National Perspective August 28, 2011

www.nationalperspectivebz.org Edition 157 Vol.3 week 52

The true voice of the silent majority

Rhett Fuller on remand!

Read on Page 15

Sunday, August 28th , 2011

Barrow Buckles ! ...PRESSURE from Churches & Social Partners!

Sri Lankans entry into Belize raising questions

Banco Atlantida/ BSI Deal on ICE! Thursday, August 25, 2011 BELIZE CITY – The Barrow administration blinked and then buckled to the opposition to the Belize Constitution (Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2011 this week when they agreed to meet “individually” with the representative groups opposed to the passage of the Bill, and following a meeting with the Association of Evangelical Churches and the Council of Churches, it was announced that they would be removing the offending amendments to the Bill.

On Monday evening the religious associations jointly announced via a press release that Government had agreed to delete those portions of the bill that appear to bar court challenges, specifically portions of the new subsection of Section 69 and new subsections of Section 145.

In its release and in subsequent media interviews the churches said that: “It was agreed that these changes will become effective immediately; and the Bill now in circulation will reflect the changes, listed above. Throughout the remainder of the consultation period this amended version of the Bill will be the basis for further discussion. As a result of the changes agreed to, both Church Organizations hereby give their full support to the Belize Constitution (9th Amendment) Bill. It is the desire of both Church Organizations that the remainder of the consultation process beheld in a civil and respectful man-

ner.”

The Barrow administration also issued its own release saying in part: “The Church leaders were convinced that the agreed trimming of the language in Sections 69(9) and 145(1) and (2) of the Bill, should put an end to any public disquiet over the Bill’s purpose and effect. For its part, Government assured the leaders that the Bill in its new form retained all the essential provisions. Therefore, it would still guarantee the impregnability of the utilities’ nationalization.”

The Barrow administration, however, then assured the nation that the deletion did not change the amendment one whit – that it still would make the nationalization of the public utilities impregnable to court challenge.

The Bar Association soon weighed in the following day and while it agreed that the deletions were a “major step in the right direction” it still was not “satisfied that sufficient deletions were made to the Bill. So far, the Government has not agreed to delete the proposed amendment to Section 2, which is the supreme law clause of the Constitution or the remainder of the proposed section 69(9). The Bill (even after the revisions) still seeks to amend section 2 and section 69 to provide that amendments to the Constitution by the Legislature (made in conformity of section 69) which sets out the procedure for

Continues on page 17

Thursday, August 25, 2011 BELIZE CITY – This weekend’s Guardian newspaper is reporting that “talks are still on going as it relates to the Banco Atlantida investment of 90 million dollars into the Belize Sugar Industries Limited factory at Tower Hill.”

The newspaper goes on to quote BSI’s Chief Executive Officer, Joey Montalvo, as confirming that the “project is still alive and the process is ongoing” and that the “bank is currently doing its due diligence on the factory and that since Tuesday August 23rd, a top

level staffer at the bank has been in the country conducting that due diligence.”

On his weekly program “The Prime Minister Speaks” aired tonight, Prime Minister Dean Barrow also said that both the workers trust and the cane farmers have agreed in principle with the deal.

Late word at press time tonight from Honduras, however, is that Banco Atlantida executives are threatening to pull the deal off the table, and in fact one vice president is reported to have said that as far as he is concerned, the deal is now in the ‘cold storage’.

SAY NO!...9th.Amendment!

Page 2

Identifying a bully appears to be the easiest thing in the world, because within a few days of the reading of the Proposed 9th Amendment Bill in the House of Representatives of Belize, the entire global community was up in the face of Prime Minister Dean Barrow requesting that he put a halt to such a Bill.

The practice of the United Democratic Party Government has been to always ram all their laws down the throats of Belizeans whether they like it or not. They always used the lie that they were doing it in the best interest of Belize, and that they were protecting Belizeans from the Lord Ashcroft “”. bogeyman.” They also spin the old and tired reason that it was because of the People’s United Party these laws became necessary.

Well after three years of bully tactics, lies and deceit, the much revered Jamaican Gleaner whapped Dean Barrow across his head with a stunning editorial dated August 21, 2011. The Jamaican Gleaner is one of the most respected publications in the entire Caribbean and has tremendous influence of the world when it comes to Caribbean matters. The Jamaican Gleaner only stated the obvious and what every red-blooded Belizeans has been saying from the time the Dean Barrow was instigated by the

Sunday, August 28th , 2011

A BULLY IN OUR MIDST Kremandala group to pick a fight with Lord Ashcroft.

The Kremandala Group was classified as “hard pay” in the streets of Belize because they refused to live up to their obligations of a loan agreement with “Sagis Inc” which they classified as a Lord Ashcroft entity. The matter was taken to the Courts, and the Kremandala Group lost the case and was ordered to comply forthwith. The Kremandala Group and it main principals developed a hatred for Lord Ashcroft, and anyone whom they believe has some affiliation with him or his companies. This hatred was also venomous. They sought to infect every Belizeans with the same hatred for Lord Ashcroft that they created. The Prime Minister in his zeal to win favors with Kremandala Group, he became a willing host and accepted the hatred virus against Lord Ashcroft. As a result, the Belizean people are in debts

to their eyeballs and have been downgraded and scoffed upon by the global community. Belize is being classified as a “rouge state.”

Therefore the events that unfolded have been costly to the Belizean people due to the Kremandala order to the Prime Minister that Lord Ashcroft had to be disciplined. This process of disciplining Lord Ashcroft has cost the Belizean economy and image beyond imagination. There is no excuse for what the Government has none to the lives of Belizeans.

Foreign investors has blackball Belize and the Prime Minister of Belize has admitted that investment under his administration is down by 90%. It fell from $235.0m to a mere $13.0m.

There is no denying the fact that the Dean Barrow Government is distrusted by investors, and this distrust is both local and international. The Belize Chamber of Commerce latest reaction

reflects this local distrust by their full opposition to the 9th amendment to the Constitution of Belize.

Every business in Belize is hemorrhaging, and many are hanging on for dear life. There is little hope for a local business surviving in Belize because the buying power of Belizeans is dwindling, and the Government is more concerns about playing politics than solving the economic crisis facing Belize as a country.

As we have said before the media is the watch dog for the people, and the media has been asleep or has over eaten at the trough because they have allowed the UDP Government to single handedly destroy a vibrant economy that was left behind by the People United Party Government.

When the PUP left office in 2008, they left $54.0m in the bank that the UDP squandered in a flash.

The UDP got elected in February and did not pass a budget (spending money) until July. They had six months of spending money.

So while many people believe that Dean Barrow’s nationalization idea was a good thing they have come to grips with the reality that once Belizeans owns the utility companies it is the Belizean people that have to pay, simple as that. So the 9th amendment will die as a still born because of the hatred and greed for power by a Prime Minister, who has his eyes on DICTATORSHIP.

Sunday, August 28th , 2011,

Page 3

Audrey takes -on the castrated Bullie at the Guardian

Dear Editor,

Please allow me some space in your newspaper to set the record straight on some outright lies and deception written against me and to which sadly I must respond so as to stop the continued fabrications and deceptions by the Guardian Newspaper.

Under the heading of an article “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” the un-named author seeks to cast aspirations and in typical

that male-dominated organ (no pun intended) this is tantamount to blasphemy. It seems the truth about what I have to say is hurting so bad they need to get personal and downright dirty – fecal dirty.

Don’t worry my brothers and sisters on that side – I do not hold any grudges or discontent in my heart – they are forgiven.

I know it hurts them that not everyone can be their puppet and that the eyes of the people of this nation is being opened and this is

The back-stabbing is more what the Guardian newspaper and the owners and advisory board is about by printing outrights lies and seeking to distract from the truth about their outright attempt to deceive the unsuspecting people of this nation. political bullying fashion suggests that I would be running in the next general election under a PUP banner and worst yet that my esteemed colleague Phillip Palacio is being asked to step aside to make way for me in the Mesopotamia Division. This is an outright lie and one phone call to me could have easily verified this but the Guardian Newspaper under this “lot” is nothing about truth. As the founding editor of said newspaper and a former journalist myself, I am indeed disappointed at the fecal level of their writing and reporting.

Unlike the coward author and his editor, who hide behind anonymity I would like to make it absolutely clear, for the avoidance of doubt, that if I should ever chose to run for office it would surely not be under a PUP banner and definitely not by stabbing anyone in the back to take over any seat. The backstabbing is more what the Guardian newspaper and the owners and advisory board is about by printing outrights lies and seeking to distract from the truth about their outright attempt to deceive the unsuspecting people of this nation. My style is forthright and to the point and surely not cowardly and deceitful – I am fearless in my conviction to live by my conscience and will continue to do so as long as God gives me life.

I am very cognizant of the fact that the UDP and its mouthpieces, including the Guardian cannot deal with the fact that there are independent-minded patriotic Belizeans whose moral and ethical compasses are not calibrated by political hand-outs and patronage. God forbids a Belizean woman would dare speak out, for

only possible when people like myself dare speak out and share information and knowledge. It is unfortunate that my dear friend Alfonso Noble, Editor of the Guardian allows this trash writing to the point of questioning my legal learning. If he really believes that my legal acumen is that poor I don’t know why until recently he kept seeking my counsel in advising him and the newspaper on the potential libel of their cartoons after being threatened with lawsuits following his publications.

Despite them claiming to have the entire legal prowess in an act of kindness and friendship I so aptly advised free of cost until recently. But of course the UDP’s scandal-sheet just don’t get it… in my book: I am not owned by anyone; national interest is above individual or party interest; wrong is wrong; not because I do not agree with all you do, means I am against you. I just do not ascribe to party-fanaticism because it gets us nowhere.

Now on the matter of the decision of the CCJ – I know it is incumbent on the Guardian to try and save face and say such erroneous and mis-leading statements on the issue of the Ninth Amendment, but as long as we remain a democratic nation their deception will be uncovered.

Without going into the details of the ruling it is sufficient to just say to people, read the Bill for yourself, think critically for yourself and make sense out of nonsense.

If the present administration is not seeking to change our system of democratic governance why would it write in the Bill the following words: “a law passed by the National Assembly to alter any

EDITORIAL - Belize on a slippery road Published: Sunday | August 21, 2011 There are many ways, the saying goes, to skin a cat. But the process is unlikely to be efficient with a blunt axe, wildly wielded in a crowded room.

You may, in the end, get the cat, but with great collateral damage and at a cost far greater than intended, or you dared to contemplate. Which is what we fear is likely in the Englishspeaking Central American country of Belize, where the United Democratic Party administration of Prime Minister Dean Barrow is attempting the ninth amendment of the Belizean constitution and is in a fight with almost everyone in the country over the matter.

Jamaica has an interest in the events unfolding in Belize, for like our island, Belize operates a Westminstertype system of government and is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). And a few Jamaican companies have interests in Belize.

It matters little that the proverbial cat the Barrow administration is trying to skin is Lord Michael Ashcroft, the hardly liked and shadowy former deputy chairman of Britain’s Tory Party, who casts a long, and some claim manipulative, shadow over the Belizean economy.

