Belize Times October 13, 2013

SCAN HERE

The Belize Times

Established 1957

13 OCTOBER 2013 | ISSUE NO: 4866

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

|

Barrow’s Cesspool

of Corruption Belize City, October 10th 2013 It is now very obvious why for two long weeks, when the evidence of wrongdoing at the Ministry of Immigration was mounting and staring the UDP Government in the face, the self-styled anti-corruption Prime Minister, Dean Barrow, refused to call for a criminal investigation into the scandal.

In fact, not only did Barrow ignore the loud calls for an investigation into obvious criminality at Immigration, he changed into his lawyer’s robe to tongue lash the media if they suggested criminal wrongdoing and he proclaimed that as Prime Minister and lawyer he saw no evidence of anything criminal. By doing this, Barrow who pretends to be a Dictator of the Executive and Legislative branches of Government sent out a threatening notice to all arms of Government, whether independent or not, that launching any sort of investigation would be going against him and his word.

But nothing done in the dark

Page 6

The Recall Is On!

PUP at 60% of threshold

Deputy Leader Hon. Julius Espat monitors recall efforts

Page 4

ARREST PENNER NOW!!

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OPINION OUT

OUT

Wanted:

Penner’s Head

!

Dear Editor, Dean Barrow is making a fool of himself as Prime Minister, trying to defend Penner, instead of doing the right thing which is to let the law take its course and have Penner be charged and arrested.

Barrow has come up with all sorts of big words for excuses as to why Penner has done nothing criminal. Barrow switches into lawyer-mode every time he goes before press. But nothing Barrow says or does with Penner will save him. Penner’s deeds have been seen by the Belizean people and for all intents and purposes, Penner is dead in Belizean politics.

It is the culture of Barrow’s politics that has caught up with him.

His showing up on every occasion to try to defend away his Minister of Health Pablo Marin after 13 babies died at the KHMH, his Deputy Gapi after he gave land to his family, Lisel who sold the Rosewood cheap, Castro who went fishing for young tilapias in Taiwan, King who was caught on video assaulting a Police Officer, and more.

But Penner is a different kettle of fish. Penner is the straw that will break the camel’s back. It is the cover up of all cover ups. This is why Barrow has to face the press with a dark shades that makes him look like a gangster instead of a Prime Minister.

The people want Penner’s head.

Barrow is standing in the way. But as sure as night follows day, Penner will face the music. You can run Elvin Penner, but you can’t hide.

Signed.

Cayo North East Resident

LOCAL 11 Oct

13 OCT

THE BELIZE TIMES

Reconstructing the Youth Mentality for National Development

!

Dear Editor, Some people might ask, what is “Reconstructing the Youth Mentality for National Development”? Well, in my perspective, the majority of our young people in Belize are poor and thus, OVERLOOKED. The system TOLERATES this. We, at the Teens Belize Organization say that this must change. There is URGENT NEED for reconstructing the youth mentality if our youths are to take Belize to economic prosperity. Currently, the majority who is poor, and are at a disadvantaged, just “go” with the flow. But they have potential, but it’s no use they advance this potential because the system generates a sense that “it’s the survival of the fittest”. How about “the fittest who survive” help those who didn’t survive the system? Have our people “up there” ever thought of that? I am from one of the poorest areas of Belize, and I am come from a very poor family.

And only someone who is poor knows what it is to fight for our poor brothers and sisters. We can’t let them down.

The dynamics of our system “worked on with politics” obstructs real national development of our young people.

What piece of the pie is really for youth empowerment? Have those in high power realized how many of our young peo-

ple are astray? Do they realize that our young people need their “proper share” of the pie too? We have heard of the national youth policy, but that’s all. No action, none at all. Where is the fair play? How can there be mere talk, but NO walk?

Our system needs to support initiatives that will reconstruct the youth mentality for national development.

We need to fully include our young people in the decision making of our national policies. It is of paramount importance that all the youth organizations, both Government-operated and NGO, form a National Coalition, and lobby for the BEST policies that would directly affect how young people are being addressed. The time for “average” attention is long gone.

I am hoping to meet with Prime Minister Dean Barrow, and the Minister of Youth to dialogue first on how we can work for all the youth in Belize.

The Teens Belize Organization philosophy is that all young people in Belize deserve the right to an equal opportunity for their potential to be unleashed, and for it to be “nourished” for equitable growth, in order to become someone. The time is right to put our cards on the table, and listen to what the youths have to say. The time is right for our youths to begin the transformation to be the leaders of tomorrow. Why wait until the next 5-10 years? Let’s champion the fight for our young people to be equipped with what they need to make BELIZE a safe, democratic, friendly, and economically great place!

Let’s DEVELOP BELIZE for everyone. Let’s ensure our youths are being nurtured to lead the jewel to economic prosperity. Let’s encourage donors to come to Belize and sustainably invest in programs, which will deliver great results for our youth’s success. When I say results, I mean the “real show”. Our youths have ideas in abundance, great ideas. Our youths have the enthusiasm to go the extra mile. But we lack the support from those who have the powers in their hands to give the nod.

It is time for our International Funding Agencies to invest in programs, and provide technical support, that will aid us to prosper fully “Reconstructing the Youth Mentality for National Development”… Belize’s National Development!!!

Yours Respectfully, Kenny Jacobs Executive Director/TV Host Teens Belize Organization/Developing Toledo TV Show www.teensbelize.com

13 Oct

OUT UDP Bites Mose

!

Dear Editor, There is a part of me that wanted to say “da good fu Mose” after last week’s attack by UDP cronies on him. The reason why a part of me didn’t feel sorry for Mose is because Mose has been living a lie – talking the talk of false pretense, saying power to the people while the people go to jail for a stick of weed, for stealing cheese and a coke, or owing the court. The people have been feeling a huge burden with high light bills, rough school fees and crazy food costs.

Yet, Mose let it all slide.

Mose seemed to have been sucking on the UDP bubby, drinking from the trough of plenty. He sees no wrong with Barrow.

But now, after strategically attacking Penner, Mose get lick by none other than the UDP. One must wonder whether Mose’s attack was a tit for tat, as his family business got ruffled by the GST Department for a big bill. I wish other businesses would get that kind of break.

I really don’t know the games played behind the Zinc Fence by the Seashore Drive neighbors, but I always watch with suspicion.

But fair is fair, what the UDP did to Mose was hurtful and wrong. His stand against Penner is the right one and I support it. The call to arrest Penner is the people’s call. I will be watching Mose, praying he stays on course.

Power to the People.

Signed, P.P SCAN HERE

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

|

ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

|

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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 The Belize Times Press Ltd.

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2013

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Tel: 671-8385 #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize

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13 OCT

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Barrow’s Cesspool

of Corruption

Arthur Saldivar Continued from page 1 can hide from the light of truth and today Barrow, Elvin Penner, Godwin Hulse and the bunch of UDP cronies in Cabinet are drowning in a cesspool of corruption at the Ministry of Immigration.

Elvin Penner’s illegal and criminal act of issuing a bogus nationality certificate and personally facilitating the

fraudulent issuance of a passport for international criminal, South Korean national Won Hong Kim, was but the tip of the ice-berg and only the beginning of what will surely be the end of the UDP. Today, thanks to the bravery of attorney Arthur Saldivar there is massive evidence that the UDP have been engaged in the illegal wholesale giveaway of Belizean nationalities and passports to all sorts of individuals including notorious figures and possible terrorists.

Saldivar, through connections in the Ministry of Immigration, has salvaged 150 documents showing fraudulent issuances of Belizean nationality by the former Minister of State in the Ministry of Immigration, Elvin Penner and under the watch of the actual Minister of Immigration Godwin Hulse.

Saldivar reported that the documents had been designated for destruction by fire, but instead of being destroyed some brave souls contacted him and handed them over so the truth can be exposed.

Three documents, among an en-

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE B Y O R D E R O F T H E M O RT G A G E E H O LY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED, a Licensed Public Auctioneer will sell on site the following property at the time as listed.

At No. 2 16th Street, Barrio Pobre Area, San Ignacio Town, Cayo District on Thursday, 17th October 2013 at 11:00 am ALL THAT piece or parcel of land containing 533.3 square yards and being Lot No. 748 situate at San Ignacio Town, Cayo District (now Parcel 2700, Block 23, Cayo North Registration Section) and more particularly delineated on Plan No. 145 of 1987 attached to the Minister’s Fiat (Grant) No. 145 of 1987 dated 12th January 1988 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of ELSIE AUGUST and DANIEL ANTONIO AUGUST JR. (Jointly) DATED this 3rd day of October 2013 All sales are strictly cash and deemed final. For more information contact: HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738

tire binder full with many others, have been released to the media by Saldivar. They all show clear fraud.

There is the case of Chinese National, No-Jie Shau, to whom a nationality certificate was issued on May 22nd 2013, but whose application for nationality was entered two months later, on July 10th 2013. The certificate gives a Las Flores, Belmopan address as No-Jie Shau’s residence and carries the signature of Elvin Penner.

There are also two nationality certificates for Taiwan national Yiu Pang Chen. One carries a fake-looking picture and Government seal, but no signature. The other carries no picture, no seal, but has Elvin Penner’s signature and is dated May 18, 2013.

Chen gave as his residence, the address #21 Vernon Street in Belize City.

The third document is a nationality certificate issued to one Jalal Ebrahimi, who provided as support document to his application a copy of a fishy looking 2012 Iranian passport. The passport claimed that Ebra-

03 3 himi was born in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Ebrahimi gave an ambiguous address in Belize as his residence: South End Corozal Town. It is not clear what checks and balances were conducted, but Penner signed off on his nationality certificate.

The three cases above are only a few examples of gross wrongdoing at the Nationality section of the Immigration Department. Three fragments of evidence that corruption is rampant clearly involving the hands of Elvin Penner, and under the nose of Godwin Hulse and Prime Minister Dean Barrow.

Saldivar has indicated that he plans to release the entire load of documents very soon, and it has made many the Prime Minister and his Ministers very nervous.

Since the release of the documents, Barrow has hidden from the media. It has been a huge embarrassment to him that the Director of Public Prosecution indicated that there is sufficient evidence of wrongdoing and that the Police have been called to investigate.

But the BELIZE TIMES has learnt from inside Police sources that the purpose of the investigation is to find out how documents were leaked to Saldivar and not to investigate Penner or Hulse and what is a cesspool of corruption at the Immigration Department.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

The Recall Is On! PUP at 60% of threshold Belize City, October 10, 2013 In the next few days, the Opposition PUP will obtain the required 1,800 signatures needed to trigger the recall and just removal of disgraced Elvin Penner in Cayo North East.

Up to today, Thursday October 10th the Recall Team has obtained 1,200 signatures of Cayo North East residents calling on Penner to face a recall. This represents 66% of the amount needed to trigger a referendum to recall.

Leading the efforts are PUP Western Caucus leaders including Cayo North East’s Orlando Habet who informed the BELIZE TIMES that the efforts are moving full steam ahead.

Habet added that they have canvassed all seven communities in Cayo North East and are re-visiting the communities every day.

He explained that the re-

sponse has been positive, despite intimidation by the UDP. Over the weekend, the UDP held an emergency meeting in Belize City attended by Prime Minister Dean Barrow to strategize against the people’s movement rising in Cayo. Some of the tyrannical strategies that came out of the UDP meeting was to deploy armed Police to the area, and to get UDP Ministers to do whatever it takes to dissuade the signing of the petition including buying persons and threatening families.

Teams of UDP cronies including the criminally-implicated former Mayor Alfonso “Ponchis” Cruz have been roaming through villages menacingly.

But the UDP’s attack on democracy will fail miserably, because the people of Cayo North East want a better leader and not a criminal representing them in Belmopan.

13 OCT

2013

13 OCT

2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

05 5

EDITORIAL Go by bus, go by dory, just go!

T

he UDP government is in full crisis mode. Their political panic is at fever pitch.

Dean Barrow appears confused, frustrated and exposed. Godwin Hulse seems cornered, cagey and compromised. Penner is clearly caught red handed and is in self-preservation mode. His trump card is the bag of nasty dark secrets of the UDP. As a Party, the UDP, have decided to defend corruption and the corrupt.

