurs, and experts in a diverse array of fields,” Guive Balooch, L’Oreal global vice president for digital research and innovation, said in an email. “[S] o once we saw the groundbreaking work that Organovo was doing in 3-D bioprinting, we were excited about the potential of working together to develop a new method of printing skin tissue for advanced research at L’Oreal.”

Since the 1980s, the company has grown and analyzed its own human tissue samples in an effort to move away from animal testing. Today, about 60 scientists work in the L’Oreal laboratories in Lyon, France, using tissue donated by plastic surgery patients to

grow about 100,000 skin samples — roughly the size of a cowhide — every year, Bloomberg reported.

San Diego-based Organovo’s technology promises to speed up, refine, and automate the whole process in the next five years. As part of the partnership, L’Oreal will provide skin expertise and initial funding, while Organovo, which is already working to print liver and kidney tissues, will provide the technology, according to Bloomberg.

The partnership is currently in the research stages, and it is not yet clear when the technology will be applied to product testing, Organovo’s Mr. Murphy says.

Still, it’s the first time for this kind of bioprinting technology to be used in cosmetics, Mr. Balooch said in L’Oreal and Organovo’s joint statement.

“Our partnership will not only bring about new advanced in vitro methods for evaluating product safety and performance, but the potential for where this new field of technology and research can take us is boundless,” he said.

By Rachael Rettner Some electronic cigarette companies say that their products help people quit smoking, but the evidence to back up this claim is lacking, a new study finds.

Researchers analyzed information from more than 1,000 people who took part in four previous studies that looked at whether e-cigarettes can improve quitting rates.

After one month, a greater percentage of people who used e-cigarettes had quit smoking, compared with the percentage of people who used a placebo or a nicotine patch. However, after three to six months, there was no difference in the quitting rates among people who smoked e-cigarettes, compared with those who took a placebo or used a nicotine patch.

“Although e-cigarettes are widely promoted and used as a smoking cessation tool, we found no data supporting their long-term efficacy,” study researcher Dr. Riyad Al-Lehebi, of the University of Toronto, said in a statement.

E-cigarettes do not burn tobacco. Instead, they vaporize nicotine, and the user then inhales the vapor. [4 Myths About E-Cigarettes] The new findings agree with a 2014 study that found that people who used e-cigarettes in addition to regular cigarettes were no more likely to quit smoking a year later than those who did not use the electronic devices.

A review of 18 studies on e-cigarette safety also found that users sometimes experience side effects, such as a dry cough, throat irritation and shortness of breath. Use of e-cigarettes was also linked with a greater risk of serious problems such as lung inflammation and irregular heart beat — compared with using a nicotine patch while trying to quit smoking.

“Given the potential health risks of using these unproven and unregulated devices, individuals seeking help with smoking cessation should consider other, more well-established options until more research is performed,” Al-Lehebi said.

The researchers noted that more robust, long-term studies of the safety and effectiveness of e-cigarettes are needed to see whether or not the devices really may help people quit smoking.

The study was presented this week at the American Thoracic Society International Conference in Denver.

24 MAY

2015

The paving of Mahogany and Sapodilla Street has now started

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP OW Town Council - All About Hard Work & Progress!!

May 19, 2015 The Orange Walk Town Council made, and has maintained a commitment of transparency and accountability in managing the affairs of the town. The OWTC has also implemented a policy of positive partnership and interaction with the residents we serve.

Guided by that, Mayor Kevin Bernard and the Council are pleased and proud to provide an update on the results of prudential, responsible financial management by a team with integrity.

George Street getting it’s necessary improvement. Since this was a paved street that needed urgent attention, the Council has decided to also get this paving done manually

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Upon assuming office in 2012, we met and were burdened by an unexpected and crippling debt left by the administration leaving office. This included almost $300,000 in old bills.

That has now been settled. In 2012 we met an unserviced bank overdraft to the tune of almost $150,000.

That has now been paid off. We met unpaid critical bills - $72,000 to the Social Security Board and $22,000 in Income Tax. We have brought those commitments up to date. And we

have paid more than $100,000 in gratuity owed to employees who have left the Council. There is a balance of less than $30,000 remaining.

Mayor Bernard and the OWTC take this opportunity to thank residents of Orange Walk for your continued support.

What has been achieved is through a successful partnership between a Council that works and a community that is committed to seeing the work get done.

Together we will work to continue the development of our town.

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THINK ABOUT IT MURDERS Only last week the Minister of Police was scolding the media for coverage of the crime conditions. He even highlighted that there was a decrease in certain crimes.

Tell that to the families of four more persons murdered over the weekend. And the scores of families and friends of those who have met their untimely deaths by the cold hearted killers who are taking lives each week.

