Belize Times May 6, 2018- Mayor Not Fazed By UDP Fake News

6 MAY

SCAN HERE

2018

The Belize Times

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

6 MAY 2018 | ISSUE NO: 5095

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

MAYOR NOT FAZED

BY UDP FAKE NEWS Thursday, 03 May 2018 Prime Minister Dean Barrow may have gotten up on the podium after Municipal Elections to pretend that the UDP losing Belize City was no big deal, but it is crystal clear that the loss of the city has caused the UDP severe intestinal distress as a result of the sour grapes virus. The PUP City Council, led by Bernard Wagner has been under sustained attack by operatives of the UDP and by some of the very same Councillors who were kicked out of office two months ago for incompetence but now seem to have the found the answer to everything somewhere in their addled brains.

The latest attack has consisted of the UDPs claiming that Mayor Bernard Wagner will be removing the discount on property taxes usually afforded to senior citizens residing in Belize City. The UDP has been weeping and moaning about the so-called punishment of our senior citizens, spreading fake news

Another Barrow Bukut – Light Bills Going UP!

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Cabinet Announces Referendum Date Pg. 2

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FIVE PERSONS SHOT IN THE CITY

which could not be further from the truth.

In an interview this week, an unperturbed Mayor Wagner revealed that there has never been and will never be any intention to bring any additional hardships to residents, particularly our senior citizens who like all citizens are facing hard times due to UDP corruption and mismanagement. “Since that discount to senior citizens was passed in the House of Representatives as law, not only would it be morally wrong to do what the UDP has said we are doing, but it would also be illegal,” Wagner explained.

“When I spoke about the $800,000 – you would be surprised that only about 10% of that money is attributable to senior citizens.

What we are against is a discount program for the wealthy,” Wagner continued. In a press briefing recently, the Mayor revealed the outrageous fleecing of the Council, coupled with the

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Was Hattieville Murder a Case of Mistaken Identity?

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DRUGS & DEATH ON THE HIGHWAY

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6 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2018

MAYOR NOT Cabinet Announces Referendum Date FAZED BY UDP FAKE NEWS

Continued from page 1

mismanagement and lax accounting practices which kept the Council perpetually broke even as the Councillors and selected persons lived well off the perks. He has committed to implementing proper accounting procedures and a strict adherence to a budget which should have the Council back on its feet quickly, able to provide the services which have been denied to residents for so long.

We note, as a point of interest, that some of the same persons who have engaged in all the mudslinging and dissemination of fake news are those whose mouths have been forcefully removed from the CitCo bubby they enjoyed for so long.

Another Barrow Bukut – Light Bills Going UP! Thursday, 03 May 2018 Early in April Belizeans got the bad news that it was very likely that their electricity bills would go up very soon. That’s because the state-owned utility company BEL had requested approval for a hike in the cost of electricity from the state-owned Public Utilities Commission. The bad news is now confirmed, as the PUC has approved the hike in electricity rate. This week BEL got permission to raise the cost per kilowatt hours by 4.4%.

BEL will still have leave to appeal that hike in the hopes of charging consumers even more, so Belizeans will have to brace for the chances of another massive bukut very soon.

Just two weeks ago the nation was informed that the cost of fuel was going up yet again – that, in the wake of news that the cost of butane had also gone up by $10 per hundred pound cylinder.

Under the Barrow/ Faber administration, there has been no good news for normal Belizeans, as the cost of everything continues to go up. In fact, the Prime Minister had even

decided to impose GST on the farmers of the country, a move which would have crippled those hard-working Belizeans who work tirelessly in the productive sector. With cane-farmers already facing a crisis with low world market prices, the move to tax them may have been the death knell for the industry. It is only because of an immediate outcry from the PUP, farmers’ associations and even the Chamber of Commerce that the UDP was forced to backtrack.

All Belizeans are aware that the moves being made by the Barrow/Faber administration to generate more revenues are the result of the Government being broke, barely able to meet payroll for public officers on a monthly basis. And the government is broke because of the corruption and mismanagement which have depleted public coffers. Normal Belizeans are forced to foot the bills while the not normal Belizeans have become millionaires.

The Belize Times has been reliably informed that there is more bad news ahead where the cost of fuel at the pumps is concerned.

United States

on page 31 ExchangeContinued rate (USD): $ 0.50 of One Belize Dollar

Barbados (BBD): $ 1.00

Thursday, May 3, 2018 Via a release from the Government Press Office following Monday’s Cabinet meeting, Belizeans have been informed that we will go to referendum on April 10, 2018, to decide if Guatemala’s unfounded claim on our territory should go before the International Court of Justice.

On 15th April 2018 the Guatemalans conducted their referendum on whether to take their unfounded claim to the ICJ. The majority of those who voted (95.88%) voted yes to take the matter to the ICJ. Though the voter turnout was extremely poor at only 26.65%, the results are still valid because Guatemala does not have a threshold for voter turnout. The Guatemalan government thus, got what it wanted: a Yes vote!

The Guatemalans quite cleverly, in collusion with Dean Barrow and Sedi, decided to conduct their referendum before Belize, knowing full well that they would be able to secure a yes vote. We say that the Guatemalans had the collusion of Dean and Sedi because anybody knows that such referenda should be held simultaneously so as not to allow the outcome in one country to impact the outcome in the other country. If Dean and Sedi truly had the interest of Belize at heart they would never have allowed Guatemala to back out of the legally binding Compris that called for simultaneous referenda.

The Guatemalans were not satisfied with going to the polls first; they also quietly and shrewdly pressured Belize into changing its referendum law such that there would no longer be any voter turnout threshold. Prior to the amendment, the Referendum Act required at least a 60% voter turnout for the results of the referendum to be binding. Sensing that the people of Belize, like the majority of ordinary Guatemalans (74.35%), cared not about this unfounded claim, the Barrow administration colluded to force us to the polls. He did that by removing the threshold and by calling the referendum so close to the start of the re-registration exercise.

Readers may recall that the Barrow administration committed to the Teachers that re-registration would be conducted before Belize goes to its referendum on the ICJ matter; that exercise is to start on 1st July 2018. And on the 30th April 2018, a mere 15 days after the Guatemalan referendum, the Barrow administration announced that Belize will go to the polls on the ICJ matter on April 10, 2019.

The timing of the ICJ referendum and the re-registration should be cause for concern. In August 2016, the PM in response to a question by the Hon. Kareem Musa told the nation that because re-registration was due to commence July 2017 and because there was a municipal elections due March 2018 there would not be enough time to properly conduct the re-registration exercise. Re-registration he said would require far more time than the 8 months, therefore his administration would push back the re-registration exercise for another year.

Fast forward to 2018 and the very PM

Eastern Caribbean Euro (XCD):$ 1.35 (EUR) : $ 0.46

Sterling Pound Guatemala Quetzal CANADIAN DOLLAR (GBP): $ 0.35 (GTQ): $ 3.85 (CAD): $ 0.67

seems to have no concern about the short period of time between the already announced re-registration exercise (July 2018) and the ICJ referendum (April 2019): a mere 9 months for voters to re-register before they will be asked to decide on the ICJ question. Any right thinking person will agree that the ICJ referendum is a far more important poll that the recent municipal elections. If 8 months was too short a time to re-register before the municipals how comes 9 months is not too short for a poll that has the potential to change Belize as we know it? Something smells here and the Belizean people would be well advised to pay close attention. Barrow and Sedi are up to no good! None!!!

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6 MAY

2018

03 3

THE BELIZE TIMES

Was Hattieville Murder a Case of Mistaken Identity?

Thursday, 03 May 2018 On Tuesday night the homicide rate in what has been a violent 2018 so far jumped again as Owen McFoy, 30, was killed by a hail of bullets unleashed on

FIVE PERSONS SHOT IN THE CITY

Thursday, 03 May 2018 Five persons were injured by gunfire in the space of one hour in Belize City Wednesday night. Just after 7:00pm Police visited the KHMH where they observed Hugh Thomas, 25, suffering from a gunshot wound to the left side of his back. Thomas was driving his vehicle in the vicinity of Pregnant Alley when a male person came out of the alley and fired shots in his direction. Police are seeking two persons for questioning in what they believe was an attempted murder caused by a gang rivalry.

Thomas is known as an affiliate of what of the gangs which operate in the area.

And even as Police were processing that scene on Cemetery Road, at around 8:00pm they were called out to the KHMH where they observed three males and a female, all suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the body. Sylvester Bahadur, Michael Requeña and Emerson Requeña were admitted in stable condition while Tricia Benguche was treated and released.

Police investigations have shown that the three male victims were standing outside a Chinese establishment at the corner of Faber’s Road and Central American Boulevard when they were approached by two men who almost immediately opened fire. Benguche was sitting in a vehicle outside the establishment when she was hit in the barrage of lead. ASP Cowo says that at present no motive has been established, but they are working with the footage to identify the shooters. None of the injured persons are well known to Police.

Just hours after that shooting, videos started circulated which showed the level of savagery on Belize City streets. The first was surveillance footage which clearly showed two men on bicycle ride up to the Chinese establishment, get off their bikes calmly and open fire on persons standing outside before riding off. The shots narrowly missed an elderly man who was purchasing something from the business. The second video showed three persons on the ground bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds as passersby milled around in panic.

him by two gunmen hiding in the bushes. McFoy was watching a basketball game with friends at a neighbour’s home in Hattieville, and left to head to his home across the street during halftime. He never made it there, where his wife had food prepared for him, because two men jumped from the bushes and fired what witnesses say were as many as eight shots at him. He died before reaching the KHMH. While that is what witnesses are stating, the Police today stated that McFoy was socializing with friends when they were approached by one gunman who fired the shots which killed McFoy. There is some speculation from his friends and family that the murder of a man who is described as quiet and not a troublemak-

er was a case of mistaken identity.

They believe that the shooters were targeting another person or persons in that area and McFoy was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

His brother, Austin Crawford, told the media that McFoy had never been involved in the gang life even though he grew up on Euphrates Avenue before going to Hattieville to live. ““No gang banging or nothing like that.

Everyone that knows him knows the loving type of person he is. What happened is because my mom lives in the area he knew them and would talk to them but he never hung out with them or joined any gang,” Crawford asserted.

Today, Police confirmed that there have been reports of shots fired in that particular area which has caused the Hattieville Substation to increase patrols in that area. They are

seeking two persons from Hattieville whom they believe can shed some light on what has all the markings of a senseless murder. McFoy, who worked at the Salvation Army with his brother and wife, also leaves behind three young children.

