Belize Times May 6, 2012

Sunday, May 6, 2012

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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SUNDAY May 6, 2012

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Issue No. 4794

Jeffery Must Go!!

Energy Workers’ Union promises continued industrial action against GOB’s electric company BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 It’s been the great David-vs.-Goliath battle that doesn’t seem, for the present moment, to have an end – the David [i.e. the Belize Energy Workers’ Union (BEWU)] on one side and the Goliath, the UDP Government-controlled Belize Electricity Ltd. (BEL) on the other. The BELIZE TIMES has been following the continued saga since it

first broke late last year and workers began agitating for better conditions, but when the workers decided to launch their own industrial action last week Thursday, April 26th, that was the surest sign that things had devolved completely out of hand. About thirty workers picketed outside of the Corporate Headquarters at Mile 1 on the Northern Highway, protesting the utility company’s deci-

Continued on page 3

No dignity for the dead

Police pathologist Dr. Estradabran & GOB fall out over contract Belize City, April 1, 2012 The entire nation is under crisis under the UDP Administration, and we mean it, every sector of society, even the unliving.

Continued on page 6

Senior Minister collapses in Cabinet

…now the gangs have Ambassadors Belize City, May 2, 2012 The Barrow Administration says it doesn’t have money for salary increases for public officers, teachers, nurses and police officers, but it can find hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay gang members.

Having already spent over $1m to pay gang members to keep the peace, the Government announced through Restore Belize that it will continue its “gang truce” program.

The truce had been hanging on a thin thread for weeks and it recently imploded when the leader of the dominant George Street gang, Shelton “Pinky” Tillet

Continued on page 3

Dr. Estradabran

NTUCB SELLOUT Union leaders agreed to keep members & public in the dark about negotiations with GOB

Belize City, May 2, 2012 An inside Cabinet source has shared with the BELIZE TIMES the startling news that a senior minister collapsed during a Cabinet meeting three weeks ago.

Belize City, May 1, 2012 Despite a multitude of labour issues affecting hundreds of thousands of workers across Belize today, including victimization and the high cost of living, all the Union Congress of Belize was able to muster on May 1st Labour day was a bicycle race.

Continued on page 6

Continued on page 3

TOP MODEL

BEWU members protest outside BEL, calling out for the removal of BEL’s GOB-appointed CEO, Jeffery Locke

continue to pay 13 gangs

See page 9

GOB will

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

04 PSU lashes out at GOB 18

Fuel prices increase again

Emmerson Eagan sentenced to life in prison Dylan Reneau

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Selected Nurses to Get Pay Raise… why the inequity?

We need jobs in Toledo District!

Dear Editor: I am Kenny Jacobs, Executive Director of Teens Belize Organization and TV Host for Developing Toledo TV Show aired on PGTV. As I write this letter, I am consciously thinking of the hundreds of students graduating from High School and University here in Toledo and have to go out district to seek employment. This in my perspective is totally discouraging, given the wealth of talent, resources and potential our district offers.

I am calling on the Government of Belize to lobby with investors from abroad to come in our district and build enterprises that would generate employment for the youth and people of Toledo.

Tourism, Oil, and Rosewood have begun to bloom but have faced its package of controversies due to the lack of proper procedures and education of the industry by the parties involved.

We need more employment opportunities with diversity being the ultimate goal. We need development of jobs in agriculture, agro processing, tourism, oil, forestry, fishery, education, and business to name a few. They are hundreds of youth graduating from High School, Tertiary and Vocational Institutions yearly yet there are minimal opportunities for employment. I believe the Government needs to open an “investor friendly” environment to attract potential investors who can build businesses and industries in the above mentioned areas.

Let’s look at Agriculture; there are many people in the villages who plant fruits and vegetables to sell at the Market in P.G. But then again, not all

The Party is nothing but the vanguard of the people, the active organ of the people, working at all times in the service of the people.”

of their products are being sold out and they have to take it back, and sometimes it gets spoilt or so forth. We need an agro processing industry in Toledo which can do canning and preserving of fruits and vegetables. This will greatly help to boost our economy here in Toledo. Toledo is a prime area for agriculture production and agro processing is an industry that will prove vital to our citizens of the rural areas.

Now, let’s look at forestry. This rosewood trade, which had and continues to have its clashes and controversies due to both the corruption in the industry and as well the miscommunication and lack of education about the issue by the people affected, is a very essential part of growth in Toledo. However, there has to be sustainable trade in place. The Government and all affected parties must work together to create a level playing field to ensure “Maximum Benefit to the People of Toledo through Sustainable Trade of Rosewood”.

Let’s look at an upscale Tourism Industry. There are many youth who are venturing into tourism and its related activities. We need bigger resorts to step into the playing circle, like Belcampo for example. The Government must create an avenue that would propel investor’s interest into creating first class resorts which can provide hundreds of jobs as receptionists, waiters, managers, chefs, gardeners, marketing, accounting and so much more.

The youth and people of Toledo will then be able to earn an income and share their knowledge and experience while serving tourists from abroad.

Let’s look at Oil. Although I am totally against Offshore Oil Exploration, I believe that if there is potential for us to collectively and greatly benefit from the Oil Industry, then let us enjoy the pie now then never at all. However, the decisions must be well informed and educated and we must drill in a sustainable manner. Our people and our country must benefit from this venture. Oil is Money. Our country is in a dire financial state. We must have sustainable development in this oil industry.

These are just some of the ideas that come to mind. As I interview people from all walks of life in our weekly TV Shows, many of them share these same sentiments. We need development in Toledo.

We need jobs. We need industries that will boost our economic situation here in Toledo. The Government must make every effort to lobby with investors and get the ball rolling.

It is indeed a fascinating approach for me to be taking this issue to a national medium.

Yours in Developing the Toledo District, Kenny Jacobs Executive Director/TV Host P.O. Box 114 Big Falls, Toledo Belize, Central America April 30, 2012

Belize City, April 25, 2012 The BELIZE TIMES has been reliably informed that the some nurses, mainly Registered Nurses (RNS) are being considered for a slight increment in salary by the Barrow Administration. This increase will be from pay scale 16 to pay scale 21.

While the BELIZE TIMES, who has been fervently lobbying for salary increases for all workers in Belize, is glad to know those selected nurses will benefit from what is long overdue, we ask Mr. Barrow what happens to the hundreds of other nurses, policemen, teachers, doctors, BDF soldiers and all other Belizean workers who are suffering under the difficult living conditions?

Life is haad out ya for everyone Mr. Barrow, especially those in the 43% poverty rate.

The thousands of teachers in Belize have once more demanded an increase in salary. Other workers, especially in the public service, are deserving of a pay adjustment.

On Tuesday May 1st, we will commemorate Labour Day what really is there to celebrate for Belizeans workers? The Barrow Administration has disrespected and dishonored the collective rights of all unions who represent workers. To add salt to injury, even the right to protest has been contained by amendments to the laws imposed by the Barrow Administration.

Belizean workers do not want to retrogress, they want to progress, in a just society, where they can be prosperous and look after their love ones.

Belizean workers must unite: nurses, teachers, as well as the thousands of other Belizean workers. Let your voices be heard, let your wrath be felt, and let Barrow know he must stop splurging our tax dollars on litigation, crime and criminals, families and friends, and luxury vehicles for ministers..

With all the money wasted by the Barrow Administration, including the $600,000 for new vehicles, the over $1m given to gangs and the over $6m spent on special lawyers, all Belizean workers could have benefitted from a decent raise of pay.

Mr. Barrow, stop taking Belizean workers lightly. They put you there twice and they sure can remove you any time.

OW Town Council’s Sanitation Department gets new gear BELIZE CITY, Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

By Alton Humes On Friday April 20th, there was a small, but highly important marking the handover of mint-conditioned, if not brandnew, equipment to workers of the Sanitation Department of the Orange Walk Town Council, which is hoped to improve, if not strengthen, the pride and dignity of these workers while they keep Orange Walk Town clean.

Mayor Kevin Bernard, along with Neri Ramirez, Councilor responsible for Sanitation, Staff Relations, Special Events and Street-side Chopping and Efraim Alpuche, Lead Supervisor for the Sanitation Department, presented 12 male workers in the department, with a full complement of gear – navy-blue jumpsuit (consisting of the Belize flag’s coat of arms with the motto ‘Serve the People’ on the front) and the large Orange Walk Town Council’s logo and motto on the back), industrial gloves, masks, and rubber boots at the Town Hall Main Room.

The brief presentation wasn’t showy; indeed, most of the men were excited, but not rowdy, about their new duds, which will not mess up any clothing they might wear underneath the jumpsuit and make the work they do far more bearable.

Mayor Bernard and Councilor Ramirez each gave brief re-

marks, with Ramirez making it quite clear that the gear was for work only, and not ‘to go drinking in’, as the gear will allow the men to represent their department and the Town with dignity.

THE BELIZE TIMES EDITOR

Alberto Vellos OFFICE MANAGER

Fay Castillo McKay PRINTING/PERSONNEL SUPERVISOR

Doreth Bevans LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams STAFF REPORTER

Alton Humes TYPIST

Rachel Arana OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed & Published By The Belize Times Ltd. #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize Tel: 671-8385 Email: belizetimesad@yahoo.com editortimes@yahoo.com

Sunday, May 6, 2012

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Jeffery Must Go!!

