Belize Times August 2, 2020- Another Life Lost to Crime

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

2 AUGUST 2020 | ISSUE NO: 5209

ANOTHER LIFE LOST TO CRIME

www.belizetimes.biz | $1.00

PL Countrywide Tour in Freetown with Francis Fonseca

IS MR. BARROW GRIEVING FOR BELIZE STILL? The news that a hard-working family man, entrepreneur and community icon was callously murdered as he closed up his business for the night shocked the community of Ladyville and the entire nation. Another life lost to senseless violence in a country whose law-abiding citizens have lost any sense of security and safety years ago. It is not the first time this has happened, and sadly it will not be the last.

While the Minister of National Security, Attorney General and UDP

Pg. 2

Pg. 12

Barrow Loses Again Pg. 11

Barrow to PABLO Give More RAKING to UDPs AND on BOOST SCRAPING Pg. 11 Pg. 2

NO VILLAGE IN BZE HAS A BOUNDARY

– HUGO PATT’S MINISTRY Pg. 2

EVERYBODY FI WIN!

Shyne Transfers Mesop Votes to MASON: Belize LIFE SENTENCE FOR BELMOPAN Rural BEHEADING Pg. 11 North

planBelize

Pg.8

TODOS GANAMOS!

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2 AUG

THE BELIZE TIMES

ANOTHER LIFE LOST TO CRIME Continued from page 1 Chairman Michael Peyrefitte goes on TV and makes cute comments which end up on T-shirts, residents live in fear. Belizeans are not safe in their businesses, not safe on the streets and not safe in their homes. Every single day now the news is full of crime – people beaten up and robbed in their homes, bodies lying on the streets, families grieving. The UDP in its 12 years in office has done nothing to fight crime in the nation. They have totally neglected the people, lost in their own greed and corruption.

It is little wonder that criminals feel that they can operate with impunity in Belize. No less than the Prime Minister was found guilty of breaking the law in the Supreme Court and has refused to obey the order of the Court. The Prime Minister has brazenly and boldly refused to obey judgments from the highest court in the country, the Caribbean Court of Justice. That is the example which is being set for the young generation, many of whom have lost their fathers and loved ones to the same violence which has become an endless cycle.

Belizeans have stood and watched as Cabinet Ministers have been named in scandal after scandal, with accusations of corruption levied against them. And not one of them has had to face justice. Former UDP Minister Elvin Penner never faced justice for selling our Belizean birthright.

Not one UDP minister has faced any kind of justice for the blatant and rotten corruption in the Immigration scandal. Gaspar Vega has never faced any justice for grabbing land from the Belizean people so he and his family members could get rich. John Saldivar has not faced any justice, at least not yet, for his dirty deeds. And the list goes on and on and on.

Under this UDP administration, there has been no real move to fight crime by addressing the issues which affect those most at risk. Instead, the UDP, without a clue what to do, has started imposing States of Emergency whenever there is a sudden surge in crime.

Instead of providing a proper budget and resources to our Police Department, the UDP has completely politicized and manipulated the department. In 2008, Dean Barrow promised a forensic and DNA testing facility.

Twelve years later, he is still promising the same thing. Instead of getting serious about crime which has become a scourge in this country under the UDP, the people are given a set of jokers as Ministers of National Security. From John Saldivar, who is now supposedly under investigation by the same Police Department for which he was a Minister, the people now have to deal with the biggest joke of all, Michael Peyrefitte.

It is time for a real change in Belize, where citizen security can once again be assured. It is time to take back the country from the criminals, particularly those criminals at the highest levels of government. Don’t grieve Mr. Barrow. It is time for you and your corrupt Cabinet to leave.

NO VILLAGE IN BZE HAS A BOUNDARY – HUGO PATT’S MINISTRY

In the second coming of seceding Sedi, Hugo Patt’s best man at the Lands and Survey Department Vallejos was categorical in stating that villages in Belize have no boundaries. And to provide some comfort he said, two at least have boundaries.

Yes! It is Hugo Patt’s version of Sedi alleging that Belize has “artificial borders.” So for all it’s worth Patchakan has no boundary to make it a unique community. Interesting.

What was Patt’s minion saying?

Was he saying that villages legally can grow ad infinitum? Was he saying that villages can grow at will? Or, was he saying that villages do not really exist? So how does elections and boundaries have Village Council elections?

The Deputy Prime Minister

Hugo Patt and co. were most likely attempting to strip the right of all our villagers to own their land and end the norm of being called a resident of Patchakan, for example.

The UDP is desperate for some sort of revival. They are dead politically, and morally. Their vision has been stunted in a perpetual imagination of what could have been if they were not incompetent or not corrupt or not petty.

In essence, the UDP is attempting to fix in one interview answer the land grab and hustle at the hands of DPM Patt and UDP illegal caretakers like the deportee Barrow in Sandhill and many other UDPs. Apologies? Resignation? We are waiting? Be quick? Elections are here.

2020

PABLO RAKING AND SCRAPING As you travel our beauty of a nation from Sarteneja to Cristo Rey and San Narciso to Chunox and Benque we see a great number of buildings labelled Poly Clinics. But their doors are closed at mid morning and afternoon. These are the remnants of UDP hustle. Once the building is done, there is no more to milk and they move on to another one.

Pharma isnt good enough; Pablo saw infrastructure in his UDP colleagues so he moved on to ‘help’ his ministry.

Oscar Mira: Belmopan Standard Bearer Chimed in as a Polyclinic Broke Ground in Belmopan.

A COMPLETE LACK OF VISION Today the Mayor of Belmopan and the Party Leader elect of the UDP, Patrick Faber were are all grins and smiles at what was supposedly a groundbreaking ceremony for a polyclinic in Belmopan. Our healthcare services in Belmopan desperately needs attention but building a polyclinic in the Capital of our nation is shortsighted and shows a complete lack of vision. A polyclinic is just a larger health center but not a full scale hospital.

The current hospital in Belmopan serves the entire Cayo District as the Western Regional Hospital but it is completely inadequate.

It was built around 1975 and only has 50 beds. We all know the story about leaking roofs, insufficient space, inadequate electricity, poor drainage and of course rodent infestation.

Belmopan has grown significantly and so has the Cayo District.

The Western Regional Hospital now serves over 75,000 persons and we only have one bed for every 1,500 persons. The services need to be upgraded. You can’t get an X-ray or a CT-Scan at the hospital. This is madness. This is unacceptable.

Instead of planning to meet the current and future health services needs of our population and building a modern and proper hospital, this UDP government is giving us nothing more than a polyclinic. None other than the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has recommended the building of a completely new hospital. The Belmopan City Council itself, in it’s own Municipal Development Plan passed in 2014, said that the Belmopan Hospital needed “serious expansion as it serves not only residents of Belmopan but of the whole Cayo District.”

Incidentally, this Plan was paid for

by SIF with World Bank money and now they are going to build a polyclinic with CDB money, ignoring the very plan they paid for.

In the end let’s see this polyclinic for what it is, it is a political

gimmick being done in time for election. This is not what Belmopan and the Cayo District needs.

We need a modern hospital for our Capital and this is what the next PUP government will deliver. We should not be wasting resources on inadequate projects. Our children will have to pay for these halfbaked ideas by the UDP. The Caribbean Development Bank should also know better and do better due diligence on projects they fund.

Mira’s Appeal I am humbled and energized by the outpouring of support you have shown since the beginning of this campaign. We can’t do this without you! When election time comes we must all do our civic duty and get out there and VOTE to elect our next PUP government.

Note that if you have not re-registered since the process started in July 2018, then you still need to register if you want to vote in this year’s General Election. If you did re-register and would like to transfer your vote to another constituency, you can do so during the months of July and August. If you want to register, transfer, or if you’re not sure and want to check your registration status, please send us a message here on Facebook, or call/text/Whatsapp our Belmopan office at 670-9555. We are here to help!

Don’t wait, elections date has been hinted by the PM! Don’t get left behind! Thank you to everyone who has registered to vote thus far. We are all in this together!

Together we can! ¡Juntos podemos! #OscarMiraforBelmopan #ProsperityandSecurityforAll

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

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$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

Fay Castillo EDITOR

José Jiménez

LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

OFFICE ASSISTANT

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

Email: belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com

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2 AUG

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

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EDITORIAL

H

Dancing Clown

ealth care, wellness and safety are now priorities for Belizeans. All across social media, parents can be heard voicing their concerns on the opening of schools and the starting of the new school year. Parents do not want their children to be left behind but are wary about the challenges the new normal will bring and fear that preparations are not ideal for back to school. In places such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker and Placencia the apprehensions go beyond the readiness of the facilities at school. These places are particularly affected by the total shut down of the tourism industry.

Belizeans here are facing more pressing issues like unemployment, hunger and homelessness. The back to school prospects are grim. There is no money to buy books and pencils or even uniforms and school fees. Every penny is carefully spent sometimes on just a single meal for the entire day.

The schools are being pressed to make do with the stingy funds allocated to them for the new health protocols, and they are relying heavily on parents to make up the difference at a time when there is simply no money to do so.

These tourist havens are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 because once the international airport opens for business this is where the majority of tourists flock. San Pedro for instance has been promised new classrooms for the past three general elections and the past four municipal elections.

These promises have been heard from the mayors, the elected area representative and the now Prime Minister. In over a decade none have materialized. The financial crunch has forced many to forgo the more expensive private schools and now the government funded schools are even more congested and are turning away students for lack of space.

Tourist destinations are more exposed to contagion from COVID-19 and the health services there need to be especially prepared to deal with an outbreak. The UDP however have come up with a different plan. They have approved construction of a brand new polyclinic for Belmopan. There is yet no plan for a hospital for San Pedro, where emergencies must be air lifted to Belize City at a staggering cost.

The UDP continue to spend money on the Road to Caracol, stubbornly refusing to redirect the monies to healthcare, welfare or education in this crisis. The NHI is collapsing due to shortfalls in revenue, yet the MOH continues to build polyclinics where hospitals are needed and none where they are desperately needed.

The Minister of Health after twelve long years has not yet learnt that a building does not make a polyclinic or hospital. After spending close to $1M on an operating theater in the Corozal Town Hospital it is now used as a warehouse because there is no surgical team, surgical equipment or materials. Surgeries big and small must still be referred to the Northern Regional Hospital. The country is littered with colorful buildings claiming to be polyclinics but where there are often shortages of basic materials, medications and staff. Infrastructure projects are still the milking cow of the UDP, the investment is in buildings because it is easier to syphon funds from these than invest meaningfully in the welfare of people.

The World Bank has reported that almost a third of monies are lost to corruption worldwide, Belize is certainly not the exception under the UDP. As a matter of fact just like during the Petro Caribe Boom we must demand a proper account of monies spent and borrowed. It is indeed a mockery to the good people of Belize, the pretense of building polyclinics which will stand empty, while elsewhere in the country people have died waiting to be taken to the city. A building does not a hospital make and a dancing clown does not a Minister of Health make.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

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2 AUG

2020

en Español

Payaso Bailarín

a atención médica, el bienestar y la seguridad son ahora prioridades para los beliceños.

A través de los medios de comunicación social, se puede escuchar a los padres expresando sus preocupaciones sobre la apertura de las escuelas y el inicio del nuevo año escolar. Los padres no quieren que sus hijos se atrasen, pero están preocupados por los retos que traerá la nueva normalidad y temen que los preparativos no sean los ideales para el regreso a la escuela. En lugares como San Pedro, Caye Caulker y Placencia los temores van más allá de la preparación de las instalaciones de la escuela. Estos lugares se ven particularmente afectados por el cierre total de la industria

turística.

Los beliceños aquí están enfrentando problemas más urgentes como el desempleo, el hambre y la falta de vivienda. Las perspectivas de regreso a la escuela son sombrías. No hay dinero para comprar libros y lápices ni incluso uniformes y cuotas escolares. Cada centavo se gasta cuidadosamente a veces en una sola comida para todo el día. Las escuelas están siendo presionadas para que se conformen con los escasos fondos que se les asignan para los nuevos protocolos de salud, y dependen de gran medida en los padres para compensar la diferencia en un momento en el que simplemente no hay dinero para hacerlo.

