Belize Times September 15, 2013

SCAN HERE

The Belize Times

Established 1957

15 SEPTEMBER 2013 | ISSUE NO: 4862

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

|

$1.00

Griga Market Mess!

UDP crony is paid HALF A MILLION but FAILS to complete project Dangriga Town, September 12, 2013 A huge financial mess and several investigations into possible corruption are the only results of a $1.38 million project mismanaged by the Government’s Social Investment Fund in Dangriga Town.

In the middle of this mess is Kennard Smart, a so-called contractor who’s better known for his political connections to Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega, a UDP don in Orange Walk.

Smart’s company, K&G Construction, was awarded the bid for a contract to rehabilitate and extend the Dangriga Town Market in May 2012. The awarding of the contract was very controversial and caused an uproar with town residents. K&G is a new “construction” company based in Ranchito Village in the

Pg. 10

View of unfinished Dangriga Market project which was to be completed since July 2013

Former UDP Corozal Bay candidate, Kenard Smart, is the guilty contractor

Family of Slain Cop Questions Investigation Pg. 31 KTV Latino star found dead, burnt in car Pg. 6

Police Detective Dean Yearwood

Butane Prices Increase

VEGA’S NEPHEW

Refuses to return $50,000

Pg. 31

WE DESERVE A BETTER LIFE!

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2 02

OPINION OUT

!

Dear Editor, I’m pleased to be given this opportunity to share my thoughts and opinion with your reading audience.

Realizing the importance of the limited space you have available as the leading newspaper in the land, the experience is humbling. After listening and observing all the discussion about the soon to come Harvest Caye investment project, I would also like to make a contribution as a stakeholder myself in the Tourism Industry.

There are a couple major issues I would like to expound upon; which from my vantage point haven’t been totally examined. It appears as if though there is no national cruise tourism policy in Belize. Allowing N.C.L to build a destination on Harvest Caye is ridiculous since Belize is one of the Continued on page 27

Elected Senatethe Sole Oversight Authority

!

Dear Editor: Janus in his article of 1st September, 2013, again recommended an ELECTED Senate as the cure for our ills of corruption in government and public administration. He is eminently qualified to give our nation sound advice on this matter, having lived his whole adult life dedicated to public service. Even after his retirement, he served as Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Public Service ComContinued on page 27

13 Sep

OUT

OUT

No to NCL Deal!

LOCAL

15 SEP

THE BELIZE TIMES

Solar Power for Powerless Villages

BRC Executive Committee stands

by Area Rep Hon. Dolores!

!

!

Dear Editor, I read a short article in the BELIZE TIMES that read “Solar Makes Sense”. The article noted, and I paraphrase: there are 38 villages in the Toledo district without electricity. The Government-owned electricity company which collected 193 million dollars from consumers last year seems to have invested very little to provide power to these villages. We are in 2013 and this is unsatisfactory and unconstitutional. Power and access to it, should be considered a basic human need. At this point, I believe that installing solar energy in these remote villages would cost much less than importing lamp posts, electric wires, transformers and such.

Continued on page 27

September 11, 2013 fitte

Hon. Michael PeyreSpeaker House of Representa-

tives Independence Hill Belmopan

Dear Mr. Speaker, As the Executive Committee for the Belize Rural Central constituency under the leadership of Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, we write to you to put on the record our firm support for Hon. Dolores and our demand for respect to her and all other members of the House of Representatives.

The terrible and crude verbal assault on her at the last meeting of the House of Representatives in August by the Member for Mesopotamia is by far the worst conduct in the House Representatives that has ever been witnessed in the Honourable House, and we add our voice to the resounding condemnation of that behavior that has reverberated throughout the country.

As Hon. Dolores’ political committee we must say that it is disappointing that you did not do anything to stop the personal attack on her.

We say also that we stand in full solidarity with Hon. Dolores as she represents the people of Belize Rural Central in the House and as she raises issues of public concern and importance to our constituents and to the people of Belize on a whole.

We believe that you should insist on a sincere apology from the Member for Mesopotamia, not only to yourself and members of the House, but speContinued on page 27

San Estevan/ Progresso Road Neglected over and over

!

Dear Editor, I write today to express concern on behalf of all of those who keep silent on the contract works that were supposed to be completed for the Orange Walk to Progresso Road which is approximately 15 miles. We Belizeans are characterized by being conformant with the status quo of all of our governments. We don’t say a word and when we do, it only lasts as long as the second hand of the clock changes to the next position. Exactly that is what has been happening for the past years to 15,000+ villagers of San Estevan, Progresso, Chunox, Copper Bank, Little Belize, Sarteneja and everyone who uses the Orange Continued on page 29

weather 14 Sep

15 Sep

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2617Mar Sep

2013

OUT Jasmine Lowe murder trial held in secret?

!

Dear Editor, Wednesday, Sept. 4th, accused murderer Bert Vasquez, the alleged killer of 13 year-old Jasmine Lowe, had a court appearance in San Ignacio. I was the only member of the public in attendance for his hearing, however I did not get to witness the proceedings. As Vasquez was led into the courtroom I was ordered out into the hall by the bailiff. Then another court officer ordered me to the end of the hallway away from the courtroom.

Yet another court officer then ordered me to leave the second floor and wait downstairs by the police station. The court proceeded with its business behind closed doors, away from any member of the public or news media.

Belize, jewel that it is, has a very low conviction rate for murder. A number of factors contribute to the problem including witness intimidation, inadequate forensic tools and procedures, and improper police interrogation techniques to name a few. Public confidence in the prosecution of murderers is not enhanced by conducting court business behind closed doors. Jasmine Lowe deserved better than to have her alleged killer prosecuted in secret proceedings.

The courts, particularly in murder cases, should be open to the public.

Michael Richardson

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

|

ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

|

$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

27 Mar Sep 6 18 Feb

Email: belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com

editortimes@yahoo.com

Exchange rate of One Belize Dollar

United States (USD): $ 0.50

Barbados (BBD): $ 1.01

Eastern Caribbean Euro (XCD):$ 1.36 (EUR) : $ 0.38

Sterling Pound Guatemala Quetzal CANADIAN DOLLAR (GBP): $ 0.32 (GTQ): $ 4.02 (CAD): $ 0.53

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INDIAN RUPEE (INR): $ 33.18

15 SEP

2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

VEGA’S NEPHEW Refuses to return $50,000 Belize City, September 8, 2013 Imer Hernandez, the nephew of Deputy Prime Minister, who was at the center of a financial scandal involving public funds from the Ministry of Works has still not cleared his name.

Hernandez was given a lucrative works contract for the paving of the San Antonio road located in the outskirt of Orange Walk Town. Payment of $178,000 was done in a most strange manner - one swoop on February 24th 2012, just days before the general and municipal elections held in March of that year. But, no work was done.

A scandal erupted when documents showing the payments were leaked to the media. The vouchers were approved and marked “completed” by Ministry of Works’ officials, but it was not authentic. The media visited the site and found a dilapidated and hazardous road and upset residents.

How could a contractor, with direct family ties to the Deputy Prime Minister, receive payment for works he never did? When the Prime Minister who is also the Minister of Finance was questioned, he sounded aloof and confused but he defended Hernandez, claiming that the contract was eventually cancelled and the money the UDP contractor got was for works done on another street. Bogus! If so, the officials at the Ministry of Works who signed off on the vouchers are guilty of serious irregularities.

But the scandal was not over.

Hernandez had also received $50,000 from the former UDP Orange Town Council for the rehabilitation of the same road. Former Mayor Phillip de la Fuente admitted to paying for the contract and suggested at a neighbourhood meeting that since no work was done, Hernandez should “give back to the Town Council so some work could get done”.

That’s exactly what the PUP Town Council has attempted to do, but Hernandez has resisted. The Council initially wrote Hernandez on January 22nd 2013, requesting his presence at a meeting in order to make arrangements for him to either carry out the agreed work or reimburse the funds.

Hernandez ignored the request.

Today when the BELIZE TIMES contacted Mayor Kevin Bernard, he indicated that the Council is considering its legal options to get back the money Hernandez received.

Despite this financial scandal, Hernandez continued to get contracts from the Government. His “nephew of Gaspar Vega” status has done him well.

Other UDP contracts: $200,000 contract - Renovation of the Belmopan Market Note: This 12-month contract which started May 20 2013 was granted by the Ministry of Works. Reports

are that Hernandez’s bid for the contract was selected even though a lower bid by another company had been offered. $6 million contract - Rehabilitation of the Belize City Municipal Airstrip Note: This contract, like the Belmopan market, was awarded to Hernandez’ company even though lower bids were offered. $2 million contract - To pave a number of streets in Benque Viejo, San Ignacio and Santa Elena and

Punta Gorda Note: Contract granted through politically manipulated Social Investment Fund.

Millions More: Trial Farm Drainage project.

Note: Trial Farm is in the Deputy Prime Minister’s constituency. It is a project that started in 2009 and has moved at a snail’s-pace. The first phase was awarded to Kennard Smart, a former UDP candidate from Corozal. The other phase was carried out by embattled UDP candidate Denny Grijalva’s company, and now Imer Hernandez has the nod to carry out phase four.

Millions More: Hernandez was also awarded a contract to

03 3

Not normal uncle, Gapi Vega “improve” street side drains and pave “a section” of Zuzuc Street in Corozal Town.

4 04

on the Investment and Jobs

By Francis W. Fonseca Investment drives growth.

Growth drives development. Belize needs to grow and develop urgently. Belize needs investment.

The four simple sentences above stand separately but together form a vital link to Belize’s future.

In 2013, no one credibly questions the importance of investment, both domestic and foreign, to national development.

The challenge is to attract investment that is compatible with the goals and aspirations we have set for ourselves as a nation and people.

Investment requires certainty. The next PUP Government

15 SEP

THE BELIZE TIMES

will enact a FOREIGN INVESTMENT AND PROMOTION ACT which will provide clarity and certainty. Under this ACT, a “NET BENEFIT TEST” will be applied to determine: 1. The effect of the investment on economic activity in Belize; 2. The degree of participation by Belizeans in the business in question; 3. The effect of the investment on productivity, efficiency, technological development, product innovation and product variety in Belize;

4. The effect of the investment on competition; 5. The compatibility of the investment with national, industrial, economic, environmental and cultural policies; and 6. The contribution to Belize’s ability to compete globally.

This is the test that would and should be applied to existing investment opportunities like the cruise tourism

2013 projects currently being debated.

There is also a need for urgent and immediate action in respect of job creation. To properly tackle unemployment we will need to create a public employment agency-Jobs Center.

This Jobs Center will have several roles and purposes including: 1. Acting as a skills registry 2. P r o v i d i n g jobs search services 3. P r o v i d i n g workforce development services thru education, training and career pathway programs.

This Jobs Center will in effect serve as both a data center and a complementary market maker between the prospective employer and employee.

It will identify the unemployed, their skill level and other attributes, efficiently place those who have the requisite skills in demand and train others with a view to meet and supply being demanded in the overall national economic development policy. The Jobs Center will not wait for you to come to it, it will come to you.

By getting our people back to work, we maximize the benefits from our most valuable resource, our people. By focusing on sustainable employment, we assure sustainable economic development and growth.

Investment and Jobs- The way forward under a PUP Government!

15 SEP

2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

05 5

EDITORIAL

D

Anti-Reform Barrow

espite all the talk about transparency in government, Prime Minister Dean Barrow now appears to be quite happy with the status quo. This is despite the ever increasing charges of corruption in his administration and a damning report by the Auditor General.

The proposal to change the make-up of the Public Accounts Committee to make it less political and more practical seems quite a reasonable proposal to look at the public coffers. For instance, there are a lot of unanswered questions about who in government got what from the on-going Rosewood scandal. The public has still not been told about the truth after to government committed to share the spoils 50/50 with the illegal logger who just happens to be the Deputy PM’s brother. A shipment of the rosewood was valued at $216,000. The Minister of Forestry decided that the government should collect $15,000 instead of $108.000 per container. Because the PAC has not be allowed to function there a lot of inquiring minds about the under-the-table quid pro quo including that of the Minister for Forestry. She will not give answers until PAC functions.

As we explained in last week’s Editorial, the Prime Minister loses his decorum and cool every time he is asked about the PAC Amendment. His attitude, worsening by the day, is totally reflective of his dodo bird set in the House of Representatives. Instead of discussing the people’s business or the miserable state of affairs of the nation, the Prime Minister encourages the despicable charge into an abyss of illiterate monologues, foul language, obscenities, illogical assertions and crass misconduct. In the House, this pandemonium is facilitated by the Speaker.

The House uproars and condescending interviews seem planned and orchestrated by the Prime Minister to avoid debate and subsequent national discourse that will exacerbate the increasing noise and discussions about a dysfunctional and corrupt government-so corrupt that not even Transparency International can get their hands on the national data.

We need to talk or push for debate in our parliament about the shocking report by the Inter-American Bank’s on our collapsing system of education and the failed policies of this government in this area alone and at the expense of the parents and young people of this country who are being shortchanged, not only in education but also in their environment, which is certainly not up-lifting if we are to take a cue from the clueless and degrading leadership on the government side of the Legislature.

