Belize Times October 7, 2012

Sunday, October 7, 2012

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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SUNDAY October 7, 2012

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Issue No. 4816

GOB audit exposes

financial rot

Dorothy Bradley, Auditor General Belize City, October 2, 2012 It wasn’t the year leading to the elections when the UDP diverted millions in public funds for political candidates,

The Barrow

family

enrichment

plan?

New report says GOB paid Barrow related law firms over 1 million dollars in 2010/2011 Belize City, October 3, 2012 Millions of dollars of public funds are being paid to special private attorneys by the Barrow Administration for legal representation in the Court. There has been an unprecedented upsurge of legal claims involving the Government since the UDP

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but the Auditor General’s report of the 2010-2011 financial year has unearthed major financial rot under the Barrow Administration.

On Friday, September

28th the Report was tabled at the Senate meeting. While it has not been released to the public copies of the reports have been leaked to the media. It contains scorching events of mismanagement, nepotism and unaccountability.

In the report, the Auditor General Dorothy Bradley points out that certain Ministries showed a blatant disregard for following established regulations, procedures and accountability which led to loss of revenues.

Bradley said the audit was challenged by improper practices and a lack of proper records. She said her office encountered numerous problems including insufficient record management, inconsistent computerized accounts, questionable bank accounting, suspicious drawing of contracts after the work was completed, poor management and outrageous accounting and control of government assets, including government vehicles.

For those reasons the audit was inconclusive and the Auditor General could not provide an opinion.

Too many murders!

Suzenne Martinez

Editorial: Auditor General Smells a Rat Preliminary reports of the 2010-2011 Report are that it makes a damning indictment on the Barrow Administration’s record on fiscal management, exposing fiscal indiscipline and non-compliance with the Audit Act.

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Reid Between the Lines: And now it is Godwin Hulse’s turn to disappoint. This hitherto heralded paragon of virtue was exposed last week as just another pawn of the “master of the game.”

Page 13 The IMF Cometh!

The PM says Belize doesn’t intend to enter into any special financing arrangements with the IMF, but all indications are that the country could very well see itself at the international bank’s doorsteps soon.

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Steve Polonio

Latest murder victims are UB student & city youth Murder count for 2012 is 113 From July to September there were 36 murders The crime spree has spread to the districts

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Cane farmers seek urgent audience with PM PUP calls for independent audit at San Pedro Town Council

Belize City, October 2, 2012 The Belize Cane Farmers Association has attempted once more to get an audience with Prime Minister Dean Barrow in a letter sent to Belmopan on Tuesday, October 2, 2012.

The letter expresses grave concerns about the recently approved Sugar Industry and Cogeneration Project Bill which gives the new owners of the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) Sugar Factory, American Sugar Refining, a mountain of tax exemptions including full Income and Business Tax exemption for the rest of the year and then at a reducing rate starting in 2013 and full exemption of customs and excise duty for 10 years, to name a few.

In a previously-written letter to the PM sent before the Bill was taken to the House of Representatives, the BSCFA said the exemptions are “excessive” and create an “unfair advantage” since ASR will be exempt of taxes accompanying the purchase of cane production tools and supplies, while cane farmers will continue to struggle to meet the heavy expenses.

“These exemptions aim at mak-

ing the rich richer and the poor poorer, as they do not advance the Government’s Pro-Poor Policy commitment.

“We would like to , therefore , request that the Government of Belize grant the BSCFA and its farmer members the same tax and duty exemptions for the same period of time granted to ASR, BSI and Belcogen,” wrote the BSCFA in the letter sent to the Prime Minister on September 25th.

The Prime Minister didn’t respond to the letter or the request.

Instead, he addressed certain BSCFA-related issues at the House Meeting held last week Wednesday, September 29th at the same time the Bill was being passed.

Barrow denied ever making a commitment to consult with the BSCFA before settling the ASR deal.

Barrow said he had mentioned privately to the Chairman of the BSCFA that he would keep them abreast of development only.

Sunday, September 23rd, 2012 Dear Editor The recently held meeting by the San Pedro Town Council to present their report for their first hundred days of administration raises more questions than answers. In the Questions and Answers period the following were raised. What about the campaign promise for an independent audited financial report? The Mayor answered that he did not want to go on a witch hunt as to what and who was responsible for perceived mismanagement.

That, according to him, the past was past and that he wanted to concentrate on the future. Although we recognize that yes we should really worry about the future and make sure that the ap-

Barrow also said the BSCFA’s concern that the tax exemptions will somehow put the cane farmers at a disadvantage is not valid.

But the BSCFA is not giving up. In addition to urging the PM to meet with them, they are also lobbying for support from the Belize Workers’ Union, which represents the workers of BSI. The workers are no longer the majority owners of the sugar factory, as they agreed to reduce their share size to give way for ASR’s ownership.

OCEANA volunteers countrywide aid with International Waterway Cleanup 2012 October 1, 2012 This past Saturday, 29 September 2012, OCEANA members across the country mobilized to assist with this year’s International Waterway Clean-up, a global initiative carried out by Ocean Conservancy. The Scouts Association of Belize, spearhead the initiative locally, bringing together NGO’s, schools, interested businesses and the everyday citizen to join forces in removing from Belize’s waterways and coastline, thousands of pounds of garbage.

Going beyond just a garbage cleanup, participants recorded the quantity and type of garbage being collected on data cards provided by Ocean Conservancy. The resulting information helps participating countries and Ocean Conservancy to better assess and implement policies to tackle our Ocean garbage problem both regionally and globally. Equally, it aids in assessing the impact and growth of the initiative.

In 2011, close to 600,000 volunteers

participated removing over 9 million pounds of garbage from the coastlines and waterways globally.

“Oceana is proud to take part in this annual event,” states Oceana’s Vice President for Belize Audrey Matura Shepherd. “In addition to our volunteers mobilizing countrywide, Oceana used biodegradable trash bags and, in an effort to further reduce the use of plastic, did away with plastic water bottles and water pouches (ideals) and instead served beverages to volunteers in Biodegradable cups.”

“The majority of the garbage found along our Waterways and coastline were Styrofoam containers (material) and plastic (bottles, bags, caps etc.)” noted Hipolito Bautista, Oceana’s Coordinator for this year’s clean up. “Every person can help with this Clean-up all year round because the best way to tackle garbage is not to create it.”

Oceana encourages the public to

reduce, reuse and recycle: • Encourage food vendors you buy from to use Biodegradable food containers, cups and utensils instead of Styrofoam.

• When buying food, ask the vendor to place your food in a reusable container which you provide.

• Encourage your local store or shopping center to use biodegradable shopping bags.

• Ask your local store or shopping center to ensure biodegradable food containers, plates, cups and utensils are always available for purchase.

• Take your own reusable bag to the store to have your groceries packed in.

• When buying only a few items don’t use plastic bags, instead simply carry in hand.

• Be the force of change – develop and organize a recycling program at your workplace or school.

palling mistakes made by the past UDP administrations that has put San Pedro in a two and a half million dollar debt according to their report, should not be repeated, we, the executive of the San Pedro P.U.P. demand on behalf of the San Pedro Tax payers, that the mayor keep his promise and commission an independent report.

It is not a matter of witch hunt but of respect and accountability to the tax payer whose money it is that was mismanaged. We raise concern to the concept of a habit of borrowing and borrowing to run the affairs of the Town. At some point there has to be an end to this practice since in our view it is unsustainable. These loans will have to be paid at some point. According to the report, collection of taxes is good, therefore, where are our taxes going?

We also raise concern that the Town Council, through the Mayor in his report has expressed that they are actively “looking” for ways to raise funds.

Doesn’t this mean new taxes? Although the Prime Minister promised not to raise any new taxes, in his budget speech, we see that they are effectually raising taxes but at the municipal level.

Doesn’t this sound like hypocrisy?

Signed San Pedro People’s United Party Executive Committee

THE BELIZE TIMES serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continous newspaper.

