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Sunday, November 13, 2011

SUNDAY November 13, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Issue No. 4771

www.facebook/Belize Times

PUP CitCo Team READY!!

PUP Belize City Council Team. Back: Erwin X, Alberto Vellos, Robert “Bobby” Cadle, Lennox “DJ Tambran” Young, Edward Young, Patrick Thompson, Peter Lacey Jr. (Front) Mayoral Candidate Karen Bodden, Dorla Vaughan, Swamy Babani & Gary Ayuso

Belize City, November 10, 2011 The People’s United Party Mayoral Candidate, Karen Bodden, today fervently called for an immediate audit of the Belize City Council’s finances in order for

city residents to no longer be kept in the dark regarding the true financial state of the municipal government. Bodden and her team of ten Councillor Candidates were unveiled to the

public at a press conference held today, Thursday, November 10th 2011, following an upbeat and energetic delegate convention held by the PUP on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at St. Mary’s Hall.

NO OIL DRILLING IN PROTECTED AREAS! See page 4

The team includes Councillor Candidates: Gary Ayuso, Swamy Babani, Robert “Bobby” Cadle, Peter Lacey Jr., Patrick Thompson, Dorla Vaughn, Alberto

Continued on page 4

YOU’VE MADE US PROUD, BOB

MOYA-the UDP PAPPY SHOW See page 27

The Leader of the Opposition and Party Leader Francis Fonseca and the People’s United Party wish Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, strength and resilience in her battle against cancer, as well as a speedy and complete recovery.

KEVIN LEE

deported to Belize on Friday See page 27

See page 7

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, November 13, 2011

From the ghetto streets

“Your Days are Done”

When will the Ministry of Works fix Sarteneja Road? November 8th, 2011 Dear Sir: Please allow me space in your wellrounded and prominent newspaper to register a very serious concern I have as a resident of Sarteneja Village in the Corozal District and as a teacher at a local high school here in Belize City. For the past three years I have been travelling from Sarteneja to Belize City almost on a daily basis to report to my work at a local high school, like so many others who travel to their different workplaces in Orange Walk and Belize City. Having to travel over 100 miles, you must concur that at the very least one should expect a comfortable ride from and to our different destinations. But that is not the case, at least for the time being. I find it very necessary and important to share with the public the distressing travel experience we have to endure as a consequence of the abandoned and deplorable state of road that stretches from Chunox Vilage to Sarteneja, an approximate stretch of about 25 miles. During the rainy season, which seems not to be over anytime soon, pools and even ponds of mud and debris can be observed blanketing this particular stretch of road. Some weeks ago, even

a Corozal-assigned ambulance that was transporting a pregnant mother in labour pain from Sarteneja to the Corozal Town hospital faced the wrath of the road condition, as nurses and driver alike had to assist the pregnant mother in giving birth to her baby – yes, inside the ambulance stuck on the road. Of course, the road condition was indeed a major factor that interrupted the timely arrival of the ambulance at the hospital and subsequently the acceptable and appropriate delivery of the baby. As a person in the noble profession of teaching, I hereby call on the Ministry of Works to immediately look at this matter and meet its mandate to us the people. I am of the strong conviction that as a people we are already unjustifiably stricken with high levels of poverty and crime so much so that further ignoring our road infrastructure is but an insult to injury. I take this opportunity to also commend the Sarteneja Bus Line who is doing a brilliant job despite the many political and infrastructural crises that instead of halting them seems to strengthen their impetus to be more competitive and dependable. ¡Muy buen trabajo Sarteneja Bus Line! I REITERATE, MOW – high time to do your work!!! Best regards, Sarteneja Resident

Sugar, Sweat and Resilience: Sombreros off to Belizean Cane Farmers

Orange Walk, November 10, 2011 Long before the clean cut corporate oil moguls took their big tankers and vacuumed out our black gold, the pride of our economy was build on the honest work of our cane farmers. Life in Belize was sweet, European Markets were preferentially friendly and the North delivered religiously for the quota of foreign exchange. For most Belizeans, the bags of brown and white sugar are a grocery item, second on the list after rice and flour. If as a country we are rightfully accused of loving rice, then comparatively we are clinically obsessed with sugar. Notwithstanding the diabetic caveats, there is good economic justification for the fixation with the stalks of cane which carpet the plains of our northern highway. Today Belize and the BELIZE TIMES stand and applaud the cane farmers. What the country should know is that after years of PUP vision and quiet support, the Cane farmers this year succeeded in receiving $72.17 per ton in the final payment. That final payment is due on November 14, 2011. Truth is that any positive price increase is good but what is more inspiring is that the last time our farmers got more than seventy dollars per ton was back in the 1970’s. So you may ask yourself why has this achievement not been celebrated? Why have the murderous set of crooks who sit in Belmopan under the UDP flag not claimed this for themselves? The answer is simple. They cannot even imagine the possibility of how insulting it would be to even try to piggyback on the sweat and blisters of our cane farmers. Remember, this government first, murdered an honest cane farmer after they pro-

voked the community to wrath. How can we forget? The core sampler saga, which was introduced in 2001 under then, Chairman of the Management Committee for the Belize Cane Farmers Association(BCFA), was not the issue. It could not have been, when both the farmers and the factory would have benefited by better prices and certainty. What became the devil in the changes, was the fact that the arrogant and heartless UDP government choked and manhandled the cane farmers by going back on their word and commitments to the farmers. The accepted truth is that the problem was with the implementation of the core sampler program. In principle all parties would benefit. Obviously the farmers stood on the pride of their handy work and were agreed that the only objective was quality. But what the UDP devils did was to change the agreement. Originally, and in good wisdom, it was agreed by all parties that there would be a phasing in period. After all, we are dealing with plants and not iron goods. There was to be a four-year phase. For two years, there would be testing and then two years to make adjustments. The worthless UDP government decided on their own to disrespect and kill the farmers by demanding immediate implementation. This was not only impossible; it was insulting, criminal and downright ungodly. Under the evil that the UDP instigated, they shot down a father in cold blood without an apology!!! We will never forget the blood of our brother, Atanascio Gutierrez. The BELIZE TIMES keeps you and your family in prayers daily. There was no repentance from the Government because the UDP continued their looting from the hardworking farmers of Orange Walk and Corozal. The Government broke in and stole the money for the cane farmers. They jacked

Dear Editor, As the dark cloud started to fade away slowly from above the people of this country, it

all the money that was to have been used to repair cane roads. Instead, they used that money to lather perfume on the rotting political carcass of the Belize City Mayor, Zenaida Moya. This government is only concerned with where the television cameras are - glitter, publicity and no substance. So, this bunch of thieves and murderers do not dare claim credit for the high quality of cane being produced by our farmers. For the industry savvy readers, they will appreciate that this year TC/TS (tons of cane to tons of sugar ratio) was as good as the 8.18 tons of cane per one ton of sugar. That was done in Branch 7. The proof is there that the credit must remain exclusively with our farmers. The reaping-group leaders have broken their backs to make sure that the TC/TS ratios are world-class. We, at BELIZE TIMES, the PUP and the right-minded citizens of this country, thank you and encourage our caneros to keep it that way. Belizeans are proud, hardworking people. There is a time when EU money will dry up. We have already seen a decrease from 8 million to 5 million. A time will come when preferential pricing will become hostile and Fair Trade will give us the shaft. What we will be left with is the virtue, strength and commitment of our farmers. We, at BELIZE TIMES, and the PUP have never abandoned our caneros. We big them up. Power to the people. The UDP has failed them as much as they have failed every other industrious group in this country. What they need to do is to muster up some shame and do a few small things: 1. Pretend to fulfill their promise of bringing down fuel costs to transport the cane 2. Fix the feeder/Cane roads. The UDP already stole the $2.3 million of Fair Trade money. That money can go to herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. With the unrecognized labor of the caneros, the sugar industry has paid Belize over US$90 million. As the new season is about to open in less than two weeks, the message the cane farmers have asked us to scream at you is: Fix the cane roads! Oh ye of “no vision”. Now, since the price of cane is based on the quality, the delivery time is critical. Any idiot, even a UDP one, would know that the “kill to mill” time is directly proportionate to the quality. For ideal sucrose returns the window is within 24hrs. The longer the time between the cutting of the cane and the delivery to the factory the poorer the quality as the sugar concentration falls. So…the deplorable roads increase this time, as well as cost of the parts for the trucks of the cane farmers. With a bitter sweet taste in our mouth, the people of Belize and the BELIZE TIMES take off our sombreros to the caneros who have persevered despite the M-16 assaults from the UDP government. Oh and we have not forgotten the roles that Hugo Pott, Gabriel Martinez and Raul Rosado have played in torturing the people of the North. We will deal with each of you next week.

shows that this U.D.P. Government and its leader Dean Barrow days are coming to an end. It seems as if the dream Dean Barrow had us in, the Belizeans are finally waking up out of it. No more Mr. Barrow, the people of this country says enough is enough. You cannot sell us more dreams. Belizeans have put up with so much of your bogus and childish acts for the last four years without bringing solutions to the real issue. The only thing you can bring is more hard time and more pain, but yet you say it is in the best interest of the Belizeans. Mr. Barrow, da fool the talk, but da nuh fool the listen, and the Belizean people are no fools. You need to understand it’s a part of history, just ask Mr. Esquivel because you can learn a lot from him. The U.D.P. Government is a one term government and that is what it will remain as. I know it, the people know it, and I know that you and your unprofessional Dodo Bird government know it. Your days are done Mr. Barrow. Thanks for destroying our future. You need to stop imagining getting a second term because it just possible. The people of this country cannot take another five more years of you and your government. So call elections now! Belizeans it’s time to make that change and set Belize free. Till next week, my people rise up! Roberto Peyrefitte

THE BELIZE TIMES EDITOR

Alberto Vellos OFFICE MANAGER

Fay Castillo McKay PRINTING/PERSONNEL SUPERVISOR

Doreth Bevans

LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

MARKETING/ADVERTISING

Rafael Sosa

STAFF REPORTER

Carla Bradley TYPIST

Rachel Arana OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed & Published By The Belize Times Ltd.

#3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize Tel: 671-8385 Email: belizetimesad@yahoo.com editortimes@yahoo.com

Sunday, November 13, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP CitCo Team

Sunday, November 13, 2011

READY!!