We need to talk, as reasonable and intelligent people should, about the failing medical and health services which are taking lives instead of saving lives. We need to talk about the poor performance of the national economy, the government’s inability to attract meaningful and sustainable investments

(the Cruise Ship industry is not one) and the urgent need to stop the downward spiral of thousands and thousands of our people who as sliding into joblessness and poverty every day.

Putting all this together, we as a nation are heading towards becoming another failed State in the region-perhaps like Haiti and even like Zimbabwe in Africa.

Belize now has the making of an ugly dictatorship and by the Prime Minister, who, when he could have, tampered with the Constitution and now ignores the rule of law. It is obvious that he is also now, with the help of his corrupt government craftily and like a thief in the night, creating an oligarchy of family members and cronies and an upper bourgeois minority, while the rest of the people continue to struggle with the rising cost of everything from gasoline, to utilities to flour.

The government’s callous (and they know it) pro-poor policy is very simply that. It is a blueprint deliberately designed to keep people poor and dependent, with no more hope for opportunities, or better health services, or better education, or job opportunities or even upliftment into the future.

It is cleverly designed as a political tool, and a shameful one, so come Christmas, known supporters get their hams and turkeys and then come another election cycle in what has become a bogus democracy, the electorate is thrown alms, and cold beer and rice and beans and even blue notes ($100 bills) as a short-term fix for hungry bellies and in flagrant violation of the election laws in exchange for votes and so that these politicians can hold us hostage for five more years. This is exactly what happened in the last election which resulted in the current despicable government.

One should now know why the Prime Minister, who we will not deny is clever as an Attorney and a “Master of the Games” (his words) is so hostile to some of the very proposals for political reform, which he instigated before coming to government and which, he would have agreed then, it better for our democracy.

One wonders why he has become so hostile to credible local and international investors, unless he can manipulate them.

One wonders why he is so hostile towards the media and why he becomes so antsy when he is asked the tough questions.

All this is symptomatic of why meaningful debates are frustrated in the Legislature.

This type of behavior by our government is making a mockery of democracy and a mockery of the people’s tolerance for tomfoolery.

The Prime Minister has obviously become delusional. His way of thinking, his attempts to rule instead of to govern by the will of the people, is dangerous. This government has lost any credibility. This government has failed. This government is not governing by the will of the people. In fact, it is not governing. It was recently said by a Placencia tourism stakeholder that it is a government making “crack-head” deals. It is difficult to disagree.

6 06

THE BELIZE TIMES

KTV Latino star found dead, burnt in car Belmopan, September 12, 2013 Residents of the City of Belmopan are still mourning the horrific murder of Daniel Aguirre, the 2011 KTV Latino star, who was found inside his taxi car on Saturday morning.

Aguirre went missing on Friday night. His family says he disappeared after he was called and hired by unknown individuals.

On Saturday, Police were called to a feeder road in the Arizona area of Teakettle on the George Price Highway. The vehicle was on fire. Inside the trunk was the charred remains of a body, burnt beyond recognition.

The car was identified as the taxi driven and owned by Daniel Aguirre.

By Wednesday the Police had detained three people believed be involved in the appalling incident. Police say that when they searched the Teakettle home of 41 year old Miguel and Blanca Dominguez, and 21 year old Noel Alexander Torres, and a minor, they found Aguirre’s licensed 9mm pistol along with twenty live rounds.

All four were charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm.

The Police say they expect to arrest someone in relation to Aguirre’s murder soon.

15 SEP

2013

07 7 SIF and the UDP dis Dangriga again

15 SEP

2013

Dangriga Town, September 12, 2013 The Dangriga Town Council was informed on Saturday, September 7, 2013,

by Social Investment Fund (SIF) through a correspondence date September 6, 2013, that the SIF’s Board of Directors has terminated the Contract for the Refurbishment of the Extension of the Dangriga Town Market.

The SIF Board of Directors claimed that the contract is terminated as a consequence of: 1. Non-performance, including delay in excess of 100 days in the execution of works.

2. Issues arising from a financial agreement between the Contractor and an entity providing Credit Facility.

The original contract was signed between K&G Construction Ltd. and SIF for the Rehabilitation of the Dangriga Market on 24 May, 2012, and was in the first scheduled to be completed on 31 July, 2013.

However, as a result of several challenges which included poor site management and poor financing, on behalf of the Constructor, which apparently were all overcomed hence the reason why a new completion of date of 31 October, 2013 was mutually agreed upon and established between SIF and the Contractor.

1. The Dangriga Town Council is very much concerned with the termination of the Contract because: 2. The Dangriga Town Market Project is only uncompleted Project in Phase of the Belize Municipal development Project.

3. The termination will extend the time to complete the Project as such will further inconvenience the residents of Dangriga including the vendors and all those who uses the market.

4. The extension to the Project

Liquor License

NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that DANIRA A CHI is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “LAS VEGAS”, situate at August Pine Ridge Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that ZENGHU YAN is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “CY Shop”, situate at 11 3rd Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that WEI CHI YAN is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “New Shop”, situate at 2 Gabourel Lane, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that RONGHE YAN is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Wing An Shop”, situate at 144 East Collet Canal, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

THE BELIZE TIMES

will further cause the vendors to lose more significant income.

5. The project will be further delayed by minimum of another 3 and 6 months as the bidding process etc. will have to be started all over again.

6. The procurement process or the new Contract will not benefit Dangriga since contractors from Dangriga and the wider Stann Creek District will not be considered.

There will be no contractual obligation for the Contractor to hire labourers from Dangriga giving them the opportunity to earn some money from the remaining funds to complete the market.

The termination came as a surprise

to the Dangriga Town Council as there were no adverse reports submitted to the council indicating that there were new challenges on site, nor was there any kind of consultation with the Dangriga Town Council. It is also noteworthy that on August 7, 2013, there was a meeting with SIF, the Contractors, the Consultant, the Dangriga Project Monitoring Committee and Dangriga Town Council where all parties, including SIF expressed their pleasure regarding the progress on the Project made. This progress made as stated by SIF Representatives is as result of: 1. The Constructor acquiring a new line of credit

2. The hiring of a new site Foreman by the Constructor 3. The hiring of a new Consultant

by SIF. Furthermore, SIF had conducted a survey which concluded that the vendors were experiencing an average of 25% reduction in sales as a direct result of their relocation since the project started.

Essentially, the termination will further inconvenience the people of Dangriga and all who use the market including the vendors.

The termination will cause further loss of income to the vendors and there Continued on page 9

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15 SEP

THE BELIZE TIMES

WOMAN IN THE HOUSE

By Dolores Balderamos Garcia

Showcasing Talent I have wanted to write about Rajiv Halim and the “Masters of the Saxophone” show at the Bliss for several weeks now. It has been a busy ‘summer’ school break, with voter transfers and registrations and continuing area representative work. (Representing people, if we want to get it right, is strenuous and even gruelling.)

Early in June this year, when my good friend Chicago Belizean Elton Orozco emailed me and said that he and the family were coming in August, we again discussed trying to showcase his son Rajiv Halim along with Belizean musicians. Rajiv insisted on bringing his horn, Elton said, so I decided that it could be done, and I swung into action.

I met Elton and learned of Rajiv, through Alan Auil. Alan’s wife, Phonice, is a relative of Elton, and Alan kindly sent me a demo CD of some of Rajiv’s music, which I played on my Jazz program on Vibes Radio about two years ago.

Rajiv is a young saxophonist and bandleader, whose parents are both Belizean. His mother is Ruth Gilharry from Corozal.

On a visit to Chicago last year, I got to see Rajiv perform and visit with the Orozcos. It was great fun experiencing his playing and obvious talent and also debating all things Jazz with Elton and Rajiv, as Elton gives steadfast support to Rajiv’s endeavors and his budding career. I am totally amazed that at his young age of 21 Rajiv is such an accomplished saxophonist and musician. Loads of talent, top notch training, family support and actually living in the milieu of the Chicago Jazz scene have been excellent for Rajiv and his artistic development.

Anyway, back to the concert.

It took place on August 15th last, and by all accounts was a great success. Karen Vernon was very supportive when I approached her, and she said we could use the cafe area of Bliss. Mr. Joey Montalvo of the Belize Sugar Industries, an avid music and Jazz fan himself, very generously provided sponsorship so that a stipend could be given to the backing musicians.

But the stars of the show were Saxophonists Chris Bradshaw, Richard Pitts and Rajiv Halim.

I had put Richard in touch with Rajiv, and with just an hour or two

of practice they put together a lovely program for the evening.

Mala Vasquez of the Karl H. Menzies Beverage Division supplied the wine that was on sale, so that we had an intimate cabaret feel for the showcase that evening.

In his set, Chris Bradshaw performed three exquisite classical pieces accompanied by Hiroko Kitamura on piano. Richard Pitts then took over with several smooth Jazz selections including Grover Washington’s “Mr. Magic,” to the audience’s delight. Backing musicians included Mark Phillips, Dane Henry, Josh Herrera and Kendoyle Simpson. Both Chris and Richard are doing wonders here at home in keeping the music alive and in teaching music to many young Belizeans.

To me the clear highlight of the evening were Rajiv Halim’s pieces on his alto and tenor saxes, and the hard-blowing, blues duet with Richard, which afterwards Richard admitted almost killed him! Richard is not a big fellow and he chose the tenor, as opposed to Rajiv, who is quite a big young man, on his alto sax which needed less air. A jam session then ensued, so that the audience could savor and tap their feet to old favorites like the Sonny Rollins standard “St. Thomas.”

On his solo pieces accompanied by background tracks, Rajiv took the music to a whole new level. I particularly enjoyed the Charlie Parker composition “My Little Suede Shoes.” The only other time in Belize that I have heard Jazz playing and improvisation comparable to the quality of that displayed by Rajiv was several years ago at Ambergris Caye when American saxophonist Gary Bartz played at a small Jazz Festival there. Both times a handful of Belizeans have heard some really good music!

I believe that the eighty or so fans who attended the showcase on August 15th thoroughly enjoyed it. A big thank you to all who made it possible, especially to Richard Pitts. Already we are agreeing that we should try to do this again. There is not enough good entertainment and the showcasing of our talented artists and musicians, and I was thus thrilled to be a part of this particular showcase, especially since it involved the music that is my passion – Jazz!

2013

For Sale

By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 15th day of September, 2010, between FRANK VASQUEZ of 17B Melinda Road, Stann Creek District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in the Deeds Book Vol. 28 of 2010 at Folios 1069–1138, 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 lot, piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 205 comprising of 870.676 square meters situated in the Hope Creek Village Extension, Stann Creek District, Belize, shown on a Plan of Survey attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 665 of 2001 dated 9th September, 2001 lodged at the Lands Titles Unit, Belmopan, TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 30th day of August, 2013.

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

15 SEP

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

September Celebrations Message by Dr. Oliver Ottley District Superintendent Emeritus, Church of the Nazarene

In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’

These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever (Joshua 4:6, 7 NIV).

CELEBRATE OUR HISTORY Belize celebrates the 215th Anniversary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye, and the 32nd Anniversary of its Independence which was the historic apex of our national aspirations. What do we tell our children when they ask, “What do these mean?”

Celebration without proper knowledge of the what, when, where, and why of our true history, lacks the meaningful and beautiful memorial of God’s goodness that gave this land to us --- and how!

As settlements go, America and Belize were contemporaries of the early 1620’s, albeit a macro and micro comparison, not to mention contrasting motivations. To repeat what I wrote earlier, some write history, some read history, and some interpret history. But sad to say, some distort history and some even deny and destroy history. A classic example is in that interview by satellite in 1977 when Walter Cronkite questioned Anwar Sadat about the Israelites in Egyptian bondage. His response was, “There is no record in our history that Jews were held slaves in Egypt.” That was a most audacious denial in the face of Scriptural, oral, and international history. Neither should we entertain any presentation or publication of our history that is flawed.

CELEBRATE OUR DEMOGRAPHY Belize is a land of diverse ethnic representations. We are made up of Maya, Mestizo, Caucasian, Creole, East Indian, Garifuna, Middle Eastern, Chinese, Taiwanese, African, Mennonite, and more. Many of these may have their separate annual, cultural and historical observations and celebrations. The Garifuna have succeeded in having their Settlement Day officialised as a national holiday 145 years after the arrival.

The official celebration of the Battle of St. George’s Caye was inaugurated September 10, 1898, 100 years after the decisive victory. As true Belizeans we celebrate our historical freedoms as well as our historical struggles as reflected in our National An-

SIF and the UDP dis Dangriga again Continued from page 7 is no guarantee that our Dangrigana will get any meaningful employment The Dangriga Town Council is deeply concerned and hereby calls on SIF and GOB to ensure that the project is completed as soon as possible without any sacrifice to the quality of work in order to stop the inconvenience to the people of Dangriga and to prevent any further loss of income to the vendors.