The score card for the Minister and his government has to reflect a big failure when it comes to sheer inability to solve the problem of violent crimes and the root causes of murders.

The Police are very good at stopping citizens and dragging them off to Police stations for bicycle bells and lack of a bicycle light. As to harassing the young men and street people over small quantities of marijuana, they seem to delight in such.

But to conduct regular foot, bicycle, motorcycle and vehicle patrols - nada. Obtaining helpful information from concerned citizens - no such. Relationship between the Police and communities are at an all-time low because of Police brutality and unprofessional behavior.

The government is a failure in providing security to citizens and coming up with solutions to the violence that is endemic in certain quarters of the society.

EAMON COURTENAY Eamon Courtenay’s appearance on Dickie Bradley’s Monday night show on Channel 5 was an eye opener in relation to the Belize/ Guatemala issue. His comments made the government look shallow and without any strategy.

Guatemala’s foreign Minister arrived in Belize on Saturday, 16 May 2015. He came and went and Belizeans are none the wiser.

We are told he came to inform our Foreign Minister on what will happen next week when Mr. Elrington goes to Guatemala. Minister Elrington is to sign a change in the Special Agreement to allow Guatemala to hold a separate referendum on whether or not to go to the I.C.J. Eamon explained the risks and possible repercussions of this change and why is it our government appears to be fumbling and whistling in the dark.

Minister Elrington only recently told Belizeans that we have no maritime boundaries. He is associated with an unexplained statement that Belize has artificial borders.

To these remarks Eamon read from the Maritime Areas law which clearly places the responsibly on the Foreign Minister to ensure these boundaries are marked and measured.

Eamon also explained why the Leader of the Opposition has decided not to support going to the I.C.J. at this time. Part of that explanation is that Guatemala has conducted no public education of its citizens as required by the Special Agreement. Also, incursions into Belize by Guatemalans have increased with an accompanying rape of our resources. The Guatemala government has done nothing to curb these invasions by its citizens.

Neither has Guatemala worked with Belize to clear the well-established lines which represent the borders so that citizens from both sides can know where they are in these areas.

Eamon also read from a Statement released by the Opposition in 2010. It called for

24 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

a “recalibration of our national policy in our relations with the Republic of Guatemala”. It goes on to detail several initiatives that need to be undertaken by the government. To date, none have been undertaken.

The release further states, “We say that nothing less than this new material effort is required at this time. The PUP stands ready to play a leading part in this new effort”.

It is now 2015 and the UDP government could not even meet a commitment given by the Prime Minister to the Hon. Francis Fonseca that a press release would be sent to him and later to the public over recent request to change the Special Agreement.

Now, it seems, the Hon. Francis and his advisers have lost faith in the competence of the government on this all important Guatemala matter.

So has the majority of Belizeans.

Who can blame them?

PETRO CARIBE LAW The Prime Minister, who shocked the nation with his Petro Caribe law, the mother of all acts of arrogance, which puts him above the National Assembly, the Courts and all manner of accountability; was at it again.

Last week he announced that he would make the changes that the nation had been insisting he must make or face street protests.

Given how the Prime Minister lied to Belizeans that he would change the unjust and draconian sections of the gun law that arbitrarily puts innocent persons in jail; we cannot trust his word.

Until we see in black and white what he proposes, we must keep up the pressure against his retrograde, Petrograde law.

TALE OF A BANK FORETOLD Remember all those big announcements about the building of a grand headquarters for the National Bank, near the new Chetumal Bridge.

That has been scrapped.

A former government building on Regent Street, Belize City, which fell into the hands of a certain Espat has been purchased from him by the government for a whopping three plus millions of dollars. That will be the new National Bank building.

Regent Street, in Belize City, has no parking space. To buy the building and not build the proposed bank has deprived hundreds of Belizeans of making monies. No workers will be employed. No businessman, not even the usual cronies, will be able to sell any hardware or other construction materials. No trucking will transport anything. One .person makes all the money.

And people are saying that the building on Regent Street does not value three million dollars.

Something fishy went down - down south.

HOW How can Belizeans be paying $8.88 for regular petrol, and $9.34 for premium when all over the world petrol prices have plummeted?

How? They are stealing us.

That’s how.

RAMADI Ramadi is the capital of Anbar, one of the

largest provinces in Iraq. ISIS has captured Ramadi, sending shockwaves through the US, Britain and their western allies. The dictatorship countries like Saudi Arabia, Quatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates etc. are trembling.

They know if ISIS should reach their primitive kingdoms, they will all lose their royal heads.

They are all calling on America to kill all ISIS. America, referred to by Iran as the Great Satan, has been bombing anything that moves in the Caliphate being established

by ISIS. So far, America has targeted over six thousand targets for its war planes and drones killing thousands of innocent civilians in the process.

