Belize Times March 19, 2023 - Magical and Marvelous Budget

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The Belize Times

19 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2023

Established 1957

19 MARCH 2023 | ISSUE NO: 5343

The Truth Shall Make You Free

facebook/belizetimespress | $1.00

MAGIC & MARVEL OF PLANBELIZE BOLD BUDGET DETERMINED TO BE EXTRA!

“We push on ensuring that our efforts will lead to more homes, more of our children in schools, more persons included in NHI, more land in the hands of first-time landowners, a more efficient and effective public service, more jobs, a stronger social safety net, safer cities and, yes, cleaner and greener rivers, streams and sea.” – PM John Briceño “Belize’s position and profile sparkle and shimmer like never before.” The Budget for 2023-24, presented on March 10 to an expectant nation of Belize, flourished with the promised HOPE many had felt in November 11, 2020 as they cast both a castigation to a degenerate UDP and a glorification of who this paper now calls the planBelize team. The Prime Minister John Briceño presentation was devoid of any austerity which Belizeans had come to expect from the 08-20 incompetent and corrupt Barrow maladministration(s).

There was no grieving in this ‘Delivering in PlanBelize’ budget where the Prime Minister of the land was not shy in in-

forming Belizeans that “I table a new budget today that contains a primary surplus and a budget that does not include any tax increases WHATSOEVER!” Public officers et al are feeling closure as their Barrow-held increment is being reinstated before the 3-year agreement just as their 10percent was reinstated last year. Public officers, teachers, police, coast guard and all affected cannot be thanked enough for their sacrifice that is paying dividends now from an economy that is precise on its tracks.

The Prime Minister presentation ac-

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1st comprehensive national estimate of mangrove carbon stocks is presented in Belize

Pg. 6

Historic Agreement Pension Reform Agreement GoB - Unions Unions Get Increment on April 1st

Pg. 2

17M AGREEMENT Signed by Minister of Civil Aviation

New aviation primary radar

Pg. 4

Pg. 8

BELTRAIDE Hosts BPO Job Preparedness Training in Corozal Town

Pg. 8

Ministry of Finance Visits the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

MARCH WOMEN’S MONTH: #EMBRACEEQUITY

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02 2 MAGIC & MARVEL OF PLANBELIZE

19 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

Continued from page 1

knowledged all women: “And in this month, when we celebrate the achievements of women worldwide, we can report the successful implementation of the Women Economic Empowerment Project, which in its first full year of implementation, has already included 44 new initiatives worth more than 2.6 million dollars.” Without a doubt when parity becomes normalcy and when history dissects the rise of equal opportunity, the planBelize

government will be seen a champions and innovators in making sure that really everyone wins in all ways possible.

It cannot be lost that “68,000 fewer Belizeans are poor, according to the last poverty assessment.” It cannot be hidden from the accolades that poverty is on a massive decline. As the world is officially in a pandemic and as the mighty ‘developed’ nation infect us with their inflation, wars, and anti-environmental habits, Belize is exhibiting double-digit GDP growth

Historic Agreement Pension Reform Agreement GoB - Unions Unions Get Increment on April 1st

On March 7, 2023, Cabinet received a report from the Ministerial Consulting Team that has been engaged in meetings with the Joint Unions on the important issues of Increments and Pension Reform. Following that report, Cabinet agreed on the following three points (1) Increments for all public officers and teachers would be unfrozen effective 1st April 2023. (2) The Ministerial Team would continue discussions with the Joint Unions Negotiating Team (JUNT) on the matter of the two increment points lost. Those discussions would be based on specific economic performance targets in the fiscal year 2024/25 and beyond. (3) The government will implement a phased approach to the Public Sector Pension Reform. In phase one, the goal is to institute, effective 1st July 2023, a new contributory pension scheme applicable only to new entrants into the Belize Public Service.

Phase two will include a comprehensive review of the existing Public Service Pension Scheme to determine how to make it more effective, efficient, and sustainable.

For this purpose, a working group will be established, including the government, JUNT, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, GAMAS, and the private sector.

Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño noted that “In this Financial Year 2022/23, Government will have spent 95 million dollars on the pension plan for public officials. In the next budget, 2023/24 the spending rises to 100 million dollars.”

Prime Minister Hon. Briceño goes on to state, “I have said publicly, and I say again: this budget line spending is neither sustainable nor fair. To illustrate, this year the SSB is projected to collect

some 140 million dollars in contributions and pay out some 110 million dollars in benefits. This is the nature of a contributory pension scheme.”

Now Belize is an outlier in every material respect so far as retirement age, replacement rate, and contribution rate are concerned. As elsewhere in the Caribbean and Latin America, public officers’ pension schemes are contributory.

PM Briceño stated, “The average replacement rate, that is, the average pension divided by average earnings in the entire Latin America and Caribbean Region is 61.9 percent. In Belize, the average replacement rate for public officers, when combining social security pension is at 27.9 percent and public officers’ non-contributory pension at 67.5 percent, both of which public officers would be entitled to, is 95.4 percent, a whopping 33.5 percent above the regional average.”

Almost everywhere else in this region, the voluntary age of retirement is 60 years, and the mandatory retirement age of 65 years. In the Caribbean, countries with special pension plans for public officials tend to have higher retirement ages, 60 years in the case of Trinidad & Tobago and Suriname, for example, and 65 years plus in the case of Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua, and Barbuda. The IMF has presented its formula for public pension reform and sustainability which involves a contribution rate of 10 percent (of wages), half of which - or 5 percent - to be contributed by public officers; raising the current retirement age from 55 to 65; and reducing the replacement rate from 67 percent to 50 percent, all to be gradually phased in over time.

Prime Minister Briceño stated, “I’m happy to report that at a recent meeting of the Ministerial Consulting Team that has been engaged in

and single digit unemployment. All this while the neediest are receiving homes, land, free education, and a double-digit percentage rise in the minimum wage to five dollars.

The social forces that breed crime have noticed and crime is also on a decline. PlanBelize pushes it… multisectoral meant that all things in this paragraph will wage war on crime NOT increase in policing. The skeptics are believing; their silence is deafening.

The MIDH and its home distribution and building of really-resilient infrastructure is well documented. But often, flying under the radar is the former hotbed of UDP corruption which is now a real hotbed of seedlings of hope for many famimeetings with the Joint Unions on the important issues of Increments and Pension Reform, significant progress was made.

The update was positive, as the Joint Unions have agreed to a phased implementation of a contributory pension scheme, having recognized that the current pension scheme is unsustainable. The JUNT team agreed to three phases: The first phase of the contributory pension scheme will commence with persons entering the Public Service as of 1st July 2023; and the unions have agreed to work with the Government on mechanisms for a second phase rollout, where other public officers will be included in the contributory pension scheme and lastly replacement rate. For sure, we must applaud our ministerial team but, more so, the Joint Unions team for this historic and unprecedented collaboration and achievement.

Discussions were also held and only the two increments under the Briceño administration will be reviewed in 2024/2025.

The other increment under the previous government was forgone by the previous negotiations team and the then-Barrow Administration.

Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service, Constitutional and Political Reform, and Religious Affairs “We got work on the very first day and we are always there to ensure that the public officers get what they deserve and what they are entitled to.”

He wanted to express, “I want to thank all public officers for the sacrifices that they have made over the past two-plus years first with the salary adjustment which I was happy that we could have returned 2 years earlier, and the unfreezing the increments this year, one year earlier than the set date. What is important is that there is a partnership to get back those increments, then let’s work together to make sure we get that done.”

-Esau Ferguson

2023

lies—the Land department in the Ministry of Natural Resources under DPM Cordel Hyde. The homes distribution by the MIDH will see increased demand because of the success of mobile land clinics. “And that is why, with support from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Natural Resources, is spearheading a survey and distribution program for almost 11,000 parcels in areas of all six districts. Final surveys have been funded and are almost completed. Assigning a modest value of ten thousand per lot would mean that this program alone represents a 110-million-dollar transfer of wealth to qualified landowners.”

All Ministries contribute to the success of all ministries. Apologies to Minister Musa, but all planBelize is really a multisectoral approach.

This world-renowned Manifesto has a Bugatti-type engine that is oiled and fine-tuned with a Midterm Development Strategy. PlanBelize with all its success has been upgraded…wow!!

“How distant now do those bleak, final days of the UDP appear, those desperate times when the government had to borrow a million dollars a day to pay public officer salaries and borrow just to keep the lights on? How distant now are those traumatic times when Belize had effectively defaulted on its international commercial debt and when the devaluation of our dollar seemed inevitable? To that chaos and hopelessness, we shall never return. Not so long as we remain faithful to our sacred pledge that “Everybody Fi Win - Todos Ganamos!” Prime Minister John Briceño keeps leading the nation with a grit and compassion that the “world itself cannot give.”

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

|

$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

19 MAR

2023

03 3

THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

en Español

BELIZEAN BAD MIND

MALA MENTE BELICEÑA

“Apres moi, le deluge” is a legendary quote from King Louis XV of France. Purportedly, he said this about what would happen to France after his death; After me, the flood. In Belize, this infamous quote is associated with the former prime minister when he referred to Belize’s imperilled economic outlook due to the chronic mismanagement, unbridled spending and rampant corruption of his administration were most renowned for. The cryptic proclamation was made on national television by the bird of ill omen, who described just how bad things were. It sent shock waves across a nation already badly hit by the pandemic, the shutdowns and the economic havoc that had begun. As Hon. John Briceño has reminded us in this year’s budget presentation, we are a long way from the million-dollar-a-day borrowing to pay salaries and defaulting on international commercial debt. The bleak days when the devaluation of our dollar seemed inevitable are certainly over.

Any Belizean worth his salt will tell you “Bad mind no prosper!”

Indeed, there was a deluge, but instead of the disaster and misfortunes predicted a flood of employment and economic boom and prosperity swept clean through Belize. These happy tidings came from the strong and strategic monetary and fiscal policy. It came from the hard decisions that had to be taken in the first moments to stem the overwhelming tide of debt drowning this country. The PUP Government moved swiftly to reduce debt, specifically 315 million US dollars in poverty due to the Super Bond-Blue Bond swap and the 163 million US dollars from the reduction of the Petro Caribe reduction from Venezuela. Today, there are 68,000 fewer people living in poverty in Belize because of the 51 per cent increase in the hourly minimum wage. There are 14 thousand of public officers whose full wages have already been restored and whose increments will be restored in the new fiscal year. This fiscal year, the budget estimates have no new taxes; in fact, all taxes on sanitary products for women have been eliminated. This alone will benefit half of the population living in Belize.

This year, global overnight travel is expected to grow by 28 per cent and cruise tourism by 13 per cent. Our rate of economic growth at 12.4 per cent is double what the International Monetary fund predicted. This was led by the rise in domestic exports of 46 million dollars, Foreign Direct investment of 15.7 million dollars and remittances of 14 million dollars. The rise in inflation to 6.3 is well below the global average of 8.8 per cent. There are six priority actions for the Belizean government: poverty reduction, economic transformation and growth, trade deficit reduction, citizen security, protection of the environment and stopping corruption. They have identified 224 programs and projects that are critical for the achievement of these priority areas. Through collaboration with private sector partnerships and other stakeholders will engage to participate fully in all these areas.

It sometimes seems as if some bad-minded people wanted Belize to fail, it seems that it was their intention and purpose to sabotage and destroy what little was left and slip out of their hands. Those detractors must now know that you cannot keep good Belizeans down! You knock us down, but you do not knock us out! You destroy and we build back, you squander and waste and we show you time and again how we put the pieces back into something bigger and better than before. The more you hate, the more we raise, the more you bad mouth, and the more venom and poison you spew it turns and taints all you touch till the flood destroys all you have. Those with a pure heart and good intentions will prevail. The deluge that came for Belize was filled with prosperity and better times. Oh yes… Belizeans will tell you because we know, “Bad mind no prosper!”

"Apres moi, le deluge" es una cita legendaria del rey Luis XV de Francia. Supuestamente dijo esto sobre lo que le ocurriría a Francia después de su muerte: "Después de mí, el diluvio". En Belice, esta cita infame se asocia con el ex primer ministro cuando se refirió a las perspectivas económicas en peligro de Belice debido a la mala gestión crónica, el gasto y la corrupción desenfrenadas de su administración.

El pájaro de mal agüero hizo esta críptica proclamación en la televisión nacional, describiendo lo mal que estaban las cosas. Causó conmoción en una nación ya muy afectada por la pandemia, los cierres y los estragos económicos que habían comenzado. Como nos ha recordado el Honorable John Briceño en la presentación del presupuesto de este año, estamos muy lejos de los préstamos millonarios diarios para pagar los salarios y del impago de la deuda comercial internacional. Los sombríos días en que la devaluación de nuestro dólar parecía inevitable han pasado a la historia.

Cualquier beliceño que se precie le dirá: "¡Mala mente no prospera!".

Efectivamente, hubo un diluvio, pero en lugar del desastre y las desgracias pronosticadas, una avalancha de empleo y bonanza económica y prosperidad barrió Belice. Esas buenas nuevas se debieron a una política monetaria y fiscal fuerte y estratégica. Fueron fruto de las duras decisiones que hubo que tomar en los primeros momentos para frenar la abrumadora marea de deuda que ahogaba a este país.

El Gobierno del PUP se movió con rapidez para reducir la deuda, concretamente 315 millones de dólares de la pobreza debido al canje de Super Bonos por Bonos Azules y los 163 millones de dólares de la reducción de la reducción del Petro Caribe de Venezuela. Hoy hay 68.000 personas menos viviendo en pobreza en Belice debido al aumento del 51% del salario mínimo por hora. Hay 14 mil funcionarios públicos a los que ya se les ha restablecido el salario íntegro y cuyos incrementos se restablecerán en el nuevo ejercicio fiscal. Este año fiscal, las estimaciones presupuestarias no tienen nuevos impuestos; de hecho, se han eliminado todos los impuestos sobre los productos sanitarios para mujeres. Esto beneficiará a la mitad de la población que vive en Belice.

Este año se espera que los viajes totales con pernoctación crezcan un 28% y el turismo de cruceros un 13%. Nuestra tasa de crecimiento económico, del 12,4%, duplica las previsiones del Fondo Monetario Internacional. A ello contribuyó el aumento de las exportaciones nacionales (46 millones de dólares), la inversión extranjera directa (15,7 millones de dólares) y las remesas (14 millones de dólares). El aumento de la inflación al 6,3% está muy por debajo de la media mundial del 8,8%. Seis son las acciones prioritarias del gobierno beliceño: reducción de la pobreza, transformación y crecimiento económico, reducción del déficit comercial, seguridad ciudadana, protección del medioambiente y freno a la corrupción. Se han identificado 224 programas y proyectos fundamentales para la consecución de estas áreas prioritarias. Mediante la colaboración con asociaciones del sector privado y otras partes interesadas se comprometerán a participar plenamente en todas estas áreas.

A veces parece como si algunas personas malintencionadas quisieran que Belice fracasara, parece que su intención y propósito fuera sabotear y destruir lo poco que quedaba y se les escapaba de las manos.

Esos detractores deben saber ahora que no se puede mantener abatidos a los buenos beliceños. Nos derriban, pero no nos eliminan. Ustedes destruyen y reconstruimos, ustedes despilfarran y derrochan, nosotros les mostramos una y otra vez cómo volvemos a poner los pedazos en algo más grande y mejor que antes. Cuanto más odiáis, más crecemos, más habláis mal, y cuanto más veneno y ponzoña escupís, más se vuelve y contamina todo lo que tocáis hasta que el diluvio destruye todo lo que tenéis. Los que tienen un corazón puro y buena intención prevalecerán.

El diluvio que llegó a Belice estaba lleno de prosperidad y tiempos mejores. Oh, sí... los beliceños te lo dirán porque lo sabemos: "¡Mala mente no prospera!".

Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited 19 MAR

04 4

THE BELIZE TIMES

17M AGREEMENT Signed by Minister of Civil Aviation

New aviation primary radar

Registered Agent

2023

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the company I-TECH CAPITAL INC. (“the Company”) Registered under the Belize Companies Act 2022 commenced dissolution on the 02nd day of March, 2023; and Carmen L.O. Visconde of Rua Leopoldo Couto de Magalhaes JR 1200 AP 51, Sao Paulo, Brazil is the Liquidator of the Company.

Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited

25 SEP

2020

Registered Agent

THE BELIZ

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the below company has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the date indicated: The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, participated in the 250th Ordinary Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Central American Corporation of Air Navigation Services (COCESNA) held in Madrid, Spain, on March 12, 2023. Hon. Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation, and Kennedy Carrillo, CEO of the ministry, attended the meeting, where a US$8.5-million agreement was signed for the acquisition of a new aviation primary radar and the upgrading of its air traffic control center.

The new primary radar will significantly improve Belize’s control centers and it will provide the opportunity to modernize its air navigation services, making them safer and more secure on a regional and international scale.

Belize currently utilizes a secondary

surveillance radar system that relies on signals transmitted by equipment on an aircraft to determine its location.

The new surveillance radar will emit a signal that bounces off aircraft to determine their positions, even in cases where aircraft are uncooperative or involved in illicit activities.

Furthermore, the COCESNA board members have agreed to provide additional support to Belize to enhance technical capacity-building and legal reform efforts. These measures aim to ensure that Belize's Civil Aviation Regulations fully comply with the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization. The approval of this support demonstrates COCESNA's commitment to improving aviation safety and efficiency in Belize and the wider Central American region.

March 14, 2023 The Belize Broadcasting Authority hereby reminds media houses of its essential role it plays in the society. The majority of information is delivered to the public by the media. This aids in learning, understanding, and staying connected to other people and to the world in general.

It is therefore vital that our local media be vigilant and responsible in delivering of information to the wider populace.

In any case, the BBA calls for ALL Media houses to cease and desist from disseminating information that: discloses the names of victims of Domestic Violence (DV), Gender Based Violence (GBV) and from using derogatory words that are offensive, disrespectful and discriminatory.

The Broadcasting Authority hereby reminds operators to abide by the terms and conditions set forth in the Broadcasting & Television Act CAP. 227 Laws of Belize.

I-TECH CAPITAL INC. – 14th March, 2023 Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited

Registered Agent

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the company I-TECH CAPITAL INC. (“the Company”) Registered under the Belize Companies Act 2022 commenced dissolution on the 02nd day of March, 2023; and Carmen L.O. Visconde of Rua Leopoldo Couto de Magalhaes JR 1200 AP 51, Sao Paulo, Brazil is the Liquidator of the Company.

ANNOUNCEMENT

The People’s United Party announces a Convention to Icaza Belize Trust Corporation Limited Registered Agent for the Elect a Chairperson Corozal North Constituency Executive Committee. Convention will take place on Sunday, March 26th, 2023.

Polls will open at 9 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. at the San Antonio Government School in San Antonio Village, Corozal District.

19 MAR

2023

THE BELIZE TIMES

Belize’s OBRS receives a digital champion’s award from the WSIS 2023 Following a comprehensive review by a panel of experts, Belize’s recently launched Online Business Registry System (OBRS) has been selected as a World Summit on the Information Society Prize 2023 Champion March 15, 2023. In its 8th edition, the World Summit on the Information Society Forum (WSIS) organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and its 193 Member States recently held their WSIS Prizes contest. Belize’s Online Business Registry System (OBRS) which went live on November 28, 2022 was selected this year as a WSIS Prize 2023 Champion in category 7 - E- Business- ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life. The WSIS Prizes 2023 ceremony for Champions took place on March 15th 2023 at the Geneva International Congress Center in Geneva, Switzerland.

OBRS was created with the vision to digitally transform business regis-

BELTRAIDE Hosts BPO Job Preparedness Training in Corozal Town On Friday, March 10, 2023, the Belize Training and Employment Centre (BTEC), a unit of BELTRAIDE, held a certificate ceremony to mark the end of its two-week Business Process Outsourcing Job Preparedness Training in Corozal Town. This training, held in collaboration with the Corozal Town Council, covered a diverse range of soft and technical skills to prepare participants for entrance into the BPO Industry.

The training is a part of the Government of Belize's push to increase participation in the growing BPO Industry with similar trainings planned to be held across the country. Trainees learnt the importance of professional etiquette, effective communication skills, customer service excellence, telephone etiquette, campaign scripts, expectations of the BPO industry and other essential skills that are needed to excel in the workplace.

A total of 20 participants completed the training program and were referred to Ariston Marketing Co. Ltd. for potential employment opportunities. BELTRAIDE takes this opportunity to thank the Corozal Town Council and Ariston Marketing Ltd. for their collaboration and wishes all the participants great success in their future endeavors.

BPOs were named as one of the economic positives that Belize have at the moment. This naming was on not less than the IMF concluding statement on Belize state of the economy.

Today municipalities like Corozal and Dangriga have found it Important to train their citizens in preparation for the BPO Industry coming into town.

The unemployment numbers plummeting in Belize Is most likely due to the rise In BPO's all over Belize.

tration thereby enhancing accessibility of business registration services, modernize business registration products, improve data integrity, and raise the awareness of the value of business creation to the economy. OBRS which is based on NRD Companies' Unified Registry Platform URP© is the first digital registry service of its kind in Belize and was one of 900 submitted projects of which 360 were nominated for

the online voting following a comprehensive review by a panel of experts.

More than 1.5 million votes were then casted and OBRS was among the topmost voted in its category.

Winning the Champion award is a major accomplishment for Belize and stakeholders involved in the execution of the project. WSIS represents the world's largest annual gathering of the ICT for development

05 5 community and is co-organized by International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UNESCO, UNDP and UNCTAD. The contest was developed in response to requests from WSIS stakeholders to create an effective mechanism to evaluate projects and activities that leverage the power of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to advance sustainable development.

“The WSIS Prizes provides a distinctive worldwide platform for recognizing and highlighting exemplary accomplishments in executing the WSIS Action Lines and SDGs. We are extremely proud of being awarded a Champion Prize and are grateful to the WSIS and ITU for the honor” Continued on page 8

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THE BELIZE TIMES

19 MAR

2023

First comprehensive national estimate of mangrove carbon stocks is presented in Belize (Belize March 14th 2023) A recently published study in the journal Science of the Total Environment introduces the first comprehensive national estimate of mangrove carbon stocks in Belize. The almost 58,000 hectares of mangroves in Belize were found to hold 25.7 million metric tons of carbon. These findings are the first data released from the Belize Blue Carbon project, an international effort to develop nationwide mangrove datasets to understand implications for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Project partners are convening a knowledge sharing workshop to discuss the results of the project and their implementation during March 13-14th, 2023, in Belize City.

Mangroves are among the most ecologically valuable marine ecosystems in the world. They serve as habitat for fisheries, protect shorelines from the full impact of storms, and remove earth-warming carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and store this carbon below ground in the soil. The array of climate adaptation, mitigation, and resilience benefits that mangroves provide means that countries may include commitments to protect, conserve, and restore mangroves in their national climate strategies. As demonstrated

by Belize through the commitment to protect 12,000 hectares and restore 4,000 hectares of mangroves by 2030 in the country’s recently updated nationally determined contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement.

While mangroves have long been recognized as important nature-based solutions to climate change, many countries still lack local data on carbon stocks. This study helps fill the carbon data gap for Belize making it one of the few countries in the region with a comprehen-

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Ernesto Acosta/Merar y Acosta are applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Acosta’s Shop” located at # 26 Lord’s Bank, Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Brian M. Walker/Rondre Walker are applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Mistah Barbee Que” located at # 120 Cemetery Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

sive carbon stock assessment for mangroves. The Belize Blue Carbon project team worked collaboratively to strengthen local capacity, advance the science, create pathways for data sharing, and expand new efforts for Belize’s mangroves with stakeholders at all levels, including governments, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and local scientists. In addition to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), key project

partners included the University of Belize Environmental Research Institute, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Silvestrum Climate Associates, World Wildlife Fund, Belize Fisheries Department, Belize Forest Department, National Climate Change Office, Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute, Toledo Institute for Development and Environment, Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development, the Corozal Sustainable Future Initiative, and the Turnef-

fe Atoll Sustainability Association.

Other countries may use the model created here to build support for the conservation of coastal wetlands like mangroves, seagrass and saltmarshes. This information gained from the Belize Blue Carbon Project will be used to inform Belizean coastal policy and management as conservation activities are increased to protect these invaluable ecosystems and reach climate targets.

19 MAR

2023

07 7

THE BELIZE TIMES Delivering on Plan Belize

Budget 2023-2024 Presentation Excerpts

By HON. JOHN BRICEÑO Prime Minister of Belize National Assembly Building March 10, 2023 Madam Speaker, I rise to provide the annual accounting of the public finances and the economy, to review the performance of the National Budget for the current Fiscal Year 2022/23, and to present Government’s Estimate of Revenues and Expenditures for Fiscal Year 2023/24. At the onset, let me take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of the women of Belize and their indispensable role in the building of our nation. Madam Speaker, the month of March is dedicated to women worldwide. For us, it is a time not only to celebrate our incredible Belizean women but, also a time for us, to recognize the tremendous work ahead if we are to make Belize a truly inclusive nation. I look to a day, Madam Speaker, when this chamber will be equally represented by women and men alike. I also envision the day when from the Office of the Prime Minister to the Office of the Sargent at Arms, will be occupied by women. For now, we on this side, will continue our work to include women in all levels of leadership and government. To this end, I am happy to say that in both chambers of this National Assembly, we have women in the lead. In the Judiciary, we have a woman chief justice and, while in the Cabinet women are in the minority, at all other levels of leadership in my administration women serve as leaders, from chief executive officers to heads of departments. And, I must say that Belizean women are great leaders and managers and should be credited for being equal partners in the great performance of this government. This is one of, if not the most, inclusive governments in the history of our nation.

A few weeks ago, after a passionate appeal from my wife, the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, as well as the Minister of Human Development, Families and Indigenous People’s Affairs Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Cabinet determined that effective 1st April all taxes will be removed from sanitary products for women. Madam Speaker, as the member from Belize Rural Central said to her Cabinet colleagues, it is past time that we put an end to taxing women’s femininity, something she attributed to young Seidi Quetzal who is running a campaign, “Don’t Tax My Femininity.” So, from all of us to women everywhere and to you, Madam Speaker, I say thank you, and Happy Women’s Month! #Embrace Equity.

At the close of March, this Administration will complete its second full budget year, and I am exceedingly proud to proclaim that our second year, like the first, has attained surpassing successes for Belize and for our people. By almost every measure of economic progress, Belize is doing so much better than before we took office. The economy is growing, expanding in 2022 by an estimated 12.4 percent, more than 10 times the average annual growth rate of 1.7 percent experienced under the UDP administration. Comparing these two trajectories, at the UDP administration’s average annual rate of growth, it would have taken almost two generations, a half a century ─ 50 years — for Belize’s economy to double in size. With the rate of growth experienced and projected under my administration, our economy will double in size in just about ten years. That means a lot more money in ALL our pockets much faster. We said it! We meant it and yes, Everybody wins!

More Belizeans have jobs ─ 95 percent of those who seek employment are working.

42,965 workers have received a one dollar and seventy cents or 51 percent per hour salary increase because of the recent increase in the minimum wage to 5 dollars per hour. The skeptics on the other side said it couldn’t be done, they said who comes next would face the worst. Yet here we are: 68,000 fewer Belizeans are poor, according to the last poverty assessment.

Exports are rising. Serious crimes are falling.

Fourteen thousand public officers, teachers and security personnel received a restoration of their full wages last July.

And a few weeks from now, more specifically, starting 1st of April, we will restore increments for our deserving public officers, teachers, police, BDF and coast guard.

For the first time in a generation, Belize’s public debt is deemed sustainable, as the country’s indebtedness has been cut in half in just the last two years. And once again, I table a new budget today that contains a primary surplus and a budget that does not include any tax increases WHATSOEVER! Quite the opposite of tax increases, last year, three million DOLLARS monthly or 100 thousand dollars per day in taxes was foregone by our Administration in order to moderate the increase in the pump price of fuel to keep it as stable as possible.

Today, on the world stage, in direct consequence of a sustained effort by this Administration to mobilise private sector innovation and capital, to refocus public investments on education, healthcare and vital infrastructure and to build alliances with IFIs, bilateral partners and NGO partners, Belize’s position and profile sparkle and shimmer like never before.

In just the last few weeks alone Belize has: played host to a senior delegation of executive directors from the World Bank, representing 68 countries; hosted the President of the IDB; served as the venue for the annual meeting of the IDB Governors for Central America and the Dominican Republic; concluded the most positive IMF Article IV Consultation in decades; hosted the Investment Conference: “Initiative 20 by 20, Bonn Challenge, and AFOLU 2040 Joint Meeting on Restoring Lands; signed the first major disbursement of 10 million U.S. dollars from the United States MCC Agreement in support of education and reducing the cost of electricity; and, assumed the Chairmanship of SICA following our eventful Chairmanship of CARICOM. And in this month, when we celebrate the achievements of women worldwide, we can report the successful implementation of the Women Economic Empowerment Project, which in its first full year of implementation, has already included 44 new initiatives

worth more than 2.6 million dollars.

How distant now do those bleak, final days of the UDP appear, those desperate times when the government had to borrow a million dollars a day to pay public officer salaries and borrow just to keep the lights on? How distant now are those traumatic times when Belize had effectively defaulted on its international commercial debt and when the devaluation of our dollar seemed inevitable? To that chaos and hopelessness, we shall never return.

Not so long as we remain faithful to our sacred pledge that “Everybody Fi Win - Todos Ganamos!”.

In a meaningful partnership with the people and day by day, we have kept moving forward delivering on Plan Belize. Day by day we have kept our focus on addressing poverty, educating our children, keeping our citizens safe, providing adequate healthcare for all, as well as protecting our environment. Together with the support of citizens from all walks of life we are and will continue to ‘be extra’ for Belize. In my presentation, today, I propose to address five broad themes: First, to outline domestic and regional economic conditions; Second, to review financial sector and real economy developments; Third, to report on the projected performance of this year’s Budget which ends on 31st March 2023; Fourth, to summarize the estimates for the new Budget, which starts on 1st April 2023; And lastly, to highlight select policies and reforms that can have a substantial impact on the economy, the public finances and, most importantly, the quality of life for the citizens we are sworn to serve. …(complete budget presentation in Government Press Office page) Madam Speaker, my Cabinet colleagues and I realize that we cannot reverse the prevalence of poverty overnight. But, our policies and this budget reflect a passionate determination to hasten that reversal.

The recent analysis, published earlier this week by the Statistical Institute of Belize, showed the rate falling from a UDP-produced high of 52 percent to 35.9 percent. This is an encouraging start. So are the 7,478 new jobs created in 2022. The opportunity to work at a minimum wage, now five dollars per hour, is the most basic step out of poverty. Education, we all know is also a critical antidote to poverty. That’s why the free secondary school education program is being funded to the tune of 6.4 million dollars providing support to 2,600 students who would otherwise not be in the classrooms. And the novel STEAM Program, set for launch in the new school year with an inaugural class of 75 students, adds one more option for acquiring professional skills. Housing, the thousands of homes we plan to construct, whether public or private sector built, supported by housing development incentive programs, is another lift out of poverty. So far, 260 starter homes have been delivered and another 200 will be completed in this fiscal year. There is one other massive, though often overlooked, antidote to poverty and that’s land. Whether for a home, a small farm or simply as an asset to be leveraged for greater financial independence, a parcel can be a gateway out of poverty. And that is why, with support from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Natural Resources, is spearheading a survey and distribution program for almost 11,000 parcels in areas of all six districts. Final surveys have been funded and are almost completed. Assigning a modest value of ten thousand per lot would mean that this program alone represents a 110-million-dollar transfer of wealth to qualified landowners.

Now, that is truly transformational governance. Madam Speaker, there is no duty more sacrosanct than the management of the public purse. Taxes paid to the state are the product of the blood, sweat and tears of hardworking citizens, who rightfully expect those they elect to allocate these monies wisely. And, they expect those in the public service to spend these monies carefully. The value of a dollar does not change whether that dollar is directed towards the 132-million-dollar construction of the new Coastal Road or the purchase of a new 800-dollar weed cutter for, say, the village of Scotland Halfmoon. I will therefore never tire of demanding diligence and honesty – value for the people’s money - from those in Parliament with executive responsibility as well as those public officials who oversee the budgetary and spending processes of government. The public officers, the projects and the programs funded by this budget are all directed toward the betterment of life for Belizeans and the security of Belize as a nation-state. From the proceeds of this budget, over four hundred thousand of us, living in cities, towns and villages, should all benefit, many directly but all in aggregate. In two short years, this Administration has rekindled trust in the public finance, recouping and far overshooting the pre-pandemic output of the economy and the scope of public sector spending and investments.