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4 04

THE BELIZE TIMES

Man Charged for Fatherin-Law’s Murder

Thursday, 03 May 2018 On Wednesday, Police formally arrested and charged Jose Ricardo Mendoza and charged him for the murder of his father-in-law, Gaspar Vargas. On Monday at 2:00pm Police were called out to the San Pedro Polyclinic where they observed Vargas suffering from a stab wound to the center of his stomach. Vargas succumbed to his injury.

Preliminary investigation reveals that Vargas was at home in the San Mateo area socializing with his sonin-law Mendoza and another man.

The other man allegedly left, and

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Gaspar Vargas shortly after Vargas and Mendoza had an altercation which resulted in the fatal stab wound. Police detained Jose Mendoza at the hospital and arrested and charged him for the crime of murder on Wednesday.

There are reports that the two men had a history of altercations, but ASP Cowo says that while they have gotten that indication unofficially, there was no official report made to the Police.

6 MAY

2018

DRUGS & DEATH ON THE HIGHWAY Thursday, 03 May 2018 The Quick Response Team (QRT) working out of the Ladyville Substation made a significant bust of compressed marijuana over the weekend after fleeing suspects fled a checkpoint and crashed. According to reports, just before 1:00am Saturday morning Police at a checkpoint set up at the Boom junction observed a Mazda pickup approaching. The pickup saw the checkpoint and it diverted and sped off in the direction of Sandhill, with the Police in pursuit.

Disaster apparently struck at Mile 17 where the pickup lost control and ran off the road.

When the Police arrived on the scene, they found Jermaine Michael Sanker, David Morrison and Diana Sutherland badly injured, trapped inside the vehicle. The vehicle had flipped and crushed another man, Anthony Sommerville, and he died at the scene.

According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Alejandro Cowo, “Every person inside the vehicle had severe wounds to their bodies. As a result the Police had to request the assistance of the Fire Department where the vehicle was cut and persons were rescued…underneath the vehicle, Police were able to retrieve Anthony Morris Somerville, a 38 year old Belizean from Hattieville village. Unfortunately he was already dead under the vehicle. All three persons - the two males and the female were brought to the KHMH and are still under Police guard with the injuries that they have.”

Cowo also revealed that cops found 16.6kg of compressed marijuana at the scene of the accident, and another five parcels after dawn when they returned to search the area more thoroughly.

It is believed that the drugs were being brought in from one of the Northern districts, either Orange Walk or Corozal.

6 MAY

2018

THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

HEADLESS, HEARTLESS & CLUELESS

T

here are many critical issues facing the country today – including the impact of falling world prices on farmers in the north, seemingly uncontrollable crime, the unfounded claim by an increasingly aggressive Guatemala and an economy which is in dire straits. But while the nation reels and the people feel the pain and suffering of real hard times, the United Democratic Party is frighteningly silent. It has quickly become apparent that there is a lack of leadership within the Party, and that has translated into a country which has been operating on auto-pilot. It was Hubert Elrington, a former UDP Minister and brother of the Foreign Minister who said, famously, that the Cabinet is made up of a bunch of idiots and Belize is heading for the reef.

Elrington has no doubt earned his nickname of Crazy Glue, but in this assessment he was absolutely spot on.

The newscasts each night are full of stories of bloody murder and lawlessness.

As a community we grieved with the Rosado family as they buried their patriarch, murdered inside his store in broad daylight. As this Editorial is being written on Wednesday, it is in the wake of another murder in Hattieville, the most recent, and news of other savage killings. While the Police cannot be expected to predict these murders and thus act to stop them, there is a real and accurate sense that there is no direction in the Department and moves are being made without rhyme or reason. There have been multiple calls for the head of Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie, who is perceived in and out of the Department as a lame duck, little more than a political puppet. The Minister of National Security has promised this time around to put a stranglehold on crime, but there is no sense that any substance lies behind that commitment.

And even as the news of murders dominate the local scene, we are told that in one year we will go to referendum so that the people can decide whether we should take Guatemala’s unfounded claim to the ICJ. What is incredible is that many persons do accept that the ICJ at this point is the only solution to dispensing with the claim. But even those who are inclined to support going to the ICJ, on principle, are uneasy with those who are at the helm of this rudderless ship of state. Under the stewardship of Wilfred Elrington, our Foreign Minister, our position has been distinctly weakened. Suddenly, our foreign policy where our now hostile neighbour is concerned seems uncertain, and appeasement has become the order of the day. Guatemala has competently taken up a role as bully, while Belize has become the proverbial wimpy kid. Fisherfolk from that country have been allowed to plunder our waters in the South while the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF) refuse to allow Belizeans to travel the Sarstoon. It is under Wilfred Elrington that we lost the use of the Sarstoon - that body of water of which we sing in our National Anthem. Many believe that behind closed doors, Elrington made some concession to his Guatemalan counterparts of which we are unaware.

As they turn Belizeans back, the GAF is always heard to say that we must observe the protocol. Yet we know absolutely nothing of any protocol which denies us entry into the Sarstoon.

The Prime Minister seems to have exited stage left in advance of his imminent departure. He is out of the country more often than not, and even when he is here says and does little which would inspire confidence in his leadership. We feel the hand of this government mostly when we are informed that the pump prices of fuel are going up yet again. That is when we know that Dean Oliver is back at the helm. The Deputy Prime Minister is mired in his own personal problems and has been completely missing in action – more so than normal. He, like all political observers, is aware that he does not enjoy the support of Cabinet and it is unlikely that his ambition to be leader will ever be realized. His nemesis in Belmopan, whose ambition never waned even when his political fortunes did, fancies himself the real leader of the UDP, yet it is clear that DOB does not share his optimism. That is more obvious now than ever, as the Prime Minister when leaving the country has consistently refused to make John Saldivar the acting Prime Minister.

The country is in crisis and those in leadership are asleep at the wheel. The only industry which has not died or is on life support is tourism, and that is in danger because of the crime rate which has earned us dubious distinction on several watch-lists. The corruption which pervades Cabinet has tainted every office of Government. The security of our nation is in jeopardy. Our people no longer enjoy the stability which should come with our Independence and nationhood.

The pillars of our society, education and health, have been neglected by an uncaring and incompetent administration. More and more of our people are living in poverty. The country is in trouble, and those who should be steering the ship are nowhere to be found. Change must come. Change is coming.

05 5 en Español

SIN CABEZA, SIN CORAZÓN Y SIN SENTIDO

H

ay muchos problemas críticos que el país enfrenta hoy en día - incluyendo el impacto de la caída de los precios mundiales del azúcar de caña a los agricultores en el norte, la delincuencia aparentemente incontrolable, el reclamo infundado de una Guatemala cada vez más agresiva y una economía que se encuentra en una situación desesperada. Pero mientras la nación se tambalea y la gente siente el dolor y el sufrimiento de tiempos realmente difíciles, el Partido Unido Democrático esta espantosamente sin decir una palabra. Rápidamente se ha hecho evidente que hay una falta de liderazgo dentro del partido, y que eso se ha traducido a un país que ha estado funcionando en piloto automático. Fue Hubert Elrington, un ex Ministro del UDP y hermano del Ministro de Asuntos Exteriores quien dijo famosamente que el gabinete está compuesto por un montón de idiotas y Belice se dirige hacia el arrecife. Elrington sin duda ha ganado su apodo de cola loca, pero esta evaluación fue absolutamente perfecta.

Los noticieros cada noche están llenos de historias de asesinatos sangrientos y anarquía. Como comunidad acompañamos en su luto a la familia Rosado al enterrar a su Patriarca, asesinado dentro de su tienda a plena luz del día. Mientras se escribe este Editorial el miércoles, es poco después de otro asesinato en Hattieville, la más reciente, y noticias de otros asesinatos salvajes. Mientras no se puede esperar que la policía prevea estos asesinatos y actué para detenerlos, hay un sentimiento verdadero y exacto que no existe ninguna dirección en el Departamento y se toman medidas sin ton ni son. Han habido varias llamadas para cambiar al Comisario de la Policía Allen Whylie que se percibe dentro y fuera del Departamento como totalmente incapaz, poco más que un títere político. El Ministro de Seguridad Nacional ha prometido esta vez en torno poner un control absoluto sobre el crimen, pero no parece haber sustancia detrás de ese compromiso.

Y aun cuando las noticias de asesinatos dominan la escena local, se nos dice que en un año iremos a referendo para que la gente pueda decidir si deberíamos llevar el reclamo infundado de Guatemala a la CIJ. Lo que es increíble es que mucha gente acepta que la CIJ en este momento es la única solución para prescindir de la reclamación. Pero, incluso aquellos que están inclinados a apoyar a la CIJ, en principio, están inquietos con aquellos que están al mando de esta nave estatal sin timón. Bajo la dirección de Wilfred Elrington, nuestro Ministro de Asuntos Exteriores, se ha debilitado claramente nuestra posición. De pronto, nuestra política exterior donde concierne a nuestro vecino hostil ahora parece incierta y el apaciguamiento se ha convertido en el orden del día. Guatemala competentemente ha asumido un papel de baladrón, mientras que Belice se ha convertido en el proverbial debilucho. Pescadores de ese país han podido saquear nuestras aguas en el sur, mientras que las Fuerzas Armadas Guatemaltecas (FAG) no permiten a beliceños viajar a través del Sarstoon. Es bajo Wilfred Elrington que hemos perdido el uso del Sarstoon - ese cuerpo de agua de la que cantamos en nuestro himno nacional. Muchos creen que detrás de puertas cerradas, Elrington ha hecho alguna concesión a sus homólogos guatemaltecos de la cual no estamos conscientes. Al hacer regresar a los beliceños, a la FAG siempre se les oye decir que debemos observar el protocolo. Todavía no sabemos absolutamente nada de algún protocolo que nos niegue la entrada al Sarstoon.

El Primer Ministro parece haber salido del escenario antes de su partida inminente. Él está fuera del país más a menudo que no y aun cuando está aquí dice y hace poco que inspire confianza en su liderazgo. Sentimos la mano de este gobierno sobre todo cuando se nos informa que los precios del combustible están subiendo de nuevo. Es cuando sabemos que Dean Oliver está de vuelta en el timón.

