Belize Times May 3, 2020- Too Many Left Out

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

3 MAY 2020 | ISSUE NO: 5196

www.belizetimes.biz | $1.00

TOO MANY LEFT OUT 3 of 4 Belizeans NOT Assisted

Belizeans all across the country lined up at their banks and credit unions on April 30th with the hope that their debit card was printed or that their relief money was ready to be withdrawn. Imagine, these Belizeans were the lucky 25 percent that Barrow and ‘Singhions’ felt deserved to be helped after waiting for almost a month. Alas, over 70 thousand were back at home all over the jewel with no whisper of a promise of any coming help.

Just probably the biggest lie in this COVID ordeal is the online portal. As we go to publish, when a user clicks to apply for Covid financial assistance it insults by going to a page that explains the process

COVID UDP BENEFITS Pg. 7

Pg. 2

UDP SLAUGHTER OF THE CATTLE TRADE

Real Slim Shady?

Pg. 12

CONTRACT OFFICERS ENTERTAINED WITH TAXPAYER DOLLARS Pg. 2

BAREFACED BAREFOOTED HEREDIA Pg. 2

A Tale of Two Sick Puppies Pg. 9

Use A Mask|Good Hygiene|Social Distance|Believe in Belize

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3 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

TOO MANY LEFT OUT

Continued from page 1 one could have went through. The UDP still “strongly urge you to apply online.” Yet as Belizeans now know, Dean Barrow has unceremoniously snatched the portal away and left off too many that qualify who are now left out wondering where they will get their next meal.

The UDP COVID Relief portal always emitted an eerie feeling of FAKE news. The only hope many had was knowing that the Leader of the Opposition John Briceño was there fighting tooth and nail for the unemployed and the poor who initially were being unnoticed and ignored. The site presentation urges one to report it, but to who? Will any UDP listen? After the Prime Minister endorsed by turning a blind eye to former SSB Chair and UDP Talk Show Host remarks on single mothers, how can it be expected to trust the UDP with personal information in applications. How do we know that this information is not reaching UDP caretaker predator eyes and ears? How is it that caretakers mysteriously appear at applicant’s homes like Google ads on your browser? The UDP has even become malicious malware infecting the pristine idea of the Covid Relief Fund and the Covid Food Program.

Barrows Duplicity So often has the PM belched inconsistencies in the House of Representatives and, really, whenever he speaks that it facilitates the usage of terms like alternative facts, Trump-like and fact-checking.

Barrow’s list of terminological inexactitudes would make even the Donald blush with disdain. His deliberate misuse of figures, masked as statistics, in this existential time of the coronavirus watch is unforgiveable. Barrow’s duplicity has become the UDP rotten cherry on top of the oversupply of UDP accumulated UDP infamy.

Dean borrows and borrows falsehoods as if he has the moral authority or voter mandate to whip these up. Belizeans would think that after “no sanctuary bay has ever been tabled at any cabinet meeting I have chaired” that there would have been a Singh-like goodbye.

But no, Barrow’s defence of his party’s corrupt politicizing of anything and everything Belizean is rewriting the manuals of ‘How to be Pro keeping people Poor’ and ‘Corruption and Incompetence for UDP Dummies’.

Three out of four Belizeans have been left out and left off the list of approved as deserving of some chum change or crumbs from the Barrow oversupply of everything imaginary. The Barrow legend keeps growing only in his own mind as he tries to mend his humpty-dumpty legacy. How can he tell the nation that all is well and that no money no deh in the same breath? How can he blame everyone for his illegal running of our economy? How can he attempt to blame Covid-19 for his visionless cerebrum? Unconscionable.

New Immigration Fees are Repulsive In the face of “revenues are down to a trickle” and “no coin of the realm” the PM and a man feigning at being a Minister of Immigration and Agriculture take advantage of the State of Emergency and sign in a law that will stop that trickle, raise the price of agro production and totally bludgeon the productive sector all together.

Informal Cattle Industry Equals Money Laundering After 147 months of grazing nonchalantly on the economy of Belize the Prime Minister decides to spit out some bilious cud directly into the face of the cattle ranchers of Belize. He and the other fakester, the unelected Hulse, dared to compare Belize’s generation old Guatemalan cattle trade to vile money laundering. The PM knows money laundering when he sees it but to call out hard working Cattle ranchers is beyond braying stupidity. He should have limited himself to his Ministers who are cattle ranchers and who have no real need since this is extra for them. But, cattle revenues are dire for many who hire hundreds of Belizeans and by extension add to the Belizean economy IN SPITE of the hideous inaction of the UDP. Again, the fact that it is informal is UDP gross negligence and insufficiency at having what it takes to be a government for all the people.

Barrow and the UDP, you are all hard headedly stubborn. Your UDP Chairman in Bullet Tree village in Cayo got greedy. Omar Figueroa was spineless to make any move when it counts—a la every other UDP persona rearing their ugly head now and again to be a leader only when there is no solution to offer.

Now the PM and Godwin chime in a claim that they can regularize the cattle Industry and others during the worst of times for humankind.

You are deplorable if you believe them.

A word to the wise(surprise us UDP), follow Singh and Alpuche and maybe your legacy will be tainted a little less. Do it for Belize and for the greater good. For God’s sake, leave.

N.b. The people of Belize are definitely hoping that NO UDP Representative is collecting their pay for April as they disappeared just when the battle of their political career was about to begin. No work equals no pay, ask 100,000 Belizeans.

2020

UDP Contract Workers Entertained

One thousand five hundred dollars for entertainment a month or eighteen thousand dollars a year, that is the amount being fleeced by Ministry CEOs in a Belize now three times in recession and facing an economic depression. Who is a contract officer? Are they also abnormal? The Government of your Belize has found it necessary to hire UDP useless cronies over the last 12 years to simply breathe and be additionally paid to entertain themselves and others at their whim.

Adding insult to hitting tax payer pockets, some contract officers are

collecting retirement pension funds, social security pension and of course a handsome salary. Is that the same during this critical time of Covid? This is left to see.

All this is offensive and corrupted.

Now the government has been forced to suspend this allowance which should not have been allowed in the first instance. While thousands were unemployed and now while tens of thousands are being deprived of basic help for food, a few inglorious UDP Belizeans are being exposed as raping the coffers of tax payer money.

What else will Covid-19 expose?

BAREFACED BAREFOOTED HEREDIA

Most ‘normal’ people in Belize would be picked up and charged and. if convicted, end up in prison/or pay a hefty 5k fine when in violation of a Covid State of Emergency regulations.

But of you are a UDP Mayor, UDP Village Council Chairman, Minister, UDP Councillor, UDP Crony, UDP Standard Bearer, Caretaker or the like then you are told to ‘not do it again.’ If you are in said list then you also get to appeal/ complain that you have the backing of others. You are then told once more to not do it again.

Such is the case with barefooted Minister Manuel Heredia and San Pedro’s UDP Mayor Guerrero who in tandem craftily attempted a masked move to gain some independence from the mainland by amending the State of Emergency regulations to suit Ambergris Caye at their fancy. Yes, they tried.

Even the Police Commissioner took a swipe at the barefaced Minister for the obvious incompatibility.

The PM according to himself wasted no time to advise them to cease and desist during a cabinet meeting which no one else has chaired except him. Of course, no one is mightier than the PM. Even as Manny protested he was lucky to not have been dealt with by the authorities as other normal citizens would be or like, for example, the chairlady of the Caye Caulker Village Council. She was publicly lambasted for keeping her village Covid free.

For context, let us take the UDP Chairman of Bullet Tree Village in Cayo North. He singlehandedly snitched on hard working cattle ranchers who were used to having their Cattle bought. Apparently, this cattle was taken across to Guatemala via a public road that passed through Bullet Tree. The UDP

chair stands in the middle of the road supported by UDP Minister and his area Representative Figueroa and long story made short…ended the 40plus million dollar trade that Barrow and Hulse have juxtaposed with money laundering. How do they say that so easily? They know the expertise? Maybe, after Sanctuary Bay, Lev, Rio Azul, etc. they would know.

I digress…UDP Manuel Heredia tried to play smart politics but there is only one rooster (or fox) in the cabinet henhouse.

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

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$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

Fay Castillo EDITOR

José Jiménez

LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

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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

editortimes@yahoo.com

3 MAY

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

03 3

EDITORIAL

UDP Charity Begins At Home!

T

he Belizean labour force stood at an estimated 190,307 strong in September 2019.

The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) reported only 10.4% or a total of 19,792 persons unemployed during the pre-COVID-19 period. The SIB also reports poverty rates stand at about 40% of the total population or approximately 159,051 persons here in the Jewel. Side by side, these figures do not correlate. This is the reason why the statistics have long been suspicious and useless as a base on which to plan the economic policy of this country. It is no wonder that the GOB headed by their ineffectual and impotent PM hastily closed down the application deadline for the Unemployment Relief Program. For the last twelve years he has tried to mislead Belizeans about unemployment and poverty facts and figures.

This crisis has magnified the chinks in the armour and now even the PM must recognize and admit that there were thousands more unemployed and living in poverty than he cared to admit and that the middle class was just one pay check away from poverty. The program has had a little over 80k applications, but unemployment figures calculated only about 20k. It seems the greedy PM bit off quite a bit more than he could chew because 60k more people than he counted on applied. He has had to back track quite a bit over the last few weeks after boasting that “no one will be left behind.” It is apparent that quite a few will be left behind as funds are now interestingly not as forthcoming as we were led to believe and revenue streams have all but dried up.

In other countries, the use of public or state funded projects and assistance cannot be used to persuade the electorate to vote for one candidate or another. However, in Belize our PM has explained the difference between factual and legal guilt and used this to justify the corruption of his government.

There are cries countrywide that the granting of the pantries and food assistance have become blatantly politicized and that there is deliberate and systematic electioneering in the distribution of basic food items at such a critical time. During this election year, it has gotten so bad that chicken wars have been declared in the some rural areas. Dr. Campos is fighting off a coup for the UDP candidacy of Corozal South West against the slightly more charismatic Chairman Correa of San Narciso. It seems that Chairman Buggie pays 25% of the value of live chickens sold by local poultry producers that come to sell in the area. UDP political cannibalism at its finest, where the upcoming election is foremost on their mind and not necessarily the welfare of the people. At least there is beneficial side effect for a select few in that constituency, where UDP party supporters are benefitting from cheap poultry, but for those who do not show any party colours or do not support either UDP candidate, the situation remains grim.

In other constituencies some UDP party officials reaffirm that old adage “charity begins at home.”

They have quarantined far from their constituencies and have not been seen or heard from, abandoning those they represent, and using the resources at their disposal for their own private benefit and safety. If that was not bad enough, the kickbacks allegedly continue as pantries delivered to those lucky enough to qualify are far different from the sample pictured on the GOB websites. The GOB has said it will spend $10M on food assistance, the granting of those contracts to supply pantry items have been done in an urgent manner and the safeguards that guarantee transparency and accountability are not in place. This scenario is ripe for hustling, and reports on social media and the talk shows manifest the obvious.

To profit or gain advantage in any way from the misfortune and hardship of Belizeans in this time of extreme crisis is hitting a brand new low even for the Red Devil and his minions. Hon. Cordel Hyde at the last House Meetings said, “We can get into a situation where more people get food than they should have. That is far more desirable than to end in a situation where too little people get food.”

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THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

3 MAY

2020

en Español

¡La Caridad del UDP Comienza en Casa!

L

a fuerza de trabajo de Belice se estimaba en 190.307 personas en septiembre de 2019. El Instituto de Estadística de Belice (SIB, por sus siglas en inglés) informó de que sólo el 10,4%, es decir, un total de 19.792 personas estaban desempleadas durante el período anterior al COVID-19. El SIB también informa que las tasas de pobreza son de alrededor del 40% de la población total, o aproximadamente 159.051 personas aquí en la Joya beliceña. Lado al lado, estas cifras no tienen correlación. Esta es la razón por la que las estadísticas han sido durante mucho tiempo sospechosas e inútiles como base para planificar la política económica de este país. No es de extrañar que el Gobierno encabezado por su ineficaz e impotente Primer Ministro (PM) cerrara apresuradamente el plazo de solicitud para el Programa de Alivio del Desempleo. Durante los últimos doce años ha tratado de engañar a los beliceños sobre el desempleo y la pobreza.

Esta crisis ha magnificado las grietas de la armadura y ahora incluso el Primer Ministro debe reconocer y admitir que había miles más desempleados y viviendo en la pobreza de lo que él quería admitir y que la clase media estaba en solo un cheque de pago distante de la pobreza. El programa ha tenido un poco más de 80k solicitudes, pero las cifras de desempleo calcularon sólo unos 20k. Parece que el PM avaricioso mordió un poco más de lo que podía masticar porque 60.000 personas más de lo que esperaba aplicaron. Ha tenido que retroceder un poco en las últimas semanas después de jactarse de que “nadie se quedará atrás”. Es evidente que bastantes se quedarán atrás, ya que los fondos no son ahora, curiosamente, tan disponibles como se nos hizo creer y el flujo de ingresos prácticamente se han agotado.