GOB and SIF in particular stop the pain and suffering; STOP THE PAIN AND SUFFERING inflicted upon our people.

them.

CELEBRATE OUR DEMOCRACY AND EMBRACE GOD’S THEOCRACY The history of democracy goes back to Athens, five hundred years before Christ.

Much has been written about “The Greek Way to Western Civilization.” Abraham Lincoln beautifully articulated democracy at Gettysburg as “government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Needless to say we believe that democracy is the best form of human government. Both democracy and monarchy with their varied forms in civilized societies have functioned within the limits of God’s permissive will.

However, theocracy is based on “thus saith the Lord.” This represents God’s perfect will.

Whatever we may say or do, therefore, let us seek, find, and follow His perfect will; His perfect will is in His Word, the Bible, the Holy, divinely inspired Scriptures. (cf. II Timothy 3:16, 17) CELEBRATE OUR NATIONALITY Nationality belongs to all who have

made Belize their home. Born and bred or nationalized Belizeans, we are all one nation, “Out of many, One.” Many of us are mixed (a miscegenation of ethnic representations).

The achievement of our Independence on September 21, 1981 will remain the legacy left for Belizeans of every origin.

By way of culture, English is our official language and Creole the lingua franca. Almost every Belizean speaks Creole. At most centres for business or other purposes, frequented by Belizeans of different faces and races, it is a pleasure to listen to the free flow of Belize Creole pervading the atmosphere.

New comers soon learn the lingo. Delightful as that may be, however, to achieve a good education in Belize, the knowledge of proper English is an academic necessity.

CELEBRATE OUR CHRISTIANITY The first clause of the Constitution of Belize sets forth as its fundamental sine qua non: “. . . the people of Belize affirm that the nation of Belize shall be founded upon principles which acknowledge the supremacy of

09 9 God.” Christians believe in and sing about a oneness both here and beyond this life. In the 17th Chapter of St. John’s Gospel is recorded what is known as “The High-priestly Prayer of Jesus.” Our Lord prayed this prayer just before He went to the cross. It should therefore be considered the most important prayer of our Saviour. He was praying for His disciples and all who would believe on Him in this life and be with Him in glory, that they all may be one! In the Book of Revelation Chapter 7 is that record of the great multitude which no man could number, out of all nations and kindred and people and tongues which John the apostle was privileged to preview in his vision while exiled on the isle of Patmos for his faith.

That innumerable multitude was described prophetically as “those who came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Let us celebrate our history, let us celebrate our demography, let us celebrate our democracy and embrace God’s theocracy, let us celebrate our nationality, and let us choose to follow Christ and celebrate our Christianity as we look forward to an eternity in the place He has gone to prepare for us! This is eloquently invoked in our National Prayer. On behalf of the Church of the Nazarene in Belize, Happy September Celebrations! God bless you! God bless Belize!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Griga Market Mess!

15 SEP

FACES & OPINIONS

UDP crony paid HALF A MILLION but FAILS to complete project Continued from page 1 Corozal District. Dangriga Town has high unemployment, especially among its young people. Residents said it was not logical to hire a company that was located hundreds of miles away to do work that could be done by locals. They protested and called for the contract to be rescinded, but the Social Investment Fund, headed by another political appointee close to Vega, had its way.

The work was supposed to be completed by July 31st – two months ago – but instead hasn’t even passed the first phase.

K&G has collected over half a million dollars already. The Social Investment Fund, after months of finding excuses for the contractor and hiding the truth from the Dangriga Town Council and residents, has been forced to cancel the contract abruptly and has been left with a disaster.

SIF announced on Saturday September 7th that the contract with K&G has been cancelled. They cited the reason as a serious breach of the contract by K&G who had signaled a 100-day delay with the project.

This came as a surprise as only a month ago, in a meeting held with K&G, SIF representatives and the Town Council on August 7th, SIF expressed full confidence in the company to continue the project despite the tremendous delay.

K&G indicated that the reason for the delay was a lack of funds, but reported that they had secured a new line of credit. As a result, SIF granted an extension to the project and set the new deadline as October 2013.

Meanwhile SIF entertained K&G’s disorder, the vendors who had been relocated to another site had become frustrated and terribly disadvantaged. A survey conducted

by SIF indicated that the vendors had suffered a 25% reduction in sales as a result of the relocation.

ONE BIG MESS! Now that SIF has cancelled the contract, the full extent of the mess has been exposed.

It is such an ugly fiasco that the Government’s Office of the Contractor General has been resurrected to investigate. The Ministry of Finance has also launched its own probe.

The BELIZE TIMES has learnt that K&G was paid a total of $596,717 of the project funds. The $780,632.50 that remains as balance was to be paid out to the company as works are completed. But K&G ran out of money fast, and in seeking and obtaining funds from creditors, the company committed and Smart personally guaranteed the payment of the entire remaining balance.

K&G was in such a bad financial state that they sought three creditors, two of whom are now considering legal options against the company and perhaps even the Government, through SIF, to collect their monies.

The three creditors were the Belize Bank, Lyndon Bailey and Emy Gilharry Ramirez.

Bailey, who represents the company BBC Constructions, is claiming over $70,000 as money provided in credit, interest accrued and profits derived from the transaction. According to a report by the Ministry of Finance, which is also investigating this scandal, they could not verify some of the financing which Bailey claimed he gave because proper receipts could not be provided.

However, the Ministry’s investigation findings indicates that SIF officers gave “reports” to verify that there was “some level of financing from Mr. Bailey, and to some degree that the materials claimed for and several of the labourers reportedly paid by Mr. Bailey were on site”.

It is damning to see the kind of investigation conducted by the Prime Minister’s very own Ministry in this scandal.

In May 2013 Bailey bailed out of the projContinued on page 31

NOTICE THE BELIZE ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION IS HEREBY ADVISING THAT ELECTIONS IS NOW SLATED FOR SATURDAY, 5TH OF OCTOBER 2013 AT 10:00 A.M. AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES AUDITORIUM ON PRINCESS MARGARET DRIVE, BELIZE CITY. CLOSING DATE FOR NOMINATIONS IS THE 20TH OF SEPTEMBER, 2013. ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO MS. JOSEPHINE FLOWERS, SECRETARY OF THE BELIZE ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION, AND ENDORSED BY AT LEAST A REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE BELIZE ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION AND DELIVERED TO MS. JACKIE VALDES AT #1 KING STREET BEFORE 5:00 P.M. ON THE 20TH OF SEPTEMBER. DATED THE 5TH OF SEPTEMBER, 2013

2013

by Micah Vernon

Are Belizeans Celebrating Independence Properly?

Mark

A lot of us don’t understand independence; it is a time for us to reflect upon our country. We have an identity crisis and all we’re thinking about is jumping up in the streets and not understanding what independence is. Let us remember Rt. Hon. George Price who led us to independence.

Simone

No! Come on, a few fireworks, a little ceremony and a parade. We need to be more patriotic as a nation.

Zoie

Yes and no! Yes because Belizeans are getting together celebrating together, bonding times as you call it. But no, because we’re not in tune with our cultural background and history.

Travis

I don’t think we’re celebrating independence as we once did. The economy is very stagnant; the people can’t afford to celebrate because there are no jobs, and therefore no money to be excited!

Life haad out ya!

Dj Thambran This is one independence time where I’ve seen my fellow Belizeans not happy to be celebrating.

There’s just too much happening and what are we celebrating for? There is nothing to celebrate.

Marlon No! There’s no unity.

Leandra

No! They don’t have celebrating independence on their minds. They are more focused on other issues like the paving of the streets and the lack of a drainage system. The Carnival isn’t the only celebration in September but Belizeans make a bigger deal of that than our independence.

Alondra

It’s not a yes or a no. I’d say partially. It’s not like it was before. We don’t have the vibrant patriotic vibe! It’s just like an ordinary day when people hang out.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

pic courtesy San Pedro Sun

2013

VACANCY NOTICE The United Nations Children’s Fund, the world’s leading organization working for the rights of children, offers unique opportunities to work for the survival, protection and development of children and women.

UNICEF is looking for a dynamic and motivated Belizean National professional to fill the post of Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, NO3, who wants to be a part of a complex and transformative change for children and women in some of our highly dynamic regions of the world.

New PUP Belize Rural South executive Sunday, September 8th, 2013 A new executive for the People’s United Party (PUP) Belize Rural South division was elected on Sunday September 8th on Ambergris Caye at the PUP office located on Pelican Street.

The new executive committee consists of new Chairman Nicholas “Nico” Varela, Vice Chairman Councilor Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez, Campaign Manager Darwin Palma, Deputy Campaign Manager Dina Graniel, Treasurer Rene Guzman, Vice Treasurer Pablo Sosa, Secretary Omar “Canasi” Guerrero, Public Relation and Media Coordinator Monica

Gamez, Head of the Marshal Nigel Belisle, Coordinator of the Belize Youth Movement Jacqueline Eiley and Political Advisor Mike Estell.

Supervising the election was Sharole Saldivar from the PUP Secretariat.

New Chairman, Nicholas Varela, is no stranger to politics, since he has served as a member of the San Pedro Town Council in the 90s.

The official swearing in of the new executive will take place on the 29th of September at the PUP Headquarters at Independence Hall in Belize City to coincide with the PUP’s 63rd anniversary.

PUP NOTICE

Queen Square Constituency Committee The People’s United Party is accepting applications for members of the Queen Square Constituency Committee.

Application forms are available at the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City. Date of Election is October 16th, 2013 Application must be filled and returned to the Secretariat, addressed to the Secretary General by Friday October 4th, 2013.

PUP NOTICE

Pickstock Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Pickstock Electoral Division is scheduled for October 16, 2013 at the Independence Hall.

Applications can be picked up from the Secretariat or Mr. Ricardo Castillo, Chairman for Pickstock Committee.

Completed applications are to be submitted to Mr. Ricardo Castillo 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 September 16, 2013.

You will have the unique opportunity to drive the change for evidence based advice and cutting-edge technical expertise for the development of policies, strategies, and systems for child rights monitoring and evaluation. You will also monitor the situation of children and women, develop capacities and strengthen data collection and analysis systems.

In addition, you will strengthen evaluation capacities and networks both nationally and globally.

To succeed in this role you will have a foundation of an advanced degree and at least 5 years of progressively responsible professional work experience at national and/or international levels in M&E. Practical experience in community-based research. Your values and competencies are equally important and we will be looking for evidence of well-developed personal skills.

Please visit our website http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/ index_53129.html to access the Personal History (P11) Form to be sent by e-mail with a detailed résumé to belize@unicef.org, attention: Operations Assistant, no later than 21 September, 2013. Late applications will not be considered. Regret letters will only be sent to short-listed candidates.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.

PUP NOTICE

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

Application forms are available at the Belize Rural Central PUP office or the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City. Date of Election is October 6th, 2013 Application must be filled and returned to the Secretariat, addressed to the Secretary General by Monday September 30, 2013.

PUP NOTICE

Belmopan Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Belmopan Electoral Division is scheduled for November 3, 2013.

Applications can be picked up from the Secretariat or Mr. Paul Castillo, Chairman for Belmopan Executive Committee.

Completed applications are to be submitted to Mr. Paul Castillo 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 3, 2013.

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2013

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THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE

2013

TOPMODEL 13

ENTERTAINMENT

NEWS

Scenes from CARNIVAL

Location: Phillip S. W. Goldson Highway Roundabout

2012

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Height: 5’ 5” Career Plan: Journalist Sign: Pisces Favourite Food: Italian and Mexican Food Likes: Shopping, Writing, Travelling,

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Dancing and Reading Lives in Belmopan, Cayo District Fav. Quote: “Test of memory determines the true value of our moments.”

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14 SPORTS

15 SEP

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES

2013

Triple B’s claws Ladyville Jaguars 8-0

for female football championship Belmopan, September 7, 2013 The Belmopan Triple B’s won the 2013 Atlantic Bank female football championship, blowing away the Ladyville Jaguars 8-0 in Game 2 of the finals at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan last Saturday.

Kaina Martinez and Miriam Villamil led Belmopan’s attack with the help of Iris Centeno, Joslyn “Chu-chu” Cadle, Kaya Cattouse and Jennisha Scott at midfield. Ladyville’s defense had a big gap left by Shinelle Gentle, who was sitting out a one-game red card suspension from the first final. Star sweeper, Lieutenant Sara Arzu had other career commitments in the BDF and also had to miss the game.

Alma Alarcon led the Jaguars’ defense with the help of Mercedes Choc and Sheryann “Baby” Tracy, but Kaina Martinez soon escaped their marking to score the first goal. Villamil added a 2nd goal, then Kaina scored her 2nd and 3rd goals to complete her personal hat trick to give Belmopan a 4-0 at the half.

Ladyville’s Georgia Vaccaro and Kara Kisling tried to get an attack going, but the Belmopan defenders Rose Ogaldez, Shadalee Ho, Beatrice Alfaro and Shandy Vernon shut down the visitors the entire game. The Belmopan keeper Idania Ramirez

handled all other challenges.

