Belize Times March 24, 2019- Belizeans Condemn Kickback Budget

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THE BELIZE TIMES

24 MAR

2019

SPECIAL AGREEMENT, NOT LEGALLY BINDING CASE Thursday, March 21, 2019 On Friday March 15, 2019, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin heard the claim brought by the People’s United Party (P.U.P.) in which it seeks legal certainty and clarity as to whether or not the Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington had the power to legally bind Belize to the Special Agreement and the Protocol without prior approval from the National Assembly. The P.U.P is also seeking legal certainty if the Referendum Act provides for the holding of a binding referendum as required by Article 7 of the Special Agreement. The Special Agreement was signed in 2008 by Foreign Minister Elrington at the headquarters of the Organization of American States in Washington D.C. During this court hearing, Chief Justice Benjamin brought up the matter of time, since the ICJ referendum is scheduled to be held on April 10, 2019, which is less than a month away. The Attorney representing the Government of Belize cited the court filing as an 11th hour move and requested that the claim be dismissed by the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice upheld the claim and decided that written submissions from the P.U.P. must be presented by Monday March 25th, 2019 no later than 4:30 p.m., after which the Gov-

ernment side must respond by Wednesday March 27th, 2019. All submissions must be in along with written arguments no later than Friday March 29, 2019.

Senior Counsel Senator Eamon Courtney said that there are compelling reasons for the matter to be before the court. “that is why I stressed to the CJ that the government itself is saying that this raises a matter of national importance. If both sides agree that it is a matter of national importance, it seems to me that the government can easily give an undertaking that it will put off the referendum until the Supreme Court has determined this matter. Let’s not forget that Guatemala postponed their referendum twice. There is no magic to the 10th of April and so I believe the rule of law must prevail and this matter should be completed before the referendum is held.” said S.C. Courtney.

Hon. Cordel Hyde said they take the matter to be very serious and that they were pleased that the Chief Justice agreed to hear the case. “Under the laws of Belize, the people of Belize have the final say, have veto over any proposed Final Settlement with Guatemala. In other words, we get to say yea or nay on any proposed settlement with Guatemala. What you have

under the Special Agreement is a proposal to outsource that power to fifteen foreign judges. In other words, we will be saying to fifteen foreign judges; you decide this matter, you settle this matter and we will live with it. We will have to live with it because under the terms of the Special Agreement, essentially what we are doing is saying it is binding. Anything from the I.C.J. will be binding, will be final. If we go and lose, we will be crying, weeping but we cannot do anything about it. And what we are saying is that this is a very far-reaching consequence of the Special Agreement,” said Honorable Hyde.

Hon. Hyde went on to explain that we have a good chance of losing the most pristine part of our country. The south of Belize is rich in beauty, oil, gold and other minerals.

Hyde also said that in our dealings with the International Community we have sacrificed some of our sovereignty.

“So we are at this point where it seems that we have to take instructions from the International Community. That happens when you go hat in hand begging for money all the time. You know that we have literally gone to the International Community to beg for money for our education

campaign on the most critical, the most existential question of our lifetime.”

According to Honorable Hyde the funding of the Education Campaign the responsibility of the Government of Belize for and on behalf of the people of Belize. “We have a situation where we spend $4 million dollars annually on new vehicles. We spend $4 million dollars on that tragedy that’s Lake Independence Boulevard, $8 million dollars on a mile of road in Faber’s road, $35 million dollars on a road in the middle of nowhere to the airport, $35 million dollars on the Civic Center, $190 million dollars on the Caracol Road in the Mountain Pine Ridge in the middle of nowhere. But we can’t find $8 million dollars to make sure that our education campaign is free from fear mongering, and full of facts and history,” said Honorable Hyde.

If Chief Justice Benjamin rules against the interim injunction, then an emergency move will be made to the Court of Appeal, and if necessary to the highest court of the land, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

The hearing date has been set for April 1st.

BELIZE 2018 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Continued from page 2 BELIZE 2 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018 United States Department of State • Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor

b. Disappearance There were no reports of disappearances by or on behalf of government authorities. c. Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment The constitution prohibits torture or other inhuman punishment, but there were reports that police used excessive force as well as allegations of abuse by security force personnel.

The Ombudsman’s Office reported that as of June it received 18 complaints of police abuse and unlawful detention. The ombudsman also received complaints against the Immigration and Nationality Department.

In July the mothers of two male minors publicly complained that the Belize Police Department (BPD) physically abused their sons during a police chase. According to police, the minors were being chased after stealing two guns from a security firm. The minors claimed the officers detained and handcuffed them and then severely beat them. Formal complaints were subsequently registered with the PSB. Prison and Detention Center Conditions

There were no significant reports of prison or detention center conditions that raised human rights concerns.