Estos paraísos turísticos son particularmente vulnerables a COVID-19 porque una vez que el aeropuerto internacional abre sus puertas, es donde acuden la mayoría de los turistas. A San Pedro, por ejemplo, se le han prometido nuevos salones de clase en las últimas tres elecciones generales y las últimas cuatro municipales. Estas promesas han sido expresadas por los alcaldes, el representante electo de la zona y el ahora Primer Ministro. En más de una década ninguna se ha materializado. La crisis financiera ha obligado a muchos a renunciar a las escuelas privadas más caras y ahora las escuelas financiadas por el gobierno están todavía más congestionadas y están rechazando estudiantes por falta de espacio.

Los destinos turísticos están más expuestos al contagio de COVID-19 y los servicios de salud allí deben estar especialmente preparados para hacer frente a un brote. Sin embargo, el UDP ha ideado un plan diferente. Han aprobado la construcción de una nueva policlínica para Belmopan. Aún no hay ningún plan para un hospital para San Pedro, donde las emergencias deben ser transportadas por aire a la ciudad de Belice a un costo asombroso.

El UDP continúa gastando dinero en el camino al Caracol, negándose obstinadamente a redirigir el dinero a la asistencia sanitaria, el bienestar o la educación en esta crisis. El NHI está colapsando debido a la falta de ingresos, pero el Ministerio de Salud continúa construyendo policlínicas donde se necesitan hospitales y ninguno donde se necesitan desesperadamente.

El Ministro de Salud, después de doce largos años, no ha aprendido aún que un edificio no hace una policlínica ni un hospital. Después de gastar cerca de $1M en un quirófano en Corozal, ahora se utiliza como almacén porque no hay equipo de cirujanos, ni material y equipo quirúrgico. Las cirugías grandes y pequeñas aún deben ser referidas al Hospital Regional del Norte. El país está lleno de edificios coloridos que dicen ser policlínicas pero donde a menudo hay escasez de materiales básicos, medicamentos y personal. Los proyectos de infraestructura siguen siendo la vaca lechera del UDP, la inversión está en edificios porque es más fácil desviar los fondos de estos que el invertir significativamente en el bienestar de las personas.

El Banco Mundial ha reportado que casi un tercio del dinero se pierde por la corrupción en todo el mundo, Belice ciertamente no es la excepción bajo el UDP. De hecho, al igual que durante el auge de Petro Caribe, debemos exigir una cuenta adecuada de los fondos gastados y prestados. Es una burla a la buena gente de Belice la pretensión de construir policlínicas que quedarán vacías, mientras que en otras partes del país la gente ha muerto esperando ser llevada a la ciudad. Un edificio no es un hospital, un payaso bailarín no es un Ministro de Salud.

2 AUG

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

BELLY of the

BEAST

Nationalization hustle There is word tonight that the Utterly Duplicitous Party is talking nationalization of the Port of Belize. Apparently after 12 years of not giving a damn about the workers of this country, they want people to believe that they’re on the side of the ‘normal’ Belizean man and woman. After they sent in Police to tear gas protesters and shoot them with rubber bullets, the UDP is now bellowing that they will take back the port. After 12 years of doing nothing for anybody but themselves and their cronies, these sick puppies in Cabinet want to take back the port. After sitting in a Miami hotel and giving away half a Billion dollars, Barrow again wants to make a deal. We know well how that story goes. We’ve seen it before. Dean Barrow starts bawling about the white demon, who incidentally is a long-time client of his law firm. Then come the passionate speeches about fighting to the last breath to take back Belizean assets for Belizeans, or some crap to that effect. Then the long-winded brain farts in which the windbag we call Prime Minister passes himself off as a courageous knight fighting the villain. And then the UDP will come up with some idiotic, poorly drafted legislation to take back the port, Ashcroft will challenge, Barrow’s law firm and other lawyers with that last name will all become millionaires and in the end, the country will end up paying hundreds of millions. It’s always a win-win for the Barrows and a huge win for the Lord. And we lose every single time. So don’t even listen to the stupidity coming from those fools. Not this time. It is time for them all to go.

Mason’s Boy Toy There is word out of the Undeniably Depraved Party camp tonight that despite a photo in which our friend Pats and Mason’s boy toy John were all kissy kissy, there is already trouble in paradise. Various sources inside the UDP – yes we have friends in low places too – have reported that despite being a scumbag and

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despite his name being synonymous with dirt and slime and that stuff left behind in toilet bowls in community bathrooms, the disgraced fellow from Belmopan still believes that he is the one calling the shots in the UDP. Saldivar, we are told, has had to be reminded several times that he didn’t win at convention, that he is not a Minister anymore, and that he has no say in anything having to do with the party. We are told that Faber has been throwing tantrums and wants Saldivar all the way out. That’s really neither here nor there in the grand scheme of things. When elections are called, ALL of them will be gone.

Jail him Justice, to some extent, has been served. William Danny Mason and his murderous crew have been sentenced, finally, to life behind bars for the sick murder of Pastor Lue. We believe, like many Belizeans do, that not everybody who had a hand in the Pastor’s murder will be spending all that time in jail though.

Like many Belizeans, we believe that John Saldivar and William Danny Mason have a connection that goes far beyond boxers’ parties, long nights spent on Mason’s ranch and nude photos in Mason’s bedroom. We believe that there is a reason why John Saldivar’s right hand, Jesus Castillo, was in that bar where Mason and his crew took the head of Pastor Lue. We believe that Saldivar could provide some valuable insight into why Pastor Lue was murdered by Mason, a man Saldivar treated like a best friend and lover. One of these days, though, the truth will come to light. And Saldivar will pay. You can take that to the bank.

Moses Our good, good friend Jamal Moses Leviy Bin-Laden Barrow is in the hot seat again, after one of his donors is taking him to court in the US for jacking her money under false pretences.

Listen, it’s true what they say. You can take the pig out of the mud, but you can never take the mud out of the pig. Jamal tries his best to talk just like daddy, and dress just like daddy (a lot of unresolved daddy issues there) but underneath it all he’s just a low-level hustler. This is the same man who was being taken to court by another UDP just the other day for refusing to pay a bill. This is the man who rented a whole penthouse and couldn’t pay for it. This is the man who threw a whole concert with artists that didn’t show up. Jamal ain’t nothing but a joke. He can talk and bluster and brain-fart like daddy, but he’s not going anywhere fast.

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2 AUG

THE BELIZE TIMES

QUESTIONS TO THE MINISTERS

1. Considering that the Government lost yet again in court against Ashcroft and also considering that the Court ruled that most of the workers who were terminated were union members, will the Minister of Labour please inform the Belizean people what steps have been taken to protect the interests of the workers of the Port of Belize?

2. Will the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance please say if he intends to call on the Auditor General to do an audit of the BOOST and PANTRY programmes before he rolls out $20 million more dollars for food assistance so that Belizean people can know who is getting the contracts for the supply of food and how much of the funds went directly to people who most need the assistance?

3. Will the Minister of Lands please inform the Belizean people under what authority is Shyne Barrow allowed to be distributing lands?

4. Will the Minister of Education and Leader Elect of the UDP please say what his position on gender equality is?

5. Belizeans please stay safe, keep up the good work of wearing your mask in public, washing your hands frequently and practicing social distancing.

2020

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL

HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under and by virtue of a Charge registered at the Land Registry between HENRY GUILLERMO GOMEZ and LINA CARMEN MENJIVAR of the one part and HRCU of the other part.

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

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

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 378.5 square yards being Parcel 24, Block 45 in the Lake Independence Registration Section situate at Corner Peter Seco and Consuelo Streets, Belize City, Belize District, Belize TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of HENRY GUILLERMO GOMEZ and LINA CARMEN MENJIVAR (Jointly).

DATED this 27th day of July 2020 HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738 E-mail: foreclosures@hrcubelize.org

CARTOON

2 AUG

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Hon. John Briceño’s Message Hi Everybody We have started our tour in Belize City.

I am excited about meeting the residents of Belize City, to visit the market, to go to City Hall and to spend time in all constituencies with our standard bearers and with our city residents. It is also in Belize City that we will be launching our first policy. Our Plan Belize policy on Jobs and the Economy will be rolled out shortly at the Princess Hotel.

We will share with you our plan for a $5 dollar an hour minimum wage, the creation of thousands of new jobs, the refocusing of our private and public sector priorities and we will share our stimulus plan for a post-Covid Belizean economy.

We continue to listen and we will deliver because we believe that everybody fi win! ¡Con el PUP Todos Ganamos!

Thanks, God bless and have a great week!

BREAKING CRIMINAL LAW

$1.4 BILLION $100 million spent in 2012/2013 was unconstitutional.

This was spent in the run up to the 2012 General Elections. Today, eight years later, we still don’t know who got this money, how much they got, and whether the monies were misappropriated. $100 million dead and gone.

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MASON: LIFE SENTENCE FOR BELMOPAN BEHEADING LIFE IN PRISON! That was the sentence handed down in the court room of Justice Antoinette Moore to the five men who have been found guilty for the kidnapping and murder of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas also affectionately known as “Pastor Lue.” After exact four year the man known in Belize as Mason knows his fate. In this case, his Belize UDP connections did not help. What does he know that the public does not know? Does Saldivar also know? Those are the burning questions.

The 5 men William “Danny” Mason, Ashton Vanegas, Keiron and Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Castillo were found guilty of Murder in December 2019 and it has taken some time to get to this sentence postponed ever so often. Even in mitigation, the public thought that maybe Saldivar would take the stand to offer a good word for his ex-Bandit associate.

Four of the five men got 35 years except Ernest Castillo who got 30 years. It will be 35 years before the four men can apply for bail. Mason will be 80 by then.

The case made headlines due to the alleged involvement of Danny Mason and well known UDP Ministers and Police Officers. Mason was also an alleged financier of several UDP ministers. In July 2016 Police officers on a special Operation stopped and search a pickup owned by and driven at the time by Danny Mason. The pickup was parked in front of the Barrio Fino bar in Belmopan. Inside a bucket that was inside the pan of the pickup police found the head of Pastor Lue. Later what are thought to be the burnt remains of Pastor Lue’s body were discovered on Mason’s ranch located in Belmopan.

Police were already investigating Mason after a report was made by business man Lloyd Thiessen saying that he was kidnapped by Mason. Thiessen reported that he and his wife were tied up and duct-taped but were later released after they agreed to make a weekly payment of $2,500 to Mason.

This case is still pending in court.

Mason, a Guyanese national, was born Rajesh Ouelett. In 2015 by some deceptive means received a Belizean birth certificate in the name of William Mason from Crooked Tree, Belize District. This fact was never totally revealed but we know that it is a bomb waiting to explode.

THE BELIZE TIMES

2 AUG

2020

2 AUG

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

FABER’S ACCOMPLISHMENT The PetroCaribe Tacos

It would be a disservice to Faber to even attempt an essay with such a title. The leader in his best nightmares of the defunct party is as dossier free as an incompetent can be. Faber has nought to show after 150 months of screaming himself into the Collet seat. As we all know he totally forgot the people of Collet except when he had to read the Pibil Petrotacos banner.

In Faber’s miniscule mind his greatest achievement was the 2012 Education Act which he signed when he decided in 2012 that he didn’t need the teachers nor the Belize National Teachers Union input. The Immigration tainted 2012 March 7 double election was history so he said ‘to hell with it.’ And he signed without getting the BNTU’s blessing.

In one crooked signature he imposed a financial formula that all Education literature has criticized as worse practice. But vintage UDP, Faber and his UDP felt they needed to go with quantity and NOT quality. Theoretically, more children would be in school. Faber has never learned that families send their children to school when there are jobs, and hope.

Already alluded to, Faber’s other accomplishment that will never leave the annals of UDP infamy is the Pibil Party in Corozal. He took members of his constiruency for a day of fun. The point is that the people’s money in the consolidat-

ed funds is NOT for use for beer and tacos, ask the coronavirus.

Now the UDP is out begging for money.

Here is how Faber tried to explain it in June 2015: “Fifty-thousand was allocated for Collet. We did not wish to have a Mother’s Day celebration Mister Speaker, so what we chose to do instead was to have a family day. We took mothers, we took fathers, we took the entire family, Mister Speaker on an event that brought the entire family together. Mister Speaker, I don’t how many of them represent a poor constituency like mine; one that is of course riddled with crime and violence Mister Speaker and opportunities that are not like that. They don’t live in front of the Caribbean Sea like one newspaper publisher who opens his window every morning and smells the Caribbean breeze and feels the Caribbean breeze on his skin. So he can write a million headlines and articles. He was one who complained about it.