In the 2nd half, Kaina brought the ball into the goal area and crossed to Jennisha Scott, whose left foot tap was enough to score a 5th goal. Kisling’s efforts to put Ladyville on the scoreboard resulted in her getting hurt, and she had to be carried off the field. Veronica Flores relieved Shamieka Franklin, while Belmopan’s Noemi Magana took over from Joslyn Cadle.

Kaina escaped the last defenders and took on Claudia Martinez solo to blast the ball into the net from point blank range: 6-0. Ladyville’s Dawn Bainton replaced Mercedes Choc, but Miriam Villamil now mounted a solo effort to lob the ball over

Triple B team

Claudia to the far corner of the vee: 7-0.

Rose Ogaldez now moved up from defense to join the goal-shooting derby and escaped the last defenders.

Sheryann Tracy tied to close her off, but not before Ogaldez blasted a shot into the back of the net: 8-0 final score.

Atlantic Bank’s Belmopan branch manager Carlos Moreno presented the team trophies to the champions.

The Dangriga Pumas won the consolation game for 3rd place: 5-4 over the 4x champions, Gentle Touch of Esperanza.

Ladyville Jaguars won 2nd

Camalote Blazers dra Guy struck out 1 batter, walked 2, and gave up 5 hits. The Blazers left 8 runners on base, but Roaring Creek made 2 errors, which allowed Francine Salazar to score the winning run in the 4th inning.

Game 2 of the finals is set for the Denbeigh Fuller stadium on Sunday, September 15. Both the champions and the sub-champions will represent the Cayo district in the national softball championship tournament scheduled for the weekend of September 27-29, at the Roger’s Stadium in Belize City.

Dangriga Pumas won 3rd

Tamira Orellano hits

win softball finals Game 1st Camalote, September 8, 2013 The Camalote Blazers put themselves on the good foot to take the 2013 Cayo Softball Association’s female softball championship by hammering Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy in Game 1 of the finals at the Denbeigh Fuller Stadium in Camalote on Sunday, September 8.

The Blazers’ pitcher Francine Salazar struck out 4 batters and walked 1 batter, but gave up 5 hits. The Camalote diamond made 1 error, but no one from Roaring Creek came home as the visitors left 6 runners on base.

Roaring Creek’s Leyan-

Individual Awards: Triple B’s Kaina Martinez - Most Valuable Player Award Triple B’s Shandy Vernon – Best Defense Award Triple B’s Iris Centeno – Best Midfielder Ladyville Jaguar’s Claudia Martinez – Best Goalie Ladyville Jaguar’s Kara Kisling – Most Goals Award Triple B’s Kent Gabourel – Best Coach Triple B’s – Jean Trapp-Gabourel – Best Manager

Camalote’s Francine Salazar

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2013

THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE

SPORTS 15

Allied Sport Club dominates September open track meet

Belize City, September 7, 2013 The Allied Sports Club of Belize City dominated the September track and field meet held at the still incomplete Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City on Saturday, September 7.

Here are the results: Junior 100m 1st place – 16-year-old G’anne Humes of Pallotti High School

2nd place –15-year-old Zhanae Jex 3rd place – Shanicka Augustine of Anglican Cathedral College Female Senior 100m 1st place – Brenda Gutierrez 2nd place – Zish Ramos 3rd place – Anahi Riverol Male Senior 100m 1st place – Auburn Rivero of Anglican Cathedral College 2nd place – Ron Martinez

ett

3rd place – Calvin Reneau Senior 100m 1st place – Mark Anderson 2nd place – Linsford Avila 3rd place – Brandon Flores Senior 200m 1st place – Mark Anderson 2nd place – Linsford Avila 3rd place – Kenneth Brack-

Senior 200m 1st place – Jervis Myvette of Ladyville Technical High School

tine

2nd place – Martin Flowers 3rd place – Frederick Usher Junior 200m 1st place – Zhanae Jex 2nd place – Shanicka Augus-

3rd place – Sadie Rowland Female Senior 200m 1st place – Tishelle Solis 2nd place – Tisha Solis 3rd place – Zisha Ramos Junior 800m 1st place – Kenia Flores of Dangriga 2nd place – Brenda Gutierrez 3rd place – Rose Gonzalez Senior 1500m 1st place – Kenia Flores of Dangriga 2nd place – Isela Cob 3rd place – Rose Gonzalez Junior 1500m 1st place – Ashton Cleland 2nd place – Sherwin Lambey 3rd place – Edwin Coleman Senior 1500m 1st place – Ernesto Villafranco 2nd place – Albert Davis 3rd place – Harold Zuniga Junior 800m 1st place – Brandon Santos of San Pedro Ambergris Caye 2nd place – Kevin Valle of Corozal Community College 3rd place – Melvin Valero

Atlantic Bank & Ports Belize lead Interoffice basketball playoffs

Belize wins 4 awards in Central American Volleyball Championship September 7 2013, Guatemala City, Guatemala Four Belizeans received top awards for the skills displayed at the Central American Championship held in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Karen Quan was recognized as the competition’s Best Setter, Kevanna Sebastian won Best Blocker, and Nayala Tun won Best Digger and Best Libero.

The Belize national team finished 4th at regional competition.

The Belize Volleyball Association has congratulated the team and the individual players who received awards.

Belize City, September 7, 2013 The Atlantic Bank and Ports Belize Limited are both undefeated entering the Belize District firms’ basketball playoffs as the top seed.

Ports Belize has 6 wins, while Atlantic Bank has 5 wins after the regular competition concluded at the Bird’s Isle in Belize City on Saturday night, September 7.

In Saturday’s games, BWSL put the pressure on Ready Call to a 74-47 game. Jamir Enriquez led BWS with 17 points, while Lindbergh “Prince” Graham, Akeem “Timmy” Trapp and Karim Thompson scored 11 points each.

Customs taxed COURTS Belize 60-56. Kevin Lorenzo and Marvin Skeet led Customs with 18 points each, Winston “Air Jun” Pratt scored 17 points and Oliver Solis had 7 points.

Atlantic Bank won 75-71 over Belize Bank Bulldogs in overtime. Ervin Orosco scored 27 points while Dave Apolonio and Keith James added 14 points each.

The Belize City Council blew out Belize Telemedia 62-55. Cordel Gonzalez led Belize City Council with 21 points while Leon Williams had 11 points and David Manu McCauley scored 10 pts. Ed Thompson led BTL with 19 pts while Devon Lozano had 18 pts.

On Friday night, Atlantic Bank got the easy bye to their 4th win when the Public Utilities Commission’s “Regulatahz” were a no show.

Belize Telemedia spanked Central Health 59-47. The night’s scoring was led

by Ed Thompson who had 13 points and 9 rebounds while Jordan Santos made 11 points.

The Heritage Bank Heatz bounced Belize Bank Bulldogs 68-55. Devon Defour led the Heatz’ scoring with 24 points and 14 rebounds while Kurt “Chengo” Burgess had 21 points and 18 rebounds.

Ports Belize posted their 6th win 59-57 over the Belize City Council. Vince “Postman” Estrada and Lennox Bowman led Ports with 13 points each, while Earl Johnson scored 11 points and Ian “AC” Augustine had 10 points and 9 rebounds.

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Keeping in touch in BRC

Belize District, September 11, 2013 Over the past few weeks Belize Rural Central (BRC) Area Representative Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia has been making the rounds in her constituency and keeping in touch with as many residents as possible.

Last weekend she attended the first ever Ms. Mahogany Heights pageant held in that community to participate along with community residents in witnessing the exciting event. Hon. Dolores also contributed the prize for Best Talent.

She has also supported the carnival activity of the Mahogany Heights Dream Marching Band led by Ms. Ednamae Garbutt.

Earlier she contributed to the sporting activities sponsored by village chairlady Nurse Raquel Vega and donated 15 dozen exercise books for Mahogany Heights children.

Over at La Democracia Hon. Dolores contributed paint and marley for the community pre-school.

In Hattieville Hon. Dolores has continued her regular visits with residents.

Last week she contributed sacks of rice and beans for Pastor Eckael Cardinez’s school feeding program at the Hattieville Government School.

Hon. Dolores is also contributing a cash donation for the building of a new bus shelter for Western Paradise Village.

And in meeting with village chairman Mr. Asuncion Cal she also donated exercise books. Thirdly, she has contributed to the Western Paradise carnival group organized by youth activist Mr. Justin Gill.

Finally, in Ladyville Hon. Dolores has assisted in sponsoring a Ms. Ladyville contestant and contributed the prize for Ms. Congeniality. The Ms. Ladyville Pageant was held last Saturday night. In addition, she has supported the carnival to be held in Ladyville on September 15th.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Whose $100 Million should Belize Accept?

Godfrey Smith

Flashpoint

September 9, 2013 They walked along Princess Margaret Drive in the faint predawn light audibly discussing something. I heard the word “Manati” and listened more closely. “...ata Manati noh jost deh eena wan spot; dehn deh aal oava di place,” a female voice said. Another said something about the British leaving. The first female voice again: “Soh weh hapn wi mos aalways stay dong; wi mosn opn wi yaiy?” she asked dismissively of the concern expressed by conservationists that the Stake Bank/Drowned Caye project would affect the habitat of the manatees.

The Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Lines wishes to invest $100 million in a cruise ship port/theme park/island destination on the privately owned Harvest Caye in the south of Belize. Belizean entrepreneur Mike Feinstein wishes to invest $100 million in a cruise ship port/residential development/theme park utilizing two private cayes - North Drowned Caye and Stake Bank - off the coast of Belize City.

Doing both projects is probably not feasible. So whose investment project should Belize favour?

The government’s MOU with NCL contains a questionable clause that suggests an intention to short cut the Environmental Impact Assessment process on the pretence that since an EIA had already been done for a previous, unrelated resort development project on Harvest Caye only a modified EIA was now necessary. The NCL project will feature the single biggest volume of dredging the country has ever seen. It is doubtful that the partial assignment of EIA clearance from one kind of project to a very different kind is within the spirit and intent of the Belize’s environmental laws. Whether NCL will go ahead after Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s post-MOU public declaration that only NCL ships will be able to dock at the proposed port remains to be seen.

Mr. Feinstein’s Stake Bank/Drowned Caye plans are about eight years old and have gone through a number of revisions. His project comprises two causeways. One connects North Drowned Caye to Belize City.

The other connects North Drowned Caye to Stake Bank and runs through the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary - a haven for manatees. Mr. Feinstein can flash EIA approval for this and understandably would like an MOU with GOB for his project.

A bureaucratic tug-of-war is underway among the mandarins of Belmopan some of whom support NCL and others who are aligned with the Feinstein Group.

As things stand, the NCL project would seem like the surer investment bet.

There is a question as to whether the Feinstein Group has actually secured a source of funding for its project. Surer investment bet or not, the NCL project should be rejected because it goes against the government’s own National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan.

Why should one clause in a master plan written by a bunch of consultants stand in the way of a much needed $100 million job-creating, opportunity-generating investment? The reason is that Belize is terminally infected with accidental development syndrome. Belize grows by fits and starts - haphazardly. It’s about time that it pursues a path based on mature consideration.

The tourism master plan is a serious, comprehensive, well-researched document crafted after full national consultations, taken to the Belize Cabinet and endorsed by this government. Effectively, it says that it is in the long term interest of the country to keep mass cruise tourism out of the pristine areas of southern Belize. The decision to be an eco-tourism destination has deep significance which is perhaps not always sufficiently grasped or remembered.

It means choosing a brand of tourism that attempts to minimize the impact on the flora and fauna while other nations race to destroy theirs to create the artificial, emetic Cancun experience. The eco Harvest Caye Project tourism brand means

Stake Bank Project pursuing policies and projects which are germane to an understanding and respect for delicate ecosystems while at the same time providing a genuine touristic experience which in the long-term will become priceless in those remaining areas of the world where ecosystems remain intact. This is not a matter of “locking up the bush”, it is intelligent, responsible planning; it ensures tourism remains sustainable through generations.

The letter written by six past presidents of the Belize Tourism Industry Association describing the decision as “a far reaching shift in policy with irreversible consequences” and asking the prime minister to reconsider it is quite plainly the truth. Apart from the wisdom of its cautionary message, the letter is an excellent example of industry leaders setting aside any political differences or fear of victimization to take a firm, unambiguous, unified position on a fundamental policy issue that affects Belize.

Mr. Feinstein’s project has the advantage of being based in the Belize District.

Since mass cruise tourism - the very antithesis of eco tourism - is a reality in Belize, it should be confined and anchored to a port facility based within the Belize District which already absorbs much of the mass tourism footprint.

The early morning walkers on Princess Margaret Drive were right. Manatees are not only found in the North Drowned Caye/Swallow Caye area of Belize. They can be found from the Rio Hondo all along the coast of Belize and down to the Sarstoon River. But the site of Mr. Feinstein’s proposed project is within one of the three most important manatee habitats in Belize. It is within the Drowned Caye/Swallow Caye five mile radius where manatees can predictably be found and viewed in clear waters as compared to the brown, opaque waters of the Southern Lagoon and the Placencia Lagoon which are equally important habitats.