Physical Conditions: Prisoners in pretrial detention and immigration offenses were not separated from convicted prisoners. Officials used isolation in a small, unlit, unventilated punishment cell to discipline inmates. Conditions in the women’s area were significantly better than in the men’s compound. The Kolbe Foundation, a local Christian nonprofit organization, administered the country’s only prison, which held men, women, and juveniles. The government retained oversight and monitoring responsibility.

Administration: Authorities conducted proper investigations of credible allegations of mistreatment.

BELIZE 3 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018 United States Department of State • Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Independent Monitoring: The prison administrator permitted visits from independent human rights observers. d. Arbitrary Arrest or Detention While the constitution and law prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention and provide for the right of any

person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court, there were several allegations made through the media and to the PSB that the government failed to observe these requirements. In addition, due to substantial delays and a backlog of cases in the justice system, the courts did not bring some minors to trial until they reached age 18. In such cases the defendants were tried as minors.

On September 4, the government imposed a 30-day state of public emergency in two zones of Belize City in response to gang violence. The government authorized BPD agents to detain citizens suspected of gang activity for up to 30 days without levying criminal charges, search homes without the need to present court sanctioned warrants, impose curfews, and prohibit public assembly. Police officers implemented the state of public emergency with assistance from the BDF. On the first day the legal instrument was introduced, police detained more than 100 persons believed to be affiliated with gang activities. The constitution states that even under a state of emergency, detainees should be charged within seven days of detention, but authorities did not follow the law. After seven days, 70 of the detainees were released and 40 were informed that because of their engagement in gang activity, illegal possession of firearms and ammu-

nition, and suspicion of murder, they were being placed under detention for the remainder of the state of emergency. Under the provision, detained persons have the right to question the reason for their detention before a court. There was no information available if any of the persons sought the intervention of the court. Local human rights observers raised concerns that the conditions under which detainees were being held were inhuman and that minors were being held in the same rooms as adult men. The Human Rights Commission of Belize expressed “grave concern” with the mechanism used by the state in introducing the proclamation, which “allows for the suspension of the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by the constitution.”

Continued on page 8

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2019

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THE BELIZE TIMES

BELLY of the

BEAST

Saldivar Shaking The trial of William Danny Mason, once Minister John Saldivar’s best friend, confidante and business partner, has brought back very unpleasant memories for the plump Minister. In fact, sources close to the Minister have told the Belize Times that for the past week the Minister has barely slept. And with good reason, apparently. After the head of Pastor Lue was found, Saldivar did his best to push Mason aside and convince people that he barely knew the con-man turned accused murderer. But on the stand this week, ex-cop Russell Blackett revealed that the relationship between Saldivar and Mason was extremely cozy, to the point that Mason was invited along on official caye trips and took part in private and confidential security meetings. What a thing! What is it that they say? The truth will set you free? Well in this case, we at the Belize Times think that Saldivar won’t be able to handle the truth.

Mason The timing for this Mason trial couldn’t be worse for the poor, plump Saldivar, or for the UDP Ministers who were in bed with Mason, figuratively speaking (or maybe not figuratively in some cases). There was one time after Mason was incarcerated that he sent for lame duck Barrow so they could have a cozy chit-chat about the accused killer’s contact with Cabinet Ministers. Barrow didn’t touch that one with a ten-foot pole. We figure a bunch of people are sweating bullets at what is coming out, and in an all-out state of panic because we have been reliably informed that since Mason believes his goose is already cooked, he has sent word to certain persons that he is not going down alone.

What a thing eh! The case of the decade might very well end up bringing down the UDP dolly-house once and for all, considering how many UDP Ministers visited Mason’s mansion in Belmopan, and one even admitted to receiving a Lighthouse beer from the fellow.

Visa We here at the Belize Times are told that there is another reason why Saldivar is very unhappy right now. According to very credible sources, when the Mason thing first broke Saldivar was on a very short list of Ministers and government officials whose Visas were in the process of being yanked at the time. Those sources say that Saldivar knew, and that’s why he went under the radar for months after it was revealed that Mason was his best buddy. We hope that just in case Uncle Sam steps in, Saldivar has already done his Easter shopping in Miami. It’s not like he can send his two other besties in the entourage which follows him everywhere, since they’ve already lost their Visas.