El Vice primer Ministro está sumido en sus propios problemas personales y ha desaparecido completamente – más que lo normal. Él, como todos los observadores políticos, está consciente de que él no cuenta con el apoyo del gabinete y es poco probable que alguna vez se haga realidad su ambición de ser líder. Su némesis en Belmopán, cuya ambición nunca disminuyó aun cuando su fortuna política si se contrajo, se imagina ser el líder real del UDP, sin embargo, es claro que Dean Oliver Barrow no comparte su optimismo. Eso es ahora más evidente que nunca, ya que el Primer Ministro al salir del país se ha negado sistemáticamente a hacer a John Saldivar el Primer Ministro Interino.

El país está en crisis y los que están en el liderazgo están dormidos al volante.

La única industria que no ha muerto pero está con apoyo de vida es el turismo, y está en peligro debido a la delincuencia que nos ha ganado la distinción dudosa de varias listas “de vigilancia”. La corrupción que impregna el gabinete ha corrompido a todas las oficinas del gobierno. La seguridad de nuestra nación está en peligro.

Nuestro pueblo ya no disfruta de la estabilidad que debe venir con nuestra independencia y soberanía. Los pilares de nuestra sociedad, la educación y salud, han sido descuidados por un gobierno indiferente e incompetente. Cada vez más de nuestra gente están viviendo en la pobreza. El país está en problemas, y los que deben estar dirigiendo la nave no se encuentran en ninguna parte. El cambio debe venir. El cambio está llegando.

6 06

THE BELIZE TIMES

6 MAY

2018

Message from Hon. John Briceño, Leader of the Opposition

The Work of Nation-Building Never Stops Today I begin my weekly message with the words I normally use at the end of my speeches and talks - together let’s build a Belize that works for everyone.

We in the PUP believe that the work of nation building never stops and the best chance for success and for moving our country forward is when we do it together. So what is the kind of country we in the PUP want to help to build? Well, for sure we want to see every Belizean prosper. We want our children to go to good schools where they can get a quality education.

We want our young people in their most productive years to be able to get good jobs and establish meaningful careers. We also want to see our senior citizens enjoy their golden years with grace and dignity.

While these objectives are not novel, they are not easy to accomplish.

Indeed they should be what any citizen should expect from a responsible government. We all want to live in a society where everyone is progressing, where we can move closer to full employment. It is right and just to demand that our children be given a good education, adequate health care and our values should force us to treat our seniors with dignity. But none of this is cheap. Already government is consuming about a quarter of all the goods and services we produce. So we can’t put more of the financial burden for creating this kind of society solely on the government. It has to our shared responsibility.

I have set out some bold but achievable goals. I sincerely believe that if we work together we can reduce the number of Belizeans living in poverty by one half in 10 years. I believe we can do this by putting more of our women and young people to work. We have to get our people healthier, better educated and we have to do more with respect to citizen security.

Currently about 175,000 Belizeans can’t find $5 a day and that makes them poor. If government were to put $5 in the pockets of every poor Belizean every day, it would amount to over $300 million a year.

Currently the government is spending around $24 million annually on their so-called social transformation.

But if we involved everyone in the effort to move 87,500 Belizeans from poverty to work in 10 years, we can do it.

Together we could develop and implement a plan to get 8,750 Belizeans from earning less than $5 a day to earning enough to lift them out of poverty.

We can do this by encouraging more Belizeans to invest in small business. This way we grow the economy outward and upward putting more families to work. Also, if we can improve opportunities for our young people, especially those who are at risk of falling through the cracks created by social inequity by developing their skills in masonry, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, sports and other skills, we would have a first rate skilled work force to complement the young professionals we graduate from our colleges every year. So together we can get to full employment for women and young people in ten years.

With a growing productive sector producing the goods we need here at home and for export; with a vibrant and confident private sector and a government providing an enabling environment for doing business and with our young people learning the skill and jobs that are relevant to the modern age, we can reduce our trade deficit, grow the Belizean economy and build prosperity.

When we bring these things together we create a partnership that will see safer communities, overall improvement in the standard of living and we will be building a Belize that works for everyone. This week we pay tribute to our Belizean workers and so from all us in the People’s United Party we say to our Belizean workers, thank you, God Bless you and Happy Labour Day.

6 MAY

2018

THE BELIZE TIMES

ON THE

MOVE

A LABOUR OF LOVE

On Labour Day Belize City Council Mayor Bernard Wagner and his team spent some quality time with the employees at the Council, letting them know that this isn’t about politics but about a group of men and women who are united in service of city residents.

Let the work continue. PUP dah Love. It’s all about the people.

07 7

8 08

THE BELIZE TIMES

ON THE

MOVE

True Blue in the North

Over the weekend the people of Corozal North and Corozal Southeast showed their love and support for PUP generals David Castillo and Florencio Marin Jr., as both men were endorsed as Standard Bearers of the Party. These are the men who will deliver victory to the people whenever general elections are called. Adelante con el partido unido del pueblo.

6 MAY

2018

8 MAY MAY 26 JUL FEB 24 NOV 14 631 19 AUG JUN

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

2016 2017 2018 2016

9 11 SPORTS 09

Silk Grass Government School Girls Win National Softball Championship

Belize City, April 27, 2018 The Silk Grass Government School girls won the national primary schools softball championship hosted by the National Sports Council at the “home of softball’ at the Rogers Stadium on Friday.

In Game 1, pitcher Yatana Mossiah struck out 2 batters to lead the Corozal champs, the San Antonio Government School girls, to an 8-6 win against the Cayo champs, the St Francis Xavier RC School girls from Esperanza, and their rookie pitcher Nyeisha Obando.

In Game 2, the Belize Rural Primary girls, led by pitcher Kelsey Pook, won 4-1 against the Orange Walk champs, the Carmelita Government School girls and their pitcher Briah Conorquie. In Game 3, the San Antonio girls led by pitcher Yatana Mossiah won 4-3 against the Stann Creek champs, the Silk Grass girls and pitcher Sherilee Pixabaj. In Game 4, pitcher Marleny Uk struck out 3 batters to lead the Toledo champs, the Forest Home Methodist girls, to a 6-2 win against the Carmelita girls.

In Game 5, MVP Annalese Guy

Jacob Leslie scored 16pts

Champs Silk Grass girls

Toledo - Marleny Bahadur pitch 6-2 win vs O. Walk

2nd Place, San Antonio CZL girls

Salvation Army Boys Win National Softball Championship Belize City, April 27, 2018 The Salvation Army School boys won the national primary schools softball championship hosted by the National Sports Council at the Albert Hoy field, behind the Raccoon St. Police Station on Friday.

In Game 1, pitcher Jeffrey Rodriguez struck out 4 batters to lead the Corozal champs, the Xaibe RC School boys, to an 11-1 win against the Cayo champs, the Garden City Primary boys from Belmopan, and pitcher Terry Reyes.

In Game 2, MVP pitcher Terence St. Claire struck out 5 batters to lead the Belize district champs, the Salvation Army boy to a 3-0 win against the Orange Walk champs, the Carmelita Government School boys and their pitcher Lawrence Wade. In Game 3, Jeffery Rodriguez and the Xaibe boys shut out the Stann Creek champs, the Independence Primary School boys: 9-0 while IPS pitcher Joshman Almendarez gave up 4 hits, struck out 3 batters and walked 4.

In Game 4, pitcher Lawrence Wade led the Carmelita boys to a 9-2 win against the Toledo champs, the Punta

Champs Salvation Army boys

struck out 3 batters to lead the Silk Grass girls to a 17-4 win against the St Francis Xavier RC girls. In Game 6, pitcher Kelsey Pook and her relief Ciara Mcfadzean led the Belize Rural girls to an 8-7 win against the Forest Home girls. In Game 7 in the semi-finals, the San Antonio girls and pitcher Yatana Mossiah won 6-5 against the Forest Home girls.

In Game 8 in the semi-finals, the Silk Grass girls and MVP pitcher Annalese Guy walloped Kelsey Pook’s pitching to win 9-2 against the Belize Rural girls. In Game 9, the consolation game for 3rd place, the Belize Rural girls swatted the Forest Home Methodist girls: 13-1. In Game 10, the championship final, the Silk Grass girls edged out the San Antonio girls: 3-2 as pitcher Yatana Mossiah gave up 3 hits and walked 3 batters.

Team trophies and individual medals were presented to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in an award ceremony after the final. The Most Valuable Player award went to Silk Grass’ pitcher Annalese Guy! Wade gave up 5 hits and walked 5 batters.

In Game 8 in the semi-finals, Terence St. Claire struck out 8 batters to lead the Salvation Army boys to a 3-0 against the IPS boys and pitcher Joshman Almendarez. In Game 9, the consolation game for 3rd place, the IPS boys outlasted the Carmelita boys: 2-0.

In Game 10 the championship final, Terence St. Claire struck out 9 batters to lead the Salvation Army boys to a 9-1 win against the Xaibe RC boys, whose pitcher Jeffery Rodriguez gave up 6 hits and walked 2 batters. Team trophies and individual medals were presented to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in an award ceremony after the final. The Most Valuable Player award went to Salvation Army’s Terence St. Claire, with 4 wins, striking out 28 batters!

2nd Place, Xaibe RC boys - CZL Gorda Methodist and pitcher Jovan Coe, who gave up 11 hits and walked 8 batters. In Game 5, Joshman Almendarez struck out 2 batters as he led the IPS boys to an 8-1 win against the Garden City boys and pitcher Jairo Alamilla, who gave up 4 hits and walked 4 batters.

In Game 6, MVP pitcher Terence St Claire struck out 6 batters to win a 4-0 shut-out of the PG Methodist boys and pitcher Jovan Coe. In Game 7 in the semi-finals, the Xaibe RC boys and their pitcher Jeffery Rodriguez eliminated the Carmelita boys: 9-0, as Lawrence

3rd Place, Independence Primary boys

10 SPORTS

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2016 2017 2018

The Wash Higher Steaks Canoe Wins Agric Show Race Belmopan, April 28, 2018 The junior champs of this year’s Ruta Maya: 10-year-old Daniel Cruz, Enrique Cruz and Moises Guardado paddled their “The Wash Higher Steaks” canoe into 1st place in the 19th annual Happy Cow canoe race from the Iguana Creek Bridge to the Agric Show last Saturday morning.

1st The Wash Higher Steaks 2:07.16 – 1st Juniors - $200 prize.

2nd The Wash Higher Steaks: Ana Camp, Eric Cano, Daniel Cruz Sr. - 2:08.56 – 1st Mixed - $200 prize.

3rd U.E.S./Westrac: Clayton & Milenie Cabb, Henner Cruz - 2:09.10 – 2nd Mixed - $150 prize.

4th Lionheart: Amado Cruz, Jimmy Valdez, Pablo Manzanero - in 2:10.50 – 1st Male - $200 prize.