They realize that the loss of Penner is really the collapse of their entire government. People who say that one more seat for the PUP is only a numerical victory are missing the point.

Proof of the extent of Penner’s ultimate recall is plastered all over UDP banners. The banner reads: “Let development continue COUNTRY WIDE. Don’t sign the recall Petition”.

Look at the word: “Countrywide”. Countrywide means not just the constituency of Cayo North East. According to the UDP thinking, the recall is nationwide. It is a recall of central government.

The UDP are ADMITTING that Penner’s crime is a recall on the ENTIRE UDP government. Do you see that? The UDP realize that their run and looting in government is over.

Funny thing is that the All Stars of UDP failure, incompetence or corruption are on the ground, with big dollars. There is Gapi Vega, John Saldivar and the very JP, who criminally signed the passport documents and who should be a suspect, is out there campaigning. Someone dusted off Boots Martinez who appeared on television with noticeably darkened lips to say he associated himself with Penner’s actions because they are colleagues and he would also defend the corrupt Penner.

Poor Godwin Hulse has been selling his soul so many times he looks old and cheap. He has been consistent; consistently frazzled and “switchy”. He has been extremely reluctant to do anything about this scandal in his ministry. On the contrary he seems to be leaning to join with those plotting the cover up.

Godwin first sent back the pictures twelve times to the Taiwanese, maybe they would say the picture was as Penner claimed. No luck there. Then he came up with the off-kilter idea that Kim had a twin. Even Jules Vasquez laughed at him on that one. Then Godwin accepted the job to investigate himself. A big no no. What would he have said if he was still at ACB? Then in the Senate, Lisa Shoman extended the nationalistic call for a Special Senate Inquiry. Hulse shuffled in his chair and rambled on incoherently about price and time. What? Is this the ACB Hulse or is this the fat, “paid for” Godwin?

The PUP on the other have been moving with focus and surgical precision. The BELIZE TIMES says nuff respect to Hon. Francis Fonseca. The move to support the people of Cayo North East to recall Penner has been concentrated where it matters. So much so that the PUP secured 61% of the required recall signatures in less than two days. This is more astonishing considering that several of the villages from where the signatures were collected were Mennonite communities.

We believe in Belizeans’ sense of patriotism and national

pride to send a message. A small message with a big impact.

The message to Penner, the UDP and corruption, is a powerful: “GO!”

Whistleblowers The UDP are vindictive. This has forced the Belizean people to evolve. We Belizeans after all are a God fearing people with integrity.

It is just that our current leaders are not.

The information that is coming out is from people who are taking their country’s integrity seriously.

In America, Edward Snowden, the National Security Administration computer contractor who leaked details regarding secret U.S. and British government mass surveillance programs to the press, has become a polarizing figure.

This June the U.S. government charged Snowden with such crimes as theft of government property, unauthorized communication of national defense information and willful communication of classified communication with an unauthorized party.

These are some of the same charges being talked about in relation to whistle blower Arthur Saldivar. For context Snowden placed second in the prestigious European Parliament prize for human rights.

The victimization frenzy is on. UDP politicians manufactured a warrant for Arthur Saldivar. They wanted to search his home. They tried to malign him on the front page of their newspaper but like the very issue he is exposing, Arthur is relentless and fearless.

There are two reasons the UDP have backed off Arthur Saldivar and their decision to victimize him. The first is that the PUP quickly mobilized to have a dangerous group of politicos and a legal team to say “touch one touch all”. We dared them.

The second reason is that if the UDP went at Arthur Saldivar it would expose Edmund “Predator” Castro who is next in line for recall.

Going at Arthur would open a can of worms for the UDP that they cannot afford at this time.

Whistleblowing has become the new tool of democracy in Belize, we have been following famous whistleblowers and activists like Bradley Manning, who leaked classified documents to the public and Julian Assange, the Australian Editor, who created Wikileaks.

Godwin Hulse threatened potential whistleblowers, and even Mose Hyde, took a banging for daring to call a spade a spade. That issue is another shameful one. In trying to victimize Hyde, the UDP revealed confidential information that KREM TV owes significant monies to GST. They even quoted the exact figure. How did the Guardian Newspaper get that? And how can a private political newspaper tell the tax department what to do and who to attack? Do you see the way the UDP have corrupted the system and are using the tax department to victimize their political dissenters?

Whistle blowing will continue. The people are fed up. After the whistle on the kettle blows and they try to stop up the hole where the whistling is coming from, you know what happens… the kettle bursts!!

6 06

THE BELIZE TIMES

13 OCT

2013

Successful clean-up campaign in Yo Creek The Dawn of the New Revolution C. Trench-Sandiford-Deputy Party Leader The winds of change have begun to blow over the land. The trumpet has been sounded and the members of the People’s United Party have been placed on high alert. For on Saturday September 28th, 2013 at the National Party Council Meeting, our Party Leader, the Hon. Francis Fonseca, called to arms the rank and file, the soldiers and generals of the peaceful constructive Belizean revolution, to awaken and join a new revolution.

A revolution that will bring about meaningful and true change through a renewal of our social justice platform, and a fundamental and radical reform of three areas critical to our survival as a people and nation state, our governance, economic and education systems and structures, so that all Belizeans can enjoy a high quality of life in a peaceful, just and safe society.

This is 63 years after our forefathers and mothers rose up to protect and defend the rights of the people of Belize to determine their own destiny, for as it is recorded, on December 31st, 1949, the British Colonial Governor, using the reserve power at clause 6 of the colonial constitution, devalued the British Honduras dollar against the will of the elected and nominated members of the Legislative Council, an action that would exacerbate the already deplorable living conditions of the workers.

This and other issues including but not limited to the expropriation of the wealth of the country and denial of effective participation by the people in the decision-making processes of the colony and the depression in the economy were all bubbling at that time. This led to a protest meeting on the “Battlefield” under the auspices of the

Open Forum.

On January 2nd, 1950 the People’s Committee was formed at # 3 Pickstock Street and on September 29th, the People’s United Party was birthed, and the seed of the peaceful, constructive Belizean revolution was planted, with a goal to bring to all Belizeans a better quality of life, and a just share of the national wealth.

Those brave men, and women, chose the path of the revolution as the right to self determination and their platform was social justice. The milestones established to be achieved along this path to determine progress toward this goal, were universal adult suffrage, self government and political independence.

32 years later on July 22nd, 1981, the Rt. Hon. George Price spoke to the nation and gave account of the milestones achieved, while laying out the continuing direction of the revolution under four critical areas. The new path was self reliance, but the platform of social justice remained.

THE FIRST was the Security and Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty of Belize and the guarantees of the defense guarantee of the British and the assurances of the United States and Mexico.

THE SECOND was an Economic Programme for economic growth and social progress.

THE THIRD was September 21st, 1981 as the date of our independence and the transition into another phase of the revolution as an independent and sovereign nation state.

THE FOURTH was National Unity and Nation Building that goes hand in hand and in which each Belizean has a role.

32 years later the people of Belize are disillusioned and many have lost hope and faith in the revolution, despite our many successes and achievements. All they can see is a government that is so arrogant and blatantly corrupt, and defying the will of the people, that they have lost trust in our democratic processes and in the values

and moral compass that once anchored our nation. They see babies dying and no one held accountable or responsible. They see crime and violence ravaging our nation, and a justice system that is against them, with no end in sight.

They see that precious commodity, our unique Belizean identity being prostituted by those who can never fathom the sacrifices made to forge this nation state of Belize, and centuries of our culture desecrated in the blink of an eye. They languish in poverty and despair, their dignity mercilessly being trampled upon, not knowing if ever there will be a brighter tomorrow for them or their children. They see cowards masking as leaders, pitifully explaining why they are relinquishing our sovereignty and our territory.

32 years later, the People’s United Party must once again rise up to defend and protect the people and nation state of Belize; to regain their confidence in our party and our democratic processes; to eradicate poverty that dehumanizes many of our people, and bring about social progress; and to forge that national unity to create a Belize that all of us can be proud to leave for our children.

Our Party Leader has now positioned the party to build on the peaceful constructive Belizean revolution but to transition into a new revolution. In his own words, “This is not the PUP of 1950. This is not the PUP of 1981.

This is not the PUP of 1998. This is not even the PUP of 2008. Political parties are not static bodies.

They change. They evolve and the new people come into those organizations with new ideas, and we have to respect that and we have to grow”.

There is a sense of urgency in him, a sense of purpose, and a sense of direction. There is also an anticipation of great things to come, and an excitement that is infectious.

The trumpet has sounded.

It is the dawn of a new revolution.

Orange Walk District, October 6, 2013 The Yo Creek Village Council, with the assistance of the Hon. Jose Mai organized and carried out a successful cleanup campaign in the village of Yo Creek.

Seven weed eaters, three tractors and bush hogs, the town council grader, several lawn mowers and approximately 40 residents with machetes, rakes and other tools participated in the massive clean-up campaign.

The areas cleaned were: the Community Center surroundings, the old school compound, the two three parks, the football field surroundings and the shoulders of the principal road of Yo Creek. The Town Council grader did light grading on the most damaged streets of the community. Residents of Yo Creek are indeed grateful for such important activity.

13 OCT

07 7

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Crumbling City Belize City, October 9, 2013 It is clear that had the Mayor of Belize City not gotten his hands on the twenty million dollar loan/bond, he would have been dead in the waters with nothing to show for it. But while the business community felt sorry for him – we must for the record state our observation on how he has spent it.

First he chose to spend it mostly to prop up his personal agenda in upstaging Santino in Caribbean Shores.

Then he chose to pave a number of streets with no regards for much needed drains. This has been a high price to pay for residents who have had to walk through flooded homes, yards and streets every time it rains. Even the Police on Queen Street have had to consider buying a dory to exit their compound. At least it has kept CEMO’s Superman Philip Willoughby pretending that he is doing something.

While the Mayor has been spending $20m to pave certain streets, the majority of streets in other areas of the city, especially poor areas, are crumbling. These streets have not been maintained in over a year. The Mayor has spent

most of the millions on the north side, but his plan to raise taxes to pay off the loan, will affect everyone whether they have a paved street or not.

The taxes up for review include traffic offences, property tax, trade license, and others.

With the Mayor busy trying to oust Santino, nothing will change except city residents’ fuel bills thanks to the longer route to get from one side of downtown to the other.

Darrel Bradley has been the worst thing to happen to Belize City. Don’t let the pavement fool you. A good infrastructure project includes good streets and good drains. Instead we have the opposite. No drain and trapped water. Crumbling streets. Increased taxes. More taxes. Lord help us!

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 of Mortgage made the 26th day of April, 2010, registered in Deeds Book Vol. 13 of 2010 at Folios 827-844, between HERITAGE BANK LIMITED (the Assignor) Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., and RUPERT MARIN, and under Deed of Assignment of Mortgage made the 31st day of December, 2002, recorded in Deeds Book Volume 2 of 2003 at folios 975-988, between SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. (the Assignor) and HERITAGE BANK LIMITED, which said property was mortgaged by the said Rupert Marin to the said SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. on the 15th day of May, 2002 and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Vol. 19 of 2002 at Folios 1033-1056; 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. THE FIRST SCHEDULE ALL THAT lot piece or parcel of land situate at Lake Gardens Area, Ladyville Village, Belize District, a part of a subdivision of 164.63 acres being the lot numbered 375 and comprising about 1,341.27 square yards coloured yellow all as the same is shown on a plan of subdivision by Henry D. Flowers, Licensed Surveyor, dated the 10th day of February, 1999 recorded at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys in Belmopan at Entry No. 4379 Register No. 2 hereto annexed TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

THE SECOND SCHEDULE ALL THAT lot piece or parcel of land situate at Lake Gardens Area, Ladyville Village, Belize District, a part of a subdivision of 164.63 acres being the lot numbered 389 and comprising about 1,416.46 square yards coloured yellow all as the same is shown on a plan of subdivision by Henry D. Flowers, Licensed Surveyor, dated the 10th day of February, 1999 recorded at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys in Belmopan at Entry No. 4379 Register No. 2 hereto annexed TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 9th day of October, 2013.