One question no one is answering: why is America killing all those people in the Middle East countries and embracing dictatorship?

SHAKESPEARE “This is the only known verifiable portrait of the world’s greatest writer made in his lifetime, it is an absolutely extraordinary discovery…until today no one knew what William Shakespeare looked like in his lifetime.” The quote is from an article in the 19 May 2015 on line article in the British Guardian.

The article goes on to say the only known authentic likeness of Shakespeare are the familiar ones of a round-headed bald man that exist in the First Folio of his collected works and the effigy on his monument at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Both of these were made posthumously.

JUNIE CRAWFORD Visiting Belize for the past few days is super talented musician, Junie Crawford. Junie was one of Lord Rhaburn’s top talents in his band and also for the Messengers. For most talent in Junie’s time, Belize had no outlet for the brother. So he migrated and established quite a musical reputation in Los Angeles.

Junie played organ at Spoonaz Thursday night 14th May 2015, along with a group of poets and performance artists. He returns to the Bahamas where he is currently living. He was visiting his Mom in Belize City for Mother’s Day. Big respect to this superstar and wonderful human.

THEY WILL SHOOT LIONS “Extremely outrageous” is the response of critics to a decision by the government of Zambia to allow the shooting of lions and leopards. The ban against killing these majestic animals has been in place since 2013.

Zambia’s tourism Minister says it will bring in revenue.

In neighboring Zimbabwe, there is also criticism for the government’s decision to sell baby elephants and other wild animals to China, Angola, France and the United Arab Emirates. The government says it is a better policy than killing surplus populations and they need the money.

OBAMA Barack Obama, the biggest let-down since America was exposed for gross atrocities in the Vietnam war, continues to kill of our dreams of a better world.

Called upon to de-militarize the police departments across the U.S.A the best that he has done is to place restrictions on the use of some military equipment. He is banning police use of explosive-resistant vehicles with tracked wheels like those on army tanks.

That’s it. He did nothing else.

In the USA the Police are increasingly behaving like military, dressed like military

2015

and carrying military guns and other military devices.

Back in the days someone would have said AmeriKKKa and you would have known what the KKK stands for.

But not this young generation.

FATHER LESLIE Roman Catholic Priest Father Leslie is the Senator representing the Churches in the Senate. He voted against the worst law ever passed in the National Assembly – the Petro Caribe law.

The media interviewed Father Leslie on whether he had to do full consultation and get confirmation from the Council of Churches and Evangelical Churches. He explained he had voted against a previous Petro Caribe loan motion because it was not good for the nation.

He said he voted from his conscience against Petro Caribe law as it was undemocratic and was not designed to allow for accountability. What an honorable thing to do.

What an honourable man.

If only union appointed Senator Ray Davis had a conscience he wouldn’t have destroyed his image and character by refusing to vote against the worst law ever passed in the land.

By the way is Mr. Davis still a Senator representing the very Unions that fought so hard to bring about accountability through the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act? In related news the conservative Chamber of Commerce, in a letter dated May 14, 2015 to the Prime Minister said, “Unfortunately the Petro Caribe Loans Act is the antithesis of everything that was fought for and represents a reversal of all that was attained by the Finance and Audit Reform Act”.

The Chamber went on to write that central to the principle of good governance, must be the reporting by parliament to the people on the way public funds are spent and assets managed.

CAYO MAGISTRATE The Magistrate assigned to San Ignacio Court, took up her law books and left Belize headed for Canada. Those she spoke with said she had fell in love with Belize and wanted to stay. She applied for work in the Solicitor General’s office and other government positions but was told a certain official was blocking her future out of sheer bad mind.

Magistrate Nardia Morgan could not take the undermining and left a country she had come to love.

Something is seriously wrong in the administration and personnel side of the Magistrate department where there is now an acute shortage of magistrates and where foreigners are given preference over qualified Belizeans.

THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING A book you should find time to read.

Top writer Naomi Klein has been getting rave reviews with her book “This Changes Everything, Capitalism vs. The Climate”.

PERCY SLEDGE ON CHANNEL 5 The great rhythm and blues and soul singer, Percy Sledge, was laid to rest two weeks ago.

Percy had visited Belize for a performance and Stuart Khron arranged for him to be interviewed on a one hour program called “One on One”.

Percy captured the hearts of Belizeans from one generation to another with songs such as “Take Time to Know Her” and “When a Man Loves a Woman”.

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2015

THE BELIZE TIMES

5 murders in 3 days Continued from page 1 the opposite. The past weekend proved Saldivar’s assertions to be completely bogus and his rationale rooted on deceit, when four more violent murders increased the murder count to 56.