Lord Ashcroft, who for years avoided paying taxes in the UK by claiming resident status in Belize, controls a wide range of business in that country, from banking and offshore business registration to telecommunications. Ashcroft’s holdings include Telemedia, which is a near-monopoly in Belize’s telecoms sector.

Lord Ashcroft developed a seemingly cosy relationship with the former People’s United Party (PUP) administration which, his critics say, allowed him privileges, as well as an appointment as Belize’s permanent representative to the United Nations, until the PUP lost power in 2008.

Privatisation muddle

In 2009, Mr Barrow’s party, using a hurriedly passed telecommunications law, nationalised Telemedia, over whose secretive licensing arrangements there was much controversy.

The acquisition was upheld by the Belizean Supreme Court but was this year overturned by appeal judges, who held that the government did not have sufficient or compelling reason for the nationalisation.

Now, Mr Barrow, who needs more than 75 per cent votes in Parliament to amend deeply entrenched clauses of Belize’s constitution, is attempting to place Telemedia’s nationalisation beyond doubt by making a provision of the constitution that the government must control public utilities.

The water company, privatised in 2001, has been back in government hands since 2005, but Mr Barrow recently nationalised the electricity company, owned by Canada’s Fortis Corporation.

Telemedia’s status remains in limbo.

While the appeal court held its nationalisation to be wrong, it made no specific ruling on what to do. So the government says the board of directors it appointed remains in place.

Lord Ashcroft’s lawyers have taken that and related issues to the Caribbean Court of Justice.

In the meantime, Mr Barrow is moving ahead with his constitutional amendment, including an adjustment to Section 69, to remove “all doubt” that any “law passed by the National Assembly to alter any provision of this Constitution which is passed in conformity with this section shall not be open to challenge in any court of law on any grounds whatsoever”.

Mr Barrow should be warned that his government’s action is having a chilling effect on the private sector and is bad for Belize’s economy. But worse, this high-handed behaviour, because he has the parliamentary numbers, poses graver danger for Belizean democracy.

of the provisions of this Constitution which is passed in conformity with this section shall not be open to challenge in any court of law on any grounds whatsoever.”

And if their intention was never to seek to stop the courts from reviewing unconstitutional amendments then why write it in section 69(9)? And if the changes are only about nationalization why didn’t they just refer to ‘any law dealing with nationalization’? why leave the wording so wide to be all-encompassing? Plus the Ninth Amendment does not even use the word “nationalization”. They got not a slap from the CCJ but a “knock-out punch” because unlike what they want to fool people into believing that this amendment makes nationalization untouchable the truth is that a basic principle of our constitutional democratic system is that ‘no parliament can bind

future parliament’. Simply put any future duly government can also amend the Constitution on the issue of the so-called nationalization.

Further, the other deception is that there is need to stop Ashcroft from accessing the courts and so cut out litigation – but the truth is they enjoy all the litigation so as to make profit for their own loyal “lawfirms” and attorneys too.

From my end – I speak out, write and present free of cost….simply put my silence cannot be bought and the political bullying will not deter me!

Thanks for publishing my letter.

Respectfully,

Audrey Matura-Shepherd Attorney-at-law

www.nationalperspectivebz.org

Sunday, August 28th , 2011

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Belizean music superstar victim of Belize’s deadly streets

Giovanni Chi

By Rhenae Nunez Friday, August 19, 2011 BELIZE CITY - Reputed leader of the Southside Gangsters Andre Trapp was shot dead on June 10, 2010 in front of the Magistrate Court in downtown Belize City.

Prior to that, his residence on Caesar Ridge Road was the target of a grenade attack in the wee hours of the morning in January 11, 2010.

Fortunately no one was injured in the attack.

On January 13th of this year Trevor Trapp, brother of Andre Trapp was taken down in a hail of bullets at the corner of Haynes Street and Neal’s Penn Road.

On Friday August 19th Giovanni Chi, half brother of Andre Trapp was taken down in similar fashion.

But the slaying of Giovanni has struck a special chord since he is not known to be affiliated with any gang. “Chi” as he was popularly known is a musician – an accomplished one at that. His only blame in this is that he is Andre Trapp’s brother and may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

At a street corner, he laid dead with a bullet wound to the left side of his head. Police report that Chi was riding his bicycle on Jane Usher Boulevard when someone fired a shot which found its target.

It is believed that the bullet was intended for Giovanni Chi – it entered the left side of his head and exited the through the right, witnesses say.

Chi’s life was music that he loved

and his children, Elaine Castillo, his common –law wife of eight years and mother of two of his children said. She received the news shortly after when police visited her at home to ask her to identify her husband’s body.

According to Castillo, she knew where he was going because it was a routine of his. The father of four had only left home a few minutes prior and gave reassurances that he would be back soon. Castillo like many of Chi’s friends and fans are perplexed by the murder.

“I just got inside of my bathroom to take a shower when I heard one bang and then I went outside to find out what was wrong and when I got there I saw this guy lying on the ground,” a resident of the area said.

Giovanni Chi has been a member of the popular Larubeya Boys, a Garifuna band for almost sixteen years. He became world famous when he toured as a member of the Garifuna Collective with late great Andy Palacio on his Watina tour.

Chi was prominently featured on tour playing maracas, the Segunda drum and singing backup as they toured Europe, Mexico, and the United States.

There was no one in the area, said the area resident who immediately called 911 to get help. Police have no suspect and the motive for the slaying is unknown. The National Perspective expresses condolences to the family, friends and fans of Giovanni Chi. May he rest in peace.

For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a Company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Assignment and Transfer of Mortgage made the 26th day of June, 2007, recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 26 of 2007 at Folios 191 - 218, between Development Finance Corporation ( the Assignor), SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., and LESLY YESENIA MIRANDA ( the Mortgagor), which said property was mortgaged by the said LESLY YESENIA MIRANDA to the said Development Finance Corporation on the 16th day of March, 2004, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 9 of 2004 at folios 823 –886; and the said SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot 345 in the subdivision known as LOS LAGOS situated in the mile 13 areaNorthern Highway, Ladyville Village, Belize District, Belize as surveyed by Kenneth A. Gillett, Licensed Surveyor and recorded at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, Belmopan at Register 16 Entry 4460 TOGETHER with all buildings, erections and developments standing and being thereon. The said 2.391 acres is shown in plan 396 of 1993 dated 13th September, 1993 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 18th day of August, 2011.

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

For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a Company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 2nd day of June, 2009, between CIRIACO CONTRERAS, MANUEL CONTRERAS and CIRIACA CONTRERAS, of the one part, and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., of the other part ,and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Volume 13 of 2009 at Folios 403 –474 the said SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO ALL THOSE pieces or parcels of lands being Lots Nos. 60, 61, 62, 63, 64 and 65 situated in the Arenal Area, Cayo District, Belize bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 135 of 1993 attached to Minister’s Fiat (Grant) No. 135 of 1993 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 23rd day of August, 2011.

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

Sunday, August 28th , 2011,

Page 5

For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a Company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 27th day of November, 1995, between PHILLIP WAIGHT, of the one part, and the said SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. of the other part , and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Volume 27 of 1995 at folios 433 –452,the said SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedules hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO

For Sale

By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a Company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 28th day of July, 2008, between Javier Castellanos, of the one part, and the said SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. of the other part , and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Volume 27 of 2008 at folios 329 –396,the said SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land containing approximately one-half (1/2) of an acre, situated near Biscayne Village on the Northern Highway, being a portion of lands now or formerly known as Point of Comfort Works (Block No. 1087) AND being Lot No. 5 on a plan of survey dated May 25th 1990

by Henry D. Flowers, Chartered Surveyor and recorded at the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, Belmopan, Cayo District.

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being a portion of Grant Lot No. 396 of 1993 and containing approximately 2.391 acres of land, situate in the Arenal Agricultural Layout, Cayo District, Belize. The said 2.391 acres is shown in plan 396 of 1993 dated 13th September, 1993 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 18th day of Aug 2011.

DATED this 7th day of July, 2011.

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

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

KREMANDALA $ELLOUT He has been bought and paid for...

Silent on issues affecting black South-side Belizeans while pretending to be their guardian

Can’t be TRUSTED!!!

Wilfully ignores the Corrupt Practices of Barrow and the UDP

“X” CAN’T CRITICIZE BARROW & THE UDP

A PAID AD

Sunday, August 28th , 2011

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Burning Issues

THE CONTENTIOUS 9TH !

By: Nuri Muhammad As divisive as the debate over the 9th Amendment Bill has become I think it’s a good thing for the democracy of Belize. The basis of a democracy is public opinion; the voice of the people and this debate is certainly bringing out many voices.

Clearly, the conversation (sometimes quarrel), has been dominated by the pundits at the top of the pyramid (lawyers, merchants, clergy, politicians, etc.), but those at the base have also had their say, as emotional, and sometime irrational, as it may be. The process has been lively and at the end we hope that wisdom will prevail when the Cabinet makes its final decision.

A contentious topic such as the 9th will naturally produce its own set of pundits. These are the sometimes overnight, half-baked experts who speak with the flair of finality in their opinions. Theirs is always the “final word” on the topic until greater minds come along and debunk their conclusions. Their simile is like the brilliant moon light on a dark night which disappears when the sun rises.

Last week government attorney, Lois Young, left the hearing before the CCJ saying that the learned jurist in Trinidad was saying the same thing that PM Barrow has been saying all along, “that the 9th Amendment does not bar access to the court to question the amendment”. But this was classic doublespeak. While government proponents of the 9th has said that no one is barred from the courts they had narrowed down what could actually be questioned in court to procedural matters such as following the right steps in passing the amendment. They had insisted that the court could not be asked to look at the substance of the amendment. Now with the comments of Justice David Hayton of the CCJ it is obvious that the right to question the substance of the 9th will be, (and has always been) permitted and will not be confined only by a judicial review of procedures.

There has also been a discussion of whether the court can make laws or is this right reserved exclusively for the legislature. Clearly within our system and in fact any democracy, it is the legislature that makes laws but the courts can influence the spirit and substance of laws especially if it rules that a law is unconstitutional which in fact renders that law null and void and therefore unusable.

So by declaring a law unusable the court in effect sends the legislature back to the drawing board to rewrite that law or scrap that law all together.

How could this be achieved without examining the substance and spirit of the law itself which is within the purview of the courts?

For example, the 18th Amendment prohibiting alcohol use was a law that governed in the US for many years during the early twen-

ties. After repeated fights before their courts, that law was finally repealed by their Congress (legislature) in 1933 and a new law, the 21st Amendment, was passed, regulating the sale and distribution of alcohol.

Their courts played a fundamental role in the annulment of one amendment and the resultant creation of

for the benefit of my readers.

The following are seven points of “benefits and undertakings” contained in the agreement signed nearly six years ago by the then Government of Belize and Lord Michael Ashcroft: 1.

That no other persons other than B.T.L. and Speednet Telecom-

The next unspoken reality in this whole debate is fact that Ashcroft doesn’t want back BTL because it is old technology. In fact, in the world of telecommunication, BTL’s landline operation is a white elephant. What Mr. Ashcroft wants is compensation --- payment for his company. another amendment with the same objective in mind.