Continued from page 1

sion to fire three linesmen (surnamed Middleton, Lewis and Enriquez) for allegedly being under the influence while working on equipment and lines for them. That didn’t sit too well with BEWU and its leadership, who insist that the company was out of line, and it didn’t follow policy.

But even more than the firings of the workers, there’s the matter of the long overdue bonuses/benefits promised since 2008, but never delivered on to the workers by the company.

BEL’s Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey Locke, who was brought in by Prime Minister Dean Barrow after the departure of former CEO Lynn Young in the wake of the takeover from Fortis Inc., is getting the ire of the Union who

GOB will

BEL’s Jeffrey Locke

firmly believes that he and his Government-aligned cronies are not working in the best interests of the workers at BEL. In speaking to the BELIZE TIMES via phone today, BEWU President Marvin Mora said that despite some

continued ‘funny business’ over memos requesting a meeting between BEL and the Union, allegedly sent by an acting HR Manager (despite the position being advertised from the beginning of this year), they will be meeting with Locke tomorrow, Thursday, May 3rd (at a mutual venue agreeable to both parties) in order to attempt a start at resolving the issues above.

The Union’s position is solid.

They want the three linesmen rehired, along with justice for those from the Gas Turbine plant who have been fired; they expect a definitive positive answer regarding the employees’ bonus, and they want to CEO gone.

“We want the CEO to stop working at BEL in the best interest of the company, employees and its customers as well. Our people have already been sent home.

George Street

continue ‘bad man’, executed to pay 13 gangs Continued from page 1 August was gunned down. This erupted into fury in the streets, panic among security officials, and fear for senseless reprisal in the public.

The crime frenzy heightened when Arthur Young, the leader of the gang that is the rival to George Street, was gunned down at the hands of Police.

Over the last two weeks, almost a dozen persons have been killed due to gang rivalry.

It is clear the gang truce, as it is currently formulated, has not worked. One cannot buy peace and gangs are illegal. But don’t tell that to the Barrow Administration. Under their watch the gangs have gained notoriety, prominence and recognition.

Gangs have gone from issuing press releases, to suing the Government to now naming Ambassadors. That’s right, according to Restore Belize, the gangs have been asked to name a representative who will sit around the table to negotiate the truce. Someone will just replace Pinky and Arthur and the failing cycle will likely just repeat itself. In several of these meetings, the presence of the Prime Minister is demanded.

This must be upsetting to hardworking cane farmers, rice growers and citrus growers who have not gotten an audience with the Prime Minister for many years.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012 Brian Requena Welch, 49, otherwise known in the streets as “Oregon” or “Yankee”, had had run-ins with the law prior to going to the US a few years ago. His life on the streets landed him in trouble with US authorities and after serving time, he was deported back to Belize a couple months ago.

But it appears that none of his run-ins taught him the lesson of life to lie low once you have transgressed society.

Upon his return home, he quickly got

Brian Requena Welch

NTUCB SELLOUT

Continued from page 1

This wish-washy Labour Day commemoration appears to be in line with a secret agreement made between the Union leaders and the Barrow Administration to have “blackout negotiations”, which means that the Unions swore to keep the media and public, and even some of its members, in the dark about discussions.

The existence of such a strange “agreement” was revealed, perhaps as a slip of the tongue, by two union leaders who appeared as guests on the Dickie Bradley Special, a Monday night discussion forum on Channel 5.

Dylan Reneau, the President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, and George Frazier, the General Secretary, revealed that one of the reasons “nothing much is happening” with the Unions is because when they initiated negotiations with the Barrow Administration, the Unions agreed to a request that information be withheld from the Belizean public.

The Unions seem to have done an excellent job keeping their end of the deal while Prime Minister Dean Barrow who promised to give workers a salary increase and who has stood over multi-

ple acts of victimization, has done just as great in breaking his promise.

But the Unions aren’t rumbling in fury and discontent. On the contrary, over the last four and half years their leadership has come off seriously compromised, divided and all too willing to submit to the Barrow Administration’s wishes, instead of standing up for workers’ and fellow union members’ rights.

The NTUCB President, in particular, has appeared to be very sympathetic to the Barrow Administration.

We note that he has been enjoying the perks that come with appointments to several quasi-Government boards, including the Social Security Board and Belize Electricity Limited Board of Directors. During the Monday night show, he even defended the Barrow Administration’s refusal to increase workers’ salary, saying that if Government increased salaries they would likely have to retrench.

But his colleague, senior Unionist George Frazier, didn’t agree with him.

Frazier said it was unfair for the Government to be spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on vehicles yet refusing to honour their promise of wage

What we are saying is re-instate the workers, let’s talk about the other issues; the bonus and the others issues that are pending but send our people back to their original post. That’s all we are saying and then we can talk. If the Union sees it not necessary to continue to ask that the CEO stop working at BEL then we will back-off. But at the end of the day that is the position of the Union right now,” stated Locke during Thursday’s protest.

Other Union members said that since the Government took over the company’s management industrial relations have not improved.

As far any potential for surprise blackouts as part of their industrial action, Mora said that the Union won’t stand for it, and that that drastic measure is up to the company. He also said there are plans to continue their current industrial action should things go south tomorrow.

Either way, all eyes will be on tomorrow’s actions, as the very fate of the nation rests on what happens at the meeting. THE BELIZE TIMES will continue following this ongoing story.

into conflict with different street figures, associating himself with George Street notoriety known as “Gaza” and hurling threats at his rivals.

Requena’s rivals seemed to have caught up with him around 6:30 last Sunday night while riding on Faber’s Road. Requena, it is reported, ran for refuge in a dark area under three coconut trees at 44 Faber’s Road, but his shooter proved too much for him, and a series of bullets found their mark in his face and chest.

Requena’s landlord in Hattieville, Arthur Underwood, told reporters that he gave him another name when he went begging for lodging. He got that help in a small plywood structure about 400 yards from the Hattieville intersec-

Continued on page 4 increases.

Frazier also said that he does not believe there needs to be more than 11 Ministers in Cabinet, especially since its taxpayers who pay their salaries.

Reneau disagreed and said he has no problem with 17 Ministers currently in Barrow’ Cabinet.

Both Reneau and Frazier admitted that workers benefitted more under the previous PUP Government. In 2000, the then PUP Administration enacted the Employers Recognition Act which empowered workers’ rights. In 2004, all workers including teachers, nurses, Police men and public officers benefitted from a salary raise. The minimum wage was also adjusted, and increased to benefitted low-income earners. By 20052006, the Unions formed part of critical decision making bodies. Yet, the Unions joined and supported Barrow’s UDP in the 2008 elections for promises. Since 2008, those promises have been ignored and workers have been suffering.

In assessing the state of the Unions, Reneau admitted that there have been retrograde steps but said he was encouraged by the continuing negotiations with Government.

Of some 133,000 workers in Belize, only about 12% are members of Unions, a glaring indicator of the diminishing role they play in today’s struggle for workers rights.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Boco T dies inside San Pedro Police Cell ComPol orders criminal and internal investigation

BELIZE CITY, Monday, April 30th, 2012

By Alton Humes With the controversy over the April 22nd Police execution of the notorious Arthur Young still fresh in the minds of Belizeans, news that another man has died in the hands of the authorities has rocked the Police Department further.

The Commissioner of Police has ordered a criminal and internal investigation into the death of 38-year-old Kevin ‘Boco-T’ Kelly, a well-known Belize City street figure, who was found dead inside a cell in the San Pedro Police Station.

Police say that on Sunday April 26th at 10:30pm while on patrol on the island, they arrested Boco T as a suspect in a robbery. The victim, 24 year old Felipa Estela Lamb, said she was walking in an area near Barrier Reef Drive when she was robbed by a man who rode up to her on a bicycle. The man snatched her gold chain, which was at the time around her neck, and grabbed her and covered her mouth while he took her black and gold in color purse which contained $100. The victim was able to scream for help, which caused the man to get on his bicycle and ride away.

Police say they detained Boco T and were about to escort him to the Police Station when he bolted away. Police followed Boco T for several miles, firing their service weapon at him along the way, up until reaching the “Four Sisters Plaza” construction site off Angel Coral

Kevin ‘Boco-T’ Kelly

Street. Police say they saw Kelly jumping over a high fence, from which he apparently fell.

That’s when Police caught up to

him, and noticed that he had scrapes and bruises on his hands and face. But Boco T was not the same and he fainted continuously, even after he was taken to the Station, where he was locked up in a cell around 11:15 p.m. And that’s when things went from bad to worse, as at around 11:30 that night, he had difficulty breathing, with a Police Constable having to call in the Town physician, Dr. Javier Zuniga. By the time attention was rendered, Kelly was near death and was later pronounced dead by the doctor at 11:48 pm, with a likely cause of death being ‘severe head or neck injuries’, presumably from falling over the fence.

It begs a lot of questions that deserve to answers some of which his family, including his common-law wife,

Fuel prices increase again Belize City, May 2, 2012 Not a single word has been said by the Barrow Administration regarding a recent increase in the price of fuel at the pumps.