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

EDITOR

Alberto Vellos LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams Published By The Belize Times Press Ltd. Tel: 671-8385 #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize Email: belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com

editortimes@yahoo.com

Sunday, October 7, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

The IMF Cometh!

Belize City, October 3, 2012 Hidden in the vague language used by Prime Minister Dean Barrow regarding his meetings with international financial institutions, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is the fact that Belize’s economic situa-

tion has gotten so dire that our nation’s head of Government has had to get out and beg.

While the PM has been slightly more open about the discussions he has had with the IDB for a first-of-itskind debt guarantee, Barrow has been very guarded about what he has been

Selling out

Belizean producers

UDP Minister Sedi Elrington shaking hands with Guatemalan officials Toledo District, October 1, 2012 Belizean small farmers and producers know too well the hefty price they pay at the hands of a reckless and mindless Government. Over the last two years, small farmers and producers endured crass incompetence and negligence by officials at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Farmers such as the rice growers from the Toledo district struggled with delayed payments. Onion growers in Mennonite communities in the Orange Walk District were shocked to know the Ministry was importing produce from Holland when there was a local surplus. Potato growers from the Cayo District were dismayed to learn that dozens of permits were issued to import goods from Mexico which created an unnecessary competition. It all happened under wrongheaded policies that failed to protect local small growers over special favors, greed and a hidden agenda.

Now it seems that a similar and equally destructive hidden agenda or wrongheaded policy is once more threatening the lives of small farmers. At the hands of a man who has perpetually failed to preserve our national pride, a new threat arises and Belizean producers must be fully alerted.

According to the right-wing Guatemalan newspaper, Prensa Libre, the UDP Minister of Foreign Affairs Sedi Elrington was in Guatemala signing another set of documents in secret and without informing Belizeans.

This time it wasn’t about Belize’s border, or as Sedi calls it “artificial border”. It was concerning Belizean producers who will now have to fight off products coming from neighbouring Guatemala. Elrington signed an agree-

asking the IMF. The PM says Belize doesn’t intend to enter into any special financing arrangements with the IMF, but all indications are that the country could very well see itself at the international bank’s doorsteps soon. Belize’s economy has not been growing at a sustainable rate. In 2009 there was zero economic growth. Foreign investment has been at an all-time low and Belize is about to hit the debt reef.

Over the years, the UDP Government has been implementing harsh IMF recommendations.

The increase in GST from 10% to 12.5% was an IMF suggestion.

GOB’s refusal to honor its promise of salary increases to teachers and

ment which allows Guatemalan producers to flood the Belizean market with their cheap produce.

Products from Guatemala such as sand, gravel, cold meats, fruits, vegetables and sausages will now be sold in Belize. The products made by Guatemalans at a cheaper cost than Belizean producers, who are struggling with the rising cost of goods, will likely hurt local

3 public officers is an IMF instruction. The IMF told Government it must reduce its wage bill.

The IMF also recommended that the UDP Government limit growth in non-priority areas. To the UDP, non-priority means health, education, water supply, sports. This is why the National Health Insurance Programme was stopped, why no new schools are being open and scholarships have been cut, why water distribution projects has been put on hold, and why sports is not a priority in our country under the UDP. The Government has even admitted to implementing new tax structures suggested by the IMF. Prime Minister Dean Barrow has been paving the way for the IMF and its neo-colonial financial policies to come into play in Belize. The Prime Minister is facing a stormy time in office. He sees the rough waters and feels the gusty winds. He is more than ready to go fly a kite with the IMF. producers. But Belizeans must be told that profits derived from the Guatemalan goods, will benefit Guatemalan producers, not Belizeans.

The irony of it all is that all those products are actually made in Belize, giving no reason for Elrington’s acquiescence to Guatemalan pressure to infiltrate Belize. Can Sedi or anyone in the UDP explain this treachery?

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Too many murders!

Belize City, October 3, 2012 There is a deep sense of fear, insecurity and hopelessness throughout Belize as criminals have been having their way against citizens with very little defense and protection from the UDP Government.

This week alone, there have been eight murders in only four days which bring the total murder count to a staggering 113 homicides for the year unofficially.

Following short periods of peace in September, the level of violence spiked since mid-month and has even extend-

Robert Stephen Lewis

The Barrow family enrichment plan?

Continued from page 1 took office in 2008.

According to the report of the Auditor General, two choice law firms for the Barrow Administration are none other than the Prime Minister’s law firm, Barrow and Williams, and the law firm of the Prime Minister’s ex-wife, Lois Young-Barrow.

The report says that in the 2010-2011 financial year alone, the Minister of Finance, who is Prime Minister Dean Barrow himself, paid $1,592,893.98 to the two law firms.

This occurred even though the Government has an entire Ministry with a trained and supposedly capable legal defense team. So why is the UDP Government and specifically the PM and Minister of Finance wasting taxpayers’ money on two of the most expensive law firms in Belize? Does it have to do with the attorney’s special relationships with the Prime Minister?

The report only speaks about the year 2010-2011, but Lois Young-Barrow has been hired by GOB since the UDP took office. Reports are that she has collected millions of dollars from the Government throughout that time.

She has now been appointed Ambassador to United Nations in New York. The budget for her Embassy was increased by $377,183 this year to $969,627.

Last week, two more Barrows took on new cases for the Government. Denys Barrow, the brother of the Prime Minister, will collect for the case with Belize Telemedia (on which the Prime Minister’s ex-wife and son were Board members who collected perks), while Prime Minister Barrow’s niece Naima Barrow (daughter of Denys Barrow) was hired in the legal challenge put forward by Oceana.

At the end of the day, Belizeans tax payers pay a hefty sum and the Barrow family laughs all the way to the Bank.

The Lewis’ Maya Mopan home

ed to the districts outside of crime-ridden Belize City.

The latest gruesome homicide took place in San Ignacio. 21 year old Suzenne Martinez was found half-naked and lifeless in a drain near an empty lot behind Le Sante Pharmacy in San Ignacio, Cayo on Wednesday morning. She was found only a short distance from her parent’s home. The vibrant Medical Laboratory student attending the University of Belize never made it home on Tuesday night. Her concerned parents filed a missing persons report with Police and were devastated to learn the dreadful news this morning.

Police have detained one person for questioning, who is also a suspect into another murder that occurred in the city of Belmopan.

The other murders have been occurring almost daily. On Friday, September 28th when 35 year old Eddie Antonio Sanchez was found with mortal chop wounds on his body. This violent attack also took place in San Ignacio.

Sanchez had been released on bail a day earlier after he had been accused and arraigned for assaulting someone.

The family of Charles Gamboa has too many unanswered questions regarding what they consider the murder

Charles Gamboa

Clifford Cruz

of their loved one. Family members suspect foul play as they saw multiple stab wounds on Gamboa’s body. The 53 year old primary school security guard was attacked while on duty inside the school grounds around 5:30pm on Friday evening. No one has been detained as yet.

On the 29th, 16 year old Jamie Dominguez was shot in the head as he sat on the tail gate of an Isuzu Rodeo that was parked at the corner of Vernon and Partridge Street Extension in Belize City. Neighbors said that around 1:00am they heard a gunshot and when they checked outside, they saw no one except Dominguez slouched over with blood oozing from his head.

A day later, 30 year old Trevor Anthony Johnson was shot dead on Nargusta Street in Belize City as he ran away from a gunman. This occurred around 1:12am.

Two murders also occurred on October 1st, in Belize City and Belmopan.

The first claimed the life of Belize Defense Force officer 21 year old Clifford Isaac Cruz. He was shot by a fellow 17 year old BDF volunteer. Reports are the two were involved in an altercation which led to the shooting. The accused’s family says their loved one was defending himself when he pulled the trigger.

The other killing on that day occurred in Belmopan and it has residents of the capital city very apprehensive. 53 year old Belizean-American Robert Stephen Lewis and his wife Ursula Patnett Lewis had retired to Belize and settled in the Maya Mopan area of the City of Belmopan. But tragedy followed them on Monday morning when an intruder attacked them and murdered the husband.