En otros países, el uso de proyectos y ayudas públicas o estatales no puede utilizarse para persuadir al electorado de que vote por un candidato u otro. Sin embargo, en Belice nuestro Primer Ministro ha explicado la diferencia entre la culpabilidad de hecho y la de derecho y lo ha utilizado para justificar la corrupción de su gobierno. En todo el país se clama que la concesión de las despensas y la asistencia alimentaria se han politizado descaradamente y que hay campaña electoral deliberada y sistemática en la distribución de alimentos básicos en un momento altamente crítico. Durante este año electoral, la situación se ha vuelto tan mala que se han declarado las guerras de las gallinas en algunas zonas rurales. El Dr. Campos está combatiendo un desafío por la candidatura de Corozal Suroeste UDP contra el ligeramente más carismático presidente Correa de la aldea de San Narciso. Parece que el presidente Buggie paga el 25% del valor de los pollos vivos vendidos por los productores locales de aves de corral que vienen a vender en la zona. El canibalismo político de la UDP en su máxima expresión, en el que las próximas elecciones son lo primero en su mente y no necesariamente el bienestar del pueblo. Al menos hay un efecto secundario y beneficioso para unos pocos en esa circunscripción electoral, donde los partidarios del partido UDP se benefician de las aves de corral baratas, pero para aquellos que no muestran ningún color de partido ni apoyan a ningún candidato UDP, la situación sigue siendo sombría.

En otras circunscripciones electorales algunos funcionarios del partido UDP reafirman ese viejo adagio “la caridad comienza en casa”. Han estado en cuarentena lejos de sus circunscripciones y no se les ha visto ni se les ha escuchado, abandonando a quienes representan y utilizando los recursos de que disponen para su propio beneficio y seguridad privadas. Si eso no fuera lo suficientemente malo, los sobornos supuestamente continúan, ya que las despensas entregadas a los que tienen la suerte de calificar son muy diferentes de la muestra fotografiada en los sitios web del gobierno de Belice (GOB). El GOB ha dicho que gastará 10 millones en asistencia alimentaria, la concesión de esos contratos para el suministro de artículos de despensa se ha hecho de manera urgente y no existen salvaguardias que garanticen la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas. Este escenario está marcado con chanchullos y los informes en las redes sociales y programas de entrevistas manifiestan lo obvio.

Sacar provecho de las desgracias y penurias de los beliceños en estos tiempos de crisis extrema es caer en un nuevo nivel, incluso para el Diablo Rojo y sus secuaces. El Honorable Cordel Hyde en la última reunión de la Cámara de representantes dijo, “Podemos entrar en una situación donde hay más gente que consigue más comida de lo que debería. Esto es mucho más deseable que el terminar en una situación en la que muy poca gente recibe alimentos”.

3 MAY

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

BELLY of the

BEAST

Jackass Once upon a time in Belize, the old man known as Dean Barrow called a parliamentarian in the House a jackass. How ironic is that, because there is no bigger jackass in the land than that same fellow. The nation stood in shock as that bald-headed, megalomaniac madman (who’s been looking a whiter shade of pale lately) pontificated about national unity. This, from the man who allowed his Cabinet Ministers like Gapi to rape our natural resources. This, from the man who allowed Elvin Penner to sell off our Belizean birth right. This from the man who has allowed his family members and friends to become almost instant multi-millionaires. This from the man who continues to allow rampant corruption and greed to destroy our Belize. And now, when COVID-19 has highlighted the poverty and desperation of the people, and the incompetence of his administration, begs for national unity. No boss, it doesn’t work quite that way.

For too many years this arrogant fool refused to listen to the people. And the UDP raped and pillaged and plundered. COVID-19 may have spared our nation thus far, for the most part, but the UDP will feel the wrath of the most powerful pandemic very soon – the power of the Belizean people. The day of reckoning is near.

Snap CRACK-le Pop Not even a full week into the so-called food assistance program, there were widespread allegations of requested kickbacks and hustling aimed at the UDP. Here at the Belize Times, the name of a certain worthless, scum-sucking Minister was called time and time again, and it wasn’t because somebody needed a pool table fixed. Shopkeepers and merchants, we are told, went to the highest powers in the land to complain that a Minister had been shaking them down for money, threatening that if he wasn’t given money he wouldn’t put their stores on the list of stores providing goods to the needy. Hell, that’s not hard to believe at all. In a Cabinet Cartel which seems to thrive on hustling ability, our friend from Port Loyola has earned some distinction. We’re still waiting for an investigation into very, very credible allegations that Boots was sending false invoices to the Ministry of Works for houses built that were never built. Remember the ‘toppa toppa’ contractor who said he didn’t even own any tools? Boots may think he’s gotten away, but wait for it.

Talk BIG…Sh*@ Small It’s easy for the Senator from the city, Mike Peyrefitte to blow a lot of hot air.

After all, judging from his girth, his lungs must be the size of a baby elephant.

We don’t generally pay him much mind. It doesn’t take Dr. Phil or Dr. Ruth to figure out that all that bravado and bluster and noise is just overcompensation.

But this week, we’d like to tell big Mike to slow the hell down. In the Senate this week, spitting and panting and gasping for air, Peyrefitte proclaimed that his Government (and we assume he means the UDP) has gotten this COVID-19 thing under control. According to Mike, the amazing, wonderful, totally frigging awesome UDP licked the pandemic without even raising a sweat. He seemed to want a pat on the back, and we understand that because we don’t think he can actually get his own hand back there. But see, we’d like to point out that it’s very unwise to be gloating about beating COVID-19 at this point. Not Bueno.

We’d also like to point out that quite apart from the health issue, people are literally starving in Belize, a condition from which Peyrefitte is obviously far removed. Businesses are closing. Thousands of Belizeans are penniless, jobs lost and no clue where their next dollar will come from. Tourism is destroyed. And that’s because we haven’t even really experienced the pandemic yet. So the UDP didn’t beat anything, and didn’t handle anything. We’re a long, long way from over this. The UDP can gloat, but it’ll be short lived. Take that to the bank.

War of the Chickens There’s this story going around about two UDP candidates for Corozal Southwest fighting over chickens. It’s so stupid that we had trouble believing it, but then we remembered that it’s the UDP we’re dealing with. Seems the good doctor Campos decided to sell live chickens to the people of the area for a dollar, but his opponent, a fellow called Buggie, had the very same idea, only he was selling live chickens for 75 cents. And according to reliable reports, that led to an all-out chicken war in San Narciso between Buggie and the doctor and their supporters. Even the chickens got involved in the fracas, we were told.

Don’t ask us who won.

Don’t forget…

We read on the news recently that some Canadian guy was picked up somewhere in Belize because he was on Interpol’s WANTED list for some fraud amounting to $4000. Wonder when that guy Elrington, brother of the Minister, WANTED for a lot more than $4000 worth of fraud, will be picked up. We haven’t forgotten. And there’s also that guy Saldivar, the tranche man whose gone quiet since Lev went to jail. He must be so lonely with his best buddies locked up – first Mason and now Lev. We’re betting there’ll be a big reunion very soon.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

COVID QUESTIONS

1. Will the Minister of Health please inform Belizeans how many ventilators are working at the KHMH? 2. Will the Minister of Agriculture please tell the Belizean people why he has only now agreed with the Prime Minister that the informal trade with the Guatemalans is illegal and will he also say if selling sugar to Guatemala or Mexico informally is also equivalent to money laundering?

3. Will the Minister of Human Development agree that it is time for a full audit of the Pantry Program, and will he say if he ordered an investigation into the allegation that carrots are being split in two to give to families?

4. Why did Afonso (Fonso) Noble walked off the WAVE set when challenged by one of his own supporters when she said that as a single mother she was struggling to feed her 5 children?

5. Belizeans please be safe, practice social distance, good hygiene and Happy Labour Day.

3 MAY

2020

3 MAY

2020

COVID UDP BENEFITS In the COVID Press Conference on the 30th of April, the CEO of the Ministry of Health, George Gough, mentioned that MoH along with the Ministry of Finance started to procure medical supplies in March of this year. CEO Gough confused the populace by saying that BZD $6 Million was spent on 6 local suppliers then saying that 9 or 10 suppliers were given tenders. These purchases were done using a Walmart model to procure medical supplies. What the CEO failed to mention is that the Walmart model also allows the reseller of the goods to price at an inflated cost, thus making the middleman a huge profit on the back of a bulk purchase.

The CEO mentioned that 36,000 PPE’s are being purchased for a sum of BZD $2Million dollars, which is BZD $55.56 per PPE. An invoice to the Ministry of Health from a preferred UDP medical supplier, Belmopan Medical Laboratory Ltd, shows that each box of the enzyme reagent required for COVID 19 testing was sold to MoH for BZD$6,500 with each box containing 1000 reactions. The Government of Belize was called

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THE BELIZE TIMES

out in 2009 for providing bloated contracts to this same company and close friend of the Minister of Health. Then, the Leader of the Opposition had pointed out that the price gouging in these approved contracts was prevalent, highlighting the increase of the price of a medical item being $300 more than the market price.

Researching with local and regional distributors, FDA approved PPE’s can be sourced for BZD $32 each. This would mean that the MOH would be paying the local suppliers

74% more than actual market value.

Also, Regional and European distributors have quoted the landed price of the enzyme reagent at $3,900 sourcing from Latin America and $3,400 sourcing from Europe. This makes the purchases done by MOH 65% above the global market price.

During these difficult times with limited financing for the procurement of medical supplies, one would think that the Government of Belize would look after the best interest of its citizens, maximizing its limited resources and acquiring the best supplies

at the lowest price. What they are demonstrating is the blatant abuse of cronyism, using the financing obtained via loans to be repaid

by Belizeans and reward its loyal party supports by paying a premium price for supplies that the MoH procurement department can source.

The excuse given by CEO Gough in purchasing COVID related medical supplies is the global demand. If that is the case how does the Government of Belize explain that local donors are donating PPE’s, medical equipment, and supplies? How has a local company been able to source the Enzyme reagent which according to health officials we are still waiting to receive? We must applaud Bowen and Bowen, Santander, the Taiwanese government via SICA, the Chinese community and other private companies and organizations that are donating these most needed supplies, something that GOB is responsible for. The cost savings in acquiring these supplies would have complemented the austerity measures set in place by the GOB. Unfortunately for the destitute Belizeans, while we wait to see if we qualify for our Pantry, Boost and Unemployment relief, the well-connected friends of the UDP enjoy the COVID relief funds.

Party Leader’s Labour Day Message 2020 On Labour Day, we celebrate the workers who build Belize and who together with the rest of us have made our country so very special. This year we celebrate Labour Day under a State of Emergency caused by the coronavirus, the greatest threat to our normal way of life. In just over a month life in Belize, as we knew it, changed - and from what we are learning it may be changing for a long time to come. Indeed if not forever.

Of course, we have gone through many changes over the years and so we can be confident that we will persevere whatever change will come as a result of the coronavirus. Like the Belizean worker all of us are resilient people who can and will adapt over time. I know this because already so many of our workers have had to adjust our kitchen tables to our office space.

Many parents are now able to appreciate the hard work that teachers must put in to care for our children eight hours in every day. And yes, we now know how indispensable people who work on the front lines are to the running of our society.

Doctors, nurses, police officers, coast guard and BDF, sanitation workers, delivery persons, bus drivers and all those people who keep working while we stay home.

They have all kept us going during this month long interruption to our lives and livelihood. Like the rest of the Belizean workforce, they must remain at the heart of building a stronger and better Belize.

For sure we in the PUP are proud to be the Party that was born out of the labour movement, for that makes us an ally and partner of the working man and women.

The record shows that as a Party we have stood side by side with the Belizean worker defending their rights and standing in solidarity with them in the struggle for progress.

Belizean workers are the centerpiece of our nation’s development, and will always be the greatest part of our country’s progress. Because we know this, we pledge that we will always stand up for workers and their families.

So that even in troubled times or even in times of drastic change, the PUP will always be there for our workers.

El día del trabajador es la oportunidad de resaltar cuán importante es la mano de obra en la construcción de una nación. Es el día que celebramos y les agradecemos a los trabajadores su contribución tan significativa en forjar el destino de nuestras familias y el futuro de nuestros hijos.

En esta ocasión de emergencia nacional es aún más propicio destacar la gran labor de los trabajadores de primera línea que además de seguir trabajando todos los días también se han sacrificado para mantenernos a salvo. El Partido Unido del Pueblo les saluda y les recalca que su esfuerzo es y siempre será valorado y seguiremos luchando para asegurarnos que su trabajo siempre sea adecuadamente remunerado.