Fuel prices jumped by 7 cents and 12 cents for Regular and Premium gas, respectively, on Friday April 20th. No Government release was issued announcing the price increases.

Vehicle drivers have found out the tough way; arriving at pump stations and finding out that the value of their

dollar is much less than before.

The prices have reached a record high in the last five years, despite promises from the Barrow Administration that fuel prices would not become a burden to Belizeans.

But like the promise of more jobs and less cost of living, Belizeans were misled.

The new prices are as follows: Regular is $11.88 per gallon, Premium is $12.24 per gallon and Diesel is $10.94 per gallon.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Lorna Wade, haven’t been getting direct answers to. In fact, due to her expressed concern over this tragic affair, she will enlist the services of a lawyer to observe the forthcoming post-mortem of the body, as she was told by a stranger that Police likely shot and killed Kelly while he was running.

So, which is it – shot by Police, and left injured and near dead, or was it the fall after jumping the fence at Four Sisters, and Police ignoring the severity of his injuries? Either way, Police are now investigating themselves, as they say, to ‘rule out any misconceptions’. That investigation continues at this time.

George Street

‘bad man’, executed Continued from page 3 tion on the Boom Road.

Requena, Underwood said, made chicharon for a living, and was rarely at home. He had promised to vacate the dwelling the Monday after he was killed, having completed a full month of lodging at the house. Underwood said he learned of the murder when reporters showed up to inquire about him.

“Ih mi di play bad man out yah...want fight with deh bway”, said Underwood.

The killing is one that has left police looking for clues and finding none so far. No one has been detained.

Father of the Nation George Price oversees building of the nation’s capital, City of Belmopan 1967-1970

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Sunday, May 6, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Damned Economy…

Damning Silence

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There appears to be a compromise between the Barrow Administration and the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the most powerful and wealthy private sector organization, with, most important, political influence. Part of that compromise is that their former Senator, Godwin Hulse, who provided a kind of check and balance for Governments over the years, has been shut up at least for the next five years.

Hulse is now an open UDP – appointed to Barrow’s Cabinet as a Senator/Minister. Hulse has sworn to Cabinet secrecy and also to loyalty and support for every Cabinet decision, whether he agrees or not. The Chamber’s charm for Hulse’s appointment exists despite the fact that even as their Senator, Hulse showed a bias for the UDP and made decisions against the interest of the private sector. But we’ll leave that for another editorial.

Three of the Chamber’s former directors/executive members also joined the Barrow Administration and it is safe to say that their new pick for Senator is also sympathetic towards the UDP. We are not pointing out these things with any sort of malice towards the Chamber, but it’s important to know these things when trying to figure out what is happening and why things happen. We must point out here too that the Chamber’s recent elections offer a sense of hope that the Chamber won’t be a pushover. Not with a Madam President who has been tried and tested and who has survived unjustified attacks from all sorts of unexpected places, even the Prime Minister.

The reason we have the Chamber under the light is because we can’t understand how it is that they can sit there and not say anything about our economy, the super bond renegotiation, the serious and destructive crime wave, the waste of tax payers’ money, the lack of a budget, and yes, the continued abuse of public funds. Things are dread, and they must be the same for the Chamber. The future of the economy looks bleak and the increase in crime doesn’t make things better. The only people making money right now are the Casinos, the weekly ‘luck’ games and the pawn shops. The high level of crime in Belize is a direct reflection of the state of the economy. The higher the unemployment rate (some 35% in Belize), the worst the crime situation becomes.

While the state of the economy is due mostly to the UDP’s incompetence, the other major problem is the lack of confidence. To foreign investors Belize, under the UDP, is compared to that local hustler who will sell you goods, take your money then refuse to give you the item. Or worst, one who takes back the item sold and refuses to pay you back. And if you want to take the matter to a higher authority, guess what, that authority has been bought and paid for. The Chamber knows this. The Bar Association tried to warn the nation. A Government should never meddle with the Courts, or they risk losing confidence of locals and foreign direct investment, which is at an all-time low under Barrow’s 4 ½ years in office.

Anyone who has been closely following the Prime Minister’s grand announcements can tell that no one seems to want to invest in Belize. Remember the tall promises in the last budget of a new cohune oil industry, $40 million from Russia, and some “consortium” from Brazil who was going to buy BTL? We wonder if the PM will explain what happened to those in his next Budget speech, whenever he feels like presenting it.

The Chamber’s silence is frightening. To remain silent in times like these means that you either don’t care or are pleased with things. We prefer to believe that neither is the case with the Chamber, but we stand corrected. Barrow did everything necessary to win the elections and now that he got a second term, his administration still lacks the capacity to fix the economy. Perhaps it’s a matter of timing and the Chamber will decide to speak out soon. If so, then we understand. But if it is that they are compromised, then that is a whole kettle of fish.

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Senior Minister collapses in Cabinet Continued from page 1

According to our source, the meeting was discussing very serious issues including crime and the economy when it was suddenly interrupted by the sound of one of the ministers stumbling from his chair to the ground.

Everyone in the room froze in shock.

We are told that medical personnel from the Ministry of Health were called in, and ordered to keep the incident secret, to avoid panic in the public.

But why keep a matter of national interest secret? Wasn’t it Carlos Perdomo who resigned last year because of health issues, in the national interest? If a member of Parliament and even more so, a senior minister of Government, is in grave health so much that he collapses during a meeting, doesn’t it call into question his inability to lead and demands his resignation as well?

Our source withheld the identity of the minister, despite our probing, but emphasized that it’s a very important persons, so important it called into question the UDP’s ability to remain in office.

We at the BELIZE TIMES demand that the Barrow Administration be open and honest with the people of Belize.

Belizeans deserve qualified and fit leaders. The UDP’s incompetence is already revolting, but to have to withstand halfdead buffoons is definitely out of the question.

No dignity for the dead Continued from page 1

The BELIZE TIMES confirmed today that several dead bodies have piled up at the Belize City morgue and are long overdue for a proper burial for days and weeks, because they have not undergone proper autopsies. This is because Police pathologist Dr. Mario Estradabran and the Ministry of National Security are locked in a dispute over his new contract.

Estradabran’s contract expired recently. The Ministry of National Security submitted a proposal, but Estradabran rejected it, and countered with a proposal of his own.

The BELIZE TIMES understands that Estradabran wants monies owed to him for his years of service settled as part of the new contract. This was received by the Ministry of National Security with some difficulty, and has not been accepted.

The Minister of National Security has said that despite the ongoing talks, Dr. Estradabran should be at work, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Some months ago, Dr. Estradabran had protested that the increased level of violent crime in Belize was too difficult to keep up with as he had to respond to incidents all over the country to conduct post mortems.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Cousins stabbed dead during Agric Show!!!

BELIZE CITY, Monday, April 30th, 2012

By Alton Humes With the heightened crime in Belize City, one would think that the National Agriculture and Trade Show held this past weekend in Belmopan would have had enough security to hold off even the most minor infraction. Well, it didn’t and to the shock of hundreds of “Agric show” goers, two young men were killed right inside the grounds.

On Sunday, April 29th, 2012 around 2:00 a.m. Police were called to the main road of the showgrounds where they observed the body of 22 year old Javier Larios, a laborer from St. Matthew’s Village in the Cayo District, with two wounds: a cut wound to his right forearm, and a more lethal stab wound to his chest.

He was later rushed to the Western Regional Hospital, where he would succumb to his injuries while receiving treatment.

Over an hour later, it happened again – same area, and another male stabbing victim. This time, it was 23-year-old Moses Orellano, who was found underneath a white Mack multi-wheeler truck and also with a stab wound to the left part of the chest area, and blood streaming out from his nose.

Orellano was later identified as Larios’ cousin.

It is believed that Larios and Orellano were socializing inside the grounds when they came in conflict with a group of men earlier that night. It appeared the conflict turned ugly when they were attacked.

Orellano attempted to run, but he was ambushed.

Larios younger sibling, David, was walking ahead of the pair and heard the scuffle. When he turned back to see what was going on, he only saw men running away from the area where the bodies were found.

Police are investigating.

Javier Larios

Moses Orellano

Sunday, May 6, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Humor

in UDP Politics!

The following matters were discussed in Cabinet: • Herman Longsworth asked at the start of the meeting if it was true that the Police Pathologist Dr. Estradabran was on strike. When Faber asked why, Longsworth replied that he was considering asking for a post mortem since people are now referring to him politically as a “dead man walking”.

• Sedi was petitioned to explain to Cabinet how what started out as the Anglo-Guatemalan dispute ended up being the Belize/Guatemalan differendum, how from just wanting Ranguana and Sapodilla Cayes Guatemala now wants half of Belize, and whether he collected Quetzales for him coincidentally or incidentally saying…just then the whole of Cabinet blurted out “ARTIFICIAL”.

• The Minister of Agriculture took Cabinet on a tour of the Agric Show grounds where he showed them the Cow of the Year. When asked why the cow was named BTL, he answered, “well that’s because she can double up and triple up for us before elections. Anyone wants to see BEL?” • A preliminary report on the Bond meeting in Washington was read in Cabinet. It went something

Renowned Economist says Belize’s problem is poor governance

Economist, Dr. Richard Rahn

Wednesday, May 2, 2012 Belize is blessed with “wealth untold” as our National Anthem describes, but for years, the gap between the rich and the poor has widened drastically.

