Belize Times November 23, 2014

1

SCAN HERE

The Belize Times THE BELIZE TIMES

23 NOV

2014

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

23 NOVEMBER 2014 | ISSUE NO: 4922

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

Roll the Elections!!

Belize City, November 18, 2014 Opposition Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca exposed the fraud in Dean Barrow when he challenged the highly-unpopular Prime Minister to call elections if he really felt he had the support of majority Belizeans.

Barrow has been beating his chest like a madman about the United Democratic Party’s so-called popularity and even bussed in a crowd of supporters at Tuesday’s special House Sitting held in Belmopan, but all it proved is that the UDP’s false sense of confidence is derived on its ability to dish out money for support and not on any kind of support for its track record over the last seven years in office.

Opposition Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca

Pg. 3

Greedy Barrow rebuffed by Eastern Caribbean Court Pg. 9

Guilty Prime Minister Dean Barrow

George Street Gang leader “Sinbad” shot Deadly street war continues Pg. 31

Auditor General must investigate Petro-Caribe spending Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Hon. Julius Espat

Pg. 6

BWS wants 5% rate increase

Pg. 31

2 02

OPINION

OUT

!

Dear Editor, In the past year there have been multiple reports about irregularities pertaining to public funds in the Ministry of Health where no charges or convictions were levied upon the accused. It has been widely reported via the media houses about the misappropriation of thousands of Belizean tax dollars in the clinics in Southern Belize that were unearthed through the office of the Auditor General. What alarmed me the most was the fact that some of these people who were singled out have kept their jobs while being investigated. This had me wondering, when has it ever been reported on the news that despite a crime that was committed by a “street criminal” (robber, drug dealer, murderer, etc), he or she has been allowed to roam the streets until the police department has thoroughly investigated the matter? Unbelievable!

These public servants are trusted to carry out their duties efficiently and assist the public health sector by spending Belizeans tax monies on much needed medical supplies and clinic maintenance; not for their personal gain. To my knowledge the most southern districts are the poorest, specifically Toledo and for these public officers to politely help themselves with our tax dollars when it is there for the needy is UNACCEPTABLE! These people should be held accountable for their actions if found guilty and have stiff penalties slapped on them along with the sliver bangles. You do the crime, you do the time.

It has even come to the point where the majority of Belizeans are of the mentality that “nothing will Continued on page 18

21 Nov

2014

OUT

OUT

Deal with Corruption in Government!

LOCAL

23 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

The truth about the Belize Police Department

Belize City Streets - haste makes waste

!

!

Dear editor, In our Public Administration class, we have been discussing Strategic Management and how difficult it is to implement in the Public Sector compared to the Private sector. Strategic Management is about the management of resources to attain the goal in its entirety. Therefore, to achieve any goal successfully there needs to be strategic management and planning.

One area that needed strategic management more than anything else presently is the construction of our streets. We are investing millions of dollars to construct streets, but look at the condition of the final product. Several Continued on page 18

Dear Editor, The Police Department is plagued by corruption. As a concerned Belizean, I think that the main problem is a lack of confidence and distrust between the public and the police department. The loss of confidence is as a result of a lot of malfunctions throughout the system. There are several other reasons for that loss of confidence; one being corruption within the department which carries high costs. If the Government of Belize is unable to do something about it, it is best to believe that the government/police department will never be able to get the public’s confidence to a certain level and the public will forever be confused as to whether or not turn to the police.

As it is evident today, too many police are abusing the level of powContinued on page 18

OUT

OUT

OUT Camouflaged Checkpoints

!

Dear Editor, Please afford me some space to register a serious concern regarding the current Customs Department checkpoints that are setup on the Phillip Goldson Highway during the dawn hours of the week.

Today as I was coming to school in the 4:30am bus from Orange Walk to Belize City, I was awakened by the loud sound of tires screeches and brakes from the bus that I was coming in. As I checked if perhaps some domestic animal had inadvertently crossed the highway I was able to notice that yet another bus was haphazardly stationary on the left-hand side of the highway with Custom Officers swarming that bus. This took place outside Biscayne Village where no lampposts or any other lights were evident. I was very keen to observe that a Customs pickup truck was also parked on a narrow lane by the highway without any visible lights on to warn incoming traffic of their presence. Furthermore, Continued on page 28

SCAN HERE

The Belize Times

Established 1957

Frosting on the cake

Gun reform

!

Dear Editor, I am utterly dismayed and forever left with a bad taste in my mouth by the administration in Government. There seems to be an assumption that a majority of Belizeans are illiterate or/and that young people are not listening or lack understanding of the reoccurring issues and gross misconduct of this government.

Continued on page 18

WEATHER 22 Nov

23 Nov

24 Nov

!

Dear Editor, According to the Gun Reform Act, under the regular magistracy system, once you’re below five thousand dollars, real property bail is not required. With the new amendment to the crime control and firearms act, once you apply to the Supreme Court for bail, real property, land is a requirement for bail.

The system to give bail in this country is very simple but to get Continued on page 28

2625Mar Nov

14 APR 2013

|

The Truth Shall Make You Free

ISSUE NO: 4840

www.belizetimes.bz

|

$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

Alberto Vellos LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

OFFICE ASSISTANT

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

27 Mar Nov 626 Feb

Email: belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com

editortimes@yahoo.com

Exchange rate of One Belize Dollar

United States (USD): $ 0.50

Barbados (BBD): $ 1.00

Eastern Caribbean Euro (XCD):$ 1.35 (EUR) : $ 0.37

Sterling Pound Guatemala Quetzal CANADIAN DOLLAR (GBP): $ 0.29 (GTQ): $ 3.91 (CAD): $ 0.54

CHINESE YUAN (CNY): $ 3.08

Trinidadian (TTD) : $ 3.17

INDIAN RUPEE (INR): $ 31.14

23 NOV

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

Roll the Elections!!

Continued from page 1

The UDP record – with unemployment at some 20%, poverty at 40% and increasing, crime at an alltime high, the economy stuttering and the cost of living through the roof – has made Belizeans very angry and tired of the Government.

In fact, the Prime Minister is so ashamed of his performance in those critical areas that he makes no public announcement on them. And so he was leading a circus show was on this past Tuesday and his greatest circus act was the passing of an illegal LOAN MOTION which allowed the borrowing and spending of $230 million dollars which have been used as part of the UDP’s political campaign.

Barrow and the UDP passed the Loan Motion with the slim majority they have in the House, but they couldn’t escape being lambasting by the Opposition members who lashed at the Government for their illegal and spending. “$230m is no small change.

Our Party has an obligation to pursue every option on behalf of the Belizean people. We can’t support a loan motion Mr. Speaker where

Rt. Hon. Said Musa there is so much waste and corruption. There is only a small circle of cronies and hustlers feeding off this Petrocaribe funds… bloated contracts…poor quality work…no value for money…it’s a circle of family and friends,” said Opposition/PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca.

Hon. Francis added that the PUP’s opposition to the Petro-Caribe loan is not an attack on development but a demand for accountability, transparency and respect for

the rule of law.

“The Belizean people not only expect this, they demand it. Going forward the people of Belize are demanding that we do things differently,” he said.

The Party Leader pointed out that Dean Barrow has betrayed the people of Belize by failing to deliver his promise of accountability. Barrow has become “a bearer of false promises”, he said. He further condemned Barrow for driving and looking in the rear view mirror, “there is nothing more pathetic and desperate than a Prime Minister in Government seven years in power and they can’t take responsibility. All they do is look at the PUP in the past”.

The PUP Leader then challenged on Barrow to call the elections, “if you think, sir, that you have the support of the Belizean people, there is only one thing for you to do: CALL THE ELECTIONS and the people will deal with you. The people are ready for change. Let’s get it on. De wah roll…dem talk ‘bout Petro-Caribe Roll…ROLL THE ELECTION and the people will roll you out of Belmopan,” said an elec-

03 3 trified Leader of the Opposition.

But Barrow is no fool. Even so, with millions at their disposal, they could only muster about 3,000 persons to their grand rally. The crowd that turned out on Tuesday is not barely enough for him to feel confident about his Party’s chances. This is because he is aware that in the minds of people still lie the misdeeds of Elvin Penner and Edmond Castro, and the duplicitous role of Godwin Hulse, the abusive nature of Patrick Faber, the abnormal tendencies of Gaspar Vega, the disrespectful behaviour of Manuel Herredia, the incompetence of Pablo Marin, and indeed, his own betrayal of the Belizean people.

Hon. Julius Espat

4 04

23 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca

celebrates GARIFUNA SETTLEMENT DAY in Dangriga - November 19th, 2014

View of Belizeans attending special Church mass to commemorate the Garifuna Settlement Day in the culture capital, Dangriga

Hon. Francis gives special address

PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca embraced by Garinagu family at Wednesday’s celebrations

Mayor Gilbert Swaso

23 NOV

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

5 05

EDITORIAL Roll out this ROGUE PRIME MINISTER

E

lvin Penner continues to be a member of the United Democratic Party after all the things he is accused of doing; none of which he has denied or refuted or been exonerated.

A private prosecution by activist group COLA was openly sabotage by the Government which despite a Supreme Court order, did not allow the Police Commissioner to investigate and bring charges against Penner.

Penner sits in the meetings of the National Assembly as a member of the United Democratic Party. He is not an independent candidate, nor does he sit in the House of Representatives as a member of a third party. He is there as a member of the U.D.P. That is how the Prime Minister wants it.

Were it not for the Prime Minister, Penner could never have gotten into the scandalous and illegal activities for which he stands accused and condemned. The allegations against Penner in relation to his immigration shenanigans are so grave, they are beyond criminal. They border on sedition and treason against the nation.

The Director of Public Prosecution had uttered that Penner did commit offences for which he could be indicted. She disappeared from her office for three months at the time when she was expected to pen such indictments. The Attorney General told the nation she had gone on study leave – although she was seen regularly in Belmopan. On her return to office, she claimed she was on vacation. No indictment against Penner has occurred.

The Prime Minister in 2012 told Penner he could be the “second” Minister of Immigration along with Minister Godwin Hulse, a strange and dubious character who is always talking, always talking. Both Penner and Hulse were signing immigration documents, citizens application, and nationality certificates – a most unusual and illegal situation.

Penner had no lawful authority to sign anything. To be a Minister of a portfolio, there has to be a written submission from the Prime Minister to the Governor General. After the Governor General signs the assignment of portfolio it must be gazetted. No such constitutional procedure took place. The Prime Minister is, apparently, above the law and the constitution.

A thirteenth Senator was a campaign pledge made by the Prime Minister to the non-Governmental Organisations, Civil Society, the Unions and the citizens as a major reform programme.

The amendment to the constitution was drafted. The House of Representatives debated and passed the law. The Senate debated and passed the law. It was then sent to the Governor General for signature.

The Prime Minister then stripped it. He did so to spite the Maya community which has been battling the Government’s determination to allow drilling for oil in lands protected by the law as being in trust to the Mayans. The thirteenth Senator was earmarked by NGO elections and elected was Greg Cho’c, a Maya brother.

Just a few months ago, a small demonstration by sanitation workers resulted in 42 workers being arrested. They were all herded into cramped unsanitary cells at the Queen Street Police Station for hours and then marched over to the Courthouse. Threatening to continue their protest and calling for others to join them, the Prime Minister called a press conference. He announced that he had saved the situation by calling Police Superintendent Broaster to withdraw all charges which was immediately done.

But the Prime Minister has no authority to instruct any Police to withdraw charges that are before the Courts. It was a frightening and telling announcement. The Prime Minister had been interfering in Police and Court cases. How many others has he interfered with?

The Broaster that he called was the said same person he hand-picked in 2008 to absent himself from Police duties to take over as Director of the C.Y.D.P. – the Conscious Youth Development Programme. A failed programme that for six years has squandered over a million dollars. Over six hundred conscious youths have murdered each other since. Broaster abandoned C.Y.D.P. this year and returned to the Police Department where he was promptly promoted above all those others who remained and toiled at their duties.

We recount the above instances as samples of how the Prime Minister runs the Government of Belize. He acts as if he is above the law. He answers to no one. He is not accountable to the Cabinet, the National Assembly, the people of the country, the laws of the land or the supreme Constitution.

So accustomed is he to doing as he pleases that since 2012 he has engaged in the worst forms of illegal behaviour. The Petro Caribe Loan Motion passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, 18th November, 2014 becomes the worst kind of Governmental abuse ever.

The facts as stated in the Loan Motion, in part, reads as follows: “…during the fiscal years 2012-2013, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, APBEL lent to GOB the sum of US$18,031,386, US$76,331,016 and US$19,944,954 respectively, making a total of US $114,307,356.”

That total is $228 million in Belize dollars.