A todo trabajador beliceño, le recordamos - que no importa su aporte a la economía - que es ESA… su contribución - la que nos hace lograr el desarrollo y avance de un mejor Belice. ¡Enhorabuena compañeros!

And so from all of us in the People’s United Party, to all our awesome Belizean workers be safe and happy Labour Day. !Felicidades!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

3 MAY

2020

BARROW’S DEVISE Barrow’s DEVISE is quickly becoming Barrow’s DEMISE. His scruples and intellect cannot be questioned, he is an avid planner and strategist. That aside, he is and for generations to come will be the worst and ineptest financial planner, manager and Prime Minister of Belize. Barrow is the man who boasted of millions upon millions in the coffers, whose government of the past 12 years were responsible for the public purse, and arguably the biggest budget and the most liquid government in post-independence history.

Barrow and his set of buffoons had a golden opportunity to truly make a lasting impact on Belize. They had the Oil Revenues along with substantial free grants from various agencies, organizations and countries. Barrow also tripled the National Debt. In this mix of loans was the very concessionary Petro Caribe Loan Note.

I will not venture to quote dollar amounts. Not necessary for this piece.

What I will venture to say is that Barrow had the responsibility of being a worthy steward of the People’s Purse. Instead like a regular ‘CRACK HEAD”, he spent OUR money on bloated contracts, non-priority projects, and further enriched himself, his cabinet colleagues, friends and family members. (He could not account for over one hundred million dollars for crying out loud.)

He ran the coffers dry, spent every available tax dollar, grant and loan. Now many of our people are jobless and starving. The Corona Virus Pandemic has revealed the gross mismanagement and inadequacy of this UDP Administration. The level of suffering in Belize is unprecedented but also unwarranted. The inefficiency and incompetence of every ministry of this Administration is mind boggling.

From health to education, from agriculture to environment. Forgive the vulgarity but they @&*ed up. Our farmers cannot sell their products, fires are becoming more widespread, our front-line workers are not properly equipped and our education ministry had a two-hour press conference and it was simply blah, blah, blah, nothing substantive.

The Belize that Barrow and the UDP built in the past 12 years is one of increased poverty, cost of living and unemployment. Barrow and his administration did very little to create jobs and then floundered bogus unemployment figures to try to deceive Belizeans. He recently closed off the Unemployment Application Portal which had seen over eighty thousand (80,000) applications. Our official numbers demonstrate an employment force of one hundred and seventy thousand (170,000). If those numbers are accurate, then the eighty thousand applications are an indication that our current unemployment figures stand at a whopping forty-seven percent (47%) or higher.

This numb-skull government also destroyed the productive and agro-processing sectors and corrupted every other sector of government imaginable.

Then to tap it off here comes ‘Rona” killing, at least in the near future, our only life blood: the Tourism Industry.

Our way to recovering will be long and hard. It will require competence and super human ability. It will require new managers of the limited Public Purse. It is therefore an imperative that

the Belizean people and country rid themselves of this UDP Administration. Barrow I hope will not enjoy his wealth as he must live with the reality of the Belize he screwed, exploited and abused. He did us wrong and must be brought to account. We detest him…we have Billions of reasons why.

VACANCY Senior Mechanic – Workshop Supervisor We hereby invite application from qualified persons to fill the post as Senior Mechanic – Workshop Supervisor in the Mechanical/Electrical Department in the Port of Belize Limited.

Duties & Responsibilities: • Receive and process all work orders.

• Provide necessary tools, spares and parts necessary to fulfill work orders.

• Ensure a standards-based approach to all repair works undertaken at the workshop.

• Ensure the timely repair of equipment lodged at the workshop.

• Dispatch work to all workshop employees.

• Ensure safety compliance in the workshop.

• Ensure compliance with lean housekeeping.

• Provide supervisory duties to all mechanics.

• Signing of job cards and completion of work orders upon successful repairs.

• Ensure the general husbandry and cleanliness of the workshop area.

• Maintenance of all relevant records that reflect the activities taking place at the workshop.

• Familiarize, implement and adhere to PBL’s Procurement Procedures and Policies.

• Provide support to the other senior mechanics as directed by the manager.

Qualifications and Experience: • An Associate's Degree. Minimum three (3) years experience working as a Mechanic.

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

• Basic Knowledge to scan Electronic Engines.

• Basic knowledge on Propane Fuel System.

• Basic knowledge of electric equipment.

• Knowledge of predictive maintenance.

• Knowledge of Microsoft office.

Competencies: • Punctual • Ability to work independently.

• Ethical • Team Oriented • Good communication skills Objectives: • Maximize availability of equipment • Maximize reliability of equipment • Optimize cost of ownership.

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

Interested individuals are asked to submit their application packages and include the following documents: 1. Application letter with Curriculum Vitae 2. Copy of Certificates & Diplomas 3. Two (2) recent reference letters 4. Copy of recent Police Record 5. Copy of a valid Social Security Card Applications should be sent by email to jobapplications@portofbelize.com Closing date for receipt of application is Friday, May 15, 2020.

3 MAY

2020

A Tale of Two Sick Puppies

-ContributedDean Barrow and his big, bouncing baby boy, Attorney-General Michael Peyrefitte are two sick puppies. As the Belize Times goes to press this week, it is with a feeling of revulsion as the Prime Minister and his ‘maxi-me’ continue to leave a sour taste in the mouths of all Belizeans, as they bluster and pontificate and gloat in these times of COVID-19, while Belizeans suffer and the country is poised to fall over the edge of the economic cliff into disaster.

The people have watched as the Prime Minister cried pitifully about national unity whenever there is a public outcry over the incompetence which he and his administration display at every turn. We all watched as the Leader of the Opposition, who stands as co-chair of the National Oversight Committee, laid out in detail the inadequacies of the Government’s response to a pandemic which still very much threatens our nation. There are real concerns, and real, valid criticisms, because there is every indication that the deaths of both persons who died from COVID-19 were unnecessary.

Add to that the valid criticisms that the government response has been inadequate when it comes to the economic despair facing so many of our people. Imagine that of 82,000 persons who applied for financial assistance, about a quarter were approved. That means that around 50,000 Belizeans who do not have the means to earn a living for themselves and their families have been left by the wayside. Additionally, the Government was able to access $10M to provide food and grocery supplies to desperate families. According to figures, only 3000 packages have been handed out.

Where has the rest of the money gone? Thousands and thousands of Belizeans are suffering, and the Prime Minister does not give a damn, because he does not know what it means to be hungry, and to watch your children crying because there is no food on the table.

In response to the criticism heaped on him by an angry populace, instead of listening the Prime Minister has instead acted like a petulant child and is attacking those

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THE BELIZE TIMES

who criticize. According to the PM, if you disagree with how things are being done, you are not allowed to say anything. If you complain, you apparently do not believe in national unity.

And while the Prime Minister is snide in his attacks, he has unleashed his maxi-me who

is the mad cow in the room full of china. Peyrefitte, who certainly looks like he has not known a hungry day in his life, and won’t for the rest of his life, has been acting the fool at every opportunity. With trademark arrogance and bluster which he must have learned hanging on to his leader’s frock, Peyrefitte has unleashed a senseless tirade at the Opposition for daring to call on the government to heed the calls of the people. When the Opposition points out that only a quarter of those in need have received only a paltry $150 or $100 in the past month, Peyrefitte boasts about how well the UDP is handling things. When the Opposition points out that only 3000 food packages have been handed out from $10M allocated for that purpose, Peyrefitte boasts

that the UDP has this COVID thing under control. When the Opposition asked why the UDP refused to allow credible entities to deal with food distribution instead of putting $10M in the hands of a distinctly shady Minister, Peyrefitte grunts and moans about how amazing the UDP is, and how terrible the PUP is.

The people are desperate, Mr. UDP. The people are hungry, Mr. UDP. The Prime Minister speaks of millions and millions allocated for assistance, but the people are not seeing it. Where is that money going?

The Prime Minister and his maxi-minion are arrogant, substance-less blowhards, and the people can see through them.

COVID or not, it is time for the UDP to go.

JOB OPPORTUNITY/VACANCY Applications are invited for the post of Chief Executive Officer Looking for a highly experienced Chief Executive Officer to deliver a step change in results at the Port of Belize.

The ideal candidate should be well versed in international best practices from across the port sector in the areas of commercial, people development, operations, and project development.

Responsibilities: The CEO shall ensure effective and profitable operation of the business, providing maximum profit and return on invested capital, formulation and execution of current and long-term objectives, development and implementation of the terminal’s operating plans and policies. The CEO shall lead the Port of Belize and maintaining safe and environmentally friendly working conditions while establishing a cost-efficient operation with high productivity.          

Drive, develop and deploy best practices within all departments.

Develop and implement strategic initiatives to improve existing methodologies, processes and measurements to ensure positive development in business unit performance Implement agreed operating and financial targets and monitor performance for the business with respect to revenue, cost, and profit.

Deliver a level of service to customers that is equal to best international standards.

Develop and engage staff for highest delivery of Port performance Enforce safe working practices and work towards a “zero” target for lost time injuries.

Liaise closely with relevant members of government, shipping companies, port authorities, regulatory bodies, customs agents, trucking companies, and other statutory authorities to ensure that their operational requirements are met.

Responsible for setting and achieving the budget for the reporting functions.

Assist in developing the cargo terminal expansion with cargo handling international best practices.

Qualifications: Minimum 15 years in Port sector experience.

Minimum 3 years of COO or CEO experience in port companies.

Must have worked in at least 3 ports outside of Belize with volumes of at least 200k TEU in each.

Experience with working within a collective bargaining environment in Belize Must possess an MBA or Master Mariner STCW. Must have Lean Six Sigma experience.

Proven measurable improvement results within Ports.

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

Applications should be emailed to:

jobapplications@portofbelize.com Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, May 15th, 2020

10

THE BELIZE TIMES

3 MAY

2020

3 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2020

Hon. John Briceño, PUP Leader

11

The People’s United Party, Party Leader John Briceño and the PUP National Executive wish all the workers and their families a

Happy Labour Day 2020 ¡Feliz Dia del Trabajador 2020!

A special mention of our Security Forces, Medical Personnel, Farmers and all Essential Workers who are at the front line in the battle to keep Belize safe and fed.

12

THE BELIZE TIMES

VOICE OF THE COMMON MAN

UDP SLAUGHTER OF THE CATTLE TRADE

By Hilly Bennet At a special session of the House of Representative held on Monday April 24, 2020, Prime Minister Dean Oliver Barrow sought approval for an extension on the State of Emergency (SoE). Unlike the PUP having a plan and pragmatic measures needed regarding any extension the UDP offers none.

Additionally, garbed in his usual arrogance, Barrow argued that the informal arrangement regarding the cattle trade was illegal.

The informal trade between Belize and Guatemala has existed since the early 1800s. Evidenced in the Economic History of Belize, Barbara Bulmer - Thomas, Victor Bulmer Thomas, Belize was KING of the informal entrepôt trade with Guatemala as well as the rest of the United Province of Central America ( UPCA ).

“In 1819 the Captain - General of the Audencia de Guatemala, bowed to the inevitable and permitted free trade between the Spanish colony and Belize.” The major route for the re-export trade was from Belize via the Rio Dulce, Guatemala.

The path utilized in the trading of cattle in Belize meanders through the village of Bullet Tree.

This weather beaten pathway has been in use for a number of years.

However, the United Democratic Party village chairman, Sabino Pinelo has usurped authority shutting down and cutting off the sale of cattle. Unfortunately, the PM has thrown his support behind the irrational and nonsensical decision of Pinelo.

Undoubtedly, the cattle industry is one of Belize’s silent but steady contributor to the economy as it relates to area of revenue and needed foreign exchange. Nonetheless, for the sake of a pittance of dollars Sabino Pinelo attempted to collect, Dean Barrow has decided to slaughter, killing a forty-five

million dollar industry. Clearly, Barrow is being ‘ pennywise pound foolish ‘.

Presently, Barrow is engaging in blinds man buff, spinning his usual

foolhardy rhetoric in his attempt to upend the truth. The truth is that informal is not illegal!

The sale of cattle for exports is a permitted and lawful activity in Belize. The industry is regulated by the Meat and Livestock Act CAP 214 of the laws of Belize and the Slaughter of Animals Act CAP 154 of the Laws of Belize. The exporter has a duty to declare his goods to the relevant government agencies.

Moreover, no offence is committed if the cattle is purchased in Belize. Surreptitiously, Barrow is allowing Guatemala to extend and impose its laws unto Belize.

Evidently, the ‘ red hydra ‘ is batting for Guatemala by denying the trade access by Belizeans through Bullet Tree. The Guatemalan Government has done nothing to stem the illegal encroachment and plundering of Belize’s natural resources by Guatemalans. The matter regarding Danny Conorquie’s demise still awaits finality.