But my leader did not complain; in fact, he is the one who helped us to be able to provide such opportunities for the people of Collet. But for the record Mister Speaker, let me tell them that our fifty thousand dollars was not only spent on the Collet Family Day; in fact, Mister Speaker, if you check the record, you check my Facebook page—they love to follow it—you will see that we had a senior’s day on the fifteen of June. …

How could that not be proper use of the Petrocaribe money?”

There was even a promise for a PetroCaribe trip to Hopkins with PetroCaribe funds the following year.

Minister Hulse also had an opinion: They didn’t take special money and give any of the representatives. It comes out of the

Ministry of Human Development which is part of a flow out of the Consolidated Fund and we need to understand that concept. We have to be very clear about the use of funds and transparency because they are two different things. One can criticize the use of funds. One can say oh it shouldn’t be used for this or it shouldn’t be used for that but remember that use of funds is something that is determined by government and determined by budgets that go to the National Assembly, and we could criticize the use of funds in lots of ways. What we cannot criticize is that there is any non-transparency in the use, and I wanted to make that difference.”

Mike Rudon at Ch5: “Sir you said one can criticize, but do you criticize the use of that funds… be it Consolidated Funds or Petrocaribe funds to be used for a one day outing in Corozal for a certain sector of a constituency?”

Godwin Hulse: “Why did I know that question would come?

If I were outside the Cabinet of Belize, you would have heard my view on it. I am inside the Cabinet of Belize and Cabinet works collectively, so any decision that’s made by Cabinet with respect to finances, etc. I support.” “You can’t do that to me man. How can I give you my decision when I am inside the team? When I was outside the team that’s a different thing! I’m inside the team. So my view outside the team doesn’t count. When I’m outside the team that’s a different view! I’m inside the team and that’s how it works.”

For Context: In 2012, the Barrow-led Government signed into law to bring into Belize the Venezuelan program that was destined to rid participating Caribbean countries out of poverty. On paper, this was all perfect. But any government that was already in bed with Pukke definitely did not have anything good in mind.

PetroCaribe took sanctuary in the UDP cabinet room and the mastermind was busy looking at how to corrupt it, to beat it—like a video game which is difficult at the beginning.

The essence of this cunning scheme was to subvert and misuse parts of our laws in order to run roughshod over our hard earned taxpayer money. The UDP eventually

099 went beyond the constitution. Let us go through what I will call the PetroCaribe process.

Fuel was sent to Belize from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela during a time that was much more stable that today. Tankers would get to Belize and the product would be bought and distributed from the Port Depot—PUMA and its owners presently control this. The Belizean consumer contributes by buying this fuel at the price asked for at the gas station, taxes and all. This money via foreign exchange is then used to pay the tankers.

Here is where the sticky part comes in. Belize paid to each fuel tankers only an average of FIFTY percent of the bill every time a barge empties at Port. And this payment was in US dollars acquired via exportation—hard earned money largely via Agriculture and others.

The remaining 50 percent was KEPT by Belize in a fund that the government would make loans from. And of course, they loaned pretty much all. This was done for year and year and ROLLED out indiscriminately and without regard to the process of getting House approval for expenditure. The Supreme Court called this unconstitutional and anti the Audit and Reform Act. Belize works with something called a Consolidated Fund which is like an elderly parent with many kids who give him/her money for subsistence. Every year Belize appropriates what will be spent and where it will be spent in the Annual Budget that the general populace hears about. Any money outside of this Annual Budget, a law, MUST be taken to the house for approval.

The Barrow government did not do that for some 1.4 Billion dollars of which close to 500 million were gotten via the PetroCaribe Loan which the Prime Minister and the UDP went to parliament and retrospectively approved expenditure.

Who does this in their daily lives?

Spend all the money recklessly and years later approve the illegality in supplementary measures taken to the house. The PetroCaribe was the biggest. This occurred at the heels of the 2015 General Elections which was heavily influenced by this slush fund.

Prior to those elections, money has thrown out from Pibil to Cheers and any and everything except in getting Belizeans out of poverty—the real reason for the PetroCaribe funds.

This UDP Infamy of it all is that money is unaccounted for and unaudited, especially the 100 million in slippage. Where is the money? A Billion dollars are not in the projects that are being touted by the UDP? Where is the money? The PUP will find out.

10

2 AUG

THE BELIZE TIMES

Monthly World Gasoline & Diesel prices review The average price of gasoline/diesel around the world is 7.56/6.83

Gasoline prices, Octane-95/Diesel 31-July-2020: Belize Dollars per gallon.

However, there is substantial difference in these prices among countries. As a general rule, richer countries have higher prices while poorer countries and the countries that produce and export oil have significantly lower prices. The differences in prices across countries are due to the various taxes and subsidies for gasoline. All countries have access to the same petroleum prices of international markets but then decide to impose different taxes. As a result, the retail price of gasoline/diesel is different. (https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/ gasoline_prices/) *are updated weekly. The data for the remaining countries are updated monthly.

Ed. Note: One can see in the chart that really ALL the countries in our region have lower gasoline(better octane fuel) and lower diesel prices than Belize.

Even after their promise of lower fuel prices and even an Oil Refinery, the UDP government continues their senseless policy of taxing anything that is being consumed even fuel. They collect fuel tax which causes higher product prices which yield them GST bonanzas. This form of taxation kills Belizean entrepreneurship and consumer spending. Bam,

Countries Gasoline (Octane 95) Diesel Haiti 4.06 3.25 Colombia* 4.35 4.37 Puerto Rico 4.88 3.74 Panamá* 4.94 4.07 USA* 5.08 4.88 El Salvador* 5.52 4.50 Guyana 5.74 5.85 Guatemala* 5.91 4.52 Brazil* 6.17 4.85 Taiwan* 6.18 5.09 Trinidad.& Tobago 6.49 3.85 Honduras 6.50 5.09 Nicaragua* 6.54 5.42 China* 6.55 5.65 Mexico* 6.60 6.84 Dominica 6.62 5.73 Australia* 6.82 6.53 Canada* 6.98 5.72 Dominican Rep.* 7.10 5.23 Jamaica* 7.29 7.03 Saint Lucia* 7.40 6.61 Costa Rica* 7.61 5.52 Bahamas 8.08 7.25 Grenada* 8.12 7.39 Cuba 9.12 7.60 Japan* 9.22 7.76 Belize 9.36 8.21 Barbados* 11.19 8.73

the UDP falls into recession and they wonder why? Their roughshod infrastructure projects benefit only Imer and the

UDP appetite for cronyism.

Belize cannot be over taxed into recovery. This results in a citizenship that suffers.

Only the PUP has the

2020 oomph needed to take Belize forward regardless of the UDP’s irresponsible borrow, borrow, Barrow.

Barrow’s view is that ONLY Barrow can rule. Yes, only Dean Barrow can rule senselessly.

Bonus comment this week: Electricity rates in December 2019 was 46 cents per KwH. Mexico’s is 15 cents per KwH. We buy from them. Barrow promised low rates since 2008. These rates do not change as often like gasoline and diesel. Barrow has no art of a deal.

TECHNICAL MANAGER We hereby invite application from qualified persons to fill the post as Technical Manager in the Port of Belize Limited.

Duties & Responsibilities: • Develop a realistic maintenance and repair budget and subsequent to management approval, manage M&R budget for Mechanical and Infrastructure departments.

• Develop and implement realistic preventive and predictive maintenance programmes to ensure that equipment and other assets are maintained in peak condition at or below budget cost • Lead the implementation of corrective maintenance and ensure that emergency breakdowns in equipment and service installation are restored speedily to minimize interruptions in service • Structure tasks and goals, establish efficient courses of action to meet goals/K.P.I’s. set priorities, organise information efficiently to execute tasks to meet staffing levels for management and labour, productivity, equipment needs, service requirements, safety requirements and ensure maximum return on investment • Determine and recommend the type, appropriate levels of quantities and costs of maintenance materials and spares to be stocked for effective maintenance • Manage, motivate, coach and lead all maintenance and repair team members • Provide regular process control checks, initiative and support performance improvement activities.

• Set and maintain performance criteria for reporting personnel • Maintain and enhance relationships with departments and promote goodwill among internal and external customers • Effectively manage sub-contract companies and personnel • Manage employee training and development including employee appraisal process • Actively promote safety awareness at all times and ensures a safe workplace policy.

• Ensure lean methodology is implemented.

• Implement CMMS and optimize use.

• Evaluate new equipment projects.

• Competent and keen to involve himself on any hands-on repair jobs as and when required.

• Ensure all reporting personnel have a balanced work and family life • Maintenance shop ( RS, Truck, Electrical shop, welding shop, mechanical shop) • Fuelling station for equipment • Electrical installation • Buildinsg and infrastructure.

• Coordination with various contractors Qualifications and Experience: • ABachelors Degree. Minimum three (3) years supervisory experience. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

• Knowledge to scan Electronic Engines.

• Knowledge on Propane Fuel System.

• Knowledge of electric equipment.

• Knowledge of predictive maintenance.

• Knowledge of Microsoft office.

Competencies: • Punctual (On Call) • Ability to work independently.

• Ethical • Team Oriented • Good communication skills.

Objectives: • Maximize availability of equipment • Maximize reliability of equipment • Ensure cost efficient infrastructure solutions.

• Optimize cost of ownership.

Salary: Will be competitive and in accordance with the companies salary structure.

Interested individuals are asked to submit their application packages and include the following documents: 1. Application letter with Curriculum Vitae 2. Copy of Certificates & Diplomas, credentials 3. Two (2) names and contact information of previous employers 4. Copy of recent Police Record 5. Copy of a valid Social Security Card To apply: Applications should be sent by email to jobapplications@portofbelize.com

Closing date for receipt of application is Friday, August 07, 2020

2 AUG

2020

11

THE BELIZE TIMES

Barrow Loses Again

Last Thursday July 23, in another day that will endure in UDP’s list of infamy the Port of Belize workers were gunned down for protesting. The dignity and inalienable rights of ALL Belizeans were shot at and teargassed. There is no doubt that this action cannot be condemned enough. The Barrow/ Faber dysfunctional tandem found just another way to attack the Southside of Belize City with all the UDP ferocity and hate of the poor and working class.

In a vain attempt to mask the latter, the Barrow/Faber half of the UDP released a letter in support of the stevedores and their plight versus the Port of Belize. This of course was a few minutes before the workers were text terminated and then militarily attacked. With

Shyne Transfers Mesop Votes to Belize Rural North

In a final attempt to gain some credibility in Mesopotamia, unelected deportee Shyne Barrow heads out to Sandhill to somehow someway give out 200 lots? Or at least he is giving out applications to these lots, which is a far different matter.

He knows he cannot win in Mesopotamia so he learned how to give land applications. Shyne will transfer his few UDP votes in Mesopotamia to give Castro a much needed shot in the arm.

Shyne, unwelcome in Sandhill, was seen waving applications to some parcels of land that are a part of Sandhill. We do not know where the lots are exactly since Hugo Patt’s land Commissioner has said that villages do not really exist and they have no boundary.

Hoping to not miss a beat here, Shyne Barrow is facing legal action from an American Woman who claims she gave Shyne money and that he has not rendered any accounting for said funds. Shyne is defending himself tooth and nail by suing her for defamation. Isn’t the main prerequisite to defamation fame itself?

If there is a real piece of land, take it, and vote either for Marconi Leal, Candice Pitts or your favourite PUP Standard Bearer.

Barrow to Give More to UDPs on BOOST

UDP letter in hand they were violently ushered out of their only known workplace.

In addition to the useless letter, the testicularly weak and unelected, thus unwanted by Belize, Attorney General filed an injunction to halt the pre-announced terminations of 36 PBL workers. Like Sedi said, you should not engage in something you know you will not win.

So said, the Supreme Court rejected both the filing for the injunction and the temporary return to their jobs. Another UDP loss in Court.

Thanks God, the PUP will be in charge of the ICJ proceedings after the upcoming day of deliverance from UDP tyranny. Vote PUP 31 and John Briceño.

NEEDED:

Not to be confused with BOOTS Martinez, the Building Opportunities (of UDPs) for Our Social Transformation has been ‘politically contaminated’ since its onset in 2010.

The noble idea of this internationally funded initiative was to transfer an average of 50 dollars to vulnerable Belizeans monthly. As quickly as the UDP found it possible they corrupted the programme. Only openly UDP voters are on the list.

The UDP unofficially sees the BOOST programme recipients as their voting base. This base has been collecting the crumbs that

this programme offers. As we near the elections the UDP has now triggered their scare tactics. The BOOST recipients are now threatened that a NO vote for the UDP would equal losing their BOOST subvention.