You cannot borrow money in November 2014 to spend in 2012 or in 2013. We understand the words of the Loan Motion to mean the Government already borrowed and spent 18 million U.S. dollars in 2012 and 76 million U.S. dollars in 2013, and 19 million U.S. dollars in 2014 with the rest as election bribery leading up to March 2015.

Mr. Barrow has borrowed and owes somewhere close to one billion dollars since becoming Prime Minister, with the debts for snatching BTL and BEL plus interest increasing as the years roll by.

The Loan Motion refers to the requirements of Section 7 (2) of the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act of 2005 which requires the government to obtain approval from the National Assembly for loans over 10 million dollars. The law says nothing about borrowing then getting approval afterwards.

Mr. Barrow, the haughty and facey Prime Minister, has been borrowing and spending millions upon millions in 2012, 2013 and 2014 WITHOUT getting ANY APPROVAL from the National Assembly.

Neither has he given ANY ACCOUNTING for how this huge quantity of millions of dollars has been spent. There has been no open public tenders for the infrastructure work he claims he has spent money on.

To stand up at Tuesday’s meeting of the House and accuse the former administration of various ills and wrongdoing DOES NOT make his illegal actions any less illegal.

To spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to bus party supporters to Belmopan might temporarily distract the country from focusing on Mr. Barrow’s unlawful actions as a rogue Prime Minister, but it only serves to highlight his contempt for this nation. His scornful rhetoric and blustering was not enough to cover his calculated abuse of his office and violation of the laws governing borrowing and spending public monies.

Tuesday, 18 November 2014, the Mr. Barrow, with less than 3,000 paid misguided supporters at fifty and a hundred dollars each, highlighted to the rest of the country what a desperate and unpopular Prime Minister he has become.

It must be the beginning of the end for his despicable behaviour in office.

In the words of the person who the people will elect to replace him, Hon. Francis Fonseca, Roll the General Elections!!

6 06 Auditor General must investigate Petro-Caribe spending Belize City, November 18, 2014 On October 17th Auditor General Dorothy Bradley, in her response to a letter from the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Hon. Julius Espat in which he called for an investigation into Government’s spending of millions borrowed through ALBA/ Petro-Caribe, explained that unless the loan motion was tabled and passed by the House of Representatives, she could not carry out a review of the monies already spent.

Well, now that the UDP has used its majority numbers in the House to approve the illegal loan on November 18th 2014, the office of the Auditor General has the green light to find out where every cent of the millions went.

In his letter October 8th letter to the Auditor General, Hon. Espat explained that the Government has obtained the loan illegally, without the authority of the National Assembly, as stipulated by the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act of 2005.

He went on to further detail other aspects of the law which were flagrantly ignored by the Barrow Administration, and requested that she carry out a review as mandated by her office.

“Given increased emphasis on the need for good governance, I write to require that you ascertain the basis of the authority for the expenditures of the APBEL loan funds by the Government and report to the National Assembly your findings…,” said Hon. Espat.

The funds in question, totaling BZE$228,614,712, were loaned to the Government between September 2012 and August 2014. The borrowing was carried out in flagrant contravention of the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act which requires that any borrowing of more than $10 million must first seek the deliberation and approval of the National Assembly.

The administration has further said that some $66 million has already been spent, but there has been no indication of how it was spent.

Hon. Espat has also challenged the legality of the loan motion before the Supreme Court. At the special House Sitting on Tuesday, he explained that as PAC Chairman he has the right to pursue every option available.

“Mr. Speaker the Prime Minister really wants us to believe that he is above it all and that everything he does smells like roses. But in reality he is the biggest deceiver that this country has ever seen. He came to Government promising the Unions, the Chamber, the Churches and the people of Belize that he would bring accountability and that he would do things different from the past administration. What he has done is betray the social partners, he has hoodwinked the Unions and bamboozled the people of Belize. He has betrayed the people that once believed in him,” said Hon. Espat.

23 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

Cayo Sports Stadium closed for Circus San Ignacio Town, The Victor Galvez Stadium was once a health hub for daily users as hundreds of citizens on a path of healthy living used this facility for daily exercise. The UDP Town Council may be ruled by a bunch of clowns, but one move which is not making residents laugh is the decision to close the Victor Galvez Stadium to give a Circus access of the facilities for two weeks.

The heavy trucks and mechanical equipment have been rolling in, breaking up the running track but the Council could care less. According to the Circus owner, he ‘pays the Mayor’ $3000 per day.

Once again the UDP Town Council is showing complete dis-

regard for the citizens of the Twin Towns. Just a little over a month ago, some work commenced in the Galvez stadium and a Sign (picture attached) was put up about three weeks later. What is disturbing is the tact and style displayed by this UDP Council.

They do not inform the users of the facility with time or via a consultation process but suddenly, you go to the stadium one day to find it closed to the public with the most demeaning signs. How can you put a “No Trespassing” signs on a Public facility?

The only thing missing were “Trespassers will be

Prosecuted” signs. This UDP Administration is cold, cold, cold. We Belizeans are and understandable people. We welcome any development but we do not want to be treated with disdain and disrespect.

On another note, why could the facility not be worked on in stages and still allow the users access to the grounds? If they are repairing the track why not allow the use of the Field?

23 NOV

07 7

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

YOUTH LEADERSHIP WITH PURPOSE

BYM Orange Walk East headed by Alejandro Marin & members of PUP Orange Walk Town Council headed by Mayor Kevin Bernard

Swearing in the BYM Belmopan Executive Committee headed by Raven Galvez

BYM Orange Walk East giving Palmar Village bus stop a make-over

BYM National President Alberto Vellos & Senator/Belmopan Standard Bearer Patrick Andrews at PUP football tournament held in Belmopan

Belize City, November 18, 2014 There is new energy in the leadership of the Belize Youth Movement, the proud youth arm of the People’s United Party.

Over the past months, National President Alberto Vellos and the members of the National Executive have reached out to leaders in the Party in an effort to inject new life into the youth arm. Over that period of time, dynamic youth leaders throughout the country have been identified and new BYM groups have been formed in various constituencies with the objective of encouraging youth participation and community building. A series of activities have been held including fundraising drives and community projects.

Anyone interested in joining or supporting the BYM and its activities can contact Alberto Vellos at 605-1371.

For Sale

By Order of the BYM Orange Walk East fundraiser BYM National Executive Secretary Sheena Urbina assisting BYM Cayo fundraiser

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:1. A Deed of Mortgage made the 22nd day of November, 2011, between JOSE VICTOR PERERA of No. 5740 Lottie Waight Street, Belize City, Belize District, Belize of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 25 of 2011 at Folios 1079 – 1180; THE SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 25 comprising of 464.393 square meters situate South of the Western Highway, near Mile 17 1/2, Belize District, Belize bounded and described as shown

by Plan No. 536 of 1999 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 536 of 1999 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

Residents of Cayo enjoying BYM’s delicious turkey dinner

2. A Deed of Mortgage made the 29th day of August, 2012, between JOSE V. PERERA of No. 5740 Lottie Waight Street, Belize City, Belize District, Belize of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the one part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 21 of 2012 at Folios 259-284 THE SCHEDULE

GRAPHIC CONSULTINGS LTD. # 30,347

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land situate in Ladyville Village, Belize District being a portion of the land shown on a Plan attached to Minister’s Fiat (Grant) No. 85 of 1976 and being as Lot No. 72/12 in a subdivision thereof TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

Pursuant to Section 102(8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that GRAPHIC CONSULTINGS LTD. has dissolved as at 13th November , 2014 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies

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 schedules hereto.

(“the Company”)

Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

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. DATED this 11th day of November, 2014 MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

0 88

THE BELIZE TIMES

WOMAN IN THE HOUSE

By Dolores Balderamos Garcia

Women PM’s and the Gender Gap It would be no surprise that I actively look for news stories and pieces on women and politics internationally, and yesterday I happened upon an item called “Women Premiers Don’t Reduce Gender Gap in Caribbean, Expert Says.” The expert is Camille Hernandez-Ramdwar, who is coordinator of the Caribbean Studies program at Canada’s Ryerson University.

She said a mouthful, and to try to summarize, she stated that the presence of women Prime Ministers in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago has not reduced the gender gap in the Caribbean because female premiers are figureheads and it is really men who “pull their strings.” “Women

reaching positions of power does not change the patriarchal structure and political system.” She went on: “To me the whole system is rotten, so just getting women into a rotten system is not going to change it.” “In Trinidad and Tobago having a woman Prime Minister hasn’t changed the culture and what goes on in homes.”

Further and most interestingly: “I don’t think putting women in changes anything, because you can have sexist women, patriarchal women, corrupt women.” To reduce the gender gap, she said “there has to be radical change with a very strongly revolutionary spirit to stand up to the old boys network.” Finally, the article revealed that women occupy 29% of parliamentary seats

and 6% of Cabinet in Trinidad and Tobago, while in Jamaica women have 13% of parliamentary seats and 20% of Cabinet posts.

This hits close to home, and my first thought is poor Belize! We have 3% parliamentary seats and 10% Cabinet posts. Now, there is a lot of truth to what Professor Hernandez-Ramdwar says. For example, I do not think that Eugenia Charles was big on women’s empowerment.

She was an iron lady like Margaret Thatcher and supported the invasion of Grenada when George Price said an emphatic “No.” And clearly just having a woman as leader of government does not at all guarantee real moves towards closing the gender gap. Also, no doubt, the gender gap being talked about is that of women in power and decision making and in positions of power in government.

I do, however, take issue with some of what the professor says.

By our presence women do make a significant difference in how countries are governed, and I believe that both Portia Simpson Miller and Kamla Persad Bissessar have promoted real change. According to a recent issue of the Parliamentarian magazine both Prime Ministers continue their efforts to achieve the objective of getting more women into leadership roles to help drive democratic and social progress. The two were joint winners of the Political Consultants Democracy Award for 2013.

Nor would I be quite so cynical.

23 NOV

2014

Yes, you can have sexist, patriarchal and corrupt women, but I do feel that you are able also to have many women leaders who by example and by their deeds can make a real difference for more socially conscious and just societies. I am convinced that it is my time as Minister of Human Development and my commitment to supporting women in politics that have helped me to set my priorities for more caring and accountable governance. I have also always been willing to mentor women in my own party, and also across the political spectrum in sharing my experiences with the various cohorts of the Women in Politics training sessions.

While politicians don’t share the luxury of making ex cathedra pronouncements from academia, I do agree that we must become militant in demanding greater change at an increased pace. The PUP will have at least four women on our ticket for the next general elections, but of course this is still not enough.

In addition, I refuse to believe that we should dismiss “the system” as rotten or hold that women Prime Ministers (and women politicians by extension) are figureheads. We have a responsibility to help to change that perception and as well the reality!

23 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

Greedy Barrow rebuffed by Eastern Caribbean Court Belize City, November 18, 2014 The creole proverb “greedy choke puppy” is applied when someone loses out big in his/her attempt to be greedy. Well, the brother of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Denys, should now know exactly how greed can choke after his attempt to force the Government of St. Lucia to pay up a bulk of money as pension failed miserably and has resulted in some embarrassment to him.

Brother B, as he is known in Belize, was appointed as a justice of appeal of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) on 1st August 2005. Upon being appointed, Brother B came in the service of the Government of St. Lucia, but his tenure ended early when he retired on 31st December 2008.

He was at age 56 years old. 2008 was the same year the UDP took office, and Brother B suddenly re-appeared in Belize, only to be appointed as a Judge of the Court of Appeal and come under the service of the new Government led by his brother Dean.

But Brother B was not fully done with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. In late 2008 and early 2009, he claimed pension for his tenure as a Judge citing that upon retiring he had passed the pensionable age of 55. St. Lucia’s Attorney General sought an opinion from the Court of Appeal and in an opinion delivered on September 22nd, the Court opined that there was no rightful entitlement to pension.

Instead of being guided by the Court’s decision, like his brother, Brother B found it hard to believe that he was wrong. He launched a legal battle against the Government of St. Lucia before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. On December 12, Judge Wilkinson ruled against Brother B. Again, not satisfied with the judgment, Brother B appealed the ruling before the Court of Appeal on February 24, 2011. On October 27, 2014, Judges Hon. Mr. Davidson Kelvin Baptiste, Hon. Mde. Gertel Thom and Hon. Mde. Joyce Kentish-Egan, QC, once more ruled against him.

Unfortunately, Brother B did not fully understand the laws regulating Judges of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. While the law under the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (Rates of Pension) (Judges) Act does state that public officers including Judges are due a pension at age 55, the regulations under the Pension Act stipulate that Judges must serve for 10 years to qualify.

Brother B left seven years too early before being able to qualify for pension.