To suggest that the courts sits somewhere in the twilight zone, unattached, waiting for laws to be brought to them for examination of their procedural correctness, is, in my opinion, misreading of the check/balance philosophical underpinnings of our constitution The next unspoken reality in this whole debate is fact that Ashcroft doesn’t want back BTL because it is old technology. In fact, in the world of telecommunication, BTL’s landline operation is a white elephant.

What Mr. Ashcroft wants is compensation --- payment for his company.

This is guaranteed to him according to our constitution. Secondly, underlying all this, he wants is to win this battle with his former employee, Mr. Barrow; it’s an ego thing.

On LoveFM’s Morning Show on Tuesday August 23, Canon Leroy Flowers, of the Council of Churches, made a stunning declaration when he gave the impression that the accommodation given to BTL as part of the Accommodation Agreement (AA), which gave BTL the right “to charge its customers and subscribers rates and charges which would enable B.T.L. to achieve a minimum rate of return of 15% per annum”, is also being enjoyed by the other utility companies BEL and BWS, given to them by the PUC. I called in to get clarification on this because it struck me as strange that such a decision could be made by the PUC especially since the AA given to Ashcroft by the previous administration was, in fact, the whole reason for the protracted battle with Ashcroft, and therefore the reason for the 9th Amendment, according to comments made by Mr. John Saldiviar, acting chair of the Constitutional Committee, on the night of the public consultations in Belize City.

I later learned from a reliable source that in fact the provisions contained in the AA that was given to Ashcroft is no longer being enjoyed by the current BTL management but the question of the infamous AA remained in my mind and I’m sure in readers mind since it has been thrown around so much in the last few weeks. For this reason I decided to look up the AA and reprint it

munication Ltd. will hold an Individual Telecommunication license.

2.

No holder of any class license has or will have or be granted any authority, permit or license in Belize to legally carry on, conduct or provide telecommunications services involving or allowing the provision or transport of voice services.

3.

That the government to take steps to the satisfaction of B.T.L. with effect from June 2005 so that B.T.L. is able to charge its customers and subscribers rates and charges which would enable B.T.L. to achieve a minimum rate of return of 15% per annum.

4.

Government undertook to procure that the payment and repatriation of B.T.L. dividends to any person, and the payment of interest on debt denominated in foreign currency by B.T.L. is not subject to withholding tax or any other tax of any other kind or character.

5.

To procure that the Belize Social Security Board withdraws case No. 557 of 2002 against B.T.L. 6. Government to take all necessary steps to procure that no changes is made to the terms of B.T.L.’s individual license without the prior written agreement of B.T.L. 7.

Government to take all necessary steps to procure that the Public Utilities Commission does not undermine any guarantee, undertaking or assurance given by the government to B.T.L. in the agreement.

Where does the present Board of Telemedia stand on these “benefits and undertakings” afforded to BTL in the AA back in 2005? Has the provisions contained within the AA been renegotiated since the new Board took over? Is the AA presently null and void? (Comments welcomed at nuribze@gmail.com)

New Mexican Ambassador presents Credentials

(L) His Excellency Mario Velazquez Suarez (R) Governor Sir Colville Young Belmopan, 22nd August, 2011 Belize House- His Excellency Mario Velázquez Suarez today presented his Credentials to the Governor-General of Belize as the Ambassador of the United Mexican States to Belize.

In a brief but impressive ceremony at Belize House in Belmopan, Ambassador Velázquez Suarez told the Governor-General, Sir Colville Young that he felt extremely honoured to be appointed to this distinguished post. He added, “Mexico desires a special relationship with Belize, and always frank. Therein lies my instructions and my own convictions. Therefore, Your Excellency, the work of the Embassy to my care will be tireless, but I am sure that working side by side, Be-

lizeans and Mexicans, we will build a prosperous and dignified future for the benefit of our countries”.

Earlier, Ambassador Velázquez Suarez had paid a courtesy visit on Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign trade, Hon. Wilfred Elrington when he presented to him a copy of his Letters of Credence.

Ambassador Velázquez is a career diplomat, having joined the Mexican Foreign Service in 1975 and obtaining the rank of Minister in 1999. He has been serving as Head of Chancellery at the Embassy of Mexico in Finland since 2008. He has command of the English and French languages and has knowledge of Italian and Portuguese. He is married and has two children.

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I mpartialView By: Marshal Nunez

The latter part of 2011 summer has been and continues to be dominated by the debate over the 9th Belize (Constitution) Amendment Bill. And it is no secret what the 9th constitutional amendment has been doing to the Belizean people.

It is being widely interpreted that this 9th amendment could change the state of our governments, meaning that it could change our form of parliamentary democracy to an autocracy or to a dictatorship form of government and I will discuss that a little later. But what we did not realize is that this same 9th amendment is beginning to have a serious effect on our culture as Belizeans and I will expound on that as well.

After mounting pressure from public opinion and armbending from the social-partners, Barrow has been forced into a compromise and has since promised to remove some of the offensive language of the proposed 9th amendment bill and that is a consequence of people power. You recall a few weeks ago we referred to all those organizations that have spoken against the proposed amendment bill and particularly to the power that it is going to give to the legislature.

There are those people who would believe that the prime minister is listening to the people locally and that after his consultation with council of churches has had a softer feeling towards the language of the amendment. But my opinion is that while he was able to disregard or ignore the voices of the Belizean organizations that have spoken out he is not in a position to ignore the international community. Therefore, in successive weeks, the first week when the law professor from the University of the West Indies spoke against the amendment and pointed out the danger that is poses and then the following week one of the leading newspapers in the Caribbean, the Jamaican Gleaner spoke vehemently against this 9th amendment and the Prime Minister chose quickly to soften his language.

Although he has taken out some of the strong language the legal professionals that I have consulted feel that the change has a lot to do with nothing if the prime minister does not address the amendment to Section 2 of the constitution.

It appears to me that the Prime Minister is very particular about his reputation in the international community. The prime minister is very territorial - he is like a pot licker, he barks loudly from behind the fence but when he is outside of his own gates he laps his tail and runs.

Do you remember when he was acting so arrogant and high hand-

edly with his treatment of Channel 5, but when international organizations start weighing in on that particular issue how quickly he backed off? So Belize, we must keep up the pressure on the Prime Minister and his 9th Constitutional Amendment. And once that pressure is sustained and exposed internationally that 9th amendment could end up in File Thirteen.

jority that they have in the House of Representative to kill the nationalism, patriotism, and unity that Belizeans look forward to year to year. So while our culture is not even a part of the discussion regarding the amendment to the constitution, look how much of it we have already lost. And this may seem to be insignificant, but if the 9th amendment could kill

Wednesday, August 24, 2011, will be the second 9th amendment consultation and it will be held in Corozal Town. We will wait and see how that one is going to fare off.

Earlier in this essay I stated that this constitutional amendment has already changed our culture.

On the radio and television talk shows, in many public places in the cities and towns, the conversation is about the 9th amendment.

It is the culture and tradition of Belize and Belizeans that in late August we are usually hustling and bustling making sacrifices and final preparations for the reopening of school and that start of the September celebrations. Older folks will recall that traditionally around this time the airwaves are buzzing with patriotic songs, and other expressions of the Belizean artistry, Belizeans talents, Belizean nationalism and patriotism.

The last week of August is usually set aside for the Queen of the Bay pageant.

Essentially what I’m saying is that around this time of the year, Belizeans look forward to unite as one people. We anticipate visits from Belizean living in the Diaspora. This is that time of the year when we are proud of our red, white and blue. Belizeans musicians are tuning up their instruments, young talented Belizeans are practicing their choreographed moves in anticipation of their participation in the massive street carnival. And while all of that excitement and anxiety traditionally used to make us proud to be Belizeans, we have lost that in 2011.

In 2011, Belizeans all over, and especially those who are not able to express themselves, are trying their best to understand what the 9th amendment will do to us if it is allowed to go through.

For those who are still clueless imagine for the rest of your life the culture and tradition of late August and September wiped out of the picture because Mr. Barrow and this UDP government, pretending to act on our behalf as Belizeans, has used the super ma-

our culture imagine what it will do to our democracy.

And while our culture is being taken away we now exist in a new era of crimes and violence. As I complete this essay today we are at 93 murders in 2011 and we’re still in the month of August. This number means that we are going

After mounting pressure from public opinion and armbending from the social-partners, Barrow has been forced into a compromise and has since promised to remove some of the offensive language of the proposed 9th amendment bill and that is a consequence of people power.

on 20 more murders in 2011 than we were in 2010. In 2010 there were a total of 130 murders but we are on pace to break that record in 2011. In 2011 the number of murders without arrest is significantly higher than they were in 2010, so while the discussion is dominated by the constitutional amendment we are committing murders at a historically alarming rate in 2011.

In a few days schools are going to reopen and many of the merchants of downtown Belize City have indicated to me that never before has the economy been so bad. Some of them were saying that for days not even one sale has been done in their store. So as we continue to face these challenges, we have to ask ourselves, how has this constitutional amendment addressed the crime situation? How has the constitutional amendment addressed the economic situation?

Perhaps it is because this government knows that they are unable to address these major situations they are so intent in making the constitutional amendment dominate the conversation. Obviously the government is impotent on crime, the economy seems to have constipation and the government is stuck on amending our constitution. The Belizean people deserve more Mr. Barrow.

Just my impartial view.

Tornado “Waterspout” Makes Landfall in Crooked Tree Village

As every Belizean was tuning in to their radio stations for the landfall of Tropical Storm Harvey, an unexpected Tornado “Watersprout” made landfall first early in the morning on August 20, 2011 in Crooked Tree Village. Reports from villagers reveal that seven family homes were affected. Crooked Tree is home to many cashew plantations of Belize and many of the trees were destroyed. There are many Belizeans that are concerned, which in result many questions come up. Was it a Tornado or a Watersprout? Will Belize be affected by more Tornados? etc. Below is a little theory of a Tornadic Watersprout.

Theory of a Tornadic Watersprout The distinction between a tornadic waterspout and a non-tornadic waterspout. A tornadic waterspout is one that originated as a tornado over land, and eventually moved over water. These become very dangerous for boats and marinas, and especially boats not anchored or tied down. Tornadic waterspouts are typically more dangerous than

“fair weather waterspouts”, and are usually much larger. Non-tornadic waterspouts average between 3-100 meters, and have rotating winds less than 45 kts. which would make it an F0 tornado had it been over land.

Waterspouts not only form over the sea, but can also develop over larger lakes. One of the biggest misconceptions about waterspouts is that it is assumed that a waterspout draws up water from the body of water it is over. This is NOT true. The water that makes a waterspout visible largely comprised of the same things that tornadoes are made visible by, condensed water vapor and dust with converging winds that rise around a core. However, some of the water you see at the very bottom of the waterspout is spray from that body of water, but only goes up a few meters.

Waterspouts are very common in areas where there are daily convective thunderstorms. Tornadic waterspouts are far more dangerous, less common and more damaging.

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THE COLLAPSE OF THE US ECONOMY aribbean ews & ITS IMPLICATION FOR BELIZE State of emergency declared in T&T Contributed by: Nuri Akbar

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Monday August 22, 2011 – Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has announced a limited state of emergency and curfew in “hotspots” in Trinidad and Tobago to deal with escalating crime. The measure, which gives military personnel powers to search and seize and powers of arrest, took effect at midnight Sunday.