The attacker was reportedly after money and guns. He tied up the wife in one of the rooms before attacking the husband. The wife untied her hands and was able to escape by jumping from the upstairs balcony to the ground. During the fall, from a balcony that is 15 feet from the ground, she fractured her ankle.

The intruder later jumped from the same balcony, hopped over the fence and escaped. Only an undisclosed amount of money had been taken from the house.

The Police have detained one person but have not announced any official criminal charges. It is this same person who is being investigated in relation to the murder of Suzenne Martinez in San Ignacio Town.

The city also had another homicide.

20 year old Steven Polonio was shot while on Mayflower Street in an area considered Ghost Town Gang territory. Polonio was considered a part of the Back-a-town gang, which are rivals. He was hit in the arm and faced, and died while undergoing surgery at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

In the month of September there were 11 murders: six in the Belize District, to in the Corozal District, two in the Cayo District, and one in the Stann Creek District. In only 2 days in October, there have been four murders.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Auditor General Smells a Rat

he most important news last week was not Barrow’s giving away of the sugar industry lock, stock and barrel or the sweeter than sugar sweetheart concessionary terms given to American Sugar Refining, nor was it the Caribbean Court of Justice once more casting uncertainty over the Barrow Administration stronghold of BTL. The most important issue last week was missed by everyone, surely to the benefit of the Prime Minister, and didn’t make it on the mainstream news until days after even though it dealt with the health of our country’s finances. It was about the Auditor General’s report for 2010-2011.

Preliminary reports of the 2010-2011 Report are that it makes a damning indictment on the Barrow Administration’s record on fiscal management, exposing fiscal indiscipline and non-compliance with the Audit Act. The Auditor General even seems to be distancing herself from some of the practices of the UDP administration especially in the blatantly wasteful payments to the Barrow family members under a special heading of nepotism in the tune of millions of dollars. It seems that to the Prime Minister, nepotism is a safe and acceptable practice as long as it is under him and the UDP. The report further exposes a critical breakdown in financial transparency and accountability in certain Ministries including that of the Ministry of Finance, National Security, Lands, Works and the Attorney General. It cites sheer waste, the absence of competitive bidding in the purchasing of equipment and supplies and tendering of public contracts, along with an increasing bill following the purchasing of expensive vehicles, supplies for the food pantry programme, and feeding of their cronies who are hired as contract workers.

The Auditor General’s Report need not to simply lie on the table, as has happened. It’s living proof of the Barrow’s Administration’s financial misdeeds and reckless adventures.

It partially accounts for the millions wasted by this administration – the millions paid to gangs (and they said crime doesn’t pay right), millions paid to the Barrow family, millions wasted on new SUVs, gas, contract officers with perks, and millions paid out as bribes in the form of ham and turkey to influence the 2012 voter elections. Isn’t this a matter which Belizeans deserve to know about? What is there to hide that the Prime Minister would wish the report not to be evaluated by the news, or made public for full review?

While the Barrow Administration was beating its chest about “saving” the sugar industry by giving it back to foreigners, it did its utmost best to hide the Auditor General Report from the people of Belize. We think it is long overdue for Barrow and his cronies to face the music. We are happy the private sector has raised concerns publicly but by now everyone can see that it will take more than talking for Mr. Barrow to get the sense.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP confers George Price Service to the People Awards

Sunday, October 7, 2012

List of Nominees for the George Price Service to the People Award Northern Caucus 1. Corozal Bay- Mrs. Teodora “Dorita” Hernandez 2. Corozal North- Mr. Jose Garrido 3. Corozal SouthEast- Maria Dianela Martinez 4. Corozal SouthWest- Everaldo Puck and Alejandro Avilez 5. Orange Walk Central- Mr. Diodoro Novelo 6. Orange Walk East- Mr. Armando Valdez 7. Orange Walk North - Mr. Mateo Uh 8. Orange Walk South - Mr Virginio Carrillo Southern Caucus 9. Dangriga- Mrs. Joannes Melendez 10. Stann Creek West- Norma Ritchie 11. Toledo East- Mrs. Francisca Gonzalez 12. Toledo West- Mr. Alberto Baki Sr. Eastern Caucus 13. Albert- Mr. Doyle Prince 14. Belize Rural Central - Mr. Walter Goff 15. Belize Rural North- Gloria Tillett 16. Belize Rural South - Mr Baldemar Graniel 17. Caribbean Shores- Mr Louis Humphreys 18. Collet- Ms. Emily Avilez 19. Fort George- Mr. Edwardo Orozco 20. Freetown- Lavern Olivera 21. Lake Independence- Edith Cruz 22. Mesopotamia- Gwendolyn Gentle 23. Pickstock- Ms. Dorla Williams 24. Port Loyola- Mr. Knox Arnold 25. Queen’s Square - Ms. Nilzia Acosta Western Caucus 26. Belmopan- Mr. Norris Hall 27. Cayo Central - Mrs. Jesse Tillett 28. Cayo North- Mr. Juan Espat 29. Cayo NorthEast- Elias Adjib Awe 30. Cayo South- Mr. Augustus Benjamin 31. Cayo West- Mr. Agapito Chuc Party Leader Special Awards: Iris Gullap Justo Castillo

Sunday, October 7, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Humor

in UDP Politics!

Castro tabled a motion to have the Minister responsible for the sugar industry removed from the BSI Board of Directors and as a salesman selling BSI sugar. When asked, “on what grounds?” just before Castro could answer, words like “conflict of interest”, “sweet heart deal”, and “sugar daddy” surfaced which caused the CabSec to say “Oh, I get it now”. …………………………

Cabinet was also asked to pass a resolution for Gapi not to give himself or his family any more parcels of land especially where sugar is grown. When asked why, Cabinet responded “because we all work harder than you”. …………………………

The CabSec revealed that someone had left a damning paper on the desk after last week’s Cabinet meeting. When asked why it was damning, he said it had a document that said “sweet crude”, “sweet lies”, “sweet heart”, “sweet deal”, “sweet sugar”…

Faber jumped up and said, ”I smell a rat”.

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In other related matters: The BTL board members showed up at the AGM in their red trucks, red T-shirts and carrying pumpkins in their hands. One customer wearing a “Where is VOIP” T-shirt remarked, “look like some people come trick or treat too early”. …………………………

A caller to Plus TV said that she was disappointed in Godwin Hulse because he always talked a good talk but it looked like he is knee deep in sugar and looking after himself. But what makes you say that, asked the Plus TV host. Well, because of what the cañero calls him – “sugar daddy”. …………………………

The Cab Sec reported that the stats for crime in September showed that crime had dropped and the shootings were down. This caused Boots to say “I don’t believe, we happen the bad man dem run out of bullets?” …………………………

After last week’s House meeting in Belmopan, Barrow was feeling sorry for himself and had to be consoled by the likes of Thimbriel, Wallace, and Peyrefitte. When asked what he believed was the cause of his sadness, Barrow responded “Dem PUP had me di talk to empty chairs”.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 7, 2012 Belize City firms’ basketball competition

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Belize Bank edges Bowen & Bowen 66-65 Belize City, September 30, 2012 Belize Bank played a big money game when they rallied from behind to equalise and then outscore Bowen and Bowen at the Bird’s Isle on Friday night.

Steve Bonnel, Darren Neal, and Michael Staine led the scoring as Bowen & Bowen was defeating the bankers 19-6 when the buzzer rung ending the 1st quarter. That lead stretched to 36-21 at the half and 48-40 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

But in the fourth quarter, all the marbles were up for grabs.

Belize leaves imprint at 3x3 U18 World Champions October 1st, Alcobendas, Spain Belize’s 3x3 Team, which almost didn’t get to participate in the 3x3 U18 World Champions in Spain when the Ministry of Sports denied financial support, turned heads and wowed crowds as the competition was held.

The four-man team of Brian White, Akeem Watters, Brandon Flowers and Trevanne Moses didn’t advance to the final round, but it left a mark and milestone after every game, proving that Belize has untapped skill and talent in the sport of basketball.