His attempts to collect money which he did not qualify for in St. Lucia makes one wonder whether he has done the same in Belize. He was appointed as a Court of Appeal judge, but resigned less than a year after to take up private office where his #1 client is the Barrow Administration who has paid millions for his service.

09 9

Under the overall supervision of the UNICEF Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist the UNICEF MICS Consultant (UMC) will support and provide guidance to UNICEF CO and SIB for the preparation, implementation, and completion of the MICS 5 survey in Belize. The UMC will advise SIB, especially the Survey Coordinator and sampling and data processing experts, during survey planning, questionnaire design, sampling, training, fieldwork, data processing, data analysis, dissemination, and archiving, ensuring that MICS protocols and recommendations are being followed at all times. The UMC will communicate effectively with the UNICEF CO and SIB, responding promptly to MICS related needs and issues as they arise.

The UMC will be responsible for coordinating and supporting the work of other resource persons hired by UNICEF to provide technical assistance to the MICS 5 survey. He/ she will work in close collaboration with the survey team, the stakeholders, and Steering and Technical Committees and will represent UNICEF in meetings and workshops in relation to the survey as needed.

Main Tasks Related to the Job Provide technical and managerial support to the MICS 5 survey; 1. Present the MICS methodology, tools, and guidelines to partners/stakeholders (e.g. ministries, UN Agencies, etc.); 2. Finalize in collaboration with national partners and UNICEF CO, the Survey Plan and Budget, including timetable and share with UNICEF Regional Office (RO); 3. Oversee each stage of the survey process and ensure that the MICS protocols and standards are followed by the SIB, more specifically during training and field supervision visits; 4. Communicate regularly with the UNICEF CO, RO and/or Headquarters (HQ) responding to all MICS related issues in a timely manner; 5. Provide progress reports on MICS activities to the UNICEF CO/RO/HQ on a monthly basis; 6. Coordinate the work of SIB experts and UNICEF Regional Consultants and other resource persons assigned by the UNICEF CO and/or RO to support different survey stages; 7. Ensure that external technical reviews by experts (i.e. Regional Sampling Consultant, Regional Data Processing Consultant, and Regional Household Survey Consultant) are carried out at key survey stages and coordinate the feedback and response between the CO/RO/HQ and SIB; 8. Ensure that all survey related documents and deliverables (questionnaires, manuals, expert reports, final report, datasets, etc.) are properly archived throughout the survey process; 9. Participate in all MICS Steering and Technical Committee meetings; 10. Participate in, and contribute to, MICS Regional Workshops; 11. Ensure that lessons learned, problems, and good practices are documented throughout the MICS process and rapidly shared with the MICS community (other MICS implementing countries, RO, and HQ) through all means available.

Specific Activities In consultation and collaboration with the UNICEF CO, SIB and the MICS Steering Committee, the UMC will be responsible for ensuring the following activities have been undertaken following the MICS guidelines and will contribute to the coordination of these activities: 1.

Survey Planning: ▪ The Memorandum of Understanding between UNICEF and SIB has been understood by both parties and signed; ▪ A Steering Committee is established and comprised of relevant line ministries/Development Partners; ▪ A Technical Committee comprised of all relevant technical experts is established; ▪ The Survey Plan and Budget, including timetable is finalized and shared with all stakeholders; ▪ Survey supplies are procured and distributed in time for training, data collection, and data entry; ▪ Sample design: o The UNICEF Regional Sampling Consultant is provided with necessary information and his/her visit is well managed and coordinated within survey plans; o Sample design is finalized by the sampling expert of SIB with the guidance and review of the UNICEF Regional Sampling Consultant; o Household Listing and Mapping operations are reviewed by the UNICEF Regional Sampling Consultant and carried out on the field according to MICS recommendations; o Sample design is reviewed by the UNICEF RO and/or HQ before finalization. o The final selection of households is reviewed.

▪ MICS questionnaires: o Appropriate UNICEF programme staff and the Technical Committee are involved in reviewing the customization of relevant sections of the MICS questionnaire; o Questionnaires undergo translation and back translation process; o Questionnaires are pre-tested and a pre-test report is produced; o Questionnaires are reviewed by the UNICEF RO and HQ before finalization.

▪ Manuals: o MICS Supervisor and Editor, Measurer, and Interviewer Manuals are customized for the Belize specific context and translated.

▪ Data Entry Templates: o Data entry template is customized by the data processing expert of SIB with the guidance of UNICEF Regional Data Processing Consultant; o Data entry template is reviewed by the UNICEF RO and/or HQ before finalization.

2.

Household Listing and Mapping, Training, Fieldwork, and Data Entry: ▪ Household listing and mapping is planned and performed according to MICS guidelines; ▪ Training schedules are adequately adapted to the country context while following MICS guidelines; ▪ Appropriate resource persons are identified to facilitate training (i.e. nutritionists for anthropometry training, survey expert for methodology, etc.); ▪ Contribute to the fieldwork training; ▪ Fieldwork and fieldwork monitoring visits are planned and performed according to MICS guidelines; ▪ Field Check Tables are produced on a weekly basis, immediately analyzed by survey managers, and main findings reported to field supervisors for action. Field check tables are immediately shared with UNICEF RO; ▪ Participation of UNICEF CO staff is organized to assist in monitoring data collection; ▪ UNICEF Regional Data Processing Consultant is timely provided with necessary information and Belize visits are well managed and coordinated; ▪ Data entry room, hardware, and software are properly arranged and a working data entry and backup system is established; ▪ Monitor data entry and processing; ▪ Monitor secondary data editing.

3.

Data Analysis and Report Writing: ▪ Sampling Weights are included in the datasets and reviewed by sampling expert of SIB with the guidance and review of the UNICEF Regional Sampling Consultant; ▪ MICS tabulation plan and standard syntax are used in generating SPSS dataset and tables.

▪ Dataset/Tables including the wealth index are substantively reviewed by technical (e.g. sampling expert) and subject matter experts at SIB, as well as by UNICEF RO and HQ MICS Team before the report writing commences; ▪ Coordinate and contribute substantively to the writing of the Summary Findings Report and Final Report, using MICS templates and according to MICS standards to ensure a timely release; ▪ Ensure that the reports (Summary Findings and Final) undergo the technical review process by RO and HQ; ▪ Coordinate the printing and distribution of the Final Report; ▪ Organize and facilitate the presentation of the Final Report through a national seminar; ▪ Organize wide dissemination of the Final Report and main results; ▪ Ensure that the MICS survey archive (questionnaires, manuals, sampling frame, field reports, database, tables, final reports, dissemination materials, etc.) is being produced by SIB. Estimated Duration of the Contract The duration of the contract should cover the whole MICS process: a minimum of 12 months. Only candidates who can commit for this minimum time in-country will be considered.

The UMC will be recruited at the start of MICS planning and should remain on board until the final report and the survey archive are produced. Without significant and unforeseen delays, the MICS can be conducted over a 12 to 14 month period.

Confidentiality of Data and MICS Documents The UMC must respect the complete confidentiality of the MICS data as well as any specific MICS documents that will be produced throughout the entire MICS process. The UMC can use the documents and the datasets only for the tasks related to these terms of reference.

Qualifications and Competencies Education: University degree in Social Sciences, Demography, Statistics, Epidemiology or any other related technical field is required.

Skills and Experience: At least three to five years’ experience in the coordination and/or management of quantitative household surveys (prior MICS or Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) coordination experience highly desirable); Strong computer skills and strong expertise in statistical analyses (familiarity with data processing and data analysis software, particularly SPSS); Training experience and ability to organize and facilitate training and presentations; Experience in data analysis and survey report writing; Excellent oral and written communications in English; Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Familiarity and previous experience of working in Belize highly desirable and/or in the region. Ability and willingness to travel extensively in-country and to attend regional workshops.

Other competencies: ▪ Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and to establish harmonious and effective relationships both within and outside the organization; ▪ Demonstrated leadership, managerial and supervisory ability.  Deadline for applications is 05 December.  The link for the P11: http://www.unicef.org/videoaudio/PDFs/P11.doc  Kindly email application to belize@unicef.org

10

THE BELIZE TIMES

23 NOV

2014

23 NOV

A tale of two health crises

11

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

Minister of Health fired after 11 babies die from infection at hospital in Dominican Republic

Fired Health Minister Freddy Hidalgo

Belize City, November 17, 2014 The case of 11 babies who died from the outbreak of an infection at the Robert Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital in the Dominican Republic in early October has shed light on the grossly inadequate manner in which Belize’s Government authorities investigated and dealt with the tragic death of 13 babies at the Karl Heusner Memorial in 2013.

There are important lessons to learn from the handling

of the Dominican Republic case. Most significant is that the Government was serious about getting to the bottom of what happened and holding persons accountable. The nation’s President Danilo Medina appointed a commission headed by the Attorney General to investigate. It found significant shortcomings at the hospital, leading to the firings of the nation’s Health Minister Freddy Hidalgo and the

In this Oct. 14, 2014 photo, Esparanza Paulino shows the only picture she has of her late infant grandson Isaac, during an interview in her home in the Guaricanos slum, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The family struggles to comprehend what went tragically wrong for Isaac and his twin sister Rosanna, patients of the Robert Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital. According to their death certificates, the infant twins died from a bacteriological infection

Mothers meet with attorneys Kareem Musa, Anthony Sylvestre Jr. and activist Yolanda Schakron following tragedy at KHMH

VACANCY: A vacancy exists for a Book Keeper. Applicant must have an Associates or Bachelor’s Degree, 3 years Work Experience, Analytical and Solving Skills, Good Organization and Communication Skills, and must be able to maintain Confidentiality. Send Resume to P.O. Box 1014, Belize City

Belize lousy Minister of Health, Pablo Marin

hospital’s director Rosa Nieves.

In Belize, none of the local bodies were called to investigate. There was no special commission of inquiry appointed by Prime Minister Dean Barrow. It took a team of Pan American Health Organisation experts to review the administration protocols at the KHMH, and by the time they did, some vital evidence had already been destroyed.

The findings of PAHO’s investigation at the KHMH exposed a severe breakdown in the daily management of the hospital. Basic requirements for the proper upkeep, maintenance and cleanliness of the hospital were neglected. The experts found inconclusive evidence that the deaths of the babies were caused by bacterial infection. One would think that someone would be held accountable, but that did not happen.

The worst minister of Health in Belize’s history, Pablo Marin, has kept his job, and in fact was praised and defended by Prime Minister Dean Barrow who said that he had confidence in Marin, not because of any form of success at the Ministry but because he is good “where it matters”, said the Prime Minister referring to winning political conventions.

Unlike the change of leadership at the Robert Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital’s, no one was fired from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. No one was held responsible even though those at the top of the chain of command were fast asleep at the wheels while the ceiling at specialised units rotted and use of improper equipment was common. The Chief Executive Officer admitted that he wasn’t even aware that babies had died at his hospital until he saw the evening news.

While the mothers of the babies who died at the KHMH have gotten some closure with time and the promise of compensation and a public apology from KHMH officials, the public will likely not get over the major health crisis that not exposed serious maladministration but also the bad administration of justice under the Barrow Administration.

12

THE BELIZE TIMES

23 NOV

2014

23 23 NOV NOV

2014 2014

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

09 TOPMODEL 13

ENTERTAINMENT

NEWS

Scenes from

CATWALK Fashion Show 2014

Belizean beauty

Nancy

TOP MODEL Clothing and Accessories provided by CATWALK FASHIONS

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

Cor. North Front Steet & Queen Street Belize City

14 SPORTS

23 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

2014

PLACENCIA ASSASSINS stops BDF 1-0

Placencia’s Ashley Torres attacks

Leon Cadle and Dellon Torres

Orange Walk Town, November 16, 2014 The Placencia Assassins handed the top-ranked Belize Defense Force their 1st loss in the 2014 Premier League of Belize at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk on Sunday.

The Assassins defeated BDF 1-0 to remain undefeated in the league. They also moved up to the No. 2 spot in the closing season tournament with 10 points.

Ashley Torres and Dellon Torres looked to put Placencia on the scoreboard early, but it was midfielder Luis “Barker” Torres who got the job done with a shot in the 65th minute that beat the BDF goalie Tevin Gamboa for the 1-0 win.

Other matches: Belmopan Bandits vs. Verdes FC – 3-2 Paradise Freedom Fighters vs. FC Belize - 2-1 Wagiya vs. San Ignacio United 4-2 Upcoming matches: Placencia Assassins vs. Belmopan Bandits, Michael Ashcroft Stadium Paradise Freedom Fighters vs.

Police United, Isidoro Beaton Stadium BDF vs. Wagiya, Carl Ramos Stadium FC Belize vs. San Ignacio United, Norman Broaster Stadium.