5th Cayo Cargo: Christian Lopez, Jose Linares, Justin Allen 2:11.26 – 2nd Juniors - $150 prize.

6th Super Badness: Bayron Cruz, Allen Lopez, Alfredo Lopez 2:11.49 – 2nd Male - $150 priz.

Champs The Wash Higher Steaks - 1st Jrs

1st Fem - Nearly Neva Mek It

Bandits Jewel Fury Are No.1 in NAWL Football Belmopan, April 28, 2018 Undefeated Bandits Jewel Fury are No.1 in National Women’s Amateur League NAWL football competition with their 3rd win: 4-1 against winless Sagitun at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium last Saturday.

Cynthia Salazar headed in the 1st goal to put the finish on a corner kick executed

by Nataki Alvarez in the 13th minute. Giselle Baeza scored a 2nd goal in the 20th minute, and Suswany Martinez came off the bench to score 2 more goals in the 65th and 75th minutes. Sagitun’s only consolation goal came from Sabrina Eiley’s conversion of a penalty in the 40th minute.

At the Santiago Ricalde Stadium in Corozal on Sunday, Verdes Rebels posted their 2nd win: 2-1 against the Corozal Scorpions on goals by Maricela Hernandez in the 10th minute, and Jessica Orellana in the 27th minute. The Scorpions’ only consolation goal came from Gabriela Cowo in the 80th minute.

At the Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga on Saturday, the Toledo Rumberas and Pumas struggled to a 1-1 draw; as Rumberas’ Ashley Rodriguez scored in the 62nd minute, and Pumas’ Nykemah Kuylen equalized in the 73rd minute.

At the MCC Garden in Belize City, the Millennium United drew 0-0 with the Orange Walk Gladiators.

Upcoming games on Saturday, May 5: Gladiators vs. Millennium United at Peoples Stadium Pumas vs. Toledo Rumberas at Victor Sanchez Union field On Sunday evening, May 6: Jewel Fury vs. Sagitun at Michael Ashcroft Stadium Scorpions vs. Verdes at Norman Broaster Stadium.

7th Print Belize: Armin Lopez, Rudolph Gentle, Claudio Cruz 2:13.33 – 1st Masters - $200 prize.

8th Western Invadaz: Roxana Lemus, Miguel Mangandid, Brandon Ayala 2:15:33 – 3rd Mixed - $100 prize.

9th Vanilla Hills Lodge: Gustavo Pott, Jorge & Dennis Castellanos 2:16.32 – 3rd Male - $100 prize.

10th PACT: Adrian Williams, Sandeep Betancourt, Kyne Gentle 2:19.05 – 4th Male.

11th Nearly Neva Mek It”: Delmi Cornelio, Jane & Bobby Dee Usher 2:32.34 – 1st Female - $200 prize.

Emilio Ahmad & Sons Ltd, importers of Happy Cow cheese, sponsored the cash prizes and trophies presented to all winners, along with a Happy Cow gift bag of goodies in the prize giving ceremony on the Love FM main stage.

1st Juniors - The Wash Higher Steaks

Diana Vega tries, but cannot stop Cynthia Salazar’s goal

Boom Orchid Girls, DHC Unity & Easy Does It Win in Belize Rural Women’s Softball Lords Bank, April 29, 2018 The Burrell Boom Orchid Girls, Double Head Cabbage Unity and Flowers Bank Easy Does It all posted wins in Week 3 of the Belize Rural women’s softball tournament at the Lord’s Bank on Sunday.

In Game 1, the Boom Orchid Girls shot down Arrows Reloaded 11-5, as Arrows’ pitcher Shauna Avilez gave up 14 hits and walked 3 batters. Boom’s Ismae Flowers scored 3 runs, Rebecca and Mardi Nicholson, and Sheridan Morgan scored 2 runs apiece, and

Lynese Alvarez and Arneek Baptist scored 1 run apiece. Boom’s pitcher Valorie Humphreys gave up 12 hits and walked 3 batters.

The Boom diamond’s tight defense forced the Arrows to leave 9 runners on base, and only Meaghan Young, Jiel Belisle, Cindymae Reyes, Turcia Ferguson and Darlene Gentle scored 1 run apiece.

In Game 2, the DHC Unity outshone the Sandhill Shooting Stars 10-3 by mercy rule in 5

innings, as Sandhill’s pitcher Darlene Vaccaro gave up 10 hits and walked 2 batters.

DHC’s Annette Mcfadzean scored 3 runs, Kristy Terry and Nicolet Castillo scored 2 runs apiece, and Elma Wade, Kayle Mcfadzean and Aiden Stephenson scored 1 run apiece. Only Stars’ Ormencia Pou, Shevaun Vaccaro and Darlene Vaccaro scored 1 run apiece.

In Game 3, Flowers Bank walloped Lords Bank Sunrise 7-5, as Iceany Baptist gave up 8 hits, walked 4 batters and pitched 4 strikeouts. Kelsey Robinson and Sharra Robinson scored 2 runs apiece and Devonie Reyes, Renisha Rhaburn and catcher Lucy Manzanero scored 1 run apiece to lead 7-0 up to the 5th inning.

Lords Bank played catch-up, but too little, too late as pitcher Yvette Flowers gave up 9 hits, and Chelsie Young and Kathleen Henry scored 2 runs, and Vanessa Dawson scored 1 run.

Francine Robinson slides 2nd SAFE

6 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2018

MY PERSPECTIVE

By Dolores Balderamos Garcia

QUADRUPLE WHAMMY!!

It surely seems that the Honourable Attorney General is running and hiding from the truth.

Three weeks or so ago, after the release of a United States Narcotics Report, he fulminated vehemently in condemnation of the US, saying that US authorities are “unfair and cowardly” in naming Belize a major transhipment point for illegal drugs making their way northward. Where is the evidence? Based on what?

What is the foundation of their analysis, he queried. And then came the landing of a fancy jet plane on the San Estevan/Progresso Road, as if to say “see it here, silly!!”

Of course we are hearing that in the past six months seven airplanes have landed in various parts of the country in suspicious circumstances. Authorities always arrive late and out of

breath.

My, my, what else does the AG need to convince him of what is really a factual observation by the mighty United States? It matters not that the appetite for cocaine in North America continues unabated. It matters not that, as Peyrefitte believes, we are a flea and the US is an elephant in the scheme of things. The facts remain that we have serious problems of law enforcement and fighting illegal drugs, and it certainly isn’t rocket science what the said report has repeated: our drug control efforts are hampered by the same challenges faced by our country’s security forces – Corruption; Insufficient Investigative Capacity; An Inefficient Judicial Sector; and A Lack of Political Will. What a quadruple whammy!!

Starting with corruption,

what more do we have to say?!?

Take just one example – the paying out of $800,000.00 to two well-connected persons in what must surely be the most blatant case of wrongdoing lately. At the time, as I shook my head along with all Belizeans, I said that this time someone HAS to go to jail.

All concerned had to know that the land in question was already owned, so why “compensate” those two to such a handsome tune?? The resignation of the Minister was simply not good enough.

Insufficient investigative capacity goes without saying. Sad, but true. However, the high-up players who are giving information to and colluding with the drug smugglers are sophisticated enough, and they are surely on the take. Imagine that the road was graded just days before the fancy jet plane landed. And everybody and every bit of the goods just disappeared before daylight. The Police Department just has to be upgraded with optimal investigation training and resources.

Also lamentable but true is the inefficient judicial sector. How can this be gainsaid?? What is the conviction rate for major crimes again??

And clearly not enough resources, financial and otherwise, are provided for the judiciary and the office of the DPP. The system is limping along with the poorest results, and Belizean confidence is at a very low point.

Finally, the biggie – lack of po-

11 litical will!! And this is where I believe the political leaders are NOT being held to account. Anywhere else, a head or heads would have rolled. Belize keeps on getting black eyes. I suppose we must have a permanent black eye for all this nonsense. Let us compare the impunity of Belizean leaders with something that just happened in Great Britain this past week. The Home Secretary Amber Rudd was forced to resign over the Windrush generation scandal. She had denied to the House of Commons that there was any deliberate policy of deporting Caribbean nationals who had been in Britain for many years, and she tried to blame the officials in her ministry, when it was indeed her own policy of mass deportations to arrive at “targets” for expelling Caribbean and other immigrants. This of course smacked terribly of racism and grossly unfair treatment of black Caribbean migrants. She had to take the fall. Inadvertently or not, she misled Parliament, and she had to pay the price.

When will Belize arrive at this point of political will and accountability for policies and actions or the lack thereof?? I guess we have such a long way to go.

Meantime, we have our permanent black eye and this quadruple whammy, while the AG and other ministers, in addition to all and sundry, travel the globe and do nothing to improve our governance.

Dr. Jane E. M. Usher (‘Miss’ Jane), the General Manager and Treasurer of HRCU met with the executive of the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions on their recent visit to Belize.

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6 MAY

2018

18 JAN

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HRCU – 74 YEARS OF SERVICE

 Over 2500 adult member-owners attended AGM with an additional 600 junior member-owners in attendance  Total Net Profits of $26.7 million, more than $2.2 million monthly  Total assets of $581.9 million, a dollar growth of $15.9 million from last year

 Growth in membership of 2,964 member-owners ending the year with a total of 55,661 member-owners  17,796 loans issued with dollar value of $65.1million, average of 342 loans issued weekly  Declared Dividend 5% and Interest Rebate 15%  Reduction of Residential Mortgage Loan Interest Rate to 9.75%  Acquisition of 3-story building in Belmopan which will house ATM services and eventually a branch for our huge population of member-owners living and working there  Soon to come Affordable Housing Project Mile 15 Philip Goldson Highway and expansion of office space at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane

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6 MAY

2018

RICH IN BIODIVERSITY, BELIZE MUST PROTECT ITS MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCES “If we pollute the air, water and soil that keep us alive and well, and destroy the biodiversity that allows natural systems to function, no amount of money will save us”. –David Suzuki– Biodiversity, the essential variety of life forms on Earth, continues to decline in every region of the world, significantly reducing nature’s capacity to contribute to people’s well-being,” says the latest Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Report.

Biodiversity and ecosystem services contributed to rapid economic growth from 1990 to 2010, benefiting its more than 4.5 billion people worldwide. Climate change is already affecting biodiversity, through direct impacts of changing temperature and rainfall regimes on species and their interactions. Even if the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement are met, there will be substantial impacts of climate change on biodiversity so effective mitigation action is essential.