Belize bowed out of the competition with a 4-3 record.

They had lost to New Zealand, Canada and France, but they defeated Poland, China, Netherlands and Slovakia. France went on to become a powerhouse in the final rounds.

While the main competition didn’t go our way, the skill competition did. Trevanne Moses was kind of the Samsung Shootout competition, out-shooting all other competitors from Poland, Lithuania and Itlay to win 1st place.

“It’s a great feeling to win this event,” Tree-Vanne said afterwards, “It would be really nice for everyone to know that we’re getting better...and that we’re gonna come out and we’re gonna be taking 1st place every time now”.

The Bankers went for reinforcement and they turned things around. Dominique Guzman had a big game with 21 points and 8 rebounds. The Bank edged out Bowen & Bowen 66-65.

Other Games: Central Bank vs. BEL – 44-27 BWS vs. Smart Speednet – 4741 Truckers vs. Cellular World – 80-75 Telemedia Digicell vs. Port of Belize – 56-50 Airport vs. Atlantic Bank – 7451

Who is Belize’s most muscular?

Belize City, September 30, 2012 The Belize Bodybuilding & Fitness Championship will make a come-back this Friday at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. It will be the biggest and most muscular event of the year, with some of Belize’s most dedicated bodybuilders showing off chiselled bodies for the coveted title of Mr. Belize.

The event held under the auspices of the Belize Body Building and Fitness Federation’s (BBBFF) will feature Men’s bodybuilding, Men’s Physique, Women’s bodybuilding, Women’s figure, and Bikini fitness.

Showtime is at 6:30pm sharp and tickets are on sale for $10.

2012 Premier Football League of Belize

Treevanne Moses

Brian White

Brandon Flowers

Akeem Watters

FC Belize conquers City Boys 3-1 Belize City, September 30, 2012 Dalton “Chicken” Cayetano made FC Belize pay dearly with a goal in the 5th minute of play, but FC Belize learnt a quick lesson and they served some of their own hurt at the MCC garden on Sunday.

David Ramos equalized for FC Belize followed by a cannon from Leon “Chow” Cadle for a 2nd goal just before the half time whistle. John King embarrassed showed no mercy to the City Boys’ when he scored the third goal against goalie Shawn Lopez.

FC Belize is now undefeated and on the top spot Continued on page 9

David Ramos scored FC Belize’s 2nd goal

Sunday, October 7, 2012

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Belize District women’s football competition

Hattieville Heats burns

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Other Sports News:

Melony Tasher scored Millennium’s 3rd goal

Belize Telemedia wins V Charles Solis Memorial softball marathon The winner of the 5th annual Charles Solis Memorial women’s softball marathon was Belize Telemedia who defeated Flowers Bank Easy Does It at the Rogers Stadium in Belize City on Sunday, September 30.

The game ended 11-2.

The winning pitcher was Mary Flowers. Easy Does It’s left fielder Shanna Robinson was named the Tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Charles Solis’ son, Mr. Rory Solis, presented the Memorial Tournament Trophy, medals and MVP Award.

Interoffice volleyball

Ladyville Jaguars Belize City, September 30, 2012 The Hattieville Heat burnt the Ladyville Jaguars 2-0 when the women’s football competition continued at the MCC grounds on Sunday.

Ashlyn Gordon eluded the Ladyville defenders to embarrass goalie Emelda Alarcon with Hattieville’s 1st goal to lead 1-0 at the half.

In the 2nd half, the Jaguars counterattacked furiously but didn’t do any harm. The Hattieville girls put the icing on their cake when Heat’s Jersha Estrada converted a penalty kick to make the game 2-0.

Other game: Smart Millennium vs. Caye Caulker – 4-0 Upcoming games: Smart Millennium vs. Hattieville Heat, MCC grounds, Sunday, October 7 Ladyville Jagaurs vs. Caye Caulker

competition results The Moen Stars outshined the Honeybees 2518 and 25-23 in the competition finals at the Belize Elementary School auditorium on Saturday, September 29.

The UK Hitters will take on the SQ Devils on Thursday’s upcoming male finals Tallawah wins 2012 Bros Habet team table tennis The Tallawah team enjoyed double wins when the 2012 annual Brother s Habet team table tennis competition began at the Belize Elementary School auditorium on Sunday, September 30.

Team Tallawah triumphed 5-1 over Team

FC Belize conquers City Boys 3-1 Continued from page 8 as the competition enters week 6. FC Belize leads the standings with 14 points, from 4 wins and 2 draws.

Other games: San Felipe Barcelona vs. Placencia Assassins – 2-2 Goals by Orvin “Sonny” Wade, Oscar Ascevedo, Ashley Torres (2) Belmopan Bandits vs. Paradise Freedom Fighters - 3-0 Goals by David Trapp, David Madrid, Gilbert “Hoof” Swazo Police vs. San Pedro Sea Dogs – 3-0 Goals by Evan Mariano, Francis Budnah, Lennox “Criminal” Castillo BDF vs. Verdes – 0-0 Juventus vs. San Ignacio United – 2-0 Upcoming games: Paradise Freedom Fighters vs. San Pedro Sea Dogs, Michael Ashhcroft Stadium, Saturday night Verdes FC vs. Belmopan Bandits, Marshalleck Stadium Police United FC vs. FC Belize, Isidoro Beaton Stadium San Ignacio United vs. San Felipe Barcelona, Norman Broaster Stadium Placencia Assassins vs. BDF – Placencia field, on Sunday RG City Boys vs. Juventus, MCC Garden

City Boys’ David “Manu” Macaulay

Phoenix in the morning session and followed up with 5-0 win over the Racqueteeers in the afternoon. In the first division, Team Cuz outlasted the Racqueteers team 5-4 in the morning and the Hurricanes soldered Team Welders: 5-2. In the 2nd division competition, the Racqueteers polished off the Turds 5-0; the Bismarck team dominated the SJC Young Warriors: 5-0 and the Garage team made light work of the BDF Spin Kings 5-2.

In the afternoon, the Welders shocked the Raqueteers 5-3 in the first division and the Garage team blew out the Hurricanes 5-3.

In the second division, Team Ping Pang sniped away the SJC Snipers: 5-1; SJC Lightspeed proved too quick for the SJC Strikers: 5-0; and the Phoenix team outlasted the SJC Young Warriors 5-4.

The competition continues with six games at the BES auditorium on Saturday, October 6

10

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 7, 2012

BSCFA demands equality and respect September 25, 2012 Hon. Dean Barrow Prime Minister Office of the Prime Minister Belmopan Dear Hon. Prime Minister: We have learned, through the local media, that you intend to present a Bill entitled Sugar Industry and Cogeneration Project (Development Incentives) Act, 2012 at the sitting of the House of Representatives on Wednesday September 26, 2012 for its enactment.

This Bill provides for “an Act to provide for certain exemptions from taxes and duties to attract new capital investment into the sugar industry and to make revised and improved provisions for the continued development of the Belcogen Cogeneration Project…”

At a meeting held in May 2012 among representatives of American Sugar Refining Inc. (ASR), the Belize Sugar Industries Ltd, Belcogen Cogeneration Ltd., the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, the Government of Belize and yourself, you had given us a commitment to consult with us on the terms and conditions of any favourable business consideration which you and your Government would grant to ASR. We must say that your introduction of this Bill to the House of Representatives on Wednesday without prior consultation with us does not reflect good faith towards us as one of the key stakeholders in the sugar industry.

While we support positive measures to encourage and promote local and foreign investment in our country, we find that the tax and duty exemptions being provided to ASR, BSI and Belcogen as being excessive, especially since the profitability and future prospects of BSI and Belcogen have improved considerably due largely to the sugar cane quality program and other measures implemented by the BSCFA among other factors.