The magic, the marvel of Plan Belize has only just started.

We push on ensuring that our efforts will lead to more homes, more of our children in schools, more persons included in NHI, more land in the hands of first-time landowners, a more efficient and effective public service, more jobs, a stronger social safety net, safer cities and, yes, cleaner and greener rivers, streams and sea. As we look ahead my administration will not fear, we will not weep, we choose to be bold, and we are determined to do more and to be extra for Belize.

From Consejo in the North to Barranco in the South, from Benque Viejo in the West to the Lighthouse Reef islands in the East, a brighter sun shines, a different, more confident nation awakens. And with the guidance of our Creator, let us stride forward, perhaps stumbling at times but always moving forward, to that noble land where justice and prosperity abound and where every Belizean shall share in this “wealth untold.”

Thank you.

Madam Speaker, this bill has the recommendation of the Cabinet.

8 08

19 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2023

Belize’s OBRS receives a digital champion’s award from the WSIS 2023 Continued from page 5

says Mr. Claude B.F. Haylock, FSC Director General, Registrar of Merchant Shipping & Registrar of Companies.

Implementing the OBRS was a challenging yet rewarding process and is a major milestone for Belize as it sets up the foundation for the country's digital transformation.

The project itself was championed by the Belize Financial Services Commission under the Ministry of Finance and the Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry. Mr. Haylock added, “we would also like to pay tribute to other stakeholders that were key in the creation

Ministry of Finance Visits the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Hon. Christopher Coye, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from March 6 to 9, accompanied by Mr. Pierre Bou Nahra, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Trade and Investment to the Gulf States, including Saudi Arabia, and Mr. Rene Nunez, Lead Consultant in the Central Executing Unit of the Ministry of Economic Development.

Minister Coye was hosted by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), which finances priority development projects in developing countries on a concessionary basis. The minister met with Sultan A. Al-marshad, SFD’s CEO, and other representatives of the organization to discuss various priority public sector investment projects in health, energy, and infrastructure.

During his visit, the minister also met with Mr. Abdul Mohsen Al-Khalaf, Assistant Minister of Finance for Macro Fiscal Policies and International Relations, and other representatives of the Ministry of Finance. He briefed Mr. AlKhalaf on Belize’s application to gain eligibility to the World Bank’s International Development Association’s highly concessionary resources through the Small Island Economy Exception, emphasizing that due to its high vulnerabilities to climate and other economic shocks, Belize, like other small island economies, needs access to more affordable financing for development. Mr. Al-Khalaf pledged the Kingdom’s support for Belize on this matter.

Finally, Minister Coye met with Mr. Fahad Alnaeem, Deputy Minister of Sector Development of the Ministry of Investment; Mr. Hasan Mujeb Alhwaizy, Chairman of the Federation of Saudi Chambers; Dr. Naif A. Alshammari, Deputy CEO of the Saudi EXIM Bank; and numerous members of the Kingdom’s private sector with a view to exploring opportunities for private sector investment and trade between the two countries, particularly, in areas of tourism, agriculture, energy and nearshoring.

and implementation of the project including the Honorable Prime Minister John Briceno, the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of E- Governance, the Economic Development Council, the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Elevate Consulting Ltd. and NRD Companies.”

Sen. the Hon. Christopher Coye in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment believes OBRS will transform the way 25 SEP businesses are registered in the country, improve transparency, pro-

2020

mote accessibility, and overall will improve the ease of doing business in Belize highlighting the country as an attractive jurisdiction.

Mr. Mindaugas Glodas, CEO of NRD Companies commented that “having been awarded a prestigious WSIS Champions prize is an extraordinary achievement for Belize and as a solution developer and implementer throughout the project, we are extremely happy for our client.”

Dr. Osmond Martinez, CEO in the Ministry of Economic Development congratulated the Commission, Director General, Mr. Claude Haylock, the project team, and staff

for embracing digital innovation and for enabling a friendly and transparent environment for Belize’s business sector.

CALL

671-8385 or

EMAIL: belizetimesadvertisement@ yahoo.com

To place advertisement in the Belize Times Newspaper THE BELIZE TIMES

COUNTRYWIDE PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES Ridge Lagoon Estate Area, Boom Road, Belize District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagee Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo is selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the following property. Sale currently running until 30th April 2023. Within this period, a Public Auction Sale will expire fortnightly on the dates and times listed on the website until this property is sold.

1. Bacab Eco Park, Ridge Lagoon Residential Estate, Burrell Boom Road, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Ladyville/Lords Bank 4 64 The freehold property of Mr. Francis Smith & Maria Smith/Messrs.

BACAB Eco - Park.

Parcel No. 64 (36.526 acres) located south of Ridge Lagoon Residential Estate, Burrell Boom Road, Belize District, the freehold property of Mr. Francis Smith & Maria Smith/Messrs. BACAB Eco - Park.

“FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & PHOTOGRAPHS PLEASE VISIT WEBSITE” TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223-4488

Website: belizepropertyauctions.com Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com Facebook: Belize Auctions

32023

19 MAR

09 9 2022

20 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES

Buena Vista Village, Corozal District; Guinea Grass, San Lazaro, San Estevan Villages, Orange Walk District; San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Vista Del Mar, Corozalito, Belize District; Frank’s Eddy Agricultural Area, Cayo District; Middlesex Village, Stann Creek District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. Development Finance Corporation, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the following properties. Sales currently running until 30th April 2023. Public Auction Sales will expire fortnightly on the dates and times listed on the website until these properties are sold.

A: COROZAL DISTRICT: 1. 0.72 ACRES Buena Vista Village, Corozal District:

4. Parcel Nos. 302, 303 & 304 Scissors Tail Street, Ladyville, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Buena Vista Village

1

86/1

The leasehold property of Mr. Crisanto Cristino Ewan surety for Mr. Valerio Rene Lopez (Being 0.72 acres of vacant property planted with a variety of fruit trees + Palmetto house, situate just off the Phillip Goldson Highway, Buena Vista Village, Corozal District, the leasehold property of Mr. Crisanto Cristino Ewan surety for Mr. Valerio Rene Lopez) B: ORANGE WALK DISTRICT: 1. Parcel No. 158 Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Guinea Grass

4

158

2. Parcel No. 333/1 San Lazaro Village, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Lazaro

4

333/1

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Lazaro

1

603/1

The leasehold property of Ms. Hortencia Yanella Chan & Mr. Rosendo Melvin Chan

San Pedro

7

6776

The freehold property of Mr. Derick Ismael Garcia (Being a vacant parcel of land [445.685 S.M] situate in Colonia San Diego, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize district, the freehold property of Mr. Derick Ismael Garcia) 2. Parcel No. 6776 Colonia San Diego, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Pedro

7

6777

The freehold property of Mr. Derick Ismael Garcia (Being a vacant parcel of land [445.685 S.M] situate in Colonia San Diego, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize district, the freehold property of Mr. Derick Ismael Garcia) 3. Parcel No. 3544 San Pablo, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Pedro

7

3544

The freehold property of Mr. David Augusto Gonzales (Being a concrete two storey apartment building: Ground Floor – Two (2) Apartments each containing: 2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Porch; First Floor – 3 Bedrooms +1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Porch TOGETHER with lot [549.72 S.Y.] situate in San Pablo, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize district, the freehold property of Mr. David Augusto Gonzales)

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Belize Rural North

11

537

6. Parcel Nos. 538 Corozalito Village, Maskall Road, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Belize Rural North

11

538

The freehold property of Mr. Carlos Edward Zetina

(Being Ten (10) Acres of vacant land situate in the Corozalito, Maskall Forest Reserve, the freehold property of Mr. Carlos Edward Zetina.)

D: CAYO DISTRICT: 6. Parcel Nos. 538 Corozalito Village, Maskall Road, Belize District: All that piece or parcel of land containing 24.95 Acres situate in the Frank's Eddy Agricultural Area, Cayo District and held under a Deed of Conveyance. (Being 24.95 Acres of vacant land, situate in the Frank's Eddy Agricultural Area, Cayo District, the freehold property of Mr. Deon Dale Pascascio A.K.A Messrs. PasguHal Eco-Lodge)

1. Parcel No. 6776 Colonia San Diego, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize District:

PARCEL

302, 303 & 304

(Being Ten (10) Acres of vacant land situate in the Corozalito, Maskall Forest Reserve, the freehold property of Mr. Carlos Edward Zetina.)

C: BELIZE DISTRICT:

BLOCK

16

The freehold property of Mr. Carlos Edward Zetina

(Being a timber bungalow dwelling house containing 2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Front Porch TOGETHER with lot [766.400 SM] situate in the Village of San Estevan, Orange Walk District, the leasehold property of Ms. Hortencia Yanella Chan & Mr. Rosendo Melvin Chan)

REGISTRATION SECTION

Vista Del Mar

5. Parcel Nos. 537 Corozalito Village, Maskall Road, Belize District:

(Being a two story concrete dwelling house containing- Ground Floor: 2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Office + Laundry: Second Floor – 4 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/ Kitchen + 2 verandas and Lot [1,367.188S.M.] situate in San Lazaro Village, Orange Walk District, the leasehold property of Mr. Pablo Tun Surety for Mr. Roger Pablo Tun & Mr. Pablo Tun)

REGISTRATION SECTION

PARCEL

(Being a residential concrete Apartment Building [2,469.16 S.Y.] containing: 14 Apartments: Ten (1 Bedroom + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Porch) & Four (2 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Porch) + Laundry room [22.5’x 40’] TOGETHER with Parcels [2,089.62 S. M.] situate on Scissors Tail Street, Ladyville, Belize District, the freehold property of Mr. Kevin Enriquez & Ms. Andrea Enriquez surety for Messrs. ANKA LTD.)

The leasehold property of Mr. Pablo Tun Surety for Mr. Roger Pablo Tun & Mr. Pablo Tun

3. Leasehold Parcel No. 603 San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District:

BLOCK

Thefreehold property of Mr. Kevin Enriquez & Ms. Andrea Enriquez surety for Messrs. ANKA LTD

The freehold property of Mr. Eloy Santos surety for Eloy Santos and Juana Santos (Being two buildings: A. a concrete bungalow dwelling house containing: 3 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen + Veranda + Storeroom; B. a two-storey building consisting A. Ground Floor – Storeroom; B. First Floor – open space TOGETHER with lot [1,010.600 S.M.] situate in Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Eloy Santos surety for Eloy Santos and Juana Santos)

REGISTRATION SECTION

E: STANN CREEK DISTRICT: 2. Lot No. 28 Middlesex Village, Stann Creek District, Toledo District: All that piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 28 containing 1475 S.Y. situate along the Hummingbird Highway, near Mile 23, Middlesex Village, Stann Creek District as shown on Entry No. 3257, Register No. 12, held under a Deed of Conveyance TOGETHER with all building and erections standing and being thereon.

(Being two (2) Buildings: A. a concrete bungalow dwelling house: B. a wood/concrete structure) TOGETHER with lot [1,475 S.Y.] situate near Mile 23 Hummingbird Highway, Stann Creek District, the freehold property of Ms. Teresa Isabel Hernandez)

“FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & PHOTOGRAPHS PLEASE VISIT WEBSITE” TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com Facebook: Belize Auctions

10

25 SEP

19 MAR THE BELIZ 2023

THE BELIZE2020 TIMES

TENDER

Vacancy:

Assistant Customer Services Manager

Janitorial & Building Interior Cleaning BEL invites tenders for Janitorial & Building Interior Cleaning services from May 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025, for the following facilities: 1. Corporate Headquarters and Dispatch Buildings located at Mile 2 1/2 on the Philip Goldson Highway 2. Belize City Power Station and all associated offices and bathrooms located on Magazine Road, Belize City 3. Ladyville Storage Facility next to the Philip S.W. Goldson Intl.

Airport 4. Westlake Substation - Gas Turbine Compound, 8½ Miles George Price Highway

Notice #: 202303-15-1 PRF #: 181401

Summary:

The Assistant Customer Service Manager is responsible to plan, direct and oversee activities for the Customer Service Department.

This is a highly responsible position that requires administrative, supervisory, technical, project management and most importantly customer service and people management skills. The Assistant Customer Service Manager is required to work and/or coordinate works beyond normal working hours or emergency situations. He/she is required to show a thorough understanding for BWS’ Mission/Vision, Core Values and Strategic Objectives, as well as, company policies, procedures and regulations. He/she must have excellent communication skills and the ability to interact successfully in a team environment. ex

The bidding documents which outlines all the duties and responsibilities of the contract, and dates are available on BEL’s Website www.bel.com.bz/Tenders.aspx Submit bids via email to bidsubmittal@bel.com.bz no later than 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023.

A mandatory virtual pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. Request access to the virtual pre-bid meeting by sending an email to bidboxrequest@bel.com.bz.

The subject of the email to attend the virtual pre-bid meeting and to submit tenders should include the bid number and the name of the tender located on the respective bid forms.

Kindly submit application to: Human Resources Manager Belize Water Services Limited Email to: hr@bwsl.com.bz Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For more information or queries, send email to bidboxrequest@bel.com.bz

25 SEP

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

Cost incurred for preparation of the tender document is the sole responsibility of the bidder.

The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.

COUNTRYWIDE PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES

San Jose Palmar, Orange Walk District; Belmopan, Cayo District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the following properties. Sales currently running until 30th April 2023. Public Auction Sales will expire fortnightly on the dates and times listed on the website until these properties are sold.

1. Parcels No. 1071 San Jose Palmar, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

San Jose Palmar

4

1071

The freehold property of Mr. Dennis Peralta

(Being a vacant lot [4046.86 S.M.] situate San Jose Palmar, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Dennis Peralta) 2. Parcel No. 5291 Doyle’s Delight Street, Belmopan, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Belmopan

20

5291

The freehold property of Ms. Jacqueline Harris.

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [770 sq. ft.], containing 3 Bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Living/Dining/Kitchen TOGETHER with lot [501.722 S.M.] situate on Doyle’s Delight Street, Belmopan, Cayo District, the freehold property of Ms. Jacqueline Harris.)

“FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & PHOTOGRAPHS PLEASE VISIT WEBSITE” TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223-4488

Website: belizepropertyauctions.com Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com Facebook: Belize Auctions

Deadline: Wednesday, March 22, 2023

159

BWS - Delivering Water and More...

19 MAR

2023

Let Belize Live Speeches of the Premier Exhibit Booklet

THE BELIZ

THE BELIZE2020 TIMES

SPEECH SIX Statement made by the Premier of Belize Hon. George C. Price to the Fourth Committee of the United Nations United Nations, New York November 7, 1975 Part III BELIZE AS A SEPARATE NATION

Madame Chairman, distinguished delegates: Belizeans are a people who speak two of the main languages of the Americas. This enables us to understand better and live in harmony with our English and Spanish-Speaking neighbours.

The situation is unique in the Central American concert of nations.

Belize has its own parliament, its own Cabinet with executive powers, its own Civil Service, its own head of Government. All these institutions are based on free elections, operate democratically and reflect the will of the people.

We have our own courts of law and system of justice rooted in a long history of law and order and the rights of free citizens. We have our own security forces and we give international recognition and protection to a consular corps of foreign nations. Our literacy rate, at over 90%, is one of the highest in the world.

We have an economy based on the development of our own resources and managed under a system of Government which recognizes the right of every Belizean to participate in its growth and to share equitably the bounty of our Belizean land. The Belizean people and government have worked hard over the years to make this economic policy a success; and, within the limitations imposed by our dependent position, we have achieved a degree of success which compares favourably with the rest of the region.