In the summer of Covid, the UDP accessed 12 million US from the International Development Bank to boost the quantum of the BOOST payments.

A cheap propaganda flyer consistent with UDP sleaze was released by BOOTS Martinez, the substantive Minister in charge of the contaminated BOOST—no surprise there. The flyer asked for recipients to gloat since they will get a raise to their payments.

Also the flyer made it clear that no new applications are being accepted. Only already benefitting UDPs will get more.

That is a CORRUPTION at its worse!!

VACANCY – ATTORNEY

The Human Rights Commission of Belize is inviting applications for the position of

Domestic worker needed in Mango Creek Village, Stann Attorney. The Applicants must satisfy the following: Creek District. Call 628-9755 for more information. REQUIREMENTS:

VACANCY – ATTORNEY

Hard working male individual An Attorney who has been called to the Bar. with strong customer serKnowledge The of the Laws ofCommission Belize, Human Principles/Mechanisms/ Human Rights of BelizeRights is inviting applications for the position ofInstrume vice skills to perform cashier The Applicants must satisfy following: as they relate to all Courts in B of the Rules, Procedures, andthePractices duties. Interested personsKnowledge Attorney. between the ages 18-30 may REQUIREMENTS: apply at Kazi Super Store THE POST–HOLDER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR: AnAttorney Attorneywho who been called to the located on Barrack Street, OrAn hashas been called to the Bar.Bar who has knowledge of : The Laws of Belize; ange Walk Town, Orange Walk Knowledge of thePrinciples/Mechanisms/ Laws of Belize, Human Rights Principles/Mechanisms/ Instruments.

Human Rights Instruments; Providing functional legal support to individuals, including persons of concern to District.

Knowledge of the Rules, Procedures, and Practices as they relate to allinCourts The Rules, Procedures, and Practices as they relate to all Courts Belize.in Belize.

UNHCR; The Belize Refugee Act, Cap. ThePOST–HOLDER Immigration Act asBE it relates to asylum seekers and refugees THE WILL RESPONSIBLE FOR: Dr. Pharma Supplies Company Monitoring protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protect have vacancies for a cashier, THEwith POST–HOLDER BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:and delivery in line; International Refugee Standards Lawsof of Belize; Providing functional legalWILL support to individuals, including persons concern to supervisor & a sales person.

UNHCR; Visit # 1 7th Avenue, Corozal Providing functional legal support to individuals, including persons of concern to Monitoring UNHCR; protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection Town for more information.

SUBMISSIONS

delivery in line; with International Refugee Standards and Lawsand of Belize; Monitoring protection standards, operational procedures practices in protec-

Interested candidates submit the following as one and file/document tion delivery should in line with International Refugee Standards Laws of Belize;(i) cover SUBMISSIONS describing his/her academic and relevant professional experience (ii) resume (iii) SUBMISSIONS Interested candidates should submit the following as one file/document (i) cover letter letters to Project – info@hrcbz.org Interested candidates shouldCoordinator submit the following as one file/document (i) cover LIQUOR LICENSErecent reference describing his/her and relevant professional experience (ii) resume(ii)(iii) 2 letter describing academic his/her academic and relevant professional experience resume

NOTICE:

recent reference letters to Project (iii) 2 recent reference letters to Coordinator – info@hrcbz.org

DEADLINE president@hrcbz.org Notice is hereby given that IdaDEADLINE The deadline for submission of all applications is Monday, August 10th, 2020 DEADLINE lia Paulita Sanchez is applying The deadline for submission of all applications is Monday, August 10th, 2020 The deadlineplease for submission foroffice all applications is Monday, August info@hrcbz.org 10th 2020 for a Beer Liquor License to be For more information call our or email For more information please call our officeat at 822-0373 822-0373 or email info@hrcbz.org operated at “J’s Stop” located in Trinidad Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

For more information please call 610-3624 or email president@hrcbz.org

ONLY SHORT-LISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED

ONLY SHORT-LISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED

12

THE BELIZE TIMES

2 AUG

2020

Party Leader Country Wide Tour

Freetown In Support of

Francis Fonseca

EVERYBODY FI WIN!

planBelize

TODOS GANAMOS!

2 AUG

2020

13

THE BELIZE TIMES

CAYO SOUTH Improving Infrastructure without the UDP

All the work that is seen here coming out of Cayo South is being done in a collaborative effort with Julius Espat. To emhasize the point, we must place in the variable that Hon. Espat is from the People’s United Party and thus in Opposition to the ruling UDP who really are in a perpetual mode of doing nothing.

Cayo South has had to deal with the reality of being punished by the UDP for chosing the better candidate. So as PetroCaribe rolled and overpriced infrastructure was belched out by the UDP, Cayo South is a constituency ignored by the UDP at least since the 2012 Election.

The level of ignoring that Cayo South has received by the way of the UDP is definitely criminal.

Hon. Espat is not one to lament. He will push forward with his village chairmen and do as much as can be done to improve roads, drains and water delivery. He knows that all these lead to greater agroproductivity. With Julius Espat as the Representative, Cayo South will be even better off when the PUP is ushered into government. A successful Cayo South makes Belize more prosperous as John Briceño and the PUP serve to make a Belize that works for everyone.

Armenia Village Road Work Road works across Cayo South Constituency have been evident as village leaders and Area Representative, Hon. Julius Espat, have teamed up. In Armenia Village a major farm road has been upgraded that will benefit many farmers in that area.

Cotton Tree Road Work Cotton Tree chairman, Don Oscar Otero, has been busy with road works in the Valle Nuevo area of the village. He has explained that it is only possible through hard efforts of the village council and funding secured from the Area Representative, Hon. Julius Espat.

Valley of Peace water board hard at work Great news coming out from Valley of Peace Village.

The village water board with funds managed under their leadership managed to make a $65,000.00 investment and acquired a new generator and a new water pump for the water system.

The Village chairman, Juan Arias, spoke to us and was happy that with this huge investment they will be able to provide water to the entire community of about 600 connections supplying approximately 5000 people.

Drainage Works In Blackman Eddy Village Intensive drainage work in has been done in Armenia Village and now more work continues but this time in Blackman Eddy Village.

Village chairman, Mr. Keino Green, and his council teamed up Hon. Julius Espat to do some drainage work.

Chairman explained that this is necessary to alleviate the damage suffered during the rainy season. Many thanks to the FB Page Peasants Reports.

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the following companies (“the Companies”) incorporated under the IBC Act of Belize commenced dissolution as follows: Name of Company

Date of Commencement of Dissolution

Liquidator Name & Address

Glencor International Limited

29th June, 2020

Mr. Emhemed Blaow of Charlemont Aviation Limited, 300A The Crescent Building, Northwood, Santry, Dublin, D09 C6X8, Ireland

Najaco American Holding Company, Inc.

13th July, 2020

Victoria Anne Reynolds of 36 Hope Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 1AR

Any claims against the company should be forwarded to the Liquidator within 30 days from commencement.

Belize Corporate Services Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the company EVER FORTUNE ENTERPRISE LTD. (“the Company”) incorporated under the IBC Act of Belize commenced dissolution on the 10th day of July, 2020; and SUNG, SHU-LI of 4F., NO. 8, ALY. 1, LN. 24, SEC. 3, REN’AI RD., DA’AN DIST., TAIPEI, TAIWAN, R.O.C. is the Liquidator of the Company, and any claims against the company should be forwarded to the Liquidator within 30 days from commencement.

GenPro Consulting (Belize) Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the following companies (“the Companies”) incorporated under the IBC Act of Belize commenced dissolution as follows: Name of Company

Date of Commencement of Dissolution

Liquidator Name & Address

NEWLAND CONSULTING LTD.

29th June, 2020

Ms. Marie Kathleen Sandra of YAN-KAI HEW KHEE, Church Road, Pointe aux Piments, Mauritius

SERCO TRADERS CORPORATION

29th June, 2020

Ms. Marie Kathleen Sandra of YAN-KAI HEW KHEE, Church Road, Pointe aux Piments, Mauritius

VERNON CORPORATION

3rd July, 2020

Mr. Jean-Francois Ballif of 1405 Pomy, Switzerland

BOZARIS GROUP S.A.

22nd July, 2020

Mrs. MICHELLA CALLENDER of La Toscana, Calle Palladium, Casa 24-E, Corregimiento de Juan Diaz, Panama-City, Panama

Any claims against the company should be forwarded to the Liquidator within 30 days from commencement.

Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the dates indicated: Name of Company

Date

NEWHAVEN HOLDINGS INC.

28th May, 2020

TECHNICAL SERVICES OF PETROLEUM LTD.

29th May, 2020

Radiantblink Limited

18th June, 2020

OMEGA INVESTMENTS LIMITED

18th July, 2020

Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited

Registered Agent

14

THE BELIZE TIMES

2 AUG

2020

SIX STEPS TO MAKE GOVERNMENT MORE ACCOUNTABLE First, we will ensure an Independent Public Accounts Committee. One that is strengthened so that substantive ministers cannot be members of the PAC. As well, all House Committee meetings, including PAC meetings will be open to the public and streamed live.

Second, the Integrity Commission must do its job effectively. To do so it should no longer be controlled by the Party in Government. Likewise, we will put in place a mechanism to ensure the financial independence of the Integrity Commission with a budget to be approved by the National Assembly. They need the tools and personnel to get the job done!

Third, the recent cases of misappropriation of government funds is a clear indication that we need a strong and independent office of the Auditor General.

• The next PUP Government will ensure that the Auditor General’s Office has unrestricted access to information and with full powers of investigation, including subpoena powers to ensure that requests for information and documentation are complied with expeditiously.

• The Auditor General’s office will be permitted to submit their budget directly to the National Assembly for approval.

• Most important, we will ensure that the Auditor General is allowed to present reports directly to the National Assembly and not only to the Prime Minister.

Fourth, the PUP will not only implement UNCAC, but we will also enact Campaign Finance Legislation.

• In the first 100 days, the new PUP government will direct the Office of the Attorney General to draft Campaign Finance legislation which will be subject to national consultations and review before a final bill is tabled and passed into law.

Fifth we must make the National Assembly function as the centerpiece of our government, complete with all requisite checks and balances.

• That means that the next PUP Government will ensure a minimum of one House Sitting per month.

And sixth now that Senator Aldo Salazar has finally released the findings of the Senate Select Committee on the hustle at the Department of Immigration.

• We demand follow up action including criminal investigation and prosecution as deemed necessary.

2 AUG

15

THE BELIZE TIMES

2020

Representative

Hon. John BriceĂąo In his constituency,

Orange Walk Central Our Party Leader met with more of his constituents. This time he was out in his hometown Orange Walk Town. He does not take any resident for granted. On this day, he continued listening to concerns and shared his vision as he walked the town.

Belize with the PUP is on the path to Victory!

EVERYBODY FI WIN!

planBelize

TODOS GANAMOS!

60 16

2 AUG

2 AUG

THE BELIZE TIMES 2020

2020

STANDARD BEARERS

2 AUG

2020

Orange Walk South: Jose Mai

18 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015

Freetown: Francis Fonseca

17 Cayo Central: Alex Balona

ON THE MOVE Mesopotamia: Candice Pitts

Collett: Oscar Arnold

Dangriga: Louis Zabaneh

Stann Creek: Rodwell Ferguson

Caribbean Shores: Kareem Musa Belize Rural North: Marconi Leal

Queen’s Square: Allan Pollard

Belmopan: Oscar Mira

EVERYBODY FI WIN!

planBelize

Toledo West: Oscar Requena

TODOS GANAMOS!

18

THE BELIZE TIMES

2 AUG

2020

PUP Councils braving COVID in spite of the broke no-help incompetent UDP Corozal Town Council:

BUILDING BRIDGES! Mayor Rigo Vellos participated as an invited guest in the opening of the U Kuuchil Uuchben Maaya Ba’alob Yucatec Maya Museum in Cristo Rey Village, Corozal District.

In his short address to the guests and special dignitaries present Mayor Vellos spoke on the importance of cultural preservation in our communities in the Corozal District and the role which the non-governmental Maya advocacy group, To’one Masehualoon, has played in developing Maya cultural awareness in our society.