Carmelita & DFC Gentle Touch Chan Pine Ridge & Triple B’s win 8-a-side head in do-or-die finals match football games San Ignacio, November 9, 2014 The DFC Gentle Touch football women from Esperanza and the Belmopan Triple B’s drew 1-1 in the FFB President’s Cup national women’s football championship finals at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium last Saturday afternoon.

Triple B’s Yamilli Herrera scored the 1st goal past goalie Myrely Drysdale in the 5th minute.

Gentle Touch’s Cynthia Salazar headed in the equalizer after Shinel Gentle’s free kick was denied by a Triple B’s defender in the 17th minute,

Guinea Grass’ Zeena Pott shoots

and the best efforts from Triple B’s Giselle Baeza and Esperanza’s Kim “Brazilian” Perez could not alter the score before the end of regulation time.

Triple B’ travel to the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio for Game 2 on Saturday, November 22. A winner must emerge; even if extra time or penalty shootout is required.

Orange Walk Town, November 16, 2014 The Carmelita and Chan Pine Ridge 8-a-side female football teams posted big wins in the Orange Walk football competition at the Orange Walk Barracks field on Sunday.

In Game 1, Neisy Payes scored for the Carmelita women to post a 1-0 win against the Guinea Grass War-

Yamilli Herrera scored Triple Bs’ 1st goal

riors. The Warriors lost their top striker Giselle Baeza to a red card ejection, and while Nayelly Hernandez led the Warriors’ attacks after that, even with support from midfielders Zaneen Pott, Dairani Can and Cathy Maria Ico, the Warriors

could not get a goal before the end of regulation.

In Game 2, Chan Pine Ridge trampled over the Orange Walk squad 3-zip, with goals by Arveya Torres, Angie Cocom and Frenely Varillas.

The tournament continues on Sunday.

23 23 NOV NOV

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

2014 2014

SPORTS 15

Holy Angels RC girls win volleyball primary school nationals Belize City, November 14, 2014 The Stann Creek district champs, the Holy Angels RC School girls from Pomona, won the national primary schools volleyball championships at the Stars’ Gymnasium on Friday, November 14.

The Holy Angels RC girls won over the BES girls: 25 -21, 25-18.

3rd place was won by the Toledo Christian Academy TCA girls over the Louisiana Government School girls 25-15, 25-7.

Team trophies and individual medals were presented to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, and Kiara Quinonez of Holy Angels RC won the Most Valuable Player award.

Czl Church of Christ girls

BES girls won 2nd place

O.W. Louisiana Gov’t School girls won 4th

Czl Church of Christ boys

Church of Christ wins national volleyball champs Belize City, November 14, 2014 The Corozal district champs, the Church of Christ Primary School boys won the national primary schools volleyball championships on Friday, November 14.

In the championship final, the Corozal boys won over the Orange Walk boys: 25-19, 25-20.

In Game 9 the consolation match for 3rd place, the Benque boys won over the Toledo boys: 25-19, 25-14.

Team trophies and individual medals were presented to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, and Keith Nugent of Church of Christ Primary won the Most Valuable Player award.

O.W. Louisiana Gov’t boys are subchamps

Gwen Liz leads secondary school basketball SJC boys post 4th win in high school basketball

16

THE BELIZE TIMES

23 NOV

2014

BSI RESPONDS TO BSCFA’S PROPOSAL FOR ANOTHER INTERIM AGREEMENT 13 November 2014 Since our Press Release and Press Briefing of 10 November 2014, we have noted the response of the BSCFA and other statements made in public media.

The BSCFA proposes that similar to last year, we sign another interim agreement for the start of the 2014/15 crop. BSI/ASR cannot countenance another Interim Agreement, which will prolong the current climate of uncertainty and have long-term costly consequences for all (including cane farmers). BSI/ASR has repeatedly explained to the BSCFA that this is clearly not in the interest of industry stakeholders. The past year has demonstrated that an Interim Agreement has not worked to produce the definitive long-term solution the industry needs.

The fundamental reality is that the matter of bagasse is now holding hostage critical future planning and preparation to ready the sugar industry for the decline in future prices consequent to the changes in the EU sugar regime in 2017. The situation needs to shift to allow opportunity for discussion on a strategic action plan on the basis of which investment decisions can be made by both the Miller and cane farmers and these are of far greater importance than the bagasse issue. This is now a matter of national urgency and BSI is developing plans to engage industry stakeholders at a strategic level. The first step however is having clarity on the agreement for the purchase of sugar cane.

We have come to a fundamental impasse on bagasse, with the BSCFA insisting on a payment between BZ$4 to 5 million per annum from a business that is yet to turn a profit. The BSCFA has been provided with certified, audited evidence of Belcogen’s financial performance. BSI has conceded a make a payment for bagasse, as part of negotiating a new Agreement, but it must be commercially sensible and viable.

BSI/ASR is seeking agreement with cane farmers on a proposal which preserves the basic principles under which the industry has operated for many years. These principles are fair to cane farmers in Belize. The payment of 65% of net stripped value of sugar and molasses to cane farmers is one of the most favorable payment arrangements for sugar cane in the world. In addition, the proposal now includes a payment for bagasse, which is unprecedented in the sugar world.

BSI also seeks to clarify that the agreement sets out the terms and conditions for the sale and purchase of sugar cane and therefore provides for ownership of the product to transfer from the seller to the buyer at a defined point. The BSCFA has sought to sensationalize this proposal. This concept is not new and is in line with worldwide commercial arrangements.

Producers across the world own resources that are employed in manufacturing products that they seek to sell to consumers. In this instance, BSI operates as a sugar producer and provides a market for cane farmers to sell their product (sugar cane) at a fair price. The economic driver and business interest of producers is not to own the product but rather to sell their product.

This is by no measure an exploitative arrangement, as the BSCFA and others portray it to be. Some leaders of the BSCFA have again resorted to threats and intimidation, which is not a new phenomenon in the industry. Any undesirable action arising from this can have severe consequences on the sugar industry and the national economy. This has gone on for too long at the expense of building a commercially focused and viable industry. We will not be intimidated by these threats, convinced that our move is in response to the wishes of cane farmers for an opportunity to set out a proper course for industry sustainability. We consider it necessary and appropriate to provide cane farmers such a choice.

BSI’s move is not intended to pressure farmers but rather is in response to the wishes of cane farmers, who themselves challenged and successfully established in 2010 their rights through the Courts to freedom of association. They can therefore deal directly with BSI. This is their democratic and constitutional right.

Following our Press Briefing on Monday 10 November 2014, BSI has held meetings with Orange Walk and Corozal cane farmers to present and explain the proposed agreement. We were surprised that reaping group leaders had not yet seen the draft agreement, which BSCFA leaders have had for a month. We have therefore agreed to define a consultation period to receive feedback and comments as part of the process of securing agreements with cane farmers, group of cane farmers or associations of cane farmers.

BSI/ASR has by its investments demonstrated its commitment to the sugar industry. Once all industry stakeholders act in accordance with sound commercial principles, history will show that this was the way to go.

- A PAID AD -

23 NOV

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

17

Comunicado de Prensa BSI RESPONDE A LA PROPUESTA DE LA BSCFA PARA OTRO ACUERDO INTERINO

13 de noviembre de 2014 Desde nuestro comunicado de prensa y sesión de información con la prensa el 10 de noviembre de 2014, hemos tomado nota de la respuesta de la BSCFA y otras declaraciones hechas en los medios públicos.

BSCFA propone que al igual que el año pasado, firmemos otro acuerdo interino para el inicio de la zafra 2014/15. BSI/ASR no puede acceder a otro Acuerdo Interino, que prolongará el actual clima de incertidumbre y tendrá consecuencias costosas a largo plazo para todos (incluidos los cañeros). BSI/ASR ha explicado en repetidas ocasiones a la BSCFA que esto claramente no está en el interés de las partes interesadas de la industria. El año pasado ha demostrado que un Acuerdo Interino no ha funcionado para producir la solución definitiva a largo plazo que necesita la industria.

La realidad fundamental es que el asunto del bagazo ahora está teniendo como rehén a la crítica planificación futura y la preparación para preparar la industria azucarera para la reducción de los precios futuros como consecuencia de los cambios en el régimen del azúcar de la EU en 2017. La situación tiene que cambiar para permitir la oportunidad de la discusión sobre un plan de acción estratégico en base al cual se puedan tomar decisiones de inversión tanto por el manufacturero y los cañeros y estos son de mucha mayor importancia que el tema del bagazo. Esto es ahora una cuestión de urgencia nacional y BSI está desarrollando planes y obtener la participación de las partes interesadas de la industria a nivel estratégico.

El primer paso, sin embargo es tener claridad sobre el acuerdo para la compra de la caña de azúcar.

Hemos llegado a un impasse fundamental sobre el bagazo, con la BSCFA insistiendo en un pago de entre BZ$4 a 5 millones por año de un negocio al cual aún le falta obtener ganancia. A BSCFA se le ha proporcionado evidencia certificada y auditada del desempeño financiero de Belcogen. BSI ha concedido hacer un pago por el bagazo, como parte de la negociación de un nuevo acuerdo, pero debe ser comercialmente razonable y viable.

BSI/ASR está buscando un acuerdo con los cañeros en una propuesta que preserva los principios básicos bajo los cuales la industria ha operado durante muchos años. Estos principios son justos para los cañeros de Belize. El pago del 65% del valor neto de azúcar y melaza a los cañeros es uno de los arreglos de pago más favorables para la caña de azúcar en el mundo.

Además, la propuesta ahora incluye un pago por el bagazo, que no tiene precedentes en el mundo del azúcar.

BSI también busca aclarar que el acuerdo establece los términos y condiciones para la venta y compra de la caña de azúcar y, por lo tanto, establece que la propiedad del producto se transfiere desde el vendedor al comprador en un punto definido.

La BSCFA ha tratado de sensacionalizar esta propuesta. Este concepto no es nuevo y está en línea con acuerdos comerciales a través del mundo. Productores en todo el mundo son propietarios de recursos que se emplean en la fabricación de productos que buscan vender a los consumidores. En este caso, BSI opera como un productor de azúcar y ofrece un mercado para que los cañeros vendan sus productos (caña de azúcar) a un precio justo. El interés económico de cualquier productor no es ser propietario del producto, sino más bien vender su producto.

Esto no es de ninguna manera un arreglo de explotación, como la BSCFA y otros lo describen. Algunos líderes de la BSCFA han recurrido de nuevo a las amenazas y la intimidación, que no es un fenómeno nuevo en la industria. Cualquier acción indeseable que surja de esto puede tener graves consecuencias en la industria azucarera y la economía nacional. Esto se ha prolongado durante demasiado tiempo a costo de la construcción de una industria viable y comercialmente enfocada. No seremos intimidados por estas amenazas, convencidos de que nuestra acción es en respuesta a los deseos de los cañeros de una oportunidad de establecer una trayectoria adecuada para la sostenibilidad de la industria. Consideramos que es necesario y apropiado proporcionarles a los cañeros tal opción.

La acción de BSI no está destinada a presionar a los cañeros, sino más bien es en respuesta a los deseos de los cañeros, que a su vez desafiaron y establecieron con éxito en el 2010 sus derechos a través de los tribunales a la libertad de asociación. Por lo tanto, pueden tratar directamente con BSI. Este es su derecho democrático y constitucional.

Tras nuestra sesión de información con la prensa el lunes 10 noviembre de 2014, BSI ha tenido reuniones con cañeros de Orange Walk y Corozal para presentar y explicar el acuerdo propuesto. Nos sorprendió que los líderes de los grupos de cosecha aún no hubieran visto el acuerdo propuesto, que los líderes de la BSCFA han tenido durante un mes. Por lo tanto, hemos acordado definir un período de consulta para recibir comentarios y observaciones como parte del proceso de obtener acuerdos con los cañeros, grupos de cañeros o asociaciones de cañeros.

BSI/ASR ha demostrado mediante sus inversiones su compromiso con la industria azucarera. Una vez que todas las partes interesadas de la industria actúen en conformidad con principios comerciales sólidos, la historia mostrará que este era el camino a seguir.

- A PAID AD -

18 OUT The truth about the Belize Police Department Continued from page 2 er they have. On a daily basis, the public is being taken advantage of by acts of police extortion and bribery. Is it a fact that most police officers have the mentality whereby they embrace the bad guy role proudly or is police brutality so common in Third World countries that this abuse is overlooked as a norm? I have known many individuals who are victims of this abuse and frankly, the Constitution needs to protect us as citizens. The situation of police brutality even gets worst when the public tries to resist; the police gets down dirty and beats you physically. I have witnessed police abuse in broad day light and I have also witnessed this abuse at the Queen Street Police Station whereby handcuffed victims have been assaulted.