Today our unemployment rate remains at an all-time high and our GDP is quite the contrary. But if you were wondering if that reality can change, it can.

Dr. Richard Rahn, Chairman of the Institute for Global Economic Growth and Honorary Doctor of Laws from Pepperdine University, addressed the members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the occasion of their 92nd anniversary late last week. Rahn said that Belize is a poor country because we have failed to take necessary measures that other Caribbean countries similar to ours have taken to improve their economic standings. He pointed squarely at poor governance, the many regulatory impediments and taxes, and our judicial

system which in his view needs an overhaul.

In an article he wrote in the Washington Times, Rahn used the Cayman Islands in sharp contrast, which has a similar make-up as Belize, to point out that Belize remains with a per capita income as it did in the 70’s, when that country’s per capita income has grown six-fold since that time. Belize, being a bigger country than the Cayman Islands, should be richer he felt, since we have more natural resources.

And because the Cayman Islands have been able to maintain an “Honest” judicial system and a low crime rate, Rahn says those have been defining factors that have boosted foreign investorconfidence. Corruption is another sharp contrast between Cayman and Belize, according to the expert Economist.

Meanwhile, at its Annual General Meeting on Thursday April 26th at the Chamber’s McField Conference Centre on Coney Drive, five Councilors were elected to serve on its Executive Council for two years. They are Carlo Habet, Israel “Pie” Marin, Doug Bowen, Nikita Usher and Danielle Gutierrez. The Executive officers for the 2012 – 2014 Executive Council are President, Kay Menzies, Past President, Emile Mena, V.P., Industry, Allen Remier, V.P., Services, Rishi Mungal, V.P. Commerce, Alberto Young, Treasurer, Claudette El Ters, and Secretary, Ashanti Martin.

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like this: “we went, we met and we need to go back again. Signed, His Excellency Mark E.” • Gaspar Vega asked if he can keep the plane that landed in San Victor as a prized token. When Pablo asked whether he has space in his front yard for such a thing, Vega responded, “Imagine the possibilities”.

In other related matters: Both Marks were absent from Cabinet so when Barrow asked the CabSec to find out immediately why Mark was absent, Perdomo asked “which Mark?”

Barrow responded “not the one who thinks he’s a King, the one we call Judas”. ………………….

At a private cocktail, the Mayor of Belize City was asked why he fired the man who was working at the Cemetery when he has twelve children. The Mayor responded, “it’s the principles of transparency and accountability I stand for, I heard he was selling journey cakes”.

When the Mayor was asked how intended to deal with the crowd that hangs out and drinks in public at Brads, his response was that he was thinking of changing Brad’s application from Store to a Bar. ………………….

Vernon Cuthkelvin, the UDP who dared to imagine the impossibilities of ten Billion dollars was seen in and out of a prominent psychiatrist’s office recently.

When asked about it, his response was “this UDP bunch dah lone stress, stress, stress”.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Man, 30, accused of sexual assault on 10 yr. old girl BELIZE CITY, Wed. May 2, 2012

By Roy Davis A 33 year old man, who allegedly committed a sexual assault on a 10 year old girl, was arraigned on a charge of aggravated assault today in the #2 Magistrate’s Court.

He is Augustine Bejerano, an unemployed of Lord’s Bank.

Bejerano pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor objected to bail on

the grounds that the offence has become prevalent, that the complainant is of a tender age, that the defendant might interfere with the complainant and that if granted bail the defendant might not appear for trial.

When Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser asked Bejerano to respond to the objection to bail, Bejerano said he did not have anything to say. So senior Magistrate Fraser upheld the objection and remanded Bejerano into custody

until June 8.

The incident occurred on April 15 at Lord’s Bank.

The girl, a primary school student, reported to the police that Bejerano fingered her in her genital area while she was at home.

The child told her mother and her mother took her to the police station in Ladyville where she made the report.

As a result, the policer investigated then detained Bejerano and charged him.

Augustine Bejerano

Suspended search dooms missing Corozal fishermen BELIZE CITY, Monday, April 30th, 2012

By Alton Humes Three Corozal fishermen, missing for approximately two weeks now, could join the many others who have been doomed in the seas never to be found alive again, as the Belize National Coast Guard (BNCG) has declared a suspension on their search.

The trio of fishermen - 49-year-old Silvero Tepaz, 50-year-old Teobaldo Tepaz and 20-year-old Mejadi Tepaz – all from the village of Sarteneja in the Corozal district have been missing since the week of April 16th.

The men went off on a fishing expedition in their vessel, the Lucerito, believed to be bound for the Southern part of the country, but their last known

Mejadi Tepaz

location was between South Water and Twin Cayes.

It was on Monday, April 23rd, that hopes for their safety started to dwindle rapidly, as the BCNG was alerted about the ‘overdue’ vessel (they were supposed to arrive back into the city on Saturday, April 21st). An aerial search that began later that day and continued on Tuesday, April 24th, organized with the help of the family, the Belize Defense Force (BDF), the Fisheries Department and other experienced parties, turned up the vessel at the northwestern tip of Glover’s Reef. The engine, the drums, and a few other items/parts were missing from the boat, while the men were nowhere to be found in the immediate vicinity.

Francis Petillo charged with Robbery and Damage to property BELIZE CITY, Wed. May 2, 2012

By Roy Davis Francis Petillo, 26, a laborer who had several run-ins with the law in the past was charged with robbery and damage to property when he appeared today in the #2 Magistrate’s Court.

Petillo pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor did not object to bail.

Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser offered him a bail of $5,000 and adjourned his case until June 26.

The incident occurred around 1:20 a.m. on Monday, April 30.

The complainant, Robin Erazo, reported to the police that she was walking on Miller Street when her assailant who was walking, coming from the opposite direction, ripped her Mariner’s link gold chain with a rabbit medal design from her neck as he was passing by.

Erazo said the culprit ran and all she was left with was a piece of her gold chain.

Francis Petillo

Silvero Tepaz

Despite expanding the search area to beyond Glover’s Reef, including English Caye Channel to Gladden Spit, the search was declared ‘off’ by the BNCG on Friday, April 27th, and was confirmed as such today via a source in the BNCG. They will resume the search, “upon any substantive lead that comes in to us”.

Police investigations continue at this time, especially since blood spots were found on the boat.

Erazo said the gold chain has a value of $1,200.

She reported the incident to the police and she gave police a description of the person who robbed her.

The police carried out an investigation which led to the detention of Petillo and the charges against him.

This Week’s Sunday, May 6, 2012

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BELIZETIMES SUNDAY MAY 6, 2012 THE BELIZE TIMES see full color at www.belizetimes.bz or Facebook/ Belize Times

TOP MODEL Make-Up

tips

By Tania Tanesha (E-mail: mua.tania@ gmail.com, Cell: (501) 604-0736)

Ladies, take it off. I mean it! Next time you go to bed, make sure you take it all off.

I’m talking about your makeup, of course.

Sometimes we come home from a hard day’s work or from partying and find it near impossible to find the strength to remove our makeup, although we know we should. This week I’m going to stress on the importance of removing your makeup before you go to bed; and I mean ALL your makeup.

There’s a common misconception that makeup is the reason you start to develop wrinkles and “look older”. No way! Actually, not properly removing all your makeup is the major contributing factor of premature ageing. Hopefully, I can silence this misunderstanding, and send rays of confidence to women all over that were skeptical in using makeup for the same reason mentioned.

Why remove your makeup before bed?

Unless you plan on having a hot date in your dreams, there is no reason to leave it on!

Your skin needs to breathe while you sleep.

Your pores aren’t able to, with all the makeup on. Clogged pores can cause irritation, acne breakouts and blackheads. And it’s safe to say that that’s something we don’t look forward waking up to in the morning. Makeup also blocks the skin from naturally shedding dead skin cells, which can cause your own skin to look dull and unhealthy.

When it comes to the eye makeup, it can be a bit trickier to remove all of it. Since the eye area is very sensitive, we should be mindful of the type of cleanser to use.

Mascara, especially waterproof, causes the lashes to become thicker and inflexible. Rubbing on them causes them to break and fall off. Overnight eyeliners can swell and irritate eyes, causing puffiness when you wake up.

The removal remedy: Normally, good old fashioned soap and water doesn’t remove all of your makeup.

Obviously, when you dry your face, and you still see makeup on the towel, your face isn’t completely clean. I would recommend using a cleanser formulated especially for makeup removal. If you must use the soap and water, make sure to use a toner or astringent to remove what soap and water might have left behind. Clinique has a lotion-based one that moisturizes skin in the process. Less expensive cleansers are by L’oreal, Clean and Clear, and Aveeno. Cleansing cloths are wonderful for quick, on-the-go, cleaning and can be used around the eye area easily.

Not able to purchase a remover at all?

Well look no further than your own kitchen for the ultimate, fail-proof, makeup remover. Olive oil is amazing when it comes to removing your makeup. Remember, you can’t remove waterproof makeup with water, right? Dip your finger in the Olive Oil and rub your eyelids and eyelashes, gently. Be careful not to get any of the oil in your eyes, and then wash off with soap and water. You can also dab a cotton ball with the olive oil and rub your entire face to loosen the makeup, and then proceed to wash with soap and water. Coconut oil can be used as well.