The museum will serve as a center of Maya education and history as well as a tourist attraction in the future along one of the northern Cultural Corridors that includes the villages of San Pedro, Cristo Rey, Yo Chen, Patchakan, Xaibe and Chan Chen, in our Corozal District. Among the special guests and dignitaries that Mayor Rigo Vellos met and held discussions with at the opening of the U Kuuchil Uuchben Maaya Ba’alob Yucatec Maya Museum in Cristo Rey Village was Minister Counselor of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Mr. Jesus Monti’a Valencia.

Belize City Council, Always ‘Bout the People

ALL Belize City Council Employees back on FULL Pay with the first instalment of the deferred payment reimbursed.

It was another great day of service to the people for the Belize City Council team and partners. His Worship Mayor Bernard Wagner and Deputy Mayor Michael Norales along with councilors and aspiring area representatives, Oscar Arnold and Allan Pollard Jr. and Albert Division Standard Bearer Paul Thompson visited the faculty and staff of Calvary Temple School, Queen Square Anglican School, James Garbutt SDA Primary School and the YMCA to distribute 24 high performance RCA Voyager Pro touchscreen tablets with keyboards, face masks and various cleaning and sanitizing essentials such as mops, buckets, and sanitizing liquids.

The Mayor was filled with pride and nostalgia, particularly as he walked the grounds of his alma mater Queen Square Anglican School.

Throughout this initiative, Mayor Wagner and his team congratulated the various administrators and emphasized the importance of adapting the new societal norms in our schools during the COVID-19 pandemic so that the youths may still be provided with the education they need to excel.

In his own words, Mayor Wagner expressed that it is imperative for the city to render assistance to our educational institutions and although the Belize City Council may not have resources in abundance, that they remain steadfast in our unmatched resolve to be Always be ‘Bout the People.

-The entrepreneuring Council is also at forefront of their 3rd Summer Basketball League. It should have wrapped up this week. The city youths in the 10 teams were back and better than ever at Swift Hall and Bird’s Isle!

Orange Walk Town Council: “The Work Continues.”

Monument is complete. This is situated on the northwest side of our Central Park. It comprises of the bust of Hon. George Price and Phillip Goldson. In the middle, there is a plaque with the flag description.

Three flag poles will fly the Belizean Flag, the Town Council flag, and any other Flag of a visiting nations. Jesus Monti’a Valencia.

OWTC donates cleaning supplies to St. Peter’s Anglican School The Deputy Mayor, Ian Cal, Councillor Sanchez, Administrator, Staff, and CAB Members today presented a large amount of cleaning supplies. This was through a partnership between Teacher Doreth Pascasio. and the OWTC.

2 AUG

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

19

2 AUG

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

Continued from page 20 Proceeds from the marathon will help other young people in the community with sporting equipments. We continue to commend Fred and his entire team!

Fred and I would also like to thank all our sponsors: Mayor of Belize City, Bernard Wagner | Jack Quan | Public’s Super Market (downtown branch) | Patricia Ramirez | Those who donated refreshments | Those who prefer not to be named Special recognition to my Mesopotamia committee, family, and friends. We will continue to serve, develop, and rejuvenate MESOP! #mesopotamia #newbeginnings #bettermustcome Congratulations to all winners and participants!!

-----While on the campaign trail in Mesopotamia. We found residents frustrated and ready for elections! Many older people are complaining of high blood pressure, intense stress, inability to afford medications because of the loss of NHI.Parents are worrying about how they will afford to send their children to school. Many people are still without jobs. They can’t take it anymore. The situation is real on the ground! #frustration #onthecampaigntrail #mesopotamia #BetterMustCome#MESOPRunForChange #BetterMustCome Hon. Kareem Musa, Caribbean Shores

Visiting with the residents of Corozal Bay and Standard Bearer David ‘Dido’ Vega.

Change is in the hands of the people. Pablo has got to go.

Jorge ‘Milin’ Espat, Cayo West Se aproximan las elecciones generales, un momento decisivo y crítico para Belize. Cayo Oeste, una de las áreas más abandonadas aun así teniendo un Ministro con el ministerio más fuerte en economía.

Pero sí, Cayo Oeste tiene mucho potencial, solo falta tener un buen representante que nos brinde la representación necesaria para abogar por un mejoramiento.

Our team campaigned in Arenal. We were joined by Dr. Amin Hegar who reminded voters of the many projects that were accomplished in the area by the PUP and assured the residents that the PUP with Milin, will bring much needed progress to the area.

The people expressed their concerns and stated that they aren’t asking for much but basic services that the local village council and that the area representative should be providing but has failed to do: 24-hour medical services, road rehabilitation and maintenance of streets and drains, assistance to farmers in the area and true representation from a leader who will be available to the people at all times and not only during election season.

MILIN is committed to making it possible. He is a man of integrity and serious in making things happen. √We will WIN! √ We will SERVE! #2020AÑODELCAMBIO No desperdiciemos esta gran oportunidad para nuestro pueblo.

Miremos la situación de nuestros pueblos. No vamos a avanzar si seguimos cayendo en las mentiras y falsas promesas de los que solamente buscan tener el poder. Recuerden esto: no tendremos resultados diferentes si no intentamos algo diferente.

Esta vez no nos vamos a quedar atrás: ¡AHORA SI ESTAMOS LISTOS Y VAMOS A GANAR! ¡Tú lo haces posible! #tuvototienePODER #2020añodelCAMBIO Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Stann Creek West

Hearing November 4th as the official date for general election, call it whenever you want you will feel the wrath of the Belizean people. I had a another excellent day in the village of Red Bank I can feel the love of the People they welcome me into their homes.

The people know I always remain humble in and out of office, welcome onboard Basilio Mes and wife I can see the committee feel energize with your participation you bring a world of experience and ideas.

Second day of walk in Red Bank was a success. The people feel comfortable inviting me into there home’s and allowing me to get in their hammocks. Red Bank is the biggest Maya and Ketchi village in Stann Creek West. We will advance agriculture and find the market for their produce, we will make agriculture the backbone of the society and develop a marketing strategy.

Never before in my political career I have seen so many people want to register to vote.

We will reach 9000 voters by month end.

If I walk your village already for this year it will be hard on me to do a second cycle this year. The lockdown slowed me down significantly so i am still walking some villages as I write.

I will come for public meetings though. I want you to come out in numbers when the party leader come to visit your village have a nice day. We will put up notice of the date and time he will be in your village.

Hon. Oscar Requena, Toledo West Thank you San Jose for your great support today. Together, we join hands to work hard to

21

make a Belize that works for everyone.

Will we hearing it from the man himself? Will we hear the reason why hundreds of poor families in the Toledo District have not gotten any kind of Covid relief. No money, no food. When we inquire from the Ministry of Human Development in Punta Gorda, no one knows anything, no response. Instead the poor people get the usual run around.

Ask our Alcaldes? Ask our chairman? They will tell you.

Yet all of us will pay back the millions being borrowed in the name of the people.

Then the man himself insulted the Toledo District.

Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Belize Rural Central

Here in Hattievile helping out with a sign at the Health Center with Councilor Dwayne Castillo and Ms. Baptist.

Also, I collaborated with concerned Hattieville citizen Ms. Cheryl to provide schoolbags for over 100 children !!

----I fully support the UB FACULTY AND STAFF UNION! The faculty and staff along with the students of UB are the heart and soul of our National University. Their voices must be heard and respected! The Board of Trustees must not act in bad faith and make decisions that will impact faculty, staff and students without full and transparent disclosure of all relevant information including financial data and without full good faith consultations and discussions with these groups. STOP THE ARROGANCE AND DISRESPECT!!

David J. Castillo, Corozal North

David Castillo hosting a neighborhood meeting in the beautiful village of Paraiso in the Corozal North C o n s t i t u e n c y.

Present shoulder to shoulder with David Castillo was Mayor Rigo Vellos of Corozal. Other invited guests joined to share the good news of hope of the People’s United Party. It was a wonderful Sunday evening with the residents of Paraiso Village. #PUPfiAllaWe #PlanBELIZE #DAVEforCorozalNorth Allan Pollard, Queen’s Square

During this pandemic, we encourage you all to be conscious in practicing social distancing. We also encourage you all to ensure that your mask is worn properly. It is important that we comply with the authorities to help keep our beautiful Belize as Covid free as possible!

Let us all work together and do our part in helping to prevent the longevity of Covid-19 “Leadership is a privilege to better the lives of others. It is not an opportunity to satisfy personal greed” -Mwai Kibaki Often times we find ourselves desperate for political change. There’s a cry for novel leadership from the younger generation and I am here to fill that void! Change starts with us! The time is now!

“If not us, who? If not now, when?” -John F. Kennedy Change starts with us and change starts now! I am here to make that change happen, one resident at a time.

Thanks for welcoming me into your yards and homes to talk about how I plan to bring about that change. Together WE can√ #AllanPollardforQueenSquare #planBelize #TheTimeIsNow #ChangeStartsWithUs #CampaignTrail Oscar Arnold, Collet

We cannot forget the fabric of our society, The youths big up to CYM Collet Youth Movement #TeamPolo BILL OF RIGHTS TO THE PEOPLE OF COLLET FROM OUR GREAT PARTY. FIRST – Every Belizean should have access to a piece of land.

SECOND – Every Belizean should be able to own a decent home.

THIRD – Every Belizean should be given the chance to go to school from pre-school to junior college.

FOURTH – Accessibility to quality basic health care is critical, which means every Belizean should be enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program.

FIFTH and most important, the driving force behind it all is JOBS COLLET IT’S OUR TIME #TEAMPOLO #TRUEBLUE #PUP Marconi Leal, Belize Rural North Today the residents of Biscayne Village had the opportunity to meet and speak with BRN PUP Standard Bearer, Marconi Leal and team, as they went house to house in the community to hear the concerns of the people and share their mandate.

Continued on page 22

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur Passes

2020

Continued from page 21 Castro is an EMBARRASSMENT and DISGRACE to the People of Belize Rural North! Edmond Castro is all about himself! He is not worrying about his party’s convention and worst his people! All he is focused on is his own pocket! How can we look up to someone who he himself is breaking the law, no Mask ! Yet poor people are getting charged for not wearing a Mask! This man has no shame! Wake up people of Belize Rural North! This man has failed in every way possible! He does not deserve to be a representative no more! Vote for a change! VOTE Marconi Leal PUP The PUP will win the next General Election!

Change is coming to BRN! “Powered by the People!

The Machinery is certainly fueling up! The The BRN Team is ready to work and ready to serve BRN! There is lots of of work to be done but the journey continues!

CHANGE is NEEDED! Louis Zabaneh, Dangriga

“The People’s United Party mourns the passing of the Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur, former Prime Minister of Barbados. We extend sympathies to his family, and the people of Barbados.”

Ahead are particulars as published by the St. Kitts Observer.

The Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur died shortly after midnight of July 27, 2020 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados. He was 70-years-old.

Arthur attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and History (1971) at the Cave Hill, Barbados campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) and a Master’s Degree in Economics (1974) at UWI’s Mona campus in Jamaica.

In 1983, Arthur was appointed to the Barbadian Senate. The next year, he became an elected representative in the House of Assembly, where he served the constituency of St. Peter as a member of the governing Barbados Labour Party (BLP).

In January 2020, the Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur was announced as the new Chairman of LIAT’s Board of Directors.

In late 2018, he was appointed Professor of Practice at the University of the West Indies,

with responsibility for overseeing Economics of Development at the UWI Cave Hill Campus.

The late prime minister’s economic policies have been praised for significantly reducing unemployment in Barbados. Reduction in unemployment from more than 20 percent in 1994 to just over 9 percent by the year 2000 was attributed by many to economic reforms instituted by his administration.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister of Barbados, the Hon. Mia Mottley announced that former Prime Minister Arthur would be part of a Jobs and Investment Council established by her Cabinet to receive input and guidance by past Finance Ministers and other experts on current and post-COVID-19 economic initiatives. The former Prime Minister and Professor chaired the Industrial Transformation group of the Jobs and Investment Council, which is looking at ‘How to create 20,000 jobs in 18 to 24 months.’

On August 1 at the Benguche Center, Backpack with school items will be distributed to needy students.

Basketball, bouncy House will be there. Food and pastries will be on sale.

We are in continued Solidarity with the workers who were handled wrongly by PBL and terrorized by the Government of Belize with tear gas and bullets.

Dr. Zab also has showed full support for the teachers and students of the University of Belize. He was even one of the speakers giving of his heart and his knowledge as his doctorate is in the education field.

Michel Chebat, Cayo North

In these trying times we must all do our part to make the lives of our children safe as August 10th approaches.