We must indeed open our eyes - but to more than just the fact that the country needs investment and development. Our eyes should be open to the fact that manatees are on the IUCN red list of threatened species vulnerable to extinction.

One of the major threats to manatee population is declining habitat and the onward march of coastal development. Belize had contributed to the preservation of global biodiversity by designating Swallow Caye as a wildlife sanctuary for manatees. Not even local marine biologists research, tag and study the manatees in this sanctuary.

The proposal to run a causeway through a specially designated manatee wildlife sanctuary calls for extremely close scrutiny and informed consideration. The full impact on the species will not be understood for years but certainly it is not a simple matter of the resident manatee population migrating to eat sea grass elsewhere. It’s far more complex than that. The Philip Goldson International Airport runway expansion project disrupted the habitat of tapirs leading to a number of deaths from vehicular collisions because it wasn’t a simple matter of tapirs disappearing into the next nearby bush to continue foraging. For an endangered species this kind of disruption has a substantially negative impact.

Belize needs investment and development - but at what cost? Should the habitat of the manatee, a prized, iconic specie of our uniquely rich biodiversity, be sacrificed to create “3,000 jobs”? Should we hasten the collapse of a specie (that evolved 50 million years ago compared to modern humans’ mere 200,000 years) to pursue Disneyesque development that destroys sensitive ecosystems ultimately sustaining us just to rebuild artificial replicas in their place for the hordes to gawk at. In the end it’s a matter of the value we place on our unique natural heritage, our understanding of our role and place within it and our sense of obligation to other species and future generations of humans This article was reproduced from www.flashpointbelize.com

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Norwegian Deal Sellouts

By Gilroy Usher, Sr. We all want investment and development for the country, but several aspects of the Norwegian deal is a major sellout of Belize to rich foreigners. After Norwegian cruise was given sole rights to develop a tourism island in the south for the next 25 years - that’s until 2038 with no competition in the area and all types of tax exemptions – government still agreed to give them the lion share of the head tax for the first five years in a 4-3 split. That’s an outrageous deal!

The initial head tax should be shared at least 50-50 between Norwegian Cruise and the government. That’s because the cruise line is already making huge bucks for itself whenever tourists book its tours.

The sellout of Belize to foreigners is even more outrageous with other aspects of the head tax. After all the giveaways to the foreigners the government has also agreed to review an increase of this tax only once every five years. At that time the head tax can only be increased by $1.00, and if there is an increase of $1.00 in that charge, the government has to split it 50- 50 with the foreigners. Wow! How outrageous is that!

Without major improvement in the Norwegian deal, Belizeans will surely only get the bone from this investment. At the same time with the present deal the foreigners will make millions of dollars of profit in the country every year.

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Stories of a

PUP NOTICE

Cayo South Standard Bearer and Executive Committee Endorsement

The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Endorsement for the Cayo South Electoral Division is scheduled for Sunday September 15th, 2013.

Vacancy

for a short term consultant Under the UN Joint Programme on Adolescent Girls, the UN Joint Team on HIV is providing support to the government and NGO counterparts in the Stann Creek District to implement evidence based programme aimed at: 1. Increasing comprehensive knowledge on HIV transmission among young people in and out of school.

2. Changing social norms and behaviours which promote early initiation of sex and early pregnancy 3. Increasing access to sexual and reproductive health services and information including testing and counseling The lessons learnt through the implementation of a state of the art social and behavior change communication programme will be documented and replicated in other geographic areas. Government and NGO partners as well as young people will gain hands on experience and build capacity through direct engagement in programme design, implementation and evaluation.

Purpose of the Consultancy The UN Joint Team on HIV and the Government of Belize, seeks the services of a consultant to provide technical support to government and NGO counterparts in Stann Creek District to design, implement, monitor and evaluate an evidence based social and behavior change communication programme aimed at reducing HIV infection among adolescent and youth 15- 24.

Tales from the Dark Side You might see him browsing the bars and night clubs or sometimes playing dominoes in front of Brads boledo-millionaire merchant store.

He is known for trying his best at being the jester of the House of Representatives, with his made-up vocabulary and derogative words towards man, woman and child.

I think it was of no national interest for him to get up in the “House” and praise his daughter for 10 minutes because she is among the privileged few who studied law. Meanwhile people in streets are crying out for a better life. What even makes this worse, is that as a Minister of Government and his wife being a well-paid Government worker, they generate a good salary.

I think that the Minister of Education should have given the scholarship to a needy, low-income recipient instead.

Behind all the jesting,

2013

noise and rhetoric, this Minister a very cold, disrespectful, foul-mouthed individual.

I was once sitting at a bar he was in one night, and a young lady asked him when she could come and see him since she was a voter in his area. His response was “fi what, fi gimme some?”

He goes under the pretense of the poor people’s governor, the “party whip” they call him.

In his constituency, he builds small, conjoined houses, that’s very demeaning to poor people, you can’t even have an argument without your neighbors listen.

It was even said in the late 80s a certain young basketball player didn’t agree with him and he ended up “getting the sense”.

This politician moves around with almost limitless powers and he also rolls under a criminal organization that goes by the name UDP. The public needs to be aware.

Scope of the consultancy The Technical Consultant will undertake the following: 1. Review and compile existing data and evidence (quantitative and qualitative) on the situation of HIV and early pregnancy among young people. This will include documentation of current and past initiatives targeting HIV prevention and early prevention among young people as well as a mapping of key stakeholders responding to Sexual and Reproductive Health, HIV Prevention, early pregnancy and other issues affecting young people’s development and well-being.

2. Establish project base lines through review of existing data and/or the implementation of a baseline survey if necessary 3. Work closely with key stakeholders to design an evidence-based social and behavior change communication programme to address the areas defined by stakeholders and demonstrated by the evidence gathered.

4. Work closely with key stakeholders to design and test a set of quality communication materials for utilization in programme implementation.

5. Coordinate the implementation of the programme in selected communities in the Stann Creek District 6. Monitor the implementation of programme and achievement of targeted results 6. Document the process of programme design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation Specific Deliverables: 1. A Comprehensive baseline report with priority indicators for monitoring and evaluation of programme 2. A Comprehensive, evidence-based social and behavior change communication strategy for reducing HIV Prevention and early pregnancy among adolescents and youth 15-24 in Stann Creek.

3. One set quality communication materials targeting adolescents and youth 15-24 years in the Stann Creek District 3. Monthly Progress Reports 4. Comprehensive report documenting the process of programme design and implementation including lessons learnt, challenges and opportunities for scaling up and replication of programme.

Qualifications and Experience The successful applicant must possess: • At least 5 years of progressive experience working in the field of HIV/AIDS and/or Sexual and Reproductive Health • Advanced technical knowledge of theories and principles of social and behavior change communication along with sound evidence of experience in applying these theories and principles • Facilitation skills, particularly design of stakeholder consultation exercises • Strong quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis skills • Excellent analytical and communication skills • Demonstrated writing skills in English • Computer literacy with specific regard to Word, Excel and Power Point Post-graduate degree in any of the Public Health or other health related field, Youth Development, Social and Behaviour Change Communication, or any of the Social Sciences.

Interested applicants can send application letter and Curriculum Vitae via email to belize@ unicef.org or by mail to UNICEF, 1 Coney Drive, Belize City, Belize. Please address all applications to the attention of the Representative. For Further information please call 2233864.

Deadline for all Applications is Sunday, September 18 at 5 p.m.

15 SEP

2013

Reid Independent

Belize!

By G. Michael Reid As Belize prepares to celebrate its Independence, a little reflection and retrospection might be in order. On Saturday September 21st, we celebrate as a nation, the 32nd anniversary of this momentous milestone. There were many who believed, and probably some who still do, that Belize was not ready for Independence in 1981. Many were the predictions and forebodings of dark days and doom as a result of the bold step into self determination. The visionary statesman who is the Father of our Nation was not deterred however and 32 years later, Belize is still standing. Guatemala has not invaded and the sky has not fallen upon us.

For many of us older heads, 1981 seems but a few short years ago. For the majority of Belizeans (census figures suggest that a majority of the population is under 30 years of age), Belize has always been independent. For those of us who can recall early Belize, the development and expansion has truly been amazing. The buildings have changed from wood to concrete, technology has us connected around the clock and aggressive tourism marketing has bared our secrets to the world. If Mother Nature still has well-kept secrets, certainly Belize would no longer be counted among them.

Since Independence Belize has changed governments six times with our two main political parties sharing terms of office. The UDP is currently midway through their fourth term, having joined the PUP in winning consequence terms of office. Despite blaming the PUP for everything that has gone wrong in Belize, the figures now show that since Independence, the UDP has been as many years in office as the PUP. Obviously they have to share in the blame for the things that they continue to complain has not gone right for Belize.

21

THE BELIZE TIMES

All things being equal, we can readily look back at Belize’s progress and regressions and figure out which party has been productive and which has been mainly talk. After almost six years of their current term, many are beginning to believe that the UDP makes a much more efficient opposition than it does a government. While in Opposition, the UDP seemed able to manipulate the media, infiltrate the Unions and NGO’s and were quite effective at nudging the PUP into action. The PUP apparently makes a less effective opposition since they have not been able to stir the people to “civil unrest” despite unprecedented

lavish lifestyles but most are close to or related to government officials.

Something is just not right.

For those Belizeans who remember pre-Independence Belize, the transformation from colony to nationhood has involved much more than just a change in name and flag color. We have come from one lane dirt roads to an intricate system of decent roadways crisscrossing our nation. We can point to the Boom Cutoff, the Hummingbird and Southern Highways, a by-pass in Orange Walk, the Belize River Valley Road and the Placencia Road as just some of the areas in which improvement has been marked and notably apparent. Many villages have received light, water and basic commodities that were at one time, mainly the objects of dreams and political promises. Much of this progress occurred under the PUP and many Belizeans will readily admit that they enjoy a much better quality of life under the People’s United Party. Yes, there have been challenges under both parties but somehow, the PUP seems more adept at digging in and

progress, spiritually we are practically brain-dead. Morality is out the window, adherence to rules is rare and respect for authority was left behind with colonialism. Our per capita murder-rate is among the highest in the world, corruption is more the rule than the exception and love of country seems to last only for as long as the celebrations of September. We are ruled by despots whose main ambition is to enrich themselves and their families while the people’s business goes untended.

This year, we have seen the usual influx of friends and family from the abroad. Of course, the number is not nearly what it used to be, given that many are now firmly entrenched in the U.S. system, many with young children who must return to school. I do not often agree with the publisher of the Amandala, but on this one matter, I do. It is time for us to reach out to those in the Diaspora and time for them to think more in terms of ways to help us. I am still strongly opposed to any with duo-citizenship being allowed to run for office but there are many other ways in which those who still love Belize can help. There is more that Belize can do to entice those who have gone away to come back and lend their expertise and experiences.

Instead of sharing out public land to only family and friends of the party in office, our Lands Department could make land available to those who wish to repatriate. We all love Belize and we are duty-bound to help her grow.

Yes Belize, we are independent and we have come a long way, physically. We all have phones but we do very little communicating. We have better roads but we all seem headed to nowhere and getting there pretty fast. You might say that we are headed to hell in a wheel-Barrow! Happy Independence Belize!

After almost six years of their current term, many are beginning to believe that the UDP makes a much more efficient opposition than it does a government. corruptions and many things having gone wrong. In government, the PUP seems more masterful and efficient in stimulating the economy, creating jobs and putting bread on people’s tables. Under the UDP, unemployment stays above twenty percent and the poverty rate has more than doubled.

There are those of course, who enjoy

digging out of holes. The UDP is better at casting blame, creating timely distractions and making false promises.

One party is of substance while the other is of pure glitter. It does not take a Rhodes Scholar to figure out which is which.

Now, while in a secular sense, Belize has evidence to show much

22

THE BELIZE TIMES

The Forgotten Ones

By Patrick Jason Andrews The City of Belmopan is the youngest Capital City in the world. Its people are a mosaic of races, cultures and values, coming from all over this beautiful country of ours, and beyond.

It was a center of refuge for thousands of Central Americans, where they were fully integrated into the Belizean community, thanks to the People’s United Party. Once characterized as a civil service city, it has blossomed to include the service industry, the headquarters for our national university, Social Security, telephone company and diplomatic offices.

Belmopan is no longer a boring place to live and work; it is now a city with so much potential for growth and development.

Through referenda, the people of Belmopan decided to have its own City Council. Six years under the management of a dynamic PUP Mayor, the city blossomed into what was termed the “Garden City”. Mayor Anthony Chanona knew very well the true meaning of people’s representation. Streets were maintained, parks were established, and street lights were installed. A new tax structure was established, and a Master Plan was developed.