If it’s important to you, to wear makeup, then it should be super important to remove all of it. Sometimes the good old fashioned way doesn’t cut it and we have to take further steps to cleanse our skin. Be good to your skin, and it’ll surely love you back so you can never miss a step when putting your best face forward.

Samantha Career Plan: Archaeologist Sign: Cancer Favourite Food: Tamales Likes: Modeling, swimming, dancing, hanging out with friends • Lives in Orange Walk • Fav. Quote: “One of the greatest pleasures in life is to do what others say you cannot do” • • • •

CATWALK FASHIONS What’s Hip...What’s Hot...What’s Now! Phone: 203-2936 / 620-7481 #148 Cor. Queen & North Front Streets Belize City, Belize

10

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Sunday, May 6, 2012

11

THE BELIZE TIMES

Stirm’s design comes out tops Wednesday, May 02, 2012 (Jamaica Observer) BELIZE’S Rebecca Stirm has copped her third win in Mission Catwalk’s sixth episode aired on TVJ last evening.

Her effort was a dress designed around the HIV/AIDS awareness ribbon.

“I made an effort not to over-style and keep the emphasis on the neckline and HIV ribbon by sticking to a simple colour palette and styling with a pair of chunky studded earrings,” she said.

For guest judge Dr Sharlene Jarrett from Jamaica’s Ministry of Health, “Rebecca’s chic interpretation allowed the red ribbon to be the focus without overpowering the design.”

“The woman who wears the winning piece will be making a powerful statement on behalf of persons living with HIV,” she continued.

A ribbon framed a high neckline of the design and continued down the back of the dress forming a dramatic scoop and crossing at the lower back.

The piece was created with an dou-

winner. Trinidad and Tobago’s Ryan Chanm, who consistently ranked in the top four until episode 5 where he was safe, found himself in the bottom three for the first time. Guyana’s Ryan Berkeley, who was last week’s runner-up lands in the bottom lot for the second time, Jamaican Natalie Rochester ranked in the lowest scores for a third time and became the latest casualty of the show.

Rebecca Stirm’s enjoys 3rd win on Mission Catwalk ble-sided, grey jacquard fabric that she found in the upholstery section. A red underskirt that subtly complimented the red ribbon.

The next best design came from Janel Jolly followed by fellow Jamaican Gregory Williams, who was last week’s

Beans from Belize seized for rat faeces contamination Belize City, April 30, 2011 If the following report is left unchecked, Belize’s export market for red kidney beans could suffer tremendously. Over 50 thousand pounds of the staple were seized by Jamaican authorities, reportedly after it was found contaminated with rodent faeces.

Jamaica’s ever-alert Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division (FSPID) seized the container of red kidney beans that was stored at the Kingston Harbour. The beans were packed in 750 bags.

FSPID senior food storage scientist, Tamara Morrison, told the Jamaica Observer that samples were taken during a routine check and contaminants found were tested at the rodent biology and control laboratory. The results showed that the bags contained rat stool, deeming it unfit for consumption.

The beans weighed 22.73 metric tons or 50110.558 pounds. It was valued at more than $2.6 million (US$29,953.92). The local distributor said it was imported from Belize, but the name of the exporter or other details regarding the importation were not given.

The report poses some serious repercussions for Belize’s export market.

It is the first known case of contaminated beans, and Ministry of Agriculture officials should move quickly to determine the “whos” and “hows” in this case.

Not doing this could cause alarm and lead to Belize losing its quota in international markets. There is already too much pressure from international

agencies, such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) waiting on a minor slip to black list products from countries like Belize.

Rebecca Stirm’s winning dress (Photo by Adrian Creary)

12

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 6, 2012

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Police United take on Placencia Assassins in Premier League finals

BDF’s Denmark Casey makes a header

Belize City, Saturday, April 28, 2012 The undefeated Police United Football Club will visit the Placencia Assassins on Saturday night, May 5, for Game 1 of the 2012 Premier League of Belize football championship finals.

The Placencia Assassins had outgunned the Belize Defence Force 4-2 in penalty shootout, when the 90 minutes regulation ended in a 1-1 draw, and extra time ended 2-2 at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio on Saturday evening.

The Placencia defenders goofed into giving up a penalty in the very 1st minute of play, but BDF’s David Trapp missed his chance to put the BDF on the scoreboard, hitting the right upright. Dellon Torres made them pay the maximum penalty when he escaped the marking of the BDF defense to head in the visitors’ 1st goal past goalie Frank Lopez in the 14th minute.

In the 2nd half, BDF’s Luis Mendez and Erwin “Bird” Flores entered the ball

game, while Rollin Burgess and Zerrick Torres entered for the Assassins. BDF finally got their equalizer, when Danny Jimenez beat Dalton Eiley to a pass from Marlon Meza and drilled the ball past goalie Elias Pelayo in the 80th minute to tie the ball game 1-1.

In the 7th minute of overtime, Zerrick Torres embarrassed Frank Lopez with a 2nd goal, but again the BDF stayed alive when Meza blasted in the equalizer in the 6th minute of the 2nd overtime period.

In the penalty shootout, Zerrick, Luis and Ashley Torres and Rollin Burgess converted their tries, and while only Meza and Tasher converted for the BDF. Danny Jimenez kicked a high riser over the crossbar and Khalil Velasquez gifted the ball to Elias Pelayo on the BDF’s fourth try.

Other game: Police United vs. FC Belize – 1-0 Goal scorer: Trevor Lennon (30thminute)

Danny Jimenez scored BDF’s 1st goal

Belize Rural girls are 2012 basketball champs Belize City, April 27, 2012 The Belize Rural Primary School girls from Double Head Cabbage are the Primary Schools basketball champion after the finals were held at the Young Women’s Christian Association court on Friday, April 27.

In the final game, Belize Rural Primary School won 20-2 over the Louisiana Government School from the Orange Walk District.

Kristy Terry led Belize Rural with 12 points while Sugar City’s Yazel Sutherland and Jennifer Torres scored one free throw each.

The Most Valuable player of the tournament was Kristy Terry of Belize Rural Primary, while the champions, the 2nd and 3rd place winners received team trophies and individual medals in the closing ceremony at the Rogers Stadium.

Other games: Belize Rural girls vs. Faith Nazarene School – 6-2 Top scorers: Kristy Terry top (4pts), Simone Sleeuw (2pts) Holy Family RC School vs.

Punta Gorda Methodist – 12-2 Top scorers: Kaycelie Augustine (4pts), Jersha Zuniga (2pts) Louisiana Government School vs. Holy Family RC School – 16-12 Top scorers: Aalyah Leiva (8pts), Stariette Requena (8pts) Louisiana Government School vs. PG Methodist girls – 9-2 Top scorers: Yazel Sutherland (6pts), Jersha Zuniga (2pts) Semifinal games Belize Rural girls vs. Holy Family RC girls – 14-4 Top scorers: Kristy Terry (6pts), Olga Gamboa and Rushelle Ramos (2pts) Louisiana Government School vs. Faith Nazarene - 12-10 Top scorers: Zelita Catzim (4pts), Julissa Balan and Ysela Quintanilla (4pts) 3rd place match Faith Nazarene vs.

Holy Family RC – 8-7 Top scorers: Janilee Parchue (6pts), Stariette Requena (4pts)

Wesley Upper boys win basketball championship

Wesley boys are champs

Belize Rural girls are champs

Belize City, April 27, 2012 The Wesley Upper Primary School male basketball team of Belize City won the primary school basketball championships held at the Roger’s Stadium in Belize City on Friday, April 27.

In the final game, Wesley won the championship against the Stann Creek Holy Family Continued on page 12

Sunday, May 6, 2012

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Belmopan, April 28, 2012 The two-man Belize Bank team of Amado Lopez and Daniel Cruz paddled their canoe to a 1st place finish in the SmartSpeednet Belize River Challenge canoe race on Saturday, April 28.

Fourteen teams registered for the SMART River Challenge which started off at about 9:22am just up from the Iguana Creek Bridge and finished at the National Agriculture and Trade Show at the entrance of the Hummingbird Highway in Belmopan on Saturday.

The paddlers stood outside their canoes at the starting line. At the long sound of the horn, the paddlers got into their canoes and paddled, however, as with many starts, this one was no different with a few teams tipping over.

Arriving in solo fashBelize Bank receives top prize ion and comfortably at the finish was the Belize Bank Bulldogs team in a time of 2:15:01 to take first overall and 1st Male.

The second place finish was most exciting as N.I.C.H. and Westrac sprinted for that spot. They were neck to neck coming down the stretch, however, NICH with Efrian Cruz and Jimmy Valdez was the stronger team and out-sprinted Westrac’s Erwin Cruz, Jerry Cante and Hener Cruz by a few inches, to take 2nd overall and 2nd male at a time of 2:16:48.

Westrac, also a 2-man team, also settled for third overall and 3rd male at 2:16:49.