The Infamous Boots Wow! Boots must be so proud. He made it into a US Report. Of course, it’s only a report on corruption in government, and the US is only pointing to him as a corrupt Minister who has escaped investigation because he was protected by the lame duck PM. No big deal right? That thing with Boots and the ‘best contractor in Belize’ is one of those things that just make you go Hmmmm. The man came with all the evidence to show that Boots was hustling big from the Ministry of Works. This man, Kirk Lamb, was getting paid big money for building houses he never built. All the money he got, he paid into a special account controlled by Boots. This man is saying he is not a contractor, has no contractor’s license and has never built a house in his life. He presented all the evidence.

And nobody would investigate—not the Police and not the Government. We hear that Uncle Sam is taking a close look at Boots and pressuring the Prime Minister to deal with him decisively.

Montero & Caracol Don’t say we said, but there are reports that there is a very good reason why the Prime Minister and his worthless Minister of Works (we say worthless in reference to his character and not his assets, because he is a multi-millionaire) want this $180M Caracol Road project to go through. We’re hearing that many UDP higher ups and cronies have hogged up a lot of land in that area, and if that road is paved, it will immediately multiply the value of that land. Now that, we believe. When the fool fool PM was pontificating about pristine beauty and historical value, it certainly didn’t ring true, because Barrow can’t see further than the tips of his Christian Louboutin red bottoms, which cost more than the common Belizean makes in six months and longer. Just saying.

Solitaire The Belize Times would like to express our sympathies to junior Minister Bev, who we are told was called in and scolded by the lame duck bad back Barrow after the Budget presentation. We are told that Bev ran out of his office in tears. What was her great sin, you may ask. Well see, while the Prime Minister was droning on and on and on and on in what has to be the most boring Budget presentation ever made in the House, Bev was photographed playing solitaire on her phone, and not paying attention. Apparently the older the Prime Minister has gotten, and the worse off is his back, he’s become very needy and wants attention all the time. Shame on you Bev. No respect.

CRIME REVIEW

By Aaron Humes BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Mar. 21, 2019 Double murder in San Pedro Town This afternoon, there were reports of two men being shot and killed in the area of the Barry Bowen Bridge in Boca del Rio, North Ambergris Caye.

It is understood that one person died on the spot and the other while being transported to the San Pedro Polyclinic. Reportedly, both men are known as George St. gang affiliates.

Ladyville mom shot by attackers looking for son 71 year old Margaret Elijio was the unlikely target of gunmen looking for her son Jeffrey last Thursday. Jeffrey Elijio had been shot at on March fourth while with his family and was released that morning from hospital.

Police believe the attackers may have been looking for Elijio but he was not there. Ms. Elijio was hit in the right upper shoulder and also treated in hospital. While the family is cooperating to an extent with police, they are not able to say why they have been targeted.

Hackings reported from O.W. to Caye Caulker Ephraim Puc has been charged with the attempted murders of Lee and Julian Rosado. Police say that the victims once offered lodging to Puc but a while back he became violent to the family. The cops in Caye Caulker had also expelled Puc from the island but he kept returning.

Twenty-eight-year-old Levi Gonzalez of Riviera Area of Belmopan was seen with a large chop wound to the head. Initial police investigation reveal that Gonzalez was socializing in the Riviera area when he was approached by two other men, one of whom demanded money and as a result of him not having any, the suspect then took out a machete and inflicted the said injury. So, far police have one person in custody and is seeking another per-

son. Gonzalez is stable and he does know these persons.

AND, a Corozal man left for dead has been identified and told his story. 33 year old Samuel Sanchez of a Caledonia Village, Corozal District address was viciously chopped in Orange Walk Town over a week ago. Police has since arrested and charges Jose Franco Rivera, 55 years Salvadoran national with the crime of dangerous harm.

Accused murderer not yet charged with murder Alexander Ruiz is accused of killing 18 year old Luis Cabrera Jr., last week in Punta Gorda Town, then fleeing the scene on a motorcycle which crashed on the San Antonio Road, killing passenger William Garcia. Cabrera was stabbed to death while at a bar in Punta Gorda. At the time it appeared that the killing was motivated by jealousy over a female who works at Dahanny’s Bar. Police said Alexander Ruiz has since been charged for manslaughter by negligence, causing death by carless conduct, driving without due care and attention. However, no murder charges have been brought against him as yet whilst the investigation continues. There were no further details offered.