Do our law enforcement officers believe that their police duties call for them to be ABOVE the law or use unjustifiable force when dealing with civilians? Some police even abuse you physically and treat you inhumanely for no reason. Or maybe there is a reason which is being ignored. The reason being that they are facing problems and they take it out on innocent people as they carry out their daily work. This is something that the Belize Police Department has to sit down work on.

It is also evident that the police are interfering with innocent individuals; searching them and taking them into police custody for questioning without the legal power of a warrant or without even telling them why they are being held at the police station.

Individuals deserve and have the right

OUT Belize City Streets - haste makes waste Continued from page 2 of them have turned out to be substandard and I’m sure will require additional work to get them up to standard. Don’t get me wrong, I applaud the work that the Mayor has undertaken; it is a good thing being done here. It will increase the value and look of our country, but if proper management and planning was done, then all the streets would have been satisfactory from the onset.

THE BELIZE TIMES to know why they are held by the Police Department or at least why they are being searched. Then, to top it off, these innocent individuals are placed in a small prison cell which only has a bucket as a toilet and a bottle of water. This manner of detention is inhumane to say the least; the Police Department must do better.

I urgently call upon the Minister of Security and Police Commissioner to closely work with the Belize Police Department in clearing the tarnished image portrayed to the public, and to help create a better image for the police department. If a poll was to be taken on the way in which the public sees the Police Department whether favorable or not favorable, I think it would yield outstanding results against the Department. Secondly, although my aim is to spread light on the corruption happening within our Belizean department, I must give acknowledgement and praise to those officers that have proven to do the right thing. There are some top police chiefs that are deemed as honest and trust worthy to the public. However, the discrepancy lies at the lower level officers who are often the ones brought to the media for taking action into their own hands and not following work protocols.

I believe that corruption within the Police Department can never be abolished, but can be addressed if the Police Commissioner works diligently with those officers caught guilty of offenses. The Belize Police Department really needs to pay close attention to corruption within its department. There’s a need for change in the ways individuals are being approached and treated by police officials. This is the only way the public will give respect and confidence back in them. To promote a safer Belize, the change is needed; we should be encouraged to go to the Police not to run from them.

Signed, Public Administration Student University of Belize

What bothers me most is the drainage issue. Look at Orange Street and Freetown Road, just to name a few. How can our engineers construct streets without proper drainage? I am not an engineer but I think that before any street is constructed the first thing that should be thought about is the draining issues of the city. I wondered if this is neglect on behalf of the engineers. Could it be the politicians’ belief that pretty but poorly-thought out streets will equate to more future votes? Could it be that proper construction is reserved only for the so-called ‘first- world’ countries?

This situation bothered me so much that I consulted an engineer to find answers to my questions. In his opinion, it is the neglect of both the Politicians and the engineers; the politicians chooses to do things haphazardly and in any manner just for the sake of votes and the engineers who put aside ethics and years of training to fill their pockets

OUT Frosting on the cake

Continued from page 2 There is a lot of “frosting on the cake” over the real issues at hand, as they are masked by other petty issues to distract the public. While I must congratulate our Prime Minister in his firm stance against the slightest possibility of infection by the Ebola Virus as this was his only act with the Belizean public in mind and at heart, the fact remains that there is too much wrongdoing in the governing of our nation.

First I’d like to point out the Immigration indignity that should have found a minister or ministers guilty and imprisoned for playing ‘hanky-panky’ with the very thing that defines our being; our nationality. The fact that there was an immediate shuffle of workers at the immigration department along with what appeared to be “missing files”, and further a vote by a minister/senator who should not have even been allowed to vote on such matter in the Senate due to the conflict of interest all seemed too fishy and too hard an effort on the government’s part to ensure that the guilty parties remain free from any and all charges.

Secondly I’d like to point out the “Gang Truce” and “Southside Alleviation Project” are as good as filling potholes with gravel just before the rainy season. There is a law which states that one should be charged for gang affiliation yet, the leader of our nation met with these leaders of notorious gangs to arrange some sort of peacemaking that

rather than thinking about proper construction and the future of the country and its citizens. If the engineers, the professional experts and consultants would think about the ethics they learnt at school and say no to substandard or ill-thought out plans, the politicians would have to ensure that construction is done right, which will eventually benefit everyone.

Resources should be managed in a proper and sustainable manner.

Look at the sidewalks built in the past costing us millions of dollars, the battle field park which was redone just a few years ago just to be totally destroyed for the hard-scape that exists presently - another loss of revenue and resources, revenues that the citizens of Belize will have to pay back.

When will we as a nation start thinking ethically and strategically for the benefit of all citizens for today and the future?

Signed, Public Administration and Policy student University of Belize (UB)

23 NOV

2014

would somehow lead to a decrease in crime. Next was this ‘Alleviation project’ in which these same “gangsters” could attain employment as a part of the different infrastructural projects such as the cementing of streets. This I perceive as an outright slap in the face to all Belizeans as it validates gang membership contrary to what our law states.

In addition, following the recent gang violence shooting spree where one of our very own young aspiring and intelligent student, friend, and brother, John Avilez (May he rest in peace) was taken from us; a press conference was held where the Prime Minister himself once again contradicted his stance in governing. He held and stated very boldly to the police department as if to remind them that there are laws such as ‘affiliation of gang’ by which persons can be charged. This was done in order to shift the focus and blame of a crumbling and failing government in their duty to the public on the police department. Again, he conveniently changed his stance of the previously boasted solution of “Gang Truce” and, “Southside Alleviation Project” that should have alleviated the crime situation.

This issue was ‘frosted’ yet again in the Independence Day addresses where it was boasted that the crime rate was lower than in the previous year and therefore that we must not panic.

All this was purposely to distract the public from the current all-time high crime rate that cannot be contained.

Mr. Editor, what we seem to lack in our country is true separation of the branches of government. Nepotism, Cronyism, and political victimization seem more important to the government than technical, qualified laborers that would be able to create and improve public policies and laws, implement these policies and laws, and sanction those who fail to comply with such policies and laws. Until the latter is of high importance, we will not see a better and more competent public administration.

Signed, Public Administration Student University of Belize

Deal with Corruption in Government!

Continued from page 2 happen” since no one has ever done time for the crimes committed. The matter simply gets swept under the rug as a new scandal or matter arises. Belizeans, we must take a stand! WE have the power to see these issues come to an end and become a thing of the past.

Our Government is continuously putting a blind eye to countless serious matters that have been recurrent in the various government ministries. There should be strict procedures and serve penalties set in place to immediately deal with any issues of wrong doing and should ANYONE tamper with the investigation, whether political or not, they too should be dealt with.

Come on Mr. Prime Minister, let us ALL fix this!

Sincerely, UB Public Administration Student

23 NOV

19

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

Scales of JUSTICE

by anthony sylvestre

“Who will tell the people I am wrong?”

In Season 2 Episode 5 of the HBO mini-series ROME, the young Caesar (Octavian), having emerged victorious over Mark Antony in the battle for control of Rome, convenes a meeting of the Senate (the equivalent of our National Assembly).

At the meeting, he proposes a motion which will ensure that he will consolidate power and become the absolute ruler of Rome. It is a motion which the members of the Senate are naturally displeased with, for it evinces once and for all, that Octavian’s campaign to “save Rome” was a sham and a pretext, used merely as a ploy to win over the people.

Octavian, though, is shrewd. He anticipates opposition and so, even before any Senator is inclined to show opposition, he strikes. He asks them, who will tell his soldiers that the motion is wrong? At this point, soldiers storm into the Senate Chamber with their swords ready to be un-sheated.

“Who,” Octavian repeats, “will speak against the motion?” At this point, the Senate becomes quiet.

There is not one voice of dissent.

The style of rule of the man who is our prime minister is similar to the character Caesar Octavian. For after having been caught with his hands in the proverbial cookie jar (this refers to when a person takes something without first asking permission); after having committed flagrant breaches of the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act of 2005 and thus committing a criminal offence, the Prime Minister of Belize, in response to his critics (in particular the Opposition) tried to intimidate all into submission.

Barrow called a House Meeting for this past Tuesday the 18th November, 2014, at which time he moved the second reading of a Petro-Caribe Loan Motion. Unless you have been sleeping under a rock for the past month, you would have become well attuned of this “petro-caribe” loan that everyone is talking about. It relates to a loan agreement that Dean Barrow, in secrecy and without authority, entered into with Venezuela in September of 2012. No one, except for him and those close to him, know the terms and conditions of this loan agreement.

In early October, he tabled the Petro-Caribe Loan Motion in the House.

It was at this time that Belizeans were being told of the mindboggling

depths of this loan agreement. In the loan motion it was revealed that between fiscal years 2012-2013, 20132014, and up to August, 2014 of fiscal year 2014-2015, the Government of Belize collected BZ$36,062,772; BZ$152,662,031; BZ$39,889908.00 totaling BZ$228,614,711.

That is a whole lot of money- almost quarter of a billion dollars. And as has been said before, no one, except for Barrow and those close to him, knew of this. And even more sinister, he has been spending this money without authority, approval and accounting for it.

These actions are in direct contravention of the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act of 2005; a law which was passed back in April of 2005 (at the Unions’, Civil Society’s and the Chamber of Commerce’s insistence) to provide for better regulation of public revenue and expenditure.

The Act at section 7(2) firstly states that a loan above 10 million shall only be validly entered into by way of a resolution of the National Assembly authorizing the Government of Belize to borrow the money. This wasn’t done. Further, no one knows who signed the loan agreement documents, but it has to be hazard that it was either the Prime Minister as Minister of Finance, or the Financial Secretary.

Secondly, section 7(8) of the Act further required that within three months of the Government receiving monies borrowed, it was to publish in the Gazette the date of the loan, the amount of the loan, the parties to the loan, the purpose of the loan, and the terms and conditions of the loan. This again has never been done and thus the reason no one, except for Barrow and those around him, knew any details of the loan or the amount that has been collected, until it was first revealed on the 2nd October, 2014 (25 months after the Government borrowed and started spending the monies).

There have been complete breaches of the Act and a complete betrayal of the intent and spirit of the law when Barrow and his Government entered into a loan agreement which had (up to August, 2014) indebted the country in the sum of at least BZ $228,614,711.00 (since interest has not been calculated).

But here’s the thing. A further

section in the Act (section 24), makes it a criminal offence for any person to contravene the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act. This means, that Barrow or whoever signed the Petro Caribe loan agreement in September, 2012, and all those persons who have been facilitating the spending of the “petro-caribe” monies up to date (which certainly will include Barrow as Minister of Finance and the Financial Secretary), are guilty of a criminal offence. They have/are facilitating the unauthorized spending of public monies in contravention of section 7(2) of the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act. But so too would all those Ministers of Government who have been using the “petro-caribe” monies in their constituencies. This is a very, very serious matter. The Commissioner of Police and Director of Public Prosecution (who are responsible for the investigation and prosecution of crimes respectively) need to do their job here. The Commissioner of Police in March of this year in the Penner criminal matter was reminded by the Chief Justice that he has a duty to investigate all crimes and that he cannot cherry pick which crime he will and will not investigate. Once there is credible information regarding the commission of a criminal offence, the Commissioner and the Police Department must act.

So, faced with this obvious le-

gal predicament, Barrow passed a motion in the House on the 18th November to ratify the unauthorized borrowing and spending that has already occurred before the loan motion was even introduced on October 2nd. That of course, will not cure the crimes that would have been committed.

And further, so as to push back his critics, and possibly the Commissioner of Police and Director of Public Prosecution, Barrow summoned up all his supporters to attend the House Meeting on the 18th November, 2014 to show solidarity and support for him, no doubt using some of the same petro-caribe monies to pay and bus his supporters to Belmopan.

And like Octavian Caesar, at the House Meeting on the 18th November, Barrow used that stage to intimidate all of Belize and say: “Who will tell all these people I am wrong?”

These are extremely dangerous times for Belize.

When a Prime Minister breaks the laws of the land, knows that he is liable to criminal prosecution and seeks to use intimidation to beat back his critics who expose his wrongs, that country is officially a dictatorship. This is where Belize is just about in November, 2014: no justice; no right or wrong, just the way of Dean Barrow.

Belizeans, we must act now to save our country lest there will be none soon.

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 6th day of May, 2010, between VINCENT THOMAS of #314 Fresh Pond, Burrell Boom, Belize District, Belize of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded at in Deeds Book Vol. 14 of 2010 at Folios 883 – 948, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece and parcel of land containing half (1/2) acre or thereabouts situated in the Betson/ Black Creek area being a portion of the lands now or formerly known as Point of Comfort Work (Block No. 1087) all as the same is shown coloured yellow and numbered 67 on the copy of the plan of a subdivision known as Coral Creek Estate recorded at the Lands and Surveys Department in Belmopan in Register No. 2 Entry 1060 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 11th day of November, 2014.