Speaking at a press conference just before 8 o’clock last night at her private residence, the Prime Minister said the decision was taken after much deliberation. The measure will be reviewed daily “based on how and what is achieved”, she said, noting that the law provides for the limited state of emergency to be in place up to 15 days before extensions are sought from the House of Representatives.

Details of the “hotspots” and times of the curfew will be disclosed today by Minister of National Security Brigadier John Sandy.

The decision followed Persad-Bissessar’s meeting with the National Security Council and a special Cabinet session which lasted several hours. She said the limited state of emergency will help government “achieve a number of things” which she felt would not be prudent to disclose.

“There comes a time in the history

of a nation when we have to take very strong action; very decisive action,” she said.

“A problem of this nature has been due to years of neglect and will not disappear overnight…The current crime spree dictates that more must be done and stronger action must be deplored now,” she added. “It must be a response that will hold the current spike in gang activity and crime in general in the shortest possible time.”

The Prime Minister said she was optimistic about the new measure.

“We will succeed. Our nation must not be held to ransom by marauding groups of thugs bent on creating havoc on our society…We will hunt them down and we will search them out and bring them to justice,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar said the limited state of emergency was part of a larger aggressive plan using both police and the military.

She called on citizens “to bear with the inconveniences that may arise from time to time” pointing out it “is in everyone’s interest”.

Addressing concerns that the criminals might migrate to “cold spots” the Prime Minister reassured that there are mechanisms to deal with that.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Thursday August 18, 2011 – Government has completed privatisation of the island’s sugar industry, signing a divestment agreement with COMPLANT Group of Companies for the privatization of three remaining factories.

Under the arrangement, COMPLANT will acquire Bernard Lodge, St. Catherine; Frome, Westmoreland; Monymusk, Clarendon and associated lands for US$9 million.

The Chinese company will also lease some 18,000 hectares of cane lands

for US$35 per hectare, per annum for a period of 49 years.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Robert Montague, said the signing “underpins the long and fruitful relationship between Jamaica and China and we are strengthening that relationship as we go forward.”

“We know that this relationship will be long and fruitful. We not only expect COMPLANT’s investment in sugar and in the planting of cane but we are also expecting that, as good

Jamaica completes privatization of sugar industry

“When the capitalist world economy experience its cyclical crisis and catches a cold, we in the developing world get pneumonia” - Grenada’s former Prime Minister Maurice Bishop, Hunters College, New York, 1983 In his brilliant book “Struggle in the periphery”, former Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley wrote of the great difficulty Jamaica faced under his leadership when the government challenged the predatory fangs of the IMF and broke with the International Monetary Fund.

He noted the unsuitability of IMF “demand management” schemes such as devaluation, (to increase foreign competitiveness), belt-tightening by slashing critical social service programs, (to reduce domestic demand), on developing economies with little productive capacity. The former PM further explained the venerability small developing economies like those of the Caribbean face as dependent peripheral states scratching on the edge of the metropolitan center. The metropolitan center referred to here, of course, is the capitalist epicenter of our region - the United States of America.

In 2011 it is the United States and much of her sister countries in the European Union who are in urgent need of the “demand management” the IMF is notoriously famous for unleashing on small developing countries.

When the colonialists began the process of granting self-government and then so-called independence to its former colonies, they introduced an accommodation process called decolonization that essentially ensured all the institutions/structures/ instruments, that formed the basis of the new fledgling state would remained colonial/subservient. This included but was not limited to the Constitution, judicial, legislative, educational, religious and economic model. To bolster this “certification process”, international mechanisms were established such as the World Bank, IMF, WTO, UN, ICJ and NATO whose role shifted to “military enforcer” after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. These at-

tack dog organizations would bully and discipline any country who dared to deviate from the established order of things.

International conventions, along with trade and tariff “agreements” were put in place that favor the (EU) European Union, and the United States, but which perpetuated the dependency of peripheral economies like Belize. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, to make all of this efficient a “buffer class” or petty bourgeois was created in the former colonies whose primary role it is to manage and defend the system on the local front while following the dictates/policies of the metropole. It is this tiny “buffer class” that Castro, Che, Manley, Bishop, Rodney, Ortega, Sankara, Lumumba, Nkrumah, Nyerere and now Chavez had to contend with on the home front in an effort to usher in structural transformation that would benefit the masses. Hence, this is why today, to a large extent, countries like Belize appear “frozen in time” as a battered, broken and divided nation perpetually struggling from one crisis to another.

For the past 500 years the natural resources of the planet and its native people have been pillaged, plundered, rape, brutalized, enslaved and colonized by a minority people in Europe and North America. The wealth of the enslaved and colonized were used to build London, Lisbon, Berlin, Madrid, Amsterdam, Rome, Washington and the lighted streets of Paris. They enjoyed what have been termed “First World” living standard interrupted occasionally only by inter-family quarrels and fights over how to slice up the global pie among themselves. The Berlin conference of 1884 organized by Germany’s first chancellor Otto Van Bismarck made it official how Africa and elsewhere would be shared among the European colonizer. The rest of world was classified as “Third World,” valuable only as a source for the extraction of the natural resources that fueled the industrial revolution of the metropolitan countries.

Leaders and governments who emerged to challenge this hegemony

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www.nationalperspectivebz.org

corporate citizens, COMPLANT will play its role in other areas and aspect of the Jamaican economy,” he said.

Montague assured COMPLANT of the continued support of the Ministry and commended the relevant stakeholders for their sterling contribution in ensuring that the deal has been finalised.

In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), COMPLANT Group of Companies, Tang Jianguo, said the next steps to be undertaken are renovation and rehabilitation works.

He said that the company will be utilising local personnel in the management of the estates and pledged to “set up collaborations with Jamaican counterparts to promote the development of the whole industry.”

“We will make efforts to strengthen the exchanges and communications to set up harmonious relations… (while) creating win-win situations.

We will make every effort to push forward the development of the sugar industry of Jamaica,” Jianguo added.

The Government decided to sell the country’s five sugar estates, which were being managed by the Sugar Company of Jamaica (SCJ) following periods of huge losses, which resulted in debts of more than $18 billion.

In June 2009, the two smaller factories, Duckenfield, St. Thomas and Long Pond/Hampden in Trelawny, were sold to local investors with conditions to invest in their expansion and modernisation.

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Venezuela only recognizes Gadhafi government He condemned the roles of NATO and the U.S. government in Libya’s conflict.

“Without a doubt, we’re facing imperial madness,” Chavez said, condemning NATO’s airstrikes.

Chavez accused the U.S. and European countries of using a strategy of fomenting internal conflict in order to seize control of the country’s oil riches.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — President Hugo Chavez said Tuesday that Venezuela will continue to recognize Moammar Gadhafi as the leader of Libya and will refuse to recognize a rebel-led interim government.

Chavez spoke as Libyan rebels blasted through the gates of Gadhafi’s compound in the Libyan capital of Tripoli after hours of intense fighting.

Gadhafi’s whereabouts remained unclear.

“We recognize only one government: the one led by Moammar Gadhafi,” said Chavez, speaking during a televised address.

“Getting the dogs to fight. Arming here, arming there, and later bombing it and we take that country,” Chavez said, describing that as the U.S. government’s aim in the conflict.

“They loot it and they take the international reserves and the oil,” Chavez said. “This destroys international law and takes the world back to the Stone Age.” Chavez has been a staunch defender of Gadhafi throughout the conflict and recently called the country’s rebels a “group of terrorists.”

Chavez did not say whether he had been in contact with Gadhafi in recent days.

Bolivia’s Evo Morales travels to China officials, including Planning Minister Viviana Caro and Economy and Finance Minister Luis Arce.

In December, Bolivia and China signed a deal to build a $300 million communications satellite to be launched into space within three years.

Bolivian President Evo Morales is visiting China to review growing Chinese investment in the Andean nation, a senior adviser said Monday.

“This is a strategic trip, given that the country is promoting a series of... strategic ‘mega project’ developments related to diversifying the economy,” Presidency Minister Carlos Romero told reporters.

The investments include iron ore and lithium mining projects.

Morales, the leftist leader of one of south America’s poorest countries, flew to Beijing along with senior

Construction of the Tupac Katari satellite, named after an 18th century indigenous hero who fought Bolivia’s Spanish colonizers, will receive 85 percent financing from China.

Bolivian and Chinese technicians are also assembling six K-8 Chinese jet warplanes for the country’s war on drugs, according to military officials.

The warplanes were acquired through Chinese credit and will be the first of their kind in Bolivia.

Up to now, the Bolivian Air Force has only had cargo aircraft training.

THE COLLAPSE OF THE US ECONOMY & ITS IMPLICATION FOR BELIZE

Continued from page 8

were severely punished. Haitians, after their successful revolt against occupation and enslavement, for example, remain under a coordinated European economic embargo that lasted nearly 200 years. Cuba and Nicaragua both endured years of economic embargo and military intervention. Latin America has witnessed coup after coup instigated by the capitalist metropole. In fact the US Army’s School of the Americas, in Fort Benning, Georgia, is popularly known as the school of coups because of its reputation for training officers who return to their respective countries and lead coups. In Africa leaders were assassinated and governments overthrown. The language of the imperialist has evolved over the span of time to include “neoliberal economics and globalization”, but the aim has changed little since 1884. The blood-soaked attack carried out by NATO on the North African nation of Libya bear all the hallmarks of imperialist aggression gone wild.

The global system of economic dominance by the European capitalist model has now entered its final exit death march. President Fidel Castro warned several decades ago that the “Unbridled consumerism of the capitalist economic model is unsustainable”, however, many in leadership have not heeded this warning. Despite the continued “fronting” of the United States as an economic superpower, her national economy continues to contract on several levels, while her aging infrastructure is showing all the signs of a waning system.

According to the Congressional Budget office the President’s budget projects that 2011 will see the biggest one-year debt jump in history, or nearly $2 trillion, to reach $15.476 trillion by Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year. That would be 102.6 percent of GDP. This literally means that the total debt of the US now surpasses the entire Gross Domestic Product of the nation. She will never recover from this debt in any of our life times. Meanwhile, the economies of Greece, Ireland and Portugal have already collapsed from within. Italy, Spain, France and Britain are teetering on the edge of financial Armageddon. Germany’s economy cannot survive the ripple effect of the demise of the euro.

The US adjusting its “debt ceiling” did nothing to solve the long term economic problem. The majority of the country’s major newspaper editorials condemned the inaction of Congress and the White House by calling it a “squandered opportunity”. At the same time global stock markets went into a freefall and frenzy, responding to a lack of confidence in the non-existence of any concrete plan, and the fear of another catastrophic meltdown of the US economy. The failure to adequately address the soaring debt and surging unemployment has sent jitters across the EU where weakened economies of Spain, Italy, France and Britain are on the borderline of internal popular anarchy

influenced by spiraling unemployment rates. Meanwhile the four major US commercial banks, Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo and Citibank, having already been “bailed out” with taxpayers’ money after the sub prime loan “mortgage scam”, are on the verge of Chapter Eleven bankruptcy. The government continued dipping into the Social Security trust fund and Medicare has essentially rendered them nearly insolvent.