“Wet drop” of cocaine on San Pedro beaches 23 kilos or about 50 pounds of suspected cocaine was picked up by police on Sunday in an area 2 miles north of the Boca Del Rio Park after a tip. No arrests were made and the area where the drugs were found is a favourite spot for ‘playadores’ who search that portion of the island, looking for ‘wet drops’. According to Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, the wet drop is believed to be part of a larger operation, possibly originating from a South American country. The police remains on high alert.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

By José Jiménez Thursday, March 21, 2019 In the face of the onslaught of a marauding campaign to vote 'Yes' to the question: "Do you agree that any legal claim of Guatemala against Belize relating to land and insular territories and to any maritime areas pertaining to these territories should be submitted to the International Court of Justice for final settlement and that it determine finally the boundaries of the respective territories and areas of the Parties?," Belizeans are holding firm to their country and rejecting ill-advice and fear-instilling propaganda.

To our past foreign minister(s), thank you for the work pre and post-Independence but it is clear you do cannot fathom the will of the Belizean spirit to keep 8867 today. You all helped to maul this piñata and but you don’t have to get all the sweets. Relax! Belizeans are even smarter than you might anticipate.

Some 14 years ago, Dean Barrow and neck tied and handpicked UDP Standard Bearers forecasted a "sustained civil disobedience." This silent whistle seems to be in perpetual echo in the UDP sphere. Their administration is still marinated in this call. Now the people are still obeying and not paying attention to his pleas to us to vote ‘Yes.’ The Belizean people have en masse picked up themselves from the

ashes, Phoenix-like, and shaken off the dust. Their human spirit has smelled corruption and now they are poised to apply their diagnosed treatment unto the UDP government. This treatment will leave an open wound in the UDP psyche which will convalesce far into the future—when they don’t have the stresses of being in government.

The Belize City Council results of March 2018 sent shivers down the UDP collective spines. For the winning PUP, and defeated UDP, the message from the people of the city is clear, we expect a new vision and integrity, not only cemented streets. This cold shiver forced PM Barrow to call for a Hail Mary(American Football term). In a trio of mega moves, Barrow postponed his retirement to the chagrin of many a UDP minister, scheduled Barrow re-registration II and stamped, in Barrow steel, an ICJ referendum date. He really went for the jugular. All or nothing. Who wants to predict the outcome?

His nerves ill-advised him. He could have achieved all three with just one gentle move and not these heart-wrenching three. All he needs is to call General Elections and history would have given him a gentler ride into the sunset.

I bet PM wants you all to fall in line now and not disobey. The PUP is ready to lead the Belizeans with the results of this imposed referendum and a General Elections. But first, Vote!!

Even representatives needed to doodle during the

Barrow budget presentation on March 15.

2019

BELIZE 2018 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Continued from page 6 BELIZE 4 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018 United States Department of State • Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Although primarily charged with external security, the military also provides limited domestic security support to civilian authorities and has limited powers of arrest that are executed by the BDF for land and littoral areas and the coast guard for coastal and maritime areas. In March the government deployed BDF soldiers to assist with BPD patrols in Southside Belize City in an effort to quell gang violence. The joint patrols were supposed to last 30 days but continued until the end of September.

Civilian authorities maintained effective control over the Ministry of National Security and security forces, and the government has effective mechanisms to investigate and punish abuse. Nevertheless, there were reports of impunity involving the security forces, including reports of police brutality and corruption (primarily extortion cases and involvement in narcotrafficking). The government often ignored reports of police abuse, delayed action, failed to take disciplinary action, or transferred accused officers to other areas within the department.

The PSB investigates complaints against police. The law authorizes the police commissioner to place police personnel on suspension or interdiction.

Additionally, authorities use police investigations, coroner inquests, and the Office of Public Prosecutions to evaluate allegations against police. While police officers are under investigation, they remain on active duty in a nonworking, partial pay status. In September police superintendent David Chi and police corporal Norman Anthony were criminally charged with conspiracy to land an airplane on an unauthorized aerodrome and abetment to import cocaine into the country.

Arrest Procedures and Treatment of Detainees Police must obtain search or arrest warrants issued by a magistrate, except in cases of hot pursuit, when there is probable cause, or when the presence of a firearm is suspected. Police must inform detainees of their rights at the time of arrest and of the cause of their detention within 24 hours of arrest. Police must also bring a detainee before a magistrate to be charged officially within 48 hours. The BPD faced allegations that prior to the introduction of the state of public emergency, its members arbitrarily detained persons beyond 24 hours without charge, did not take detainees directly to a police station, and used detention as a means of intimidation.

The law requires police to follow the Judges’ Rules, a code of conduct governing police interaction with arrested persons. Although judges sometimes dismissed cases that involved violations of these rules, they more commonly deemed confessions obtained through violation of the rules to be invalid. Police usually BELIZE 5 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018 United States Department of State • Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor granted detainees timely access to family members and lawyers, although there were reports of persons held in police detention without the right to contact family or seek legal advice.