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

Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archaeological Sites 56 Regent Street, 2nd Floor P. O. Box 325 Belize City, Belize

Tel: (501) 227-1781 Tel: BTB (501) 227-2419 Ext 303 Email: info@brdpIItourism.bz

A project funded by the European Union and The Government of Belize

PRE-QUALIFICATION OF CONTRACTORS The Government of Belize has received counterpart funding from the European Union via the Belize Rural Development Program II (BRDP II) to finance a project entitled “Making Tourism Benefit Communities Adjacent to Archaeological Sites:” Co-financing for the project is being provided by the Government of Belize through the Ministry of Tourism and Culture represented by the Belize Tourism Board and the National Institute of Culture and History. The project is being implemented by the Belize Tourism Board and the National Institute of Culture and History through a Project Execution Unit housed at the Belize Tourism Board offices.

The objectives of the project are: • To improve economic opportunities in rural communities and contribute to the reduction of poverty; • To enhance the tourism experience through improvements in tourism infrastructure and services at selected sites.

The project intends to achieve three main sets of results: • Results One: Improve the monitoring systems at archaeological sites; • Results Two: Improve health and safety provisions and infrastructure at archaeological sites; • Results Three: Enhance the diversification of community based tourism products and services offered at archaeological sites in Belize.

• The Project targets communities adjacent to the following nine archaeological sites: Xunantunich, Actun Tunichil Muknal, Nohoch Che’en (Caves’ Branch), Nim Li Punit, Barton Creek, Lubaantun, Blue Creek, Altun Ha, and Lamanai.

The project now intends to apply a part of the proceeds for infrastructure improvements work towards completion of a Visitors Centre and construction of a Rest Room at Altun Ha, Pier Construction at Lamanai, Deck and Stairs at Caves Branch, Craft Centre at Nim Li Punit, Lubaantun and Blue Creek. The works are expected to commence in January of 2014 and completed by November 2014.

The Project Execution Unit (PEU) now invites prospective contractors that will be interested in carrying infrastructure works to register their firms with the PEU in preparation for the upcoming works. Only contractors that are pre-screened and short listed will be eligible to bid on construction packages.

Registration form can be picked up at the project office at the address below or it can be emailed to the prospective contractor on request. Forms can be submitted by email or delivered to the office. Deadline for submission of the registration form is Friday, October 25, 2013 at 4:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact: Works Manager, John Arana @ john.arana@brdpIItourism.bz Administrative Officer, Rubiceli Bradley @ rubiceli.bradley@brdpIItourism.bz 56 Regent Street, 2nd Floor Belize City Tel: 227-1781 Email: info@brdpIItourism.bz

0 88

THE BELIZE TIMES

13 OCT

2013

13 OCT

2013

THIEVES AND LIARS

Belize City, October 10, 2013 When a person takes something and uses it without the owner’s permission, that person is a thief.

When a person does not tell the truth and resorts to lies, that person is a liar.

Under Barrow’s administration, we have seen the rise of many thieves and liars.

Many have classified Barrow’s “stronging” of BTL as theft since he

Liquor License NOTICES Notice is hereby given that MD PALASH MAMUN & AZMOGAIDUL ISLAM are applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “R.M. Store”, situate at #112 Barrack Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that ZHOU RONG LI is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Vin’s Liquors”, situate at #2 Euphrates Avenue, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that MARIO PEREZ is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Perez Arctic Cold Beers”, situate at #157 Belize Road, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

09 9

THE BELIZE TIMES

has not paid a single dollar to the owner of the once-private company.

After his hostile takeover, Barrow placed his son in charge and his exwife as lawyer/secretary. Millions of dollars from BTL have been used and abused. When the bill finally becomes due, with interest, it will cost the country hundreds of millions of dollars. All the lies the Prime Minister has told us will not change this cold, hard fact.

The reverse took place with the national lottery and boledo. Dean Barrow used his position as Prime Minister and took away the national boledo and lottery from the government and gave it to UDP supporters Brads and allegedly a family member.

BTL is taken away from the private sector and put under the control of family and cronies. Boledo is taken away from the government and put in the hands of political family and cronies.

Lies on top of lies are told to the nation to mask this type of nepotism and political gangsterism.

It is not just BTL and boledo.

Confiscated rosewood worth millions of dollars belonged to the pub-

PUP NOTICE Convention for Party Units

The People’s United Party announces the convention dates for the party units as follows: United Women’s Group October 19th, 2013

Belize Youth Movement October 26th, 2013

Marshalls Service Corps October 27th, 2013

Deadline for applications is October 11 for UWG and October 18 for BYM/Marshalls

lic purse. There are laws governing the control and disposal of public assets. Even a damaged vehicle cannot be taken from the government assets and given to private hands. The Prime Minister with his cronies in Cabinet one day told the nation that “they” had decided to give millions of dollars worth of rosewood seized from illegal logging, over to a family of the Deputy Prime Minister and in return would collect a small percentage of sales from that person. Millions of dollars are given over to a family member just like that.

In order to score points in a few village council elections, a priceless Maya architecture dating back two thousand years was butchered to use for road fill. Done by a close UDP crony of the Prime Minister and his deputy.

An elementary ground structure for a market in Dangriga somehow ends up in the hands of an incompetent UDP contractor from the northern district. Almost half a million dollars squandered, bribed out and extorted and Dangriga has no market after about 2 years. The Continued on page 31

PUP NOTICE

Pickstock Standard Bearer Endorsement

The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Endorsement for the Pickstock Electoral Division is scheduled for Saturday October 12th, 2013 at 2pm at Independence Hall

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 14th day of April, 2011, between LEILAH PANDY of 8 Miles Western Highway of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in the Deeds Book Vol. 9 of 2011 at Folios 1307–1336, 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. 51 comprising of 464.832 square meters situate in the Mie 8 subdivision, south of the Western Highway, Belize District, bounded and described as shown

by Plan No. 303 of 2010 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 303 of 2010 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 9th day of October, 2013.

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

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THE BELIZE TIMES

13 OCT

FACES & OPINIONS

2013

by Micah Vernon

DOLORES

A true leader for BRC

Do you think that Dean Barrow is covering up for Elvin Penner’s criminal actions? Why?

Joel

I don’t think so. I believe that he is our leader and we should trust him. I don’t think he’d defend or protect criminal actions.

Gilvano

POWER! Because if Penner goes Barrow’s house starts to crumble; secondly to cover himself, if Penner goes, he squeals

Mariani

I believe if a man steals bread he will be sent to jail for that no matter who you are or where you’re from.

I believe if you committed a crime, you should be persecuted, no matter if you’re a part of the Cabinet.

He should be used as an example.

Miriam

They made him resign and they’re going to investigate, I don’t think he’s covering because he already resigned, but what I would like to see a way for ministers to be charged for their wrong doings. They should be liable like everyone else for their actions.

Kenrick I don’t think he is covering up, I know he is, this is politics nobody would sink a member of their team and to be honest there is more to this story and there are more hidden secrets.

Omar

Yes I do believe that Barrow is covering up for Elvin Penner because they are both from the same political party.

Elmer

I do think he’s covering for Mr. Penner because they are from the same party. They won’t turn against each other. If it was a person from another party they would make a huge deal out of it.

Shantae BELIZE RURAL CENTRAL CONVENTION

Yes, because if it was not a Minister, he would have been prosecuted. He doesn’t want his Party to look bad in the eyes of the public.

13 OCT

2013

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THE BELIZE TIMES

The Police A Political Apparatus

October 9th 2013

By Norris Hall The Belize Police Department has become a State apparatus. The Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) is even worse. It is more aggressive in that role. It operates independent of the purview of the Police Act. It does not take its instructions from the Commissioner of Police. The GSU operates more like a Para-military outfit. It has been described as a “Rogue Unit of the Barrow AdministraCommissioner of Police Allen Whylie tion”. It operates as such. It has established its notoriety as a gang, ironically, of thugs to instill few years ago, donated a vehicle fear among the populace and for total with a distinctive antenna and fully disregard for the fundamental human equipped with monitoring devices rights of citizens. It does not require to monitor criminal activity. Howeva Court Order to invade any home or er, this vehicle is also being misused establishment. It only has to be susto monitor the private telephone picious. This was the case when it inconversations of innocent citizens. vaded a home in Belmopan. When the There are numerous illegal acoccupants called the Police for help, tivities that require serious criminal the Police were unaware of the raid. investigation by the Police DepartA shootout erupted as the man of the ment. Some of them are taking house began to defend himself and place right under the Commissionhis family from what he thought, was er’s nose. There are very serious a criminal home invasion. The GSU allegations, that a top dog in that was implicated. The victims were inMinistry of National Security was nocent. a friend of a recently assassinated The GSU was established with Mexican underworld operative. This support from the Government of the friendship, it is suspected, has ties United States in its attempt to assist to a money-laundering contract at Belize in response to the escalating the Marion Jones Sporting Complex crime rate and the growth of the gang in Belize City. This same contractor culture and illegal drug operations. recently built a large house in BelThe Barrow Administration has mopan for his friend. The building misused this goodwill gesture on the of an outrageous fence around the part of the US government. property was recently discontinThis GSU is a fearful apparatus ued, coincidentally after the apparof the Barrow Administration. It even ent murder. The deceased leaves operates independently of the Ministo mourn his passing his family try of National Security. From time to and friends including two governtime, because of the ebbs and flows ment Ministers who are, or were of public protest against the GSU’s involved, in the construction of this disregard for fundamental human persistently budget-over-run sportrights, Daddy Barrow has been coming complex. pelled to tighten the leash on its acNO PRINCIPLES AND REtivity, including the innocent abuse of SPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS citizens, sometimes for personal reaIt is worrying that the GSU, like sons. the Prime Minister, has a credibility THE SECURITY INTELLIGENCE problem and have displayed a lack a SERVICE fundamental principles and respect It is not the first time that a United for human rights. They are intoxicatDemocratic Party administration has ed with power. made an attempt to create the necesThe recent misconduct of the sary apparatus for the formation of a Prime Minister in defending former Police State. Back in 1984 it created Junior Minister for Immigration Elthe Security Intelligence Unit (SIS) to vin Penner against overwhelming actively spy on citizens, including the evidence of criminal wrongdoing in tapping of telephones before the era the Passport Scandal goes beyond of cellular phones. SIS was disbanded his slippery hold on power. He has five years later with a change of govbecome extremely aggressive in an ernment. active attempt at cover up this huHowever, under the aegis of the mongous racket. It has the Minister Ministry of National Security and unof Immigration looking like a duck der the supervision of the Commisand he talks like one. It is not besioner of Police, this covert activity cause there is any love lost between continues. The Israeli government, a the PM and Penner; rather, he sees

himself losing grip on his imagined imperial power.

The PM has, in effect, again ignored the Constitutional separation of powers.

While he has vehemently denied interfering with the role of the Director of Public Prosecution and the Commissioner of Police, his signals and innuendos are clear. He has declared that no crime has been committed in a passport scandal. However, he craftily asserted that his position is “there are no criminal charges to be laid” hastily adding “but that is not my responsibility.” This means that there is no need for his office to send a memo to the DPP and the Commissioner of Police. They “heard” the memo: “No criminal charges”.

There continues to be public outcry for a criminal investigation. The noise gets louder. It is the responsibility of the Commissioner of Police to launch a criminal investigation independent of any political interference.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has assigned his Minister of Immigration to launch his own investigation-the Duck investigating the quack.

Ironically, the Minister himself has been implicated. His role then would be to cover his ass and to destroy any evidence that implicates him.

The Public Service has its Financial Regulations for dealing with impropriety.

Once the fraud was discovered, it was the responsibility of the Director of Immigration to report the matter to the Police who should have carried out an immediate investigation of the matter. But then, is the current Director even aware of Public Service Regulations? The Minister of Immigration should not be involved in investigating this matter. He has no legal right!