Continued from page 11 All 2nd place teams in each category received a RC boys, 39-16. Shaquille Crawtrophy and cash prize of $50. All 1st place finishers ford led Wesley Upper with 20 received $150 and a trophy. In addition, the overall top points while Clifton Castillo led 3 finishers also received a trophy with 3rd overall, rethe Stann Creek boys with 7 ceiving $50, 2nd overall, $100 and 1st overall $250. points.

Belize Canoe offers special thanks to SMART for once The Most Valuable Player again being the main sponsor of this year’s race, and was Shaquille Crawford of Westhanks also to Mrs. Siroki for a wonderful job at time ley Upper, while the champions, keeping! the 2nd and 3rd place winners

Wesley Upper boys win basketball championship

received team trophies and individual medals in the closing ceremony at the Rogers Stadium.

Other finishers: Wesley Upper vs. Faith Nazarene School boys – 26-15 Top scorers: Raymond Gongora Jr. (10pts), Osbin Parham and Shevon Butencheon (6pts) Holy Family RC vs. Punta Gorda Methodist – 28-26 Top scorers: Remington Yarde (12pts), Filadelfo Barrientos (13pts) Trial Farm Government School vs. Holy Family RC – 21-17 Top scorers: Dedron Baptist (11pts), Remington Yarde (12pts) PG Methodist vs.

Trial Farm – 17-15 Top scorers: Filadelfo Barrientos (9pts), Dedron Baptist (6pts) Semifinal game Holy Family RC vs. Faith Nazarene boys – 17-15 Top scorers: Clifton Castillo (7pts), Osbin Parham (7pts) Wesley Upper vs. Trial Farm boys –33-11 Top scorers: MVP Shaquille Crawford (15pts), Cesar Vasquez and Elton Martinez (4pts) 3rd place game Faith Nazarene vs.

Trial Farm – 25-12 Top scorers: Ryler Rhaburn (12pts), Sergio Rodriguez (4pts)

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Belize Bank canoe wins Smart River Challenge Other games: “Simply D Best” – 4th overall, 4th Male (2:17:12) Paddlers: Eric Cano, captain Roberto Cabb and Roy Cano Oceana - 5th overall, 5th Male (2:22:45) Paddlers: Chris Guydis, Leon Gillett and Jermaine Sanchez “Wat Eva Boyz” – 6th overall, 1st Intramural/Juniors (2:24:17) Paddlers: Jesús Linares and Adrian Williams “Beat di Burn” – 7th overall, 1st Mixed Paddlers: Keron and Clayton Cabb, Captain Francisca Pfaender (2:26:50) Unknown Team – 8th overall, 2nd Intramural/Juniors (2:28:13) Paddlers: Raymond Gillett, Jeff Rhaburn and Euken Arnold Team Police Female - 9th overall, 1st Female (2:30:31) Paddlers: Audrey Moody, Jane Usher and Ruth Cruz Print Belize – 10th overall, 1st Pleasure (2:30:50) Paddlers: Jesús Cruz, Rudolph Gentle and Javier Guardado “Tacos” - 11th overall, 2nd Pleasure (2:32:43) Paddlers: Hilberto Cruz, Andres Cabb and Brandon Cante

Belize Telemedia upsets Mirage Lady Rebels 10-4

Mary Flowers

Belize City, April 29, 2012 The defending Belize City women’s softball champions, Belize Telemedia handed the Mirage Lady Rebels their second loss of the 2012 Belize City women’s softball competition.

Telemedia scored 10 runs on 11 hits including second baseman Kyle McFadzean’s 2 run double to right field. Telemedia’s centre fielder Lydia Cacho collected 2 more hits in 5 officials at bats.

The Mirage Lady Rebels scored 6 runs on 6 hits. The key blow was third baseman Mertell Bailey’s run producing triple off Telemedia’s starter and winner Mary Flowers in the top of the 7th inning.

However, the Mirage Lady Rebels defence committed an alarming 12 errors with short-

Rounding up the last 3 teams, taking twelfth overall and 6th Male was the BNE Wind Breaker, paddled by Henry, Roberto and Aroldo sponsored

by Belize Natural Energy and Gobbi Challenge, they too also had a spill at the Iguana Creek Bridge, but clean up quickly afterwards and finished at 2:36 flat.

The Grumpy Old Men, Jerry Wilken, Joe Fusy and Kevin Siroki arrived some sixteen minutes later at 2:52:17 to take 13th Overall and 1st Masters. Last but not least was Reagan International with Simon August, Brandon Lopez and Steven Castillo bringing in the 14th spot and 7th Male at time 3:07:18. Kudos to these youths, since they started canoeing, they’ve been in every race with strong heart and determination, keep up the effort.

stop Sherette Vernon committing 5 in the game.

The winning pitcher was Mary Flowers who struck out 7 batters and the losing pitcher was Laneisha Jones who struck out 3 batters including the veteran Ruth Lamb and Lydia Cacho.

Other game: Telemedia vs. Hurricanes – 19-2 (mercy rule) Winning pitcher: Mary Flowers

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Sunday, May 6, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

15

Great at 68

HRCU Success Story Continues Belize City, April 30, 2012 On Saturday April 28, 2012 at the SJC Gymnasium, Holy Redeemer Credit Union, the poor people’s bank, held its 68th Annual General Meeting.

Despite the heat and other events happening countrywide over 2000 member-owners showed up at the business meeting to hear how their investment and their financial institution was doing. And they were not disappointed.

Mr. Karl H. Menzies, President of the Board of Directors, opened his report with, “Yet another year of steady growth has been recorded into the history books of HRCU despite the difficult economic times we are being forced to endure,” and proceeded from there to explain how it is that HRCU remains a bastion of financial strength even while so many businesses are closing their doors.

The key he said is the loyalty of the member-owners who know that under the prudent fiscal management of Miss Jane and the other staff members, their money is safe and growing.

Indeed, HRCU realized 9.61% growth in the last fiscal year, increasing their total assets by $36.7 million to $418.7 million. From the daily operations, it grossed $37.9 million, netting over $28 million after expenses were deducted.

Each month HRCU was able to net a profit of over $2.1 million. Incredible!

Of course the sustained depressed economy and high unemployment

Mrs. Jane Usher addresses those in attendance

have had their effects on all financial institutions, and HRCU is no exception.

Mr. Menzies explained that the excess liquidity in the banking system and the fact that Belizeans are afraid of borrowing in these difficult times have caused the investments of HRCU to not be yielding full potential.

As a result, the Board decided to declare a reduced dividend of 6.75%, and hold back more of the profits as a buffer for the expected worse times ahead. In order to encourage borrowing, the Board also recommended a 12.5% rebate on the interest paid during the year for all current loans. With this rebate, and the no fee, no penalty loans, the interest rate at HRCU of 1% per month on the declining principal balance is still the most competitive in Belize.

The Credit Committee Report was

2 Guatemalans detained for illegal logging

26th April, 2012 Yesterday, 25th of April during a special patrol conducted in the Caracol Archaeological Reserve, security forces, park wardens from the Institute of Archaeology and Chiquibul National Park Rangers were successful in detaining two Guatemalan nationals engaged in illegal logging.

For weeks park wardens had been reporting of chainsaw sounds heard around the vicinity of the Caracol epi-

center. This area is located some 8 kilometers inside Belize. The extraction of timber in this area has been extreme and the destruction perverse, which has alerted security forces and park managers to find ways to curb this illegal activity. Logging occurs mainly at night and thus it limits the number of successful interventions. Last year the Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) conducted an illegal logging assessment which resulted in a disturbing reality. Alone in the Caracol Archaeological Reserve over US$2,423,987.00 of timber have been lost. Our observations demonstrate that even undersize cedar and mahogany are now being targeted.

During the night operation several chainsaws were heard and by the time the security agents arrived on location under the shadow of darkness, two persons were apprehended whilst one escaped. In their possession was a 33 inch Stihl chainsaw, measuring tape and machine oil. The persons gave

delivered by Ms. Marion Marsden, who said that in the past year alone HRCU approved over 21,000 loans totaling more than $73 million dollars. In total, HRCU has almost $250 million lent out, of which the biggest category is house repairs and renovations, followed by investment.

Ms. Marsden explained that the increased unemployment has impacted negatively on the loans portfolio with higher levels of arrears. She encouraged all member-owners to live by the motto of the credit union movement, to save regularly, borrow wisely and repay promptly.

The star of the afternoon, as always, was Miss Jane, who delivered the Treasurer’s Report. She told the audience how proud she was last November when HRCU passed the $400 million asset milestone and re-

their names as 19 year old Cruz Milian and 26 year old Miguel Angel Sandoval from the village of La Rejoya, Peten, Guatemala.

Both were transported to the San Ignacio police station where they are expected to be charged for illegal entry, illegal logging and resisting arrest.

Ground effort in the combat against illegal logging in the Chiquibul Forest is made possible through the assistance from the FAO/FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Support Programme for African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries).

minded them of when the institution first reached $1 million in total assets in 1969. She was happy that membership grew by 2,909 in the past year and stood at 47,758, almost 15% of the total population of Belize.

There were rumours prior to the meeting that Miss Jane was retiring.