By law a police officer in charge of a station or a magistrate’s court may grant bail to persons charged with minor offenses. The Supreme Court can grant bail to those charged with more serious crimes, including murder, gang activity, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and specific drug trafficking or sexual offenses. The Supreme Court reviews the bail application within 10 working days.

Arbitrary Arrest: The Office of the Ombudsman received complaints against the BDF claiming unlawful detention involving four Guatemalan nationals who claimed they were apprehended in Guatemalan territory. The complainants accused the BDF of beating them. The four were criminally charged with unlawful possession of firearms and immigration offenses and were subsequently incarcerated. The men claimed they did not have access to legal representation.

Pretrial Detention: Lengthy trial backlogs remained, particularly for serious crimes such as murder. Problems included police delays in completing investigations, lack of evidence collection, court delays in preparing depositions, and adjournments in the courts. Judges occasionally were slow to issue rulings, in some cases taking a year or longer.

The time lag between arrest, trial, and conviction generally ranged from six months to four years and in some cases up to seven years. Pretrial detention for persons accused of murder averaged three to four years. During the year the government took measures to reduce the backlog. Three new justices were named to deal specifically with criminal matters.

Several persons in pretrial detention were placed on bail after the court determined their cases were taking too long in police investigation. There was still an extensive criminal backlog, but the civil backlog was mostly resolved. e. Denial of Fair Public Trial The constitution provides for an independent judiciary, and the government generally respected judicial independence.

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2019

THE BELIZE TIMES

Guatemalan Sugar in Montserrat

099

Monday, March 4, 2019 Belize’s economy has been highly dependent on the foreign exchange generated by sugar exports for most of the last 50 years. In the north of Belize, this has been at the root of any positive development. It has been the life of the northern economy and truly important in the economy of the nation. Whenever there are tremors caused due to sugar world prices, natural disasters, BSI machinery and industrial issues, the country tips at its collective toes to see what will unfurl in Orange Walk and Corozal. This time the topic is a bit different.

A social media picture is bringing to light some- The picture circulated and causing a stir is that of a Guatemalan sugar bag captured on a still and posted by thing has been happening in the last few years in someone who loves Belize. Lately, issues that include Guatemala re-light our glowing splints.

Montserrat, a small Caribbean island and UK Territory.

It appears that Montserrat has a special membership agreement but they are in Caricom nonetheless.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL Wednesday, March 20, 2019 For Immediate Release OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY PUP STANDARD BEARER FOR BELIZE RURAL NORTH MARCONI LEAL, SR. On Saturday, March 16, 2019, shortly after completing my ‘NO TO THE ICJ CAMPAIGN’ in Sandhill Village, I was involved in a verbal confrontation with an individual who is closely affiliated with the current UDP Belize Rural North Area Representative. This confrontation, unfortunately, escalated into a physical altercation in which I received minor injuries.

As the PUP Standard Bearer for Belize Rural North, I wish to extend a sincere apology to my constituents for allowing myself to be dragged into such an unfortunate situation. As a family man and a Christian, I should have exercised greater discretion and take the high road even when my political opponents choose to do otherwise. I must emphasize that even though I felt compelled at the time to defend not only my good name but also the integrity of my family, I admit that I could have handled the situation differently.

As I continue to agitate for the greater good of the people of Belize Rural North, I pledge to work hard for you every day and to serve. I will continue the fight along with my fellow Standard Bearers of the People’s United Party to say NO to the ICJ! Let us move forward united as one people and one Party in our mission to bring deliverance to the people and country of Belize. Long live the people of Belize Rural North, long live Belize and God bless!

Your Humble Servant, Marconi Leal, Sr.

---Ends---

Without getting all worked up let’s think a bit. Belize does trade with the rest of the world and maybe even Guatemala. We all have Guatemalan friends and family. So this isn’t the issue even with the No to the ICJ gigantic issue. The issue is that Caricom definitely backs us in a special way and thus its members should look to trade in commodities with its own first. This is so especially with commodities that Caricom countries have. Imagine anyone in the Caribbean not getting nutmeg from Grenada.

Maybe we can start sharing blame. Who would you begin with?

Who should be in charge to make sure that Montserrat imports Belizean sugar in large part and NOT from our lovely neighbor who, at last check, is trying to connive us with a lawsuit to have the International Court of Justice gift Belize to them. This is another of the long list of trade and other issues the PUP will deal with beyond 2020. At this moment in Belizean history, we are bogged with a UDP administration but Belize is ready to progress.