In the words of noted economist Dr James Galbraith from the University of Texas at Austin who summed it up in the following words: “The forecasts were reinforced by checking with all the top forecasters and this was the wrong thing to do.

Why? Because in a deep crisis the consensus view which is necessarily an average, is always wrong!

Extreme situations require extreme assessments meaning that someone must stand up and overrule the crowed.” Dr Galbraith continued, “This crisis was cause by financial collapse rooted in massive banking fraud, and the financial system needed to be rebuilt!”

Merely kicking the can down the road and delaying a seemingly unstoppable train in the form of a projected $20 trillion dollar deficit, are a signal of the chickens coming home to roost. Belize on the other hand, needs to heed the warnings, and prepare for “pneumonia-like conditions” in the foreseeable future.

The implication for Belize in this current crisis is indeed great. We have been extremely slow to divest and transform our economic model and strategy. Part of the problem stemmed from the fact that the “experts” advising the local leadership are all trained in the principles of the same failed economic model to which we seek refuge from. Secondly, several among the “literati” are voided of any sense of “original thought”, and “imaginative possibility”. They simply cannot fathom that we are capable of doing for self despite the odds. Since 1981 the failure to embrace authentic structural changes, and to take “ownership” of our destiny, has left us without any form of “cushion” in these venerable times. The perennial squabbling over this or that amendment, rather than a “suspension” of the colonial constitution, and the initiation of a “constitutional conference” to draft a homegrown document reflective of our own experience and vision as a people, speaks volume to a national paralysis of our collective national consciousness.

Our over-reliance on foreign advisors frequently dispatched from the metropolitan institutions, suggest a lack of confidence in our own ability to exercise critical thinking in solving problems. A few years ago someone from the said institutions sold us the idea of selling off all our prime beach front properties, and training our young people to be obedient maids and waiters in the “hospitality business”. Tragically

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Tripoli compound is centre of Gaddafi power

LONDON (Reuters) - Muammar Gaddafi’s penchant for extravagant uniforms, gold regalia and Bedouin tents provided a theatrical backdrop for four decades of harsh repression at home and a foreign policy that made him a bete noire of the West.

On Tuesday night, those props were smashed, pilfered and paraded in mockery when rebels stormed his fortified compound. One man wore the familiar braided hat he said he found in his house. The tent where he received foreign dignitaries was set ablaze. The decapitated golden head of his statue was trampled.

Gaddafi, who has been fighting a rebellion for six months, was nowhere to be seen.

In tandem with his eccentricity, Gaddafi had a charisma which won him support among many ordinary Libyans. His readiness to take on Western powers and Israel, both with rhetoric and action, earned him a certain cachet with some in other Arab states who felt their own leaders were too supine.

While leaders of neighboring Arab states folded quickly in the face of popular uprisings, Gaddafi had put up a bloody six-month fight, taking on NATO as well as local insurgents who quickly seized half the country.

For most of his 42-year rule, he held a prominent position in the West’s gallery of international rogues, while maintaining tight control at home by eliminating dissidents and refusing to anoint a successor.

Gaddafi effected a successful rapprochement with the West by renouncing his weapons of mass destruction program in return for an end to sanctions. But he could not avoid the tide of popular revolution sweeping through the Arab world.

The Libyan leader, his son and his spy chief are wanted for crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court in The Hague for planning the violent suppression of the uprising.

As his oil-producing North African desert country descended into civil war, Gaddafi’s military responded with the deadly force that he had never been afraid to use, despite the showman image that captivated many.

When the insurgency began in midFebruary, protesters were gunned down in their hundreds. As his troops advanced on Benghazi he famously warned rebels there would be “no

mercy, no pity.” They would be hunted down “alley by alley, house by house, room by room.”

Those words may have been his undoing. Days later the United Nations passed a resolution clearing the way for a NATO air campaign that knocked out his air force, tanks and heavy guns.

“MAD DOG” Raids also targeted his own headquarters in Tripoli. One raid killed his youngest son and three grandchildren. It was not the first time that the West had killed a Gaddafi family member.

President Ronald Reagan called Gaddafi a “mad dog” and sent warplanes to bomb his Bab al-Aziziyah compound in 1986, after the bombing of a West Berlin discotheque he blamed on Libyan agents. One of the 60 people killed was Gaddafi’s adopted daughter.

Gaddafi used the Tripoli building bombed in the raid, left unrepaired for 25 years, to deliver one of his first defiant speeches of the war, standing beside a memorial in the shape of a giant metal fist crushing an American warplane.

On Tuesday night, some men climbed atop the fist amid celebratory gunshots and hacked at it.

In televised addresses in response to the rebellion in the east, Gaddafi blamed the unrest on rats and mercenaries and said they were brainwashed by Osama bin Laden and under the influence of hallucinogenic drugs used to spike their coffee.

There was repeated speculation that Gaddafi has either been killed or wounded in NATO air raids, but he made carefully choreographed television appearances in response to the rumors.

In May, Gaddafi taunted NATO, saying its bombers could not find him.

“I am telling the coward crusaders that I am at a place you cannot reach and kill me,” he said in a broadcast

audio recording. His later speeches were also delivered as audio recordings, presumably to conceal his whereabouts.

“I WILL DIE HERE” “I am not going to leave this land, I will die here as a martyr ... I shall remain here defiant,” he said in one broadcast.

One of the world’s longest serving national leaders, Gaddafi had no official government function and was known as the “Brother Leader and Guide of the Revolution.”

His love of grand gestures was on display on foreign visits when he slept in a Bedouin tent guarded by dozens of female bodyguards.

In Italy last year, Gaddafi’s invitation to hundreds of young women to convert to Islam overshadowed the visit, which was intended to cement growing ties between Tripoli and Rome.

U.S. diplomatic cables released by the WikiLeaks website shed further light on the Libyan leader’s tastes.

One cable posted by The New York Times describes Gaddafi’s insistence on staying on the ground floor when he visited New York for a 2009 meeting at the United Nations and his reported refusal or inability to climb more than 35 steps.

Gaddafi was also said to rely heavily on his staff of four Ukrainian nurses, including one woman described as a “voluptuous blonde.” The cable spec-

ulated about a romantic relationship, but the nurse, Galyna Kolonytska, 38, fled Libya after the fighting started.

Gaddafi was born in 1942, the son of a Bedouin herdsman, in a tent near Sirte on the Mediterranean coast. He abandoned a geography course at university for a military career that included a short spell at a British army signals school.

Colonel Gaddafi took power in a bloodless military coup in 1969 when he toppled King Idriss, and in the 1970s he formulated his “Third Universal Theory,” a middle road between communism and capitalism, as laid out in his “Green Book.”

OIL WELLS AND DESERT Gaddafi oversaw the rapid development of Libya, which was previously known for little more than oil wells and deserts where huge tank battles took place in World War Two. The economy is now paying the price of war and sanctions.

One of his first tasks on taking power was to build up the armed forces, but he also spent billions of dollars of oil income on improving living standards, making him popular with the low-paid.

Gaddafi poured money into giant projects such as a steel plant in the town of Misrata -- the scene of bitter fighting -- and the Great Man-Made River, a scheme to pipe water from desert wells to coastal communities.

Gaddafi embraced the pan-Arabism of the late Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser and tried without success to merge Libya, Egypt and Syria into a federation. A similar attempt to join Libya and Tunisia ended in acrimony.

In 1977 he changed the country’s name to the Great Socialist Popular Libyan Arab Jamahiriyah (State of the Masses) and allowed people to air their views at people’s congresses.

However, for much of his rule he has been shunned by the West, which accused him of links to terrorism and revolutionary movements.

He was particularly reviled after the 1988 Pan Am airliner bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, by Libyan agents in which 270 people were killed.

U.N. sanctions imposed in 1992 to pressure Tripoli to hand over two Libyan suspects, crippled the economy, dampened Gaddafi’s revolutionary spirit and took the sting out of his anti-capitalist, anti-Western rhetoric.

Gaddafi abandoned his program of prohibited weapons in 2003 to return Libya to international mainstream politics.

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Sunday, August 28th , 2011,

THE COLLAPSE OF THE US ECONOMY Smart and BTL at impasse over interconnectivity & ITS IMPLICATION FOR BELIZE

Continued from page 9

this self-fulfilling prophecy has become all too real in Belize over the past twenty five years since independence.

One respected Belizean economist lamented that until we have transformed the mercantile dominated system, whose primary life blood is rooted in the perpetual importation of “flit pans”, then there is no hope for us at all.

But despite these horrible miscalculation and crawling pace in anticipation and adaptation to the global crisis, there are things we can still do at this late date. While the current leadership had rightly called for a “green revolution” this call needs to take on a more “egalitarian” approach supported by real and authentic “agrarian land reform”.

Calling for a green revolution while the vast majority of our most fertile agricultural lands remain in the hands of a few foreign land owners is laughable at best. The free wheeling encroachment into the Belizean rain forest via Chiquibul, and oil exploration by land and sea require clairvoyant local leadership. Any nation that is unable or unwilling to retained “ownership” of it natural resources will remain permanently underdeveloped.

How history will judge you is predicated on the decision/policies you enact much like president Abraham Lincoln did in the signing of the “Emancipation Proclamation”, in the face of the American civil war that change the course of a nation.

The continued “nibbling around the adages” of our problems will not solve them, but rather exacerbate

the challenges. Declaring that no man is an island is an abdication of responsibility and self determination. There are moments in history when the journey of life imposes choices that will leave an indelible impact on the nation. This is such a moment in time when critical decision-making and bold leadership are required and demanded.

Such decision-making may or may not be popular in the immediate present, however, you are elected to lead with vision beyond our myopic tendencies. There are numerous positive examples of successful leaders in our region we can learn from. A man with a 4th grade education named Lula da Silva led Brazil to unprecedented growth lifting over 22 million people up out of poverty, expanded the industrial and manufacturing foundation of the national economy by leaps and bounds, and expanding international trade into new frontiers, notably into the continent of Africa, Asia and the Far East. Use the “best practices” of Cuba where our medical services and educational aspirations are concerned. Venezuela has shown us a way forward in terms of oil exploration and how to reap maximum benefits by retaining ownership of our national resources for the greater good of the people.

Do not preoccupy your creative thoughts with who you offend.

Raise your people up! To this end, time will vindicate your decisions/ actions in protecting and preserving the nation state for the future of our people, and yet unborn generations.

Remember that Tomorrow was yesterday and the future is today!

Barrow Buckles!

Continued from page 1

amending the Constitution, will not be capable of being found to be inconsistent with the Constitution. Essentially, the Legislature can pass any amendment to the Constitution that it wishes so long as government in doing so complies with the procedural requirements under section 69 of the Constitution, the amendment must stand.”

The Bar maintains: “The Government has argued that this is a clarification of what it considers to be the correct interpretation of the law. However, the binding decision of the Supreme Court of Belize in Barry Bowen et. al. v. Attorney General does not agree with the Government’s interpretation and various Courts in other countries have also not agreed with the Government’s interpretation.”

As a result the Bar Association said that it was urging “the Government to refrain from amending section 2 and section 69 until such time as a definitive interpretation of the supreme law clause has been determined by the Caribbean Court of Justice, which is the highest court of the land.”