The myriad of the actions,

3 MAY

2020 resulting in the killing of the bovine transaction, must be placed under the microscope.

Why is the PM denying the country needed foreign exchange? Why has he turned his back on the livestock producers? Why has the PM stifled a vibrant income earner? Is it that Dean Oliver chooses to be Guatemala’s private dancer, the president’s Benedict Arnold, the whipping boy of the livestock industry?

Although, the coronavirus can be blamed somewhat regarding the climatic event crushing the global economy, inclusive of Belize, Dean must be blamed for his economic waterloo. At the core of the country’s economic plight is the UDP administration lack of vision and creativity to tackle the crisis.

As the maxim by Publilius Syrus goes: “anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm “.

In these turbulent times, there absence is of true leadership at the helm.

Real Slim Shady?

As we get ready to commemorate Labour Day in Belize it is important to recognize not only of the frontline workers, but also all those that provide those goods and services which more often than not are overlooked.

In the COVID-19 and even more in the post COVID-19 era the significance of the contributions of the farmers, and other agro-industry workers must not be disregarded. We have relied too heavily for too long on those Tourism dollars. As every good farmer knows, it is never wise to put all your eggs in one basket.

It is during times like these that we can see the unpretentious wisdom in those words. When at the beginning of the year the bottom of the tourism basket fell out, Belize was left with no contingency plan. For three terms the present administration had banked hard on infrastructure projects where they could thoroughly milk the cow…pardon the farming pun.

Roads and roundabouts, heavily burdened by bloated contracts that very often end in inferior works and facilities are now unremarkable because of their frequency. Intent on leaving a lasting legacy in the annals of Belize, the PM and his Ministers have planned the Road to Caracol at an unprecedented cost of over 100M. Entire decades will pass before the cost of the entire project is justified.

However, for twenty years,

twelve of which have been under the present administration the road to Bullet Tree has had no significant improvement, and there has been no visible effort to have the extra official cattle crossing formalized. We have been told that cattle growers export close to 30M yearly through that road, and that in 2008 the last PUP government had gained a partial scope agreement with Guatemala for the export of cattle. Since then nothing has been done to widen the scope, or formalize the exportation of cattle.

Meanwhile our Balance of Trade with Guatemala is negative. Belize imports more than 8 times as much as it exports to Guatemala, so really they have taken every advantage of the Partial Scope Agreement, while for twelve years Belize has been preoccupied with other less cost-effective tasks.

We must thank the Chairman of Bullet Tree for alerting this three term PM to the issue. It seems that the Minister responsible for Agriculture has been busy with his own exportation pursuits rather than help the cattle ranchers. Belizeans hope that this ludicrous situation will be sorted out speedily as it affects our economy that cannot absorb yet another blow.

The PM is still the Minister of Finance and should make this a top priority as he must make every effort to “resuscitate the economy.” The Minister of Agriculture has once again failed miserably, he has not lobbied for Belizean farmers, who are now responsible for ensuring our food security. There is no mention of subsidies, or price floors for their produce to encourage

them to keep planting. There is no plan for storage, or agro processing of excess fruit and vegetables, no mention of any stimulus package for farmers. The only way to immediately jump start the economy is through the agriculture. Lower interest rates on financing and technical assistance aimed at countering the extreme meteorological conditions we now face are key issues to be resolved.

Perhaps, there is no interest in the Belizean farmer because there is no wiggle room for kickbacks and sweetheart deals. Private and shady sugar exports to Guatemala and Mexico through unauthorized border points are far sweeter and infinitely more profitable than helping Belizean cattle ranchers and farmers to grow the economy.

Each and every person, housewives and other non-remunerated workers included deserve our respect and our admiration. Belize keeps standing strong because of your hard work and sacrifice. The inter agency collaborative efforts of those on the medical frontline of the fight against COVID-19 would be for naught without the support of the farmer, the store clerk, the teacher and those that work to transport goods and people, the janitors and sanitation workers.

The firefighters, the security forces, the cooks, and all those who volunteer their time, effort and expertise… we salute you all. It is clear that Belizean workers continue to build a Belize that works for all of us! Thank you!

3 MAY

2020

OUT

!

Dear Editor, NO SACRED COW Allow me to title my letter. This is my opinion and who Bex! Bex. I understand the following to be the facts as it relates to a Mr. Yearwood and the loss of his employment at the Belize City Council. With the New SI and seriously I lost count, the Belize City Council and all municipal councils were given the go ahead to reopen their offices. After the passing of a City Council employee due to Covid-19, measures and protocols had to be put in place to protect the health and well-being of all workers and visitors to the Council offices. The Council decided that instead of a blanket opening, they would conduct a phased re-opening, focusing mainly on their revenue centres, one of which is the Traffic Department. Joseph Nunez had proudly announced such opening on his Facebook page.

One of the new protocols set in place and communicated to all managers and employees was the obligatory wearing of face mask and proper social distancing which limited the amount of people allowed in each office to two. These were all precautionary procedures and it was meant for everyone; NO EXCEPTION. On Monday last Mr. Yearwood arrived at the Traffic Department without a mask. The Security Guard who had received strict instructions not to allow employees into the Office who were not wearing a mask, dutifully prevented him from entering. What followed was, and I am reliably informed, this was not the first employee or occurrence, a blistering of profanity targeting the security guard.

Mr. Yearwood was literally bullying the security guard saying to him in the midst of his profanity, “I am a manager here boy.”

This was witnessed by high ranking members of the Council who asked why he was putting on a show. He was asked to leave immediately which he did in a fit of rage and expletives.

Now for my opinion. No one, no matter who you are, should bully or trample on anyone, no matter how trivial you

THE BELIZE TIMES

UDP FRUS…STRATED

Michael Peyrefitte showed his compensating prowess by lashing out and accusing the PUP of being political whenever cornered by the bare facts. Such is the case when he is confronted with questions on the misnomered show ‘Ask the Experts’. Just at the end of his summarizing the May 1 extension regulations to the State of Emergency, he blurted why is there a need for questions since he should have been clear enough. Remember now my fellow Belizeans, NO ONE voted for Peyrefitte to be there so do not expect him to care for what you think. He is the unelected Minister of Everything that can only bite for as long as Barrow tells him. Do not expect him to see around his baggage and discover what is right for the Belizean

believe their job to be. Bullying and abuse of power based on one’s position has absolutely no place in any office especially those run by the People’s United Party. We cannot and dare not take it lightly.

Everyone must be made accountable for his/her words and actions.

There are ‘NO SACRED COWS.’ Unlike the UDP who it appears encourages their party faithful such as ‘Yellowman’ to abuse journalist and intimidate parliamentarians in his position as Mace Bearer, the PUP Administration at no level will tolerate or encourage such actions.

This UDP government from the very beginning was about abuse of power and privileges. Barrow has entertained victimization and corruption at every level of his government and is now unable to discipline anyone since he would have to start by disciplining himself.

I do not believe the PUP is celebrating losing Mr. Yearwood. Far from it. What we intimate in this letter is the fact that we must treat others with decency and respect.

He messed up. What was proper was an apology. Instead he ran to the media to cry foul and to denounce the Party. Pride comes before destruction. He will one day be forced to eat humble pie or destroy himself. Whichever he chooses, the message sent is clear: In the PUP there are NO SACRED COWS. You mess up, and refuse to acknowledge your mistake, you pay up.

Thanks Mr. Editor Name Withheld

people.

Peyrefitte and the UDP are chronically blinded by the jealousy that the PUP can take Belize to the promised land but that they cannot now nor never.

On a side note, anyone wondering, why can we not cycle during the State of Emergency?

Does it make any sense? The answer is as simple as because Michael cannot...so no one else won’t. Is Clear the Land cycling in the mornings despite the law?

Maybe Clear the Land was just going down to the village store to see what he can get.

A few days ago at the Special Sitting of the Senate Peyrefitte cried foul when he realized that the salvoes coming from Senator Michel Chebat were too hurtful.

Ouch he bawled to fellow UDP President who is vying for leadership himself. Peyrefitte, taking a page out of the Finnegan playbook, claimed that Senator Chebat was unfairly reading and

13

being too factual. Peyrefitte and Finnegan similarly hurl nonsensicals and they need no notes to churn these up to the Belizean people. Michel Chebat and the PUP usually dole facts that were damning to the UDP. Oftentimes these facts are best remarked with the use of notes.

The UDP are used to inaction and being unprepared. It should remind us of the lazy student who hates on bright students.

The bright student would raise the standards of the class and the bully lazy child would have to work harder to meet that higher standard.

Being a bully like Peyrefitte is with the public and his fellow Senators achieves nothing for Belize. The UDP should dedicate themselves to governing and not offending and bullying the opposition. Govern UDP…oh you do not know how to. Resign en masse if you have the honor in you. Or resign in frus…stration a la Singh.

14 CRIME NEWS

Shooting in Dangriga

A couple is fortunate to be alive after a gunman shot at their house several times.

The shooting happened on Monday April 27, 2020, sometime after 8:00 p.m. in the New Site Area of Dangriga Town.

Frederick Coote and his girlfriend Temera Nunez were at home along with several children when someone shot at their home. Coote was shot to the chest area while Nunez was shot to the leg.

The couple were transported to the Southern Regional Hospital to receive medical treatment for their injuries.

Nunez was treated and released from the Southern Regional Hospital the same night while Coote remains hospitalized.

Another Murder in Hattieville Village

There was a murder on Monday April 27, 2020, in the Bainsville Area of Hattieville Village, Belize District. According to reports, Julian Ebanks was walking toward his home sometime around 6 a.m. when he was approached by three armed men who fired several shots at him.

Ebanks died while being transported to the K.H.M.H. for medical treatment. He was just released from prison two weeks ago and did complained to his family that his life was being threatened.

3 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2020

Violation of State of Emergency Regulations As we head into another two months under the State of Emergency residents are reminded that it is important to follow the law implemented. This past weekend alone Fifty-nine persons countrywide were arrested and charged for various violations under the State of Emergency regulations.

According to Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, forty-five persons were arrested for being unable to provide reasons for movement outside the curfew period. Thirteen persons were arrested for breach of curfew. One person was arrested for operating public transportation during the public emergency and one person was charged for negligent use of fire.

On their social media page the Belize Coast informed that they detained five persons after they were spotted socializing at Sand Bar located in the vicinity of St. George’s Caye.

Residents are reminded to follow the new regulations for the upcoming dates in May and probably June.

PUP Against Closing of COVID Relief Portal

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

For Immediate Release

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Š‹• ‹• ƒ –‹Â?‡ ™Š‡Â? …‹”…—Â?•–ƒÂ?…‡• †‡Â?ƒÂ?† ƒ ÂˆÂ—ÂŽÂŽÇŚÂ‘Â? ‡ˆˆ‘”– ‘Â? „‡ŠƒŽˆ ‘ˆ –Š‘•‡ ™Š‘ †‘ Â?‘– Šƒ˜‡ –Š‡ Â?‡ƒÂ?• –‘ ‡ƒ”Â? Â?‘Â?‡› ˆ‘” –Š‡Â?•‡Ž˜‡• ƒÂ?† –Š‡‹” ˆƒÂ?‹Ž‹‡•Ǥ ‹–Š ‘˜‡” ͺʹǥͲͲͲ ƒ’’Ž‹…ƒ–‹‘Â?•ǥ ™‡ Â?‘–‡ –Šƒ– ™Šƒ– njͳ͝ …‡”–ƒ‹Â?Ž› Šƒ• †‘Â?‡ ‹• –‘ ”‡˜‡ƒŽ „‡›‘Â?† †‘—„–ǥ –Š‡ ”‡ƒŽ •–ƒ–‡ ‘ˆ —Â?‡Â?’Ž‘›Â?‡Â?– ‹Â? ‡Ž‹œ‡ ƒÂ?† Â?‘– –Š‡ —Â?‡Â?’Ž‘›Â?‡Â?– •–ƒ–‹•–‹… „‘ƒ•–‡† „› –Š‡ ‰‘˜‡”Â?Â?‡Â?– ƒ– ‡˜‡”› –—”Â?Ǥ Š‹• ‹• Ž‡••ǥ –Š‡ †‘‹Â?‰ ‘ˆ ƒÂ?› njͳ͝ ’ƒÂ?†‡Â?‹… ƒÂ?† Â?‘”‡ –Š‡ ”‡•—Ž– ‘ˆ ƒ •›•–‡Â?‹… ‰‘˜‡”Â?ƒÂ?…‡ ÂˆÂƒÂ‹ÂŽÂ—Â”Â‡ÇĄ …Š”‘Â?‹… …‘””—’–‹‘Â? ƒÂ?† —Â?…Š‡…Â?‡† ‰Ž—––‘Â?› „› –Š‘•‡ –”—•–‡† –‘ Ž‡ƒ† –Š‡ Â?ƒ–‹‘Â?Ǥ