Continued from page 1

Representative, Hon. Francis Fonseca a tool for political bullyVellos, Erwin X, Edward Young and Len- expressed his firm support for Mrs. ing and coercion and not Bodden. Hon. Fonseca added that he seen as a service to city nox “Dj Tambran” Young. Mrs. Bodden comes with an im- is convinced that the team members residents. Tax collection pressive public service/administrative have great value and service to offer to is at its lowest, simply background. She has served as an edu- the city and he believes the PUP Team because city residents cator at various institutions including is the answer to the growing problems no longer see how their Wesley College, the University College of the municipality. tax dollars are used to In her address, Mrs. Bodden de- improve the city. But of Belize, and Sadie Vernon (where she currently works as a Counselor), as well scribed the conditions of the country the Mayor and Councilas worked as a Counselor at the Family as “teetering on the brink of de- lors live lavishly, collectCourt and Executive Director at the Na- struction…like the 1950s, with dete- ing huge salaries and tional Drug Abuse Control Council, and riorating infrastructure; high rate of stipends they increased currently a Rehabilitation and Education poverty, high rate of unemployment; three times during their Programme Director at the Kolbe Foun- lack of opportunities and leadership term. that fail to put people at the center”. dation Correctional Facility. More disturbingly, But hope, like jobs and security in the Council sits idly by Mrs. Bodden explained that throughout her years of service (for which she our country, is fading rapidly. The UDP while the business comwas bestowed last year with the dis- Belize City Council has managed the munity is in crisis, while tinguished Public Officer of the Year affairs of the commercial capital with violent crime is on the Award), she has recognised that there utter disgrace for six years. The Coun- increase and neighbouris an urgent need for people-centred cil has plunged deeper into financial hoods are ravaged by development in the city and in the ruin becoming more indebted, while degradation. country. the basic services of repairing streets Mrs. Bodden said She said she has been exposed and maintaining drains have been ne- she is committed to to reality: to the cycle of young glected. Garbage collection is used as finding meaningful ways males fielded in as new inmates at the Kolbe Correctional facility, the myriad social issues “We have a dream of a Belize City where the basic seraffecting students which impede proper learning, and the vices are rendered with efficacy; a city where garbage colrapid deterioration of families lection is no longer a novelty but the norm; a city where and communities. the quality of life is such that every resident feels valued; “It is for those reasons I a city where our children experience a sense of security as am getting involved. To make the change that is needed, they embrace opportunities; a city where the business comhappen,” remarked Mrs. Bodmunity works in true partnership with a Council that is den. knowledgeable, skilled and creative to ensure an improved Mrs. Bodden’s team is comprised of a dynamic group economic climate; we dream of a Belize City where we are of young and experienced comno longer afraid to walk the streets or sit in a restaurant. munity and business-oriented Like Dr. Martin Luther King, we are ready to make the candidates, who compliment her vision of a new Belize City. sacrifice to move this dream into reality.” At today’s conference, PUP Leader and Freetown Area

of revitalising the city. “I stand before you this morning to say that the present status quo of city management or, as we have come to know it, city mismanagement, is not acceptable. I am here to say no to the conditions that currently exist but, most importantly, I am here to say that hope is alive and blazing in the resilient spirit of every resident of this city. Yes, I am proud to say that there are still a few Belizeans who have the audacity to hope. We recognize that to lose hope is to give up on life. Today, you have before you eleven such persons who believe that all is not lost.” Mrs. Bodden and her team said they will hit the ground running and begin to meet, share ideas, and hear the views of city residents. “Every resident must have the right to participate in what will become a new direction for Belize City”, said Mrs. Bodden.

NO OIL DRILLING IN PROTECTED AREAS! BELIZE CITY, Tuesday, November 8th, 2011 By Alton Humes We as Belizeans know just how stubborn, how inflexible the UDP government has been since they came to power in 2008. But when they decide to act in open defiance and in concert with foreign interests and with no concern or empathy for the rights of Belizean indigenous peoples whatsoever, then we know we’re in deep trouble. US Capital Energy, the infamous USbased oil company, who was stopped from drilling for oil/natural gas within Toledo in recent court cases, has returned with the Government’s approval to begin, and in a sense, decimate, prime areas of protected Mayan land. That action, also in direct violation of rulings made by the Belize Supreme Court, is not sitting well with the Mayan community and the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM). Their director (and notable Mayan activist and leader, proposed NGO Senator), Mr. Gregory ‘Greg’ Ch’oc, gave us a brief interview today.

Villagers in Barranco first learned of the oil bigwig’s return to the area on October 25th, with confirmed sightings up to a couple of weeks ago. Ch’oc believes the oil company is operating with new permits. He said they have even cleared much of the trees within the park, and along the boundaries of two villages, Sunday Wood and Crique Sarco, to conduct seismic testing, with the likely intention of drilling. What makes the situation unforgivable is that the reappearance of the company is that it’s in clear violation of a 2006 Supreme Court ruling (affirmed by the Court of Appeal in 2007) which affirms the rights of the Mayas living in Toledo and Stann Creek to communal land to farm and live. It is also in violation of international trea-

PUP Leader and Freetown Area Representative, Honourable Francis Fonseca, was sworn in on November 3rd, 2011 as the new Leader of the Opposition at the Governor General’s Office in Belmopan.

ties Belize is signatory to. The government continues its staunch and disgusting disrespect and ‘deafness’ (or, in Creole parlance, playing ‘eeaz-haad’) not only against SATIIM, but the Belizean people, who were never informed about this at all. But don’t think that Ch’oc and his fellow Mayans are taking it lying down. He has made it clear, not only through a strongly worded SATIIM

press release, but also in speaking to us today that he and his fellow Mayan leaders are “not leaving any options” legally, and are weighing how to proceed, potentially in a court suit. Today, the Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage issued a strong release condemning the Government’s permission of oil exploration in protected areas, and in support of SATIIM’s position.

The Coalition “calls on the Government of Belize to stop oil exploration in the protected area [and] on the Ministry of Natural Resources to be transparent and discontinue the practice of hiding public information, including approved permits provided to oil companies to explore in protected areas”, stated the release.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Betting with a Flawed Hand The most notable case of an early election that turned into an upset in Belize was in 1993 when the PUP government called a snap election just 3 ½ years into a five year term. The PUP strategists argued that it was a good move as the PUP was strong, a lot of its manifesto pledges kept and polls taken showed that the PUP would win but the biggest advantage to the ruling party was that the UDP was in disarray, split into two factions UDP and NABR. But the calling of an early election is always suspect of arrogance and cause for suspicion and with the help of bad news about British troops’ withdrawal the UDP/NABR coalition, in a matter of thirty days, pulled off the biggest upset in Belize politics to win the elections. Today Barrow and the UDP are flirting with the idea of an early election. His kitchen cabinet is telling him he has this in the bag, that the people are on his side, that the PUP are divided and broke but most important that the UDP got the money and lots of it. On the other hand, Barrow knows that outside of his grandstanding and pretentious nationalism, he has nothing else to stand on or to show for the 3 ½ years in office. In fact Barrow knows that a lot of people who supported him in 2008 will not be there this time around for different reasons. He knows that he has turned his back on many, and this time even UDP supporters may well sit this one out. Most importantly, Barrow knows that the 2008 election was a vote against the PUP and not a vote for him and that behind all this clamoring of an early election is the fact that the UDP has always been good enough for only ONE TERM. To sweeten the pot, Barrow last week rolled out the gravy train. He unveiled programmes and projects designed to aid his failing Government Ministries and Town and City councils. He even high-jacked his cash for good behavior program so it can benefit gang members. But what Barrow cannot escape is his inability to spark life into the economy. The country’s economy faces serious depression and recession. This has caused high unemployment, high cost of living, increasing crime and violence and generally has made life harder. It all makes Barrow’s promises of lower electricity and phone rates a joke, as the question remains how can the people pay lower rates when they have no jobs? Let us be real. Nobody can stop Barrow from calling an early election, not even the Courts. He listens to no one, well, except perhaps his close ally Lois or Denys could advise him that an early election would derail their money train. The new People’s United Party Leader has made it very clear. Mr. Barrow can call the elections any time, the PUP will be ready. Belizeans get ready, take their goodies since after all it’s your money and be prepared to vote them out for their incompetence, victimization and cruelty. We know elections are always about the People. Let’s stop the hype and run the elections, Mista Man, run it.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Karen Bodden

Sunday, November 13, 2011

leads PUP Belize City Council Team

Counting of ballots inside St. Mary’s Hall

PUP Mayoral Candidates Sharole Saldivar & Karen Bodden

PUP delegates at convention

The atmosphere outside St. Mary’s was enthusiastic and exciting

Team Bodden supporters celebrate the victory after announcement of winners

Sunday, November 13, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Badih ‘Bob’ makes waves at the World Series of Poker finals BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 By Alton Humes Watching Badih ‘Bob’ Bou-Nahra make his historic run at the World Series of Poker Main Event was unique in many ways. It was exactly the kind of news coverage (beneficial to Belize and its citizenry) that not only doesn’t come along often, but, like the notable cliché, is once in a lifetime. Bou-Nahra, aged 49 years and proudly hailing from Belize City, was the only Belizean (there was reportedly another in the pool of over 7,000 participants, but we never got his/her name), and one of the few amateur poker enthusiasts vying for a shot at the iconic WSOP bracelet and the cash prize of US$8,715,638 (BZ$17,431,276). We now know, though (and maybe some of us sobbed over it), but Bou-Nahra never made it to the final three, as he was eliminated at 7th position, finishing with a cash prize of US$1,314,097 (or BZ$2,628,194; before deductions & international and local taxes).

Bou-Nahra wasn’t alone under the glaring lights of the Penn and Teller Theatre in the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; he had an enthusiastic and supportive fanbase, comprising all walks of life, ranging from

OW Mayoral Candidate

Kevin Bernard not fazed by nasty propaganda

By Kevin Bernard, PUP Orange Walk Mayoral Candidate The UDP is a party devoid of ideas and notions on how to build a municipality or a country. Their main leaders have illegally amassed great fortunes taking advantage of government institutions such as the Customs Department and have bled the citizens of Belize without mercy to fill their own pockets. The UDP municipal leaders, from Mayor to UDP Councilors, have disappeared millions of dollars that can’t be accounted for and engaged in unethical practices among each other that even destroyed certain families. So blatant was their misconduct that they were forbidden, just like the former Orange Walk Mayor, from running for office again. Some new UDP aspirants engage in immoral practices with students that it is not even worth mentioning since all the town knows about it. So devoid of ideas are they that their campaign does not focus on ideas and answers to solve our municipal problems but on character assassination. Let the UDP know that the PUP is strong, ready and able to take the reign of this municipality and produce tangible results within the first 180 days in office. We have a plan, we have capable PUP Town Councilor candidates. Attacking us with your low intelligence quotient will have no effect. We are poised to win and work for Orange Walk and we will make all our financial decisions transparent and available to the public. By trying to assassinate our characters it won’t fix the broken streets, the clogged up drains or the moribund parks. It won’t put food on the table for the 143,000 poor Belizeans, or the 52,000 destitute indigents that roam the streets with nothing to their name or the 45,000 middle class Belizeans that are about to become poor thanks to the failed UDP

policies governing our nation. 60% of our primary school graduates won’t enter a high school because they can’t pay the fees, 97% of high school graduates won’t go to tertiary education because it is just too expensive. This Mr. UDP is why we have so much problems. We have closed our doors to our youths and crime seems to be the only option they seem to have. This must change and we in the PUP will fight with all for that change. Youth are not only the future, they are the present and they will fight for a better life, for a better Belize. Mr. UDP, you won’t break our spirit by insulting and attacking us, you only make us more aware that you have nothing to offer to this country, no solutions just insatiable greed and hate, no love for the people. The PUP and I, Kevin Bernard, personally challenge the UDP may-