However, we have seen in the past and in this current UDP administration that they have always disrespected the Rules and Regulations of the Public Service.

THE POLICE AS PAWNS The Commissioner of Police continues to sit on his hands. Is he waiting for instructions from his political bosses? There will be no evidence and hence no investigation as is his responsibility. Like his predecessor, he has brought the Police Department to ill-repute. His predecessor was openly a political operative at political rallies and campaigns. He now heads the Police Forensics Department, despite his incompetence in his role as Commissioner.

Continued on page 23

Stories of a

STOP DI BAV

By Sufferah In the streets there is famous slang that people use when you are “dragging your feet.” They call it, “you di bav!” Out of everything going on in the country right now, and Barrow is not trying to do anything, I really think that “Barrow di bav!”

Dean Barrow also practices another habit, which is to “play dumb” or “laas”.

The word in the street is that Barrow knows everything that is going on with all the recent scandals and every time the media asks about them, he tries to embarrass them.

Recently, I spoke to some people outta road and all their opinions about Barrow’s behavior were the same. I even asked different ethnic groups.

I asked a Creole man who is a vendor in the streets and he told me that “Barrow di map up.”

I asked a Hispanic lady that works at a bank and she told me “Como no sabe.”

I spoke to a Garifuna teacher and she told me, “Baganawa cama bulie bumuti” Finally, I spoke to a Jamaican rude boy who told me “Di man frass!”

All these people shared the same opinion, which is, there is no way the Prime Minister of this country, or any country, should (i) not have any knowledge of what’s going on with his Cabinet and (ii) try to cover-up wrong doing to hold on to political power.

Dean Barrow does not realize that people tyad of this government. A lot of people say that they wish elections were tomorrow so that they could “X” all 17 of them out. Stop di bav Barrow.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

13 OCT

2013

13 OCT OCT 13

THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE

2013

TOPMODEL 13

ENTERTAINMENT

NEWS

Lova Boy: Since launching his new album “Victorious” on September 21, 2013, Lova Boy aka the Prince of Belize has been busy promoting his new music.

His 3rd album debuted with a video of his single “Pan Di Ground”.

“I am over joyed and super excited about this project. I had a tremendous time creating the material with help from some very talented musicians. At this point I can only hope that the listeners will enjoy listening to VICTORIOUS as much as we did creating it,” said Lova Boy. Lova Boy is an extremely gifted and dedicated artist. Most recent he let his fans know how committed to the music industry he is with the following post: “My goal as an artist has never been only about chasing the next hit record. My mission as a part of the Belizean music fraternity is to create material that will help move Belize in the direction of commanding global attention and respect, musically. I strive to create bodies of work that embody the spirit of triumph, pride and integrity, because I realize that long after I am gone, MUSIC ALONE SHALL SURVIVE...”

Big up yourself Lova Boy!

Location: Princess Hotel and Casino

Victorious!

Yanira • • • • •

Height: 5’ 3” Career Plan: Entrepreneur Sign: Scorpio Favourite Food: Steak-Medium Well Likes: Musical Outdoor Adventures and Cooking

TOP MODEL Clothing and Accessories provided by CATWALK FASHIONS

• •

Lives in Belize City, Belize District Fav. Quote: “If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they may have planned for you? Not much.” By: Jim Rohn

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

Cor. North Front Steet & Queen Street Belize City

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14 SPORTS

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

13 OCT

2013

UB Jaguars win ATLIB softball championships Belize City, September 29, 2013 The University of Belize Jaguars male and female teams won the Association of Tertiary level Institutions of Belize (ATLIB) national softball championship tournament at the Governor General’s field in Belmopan on Saturday, October 5.

The UB Lady Jaguars hammered the Ecumenical Junior College girls 16-1. EJC’s Nellie Arana gave up 13 hits, walked 2 batters while the rest of the EJC diamond made 3 errors, allowing Burns, Soberanis, Orellano, Lewis and Monique Tablada to come home in the 1st inning. Karlene Lewis homered in the 2nd inning and Burns, Deanna Garbutt, Orellano, Tablada and Alesha Taylor came home.

The EJC girls collected 3 hits off UB’s Desiree Hulse, who walked 2 batters. The UB diamond made 2 errors, but EJC left 2 runners on base and only EJC’s Jacklaine Arzu crossed the plate. Soberanis homered in the 3rd inning, and Burns, Garbutt, Taylor and substitute Louise Rodriguez came home in the 3rd inning for the 16-1 win.

The UB men won 2 games, clobbering the EJC men 7-2 and spanking the IJC men 15-8. Edwin Alvarado and Nick Chang crossed the plate 4 times each, while Sean Rivero came home twice and Deandre Flowers, Alvin Tillett, Allen Armstrong, Kieron Fuller and Davin Cayetano all came home in the 6th inning.

The IJC men had led 5-3 after Jose Urbina, Justin Schluckeliss, Dane Cabral, Davin Interiano and Tyrell Flowers came home in the 2nd inning, but the UB men regained the lead in the 4th inning when Urbina and Schluckeliss came home again, only Lloyd Coe came home for IJC in the fifth as UB went on to win when they scored 7 runs in the 6th inning.

Other game results: UB Jaguars vs. Independence Junior College Predators - 8-2 Ecumenical Junior College vs.

Independence Junior College girls – 8-7 Independence Junior College vs. Ecumenical Junior College – 10-1

BES girls lead primary school football Belize City, October 7, 2013 The defending national champions, the Belize Elementary School girls are undefeated and leading the Belize City primary school football female competition.

The BES girls posted their 3rd win in a 7-0 rout of the Queen Square Anglican School girls at the MCC garden on Monday, October 7.

BES’ Keila Oyuela scored a hat trick, while Juliana Ramos scored 2 goals and Allyana Musa and Kristin Musa each scored 1 goal in the 7-0 win.

The BES girls picked up their 2nd win last Thursday when the Ephesus 7th Day Adventist School girls forfeited by being a no show.

Juliana Ramos had scored BES girls’ winning goal in their 1st win: 1-0 over the St Luke’s girls in the opening game of the competition on Wednesday, September 25.

The Holy Redeemer girls had stomped the Queen Square girls: 7-0 in their debut match; Cailyn Ramclam scored 4 goals, and Kelsey Rodriguez, Kelsie Moss and Wareyni Gillett scored 1 goal each.

The St. Luke’s girls drew 0-0 with the Holy Redeemer RC School girls last Tuesday, October 1.

St. Luke’s Shaunetta Guzman scored a hat trick as the St. Luke’s Methodist enjoyed their first victories in their win: 5-1 over the Queen Square girls last Friday, Destiny Dobson scored 2 more goals for St. Luke’s. Queen Square’s Natasha Davis scored a consolation goal.

St. Martin De Porres boys lead goal scoring Belize City, October 7, 2013 The St. Martin De Porres RC School boys are leading the Belize City primary school football male competition The St. Martin boys ran over the Salvation Army School boys: 6-0 last Wednesday. Michael Deshield Jr, Marquis “Weasel” Conorquie and Glen Arzu had scored 2 goals each.

Deshield, Omar Flowers and Dejaun Nunez also scored 1 goal each for Martin’s first win: 3-0 over the Unity Presbyterian boys.

Denzel Estrada scored 2 goals in the James Garbutt 7th Day Adventist School boys’ 2-1 win over the Holy Redeemer RC School boys; only Shamar Molina scored for Holy Redeemer.

The James Garbutt boys’ first win: 3-0 was a forfeit by the Ephesus SDA boys last Monday, September 30.

BES’ Jonah Chebat and Ajani Vaughn scored in BES’ 2-0 win over the Ephesus 7th Day Adventist boys. Ajani Vaughn also scored 2 goals for the BES boys’ 2-0 win over the St. Luke’s boys in the opening game of competition on September 25.

Akeem Sutherland and Daniel Hemmans each scored 1 Continued on page 15

13OCT OCT 13

THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE

2013 2013

SPORTS 15

SMART Mundialito Kicks Off Belize City, October 5, 2013 Over 160 players on 10 teams enjoyed a day of clean football fun when the 2013 SMART Mundialito football tournament kicked off at the M.C.C. grounds in Belize City on Saturday, October 5.

The Brown Bombers upset the defending champs, Hattieville United Youth Sports Club, 3-0. Naheem Gentle scored the Brown Bombers’ 1st winning goal, Sherwin Requeña added a 2nd goal and Tyreek Muschamp added a 3rd goal to lead 3-0 at the half. Five substitutes came on for the Hattieville Youth bench in the 2nd half, but the Bombers held on to their 3-0 win until the long whistle.

In Game 2, Tyrel Estrada scored the winning goal for the Collet Strikers’ 1-0 win over the Survivors.

In Game 3, Justin Menzies scored the winning goal for Third World’s 1-0 win over the Young Stars.

In Game 4, Nelson Tablada came off the City Boys Juniors’ bench to score the winning goal for a 1-0 win over the Belize Elementary School boys and girls.

Game 5 ended in a dissatisfying scoreless draw for the Ladyville Jaguars and the Rising Stars. The tournament continues with 5 games on Saturday, October 12, as Belize Elementary challenges the Rising Stars; Ladyville Jaguars take on the City Boys, the Young Stars face the Collet Strikers, Third World takes on the Brown Bombers and the Survivors will do battle with Hattieville United.

St. Martin De Porres boys lead goal scoring

Mr. Belize prepares to defend title

Continued from page 14 goal in the St. John Vianney RC School boys’ first win: 2-1 over the Wesley Upper boys on Monday. Herman Ciego scored for Wesley.

The Wesley Upper boys had done better in their first win 3-0 win when the St. Mary’s Anglican School boys forfeited their scheduled game last Friday. It was St. Mary’s third loss.

Unity Presbyterian School’s Shemar Bowen scored the winning goal for their 1-0 win over St Ignatius RC School boys last Wednesday.

The St. Luke’s boys posted their first win: 2-1 over the Holy Redeemer boys last Tuesday. Chervin Tench scored 2 goals and only Joshua Sulph scored for Holy Redeemer.

The St. Josephs RC School boys posted their 2nd win when Mario Galindo converted a penalty for their 1-0 win over the Wesley Upper boys last Tuesday. Galindo also scored the winning goal in their first win: 1-0 over the St. John Vianney boys.

Ebenezer Methodist School boys walked over the Queen Street Baptist School boys 7-0 last Monday, September 30; Tyreek Muschamp scored 4 goals, while Kyjaun King scored 2, and Dion Cacho scored one.

Belize City, October 9, 2013 On November 1st, the highly anticipated Belize Body Building & Fitness Competition will be held at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts for the epic clash of chiseled and well-toned bodybuilders who will be vying for titles and prizes.

The competition is Belize’s version of the internationally acclaimed Mr. Olympia, where only the best in the sport compete.

For Rigo Vellos, defending Mr. Belize, the stakes are much higher since everyone wants the title he has. But the 35 year old hailing from the Spartan Fitness Gym in Corozal Town is extremely calm and confident as he nears the date of the competition. Like a true champion, Rigo has been preparing all year round. In fact, Rigo has maintained an undefeated record since early last year, sweeping 1st place in every national competition he participated.

But the competition at the annual Mr. Belize is at a much different scale than the regular competitions. Here, the big boys step onto the stage and this year. It is serious stuff. Veteran bodybuilder Clayton Greenidge who wowed the crowd during his special presentation last year has been preparing for the competition and has his eyes on the title.

The competition will be greater, and Rigo is aware of this. That is part of the rea-

son he made every effort to participate in an international competition this year with the backing of community support. The Mr. Olympia Bodybuilding competition held in Colchester, United Kingdom was a learning and maturing phase for him. Despite his inexperience in international events and his first-time entry at that level of competition, Rigo placed 2nd place in the Tall Category.

The experience, Rigo told us, has made him a better bodybuilder. To him, that is what will separate him from others.

Rigo captured the Mr. Be-

lize title in 2012. His first attempt was in 2009, when he won the Junior A Category and 3rd place in the Mr. Belize event. In 2010, Rigo won 2nd place in the Mr. Belize event, a result that was seen as controversial to some who felt that 1st place was more deserving. 2011 was a down year for bodybuilding as there was no Mr. Belize. In 2012, however, Rigo wowed the crowd with size where it matters and he won the 1st place title.