‹Â?‹Žƒ” –‘ –Š‡ ‹Â?ˆ‘”Â?ƒ–‹‘Â? ‘Â? –‡•–‹Â?‰ —––‡”‡† –‘ ‡Ž‹œ‡ƒÂ?• ‘Â? ƒ †ƒ‹Ž› Â„ÂƒÂ•Â‹Â•ÇĄ –Š‡ Â?—Â?„‡”• ˆ‘”

ͳ͝ ”‡Ž‹‡ˆ ƒÂ?† ˆ‘‘† ƒ••‹•–ƒÂ?…‡ ’”‘‰”ƒÂ?• •‹Â?’Ž› †‘ Â?‘– ƒ†† —’Ǥ —” ’‡‘’Ž‡ ƒ”‡ „‡‹Â?‰ ĥÂ?‡† –‘ •–ƒ› ƒ– Š‘Â?‡ ƒÂ?† •‘ ”‡Ž‹‡ˆ Â?—•– ƒ……‘Â?’ƒÂ?› –Š‡•‡ Â?‡ƒ•—”‡• ƒÂ?† Â?—•– „‡ †‘Â?‡ ‹Â? ƒÂ? ‘’‡Â?ÇĄ –”ƒÂ?•’ƒ”‡Â?– ƒÂ?† ƒ……‘—Â?–ƒ„Ž‡ Â?ƒÂ?Â?‡”ǥ ˆ”‡‡ ˆ”‘Â? ’‘Ž‹–‹…ƒŽ ‹Â?–‡”ˆ‡”‡Â?…‡Ǥ

The People’s United Party also denounces government’s decision to reject offers of assistance ˆ”‘� ”‡…‘‰�‹œ‡† ‡�–‹–‹‡• •—…Š ƒ• –Š‡ ‡Ž‹œ‡ ‡† ”‘••Ǥ

‘Â?Â–ÂƒÂ…Â–ÇŁ ‹Â?•ˆ‘”† ƒ•–‹ŽŽ‘ ‡…”‡–ƒ”› ‡Â?‡”ƒŽ ÇŚÂ?ÂƒÂ‹ÂŽÇŁ •‡…‰‡Â?’—’̡‰Â?ƒ‹ŽǤ…‘Â?

--ENDS-

3 MAY

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

15

Remarks by:

Hon. John Briceño

House of Representatives Debate on the State of Emergency Belmopan, 27th April 2020 It is safe to say that we meet today at a time of great social and economic uncertainty and anxiety in our nation. Despite our prayers and desires, the Covid-19 global pandemic reached our shores and although our number of confirmed cases are small, the corona virus is wreaking havoc on every facet of our daily lives. It is yet another example of how very interconnected we are in this world.

Because of the corona virus, currently our national economy is shut down. Our citizens are for the most part still locked down. Our schools and churches are empty. The result of all this is that our people grow increasingly desperate.

In these trying times, the people look to us, their leaders for solutions.

They look to us for a sense of purpose and direction. Our first priority, therefore, must always be the health and wellbeing of the Belizean people--all the Belizean people.

In this regard, our actions and decisions must be guided and driven by the consensus advice of our medical and health professionals. It must also be grounded in sound, accurate scientific data and information. At the same time, we have a duty and obligation to protect and preserve, as best as possible, the economic infrastructure and interests of our nation and people.

Belize today is under a State of Emergency which comes to an end on 30th April. We have been under this state of emergency for days and weeks. Under such circumstances, the question we must now ask is whether or not to extend that State of Emergency and for how long if any at all? After much discussion and deliberation among our Party’s medical, legal, and economic advisors, our Parliamentary Caucus has approved our support for an extended 30 day State of Emergency starting 1st May 2020.

This is our recommendation because our public health authorities, health professionals with specialization in public health, epidemiology, clinical care and hospital management believe that keeping people home for 30 more days represents our best means of further containing the spread of the coronavirus at this time.

Now this does not mean that if in 30 day’s we need to extend the SOE for another 30 days, we wouldn’t support the government’s request.

We just believe that at this time, based on medical, economic and legal advice, 30 days can suffice.

This is no time for complacency and carelessness, or the kind of irresponsible actions that could render meaningless all the progress we

have thus far achieved and need I say with much sacrifice from everyone.

As we support a 30-day renewal of the State of Emergency, we call on the Government and yes, the National Oversight Committee which I co-chair to make full and good use of this time to do the following: 1. Significantly increase testing for Covid-19 in every district across the Country- in the cities, towns and villages. We should hire hundreds of people, give them a short training course and set them out into our towns, villages and communities to hunt down the virus, identify suspects, test widely, isolate and if necessary, treat the positive cases. They need to do this in their areas repeatedly until we overcome this virus.

2. Draft and enact an appropriate, relevant and comprehensive “COVID-19 ACT” which will provide the legal framework and basis for our public health, national security, and economic sectors to manage our response to this crisis and develop a phased, responsible path to re-opening our economy and country. This can be accomplished in less than 30 days and would render the extremely strict State of Emergency unnecessary.

3. Develop a clear and comprehensive food security plan in consultation with our farmers and the agro-productive sector. Our people must be fed. Our farmers must survive and food security is a must for our nation.

And 4. The legal and constitutional rights of our citizens must remain paramount particularly at a time of a declared State of Emergency. The Belizean people have been patient and understanding in their willingness to accept certain limitations on their constitutional rights to move, associate and work but these limitations

must not be extended one day or even one hour beyond what is absolutely necessary and required for us to win this war against Covid-19. We in the PUP assure the Belizean people that we will, always, jealously guard your constitutional rights and we will not support any further limitation of those rights beyond what we believe to be just, reasonable and essential.Let me state clearly. Even in a State of Emergency, the Rule of Law must apply and prevail. We remind those in authority, particularly our security forces, that our people must at all times be treated with dignity, respect and fairness.

Belize is going through probably the most difficult and challenging time in its young democracy. This is no time for partisan politics. We as leaders have a moral obligation to work together.

Today, it is not the UDP or the PUP that’s getting sick. It is not just UDP supporters or PUP supporters losing their jobs. UDP and PUP alike are going hungry. All of us are facing these challenges and all can and will only be able to survive this crisis together.

And so as the Co-Chair of the Oversight Committee, I implore the government that we do all that we can to help the people we represent -- the

people we love- all the Belizean people.

Let us do this by ensuring that the Food Assistance Program is being managed free of political interference and if it’s so, then let’s open it up to scrutiny. The government should have nothing hide. Of course, Madam Speaker, we realize that we can’t keep Belizean’s locked up forever.

As a country, we can’t afford to have the economy on lockdown indefinitely, we have to come up with a bold economic plan. We must start the conversation about how will we reopen the different sectors of the economy such as tourism and the Philip Goldson International Airport, Call Centres, the Judiciary and just as important how we can find ways to provide affordably credit to the thousands of Belizean small businesses.

We must be bold and think big.

That’s why today we in the PUP are proposing a minimum $250 million Economic Rescue, Recovery and Stimulus Package. We propose that $150 million can be domestically funded and the balance from our International Partners. A minimum of $80 million can be made available to assist the productive sector and small businesses through long term low interest rate refinancing loans.

This is one of the many ideas that our Party is working on after numerous consultations with stakeholders and listening to expert advice.

It a great privilege to be the CoChair of the National Oversight Committee. I promise to do all I can along with the other Co-Chair the Prime Minister and the other committee members, to steer Belize through this crisis as best as we possibly can and work to have a Belize that works for everyone.

And with the guidance of our Creator and with hard work, Belize will prevail.

50 16

3 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES 2020

3 MAY

2020

PUP CARES

3 MAY

2020

Cayo Central: Alex Balona

THE BELIZE TIMES 2015

17

COVID-19 Testing Booth Donation

Our Party Leader, John BriceĂąo, has asked that we refrain from taking and showing pictures of Belizeans receiving items. He would like to thank the countless persons, including our Standard Bearers and diverse groups all around the country who are doing the same. Some do not want a picture period. Yet, they ALL deserve a heartfelt THANK YOU. Belize needs more sharing of assistance. Thank You.

Belize Rural South: Andre Perez

18 JAN

Corozal Town Council Special mention to Mr. Ivan Copo and Eric’s Welding Service for their valuable support to this cause.

Belize Rural North: Marconi Leal

Mesopotamia and the Soup Kitchen: Candice Pitts

Orange Walk Town Council Thanks to the Rotary Club for their assistance.

Belize City Council

Collet Division: Oscar Arnold

Donations will also made to clinics all around the city.

SERVE THE PEOPLE!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT

JOHNNY AND CORDEL EXPOSE DEAN BARROW At the brief sitting of the House of Representatives last week, Johnny Briceño and Cordel Hyde exposed Dean Barrow on two serious issues.

Johnny Briceño, Leader of the Opposition raised the issue of the way forward for Belizeans and the country once the immediacy of the Covid-19 threat subsided. Belize’s economy is flat on its back. Thousands of citizens gainfully employed in tourism are out of work and sitting at home with nothing to do. Thousands of Belizeans who hustle from day to day and others with small food businesses have been forced to stay at home in the covid emergency.

When the state of emergency is eased and eventually lifted, it does not translate into a return to jobs and monies in circulation.

The situation in agriculture is also not healthy. There is now a drought in the land.

Animals are starving and crops are rotting.

Honourable Briceño raised the economic conditions and the way forward at the House meeting. He suggested some 250 million dollars should be readily available to help jump start the economy. He offered explanations.

The Prime Minister was not up to task. He had no contributions to offer the country. Once again it is clear that Mr. Barrow has no vision and no planning ability to move Belize forward. His years in office and in previous UDP governments have never been about projecting any vision as to how to move the people of Belize forward.

This would explain why for 12 years as Prime Minister, Belize is in the mess it is in. Before covid came along the productive sectors were in trouble, government was broke and living on borrowed monies and the state of affairs was always dismal.

Our terrible state of affairs include a lousy KHMH hospital and country wide health services poorly funded and under-equipped.

An education system, structural unsound and partially irrelevant, but worse, locking out thousands of Belizeans from being educated.

The judiciary is stumbling along. Ministries are a mess with political CEO’S having no contributions to make. And government departments and public officers demoralized.

Belize has been going nowhere except deeper in debt.

The Prime Minister’s game plan is to use Covid to borrow as much millions as he can beg for, then stretch out our unfortunate situation for a few more months, use pantry and boost to bribe voters and claim he saved Belize, all in time for November general elections.

At last week’s House meeting Deputy Leader Cordel Hyde was right on the target in highlighting two sorry state of affairs. One is the lack of testing and equipment for our health workers and the other was the government’s failure to get money assistance and food to the growing number of needy citizens.

What Honourable Cordel Hyde had so eloquently exposed was unwittingly confirmed by none other than Dr. Manzanero. He said this Wednesday on TV that the plane which was to bring in swabs for testing did not bring the swabs. He also confirmed, dig this, the ventilators that was coming by plane would now be coming by ship. Wow! What is even more shameful is the Prime Minister telling the media that many of the poor people applying for the small stipend of one hundred dollars every two weeks (seven dollars per day) were bogus persons. The Prime Minister accused these persons of trying to fraud the system. He didn’t use the words of his appointee Doug Singh, but it is the same cold-hearted, immoral attitude towards suffering people who are desperate for help.

The Prime Minister has now resorted to closing down the application process.

This is unbelievable and unacceptable. We are in a crisis. Our people have no jobs, no money, and no food. Let them apply, if there are errors on their application form or some of them don’t qualify, process their application and inform them.

As Honourable Cordel pointed out, these applicants are Belizeans, they ae needy Belizeans. They, need help, they desperately need help.

It is unbelievable what the Prime Minister is doing.

But on the other hand, the UDP Ministers and UDP standard bearers are out in force giving their voters food and money. These food stuff and money are not from their own pockets, where are they getting these funds from? Christmas Cheer, Mother’s Day Cheer and Covid cheer, in secret?

Some eighty thousand Belizeans have applied for help up to last week. Only twenty one thousand have received help. That leaves some fifty to sixty thousand citizens waiting for urgently needed money. Urgently needed.

SENATOR MICHEL CHEBAT At Tuesday Senate meeting Michel Chebat was the champion. He was methodical, logical and factual in pointing out serious short comings in the government’s handling of the Covid crisis.

He used the “Fantasy Island” TV series to expose the falsehoods of the government. For weeks Belizeans were being told a plane would bring needed medication, reagents for tests and ventilators. The “plane, the plane, the plane” can’t land as yet.

The presentations of the Party Leader and Senator Chebat require regular repeating on the radio and television stations. So every Belizean get to ‘overstand’ what is really happening.

AMBUSH IN THE NIGHT Out of nowhere Laura Longsworth appeared to tell Channel 5 News she and her lobbyist crew are pushing ahead with a dubious proposed law which has been roundly condemned by the churches, the Chamber of Commerce, the Unions and several prominent persons.