American expatriates to Belizean politicians and his family members. Even Great Belize Television’s Open Your Eyes morning program was there to provide coverage of the event. Yet in the end, it fell solely to Bou-Nahra, with his famously worn Belize hat [an item he kept on even though he got endorsements to change his cap], rolled unlit cigar and all, to go toe-to-toe against the Best in the World at this game, such as: Mr. Pius Heinz (student from Cologne, Germany); Mr. Martin Staszko (from Trinec, Czech Republic) and a trio of talented American pros [Messrs. Ben Lamb, Matt Giannetti, and Phil Collins, all from Las Vegas, Nevada]. And you can say whatever you may about gambling: there’s an exact art and science to playing this ‘sport of kings’, and Bou-Nahra oral candidate to a debate. Let us talk about the issues and offer solutions and let the people be the judges. I go on record as personally offering the challenge. When you fight for the people with justice, equality and love you have nothing to fear. My inspiration comes from the citizens of Orange Walk. I get

7 did have just enough in the tank to have the ESPN commentators (specifically poker player/magician Amir ‘Antonio’ Esfandiari) in awe of what he could do, and wondering whether he could go all the way. But it would be a somewhat overconfident bet against eventual top-3 / 2nd-place finisher Martin Staszko of the Czech Republic, betting all-in on his ace5 combo against Staszko’s ace-9, with no help whatsoever from the ‘community cards’, that would do-in ‘Bob’ and his magical run. But he was quite gracious in defeat, telling ESPN’s floor reporter Kara Scott that ‘we’re going to bring even more people’ to the event next year. The real winner, though, was Belize, and the unparalleled exposure we received. Salutations from the BELIZE TIMES to you and yours, Bob; you did us proud.

[SIDEBAR: Mr. Pius Heinz, 22, defeated Martin Staszko in an epic finale last night to win the US$8,715,638 prize, with American Ben Lamb coming in 3rd place. The German Heinz defeats the Czech with a significantly diminished hip count, and an-ace high ahead of Staszko’s seven-10 set.]

experience from the mature citizens, strength from the youth and courage and determination from my family. The citizens of Orange Walk deserve parks for the kids to play in, well maintained streets, proper drains and a town that works with the youth and opens more doors for them. The PUP is that option.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Stabbings at Wesley & Queen’s Square schools BELIZE CITY, Monday, November 7th, 2011 By Alton Humes When you think of ‘school violence’, you’d tend to think of maybe the rampages at Columbine High School or even at Virginia Tech. And while Belize is certainly being dominated by gangstyle violence in our streets, almost no one would be able to fathom that level of vengefulness transporting itself to our schools. But according to news reports, it appears that such impossibility has leap-frogged (or maybe even exploded) into the realm of reality. The first was at Wesley College, and the other reportedly occurred at Queen’s Square Anglican Primary School. Ironically, the span between them was less than twenty-four hours apart. The incidents themselves are eerily similar in tone and circumstances – young people being bullied and/or ‘dissed’, which evolves into full-scale retaliation and violent reaction. The first incident at Wesley College occurred on November 3rd, well before 8:00 a.m. One Lamar Morris (or Mortis, in some reports), a 4th-former at the school, accosted his fellow student, a 17-year-old, with the intention to harass and bully him (as alleged he and some of his cohorts have done for quite a while). But he wouldn’t get a word in, as the 17-year-old would stab him near fatally in the chest. Morris was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and remains there in a critical yet stable condition. The other incident occurred the next day at Queen’s Square Anglican Primary School on Dolphin and Fairweather Street, when 11-year-old Ryan Timmons, a Standard 6 student, was stabbed twice in his chest while playing a game of basketball with other kids on the school’s ball court. (His condition is currently unknown at this time.) What makes these incidents worse (as if that wasn’t possible) is the blasé and stand-offish attitude of both the Police and the Ministry of Education and Youth. Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Patrick Faber, speaking to 7News last Friday night, declared that “…what happens in our schools cannot be any different from what is happening out in the society…”, and that essentially these incidents are merely a ‘reflection’ of the violence that his own UDP Government is denying happening currently, and doing next to nothing to prevent. The Police, on the other hand, are bleating about the supposed reinforcements that they have in place and seemed to be ‘Missing in Action’ when these incidents took place. It’s bad enough for the police to ‘play dumb’, but when the Ministry does so also (citing in their press release that the Ministry is ‘satisfied’ with actions supposedly taken to ‘prevent’ the incidents, and that “there is no programme that will guarantee a zero-violence environment in any school.” So the CYDP, Youth for the Future and the spanking-new ‘Education Center’ on Magazine Road don’t factor in? But of course, unless the UDP Government actually has a plan to combat this upsurge and stifle it, then we’re stuck waiting and wanting for answers. Police investigations continue, and we’ll keep following the story.

Jury undecided on Wesley Emmanuel Murder case BELIZE CITY, Wed. Nov. 9, 2011 By Roy Davis After deliberation for over 4 hours on Friday, November 4, a jury of 8 men and 4 women was unable to reach a verdict in the trial of Wesley Emmanuel, 35, charged with the murder of Emigidio “Emi” Gomez who was found hanging by his own belt from a tree in a feeder road off the Coastal Road on July 17, 2008. The trial Judge, Justice Adolph Lucas, told Emmanuel that he will get a retrial and Emmanuel was remanded into custody. Gomez, a resident of Guinea Grass, Orange Walk, was hanged to

death on July 16, 2008. He and another man, Mennonite Cornelius Schmitt, were in a truck carrying a bulldozer on the Burrell Boom/ Hattieville Road when they were stopped by three men in a black car, one of them armed with a firearm. Gomez and Schmitt were taken into the car to the feeder road where Schmitt was shot 3 times. After the third gunshot, Gomez ran in an effort to escape. He was pursued by the gunman and another man, however. That was the last time he saw Gomez alive, said Schmitt, who survived the attack by pretending to be dead. A post-mortem revealed that Gomez died from asphyxia due to hanging. Emmanuel gave a statement from

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Wesley Emmanuel the dock in which he said he was coerced into giving a caution statement that was admitted as evidence. Emmanuel was represented by attorney Ernest Staine. Crown Counsel Cristophe Rodriguez represented the prosecution. In December last year, Emmanuel was freed of the charge when a nolle prosequi was entered. But he was rearrested and re-indicted. Another man, Jesse James Ochoa, who was charged jointly with Emmanuel, was acquitted last year. A third man, who the police believe was the mastermind was never arrested.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Man gets 2 years for damaging window sill at home By Roy Davis BELIZE CITY, Wed. Nov. 9, 2011 Leon Martin, 28, charged with damage to property for a window sill that has a value of $50.00, was sentenced to 2 years by #4 Magistrate Roberto Ordonez after he pleaded guilty to the charge. It was Martin’s second conviction for a similar offence. The incident occurred around 12:35 p.m. on Thursday, November 3. Barbara Bennett, a resident of Casaurina

MS-13

‘allies’ busted near Raccoon Police Station BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 By Alton Humes MS-13…. If the name and the crimes of the infamous and iconic El Salvadorbased criminal organization (full name: Mara Salvatrucha) don’t phase or scare the living daylights out of you, it should, or ought to. They are notorious for some of the bloodiest gang-related crimes throughout the region. Their presence in Belize has been recorded and numerous persons, suspected of being involved in the criminal ring, have been detained, but the latest story is bizarre because according to Belize City Police, a group of them had begun to swarm right in front of the Raccoon Police Station. On November 7th, 2011, Police searched a residence on #14 Raccoon Street and detained Ángel Ruiz, José Carlos Reyes and Elmer Antonio Cádiz Galdamez. The men were detained after they all acknowledged to being associates/ allies of the infamous MS-13 gang. Ruiz, a 19 year old maintenance worker, had his apartment searched by the GSU, and was ‘busted’ with 0.5 grams of cannabis, which led to him being arrested and charged with Possession of Controlled Drugs. His associates, José Carlos Reyes, 26 years (of the same address) and Elmer Antonio Cádiz Galdamez (also 26 years, of New Road), were also arrested; Cádiz Galdamez for failing to leave Belize on a prior 2007 expulsion warrant and Reyes for the ignominious charge of ‘Professing to Belong to a Criminal Gang’ after he supposedly ‘flashed’ his tattoos and/ or admitted to the officers present his involvement with the gang. Of the three, only Reyes was formerly arrested and taken to Magistrate’s Court #1, and charged with the aforementioned offense. He pled guilty to that, and was ordered by newbie Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith to pay BZ$500, or serve six months in Kolbe Hattieville Prison in default. Unable to pay, he was remanded. As for his associates, their status is not known at this time, with the possibility that, after finding out further info from INTERPOL, Cádiz Galdamez will again be deported back to El Salvador and Ruiz will likely be taken to court soon. Interestingly, the men had been living at the residence for many months and the motive behind the Police’s sudden raid remains unclear.

Street, who is Martin’s foster mother, reported to the police that she and her daughter, Ella Martin, were at home when Martin arrived and an argument began between him and his sister. She said the argument led to a physical struggle between Martin and his sister and during the struggle he damaged the window sill.

Martin was also charged with using threatening words to his sister but he pleaded not guilty to that charge. According to the allegation, Martin threatened to burst his sister’s throat. For the charge of using threatening words, the case was adjourned until December 13.