Attorney Godfrey Smith in a column on his blog Flashpoint was not as kind to the churches. In the piece entitled “Churches Drink from PM’s Poisoned Chalice” Smith took issue with the

Council of Churches’ President “Canon LeRoy Flowers’ statement on the Open Your Eyes television breakfast show that Prime Minister Barrow had met the Churches ‘more than half way’ in addressing their concerns about his proposed 9th Amendment to the Belize Constitution” since in his view it “simply cannot be supported by the facts.”

Smith argues that “The Churches were “most concerned” about the “conferral of unbridled legislative power to change the constitution”. First, they said that the constitution “properly imposes substantive limitations on the power of the National Assembly to make laws” and that any amendment inconsistent with the fundamental principles of the constitution was ‘beyond the law making authority of the National Assembly’.

“Second, they felt it ‘critical that [the courts] be able to examine the content of amendments to our constitution and not be limited to merely checking to see that the procedural requirements for changing the constitution ... have been met.’

“Thirdly, while they supported that state ownership and control of public utilities be entrenched in the constitution, they didn’t agree with barring the court’s power to inquire into the ‘validity of the

Continues on page 17

BELIZE CITY - The relationship between BTL and Smart since interconnection agreement was reached in February of 2004 has been a contentious one. The contention between the two telecommunication providers dissipated after the former major shareholder in BTL bought shares in Speednet (Smart).

Smart has been growing consistently since its establishment in August of 2003 offering customers “mobile voice, SMS, and data services.” Parent company of Smart, Speednet claims on their website that “the portfolios offer various products and services that give customers value for money including cheaper International calls, International Roaming, Internet, Value Added Services and wider coverage throughout the country.”

For over a year, Barrow-media and Smart have been locked in a battle over interconnection. The battle between the two telecommunication companies was undetected until the CEO of Smart made it known as they toured the media to talk about their dilemma with BTL. Smart has installed its new 3G system which should offer customers more features and efficient services. Testing on the new system was supposed to start on August 15, 2011 however that has been put on hold because according to Smart, BTL has been stalling, denying them interconnection for the new system.

BTL has since denied those charges saying that they “have never delayed or denied Speednet (Smart) interconnection. “in fact,” BTL claims, “the company willingly entered into negotiations with Speednet which has now arrived at a stalemate.”

Be that as it may, the Supreme Court on March 31st of this year, ordered BTL and Smart to enter negotiations. If the two are unable to reach an agreement then the PUC would be asked by the court

to construct an interconnection formula. The impasse persisted therefore the PUC was tasked to devise a formula which was to be completed by July 27th. The date has come and gone with none of the companies having heard from the PUC. Representatives of Smart told the media that the company has invested about $25 million in the new system which has just been sitting there because BTL has refused to come to an agreement.

Earlier in the week, the PUC completed and delivered to Smart a formula for interconnection which Smart promptly signed and returned to the PUC. We have not been able to confirm whether BTL has agreed to the terms or whether they have signed on the dotted line.

A release from Speednet Communications Limited on Tuesday confirmed the Company’s receipt of the Interconnection agreement

by Smart and it being signed and returned to the PUC. “Having complied with the ruling of the Courts and orders of the PUC concerning interconnection, Speednet/Smart, along with its over one hundred thousand customers, expects that all obstacles will be removed and that the welcomed interconnection of its new 3G network with Belize Telemedia Limited will be effected in the next few days,” the release said.

“This long awaited interconnection of the 3G network will address the problems of congestion affecting our Smart customers. It will also allow Smart to launch its broadband data and high speed internet service on mobile phones as well as computers,” the release further stated.

Speednet concluded by thanking their customers for their “loyalty, understanding and confidence during this difficult period.” So far there has been no reaction from the usually feisty BTL management – we take it that they agree with the new arrangement.

For Sale by Owner

Large track of Residential / Commercial Land, off George Price Boulevard in Belmopan. Price fix to sell by owners.

For serious Enquiries: Call: 601- 8100 or 650-5222

Page 12 Mark Espat and Cordel Hyde have escaped their share of backlash for the shock that their role in constructing the ninth amendment bill wrought throughout the general population. In that sense I will not completely condemn PM Barrow for following through because I feel that in all fairness, Mark and Cordel should take some of the public flogging for the impudent proposal. The two should speak with the people rather than be acting in their usual mercurial and aloof manner.

It is obvious that most members and supporters of the PUP are unsure whom Mark and Cordel are speaking for when they do make their public pronouncements on issues, and it is also pellucid that they were NOT speaking for the PUP when they came out early in support of the 9th.

I wonder if they were speaking on behalf of their constituents, if they did consult with their constituents before they decided to offer support for the 9th.

Mark and Cordel – Cordel and Mark have made themselves some sort of political enigma ever since they broke ranks with the Said Musa administration in 2004, and perhaps even the entire political establishment. They have been simultaneously a part of and apart from the PUP, and their positions seem to be determined by issues and political expediency.

It is maddening to many who support the “PUDP” status quo that Mark and Cordel swoop in, when it is to their convenience or expediency, to stand with the PUP, and then roll out to separate themselves on some issue.

Wasn’t it just two months ago that they were appearing on stage, in public with the PUP leadership until they had secured their standard bearer status? Wasn’t it just a few weeks ago that they were once again breaking ranks with the party, presenting a position in support of the 9th before the rest of the party had even given it much thought?

There may be some sort of political repercussions for Espat’s and Hyde’s actions. Could this be the final straw for the two that command a lot of power and/or influence within the new PUP leadership because of their manipulative behavior?

I have had my own set of disagreements with Mark Espat and some discomfort as well. I believe him to be a very talented young man with potential to do great things for his constituency and for Belize but Mark’s mercurial behavior is what makes me leery. This is not a personal attack on Mark and note that I have not brought Cordel into the picture because I don’t see Cordel as the ring leader in this strange duo. I will get around to the Cordel factor later – it is just as significant and as intriguing as Mark’s.

Only last year when it appeared that there would have been elections for a new PUP leader, I was willing to forego all my misgivings about Mark and support him for leadership. This is quite a turnaround from my personal long held views on Mark Espat, however, I have never discounted his talent and for that I admire him. I reached out to Mark and expressed my support for him because I felt then, as I do now, that John Briceno does not fit the bill to become PM of Belize. Because Mark is less patronizing when it comes to who are his people but rather will

Sunday, August 28th , 2011

Mark Espat and Cordel Hyde dodge public scrutiny only work with those whose talents he respects I thought that if the PUP is to win the next elections it would have to be done with Mark Espat’s leadership. I thought that Mark would be the PUP’s next best bet after Said Musa expressed that he would no longer seek the office of Leader of the PUP. But now I wonder if Mark Espat is really suited for the job. This has

cal history but perhaps someone else may want to do their own analysis of why the senior Hyde was unsuccessful. He was and is a charming man and intellectually gifted. I know I would have voted for Evan X Hyde.

Cordel has been in the position for the past thirteen years that his father aspired for. He is well liked by his constituents and without Mark, he can hold his own but the duo I be-

It is maddening to many who support the “PUDP” status quo that Mark and Cordel swoop in, when it is to their convenience or expediency, to stand with the PUP, and then roll out to separate themselves on some issue.

Wasn’t it just two months ago that they were appearing on stage, in public with the PUP leadership until they had secured their standard bearer status? Wasn’t it just a few weeks ago that they were once again breaking ranks with the party, presenting a position in support of the 9th before the rest of the party had even given it much thought? been one time too many that Mark along with his side-kick Cordel, have played this game. Is he another Dean Barrow? This is not the singular reason for Mark and Cordel’s removal from the ranks of the PUP but a look at their modus operandi over the years portrays a disturbing pattern which I don’t believe is what we want as we clamor for “good governance and transparency.”

I think Mark and Cordel’s union is because of Mark’s union with Cordel’s sister and acceptance by Cordel’s father, Evan X Hyde, of Mark into the family. The senior Hyde was no fan of Mark or any of the Espats before. The Hydes, I believe, had their designs in some aspect of Belize’s politics. This has been manifested over the years. The senior Hyde had run for office and led one Belize’s most revolutionary organizations during the sixties, UBAD. The senior Hyde (which this piece is not about) has had his own set of aspirations for Belize and I believe those aspirations have been dashed by both political parties, rendering him a story teller of people, places and things passed.

It is a sort of a vicarious living on the part of the senior Hyde whose son was elected to office in 1998.

Cordel represented Kremandala in the PUP. With the addition of Mark to Kremandala’s estate, the Hydes or the senior Hyde and/or Kremandala, got some level of influence in the PUP and by extension Belize’s politics since the senior Hyde did not get a chance to play the role he envisioned having lost at electoral politics in his one and only outing. I am not that versed in Belize’s politi-

lieve exists because it is a kremandala thing.

Rumors have circulated every so often that Mark and Cordel would

leave the PUP and form their own party or, as I heard it once, they would join the UDP. Whether or not any of the rumors were true, it is clear that the Mark and Cordel and by extension the Hydes/Kremandala are not pleased with the PUP. My question is why haven’t they just left? Party supporters and myself have long held that the duo have been holding the PUP to ransom.

There has been no reaction from the PUP concerning Mark and Cordel’s position – hoping perhaps that that tiny detail will be forgotten by the body politic, but PM Barrow has always reminded that it was Mark and Cordel that advised that: “the Government must give special priority to….BTL employees, including shares for the workers in the company. And the Government should amend the Belize Constitution so that the major utilities including water, electricity and telephone are majority owned and controlled by the Government and people of Belize.”

Espat and Hyde may have committed the ultimate sin where party political clannishness is concerned.

It appears once again that the PUP will play possum and try to mend fences with the duo because Mark and Cordel don’t seem to be going anywhere and the PUP needs them or better yet the votes from their constituencies which is a sure win for both men who have held strong in their areas. The best thing that can happen for Mark and Cordel to mend fences and get back in the fold is if Barrow decided to pull this one off the table as he did the 8th amendment. That way Mark and Cordel will not be blamed for not having toed the PUP’s line. There still may be some repercussions for their part in stirring this latest agitation – it is left to be seen if their constituents agree with them or Kremandala (COLA – Coalition to Oust Lord Ashcroft) or the UDP or the PUP.

Bodyworks man gunned down on Caesar Ridge Road

By Rhenae Nunez Saturday August 20, 2011 BELIZE CITY – City police are asking but no one is telling who killed bodyworks mechanic, Tyrone Crown, 37 on Saturday around six on Caesar Ridge Road.

Police were called out to the scene where they retrieved 17 expended shells. Residents in the area say that they heard the shots however no one has come forward to give any information to help in the investigation.

Crown, a bodyworks mechanic of a Louise Bevans Street address was riding his bicycle around six on

Saturday evening on Caesar Ridge Road. Police say that two men rode up behind him as he reached the corner of Caesar Ridge Road and Allan Pitts Crescent- one took out a firearm and fired several shots at Crown.

Although police are saying that it was two men who rode up behind Crown that shot him, they are hard pressed to explain the motive for the killing or to establish the identity of the shooter/s.

Speculation that Crown may have been killed in retaliation for the murder of Giovanni Chi who was killed the night prior at the corner of Jane Usher and Louise Bevans Streets has not been established by investigators.