There will be upsets on November 1st. There will be rejoicing, but undoubtedly November 1st will be big. The stakes will be high. If you are a bodybuilding fan, you wouldn’t want to miss it.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

13 OCT

2013

13 OCT

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

17

Proposed Legislations are “Over Reaching” - Senate Probes City of Belmopan, October 4, 2013 The Senate met on Thursday October 3rd to consider 19 bills which were passed, some in a rush, by the House of Representatives last week. Several of the bills attracted controversy regarding its purpose and implications for Belizeans.

The private sector and Opposition Senators were most critical about a number of the bills being considered, calling for amendments and clarification from the Government. The most controversial bill was the Non-Governmental Organizations (Amendment) Bill, which PUP Senator Lisa Shoman and Private Sector Senator Mark Lizarraga both called an “NGO Busting” bill.

The bill seeks to require NGOs to provide public access to its information and places fines and penalties on any NGO and the officer(s) who report “false information”.

Senator Lizarraga said that the fine (as high as $500,000 for non-compliance with new reporting regulations, and $50,000 for reporting wrong information) was too much and may be imposing an “exorbitant cost” in case someone in an NGO makes a mistake.

Senator Shoman agreed and added that she hoped the new bill would not scare away good-serving NGOs in Belize.

Senators Lizarraga and Shoman called on the bill to be re-drafted and that the word “knowingly” be added, in order for anyone who commits honest mistakes doesn’t end up facing severe penalties.

Opposition Senator Collet Montejo, who has served in NGOs, chided the Government for introducing a bill on the NGOs but refusing to obey the 13th Senator Law which would have had an NGO representative in the Senate to defend the important sector.

Senator Montejo said the bill was an “outright assault on NGOs” and called for it not to be passed.

When the bill was put to a vote, the six UDP Senators supported, while the three Opposi-

tion Senators and the Senators for the private sector, churches and unions opposed. With a 6-6 tie, the Upper House turned to the President of the Senate, former UDP politician Marco Pech, who not surprisingly joined his UDP colleagues to support the bill.

Another bill which attracted fiery comments was the Companies (Amendment) Bill which is requiring all companies including international companies, mutual funds, domestic and international trusts and their trustees, limited liability companies, etc. to keep an account of all records in case there is a request for review by the Government.

Senator Shoman said the bill had a “chilling effect” on the business community and suggested that the requirement on business to keep all records “is a bit much”. She explained how tedious and burdensome it would be for a company to have “all records” in place, while the threat of a possible review dangles in the air as the regulation does not require the Government to give any warning to companies.

Another proposed legislation which attracted some opposition was the Interception of Communications (Amendment) Bill, which grants authority to the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit to intercept any form of communication.

Senator Lizarraga was the first to express concerns about this proposed legislation, calling on the Legislative authorities to be cautious.

“We see the executive being given wide powers without oversight,” remarked Senator Lizarraga.

He added that the new power, which the proposed legislation is giving the FIU Director, “runs the risk of political mischief”.

Always vigilant PUP Senators Karen Bodden, Collet Montejo and Lisa Shoman

Senator Shoman said she “endorsed” her colleague senator’s concerns. She added that the FIU Director does not have the constitutional standing to be completely independent as the Director of Public Prosecution. This means she is prone to political manipulation. The current FIU Director is Marilyn Williams, a former UDP Belize City hopeful and someone who is very close to Prime Minister Dean Barrow.

But Senators Lizarraga and Shoman dealt with the office whose mandate is to investigate financial crimes. They suggested that the proposed law be amended to include that the FIU Director must go before a Judge to seek permission to carry out any type of interception, and to include that such power of interception shall only be used in matters related to the FIU’s scope of work to prevent the abuse of power.

Interception of communication involves phone tapping, email hacking, mail eavesdropping and access to computer files.

Senator Lizarraga also pointed out concerns with two other proposed legislative changes. The first is the Firearms Acts (Amendment) Bill which creates an offence and establishes penalties for the illicit trafficking

of firearms. The Senator pointed out that under the Act, even a bullet proof vest is considered an illegal “firearm”; therefore, carrying a non-lethal item such as a bulletproof vest would still attract the extreme penalty.

A specific section of the Criminal Code amendment was also deemed extremely out of order.

The amendment creates offences for insider trading, corruption in the private sector, piracy and also the “export or transfer of ownership of goods”. Senator Lizarraga, a businessman who imports goods, said the amendment criminalizes his business and there must be some error with the wording or a case or the “printer’s demon”.

Senator Shoman said she has seen more than enough mistakes in the wording of several bills to confirm that the culprit is not the printer’s devil but poor drafting by those responsible to prepare the amendments.

The bill was still passed by the UDP majority, but was not read a third time. Changes have been made to the amendment and it is expected to return to the House of Representatives for approval.

Senator Mark Lizarraga

18

THE BELIZE TIMES

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2013

13 OCT

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Scales of JUSTICE

by anthony sylvestre

“Watertight!” he says So I was watching the Wednesday night Channel 5 newscast and there was Godwin Hulse (I would have said Honourable but if he were, he would do the honourable thing and resign just about right now). So anyway, Godwin was trying to pick sense out of nonsense with this immigration scandal, or was he just telling us nonsense? Well, anyway, he was trying a thing. I don’t know what he was trying to do, but he was trying a thing nonetheless; trying to let us all believe that these scandalous revelations of Belizean nationality and passports being disgracefully sold like a cheap dolla chicken-was just a result of little hiccups in the system. “[It] is a watertight system,” he said.

I suppose that Godwin forgot that “watertight” actually means: “so tightly made that water cannot enter or escape OR having no flaws or loopholes” But he continued nonetheless trying to explain that system was indeed watertight: “ “[S]o if it falls down, it falls down at the recommenders and it falls down at the persons who are doing the processes.

The front desk clerk should say but oh, this is not you. The data capture person should say but oh this is not you. That is where this falls down and that is why that one is easy to track.”

I don’t know if he really believed what he was saying, but I do know none of us ordinary Belizeans (you know, the rest of us who don’t know how to get passports and visas with the wink of an eye and the greasing of palms) was buying whatever he was trying to sell us. And he can’t blame us. What, with life so haaaaad right now in Belize and no money to spare, our patience and tolerance is zero for bull------s.!

And of course, the system

is so watertight that Penner, who wasn’t the Minister of Immigration and Nationality, was still able to sign these nationality certificates which have come to light.

Now under the provisions of the Belizean Nationality Act, it is only the Minister with responsibility for Immigration and Nationality who can sign the nationality certificate that is given to a person who becomes a Belizean after satisfying the qualifications. We saw Penner’s signature on the nationality certificate for Wonhong Kim. But it is Godwin Hulse who is the Minister of Immigration and Nationality. Godwin Hulse’s Instrument of Direction of Ministerial Responsibilities dated 20th June, 20012 by the Governor General says so. He was given additional responsibility for Immigration and Nationality. You remember that Immigration and Nationality was taken away from John Saldivar and given to Hulse

after a visa scandal was unearthed last year.

That it was Godwin Hulse, and not Elvin Penner who was appointed as the Minister is fundamental importance because, constitutionally, it is only the Minister who is responsible.

Section 41(2) of the Constitution of Belize says so: “Where a Minister has been charged with responsibility for any department of Government, he SHALL exercise general DIRECTION and CONTROL over that department of government.”

The Minister of State, says section 45 of the Constitution, ONLY ASSISTS the Minister in the performance of his duties.

The Minister then is the boss and the Minister of State is the employee.

So, a Minister of State as Penner was, cannot (contrary to what the Prime Minister and Hulse have been trying to have Belizeans believe) sign on behalf of the Minister. Now of course, if the Minister is not in the country, then the Minister of State can act as the Minister. He though, would still have to be given a written authorization in the form of an Instrument of Appointment signed by the Governor General. And all this makes for good sense: you cannot have the boss and the employee at the same time having access to the cheque book and the right to sign it.

Can you imagine the problems that such a state of affairs will cause? Well, sadly, we have seen this manifesting itself in

19 the Immigration and Nationality departments which Godwin Hulse says, has a “watertight” system.

Now all of this glaring and mounting evidence of corruption and wrongdoing has understandably started the demands for Godwin Hulse to resign.

The host of the Krem WUB morning show, Mose Hyde, who is to be credited for sustaining the public pressure to get to the bottom (or should I say top) of this scandal, made a similar call on Thursday.

He explained that Godwin, more than any other public official, received the trust and confidence of the people because of his consistent and principled no nonsense stance (always) and to do the right thing whatever the consequences: the people and the people’s business was always first, was his cry.

But how he looks now, nuh? In the face of all these wrongdoings from top to bottom that have taken place in the Immigration and Nationality Departments under his watch, Godwin jokey us and tells us, everything is fine at the Immigration and Nationality Department because the system is “watertight”.

Maybe Godwin Hulse doesn’t know, but he should be told: You come across as bogus and defending corruption with your comments about a “watertight system” in the Immigration and Nationality departments. Now, do the Honourable thing!

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2013

13 OCT

2013

Reid Dead Man Walking

By G. Michael Reid There is a theory that people will only talk about anything, in particular a news story, for a maximum of nine days. It is known as the “nine day wonder. In Belize, we say that it will “blow over like a little breeze”. It is obvious that this Penner/Chang passport scandal will not “blow over like a little breeze” and has long outlasted the wonder of nine days. The story broke, ironically enough, on the eve of Independence Day and as of now and still counting, it has been 23 days and showing no sign of letting up.

The irony of this latest scandal breaking on Independence eve is that, that is when we celebrate our patriotism and our patrimony. It is a time when we are most proud to be Belizeans. To add to the irony, the two individuals at the forefront of selling away our patrimony are a Chinese and a Mennonite. One was not even born in the Belize and the other is suspected of carrying a Canadian passport. It is bad enough when a Belizean sells our passports but this is a forceful slap in the face to all loyal and patriotic members of our clan.

Prime Minister Barrow seems willing to gamble that Belizeans will remain docile and complacent and eventually forget about this.

He seems willing to sacrifice his entire government to protect one rogue, wayward and very corrupt minister. This begs the questions: who else is involved in this and how much does Elvin Penner really know? What the Prime Minister did not expect was that a media which usually covers his backside would this time; join ranks with the masses in calling for justice.

Jules Vasquez and Mose Hyde in particular, have both been at the forefront of unearthing dirt and calling for a criminal investigation.

Who would have thought!

Jules Vasquez has been asking tough questions and Mose Hyde

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went as far as to visit the Police Station to lodge a complaint. The Commissioner of Police for his part has taken a page out of his Prime Minister’s book and claims to know nothing. Notwithstanding that his incident occurred on the ninth of September, and the Commissioner was only away for a week. When pressed for comment, the Commissioner explained, “As I said I was out of office, so I can’t comment. I need to get in office to see what has been said, what has been submitted to me before I could say something.”

According to the Compol, where he lives he can’t see the news and can

evidence and confirmed what everyone suspected; this was not an isolated incident. According to Saldivar, he has copies of over a hundred more applications that were signed and approved by the same Elvin Penner and plans to release them on a timely basis. The big question is, ‘how long does the Prime Minister think that he can hold out before he is forced to allow a criminal investigation’?

The People’s United Party initiated the process on Monday to begin a recall. It will be a tedious chore but will be a good test of the bill that was passed into law a few years ago. The Prime Minister now, in spite of accepting that Penner has done wrong, has promised to throw the entire weight of his party behind Penner. There is an obvious reason for this of course, because with a slim majority of just two seats, Barrow can ill afford to lose any seats.

Besides, while the matter with Penner has dominated the spotlight, there is still the matter of Edmund Castro to be dealt with. Castro is

second chances. What Mr. Barrow does not understand is that right now the country is looking at all politicians in the same light.

All politicians have been given too many chances and this might very well be the straw that has broken the camel’s back. The people are demanding that things be done differently and it is high time that the people are given a chance.