Seems Laura and “First Lady” are behaving like paid lobbyists for some foreign agenda.

3 MAY

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES 19 2020 United Democratic Party Commitments 2015 Manifesto 3 MAY

PART III (LAST OF 44 BROKEN PROMISES, UDP STYLE) #

Broken Promise

31. Offer free specialized clinics in all residential & non-residential centers for the elderly as a way to control chronic & non-communicable disease. These special clinics will be established in centers where the elderly can feel comfortable 32. Expand the Food Pantry program to other districts 33. Restructure the overall taxation system to ensure equity & fairness in collection, & to encourage economic stimulation 34. Transition to a Single Revenue Authority that coordinates all government tax collection agencies & introduces a common Tax Identification Number 35. Put more people to work through job matching & training based on market demand 36. Reduce the cost of high speed internet to bolster economic growth 37. Strengthen National Standards & Quality Controls to protect consumers & enhance competitiveness 38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

Outcome

Pablo dreamt this one day and is his broken promise number umpteenth. Now with COVID-19 cataclysm threatening, the UDP might was to apologize for building roads instead of hospitals.

Who is really helped?

And, no it hasn’t been rolled out. No surprise there.

There was no change in the instance of equity. Imagine the new General Tax Services made a multimillion dollar loan. For what?

They should collect taxes and make loans.

A last minute introduction marred by the appointment of the wife of a tarred politician rewarded to diplomat that might be remanded without passing Go. Ask your fave UDP rep what they mean by this.

BELIZE is in FULL economic recession and looking to go deeper.

The government isn’t budging yet.

Belize still massively imports even basic food items that could be locally produced. Yet the verification of quality is not there. We just buy and import in the billions.

Allow homeowners a chance to retain their hard The pages of the newspapers are continually laden with properties earned equity by enabling banks to extend the period that are being foreclosed. to write off residential mortgages to 10 years Review the policy that prohibits the holding of US Capital has taken flight; In fact, is the last few years, UDP combiDollar accounts at domestic banks in order to retain nation of policy has weakened the banking system. capital in Belize Develop an investor-friendly residency program Is this the McAfee, Mason, Pukke, Dermen, Kingston etc. program?

Improve government services through the implemen- Services to a few was great. It is called corrupted services. tation of a system-wide quality process reform Enact bills to enforce transparency & accountability in On Feb 20 and 23, there was a major and a historic demonstration Public Financial Management. pointed to the finances of the country being corrupted. In fact, the very supreme court had on Jan 31 ruled that PM Barrow had been involved for years in deliberate unconstitutional spending of Belizean money.

Fully implement an integrated e-Government system Maybe this is why the Prime Minister’s last decision on John in all departments where practical Saldivar was a video to the nation.

Diversify the education curriculum to ensure rele- Faber cannot get his 2012 imposed amendments to work. Eduvance to national demand cation is not happening at rates Belize needs to progress. PSE is regressing in terms of success.

20 Hon. Cordel Hyde

3 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

Representative for Lake Independence

Debate Presentation (Excerpts) at the Special Sitting of the House of Representatives April 27, 2020

Bill to Extend the Covid-19 State of Emergency by 60 days I naively imagined at the outset that all decisions (by the National Oversight Committee) would have been joint ones. But I am wrong. I know that our Party Leader came to the efforts with clean hands. He asked for nothing and he demanded nothing. He just wanted to serve in this critical time and he continues to serve.

When I heard that the motion was going to be presented in this house for the State of Emergency to be extended for sixty days, I immediately said, ‘nah’. We should do it for 30 days.

I felt that the last few weeks have been rough on the Belizean people. And I felt almost instinctively that they would have cringed at the thought of sixty more days. I felt like we should have in the first instance said 30 days and if needs be we come back and extend it for however long it is required.

I know that we have to be absolutely honest with the people of Belize because we are not out of the woods yet. I am afraid of this…. of this victory lap… of no new cases, of this talk of easing restrictions have begun to give our people a false sense of security. I know that in the previous days and weeks we have begun to see a lot of people wearing masks. Over the weekend I feel that prevalence of masks has dissipated a bit. I feel there are less people wearing masks right now.

Can we say honestly that we have tested all those that have come into contact with every single one of our positive cases? Can we say it with a straight face? If we can’t then we have to be honest with the Belizean people.

We were ordering tests as if we were going to the corner store and pick up more tests when we need—like we were buying sugar and salt. When we should have been ordering 10s of thousands of test, we were ordering a few hundred.

We do not know that whole story with those 25thousand kits that we were being gifted by the South Korean government and why we ended up not accepting that gift. We have to test, test, test.

I don’t want you (government) to tell me how many are getting the grant from the SSB. I don’t want you to tell me how many are getting the pantry through Human development. I want you tell me how many people apply and didn’t get it. We need to stop playing games. Eighty one thousand people apply that means that 53 thousand people that applied and didn’t get and they have to wait.

Human lives are not disposable. There is nothing more important than the lives of our people. That has to be our commitment. I know people are talking about the economy and that we need to try get back as soon as possible. I get that.

But in my mind you could recover from economic problems but you cannot recover from a premature death. We have to take absolutely every precaution to make sure that we preserve all lives. That we lose no life that we do not have to lose.

Madame Speaker, thank you very much.

2020

Hon. Michel Chebat PUP Senator

Debate Presentation (Excerpts) at the Special Sitting of the Senate April 28, 2020 Bill to Extend the Covid-19 State of Emergency by 60 days I want to take a moment to honour those who we have lost to this coronavirus and to offer a silent prayer to all those who continue to battle with this disease. We also take the opportunity to remind and to ask all the people of Belize to continue maintaining social distance, to continue wearing masks when they are out in the public, to continue washing their hands and to continue following the established protocols. It is up to us to battle and defeat the virus. No SoE can help us do that.

I will break it down because I want even the children that are possibly listening to understand what has happened. Very simply: No Job, which means no money, which means no food, which means that people are hungry and that means that people are desperate. According to the Prime Minister 88,000 have applied for the Unemployment Benefit a program that after one month has been closed. Of these, 33,771 applications have been approved but only 23,680 have been paid out. In effect only 27 percent of persons who have asked for help have received the help.

Secondly, No Food! People have not been receiving the food packages they have been asking for. People don’t have the money to go out and buy the food. They don’t have jobs to get the money. They have to go online to fill out a form to see if they qualify to receive food. What is wrong with us? We have people waiting weeks and weeks to get an answer. The reality is that there are tens of thousands of families going to bed hungry because they haven’t received their food packages.

I challenge this government to show us, the people of Belize, how they decide who gets a Food Package. People complain that they have not received yet they see supporters of the UDP getting. We are dealing with a pandemic not a party. Regardless of your political persuasion you should be able to get some assistance with food.

There has to be transparency and accountability in these programs. Everyone needs help.

The fact of the matter is that to get any help, benefit or food package, you have to go to a UDP crony, a UDP Standard Bearer, or a UDP minister to get you on that list.

Are we lucky or have we not been testing enough. What are the facts as we know them?

1. We do not have enough Personal Protective Equipment for our medical frontline workers.

2. No established treatment protocols 3. Not enough swabs and reagents to conduct the necessary testing.

4. Not enough testing kits. We refused 25,000 testing kits and not even with the money we have can we now buy them.

The Prime Minister charged the former CEO of the Ministry of Health to go and conduct a survey of the hospitals. I will not burden this house to go over that information. The picture that emanates is not a nice one. We have all heard the horror stories of the families whose loved ones have been infected. Up to yesterday, it seems that we have not been able to acquire sufficient swabs and reagents. The international standard it test, test, test. The plane with supplies cannot land yet but we are asking for 60 more days.

For the last 14 days the Ministry of Health has been saying, “No new Cases.” So what is the justification for the extending the SoE. The answer is simple. The Ministry of Health apparently does not believe in its own statistics. Apparently that is why we are being asked to shut down for 60 more days. The captain of this ship is steering this message blindly.

We are here to lock down for 60 more days yet the government has no plan as to how it will restart the economy. One month in a State of Emergency and “no money no deh.” The Prime Minister spoke of 100 million. Where did the money go?

Farmers have wanted to export and produce but the government has been unable to find the solutions. More so as a result of blatant partisan politics.

Before the crisis we had tens of thousands of people looking for jobs and now we have over a hundred thousand who are jobless and seeking some type of aid.

What we are suffering from today is a lack of proper planning. The Cayo district is burning and there is no plan in place to deal with that. We have a poorly prepared health system, practically non-existent manufacturing sector and no support for agriculture and the agro producing sector.

We’re here to advocate for the people of Belize and as long as we are here that is exactly what we will be doing.

3 MAY

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

Hon. Julius Espat Representative for Cayo South

Debate Presentation (Excerpts) at the Special Sitting of the House of Representatives April 27, 2020

Bill to Extend the Covid-19 State of Emergency by 60 days A heartfelt thank you to all the front line workers that are working right now. Some of them are the Police, the BDF, the Coast Guard, the doctors and nurses and the community minded people that are there for us to handle the situation we are in now. So thank you, thanks you.

There is need for a balanced approach to the coronavirus crisis that is upon us. One that can address the health and economic needs of the nation with minimal infringement of our constitutional and human rights. Our proposal of a one month extension of the State of Emergency is a balanced and a responsible approach.

The rural communities have always left behind and now food supply. They are the last to get any assistance from this government.

Formal employment is not our strength.

Our local leaders have found a way to work intervillage so that they can barter their products. They are trying their best but it is not enough. The UDP feels that they are villagers and they are farmers so they should not worry about them. So there is need for help with access to water and find a way to reach them. A debit card does not help our villages. The rural communities pay their taxes and they are Belizean.

We need to invest and maintain a high level of rapid testing. It is critical. This should be parallel to border control and interdistrict control. It should be prioritized. Government should invest on rapid tests. Testing is too centralized. It takes a ridiculously long time to get the results. Testing

21

needs to be done in the different zones, decentralized. This is not about PUP or UDP it is about the Belizean people.

There needs to be more control of people between the different sectors. There is no medical personnel at the police checkpoints. They should be manned by data entry of people moving across the different sectors.

We need to maintain our borders closed. It hurts us economically but it has to be done.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

3 MAY

2020

3 MAY

2020

THE BELIZE TIMES

Gilroy Usher,

PUP Standard Bearer and PUP Port Loyola Assisting the Community During Covid-19 Crisis

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THE BELIZE TIMES

3 MAY

2020

PUP Standard Bearers

Appealing to their Constituents Excerpts of FB Posts

Hon. Jose Mai Regarding Government’s decision to stop the exportation of livestock through Bullet Tree, I must register my complete disappointment with: 1. Cabinets decision to close down the livestock exports to Guatemala through Bullet Tree without a genuine reason and lacking factual information.

2. Minister Hulse for not supporting the livestock farmers. If he would have supported the farmers or he would have opposed Cabinet’s Decision, he would have had to join his CEO Alpuche in tendering his resignation; something that clearly he is not prepared to do. On the basis of principle; maybe he should.

3. The Media- for not asking the pertinent questions regarding the matter.

Minister Hulse’s comments on Love FM seriously lacked clarity.

First: It was never the Guatemalan authorities that stopped the export of livestock.

Take a look at the images below. It is the Chairman of Bullet Tree and the Belize Police that stopped the convoy in Bullet Tree. It is the Chairman of Bullet Tree that called a Minister who in turn instructed more policemen to go to the scene. This occurred on Belizean territory. The Guatemalan authority was never present!!

Stating that the Guatemalan authorities stopped the Trade is being deceitful and misleading.

Secondly: it was elements of the Belize Police that literally escorted the convoy back to Belmopan under heavy guard. It was not the Guatemalan authorities!!

Thirdly: I am yet to see a diplomatic note from the Guatemalan authorities clearly and explicitly condemning the exports and prohibiting future exports via the Bullet Tree Route. SHOW THE EVIDENCE! Fourthly: Does this means that all trade including black beans and corn such as is traded between Toledo small farmers and Guatemala informally via similar routes will be prohibited?

This in my view is a senseless decision with no genuine justification simply to cover up political blunder at the expense of the Belizean farmers and people.

This is the greatest disappointment!

Hon. Francis Fonseca LESSONS FROM CUBA AND TAIWAN: As our global community grapples with the dire consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic, two nations very familiar and dear to us here in Belize have provided us with important lessons on friendship and support in times of crisis and isolation.

These nations are Cuba and Republic of China on Taiwan (ROC). Cuba has sent a team of medical practitioners and personnel to Belize to assist us in our COVID-19 fight. They have sent similar teams of varying numbers to other Caribbean nations, to Latin America, to Africa and even to Europe. Taiwan has provided financial and material support to Belize as it has done in every country that it enjoys diplomatic relations with.