Belize is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, many of which are endangered or can be found nowhere else on the planet. The environment forms the basis of Belize’s culture and economy. Most of the population is reliant on natural resources for subsistence as they support tourism, the nation’s largest income source. People in Belize directly depend on the forest for their timber products, medicine, food, fuel as well as other subsistence needs. Unfortunately, Belize faces unprecedented threats from extreme weather events to invasive alien species, agricultural intensification and increasing waste and pollution, resulting in a rapid decline of native flora and fauna.

Because the environment is so important to its livelihood, culture, economy and global biodiversity, Belize is looking to develop innovative and improved methods to manage its resources, with an emphasis on using them sustainably. Rich biodiversity and ecosystem services are incredibly vital for human well-being and the region’s sustainable development.

The Government of Belize must manage land and marine ecosystems in a small country development context. Unsustainable aquaculture practices, overfishing and destructive harvesting mean that many exploitable fish stocks will decline considerably

if immediate actions are not taken. Coral reefs for example aren’t stand-alone ecosystems. They’re intrinsically linked to mangrove forests and sea-grass beds, so let’s continue raising the awareness for the whole system in Belize!

The protected areas’ institutions aim to improve Belize’s protected areas while effectively implementing sustainable land management through improved coordination mechanisms at all levels of government and between different initiatives. It is an important undertaking aimed at strengthening institutional management and coordinating and enhancing our efforts with the protected areas network and sustainable land management.

Worsening land degradation caused by human activities is undermining the well-being and contributing to species’ extinctions and intensifying climate change.

Rapid expansion and unsustainable management of croplands and grazing lands is the most extensive direct driver of land degradation, causing significant loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, less food security, need of water purification, the provision of energy and other contributions of nature essential to people.

Land degradation manifests in many ways: land abandonment, declining populations of wild spe-

cies, loss of soil and soil health, rangelands and fresh water, as well as deforestation. Avoidance of further agricultural expansion into native habitats can be achieved through yield increases on the existing farmlands, shifts towards less land degrading diets, such as those with more plant-based foods and less animal protein from unsustainable sources.

Existing multilateral environmental agreements provide a good platform for action to avoid, reduce and reverse biodiversity loss and promote restoration. However, a greater commitment and more effective cooperation is needed at the national and local levels to achieve the goals of zero net land degradation, no loss of biodiversity and improved human well-being.

Climate change is also impacting species distributions, population sizes, and the timing of reproduction and migration. Increased frequencies of pest and disease outbreaks resulting from these changes may have additional negative effects on agricultural production and human well-being.

Forests, pine ecosystems, inland freshwater and wetlands, as well as coastal systems are identified as the most threatened Belizean ecosystems. Some key policy solutions could be: • Involve local communities in biodiversity conservation;

• Improve monitoring, verification systems and baseline data; • Promote positive incentives that reward sustainable practices; • Integrate biodiversity conservation into key development sectors; • Enhance private sector partnerships in financing biodiversity conservation; • Promote cross-border regional collaboration for both landscapes and seascapes; • Broad scenario and planning tools for better visualizing impact of various policies on biodiversity conservation; • Coordinate policy between different ministries to simultaneously encourage more sustainable production and consumption practices of land-based commodities; One of the key policy options is to ensure that biodiversity conservation is integrated into key development sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, energy, infrastructure, tourism and finance. We need to ensure that the message of biodiversity conservation and its importance is reflected appropriately in these sectors.

Ecosystem based approaches, solid waste management, as well as air, water and land pollution are factors undermining the biodiversity targets needed to fulfill Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

For humans, the spring means gearing up for warmer weather and enjoying the floral views. But for animals and insects, it signals the start to a whole new season of life that requires a lot of energy and hard work to pollinate, hibernate, and migrate! Irresponsible human activity strongly affects those process with very serious consequences.

I’m amazed at the biodiversity achievements of the past two decades and excited to see what the future will bring. Together, in work and in play, we can come as a nation, leveraging the flexibility and connectivity that technology gives us to create a connected and more sustainable future.

The right actions to combat biodiversity loss can transform the lives of thousands of people across Belize, but this will become more difficult and more costly the longer we take to act.

You can reach your own conclusions.

God bless Belize.

Dr. Pedro Villegas

6 MAY

2018

The Journey

For some weeks now I’ve been on a journey to change my life.

Those who know me well, and even those who don’t, know that I’m an alcoholic and I have struggled with that, and with depression, for many years now. Perhaps for the first time, I really want to change. I want to be better. I want to earn a respect which has been largely lost to me as a result of my drinking. My resolve has been strengthened by my

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THE BELIZE TIMES

interaction with friends through Church – persons who have seen me in my bad times and haven’t screamed and run away. In the past months I’ve gone 47 days without a drink, and have also experienced the utter desolation and heartbreak of falling off the wagon. I’ve shared a lot of this on social media because once you have experienced the shame of being so drunk you probably don’t know your own name, little else has the power to humiliate.

And if I can inspire or motivate one person to put down the bottle, then I’m good. Drinking is a terrible thing. I know my friend and Pastor Louis Wade has more of a thing for marijuana. I can’t say much about weed because I always figured liquor does such a damned good job of reducing me

to stupidity that I don’t need anything else. But I do know about alcohol – and I can say with some authority that the seductive and destructive power of alcohol is out of this world.

A lot of the stress which I figure contributed to my dependence on that terrible substance comes with the territory. Politics is stress. And I’m passionate about politics – which can be a good thing but it can also be a very bad thing. I let things bother me too much. I get too angry when I see the crap being done by the UDP. I get frustrated when I see people living in real poverty, the poverty that the UDP fat cats cannot comprehend. I get pissed off when I’m forced to take the bus because corruption has depleted public coffers to the point that we all have to be taxed out of this world so the government can maintain a façade of governing. I’m furious at the blatant wrongdoing and furious at the people who will still jump on the UDP bandwagon even though they know that the UDP has been bad for Belize.

I really do believe that the PUP under the leadership of John Briceño can be the change that the nation needs so badly. Those who know me know I’m no suckup. I pretty much tell it like it is, so often in fact that I’m probably disliked by some in the PUP as much as by those in the UDP. I’ve seen the Party Leader’s commit-

ment to do things differently this time around, to put systems in place to ensure accountability and transparency when spending the people’s money. I’m realistic enough to understand that there will be those who may be inclined to do things the wrong way, so I’m a big believer in systems which act as the wardens at the gate. I’m fairly confident that whenever general elections are called the UDP, under whichever leader takes over after Dean Oliver departs, will be booted out of office without ceremony.

But the PUP needs to ensure that it never again betrays the trust of the people. Imagine that the PUP has been in Opposition for a decade – not because the UDP is any great shakes at governing, but because the people were angry at what they believe was a betrayal.

When General Elections are called, the UDP will know firsthand the wrath of the people.

That is inevitable. Dean Oliver came in on a massive swing of disenchantment with the PUP. He said all the right things to capitalize on the anger of the people. He said what people needed to hear. He promised the world.

And then came in to preside over what has become the most corrupt administration in our nation’s political history. There is nothing that can save the UDP at this point. The writing is already on the wall. The end is near.

FOR SALE House and Property on Forest Drive, Belmopan

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ESPAÑOL

THE THEBELIZE BELIZETIMES TIMES

ÁLVARO ARZÚ ESCOBAR PROMETE SEGUIR LUCHA POR SOBERANÍA DE GUATEMALA

El presidente del Congreso guatemalteco, Álvaro Arzú Escobar, hijo del expresidente de Guatemala y alcalde capitalino Álvaro Arzú Irigoyen, quien falleció el pasado viernes a causa de un paro cardiorrespiratorio mientras jugaba al golf, prometió mantener su lucha por la soberanía.

Por EFE 29 de Abril de 2018 Frente al Palacio Municipal, el despacho que dirigió Arzú Irigoyen durante los últimos 14 años y 18 en total, a un costado del féretro con los restos de su padre, el presidente legislativo recordó que el alcalde había comenzado “una lucha por la soberanía, pero sobre todo por la dignidad de Guatemala” en sus últimos días.

Arzú Escobar se refería a la pugna que mantenía su padre, en conjunto con el presidente de la República, Jimmy Morales, en contra de la Comisión Internacional contra la Impunidad en Guatemala (Cicig), por una serie de casos presentados en contra de ambos por supuesta financiación electoral ilícita en el proceso electoral de 2015, que llevó a Morales al poder y a Arzú Irigoyen a repetir un cuarto período consecutivo al frente de la alcaldía.

“Nos dio una gran lección de amor, valor y determinación”, destacó Arzú Escobar sobre su padre a quien le reconoció que “sacrificó su vida en esa lucha” y pronunció: “Papi, te prometo que vamos a continuar la lucha y la vamos a ganar, porque, como él decía y repetía, Guatemala vale la pena”.

Pic 2 Biline: Arzú Escobar pronuncia su discurso frente al féretro de su padre, el alcalde Álvaro Arzú Irigoyen Proceso En octubre pasado, la Cicig y el Ministerio Público presentaron el caso llamado “Caja de Pandora”, en el que señalaba que el alcalde Arzú utilizó fondos públicos de fideicomisos municipales para propaganda electoral y uniformes de personal de la entidad, gastados en la corporación del reo Byron Lima Oliva, conocido como el rey de las prisiones, quien tenía una empresa que elaboraba camisetas y material propagandístico.

En respuesta, tal como lo había intentado sin éxito el presidente Morales —detenido por una orden del Constitucional—, Arzú declaró persona no grata al comisionado de la Cicig, el colombiano Iván Velásquez y unió fuerzas con Morales para buscar una salida de éste y de la propia Comisión Internacional.

Acompañado de su madre, Patricia Escobar de Arzú, sus hermanos y demás familiares, así como de cientos de empleados municipales, bomberos, policías y miles de seguidores del expresidente fallecido, Arzú Escobar

Trabajadores municipales cargan el féretro de Arzú

indicó que pese a que se crea que “hoy comienza una nueva era sin Álvaro Arzú (Irigoyen)”, éste “dejó

una generación de trabajadores preparados y honrados que darán continuidad a sus proyectos”.

66MAY MAY

2018 2018 Finalmente, el hijo concluyó que el exalcalde “es un símbolo que nos ha enseñado a luchar por nuestras ideas, que un sí es sí y un no es no, que no era un cobarde sino un guerrero” y aseguró que “vamos a estar unidos y proteger su trabajo y honrar su legado, además de custodiar su memoria”.