Police press officer Fitzroy Yearwood pleaded with members of the public who may have seen anything or know the identities of the shooter/s to please help in the investigation.

Yearwood assured the public that their identities will not be disclosed if calls with tips are placed to the 922-TIPS hotline which is housed in Miami Florida and is managed and operated by the Rotary Club. This brings the number of persons killed for this year to 90.

Page 13

Sunday, August 28th , 2011,

MUSLIMS END RAMADAN

The enemy of my enemy …

If religion is the opiate of the masses, then politics must be its barbiturates.

The growing clamor for constitutional reform sparked by the proposed Ninth Belize (Constitution) Amendment Bill must reach flashpoint and it spells rough weather ahead for the pols and aspiring pols of the established major political parties. And it should not pass without remark that the intensity of the discussion/debate has even over-shadowed the UDP’s Belize City Council convention, even though it was postponed a week due to the threat posed by Tropical Storm Harvey, so intense has been the discussion/debate.

I’ve been a more than casual observer of the Belizean political scene since 1968 and in my opinion the size, scope and intensity of the discussion has been unrivalled by any other issue except perhaps for Independence and/or the Guatemalan claim. It is also noteworthy that the debate is NOT being led by the political partisans, nor is it being conducted solely on the morning talk shows and in the pages of the newspapers. It is on the streets, and in the living rooms and bedrooms, and thanks in no small part to the advance of information technology, most intense in the social media of the Internet, where those in the Diaspora have become firmly engaged with those here at home on several consequential issues spawned by the proposed Ninth Amendment.

There is near consensus there as a result on two issues – the need for a constitutional commission and the proposal that ALL proposed amendments to the sections (2-19) of the Belize Constitution that protect fundamental rights must be put to a referendum. (As a tangential aside, I have also been surprised by the high level of support for an elected Senate and for the repeal of the legislation that effectively bans legislators from “crossing the floor.”)

Despite the announcement this week that the Evangelical Association and the Council of Churches now supported 9A following a promise from the Prime Minister Dean Barrow that the so-called “ouster” clauses would be removed from the Bill, support for the amendment remains tepid at best. None of the polls I have seen put support at more than 25%.

Perhaps the numbers will nudge upwards as the administration continues its lobbying efforts but I doubt that it will cross the 50% threshold or ever approach the 75% benchmark without further concessions.

The concessions did move the needle, however, and that must have some effect on the administration’s strategic thinking. I wonder, though, if last week’s IMF Article IX consultations in Belize had anything to do with the decision to concede some by the Barrow adminis-

tration? I also wonder what effect last week’s “Slippery Slope” editorial in the Jamaica Gleaner had on the administration’s decision to concede?

At this point I can only wonder at what has been the reaction in diplomatic circles, at Whitehall and at State, and at Bretton Woods and in the corridors of power. I highly doubt that those reactions, if any, are positive.

In her column in this week’s edition of the newspaper my colleague Rhenae Nunez discusses the role that PUP “Senior” Deputy Leaders Mark Espat and Cordel Hyde’s early public support for 9A has played vis a vis PUP politics. As I write this essay today, one of my friends has opined to me that their early public support, (and several other PUP’s including Party Leader Johnny Briceno are on record as supporting “nationalization”), may have provided the Barrow administration with a “glide path” to landing 9A. His analysis is that because some members of the Opposition, like the “Churches” (Canon Leroy Flowers had expressed support for the “nationalization” policy in his introductory remarks at the first consultation hearing), have already expressed their support for the “nationalization” of public utilities, they are now forced into an awkward political position if the Barrow administration continues to concede on the amendment language that seems to diminish the Judiciary’s constitutional authority.

For the record I remain wholly opposed to 9A in any form or fashion. Firstly I don’t find anything wrong with the present laws regarding the acquisition of private property for public purposes per se. What I find disgraceful is the way governments have flagrantly violated the law and abused the process. If anything the law should be strengthened to protect private owners from the depredations of governments, not the other way around.

I am appalled by this administration’s acquisition zeal. Having been deprived of my property by its “Quitar” land policy I cannot in good conscience support the deprivation of anyone’s property by the Government of Belize. I note that even the AMANDALA was barely lukewarm, if that, in espousing support for 9A reasoning that ‘the enemy (Barrow administration) of my enemy (Ashcroft) is my friend’ therefore they support 9A but that is hardly a stand made from ethical principle. Be that as it may, though, I would like to believe, based on my knowledge of the Publisher’s distrust of governments and ruling politicians, he must look with some askance on the power grab that is 9A. Sure there is a “friendly” government in Belmopan right now, and there is “treasure” flowing from a government controlled BTL et al to Kremandala coffers, but who’s to say that that will continue to be the case? If our history is prelude to the future that won’t continue to be the case.

Pride knows no price, an elderly friend once said to me, and so the expropriation of the public utility companies is being sold as a matter of nationalist pride. I beg to differ. No matter how much legislation is passed on Capitol Hill, someday we are going to have to pay the bill, and it will be hell to pay.

After 29 days of fasting the month of Ramadan Muslims of Belize will join the nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide in celebrating the end of the fast on Monday, August 29th.

The fast began on the first of August and is a yearly requirement for all Muslims who have reached the age of maturity, in good health, not pregnant or travelling. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and is based on the lunar calculation. Muslims are required to fast from before daybreak to sunset everyday abstaining from food, water and sex during the fasting period.

One in every four persons in the world is a Muslim and that figure is expected to double in the next twenty years according to the report, “Mapping the Global Muslim Population,” an extensive new study by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. Islam is fastest growing religion in the world;

analysis says that Islam is growing faster than the world population.

Contrary to the belief that most Muslims are in the Middle East the study found that India has more Muslims than any country except for Indonesia and Pakistan, and more than twice as many as Egypt. China has more Muslims than Syria. Germany has more Muslims than Lebanon and Russia has more Muslims than Jordan and Libya put together.

The Muslim population has also grown extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. Muslims in Belize number around ten thousand scattered throughout the country with the majority living in Belize City.

The end of Ramadan celebrations called, Eid al Fitr, will begin on Tuesday morning with prayers and will go well into the evening with festive music, drumming, poetry and Quranic recitation.

Crocodile Attack!!

Man fights his head out of a Crocs Jaws

Ambergris Caye, Saturday August 20, 2011– A man who has been identified as 30 year old David Tut from the San Juan area of San Pedro Town is lucky to be alive after he was attacked by a crocodile last Saturday morning. According to reports reaching the National Perspective, Tut who is characterized by his family members as an excellent diver/swimmer decided to go for his usual early morning swim just around 2:00 am in the San Pedro Lagoon when he was attacked by the crocodile who caught by surprise.

The crocodile open his jaws and snapped it clamping down on Tut’s head pulling David down under water. In his struggle, Tutu fought back with all his strenght and miraculously managed to get a grip on the crocs upper and lower jaws and with a stroke of divine intervention managed to pry it open barely enough to free his head where he then swam ashore to safety.

Tut, bleeding from his severe injuries to his neck area, managed to run home which is located one short block away before he was transported to the San Pedro Clinic where he was examined

by Dr. Daniel Gonzalez but because of the severity of his injuries, he was immediatelt flown out of the island town to Belize City’s KHMH where his injuries was diagnosed as serious but in stable condition. He remains hospitalized for observation because of the propensity for infection since crocodiles’ mouths carry many bacteria that can cause serious infections.

Vince Rose of the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES) responded to the incident and said that David was

extremely lucky and his fast thinking just may have saved his life. Rose said that ACES was informed by a reliable source that the attack-crocodile is a resident croc in the lagoon area between San Juan and The Boatyard and that local residents are in the habit of feeding it. According to crocodile experts, American crocodiles are intelligent apex predators and if fed, even one time by man, they learn to associate humans as a source of food.

For the last several years ACES, the Belize Forest Department have been vigilante in educating island residents to the dangers of illegally feeding these predators. After years of research, scientists and professionals have ascertained that when humans feed crocodiles it changes the crocs natural behavior of fearing humans to not fearing humans. Thus, the fed crocs begin to associate humans with food and humans can in turn become food. Once an animal has been feed this association it cannot be reversed.

Investigations will continue into the nature of this attack and ACES will attempt to remove the crocodile. ACES is a non-profit crocodile rescue organization and if funds cannot not be raised to contain the animal at the new facility they are currently constructing north of San Pedro, the animal may need to be euthanized. ACES is accepting donations, from construction materials to cash to complete the refuge and have already received a $10,000 donation to begin the project. Once completed, problematic crocs can be caught and placed in secure habitats at the facility for the public to safely view and learn about the importance of crocodiles in keeping our ecosystems in balance.

Page 14 14 Page

th Sunday,May 22nd28 , 2011 Sunday, August , 2011

HEAlTHY LIVING What is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and what are its symptoms?

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by the sufferer experiencing repeated obsessions and/or compulsions that interfere with the person’s ability to function socially, occupationally, or educationally, either as a result of the amount of time that is consumed by the symptoms or the marked fear or other distress suffered by the person.

Conventional knowledge is that there are four types of OCD: obsessions that are aggressive, sexual, religious or harm-related with checking compulsions; obsessions about symmetry that are accompanied by arranging or repeating compulsions; obsessions of contamination are associated with cleaning compulsions; and symptoms of hoarding.

An obsession is defined as a thought, impulse, or image that either recurs or persists and causes severe anxiety. These thoughts are irresistible to the OCD sufferer despite the person’s realizing that these thoughts are irrational. Examples of obsessions include worries about germs/cleanliness or about safety or order. A compulsion is a ritual/behavior that the individual with OCD engages in repeatedly, either because of their obsessions or according to a rigid set of rules. The aforementioned obsessions may result in compulsions like excessive hand washing, skin picking, lock checking, or repeatedly arranging items. Different than compulsions, habits are behaviors that occur with little to no thought, are repeated routinely, are not done in response to an obsession, are not particularly time-consuming, and do not cause stress. Examples of habits include cracking knuckles or storing car keys in a coat pocket.

The diagnosis of OCD has been described in medicine for at least the past 100 years. Statistics on the number of people in the United States who have OCD range from 1%-2%, or more than 2-3 million adults. Interestingly, the frequency with which it occurs and the symptoms with which it presents are remarkably similar, regardless of the culture of the sufferer. The average age of onset of the disorder is 19 years, although it often begins during the childhood or the teenage years and usually develops by 30 years of age.

It tends to afflict more males than females.

Individuals with OCD are more likely to also develop chronic hair pulling (trichotillomania), muscle or vocal tics (Tourette’s disorder), or an eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia.

OCD sufferers are also predisposed to developing other mood problems, like depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. OCD puts its sufferers at a higher risk of having excessive concerns about their bodies (somatoform disorders) like hypochondriasis, which is excessive worry about having a serious illness. People with OCD are more vulnerable to having bipolar disorder, also called manic depression.

Although sometimes confused with OCD, obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is defined by perfectionism and an unbending expectation that the individual and others will keep a specific set of rules.

OCPD sufferers do not tend to engage in ritualized behaviors (compulsions).