But everyone was happy to hear that the Board had recommended and Miss Jane accepted to be elevated to the position of Director Emeritus of HRCU. Miss Jane and HRCU are one and the same, and the member-owners are proud to walk into #1 Hyde’s Lane and see her behind her desk every day. She is a marvel and one of the most incredible women in the history of Belize. She will now oversee the passing of the torch to a new generation of credit unionists to nurture and grow the great credit union movement.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Mother’s Day Wordsearch Can you find the word for Mother in all these different languages?

What are you doing for your Mom on Mother’s Day? It will be celebrated on Sunday, May 13.

While you think about it have some pre-Mother’s Day fun with us!

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Ahmahm (Arabic)

haakui madre Haakui (Maori)

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makuahine

Mamma (Italian) moeder Mother (English)

Mzazi (Swahili) mzazi

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maji(Spanish) Madre

Makuahine (Hawaiian) Maman (French)

maman

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Mater (Latin)

mother muter Muter (Yiddish)

Okaasan (Japanese)

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Moeder (Afrikaans) mutter Mutter (German)

Pabo (Punjabi)

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Sunday, May 6, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Eulogy for Artist Benjamin Nicholas

By Yasser Musa Saturday 21st April, 2012, Sacred Heart Church, Dangriga Today we say goodbye to Benjamin Nicholas son of the late Ignatius Nicholas and Perfecta Avilez Nicholas, and siblings Victor, David, and Andrea Nicholas.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Mrs. Ysidora Lauriano Nicholas; children, Pastor Caleb Nicholas, Aaron, Isaiah, Bernadette and Avis Nicholas; eighteen grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. Sisters, Dorothy Nicholas, Luisa Nicholas Grinage, Shirly Nicholas, Christine Nicholas Lambert, and brother, Maxie Nicholas; daughter-in-laws, Mrs. Barbara Nunez Nicholas and Mrs. Rebecca Sabal Nicholas; several nieces, nephews and friends.

From Boyo Creek to Barranco Born on August 6th, 1930 Benjamin Nicholas grew up on a farm near Boyo Creek where they grew banana, yams, cassava, rice, badu or dashi and coconunts among other crops. However, his family roots are firmly planted in the great village of Barranco. His father would play a key role in his early development often telling the young Benjy vivid stories about the United Fruit Company.

As a primary school student young Benjamin demonstrated a love and affection for all things visual.

He carefully studied nature and would examine papaya leaves trying to figure out its aesthetic essence. His brothers said that he was never one to obsess over academics. He was more a free spirit.

He loved fishing as a boy. He would paddle the trip to Barranco from Boyo Creek to attend school with his brother Victor.

From age five until recently Benjy carried a pencil and brush in his hand.

Always drawing, always dreaming.

Victor recalls Benjy saying that when he grew up the heaviest thing he would carry is a paint brush.

His father was the only commercial sign painter in Barranco, but on seeing his son’s artistic inclination encouraged Benjy to create something of his own. This idea stuck with him the rest of his life.

Moving Around His early adult life could be characterized as a period of moving around. He went to Guinea Grass, some say he ran away and others say to intern as a teacher with his uncle Mr. Avilez. Whatever the circumstance, one thing was clear to

Benjy, he did not want to be a school teacher. After leaving Guinea Grass he lived alternately between Barranco and Punta Gorda with a brief stint in Guatemala, and Belize City.

When historian Dr. Aondofe Joe Iyo was compiling his research for the book Benjamin Nicholas: Painter from Boyo Creek he indicated to me that this period of Nicholas’ life was difficult to frame in chronological order and it was Benjamin that closed that part of the book with a perfect phrase, “I was all over the place, all over the country, all over Belize…I care little for dates and time.”

The Emerging Artist In the late 1950s and 1960s Benjamin Nicholas began to take his work as an artist seriously. It was a struggle in then colonial British Honduras with a system designed to treat anything indigenous or original with contempt and disregard, but Benjamin was strong-minded. His attitude of self-determination, and cultural pride was growing and this

is why we consider him one of the fathers of our cultural re-birth.

The Struggle From 1970 to 1973 he studied art at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. On his return to Belize, he settled in Dangriga and painted to the time of his death. What can we say about his extraordinary longevity? The artist Pablo Picasso said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” Benjamin Nicholas figured that out. It was not easy. He struggled to put food on the table for his family often lamenting on the image of his studio full of unsold paintings. In a television interview in 1994 he said that “I spent a lot of my life without selling anything.”

Benjamin Nicholas always insisted on two things for his children: get a good education and speak the Garifuna language. And while it must have been difficult to deal with a father who was an artist, I am sure today as his children reflect on the life of their father they will find great pride in what he stood for, worked for and struggled for.

The bold Garifuna Artist How do we build up ourselves as a society? This question is as important today in 2012 as it was for Benjamin Nicholas in the 1970s.

As this nation struggled toward its Independence in 1981, it was artists like Benjamin Nicholas, Pen Cayetano, George Gabb, Wilfred Peters and so many others that we the people, leaned on to define and clarify our cultural situation. Today we head toward a cultural dystopia be-

17 cause we still struggle to value and understand the role of the artist to his or her society.

With his images Benjamin Nicholas inspired us to appreciate, respect and recognize the rural life as a potent function of the growing nation.

He boldly narrated with his brush the many aspects of Garifuna culture.

His art encapsulates the human spirit of cooperation, of unity, of hard work and dedication to community. His pictures will stand the test of time because not only are they snapshots of a nation’s soul, but they were done with the honesty and sincerity of an artist in the glory of his imagination.

The legacy We admire Benjamin Nicholas because he was an original. He worked. He produced. He delivered.

He used his isolation to bring forth dedication.

His art works hang on the walls of ordinary people, art collectors, in museums around the world and in the halls of power of many friendly nations including Cuba, South Africa, Venezuela, and Canada.

The Garifuna people have lost one of its great pioneering visual narrators.

Belize has lost an artistic and cultural warrior of extraordinary courage, determination and gift. We are thankful that his works will serve as evidence of his greatness.

We come here today to pay our deepest respect to a man whose work was his life. His work must never die. In the words of the Colombian artist Fernando Botero “When you start a painting, it is somewhat outside you. At the conclusion, you seem to move inside the painting.”

Benjamin at his earthly conclusion moved inside his painting.

I pause, to pay homage to the thousands of hours, the loneliness, the isolation, the quite time, and the dignity - his life’s work. I pause, so I can truly understand that here in Dangriga lived a great artist from Boyo Creek near Barranco. I pause, to pay tribute to Benjamin Nicholas the cultural marathon man who never put down his brush and never swayed from his self-imposed responsibility as ringmaster of the peoples’ canvas.

I bear witness.

Rest in peace, Benjamin Nicholas…

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THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT IF OIL IS FOUND The big people who control tiny little countries like ours, and tiny little Prime Ministers like ours, are pushing for oil exploration in our protected areas, reef area and blue seas.

Oil exploration in Toledo has particular importance for a number of interests, including Guatemala and the pro-Guatemalan interests.

The referendum law was hastily amended to make it a toothless tiger. The percentages are unreachable and it is not binding. Government can and will ignore it, Can you imagine what new monsters will come our way once oil is found in Toledo?

The Guatemalans with the help of their friend the British or USA will almost certainly end up with Toledo, by hook or crook. They are pressing Belize to rush to the International Court, which will no doubt rule with the oily men.

You put that in your pipe and smoke it. Smoke it till it blows your mind.

JUST WEEKS AFTER General elections in Belize were held a mere seven weeks ago. A much weakened UDP government was returned to office and already they are in Washington signing momentous commitments that will affect the future of our nation and all our people.

They told us about it after the fact.

The Government has agreed with its foreign masters to commit our future to a joint referendum along with Guatemala to be held next October 6, 2013.

This referendum is to get Belizeans to vote yes to going to the International Court of Justice to decide on settling the Guatemalan claim to Belize.

Guatemala is asking the Court to give them half of Belize. Belize is not asking for anything. Belize will be like a dependent, asking the Court not to grant Guatemala its claim.

This momentous matter that will impact on our very existence has not even been taken to the National Assembly for public information and debate. Incredible.

It is not even clear if there has been any detailed Cabinet paper and discussion.

What is clear is that the government has been sucked into the process and once on the back of the tiger, cannot come off.

You can mark this down. The Government, with both local and foreign resources, will go all out to ensure that the referendum achieves the necessary percentage to be considered as having been passed.

Thereafter, it’s on to the foreign Court in Europe.

And let’s ask this question now. What happens if the Court rules in favour of Guatemala?

We are going up the proverbial creek without a paddle in our hands.

Did you hear like Phillip Goldson is turning over in his grave?

AGRIC SHOW A FAILURE The National Agriculture Show has come and gone.

Another hot weekend in the hot confines of the show ground between Roaring Creek Village and Belmopan Village (or City if you prefer).

The Agriculture show is a failure. It is not about agriculture. It does nothing to promote agriculture or to big up the farmers or to encourage us to eat what our

farmers grow and to shun foreign food and drinks.

The show does not encourage backyard gardening. They don’t give away seeds or sell plants or take names and addresses of persons who wish to become small farmer or wish to learn the basics in planting vegetables and other crops.

Each year the show is the same old, same old. Thousands of bored Belizeans attend for an outing and are subjected to music and endless walking around in the heat.