I believe that what we are looking at right now is an excellent opportunity to send a message to not only this government but to any subsequent government. Do the right thing or face the consequences. If Penner is allowed to get away with this, how can we demand different from any future government? Dean Barrow has broken every promise made to the Belizean people, especially as it applies to good governance, accountability and transparency.

The people have seen gross negligence and incompetence at the KHMH and nothing has been done.

Gapi Vega has raped our forest and given land freely to his relatives and nothing has been done. A UDP operative mows down a Mayan temple for road fill and nothing has been done.

I don’t think Mr. Barrow, that at this point the Belizean people are in any mood for giving second chances.

Mr. Barrow has vowed to throw the full weight of his party behind Penner’s efforts to ward off a recall. According to Mr. Barrow “We certainly don’t feel that he ought to be left on his own.” “With respect certainly to his keeping his seat we will be organizing as a party to try to ensure that we defeat the recall exercise.” Well, guess whose money will be spent on this exercise? Guess whose money is already paying for media advertisements and hundreds of banners that are being raised? Guess who is again being chanced; and you want second chance! Wheel and come again junior!

All politicians have been given too many chances and this might very well be the straw that has broken the camel’s back. The people are demanding that things be done differently and it is high time that the people are given a chance. hardly get a radio signal. Not a comforting thought when you realize that we are talking about the Commissioner of Police here.

The Director of Public Prosecutions on the other hand has gone on record as saying that she believes that there is enough evidence to support a criminal investigation. The Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit also confirmed that her department believes that there is wrong doing and is in fact, already a week into their own investigation. According to Department head Marilyn Williams, “The FIU based on the laws under which they are mandated will in fact actually have already started the process of an investigation…”. That department is investigating because it is alleged that South Korean fugitive Kim WonHong paid a huge sum of money, allegedly in US currency, to have his Belizean passport delivered to him in jail.

To compound matters further, attorney Arthur Saldivar this week exposed yet more

alleged to have been accused of making unwelcomed advances on a member of the diplomatic team in Taiwan. This is not the first time that such rumors have swirled and the Prime Minister cannot afford to keep simply ignoring these. Taiwan is a good friend and might simply be waiting to see what happens.

In his latest interview, the Prime Minister was heard begging the Belizean people to give Penner a second chance. According to Mr. Barrow, we are a country of second chances and went on to remind the people of others who have gotten

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Breaking the Silence of Teen Dating Violence

By Dr. Angela Banner Joseph “We need to take a harder look at what’s really going on.

Stop trying to treat the symptoms and treat the cause of the problem. Maybe we should try a little harder to help these kids before they feel so cornered that they turn into monsters.” ― Aaron B. Powell For many teenagers, dating violence is a daily event. Teen dating violence can happen at any age, to any gender, anywhere, or at any time. Teen dating violence is between two people in a close romantic relationship. It is a pattern of threatened or actual acts of physical violence, sexual violence, or emotional abuse perpetrated by a teenager against a current or former dating partner.

The abusive teenager may use this form of violence and forced behavior in either a heterosexual or homosexual dating relationship to gain power and to have control over the dating partner. A comprehensive community approach is necessary to stop it before it starts. It is serious, no one should have to experience it, and it can be deadly.

Warning Signs • Extreme jealousy or insecurity • Isolating you from family and friends • Constantly criticizing you and calling you names • Physically hurting you in any way • Telling you what to do • Checking your cell phone or e-mail without permission • Having a short temper or arguing a lot • Making all of the decisions • Touching you inappropriately when you don’t want to • Texting you too much • Telling you how to dress • Constantly wanting to know where you are and what you are doing Dating violence can have many long-term effects on your health throughout your lifetime.

Studies have shown that teens who are victims are more likely to get depressed and do poorly in school. Dating violence some-

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times starts as a joke and then escalates into name-calling, which is often considered a “normal” part of a relationship. However, this type of behavior can lead to more serious problems, such as physical or sexual assault. Additionally, teens who engage in this type of bad relationship may turn to drugs or alcohol to mask the pain they experience. Teens who are victims in high school often grow up to remain in unhealthy relationships, and some learn to believe that dating violence is acceptable. Below are tips you can use to get help.

Tips to Get Help • Talk to your parents, a school official, or a professional • Do not allow your boyfriend or girlfriend to control you • Create a safety plan with your family and friends • Do not isolate yourself from your family and friends • Ignore all harassing, abusive, hostile, or inappropriate text messages • Report any physical or sexual violence to the police • Remove yourself from toxic relationships; remember that love does not hurt • Change your cell phone if you are receiving harassing calls or texts You can prevent dating violence by stopping the behavior before it starts. It is important that you learn what constitutes a good or bad relationship. Learning strategies and skills sets that promote healthy relationships is vital. You need to learn how to develop positive relationships in order to avoid patterns of dating violence that can last into adulthood.

How to help someone who is being abused • Listen • Show support • Tell your friend you are concerned about their safety and you are worried about them • Encourage your friend to seek help from parents, school officials, or professional organizations • Ask how you can help Teens, dating violence is preventable. Break the silence of dating violence by taking a stand not to allow another person to take advantage of you. I have provided you with the tools to prevent it and told you how to help your friends in an abusive relationship. You have read the warning signs and tips to stay safe. Engaging in a healthy relationship is hard work. You have professional resources within your community to help you or someone you know who might be experiencing dating abuse from a partner. Get help now!

2013

PUP NOTICE

Cayo North East Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Cayo North East Electoral Division is scheduled for November 24, 2013.

Applications can be picked up from the Secretariat or Mr. Ursulo Guerra, Vice Chairman for Cayo North East Executive Committee.

Completed applications are to be submitted to Mr. Ursulo Guerra and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package.

Deadline for submission is October 24, 2013.

PUP NOTICE

Corozal North Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Corozal North Electoral Division is scheduled for November 24, 2013.

Applications can be picked up from the Secretariat or Mr. Gilberto Camal, Chairman for Corozal North Executive Committee.

Completed applications are to be submitted to Mr. Gilberto Camal and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package.

Deadline for submission is October 24, 2013.

PUP NOTICE

Belize Rural North Executive Committee The People’s United Party is accepting applications for members of the Belize Rural North Executive Committee.

Application forms are available at the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City. Date of Election is October 23rd, 2013 Application must be filled and returned to the Secretariat, addressed to the Secretary General by Friday October 18th, 2013.

PUP NOTICE

Belize Rural North Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Belize Rural North Electoral Division is scheduled for November 30, 2013.

Applications can be picked up from the Secretariat or Mrs. Carol Williams, Chairlady for Belize Rural North Executive Committee.

Completed applications are to be submitted to Mrs. Carol Williams and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package.

Deadline for submission is October 30, 2013.

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2013

The Police A Political Apparatus

Continued from page 11 This Commissioner was spring boarded, again because of his political credentials, not for his professionalism, from among the senior ranks of the Police, to the post of Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Security. However, by the mere force of gravity and Peter Principle, he fell back into the ranks of the Police, made a flip and landed on his feet as Commissioner. His every move and modus operandi indicates that he has not read the Police Act. He has a problem as a guardian of the laws of the land. He will not, and cannot, take any criminal action in the Penner Passport Scandal despite the overwhelming evidence. The Ministry of Immigration and the Passport Office should long have been declared crime scenes.

This alone is proof that the Police Department has become a state apparatus to do the government’s bidding.

This Commissioner knows (how could he not?) of blatant crime and corruption taking place under his nose and even within the rank and file of his department.

When he made his debut earlier this year as the new Commissioner of

Police, it was under very dramatic circumstance coming from the “George Street Massacre”. While that in itself was his litmus test, we assumed, that after all the grand-standing, the Police would have launch, according to the Commissioner, “an intensive and thorough investigation”.

Whatever happened on that night of the massacre, has had a calming fearful effect on gang activity that has nothing to do with the police work. It is the fear factor message that was delivered in the gruesome murders.

PM HEADS POSSE IN HIS CONSTITUENCY What was of significance though, was that the Commissioner of Police, at a press conference following the murders of four young men, recognized the existence of criminal gangs in almost every political constituency in Southside Belize City except for the Prime Minister’s Constituency of Queen Square, a gang stronghold under the control of the Prime Minister and his sister, the actual area representative, “Sister B”.

The Prime Minister has also named the representative from the Lake Independence Constituency of

BY ORDER OF MORTGAGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under and by virtue of a Deed of Mortgage registered at the Land Titles Unit between KIRK GRIFFITHS of the one part and HRCU of the other part.

HRCU will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule below.

ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 290, comprising 888.89 S q u a r e Yards situate in Ladyville Village, Belize District, being such land comprised in MINISTER’S FIAT GRANT No. 333 of 2011 dated 28th September 2011 and more particularly shown and delineated on a Plan of Survey No. 333 of 2011 dated 18th September 2011 by G. E. Gill, Licensed Land Surveyor, recorded at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, Belmopan City, Cayo District in Register No. 23 Entry No. 6209 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of KIRK GRIFFITHS DATED this 25th day of September 2013 HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738

Belize City, his “Gang Minister”. This Minister controls the government payroll for gang members to keep them loyal and in check. This has become a source of frustration for many law-abiding but unemployed citizens.

Here is where it gets interesting: “The Gang Minister” was earlier this year arrested for criminal assault following a brawl outside of a casino. When the case went to Court, the arresting officer had a serious case of amnesia. The Minister was subsequently acquitted. The Police Commissioner began to blow smoke from his south end promising a full investigation into the “misconduct” of

23 this officer and for disciplinary action.

End of story.

The current state of affairs is that the Police do not enjoy the confidence of the public. Under the current Commissioner the Police are failing in its responsibility to law-abiding citizens.

It has become nothing put a pawn, an apparatus, of the Barrow regime. The problem is that the Commissioner of Police has not asserted his legal and professional independence. Political control of the police, like, never before, is now embedded; so much so, that even our good law enforcement officers cannot function properly.

The Police have become a part of the problem.

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2013

Recipe of the week

Black Bean Burritos Hungry? Not sure what to cook.

Here’s a quick and very simple recipe for two to tease your taste buds.

Ingredients: 2 (10 inch) flour tortillas 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 small onion, chopped 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped 1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 teaspoon minced jalapeno peppers 3 ounces cream cheese 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Directions • Wrap tortillas in foil and place in oven heated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for 15 minutes or until heated through.

• Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Place onion, bell pepper, garlic and jalapenos in skillet, cook for 2 minutes stirring occasionally.

• Pour beans into skillet and cook for 3 minutes stirring.

• Cut cream cheese into cubes and add to skillet with salt. Cook for 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Stir cilantro into mixture.

• Spoon mixture evenly down center of warmed tortilla and roll tortillas up. Serve immediately.

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2013

BRAIN

TEASER

SUDOKU PUZZLE #38/2013

One of the dilapidated homes which the UDP has Belizeans living in

The People Demand House Lots

By Gilroy Usher, Sr. For the last five years this UDP government has been a total failure in addressing the pressing need for house lots in the country especially in Belize City.

Many city residents have life very hard because most of their small salary has to be spent on renting homes or rooms that cost a minimum of $250.00 monthly.

Since large numbers of poor people cannot afford house rent, many of them have resorted to squatting in swampland in little plywood houses. That is totally

Answers for last week’s puzzle SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTION #37/2013

unacceptable because Belize has land for each adult person to get at least a house lot.

Successive PUP Government have addressed the need for house lots in the country by filling swamp land that are then surveyed and distributed to the people.

As a result of implementing that land strategy PUP made land available for the people on Fabers’ Road Extension, Lake Independence, Belama Phase I & II, and Coral Grove in Belize City as well Vista del Mar, Los Lagos, and Mahogany Heights among other places throughout the country.

This uncaring UDP administration needs to understand that just as how Deputy P.M. Gaspar Vega and other Ministers have secured many house lots for themselves and their relatives and friends, the poor people of this country need house lots urgently to build their homes a well.