Leon Martin

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, November 13, 2011 Racqueteers’ Peter Wong

racqueteers BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

table tennis playoffs

Other 1st division matches:

Garage #1 vs. Team Cuz 5-2 Roberto Leal beat Jorge Espat – 3-0 Eric Stamp defeated Hollis Parham – 3-0 Eric Stamp defeated Jorge Espat – 3-0 Eric Stamp defeated Nicholas Martin – 3-0 Tyrone Tun won Hollis Parham – 3-0 Nicholas Martin beat Tyrone Tun – 3-2 Nicholas Martin beat Roberto Leal – 3-0 Standings:

Racqueteers – No. 1 Hurricanes – No. 2 Garage #1 – No. 3 Rivero’s Welders – No. 4

Upcoming games:

Tallawah vs. Fantastic 4 Garage #2 vs. Terminators

Belize City, November 6, 2011 The Racqueteers remain undefeated in the 1st Division while the undefeated Garage #2 team leads the 2nd Division in the Belize Table Tennis Association’s competition playoffs, scheduled to begin at the Belize Elementary School Auditorium on Sunday, November 13. The Racqueteers enjoyed 2 wins on Sunday: 5-1 over the Hurricanes on Sunday morning and 5-3 over Rivero’s Welders in the afternoon. Racqueeters’ Peter Wong won 3-1 over Davis Huang and 3-0 over Hector Lopez, while his teammate Tux Vasquez won 3-1 over Kim Chee and 3-0 over Davis Huang, and David Ho won 3-2 over Kim Chee. Only Hurricanes’ Hector Lopez won one game 3-1 over David Ho. Against Rivero’s Welders, Peter Wong won 3-1 over Sheran Murillo and 3-0 over Michael Rivero, while Tux Vasquez won 3-0 over Michael Rivero, 3-0 over Sheran Murillo and 3-2 over veteran Ernesto Rivero. Ernesto Rivero won 3-1 over David Ho, and 3-0 over Peter Wong, while Michael Rivero won 3-0 over David Ho.

Fantastic 4’s Joe Sukhnandan

2nd division matches:

Garage #2 vs. Terminators – 5-3 Luis Marin won Jason Lin – 3-1 Luis Marin defeated John Le – 3-0 Mario Guerrero beat John Le – 3-0 Mario Guerrero beat Jason Lin – 3-0 Mario Guerrero defeated Wen Te Chen – 3-1 Wen Te Chen won Wilfredo Chang – 3-0 Wen Te Chen beat Luis Marin – 3-2 John Le stomped Wilfredo Chang – 3-1

Moses Babb

Garage #2 vs. Fantastic 4 – 5-3

Luis Marin won Aaron Stock – 3-0 Luis Marin clamped Joseph Sukhnandan – 3-2 Mario Guerrero took down Joseph Sukhnandan - 3-0 Mario Guerrero beat Aaron Stock – 3-1 Mario Guerrero defeated Ricardo Bailey – 3-1 Ricardo Bailey beat Mike Sanchez – 3-0 Ricardo Bailey hammered Luis Marin – 3-2 Joseph Sukhanandan floored Mike Sanchez – 3-1 Team Tallawah vs. Fantastic 4 – 5-2

Gian Lisbey defeated Chris Neal – 3-1 Gian Lisbey beat Charlton Roches – 3-1 Moses Bab hammered Lionel Cutkelvin – 3-2 Moses Bab beat down Chris Neal – 3-0 Matthew Usher beat Lionel Cutkelvin – 3-1 Charlton Roches took down Matthew Usher – 3-0 BDF Spin Kings vs. Turds – 5-0

Charlton Roches vs. Raymond woods – 5-0 Charlton Roches defeated Carlo Keith – 3-0 Lionel Cutkelvin beat Jarrid Thompson – 3-0 Lionel Cutkelvin hammered Raymond Woods – 3-0 Chris Neal clamped Carlo Keith – 3-0

team Guinness 313 wins 2011 softball championship

Belize City, Wednesday, November 2, 2011 Team Guinness 313 were the underdogs entering the playoffs of the Belize City men’s softball competition, but they upset both the Oceana Pros in the playoffs and the favorites, the BH Strikers, in the finals to win the 2011 men’s softball championship at the Rogers’ Stadium in Belize City last Wednesday night. In Game 2 of the finals, Guinness 313 faced off with the BH Strikers on Wednesday night. Strikers’ pitcher, Brandon Bood, struck out four batters and gave up no runs in the top of the 1st inning, while Richards and Leal scored for the Strikers to lead 2-0 in the bottom of the 1st. Guinness 313 soon led 5-3 when Siroki, Rowland, Milton Flores, Belisle and David Vasquez came home in the top of the 2nd while only Bryan Grant scored for the Strikers in the bottom of the 2nd. Guinness 313’s lead grew to 8-3 when Kevin Siroki, Milton Flores and Jason Belisle came home in the top of the 4th, but the Strikers regained the lead 11-8 when Dion Richards, Marconi Leal, Ryan

Team 313 won 2011 Men’s Champs

Game 1 Summary – Sunday October 30th: 1st inning – 313’s Kevin Siroki/Patrick Rowland score 1st inning – Strikers’ Dion Richards/Marconi Leal/Stephen “Muerte” Williams score 2nd inning – Siroki/Muschae McDonald score 2nd inning – Strikers Dion Richards/Floyd Flowers Jr. score 3rd inning – 313’s Kareem Michael ties score at 5-5 3rd inning – Pitcher Belisle strikes out 7 batters, gives up no runs 4th inning – 313 leads 9-7 when Siroki hits home run 4th inning – Flores/Belisle/Michael scores 4th inning – Guinness’ Leal/Williams score 5th inning – Siroki extends lead to 10-7 5th inning – Strikers tie game 10-10 with Richards/Leal/Bennett scoring 6th inning – Michael scores 11th run 6th inning – Belisle gives up no more runs Guinness 313 scored 11 runs on 7 hits; Strikers scored 10 runs on 11 hits

Rowland, Keith Madrill, Stephen Williams, Jerome Moir, Troy Williams and Jason Bennett scored 8 runs in the bottom of the 4th. Guinness 313 tied the score at 11-11 when brothers Kareem and Nolan Michael and Oscar Arnold came home in the top of the 5th, and they led 13-11 when Belisle and Nelbert Flowers scored in the top of the 6th. Only Ryan Rowland scored for the Strikers in the bottom of the 6th and the Guinness 313 secured the 13-12 win when no runs scored in the 7th inning.

UB wins 2011 ATLIB volleyball finals Belize City, Saturday, November 5, 2011 The University of Belize male and female teams won the Association of Tertiary Level Institutions of Belize (ATLIB) national volleyball championships hosted by St. John’s Junior College at the SJC gym on Saturday. UB’s Shantell Arnold, Tichelle Solis, Kimberly Spence and Kayla Dawson dominated SJCJC’s Emma Hoare, Tisha Solis, Analisa Habet and Vivianni Avila to win 25-22, 22-25 and 15-9 to win the championship. The UB men had no trouble despatching the south’s No. 2 seed, the Stann Creek Ecumenical Junior College men: 25-22 and 25-22 to win the championship. Continued on page 11

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Sunday, November 13, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

millennium girls lead women’s football Caye Caulker, Sunday, November 6, 2011 The Ladyville Tornadoes, Island Stars and Millennium girls all enjoyed victories in week 10 concluding the regular season of the Belize district women’s football competition at the Caye Caulker field on Sunday. The Millennium girls continue to lead the competition and will enter the

playoffs as the No. 1 seed with 10 wins, as they got the easy bye to their 10th win: 3-0, when the Hattieville Heat were a no show for their scheduled game. Tornadoes will also make the playoffs as the no. 3 seed, following a 5-0 blowout of the Ladyville Orchids in the 2nd game of the afternoon. Natasha Young scored the first goal, and Mertell Bailey soon

Millennium are tournament leaders

added a 2nd goal to lead 2-0 at the half. Gloria Garcia added a 3rdgoal and Salambu Munnings scored a 4th. A defensive error by the Orchids resulted in that dreaded auto-goal. The Caye Caulker Island Stars will enter the playoffs as the No. 2 seed with 6 wins, as they posted their 6thwin: 2-0 over the Sand Hill Untouch-

Rising Stars, Brown Bombers U-17 and Complex Admirals win Belize district football champs Belize City, Saturday, November 5, 2011 The Rising Stars, Brown Bombers U-17 and Complex Admirals each won the Belize District Football Association’s championship in their respective age divisions of the summer football competition organized by the B.D.F.A. at the MCC grounds on Saturday afternoon. The Rising Young Stars won the under-15 championship final 2-0 over the Brown Bombers U-15. Patrick Max scored the first winning goal and Brandon Myers put the victory on ice with a second goal.

UB wins 2011 ATLIB volleyball finals

UB male team

UB female team Female competition Game 1 – SJCJC vs. Stann Creek Ecumenical Junior College -25-11, 21-25, 15-9 Game 2 – UB vs. Corozal Junior College - 25-11, 25-16 Game 3 – SCEJC vs. CJC - 25-7, 25-13 Male competition Game 1 – SCEJC vs. CJC – 25-15, 11-25, 15-12. Game 2 – UB vs. SJCJC – 25-20, 25-23 Game 3 – CJC vs. SJCJC – 25-17, 26-24

Bombers are U-17 Champs

The Brown Bombers U-17 won the under-17 championship 3-1 over the Hattieville United Youth Sports Club U-17. Devaughn “Beckham” Zuniga scored the first winning goal for the Bombers and Steven Goff added a second goal, and Calvin Young put the game on ice with a 3rd goal. Richard Waight scored a consolation goal for Hattieville. The Complex Admirals won the under-20 championship final 3-1 over San Pedro United U-20. Clinton “Pin” Jorgenson scored the first goal for Complex, but Jesse Guerrero succeeded equalizing the score for San Pedro in reg-

ulation. Jesse also won a penalty for San Pedro but failed to convert. In the overtime, Gilroy “Bredda” Thurton won a penalty for Complex which Avian “Chi-chis” Crawford converted to lead 2-1, and Thurton put the game on ice with a third goal for the 3-1 win. Team trophies and individual medals were presented to the champions and sub-champs in each division. The BDFA also and thanks the Football Federation of Belize, National Sports Council, individual referees, and team sponsors for their help in making the tournament possible.

TCC wins 7th volleyball championship Georgetown, Saturday, November 5, 2011 The Toledo Community College boys won their 3rd volleyball championship, the 7th title in the past 8 years, in the tournament hosted by Georgetown Technical High School over the weekend. In the finals, the TCC boys dominated the Compre boys to win in 3 sets. MVP Raluni Bernardez, John Lucas, Chris Burke and Anfernee Archer

ables in Game 3 of the afternoon. Esperanza Reyes scored the island girls’ 1st winning goal, and a defensive error by the Untouchables’ defender 5-0 final result. Cherrylyn Fuentes resulted in an auto-goal for the 2-0 final score. The playoffs begin at the MCC grounds on Sunday, November 13.