It is written, where there is no vision, the people perish. Look at us spending millions to import some other country’s agriculture products. Look at us eating canned food full of preservatives and cancer causing chemicals.

What a wonderful dream come true if we had a Ministry of Agriculture and a Minister who cared for increasing our agricultural production, consumption and exportation. That would be hallelujah time.

But no such thing exists.

NO WAKE, PLEASE There was a time, when our beloved ones passed away we held wake for friends and relatives.

At a wake, there were those who stayed through the night making wreaths from flowers and vines and crepe paper and trying wires.

There were the conversationalists.

They discussed the good and a little bit out of the bad (with honour) to the deceased.

There were the genuine mourners and there were the squawkers.

Coffee, tea, journey cakes with cheese, would be served.

There was rum and there were the drinkers. Drinkers were an important part of a wake.

And there were the singers. They were the essence of a wake. They would sing those emotional, mournful hymns all through the night.

There were persons like he Hawk (he had a mule and cart) and Mr. Staine from Wagner Lane (eh sold boledo). They competed to lead the singers at a wake. They knew the hymns so much that they knew what numbers they were on the Anglican hymn book. They had their separate followers.

Hawk – Hymn 740 “God be with you till we meet again”.

Staine – Hymn 184 “Rock of ages cleft for me” Hawk, trying to get in before Stain can all another hymn and his followers do a double – Hymn “Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound”.

And so it would go all night long, into the wee hours of the morning.

Wakes must have their roots in Africa. Wakes are both festive and mournful.

Wakes celebrate the life and mourn the passing of the departed.

Sometimes there were “nine nights” of remembrance.

Wakes were a part of our traditions and culture.

Nowadays radio and television announcements of death, increasingly carry the notice “There will be no wake”. Sad. One reason is the hard economic times. Johnny Cakes, coffee, tea, rum, biscuits and cheese cost money.

Another reason, hard times again, is that many “mourners” turn up at wakes and eat and drink their belly full and don’t even know how the dearly departed.

A wake has become an opportunity

Sunday, May 6, 2012

for sufferers to catch a free meal. If alcohol is available, then all the better.

If you listen you an at times hear the inquiry – da who dead da dis house? Da who got the Travellers (rum)?

And they don’t even know a single hymn. There will be no wake!

AND DEATH SHALL HAVE DOMINION Since the year started 42 persons have been murdered.

This number is more than for the same period last year.

When last have you heard a single solution to the crime violence and murders in our country?

Where there is no vision, the people get murdered.

BETTER THAN BETTY DAVIS “She’s got Betty Davis eyes” goes a former popular song by Kim Carnes.

“Her hair is harlow gold/Her lips sweat surprise/Her hands are never cold/ she got Betty Davis eyes”.

The young lady who read Channel 7 News on Friday, she got the eyes. The eyes have it.

Truth is she got better than Betty Davis eyes.

Jules may have to fest up extra pay for those mesmerizing eyes.

LEGAL PROMOTIONS The Judicial Services Commission has promoted two Belizeans working in the Solicitor General’s Department.

Magali Perdomo has been promoted from Crown Counsel to Senior Crown Counsel.

Adrian Bennett has also been promoted from Crown Counsel to Senior Crown Counsel.

Congratulations are in order. You guys have worked hard and are faithful civil servants.

Have there been any promotions in the Magistracy and the DPP offices for Belizeans?

AND THE BIBLE “Take no gift, for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous” – Exodus 23-8 THE GREAT TELFORD VERNON An outstanding Public Officer passed away.

He was a lion, in every respects.

He gave his best years of his life to the public service.

He joined up when the British were still in charge of the civil service. He worked hard and served his country well.

He received promotion after promotion. He rose through the ranks. From clerk to the Head of two government Departments: first as Commissioner of Income Tax and then as the Comptroller of Customs. He became the Acting Financial Secretary when the incomparable Fallon Fonseca lost his life in a Traffic accident. He was also the Head of the Department of Finance Corporation.

We write of the one and only Telford Christopher Vernon. An avid sportsman and outstanding athlete. He loved the sea.

His funeral service on Monday this week at the St. Mary’s Church saw a fitting tribute to a great Belizean who did more than his share of contributions in the development of our country.

We give thanks and praises for the life of Telford Vernon.

PSU lashes out at GOB Belize City, April 30, 2012 The Public Service Union of Belize was not in a celebratory mood for this year’s Labour Day. On the eve of the holiday, the Union which represents public officers, issued a release lashing out at the Barrow Administration for its disrespect of workers.

The PSU said there have been “insidious attacks on the public sector”, carried out by political operatives.

The BELIZE TIMES has been the only media exposing these attacks, such as the firing of hard workers in the Ministry of Works and the transfer of senior public officers.

The PSU also commented on

the crime wave, saying that gang violence is connected to budget cuts in public services, in particular to Government ministries that offer social programs to the public. The Barrow Administration is notorious for this, and even reduced the budget for the Police Department two years ago.

The PSU spoke frustratingly about negotiations over a salary increase promised in 2008. It said it has been negotiating with the Barrow Administration for four years and a half with no success. The Union said the wage increase is much needed by workers who have been endured one of the worst economic depressions.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Protest on crime – Message clear, despite small crowd!

BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

By Alton Humes Businessman, activist and former political Standard Bearer, Mr. Gilroy Usher Sr., organized today’s protest in front of his business, Monica’s Pawn Shop, located at the corner of Central American Boulevard and Banak Street.

The direct intention of the protest was to let the Government of Belize know that their continued, inactive stance against the rising tide of crime only serves to propagate and spread the tide even further, with little to no chance of hope and/or recovery for our nation. The BELIZE TIMES was among the protest today, and there was a modest presence of protestors gathered in front of the pawn Shop. But that was about as far as it went, even as the protesters were far from silent about their continued frustration and outrage about the GOB’s present stance on tackling crime while their grief and rage over the

loss of friends and family to the crime wave, as evidenced by their home-made signs.

For Mr. Usher’s part at least, he firmly believed that the Government could best serve the nation by starting to tackle crime at the most basic levels – via addressing education and job needs.

“Clearly, we cannot continue like this,” he told a local TV station in an interview.

The citizens were in little need of histrionics (or any kind of bribery) to get their point across; everyone who was out there wanted to be out there, and their message was crystal clear.

“Slow down di crime and violence”, bellowed Kareem Flowers, one of the

Emmerson Eagan sentenced to life in prison BELIZE CITY, Wed. May 2, 2012

By Roy Davis Emmerson Eagan, 22, who was convicted of the murder of Dennis “Coloured” Nembhard, 35, was sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice Adolph Lucas on Friday, April 27.

The sentence was mandatory because the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl Lyn Vidal, did not seek the death penalty.

Eagan was convicted on Tuesday, April 24. It was the first trial in which the accused was convicted on the statement of an eyes witness Shelmadine Sanchez, 35, who was shot and killed on August 12, 2010 before she could testify.

Sanchez’s statement in which she identified Eagan as the person who shot Nembhard was admitted as evidence after two witnesses testified that she was dead and a police corporal testified that the statement was obtained in the proper way.

Nembhard was shot on June 1, 2009, while he was walking on Oleander Street, heading for his house on Nutmeg Street. Eagan shot him in his lower back with a sawed-off shotgun from about 25 feet away.

Nembhard fell face down on the ground, then he got up and ran

Emmerson Eagan

through an alley between Oleander Street and Flamboyant Street before he collapsed.

Eagan gave an alibi testimony.

He said he was playing basketball at a court behind the Police Station on Mahogany Street when the incident occurred.

Eagan did not call any witness to corroborate his testimony. Eagan was represented by attorney Simeon Sampson. Crown Counsel Christophe Rodriguez represented the prosecution.

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protesters. An older woman, clearly of a Christian persuasion, was apt to ask, “Da whe di love pipple use to gat fi wan anadder gaan? Nobady out ya gat love anymore…” The citizens then left the Banak Street area, and made their way through the streets of the City, backed by an equally modest Po-

lice presence, en route to a rally at the ICB Battlefield Park on Albert Street.

The cynic stance prevalent in the City is loath to ask, “Will the Government listen to the people, and create more reasonable solution that will circumvent/end this crime wave?” The answer remains to be seen.

Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Belize and Guatemala agree on referendum date April 27th, 2012 A referendum to decide whether Guatemala’s unfounded claim over Belize’s territory should be argued and resolved at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will be held on October 6, 2013.

The date was agreed to by the delegations from Belize and Guatemala, headed by their respective Foreign Ministers, Wilfred Elrington and Harold Caballeros, at a meeting at the Organization of American States (OAS) on Friday April 27th, 2012.

The date was selected with no prior knowledge or consultation with Belizeans.

The Foreign Ministers have committed that an information campaign will take place in both countries to inform its citizens of the issues and the referendum.

The Ministers agreed to meet in June to examine the confidence-building measures, and to strengthen cooperation with persons who reside in the border area, referred to by the OAS as the Belize-Guatemala Adjacency Zone.

Belize was represented by the Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Attorney General of Belize, H.E. Senior Ambassador Alfredo Martinez, Ambassador Nestor Mendez, Ambassador Lisa Shoman and First Secretary Kendall Belisle.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, May 6, 2012