Ten years under the management of the present UDP Area Representative and the UDP Mayor, Belmopan has retrograded. The most despicable way of showing their incompetence, lack of commitment, and victimization, is the way they are treating the periphery communities in Belmopan (Maya Mopan, Salvapan, San Martin, Las Flores,

and Riviera), which comprise forty-five percent (45%) of the population. On the last general elections, these communities had the highest voter turnout (78%), and THEY VOTED PUP. As a consequence, since the last general elections, neither “gentlemen” have been in these communities, and have sworn that they will do nothing for these the Forgotten Ones. The streets are in the worst conditions; not even pedestrians can walk these streets. Water supply has not been extended to those in need,

and the house lots which they so hurriedly sold prior to elections have no access roads, light nor water. This is a way of punishment to those who voted against the UDP. What these “gentlemen” fail to realize is that the people will never forget how they have been abandoned, made to suffer, and discriminated against. The Taxi Operators from these communities know very well what it is to be discriminated. The City Council, with the Area Representative’s blessing, has given prime parking rights to die-hard UDPs, even those who DO NOT LIVE IN BELMOPAN. Meanwhile, those from Belmopan have been marginalized to other areas with poor potential.

The time for redemption is near.

We will not lose focus to deliver our people from bondage. Our people have dignity; they have faith that things will change with the People’s United Party. Belmopan needs new leadership, young and committed to our City, with moral and ethical values to save our families.

Time is near. Have faith.

PUP NOTICE

Dangriga Constituency Committee The People’s United Party is accepting applications for members of the Dangriga Constituency Committee. The Election of the Committee will be held on October 20, 2013.

Application forms are available through Dangriga PUP Committee Chairman Mr. Melvin Bernard or the PUP Secretariat located at Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City.

The application must be filled and returned to the Secretariat, addressed to the Secretary General by Friday October 10, 2013.

15 SEP

2013

15 SEP

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Home Economics

Debate & Development

By Richard Harrison The philosophy of economic development that the leaders of countries believe in or rather, the philosophy adopted by those who the leaders listen to and take advice from....is what determines the actions that the leaders are willing and able to take.

There is evidence to prove that Belize, since Independence, has shifted away from the MIXED-ECONOMY described by George Price, and enshrined in our CONSTITUTION.....and towards more neo-liberal economic theories, which do not align with the spirit of our constitution.

The Belize Constitution prescribes that we “RESPECT the principles of social justice and therefore believe that the operation of the economic system must result in the material resources of the community being so distributed as to subserve the common good, that there should be adequate means of livelihood for all, that labour should not be exploited or forced by economic necessity to operate in inhumane conditions but that there should be opportunity for advancement on the basis of recog-

nition of merit, ability and integrity, that equal protection should be given to children regardless of their social status, and that a just system should be ensured to provide for education and health on the basis of equality”.

Neo-liberalism per se, is not a problem in and of itself....in my mind. But when it presents difficulties, it is prostituted with corruption and nepotism (mostly due to the absence of laws that would prevent such germs from taking hold and multiplying themselves) which is exactly the situation that Belize finds itself in. Now ...no politician will legislate against the feeding trough ...because the feeding frenzy has a feedback mechanism that sets up a cycle of a continuously growing voracious appetite.

There are many among the “intellectual elite” who have had the ears of Belize’s leaders since Independence (it’s a narrow circle on both sides, by the way)... and who, in their limited understanding of neo-liberal philosophy ...condemn “import substitution”. They argue that ALL investments should be directed at “exports”, that is, either tourism or other export services or export

of goods to other countries.

This is all good ...and we have been growing tourism ...but who would argue that we depend completely on tourism to survive? I think everyone agrees that we should also increase our export of goods and services to foreign consumers.

BUT ...how can we export if we don’t start up industries that produce?

First of all ...to build an industry with export orientation ...the size of the investment requires a large amount of CAPITAL. Very few Belizeans have the collateral to support such capital investments ...in fact, the entire financial system in Belize adheres to the “start small-grow slowly” kind of thinking. There are very few of us in Belize who have the technical expertise to formulate and create new products ...and most of us who do, do not have the capital from the get-go to invest in the scale of operations that is required for export.

If we do not see “import-substitution” as a road to “exportation” ...and an integral part of our push to grow exports.....then investments in production industries in Belize can only come from foreigners who have access to the scale of capital required. Belizeans will be relegated to being workers and servants.

It’s either we adopt a strategy that recognizes “import substitution” as an integral part of our push towards exports....so that small and medium

23 enterprises are ENCOURAGED and FACILITATED to start up and grow in the domestic market...and ASSISTED in every effort to grow towards exportation ...OR ...we modernize our financial system to allow for export-scaled-investment levels, with flexible “collateral” requirements......including recognition of many years of university preparation or work experience in development of technical KNOWLEDGE, and development of personal CHARACTER and CREDIT WORTHINESS ...OR a mixture of both ...which is how I understand the MIXED-ECONOMY philosophy.

Completely depending on foreign investors to determine our VALUE ...and the extent to which we INVEST, SAVE and CONSUME ...i.e. grow our economy ...is totally ludicrous.

If the core of our political power has bought into extreme neo-liberalism as the leading philosophy to guide our economic development, our laws and policies ...and our laws will not be altered to drastically reduce corruption and nepotism ...to create a competitive and productive economy ...and a fair and balanced playing field for ALL investors, free of fear or favor ...we, the majority of Belizeans, are all screwed.

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

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15 SEP

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Recipe of the week

Creole Bun Ingredients 2 tsps. sugar 1 egg beaten 1-1/2 sticks margarine 1 tsp cinnamon powder 1/2-3/4 lbs. brown sugar (1 cup) 3/4 cup warm water 2 tsps. vanilla 1-1/2 cups evaporated milk 6 tsps. yeast or 2 tblsps. instant yeast 1 cup raisins 1 tsp. nutmeg 2 lbs. all purpose flour (8 cups) Directions 1. Set yeast (put to rise). Water temperature should be 100 to 115 F. 2. In a deep bowl. Put flour, sugar and spices. Make a hole in the centre.

3. Melt margarine, add evaporated milk and vanilla essence (warm slightly).

Do not boil.

4. Add yeast to warm milk.

5. Add milk mixture to flour.

6. Mix with a wooden spoon until it holds together, knead and put to rise.

7. Knead again on a floured board.

8. Cut into 6-8 pieces. Form into round balls.

9. Flatten slightly. (Put in greased baking pan). Let rise until double in size.

10. Preheat oven 350 to 375 F/180 C. 11.

Bake for 30-40 minutes until brown all over or has hollow sound when tapped on the bottom. Cool on wire rack.

Mayor H. Gilbert Swaso 2013 Independence Day Address

My fellow residents of beautiful Dangriga and wider Stann Creek District, in a few days our beloved nation, Belize, will be celebrating her 32nd anniversary of independence from Great Britain under the theme “Belize in you, Belize in Me, Land of the Free”. This theme encourages everyone to take ownership of this wonderful nation. I urge you, however, to start with taking ownership of our hometown Dangriga the culture capital because as it is said, charity begins from home but doesn’t end there’.

The Dangriga September Celebration Committee under the auspices of the National Celebration Committee has prepared a wonderful calendar of activities leading up to September 21, Independence Day for your participation and entertainment.

I as your Mayor and the Chairman of the Dangriga Celebration Committee and your Councillors of the Dangriga Town Council call on every one to celebrate responsibly and to demonstrate the Belize in You, Belize in Me, Land of the Free.

Long Live Belize, Long Live Dangriga. Have a happy and safe Independence Day celebration.

Major (Ret’d) H. Gilbert Swaso Mayor of Dangriga Dangriga Town Council

15 SEP

25

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

OUR BELIZE: FUN FACTS We have 16 forest reserves in Belize. Can you find and circle the ones we have below in the Word Search?

OUR

RAINFOREST:

DID YOU KNOW?

IT’S ALL ABOUT FORESTS...

ANS: Jabiru Half Maya Howler Tropical Unexplored

Can you use the words in the box to answer our crossword puzzle?

Across

Down

2. Our rainforest is home to over 900 hundred _________ sites!

1. Our rainforest is home to the ___________stork, which is the largest flying bird in all of North, Central and South America.

5. The Black _____________Monkeys make their home in the rainforest. They are one of the top ten loudest animals in the world!

6. Because our rainforest is vast and hard to reach some of it remains almost completely ____________.

3. In our rainforest over 4,000 species of_________ flowers grow!

We’ve got 500 species of orchids!

4. Our rainforest is so vast it covers _________ of our country!

Colour Me!

CHIQUIBUL COLOMBIA RIVER MACHACA MAYA MOUNTAIN

MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE SIBUN SWASEY BLADEN VACA

KRIOL – ENGLISH LINK UP

Can you match the Kriol words to the English words?

Laan

Lord

Laad

Cap

Laaf

Captain

Kyap

Learn

Kyapm Laugh

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15 SEP

THE BELIZE TIMES BELIZE TIMES WEEKLY

2013

SCIENCE & TECH BRAIN R

E

V

I

E

W

Men with smaller testicles make better dads

TEASER

SUDOKU PUZZLE #34/2013

Men with smaller testicles tend to be more involved as fathers, a new study suggests.

9 September 2013 by Victoria Druce James Rilling and his colleagues at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, used MRI scans to measure the volume of the testicles of 55 fathers.

The team asked these men – and the mothers of their children – a series of questions to determine how involved they are as fathers. The team also used fMRI brain scanners to look at the brain activity of the men as they viewed photos of their kids.

Men with smaller testicles got the best parenting scores in the questionnaires.

When looking at pictures of their children, these men also showed more activity in regions of the brain associated with empathy and motivation to care for offspring than men with bigger testes, which suggests they are more nurturing fathers.

Previous studies have suggested that men with more testosterone are more sexually active, but that levels of the hormone drop once men become fathers. But the new link between testicle size and involvement in parenting could not be explained by the participants’ testosterone levels.

“Circulating testosterone isn’t the whole story,” says Susanne Schultz, an evolutionary biologist at the University

Answers for last week’s puzzle SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTION #33/2013

of Manchester, UK, who describes the finding as “a very surprising result”.

Energy equation Men with bigger testicles tend to produce more and higher-quality sperm. There may be a trade-off between the amount of energy a man invests in making sperm, which can be thought of as a mating strategy, and parenting, Rilling says. “We all do really have a finite amount of energy that we can spend on things,” he says.

Rilling does not know how smaller testicles might make men better fathers. “We’re assuming that testis size drives how involved the fathers are, but it could be that when men become more involved as caregivers, their testes shrink.”

The findings do not necessarily mean that men with bigger testicles will be worse fathers. Most fathers choose how involved they are in their child’s upbringing, says Rilling.

“It might be more challenging for some men to do these kinds of caregiving activities, but that by no means excuses them,” he says.

See answers NEXT WEEK

BELIZE TIMES

The fastest selling newspaper in Belize

Answers for last week’s puzzle

See answers NEXT WEEK

15 SEP

2013

OUT No to NCL Deal!

Continued from page 2 leading destinations in the Western Caribbean. The government seems to be wearing blinders and could only see the political mileage they could garner from this project. There is already a cruise ship terminal in Belize City and if we plan to take the same approach to accommodate the privileged few then we’re heading up that proverbial creek without a paddle.

We are fully aware of the situation and condition that exist outside the Tourism Village and what transpires there on a daily bases. Hard working independent Belizeans who go out every single day, rain or shine to try and make a living, are being push aside.

Even the FECTAB representatives who pride themselves to be the voice of the voiceless in the Tourism Industry has to wait on the outside and hope that there people are allowed to come outside the gates for their tours. This is the socalled cruise tourism policy that is now in place in Belize. Is this the blueprint for the way ahead for our people in the south? I’m bothered by the thought.

We must realize that these ships are private mega corporation and their bottom line is profit. After sealing the deal with the Government, who could tell them what do on their private island? N.C.L has already mentioned that they will only be operating on their Island for approximately 150 days out of the year. Will it be abandoned for the remainder of the year? Now, that’s wishful thinking. It is deceitful to give the impression that only N.C.L will have access to Harvest Caye.

Presently in Belize City it is Royal Caribbean along with Diamond International that owns the Fort Street Tourism Village but, over 50% of all the cruise line that dock here are Carnival. Actually, a closer look on the cruise ship schedule reveals that only Carnival Cruise line docks here in Belize City during the slow season.

Let’s not be naïve -these companies are looking to create a dream destination in the Western Caribbean. Harvest Caye won’t be short of anything, there won’t be any reason for their guest to leave the caye. Even our spiritual ritual the Dügu, they are attempting to take on the Caye. The cruise line have had enough of the chaos and the terrible experience that their guests have to endure walking outside the gates of the tourist village in Belize City and also they want to eliminate the tendering boats. The disadvantage outweighs the advantage in this project. Entrepreneurship, meaningful employment and empowerment of the people are out the door. This will make us third and fourth class citizens in our own country, Happy Birthday Belize.