BES girls & Boom Methodist boys win volleyball finals Belize City, Thursday, November 3, 2011 The Belize Elementary School girls and the Burrell Boom Methodist School boys will represent the Belize District at the National District primary school volleyball championship to be hosted by the National Sports Council, after they won the Belize District primary school volleyball championships at the Belize City Center last Thursday. The BES girls won the Belize City championships on Wednesday, over the Holy Redeemer girls: 25-22 and 25-10. The Holy Redeemer boys had to go to extra points to win the Belize City championship over the St Martin’s boys last Wednesday: 26-24, 17-25, and 1511. Female competition: Game 1 - Holy Redeemer vs. Hattieville girls – 25-23, 25-19 Game 2 - BES vs. Holy Cross Anglican – 25-16, 22-25, 15-6 Game 3 – BES vs. Holy Redeemer – 25-19, 25-18 Male competition Game 1 –Burrell Boom Methodist vs. St. Martin de Porres RC – 26-24, 2519 Game 2 – San Pedro RC boys vs. Holy Redeemer RC – 25-18, 25-19 Game 3 - Boom Methodist vs. San Pedro RC – 25-21, 25-23

spiked on plays set by Evir Aranda, Robin Nightingale and Daril Avila to win the 1st set: 25-20. Compre’s Marlon Salazar, Felix Requena, Akeem Watters and Christopher Enriquez also scored points on plays set by Kevin Brown and Cardinal Garnett, but TCC won the 2nd set 25-21. In the 3rd set, Compre’s Arren Roches and Daniel Hewlett entered the game, but John Lucas and Bernardez spiked and tricked the ball to reach a

match point at 24-15. The Compre boys survived 4 more match points before the T.C.C. boys took it away: 25-19. Georgetown High’s principal presented the championship, 2nd place and 3rd place team trophies to the respective captains of the team and individual medals to the first second and third place winners, and the Most Valuable Player award went to TCC’s Raluni Bernardez.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Bad News for Belize’s Aquaculture

Shrimp Industry

BELIZE CITY, Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 By Alton Humes In a time when our economy is struggling to recover from the shockwave effects of a global economic downturn, we do not need more bad news from international trade partners to compound that.

But it seems that the European Union has found reason to upset our ‘apple cart’, because if we can’t offer an explanation as to why certain Belize-owned ships operating in European waters are not being monitored by a local authority (i.e. the Fisheries Department) and left to operate solely on an International Business Compa-

nies (IBC) registry, we’ll get hit with trade sanctions this fledgling industry doesn’t need. And although it’s a fairly recent phenomenon (dating as far back as the 1990’s), the aquaculture shrimp industry brings in tens to nearly hundreds of millions of dollars annually (as much as US$92 million in 2003, when 16 million

Flu Vaccines are available Belmopan, November 1, 2011 The Ministry of Health is indicating to the general public that the seasonal flu vaccine is now available for specific at-risk groups. These special groups consist of: Children 6 – 23 months, adults 65 years and older; Health Care Providers and persons 6 months and older with cardiac or pulmonary disease including asthma, and chronic conditions such as Diabetes, Renal Failure, and HIV. The Seasonal Flu vaccine is inactivated trivalent types A and B Subtypes 2011 – 2012. It is administered in the upper arm (Deltoid muscle). There are mild side-effects associated with the administration of the flu vaccine: slight temperature elevation, aching muscles for a couple days and possible soreness at the injection site. Persons who have al-

lergy to eggs are advised not to take the vaccine due to its preparation in chicken embryos. The vaccination is available at all

public health centers, free of cost throughout the country. Persons in the specified at risk groups are advised to go to their nearest health

Sunday, November 13, 2011

pounds of shrimp was produced). But the ships in question are registered with IMMARBE (International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize). IMMARBE handles both registration of ships and international businesses. The question right now isn’t what will Government of Belize’s Fisheries Dept. do, but rather how will we get out of this if the Fisheries Department has little to no actual control of these ships, where they go and what they do? It’s a tough question, and the situation bears some watching. We’ll continue to follow this story.

center to be vaccinated and to report any adverse reaction that may occur after vaccine administration. If you belong to any one of the at risk groups, it is important that you have your seasonal flu vaccine. Also persons who were vaccinated last year are advised to get vaccinated again this year.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Robbery & Burglary rash ‘hits’ Belize communities BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 By Alton Humes Here are some more crimes (burglary, robberies and thefts) report from the desk of the Police Press Officer, and they’re all really usual (i.e. pathetic and screwed-up) in their approach. The first target was Southern Choice Butane Gas Company in Ladyville, and a female cashier was the first to spot the dastardly pair of crooks (one armed with a firearm, the other with a knife), but she and those in the building were unlucky in preventing themselves from being robbed of assorted jewelry, cell phones and BZ$1,000.00 cash from the day’s proceeds. The next involves a man of God, who (by certain and dependent opinion) was probably not in a good place to do his ‘good deeds’. Brian Joseph Christopher, a Catholic priest, told Police that his office on Vernon Street in Belize City were ‘hit’ sometime between November 3rd and/or 4th, 2011 for their assortment of computers and equipment, valued at BZ$7,800.00. We keep things on the South Side of the City where another robbery took place on East Collet Canal at Pacheco’s Jewelry Shop, where 2 men with caps over their faces (one armed with a ‘homemade shotgun’) attempted to rob the manager-owner, Manuel Pacheco. But luck was on the manager-owner’s side, as the pair got nothing and had to escape on a motorbike. Mr. Wilhelm Lopez of Pine Street, on the other hand, wasn’t quite as lucky, as the businessman’s office was ‘hit’ in October of this year for 30 galvanized hybrid (zinc-iron) panels, valued at over BZ$15,000.00. The last thing to report on is, to put it mildly, quite weird. It concerns a burglary that was (for less-than-usual reasons) only recently reported, but actually happened sometime between November of 2010 and October of this year. The victim, a female residing at Moho Bay address in the City, had her home robbed of the above: 9 drapes (yellow and red in color) [valued at BZ$125.00], a white-and-baby blue-colored Whirlpool® Washing Machine with s/n CP4311479 [valued at BZ$1,500.00], a white-andbaby blue-colored Whirlpool® GasOperated Dryer with s/n MP2910144 [valued at BZ$1,400.00], a white-andcream Lakewood Standing Fan [valued at BZ$200.00], an Island Mahogany Cabinet and Sink [valued at BZ$3,500.00], a white-colored GE Refrigerator with s/n GTS18GB [valued at BZ$2,040.00], a grey-and-white-colored 50-pound gas tank with s/n 208 [valued at BZ$150.00], a black-and-cream-colored Maytag® Stove with s/n 7703P88160 [valued at BZ$1,600.00] and a cream-colored Maytag® Freezer [valued at BZ$2,000.00], the grand total being BZ$12,515.00. The good news is that, with the sole exception of the freezer, all the other items were recovered from a residence on Far West Street, with the occupants of the home, Ms. Patricia Gardiner (an auditor), Mr. Evan Gardiner (a Security Officer) and Mr. Christopher (Alexander) McKoy Jr. (a construction worker) , being subsequently arrested and likely to be charged. A small but reasonable bright spot, but the investigations into all these incidents (and search for suspects) continues.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, November 13, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Anwar Charaf

& PUP Corozal Town Council Team READY!

PUP Chairman, Henry Usher, ofﬁciates swearing-in of PUP Town Council candidates: Maximo Sosa, Ruben Cruz, Loraline Zuniga, Mayoral Candidate Anwar Charaf, Ivan Castillo, Baldemar Pech & Primitivo Vasquez Jr.

Orange Walk PUP Mayoral Candidate Kevin Bernard

PUP Corozal South West Standard Bearer Ramiro Ramirez

PUP Belmopan Standard Bearer Amin Hegar

PUP Belize Rural Central Standard Bearer Dolores Balderamos Garcia

A dynamic parade leads PUP Leader Hon. Francis, Town Council Team and supporters to PUP ofﬁce on College Road

PUP Leader, Hon. Francis Fonseca, addresses supporters in Corozal Town

PUP supporters attending ceremony to endorse PUP Town Council team

PUP Leader, Hon. Francis Fonseca, Mayoral Candidate Anwar Charaf & Councilor candidate Ivan Castillo

Former PUP Leader & Orange Walk Central Area Representative, Hon. John Briceño

PUP Corozal Bay Standard Bearer Gregorio “Papas” Garcia

PUP Corozal North Standard Bearer Valdemar Castillo

PUP Corozal South East Area Representative Hon. Florencio Marin Jr.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, November 13, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Keeping in touch in Hattieville Hattieville, November 6, 2011 The PUP Belize Rural Central Committee and Standard Bearer Dolores Balderamos Garcia continue to keep in touch and work hard in Hattieville and in all of Belize Rural Central. In October Dolores and her husband PUP Chairman for Belize Rural Central Pepe Garcia attended the Twenty-fifth Wedding Anniversary celebration for Whitfield and Murien Baptist at Faith Methodist Church in Hattieville. Together with Pastor and Mrs. Villaimil and the congregation of Faith Methodist, Dolores and Pepe celebrated the love “as bright and enduring as Silver.” The PUP Belize Rural Central Committee wished the Baptists many congratulations on their Silver Anniversary. In terms of the ongoing campaigning and visits, Dolores and the Committee have been delivering care packages of rice and beans to various elderly and needy persons in the Hattieville area. A kind donation from Belize Aviation Engineering Company Limited made possible the rice and beans packages for Hattieville residents, as the campaigning and ongoing voter registration continues.

PUP Standard Bearer, Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, hands out food packages to families in Hattieville. Mrs. Dolores is committed to serving the people.

Voters of Hattieville as well as the rest of Belize Rural Central are already seeing the caring and hands-on style of the PUP Belize Rural Central campaign. While the UDP and their hangers-on in Belize Rural Central are busily grabbing at anything possible for themselves

Pen Cayetano’s exhibit to open at Institute of Mexico

Belmopan, Belize, 8 November 2011- The Mexican Embassy invites the general public to the opening of the art exhibition “The Creation of Eve” by the renowned Belizean painter and musician Pen Cayetano. The exhibition forms part of the Garifuna celebrations in Belize, and will be inaugurated at the Institute of Mexico in Belize, on Friday, November 11th, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. For the sixth time since 1996, the Mexican Embassy has been hosting the exhibition depicting the latest artistic production by Master Pen Cayetano, one of the most im-

since they see their days of power coming to an end, the Belize Rural Central PUP Committee are reaching out to voters and preparing for elections. The PUP Belize Rural Central Committee will also be meeting with new Party Leader Francis Fonseca for dis-

cussions on campaign readiness and the importance of carrying the message of the PUP into homes and to all voters of Belize Rural Central. The people of Belize Rural Central know that better WILL come with the PUP!!