ATTEMPTED UNDERDEVELOPMENT Unfortunately, I must mention that apart from the normal restraints on our development resulting from our dependent status, our economic development has been severely hampered by deliberate policies on the part of the Government of Guatemala to perpetuate our underdevelopment. In the fields of trade and and in respect of individual countries as well as regional and interna25aid, SEP tional lending institutions and trading blocs, the Government of Guatemala has consistently exerted pressures to deprive Belize of much-needed trade and aid advantages. So seriously has Guatemala pursued this policy that in 1972 Guatemala invited the Organization of American States to impose economic sanctions against Belize. Fortunately, this attempt at our economic strangulation was defeated with the help of our Caribbean colleagues in the O.A.S. If this choking of a small country has as its objective the capitulation of our people, this policy has failed. Despite all these PRESS RELEASE pressures, Belizeans remain firm in their demand for total liberation.

FORwe IMMEDIATE RELEASE We believe, moreover, that have a right to expect some understanding of our situation from the countries of Latin America, who cannot in conscience of anwhose Administrator to is being unjustly ignore the interestsAppointment of a whole people only patrimony claimed by a larger better-endowed neighbour.

WeLimited cannot believe that with St.and Francis Xavier Credit Union their traditions the Latin American nations can willfully agree to penalize for Belize City, 10future Marcha2023: The Governor the Central Bankhave of Belize Bank), the indefinite Caribbean countryof whose people made(Central their unmisin his capacity Registrar We of Credit (Registrar), that pursuant takable call forasfreedom. shareUnions the Americas asadvises our homeland; we toaresection com61(1) of the Credit Unions Act, 2011, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, an Administrator mon members of the Caribbean Development Bank with other Latin American has been appointed to St. Francis Xavier Credit Union Limited (SFXCU). The Administrator States: we note that some American of the the is Mr. Martin Marshalleck andofheour will Latin be assisted by his brothers team alongare withmembers a team from Central Bankmovement; appointed by we the see Registrar. non-aligned a future of increasing cooperation between the Caribbean and other Latin American countries. All of this gives us hope for The Registrar has concluded that the appointment of an Administrator is required to protect receiving sympathetic understanding of our cause from the countries of the the equities and interests of the members of the credit union. The Administrator shall: Americas.

BELIZE ANDtoTHE NEWforECONOMIC ORDER • be responsible the Registrar the conduct of the business of the credit union, • carry out all orders and directions of the Registrar withadvance respect to thenew crediteconomic union, An independent Belize can contribute much to the • have the powers and may perform all or any of the duties of the officers of the order in Middle America. Our membership in the Caribbean Community,credit a dyunion, and namic and fast growing international community, which is developing close links • take all steps and do all things necessary to protect the equities of the members and with Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia and Central America, enables us to have the rights of creditors of the credit union, and shall maintain, so far as is practicable,a services of with the credit to its specialthe relationship the union rest of themembers.

Western Hemisphere.

We also believe that it is in the best interests of Central America, includThe Registrar has taken this measure after considering critical deficiencies in governance ing Guatemala, for Belize to become an independent nation with its territory and risk management practices, as well as material weaknesses in internal controls that intact. independent Belize could with Guatemala joint decould An destabilize the credit union.

The cooperate primary objective is to restorefor safethe and sound operations and support the long-term success of the credit velopment of certain regions in both countries, andunion. could provide a useful link between the Caribbean Community and a Central American Community. Our Members of SFXCU are assured that their funds are safe, and the credit union is in sound political smooth functioning of our institutions financialhistory standing.and Thethe Registrar assures the members that democratic SFXCU remains open, andcan all only give continue confidence in our potential contribution to peace and stability in the services as normal. area.

- ENDSwhether By contrast, a non-independent Belize, a Belize forced to remain a colony because of fear for its survival or a Belize occupied by another 1 GABOUREL LANE. Power, ISSUED BY: CITY, would be a thorn the UNIONS side of Guatemala. Our peopleBELIZE would beBELIZE resentful and THE REGISTRAR OF in CREDIT T: +501 223 6194 antagonistic, and could only be suppressed by overwhelming force.

Surely this is E: inquires@centralbank.org.bz not a prospect favoured by Central America nor by any other State in the world.

2020

11

25 SEP

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Appointment of an Administrator to St. Francis Xavier Credit Union Limited Belize City, 10 March 2023: The Governor of the Central Bank of Belize (Central Bank), in his capacity as Registrar of Credit Unions (Registrar), advises that pursuant to section 61(1) of the Credit Unions Act, 2011, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, an Administrator has been appointed to St. Francis Xavier Credit Union Limited (SFXCU). The Administrator is Mr. Martin Marshalleck and he will be assisted by his team along with a team from the Central Bank appointed by the Registrar.

The Registrar has concluded that the appointment of an Administrator is required to protect the equities and interests of the members of the credit union. The Administrator shall: • be responsible to the Registrar for the conduct of the business of the credit union, • carry out all orders and directions of the Registrar with respect to the credit union, • have the powers and may perform all or any of the duties of the officers of the credit union, and • take all steps and do all things necessary to protect the equities of the members and the rights of creditors of the credit union, and shall maintain, so far as is practicable, the services of the credit union to its members.

The Registrar has taken this measure after considering critical deficiencies in governance and risk management practices, as well as material weaknesses in internal controls that could destabilize the credit union. The primary objective is to restore safe and sound operations and support the long-term success of the credit union.

Members of SFXCU are assured that their funds are safe, and the credit union is in sound financial standing. The Registrar assures the members that SFXCU remains open, and all services continue as normal.

- ENDS 1 GABOUREL LANE. BELIZE CITY, BELIZE T: +501 223 6194 E: inquires@centralbank.org.bz

152

ISSUED BY:

THE REGISTRAR OF CREDIT UNIONS

THE BELIZE TIMES

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA

Nombramiento de un Administrador en St. Francis Xavier Credit Union Belize City, 10 de marzo de 2023: El Gobernador de Central Bank of Belize (Central Bank), en su capacidad de Registrador de Uniones de Crédito (Registrador), informa que de conformidad con la sección 61(1) de la Ley de Uniones de Crédito (Credit Unions Act) de 2011, Capítulo 314 de las Leyes de Belize, se ha nombrado un administrador en Saint Francis Xavier Credit Union. El Administrador es el Sr. Martin Marshalleck y será asistido por su equipo junto con un equipo de Central Bank.

El Registrador ha concluido que se requiere el nombramiento de un Administrador para para proteger las acciones y los intereses de los miembros de la unión de crédito.

El Administrador deberá: • ser responsable ante el Registrador por la administración de la unión de crédito, • llevar a cabo todas las órdenes e instrucciones del Registrador con respecto a la unión de crédito, • tener los poderes y poder realizar todas o algunas de las funciones de los funcionarios de la unión de crédito, y • tomar todas las medidas y hacer todo lo necesario para proteger el patrimonio de los miembros y los derechos de los acreedores de la unión de crédito, y mantendrá, en la medida de lo posible, los servicios de la unión de crédito para sus miembros.

El Registrador ha tomado esta medida después de considerar las deficiencias críticas en las prácticas de gestión de riesgo y gobierno, así como las debilidades materiales en los controles internos que podrían desestabilizar la unión de crédito. El objetivo principal es restaurar operaciones seguras y sólidas y apoyar el éxito a largo plazo de la unión de crédito.

Se asegura a los miembros de Saint Francis Xavier Credit Union que sus ahorros están seguros y que la unión de crédito se mantiene sólido financieramente. El Registrador asegura a los miembros de Saint Francis Xavier Credit Union que la unión de crédito permanece abierta y que todos los servicios continúan con normalidad.

- FIN – EMITIDO POR:

THE REGISTRAR OF CREDIT UNIONS

1 GABOUREL LANE. BELIZE CITY, BELIZE T: +501 223 6194 E: inquires@centralbank.org.bz

12 HACIA Democracy XXVIII Harvard Association for Cultivating Inter-American (HACIA) Democracy is an annual conference that simulates the Organization of American States (OAS) proceedings.

Twenty Delegations representing ten countries of Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela descended on the Hilton Hotel in Cartagena, Colombia, from March 9th to the 12th along with faculty advisors and, even, some parents.

The excited, just over three hundred high school students interested in democratic advancement and development, spent the four intensive days practicing diplomacy, research & methodology, and networking as they engaged in democratic debate and decision-making.

In his welcome address, President of the HACIA Democracy XXVIII Millán González-Bueno Aguirre defined the beautiful aspect of encounters. Preparations for in-person presentations have already taught the delegates so much, yet, re-encountering these topics with their peers exposes different perspectives and opinions.

Delegates received review training on parliamentary procedures before starting discussions, sharing positions, and evolving working drafts to sponsor the final resolutions.

In a spirit of community, the thirty-two faculty advisors echo similarities in their motivations to work with students. Educational Benefits of the HACIA to students include: • Meeting required dress codes, WBA outlined by Conference • Actively engaging in decision-making experiences • Confidence-building activities among peers, public speaking • Logical thinking as they develop ideas and arrive at a consensus • Financial literacy as budgets and costs of projects are assigned • Exposure to historical context, addressing present-day realities and innovative strategies for the future.

Additionally, the conference itinerary includes many exciting activities for students to demonstrate their knowledge of their home country and personal talents as they strengthen old and new friendships.

Empowerment is both a value orientation for working in the community and a theoretical model for understanding the process and consequences of efforts to exert control and influence over decisions that affect one’s life, organizational functioning, and the quality of community life (Perkins & Zimmerman, 1995; Rappaport) Undoubtedly, the effects of par-

THE BELIZE TIMES

ticipation in the HACIA Democracy are far-reaching. On Monday, the students departing Cartagena, Colombia, are empowered. They are official ambassadors of positive attitudes, implanted with the psychological seed

of their power as catalysts for change.

They have demonstrated their willingness to engage in real-world problems, ability to manage stress, and determination to develop projects to aid their families, school community, and coun-

19 MAR

2023

tries.

Belize High School has participated annually in the HACIA since 2013, endorsed as a unique project-based learning experience.

HACIAdelante

THE BELIZE TIMES 13 2023 Declares Continued Recognition Belize and the UK sign MOU Belize of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Implement the Biodiverse as a Sovereign and Independent Nation Landscapes Fund 19 MAR

March 9, 2021 - The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, and the UK Government signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize the cooperation between both governments to implement the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund.

Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, signed on behalf of the Government of Belize, and Her Excellency Nicole Davison, British High Commissioner to Belize, signed on behalf of the UK Government.

The Biodiverse Landscapes Fund is a programme developed by the United Kingdom’s Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) which supports poverty reduction, biodiversity protection and conservation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation outcomes across six biologically diverse landscapes worldwide. It also supports a host of governments in meeting international commitments under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate

25 SEP

2020

Change, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030.

The programme will invest up to US$20 million between 2023 and 2029 in Mesoamerica, covering areas of Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. In Belize, the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund will implement projects in collaboration with the Ministry of Sustainable Development in the Selva Maya Region, including the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Projects will be delivered locally in communities with the support of environmental organisations, academic institutions, and the private sector. The projects will aim to accelerate the recovery of nature through activities such as supporting sustainable agricultural practices; promoting the sustainable management of resources; and strengthening the rights and capacities of indigenous people in order to better manage their natural resources.

Defra is currently in the process of selecting a delivery partner to lead the programme in the Mesoamerican landscape. Projects are expected to begin during the second quarter of 2023. The fund is classified as Official Development Assistance and is a part of the United Kingdom’s commitment to international development.

Belmopan, March 15, 2023.

The Government of Belize declares its continued recognition of the Republic of China (Taiwan) as a sovereign and independent nation. Belize and Taiwan will work to strengthen their cordial bilateral relations based on shared values, the respect for the rule of law, democracy and human rights, and mutual interests. Belize believes that on the basis of self-determination, the people of Taiwan should be recognized as an independent country with full membership in international organizations.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

CONCIERGE SERVICES LIMITED

CONCIERGE SERVICES LIMITED

VACANCY: JOB OPPORTUNITY

VACANCY: JOB OPPORTUNITY

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the post of Vacation Planner with the Concierge Services Limited.

In our continued effort to promote diversity, both females/males, are encouraged to apply for the available post.

VACATION PLANNER

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the post of Reservations Manager with the Concierge Services Limited. In our continued effort to promote diversity, both females/males, are encouraged to apply for the available post.

RESERVATIONS MANAGER

Reports to: Reservations Sales Manager (Belize City, Belize)

Reports to: Revenue Manager (Belize City, Belize)

Summary of Responsibilities: A Vacation Planner is a professional who works in the travel and tourism industry and specializes in creating customized travel itineraries for hotel and resort guests. They will be the first point of contact and will assist guests with inquiries about room availability, rates, amenities, tours and excursions, and other hotel-related questions.

The Vacation Planner will be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely communication with the client and operations teams, as well as maintaining accurate client / guest profiles, and ensuring client satisfaction throughout their guest journey.

Summary of Responsibilities: Responsible for managing a team of Vacation Planners and Reservations Agents, to include developing and implementing performance reports, bonus structure, standard operating procedures, while ensuring an exceptional guest experience from the clients’ first point of contact. The Reservations Manager is detail oriented, precise, organized, and effective at building structure and team camaraderie. They will guide their team to meet or surpass service and revenue targets.

Key Responsibilities: • Handle inbound and outbound guest/client calls promptly and professionally.

• Listen actively to client concerns and provide effective solutions to client/guest issues.

• Provide exceptional customer service by confidently, clearly, and concisely answering inquiries about hotel / resort facilities, room availability, rates, amenities, and experiences.

• Coordinate and book all arrangements, e.g., accommodation, dining, tours, and activities.

• Accurately and efficiently process reservations through the hotels’ reservation systems.

• Provide ongoing support and assistance to clients and the hotel operations team throughout the guests’ stay, including troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

• Handle guest/client complaints and concerns in a timely and professional manner.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of hotel policies, procedures, and services.

• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of accurate records and reports.

• Record and maintain accurate guest/client records and call logs in the system.

• Meet and exceed individual and team performance goals and metrics.

• Continuously improve knowledge of company products and services.

• Update management on guest/client concerns and opportunities for improvement.

• Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time of a related nature.

Job qualifications/Requirements: • High school diploma or equivalent required • Previous customer service experience in a hotel or hospitality environment preferred.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills • Proficient in computer applications such as Microsoft Office, hotel reservation systems, and customer relationship management solutions, including Opera and TravelClick • Experience in sales and/or travel industry Skills/Competencies: • Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Excellent communication skills • Proficiency in multiple languages would be considered beneficial.

• Positive and professional demeanor with a commitment to guest satisfaction • Physical Requirements: Vacation Planners must be able to sit for extended periods of time, use a computer, and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues • A strong attention to detail, and a passion for travel.

Key Responsibilities: • Have knowledge of all systems, software, product, and standard operating procedures.

• Identify gaps in the department and immediately implement SOPs to address these.

• Ensure the successful implementation of all procedures and processes.

• Ensure accuracy in all aspects of the department, including quotes, data entry, and reports.

• Train and develop staff on all current and future products, services, and software.

• Review each hotel’s daily bookings and investigate anomalies.

• Maintain an awareness of high and low demand dates, liaising with the Sales and Revenue departments as needed to optimize revenue.

• Be knowledgeable in facilities and services and ensure agents are equally knowledgeable.

• Be responsible for various Production reports and supply to each department concerned.

• Monitor telephone manner and general performance of staff daily.

• Monitor conversions, identifying opportunities to improve where necessary.

• Ensure no-show and cancelled reservation charges are processed daily according to policy.

• Maintain cordial relations with wholesale and retail partners.

• Liaise with the hotel/resort operations teams when anticipated occupancy changes.

• Prepare the schedule and ensure appropriate coverage for 24/7, including holidays.

• Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time of a related nature.

Job qualifications/Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in Tourism with experience in hospitality.

• Must possess a minimum of 2 years of experience.

• Proficient in computer applications such as Microsoft Office, including extensive knowledge in Excel, PMS systems, and CRM solutions, including Opera and TravelClick.

• Experience in sales and/or travel industry

Compensation Package: Will be commensurate (in accordance with the Company's Salary Structure).

Compensation Package: Will be commensurate (in accordance with the Company's Salary Structure).

To apply: Provide updated resume, cover letter, copy of valid social security card, Valid police record, copy of vaccination card, name and phone number of two (2) previous employers.

To apply: Provide updated resume, cover letter, copy of valid social security card, Valid police record, copy of vaccination card, name and phone number of two (2) previous employers.

Applications should be emailed to: conserigeservices@gmail.com Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, March 24th, 2023

Skills/Competencies: • Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Positive and professional demeanor with a commitment to guest satisfaction.