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

20

THE BELIZE TIMES

23 NOV

2014

23 NOV

2014

Reid Noisy Market

By G. Michael Reid 7 (2) – Any agreement, contract or other instrument effecting any such borrowing or loan to the government of or above the equivalent of ten million dollars “shall” only be validly entered into pursuant to a resolution of the National Assembly authorizing the government to raise the loan or to borrow the money.” - Finance and Audit (Reform) Act 2005 The old folks have a saying, “pay no mind to the noise in the market, just make sure that your change is correct”. On Tuesday past, the United Democratic Party, knowing how short our change is, decided to fill the market with a whole lot of noise. The occasion was supposed to be a special Sitting of the House of Representatives to debate and pass a bill for a “loan” granted to the people of Belize by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The problem is, that according to above cited law, such a loan agreement has to be first approved by the House before being entered into and not after. This is what the opposition People’s United Party is objecting to and what Prime Minister Dean Barrow is trying to dismiss and has labeled “a political fig leaf.”

It would seem that if anyone is grabbing at a “fig leaf” to cover up, it is the Prime Minster himself who is in obvious violation of the laws of the country.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow has described the Petro Caribe loan as a “strange creature” or “what the lawyers call sui generis, “peculiar unto itself’”. This peculiarity however, has nothing to do with restrictions placed on government borrowing but instead, deals specifically with the fluctuations of the actual amount of that particular loan. Depending on the price of oil on the world market, the amount can be more

21

THE BELIZE TIMES

or less. Either way, it amounts to a huge amount of money that goes directly into the hands of our politicians. There is nothing peculiar about the opposition’s demand for transparency and accountability and it is in direct compliance with Hugo Chavez’s design for the use of the Petro Caribe funds.

Petro Caribe was the brainchild of now deceased Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez who expressed a desire to help alleviate poverty.

President Leonel Fernández of the Dominican Republic, one of the countries benefitting from Petro Caribe, said at the time that “Venezuela is teaching an impressive lesson to the world that solidarity and generosity can prevail over speculation, greed and unquenchable thirst for wealth.” Obviously, Belize’s Prime Minister has yet to learn that lesson.

Chavez’s expressed goal was to “defend millions of human beings against misery” and it is obvious that he did not intend for monies from the Petro Caribe initiative to be used for political gain, to mask political wrong or to shore up an unpopular government. That is exactly what the United Democratic Party of Dean Barrow is trying to do and Hugo Chavez must be turning in his grave.

Dean Barrow and his UDP government have been busy spending Petro Caribe funds on some very partisan programs. We are now made to understand that programs like the Christmas Cheer and Mother’s Day giveaways were not generous gifts from the Prime Minister but instead were coming directly out of the Petro Caribe funds. What makes this very wrong is that these gifts go only to UDP supporters but these monies will have to be paid back by everyone. The money to pay back comes from a punishing tax on fuel that affects mostly the poor; the very people that this initiative is meant to assist. What a cruel irony!

Huge sums of money are currently being spent on propaganda ads that run ad nauseam on selected media houses. On Tuesday, the UDP spent a reported two millions dollars more from the Petro Caribe fund to mobile a crowd designed to do little more than just stroke their own egos. Questions asked of those attending the gathering in Belmopan revealed that very few even knew what the discussion in the House was all about or exactly what the Petro Caribe initiative

even is. According to UDP officials, they don’t need to account for the money because all the people need to do is look at the streets. The problem is that the streets themselves are a problem. Most of the contracts to build the streets are given to political cronies and much of the work is hurriedly done and is already showing signs of poor workmanship.

Listening to the prime minister on Tuesday listing the number of projects being funded by the Petro Caribe money, one would be tempted to ask, “Where then are the other monies going”. If Petro Caribe is responsible for all infrastructure work, then where did the twenty million dollar bond floated by the Belize City Council go?

If Petro Caribe money is building the sugar roads, where then is the money from the European Union going? Where is all the money from the many various loans that this government has taken out going?

Apart from the discussion about the current Petro Caribe loan in the House on Tuesday, bills were hurriedly pushed through and signed for four more loans totaling over forty million dollars; most likely in US currency. If we are so “flushed with cash” then why do we need more loans and how much do we really owe? This government has been spending money with reckless abandon and absolutely no accountability to anyone. The Op-

position is now being accused of being against development because they dare to question this practice. Couldn’t we more rightly accuse the UDP and all those who attended that gathering on Tuesday of being in favor of corruption and lawlessness?

A troubling aspect of all this is that the government seems to be functioning exclusively on Petro Caribe money. According to energy analyst and Caribbean specialist Jorge Piñon “Any cut to Petrocaribe would be disastrous for countries that receive Venezuelan oil because it has become such an integral part of their economies.” The Cuban born Piñon added that “There is going to be a 911 call when there’s a change of policy in Caracas and the lights will literally go out in some of these countries.” More than a few expert observers warn that Petro Caribe’s largesse cannot continue forever and given Venezuela’s current economic situation and slowing oil production, the end could be a lot sooner than we think. It might not be the wisest thing for our government to be putting all our eggs in this one basket. It is even less wise for the people of Belize to give any government carte blanche authority to just spend this money as they will. Wisen up people, for GOD’s sake, wisen up!

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 15th day of September, 2009 between MELVIN HULSE JR., of #8 Roseapple Street, Belmopan City, Cayo District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 22 of 2009 at Folios 349 – 412, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE Firstly, ALL THAT piece or parcel of land situate near Mile 6.5 and East side of the Southern Highway, Stann Creek District bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 577 of 2001 dated 17th July 2001 surveyed by H.D. Flowers and lodged at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands in Entry Plan No. 3882 Reg. No. 12 577 of 2001 together with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

Secondly, ALL THAT piece or parcel of land situate east of the Southern Highway, near mile 6, Silk Grass Village Area, Stann Creek District bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 578 of 2001 dated 17th July 2001 surveyed by R.A. Rosado and lodged at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands in Entry Plan No. 3882 Reg. No. 12 together with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 18th day of June, 2014.

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

22

THE BELIZE TIMES

Home Economics

By Richard Harrison San Ignacio once had a thriving agro-forestry-based economy up to mid-1980s....supplying the country’s need for corn, beans, timber, vegetables and fruits.

The town bustled EVERY weekend, with trading at the markets during the day....stores used to remain open until 9pm....and several popular entertainment spots filled to capacity with spending customers until 3am...sometimes with two live bands playing in the same place on the same night! Violent crimes were few

round.

Light industries play a big role in the San Ignacio economy. They bring income from other parts of the country to work for the people of the town....Big H juice, Medina’s Furniture, Lea’s Furniture, New Hope Trading Furniture, Pine Lumber Company, Running W Meats, etc.; all these businesses generate steady year-round income stream for San Ignacio... mostly without ecological or environmental impact. These need a stronger wind under their wings and the enabling environment for

grown significantly...and can form the bedrock of a new formula for mortgage financing to allow for rapid increase in new home construction....which is needed in the San Ignacio area... and would create the amount and kinds of new jobs that the area needs to move towards full employment. This fomenting would be the most efficient and effective use of PetroCaribe concessionary funds so that mortgages can be financed and refinanced at 6.25% p.a., with 20-30 year terms. The demand for new homes would blossom to around 500 per year, creating over 600 full-time jobs for the area.

Tourism must continue to grow....and focus must be more on increasing quality and value... increasing throughput for higher occupancy....targeting more local and foreign tourism....with greater emphasis placed on de-

and far in between....no business or home had security guards.... during the summer months, most people slept with their windows wide open to allow cool air into their homes.

My mom operated one of the more popular restaurants “Tony’s Inn” and I used to sweep the floor.

I used to pick up lots of coins off the floor that people would drop and not bother to pick up...enough to treat my friends at school. Today you cannot pick up a red cent off the floor....things are relatively much tighter.

Since then, San Ignacio and surrounding areas have shifted so that it now leans heavily on tourism....with the peak season from November to April and slow season from May to October (following the winter pattern in the USA). This, and government-related teaching, health and services jobs. San Ignacio now comes alive mid-month and end-of-month when the government pay checks are cashed....and gets a boost between November and April, when the tourism jobs are most available. When it is slow....it is really slow.

San Ignacio needs a more balanced and diversified economy.... so that its population can live a high standard of living all year

similar new industries needs to be created and enhanced.

Education services are also a growing income earner....with Sacred Heart Junior College, CET and Galen University attracting students from other parts of the country and from abroad. Studyabroad programs bring US, Canadian, Australian and Japanese students to San Ignacio in growing numbers. These students demand food, rooms, transportation, entertainment, etc. These education programs need major investments to be able to grow in variety, quality and quantity for the benefit of more of our own students, as well as students from abroad.

The health services are also attracting clients across the country and from Guatemala and beyond.

A public-private sector system for new investments for delivery of high-quality health services can generate a lot of jobs and income for San Ignacio to develop a home-health care system that can be replicated across the country to improve the lives of cancer, diabetic, heart and other patients, as well as provide better services that keep our senior population healthy and happy....creating many opportunities for nurses and other health care providers.

St. Martins Credit Union has

veloping the San Ignacio and Bullet Tree water fronts to its highest value (develop them like prime beach front property).... the Cahal Pech and Pilar Mayan temples...and the historic downtown shopping and entertainment district.

San Ignacio area has a mostly youthful population... and sports is a good investment with health benefits....but also with economic benefits. It can also be used to develop good cultural and competitive behavior and habits. San Ignacio and big sports and sporting events should become synonymous with focus on attracting sports enthusiasts from all over the country, as well as from neighboring countries on a regular basis.

The town needs to develop an efficient and effective transportation system that can accommodate the increasing intransit and domestic traffic.

People need to move around at least cost, in the shortest time, with the greatest comfort and convenience. The enabling infrastructure needs to be made based on a long-term vision.... with a Private-Public-Investment formula.

Citizens and visitors must

A More Diversified Economy for the San Ignacio Area

23 NOV

2014

feel safe and secure at all hours of the day.....investments need to be made in more and better security....especially areas where a lot of people congregate. A low unemployment community will likely be safer....but this should not be taken for granted....and the strategic allocation of resources formed from greater cooperation between central and local governments and community stakeholders should achieve more and better security.

The people of San Ignacio must not isolate themselves from the resources of the wider Cayo district....and must take special interest in the development of areas that can provide jobs and businesses for its people....

Mountain Pine Ridge, Thousand Foot Falls and Rio On Caves, Xunantunich, Actun Tunich Muknal caves, Belize River, Mopan River, Mollejon Dam, etc. are no where

near their full potential, and needs development. Leadership should promote the annual investment of $6 million in a massive reforestation program for the district (especially Pine Ridge), which would employ hundreds of young people from the entire area....and must take special interest in mining industries.... for limestone, clay and granite, which are abundant...but also for river stone and sand, on a sustainable basis...with a view to supplying more of the entire country’s needs for aggregates and home-construction material.

This is a cursory view that takes into account what I have been hearing from the people of San Ignacio and Bullet Tree...feel free to help build on this.

“To the person who does not know where he wants to go there is no favorable wind.” — Seneca

Richard Harrison is a local businessman and investor in the manufacturing and service industries. Mr. Harrison holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from Lancaster University, United Kingdom. Send comments to harrisonbz@yahoo.com

23 NOV

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

In my perspective…

BELIZE’S PAPA DOC?

by Rayford Young Jean-Claude Duvalier, known as Baby Doc, is a former dictator of Haiti.

Mr. Duvalier ruled with brutality and corruption for nearly 15 years before being overthrown in 1986.

He is the son of Francois Duvalier, known as Papa Doc, a much feared dictator of Haiti from 1957 to 1971. The younger Mr. Duvalier took power, when he was just 19, following the death of his father. In all, the Duvalier dynasty lasted about three decades and was

Jean-Claude Duvalier, AKA Papa Doc marked by the family’s harsh repression of its opponents, with the help of a special police unit called the Tontons Macoute.

Mr. Duvalier went into exile in France in 1986. In the wake of his ouster, the country turned on his security forces, slaughtering them by the dozens and even desecrating François Duvalier’s mausoleum. His departure ushered in a period of halting democracy that has continued with tumultuous elections. In January 2011, Mr. Duvalier returned to Haiti, saying he had come only to help his country, not to get involved in politics.

Though Mr. Duvalier has long been accused of looting $300 million before fleeing, his lawyers and friends have said that much of his money was squandered on a lavish lifestyle of jewelry, chateaus, fancy cars and a very expensive divorce from his ex-wife.