We are not surprised by Cuba and Taiwan’s response. Belize has long been on the receiving end of the generosity of these two nations.

But what we see in the actions of Cuba and Taiwan during this crisis, is an understanding and appreciation of the cost and challenges of isolation.

Cuba has lived for more than 50 years under an oppressive and unjust economic embargo which has placed a stranglehold on its economic growth potential. This has caused the Cuban government and people to learn to do more with less and to value the loyalty of their friends in the global community, and to plan and prepare for crisis.

Taiwan has lived it’s entire existence under the threat of military action from mainland China. This has led to its diplomatic and political isolation. Like Cuba, Taiwan has had to chart its own course and has managed to achieve stellar economic growth and a vibrant democracy. Taiwan too, because of its isolation, appreciates the value of loyalty, friendship and support particularly in times of need.

Indeed, like all nation states, Cuba and Taiwan’s foreign policy is driven by their national interest but these two isolated nations can teach us all that what is in the global interest can be and very often is in our national interest.

Cuba and Taiwan have been good friends of Belize for many years.

We have learnt many important lessons from them and we continue to do so as we face this COVID-19 crisis.

Hon. Florencio Marin Ahora más que nunca.... por el bien de tu familia, amigos y de nuestro país.

Unidos vamos a sobresalir de esta pandemia. Cuento contigo....

Hon. Kareem Musa This Morning I woke up to a very nasty and disturbing Facebook post on a FAKE page.

I totally condemn the racist statements against my political opponent and I ask all my supporters to do the same. As one person rightly said, “RACISM AND HATE HAS NO PLACE IN CARIBBEAN SHORES.” Oscar Mira Let me start this post by stating that I support the work that the Police and

the security forces of this country is tasked to do. I want to hail the difficult work that everyone is doing in the fight against this pandemic. Everyone needs to follow the rules of Curfew and the terms of the State of Emergency.

With that said, we cannot, and will not tolerate violence by our security forces towards our community. I have seen the various videos on social media where our police and other security forces brutalized members of our community in San Martin. We have been sent the damage done to these persons. We can NEVER condone such heinous actions especially towards our elders in our society. No CIVILIZED society should allow their citizens to be so brutalized. I personally know the individuals, and it is horrific to see the wounds that Don Chindo, as he is affectionately known, has on his body. He was at home, following all the rules of curfew when he was brutally attacked! The gate of a young woman was smashed and another resident shot!

Let those breaking curfew be punished …

We should be in this together. We must be able to trust the police.

No decent human being in our country would tolerate this level of brutality and abuse of power to any member of their community!

Michel Chebat NOT only do we face the challenges of the Corona Virus but in the WEST we are suffering from smoke and respiratory issues!

That is why we have a $42m Environmental Fund! Where is the Minister of the Environment!!

No sólo tenemos que enfrentar a los desafíos del Virus Corona sino en el OESTE estamos sufriendo de humo y problemas respiratorios!!!

Es por eso que tenemos un Fondo Ambiental de $42m!

Donde está el Ministro del Medio Ambiente???!

Gilroy Usher PROBLEMS WITH CLOSURE OF COVID 19 WEBSITE: The sudden closure of Covid19.bz , the website for financial relief with the coronavirus, is preventing both the submission of new applications by qualified persons in the resubmitting of applications by numerous qualified individuals in all three categories due to incorrect SS#. And calls to the three phone numbers (621-3400, 621-3618, 604-4645) listed for assistance always result in voicemail every single try 24/7.

Advice is urgently needed on how affected persons across the country can get the errors with their SS numbers corrected for their applications to be processed.

Oscar Arnold Greetings beautiful people of Collet we are currently working on more food pantry for our people who are in desperate need, we have distributed to over a 150 family. If you’re looking for someone assistance call us at 671-2655 for more details.

NOTE: We want to reach and impact as many families as possible so (1) bag per household. May God continue to bless you and your family and please take care of yourself?

We are in a crisis not an election the will be a time for that, Now is really not the time for games or to gain points when people especially our kids not eating as we speak Hon. Orlando Habet Mr. AG. please for the logical, scientific, common sense reasons for allowing walking and jogging but not Cycling during the State of Emergency Did the Minister of Trade have an Epiphany? A sudden revelation that the 30 year informal cattle trade with Guatemala must now happen only officially?

April 18 SMOKE. It carries toxins known as Dioxins. Bad for your health. Especially devastating on persons with compromised respiratory illness like asthma. Yesterday was about the worst day In our area of San Ignacio and Santa Elena.

One principal contributor was a forest fire that moved into the village of Billy White threatening homes and other valuable property.

The chairman and I called the fire department in San Ignacio but the response was that they could not leave their station. They recommended to call the Santa Elena Fire station. This one responded that they were already busy outing fires in the Georgeville area. But that they had advised the chairman to get a machine like a bulldozer to make a fire pass. Well a bulldozer is not readily available and by this time the fire was close to the village homes.

The fire burned for hours creating plenty of smoke. The villagers came out in large numbers with buckets of water and hoses to fight the fire.

AGAIN. NO assistance from the Government institutions that are to provide the much needed services. Last week the same village was out of life saving Water for FOUR days. No help came. But the brave Chairman, councillors and citizens of the village came out to carry water for the residents in pickup trucks that carried drums and other containers with the much needed resource Alex Balona I humbly plead that everyone obey the laws regarding forest fires.The smoke is affecting our health and the wildlife.

Ed. Note: Readers please be mindful that these are excerpts. For the complete comment/releases/posts of our PUP leaders visit, like and follow their FB profiles and pages.

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Coronavirus en México:

suman 1,569 muertos y 16,752 casos confirmados 28 abril de 2020 Desde Palacio Nacional, el director de Epidemiología, José Luis Alomía, explicó que del total de los casos, únicamente 5,329 iniciaron con síntomas en los últimos 14 días. Esto representa una una tercera parte del total de casos acumulados.

En cuanto al número de casos sospechosos acumulados, la cifra asciende a 11,220 y las pruebas que han arrojado resultados negativos suman 49,033. El total de las personas estudiadas con sospecha de coronavirus en el país,

La entidad más afectada por el virus SARS-CoV-2 continúa siendo la Ciudad de México con 4,474 casos positivos y 348 defunciones (Foto: Edgard Garrido/ Reuters)

Aunado a esto, el subsecretario de Prevención y Promoción de la Salud, Hugo López-Gatell, informó la semana pasada que se estima que ocho de cada diez mexicanos en estado crítico morirán a causa de coronavirus.

De la misma manera, las autoridades sanitarias han exhortado a la población a no minimizar la gravedad de la epidemia y a continuar acatando las medidas establecidas de la Jornada Nacional de Sana Distancia, las cuales fueron extendidas hasta el 30 de mayo, con el objetivo de mitigar la propagación del virus SARS-CoV-2 en municipios de alta transmisión.

No obstante, la Secretaría de

En México se han reportado 16,752 casos confirmados acumulados y 1,569 defunciones por coronavirus (Foto: SSa) según lo informado por el epidemiólogo, es de 77,005.

Por estados de la República, los datos arrojan que la Ciudad de México continúa registrando el número más alto de contagios y defunciones, con 4,474 y 348 respectivamente. A dicha entidad le sigue el Estado de México (2,722), Tabasco (890), Sinaloa (803), Quintana Roo (698) y Puebla (583).

Otro tema que se ha discutido en la crisis sanitaria es lo referente a las camas con ventilador disponibles para atender a las personas que pudieran

Diputada Yanci Urbina acusa a Bukele de violencia contra mujeres

presentar complicaciones por el virus SARS-CoV-2. Los principales estados de la república con menos disponibilidad de camas con ventilador son, la Ciudad de México, el Estado de México, Sinaloa, Quintana Roo y Baja California En lo referente al panorama internacional, el epidemiólogo destacó que la región de las Américas sigue concentrando el mayor número de casos positivos de la enfermedad, con un 51.4%, en comparación de Europa que ha

Por Diana Escalante, Elsalvador.com El mandatario provocó con un tuit suspensión de plenaria al decir de que podría haber contagios de COVID-19 en la Asamblea, por un vídeo que circuló en redes sociales donde se ve toser a la parlamentaria La diputada del FMLN, Yanci Urbina, acusó este viernes al presidente de la República, Nayib Bukele, de ejercer violencia contra las mujeres de forma institucionalizada.

“Le llamamos (a

La Ciudad de México ha reportado el mayor número de contagios acumulados, con una cifra de 4,474 (Steve Allen/Infobae) reportado 35.9% del total de personas contagiadas con coronavirus. Por otra parte, la tasa de letalidad global se posiciona en 6.9%.

Las defunciones distribuidas por entidades federativas ubican a la Ciudad de México a la cabeza, seguida principalmente de Baja California, Sinaloa, Estado de México, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, y Puebla.

Y es que la enfermedad en México, según cifras del informe de la SSa del pasado lunes, ha recargado su letalidad al grupo de edad que va de los 45 a los 55 años.

Bukele), le exigimos a que cumpla con la Constitución y que se abstenga de desarrollar campañas de acoso y de odio contra la población salvadoreña. Y contra la mujeres porque ya esta actitud permanente de acoso a las mujeres, de agresión, es parte de la violencia política que ejerce este Gobierno y ahora de manera institucionalizada”, aseveró Urbina, acompañada por el resto de diputados de su partido.

La noche del jueves, tras la suspensión de la plenaria a raíz de unos tuits publicados por la

diputada de ARENA, Milena Mayorga, y Bukele, en el que la primera denunciaba que era “grave” que Urbina estuviera tosiendo en la plenaria, y el mandatario dejara entrever que podría haber contagios de COVID-19 dentro del Salón Azul, circuló en redes sociales que un equipo del Ministerio de Salud había llegado a la residencia de la diputada de

Salud también ha hecho la aclaración de que, en caso de encontrarse en una demarcación en donde exista baja o nula transmisión del COVID-19, las medidas establecidas para la contención de la enfermedad pueden comenzar a levantarse paulatinamente el 18 de mayo.

Esto sin dejar de seguir las recomendaciones de higiene y distanciamiento social, además de continuar protegiendo al grupo vulnerable ante la pandemia por coronavirus.

izquierda para hacerle una prueba.

En la conferencia, Urbina no confirmó ni descartó esta versión y se limitó a decir: “hay un interés de personalizar una situación que lo que tiene de fondo es una ruptura del orden constitucional y un atentado a este Órgano de Estado”.

Durante la plenaria, diputados de diferentes partidos se solidarizaron con Urbina.

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Guyana can aid food security in CARICOM

By Staff Reporter, Guyana Chronicle WITH CARICOM examining ways the Region can support itself during the global crisis, chairman of the National Coronavirus Task Force (NCTF), Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said Guyana has the advantage to boost food security in the Region.

In a video press conference on Thursday, he told the media that Guyana has long been touted as the food basket of the Region, similar to the way Trinidad and Tobago has been thought of as the Caribbean’s industrial basin.

Only weeks ago CARICOM Chair, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley said that the notion of a “single domestic space” for CARICOM with regard to travel, food security, health and more, has now become more important.

She said that with globalisation expected to return to the world region by region, countries will have to rely on their neighbours for support and there is no better time for the Region to band together than now.

At the Ninth Special Emergency Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM on April 15, food security was high on the

By Sandy Deane, Barbados Today The men and women of the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) got their just due today – a big thank you from Government, union leaders and Barbadians for their hard work on the COVID frontline.

In a festive environment at the SSA’s Wildey Depot, workers were treated to loud applause, led

by Minister of the Environment and National Beautification Trevor Prescod, SSA management and the top brass of the National Union of Public Workers, including President Akanni McDowall and Acting Deputy General Secretary Delicia Burke.

In his brief address, Prescod reminded the workers they were important as he praised their contribution to the nation’s development.

“Everybody benefits from the service of the Sanitation Service Authority; there is not a society under the sun that [doesn’t] have the disposal of waste, and there is not a society under the sun that can function without the service of

agenda.

“Guyana has always been considered the food basket of the Caribbean from the point of view of having vast natural resources of fertile land, fertile soil, clean air, clean water and vast land space,” the prime minister said.

On the matter of land space, he stated that this has become very attractive to the Caribbean, which is made up of mostly small islands.

Guyana, on the other hand, is the largest Caribbean country in terms of landmass.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) holds Guyana as a food-secure country with no major food-security issues.

Nagamootoo said President David Granger has been in consultation with the Rural Affairs Secretariat to determine the efforts that can be initiated to stimulate local agriculture.

The Prime Minister said the international situation is very bleak as many factories are now closed and the usual imports of most countries have been affected, as countries hold on to their own supplies or are challenged by export restrictions.

He cited reports from U.S. media which stated that 25 per cent of U.S.

pork production has been hit by the coronavirus and scores of food-processing workers have died after contracting the virus.

According to 2018 data from the International Trade Centre (ITC) the 15 CARICOM member states collectively source up to 94 per cent of their food imports from the U.S. market.