• Excellent communication skills • Proficiency in multiple languages would be considered beneficial.

• Punctual, reliable and must have strong communication skills.

• A strong attention to detail, and a passion for travel.

Applications should be emailed to: conserigeservices@gmail.com Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, March 24th, 2023

58 14

19 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES 2023

19 MAR

2023

19 MAR

2023

15

18 JAN

2015THE BELIZE TIMES

Progress and Success Prime Minister John Briceño

Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, Minister Fonseca and MoS Zabaneh

Hon. Landy Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management

Discussing climate change, resiliency to natural disasters, and legislative reform

Poverty on the Decline

Initiating consultation at piloting Secondary School on the Competency Curriculum along w/ district education centres, the Curriculum and Assessment Unit, the BNTU, Pathlight Belize, UNICEF and others

Works in OW Central; Partnering with Town Council

Hon. Alex Balona, Cayo Central

Providing support to San Antonio basic infrastructure upkeep

Donating football gear to a Duck Run 3 team

Min. Julius Espat, Infrastructure Development and Housing

Due Respect when you see the MIDH logo, here Succotz

In the Philip Goldson Highway fixing UDP mess

More PG Highway

Paving in Guinea Grass village Here w Angleton Mayor Jason InTxSouthern StannPerez Creek

Hon. Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Belize Rural Central

High Powered Lawn Mower for Central’s Football Fields

Softball Gears for Hattieville Team

Softball Gears for Gales Point Team

In Rancho Dolores

DON’T THROW LITTER on the HIGHWAYS

2 16

20MAR NOV 19

THE BELIZE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE

2022 2023

PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTY &VEHICLES

Carolina/Calcutta Village, Alta Mira Area, Corozal Town, Corozal District; Gales Point Manatee, Hattieville Village, Max Boro Area, Sandhill Village , Vista Del Mar, Ladyville, Burrell Boom Village, Belize City, Belize District; Belmopan, Bullet Tree Falls, Roaring Creek Village, Cayo District; Sarawee Village, Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees Messrs. St. John’s Credit Union Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo and Christiana R. Castillo are selling ONLINE via belizepropertyauctions.com the following properties. Sales currently running until 15th May 2023. Public Auction Sales will expire fortnightly on the dates and times listed on the website until these properties are sold.

A – COROZAL DISTRICT: 1. Parcel No. 596 Carolina/Calcutta Village, Corozal District:

9. Lot No. 1 situate northeast Mirage & Perez Roads, Ladyville Village, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Carolina/Calcutta

1

596

The freehold property of Mr. Martin Jimenez Jr.

The freehold property of Mr. Lyndon Gillett.

10. Parcel Nos. 763 & 764 Corner Western Avenue & Carnation Street, St Martin De

2. Parcel No. 3658 Alta Mira Area, Corozal Town, Corozal District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Corozal North

1

3658

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

St. Martins De Porres

45

763 & 764

The freehold properties of Mr. Glenn Leslie and Ms. Marisol Leslie.

The freehold property of Mr. Santos Acosta.

11. Lot Nos. A-27 & A-29 Burrell Boom Village, Belize District:

The freehold property of Ms. Sharifa Tifarra Webster.

B – BELIZE DISTRICT: Vehicle:

12. Parcel No. 143 near Mile 6 George Price Highway, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Sibun Bight

16

143

The freehold property of Mr. Bernard Pitts.

C- CAYO DISTRICT:

2006 Suzuki Aerio

1. Parcel No. 10386 Belmopan, Cayo District:

1. Lot No. 67 Gales Point Manatee, Costal Road, Belize District:

The freehold property of Ms. Verolyn Richards.

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Belmopan

42

10386

The freehold property of Mr. Stanley Palacio.

2. Lot No. 104 Hattieville Village, Belize District:

2. Lot No. 83 Bullet Tree Falls Road, Kay Works Agriculture Area, Cayo District:

The freehold property of Mr. Kevin Carcamo.

3. Lot No. 351 Max Boro Area, Sandhill Village, Belize District:

The freehold property of Ms. Monica Jex.

3. Parcel No. 2509 Roaring Creek Village, Cayo District:

The freehold property of Mr. Berlan Smith.

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Society Hall

24

12509

The freehold property of Mr. Calvin Stamp.

D- STANN CREEK DISTRICT:

4. Parcel No. 595 Lake Independence, Belize City, Belize District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

Lake Independence

PARCEL 595

1. Stann Creek Valley Road, Sarawee Village, Stann Creek District:

The freehold property of Ms. Gaynor Martinez.

The freehold property of Ms. Indira Samuels.

5. Parcel No. 320 Vista Del Mar, Ladyville, Belize District:

2. Lot No. 29 Sarawee Village Ext, Stann Creek District:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

Vista Del Mar

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320

The freehold property of Ms. Genieve Marlene Murillo.

The freehold property of Ms. Norman Alexander Young.

6. Parcel No. 44 Morning Glory Street, Lake Independence, Belize City, Belize:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

Lake Independence

PARCEL 44

The freehold property of Mr. Godfrey Torres.

7. Parcel No. 609 Nutmeg Street, St. Martins, Belize District:City, Belize:

REGISTRATION SECTION

BLOCK

PARCEL

St. Martins De Porres

45

609/1

The leasehold property of Mr. Hipolito Torres (Marilyn Torres - Surety (deceased).

8. Lot No. 291 situate along the Freetown Sibun Road, Windmill Area, Hattieville Village, Belize District:

The freehold property of Ms. Matilda Particia Flowers.

3. Lot No. 275 Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District:

The freehold property of Ms. Bernadine Meighan surety for Mr. Joseph Meighan Sr.

“FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & PHOTOGRAPHS PLEASE VISIT WEBSITE” TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 Website: belizepropertyauctions.com E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Facebook: Belize Auctions

19 MAR

2023

25 SEP

THE BELIZE 2020 TIMES

17

THE BELIZ

VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN

"DELIVERING ON PLANBELIZE" BUDGET CONSIDERS INFLATION

By Hilly Bennett In introducing the Revenue Appropriations Bill FY 2023-FY 2024 Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño explained that the performance of the economy and the budget was shaped by many factors outside of Government's control. "The Russian invasion of the Ukraine which begun last year February, and the attendant impacts on fuel and food prices and supply chains provoked the return of high inflation after two decades of relative price stability. Global inflation reached 8.8 percent in 2022, a level exceeded only once in the previous 26 years."

Inflation is the general and continuing increase in an economy's price level. The consumer price index (CPI) is the commonly used measure of inflation. The CPI measures the price of a representative basket of goods and services purchased by a typical household.

The IMF Article IV Mission Report states that: Average inflation is projected to moderate to 4.1 percent over the medium term, in line with the projected decline in global commodity prices and global inflation.

Regarding the combating of inflation, the IMF recommended an increase in targeted social spending by 0.5 percent of GDP. Expanding the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programs such as BOOST, which support poor families and ensure that children attend school, subsidizing childcare to increase female labor force participation, which stood at 44 percent in October 2022. These benefits can be appropriately targeted with updated information on the vulnerable segment of the population from the 2022 census. Interestingly, these measures existed under the three-term Barrow Government regarding poverty reduction since 2008.

An opportunity squandered by a vile, incompetent, visionless and corrupt UDP administration.

Economic experts have advised that countries, especially small developing countries like Belize, are in dire need of good policy decisions to enable sustainable economic growth and curtail inflation, which impacts the poor more than the rich.

In a World Bank blog there were four policy recommendations to tackle high inflation and low growth while supporting the less well-off.

IMPROVE THE "QUALITY" OF PUBLIC SPENDING; ENHANCE DEBT TRANSPARENCY AND AVOID "HIDDEN DEBT"; AVOID "FISCAL DOMINANCE" OVERRELIANCE ON CENTRAL BANK; PROTECT THE POOR AND THE VULNERABLE. This writer will confine the contribution to two of the policy suggestions proffered in the World Bank blog, Improving the "quality" of public spending and protect the poor and the vulnerable. The Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño pronounced that "my administration took office in 2020 determined to steer clear from prescriptive policies that offer temporary solutions to our development challenges, and this includes poverty reduction. The Home-grown Economic Recovery Plan considered in tandem the two policy suggestions in the blog. The IMF prescriptions were not people friendly and the PUP Government charted the path to recovery which involved the least pain to people of Belize.

Public debt has been reduced from 133 percent of GDP to 53 percent of GDP an unprecedented undertaking by any government of Belize. Presently, the John Briceño administration is being lauded as a responsible and financially prudent government. This PUP government has improved the quality of current public spending and reorienting it.

Receiving the poison chalice of an extremely high public debt and no fiscal space from the "wuthless" red-hydra, the John Briceño administration immediately embarked and effected its Home-grown recovery.

Within the budget for FY 2023-FY 2024 there is a strategic focus on poverty reduction and increased social assistance geared towards the less fortunate, the marginalized and the people most needed. PM Briceño acknowledged to his Cabinet colleagues that "I realize that we cannot reverse the prevalence of poverty overnight. But our policies and this Budget reflect a passionate determination to hasten that reversal."

Those words are the heartbeat to the return of People’s United Party’s social justice philosophy and the need to ease the culprit of inflation on the vulnerable segment of society. From a bankrupt economy under the UDP "Belize's position and profile sparkle and shimmer like never before." The statement imbues the promise to Madam Speaker that "to that chaos and hopelessness, we shall never return. Not so long as we remain faithful to our sacred pledge that ' “Everybody Fi Win."

MOHW UPDATES MOHW Partakes in Child Stimulation Month “We are strong, Learning and Growing!"

This month the Ministry is also participating in Child Stimulation Month activities countrywide.

Ms. Kamera Requena, our National Drug Abuse Control Council-MOHW Cayo district Coordinator with responsibility for Belmopan and surrounding communities conducted health education on negative effects of drugs and the body.

The Ministry was well received when making stops at both Garden City Preschool and Kuxlin Ha Government Preschool in Belmopan.

All school should lookout for NDACC officers countrywide at your neighborhood preschool.

18

19 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

Belize Assumes Seats on the Adaptation Fund Board and Technology Executive Committee of UNFCCC

Belmopan. March 9th, 2023 Dr. Kenrick Williams, the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, has been appointed to the Adaptation Fund Board representing the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC).

The Adaptation Fund (AF) was established in 2001 to finance concrete adaptation projects and programmes in developing countries party to the Kyoto Protocol that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. The Adaptation Fund is financed through the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project

PUP MOURNS THE PASSING OF YASIN SHOMAN

activities and other sources. Through Dr. Williams’ appointment, Belize will be able to lobby support for increased financing and the financing framework for climate change adaptation in Belize and the region.

Additionally, Chief Climate Change Officer at the National Climate Change Office, Dr. Lennox Gladden, was also elected to the Technology Executive Committee (TEC).

Created in 2010, the TEC is the policy arm of the Conference of Parties Technology Mechanism. The TEC focuses on identifying policies that can accelerate the development and transfer of low-emission and climate-resilient technologies. The TEC will play a

25 SEP

2020

key role in assisting countries to identify climate technology policies that allow them to achieve the Agreement’s objectives.

Regarding Belize’s Conference of Parties (COP) delegation, Edalmi Romero has been re-appointed as the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Transparency Coordinator for 2023. A few of her responsibilities include formulating evidence-based draft positions on the thematic area with the relevant working group and representing the approved positions of AOSIS in consultations and negotiations with partners.

Deputy Chief Climate Change Officer Colin Mattis also remains the AOSIS Mitigation Coordinator for 2023,

2023

with similar responsibilities relating to mitigation negotiations.

The appointments signify the Government of Belize’s efforts to scale up its leadership in global efforts on climate change.

CALL

671-8385 or

EMAIL:

belizetimesadvertisement@ yahoo.com

To place advertisement in the Belize Times THE BELIZE TIMES Newspaper

INVITATION TO CONSULTING FIRMS TO SUBMIT EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Operation Data Country: Belize Operation: Belize Integral Security Programme (BISP) Operation No: 2147 Consulting Data Name of the Consultancy: Final Infrastructure Design for the National Forensic Science Service Selection Method: Quality and Cost-Based Selection Reference number: Nº CABEI-CS 002-2147/2023.

The Government of Belize has received financing from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration for the Belize Integral Security Programme (BISP), and it is intended to use a portion of the funds for consulting service contracts.

The Consulting services (“the services”) include: a) Needs assessment report; and b) Design of a National Forensic Science Services Complex.

Friday, March 10, 2023 The Party Leader, Party Chairman along with the National Executive of the People’s United Party offer deepest condolences to the family of Yasin Shoman on his passing which occurred yesterday, March 9, 2023. Yasin was an outstanding Belizean, businessman and of course, a loyal PUP soldier. In a Facebook tribute to her father this morning, his daughter Lisa stated, “Yasin was, until the moment he drew his last breath, a lover of this nation and a proud and devoted member of the PUP… He loved his Party and gave of himself unselfishly and totally.” These words certainly encapsulate the great man that Yasin Shoman was.

The Party thanks Yasin, a true Son of the Belizean soil, for his life of service to the country, the Party and people of Belize and offers its prayers and gratitude to the Shoman Family during this time of bereavement. May the soul of the late Yasin Shoman rest in peace and rise in glory!

Yasin Jose Shoman Sunrise: November 29, 1941 Sunset: March 9, 2023

The Ministry of Economic Development invites eligible consulting firms to express their interest in providing the requested services. Interested consultants shall provide information indicating that they are qualified to provide the services and may partner with other firms in the form of a Joint Venture (JV) or subconsultants to improve their qualifications. The criteria for shortlist selection are found within the respective Terms of Reference.

Interested Consulting Firms can obtain the Terms of Reference at no cost by requesting them by email: procurementofficerii.bisp@med.gov.bz, projectcoordinator.bisp@med.gov.bz or by accessing the electronic portal (https://blz-cppnb.caricom.org or https://med.gov.bz or https://devbusiness.un.org) before the deadline date indicated below.

Consultants will be selected using the method of Quality and Cost Based Selection described in the Regulations for the Application of the Procurement Policy available at www.bcie.org.

Interested consultants can obtain more information at the address indicated at the end of this invitation, during business hours of 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Expressions of interest package together with the information indicated in the Terms of Reference must be hand delivered at the address below, no later than Monday, April 17, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

Elvis Requena Project Coordinator Belize Integral Security Programme (BISP) Programme Executing Unit 1904 Constitution Drive 2nd Floor, Unit #3 Belmopan City, Belize C.A. projectcoordinator.bisp@med.gov.bz

19 MAR

2023

25 SEP

THE BELIZE2020 TIMES

BYM at Trial Farm School

The Belize Youth Movement encourages positive community oriented projects like these! What a collab between Trial Farm Government School, NDACC and the @ow_bym A shoutout to all the artists who took time out to make this happen!

The BYM extends a ‘Thank You’ to the local residents, school representatives, and NDACC officials who invested and trusted in this process.

19

THE BELIZ

Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing

PUBLIC NOTICE

Lodgment of an ESIA Report and Public Consultation For George Price Highway Upgrading Project (Belize City - Belmopan) by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing The General Public is hereby informed that an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report was submitted to the Department of the Environment (DOE) by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing for the George Price Highway Upgrading Project (Belize City - Belmopan).

The ESIA report was prepared by Nextera Environmental and Engineering Consultants. The ESIA report will be reviewed by the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC) before a final decision is taken.

Vice-President of the Senate attends transfer of the Pro Tempore Presidency of

FOPREL Meeting in El Salvador

Friday, 10th March 2023 - Senator, the Honourable Collet Montejo, Vice-President of the Senate, in representation of the Honourable Valerie Woods, Speaker of the House of Representatives attended today the XU Regular Meeting Forum of Presidents of Legislative Powers of Central America, the Caribbean Basin and Mexico (FOPREL) that was held in San Salvador, El Salvador.

The meeting started with an opening session where Honourable Ernesto Castro, President of the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador and President pro tempore of FOPREL 2022-2023 reported on the management of the pro tempore presidency of FOPREL during the period 2022-2023.