Send comments to: https:// www.facebook.com/GilroyUsherSr

See answers NEXT WEEK

Answers for last week’s puzzle

See answers NEXT WEEK

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Free Passport For the past couple of weeks the headline on the news was centering on the alleged passport scandal. It is not a new thing, where for personal gain, a person in power would get into the shady business of selling out our birthright (Nationality)! This means we now have to share out inheritance with someone who basically came in through the back door but now attains the same rights and privileges as we do! This type of illegal activity has been practiced for years and seems to be a pretty good ‘pocket money’ earner for those who engage in the “sprang head style” selling out of our nationality.

These sales and other similar types of crime seem to be especially more lucrative around election time and sometimes would be in exchange for votes rather than finance! I have even heard of cases where citizens of countries that don’t recognize our sovereignty are given these types of courtesies!

I will not rant and rave on this as I have done so in past writings, but I must add that I am yet to find a politician who has the heart of a Father. It seems that those who even appear to be honest just simply have their best ‘screen savers’ on, and getting into power only reveals what is truly on the screen of their hearts! This heated fight and vigorous passion, filled with logic, and the appearance of honesty, transparency, caring, shown while in opposition or in the heat of election season, has time and time again proven to be only a tactic to enter into power! These values seem to be violently shaved off while entering the door of power.

The truth is that the manual (bible) predicts that the heart of the people in the world will not get any better. This goes across the board, so to place the word honest and politician in the same sentence will continue to be next to impossible!

Hence I must begin to do my duty in this writing!

There is something good about the allegations that have been raised in our country these past few days! See, a passport qualifies you as a citizen of a country and thereby gives you the privileged to live, earn, and find a resting place of choice. The Kingdom of God has as its main business interest in the giving out of free passports. It costs you nothing; you don’t have to live in the country for five years; you don’t have to sign anything, nor do you have to take any picture! Any citizen can give you this passport. In fact you have the freedom to just take this passport.

What this minister has been accused of doing, taking matters into his own hands, moving papers personally, etc. is the exact same thing the Kingdom of God expects its citizens to be doing! We should be giving out passports hand over fist to whosoever will receive them.

And talking about politicians with a father’s heart, this politician, Jesus Christ, was willing to give nothing short of his own life, and shed his own blood, simply to buy back our freedom and allow us the privilege of becoming, again, citizens of His country. Of course each country has its set of laws and principles that it requires you to function by so that you can roam freely and conduct your business freely.

I encourage you to pick up your free passport by the nearest dealer and become a dealer yourself. It will have ETERNAL benefits.

Until next week, God bless!

By Dr. Francis Smith

13 OCT

2013

Funnel and Pigeon Chest

What is it?

Pectus excavatum or funnel chest is a congenital deformity which causes the chest to look as if the breastbone is sunken inwards or caved in. It is more common in boys than in girls. Severe pectus escavatum can interfere with the heart and lung function. It makes children feel self-conscious about their appearance.

For many people with pectus excavatum, their only sign or symptom is a slight indentation in their chests. In others, the depth of the indentation worsens during the adolescent growth spurt and can continue to worsen into adulthood.

Pectus carinatum, also called pigeon chest, is a deformity of the chest characterized by a protrusion of the sternum and ribs.

It is the opposite of pectus excavatum. It may occur after open heart surgery, complicating with a protrusion of the sternum. It commonly occurs between the ages of 11 to 14 years, mostly in pubertal males undergoing a growth spurt.

For most children and teens, the main issue with pectus carinatum, as with pectus excavatum, is the appearance. Some will have respiratory problems, including increased colds and asthma.

Signs and symptoms: Children with pectus carinatum usually develop normal hearts and lungs, but the deformity may compromise optimal function.

Children with severe deformity may tire sooner than their peers, due to shortness of breath and fatigue. They may suffer heart palpitations, recurrent respiratory infections, wheezing or coughing (asthma). Some children with pectus carinatum also have scoliosis (curvature of the spine), mitral valve prolapse and connective tissue disorders, including arthritis, visual impairment and healing impairment. Chest deformities can have significant psychologic impact. The shape of the chest can damage self-image and confidence, disrupting social connections. Body building can improve the appearance of the deformity.

Treatment: Pectus excavatum can be surgically repaired, but surgery is usually reserved for people who have moderate to severe signs and symptoms. Surgical techniques such as the Ravitch technique or Nuss procedure, are best done in hospitals with a track record of successful surgeries. People who have mild signs and symptoms may be helped by physical therapy. Adolescents will need support to help them cope. Most adolescents want to fit in and look like their peers, which may be challenging with a condition like pectus excavatum or carinatum. They may need counseling to help them with coping skills.

Doctors prefer to treat pectus carinatum in children and adolescents with a customized pressure brace. The customized brace will apply continuous pressure to the protruding chest wall and has to be worn day and night for best results, which may take from six to twelve months. Surgery is an option for late teens or adulthood.

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29

EDITORIAL Español ¡Vayase por autobús, vayase por cayuco, solo vayase!

E

l gobierno UDP está en modo de crisis total. Su pánico político está al rojo vivo.

Dean Barrow aparenta confundido, frustrado y expuesto. Godwin Hulse está acorralado, sagaz y comprometido.

Penner está tomado en clara flagrancia y se encuentra en modo de auto-preservación. Su carta de triunfo son los secretos oscuros y desagradables del UDP. Como una de las partes, el UDP, ha decidido defender la corrupción y los corruptos.

Se han dado cuenta que la pérdida de Penner realmente es el colapso total de su gobierno. La gente que dice que un escaño más para el PUP es sólo una victoria numérica no viene al caso.

Prueba de la eventual destituida de Penner está visto en los anuncios del UDP. Las pancartas dicen: “continuemos el desarrollo en todo el país no firma la petición de destitución”.

Miren las palabras: “En todo el país”. En todo el país no significa sólo la División de Cayo Noreste.

De acuerdo con el pensamiento UDP, la destituida es a nivel nacional. Es un recordatorio del gobierno central.

El UDP está admitiendo que el crimen de Penner es la retirada del gobierno Entero UDP. ¿Ves eso?

El UDP se da cuenta que su corrida y saqueo del gobierno ha terminado.

Lo curioso es que todas las estrellas de la insuficiencia UDP, la incompetencia y la corrupción están en el suelo, con gran cantidad de dólares.

Estan Gapi Vega, John Saldivar y el JP, quien penalmente firmó los documentos de pasaporte y que es un sospechoso, haciendo campaña.

Alguien desempolvó a “Boots” Martínez, quien apareció en la televisión con los labios visiblemente ennegrecidos diciendo que se suma a las

acciones de Penner porque son colegas y que también defenderían al corrupto de Penner.

Pobre Godwin Hulse. Ha vendido su alma tantas veces que se ve viejo y barato. Él ha sido consistente, coherente y agotado. Ha sido muy renuente a hacer cualquier cosa sobre este escándalo en su ministerio. Por el contrario, parece estar inclinándose a unirse al trazado de la encubierta.

Godwin primero envió las fotos doce veces a los taiwaneses, tal vez pensó que dirían que la imagen era tal como Penner afirmó. Pero no tuvo suerte. Entonces se le ocurrió la idea de descentrado Kim tenía un hermano gemelo.

Incluso Jules Vasquez se río de él en eso. Entonces Godwin aceptó el trabajo de investigar él mismo. Un gran no, no. ¿Qué habría dicho si él todavía estaba en ACB? Luego, en el Senado, Lisa Shoman extendió la llamada nacionalista de una Investigación Especial del Senado. Hulse barajó en su silla y divagando incoherentemente sobre el precio y el tiempo. ¿Qué? ¿Es este el ACB Hulse o se presente la grasa, “pagado” Godwin?

El PUP por el otro lado se está moviendo con el enfoque y precisión quirúrgica. El BELIZE TIMES extiende suficiente respeto al Excmo. Francis Fonseca. La decisión de apoyar al pueblo de Cayo Noreste a destituir a Penner se ha enfocado donde importa.

Tanto es así que el PUP ha asegurado el 60% de las firmas para la revocatoria solicitada en menos de dos días. Esto es más sorprendente teniendo en cuenta que varios de los pueblos de donde se recogieron las firmas eran comunidades menonitas.

Creemos en el sentido de patriotismo y el orgullo nacional beliceño para enviar un mensaje. Un pequeño mensaje con un gran impacto. El mensaje a Penner, el UDP y la corrupción, es un potente: “¡Váyase!”

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THINK ABOUT IT NO INVESTIGATION AT IMMIGRATION On Tuesday evening, a few minutes before the immigration office closed several police officers arrived supposedly to start an investigation, call it a bogus investigation. Not a single member of staff was asked any question about Elvin Penner or what Elvin Penner may have done or said. Not a single question about Won Hong Kim. Not a single question about anything the Penner scandal.

The questions were about whether anyone knew how Arthur Saldivar was able to get possession of nationality certificates or copies of certificates.

As the office was closed at 5pm, everybody denied knowledge and started leaving the workplace.

There will be no criminal investigation.

End of that story.

But big respect is due to the Chamber of Commerce, National Trade Union Congress, Teacher’s Union, Human Rights Commission and other civil society organisations for publicly standing up for principle. There must be an independence investigation into the ongoing scandal at the Immigration Department.

CITY CENTRE – NO VISION The Belize City Centre is being dismantled. It has served its purpose. It has outgrown its use. Or so they tell us. Its remains will be transported to the compound of the National Stadium, to be stolen bit by bit as the months go by.

In replace of the City Center will come a spanking new sports arena costing tax payer some THIRTY MILLION dollars.

Yes 30 million dollars. A broken down shackle, poverty stricken city will literally watch thirty million dollars build a new basketball and maybe volleyball stadium. It is unbelievable but it is true.

What was the problem with the city center building? It was hot and uncomfortable.

Well, put in a new air condition system and comfort up the inside.

What Belize needs is a basic sports policy.

Sports is for all Belizeans. Our young people need basketball courts throughout Belize City, perhaps by population ratio. To every thousand teenagers to age 30 years, one basketball court in the neighborhood. Same for football. A similar approach in the Districts and Villages but obviously on a different population number.

The City Center should have been transformed into Government offices. The government of Belize spends millions each year renting improper places for government offices. The places don’t have parking. Neither are they customer-friendly as citizens are forced to mount two stories to access public services.

Just think of the office for registering births, deaths at corner Hyde’s Lane and New Road.

It is a shame.

A new City Center/basketball/volleyball stadium could then have been relocated in the area of the new boulevard going to the new bridge to Chetumal Street. A modest stadium with lots of space and parking. At the present City Center site there is a grossly inadequate space for parking.

It is written in the Holy Bible that where there is no vision the people perish.

It is incredible the awesome waste of money that is involved in building a new facility for basketball when only a small percentage of our young people are able to access college, sixth form and University.

There is something about the leadership or lack thereof of the country that is so patently wrong.

LOVE LET US DOWN One of the biggest scandals to unfold at

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present is the Penner passport issue. It is a huge scandal.

It is huge because it comes from a government that promised Belizeans good government, accountability and transparency.

This scandal gave the lie to all three.

It is huge because it comes after a series of scandals that exposed the graft corruption and cover up of the government. Reflect on 13 dead babies, Rosewood, Noh Mul, S.I.F., stolen ammo and guns from B.D.F., Lands Ministry hustle, Castro sex and alleged land scam matters, Mark King, and on and on.

In every one of the above scandals, the Prime Minister does the talking. The individual Ministers have nothing to say or cannot be trusted to say the politically correct thing. It’s a one-man government.

The one-man government may now have run out of luck. Forced to deduct Penner from Cabinet because of U.S.A. anger, the Prime Minister is now defying the expressed wishes of the people by refusing to investigate Penner and the Immigration Department.

The Prime Minister cannot allow a criminal investigation into Penner as there is enough evidence for an arrest and court trial.

The Prime Minister cannot allow an investigation into the Immigration Department because he personally knows of the widespread hustling, thievery and corruption involving several of his Ministers in relation to visas. He also knows that Penner’s passport citizenship for Kim Hon Hong is NOT the only crime in that department.