Change is very imminent.

Vacancy “Financial Institution seeks software engineer. Must have prior experience with the Agilis software suite. Send resumes to hr@icbinsurance.com.”

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24 MAR

THE BELIZE TIMES

2019

OUR TERRITORY; NOT THE PEOPLE PART I By: Dr. Gerald Zuniga, Political Science Studies, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Universidad Mariano Galvez, Guatemala City.

Thursday, March 21, 2019 The essence of Guatemala’s claim or interest over Belize is more than clear. At least that is what the constituents made clear in their referendum. It is in their Constitution. It is in the third paragraph of Art. 19 Transitory and I quote “Para los efectos de nacionalidad, los beliceños de origen quedan sujetos al régimen que esta Constitución establece para los originarios de los países centroamericanos.” Now I translate it into English, it states that for the purposes of nationality, Belizeans by birth are subjected to the regime that this Constitution establish in regards to those born in the Central American countries.

It is clear that the Guatemalan Constitution does not consider Belizeans as Guatemalan rather as Central Americans. We enter their country with a permit or passport. When your 90 days are up, you can request an extension or eventually apply for a tourist visa or student visa.

At San Carlos University, a Central American will pay much higher fees than a native Guatemalan. This university is the only state or public university in Guatemala. The rest are private. This happened in 1992 after ex-president Jorge Serrano Elías recognized the independent status of Belize. Previously, Belizeans were charged as Guatemalans. There weren’t many Belizeans studying in Guatemala anyway. One of the biggest influx was the group of 1987 and 1988.

However, Guatemala continues to be an option for Belizeans for tertiary education. The Spanish language should not scare rather bring interest to learn. I remember my time at Med School. In our first week of classes, we had exams with 60 questions in 60 minutes. Everything was in Spanish, classes and exams.

We had exam every Friday during the first three years. Guatemalan universities and the people welcome Belizeans. Giving to Caesar what is Caesar’s.

Their education system is not based on degrees per se rather on a profession or career from day one.

They don’t have bachelors and majors. You want to become an engineer. You get engineering from day one and for the next 5 years whether you study morning, afternoon, or night. The same for a medical doctor.

You get clinical science from day one and for 6 long years plus the seventh year to prepare and present your dissertation if you want to graduate fast. I said long years because from day one you enter university at 7:30/8:00 a.m. and leave after 4p.m. for the first 3 years. Thereafter, the schedule gets intense and complicated. It was a routine for the next

3 years of your life but you get the necessary academic and clinical exposure.

These were real life situations not with models or dummies.

Kudos to my alma mater, the more than three hundred years old San Carlos University of Guatemala. Kudos also to my alma mater Mariano Galvez University. Many in Belize, especially with this ICJ issue, are uninformed on the everyday Guatemalan. Opinions vary.

On point, Guatemala and the persons who wrote their constitutions are interested is territory whether it be maritime, insular, or mainland. The sector which is mainly the oligarch (a few families) and a hard line faction of the military are the ones pushing on the claim. Not all of Guatemalan governments emphasize the claim. Some governments have been hostile to Belize while other have been Belize friendly. Even Carlos and Jimmy Morales consider Belize a friend, yet his government has been one of the most hostile to Belize in recent years.

This hostility can be seen in the Sar-

stoon River. The president is the Commandant General of the Guatemalan military as stated in their Constitution.

So the behaviour of the military on the Sarstoon River is his instruction. The military in the Sarstoon obeys orders. Not allowing even a minister of government to traverse the river freely should be protested vehemently. That is gross aggression and violates international public laws, norms, and practices and good relation between neighbours. Morales can also remove the military from there if and when he wants. But Morales and his government have been captured and controlled by a hard line faction of the military and the economically powerful referred to as CACIF. The military in Guatemala just don’t want the civilian of Guatemala to govern freely even though they are democratically elected in a free election. This is since 1984 when they established a new state and government and many years of and traditions of coups d’ etat.

These groups are the ones pushing and

even violating international public law in regards to boundaries, occupying the Sarstoon River. This is not the Guatemalan people as whole. Proof if it, only 26.65% voted in their referendum. I remembered when some of my classmates used to say in our political science career class that what is the use of claiming Belize when if we would be granted land, that the land would be granted, bought, or possessed by the oligarchs who already own, administer, control, etc. the vast majority of Guatemalan land.