Through a resolution of transfer of the pro tempore presidency and vice presidency of FOPREL, Hon. Hon. Ernesto Castro, President of the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador, transferred the pro tempore presidency to Honorable Alfredo Pacheco Osoria, President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Dominican Republic, and appointed the Honorable Deputy Rodrigo Arias Sanchez, President of the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Costa Rica, as Vice President of the Forum for the period from March 11, 2023 to March 10, 2024.

During the meeting, four Resolutions were ratified and signed off by all the Legislative Presidents in attendance.

Yesterday, Honourable Montejo, along with the other Legislative Presidents, also had the opportunity to meet with His Excellency Nayib Armando Bukele, President of the Republic of El Salvador, at the Presidential House. The Advisory Council of FOPREL also met on 9th March 2023.

Hon. Montejo is accompanied by Mrs. Clarita Pech, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, as Belize’s technical advisor to FOPREL. The meeting and travel expenses were made possible through the support of the parliament of El Salvador and FOPREL. Honorable Montejo and Deputy Clerk Pech returned to Belize on 11th March 2023.

The public is hereby advised that the EIA-Report will be available for public review, free of charge, Mondays to Fridays, during normal working hours (8:00 am to 5:00 pm) from March 16th at the following locations: Hattieville Community Center, La Democracia Community Center, St. Matthews Village Government School, MIDH-Project Execution Unit and at the DOE’s Office located at 7552 Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan. Likewise, the EIA-Report and its annexes are all available on the DOE’s website at link: https://doe.gov.bz/download/esia-george-price-highway-upgrade-belize-to-belmopan/and https://doe.gov.bz/download/ appendices-esia-george-price-highway-upgrade-belize-to-belmopan/ The public is invited to submit their comments in writing on or before April 19, 2023, to the DOE Office in Belmopan or email: envirodept@environment.gov.bz; eiaunit@environment.gov.bz., or by link: https://forms.gle/baFsATJBdvaLbUCh9 Kindly be informed that a hybrid public consultation for the ESIA will be held on April 13, 2023, commencing at 6:30 pm at St. Matthews Village – Basketball Court. An online link will be provided three days before the date of the Public Consultation.

The public is invited to participate in-person or virtually in this public consultation to provide comments/input, recommendations, and/or express their concerns to the DOE regarding this proposed project activity.

20 2020 25 SEP

MED Continues to Improve Market Access for Vulnerable Smallholder Farmers Belmopan. March 9, 2023.

Today, the Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Economic Development’s Resilient Rural Belize (RRB) Program, signed a memorandum of agreement with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) for the upgrade of 4.7 miles of farm feeder road in the Valley of Peace area. This will fulfill one of RRB’s main program objectives of upgrading public infrastructure, such as roads, drainage, and information systems, to improve market access for poor and vulnerable smallholder farmers across Belize. The cost of upgrading the feeder road is approximately BZ$2.2 million and is slated to begin in April 2023.

The RRB program, designed to enable farmers to adapt and be more resilient to climate change, is funded through the Green Climate Fund and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

Primary beneficiaries include cooperatives such as the Valley of Peace Lagoon Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited.

CEOs Dr. Osmond Martinez and Victor Espat signed on behalf of the MED and MIDH, respectively. Dr. Geraldo Flowers, RRB Program Manager, and Mr. Evandale Moody, MIDH Chief Engineer, witnessed the signing. Hon. Julius Espat, Minister of MIDH and Area Representative for Cayo South, delivered the keynote address.

Central Information Technology Office Central Information Technology Office Ministry of Finance Ministry of Finance

Corner Dry Creek Mountain View Boulevard Belmopan Corner Dry Creek Mountain View Boulevard Belmopan

Telephones: 501 822-2406/08-20708 • Email: contact@cito.gov.bz Telephones: 501 822-2406/08-20708 • Email: contact@cito.gov.bz

1.

2.

3.

TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF MICROSOFT 365 LICENSES FOR THE TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF MICROSOFT 365 LICENSES FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE The Government1.of Belize, acting through the Technology The Government of Central Belize,Information acting through the Central Information Technology Office, now The bids should be valid for six months now from the last date for subOffice, now invites Tenders for the supply of Microsoft 365 Licenses forthrough the 1. The Government ofsupply Belize, acting the Central Information Technology Office, invites Tenders for the of Microsoft the Government of the bids. of Belize. The Government of Belize. The subscription period required is for one (1) year. 365 Licenses for mission

5.

invites Tenders for the supply of Microsoft subscription period required is for one (1) year. 365 Licenses for the Government of Belize. The subscription is for Procedure. one (1) year.

Procurement of the goods will be conductedperiod throughrequired Open Tendering 8. The contract is subject to the following Income and Business Tax as per Government Policy as shown below: 2. Procurement of the goods will be conducted through Open Tendering Procedure.

Terms of Reference 25% - for entities from non-Caricom countries 2. Procurement of the goods will be conducted through Open Tendering Procedure.

15% - for entities from Caricom countries 3a. Technical specifications 19% for entities licensed to provide telecomThe scope 3. of work includes the provision of Microsoft Licenses for the Terms of Reference munication services that offer real-time voice products listed in3.theTerms table below: of Reference services.

ITEM 3a. Technical specifications QUANTITY 6% for companies in Belize

a. b. c. d.

Technical 3,250 of Microsoft Licenses for the products listed in The 3a. scope of work specifications includes the provision The scope of work includes the provision Microsoft the products listedpayment in 9. ofPrice should beLicenses inclusive offor General Sales Tax (GST) of 12.5% for the table below: Microsoft 365 F3 175 GST-registered agents. the table below: ITEM QUANTITY Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (Plan 1) 5,805 ITEM QUANTITY Microsoft 365 E3 3,250 Microsoft 365 E3

E3 Microsoft Security E5 (has Defender forMicrosoft Office Plan 2,365 Defender Microsoft for Endpoint Plan 2, and Azure Premium Plan 365 2) F3

10. Questions and Replies

3,250 175 Questions shall be type-written in English Microsoft 365 F3 175 and shall be sent via email to the Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (Plan 1) 5,805 following address: MS365tenders2023@cito.gov.bz.

The deadline for queries is Office 365 E1 1,150 Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (Plan 1) 5,805 14 April 2023.

Microsoft Security E5 (has Defender for Office 150 Office 365 E3 1,000 Microsoft Security E5 (hasPlan Defender Office 150 Plan 2, Defender for Endpoint 2, and for Azure Responses from the CITO will be type-written in English and will be emailed Plan 2, Defender for Endpoint Plan 2, and Azure Office 365 F3 200 Premium Plan 2) to the requester and may also be made available to other Tenderers subject to confidentiality.

Office 365 E5 without Audio Conferencing 30 OfficePremium 365 E1 Plan 2) 1,150 Office 365 E1 1,150 Office 365 E3 1,000 Power BI Pro 20 11. Submission of Tenders should be emailed to MS365tenders2023@cito.gov.bz Office 365 E3 1,000 with the subject TENDER FOR THE Office 365 F3 200 SUPPLY OF MICROSOFT 365 LICENSProject Plan 3 200 ES FOR GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE. Office 365 F3 200 Office 365 E5 without Audio Conferencing 30 the bid response shall consist of two Project Plan 5 15 a) To ensure confidentiality, Office 365 E5 without Audio Conferencing 30 password-protected files Power BI Pro 20 - one technical and one financial. This can Visio Plan 2 100 Power BI Pro 20 zip password protection, or some be done on the file itself, using Project Plan 3 200 other means of password-protecting the file. The password will be 3b. Program of Works Project Plan 3 200 requested at the opening The program of workProject includes:Plan 5 15 of the tender.

Project Plan 5provisioning.

15 1. TechnicalVisio support with license Plan 2and handing b) Bidders shall submit100 a brief 2. Activation of licenses over to the Central InforVisio Plan 2 100description of the documents contained 150

in each of the password-protected files. mation Technology Office.

Issue resolution for the duration of the contract period (12 3b. Program of Works Any discounts offered should be clearly stated by the Tenderer. months).

3b. Program of Works The program of work includes: 3c. Schedule The program of work includes: 13. The deadline for Tender submission is 10:00 am on 28 April 2023. Submis1. Technical support withthan license The licenses are to be provisioned and activated no later 30 Juneprovisioning.

1. Technical support with license provisioning. received after Information the deadline willTechnology be rejected.

2023.

2. Activation of licenses and handing over sions to the Central

3.

4.

5.

6.

c)

2. Activation of licenses and handing over to the Central Information Technology

Office.

Copies of this Tender document can be downloaded Office. from the Ministry of Finance Procurement Portal https://procurement.gov.bz/ or the CARICOM Public Procurement Notice Board https://cppnb.caricom.org/epps/home.do.

14. Evaluation Criteria Tenders will be evaluated on technical merit and price based on the following criteria:

The currency exchange rate for regional/international bidders is USD 1.00 to BZD 2.00.

Evaluation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria: This invitation is open to all eligible Tenderers as per the eligibility criteria below: The Tenderer has an active membership in Microsoft Partner Network for Latin America and the Caribbean region and market (MPN ID) at the time of bid submission.

The Tenderer must be an active Cloud Service Provider (CSP) that can sell CSP offers in Latin America and the Caribbean region and market The Tenderer should provide evidence of experience deploying Microsoft 365 Licenses for at least one (1) previous contract of a similar size and nature within the past three years.

The Tenderer is required to provide a signed and dated banker’s reference that should include the following information: The name and contact information of the bank or financial institution providing the reference.

The name of the account holder and the account number.

The length of time the account has been open.

The average balance of the account over the past 12 months.

Any other relevant information that the bank or financial institution deems appropriate.

The Tenderer has availability of liquid assets through either: Access to a line of credit of 100% of the bid price Case in a bank account of an amount at least 100% of the bid price

1.

2.

Belize National Prayer

Almighty and Eternal God, who through Jesus Christ has revealed Your Glory to all nations, please protect and preserve Belize, our beloved country.

--------------------God of might, wisdom and justice, please assist our Belizean government and people with your Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude.

--------------------Let Your light of Your divine wisdom direct their plans and endeavours so that with Your help we may attain our just objectives.

--------------------With Your guidance, may all our endeavours tend to peace, social justice, liberty, national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge.

--------------------We pray, O God of Mercy, for all of us that we may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Your most holy law, that we may be preserved in union and, in that peace which the world itself cannot give.

--------------------And, after enjoying the blessings of this life, please admit us, dear Lord, to that eternal reward that You have prepared for those who love You. Amen.

156 2023 19 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

3.

4.

a. b. c. d. e.

5.

7.

a. b.

Administrative Requirements: All Tenders shall include the following additional documentation in their submission: Business certificates For local Tenderers: Current copies of Certificates of Good Standing from: Belize Tax Service within 6 months Belize Companies Registry within 1 year Belize Social Security Board within 1 year A valid copy of the entity’s Trade License reflecting the name of the entity that is bidding within 1 year.

1.

a.

1.

a. b. c.

2.

b.

2.

3.

4.

For regional/international Tenderers: Statement of compliance from Companies’ Registry within 1 year.

Bids must be accompanied by a notarized bid-securing declaration.

Power of attorney showing person signing the bid is authorized to do so.

Two references.

Weight (%)

Financial Offer

50%

Technical proposal

50%

Direct technical support from Microsoft.

20%

Access to the portal for managing licenses throughou the term of the agreement (1 year)

10%

Service delivery models for issue resolution must be with English-speaking technical support.

10%

Service delivery experience in provisioning and supporting Microsoft 365 for business comparable in the magnitude of this Tender

5%

The financial strength of the company demonstrated over the past three (3) years

5%

Total

100%

15. Opening of the Tenders will take place online on 3 May 2023 at 2 pm Belize

Time and in the presence of the Tenderers or their representatives who wish to attend the Tender opening.

16. Evaluation of the Tenders will be conducted on 5 May 2023. a) The selection of the successful Tenderer will be based on a competitive process that considers Technical and Financial Proposals.

b) The Technical file will be opened first, evaluated, and ranked.

The Evaluation Committee will first check for administrative compliance and only those bids complying will have their technical proposal evaluated against the Evaluation Criteria to determine the technical capacity of the tenderer to provide the Microsoft 365 Licenses and Support services at the level being requested.

c)

Only those Tenderers passing a minimum of 70% will have their Financial proposal opened and evaluated.

d) The financial proposal will count for 50% of the total points. e) The Tenderer with the highest combined value (Technical + Financial) will be recommended for the award of the contract.

f)

Incomplete tenders will not be accepted.

17. The Tenderer who offers the lowest price and who qualified in the technical

evaluation, may not necessarily be awarded the contract for the supply of the Microsoft 365 Licenses to the Government of Belize.

25MAR SEP 19

25 SEP

THE BELIZE BELIZE2020 THE TIMES

2020 2023

156 21

THE BELIZ

BELIZE SOCIAL INVESTMENT FUND TENDER NOTICE

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) invites applicants for the functions of National Consultant to support the Strengthening Climate Resilient Health Systems Project Duty station:

Belize City

Qualifications:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in Environment Science or Public Health from a recognized university

Country: Belize Project: BSIF Loan III: Caribbean Development Bank Loan No.: 25/ SFR-ORBZE Project Id: 1509/8/E2 Contract Number: E/SL3-03/2020 National Competitive Bidding (NCB) Deadline: April 11, 2023

1.

The Government of Belize has received funding through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the cost of Eligible Sub-projects and intends to apply part of the funds to cover eligible payments under the contract for Cristo Rey Primary School Building Construction, Cristo Rey Village, Cayo District, Belize.

2.

The Social Investment Fund, a Statutory Corporation, established under the Social Investment Fund Act No. 3 of 1996 and located at Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District, hereby invites tenders from suitably qualified contractors for the construction of the following:

The contract proposes to: Construction of a two (2) storey reinforced concrete building measuring 144’-11” long by 49’-3” wide complete with eight (8) classrooms, office spaces, four (4) male and female students’ bathrooms, four (4) male and female teachers’ lavatories, storage spaces, and an access ramp to accommodate users with disabilities. The structure will also be equipped with a verandah, reinforced concrete floor and roof systems, masonry block walls, galvanized aluminum louvered windows, security grilles, and timber doors. The provision of earthworks and site drainage will also form a part of the contract. Provisions for the installation of electrical, plumbing, water supply and wastewater systems, in accordance with the regulations of the respective authorities, will also be included.

Desirable: A master’s degree in environmental studies, Climate, or a related field Experience:

Essential: At least 5 years of national experience in public health, environmental health, climate change, or a related field Desirable: Experience in the development of H-NAP

Skills: • Experience developing HNAPs and conducting impact assessments and sensitivity analyses • Demonstrable current knowledge of climate health risks and adaptation policies and programs • Knowledge about health systems’ operations • Experience in data collection and analysis • Strong research, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively (in person or virtually) with other team players.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and sensitivity to political and cultural issues • Ability to meet deadlines • Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/ persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs for Statistical Analysis, Data Exploratory Analysis, and Project Management would be an asset.

Languages: Deadline:

Very good knowledge of English and working knowledge of Spanish Letter of application, Curriculum Vitae, and two current letters of recommendation should be sent to blzmail@paho.org or to P.O. Box 1834, Belize City no later than March 24, 2023

For further details visit our website https://www.paho.org/en/ vacancies An interview will be held for this position and only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

Final (Project Site) Destination as specified in BDS: Cristo Rey RC Primary School, Cristo Rey Village, Cayo District, Belize

3.

Social Investment Fund now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the construction works in the aforementioned areas.

4.

Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures specified in the CDB’s Guidelines for Procurement (January 2006), and are open to all bidders of countries eligible for procurement under European Investment Bank funded projects which includes CDB member countries.

5.

Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the Social Investment Fund, #1902 Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. starting Monday, February 27, 2023: Social Investment Fund, 3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District.

6.

Qualification requirements include (a) The bidder shall furnish unaudited or audited financial statements of the firm for years 2019, 2021 and 2022 to confirm an average annual turnover of at least BZ$750,000.00 (b) Bidders should have general experience under contracts in the role of contractor, subcontractor, or management contractor for at least the last three (3) years prior to the application submission deadline, with activity of at least five (5) months in each year (c) Bidders should have specific experience as a contractor, management contractor, or subcontractor, in less than or equal to two (2) contracts, each of minimum value BZD$375,000.00 but with total value of all contracts equal or more than BZD$750,000.00, that have successfully and substantially completed within the last ten (10) years, and that are similar to the proposed Works (d) a demonstrable cash flow (including access to credit) of BZ$70,000.00 (e) others provided in the respective Bidding Documents.