Jean-Claude Duvalier died on October 4, 2014. The New York Times.

Wow! it seems like Haiti just can’t get a break - one disaster after another. Then on January 12, 2010 a massive earthquake that measured 7.0 on the Richter Scale killed 230,000 people. I’ve heard some people say Haiti is cursed. I don’t know if that’s true or it is the result of dictatorship. The people of Haiti had enough of this dictator and took to the streets in 1986 for a popular uprising

and Baby Doc fled to France.

There’s so much we can learn from this experience. When I heard of the death of Baby Doc I said to myself could Belize end up like Haiti? Could we be ruled by a dictator? and what would we do about it? The sad fact is the stars are aligned to become a dictatorship country. I’ve heard the PM is thinking of running for a third term and if he won I believe we would be in for a true awakening.

It is reported that Baby Doc had a big problem with the media, as do most dictators. He jailed reporters and closed down the opposition radio and television stations. In Belize we have almost the same situation where the ruling party ministers are regularly suing television stations. In one case it was not what the station employees said, but what a caller said. This is nothing but intimidation. A few years ago the government threatened to

unarmed Belizeans. They are there to do the biddings of the higher-ups. The recent naming of a street thug to head the GSU tells you all you need to know.

While I’m not suggesting Papa Dean ordered any of these confrontations with the citizenry, his silence speaks for itself.

Papa Dean is in total control of the police department. Whenever there’s a news conference he’s there and takes over. He decides who will be charged with murder regardless of the evidence.

Politicians should stay out of the police business so they can do their jobs, investigate the crimes and charge those who need to be charged.

Then, there’s the wife of the dictator. Seems they’re all the same. They love to shop and their love for shoes is baffling. Not a few pair of shoes but thousands. We all remember Imelda Marcos. When they had to flee the Philippines they discovered thousands of shoes in the Palace. Papa Dean’s wife is no different. She loves the limelight and just recently she was on a tour raising money for her private foundation.

No one knows how the money is being spent and she’s accountable to no one.

No one knows who pays for all these trips and shopping sprees in New York and London. While I believe she means well there’s no transparency and openness on her part especially when taking private donations.

23 So there you have it. This is my observation of where things stand at this moment. I’m not saying Papa Dean is a tyrant and goes around beating up the citizenry and killing people, but his silence is deafening. When you have the audacity to steal private businesses and put your son in charge of it that’s a sign. When you borrow millions of dollars with tax payers on the hook for it, and no one knows what you’re doing with it, and more over it was not approved by the legislative representatives, that’s a sign. When you are in total control of the police and the GSU and they do as they please and you say nothing, that’s a sign. When you disregard the law and you change the law to suit your agenda, that’s a sign. When your family members are in high government posts and are accountable to no one but you, that’s a sign. When your cabinet members are known crooks and are involved in corruption and you defend them, that’s a sign.

I believe if Papa Dean is elected to a third term, dictatorship could be on the horizon. Papa Dean loves power and as the saying goes, “Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely”.

Rayford Young is a Belizean-American, who currently lives in Michigan, U.S.A. Send comments to rayfordyoung@comcast.net

An Authoritarian Government Dean Barrow close down one of the major television stations!

The Duvalier’s ruled Haiti for twenty nine years and, like most dictators he stacked the government with faithful family members, friends and cronies to carry out their evil deeds. No different in Belize. Papa Dean has most of his family members in key government positions including the department of election and boundaries which is responsible for the election process.

Papa Dean’s daughter works there. This is a huge conflict of interest. Then we have Papa Dean’s ex-wife, who is now the Permanent Representative of Belize to the United Nations – her excellency Lois M. Young. Papa Dean’s son, Anwar Barrow, is the CEO of BTE. Papa Dean’s son of another mother, Moshe Levi Ben David, formerly known as Shyne, is the Ambassador of music for the country of Belize. He’s a convicted felon who lives in Israel. But when you are a dictator you do as you wish and appoint who you wish because you know best.

These are just a few of the family members that occupy high office.

Another example of dictator influence is the National Security apparatus. Baby Doc had a thug group called Tontons Macoute who killed thousands of Haitians on his orders. Our Tontons Macoute is called the GSU-gang suppression unit. They too beat up and kill

By Orlando Habet, PUP Cayo North East Standard Bearer A key feature of democracy is the absence of civil unrest. Any social, economic, and political aspirations must be realized by way peaceful means.

In a country where democracy is upheld the state must allow its citizens to express their views and aspirations. This is a principal right enshrined in the Belize Constitution. In this context any form of opposition must not resort to violence. In a country where democracy works properly, the relationship between peaceful demonstration or opposition and policy changes is clear. Almost always, the opposition (protesters), especially if a large number of people are involved, will bring about revisions in the policy or other changes.

It is said that in such a country, demonstrations represent public apprehension that office holders, both in the executive and legislative branches of power, need to take seriously. This is because it is public support that puts politicians in office. Disregarding public sentiments will only encourage voters to support another party in the next election. Therefore, democracy requires a system of checks and balances. In the legislative branch of government, the

function of this system is undertaken by members of parliament (the House of Representatives) to ensure that the executive branch does not exceed the Constitution’s limits, and to ensure governmental policies serve the public interest. Note that the very concept and establishment of the separation of powers in the Constitution is for limiting government power and authority, and to provide for checks and balances.

Outside the legislature, the checkand-balance system enters the public domain. Any policies that are perceived as not being in the interest of the public will be opposed if you have vigilance on behalf of the citizenry.

Demonstration is one form of this opposition. Public pressure is intended to influence the administration and lawmakers to generate policy change.

There are countries where democracy is still in transition, where political anomalies still exist, where democracy is only preached but not practiced and there is no correlation between peaceful demonstrations and policy changes. In these countries, peaceful demonstrations have been allowed simply out of lip service to the articles and clauses of the Constitution. Public demands rarely are sufficient to compel the government to reconsider and eventually change its policies or decisions. The government’s philosophy on allowing the public to stage peaceful demonstrations has always been to Continued on page 24

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

An Authoritarian Government Continued from page 23 “let the dogs bark, and the caravan will continue to pass”.

This type of government tactic or rather, democratic gimmick is well understood by the public. That is why the opposition and the pubic often fail to hold peaceful demonstrations for they feel that such efforts will be ineffective. So, to make their voices heard, to ensure that their demands are met, and make certain that the government and lawmakers genuinely represent the public’s interest demonstrations inevitably involve some degree of violence.

Therefore, until democracy is practiced adequately, there is no value, no moral basis, in asking the public to carry out peaceful demonstrations. There is no point in only letting the dogs bark. In this unusual democratic state, often the dogs need to bite. (Adopted from essays by the Dean of the University of Jakarta, Indonesia.)

-Wikipedia defines Government-organized demonstrations or state demonstrations as demonstrations which are organized by the government of that nation.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, the People’s Republic of China, Republic of Cuba, Kirchnerist Argentina, the Soviet Union, Fascist Italy, and Nazi Germany among other nations, have had government-organized demonstrations.

In Iran, demonstrations such as the anniversary of Islamic revolution are organized by government. In the past, people at these demonstrations have chanted “Down with Israel” and “Death to America”.

The North Korean government regularly organizes demonstrations against South Korea or the US or in support of government policies.

In Venezuela, government organized demonstrations have included the petroleum workers in protest against perceived US interference.

Another Pro-government demonstration was a protest where the Venezuelan government accused the US of trying to destabilize its government.

In Belize, the UDP government of Dean Barrow is organizing a Pro-government demonstration in Belmopan against the complaint “claim” brought against Dean Barrow and the UDP by the opposition PUP in regards to the illegal spending of more than 114.3 U.S. million dollars from the Alba Petro-Caribe funds from Venezuela up to October 2014. Additionally, the claim seeks to halt any further spending. The UDP government will spend hundreds of thousands of Public monies to canvas the people (house to house campaign), bus in, feed and pay people to participate in this demonstration scheduled for November 18, 2014. The Prime Minister will play with people’s minds and try to let the people feel that the opposition PUP is against the infrastructural spending that supposedly should be making life better in Belize. What the PM will not tell the people is that he himself brought forth the need and claims to cham-

pion the need for accountability and transparency, and thus about changes to the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act to give more transparency and accountability of the spending of the People’s money— which he himself is guilty of not complying. What the PM will do is divert attention from the real facts, “the spending of more than 114.3 million plus” from the Petro Caribe funds through an Executive (Cabinet) decision rather than a legislative decision.

How the UDP intend to get the people to Belmopan? The UDP has set up their machinery. UDP pays persons by the dozens. Who are the principal targets? The UDP is vicious. The UDP is cold. The UDP is

calculating and treacherous. Several people have informed us that they have been approached and not asked to participate but have been told in no uncertain terms that they MUST participate or their government assistance (Student grant, Pantry programme assistance, Boost programme assistance) will be terminated. A few employees of the government have informed us that they have been threatened in losing their jobs if they do not ride the bus to Belmopan and participate in the demonstration on that day.

While the definition of pro-government demonstration by Wikipedia clearly shows state demonstrations are against a foreign threat or perceived threat, the Dean Barrow State demonstration is overstepping its bounds in attempting to in-

23 NOV

2014

terfere in the Opposition’s rights, the public’s sentiments and to disrupt ‘Public pressure,’ which, as stated earlier, is intended to influence the administration and lawmakers to generate policy change.

Belize is gradually being driven into an Authoritarian state as demonstrated by the Dean Barrow’s Political pluralism and now repressive tactics against the Opposition PUP, the Unions, Chamber of Commerce etc. and via the prohibition of anti-UDP regime activity. This UDP administration has become imperious and engaged in the practice of despotism.

Arise ye sons of the Baymen’s clan, put On your Armour, Clear the land, Drive back the TYRANTS, Let DESPOTS Flee.

23 NOV

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

25

26

THE BELIZE TIMES

23 NOV

2014

23 NOV

2014

27

THE BELIZE TIMES For Sale

By Order of the

Thank You God, For This Day…Amen

T

oday’s world is peppered with people nurturing a ‘serve-me-now’ mentality. Thanks to the internet and technological advancements, we have access to information with the brush of our fingertips on interactive LCD screens. LCD screens which update so quickly that the IPhone S3 is barely debuted before the IPhone S4 is in the works. Not even food has escaped the brunt of this quickfix sensation; the popularity of ‘fast foods’ such as fried chicken or fried tacos have swept this nation with a fiery vengeance.

These items are so popular because our sense of entitlement has only grown with the time. Nowadays, we want things hot.

We want things fresh. We want things now, now, now.

Because we’re always in a rush, the most basic standards of politeness have often fallen to the wayside in favor of our pumped-up egos. The words ‘Thank’ and ‘You’ are rarely put in the same sentence anymore, much less directed at someone who has done us a good turn. The problem of ingratitude, however, has not suddenly sprouted as a weed in the garden of the twenty-first century. Humans have experienced flare-ups with ungratefulness since the beginning of time. The Manual records an encounter that occurred more than 2000 years ago with the Kingdom Lawyer, Jesus Christ, and ten diseased men.

Apparently, these men were suffering from leprosy, a terrible infectious disease that eats away at the skin, the bone, and the cartilage. Well, Jesus healed these people and sent them to be declared healthy by the priest. In the end, only one returned to tell the Healer ‘thanks’.

When I was younger, my mother ingrained the importance of saying please and thank you into my brain by hitting the point home through my buttocks. Translation: I got spanked every time I forgot my manners, and I’ve never unlearnt the lesson.

Now, some may argue that the nine who went about their way neglecting to at least say ‘thank you’ for their miracle had only done so because they were overcome with joy at their healing.

Yet, if the petty act of allowing a car to pass in front of you in bumper to bumper traffic on a five o’clock Friday evening on the George Price Highway warrants a honk and a wave from the driver, a major disease-clearing miracle deserves a ‘thanks a million’ at least.

Those of you who are shaking your heads in judgment at those nine should pause a minute before casting the group to damnation. Just as those nine had a miracle occur before their eyes, we also see miracles every day. The very gift of waking up each morning with the strength to face every challenge, as trite as it may seem, is a miracle. How often do we jump up from a good night’s sleep and go about our day without acknowledging the Maker who has granted us one more opportunity to touch a life and change the world? The act of being grateful is not religious. In fact, studies show that those who are appreciative of what they have are more content with life and so have less health problems and longer days.

Are you grateful for this day?

Until next week God bless

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 16th day of March, 2010 between EVAN SABAL, of 4 ½ Miles, Stann Creek Valley Road, Stann Creek District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 8 of 2010 at Folios 665 – 692, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Block No. 433 situate in the Carib Reserve Area, Stann Creek District more particularly shown on Governor’s Fiat (Grant) No. 15 of 1955 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 6th day of November, 2014.