Neither can the Prime Minister put any pressure on some of the public officers in immigration. Should they decide to talk, the government would fall. So the Prime Minister, who has publicly cursed-up a Supreme Court Judge, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and dozens of other outstanding citizens, has been seen and heard praising the very public officers who facilitated the corrupt practices in the immigration department.

The very act of appointing Penner in the very Department he had so publicly violated in order to steal an election, is a questionable decision by the Prime Minister. The same applies to Vega at Lands.

Even as the people cry out for punishment for Penner, the Prime Minister not only does not remove Penner from membership in the UDP Executive, he tells Belizeans he and his party will now go out and campaign for Penner to remain Honorable in the House of Representatives. Wow! And now this. Plus TV a former independent ally of the Prime Minister has declared the Prime Minister to have lost his moral standing. They are relentless in calling for a criminal investigation into Penner and Immigration.

Amandala newspaper, an open ally of the Prime Minister silent on several previous scandals, has now admitted that something is wrong and the people want Penner to be investigated.

Krem Radio, an open Dean Barrow supporter, has now gone one step further by calling the Police to start an investigation.

But Love FM is playing elevator music and holding mild conversations on everything else under the sun but Penner.

PENNER DISGRACES MENNONITES Elvin Penner is the first member of the Mennonites Community to be voted into the high office of a member of the National Assembly.

What a history he has made.

What a shame he has brought to his people.

By contrast, the linking of Eric Chang, rightly or wrongly with the gangster move that went down with the passport scandal, has not

brought the same response.

Roots Belizeans view the Mennonites as religious, hard working, honest and God fearing.

Roots view Chinese and Indians merchants as hard working, crooked and worshippers of money.

CASTRO The Honorable (no fun intended) Edmund Castro has a lot to be thankful to Honorable Elvin Penner. Were it not for Penner’s huge scandal, Castro would be boiling in fat.

Castro had publicly disgraced himself during the UDP’s first term. Accused of hustling and stealing money over the sale of government lands to Belizean/Americans, Castro was thrown out of Cabinet.

But he is back in Cabinet.

Now he is accused of the most messy matter. On an unexplained visit to Taiwan, the Hon Castro is alleged to have made sexual advances to a female official. Castro denies the accusation.

Of all the countries to go and insult their females; Castro picks Taiwan which has given Belize more money than even the U.S.A. Good thing Castro didn’t try his stunt with American female officials.

First they would have thumped him.

Then make CNN headline news. Then sue for millions.

MADONNA WAS RAPED Madonna, at age 19 moved to New York City to pursue her career. She got a New York City welcome. She got raped at knife point.

She said trying to make it in New York was real challenging. She had to pose naked for art students so she could make a little money.

60 NEW SPECIES Scientists have discovered 60 new species of insects, fish and frogs in the country of Suriname. Imagine when scientist start studying Belize’s rainforest and jungle rivers and Chiquibul. Hundreds of new species, hundreds. Also in our forest are dozen of herbs and barks and roots whose medicine hold the cure for cancers, AIDS, and aging.

WORLDINESS Last week the Pope spoke out strongly against worldliness. His Holiness said that worldliness leads to VANITY, ARROGANCE, and PRIDE. Our grand parents used to preach this kind of teaching.

We need to return to the old values that made us better human beings. There are no values in the modern world, in money and possessions are worshiped for their own sake.

HOW LONG DO WE LIVE? The average human being will live for 301,844 hours. He or she will sleep for 233,600 of those hours. Work for 74,066 hours. Use up 200,000 hours on miscellaneous things. Wait on the kids to dress for 11,850 hours. Use up about 182,334 hours watching TV, gossiping on phone, shopping.

You are left with about 91,167 hours to do everything else like listening to music, going to church, hanging out with friends, wasting your money in Princess Casino, reading, and maybe planting trees and cleaning your yard.

Don’t waste precious hours in this life. Be loving and productive.

THE MAN WHO DEFEATED AMERICA Vo Nguyen Giap is the Vietnamese general defeated the French at the battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954. This defeat of France led the USA to jump into war on the grounds that it had to defeat communism in Vietnam. Gen-

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eral Giap is the man who also masterminded the famous Tet offensive that embarrassed the USA in 1968.

In 1975 the mighty United States was shown on worldwide television cameras running for their lives. They were shown pushing helicopters in the sea from their warships to make space fleeing troops. It was an international embarrassment for the USA to lose the Vietnam War, after killing more than one million Vietnamese and losing some fifty-five thousand American soldiers including Belizeans who went to the USA. One such was Lens Dillett, a son of Miss Young on Dean Street.

It was General Giap and the great Ho Chi Mink who defeated the USA in 1975. Giap died last week at 102 years.

LEAH PATNETT Leah Patnett, who lives on Wagner Lane, is literally the last of the Mohicans. She will be one hundred years this December, if God is willing.

Miss Leah, formerly a Harris before her marriage to well known builders and contractors – Patnett, is still active, strong and has her memory. She lives with her daughter Rita Patnett Sedasy and grandson Jerome Sedasy.

Miss Leah has lived to see all the original Wagner Lane families leave for USA or leave this earth for a better place. Only the Watters family which came to Wagner’s into the 1970’s or 1980’s are still there.

Everyone else is gone – except for Marina Welcome’s mom – Norma Welcome.

None of the young generations who are eating and drinking imported food contaminated with cancer chemicals will live to see 100 years. Happy birthday Miss Leah come December. We will celebrate with cake and home made fruit drinks. May God continue to bless you.

BREAST CANCER Recent research has led to the conclusion that by walking briskly for one hour a day women can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 14 percent.

Belizeans need to eat healthy, exercise, shun foreign food and drinks and exercise regularly. And no tobacco.

ANTHONY SYLVESTRE SR. Anthony Sylvestre Sr. is a former career public officer who has served his country with loyalty and distinction.

He served as the Personnel Officer at the Ministry of Works. He was a District Officer and Magistrate. He became an Administrative Officer and later a Permanent Secretary.

He reached the highest public service office of Cabinet Secretary and contributed to the improvement of working conditions and benefits for public officers as the leader of government negotiation on the then Joint Staff Relations Council with P.S.U. representatives.

Anthony upgraded many public service positions salaries and job descriptions. He was completely dedicated to his duties and his country. He oversaw the revision of the General Workers Regulations, the new General order and several departmental manuals.

He also issued dozens of directives which resulted in a more progressive management of the public service.

There are very few public officer who are as knowledgeable of the working of the vast public service machinery of over ten thousand Belizeans who are paid by the taxpayers.

Anthony Sylvestre is retired and lives with his family in Belize City. His son is the illustrious lawyer, Anthony Sylvestre who is a possible Attorney General in a new government.

Belizeans like Anthony Sylvestre Sr. are among the unsung heroes of this country.

Respect – huge respect brother.

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THIEVES AND LIARS Continued from page 9 theft and the lies poured out from the Prime Minister’s government.

Belizeans have watched as UDP ministers and their cronies take as they wish, lie and enrich themselves. Dean Barrow’s family takes the cake. Son Shine is made an Ambassador. Son Anwar is Executive of BTL. Ex-wife Lois walks away with millions of dollars of unnecessary lawyer fees and becomes an Ambassador too. Brother Denys is driving around in his former judge vehicle, and depositing hundreds of thousands if not millions of tax dollars for unnecessary legal fees while dozens of public officer lawyers sit in the Solicitor General’s office who can do the court work. Nephew Kimano has thousands of acres of petroleum property from government.

The Prime Minister recently constructed a new law office, big enough to house all the lawyers in the Bar Association.

Is it any wonder that Minister Boots Martinez is succeeding in his goal of owning thirty mansions before being kicked out of office?

Prior to being a Minister in Dean Barrow’s government, Martinez was an employed drifter in Port Loyola. From rags to riches.

Hon Michael Finnegan no longer has money problems. He no longer has to run hat in hand begging Ralph Fonseca for a “slighters”. Prior to becoming a Minister in Dean Barrow’s government he was a lazy, unemployed politician who spent his days sitting on the public walkway in front of Brads boledo shop by Belcan Bridge.

Well, he is still a lazy, do nothing politician. Just take a look at his record as Minister of Housing for the past six years!!

These stories can be repeated for all the Barrow men and cronies.

After a few years in their new found ivory towers they have grown rich and fat, their bloated faces covering their cynical attitude to the suffering and destruction brought on the people of Belize.

The Elvin Penner immigration scandal is a way of nature pushing back. The lies and skullduggery have reached epic proportions. The hustling and stealing using government resources at BTL, the hospitals, customs, lands ministry, public works, immigration, and other Ministries, all under the control of Prime Minister Barrow, is just too much.

Dean Barrow is the cause of all this lying and covering up of wrongdoing and defying the wishes of the people for the police to arrest his criminal ministers.

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Barrow vs. the People

PUP, BNTU, NTUCB, PSU, HRCB & Chamber demand Investigation at Immigration Department Belize City, October 10, 2013 He came into power proclaiming to be the people’s champion.

His actions however, have proven quite the opposite.

Following the latest passport scandal to rock his government to its core, Dean Barrow has taken off his Prime Minister’s cap and put on his UDP boxing gloves and declared war on the people of Belize.

The charade of nationalism is over. How poetic and ironic is it that the issue that Barrow has chosen to go against the will of the people is one that involves our sovereignty, our pride as a people, our patrimony, our nationality?

As his former chairman, Doug Singh, once infamously declared: the UDP’s sole objective is to win elections, not to govern Belize.

How scandalously revealing.

But Barrow’s proud legacy as a traitor is not an overnight occurrence. He has been acting against the will of the people for quite some time now.

Remember the slap on Mark King’s wrist following an all-out brawl at the Princess casino?

How about the raping of our precious rosewood by Barrow’s unstoppable Vega boys?

And why is Pablo Marin still our Minister of Health when 13 babies died due to gross negligence under his watch?

Who in the hell allowed Lisel Alamilla to sell containers of rosewood and only collect $15,000.00

for Belize while the Vegas collected $300,000.00 per container?

And what about the predator, Edmund “clear the land” Castro who has been on a wild rampage recently, even gaining international recognition for unwanted sexual advances?

Belize has been losing big time under Dean Barrow. But it’s not about the people. It never was. For Dean Barrow, it’s all about holding onto power. Barrow’s dictatorship is slowly but surely coming to a crashing, violent end. He is now defending the indefensible in the name of power. By his own admission in his emails, Elvin Penner has committed a criminal offence.

The unions have finally awoken.

They have seen enough and heard enough of Barrow and his bull. The National Trade Union Congress of Belize, Belize National Teacher’s Union & Public Service Union have issued the most damning press releases calling for Penner’s head on a silver platter. They have been joined by the Human Rights Commission of Belize and the Chamber of Commerce.

The President of the powerful BNTU, Luke Palacio, said they have seen enough and are demanding action.

The Chamber was equally concerned and in their release they criticized the lack of proper investigation on Government’s part.

The NTUCB, the umbrella organisations for all Unions, said the UDP is writing “new chapters” in the “now seemingly, ongoing bartering to the highest bidder, sale of our Belizean birthright”.

The NTUCB called for an independent

investigation as well as criminal proceedings for “all players found liable of any form of wrongdoing in this alleged scandal”.

The call was also echoed by the Human Rights Commission of Belize who condemned the actions of disgraced UDP Elvin Penner in what appears to be his efforts to circumvent our immigration laws for his personal financial gain. The HRCB said Penner cannot be above the law and if criminal wrongdoing is uncovered, he must be made to face the consequences of his actions, like any other Belizean.

The call for Penner’s head started with Opposition People’s United Party who put pressure on the UDP Government to deal with the criminal wrongdoing. In the absence of this, the PUP warned they would take action against the wrongdoers.

But Barrow can’t, he won’t, and he never will deliver a UDP’s head, because that would mean that he only has a one seat margin in an already wounded dictatorship.

We are witnessing the beginning of the end of Dean Barrow.

He always said that he was transparent. But now he is proving it.

We can see right through him. The substance was never there but now his glitter is also gone. Your time, Dean Barrow, is up. It’s Penner’s head or yours, because as with all battles against the people, the people will be triumphant.

CARTOON

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