Land was a contributing factor to their 36 years of civil unrest and I can’t use the word war because their Congress never declared a war in its legal sense. Nevertheless, they the military battled with different factions of guerillas for 36 long years with all kind of atrocities which haven’t been healed to date. Ironically, the native people because I don’t like to use the word indigenous to refer to people because I believe that only plants are indigenous. (tbc next week)

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE

BY ORDER OF THE CHARGEE HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED, a Licensed Public Auctioneer will sell on site the following property at the time as listed.

At No. 300 Cusco Street, Ladyville, Belize District on Wednesday March 27, 2019 at 10:00am.

SCHEDULE ALL THOSE pieces or parcels of land comprising 513.00 square metres each being Parcels 673 and 674, Block 16 in the Vista Del Mar Registration Section situate at No. 300 Cusco Street, Ladyville, Belize District, Belize TOGETHER with a two-storey semi-concrete house enclosed by a fence enclosing two full lots and containing three bedrooms, bathroom, dining room and kitchen downstairs and two bedrooms, bathroom, living room, studio office and verandah upstairs the freehold property of CYNTHIA LESLIE and IGNATIUS QUAN (Jointly) DATED this 13th day of March 2019

All sales are strictly cash and deemed final. For more information contact:

HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738 Email: foreclosures@hrcubelize.org

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18 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015

HRCU Independence Branch Special Membership Meeting Branch Highlights (As of February 2019): * Total Membership 5086 * Total Shares/Savings $ 27.7 million * Total Loans Outstanding $ 22.7 million * Total Income $ 2.2 million * Net Profit $ 1.76 million * Benefits Paid Out 14 valuing $192,000.00 * Education Grants Awarded 96 valuing $37,000.00

Chief Financial Officer

Members Packed The Senter

Director From South

Q & A With Member - Owners S R E

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Branch Accomplishments : * 3rd Anniversary of Branch Building

* Cementing Mango Street and Upgrading of Drains * Donations to School, Churches , Charities and Sports Organizations * Election of Director from South - Mrs. Elizabeth Zabaneh * All employees from surrounding areas. * Payroll Processing Streamlined . * 24 Hour ATM

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THE BELIZE TIMES

24 MAR

2019

24 MAR

15

THE BELIZE TIMES

2019

For Sale

For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee

By Order of the Mortgagee

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 30th day of November, 2012, between MARIA DE LOS ANGELES ARRIAZA of St. Margaret’s Village, Cayo District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the one part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Bank”) of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 29 of 2012 at Folios 143-210, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 8th day of July, 2008, between ALFARO BOL (also known as ASCUNCION ALFARO BOL) and MIRNA E. PEREZ both of 273 Heron St., Ladyville, Belize District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Borrowers”) of the one part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 24 of 2008 at Folios 889-918, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

SCHEDULE

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

SCHEDULE

ALL THAT piece and parcel of land being Lot No.92 containing 1184.397 square yards situate in St. Margaret’s Village, Cayo District, Belize and bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 593 of 2012 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 262 comprising 761.590 square meters situate in Silk Grass Village, Stann Creek District, bounded and described as shown by Plan No.444 of 2008 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 44 of 2008 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 19th day of March, 2019

DATED this 19th day of March, 2019

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

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

For Sale

For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee

By Order of the Mortgagee

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Assignment of Mortgage made the 7th day of March, 2003, registered in Deeds Book Vol. 9 of 2003 at Folios 623 – 638, between DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION (“the Assignor”) of the first part, THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA (“the Assignee”), of the second part and ERESTATO MARCUS GENTLE of # 4 Mayflower Street, Belize City, Belize District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Mortgagor”) of the third part, which said property was mortgaged by the said ERESTATO MARCUS GENTLE to the said Development Finance Corporation on the 26th day of June, 2000 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 38 of 2000 at Folios 923-968, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 20th day of June, 2012, between OMAR WILLIAMS of Bullet Tree Falls Village, Cayo District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the one part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Bank”) of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 15 of 2012 at Folios 1087 -1150, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 79 (1105.6 Sq. Yds.) situate along the Western Highway, near Mile 17, New Hattieville Layout bounded and described as shown by Plan No.403 of 1998 TOGETHER with all buildings, erections and developments standing and being thereon.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece and parcel of land being Lot No.137 containing 418.237 square meters situate in Bullet Tree Falls Village, Cayo District, Belize and bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 501 of 2012 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 19th day of March, 2019