Por su parte, el alcalde sustituto de la ciudad de Guatemala y exconcejal primero Ricardo Quiñónez Lemus, sostuvo que “Arzú se queda en su casa, donde él se dedicó a servir más allá del paréntesis que tuvo en sus años de presidente, pues él regresó a establecer una ruta del ordenamiento territorial en la ciudad”.

Explicó que el exalcalde “fue un amigo, un mentor” y recordó que estuvo a su lado 20 años “y me enseñó a trabajar y con el amor de satisfacer el cumplir con el trabajo”, por lo que, aseguró, mantendrá su legado.

“Puedo decir con toda seguridad que estamos preparados para trabajar y servir”, concluyó.

CARAVANA MIGRANTE ALISTA CAMINATA Y TRÁMITES DE ASILO EN FRONTERA MÉXICO-EE. UU. La caravana de migrantes centroamericanos que llegó esta semana a Tijuana, frontera con Estados Unidos, prepara una caminata desde su ubicación en esta ciudad hacia la garita de San Ysidro, donde intentarán comenzar sus trámites de asilo en Estados Unidos, informó este sábado la organización.

Por EFE / México 28 de Abril de 2018 Será este domingo cuando el “Viacrucis Migrante”, que inició su travesía el 25 de marzo en Chiapas y un mes después llegó a la frontera norte de México, se dirija hacia el cruce fronterizo.

Pero a pesar de que la mayoría busca asilo en EE.UU., el rechazo y las advertencias que ha lanzado el presidente Donald Trump, además de las dificultades que avizoran, han provocado que decenas de migrantes cambien de planes e inicien sus trámites de refugio en México.

Tan pronto se estacionaron en la ciudad de Hermosillo, Sonora, noroeste del país, integrantes de la caravana comenzaron a sondear la posibilidad de iniciar sus trámites ante el Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) para solicitar al Gobierno mexicano permiso para quedarse.

La caravana se completó este viernes en Tijuana con la llegada de poco menos de 200 migrantes, para completar un total aproximado de 300, quienes que llegaron en autobuses y según el director del albergue Juventud 2000, José María García Lara, ya no hay más integrantes dirigiéndose a la frontera.

El jueves la organización Amnistía Internacional (AI) informó que cientos de personas de

Los inmigrantes centroamericanos que viajan en la caravana esperan asesoramiento legal, en Tijuana, Estado de Baja California, México.

Centroamérica, principalmente de El Salvador, Honduras y Guatemala, pedirían asilo durante el fin de semana en la garita de San Ysidro, donde la organización humanitaria estará presente para observar la conducta de las autoridades en la recepción y facilitación de sus solicitudes.

Un día antes, AI pidió a México y Estados Unidos respetar el derecho a solicitar asilo de los miembros de la caravana. “Pedir asilo no es un delito ni en Estados Unidos ni en ningún país”, declaró en un comunicado la directora para las Américas de Amnistía, Erika Guevara Rosas.

La caravana, que se inició con unos 1.500 migrantes, arrancó su viaje en Tapachula (estado de

Chiapas) y apenas el jueves llegaron unos 130 a Tijuana, en tanto que unos 200 se detuvieron en Hermosillo. La mayoría de estos últimos llegaron por fin la víspera a la frontera.

El resto de la caravana se dispersó previamente de forma paulatina desde su llegada a Puebla y a la capital mexicana, en el centro de ese país, tanto por los planes de los propios migrantes como por las ofertas de las autoridades mexicanas de analizar un potencial refugio.

Los migrantes tienen como objetivo solicitar asilo humanitario en Estados Unidos ante la violencia que existe en sus países de origen, principalmente por las pandillas.

17 Corea del Norte se ofrece a cerrar instalaciones nucleares en mayo 18 JAN

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THE THEBELIZE BELIZETIMES TIMES 2015

2018

ESPAÑOL

Corea del Norte prometió cerrar sus instalaciones de ensayos nucleares en mayo e invitar a expertos estadounidenses a asistir a ese desmantelamiento, informó Seúl este domingo, al tiempo que el nuevo secretario de Estado estadounidense, Mike Pompeo, dijo que Washington tiene la “obligación” de perseguir la paz.

Kim Jong Un (I) y Moon Jae-in (D) posan frente a una piedra con la leyenda “Paz y Prosperidad.

Por AFP / Corea del Sur 29 de Abril de 2018 El líder norcoreano, Kim Jong Un, que se reunirá con el presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, el próximo mes, también dijo que Pionyang no necesitaría armas nucleares si se les promete no ser invadidos, según Seúl.

El nuevo encargado de la diplomacia estadounidense dijo que él y Kim habían mantenido largas conv-

ersaciones sobre un “mecanismo” de desnuclearización cuando se encontraron durante la Pascua.

“Hablamos mucho sobre cómo podría ser este mecanismo completo, verificable e irreversible”, dijo Pompeo.

“Tenemos la obligación de comprometernos en un discurso diplomático para tratar de encontrar una solución pacífica con el fin de que los estadounidenses no sean amenazados por Kim

POLICÍAS ASIGNADOS A LA CICIG CONTINÚAN DESAPARECIDOS La PDH ha interpuesto dos exhibiciones personales sin resultado. El Mingob asegura que están de descanso.

La semana pasada el MInistro se quejó de un operativo en residencial donde se ubica su vivienda.

El Periodico de Guatemala: 29 DE ABRIL-2018 La tensión entre el gobierno de Jimmy Morales y la Comisión Internacional Contra la Impunidad en Guatemala (CICIG) ha escalado el tono esta semana con distintos hechos que marcan una afrenta del Ejecutivo contra la entidad y que ha generado incertidumbre, por lo que el mandatario pudiera decidir sobre la comisión de Naciones Unidas El martes pasado, una denuncia en la oficina de la Procuraduría de los Derechos Humanos (PDH) alertó que tres agentes de la Policía Nacional Civil (PNC), dos de ellos asignados a la CICIG, fueron retenidos para ser interrogados contra su voluntad.

Los oficiales Rumualdo Lozano

Jutzuy, Rosa Mélida Peñate López y Silvia Soledad Escobedo, permanecen detenidos en las instalaciones de la Subdirección General de Personal de la PNC, desde el pasado 24 de abril.

Ese día, el ministro de Gobernación, Enrique Degenhart pidió explicaciones a Iván Velásquez por la presencia de estos efectivos en el residencial donde se ubica su vivienda.

El titular de la CICIG aseguró que se trata de una investigación acerca de una empresa involucrada en el caso Construcción y Corrupción, y que no existe una investigación en su contra.

Asimismo, Velásquez indicó en la misiva de respuesta que los agentes fueron puestos a disposición de la Subdirección General de Personal de

Jong Un y su arsenal nuclear. Es la misión, es el objetivo”, declaró Pompeo en una entrevista concedida a la cadena ABC News.

Kim dijo que “invitaría pronto a expertos de Corea del Sur y Estados Unidos y periodistas para informar del proceso a la comunidad internacional con transparencia”, expresó Yoon Young-chan, portavoz de la presidencia surcoreana.

“Kim declaró: ‘Estados Unidos nos considera repugnantes pero, en cuanto hablemos, se darán cuenta de que no soy alguien que va a lanzar un arma nuclear hacia el Sur o hacia Estados Unidos’”, añadió Yoon.

“Si nos vemos a menudo [con Washington], si construimos la confianza, ponemos fin a la guerra y finalmente nos prometen que no habrá invasión, ¿por qué deberíamos vivir con armas nucleares”, siguió el líder norcoreano, según Yoon Young-chan.

Kim también descartó las especulaciones de que las instalaciones de pruebas nucleares de Punggye-ri ya es-

la PNC por instrucciones del inspector de la PNC, Antonio José Ávila. “Confío en que su salida de la Comisión será temporal y podrán reincorporarse a las actividades de la misma a la mayor brevedad”, apunta el comisionado. ¿De descanso?

La PDH interpuso un recurso de exhibición personal a favor de los agentes para intentar dar con su paradero.

Según el titular de la PDH, Jordán Rodas, cuando el juez de turno llegó a las instalaciones de la PNC, en donde supuestamente están retenidos contra su vo-luntad, le indicaron que los elementos están de descanso.

El vocero de Gobernación, Fernando Lucero, informó que la diligencia logró demostrar que los agentes no fueron víctimas de vejámenes o vulneración de sus derechos. Sin embargo, eso no se pudo comprobar, ya que los policías no estaban al momento de que el juez llegó al lugar.

Por carecer de información precisa, Rodas solicitó que se hiciera otra exhibición personal en horas de la tarde de ayer. En esa diligencia la PNC le indicó al juez que Peñate López, se encontraba en la universidad. Mientras, que los otros dos agentes estaban de descanso.

Entretanto, el PDH aseguró que se interpondrán exhibiciones personales hasta dar con ellos y se evaluarán otras medidas legales para determinar que los agentes se encuentren bien y que no sean sujetos de represalias laborales.

3 agentes que no aparecen luego que fueron puestos a disposición de la Subdirección General de Personal de la PNC.

tén fuera de servicio, como sugirieron algunos expertos, tras el último ensayo nuclear de septiembre.

“Algunos cuentan que cerramos unas instalaciones de pruebas que ya están inutilizadas pero, como podrán comprobar durante su visita, hay dos túneles adicionales aún más grandes (...) y están en buen estado”, declaró el dirigente norcoreano, según la Presidencia surcoreana.

“Presiones máximas” Durante un encuentro con sus seguidores en Michigan, Donald Trump anunció que se reuniría con Kim Jong Un dentro de tres o cuatro semanas, y prometió “hacerle un gran favor al planeta” logrando un acuerdo sobre la cuestión nuclear con Pionyang.

El presidente estadounidense sacó pecho por el giro diplomático emprendido por el régimen norcoreano que, según él, es fruto de una “campaña de presiones máximas” compuesta por discursos muy duros, el incremento de las sanciones contra Corea del Norte y el aislamiento diplomático del país asiático.

Pero también advirtió que la cumbre podría ser un fracaso. “Lo que tenga que pasar, pasará. Puedo ir ahí y que no funcione”, dijo. En ese caso, “me iré”.

Según el canal de televisión CBS News, la cumbre con el líder norcoreano podría tener lugar en Mongolia o en Singapur.

Kim también se declaró dispuesto a mantener un diálogo con Japón.

Según un portavoz de la Presidencia surcoreana, el primer ministro japonés Shinzo Abe informó al presidente surcoreano Moon Jae-in de que estaba dispuesto a hablar con Pionyang, un mensaje que éste transmitió durante la cumbre intercoreana. ¿Nueva era?