portant cultural figures during the celebrations in November dedicated to the Garifuna culture. Delvin “Pen” Cayetano, painter, singer, songwriter, percussionist, guitarist, is the leading cultural reviver and Ambassador of the Garinagu. He was born in 1954 in Dangriga, the cultural capital of the Garinagu. He is a self-taught painter and musician. Cayetano began his artistic career as a painter in the 70’s. His paintings portray scenes of everyday life in Belize, its folklore, history and Garifuna culture. His works has been exhibited in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. In Mexico, his exhibitions have been

hosted at the Museum of Mayan Culture in Chetumal and at the National Museum of Cultures in Mexico City. An upcoming exhibition will be presented in the Mexican city of Merida. In 2008, the Language, Dance and Music of the Garifuna were inscribed in the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization). This latest exhibition, “The Creation of Eve” which includes more than 30 oil paintings will open on Friday, November 11th, at 6:30 pm at the Institute of Mexico in Belize. Entrance will be free and open to the general public. The exhibition will remain open until November 30th, 2011.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Who is benefitting from Xate production? By: C.P. Mathers The recent discoveries of Guatemalans illegally harvesting Xate leaves in Belizean territory came as a shock to some but others who knew what was happening were only disappointed about the truth being exposed. Guatemalan xate camps were found some 20 kilometers into Belize’s territory which raises great concerns as to how well our borders are being protected. In 2010, Minister Montero promoted the exporting of Xate leaves even after the granting of concessions for Xate extraction in Belize had been discontinued. This was the recommendation of the Organisation of American States after it became apparent that Belize’s effort to regularize Xate extraction by taxing it was only enabling Guatemalan Xateros to illegally come into Belize. On February 24th, Eco Green’s

Xate packaging factory in Red Bank Village just outside Santa Elena, Cayo was opened. When asked by 7 News if the majority of employees were Guatemalans, Minister Montero went on a rampage stating that, ““I think the question you should be asking me is who is beneﬁting from the harvesting of xate. This is a new company, Eco-Green established in Cayo for the harvesting and packaging and export of Xate to foreign countries like the USA and Europe. Right now what I know for sure is that they employ single mothers.” Altogether, Montero did not even answer the question. He then stated, “Now a local company, a local company owned by Belizeans will be harvesting the xate for the beneﬁt of Belizeans.” Our investigations led us to the company registry in which we found that a Belizean is a part of the

Coalition supports call for No Oil Exploration in SarstoonTemash National Park Belize City, Belize, November 9, 2011 – The Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage supports the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM) in its position regarding oil exploration in the Sarstoon Temash National Park by US Capitol and calls on the Government of Belize to stop oil exploration in the protected area. The Coalition also calls on the Ministry of Natural Resources to be transparent and discontinue the practice of hiding public information, including approved permits provided to oil companies to explore in protected areas. Protected areas in Belize have been designated as “protected” to safeguard ecosystem services such as the provision of clean water, clean air and food, and to maintain biodiversity. In addition, both marine and terrestrial protected areas are the primary tourist visitation sites in the country. Secrecy in contracts and operations of the extractive industries, including the petroleum industry, has long been associated with corruption and the failure of a resource rich country to further human development, also known as the resource curse. Helen Clark, the administrator for the United Nation’s Development Programme (UNDP) in an article on “Avoiding the Resource Curse” said: “For natural resource revenue to benefit a country’s citizens, its management must be transparent throughout the contracting process” and she urges the involvement of those who are most likely to be “impacted by resource extraction”. Clark notes that many of the impacted communities are indigenous communities and that the rights of those impacted must be “protected and their development needs met.” It seems that despite the numerous case studies of countries who have fallen prey to the resource curse, Belize is insis-

company but so is a Guatemalan. According to the documents, the Belizeans in the company are Vice President, Roberto Montero, son of Minister Rene Montero and Ramon Matus. The real chief, the President, is of Guatemalan nationality. The minister’s son is a director of Gosen, who purchases the xate leaves locally for the market and is a subscriber of Eco Green Ltd. According to files, Eco Green Ltd has not filed its returns since it was registered on September 17th 2009. The questions Minister Montero must answer are: who is truly benefiting from the exportation of xate leaves? Are Belizeans really being employed? Why has no returns been filed at the Company Registry in two years? Stop hiding behind lies Montero!

Rene Montero

Mexican President launches the cheapest weekend in the year initiative

Mexico City, 9 November 2011President Calderón launched the “Have a Good One: the cheapest weekend in the year,” initiative. The president explained that the idea was suggested by private enterprise to contribute to families’ well-being and promote every sector in the economy, by creating more jobs and economic growth for the country. The “Have a Good One” event, to be held

tent about walking this same path and becoming another resource curse case study. The Belize Coalition to Save our Natural Heritage calls on the Government of Belize to rescind its policy of allowing oil exploration and exploitation in protected areas and in our marine waters through by cancelling all leases issued within these ar-

from 18 to 21 November, involves applying discounts at all commercial establishments. The media comprising Initiative Mexico will publicize the project. The president explained that commercial banks will participate in the “Have a Good One” initiative by providing loans, credit facilities, better interest rates and interest-free months. The president thanked the President of the Federation of State Workers’ Unions (FSTSE) Joel Ayala for his collaboration. The president said that the Federal Government will pay employees part of their Christmas bonus in advance to enable them to take advantage of the offers. The remaining amount of the Christmas bonus will

eas, and protect the livelihoods and health of all Belizeans. The Coalition also urges government to institute transparency measures in its management of the petroleum industry.

be paid in December and January in an unprecedented effort to distribute this payment. He explained that he has instructed all government offices to enroll their staff in the Institute of the National Fund for Workers’ Consumption (INFONACT), since it offers the best credit conditions on the market for purchasing durable consumer goods. He said that over 30,000 businesses throughout the country are affiliated to this institute. The president explained that the Federal Government is participating in this initiative because it reflects its economic priorities by creating conditions for growth, more jobs and more dynamism in commercial activities. The president ended by saying that “Have a Good One” benefits all the economic actors: consumers, who will have access to goods and services at lower prices; business owners, because they will increase sales and the economy, because it stimulates the internal market.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

The 5 Point Agenda And the Next Revolution: One Belize-Prosperous, United and Free

By Carolyn Trench-Sandiford – Deputy Leader People’s United Party - Belize

This week, I decided on a simple topic, the 5 Point Agenda. Why is this? Firstly, whenever you talk to our people, no matter from which walk of life, they all desire the same things for themselves, their families and their communities. These are that: 1. Our communities are safe and well laid out, with healthy environments, proper physical and social infrastructure, including streets and drains, parks, playgrounds and recreational and sporting facilities, utilities and community technology and resource centers. 2. Employment to provide for our family’s basic needs is considered a priority, and not a possibility. 3. Education from Pre-school to University is a right, and not a privilege for a selected few. 4. Quality health care at all levels is accessible, available and affordable by all, and

5. Access to land and decent and comfortable homes are attainable and not only imaginable. I say, let this be the 5 Point Agenda for all 31 candidates of the People’s United Party for the next general election and all 9 mayoral and 58 councilor candidates for the next municipal election. Secondly, whenever you talk to people, no matter the age, sex, religion, ethnic grouping or which community or part of the country they live, they all want to see the same thing for our country. That there is: One Belize-Prosperous United and Free- that will bring about: 1. Economic independence, security and sustainability. 2. Equity in the distribution of our

wealth for economic, social and environmental justice. 3. Safety and security of our people and our borders. 4. The recapturing of our sovereignty, and 5. The consolidation of national unity… Let this be the 5 Point Agenda of the People’s United Party for the Next Revolution and the Next Generation. However, if we accept this, we are also accepting that the revolution can no

19 longer be the peaceful and constructive Belizean revolution. It must transition to the radical and progressive Belizean revolution. Only so can we achieve the 5 point agenda in our constituencies. Only so can we achieve the 5 point agenda for our country. And only so can we create the Belize envisaged by our first national hero and home grown revolutionary, the Rt. Hon. George Price. For comments please email carolyntrench@gmail.com

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Reid W

ith an impressive slate of candidates now in place to contest the Belize City Council Elections, the PUP seem ready to put the in-house fighting behind them and move forward as a revived and formidable political force. Municipalities across the nation already have teams in place and this readiness seems to have taken some spring from the step of Prime Minister Barrow. At a House meeting a couple of weeks ago, Barrow hinted at early elections and some were speculating as early as December. At a press conference last week however, the PM seemed to catch cold feet, took an about turn and is now talking about General Elections after the Municipals in March. Maybe it is time for us to establish a set date for General Elections as we have for Municipals to do away with the game playing. In 1998, following their second stint in office, the UDP were in a similar unpopular position. The people were clamoring for elections but instead of complying, Barrow and crew erected a giant poster at the entrance to the city declaring, “MEK DEM WAIT”. In an act of pure spite and arrogance, the UDP extended their tenure a full three months and twenty-eight days past the constitutionally prescribed limit. It would make perfect sense, both logistically and financially, to establish a set date and require any government to abide thereby. There are some who even suggest that five years might be too long and that a four year term

might well be worth considering. What is definitely and urgently needed, are specific guidelines and standing regulations to govern the election process. Campaign financing is a big issue and at some point, we will have to bring this issue to the table. As elections draw near, look for the government to dole out money as if it was going out of style. Financing will magically appear to fund projects that have been neglected for almost the entire term. Political ads will inundate the airwaves leaving sparse time for actual news items. Many of the ads will be downright slanderous and outright disingenuous but little effort is being made to correct or curtail this unscrupulous practice. Much has been made about the current financial woes of the PUP and the new leader has been quite frank in admitting that the coming elections will have to be won without much money. While extremely difficult, it is not impossible and given the woeful performance of the current administration, victory is all but guaranteed. The challenge is for the PUP to convince the electorate that it will not be business as usual thereafter. The Belizean people are demanding and deserving of a more efficient and caring government. This yah crowd nuh easy! With the poverty level at a whopping fortythree percent and unemployment hovering near twenty-five percent, the big shots of government continue to live lavish lifestyles and travel the world first class. The so-called “spoils system” bragged about by the Prime Minister is unacceptable and will hopefully be discarded by the new PUP government. The PUP will have much work to do and will have to hit the ground running. It will not be an easy job getting this country back on track but even before that, it will not be easy wresting power from these despots. The UDP has shown that they have no intention of playing a fair game. With a pair of rabid UDP fanatics like Alberto August and Phillipa Bailey in control of Elections and Boundaries,

the PUP will have to be extremely vigilant in their scrutiny of that department. Many incidents of impropriety have already been reported and we can be sure that these two will go to any extreme to give advantage to their party. It is imperative that more effort be given to finding more objective and neutral personnel for this very important arm of government. With unchecked access to the public purse, look for the UDP to pull all stops to ensure that things flow their way. They have shown that they are not beyond using public funds, vehicles and employees to gain an advantage in elections. This practice must stop. Boots Martinez has spent much money amassing a street army that does little more than sit around and wait for a call to duty. I believe that this will backfire. These young people deserve more and are demanding more. They realize that a UDP out of office cannot victimize them and it is no secret that the economy performs much better under the PUP. The jobs created by the PUP are more advancing and are less demeaning. Nobody wants to build a career of digging drains and cutting grass. In their time in office, the PUP set up Center for Employment Training (CET) and Institutes for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ITVET) buildings in every district. These facilities offered meaningful skills to otherwise unemployable youth and presented a valuable second-chance to those who fell through the proverbial cracks of education. Under this government, the CET building on St. Thomas and most others country