There were five very gruesome murders between Friday, May 15th, and Sunday, May 17th, the first which occurred during the wee hours of Friday morning.

Sylvin Thomas Encalada Sr., a security guard, was found murdered at his work site at Maya Cement Warehouse in Ladyville. He had been found on the rope of the compound’s security booth with a rope around his neck, as if he had taken his own life.

But the Police’s investigations ruled out suicide, after finding evidence of foul play. Bruises were found on Encalada’s ankles, and a post mortem indicated that the cause of death was manual strangulation.

Encalada’s family claims that he was in possession of about $3,000 that morning. The money and his wallet were missing.

The second murder has sent international shockwaves as it involves two American nationals who were living in Teakettle Village.

Julian Christopher Jones lived on his estate in an area known as Pineapple Hill. His ex-wife, Laura Jo Lambert, discovered Jones’ lifeless body in one of the buildings on the estate about 5:30pm on Friday. He had multiple chop wounds on his body. His friend, 61 year old American retiree, Paul David Signorino, who lives on the Valley of Peace road, was also found dead. He had two gunshot wounds to his head.

So far, the Police believe that the men were attacked during a raid on the estate by armed robbers.

And not too far away, in Roaring Creek Village, the fourth murder continues to shock the community.

44 year old Rosalie Galvez was travelling with her family towards their home in Roaring Creek, after spending the day at a horse race in More Tomorrow Village on Sunday, May 17th, when upon passing the junction with the city of Belmopan, someone came out of the bushes and fired shots at the moving vehicle.

In the vehicle at the time were Galvez, her common-law husband Russell Hyde and six other persons, including her children, who were in the back of the pickup truck.

The assault was calculated and gruesome. Hit by one of the shots was Galvez.

She was rushed to the Belmopan hospital where underwent surgery, but passed away.

The family does not believe she was the target of this attack. “…the bullets weren’t meant for her, but the environment she’s been living in was her choice and with all the incidents happening in Roaring Creek. Whosoever did it, we don’t know. We are not a family of revenge.

We are not a family who is entangled in any gang warfare. However, my sister chose to live the life she lived in and the environment she lived in,” said her brother, Charles Galvez.

Galvez mother lamented that her

Rosalie Galvez

daughter’s death marked a very sad point in her family’s life as she become her 4th child who she has had to say goodbye to under difficult terms.

Galvez funeral will be held on Friday, May 22nd, 2015.

And while the family wants peace, one Ladyville family who was mourning the recent murder of their loved one learnt that there is an almost unstoppable war going. While the family held a wake for Sylvin Encalada, a group of men came out of the bushes behind the house and fired shots at a group of men who were there.

30 year old Kenroy “Bouncer” Arnold, a father of two children, was caught in the ambush and despite attempting to run away, like the other persons did, he could not escape the wrath of the gunmen. A pregnant woman, who was also in the immediate area, had to run for her life to escape death.

Arnold’s family believes that he was targeted in relation to a criminal trial against a person who was detained for shooting Arnold in March of this year.

But the family claims that Arnold had no intention of pursuing the criminal matter, and was preparing to drop the charges at the next court session.

CARTOON

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Kareem Grant executed on Periwinkle Street Belize City, May 21 2015 The gun violence continued in Belize City with shooting murder of 26 year old Kareem Grant on Periwinkle Street in the Lake Independence Area on Wednesday, May 20, 2015.

Grant received multiple shots his body and face. He was inside a fenced yard when he was ambushed by a gunman.

Police have found several 9mm expended shells on the scene.

Grant was on the news as recent as December 2014 claiming that members of the Gang Suppression Unit had violently beaten him and another friend with a metal pipe during a search of a home on Periwinkle Street. The men made a public complaint before the Professional Standards Branch of the Police Department, and the matter was reportedly under investigation.

Decomposed body found identified as Denfield Bowen Belize City, May 21, 2015 The decomposed body of a man found locked in a pickup truck through a feeder road near the Westlake community late this afternoon is believe to be that of 27 year old Denfield Bowen, Jr. Bowen went missing in late April. His common-law wife reported to the Police that he received a phone call before leaving home around 5:30 pm on Thursday April 30th and was not seen or heard from since.

Bowen, a resident of Plues Street in Belize City, left home in his red two-door Mazda pickup truck with license plates BZ-C 36757. It was in this same truck that his body was found.

The last time Bowen was seen, he was wearing a white T-shirt with the marking ‘RIP Kareem Lopez’ on the front and ‘Robbery’ on the back, along with a yellow ¾ pants and a pair of green Nike slippers.

The Police are now investigating.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

24 MAY

2015