Meanwhile, data from the same year showed that 94 per cent of all CARICOM imports of cereals; 90 per cent of edible fruits and nut imports and 91 per cent of sugar confectionery imports originate from the U.S. At such a time, self-sufficiency of CARICOM and Guyana, individually, becomes even more important.

“Guyana is in a very good position to have local stimulation of agriculture and we’re hoping that the Ministry of Agriculture will come up with a

WELL DONE, SSA

comprehensive plan on how to help households in Guyana and how to help farmers to take to the soil and to help to boost our local supplies,” he said.

He added: “Trinidad has always been seen as the industrial basin of the Caribbean and we have been seen as the agricultural basin of the Caribbean; and we’ll continue to maintain that relation and to develop our economies so that we can help each other to provide with the need internally in our Region.”

CARICOM has stated that all proposals and arising issues will be considered in the context of the CARICOM COVID-19 Agri-Food Risk Management Framework, which was circulated to member states, following a meeting of Ministers of Agriculture last month.

a Sanitation Department.

“I understand clearly, your commitment, I understand clearly your courage, I deeply appreciate your commitment to the country in general and I believe you ought to be honored for everything that you are doing.”

McDowall said the NUPW is proud of its SSA members and assured they have the union’s full support.

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5 Reasons Why Mexico’s Oil Industry Is Destined For Disaster

By Viktor Katona, oilprice.com April 25, 2020 Mexico has somewhat inadvertently found itself at the heart of the oil industry’s most burning issues of 2020 – just when it seemed that Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States and a whole array of prominent oil-producing countries reached an agreement on future OPEC+ production cuts, the Latin American nation rejected the proposed quota of a 400kbpd output curtailment and eventually accepted a 100kbpd cut after prolonged talks and an intervention by U.S. President Trump. Yet as long as PEMEX keeps on piling up debt and oil prices continue their downward movement the OPEC+ agreement notwithstanding, shouldn’t Mexico chart a more pragmatic course and cut output wherever possible?

Below we will identify 5 reasons why Mexico’s oil industry is destined to suffer.

1. Falling Production.

For 15 years already, Mexico has been struggling to reverse a seemingly terminal production decline.

When President López Obrador came to office, he vowed to fulfill one of his main campaign promises to bring oil production to 2.7mbpd by 2024. Yet one and half years into AMLO’s tenure and Mexican crude production continues to decline – currently at 1.72mbpd, down almost 15 percent in just 3 years – and given how strained relations are with international upstream investors, there is little hope to believe that the upcoming months will bring about any significant change. Mexico in general and PEMEX in particular have means to mitigate losses, however the extent thereof seems somewhat inadequate.

PEMEX Crude Oil Production and Exports in 2017-2020 (million barrels per day).

PEMEX’s traditional annual hedge, oftentimes presented as some sort of magic wand against market turbulence, will only yield some 300 million this year. This is primarily because the PEMEX hedge only covers some 20% of crude exports, having been fixed at a price of 49 per barrel from December 2019 to December 2020. There exists a separate Finance Ministry oil price hedge, the details of which remain classified – the Mexican authorities have repeatedly stated that these put options can fully compensate for any missing government revenue. Essentially, PEMEX is certain not to recover all of the short-received revenues which is quite troubling on the back of “Black Monday” (April 20) sending the Mexican crude basket into negative territory on the back of WTI pioneering its way there.

Internal Pressure

Merely a couple of weeks after the OPEC+ was concluded, the Mexican oil regulator CNH (Comisión Nacional de Hidrocarburos) has stated it would seek a formal explanation from PEMEX on how it intends to carry out the 100kbpd production cut. One would presuppose that a decision to cut output would be of concerted nature, however in Mexico it resulted in a chaotic situation in which no one really understands who should lead the mandated curtailments, PEMEX or the Energy Ministry itself. The irony of it all is that Mexico only committed to 2 months of production cuts in May-June 2020, despite the general OPEC+ agreement charting the global course until April 2022; moreover the United States took up an additional 250kbpd of ‘’Mexican” output commitments to facilitate the deal.

Financial Difficulties.

PEMEX has in a way become hostage of its own importance – as oil companies across the world cut capital expenditures for 2020, PEMEX is pretending it can carry on with its assumed $16.7 billion budget for the year. Obviously this did not go unnoticed with market watchers; if PEMEX does not react appropriately then the Mexican NOC will burn most if not all of the credit facilities available and still end up with a $10 billion shortfall. With an aggregate debt level of $105 billion, this is certainly no good news - the Mexican NOC has posted an unprecedentedly high loss last year at $18.3 billion, almost doubling year-on-year despite increasing oil prices.

Shattering of Dos Bocas Refinery.

The low price environment and poor financial situation might push the Mexican government to scrap or postpone the construction of the planned 340kbpd Dos Bocas Refinery in AMLO’s home state of Tabasco, assumed to become the largest and most sophisticated in Mexico. The pet project of the embattled President has a hefty price cost of $8 billion and has been at the forefront of López Obrador’s struggle to end import dependence on US refined products, with an assumed commissioning date of 2023. There seem just to be way too many reasons pointing against the completion of Dos Bocas – no usable finances left, depressed gasoline

prices, the Mexican peso’s recent depreciation, the botched bidding process and consequent inevitability to have a go at it by themselves.

Inadequacy of Measures Taken Heretofore.

Following the crude market’s “Black Monday’’ on April 20 when US futures dived into negative territory for the first time ever, the agreed OPEC+ production cuts have already attested their insufficiency. The Mexican crude basket has dropped below PEMEX’s breakeven costs (of some $14 per barrel, according to 2019 data) to the lowest point in the whole of the 21st century. The coronavirus pandemic has made it really hard for the Mexican government to invest additional funds into PEMEX as reviving the virus-ridden economic life is a tangibly more important objective. Thus, PEMEX will have to find solutions by itself and find them relatively quick – investments beyond 2022 look increasingly problematic. Mexico’s offshore half-cycle costs are oscillating in the $25-30 per barrel interval and with the current price environment even brownfield investments are questionable.

Hurricanes Could Be Slowing Down Due to Rising CO2 Levels, And That’s Not a Good Thing

By David Neild, sciencealert.com April 26, 2020 Scientists are warning that an increase in global warming could significantly slow down hurricanes, potentially leading to more destruction.

While slowing down might sound like a good thing, the researchers are talking about the speed hurricanes progress, not wind speed. So this slow down means more time to carve out a trail of destruction with both wind and rain when they hit land.

The stark warning is based on meteorological data collected since 1950, as well as readings taken on more recent storms from the last few years, and forward projections created by computer modelling. Here the scientists are studying the ‘translational’ or forward motion of hurricanes, rather than the eye of the storm wind speeds.

Because no matter how fast wind speeds are, the storm can still be slow moving.

For example, in 2019, Hurricane Dorian produced gusts of 295 kilometres (183 miles) miles per hour, but advanced at just a handful of kilometres an hour. That meant more time to batter properties and people, and to ditch more rainfall across a smaller place. If future hurricanes continue to follow the Hurricane Dorian pattern, then they’re likely to be just as destructive, or even more so.

“Our simulations suggest that future anthropogenic warming could lead to a significant slowing of hurricane motion, particularly in some populated mid-latitude regions,” says climatologist Gan Zhang, from Princeton University.

“This is the first study we are aware of that combines physical interpretation and robust modeling evidence to show that future anthropogenic

warming could lead to a significant slowing of hurricane motion.”

Using detailed climate models, Zhang and his colleagues ran six distinct patterns, based on 15 separate sets of initial conditions, which gave them a total of 90 different possible future scenarios.

In all of those 90 scenarios, the model was told to expect an increase in CO2 levels and subsequent global warming of 4 degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) by the end of the century.

That would cause the strong mid-latitude wind currents known as the westerlies to push further towards the poles, the simulations showed, leaving calmer conditions behind and less forward momentum for hurricanes.

Hurricanes in Asia and North America, along the latitudes close to New York, would be most affected, the models suggest.

Hurricane speeds in the tropics would not be altered by the rise in temperatures, however.

The study was unable to find a definitive link between climate change brought on by human activity and the recent slowdown in hurricane patterns: at the moment, there isn’t enough data to rule out random variations or some local cause, the researchers say.

But it’s another clear indicator of the problems that we’re bringing upon ourselves by leaving climate change unchecked. We’re already seeing an increase in extreme weather events, and having them linger for longer is going to mean more bad news ahead.

“We do offer some evidence that there could be a slowdown of translational motion in response to a future warming on the order of 4 degrees Celsius,” says Zhang.

“Our findings are backed by physics, as captured by our climate models, so that’s a new perspective that offers more confidence than we had before.”

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As Earth Day turns 50 amid lockdowns, environmental action goes digital

By Thin Lei Win, Thomson Reuters Foundation With many nations having banned mass gatherings to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus, green activists are marking the 50th anniversary of Earth Day online, urging environmental action through apps, webinars and digital campaigns. The annual push to raise public awareness about the environment and inspire actions to protect it, held each April 22, this year comes amid a health crisis that has forced unprecedented shutdowns in countries around the world.

But organisers and environmentalists are pushing ahead with celebrations - this year with low-carbon digital tools. One, Earth Challenge 2020, is a mobile phone app that allows users to take photos and upload them to provide local data on key environmental issues, from air quality to plastic pollution. Its backers - the Earth Day Network, organiser of the original Earth Day, as well as the U.S. Department of State and Washington-based think tank the Wilson Center - say the information can help create up-to-date assessments on the state of the environment around the world.

“An app by nature facilitates public participation,” said Anne Bowser, the Wilson Center’s director of innovation.

© Getty A photo illustration showing the mobile application of Air Quality Health Index. 06DEC13 (Photo

by Felix Wong/South China Morning Post via Getty Images) Creators of the app hope in coming months it can be expanded to help contributors report on insect populations and verify satellite data on what crops are being grown around the world, to better fight hunger, she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Observations on local air quality and food security

can be contributed even from people’s sofas when their movements are restricted during the pandemic, Bowser said.

The lockdown is also an opportunity for people with unexpected time on their hands to dig into the often overdue task of making their finances climate smart, said Sophie Cowen, media coordinator at Earth

WHO head warns worst of virus is still ahead

By Associated Press April 20, 2020 GENEVA (AP) — The World Health Organization chief warned Monday that “the worst is yet ahead of us” in the coronavirus outbreak, reviving the alarm just as many countries ease restrictive measures aimed at reducing its spread.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus didn’t specify why he believes the outbreak that has infected some 2.5 million people and killed over 166,000 could get worse. He and others, however, have previously pointed to the likely future spread of the illness through Africa, where health systems are far less developed.

“Trust us. The worst is yet ahead of us,” Tedros told reporters from WHO headquarters in Geneva.

“Let’s prevent this tragedy. It’s a virus that many people still don’t understand.”

Some Asian and European governments have gradually eased or started relaxing “lockdown” measures like quarantines, school and business closures and restrictions on public gatherings, citing a decline in the growth of COVID-19 case counts and deaths.

Tedros and his agency have been on the defensive after President Donald Trump of the United States — the WHO’s biggest single donor — last week ordered a halt to U.S. funding for the agency, alleging that it botched the early response to the outbreak.

Among other things, Trump insisted WHO had failed to adequately share “in a timely and transpar-

ent” way information about the outbreak after it erupted in China late last year.

Tedros said: “There is no secret in WHO because keeping things confidential or secret is dangerous. It’s a health issue.”

“This virus is dangerous. It exploits cracks between us when we have differences,” he said.

Tedros said U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staffers have been seconded to work with his agency, suggesting that was a sign of WHO’s transparency.

“Having CDC staff (at WHO) means there is nothing hidden from the U.S. from Day One” Tedros said. “Our CDC colleagues also know that we give information immediately to anyone.”

Day Switch. The earthddayswitch. org website allows consumers in Britain to see if their banks and energy companies are investing in fossil fuels, whose use creates the majority of greenhouse gas emissions heating up the planet.

Data for the United States, France and Germany are expected to be added later this year, Cowen said.

“After COVID-19, we cannot go back to an economy based on dying industries like fossil fuels. It is bad for the planet and bad for business,” she added.

And while the pandemic caused the postponement of key United Nations negotiations on climate and biodiversity agreements until next year, an online conference of about 100 of the world’s top scientists, economists and environmentalists will go ahead starting Monday. The six-day event, now in its third year, aims to discuss issues from sustainable consumption to climate-smart agriculture, noted We Don’t Have Time network, one of the organisers.

The idea of the digital gathering, in part, is to show “action on climate change can be a low carbon experience”, said Nick Nuttall, deputy spokesperson for Earth Day 2020.

“Bringing people together to discuss, to share ideas and to step up action does not have to be accompanied by carbon emissions linked with flying back and forth, to and from an event.”

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