Sunday, November 13, 2011

wide are practically abandoned and the ITVET buildings are used for political purposes. With many educators and professionals among those vying for office for the PUP, we can expect a renewed focus on the uplifting and enhancing of the skills of our nation’s workforce. Many Belizeans, party faithful and otherwise, are relieved to see a viable opposition in place. There is still work to be done and some pieces are still not fitting the way they ought to. The time for lollygagging and vacillating is behind us however, and those who will join the fight must now gather arms or forever hold their peace. In closing this piece, I would like to offer best wishes and a speedy recovery to the wife of the Prime Minister, Kim Simpliss-Barrow who was last week diagnosed with third degree cancer. She is a charming and pleasant personality, quite unlike her lesser half. It is good to hear that she has been flown out of the country for specialized treatment and my concern is genuine and heartfelt. My one wish however, is that someday soon, more our citizens will have available to them the resources and opportunity to access the kind of care that might very well save her life. The kind of care that saved the life of Rodwell Williams and Manuel Esquivel and the kind of care that was envisioned through the Universal Health Services. Isn’t it ironic that all three received diagnosis and primary care at this very hospital which their contemporaries have so diligently thrived to discredit? What a wonderful GOD we serve!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Boots Forget Port for Housing Assistance

By Gilroy Usher, Sr. (PUP Standard Bearer for Port Loyola) Charity Begins at Home. In politics this proverb means that as a show of gratitude a politician should first help the residents of his constituency, who elected him to office. Not so with “Boots” the do-nothing, arrogant, and mean-spirited Area Representative for Port Loyola. For Boots charity begins on Western Avenue almost 2 miles from his division. Courtesy of Boots one of his female friends has been treated to one of the largest concrete bungalow houses on Western Avenue complete with a large area for a poolroom or

other small businesses. Construction of the house did not cost Boots much. That’s because among other things several employees of the Ministry of Works were used to provide labour for the private undertaking during normal working hours of the day. The cost of labour alone to taxpayers for the house that Boots built on Western Avenue for his female friend exceeds $25,000. This same Boots however refuses to use taxpayers’ money to alleviate the housing situation that is causing severe hardship and discomfort for the less fortunate residents of Port Loyola. Residents of Port Loyola who have to live in snaked infested homes or homes with floors that are covered with almost two feet of water do not qualify for any kind of housing assistance from Boots. Similarly, residents of the division who have to live in houses with the walls literally falling apart don’t qualify for housing assistance from Boots; neither do residents of Port Loyola who live in homes with roofs that offer very little protection from rain. People in Port with the need for proper bathroom and septic tank do not qualify for assistance with taxpayers’ money from Boots and neither do residents of the division, who need

21 denied housing assistance in Port Loyola ,while Boots squanders taxpayers money, our hard earn money that we pay to the government, are encouraged to visit Boots’ office on Fabers Road Extension and demand housing assistance from the Area Representative. Remember Boots was elected as the Area Representative for Port Loyola to serve the people which includes addressing their needs for better housing. He was not elected to use government labour and other things to enrich himself or build a private home for any of his female friends.

a little addition to their homes to overcome overcrowding. With $25,000 any concerned Area Representative could do a lot to alleviate the housing situation of dozens of residents of Port Loyola. Boots however choose to squander all that money on a private home outside of the division; the people however will remind him that charity begins at home, when they vote him out of office in the next general election. Government has “Boots” has neglected the needs of Port Loyola placed Boots residents while enriching himself, his friends incharge of miland family lions of dollars for housing improvement for the neediest in Port Loyola and other divisions in the Belize City. Those of you who have been wrongly

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To Tell

The Truth…

here are so many adversities facing our little Belize and so many minds set in concrete and so many diverse perspectives on issues that should I try to address each of them, it would certainly be futile. However, there are some foundational principles and values that can certainly apply to most if not all of them. There is a saying that someone shared with me that I like, that adversity can either rocket you forward or anchor you down. Adversity is defined as state of hardship or affliction; distress, misfortune - an unfortunate or a calamitous event or incident. (The American Heritage® Dictionary). It visits every one of us during our sojourn here on the earth. Adversity is no respecter of person. The difference lies in the way we confront our adversities. Ecclesiastes 6:12 tells us that in the day of prosperity , in the good day, when things go well “in the commonwealth, in a man’s family, and with himself, health, peace, and plenty, are enjoyed, a man’s circumstances are thriving and flourishing; it becomes him to be thankful to God, freely and cheerfully enjoy what is bestowed on him, and do good with it” since God gives to man to make use for themselves and to benefit others, as much as within us we are to do good to others. God balanced prosperity and adversity against each other, and were it not so, how many would put the former in the place of God himself!” Adversity will always anchor down those that are not willing to take responsibility for their lives. To reiterate, it is your attitude toward adversity that will determine your success or failure in life. Do not wallow in your self-pity and complacency, nor compromise when convenient. If you lack vision you will surely fail. What you think of yourself is more important than what others think or say of you. Be willing to accept change that will improve your existing condition. Get rid of the nega-

tives. Accept handouts only as a temporary solution instead of stealing and do honest work, no matter how small. Do not think more highly of yourself; respect yourself, your property, your country and others. Refuse to remain stuck in a political rut that is preventing you from identifying the difference between abstract politics and tangible friendship and relationships. I recently read a newspaper article “Dis dah Belize” that reflects some of these negative attitudes toward our country which also reflects on we the people. To tell the truth, I experience this almost on a daily basis. The crab mentality it is sometimes referred to, that the more a Belizean tries to improve himself/herself, there is always those other Belizeans that try to pull him/her backward from making progress usually because those negative Belizeans are not willing to do what it takes to make adversity rocket them forward. However, there are those of us who use our adversities to make a difference, who want to contribute positively to our country’s development no matter how small a contribution, by being respectful of each other and exemplary and respectful citizens and obey the laws of the land. I will choose to believe that many of you mentioned above want to improve your quality of life and your position in life. I choose to believe that you are not aware of the many options that are available to you and if you are you do not know how to go about it. This is when adversity can rocket you forward. This is when adversity tests your faith, your substance, what you are made of or what you can become as a result. He who fails in the day of adversity his strength is said to be small. You bear the responsibility to respect yourself so you can respect others; give honour to whom honour is due; respect authority for authority’s sake then address responsibly any adversity arising from an irresponsible authority or government. The same values and principles we use to deal with our adversities in ev-

Sunday, November 13, 2011

REALITY CHECK!

NO JOBS, NO MONEY, MORE POVERTY AND MORE CRIME!

By Carla Bradley Everywhere we turn, there are single mothers without jobs, youths out of school and people who have not a loaf of bread to put on the table. How can this government take the people for fools with their false propaganda? Preaching good life, good economy, more jobs and that they are actually trying to tackle the crime and poverty? We are not fools Mr. Barrow; we are the ones living in this hell under your poor administration. Every year students graduate, some with the hope of furthering their education and others with the hope of finding a good job but unfortunately many of them are disappointed as none of their dreams will come true. There aren’t enough jobs to offer the youths who come out of the tertiary level, as the economy is struggling to breathe above water and business are desperately trying to survive these hard times. The direct foreign investment at its lowest ever, has had a great impact on the job avenue of our country. Businesses are afraid of hiring, cannot expand, and most cannot survive another term of this dreadful UDP administration.

We hear the Minister of education boast about the amalgamation of schools, the students receiving awards for their excellent grades in CXCs, PSE and so forth, but the question is what will become of these students? Will their hard work be in vain? Will there be enough jobs for them? Will there be enough finance for them to further their education? These are questions that haunt not only the parents, who mind you, are trying to find a way to afford their children’s future, but the students themselves. Has the Minister ever thought that these obstacles his government has burdened the country with, will affect the students? They will not see the reason in even studying if there aren’t any jobs for them out here in the real world. Single mothers are left mercilessly wondering the streets in search of a means to earn money for their family. What happened to the programs for single mothers, to teach them a trade to be able to sustain their family? What happened to youth building programs? This UDP government has forgotten that the youths are the ones who will take over, we are the ones who will decide who will lead us. This government has failed the youths, the single mothers, and the country in its entirety. I say to the people of this country, young and old, it is time for us to step up and tell this government that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! WE WANT MORE JOBS! WE WANT LESS CRIME! WE WANT A BETTER LIFE FOR THE GENERATIONS TO COME! AND WE WANT YOU PM BARROW AND YOUR GOVERNMENT OUT!

eryday life are the same we need to use to address or confront every other adversity we experience whether from political backlash, gangsters’ activities; or social injustices. In conclusion, the good adversity is to strengthen the human soul and gives us a chance to grow; the bad comes as a result of bad choices – right living leads to peace, prosperity and happiness, while wickedness, evil and sin cause misery and pain.

The ugly causes another to suffer as a result of someone else’s poor choice. As Theodore Roosevelt put it, “The forces that tend for evil are great and terrible, but the forces of truth and love and courage and honesty and generosity and sympathy are stronger than any before.” Adopt these values and principles as your own. Send us your comments @ editortimes@yahoo.com

Sunday, November 13, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

In my perspective…

Cancer does not discriminate, receiving good treatment does!