We are greatly concerned about the unfair advantage these tax and duty exemptions will provide to ASR, BSI and Belcogen. Cane farmers are being urged to increase cane production but they are facing a high cost of cane production due to the increasing cost of inputs, such as fertilizers, herbicides, fuel, tire, spare parts, machinery service and others, while ASR’s cost of production will be low. BSI’s and Belcogen’s income and dividends will not be taxed, while the income of our cane farmers will be taxed. The industry requires financial resources for pest control and sugar cane road repairs and maintenance, while BSI and Belcogen will accumulate taxable income that could assist in resolving these problems. These exemptions aim at making the rich richer and the poor poorer, as they do not advance the Government’s Pro-Poor Policy commitment.

However, we are particularly concerned about Section 8, which provides BSI with the unrestricted right to export raw sugar and molasses for a period of ten years with effect from September 1, 2012. We oppose the granting of this unrestricted right and request an amendment to Section 8 to delete the words “unrestricted right” and to include the words “to hold appropriate consultations with the BSCFA in relation to the export of sugar and molasses and any other by-product and any other sugar manufacturer”.

We would like to , therefore , request that the Government of Belize grant the BSCFA and its farmer members the same tax and duty exemptions for the same period of time granted to ASR, BSI and Belcogen. It is only fair and just that our farmers received all the necessary assistance to enable them to expand their cane production at a low and reasonable cost and not be displaced by ASR and BSI. We trust that you will take our concerns seriously and grant us a favourable consideration.

We wish to affirm our commitment to work as business partners with you and BSI/Belcogen and ASR for the viability of the sugar cane industry and our cane farmers in a framework of mutual respect, consultation and collaboration.

Yours sincerely, Mr. Ramon Aban, BSCFA Chairman Mr. Lucilo Teck, Secretary

Sunday, October 7, 2012

11

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP Celebrates 62nd Birthday

Former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Said Musa energising supporters PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca addresses supporters at National Party Council meeting at the Independence Hall on Septemer 29, 2012

Deputy Leader Hon. Julius Espat

Past Party Leader Hon. Johnny Briceno speaks before National Party Council

12

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Sunday, October 7, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Reid Et tu Godwin

By G. Mike Reid The Collins English Dictionary defines “watchdog as “a person or group of persons that acts as a protector or guardian against inefficiency or illegal practices.” A watchdog is non partisan, objective, neutral, fair and impartial.

The watchdog’s role, particularly in monitoring the conduct of government officials, is assumed to be vital to democracy. Every society needs watchdogs, but given the way things happen in our country, you might say that Belize needs more than the average share.

In an ideal world, the media would normally serve as the public’s watchdog and ensure that politicians do right by the people who elect them. Unfortunately, main media houses in Belize have long been compromised and obviously exist to make money first, and to promote their own agendas second.

Usually the second is connected to the first as the agenda depends on who pays the highest for their propaganda to be promulgated.

The alternative is for watchdogs to come from the community itself; prominent and respected individuals, who will usually step up to fill the void left by a perfidious media. Over the years, Belizeans have put their hopes in a number of individuals but each time, have been left deeply disappointed. It might be unfair to just condemn these indi-

viduals, after all, temptations are great and the public can be ungrateful. The need is pressing however, and unbridled politicians can wreak havoc, in particular on small economies such as ours. We need only look around and compare the way they are living to how the rest of us must live and to consider the rampant corruption that is taking place. Lord knows that we need watchdogs to keep, in particular, these tyrants in check.

There have been three individuals in modern times that have raised the hopes of the Belizean people, only to have them dashed against a wall of fallen countenance. First came the big Z; Zenaida Moya, the purported champion of unionism. Moya first erupted upon the scene with Mother Theresa personae as the whistle blowing registrar of cooperatives. She sacrificed her job by “pointing out abuse, excess and reckless fiscal indiscipline in the management of Northern Fishermen Cooperatives.”

During the civil unrest period which started in 2004, Moya emerged as a champion for workers’ rights and fullfledged firebrand.

Her outspoken character captured the public’s imagination and propelled her to a career in politics.

She first captured her party’s nomination and then went on to handily defeat the PUP in 2006 Municipal Elections.

She had hardly settled into City Hall however, than a different side of our heroine began to emerge. The accusations of corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement began almost immediately and thereafter became rampant. In 2008, her own councilor, Mark King, called a press conference to lay bare her misgivings. No one believed King it seemed, and he was ostracized and eventually forced to apologize and eat crow before being allowed back into the UDP fold. Moya, despite continued allegations, was re-elected to a second

Interestingly enough, ASR is one and the same with Tate and Lyle which owned BSI in pre-colonial days. This leads many to believe that we have come full circle to where we once were.

Meanwhile Dean Barrow sits and beats his chest about nationalizing and Belizianizing.

What blatant hypocrisy!”

term in 2009. She was however, eventually caught red-handed overpaying herself, withholding social security contributions, awarding city contracts to her brother and “under-depositing” city funds. She became the first elected official to be charged for alleged misconduct in her public duties. To call her a disappointment would be an understatement.

Then there was Merlene Bailey-Martinez who rose to prominence in 2005 as co-chair of the Commission of Inquiry against DFC. After David Price passed in December of 2006, Bailey-Martinez took up the reins and impressed all with her fearless, no nonsense line of tough questioning. She pulled no punches and left no stone overturned as she faced off with the toughest of them and dug deep into the belly of all that went wrong at DFC. In the end, she came away looking like a true people’s champion and won the respect of many people on both sides of the political divide.

Oh what a sad day when it was revealed that this “holier than thou” was as sinful and scurvy as the rest of us. When Dean Barrow, in one of his ill-conceived pre-election gimmicks, decided to write off mortgages for DFC borrowers under $50,000, Bailey-Martinez, in spite of a huge salary, could not resist making herself eligible. Many Belizeans were left with jaws agape and disillusioned when evidence revealed that this champion against corruption was herself facing corrupt allegations. Indulging in what was termed “insider trading” Bailey-Martinez used confidential information and rushed to make a loan in order to bring her initial loan to within qualifying limit. While she escaped criminal charges and eventually found herself on another board, yet another “champion of the cause” had fallen and betrayed the public trust. Never again will she enjoy the level of respect that she once did.

And now it is Godwin Hulse’s turn to disappoint. This hitherto heralded paragon of virtue was exposed last week as just another pawn of the “master of the game.” For many years, Hulse was considered one of the few credible, authoritative and committed voices in Belize. It now seems that the

13 voice that once spoke for the people has crossed over to the service of special interest. It seems that Godwin has gone from watchdog to lapdog.

Last week in the Senate, Godwin Hulse stood up to defend the very type of “accommodation agreement” that he so vehemently opposed when it was being offered to BTL. He stood and loudly defended the huge tax concessions given to American Sugar Refining (ASR) that will leave 6,000 farmers of the north at a huge disadvantage. Hulse of course, spent almost two decades as a director on the board of Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) and should be made to answer how a profitable industry with no lapse in business could suddenly find itself so deeply in the red.

According to the Senator, the farmers should stop whining and go back to their cane fields. While ASR will get a ten year tax exemptions on imports like fertilizers, the local cane farmers must continue to bear the burden of high taxes and import duties. ASR will be acquiring all the cane fields now controlled by Belize Sugar Industries, and while it might in the short term seem to offer slight benefits to local farmers, in the long run they will be forced out of production. Interestingly enough, ASR is one and the same with Tate and Lyle which owned BSI in pre-colonial days. This leads many to believe that we have come full circle to where we once were. Meanwhile Dean Barrow sits and beats his chest about nationalizing and Belizianizing.

What blatant hypocrisy!

It has become obvious that Godwin Hulse, like Bailey-Martinez and Zenaida Moya before him, are in it strictly for the money and the interest of self and the master that he serves.

This is unfortunate for the people of Belize who depended heavily upon Hulse to be a voice against corruption. Now that voice rings hollow with hypocrisy. He has sold out and we must pray to the heavens to send us another who will champion our cause against what is wrong. Please though Lord, send us one this time who will not be like the others. One who will be strong enough to resist the lure of money and self gratification? Let us pray Belize!