Thank you to the Principals of Sacred Heart Primary School, Bishop Martin Primary School, Arms of Love Primary School, Bullet Tree Seventh Day Adventist Primary School and Bullet Tree Roman Catholic Primary School.

Thank you for giving your time to us and allowing us to contribute in your school’s preparedness for the commencement of the new school year! #TogetherWeCan Our standard bearer met with stake holders in the tourism industry in Cayo North to listen to their concerns about opening the airport on August 15th. The Bahamas has once again closed its borders to the USA. Since opening July 1st they have seen a spike in cases.

IS BELIZE READY TO OPEN? Landy Habet, Cayo Northwest

Opening date for Primary School has been set for August 10. The Ministry of Education has imposed many conditions and requirements as measures to follow due to COVID 19. However, the MOE is not providing the resources for those requirements. One of the requirements is that of handwashing stations at the school before entering the classroom.

As it is many parents have not paid registration fees because they simply do not have it. Many cannot afford school uniforms, school bags and books.

While washing of hands is important, it will require a constant supply of paper towels and hand soap. It will possibly double or triple the water bill. This will further burden the school who will pass it on to the parents. Teachers and principals already have to provide their own supplies including Bristol boards, markers, chalk, white boards etc.

Yesterday, one of my committee members and I assisted the Chairman and Council of Duckrun One and the school principal to secure and install pipes and hand wash stalls.

After opening the faucet we were treated to the unacceptable dirty water supply. Water that comes directly from the river. Water that is not filtered nor treated. Water that is used to wash but also for drinking by poor people. We must be able to do better than this in the Jewel.

Ed. Note: Please be mindful that these are excerpts. For other pictures, comment, releases, and posts of our PUP leaders visit, LIKE and FOLLOW their FB profiles and pages. Also be a fan of the Whip Show at 7:15 on Vibes FBLive, Cable, and Radio.

2 AUG

2020

Belize Rural South Registration Concerns

These are not particular and really is showing all over the country.

The BRS Elections and Boundaries Office serves a total of 8000 voters. It is located in the second LARGEST voter constituency in Belize. However, it is understaffed and unable to meet the demanding needs of a growing population. The problem is more so aggravated by a very energetic and robust transfer period (July-August).

It is known that one of the clerks is going on leave this week leaving all the work of transfers and new registrations to just ONE person.

There is concern by the residents of Caye Caulker. They are required to travel to Ambergris Caye in order to register or transfer, which is time consuming and costly.

With a short staffed office, how will they verify addresses on BOTH islands?

As Belize navigates the current crisis, the GOB has implemented cost-cutting measures, but our DEMOCRACY CANNOT be compromised. The integrity of the next general elections must not be the price we pay because the UDP have squandered and continue to squander money!

We call on the Chief Elections Officer, Ms. Josephine Tamai to remedy the current unacceptable situation in the Belize Rural South Elections and Boundaries office.

More and more we realize that we truly deserve better than this.

WEDESERVEBETTER

Cayo Northeast Registration Concerns How Far will the UDP go to try and Win Elections? Should the Good People of Cayo Northeast and the wider Belize be concerned?

Friday July 17, 2020 - The much called for Reregistration which started on July 2, 2018, was a much-needed process to ‘clean-up’. the list. This included: Cleaning up of people who do not live in the Constituency anymore, cleaning up of the names of the deceased who still appear on the list, and cleaning up especially of those who do not live in Belize because there is a requirement of a minimum of two months living at the current residence/address.

The latter means, that all those illegally registered Guatemalans cannot come back to register because they do not have a physical address in Belize.

COVID-19 has put a dent on the possibility of hundreds of Guatemalans from coming in to register.

Note that if they come in, it could spell disaster with the spread of the virus in our communities. It is rumoured that the UDP whose list of voters dwindled by more than 500 votes in Cayo Northeast alone during the Reregistration process, are scheming up a way of getting the Guatemalans in illegally.

We must as a people, do all that is possible to stop any intent

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THE BELIZE TIMES

from opening of the borders or from illegal entry. All illegal registrations and transfers have vitiated the intent of the much called for Reregistration.

Alfonso Cruz stops at nothing to get his share of Fame. Cruz’s signature and stamp appear on many nationality documents facilitated by former Minister of State Elvin Penner, including the one issued to South Korean national Won Hong Kim. Kim was in prison in Taiwan at the time that Penner and Alfonso ‘Ponchis’ Cruz signed saying he was signing his passport application in their presence. Big money allegedly went into Penner and Cruz’s pockets. Cruz has gotten away because he is protected by the UDP government. He can potentially face up to 5 Years imprisonment when found guilty.

Alfonso “Ponchis’ Cruz is an agent for John August who is the UDP Standard bearer for Cayo Northeast. Since the transfer process commenced on July 1, 2020, Ponchis has been illegally registering people, mostly from Cayo South into Cayo Northeast. He has placed people in Los Tambos, Duckrun One Village and in Moratown San Igna-

cio.

In the villages there is no requirement of a street address, so the process for them is easy. In Moratown, they are using #3 and #5 Savannah Street. This is the address for a Laverne Banner. There are some 20 persons that they have registered on that address.

There are a few things wrong; Firstly, These people do not live on the said address, secondly, the dwelling is too small to house so many people; thirdly, the San Ignacio and Santa Elena town Council has renamed the former Savannah street as Joseph Andrews and now Savannah street is within the Tourist Welcome Center proper, where the buses park to pick up commuters. So, rightfully, no one lives on Savannah Street.

And if elections and boundaries office personnel were doing their job, they would have known this. Every day since July 1 they have been putting people on the same address. Today, July 17, 12 persons were registered on the same address.

The personnel of elections are boundaries can be likely accomplices in the illegal registration and transfers. It is only the E&B personnel that do the verification of the address given at registration. It is only after E&B does the verification that your name can appear on the voter roll.

This past Sunday, E&B per-

sonnel sought out the chairman of los Tambos Village to find out about 5 persons that were transferred to his village. The chairman told the officer in no uncertain terms, that those persons do not live in Los Tambos. He also informed the E&B officer that the neighbours of the newly transferred applicants given in los Tambos were also erroneous as one of them lives in the neighbouring village of Selena.

So, how can a person in Selena be your neighbour if your address is in Los Tambos? The chairman volunteered to accompany the officer to the given address but was refused.

This week Tuesday, all names that “Ponchis” transferred illegally to Los Tambos also appeared on the voter roll. This is pure indication of the illegal affairs of the UDP and the likely involvement of the election and boundaries office in San Ignacio.

So, I(Landy Habet) am calling out the officer in charge of the E&B office Mrs. Polonio, assistant personnel, Noe Bonilla and Ms. Nadene Reid. We are watching you and you will have to answer to the people of Cayo Northeast for those illegal registrations.

I also call out to the people of Cayo Northeast and other concerned citizens to voice their disapproval if you feel like I do. The University of Belize (UB) recently held a protest march that included some of these issues in their statements of protest. It cannot continue to fall on deaf ears.

URGENT NOTICE TO: ANNA MAE WRIGHT & ENITA CANTON KINDLY CONTACT THE OFFICES OF M.H.CHEBAT & CO. Located at No. 53 Barrack Road, Belize City, Belize Tel: (501) 223-4160 (1) URGENTLY

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THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT

BELIZE IN A MESS, WE ARE BORROWING TO BUY FOOD It cannot get worse than this, except that we start to go hungry and begin looting and rioting for food.

The government has wasted, squandered and stolen all the people’s money, they are now forced to be begging and borrowing to buy food to feed thousands of desperate Belizeans.

In the name of God, how did our country come to this?

When the government had money they never bothered to set aside for the proverbial rainy day. They had hundreds of millions of dollars.

They had oil money from Spanish Lookout. They boasted of the 30 odd million spent on the Civic Center, which is unusable and unaffordable. There is the 40 million on Marion Jones Stadium, where not even the fence is complete and the cyclists cannot use the cycle track and the athletes can’t use the running track.

There is a new road from airport on the Northern Highway to 8 mile on the Western road. Thirty million for a useless and non-priority project that no one uses.

The list of waste and corruption is long and painful. Hundreds of millions of dollars down the drain and now the government has to be stealing thru the ever increasing price of petrol.

Borrowing so the large army of poor people can get some food to eat. It just cannot get worse than this. And yet, the worse is yet to come. Loss of jobs is coming.

Massive unemployment and salaries reductions are six months away. High cost of living, robberies, burglary, home invasions and violent crime is staring us in the face.

Our hearts grieve for the people of Belize.

POLITICAL INTERFERANCE In dashing for cover and trying to distance himself from the shameful shooting of stevedores last week, the Minister of National Insecurity exposed a frightening situation.

The Minister went on television to explain how Belize’s worst anti-workers incident happened. He said he was on the phone with Police Commissioner and it was a three way call with the Commander in charge of Belize City Police.

He said his “instructions” were clear. The stevedores would be allowed to remain on the Port compound until 2:00 p.m. or until the Supreme Court handed down its decision on an injunction. If they did not behave peaceful they would be cleared from the compound.

Did you get that? The Minister admitting that he is interfering in police work. Telling them when they were to use force on workers.

This is illegal. This is blatant political interference in the work of the police.

There is nothing in the Police Act that even mentions that a minister is to direct or instruct police on how to do their jobs in keeping the peace.

So we have an idea of what happened. We know Dawson, the Commander is no fool. He didn’t reach his high rank by disobeying the Commissioner or by acting reckless.

The political instructions were clear. If the stevedores act up let them have it. Brute force and ignorance as the Commissioner described the behavior of the riot squad.

Which fool made the decision to use GSU as riot squad? That was a recipe for disaster. This group of police are the worst of its kind. Honourable Sedi Elrington called them goons and thugs. They have been unlawfully beating and chancing poor people for years. The U S A state department has roundly condemned their criminal behavior in written Reports to their Congress.

Not even during the riot in 1918 were the people shot by the British colonial masters. Not during Antonio Soberanis angry labour protesters were anyone shot in the 1930s. None of Belize’s worst anti-Guatemalan riots in the 1960s or Heads of Agreement civil uprising in 1981 were Belizeans shot by police. But a small gathering of stevedores were deliberately beaten, tear gassed and shot

by Dean Barrow’s para military.

Why were these workers shot? There was enough teargas and every victim who displayed their multiple wounds were shot in their backs.

Someone has to pay for this outrage. And it cannot be scapegoat Dawson.

THE SON ALSO RISES We should say the son also bribes, but this ain’t time for fiction writing.

The Prime Minister’s son was on television last week (sorry, we don’t mean the multimillionaire BTL one). We are talking the gangster rapper who spent eight years in American jail for gun violence and now plans to spend five years in Belize’s Parliament, with a lot of help from the corrupt UDP government.

There he was giving out house lots to “his’ constituents. Excuse us, the dude ain’t even elected and yet he is given special treatment. Two hundred lots were given away. With elections only three months away. Is that what is called bribery of voters?

The shyny one said it took him two years to finally get the land papers to give out.

2 AUG

2020

Question! Students, if it takes the Prime Minister’s son two years to get land papers from the cesspool of corruption department, how long does it take the ordinary citizen to get his or her land papers? Correct answer- the 12th of never.

Bob Marley sang “Ambush in the Night” with lyrics slightly different from these. See dem bribing with land papers and covid money, trying to destroy our integrity; they think we don’t know what they doing; but Jah say tek dem money and vote dem out. Wooo!

GODFREY SMITH Our illustrious brethren has surfaced. His brilliant submissions to Judge Sonya Young last week toppled the hypocritical posturing the government was trying to weave. After twelve and a half years of playing footsie with the Port of Belize, government wanted to fool the stevedores by applying for an injunction. The brave and outstanding Judge, quite correctly in law, ruled that the government was too late.

Before the ruling of the Judge, the same government ordered the GSU to tear gas and shoot down the stevedores in the worst attack on workers in the history of Belize.

2 AUG

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN

BELIZE - A KILLING FIELD?

by HILLY BENNETT “Problems that are left unattended have a habit of becoming crises” “The wind whisper of fear and hate.

We must be like the ox, and have no thought except for the Party and have no love, but for the Angka(leadership).”

Choeung Ek, The Killing Fields.

The modus operandi of the United Democratic Party and its leadership regarding the incessant violence, the heinous murders, the aggravated robberies and home invasions is to relegate them to an afterthought. Prime Minister Dean Oliver Barrow has yet to issue a public statement denouncing the explosive and deadly situation affecting society.

Tear drenched faces, wailing sirens and crying mothers have become the norm especially in the old capital.