El nuevo asesor de seguridad nacional de Trump, John Bolton, citó la decisión de Libia de abandonar su programa nuclear como un modelo para Corea del Norte.

“Tenemos muy presente el modelo de Libia del 2003, 2004”, dijo Bolton a Fox News Sunday.

Kim y Moon dijeron en su cumbre que tenían “un objetivo común a realizar, a través de una completa desnuclearización, una península coreana libre de armas nucleares”.

Pero la frase es un eufemismo diplomático abierto a interpretaciones en ambos bandos.

Pionyang quiere desde hace mucho tiempo el fin de la presencia militar estadounidense y el paraguas nuclear sobre el Sur, pero invadió a su vecino en 1950 y es la única de las dos Coreas en tener armas nucleares.

En una “medida simbólica” del acercamiento entre las dos Coreas, Kim también prometió avanzar la hora de su país 30 minutos para sincronizarla con su vecino del Sur, anulando así un cambio que el país aplicó en el 2015.

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6 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2018

THINKING OUT LOUD BY: KEVIN BERNARD

The People’s United Party is readying itself for general elections, likely to be called next year or at the latest in 2020.

That means that sooner rather than later the PUP must install Standard Bearers in all 31 constituencies – persons who have the interest of the people and country at heart and who are prepared to serve all persons as the PUP gets back to its social justice roots. As a politician and as a Belizean, I can’t wait for that to happen. The UDP has been in office too long. They have become too arrogant. They have neglected and abused the people for too long. They have gotten very rich while normal Belizeans have gotten poorer.

They have failed all of us, and it is time for them to go.

I am impressed by the number of persons who are coming out in support of the PUP and are willing to put their names on a ballot. It is an indication that the Party is once again inspiring its people, and that is always a good thing. I know that in some areas, candidates have already been endorsed by their people and in other areas there will be contested conventions.

I firmly believe in democracy. I believe that every capable Belizean of good character who desires to serve as a representative in the House has every right to submit their names as candidates. And once they’re approved, the decision will then be in the hands of the people – as it should be. That is how our democracy works.

Here in Orange Walk East, that is how our democracy will work. My colleague and friend Josue Carballo will be going up against me in Orange Walk East. We are both capable, mature individuals with the interests of the people in mind and heart, and the decision will be left up to the voters in that constituency. And when the decision is made, the victor will get to work to show the residents that their trust was not misplaced. As I visit the homes of our people every day, I am

confident that my track record as Mayor and my proven commitment to our community will stand me in good stead. I am just as confident that the people have gotten enough of the UDP, and enough of the UDP’s Elodio Aragon Jr. who has demonstrated that he is all talk and no work.

I want to take this opportunity to send out a message of unity to all the soldiers of the great People’s United Party. We must remain united because only in unity will there be strength. We must not forget the bigger picture, which is the removal of the UDP and the service of our people as the next government of Belize. While it is okay for those persons contesting in convention to lead spirited campaigns, we must never allow ourselves to wallow in the mud. That is a UDP thing. Attacks and insults and negative propaganda are how the UDP has vilified any who stand against them. We must never allow ourselves to be caught up in that.

As a Party, under the leadership of John Briceño, we have come as close to real unity as we have in years. We saw the results recently in municipal elections where we made up significant ground, taking Orange Walk, Corozal and Belize City.

The people are ready for the PUP in Belmopan. They are ready for an end of corruption and greed.

Once again we have become the Party that the people look up to.

And we must never give them reason to regret their support.

Let us get through the convention process with respect for each other, and then let us get to the business of representing our people well. There is a lot of work that lies ahead, so there is no time to waste.

I take this opportunity also to express my gratitude to the residents of Orange Walk Town who have stood solidly behind me at every turn. It is because of that support that the Council has been able to perform at a consistently high level, and you have my commitment that the work will continue.

PUP NOTICE The People’s United Party hereby announces it’s conventions to elect Standard Bearers in the following Constituency: Dangriga - June 24th, 2018 Closing Date for Applications is Friday May 11th, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

For further information please contact the PUP Secretariat at 6779168.

PUP NOTICE The People’s United Party hereby announces it’s conventions to elect Standard Bearers in the following Constituency: Belmopan - July 1st, 2018 Closing Date for Applications is Friday June 18th, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

For further information please contact the PUP Secretariat at 6779168.

6 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

2018

Forging Partnerships. Impacting Lives

BELIZE CAN BE BETTER Maya Angelou’s words echo as the news unfold each day, now at your fingertips on social media and then in further detail on the daily radio and television news.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Belize continues to be a victim of abuse. She is referred to often as a jewel, a gem of the Caribbean and Central America, but she has had her battle scars.

The fact is that no one politician (established or aspiring) or government will be able to please all of the people, all of the time. In fact, it is a feat if they please most of the people most of the time or even some of the time. The truth is politicians the world over are appreciating that people power is real. For a country so small and with its post-independence era of PUP and UDP governments, Belize has had its taste of people power. Perhaps its display has not been as dramatic or as impressive as the thousands who have marched in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Jamaica or the United States, but the recent Municipal Elections demonstrated that people are weary and fed up of the UDP government.

The PUP has learnt the lessons from the past in the governance expectations of people. The people of Belize will hold the PUP accountable to this as they should. At the center of all decisions, the interest of the people should be paramount. The PUP is on the brink of rising again so it is imperative that every step taken now and moving forward is considered carefully.

The people spoke on March 7th and they sent a message to both political parties. People power is real. And Belize will rise again.

Since the start of the year, Belize has had increased murders, robberies, planes “falling from the sky,” silence from the government and foolish utterances from the Minister of Foreign Affairs regard-

ing Belize’s sovereignty. Corruption remains rampant and nothing has been done still with the Vega land scandal, the immigration and nationality scandal, the Public Utilities Commission scandal, the Boots Martinez Housing for the Poor scandal, the tourism junket trips and airport scandals, the health scandal along with the KHMH still operating with a compromised building, the Minister of National Security scandal and the list goes on. The Barrow/Faber administration has been a disaster.

Barrow has failed in his imagination of the possibilities and even worse has been silent. He is a lame duck prime minister and operating these days with what appears to be little to no care about the future of Belize. He failed to wield his double-edged machete to stop the corruption and his government became worse. His Trump-like approach to governance is a travesty but perhaps not surprising since like Trump, Prime Minister Barrow seems to have been more interested in boasting a 3-term title of Prime Minister instead of real development and achievement for Belize.

Belize has gone through a lot over the decades. Like Maya Angelou’s words she will rise again and she can be stronger and better.

This will require the energy, creativity, commitment and hard work of the new PUP. This will need the engagement of both women and men serving in the spirit of the philosophy and ideology of social justice so that there is a Belize that works for everyone.

The people spoke on March 7th. With social media at a click of a button, the people will continue to let their voices be heard without delay. The people want change and they are looking to the PUP to bring that change. It is important that all Belizeans go out and re-register starting July 1st. It is important that the country has valid voters’ lists.

People power is real and people power will only be stronger when elections are fought with valid voters’ list. Re-registration commences July 1st. Let’s be counted and bring about a better Belize.

Let’s be the change we want to see. Connect.

Join the movement by contacting belizeuwg@gmail.com or call 677-9168. Your voice matters in helping to create the next Women’s Agenda of the PUP.

19 GILROY USHER HOSTS SUCCESSFUL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT IN PORT

This year Gilroy Usher’s annual basketball tournament in the Port Loyola Division was held at the Jane Usher Basketball court on Sunday April 29, 2018 and it was a tremendous success.

The seven teams in the tournament provided scores of fans with exciting matches. First prize of $400.00 was captured by Blvd. The second prize of $300.00 was taken by Faber’s Road.

Residents of the area were also very pleased to win numerous prizes in the raffle including cases of lemonade, cases of soft-drinks, $75.00 worth of groceries, a Lasko fan and the grand prize which was a washing machine.

Many thanks to all those who assisted in any way to make the tournament a success. Special thanks to all the fans, players, Councilor Ryan Elijio, Major Lloyd Jones - Chairman of the Eastern Caucus and all others who attended the event.

20

6 MAY

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sedi and Dean Nuh Ready Contributed The Government of Belize announced this week that the referendum on whether or not to take the unfounded Guatemala claim to the ICJ has been set for April 10th 2019. This has been a very divisive and sensitive issue. Understandably so. The most important thing to consider is a responsible, well rounded education campaign on the matter. However, with the pathetic leadership of the Minister of Foreign Affairs who has openly called the borders of Belize “artificial” and with silence from the Prime Minister, it is no surprise that it will be difficult for the Government of Belize to Secure a “Yes” vote.

Belizeans have lost trust and confidence in Prime Minister Dean Barrow and his Foreign Affairs Minister, Sedi Elrington. This has been the most fundamental question put to Belizeans and they have both treated the matter flippantly and have been shamefully irresponsible.

They have said the borders of Belize are artificial without once in all their utterances reminding Belizeans of the clarity established by the 1859 Treaty.

They instituted a law for 30 days that prohibited Belizeans travelling to the Sarstoon. Incredibly unpatriotic and a cowardly move. Instead of holding strong and internationalizing all the aggressive behavior of Guatemalans, they restricted Belizeans’ free movement in their own country.

Dean Barrow and Sedi Elrington have been impotent for all these years in tackling Guatemala’s unfounded claim and now want to rush an education campaign in the 11 months remaining to the referendum date to get people to vote yes. A look at how the United Kingdom came out of the Brexit referendum is worth considering. When a government does not manage a situation from the onset and outset properly; when a government doesn’t operate in a confident manner on the matter of sovereignty, it should be no surprise that its citizenry will retaliate and vote against any motion that they consider to be risky.

Belizeans should also remember that the Government of Belize under Dean Barrow and Sedi Elrington refuses to date to repeal the section of the Belize Maritime Areas Act which limits Belize’s claim of territorial seas to 3 miles in the south. Instead of correcting this, the Government continues with this Act over petty politics. They do agree it should be repealed but because it has been the PUP who have been calling for the amendment to this Act they have not done so. Most recently in the

December 2017 Senate meeting, the lead Opposition Senator Eamon Courtenay introduced the motion for such an amendment. All government senators agree it should be changed. However, petty partisan politics by the UDP government is what today has us with a Maritime Areas Act that they know should be amended since no negotiation with Guatemala has worked. They simply refused because it wasn’t the Government that is championing the change. By acting like this, the UDP government has done a great disservice to the people of Belize in leading up to the referendum. There is still time for the UDP government to put country before pettiness and it is hoped they will come to their senses and repeal that section of the Maritime Areas Act. The PUP has always maintained that politics should not be at play here with this matter and that it should be a bi-partisan approach regarding the question of the ICJ. However, Dean Barrow and Sedi Elrington have refused to accept the recommendations or suggestions for bi-partisanship. It is interesting that when it comes to decriminalizing marijuana, the Government has no issue with bi-partisan support; however, when it comes to the sovereignty of the country they prefer to play party politics.