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

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 Assignment and Transfer of Mortgage made the 30th day of March, 2009 recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 8 of 2009 at Folios 489 - 518, between FirstCaribbean International Bank (Barbados) Limited (the Assignor), Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., (the Assignee) and Albert Martinez and Sherlene Martinez (the Mortgagors) which said property was mortgaged by the said Albert Martinez and Sherlene Martinez to the said FirstCaribbean International Bank (Barbados) Limited; and the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 153 situate in Mile 8 ½ north of Western Highway, Belize District as shown on a plan of subdivision prepared by Jose E. Depaz, Licensed Land Surveyor and registered at the Lands and Surveys Department in Belmopan, Cayo District in Register No. 17 Entry No. 7737 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections thereon.

DATED this 5th day of November, 2014.

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

28 LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that LUIS COWO is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Rafaela’s Shop”, situate at Trinidad Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that SOLAYRA CHEN is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “A&K Mini Shop”, situate at #27 Dunn Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that MANUEL AGUSTO BLANCO is applying for a renewal of a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “San Estevan Multi-Service Station”, situate at San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that RICARDO CARCANO is applying for a renewal of a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Carkis Cool Spot”, situate at Mahogany Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that MING REN LI is applying for a renewal of a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Akihito Hotel”, situate at #22 Belize/ Corozal Road, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that ELIZABETH YOUNG is applying for a renewal of a Bar Liquor License to be operated at “Fender’s Bar”, situate at 43 Handyside Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that QIAO HONG LIU is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Hong Yuan Shop”, situate at #139 Cemetery Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that PEIRU LIU is applying for a renewal of a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “New World Restaurant”, situate at #109 Constitution Drive, City of Belmopan, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that EDWARD MUSA JR. is applying for a renewal of a Publican General Liquor License to be operated at “James Brodie & Co.”, situate at 1 ½ Miles Phillip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that EDWARD MUSA SR. is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “James Brodie & Co.”, situate at Albert Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that CURTIS MUSA is applying for a renewal of a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “James Brodie & Co.”, situate at 2 ½ Miles Phillip Goldson Highway, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

23 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

OUT

Females artist collaborate in new Exhibition

Camouflaged Checkpoints Continued from page 2

November 20, 2014 The Image Factory Art Foundation announces its newest art exhibition The 3rd Eye featuring three female artists eLise Arelie (Craig), Alyssa Craig and Briheda Haylock.

The show is an experimental collaboration where each artist challenged the other to create works based on ideas, concepts and multi-media challenges.

End result – an explosive mix of chance operations – combining photography, installation, graphic design, drawing, sculpture and painting.

While the show takes on distinct thematic gestures such as the body, media and the environment it is the sharp phantom identity that emerges when the collaboration forces the individual identities of the artists to become blurred and mysterious.

This is the first major show for eLise and Alyssa. Briheda burst onto the Belizean art scene in a duo show with Ruhiel Trejo titled Society Killed the Teenager (March 2012) followed by her solo show Megalomania (January 2013). In June 2013 she played a leading role in organizing the ground breaking youth exhibit Baffu.

The 3rd Eye will open of Friday November 21 at 7:00pm at the Factory. The show will last until the middle of December.

OUT Gun reform

Continued from page 2 back property papers seem to be a huge issue in the court systems.

The purpose of bail is simply a surety to ensure persons attend court. Once the trial is completed getting the document should not be an issue as one might think.

This is not the case though in Belize.

I have experience posting property bail for less than five thousand dollars just to find when time came to claim back the document several red tapes had to be faced. No one could find the property document and at the end accusations were made of not submitting a property document or making a property bail because it should not have been required by law. Recently a similar occurrence have occurred where a person had been continuously checking with the courts for over a year to claim their land paper and have not received their property papers as yet.

Seeking to post a bail is simple and I believe that once requirement are met and the trial has been completed seeking to claim documents

there were only 3 fluorescent cones on the middle of the highway about ten feet apart, without any lights of any kind to further signal to drivers that a checkpoint has been set and thus recognize that they should slow down on their pedals. As our bus was thoroughly checked, it was evident that Customs Officers were behaving very disrespectful and discourteous to the driver and conductor of the other bus referring to them as “idiots” since they were unable to see the checkpoint.

It was indeed a very discouraging scene to observe and be a part of since the unnecessary use of vulgar language and threats on the part of the Customs Officers was resoundingly offensive to everyone on board both buses. To add insult to injury, that bus was further unlawfully detained by these Customs Officers for simply not stopping on time on the camouflaged checkpoint as claimed by these same public officers.

With this in mind, I must underscore that these incidences of disrespect form Custom Officers are very regular especially in these days when the frequencies of contraband misdemeanour from the North are very much common due to the Christmas season now already on us. I humbly advise the Customs Department and by extension the Police Department to please set up their checkpoint in very conspicuous manners especially considering that the darkness of the night seriously camouflages the cones in the middle of the highway. Moreover, they should ensure that these fluorescent cones be placed at least quarter mile from each other so as to ensure that drivers are duly and properly warned of their presence. Perhaps setting up these checkpoints on or very close to bumps can also be a safer way to conduct searches. Finally, please be respectful and professional when conducting your duties. You guys are certainly not above anyone in this blessed land.

Respectfully, German Tzul Teacher Sadie Vernon Technical High School

should be just as easy. It should never be seen as punishment to the persons trying to assist by posting or signing bails. Getting property documents has enough red tapes with all the land scandals. To be required to face going through all the bureaucracy and frustrations of getting back property documents is uncalled for. This situation needs to be looked into and addressed.

Student Public Administration and Policy University of Belize

23 NOV

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

29

30

BSI WORKERS LOBBY FOR PAY RAISE THROUGH UNION Orange Walk District, November 12, 2014 The cane farmers are not the only sugar industry stakeholders attempting to sort out their working issues with Belize Sugar Industries (BSI). The workers’ union, Belize Worker’s Union (BWU) has taken their request for a salary increase for 160 workers to officials of American Sugar Refining Inc. (ASR), the owners of BSI. At a meeting held on November 6th, BWU President Richard Tillett proposed a 15% raise for its members/ employees. Tillett explained that the amount was arrived at based on the Government’s inflation statistics and data they researched and found regarding BSI’s sales. The second data, although not fully reliable or up to date, is what they had to work with since BSI/ASR officials have reportedly refused to provide them with a financial report.

Prior to ASR’s purchase of BSI Limited in October 2012, the workers were the majority owners of the sugar factory and obtaining financial data on the company was the least of their problems. But after selling away the majority of their shareholder interests, as suggested and lobbied by the Barrow Administration, the workers’ importance in the company has been

23 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

diminished to just employees.

ASR has proposed an increase of 2.5%, but Tillett and his Union representatives have rejected the offer, claiming that proposal won’t cut it.

“2.5% doesn’t cut for the workers because we have a lot of responsibilities namely we have children going to school, food, light, and all kinds of bills to pay which are not wants but necessities,” Tillett explained.

The negotiation for salary increases and other benefits has been going on from November 2013.

PUP NOTICE

Cayo North Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party is accepting applications for Standard Bearer for Cayo North Constituency.

Application forms are available at the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City.

Application must be filled and returned to the Secretariat, addressed to the Secretary General by Friday, November 28, 2014.

2014

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 3rd day of March, 2010, between MARION ALI of No. 1 Antelope Street, Belize City, Belize District, Belize of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part, and recorded at in Deeds Book Vol. 7 of 2010 at Folios 1113 – 1156, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land situate in Frank Eddy’s Agricultural Layout, Cayo District of Belize being part of a subdivision of lands comprised in Grant No. 7 of 1993 Register No. 16 Entry No. 9626 and more particularly shown as part of a subdivision of a 5 acre parcel described as Lot No. 1 comprising about 1.502 acres on a plan of subdivision survey by Kenneth Gillett dated May 14th 2009 on Register No. 16 Entry No. 11941 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 20th day of November, 2014.

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

23 NOV

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

Wutless UDP!

George Street Gang leader “Sinbad” shot

Succotz heroes charged, granted bail of $300 Benque Viejo del Carmen, November 18, 2014 The UDP Government’s ultimate display of coldness and abuse towards the people of Cayo is the hauling of hardworking and law-abiding mothers and fathers of Succotz and Benque Viejo del Carmen to the Magistrate’s Court last week Friday November 7th.

The residents of the most-western towns were treated as criminals. Their supposed devious action, according to the UDP, was standing up to defend their own.

BWS wants 5% rate increase Belize City, November 17, 2014 There’s no stopping this Government from making living harder for Belizeans. This week the Government-owned water company, Belize Water Services, announced that it has applied for a 5% increase in water rates to the Public Utilities Commission.

The rate increase forms part of BWS’s Full Tariff Review Proceeding, an annual application in which the company can seek adjustments to its rates based on company projections. The PUC gives the final approval.

According the BWS, the increase is needed to fund a $108m project. But the question is why can’t the Government find the funding through Petro-Caribe, which seems to be the favourite or rather ONLY external source of funds for the Barrow Administration?

An increase in water rates will negatively impact all Belizeans who are already struggling with the high cost of living and the slow economy. Instead of dumping Petro-Caribe millions on white elephant projects from where UDP cronies cream off the profits, the Government should use the funds to alleviate burdens such as the increasing cost of accessing vital utilities such as water and electricity.

But that won’t happen under the Barrow Administration. It will be up to the people of Belize to put a stop to BWS’ request for a rate increase. The public does have a say and the PUC is inviting public comments to the request at their meeting on November 27th at the Ramada Princess Hotel or by writings which must be submitted by December 17th. The PUC has until January 2nd to deliver an initial decision.

THREE MONTHS AGO, on Tuesday August 19th, a large crowd of Succotz and Benque residents blocked the entrance to Benque and Succotz with burning tires. Yes, the action was drastic, but drastic times call for drastic measures and 72 hours earlier a senior Police Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura, had crashed into a vehicle, killing the passenger and incapacitating the driver. The Officer had not only escaped charges up to that morning, but there were reports that fellow officers had aided in the destruction of crucial evidence at the scene.

In fear that the Police would continue to drag their feet residents felt the need to send a loud message. It worked! In a matter of hours after the Police learnt that the road was blocked, they rushed to prepare a charge sheet and even did a most strange thing by taking the actual charge sheet to the protest scene for residents to see. The unusual act didn’t work, however, and it took a few more hours before residents calmed down.

In their minds were the images of the horrific accident. 54 year old market vendor Yolanda Consuelo Valencia died instantly from the impact. 28 year old Yanie Evan Cu, who was transporting Valencia and her vegetable produce to the Belmopan

CARTOON

31 Deadly street war continues

market, was trapped in the mangled car and had to endure tremendous pain. Segura appeared dishevelled and under the influence. He had stepped out of the vehicle with his pants unbuttoned and he appeared totally lost. He was eventually charged for manslaughter by negligence and driving above the allowed alcohol limit.

At the Magistrate’s Court last week Friday, the names of 17 persons were called. The Police said the persons charged were identified in video and photos taken of the protest. They were arraigned on charges of rioting before well-known UDP crony who was appointed a Magistrate, Herbert Panton.

They were offered bail of $300 and the case was scheduled for February 12.

Attorney for all those charged, Michel Chebat, condemned the actions taken against the residents. He said they were the victims of an abuse of power, “…It is disappointing to see that these people are being victimized. These are poor people who stood up for their rights and they are now being victimized and that is a grave injustice being done”.

There are credible reports that the Police were pressured by their political bosses to find a way to “teach the residents a lesson” after they refused to participate in the paid rally that took place at Tuesday’s special House Sitting.

Belize City, November 20, 2014 The deadly war between Belize City gang rivals which has taken the streets of the old capital by siege continued today when George Street Gang leader Carlos “Sinbad” Abraham was shot.

Abraham, the reputed leader of the feared gang, was inside his vehicle which was parked on Lakeview Street around 10:00am on Thursday morning when he was ambushed by a gunman and shot multiple times.

Abraham was rushed to the hospital where he is in a critical condition.

George Street, which sits in the heart of Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s constituency, is at the center of the gang rivalries. Last week Andrew Tate, who is connected to the gang, was shot as he rode his bicycle on North Front Street. In February of this year, Tate and Kariq Tzul were shot while in a yard at the corner of West Canal and King Street.

On January 2013, Leonard “Ghost” Myers was killed in an execution style murder along with others who were residing at a Dean Street residence. Their throats had been sliced.

On April 2012, the then leader of the gang Sheldon “Pinky” Tillet was killed inside his pickup truck parked outside the Esso Express Service Station when a gunman walked up to him and fired shots at him. The gunman was believed to be Arthur Young, who was later shot dead by the Gang Suppression Unit.

23 NOV

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

32