14

THE BELIZE TIMES

In my perspective…

31 Years: Enough!

by Rayford Young Anyone that has been watching the news lately has got to wonder what is going on in our beloved country of Belize. The news is grim, the killing and murders of innocent fellow Belizeans is out of control and there seems to be no solution coming from the government. Even in the districts the murders are way up. I always felt that if I retired in Belize I would feel more safe in the districts but with the recent violence in the districts that may not be such a wise decision.

What is causing all this violence in our Country? Well many say if there were jobs available for these young people who are committing most of these murders perhaps things would be different. Others say our justice system is too lenient with these murderers and they need to send these people to jail for a very long time. Then there are those who say this is the result of broken homes where there are no fathers - no male in the home to mentor these young men, so gangs are taking the place of fathers. Gangs are like a family - they demand strict compliance and once armed with a gun they feel like a man who now has respect and control over another human being.

Last New Year’s Eve I was in Belize City and attended the midnight holiday celebration at the BTL Park.

I could not believe how many pregnant young women I saw on the arms of a young guy with his pants almost down to his knees. I hate to speculate, but these guys are probably unemployed and the prospect for a job is bleak. Maybe they probably

sell drugs or steals for a living. Why would a young lady want to be with someone like this but even more troubling is having a baby for him?

Many young women are in this predicament and will have to depend on state support, parents, relatives and churches to help her raise their kids. Too many young women hook up with these young men because it brings some self esteem to their lives. Other women like these men because they think they are tough, rugged and respected in their communities. Whatever the reason, both their lives and their kids’ futures are difficult at best. Statistics show the kids are likely to grow up to be just another thug and get women pregnant - just like the dad.

Then there are these grown men who prey on little girls. Every week there are news stories of another school girl molested. I do see the courts giving out longer prison sentences, which is a good thing. These sick, disgusting men should spend the rest of their lives behind bars.

Some crimes, especially committed on children, are so heinous the perpetrator should have to give up their freedom for the rest of their lives.

For a very small Country like Belize, these crimes of murder, robbery and molesting children seem very high for our small population. What is going on, why so many murders, what’s the cause of the crime wave in our country?

Even if there were jobs available most of these young men are not trained to take these jobs. They have no work ethic. They are not used to getting up at 6:00a.m. to get ready for work. That kind of training begins in the home at a very early age. I do know there are programs out there that try to help these young people to get their lives in order and train them to become productive taxpaying citizens and they should be commended. But the task is huge and as you train one there are ten behind with the same problems. It

The poor and the criminals have to eat and sleep too and they will do whatever it takes for a meal. We are all victims when we leave the poor behind, we all pay in one way or another.”

seems so impossible.

Is our moral fabric coming apart in the country of Belize? It seems that way indeed. Years and years of moral decline has taken its toll.

Thirty one years of self governance and all we see are very few moving up and the majority left behind.

Politicians and their family and friends become millionaires, living large on the taxpayers’ dime. Huge SUV’s driving all over the city with nowhere to go. Politicians living in mansions, government taking over private businesses and placing their family members on Boards they know nothing about. Record high gas prices’, crumbling streets and roads - our infrastructure is falling apart. For thirty one years, crooked and greedy politicians have had their way and no one has been prosecuted or put in jail for these alleged crimes. No wonder our young people act like there’s no hope. They just need a hand to help them turn from drugs and a life of crime. The gap between the rich and the poor is alarming. Until we figure out a way to stop politicians from enriching themselves and their families and start looking out for the people who

Sunday, October 7, 2012

send them to office I think our problems will only escalate. The poor and the criminals have to eat and sleep too and they will do whatever it takes for a meal. We are all victims when we leave the poor behind, we all pay in one way or another.

It’s time to help the middleclass and the poor. We need jobs and training. We need housing and food. It should not matter which party is in power. When the people are hurting, we all hurt. The powerful and the well connected had their party for thirty one years. Isn’t it time the people get a little break? Now it’s time to share the wealth with the less fortunate. This will not solve the crime and violence plaguing our Nation but if we continue on this road where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, one day the people will say enough is enough and rise up and take their country back and who can blame them. It’s been thirty one years, haven’t we had enough?

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

Sunday, October 7, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Home Economics

Energy Strategy/Policy for Belize - A Critique

By Richard Harrison First of all....we should be encouraged that someone or group in our Government contemplates an Energy Strategy for Belize....even if they are teething at this stage.

The Minister, Senator Joy Grant, was quoted in a Channel 5 News report as saying “Belize uses fossil fuels for 65% of its energy needs. The country imported 88% of its fossil fuel needs at a cost $339 million dollars in 2011, this represents 10% of GDP and 11% of total imports. The transport sector uses most of the fossil fuels, so as a matter of urgency we must undertake a comprehensive review of the sector to address the issue of efficiencies. Here are a few more statistics: the global competitiveness index report of 2012 ranks Belize as one of the least competitive economies in the world. We are ranked 123 of 142 countries. In the region only Haiti has a lower rank. On further analysis we note that our technological readiness Belize is rank 101 for internet users for every 100 people in the population and ranks 136 of 142 countries for foreign direct investment and technology transfer. With regard with to information and communication technology in the region Barbados has a 70% ICT penetration for internet. Costa Rica which is closer to Belize in size and topography has 30% penetration, Belize has 10% penetration.”

She then quoted 3 main areas of focus through which the Ministry plans to address our low degree of competitiveness: 1. getting more students to study science 2. adopting legislation that allows for alternative electrical energy generation sources to be connected to the national grid 3. conducting pilot projects for renewable energy sources to be used in households, especially rural areas.

No wonder the news says “It hopes to achieve its goals by 2033”.... long after “enjoying the blessings of this life, please admit us, dear Lord, to that eternal reward that you have prepared for those who love you. Amen.”

The legislation which the Ministry did not refer to changing.....is the legislation that governs the pricing of fossil fuels....which allows our government to tax the economy before it does any work, production or consumption.... by charging cumulatively over 100% of taxes/duties/commissions on the fossil fuels that the country imports.

This is taxing at the foundation of the economy....weakening it and making it uncompetitive from the get-go.

All the columns and rafters of the economy, no matter how formidable they potentially can be....will crumble since they rely on this weak foundation.

The pump price of fuel in Belize is twice what it is in Mexico, Guatema-

la and USA...principal countries with which we compete and trade. This is so primarily as a result of legislation on the pricing of fuel in our country.

Our governments have not succeeded in growing our economy by increasing production, productivity and exports....but rather by increasing debts and hand outs to chosen players in the carrot and stick game of favorites.

They avoid dealing with this issue of tax on fossil fuel (and thus the COST-STRUCTURE of our principal ENERGY SOURCE)....because it is a “structural problem”.....and dealing with any problem of the foundation will cause the need for dealing simultaneous with problems of the columns, rafters, beams and walls. It is too gargantuan a task that requires a lot of steel will, enormous self-esteem and self-confidence, meticulous and keen observation of every minute detail...a lot of grey matter needs to be wrapped around this problem...so as to avoid a colossal collapse of the entire “house that jack built”.

“Building is a task for giants” is a phrase frequently repeated by our leaders....but none among them, it seems, have the ambition to be a giant.

Since the government takes over $100 million off the top from taxes on fuel.....such a decision would require they recuperate these taxes from other areas.....which would require going through our entire economy with a finetooth-comb....to find the areas that can deliver these revenues.

These areas are: 1. Overhaul the entire Customs Tariff Law....organization, rates, procedures, rewards, penalties, etc...so that the average rate of import duty is raised from its current rate of 9%....to 15%.... which will involve raising the tariff on tariff lines where we have or intend to have local production...and lowering rates on many items where we do not wish or are incapable at competing.

Informed estimates show that we currently import about $2.4 billion....out of which about $400 million is reported

by Free Zones ($300 million) and Export Processing Zones ($100 million)..... official customs reports around $1.3 billion of imports into Belize proper.... hence around $700 million is imported via routes that evade or avoid Customs.