The first and foremost purpose of any government is the security of country and people. Unfortunately, the incompetent, clueless UDP administration has failed miserably to constrain and alleviate the murderous situation.

The recent killing of Orin Velazquez owner of Ladyville popular pizza establishment have the Ladyville community up in arms. The death of a hardworking entrepreneur has provoked the ire of the Ladyville community and of Belizeans across the length and breadth of the Belize and beyond.

There is an unsettling feeling and desire for justice as well as revenge.

This could compound this anomaly into a catastrophe. However, there is not a scintilla of effort by the government to address the stifling situation. Their concentration is on the party first, the holding unto power and to hell with country and people.

Nonetheless, the security of our citizens is at stake and the underlying expectation is that the elected leaders will think coolly and strategically, advancing the national interest. The sad reality is that the UDP cares not. Consequently, the vicious trend continues and Barrow solution is the usual hubristic rhetoric - imagine the possibilities.

Contrarily, the Leader of the Opposition and Party Leader, John Briceño, announced, at the start of the Belize City tour in Freetown Belama phase 4, the PUP will tackle crime head-on. The PL asserted that a PUP Government will not allow society to be held hostage by a few criminals and declared war on the crime and violence.

For over a decade, the Barrow regime have allowed the cancerous situation to propagate unattended. Now it is a deadly crisis. Similarly, the economy as well as the health system of the Jewel is in crisis as result of this incompetent, visionless UDP Government. The country needs a healing balm. The country needs purification and a new political direction. Only with a change of this worthless government Belizeans will be able to breathe.

Bottom line they got to GO!!

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“The Fierce Urgency of Now”

As Belize ventures into August 2020, the pressing National issues that flutter all around are undeniable. Each issue must be tackled by every country loving Belizean now. Postponing the inevitable now will lead to a national calamity that is being sown today by the United Democratic Party.

Each of us have our own urgencies yet there are many that are common and thus summarily of greater importance. Let us look at three of these Belizean-wide urgencies.

As our families prepare to send their children out into the new Covid reality there is much anguish. Will our children be safe? If we don’t send our child out today, when will that time come? Time is a slippery fellow. Does our UDP government have a handle on this unexplored classroom? Would it be fair to hold back my child? Parents cannot wait for August 10. That decision should have been made already. If not, it is urgent to do so NOW. Are you wearing a mask today in public? Are you washing your hands with soap thoroughly for 20 seconds at a time and often? Are you staying home instead of wandering into crowds? Are you helping to protect our vulnerable to Covid-19? Are you eating, sleeping, and exercising well? If not, what are you waiting for? It is about time. The greater we are prepared and protected the greater our love. Show that desire to show love, now.

Have you registered to vote? Belize is in the grasp of the most despot of governments. The tyrants that make up the UDP have taken our constitution hostage and have robbed the innocence from our jewel. During the last 150 months and counting, Belize has been oppressed by an incompetent UDP that has manufactured infamy from any sleaze they can imagine.

The UDP fooled enough people fateful three times but it’s done now. Every Belizean must press for the quick exit of the despots of the United Democracy Party.

Belizeans from every constituency need to stare the tyrants in the eye and say, “You got to go NOW.” Being late now is not an option. Freedom loving Belizeans, your jobs and livelihoods are on the balance. Say no to the destructive UDP and open your arms to hope and a new era of lush.

Out with petty and in with John Briceño and his hope glazed with PUP vision.

The fierce urgency of NOW exists today not tomorrow. Vote PUP.

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2020

PUP SOUND BITES

Meeting of the House of Representatives on July 24, 2020 Orange Walk Central, Party Leader Hon. John Briceño: I have just received news that the Supreme Court has just denied to stay the termination of the thirty six Port of Belize staff and as well as the interim reinstatement for 28 days. I don’t think we should be in this kind of position that they can coldly be fired by text. There wasn’t even the decency to be called.

Years of committed service ended abruptly with a text. How can the PBL be allowed to target and decimate a Union in this day and age, in the year 2020?

If PBL is allowed to get away with this, in effect we are saying to hell with the Union movement in this country.

Unions have rights, rights that they fought for. In many instance they gave their blood and their life.

This poses the fundamental question of our times. Who are we? And, what are we all about?

How can any right thinking government send the GSU after peaceful protesters?

(Towerhill protest reference) I was giving an interview to LoveFm when a member of the GSU decided to throw a canister of tear gas right between my legs. We know the modus operandi of the GSU. They took Marisol Amaya and throw her like a sack of potatoes. Jules had to protect his own and the rest of the media went in to protect her.

(BSI protest reference) Again the same UDP government send the GSU at our peaceful canefarmers. It is during that demonstration that Atanasio Gutierrez was murdered. And to this day there has been no justice for the family. NO one was held responsible.

The GSU must be disbanded and an official investigation launched to determine the simple question, who gave the order?

Madame Speaker, let us stand up in solidarity and protect out workers.

Freetown, Hon. Francis Fonseca:

The debate lies when do we reopen and exactly what criteria before we can safely and responsibly open our schools.

When we are talking about the opening of schools we are talking about one third of the national population of our country. This is a very serious undertaking and we have to get it right. The implications of getting it wrong can be very serious for the public health of the entire country.

The BIG concern is that they place too much burden on principals and teachers of schools. They have been tasked with finding the supplies and finding a solution to all these challenges laid out in the guidelines set out by the Ministry of Education. That has to be corrected.

If the Ministry is asking the schools to be prepared for August 10 then there must be resources to support that effort. The government has to find these resources somewhere if they insist on opening on August 10.

Already burdened Principals and teachers are asked to monitor health of students and to provide psychological support.

The whole Covid-19 experience has exposed the inequalities in our societies in a glaring way. That is true in the Education system as well. Some school could cope with the technology but then the poorest among us do not have access to technology.

Cayo South, Hon. Julius Espat: The Honourable member from Collet keeps insulting the teachers. I

think he will be reminded of that in the next General Elections.

We have a culvert that washed away on the 18thof June in the village of St. Matthews, Madame Speaker, the engineer did a wonderful temporary action to make the bridge passable that same night. The concern are beside the culvert or the highway. We had serious flooding. We have Gonzalo at this point in time. It puts that concern so much more important. The temporary fix has gone no further.

It has nothing to do with the engineers it has to do with policy makers. Maybe the minister of works can give us a response, why is it, that a month has passed and, no serious work has been done.

I am concerned that the member from Belize Rural North is more concerned with culinary activities instead of concentrating on what NEMO should be doing. They should be on high alert.

Caribbean Shores, Hon. Kareem Musa: I am happy to report that he (Rt. Honourable Said Musa) is already back at home and in the country.

He is improving significantly with each passing day. We are thankful to all Belizean people for their prayers and the concern for the member of Fort George.

The inexplicable failure on the part of the persons responsible to take action when it comes to the many illegal acts that took place in the Immigration department between the years of 2011 and 2013.

Even in that report, the chairman laments that many people are waiting to see the results of this report when in fact the Auditor General report contained irregular acts that warranted criminal investigation and prosecution but no action has been taken by this government, Madame Speaker.

When you talk about a sanctimonious self-righteous individual who for many year spoke against corruption but he has yet to go to a Police station to make a criminal report on all of the instances of wrong doing.

I am sure he is taking the lead from his Prime Minister who has an incredible track record of defending corruption in his administration starting with Elvin Penner.

The Prime Minister said that there is a difference between legal guilt and factual guilt and that he doesn’t think that Elvin Penner deserves to be criminally prosecuted.

This government has a rich legacy of bullying. They bully public officers, farmers, tour guides and yesterday they shot rubber bullets at the stevedores.

When the PUP is in government we will take action against all these individuals found to be doing wrongdoing in this (UDP) administration.

Orange Walk South: Hon. Jose Mai Covid-19 is real and we do not know how long.

There is a great difference between when we lock down San Pedro and when we lock down San Felipe & Blue Creek. San PeContinued on page 27

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Continued from page 26

dro has banks and other establishments but SF/BC does not. We should never ever again lock down a community and forget about it. Not even cattle are like that. You don’t treat people like that. There was no plan. The SF/BC was a nightmare. Every lockdown must have a plan of action— food, water, access to money.

I want to applaud Superintendent of Police Cocom for his professionalism in dealing with the situation as best as possible.

Stann Creek West, Hon. Rodwell Ferguson: I remember when he was away the PM said that the lands department is a hotbed of corruption. There is no control in the ministry of lands. Land Inspectors, Village council chairmen, Standard Bearers, Caretakers have all become the Ministers of Lands. They ask for a payment or portion and they can guarantee that they land will be yours. Under our Lands Act only the Minster of Land can sign on to any lease or title in the country.

That 2000 acres in front of Santa Cruz with an emerging community which will become a town someday should be held for the people of Santa Cruz.

The people in the south will get angry and revolt. I want to see some immediate action to unjust practices in the South.

Lake Independence, Hon. Cordel Hyde: Brads Gaming Group Limited not to be confused with the previous version Bards Gaming Company Limited. I can believe this; I am flabbergasted that we have approved this very profitable company just a couple months before elections. The audacity to approve this hundreds of millions just before elections. At what points does common decency prevail? We are talking about a 10 year contract. Some experts surmise that it is in an excess of 20 million of profits a year. Some other suggest it is more like 30 million since there is a lot of under reporting. It is obscene the amount of money. Yet we are here to borrow money. We hear about cuts. We have to embarrass ourselves going around begging for money.

Millions of dollars are sucked out of the pockets of our poor. That money should not go into private pockets. If we were in government we would send all our children for free. Build houses. Build classes.

We do not even know who own the company. We are forgoing millions of dollars for a few people while we are borrowing money on the back of the majority of people.

Right now people are choosing to buy there medicine or send their children to school; they are choosing to buy their medicine or buy their food.

Toledo West, Hon. Oscar Requena: The hotbed of corruption has not cooled down. It is so hot we need the fire engine.

Land is a valuable asset. It is a birthright. We should own a farmland or house lot. Status does not matter. Under the UDP only the good UDPs can get land. The majority cannot get one. The Chairman of Jacin-

27

toville has asked the Ministry of Natural Resources that they should cease and desist in issuing land in their village. The community does not have access to their own land. During the UDP convention it seems that this land was in a free give away. Minister of Land, you cannot overlook the majority of people for a selected handful.

Toledo East, Hon. Mike Espat:

Why do they call it ‘Vital’ Statistics. It is essential. People that have been voting for 20 years and then suddenly they are dumped off the voters list. Most of the voters in Conejo does not have access to the VS department.

Scalping is happening at the Vital Statistics. I have seen a birth certificate be a thousand dollars. Why do we have to put our people through this? People who want to contest the General Elections for the UDP are getting involved in this. People who were not even born in Belize might have access to this corruption in the Vital Statistics Office.

Corozal Southeast, Hon. Florencio Marin, Jr.: This week we had a back and forth between a Minister and a grieving mother. We all know that a horrible incident occurred and an investigation that has not fully come out.

I would rather that we wait for the full investigation.

The security forces are putting their whole body and mind in their service to their country. Our security services need some serious attention.

No politics belong is this one and the government should do right for those families.

Cayo Northeast, Hon. Landy Habet:

It is four months now that this government found it necessary to close to cattle and pigs trade between and Guatemala. Once it was the chairman of Bullet Tree. Others say it was the member from Cayo North and others say that it went to the Prime Minister.

We have been selling Cattle, Pigs and Corn to Guatemala for many, many years.

People had to buy feed but if they cannot sell how can they buy.

You call it informal trade but what do you call the Prensalibre that comes in and is sold all over the country. The cashew vendors are also informal. The shoe shiners are also informal but they come.

Confined animals had to be taken outside while there was no grass.

It was all difficult for our farmers.

When the ‘informal’ trade went through Arenal and NOT Bullet Tree some two weeks after Bullet tree was stopped. Guatemala did not stop it. So who stopped it?

Now due to the glut in the number of animals and availability of grass, the price has plummeted.

People in Central America and Guatemala need a lot of food.

We can produce. All the food we can produce cannot suffice how much they need. All that can improve our economy.

28 OUT

!

Dear Editor, The other day I was by the MF market. I was surprised to see Minister Castro there selling like the normal poor people. Why is he taking our jobs? My next question was ‘Castro smokes beef’s?’ Did he get the certificate that all us Food Handlers need to get.

WHERE is his Mask? He is breathing all over the food.

Does Edmond Castro have the right to be selling stuff on the side of the street? I would say that yes he does.

