22 JAN
2017
UDP-Overloaded Integrity Commission Appointed
Wednesday, January 18, 2017 Despite the howls of disapproval from Belizeans, the clear appearance of bias and a lack of objectivity, the Integrity Commission, with an absolute majority of rabid UDP loyalists, has been sworn in. That means that it’s a done deal and these commission members are being asked to objectively police their party’s elected politicians, among others, and they’re supposed to keep their party’s government honest. The 7 member team, 5 of whom were appointed by the Prime Minister, took the oath of office in Belmopan on Thursday, January 12, 2017. They’re appointed to serve for a period of 2 years starting from January 1, 2017, and which ends December 2019. That means that this Commission will be in charge of ensuring integrity in public life, almost to the end of the scheduled last term of Prime
MINOR
MURDERED
Wednesday, January 18, 2017 The latest victim of gun violence in Belize City is a teenager, just 15 years old. Jaheem Jamal Mahler was mercilessly gunned down on Iguana Street Extension in Belize City last night while in the company of two other minors. Police have no motive for the shooting death of Mahler originally from the Faber’s Road Extension area. Authorities are reporting that he was shot to the chest, back, face and feet by a lone gunman who fired indiscriminately against the minors. Police have since detained one person and are questioning the other minors who were along with Mahler at around 8:30p.m. when the incident occurred. They also retrieved a 9mm Luger brand pistol which they believe is the murder weapon. It was discovered in a drain on Iguana Street Extension. Although according to some, Mahler’s social media page could indicate he was a fan of gang culture (gun insignias and the like) based on photos shared, the Police say there is nothing in their records to indicate that he is gang related at all. Superintendent Alejandro Cowo, Officer Commanding CIB for Belize City, said they are also trying to establish whether Mahler was the intended target or the gunman was going after either of the other two minors. Neither do they have any indications that the other two teens are gang affiliates. Mahler becomes the 6th murder victim in Belize City’s Southside since the beginning of 2017 and the 8th countrywide.
15
THE BELIZE TIMES
Minister Dean Barrow. As readers know very well, the Integrity Commission’s main mandate comes from the Prevention of Corruption Act, and they are required to review finances of each elected politician, both from Local and Central Government. All their declared assets should be scrutinized to ensure that they are not unjustly enriching themselves off the backs of the Belizean people. But, already, the Commission is considering the idea of giving a clean slate to those elected politicians who were not keeping up with the law and filing their declared assets at the required intervals. The Integrity Commission has been dormant for just about 8 years and in all that time, those who did not file their assets with the office, need not worry about
facing sanctions such as fines for disobeying the law. The New Chair of the Commission, Marilyn Williams, told the press that the law makes provisions for elected politicians to ask for an extension in the deadline to file their declarations. So, does that clean slate apply to those politicians who have been caught up with the different scandals within the UDP Government? That’s the kind of appearance of bias which all Belizeans would hope to never have when considering the actions of a watchdog organization like the Integrity Commission. The 5 Members appointed by the Prime Minister, which includes Chairman Marilyn Williams, Armead Gabourel, Wilmot Simmons, Lisbeth Delgado and Accountant Nestor Vasquez, are all considered to be UDP loyalists. It
remains to be seen if they are able to put their political affiliations aside for the national interest of good governance, if any of their elected politicians comes under suspicion of corruption in public office, while they are active. Of course, the Government’s mouthpieces have made much of the fact that the Opposition has 2 appointees, namely Melissa Balderamos-Mahler, and Claudet Grinage. How is it that the majority of 5 can be challenged by only 2 if there is ever any controversial decision which the majority forces through?
NEEDED: Caretaker. Salary is $120.00 weekly. Contact 664-2684 for more information.
PUBLIC AUCTION SALE BY ORDER OF THE CHARGEE HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED, a Licensed Public Auctioneer will sell on site the following property at the time as listed. At the Parking Lot across the street from the office of Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited, No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City on Tuesday January 31, 2017 at 10:00a.m. ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Parcel 3232, Block 16 in the Caribbean Shores/Belize Registration Section situate on Lauren Burgess Crescent, Belama Phase III, Belize City, Belize District, comprising an unoccupied corner lot of 568.910 square metres bounded by the Buffer Area/Belize Old River and a canal, the freehold property of ANDRE ANTHONY YOUNG and JENNA MARIE YOUNG (Jointly)
DATED this 17th day of January 2017
All sales are strictly cash and deemed final. For more information contact: HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738