7.

A complete set of Bidding Documents in English language may be purchased by interested bidders from the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee BZ$150.00 (One Hundred Fifty Dollars) for each bidding document. Banking details can be requested at the address below.

8.

Deadline for bids is at or before 10:00am, April 11, 2023 at the address below. Bids will be opened at 10:30am, April 11, 2023 at the Social Investment Fund, 3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive, Belmopan, Cayo District in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend in person at the address below. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. All bids must be accompanied by a “Bid Security” of BZ$12,000.00 or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency or Bank Guarantee. The bid validity period is 90 days.

9.

A Pre-bid meeting with interested eligible bidders will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 10th, 2023 at Cristo Rey RC Primary School, Cristo Rey Village, Cayo District, Belize to address any queries that contractors may have about the bidding documents or the scope of works. Contractors who have bought packages are urged to attend.

10. The address referred to above is: Contact: Ms. Angeles Itzab Senior Procurement Officer Social Investment Fund 3rd Floor, #1902 Constitution Drive Belmopan Cayo District Tel: 822-0239/822-0508

E-mail: angeles.itzab@sifbelize.org cc: carlos.tun@sifbelize.org

22 2020 25 SEP

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES

153 2023

19 MAR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 14 March 2023

INTRODUCING… SNACKERS!

Great new option for those who love to snack!

Snackers! A new line of locally produced snack brands featuring chips made of high-quality corn locally sourced from small farmers enters the market with “crunch-ability” and bold flavours that will make them fast favourites for consumers of all ages.

The Snackers! portfolio includes Asadas, Bokadas, Chiladas, and Doradas. Each brand of corn chip boasts its own personality – Doradas are bold with Nacho Cheese and Zesty Ranch flavours, Chiladas bring the heat with Fiery Habanero, Asadas are perfectly salted and ready for crunching, and Bokadas are the ideal dipping chip. The chips will be available in single-serve and familysized packages.

The Snackers! line of snacks is a value-added product that is “Done Right and Done Here” and is proudly produced by Bowen & Bowen, who continues to innovate and offer new world-class products for an ever-evolving market and consumer.

Snack enthusiasts can look for Snackers! as its nationwide rollout starts in the North and moves south, followed by the Cayes. These exciting new products will be available at all retail outlets.

Be on the lookout for Snackers! because it’s “Anytime to Snackers!” ### Bowen & Bowen, Ltd was established in 1932 by Belizeans and for Belizeans. Its mission, Pursuing Excellence for a Stronger Belize, has driven the creation of an innovative, customer-centric organization whose family of employees is its greatest strength. Bowen & Bowen encompasses an array of subsidiaries in food, beverage, transportation, hospitality, and other sectors, develops Belize ethically and responsibly, and provides opportunities for all Belizeans.

Media Contact: Shauna Arnold, Marketing Manager Bowen & Bowen|Snackers!

C: +501 626-5546 E: sarnold@bowen.bz

195 FEB MAR

23 235

THE BELIZE TIMES

2023

TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF FOOD ITEMS AND HOUSEHOLD SUNDRIES TO THE BELIZE DEFENCE FORCE FISCAL YEAR 2023 – 2024

1.Tenders are invited for the supply of food items listed below to the Belize Defence force for the period 1st June 2023 to 31st May 2024.

2.Quotation for the supply of goods is to be based on Duty Paid Prices. Brand names are to be specified where necessary.

3.Contract will be terminated if the contractor consistently fails to supply the requisite items as agreed.

4.The food and household sundries requirements are calculated by the month and are an estimate only. Orders by the Belize Defence Force will fluctuate as necessary.

5.Tenders should be in a sealed envelope address to the chairperson, Ministry of National Defence and Border Security, Belmopan, and marked “Tender for the Supply of Food, Household Sundries, Vegetables, and Meat for the Belize Defence Force”. Envelopes should be deposited at Belmopan in the tender box no later than the 6th April 2023 at 11:30 am.

6.Companies Registry Certificate to be submitted.

7.Social Security letter of good standing to be submitted.

LIST OF FOOD ITEMS AND HOUSEHOLD SUNDRIES REQUIREMENT BELIZE DEFENCE FORCE Food allocation and household sundries are per month.

Belize Defence Force, Price Barracks, Ladyville, Belize District Meats Item Baby back ribs Beef Patties Beef Steak Chicken (Breast) Chicken (Whole) Conch Fish Fillet Ground Chicken

Unit lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs

Ground Steak

Quantity Per Month

Quantity Per Year

110 766 2807 3573 25520 83 4466 2552

1320 9192 33684 42876 306240 996 53592 30624

lbs

1276

15312

Lamb Chops Lobster Pigtail Pork Chops Shrimp Shrimp (Paradise) Snapper fish

lbs lbs bkt lbs lbs lbs lbs

55 83 16 110 638 83 83

660 996 192 1320 7656 996 996

Turkey

lbs

55

660

Breakfast Items

Item Unit Bacon Slices lbs Breakfast Sausages lbs Chicken Ham Slices lbs Eggs each Happy Cow Cheese lbs Kraft Cheese Singles (24 piece) pack Salami Sausage lbs

Item Brown Sugar Corn Tortilla Flour Red Kidney Beans Split Peas White Rice

Item Burger Bread Dinner Rolls Sweet Bun Whole Wheat Bread

Unit lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs

Unit pack pack pack pack

Quantity Per Month Quantity Per Year 1531 3445 1531 50838 1630 128 1531 Grains Quantity Per Month

731 2552 6520 6376 354 9107

Bread Quantity Per Month

510 510 2042 5614

Quantity Per Year

Quantity Per Year

18372 41340 18372 610056 19560 1536 18372

8772 30624 78240 76512 4248 109284

6120 6120 24504 67368

Item Black Pepper Black Recado Chicken Consume Complete Seasoning Curry Powder Dry Rosemary Fish Seasoning Fresh Garlic (Baba’s) Italian Seasoning (Badia) (141.8 g) Jerk Seasoning Medium heat (Grace) (312g) Meat Tenderizer Seasoning Parsley Flakes Red Recado Salt Spice Seed

Seasonings Unit Quantity Per Month Quantity Per Year lbs 227 lbs 32 lbs 115 lbs 96 lbs 32 lbs 32 lbs 20 head 1850 Bottle 1

2724 384 1380 1152 384 384 240 22200 12

bottle lbs lbs lbs lbs lbs

312 192 1152 2388 2916 192

26 16 96 199 243 16

Fruits/Vegetables

Item

Unit

Quantity Per Month

Apple

each

5104

Quantity Per Year 61248

Banana

lbs

2042

24504

Broccoli

lbs

383

4596

Cabbage

lbs

319

3828

Carrots

lbs

1021

12252

Cauliflower

lbs

383

4596 4596

Celery

lbs

383

Cilantro

lbs

200

2400

Coco Yam

lbs

383

4596

Cucumber

lbs

638

7656

Lettuce

lbs

766

9192 12252

Lime

each

1021

Muskmelon

lbs

510

6120

Okra

lbs

383

4596

Onion

lbs

2935

35220

Orange

each

7656

91872

Papaya

lbs

510

6120

Pineapple

lbs

1021

12252

Potato

lbs

5487

65844

Ripe Plantain

each

1021

12252

Spinach

lbs

255

3060

Sweet Pepper

lbs

1021

12252

Tomato

lbs

1148

13776

Watermelon

lbs

510

6120

Continued on page 24

24 2023 5 FEB

236 2023 19 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF FOOD ITEMS AND HOUSEHOLD SUNDRIES TO THE BELIZE DEFENCE FORCE FISCAL YEAR 2023 – 2024

Continued from page 23

Cleaning Supplies and Sundries Quantity Per Quantity Items Unit Month Per Year Air Freshener (block) block 55 660 Bio burger tray single 550 6600 Bio cups 12 oz single single 8800 105600 Bio cups 16 oz single single 3300 39600 Bio forks single 3300 39600 Bio plates 6” single 1100 13200 Bio plates 9” single 1650 19800 Bio soup bowl single single 1100 13200 Bio soup cup single 330 3960 Bio spoons single single 5500 66000 Bio take out tray single 8800 105600 Bleach Gallon 264 3168 Broom Single 66 792 Brown paper rolls single 220 2640 Camphor balls Pk packs 28 330 Carbo negros (gals) gallons 11 132 Cleaning Cloth Pack 317 3802 Coffee Filter single 10000 120000 Commercial mop bucket single 11 132 Deck broom single 11 132 Degreaser single 33 396 Dish Washing Liquid gallons 33 396 Dish Washing Liquid case 34 409 Duster single 22 264 Floor mop single 66 792 Fly Spray cannister 211 2534 Foil paper 75 ft single single 83 990 Furnisher Polish (canister) canister 13 158 Glass Cleaner bottle 26 317 Industrial Mop single 11 132 Liquid soap (gals) bottle 77 924 Lysol Spray cannister 53 634 Muriatic Acid bott 66 792 Napkin (pks) (500 pk) packs 55 660 Oven Cleaner cannister 26 317 Paper Towels rolls 88 1056 Pine Oil (gals) gallons 165 1980 Plunger single 17 198 Pot Washer single 550 6600 Soap Powder 250 g Bags 1980 23760 Soap Powder 5KG Bags 165 1980 Scrubbing Brush Single 26 317 Steel Wool pks 83 990 Tile cleaner (Tilex) single 22 264 Toilet bowl cleaner (btls) bottle 40 475 Toilet brush single 22 264 Toilet Paper (Scott) rolls 2200 26400 Trash bag heavy duty (50 Gallons) single 5500 66000 Trash Bags (13 gals) single 145 1742

Dry Goods Item Unit Baking Powder (Hearth Club) (230 g) tin BBQ Coal bag BBQ Sauce (18oz) bott Bottle Juice (Crystal) (500 ml) case Bottle Water (Crystal) (500 ml) case Butter cookies 12 oz Pan Butter stick (blue bonnet) packs Chicken Sausage (Grace) tin Chopped Ham tin Coconut Oil quart Coconut Powder (12 packet) pack Coffee Creamer (coffee mate) (435g) Single Coffee packet (Nescafe) (100 pk) case Condensed Milk (Dutch Lady) (397 g) tin Corn Beef sml tin Corn Flakes (Honey Bunches of oats: Almond) Single Corned Beef (340 g) tin Cornflakes sml (20 pk) case Cranberry Juice 3 Liter (Ocean Spray) Assorted Case Creamer Packet (Coffee mate) (1000 pk) (3 g) case Custard (400 g) bott Evaporated Milk (Dutch Lady) (410 g) tin Fire Dragon green and clean gel fuel single Fruit Cocktail 30 oz Single Gatorade (591 ml) Case Grapefruit Concentrate (Citrus Valley) (1L) bott Green Tea packs Horchata Concentrate (700 ml) bott Instant Coffee (Nescafe Dolca) (170 g) bott Jalapenos 1 Gal Tin Jam (Del monte) (470 g) bott Jam (Marie Sharp) (assorted) (312 g) single Ketchup (Heinz) (32 oz) bott Lime concentrate (Citrus Valley) (1L) bott Luncheon Meat (DAK) (340 g) tin Macaroni & Cheese (Kraft) (206 g) pack Mackerel (Grace) tin Margarine (454 g) lbs Maxwell House Coffee (869g) (Brew) Single Mayonnaise (443 g) bott Milo Drink (400 g) pack Mixed Vegetables (234 g) tin Mixed Vegetables (411 g) tin Nature Valley (98 bars) case Oats (Quaker) (510 g) bott Orange Concentrate (Citrus Valley) (1L) bott Ovaltine Powdered Drink (400 g) pack Pack Ramen (Maruchan) (24 pk) case Pasta (bowtie) (1 lbs) pack Peanut Butter (Jiff) (510 g) Single Peanut packets (12 pk) case

Quantity Quantity Per Month Per Year 146 1752 128 1536 255 3060 11 132 17 204 11 132 415 4980 2016 24192 396 4752 255 3060 2161 25932 55 660 6 72 4312 552

51744 6624

253 792 25

3036 9504 300

2

24

1 99

12 1188

2429 1100 22 3

29148 13200 264 36

383 609 255

4596 7308 3060

1775 12 99 55 655 858 990 1531 2100 319 55 255 510 396 255 6 99

21300 144 1188 660 7860 10296 11880 18372 25200 3828 660 3060 6120 4752 3060 72 1188

893 10716 396 4752 23 276 22 264 154 1848 46 552 Continued on page 25

FEB 195 MAR

2023

189 25

5 FEB

THE BELIZ

THE BELIZE2023 TIMES

TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF FOOD ITEMS AND HOUSEHOLD SUNDRIES TO THE BELIZE DEFENCE FORCE FISCAL YEAR 2023 – 2024

ALL TAXPAYERS REQUIRED TO FILE TAX RETURNS AND PAY TAXES ONLINE

Continued from page 24

Pursuant to Section 22 (2)(c) of The Tax Administration and Procedure Act, Chapter 51 Revised Edition 2020 (TAPA), which grants the Director General of the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) the authority to specify the manner in which returns should be filed, including electronically and with electronic signature, the Director General hereby notifies ALL taxpayers that effective April 1, 2023 they will be required to file tax returns and pay all taxes administered by the BTSD online.

In September 2021, the BTSD implemented the Integrated Revenue Information System (IRIS Belize) online portal. Only Large Taxpayers were required to utilize the portal, while all other taxpayers were encouraged to sign up and commence using IRIS Belize voluntarily. However, as part of a phased approach to fully implementing IRIS Belize, as of April 1, 2023, it is mandatory that every taxpayer is registered for an IRIS Belize account.

Commencing with the tax period ending 31st March 2023, and for subsequent tax periods, taxpayers must electronically file with the BTSD a return required to be filed for the tax period under the relevant tax law and make payment. The Department will no longer be accepting tax payments or filing of tax returns in the office. Payment and returns will only be accepted through the portal. This is aimed at making filing tax returns and paying taxes faster, more convenient, and free while ensuring and fostering the safety and security of the BTSD employees, as well as taxpayers. Equally, this will assist BTSD in providing more efficient and timely service to our taxpayers.

Please be reminded that per the governing tax Acts: The TAPA; The Income and Business Tax Act, Chapter 55 Revised Edition 2020; and The General Sales Tax Act, Chapter 63 Revised Edition 2020 of the Laws of Belize, each taxpayer is under an obligation to pay taxes AND file a return on or before the deadline for each respective tax type.

To register for an IRIS Belize account, visit https://www.irisbelize.bts.gov.bz/CreateAccount.

In order to facilitate the transition process, taxpayers may seek technical assistance from the IRIS Belize HELP DESK which may be contacted via telephone at +501 613-8375; +501 6132773; +501 614-5731; +501 613-4711; or email at onlineaccounts_bz@bts.gov.bz during the hours of 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Mondays-Thursdays, and 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM on Fridays.

Dry Goods continued Item Unit Pepper Sauce (MARIE SHARP) (10 oz) case Pineapple Concentrate (Citrus Valley) (1L) bott Pouch Water (Crystal) (355 ml) bag Salad Cream (285 g) bott Salsa Casera (220 g) tin Salt packet (3000 pk) case Soft Drink (assorted) (600 ml) case Sopita Seasoning (144 pk) case Soy Sauce (295 ml) bott Sugar packet (1200 pk) case Swiss Miss (120 pk) case Tang (96 pk) case Tea Bag (Dilma) (100 bags) pack Tomato paste (100 g) pack Vegetable Oil liter Vegetable Shortening lbs Vinegar (6 gal per case) case Ziplock sandwich bag (145 each) box

Quantity Quantity Per Month Per Year

5 FEB

319

3828

255 88 255 1645 1 23 4 510 1 4 21 33 5386 1018 728 51 4

3060 1056 3060 19740 12 276 48 6120 12 48 252 396 64632 12216 8736 612 48

THE BELIZ

2023

BELIZE TAX SERVICE DEPARTMENT’S NOTICE HOW TO REGISTER ON IRIS?

This guide will provide a step-by-step on how to register your account: Go to the Official Belize Tax Service Online Website Belize Tax Services (bts.gov.bz) On the home page click the “Register for an account” button.

This link will take you to the online registration form.