DATED this 19th day of March, 2019 MUSA & BALDERAMOS LLP 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES Orange Walk District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneers Kevin A. Castillo & Christiana R. Castillo will sell the following properties at Unit No. 4 Corner Belize/Corozal and San Antonio Roads, (First Traffic Light) Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District on Monday 1st April 2019 at 1:30 pm: 1. Parcel No. 1264 corner Tate & Lyle Streets, Otro Benque, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Orange Walk Town 4 1264 (Being a Concrete Bungalow Dwelling House [25 ft. X 30 ft. + 17 ft. X 28 ft.] containing 3 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen; Office Building [12 ft. X 30 ft.] containing manager's office + secretaries office + reception area; Store Room [7 ft. X 20 ft.] and lot [302.89 square meters (362.26 square yards)] situate at corner Tate & Lyle Streets, Otro Benque, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. David Enrique Navarette) 2. Parcel No. 2770 Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Ann Gabourel 4 2770 (Being an elevated metal sided building [14 ft. X 21 ft.] containing 2 bedrooms + kitchen/living + bathroom and lot [583.773 S.M. or 698.19 S.Y.] situate on Snapper Street, Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. David Enrique Navarette) 3. Parcel No. 1080 Pucte Villas Subdivsion, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Ann Gabourel 4 1080 (Being a vacant lot [557.35 S.M.] situate in Pucte Villas Subdivision, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Marlo Perrera) 4. Parcel No. 16/1 San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District: REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL San Jose Palmar 4 24 (Being two concrete buildings: Building No. 1 [24 ft. X 38 ft.] 4 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen; Building No. 2 L-Shaped [8 ft. X 11 ft.] + [17 ft. X 18 ft.] 2 bedrooms + living/kitchen and lot containing 0.363 acre or 1,756.92 square yards situate in San Jose Palmar Village, Orange Walk District, the freehold property of Mr. Edgar Salas.)

11. Parcel No. 120 Phillip Goldson Highway, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL San Estevan 4 16/1 (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [25 ft. X 34 ft.] + Building B measuring [13 ft. X 19 ft.] and lot [1,039 S.M. or 1,242.64 S.Y.] situate in the Village of San Estevan, Orange Walk District, the leasehold property of Ms. Irma Olivera) 5. Parcel No. 206/1 Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Carmelita 1 206/1 (Being an incomplete building and lot [1,042.6 S.M. or 1,246.95 S.Y.] situated in Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District, leasehold property of Mr. Zayne Palacio) 6. Parcel No. 1290 San Felipe Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District:

REGISTRATION SECTION Ann Gabourel

BLOCK 4

PARCEL 1290

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL San Jose Palmar 4 120/1 (Being a two storey concrete residential complex and lot situate beside the Phillip Goldson Highway, Orange Walk Town, the leasehold property of Mr. Luis Romeo Urbina) 12. Parcel No. 613 San Narciso Village, Corozal District:

Being Parcel No. 613/1 containing 832.26 square meters (995.38 square yards) as shown on the land register of Parcel No. 613/1 and the Registry Index Map (RIM) of the San Narciso Registration Section, lodged at the office of the Registrar of Lands in Belmopan. (Being a timber dwelling house [22 ft. X 35 ft.] containing 3 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + living/dining/kitchen + porch [10ft. X 11ft.] and lot [832.26 S.M. or 995.38 S.Y.] situate in San Narciso Village, Corozal District, the leasehold property of Mr. Eleazar Coc ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - www.belizebank.com (foreclosure listing) TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO CHRISTIANA R. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 E-mail: Belizeauctionsales@gmail.com Face Book: Belize Auctions

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) invites applicants for the temporary post of Procurement Assistant.

Duty station:

Belize City

Qualifications: Essential: High School diploma Desirable: Specialized training in procurement, logistics, administration or finance would be an asset Experience:

Skills:

Essential: 5 years of experience in procurement work and/or logistics Desirable: Experience in automated systems such as e-procurement software or/and ERP systems would be asset.

 Knowledge of basic procurement contracting principles and terms; ability to interpret rules and regulations.  Ability to plan, coordinate and control procurement processes sometimes involving complex administrative actions, such as: monitoring budget and accounting activities, evaluating priorities, recommending adjustments on new internal procedures, etc.  Ability to supervise, including skills in planning, organizing, evaluating, problem-solving and decision-making of office management matters.  Ability to research, analyze and organize information in order to prepare charts, graphics, reports, etc.  Ability to prepare correspondence and reports.  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 such as Visio and Project would be an asset.

Languages:

Very good knowledge of English and a working knowledge of Spanish

Deadline:

Letter of application, two current letters of recommendation and completed Personal History form (available at https://bit.ly/2G8e3Sm) should be sent to P.O. Box 1834, Belize City no later than April 1, 2019. An interview will be held for this post 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

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THE BELIZE TIMES

24 MAR

2019