Respectfully submitted, Joseph Alvarez

27

THE BELIZE TIMES

OUT Solar Power for Powerless Villages Continued from page 2 This short article prompted me to write this article, due to the fact that we recently installed a solar system

OUT Elected Senatethe Sole Oversight Authority Continued from page 2 mission. It is a great pity that his successors as Speaker have not sought his advice Like Janus, I am convinced that an elected Senate is, possibly, the only agency capable of reducing corruption in government. An elected Senate would have security of tenure which no other oversight body has ever had in Belize- it would be removable only by the People.

All the others: Ombudsman, Auditor General, Contractor General, Integrity Commission may all be removed by the persons who appoint them.

Amendment No 17 of 1913 changed the US Senate from an appointed to an elected body. It took the American People 137 years to realize that an appointed Senate was not the most effective arrangement to control corruption. 32 years after Independence, Belize is in the same spot. Appointed bodies cannot control the corruption of democratically elected entities with dictatorial powers.

If and when we amend the Constitution to give effect to an elected Senate, we should then also sharpen the separation of powers by establishing a one-term President (Prime Minister) serving for four years, a Legislature whose only assignment would be to make laws, and a Judiciary, which would also be subject to impeachment by the Senate.

If and when the People of Belize would give effect to the above changes, it would be very enlightened if we would encourage the concept of creating a National Development Plan, a return to Permanent Secretaries of the Public Service, and only ONE election every four years to choose ALL (emphasis all) elected officials, from local to national. I need not remind readers that elections are very expensive.

Signed: Paul Rodriguez

on our small island fishing lodge, and cut down our diesel generator usage by more than 70%. After an on-site visit by our solar system provider, Solar Energy Solutions Belize Ltd., they estimated that with our four guest cabins filled with a maximum of 10 guest, our staff quarters with an average of 10 staff/fishing guides, managers quarters and all on-island appliances, lights et al, we would need at least 12kWh/day average to operate smoothly on a 24/7 basis.

To make a comparison, our small island lodge can be considered 7 average households in Toledo Rural, that would require a 12kWh/day system to have 24/7 electricity.

Now, to provide 12kWh/day of power we required twelve 240Wp Crystalline Solar Panels, one inverter, one high frequency inverter, one smartformer and eight 6V 370Ah solar deep cycle batteries and other miscellaneous items for setup.

The entire installation process took only two days to setup, starting from transportation to Placencia, then to the island and setup of system, by only two technicians. A quick estimate: the Government of Belize can give each home in these villages the power they need to get into the 21st century, at an investment of approximately $7,000 per home or less (estimating taxes, duties etc. waivered by GOB on importing equipment). I am certain if GOB does a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) between running electricity to these villages from the grid or installing solar systems, solar would be a more sound investment/decision, and also it is free, green energy. The only perpetual expense would be to change the deep cycle batteries every 3 to 5 years, and with the pace of technological development, these equipment will continue to become cheaper and cheaper.

To support my claim that a CBA would justify the investment/decision to go solar to power these villages, I refer to the report “Assessment Of The Energy Sector In Belize” released in March 2011 states: With regard to energy, Belize is faced with the challenge of high energy costs and fossil fuel dependence, high energy imports, increasing environmental impacts, inadequate energy policies, antiquated infrastructure and technologies, outdated production approaches, scarce qualified workforce and inadequate energy data.

The energy sector is one of the major sources of government revenue (e.g., fuel taxes, license fees and royalties). Roughly 75% of total energy demand is supplied through foreign sources.

According to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), in 2009 Belize’s primary energy sources comprised 66% fossil fuel (imported), 26% biomass (traditional biomass and bagasse), 5% Electricity (imported), and 3% Hydro. Wind and solar energy represent a negligible 0.03% of all primary energy sources (emphasis added). These per-

OUT BRC Executive Committee stands

by Area Rep Hon. Dolores!

Continued from page 2 cifically to Hon. Dolores, against whom the repugnant behavior of the member for Mesopotamia was directed. The so-called apology given by the Member for Mesopotamia on a radio station to everyone except Hon. Dolores is in no way acceptable.

Furthermore, we call on you to ensure that there will be no repeat of this despicable and offensive conduct and that henceforth you will make sure that meetings of the House are conducted with civility and with respect for the dignity of all members.

Sincerely, Jose Garcia, Chairman Vincent Parks Thompson, Former Senator Bernardo Bennett, Coordinator

centages have not changed significantly over the last 10 years. Fossil fuels are imported by two companies: Esso Standard Oil S.A. Limited, the only private company in Belize authorized to import fuel, and Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), which also imports diesel fuel from Mexico.

The document goes on to say: Deployment of RETs (Renewal Energy Technology) for sustainable development faces various challenges, specifically the establishment of suitable institutional frameworks, the leveling of the playing field between grid-connected and off-grid electrification, the lack of awareness about RETs and poor technical support. Many of the traditional financing institutions dealing with Belize’s rural poor who were interviewed for this report have very little or no knowledge of RET programs.

And last but not least: When it comes to Solar Energy not much work has been done in this field. However, solar PV could be an economically viable option, particularly considering the future in crude oil prices. Belize’s average solar radiation in an optimal tilt angle is roughly estimated at 2,000-3,000 kWh/m2 per year. Taking into consideration the cost of deploying current technologies, solar generation would cost between 0.20 and 0.50 US$/kWh. This cost could drop to 0.10 US$/kWh by 2020. In addition to households, large scale solar PV systems could contribute significantly to power the industrial sector. Solar PV home systems typically consist of one 40 to 60 Watts-peak (Wp) module and one battery, which Continued on page 29

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Christian Misconception

In Politics

C

an you be a Christian and be in politics? That’s a very good question to ask as many people believe you cannot. But before I continue let me again explain that I don’t fully subscribe to the word “Christian”.

To be a Christian really means that you believe that Jesus exists and that He is the Son of God. The problem with this is that even devils believe that Jesus is the son of God and they tremble (James 2:19)! In other words you can be a Christian and not even be in the kingdom of God. Everybody calls themselves Christian! You just have to go get baptized, become a member of a church, and after that ‘wala’ you are in! You can live how you please after that and as long as you refer to yourself by that name you are safe! Well, sorry my friend it doesn’t work that way. But since that is not my topic for today I will switch focus for the mean while.

I would agree that the way a lot of Christians function today, it would be simply common sense to not place them inside a political system. That is the reason I constantly have to amplify the difference between the kingdom of God and Christianity. The former is a religion while the latter is a country. In one you can be a member while in the other you can only be a citizen. One works on building a country while the other works on building an institution!

Last week I mentioned that in the manual a young man interpreted a king’s dream! While he worked at his first job for Potiphar, he became second in command in the whole business which was mainly because of the way he worked and carried himself (Genesis 39:4). In fact He was so brilliant that the king made him second in command in his kingdom. Here is a man that believes in God and serves Him with all his heart getting deep into politics. Making it worse, he was now in command of a nation which didn’t even believe in the God that he served!

On the other hand, here is the number one reason why politics needs to have the kingdom of God in it…

Imagine a nation where the fathers don’t care for their children, and live in adultery, where the citizens make no commitment to each other but just run around having sexual intercourse with any one as they please, just making children. Imagine a nation where the citizens drink themselves to sleep, then after they are asleep, jump behind the steering wheel to take themselves home past a bus full of people on the northern highway. Imagine a country where it’s ok to kill, or to steal anything you like, and the list goes on and on!

The reality is that all nations are built on some part of the kingdom of God and its principles. Some of them, such as Belize, have it written in the constitution that it is built on the principles of God while others just simply subscribe to its principles without admitting to it!

Finally God wants it to be done on earth as it is in heaven. In heaven, there is a political leader and king called God, there are servants or citizens, there are laws and do’s and don’ts. There is a prison, there are trees, precious materials and there are even weapons! Now tell me that is not a country! God says that the earth is His which means it’s a part of His Kingdom and therefore his laws should apply.

With this in mind there is no way that He wouldn’t want a few of his earthly representatives to partake in the political process!

Hopefully next week we can look at a few more misconceptions…

Until then God bless!

By Dr. John Sosa

15 SEP

2013

What is a stroke?

A stroke happens when damage occurs to an area of the brain due to disruption in blood supply, depriving that area of the brain of oxygen. The area of the brain affected does not get enough oxygen and so starts to die.

The World Health organization determines a stroke as “Rapidly developed clinical sign of focal disturbance of cerebral function of presumed vascular origin and of more than 24 hours”. There are also attacks on the brain that resolve completely within 24 hours and these are called TIAs (Transient Ischemic Attacks). These are “warning strokes”. 10% of patients will go on to have a stroke.

Stroke is the third largest killer in the Western World. Stroke is one of the major causes of disability, particularly in the elderly. Stroke patients may present with a variety of physical, cognitive and psychosocial problems, but most stroke patients show signs of recovery over time.

What causes it?

Stroke can be caused either by a clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain (ischemic strokes) or by a blood vessel rupturing and preventing blood flow to the brain (Hemorrhagic or bleeding strokes).

Patients with bleeding strokes are usually hypertensive.

Risk Factors Risk Factors include obesity, smoking, drug abuse, heart disease especially atrial fibrillation, older age particularly after 45, alcohol, High blood pressure, poor family history of stroke and heart disease, high LDL and total cholesterol levels, physical inactivity, Diabetes, and Stress.

Symptoms Everyone should know Symptoms of a Stroke. Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty means time to call the ambulance (FAST). Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg (usually on one side of the body), dimness or loss of vision (usually one eye), loss of speech or trouble talking or understanding speech, unexplained, severe headache, dizziness, unsteadiness, or sudden fall may all be indicative of a stroke happening.

Effects of a Stroke include some motor, sensory, cognitive, or speech impairment. Limitations may be permanent but lessen in severity over time. Younger patients recover better and impairments caused by hemorrhages can more easily be overcome than those caused by infarctions if the hemorrhage is small.

Medical Treatment Initial treatment may involve clot-dissolving medication and close monitoring, such as the use of tPA medications. These, if used in time, hopefully before 90 minutes have passed and definitely before 3 hours have passed, can dissolve the clot in the artery and eliminate the stroke. It is therefore important to get to the doctor as quickly as possible for best outcome.

Surgery may also be needed in certain patients to resolve arterial or heart problems.

Many stroke victims will be disabled and need long term family and nursing care, as well as physical rehabilitation along with speech therapy.

Rehabilitation should always be started as early as possible. This long term treatment implies an economic cost to the society, more so as many patients are still productive citizens. Stroke is a killer, and everyone should be aware of its presence.

15 SEP

OUT Solar Power for Powerless Villages

Hon. Jose Mai

provides education grants

Orange Walk District, September 11, 2013 The Hon Jose Mai continues to provide financial assistance in the form of Education Grants for students of the OW South Constituency.

On Monday, 9 September 2013, the Hon Jose Mai

visited Centro Escolar Mex-

ico, where he delivered education grants to a number of students.

Students Darly Cal, Delmi Carrillo, Nelson Blanco and Sonia Carrillo are all grateful for the financial assistance provided by the Hon Jose Mai.

Continued from page 27 are highly cost-effective considering Belize’s climate and solar radiation values. National legislation does not contemplate tax incentives for the generation of electricity by means of photovoltaic systems.

In conclusion, we are currently in the stone ages when it comes to energy independence. The procurement of the solar technology equipment needed to light up these 38 villages in Toledo would be a small investment and a huge Return On Investment (ROI), and I am certain the CBA would more than justify the investment and decision to implement.

Let us start taking energy independence serious. Let us start by investing in green energy for Toledo, our most forgotten district, it seems.

Sincerely,

BELIZE RED CROSS SOCIETY VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

______________________________________________________________ The Belize Red Cross (BRC) announces the following job opportunity: POSITION: Resource Mobilization Officer CONTRACT PERIOD: 2 years Job Summary: • • • • • •

Update and implement the BRC Resource Mobilization Strategy, in consultation with management.

Form partnerships with Donors, especially corporate partnerships.

Organize fundraising campaigns and events.

Liaise with the Volunteer & Youth Development Officer to involve volunteers in fundraising plans and initiatives.

Facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing as required by the organization.

Build and maintain positive relationships with all members of staff and volunteers, and contacts within and outside the organization.

Education and Experience: • • • • • • •

Bachelor’s Degree in finance, marketing, communications or any other related field 2-3 years of experience in resource mobilization.

Have knowledge of networking, research and fundraising at a high level and in raising funds from Donor organizations.

Experience in research, establishing and developing contacts and good working relationships with private and public potential donors.

Able to identify funding opportunities and prepare proposals, concept papers and necessary program documents.

Able to prepare project proposals from their respective areas, evaluate and provide technical assistance where necessary.

Able to meet above 80% financial targets of BRC.

Skills and Knowledge: • • • • • • •

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Excellent interpersonal skills – required to network with contacts Excellent written communication skills essential Excellent time management skills required to meet tight deadlines is essential Good computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Access, etc) Flexible, adaptable, dynamic and culturally sensitive High integrity, commitment to service and respect for diversity Ability to work under strict deadlines

All applicants are invited to submit their application to Director General, Be-

lize Red Cross, P.O. Box 413, Belize City, Belize. Email: bzercshq@btl.net.