Start Filling the Following Details: i. Your first & last name. ii. Your Date of Birth Enter your Name and Date of Birth as given on your Social Security Card/Birth Certificate iii. Your Mobile Number This will be used for request verification and important communications from Belize Tax Service. iv. Your Email Address This email address will be used to login to the portal. v. Enter a Password as per the specification given.

• At least 1 digit • At least 1 upper case • At least 1 special character character (! @#$%*) • At least 1 lower case • Minimum of 8 character character vi. Re-Confirm your Password.

This should be same as the Password field above.

Enter the appropriate Security answers to the three Questions.

(Note: these questions will be used in the event you need to recover your password and validate your identity) When finished, check the read and agree box for the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Now, you can click the “Submit my Registration” button.

Your user account registration has been sent.

A confirmation email will be sent to the email address you entered.

Open the email and click the CONFIRM EMAIL ADDRESS button, you are now registered!

For the final step, you will need to contact Belize Tax Service to link your tax account to your online profile.

This process will take approximately 24 hours to link.

26 2023 5 FEB

230 2023 19 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF FOOD ITEMS AND HOUSEHOLD SUNDRIES TO THE BELIZE COAST GUARD YEAR 2023 – 24 1. Tenders are invited for the supply of food items listed below to the Belize Coast Guard for the period 1st June 2023 to 31st May 2024.

2. Quotation for the supply of goods is to be based on Duty Paid Prices. Brand names are to be specified where necessary.

3. Contract will be terminated if the contractor consistently fails to supply the requisite items as agreed.

4. The food and household sundries requirements are calculated by the month and are an estimate only. Orders by the Belize Coast Guard will fluctuate as necessary.

5. Tenders should be in sealed envelope address to the chairperson, Ministry of National Defence and Border Security, Belmopan, and marked “Tender for the Supply of Food, Household Sundries, Vegetables, and Meat for the Belize Coast Guard”. Envelopes should be deposited at Belmopan in the tender box no later than the 6th April 2023 at 1130 am.

6. Companies Registry Certificate to be submitted.

7. Social Security letter of good standing to be submitted.

8. Belize Sales Tax Letter to be submitted.

LIST OF FOOD ITEMS AND HOUSEHOLD SUNDRIES REQUIREMENT BELIZE COAST GUARD Food allocation and household sundries are per month.

Belize Coast Guard 2 ½ Miles George Price Highway, Belize FOOD (RATION) TENDERING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 – 24 SER

Commodities

Units

Qty

Pkg

Breakdown

Brand

1

BBQ Sauce

18 oz bot

10

cses

12 per case

Kraft

2

BBQ Sauce

80 oz bot

1

cse

6 per case

Kraft

3

Bake Beans (honey)

28 oz tin

12

cses

12 per case

Bush

4

Baking Powder

8 oz tin

8

cses

24 per case

Heart Club

5

Beans - Black

100 lb sack

3

scks

100 lb per sack

Local

6

Beans - Red Kidney

100 lb sack

6

scks

100 lb per sack

Local

54

Marie Sharp Pepper

10 oz bot

14

cses

12 per case

Marie Sharp

55

Mayonaise

8 oz bot

6

cses

12 per case

Kraft

56

Mayonaise

1 gal

1

cse

4 per case

Plantation

57

Milk

1 lt box

2

cse

12 per case

Lala

58

Milo

300 g pk

8

cses

12 pks per case

Nestle

59

Mix vegetables

15 oz tin

8

cses

24 per case

Del Monte (packed/USA)

60

Nut meg

lb

1

lbs

1 lb per jar

Badia

61

Oats

18 oz tin

7

cses

12 per case

Quaker (packed /USA)

Cses

4 per case

7

Beef consume

12 g sachet

60

cards

12 sachet per card

Mahler

8

Black Pepper

lb

24

jar

1 lb per jar

Badia Local

64

Parmesan Cheese

Bot

4

bots

30 pks per case

Blue Bonnet

65

Peanut Butter -Creamy

bot

1

cses

9

Bread - Wheat

each

400

ea

10

Butter

1 lb per pk

5

cses

62

Olive Oil

1 gal

3

63

Onion Powder

jars

15

Badia Badia Kraft

12/160m

Jif

11

Cookies

box

1

cse

24 x 250 grams

McVittes

66

Powder milk

840 g

3

cses

12 per case

Nestle Nido

12

Campbell Soup

10.5 oz tin

10

cses

12 per case

Campbell

67

Ranch Dressing-light

bot

2

cses

12 per case

Hidden Valley

13

Cereal

18 oz pk

5

cses

12 per case

Honey Nut Cheerios’

68

Recado black

lb

10

lbs

per lb

Local

14

Cereal

14.5 oz pk

2

cse

12 per case

Honey Bunches of Oats

69

Recado red

lb

30

lbs

per lb

Local

15

Cereal

560 g pk

5

cses

10 per case

Kellogs Corn Flakes

70

Refried Beans

580g tin

8

cses

12 per case

La Costena

16

Cheese

2 kgs per blks

9

cses

10 blocks per case

Happy Cow

71

Rice

5 lb

42

cses

50 lb per case

Tropic Rice “A”

17

Chicken Sausage

142 g tin

13

cses

48 per case

La Fe

72

Salad Cream

600 g bot

7

cses

12 per case

Heinz

18

Chicken consume

12 g sachet

87

cards

12 sachet per card

Mahler

73

Salsa Casera

220 g tin

5

cses

48 per case

La Costena

19

Chopped Ham

12 oz tin

12

cses

24 per case

Dak

74

Salt

500 g pk

3

sck

50 pks per sacks

Sol

20

Coconut milk

400 g tin

12

cses

24 per case

Grace

75

Season all

lb

16

jr

2 lb per jar

Badia

3

cses

12 boxes per case

Grace

1 lt bot

7

cses

12 per case

Grace

21

Coconut powder

22

Coconut Oil

23

Coffee

180 g bot

7

cses

15 per case

Dolca

24

Coffee

Oz

2

Bot

42.5 per bot

Maxwell

25

Complete Seasoning

oz

22

jrs

24 oz per jar

Badia

26

Condensed milk

395 g tin

10

cses

48 per case

Nestle

27

Cooking Oil

4.6 gal

16

cses

5 gal per case

Marina

28

Corn Beef

12 oz tin

9

cses

24 per case

Grace

29 30

Corn Tortillas Creamer

lb bot

100 4

lbs oz

56 oz per bot

Local Coffee Mate

31

Curry powder

lb

2

lbs

1 lb per jar

Local or import

32

Custard

box

4

cses

10 per case

Koop Mans

76

Shell pasta

200g pk

5

cses

20 per case

Ina

77

Shortening (Tube)

2 lb

12

cses

12 per case

Regia

78

Soy Sauce

5 fl oz

6

cses

12 per case

La Choy

79

Spaghetti

pk

6

cses

20 per case

Ina

80

Spaghetti & Meat Balls

15 oz tin

9

cses

24 per case

Chef Boyardee

81

Split Peas

22 lb bag

6

bgs

22 lbs per bag

Chef Choice

82

Sugar White

lb

4

scks

100 lbs per sack

Local

83

Sugar Brown

lb

3

scks

100 lb per sack

Local

84

Sugar Corn

14.75 g tin

5

cses

24 per case

Del Monte (packed/USA)

85

Tang juice

packets

7

cses

20 boxes per case

Tang

86

Tea bag

25 per box

2

cse

20 boxes per case

Red Rose

87

Tomato paste

100 g pk

6

cses

48 per case

Regia

33

Evaporated milk

378g tin

12

cses

48 per case

Carnation

34

Flour

lb

25

scks

100 lb per sack

Babe Agua

35

French Worcestershire Sauce

bot

1

cse

12 per case

Worcestershire

90

Whole Kernel corn

14.75g tin

3

cses

24 per case

Del Monte

91

Yeast (Instant)

4 x 11 g

8

cses

24 per case

Fermipan

36

Fruit Cocktail

15 oz tin

5

cses

24 per case

Del Monte (packed/USA)

37

Garlic Consume

12 g sachet

30

cards

12 sachet per card

Mahler

38

Garlic Powder

lb

18

jr

1.5 lb per jar

Badia

39

Gatorade Powder

51 oz bot

4

cses

3 per case

Gatorade

40

Hot dog sausage

12 oz per pk

15

cses

16 per case

Gwaltney

41

Jalapeno pepper

8 oz tin

4

cses

48 per case

Del Monte

88

Vanilla

32 oz bot

3

bot

each

Gary

89

Vinegar

gal

10

cses

4 gal per case

Femagra

Field ration: 92

Cereal - mini

1.31oz

4

cses

30 per case

Kellogg’s

93

Chicken Sausage

142 g tin

3

cses

48 per case

La Fe

94

Chocolate bar (sml)

fun size

1

cse

144 per case

Snicker

95

Corn Beef (small)

7 oz tin

6

cses

24 per case

Grace

96

Mint sweet

bags

2

cses

100 per case

cses

….. per case

Quaker

2

cses

50 per case

Nature Valley

42

Jam

16 oz bot

1

cses

24 per case

Del Monte

43

Juice Squash

1 lt bot

4

cses

12 per case

Marie Sharp Orange

44

Juice Squash

4

12 per case

Marie Sharp Tambran

45

Juice Squash

2

Marie Sharp Grapefruit

97

Oats (3min pkts)

packets

46

Juice Squash

2

Marie Sharp Fruit Punch

98

Protein Bar

1.2 oz

47 48

Juice Squash Ketchup

24 oz bot

4 10

cses

12 per case

Marie Sharp Pineapple Del Monte

99

Pan Creama Biscuit

106gr

4

cses

36 per case

Pan Crema

Milk packet Chocolate

10 pkts

1

cse

20 boxes per case

Swiss Miss

49

Lemon & Pepper Seasoning Salt

100

lb

1

jr

2 lb per jar

Badia

50

Luncheon meat (pork)

340 g tin

12

cses

24 per case

Grace

51

Macaroni & cheese

177g pk

10

cses

24 per case

Kraft

52

Maggie Soup

60 g pk

2

cses

12 boxes per case

Maggie

53

Margarine

16 oz tin

1

cs

24 per case

Wood & Dunn

101

Noodles - chicken

85g

6

cses

24 per case

Ramen

102

Rice

2 lbs

2

cses

20 lbs per case

Tropic Rice “A”

103

Sardines

3.75oz

3

cses

50 per case

Bumble Bee

104

Tang juice

packets

2

cses

20 boxes per case

Tang

105

Tea bag

25 per box

1

cse

20 boxes per case

Red Rose

Continued on page 27

5 FEB 19 MAR

231 27

THE BELIZE TIMES

2023

TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF FOOD ITEMS AND HOUSEHOLD SUNDRIES TO THE BELIZE COAST GUARD YEAR 2023 – 24 SUNDRIES TENDERING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 - 23

Continued from page 26 SER

Commodities

Units

Qty

Package

Breakdown

Brand

23

Disinfectant Spray 99.9% 12.5 oz tin

3

cse

1

Air-freshener

10.5 oz tin

6

case

12 per case

Airwick

25

Mop

each

15

ea.

3

Batteries AA

pk

40

pks

4 per pk

Duracell

26

Mosquito coil

each

5

cses

60 per case

4

Batteries AAA

pk

30

pks

2 per pk

Duracell

27

Muratic acid

qt

3

cse

12 per case

Duracell

Off repellent

6 oz tin

14

cse

12 per case

Off

tin

3

cse

12 per case

Easy Off

Local

30

Paper towels

case

5

cse

30 per case

Bounty

5 per pk

Magitel

31

Plastic bag transparent

1 gal bags

4

case

100 per box

Ziploc

4 per case

Snow White

32

Plastic bag transparent

2 gal bags

6

cse

100 per box

Ziploc

33

Pledge

12 oz tin

2

cse

12 per case

Pledge

34

Pot washer

each

60

ea.

10

pks

2 per pk

1

cses

24 per case

7

Broom (plastic)

each

15

ea

8

Cleaning cloth

pk

50

pks

9

Clorox

gal

12

cse

1

cse

12 per case

Comet

750 ml bot

8

cse

12 per case

Axion

Comet w/bleach

Black

Oven cleaner

pk 1/2 lt btl

Dishwashing liquid

Heavy duty mop

28

Batteries D Battery water

10

N/A

29

5 6

12

12 per case

13

Disposable cups large

each

10

bgs

50 per bags

Biodegradable

36

Scotch brite

12 / 1ct

1

cs

14

Disposable forks

each

10

bgs

50 per bags

Biodegradable

37

Scrubbing brush

each

10

ea.

15

Disposable spoon

each

10

bgs

50 per bags

Biodegradable

38

Soap powder

5.5 kg bag

10

cses

20 per case Local 4 per case

Foca

16

Fish spray

450 ml tin

4

cse

24 per case

Fish

39

Take out tray large

each

4

cses

100 per case

Biodegradable

17

Flash disinfectant

1/2 lt tim

12

cse

20 per case

Flash

40

Take out tray small

each

3

cses

100 per case

Biodegradable

18

Foil paper

200 sq ft pk 3

cse

12 per case

Aluminium

42

Toilet paper

bale

25

bales

12 pks per bale Softy

19

Hand liquid soap

14 oz bot

6

cse

24 per case

Lucky

43

Trash bags heavy duty

14 gal bags 8

rolls

100 per roll

Lucky

20

Harpic

750 ml bot

4

cse

12 per case

Harpic

44

Trash bags heavy duty

33 gal bags 10

rolls

100 per roll

Lucky

21

Jumbo paper towel

case

3

cse

12 per case

Local - CPC

45

Vehicle air freshener

each

2

cse

24 per case

Dalan

22

Jumbo toilet tissue

case

2

cse

12 per case

Local - CPC

47

Windex

26 oz bot

4

cse

12 per case

Windex

MEAT TENDERING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 - 23 SER

Commodities

Units

Qty

Breakdown

1

Beef Steak (Minimal Fat)

lb

300

5lb per bag

Brand

2

Boneless Ham

lb

30

2lb per bag

3

Chicken Ham

lb

30

2lb per bag

4

Breakfast Sausage

24 oz

90

2lb per bag

5

Butt Beacon

12 oz

40

2lb per bag

6

Chicken

lb

3000

5 lbs per chicken

7

Cow Foot

lb

80

5 lb per bag

8

Boneless Chicken Breast

Lb

100

9

Fresh Fish (scale & deguts)

lb

400

10-inch head to tail

10

Ground Steak

lb

200

5lb per bag

11

Ground Chicken

lb

100

2lb per bag

12

Chicken Patty

lb

125

13

Pigtail

bucket

3

35 lb per bucket

14

Pork Chops (lean)

lb

350

5lb per bag

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TENDERING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 – 23 Commodities

Units

Package

Breakdown

Brand

1

Bananas

each

box

100 per box

Fyffe’s

2

Broccoli

lb

lbs

3

Cabbage

lb

lbs

4

Cauliflower

lb

lbs

5

Carrots

lb

lbs

Local

6

Cassava

lb

lbs

Local

7

Cantelope

lb

lbs

Local

8

Celery

lb

lbs

Local

9

Cilantro

lb

lbs

Local

10

Coco

lb

lbs

Local

11

Cucumber

lb

lbs

Local

12

Eggs

each

Trays

13

Garlic

head

Heads

14

Grapefruit

sack

sack

15

Lettuce

lb

lbs

16

Lime

each

each

17

Okoro

lbs

lbs

Local

30 per tray

Local Local

100 per sack

Local Local

each

Local Local

18

Onion

lbs

sacks

50 lbs per sack

Local

Onion (Red)

lbs

sacks

50 lbs per sack

Local

19

Orange

each

sack

100 per sack

Local

20

Papaya

lb

lbs

Local

21

Pineapple

lb

lbs

Local

22

Plantain

each

each

23

Potatoes

lbs

sack

24

Sweet Pepper

lbs

lbs

Local

25

Sweet Potato

lbs

lbs

Local

26

Tomatoes

lbs

lbs

Local

27

Watermelon

each

lbs

Local

28

Callaloo

lb

29

Spinach

Lb

Lbs

Local

30

Ginger

Lb

Lbs

Local

31

Zucchini

lb

Lbs

Local

Local 110 lbs per sack

Local

Local

28

THE BELIZE TIMES

19 MAR

2023