OUT

THE BELIZE TIMES Does Minister Edmond Castro have the right to be selling stuff on the side of the street?

I would say that yes he does if he resigns from his failed attempt at being a Minister. He doesn’t have the moral right to be where the poor people of Belize work to make ends meet. Castro, who are you trying to fool?

No mein....

There are many real poor people that need the spot and the job. Why doesn’t he smoke his beef and then hire someone to do the vending and some to cashier. He could have two jobs out of nowhere.

The UDP does everything back way.

Again, did the authorities process Minister Castro with a stool test and a food handler certificate?

What message is the UDP sending food handlers when Castro sells food WITHOUT A Mask? There was no arrest.

Nowadays selling food without a hair net, net or most important with no mask is plain NASTY not to mention illegal give the times of Covid.

Nasty is the corruption of normal etiquette... so yes, the UDP would be guilty. Castro is a nasty food handler in addition to an incompetent rep.

Castro, I hear Shyne is transferring votes to Sandhill. Too bad it is all too late for you Castro.

Signed Clear this UDP Out

NB: Plz

2020 ORIN VELASQUEZ, “Senseless Killing”

Statement by Dolores Balderamos Garcia, PUP Standard Bearer for Belize Rural Central

My Committee and I strongly condemn the senseless killing of Mr. Orin Velasquez, a Ladyville resident and owner of Breda O’s Pizza.

We extend our deepest condolences to all his family.

We also decry in the strongest terms the violent crimes being committed in the Ladyville and Lord’s Bank comcreate job opportunities contributes munities. We must all stand to this climate of criminal activity, and in solidarity with our commu- there has been inadequate response nities against crime and coop- of government to the harsh economerate fully with authorities to ic impact of the Covid 19 pandemic reduce these terrible occur- in our villages and communities. Our rences. sympathy once more to the VelasIt would be remiss if we quez family, and let us work together fail to note that the failure of to stamp out violence and crime in theinto UDP administration to Ladyville and all of BRC. fix quarter page.

!

Dear Editor, I confuse!! Who is the leader of the UDP? Didn’t they just have a convention?

I turn on the TV last Friday expecting to see a new PM at least for a couple of days in a House Sitting. I was surprised. Really.... The UDP confused. What the hell is a leader elect?

I read a little. No leader is elected and lacks the testicular fortitude to take what is his. Seems to me Barrow has squashed both of Faber’s ability to be a leader. That is...if there was ever a bit of a chance.

I am a Collet Voter and dislike people referring to Faber as Leader of the Opposition. Hell...he won’t beat Oscar. The people of Collet have seen the light.

Collet will not vote for Patrick.

We tired of his antics. I heard him dreaming of being a Prime Minister. He should have first had a little snooze for Collet.

I invite Belize come and see how devastated Faber is leaving Collet.

I say leaving cause after Elections 2020 he will need a real job. Does he qualify for any? He and Shyne, buddies now, should go apply at City Council, drains always need work.

So Faber and August wrote to the stevedores to offer support. The problem is that no one told the UDP’s other brainless tentacle?

The UDP needs some time to get buried. The Red has died and their carcass is in an advanced state of decomposition.

UDP is outta sync with us, the people. They are now UNITED now into two groups… the Divided Democratic Party...

FREETOWN CONSTITUENCY YARD SALE CLOTHES FOOD √CHILDRENS √ TEENS TACOS CHIPS & DIP STUFFED PEPPERS SAUSAGE ON A STICK BBQ CHICKEN & PORK CUPCAKES NATURAL JUICES

√LADIES √MEN √SHOES

Thanks New Collet Voter/Oscar Supporter

2 AUG

ORGANIZED BY THE PUP FREETOWN WOMEN’S GROUP PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE FREETOWN CONSTITUENCY

2 AUG

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

29

30

2 AUG

THE BELIZE TIMES

2020

Faber, Patrick Jason Classless UDP 1st/2nd/3rd Term Final Progress Report

Issues

Term

Final

1st

2nd

3rd

Minister of Education

F

F

F

F

Retrenchment/Victimization of School Wardens

A+

A+

A+

A+

Incomplete Belize Civic Center; two deaths

U

U

F

F

Union Busting ($1Million Easter Cheer)

A

A

A

A

Herman Longsworth/Patrick Henry Money Missing

F

F

F

F

Marion Jones Stadium 2.7 Million

-

F

F

F

Visa Recommendations for Unknowns

U

U

U

U

Crime (high dropout rates)

F

F

F

F

Vega and all the Land Issues

U

U

U

U

BNTU Issues

F

F

F

F

Respect for Teachers

F

F

F

F

School Retention of Students

F

F

F

F

Danny (250K??), Intelco Hill

U

U

U

U

Lev Dermen

U

U

U

U

Sanctuary Bay (Kanantik Education Courses)

A+

U

U

U

Corozal Pibil Tacos

-

-

A+

A+

Belizean economy

U

U

U

U

Women’s Issues

F

F

F

F

Submerging/Wrecking Government Vehicles

-

-

A+

A+

Useless Music Ambassador at NICH

F

F

F

F

Sports(Local and International)

F

F

F

F

Our Children’s Access to School

F

F

F

F

Julian Cho HS/Simeon Coc’s misused $2Million

-

-

F

F

Teacher’s Commission

-

F

F

F

Scholarships for Cronies(Fraser, Willoughby, Perdomo)

A

A

A

A

Secondary Education Financing Formula

-

F

F

F

Yellow Man’s Hiring & Firing Issue

-

F

F

F

Economy in Collet

F

F

F

F

Crime in Collet

F

F

F

F

Housing in Collet

F

F

F

F

Land Programs in Collet

F

F

F

F

Job availability in Collet

F

F

F

F

The Hub still closed

-

-

F

F

Covid State of Education

-

-

F

F

University of Belize Subvention Cut

F

F

F

F

U – Ungraded meaning that is not assessable since he was guilty of inaction.

F – Definitely did not do anything to help the people of Belize.

A+ – He seemed to be happy with helping himself.

Future Outlook: With so much inaction on BIG issues happening around him, Patrick Joshua is eons away from being a leader. When half of a few delegates from a divided party vote for you there is a Patrick Joshua Faber demise awaiting. Since Patrick Joshua has to go through an election against a politically-inert Saldivar and the outcome is a virtual TIE then Patrick Joshua should start thinking of an improbable 2035 run.

Recommendation: Mr. Faber should go to John Briceño and request tips on how to beat Oscar Arnold. The UDP will be extremely lucky to come out of elections 2020 with a person in the House to be the UDP Leader of the Opposition.

2 AUG

31

THE BELIZE TIMES

2020 Editor’s Choice: International

(Foto Reforma)

Mipymes impulsan la recuperación económica; abren 2 mil nuevas en junio

94 nuevos positivos en Quintana Roo: 42 Othón P. Blanco, 30 Benito Juárez,

ACTIVOS por municipio 26/07 ↗1321 Othón P. Blanco (Chetumal)

↗785 Benito Juárez (Cancun)

↗431 Solidaridad ↗107 Tulum

↗71 Felipe C. Puerto ↘66 Cozumel ↗60 Bacalar ↗56 Lázaro Cárdenas ➡27 Isla Mujeres ➡21 José M. Morelos ➡7 Puerto Morelos

Por AUTHOR Surname

Mientras que las grandes compañías resintieron en junio el impacto económico por la crisis sanitaria del coronavirus y han tenido que cerrar, las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas (mipymes) se incrementaron, refiere un análisis de la Caintra Nuevo León.

Durante el mes pasado, a nivel nacional las mipymes registraron un incremento de 2 mil 955 nuevas empresas y el 68 por ciento equivalente a 2 mil 008 negocios, fueron en el segmento de mipymes.

Por el contrario, 132 empresas grandes cerraron sus puertas en el país durante junio.

"En medio de la crisis ocasionada por el coronavirus, las microempresas se han convertido en la principal fuerza generadora de fuentes de empleo", destacó el organismo industrial.

"El sector mipyme es de vital importancia por su rol fundamental en el crecimiento de nuestra economía, por ello mantenemos nuestro llamado a las autoridades de los tres niveles de Gobierno para implementar acciones que incentiven una mejor y más rápida recuperación de este sector", resaltó la Caintra. (Lea más en sipse.com) (Issei kato/Reuters Women wearing casual summer kimonos in Tokyo earlier this month.)

Coronavirus Is Back With a Vengeance in Places Where It Had All but Vanished

By Philip Wen, Joyu Wang Australia reported only a handful of new coronavirus cases in early June, while Hong Kong went three weeks without a single locally transmitted infection that month.

Japan had already lifted a state of emergency in May after the number of new cases dropped to a few dozen nationwide.

All three reported new high-water marks in daily infection numbers in the past week, showing how difficult it can be to keep the virus at bay, even in places lauded for taking early and decisive action.

The number of infections in all three places are still small in comparison to the world’s hardest hit countries, but the fresh waves demonstrate the tricky balancing act authorities face as they attempt to reopen their economies.

One misstep can quickly undo the gains from weeks of closures, and public-health experts say some complacency and fatigue with social-distancing restrictions is inevitable in a long pandemic. (Read more at msn.com for Wall

Street Journal) (AP)

Hanna slams South Texas and Northeastern Mexico

(Getty Images First Phase 3 test of coronavirus vaccine candidate begins in US

First Phase 3 test of coronavirus vaccine candidate begins in US

By Zack Budryk First Phase 3 test of coronavirus vaccine candidate begins in US An investigational vaccine developed by drugmaker Moderna and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases began Phase 3 trials on Monday, becoming the first candidate to reach that step in testing.

About 30,000 adult volunteers are set to be enrolled in the trial, according to CNN… trial group will receive two 100 microgram injections of the candidate while a control group receiving a placebo, both about four weeks apart, the network noted. …We are indebted to the participants and investigators who now begin the work of the COVE study itself. We look forward to this trial demonstrating the potential of our vaccine to prevent COVID-19, so that we can defeat this pandemic."

According to data published in the New England Journal of Medicine, earlier testing induced immune responses in all volunteers. (Read more at

msn.com for The Hill)

(Adriana Loureiro Fernandez for The New York Times)

Latin America Is Facing a ‘Decline of Democracy’ Under the Pandemic

CARACAS, Venezuela — Postponed elections. Sidelined courts. A persecuted opposition.

As the coronavirus pandemic tears

By Yucatan Times through Latin America and the Caribbean, CORPUS killing more than 180,000 and destroying the CHRISTI, Texas livelihoods of tens of millions in the region, it is also undermining democratic (AP) — A norms that were already under strain. downgraded Leaders ranging from the center-right to the far left have used the crisis Hanna continued as justification to extend their time in office, weaken oversight of government charging across actions and silence critics — actions that under different circumstances would the borderland of be described as authoritarian and antidemocratic but that now are being billed as South Texas and northeastern Mexico, where flooding remained the biggest lifesaving measures to curb the spread of the disease. threat Monday in a region that was already reeling from a surge in cases of the The gradual undermining of democratic rules during an economic crisis coronavirus. and public health catastrophe could leave Latin America primed for slower growth and an increase in corruption and human rights abuses, experts warned.

In the Mexican city of Matamoros, across from Brownsville, the rains This is particularly true in places where political rights and accountability were shook tents in a refugee camp housing an estimated 1,300 asylum seekers, already in steep decline. including newborns and elderly people, who have been waiting for months for “It’s not a matter of left or right, it’s a general decline of democracy court dates under a U.S. immigration policy informally known as “Remain in across the region,” said Alessandra Pinna, a Latin America researcher at Mexico.”

Freedom House, an independent Washington-based research organization that Hanna, downgraded to a tropical depression, passed over the U.S.measures global political liberties.

Mexico border Sunday with winds near 50 mph (85 kph), the National Hurricane There are now five Latin American and Caribbean nations with recent Center said. It unloaded more than 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain in some democratic histories — Venezuela, Nicaragua, Guyana, Bolivia and Haiti — areas, and more was expected. where governments weren’t chosen in free and fair elections or have overstayed Border communities whose health care systems were already strained by their time in office. It’s the highest number since the late 1980s, when the Cold COVID-19 cases — with some patients being airlifted to larger cities — found War receded and several countries in the grips of civil war or military themselves grappling with Hanna. There were no immediate reports of any dictatorships transitioned to peace and democracy. (Read more at deaths on either side of the border. (Read more at Yucatantimes.com) NYTimes.com)

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32 2020