Deadline for submission of applications is September 30th, 2013.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted

Charles Leslie Jr. Co-Owner Tarpon Caye Belize Editor’s Note: There is an urgent need for Belize to incorporate a sustainable renewable energy policy so as to move away from the old, expensive sources of energy. While Solar Energy may be too much of a complex science for the Barrow Administration, it is important to point out that under the PUP administration solar energy, among other forms of renewable energy, was encouraged.

In July 2005, San Benito Poite village in the Toledo District became the first community in Belize to be powered up with solar energy.

ProWorld Belize Vacancy: Site Director (Cayo) Site Director is responsible for the management and development of participant experiences and community development work at their site. S/he manages a team of staff members, the integration of program participants into those projects, and the delivery of experiences for participants.

Submit Resume to: ProWorld Belize #28 Benque Viejo Road San Ignacio Belize For further inquiry: 824-2003, Email: nicole@proworldvounteers.org

OUT San Estevan/ Progresso Road Neglected over and over Continued from page 2 Walk to Progresso Road.

To be precise, it’s not a new story but on election time we are countlessly promised by politicians both blue and red that they will pave our road to acceptable standards. Why would they promise something that as soon as they get in government they forget about?

I want to state that this road is a small backbone for our country yet Government relies on the huge returns of taxes from this road, especially on sugar cane returns.

Eggs, Cattle, Chicken, Papayas for Export, Vegetables, Sugarcane, Wood, and all kinds of products are transported through this road yet Government (Ministry of Works) closes their eyes and spends no dollar for maintaining this road to acceptable conditions. It has been countless months that no Ministry of Works truck has done any maintenance to this road. It’s noteworthy to state that this road was supposed to be paved by the end of May 2013 yet no progress has been done to this road excepts more than 18 miles of “drains” being dug to and from the stated contract works which serves as nothing but to keep water stagnant.

It’s of great disappointment to the 15,000+ residents of San Estevan, Progresso, Chunox, Copper Bank and Sarteneja and all those who travel every day this terrible road. I can hypothetically state that there are over a billion pot holes from Orange Walk to Progresso. We complain everyday but nobody seems to make a difference. It’s more disappointing that Government spends not a dime of our taxes to remedy this situation.

We are tax payers too and we demand that Government follows up with our request to maintain our road in good conditions. If someday this road is paved to acceptable standards we don’t mind paying a toll, we don’t mind being charged a dollar for every time we pass the toll. All we need is a paved road that will not erode in 2 or 3 years.

If I were the Government I would find the capital to invest in infrastructure like this road, a toll on the road would be a perfect way to aid in the payment of such infrastructure project.

We hope that somebody in Government reads this letter especially the Minister of Works and takes action. We are tired of promises and excuses. Something needs to be done soon.

Thanks.

Signed: Resident Editor’s Note: The former PUP Government had secured $8.9 million for the paving of the San Estevan/Progresso Road. In 2008, following the general elections, the then Minister of Works Anthony “Boots” Martinez diverted the funds for the paving of Albert Street in Belize City. Since then, the project has been stalled.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

15 SEP

2013

EDITORIAL Español Barrow El Anti-Reforma

A

pesar de todo el debate sobre la transparencia dentro el gobierno, el Primer Ministro Dean Barrow aparenta estar muy contento con el statu quo. Esto a pesar de las crecientes acusaciones de corrupción dentro su administración además de un informe condenatorio por el Auditor

General.

La propuesta de cambiar la composición de la Comisión de Cuentas Públicas para que sea menos político y más práctico parece una propuesta bastante razonable para examinar las arcas públicas. Por ejemplo, existen muchas preguntas sin respuestas acerca de quien dentro del gobierno obtuvo benéficos del escándalo sobre el Palo de Rosa. Al público todavía no se le ha dicho la verdad después de que el gobierno se comprometió a compartir el botín 50/50 de la tala ilegal maderero que resulta ser el hermano del Primer Ministro Auxiliar. Un cargamento de palo de rosa fue valorada en $ 216,000. La Ministra Forestal decidió que el gobierno debe recaudar $ 15.000 en vez de $ 108.000 por contenedor. Debido a que PAC no se le has permitido funcionar las mentes inquisitivas necesitan saber sobre los tratos debajo de la mesa de quid pro quo entre ellos el la Ministra Forestal. Ella no va a dar respuestas hasta que PAC funcione.

Como explicamos en nuestro editorial de la semana pasada, el Primer Ministro pierde su decoro y paciencia cada vez que se le pregunta sobre la enmienda PAC. Su actitud, que empeora cada día, es totalmente un reflejo de su pájaro dodo dentro la Cámara de Representantes. En lugar de discutir los asuntos del pueblo o el estado miserable de la nación, el Primer Ministro alienta a la carga despreciable del abismo de monólogos analfabetos, lenguaje obsceno, obscenidades, afirmaciones ilógicas y mala conducta grosera. En la Cámara, el caos se ve facilitada por el Presidente de la Cámara.

Los alborotos dentro la Cámara y entrevistas condescendientes parecen ser planificadas y orquestadas por el Primer Ministro para evitar el debate y subsecuente discurso nacional que exacerbar el creciente ruido y las discusiones sobre un gobierno disfuncional y corrupto gobierno que ni siquiera Transparencia Internacional puede obtener datos nacional en sus manos.

Tenemos que discutir o estimular debate en nuestro Parlamento sobre el informe impactante por las fallidas políticas de este gobierno emitido por el Banco Inter-Americano sobre el colapso de nuestro sistema de educación y las políticas fallidas de este gobierno en esta área a costa de padres de familia y jóvenes de este país que son estafados, no sólo en la educación sino también en su entorno, que ciertamente sin duda no los está levantando-si hemos de seguir el ejemplo de los dirigentes sin idea y liderazgo degradantes por parte del gobierno de la legislatura.

Tenemos que dialogar de forma razonable como gente inteligente deben hacer, sobre los deficientes servicios médicos y de salud que se están llevando vidas en lugar de salvar vidas. Tenemos que hablar sobre el pobre desempeño de la economía nacional, la incapacidad del gobierno para atraer inversiones significativas y sostenibles (la industria cruceros no es uno) y la urgente necesidad de detener de

miles y miles de nuestra gente que cada día se hunden más en el desempleo y la pobreza.

Colocando todo esto, nosotros, como nación nos estamos dirigiendo a convertirnos en un Estado fallido en la región, tal vez como Haití e incluso como Zimbabwe en África.

Belice tiene ahora todo la fachada de una dictadura grotesca por el Primer Ministro, que, cuando a su antojo, hizo cambios a la Constitución y ahora ignora el estado de derecho. Es obvio que el con la ayuda de su gobierno corrupto mañosamente y como un ladrón en la noche, está creando de una oligarquía de miembros de su familia y compinches y una superioridad de una burguesía menor, mientras que el resto del pueblo siguen luchando con el aumento en el costo de todo, desde la gasolina, hasta los servicios públicos, hasta utilidades como la harina.

La políticas calloso del gobierno sobre el pro-pobre es cruel y el gobierno lo sabe que es simplemente eso. Se trata de un plan deliberadamente diseñado para mantener a la gente pobre y dependiente, sin más esperanza para oportunidades, mejores servicios de salud, mejor educación, o las oportunidades de empleo incluso la elevación en el futuro.

Está diseñado hábilmente como una herramienta política vergonzoso, así viniendo la Navidad, los partidarios conocidos obtienen sus jamones y pavos y luego viene un nuevo ciclo electoral en lo que se ha convertido en una democracia falsa, el electorado se lanza a limosnas, y cerveza fría y el arroz y frijoles e incluso notas azules (100 dólares) como una solución de corto plazo para los estómagos hambrientos y en flagrante violación de las leyes electorales a cambio de votos y para que estos políticos nos pueden mantener como rehén durante cinco años más. Esto es exactamente lo que sucedió en la última elección que dio lugar a que el gobierno despreciable actual.

Todos deben saber por qué el Primer Ministro, que no vamos a negar, es inteligente como un abogado y un “Maestro de los Juegos” (sus palabras) es tan hostil a algunas de las mismas propuestas de reforma política, que él promovió antes de llegar a gobierno y que, según él habría estado de acuerdo entonces, es mejor para nuestra democracia.

Uno se pregunta por qué se ha vuelto tan hostil a los creíbles inversionistas locales e internacionales, a menos que pueda manipularlos. Uno se pregunta por qué es tan hostil hacia los medios de comunicación y por qué se hace tan ansioso cuando se le pregunta las preguntas difíciles.

Todo esto es un síntoma de qué debates significativos se siente frustrado en la Legislatura.

Este tipo de comportamiento por nuestro gobierno está haciendo una burla de la democracia y una burla a la tolerancia de la gente por tonterías.

El Primer Ministro, obviamente, se ha convertido en delirio.

Su forma de pensar, sus intentos de gobernar en lugar de gobernar con la voluntad del pueblo, es peligroso. Este gobierno ha perdido toda credibilidad. Este gobierno ha fracasado. Este gobierno no gobierna por la voluntad del pueblo. De hecho, no está gobernando.

Se ha dicho recientemente por un interesado Turístico de Placencia que es un gobierno que hace tratos con “drogadictos”. Es difícil no estar de acuerdo.

15 SEP

2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

Butane Prices Increase September 9, 2013 Cooking is already expensive with the price of basic foods increasing steadily. Now it’s even more expensive thanks to a price increase for butane gas approved by the Government of Belize.

The price of butane (Liquid Petroleum Gas) went up by four dollars last

Friday, September 6, from 113 dollars to 117 dollars per hundred pound cylinder in Belize City and Corozal. Other districts saw an even much bigger increase. For example, Orange Walk is $118; in Belmopan and San Ignacio it is $119; in Benque it is $120; Dangriga it is $121 and Punta Gorda it is $122.

Griga Market Mess!

UDP crony paid HALF A MILLION but FAILS to complete project Continued from page 10 ect when K&G failed to pay. K&G was forced to delay the works and seek funding from a third party.

In June 2013, despite K&G’s fallout with their creditor and a looming legal dispute over monies owed to them, SIF approved another assignment of payments to a third creditor, Ramirez.

SIF ignored the fact that K&G was, in their financial agreement, committing the entire $780,632.30 remaining balance to their new creditor. Another agreement was also signed with Ramirez later in June.

By August 2013, Ramirez pulled out of the deal because she was yet to receive monies that were committed by K&G. Ramirez has indicated that her expenses totalled $477,602.05, which have not been fully substantiated by SIF. While SIF has distanced itself from any of the arrangements between K&G and their former creditors, claiming that they were not “obligated” under any of the agreements, they have suggested that the Government pays off the creditors to avoid extended delays and litigation.

The Dangriga Town Council has expressed grave concerns with the situation, noting that it will further stall a much needed project in the community by as much as six more months. The residents, said the Council in a press release, will continue to be inconve-

nienced while the vendors will continue to lose income.

“The Council calls on SIF and GOB to ensure that the project is completed as soon as possible without any sacrifice to the quality of work in order to stop the inconvenience to the people of Dangriga and to prevent any further loss of income to the vendors,” stated the release.

31

Family of Slain Cop Questions Investigation Belize City, September 12, 2013 The investigation into the killing of Police Detective 24 year old Dean Yearwood has taken a controversial twist following comments from his family in which they expressed doubts and concerns.

Yearwood was shot by another cop, identified as Glen Grant, who had reportedly responded to the sound of gunshots and encountered a scene with two men wrestling each other, at the corner of Central American Boulevard and Public’s Supermarket.

Yearwood was shot once in the back and died from excessive bleeding, according to a post mortem.

Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie has described the event as a tragedy and a mistake.

“Unfortunately the result was that a fellow officer was hit and died… I cannot say it’s a murder because murder means pre-meditation, it was intentional - and there’s nothing here to indicate that there was any intent from anybody to kill anybody,” he told the press on Monday.

Grant was questioned by Police briefly. Whylie said he will undergo counseling.

The family is not satisfied with the Police’s investigation.

They are upset that the case is not considered murder and say there is enough evidence, though circumstantial, that points to serious

wrongdoing.

While he was convinced that the incident is the result of a fatal error, Commissioner said that the Police’s file will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice whether to charge Grant with murder.

The family of the slain cop has also raised several concerns. They claim that video footage taken by security cameras belonging to the nearby business, Public’s Supermarket, seems to have parts of video missing.

“We were made to understand certain things that were a part of that video and we were also made to understand that there are some seconds, some twenty seconds of that video that are missing. So it only shows him walking, holding his cell phone in his hand texting, approaching the junction and then he lifts his head up because something catches his attention when he gets to that junction,” said Yearwood’s aunt.

The other individual involved in the incident has been identified as 21 year old Brian Vasquez, who is believed was attempting to rob Yearwood along with an accomplice.

Yearwood reportedly took out his weapon and fired shots in the air.

At the same time, Grant was in the vicinity and responded. At the scene he aimed and fired, fatally injuring Yearwood. Vasquez was also found with a gunshot wound and is currently hospitalised under police guard.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

15 SEP

2013