By Rayford Young I remember when Hon. John Briceño announced he was resigning as party leader of the Peoples United Party because of medical reasons. The Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow said publicly that he will not kick a man when he is down. Well, I won’t do that either. Cancer does not discriminate - it affects people from every nation and kindred. This is not the time to take a dig at the first family, but it is a time to examine what can be done so Belizeans have access to the best treatment possible when needed. In any emerging nation there are several institutional structures required – a working government, industry so people can work and pay taxes, an educational system, a modern infrastructure so we can move goods and people, a military apparatus to protect the nation and a health care system to provide medical care to its people. Since our independence thirty years ago I’m not sure what grade I would give our country for any of those items I just mentioned. And when it comes to our health care system in Belize I would certainly have to give it a failing grade. The very fact that most people have to go to the United States or Mexico when major medical problems occur tells the story. I can’t imagine the large sum of money that leaves the country when people have to go overseas for medical treat-

ment. We all know that cancer is just one of many diseases requiring intervention, so not to have a medical facility that can deal with that is a sad and sorry situation and a huge failure indeed. I have no problems with the Barrow’s seeking the best treatment overseas, and we wish Mrs. Barrow a complete recovery. But how many Belizeans can send their biopsy to the USA for diagnosis and jump on a plane to go to the USA for treatment? Not too many - except for the elites and well connected. For those without resources, Chetumal or Merida seems to be their only options. Just the fact that we have to go to Mexico or the USA for treatment is a black eye on our health system and our Country. I hope this experience with the Barrows will force the Prime Minister to take a serious look at the Belize health system, and put some significant resources in place to bring it up to par. How many more cancer patients will it take or how many more trips overseas taken by Belizeans seeking adequate treatment before we do something about our health care situation? How many more Belizeans will have to die because they cannot get a visa to the USA or they don’t have the resources to travel to Mexico for medical treatment? This should be a wake-up call to our leaders and our health officials. I believe health care is a right for all citizens of Belize. It is unfortunate that some in our society can go and get the best care available and others have to fight for their lives or borrow funds to get medical care. We should have adequate health care available for all Belizeans. And if you haven’t already, get your annual mammogram or prostate screening. Early detection is the key to effective treatment if necessary. Rayford Young is a Belizean-American, who currently lives in Michigan, U.S.A. Send comments to rayfordyoung@comcast.net

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Contemplating the New Epoch

By Lucia Moguel

y absenteeism had been due to no other than the myriad paths life chooses to put us in. I had embarked on a journey to visit a few relatives and acquaintances, mainly my grandmother, back in my hometown. Upon arrival I quickly noticed the many differences between a foreign country and Belize. I had forgotten what fully paved streets and sidewalks looked and felt like. I had forgotten about the many commodities urban areas offer and about the great variation in products there are. I had forgotten about a relatively affordable life style and the pleasures of walking in a clean, garbage-free street. I had forgotten the beauty of a park surrounded by green and children’s laughter; but what I admired most was the attention placed to the most valuable citizens, those with special needs. When the time came to return to Belize, I was quite upset and disappointed with the view. Most of our streets, honestly the great majority, lack sidewalks and our streets are extremely deteriorated. In fact, we do not have streets anymore; they are in such terrible conditions that they have metamorphosed into a colossal hole in the ground. That’s right, we don’t have streets; we have holes. My little soul clamors for the existence of a decent park; one in which the children can safely play and enjoy a nice Sunday morning with their parents. They have no need to play in the dilapidated ruins that exist today. They have no need to observe mischievous adults squander their lives, especially those coming out of the many bars found right in front of the park. Our society deserves to have impeccable recreational facilities and they should be preserved at all times in order to maintain their good state, even if the government changes. On Sunday, October 30, 2011, elections were held here in the peaceful town of Orange Walk, which is unfortunately losing its peace. Over a thousand people went to vote that day for the candidate of their choice and I must say that I am glad to be found in that number. The only thing that I hope is for them to keep their promises when they ascend into power because they have earned the people’s trust. It is the people that elected them; it is because of the people that they are where they are. I hope that they don’t forget the people. I hope that their promises are not just wooing words. Many of us have placed our faith in their hands and it would be a great disenchantment if they do otherwise. In these people’s hands lay the key to our progress and betterment, I am utterly tired of broken promises and empty words…

Sunday, November 13, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Purpose of Stealing A couple days ago I heard on the news about a display of items that were stolen. I decided to go to the (C.I.B) office to see what was there. I was both amazed and annoyed at what I saw. There was an array of assorted items; doors, stove, washing machine, kitchen cabinet and sink, among others that were stolen from inside the house of various people! It’s both amazing and annoying to think of the extent a thief would go to accomplish his goal! After something has been stolen from an individual there is a sense or a feeling of violation, an infringing on one’s privacy. There is a word spoken by the king in Matthew 6:19 that confirms to us that we will always have thieves with us while we are on this side of eternity (planet earth): 6:19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. This scripture suggests to us also in verse twenty, that there will be no thieves in heaven or on the newly renovated earth! Actually all thieves will be imprisoned with a maximum sentence of eternity and corporal punishment by fire! (Revelation 20:15, 21:8) On the other hand just in an attempt to bring balance, God loves the thief just that he does not love stealing! If you will recall after meeting a repentant thief on the cross He promises that thief that today you will be with me in paradise! What is stealing? Firstly, you cannot steal what is yours. Stealing begins when it is not your property. I remember one day while at high school a thirty year old man came to steal my racer bike. Since I caught him he instead went to another place on campus and stole a bicycle from there. It so happened that the owner of the bike saw him go to the shop on it one day and stole it back! In reality he could not have stolen the bike as it was already his! Stealing then is taking something that does not belong to you without the owner’s consent! This is the same whether it is done in secrecy or by force! Why do people steal? There are many reasons why people steal, and today many steal to support a drug habit, while others steal to support their family and to make a better life. People steal because they are lazy and refuse to apply their creative skills and even the basic thinking facility that will generate income for them. It is much easier to take in an hour, what it took someone else months, years or even a ‘life time’ to build. Stealing is very much encouraged in our country and according to reports many times it ends up with the death of a businessman! When mothers, fathers, and grandparents begin to store things they know is illegal or things their children cannot afford there is a strengthening of the stealing business. When we purchase tools and clothes and utilities for ‘little to nothing’ we’re encouraging the thieves to continue in their trade! Well this actually brings me to my final point, I believe when a stolen item is bought it brings a curse with it. It may sit a long time in your house but sooner or later your house or your car is broken into as a stolen item cannot sit still. Yes it’s a ‘good deal’ you are getting and true ‘life haada out ya’ but remember, whether it happens immediately or a while after that reasonable item you bought from a thief because you know it was a great deal, too good to be true, is going to turn ‘tiger’ on you! Remember it is better to work than steal, and it is better to earn than to take. Until next week. God bless!

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Sunday, November 13, 2011

MOYA-the UDP PAPPY SHOW Disgraced Mayor enters race in Caribbean Shores but campaigns in Mesop!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 With the same level of confusion that she has been mismanaging the affairs of the Belize City Council, erecting roundabouts, ruins, and semi-sexual structures throughout the city, Zenaida MoyaFlowers has made a woozy comeback in Belize City. Straight from an Ashcroft-paid trip to all parts of the world, MoyaFlowers is back claiming an electoral division. And no, it’s still not really Mesop. The UDP had three hardliners publicly competing for the post of Caribbean Shores Standard Bearer, following Carlos Perdomo’s admittance of failure. But by the deadline for submissions at 5 pm this evening closed, lo and behold, Zenaida’s name had made it to that list. It is a surprising twist of events. If people were to apply logic, the other three can claim reason as to why they got in the race. Zenaida, on the other hand, seemed to just be looking for something, anything to grab at, since her term as Mayor is fast approaching its end. But Moya-Flowers has no knowledge of the dynamics of Caribbean Shores. She doesn’t live there or in the city

KEVIN LEE

deported to Belize on Friday Belize City, November 10, 2011 The BELIZE TIMES has been reliably informed that Kevin Lee will be deported to Belize as early as tomorrow, Friday, November 11 2011. Lee, who worked as an acupuncturist in Belize, faces serious allegations of sexual assault, after it was exposed that he filmed his clients as they undressed during sessions at his clinic. Lee was detained in Los Angeles, California, U.S., on October 4th after Belize Police requested Interpol’s assistance in his capture. Belizean authorities has reported that Lee fled the country when he learnt that local Police were investigating his involvement in, of all things, secretly filming the wives of diplomats and socialites who turned to him for medical attention. The alleged transgressions were exposed when Lee turned to a repair technician to fix a problem with his computer. When the technician discovered the images, numbering at least 600, he attempted to blackmail Lee, likely wanting money to prevent the images from being posted to entities.

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at all, she doesn’t drive through there to even go to her mansion home. She is far detached from the entire city. But as if her name appearing on the list was not surprising enough, after she submitted her name to run in the area, Zenaida was spotted actively campaigning on the other side of town - in Mesop with foul-mouthed Minister Michael Finnegan. Late this evening, Zenaida admitted to the media that she did in fact submit her name to run in Caribbean Shores, but by the evening, with as swift a fashion that she made up her mind to run, she also decided to campaign in Mesop with the hopes of winning, not in 2013 but in 2018 [or 2021 as Finnegan said] when the senile politician steps aside for her. Aye Z, can’t you ever get things right? As strange as it is, that’s her plan. Of course it won’t work, even Finnegan knows it. He admitted to reporters that Zenaida is being “trained”, like a guinea pig experiment, in Mesopotamia. It is now very obvious that Zenaida is not thinking straight or is desperate, or a combination of both. Before any politician enters a race, there is a much thought and strategy and plotting that goes into it. That Finnegan could, in one afternoon, convince her to exit just after she was probably ill-advised to enter and she hastily agreed to doing both, shows some real political immaturity. More frighteningly, it proves that Moya-Flowers is merely a puppet of Finnegan, who is not the brightest bulb in the UDP. While Finnegan takes the line that Zenaida would be fit for 2018, her actions merely prove what she thinks of people she is looking to represent -- that she can easily be swayed to turn away from them in the blink of an eye for want of a better position. The people of Caribbean Shores and Mesop can already see through you, Zenaida and anything UDP. It’s good that you’re showing it so well in advance. Do us the favour, and return yourself to Ashcroft.

Humor in UDP Politics! net

The following matters were discussed in Cabi-

• A motion was raised by Sedi Elrington as to why he has been refused to act as Prime Minister when he believes he is more qualified and wealthier than any member of the dodo bird Cabinet. The answer was he has a brother called Crazy Glue. • How is it that Perdomo who can’t take care of his Ministry, who can’t take care of his constituency, is asked to take care of the whole darn country? Sheesh! Thankfully it was only for a few hours. • When Gapi heard that Perdomo was acting as Prime Minister he was on a Beech-craft private jet coming home and he ordered the pilot to “hurry, hurry”. When asked why, Gapi answered “Barrow left the country in the hands of a clown!” • The Pilot was unsure if he could make it to the airport in time, so Gapi just told him to find the usual spot on the highway. ………………………. In other related matters Melvin Hulse has admitted on Plus TV that he always wanted to be a rich white man. The Press Office announced the name of the wilderness Barrow said he was in for the years was called “Ashcroft’s Wilderness Retreat”. And that Juliet Thimbrel will undergo surgery to remove her gastric bypass since after 3 years it just doesn’t seem to work on her. Nasty Joe then offered that they exchange and try his. ………………………. Things are so hard under barrow that even the Lime tree doesn’t produce lime. Things are so bad, that even the rum drinkers are complaining that their money is getting less and less rum. So bad that fish noh di bite and Government had to take their hands out programme to the rural areas. Things so bad under Barrow that woman-abuser Fonso can’t take care of his wedlock child. So bad that even the baby momma is losing her hair over stress, and the only thing she hears from Fonso is “Life haada out ya baby”. The first thing done by Gapi when he took over from Perdomo was to ask why the airport was not open late at night to accommodate night flights. In the latest saga of Mayor Moya, she was reportedly last seen taking pictures of Fishing Trawlers in Alaska along with Sarah Pailin. Moya told Pailin she knows a Nasty Joe in Belize, but he ain’t no plumber. He can’t lay any pipes.

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Sunday, November 13, 2011