Belizeans deserve a proper education campaign that considers the various points of view and that is well funded so that all areas of this country are properly informed.

For Sedi Elrington to kick off the campaign at a high school is a joke when it is voters who are 18 years and older who need the information for the referendum. In addition to the campaign, the situation also requires immediate steps to be taken prior to any referendum which the Dean Barrow/Sedi Elrington playbook appear to be stubborn about.

The results of the Municipal Elections are only a preliminary indication of the loss in trust and confidence in the Barrow/Faber/ Elrington administration. Belizeans have had enough with this bunch.

Belizeans want a change. As it relates to Guatemala’s unfounded claim, Belizeans want a united front and responsible, mature persons leading the cause on the way forward. Dean is on his way out and doesn’t appear to care. Sedi is simply not ready nor fit for the position he holds.

Re-registration commences July 1st. All Belizeans must get up and get registered to vote. Now more than ever, the voters list must be a clean list and no more UDP stealing of elections. It is time for change. The UDP must go.

2018

NOTICE: IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BELIZE A.D. 2015 (DIVORCE) ACTION NO.: 89

BETWEEN

(KEVIN SIMMONS ( ( AND ( (MARION SIMMONS

PETITIONER

RESPONDENT

TO: MARION SIMMONS

TAKE NOTICE that a Petition for dissolution of marriage th dated 9 day of April 2015, endorsed by a Notice to you and answer the charges therein has been filed in the Supreme Court of Belize, by KEVIN SIMMONS of Belize City, Belize, and that you are required within fourteen (14) days after the second publication herein, inclusive of the day of such publication, to enter an appearance either in person or by your Attorney at the office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court in Belize City, Belize should you think fit so to do and thereafter to make answer to the charges in the said Petition AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that in default of your so doing the Court will proceed to hear the said charges proved and pronounce judgement your absence notwithstanding.

This Petition is filed and this Notice to appear is by LISA M SHOMAN of # 35 Barrack Road, Belize City, Belize, Attorney-at-Law for the Petitioner, KEVIN SIMMONS. DATED this 26th day of April, 2018 REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT Note: Any person entering an appearance must at the same time furnish an address for service within two miles of the Supreme Court.

NOTICE FIRST POINT TRADE LTD. # 168,751 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that FIRST POINT TRADE LTD.: a) Is in dissolution b) Commenced dissolution on the 25th day of April 2018; and c) Photis Photiou whose address is 6 Kolokotroni Street, 1st Floor, Nicosia 1101, Cyprus is the Liquidator of the Company.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE DONNEL HOLDINGS LIMITED # 109, 289 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that DONNEL HOLDINGS LIMITED: a) Is in dissolution b) Commenced dissolution on the 24th day of April 2018; and c) Vasilios Paraskevas whose address is at 9 Kafkasou, Treppides Tower, 2112 Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus is the Liquidator of the Company.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

6 MAY

2018

Masked Gunman Targets Cop in Burrell Boom Police Station

Thursday, 03 May 2018 Belize City Police were still processing the scene of the shooting which injured four victims when they received a call for assistance from the Burrell Boom substation.

According to reports, PC Chris Staine was inside of the Police Station on duty when he observed a masked person who walked into the yard, came straight in the open front door and fired two shots at him. Staine was able to get cover behind his desk and to retrieve a shotgun, at which point the gunman fled the scene.

Staine set chase and fired shots, but the masked man escaped. At a briefing today, Police were unable

HOUSE FOR RENT: Upper flat furnished house at #5 Sarstoon Street, Belize City. Master bedroom with queen size bed, 2 piece sofa, stove with gas tank and dinning table. Utilities inclusive in monthly rent of $700.00.

Serious enquiries can call Elvis at 665-5974.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Manatee Lodge is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Manatee Lodge” located in Gales Point Manatee, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Tiburcio C. Rodriguez is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “S & R Cool Spot & Fast Food” located at # 19 Ordonez Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Sharmain Craig Francis is applying for a Malt Liquor License to be operated at “Fatties Burgers” located on 4th Street North, Corozal Town, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

21

THE BELIZE TIMES

to say why that officer was targeted, but believe that it may just have been a crime of opportunity since the officer was at the station alone.

They are seeking one person at this time.

There is no surveillance system at the substation, which is manned by two officers.

NOTICE CNX RISK ANALYSIS LTD. # 168,753 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, notice is hereby given that CNX RISK ANALYSIS LTD.: a) Is in dissolution b) Commenced dissolution on the 25th day of April 2018; and c) Photis Photiou whose address is 6 Kolokotroni Street, 1st Floor, Nicosia 1101, Cyprus is the Liquidator of the Company.

CILTrust International Limited Registered Agent

22

THE BELIZE TIMES

TEENAGER STABBED TO DEATH

Thursday, 03 May 2018 A minor, 15, has been arrested and charged for murder after he stabbed another teenager and killed him on a basketball court at the Cumberbatch Field in Belize City. At around 2:00pm Saturday afternoon, Arkel August was on the Court with his brother and friends when a fight broke out. August reportedly stepped in to play peacemaker, and that decision cost him his own life.

“Arkel intervened and told them to stop - pushed both of them and told them to stop. One got mad and hit Arkel. He then left the basketball court, went home and came back. Nobody weren’t paying him mind.

They continued playing ball and so forth. The guys out there says they didn’t even saw when this child came back with a knife and went after Arkel. All they could see was just his flying hands and when they saw that Arkel’s clothes was bloody, that’s when they realized that Arkel got stabbed and they ran to his aid and hurry rushed him to the hospital,” August’s grieving mom Dana told the media.

August wasn’t expecting her son to die because even when she went to the KHMH he was up and conversing with her, telling the doctor that he needed to be home in time for Sunday, his mom’s birthday. But as he underwent surgery for multiple stab wounds to the body Saturday night, her worst fears were realized. “Arkel did 2 surgeries that Saturday night; one for the heart and one for his lower abdomen. Whilst doing the one for his heart, the doctor says he thought he lost Arkel. Ten - fifteen minutes his heart stop beating, but he kept working and pumping his heart and Arkel came back and responded so he could go through with the other surgery. We couldn’t speak to him, because they had to put him in an induced coma so he could recover. The doctor told me that the kidney failed and going to Sunday when we received the call, they say he had a cardiac arrest again and that was the one that took him. He couldn’t fight anymore.”

The minor responsible for August’s death has been remanded into custody, but his name has not been released officially because of his age.

2018

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES Santa Elena Town; Young Gal/McRae; Fowler’s Work, CayoDistrict PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES

BY ORDER of the Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo will sell SantaReceiver, Elena Town; Young Gal/McRae; Fowler's Work, CayoDistrict the following properties at No. 170 Beltex Avenue, Belama Phase 1, Belize

BY ORDER of the Receiver, Licensed Auctioneer 12thMay Kevin A. Castillo will sell following properties at No. 170 City on Saturday 2018 atthe 10:00 am: th Beltex Avenue, Belama Phase 1, Belize City on Saturday 12 May 2018 at 10:00 am: 1.

Arkel August

6 MAY

Parcels No. 2864 & 2865 Almond Street, Santa Elena Town, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCELS Santa Elena/Cayo 23 2864 & 2865 (Being a two vacant adjoining lots [Parcel 2864 - 666.691 S.M. & Parcel 2865 - 799.282 S.M.] situate on Almond Street, Santa Elena Town, Cayo District, the freehold properties of Messrs. Cayo Tropical Fruits Limited) 2.

Parcel No. 408 containing 25.4684 acres Young Gal/McRae, Cayo District:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Young Gal/McRae 19 408 (Being 25.4684 acres of vacant land situate in the Young Gal/McRae Area, Cayo District, the freehold property of Messrs. Cayo Tropical Fruits Limited) 3.

210.709 acres of land Fowler's Work Area, Cayo District:

ALL THOSE LEASEHOLD INTEREST IN ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being “210.709 acres” situate East of the Belize/Guatemala Boundary in Fowler’s Work Area and more particularly described as follows: Commencing at a concrete pillar having UTM Coordinates 271536.309 E and 1911252.770 N labeled No. 8 in Entry No. 8681, Register 18, thence on a grid bearing of 03˚49’21” for a total distance of 813.192 metres to a concrete pillar labeled Fd. 3; thence on a grid bearing of 63˚17’08” for a distance of 334.882 metres to a concrete pillar labeled Fd. 2; thence on a grid bearing of 188˚36’58” for a distance of 188.316 metres to a concrete pillar labeled No. Fd. 1; thence on a grid bearing of 204˚32’39” for a distance of 216.264 metres to a concrete pillar labeled 7; thence on a grid of 82˚50’11: for a distance of 230.592 metres to a concrete pillar labeled 6; thence on a grid bearing of 67˚33’53” for a distance of 524.089 metres to a concrete pillar labeled 5; thence on a grid bearing of 165˚34’06” for a distance of 459.632 to a concrete pillar labeled 4; thence on a grid bearing of 219˚22’59” for a distance of 28.639 metres to a concrete pillar labeled No. 3 along a 60 feet wide road reserve; thence on a bearing of 198˚07’16” for a distance of 456.081 metres to a concrete pillar labeled No. 2 along the said road; thence on a grid bearing of 223˚21’54” for a distance of 19.268 metres to a concrete pillar labeled No.1 along the said road; thence on a grid bearing of 245˚55’24” for a distance of 311.007 metres to a concrete pillar labeled Fd. 4; thence on a grid bearing of 221˚49’09” for a distance of 30.022 metres to a concrete pillar labeled No. R5; thence on a grid bearing of 293˚34’46” for a distance of 639.039 metres back to the point of commencement being a concrete pillar labeled No. 8, as shown on Entry No. 8681, Register No. 18 lodge in the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being 210.709 acres of land in the El Pilar Area of the Cayo District, partially developed with coconut trees, the leasehold property of Messrs. Cayo Tropical Fruits Limited) TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 223-4488 E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE: 223 4488 Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com Face Book: Belize Auctions

6 MAY

2018

THE BELIZE TIMES

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THE BELIZE TIMES

6 MAY

2018