Hence, Customs is only capturing around 65% of imports. Since government information suggests that revenue from Customs duties are around $130 million....this means that the average rate of import duty charged on reported imports is only around 9%. If Customs capture rate were increased to 85%, all things remaining equal, the revenue from import duty, even if it remains at 9% average, would increase to around $155 million, an increase of about 17%, or $25 million per annum. If the average rate of import duty were increased

to 15%, favoring domestic production over importation, the import levels would remain the same, and Customs import duty revenues, at 85% capture rate, would increase to $255 million... and increase of $125 million over current revenues. We would have no need for Development Concessions, and our productive sector would no longer have the appearance of being heavily subsidized....in fact, they would become very competitive on the domestic and export markets.

2. Alter the rate of GST from 12.5%, down to 10%....and instead of charging only on 35% of what we consume....charge it across the board....no exception nor exemption. Government suggests that its revenue from GST is currently around $270 million. If GST is lowered to 10%, and charged across the board on 100% of consumption, even if consumption does not rise, the revenue from GST will increase to around $685 million, or $415 million more than current rates.

3. Even if the previous two modifications to our tax structures are only half as successful as can be....we will still be able to afford eliminating ALL tax on fossil fuels, except GST at 10%.

In addition, we will be able to eliminate ALL taxes on personal income, which at the current rate of 25% on all incomes over $25,000 per annum, amounts to around $40 million. We will also be able to reduce business tax to 1% of turnover....no other form of taxation or alternative tax reporting on business.

Making Belize very attractive to domestic and foreign investors, as an efficient economy where investments can be profitable and ambition for rapid growth is realistic. We will need to give up $100 million to pay for these reductions on personal and business incomes.....and another $100 million for the reduction in fuel tax income....hence we need to give up total around $200 million to make our economy highly competitive from its foundation up. The measures proposed above will raise over $540 million....which leaves enough leg space for tweaking to optimize the economic and social results of this exercise. The investment PLAYING FIELD would be fair and balanced.

4. Since the infrastructure of the cities and towns are in such deplorable condition....it needs its own special attention. A halving of the pump price on fuel....would allow owners of vehicles to be more than willing to pay a “road maintenance and expansion fee” of $100 per year for private vehicles and $200 per year for commercial vehicles. Since we have around 40,000 private vehicles and 20,000 commercial vehicles.....this would raise around $8 million per year in revenues that would be earmarked for this purpose. It could be collected at the time of licensing of vehicles, and be used by our town and city councils

15 to maintain and upgrade streets in our municipalities. This, to an extent, will serve to de-centralize our economy, empowering our communities to do more for themselves.

5. Since import duty on production inputs and taxes on fuel (except GST), would be reduced to near zero, our exporters would be willing and able to pay an “Export Enhancement Fund” contribution of 1%, raising around $5 million per year at current levels of exports, earmarked for spending on specific export development support for all industries that are exporting and/or getting ready for export. This should be managed by an Industry Board, similar to the Belize Tourism Board, but structured to be more private sector led. Funds should be awarded on a competitive and transparent basis to private firms based on specific plans aimed at enhancing their ability to export....not poured down the bottomless pit of phantom organizations that have proven, over many years, their inability to work with the private sector in achieving QUANTUM changes in export values of specific industries and sectors.

Such an organization would be able to perform the role of a viable INTERMEDIARY for channelling grants matching funds from donor countries that wish to support our economic growth and poverty reduction agenda.

These FIVE measures will serve: 1. to make our economy more competitive from the foundation up 2. to reduce our cost-of-production of goods and services sustainably 3. to reduce our cost-of-living sustainably 4. to allow us to grow our economy at a rate above 6% p.a. sustainably, based on increasing investments and savings, increasing production and productivity, increasing competitive exportation that are less dependent on preferential treatment 5. to move rapidly towards FULL EMPLOYMENT, which in itself would deal a death blow to our poverty levels, if we can implement a wise immigration strategy. Quality of Life indexes will improve rapidly.

6. to reduce our importation of basic consumables, and increase our importation of factors of production and luxury items which we can’t yet produce.

7. to pay our debts faster than we accumulate new ones, so that our debt/GDP ratio is reduced to below 50% in 10 years.

8. to attract FDI at a rate faster than countries within our region, pending we also improve our justice, law enforcement and safety/security profile....given our natural resources, language, geography and relative-freedom advantages.

Belize is small.....which offers advantages and disadvantages....the same way how we can fall quickly.....so, we can rise quickly.

Stubbornness and consternation will get us nowhere.....flexibility and understanding is what we need.

NO FOREIGN CONSULTANT (nor their local mimics) WILL TELL YOU THESE THINGS....EVEN THOUGH YOU PAY THEM MILLIONS EACH YEAR. IT’S WRITTEN HERE FOR FREE, BY A WELL-EDUCATED AND INFORMED SON OF THE SOIL. Richard Harrison is a local businessman and investor in the manufacturing and service industries. Send comments to harrisonbz@yahoo.com

16

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 7, 2012

…while Belizeans struggle & suffer This is how the UDPs roll…

Put Up Your Fence!

A couple years ago my family and I lived at a residence with a decent yard that was well kept. The grass was cut faithfully every month. A short while after living there I noticed a trend. Our yard was used as a street, as if the neighbors saw it as theirs. People would come in the yard while we were away or at least while they thought we were away and take coconuts from the trees. Children would play big baseball and football games at will, running up and down in the yard. Sometimes we would have to send them home as our efforts to eat and watch a movie in peace could not be enjoyed because of the heavy noise pollution outside.

The yard was choice property because it connected many different parts of our area and gave easier access to them. Neighbors would prefer walking or riding through because their grass was unkept and rather high and so it was much easier to pass through our land. We had a couple of different trees that were planted and somehow seemed to bear pretty well. I remember one day cutting down a lime tree. This tree was getting too big and bushy so I was concerned about it harboring snakes. I did not know that the neighbors had been using its produce in their house but found out indirectly as I could hear her cursing me out from inside her house. She was unhappy that I was destroying the tree. One time another neighbor was about to move in and we weren’t at home.

He proceeded to use our yard for access as we had a wooden bridge and since there was no fence he could drive directly to his house and unload. Well, he broke the bridge as the truck he used was too heavy but he promised to repair it and as you would know that never happened!

We finally decided that a fence would be necessary and began digging the ground to install it but was soon met with heavy opposition from one neighbor that wanted it to be built inside our yard and not on the border line!

We had little control of that yard while we were away, from the many stray, uncared for and stinky, sick dogs who were somehow drawn to us and would come and die in the yard, to humans who found it a convenient play ground and short cut. I remember having to chase some adults as I smelled weed and found out a group of them were in my yard smoking it almost like a party!

As I look back to my living situation I could see where a fence would immediately cut down the activities in our yard. A fence makes a statement that defines your land boundaries. It says keep out and ask permission if you want to come in. When you enter a fenced yard you are clearly and consciously aware that you have breached the limit of your freedom as that fence says to others this is my property and I expect you to respect it!

Since we have freshly celebrated another year of independence, I find my past situation sharing many realities with which the country of Belize now finds itself. As a country Belize needs a fence! We have many hostile situations popping up with our neighbors intruding on our property, cutting down our trees, mining our gold, farming on our reserve lands, building structures, committing robbery, cutting our vegetation. We are depending on others to take care of the situation for us, others who do not live here and who cannot identify with what we are going through on a daily basis! We need to fence our borders between Belize and Guatemala. Yes a fence is an expensive venture but would cut down many of the adversities we face including the threat of our sovereignty! Stop calling our borders other names! It’s a border and it’s not artificial! No property owner looks at their yard and calls their boundaries artificial! Let’s begin to take proper ownership of Belize and be proud of her. Let’s build a fence!

Until next week, God bless!

Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s new Law Firm Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega’s 2012 Land Cruiser valued at $180,000

Ministry of Energy and Science CEO Colin Young’s 2011 Toyota Hilux – valued at $65,000

Minister of Gangs Mark King’s Ford 150 - valued at $74,500

Minister of Works Rene Montero’s 2012 Toyota Prado – valued at $96,000

Sunday, October 7, 2012

17

THE BELIZE TIMES

Peaceful Steps

International Day of Non-Violence

was on Tuesday, October 2. It is celebrated on the day Mohandas Gandhi known as Mahatma Gandhi was born.

Be the change you wish to see in the world. That is the most often repeated phrase of Mohandas Gandhi. Using the sheet below write a letter of peace saying how you’d like to see Belizeans be non violent. You can even draw what peaceful Belize would look like.

Mohandas believed in living simply and peacefully. He sewed his own clothes and was a vegetarian (ate only vegetables).In protesting he would give up eating for many days.

He like Mr. Price was leading a peaceful revolution to set his home country India on the road to gaining its independence from Great Britain.

He once said “it is no nonviolence if we merely love those that love us. It is nonviolence only when we love those that hate us. I know how difficult it is to follow this grand law of love. But are not all great and good things difficult to do?

Love of the hater is the most difficult of all. But by the grace of God even this most difficult thing becomes easy to accomplish if we want to do it.”

Let us try to practice being non violent/ peaceful for the rest of the month of October. Do you think you could?

Can you help these children of the world find their way through the maze to talk to Gandhi?

18

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 7, 2012

BELIZE TIMES WEEKLY

SCIENCE & TECH R

E

V

I

E

W

Selected By Chris Williams

How the mafia is destroying the rainforests 01 October 2012 by Sara Reardon and Rowan Hooper It’s not as glamorous as cocaine or diamonds, but the illegal logging industry has become very attractive to criminal organisations over the past decade. A new report finds that up to 90 per cent of tropical deforestation can be attributed to organised crime, which controls up to 30 per cent of the global timber trade.

For years, environmental regulators thought that illegal logging was decreasing worldwide. But they were just looking in the wrong places, says Christian Nelleman, author of the 27 September report from the United Nations Environment Programme .

Import and export records don’t tell the whole truth, he says. When the report’s authors factored in the impact of sophisticated concealment techniques of the kind used by drug cartels, they discovered that rates of illegal logging have actually been rising. The criminals have be-

The real brains behind the trade in illegal timber are elsewhere (Image: Sipa Press/Rex Features) come simply better at hiding their tracks. Common ploys include forging permits, hacking trade databases, bribing officials, concealing tim-

ber’s true origin, and hiding illegal timber amid legal stocks.

International crime organisations that get involved in the timber

Black mamba venom makes a great painkiller 03 October 2012 ONE bite from a black mamba can kill a person within half an hour. Strangely though, venom from what’s arguably the world’s deadliest snake could actually be a painkiller on a par with morphine.

In search of a new

analgesic, Anne Baron at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology in Valbonne, France, and her colleagues, hunted through hundreds of compounds for one that blocks acid-sensing ion channels in nerves. These are key in a common pain pathway. The successful compound turned out to be venom from a black mamba.

Baron’s team then identified which proteins in the venom blocked

trade bring considerable resources and expertise. They are attracted by both the profits and the low risk of being caught: shipping timber, unlike ivory or drugs, is not illegal.

“What we’re shocked about is the sheer scale of timber that goes unaccounted for,” Nelleman says.

In 2008, for instance, Indonesia officially exported 18.6 million more cubic metres of wood than in 2000.

This additional wood ostensibly came from legal plantations, but most of these turned out to be bogus. Loggers simply cut down forests instead.

Against this sort of enemy, what can be done? In June, Interpol established a pilot programme called Law Enforcement Assistance for Forests (LEAF). It will attempt to coordinate the efforts of police and intelligence agencies to fight illegal timber internationally.

“There will be more emphasis on catching the ringleaders and the mafia behind them,” says Nelleman.

the ion channels, before naming them mambalgins and purifying them to produce a drug.

Mice injected with the drug appeared to be significantly more resilient to pain compared with those given a sham treatment (Nature, DOI: 10.1038/ nature11494).

The drug did not affect the opioid receptors that are targeted by morphine but was just as effective in relieving pain.

Anyone taking the new drug might therefore avoid side effects associated with morphine, which include addiction and breathing problems, says Baron.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Hon. Julius Espat elected as Chairman of Public Accounts Committee Belize City, October 1, 2012 PUP Area Representative for Cayo South Hon. Julius Espat has been elected as the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives.

The Committee held its first meeting on Monday, October 1st in the Committee Room of the National Assembly, Belmopan. It was attended by Hon. Espat, along with members Hon. Patrick Faber, Hon. Michael Finnegan and PUP Stann Creek West Area Representative Hon. Rodwell Ferguson.

Two members from the UDP were absent: Hon. John Saldivar and Hon. Erwin Contreras.

UDP CitCo tax

squeeze continues Belize City, June 25, 2012 The United Democratic Party continues to keep Belizeans living in harsh times with the cost of living increasing steadily. Despite this, the UDP Government doesn’t seem to care about its harsh policies that have become a direct threat to the livelihoods of Belizean. The UDP Belize City Council has been trailblazing in this area.

The Council led by Mayor Darrell Bradley is hell-bent on imposing a tax squeeze on Belizeans. Information to the BELIZE TIMES is that the Council has taken a decision to make the payment of all taxes owed to them a compulsory condition for applications for a driver’s license.

It is a draconian rule: pay ALL your taxes or don’t drive and one that only the UDP could possibly think is appropriate in these times when Belizeans can barely afford their utility bills and rent. What the UDP doesn’t understand is basic economics. Why else can’t they get that unless THEY improve the economy and create more jobs, people won’t be able to afford taxes.

If the UDP Council is really serious about revenues, they could start with collecting the illegal overpayments and extra perks the former Mayor Zenaida Moya paid herself throughout her six-year term. And how about finally resolving the issue of Underdeposits which made over

$200,000 just disappear with no records?

And some money could also be spared by scrapping those lazy do-nothing Councillors who have no accomplishments to show for six months and are simply collecting their salaries.

Belizeans will certainly not be happy about the Council’s new rule.

In June, the Council made a similar move.

Then, it placed all outstanding taxes as a lien on property accounts so that property owners were barred from utilising their private land for any transaction without having cleared their accounts or the permission of the Council.

Like the new rule, the decision was taken without consultation with residents.

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Transport Minister throws commuters under the bus

Belize City, October 1, 2012 The Public Transport industry is in the brink of havoc following a recommendation by the Ministry to adjust the price for public transportation at $0.10 per mile across the board. The recommendation was approved by Cabinet last week and while a “schedule of rates” was promised, none was issued.

The decision has created confusion in the transport industry. While the $0.10 per mile adjustment placates the bus operators on the western road who see bus fares increasing by a dollar from $4 to $5, it has infuriated operators on the northern and southern roads who will see fares reduce in some cases. Operators have been clamouring for a price hike since the cost of fuel and bus parts has increased exponentially over the last few years.

The resistance from northern operators, in particular, may be the reason a schedule of rates has not been released by the Ministry of Transport. It is an indication that the Minister of Transport will have to readjust his recent readjustment. But until that happens, the absence of a set schedule is creating confusion since several operators are charging varying prices on the advice of the private managements.

Most affected are Belizean commuters. The Ministry of Transport has chosen the easy way out by placating bus operators, who provide substandard service, at the expense of the public. The suggestion and request made by the Belize Bus Association for the Government to grant tax exemptions for fuel and bus parts has been ignored by the Ministry of Transport. Bus operators cite the high cost of operation as the reason for the much-needed increase in fares, so why is the Government not willing to assist them with initiatives that would reduce the operation cost and avoid placing more financial burdens on commuters?

At every opportunity he gets on the radio morning shows, Transport Minister Edmond Castro beats his chest and complains about bus operators not meeting the quality of service. He has been heard threatening to “bang the bus” and calling on commuters to “boycott” those bus operators. But behind closed doors, Castro apparently whimpers before the politically-connected bus owners and bows to their demands. That is the reason he has chosen to throw commuters under the bus.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, October 7, 2012