However, OCPD tends to occur more often in people with OCD than in those without and therefore can be considered another risk factor for the development of obsessive compulsive disorder.

What causes OCD? While there is no known specific cause for OCD, family history and chemical imbalances in the brain are thought to contribute to the development of the illness. Generally, while people who have relatives with OCD are at a higher risk of developing the disorder, most people with the illness have no such family history. A specific chromosome/gene variation has been found to possibly double the likelihood of a person developing OCD. It is thought that an imbalance of the chemical serotonin in the brain may also contribute to the development of OCD. Some life stressors, like being the victim of sexual abuse as a child, can increase the chance of developing OCD as an adult.

How is OCD diagnosed?

Some practitioners will administer a self-test of screening questions to individuals whom they suspect may be suffering from OCD. In addition to looking for symptoms of obsessions and compulsions by conducting a mental-status examination, mental-health professionals will explore the possibility that the individual’s symptoms are caused by another emotional illness instead of or in addition to OCD. For example, people with an addiction often have obsessions or compulsions, but those symptom

characteristics generally only involve the object of the addiction. The practitioner will also likely ensure that a physical examination and any other appropriate tests have been done recently to explore whether there is any medical problem that could be contributing to the signs or symptoms of OCD. What are the treatments for OCD? Most individuals with OCD experience some symptoms of the disorder indefinitely, with times of improvement alternating with times of difficulty. However, the prognosis is most favorable for OCD sufferers who have milder symptoms that last for less time and who have no other problems before developing this illness.

Treatments include cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, behavioral therapies, and medications. Behavioral therapies for OCD include ritual prevention and exposure therapy. Prevention of rituals involves a mental-health professional helping the OCD sufferer to endure longer and longer periods of resisting the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors. Exposure therapy is the process by which the individual with OCD is put in touch with situations that tend to increase the OCD sufferer’s urge to engage in compulsions, then helping him or her resist that urge. Cognitive/behavioral therapists help patients change the negative styles of thinking and behaving that are often associated with the anxiety involved with obsessive compulsive disorder.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the medications that are most commonly used to treat OCD. These medications increase the amount of the neurochemical serotonin in the brain. (Remember that brain serotonin levels are thought to be low in OCD.) As their name implies, the SSRIs work by selectively inhibiting (blocking) serotonin reuptake in the brain. This block occurs at the synapse, the place where brain cells (neurons) are connected to each other.

Serotonin is one of the chemicals in the brain that carries messages across these connections (synapses) from one neuron to another.

The SSRIs work by keeping serotonin present in high concentrations in the synapses. These drugs do this by preventing the reuptake of serotonin back into the nerve cell that is transmitting an impulse. The reuptake of serotonin is responsible for turning off the production of new serotonin. Therefore, the serotonin message keeps on coming through. It is thought that this, in turn, helps arouse (activate) cells

that have been deactivated by OCD, thereby relieving the symptoms of the condition.

SSRIs have fewer side effects than clomipramine, an older medication that is actually thought to be somewhat more effective in treating OCD. SSRIs do not cause orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when sitting up or standing) and heart-rhythm disturbances, like clomipramine can. Therefore, SSRIs are often the first-line treatment for this illness. Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and escitalopram (Lexapro). When the improvement that people with OCD experience is not optimal when an SSRI is the only medication prescribed, the addition of a neuroleptic medication like risperidone (Risperdal), olanzapine (Zyprexa), or aripiprazole (Abilify) can sometimes be helpful.

SSRIs are generally well tolerated, and side effects are usually mild. The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, agitation, insomnia, and headache. However, these side effects generally go away within the first month of SSRI use. Some patients experience sexual side effects, such as decreased sexual desire (decreased libido), delayed orgasm, or an inability to have an orgasm. Some patients experience tremors with SSRIs. The socalled serotonergic (meaning caused by serotonin) syndrome is a serious neurologic condition associated with the use of SSRIs. It is characterized by high fevers, seizures, and heartrhythm disturbances. This condition is very rare and has been reported only in very ill psychiatric patients taking multiple psychiatric medications.

Newer, often called atypical, neuroleptic medications like the ones named above tend to cause fewer side effects than many of the older medications in this class. The most common side effects of atypical neuroleptics include sleepiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and weight gain. Sometimes, people can be more sensitive to the effects of the sun while taking these medications and therefore should take care to wear adequate sunblock whenever exposed to the sun. Less commonly, side effects of atypical neuroleptic medications can result in painless, although abnormal, muscle movements like tremors, stiffness, and very rarely permanent muscle twitches called tardive dyskinesia.

Studies on the effectiveness of treatment of OCD in adults have variable results. Some indicate that medications, response prevention, and CBT are equally, although only mildly to moderately, effective in treating this problem. Cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) has also been found to be an effective treatment for OCD. Research on treating OCD in children and adolescents suggests that while

Continued on page 15

Sunday, August 28th , 2011,

Page 15

Rhett Fuller on remand ! ADO to ‘Test- Run’ Belize Privy Council dismissed his appeal

his extradition. Fuller was accompanied by his wife when he turned himself in.

On Tuesday, August 9, 2011 the Privy Council dismissed Fullers appeal on the grounds of abuse of power and that the Supreme Court and the Chief Magistrate had jurisdiction in an application of habeas corpus in an extradition case.

The ruling was that the court has no jurisdiction in the matter – that is reserved for the discretion of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Sedi Elrington.

Following the decision

By Rhenae Nunez Monday, August 22, 2011 BELIZE CITY – Has Rhett Fuller given up on fighting his extradition to Miami, Dade County, Florida to face a First Degree Murder charge for allegedly killing US citizen Larry Miller in March of 1990?

On Monday morning around ten, Fuller turned himself in to police at the Queen Street Police Station where he was served with a committal warrant. He was remanded to the Hattieville Central Prison from where he could face extradition to the United States if his attorney, Eamon Courtney is unsuccessful in securing bail for him or in getting a favorable response from Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington staying

by the Privy Council, Fuller’s attorney made immediate application to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and received response via the Solicitor General that the case files are being reviewed and that the minister will be in touch shortly.

Courtney advised that there are still some legal options in Belize which they intended to pursue. To that end, an application for bail has been filed however no date has been set for the hearing.

According to court officials, ten days must elapse before an application can be heard. Courtney maintains that such is incorrect. It is expected that a date for the hearing may be set on Thursday, August 25, 2011. Until then, Fuller’s fate still rests in the hands of Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington.

Thursday, August 25th 2011

to the ‘Mundo Maya’/Riviera Maya countries including Belize, GuatemaBelize City- For months the first-class la and Honduras. He emphasized that public transportation network across ADO will not be picking up ordinary Auto Transportes del Oriente ‘ADO’ passengers back into Quintana Roo has been in quiet negotiations with but will operate strictly with pre-arBelizean Authorities to operate in Beranged tourism with ADO within the lize and perhaps because of the lack Riviera Maya countries. of information by the Belize Transport This new public transport concept by Board to the Belize media, it has creADO to ferry tens-of-thousands of ated an uneasy atmosphere of concern tourists that arrive in Merida and Canamong Bus line operators who believe cun with expressed interest of visiting that ADO is coming in to swallow the Mundo Maya could only be a postheir collective operations and run itive sign for Belize because it will be them out of business. of benefit to local hotels, restaurants This morning during an informal acand local tours which in essence will quaintance breakfast sponsored by the create or sustain jobs.

Mexican Embassy for the for the inThe New Mexican Ambassador to Betroduction of Mexico’s new Ambassalize announced that test run by ADO dor to Belize, His Excellency, Mario into Belize should start as early as this Velasquez Suarez, to the Belize Press weekend and the volume of the operaCorp, Ambassador Velasquez Suarez tions from the Mexican territory onto made a clarification to the concerns. our highways will be hardly visible He said that there is no need for fear by since it will be nocturnal even though Belizeans since the intention of ADO the official operations is to start in Ocis to spread the share of the influx of tober or early November 2011. The tens of thousands of tourists that flows construction of a Terminal will be into Cancun and surrounding resorts considered in the future..

Page 16

Sunday, August 28th , 2011

Written by: Godfrey Smith Wednesday, 2011

August

24,

The devil, as the Churches should know, lurks treacherously in the details. Canon LeRoy Flowers’ statement on the Open Your Eyes television breakfast show that Prime Minister Barrow had met the Churches “more than half way” in addressing their concerns about his proposed 9th Amendment to the Belize Constitution simply cannot be supported by the facts.

On July 22nd 2011 Mr. Barrow’s government introduced the 9th Amendment in the House of Representatives triggering an avalanche of opposition to the idea that a parliamentary supermajority could amend anything in the constitution without court audit.

Hard on the heels of the Bar Association and the Chamber of Commerce’s press releases expressing opposition to the 9th Amendment came the Belize Council of Churches’ press release on August 8th 2011 under the hand of its president, Canon Flowers.

The Churches were “most concerned” about the “conferral of unbridled legislative power to change the constitution”. First, they said that the constitution “properly imposes substantive limitations on the power of the National Assembly to make laws” and that any amendment inconsistent with the fundamental principles of the constitution was “beyond the law making authority of the National Assembly”.

Second, they felt it “critical that [the courts] be able to examine the content of amendments to our constitution and not be limited to merely checking to see that the procedural requirements for changing the constitution ... have been met.”

Thirdly, while they supported that state ownership and control of public utilities be entrenched in the constitution, they didn’t agree with barring the court’s power to inquire into the “validity of the acquisitions nor any

Churches Drink from PM’s Poisoned Chalice derogation of the rights of the former owners”. They ended by calling on the government to “secure the public utilities for the Belizean people in a manner which respects the rights of the former own-

volition, they (rightly) waded into the debate on a critical national issue. They publicly expressed three reasoned points of fundamental concern they had with the 9th Amendment. After a meeting

The Churches have fallen short in their responsibility to the public. Of their own volition, they (rightly) waded into the debate on a critical national issue. They publicly expressed three reasoned points of fundamental concern they had with the 9th Amendment.

After a meeting with Mr. Barrow, the Churches announced they were now in support of the bill with certain agreed changes. There are changes indeed; but they do not at all mitigate the core concerns of the Churches. ers...”

The Churches should know that even after Mr. Barrow’s trimmings, their three points of concern remain - unadulterated - in the proposed revised bill. The bill will still contain the phrase “and there is no other limitation, whether substantive or procedural, on the power of the National Assembly to alter this Constitution” thereby leaving the Churches’ first and second concerns utterly unaddressed and undiminished.

Second, leaving the phrase “that the acquisition of [BTL] was duly carried out for a public purpose...” in the revised bill again fails to address the concern raised by the Churches in their third point.

If they think carefully enough about it, the Churches might see that the mere introduction of the 9th amendment flies in the face of their injunction to government that it secures the utilities for the people “in a manner which respects the rights of the former owners”.

The former owners have cases pending in court the outcome of which the government is trying to interfere with by legislative enactment.

The Churches have fallen short in their responsibility to the public. Of their own

with Mr. Barrow, the Churches announced they were now in support of the bill with certain agreed changes. There are changes indeed; but they do not at all mitigate the core concerns of the Churches.

The Churches have an obligation to explain themselves.

Is it that they no longer have the concerns they expressed in their August 8th 2011 press release? If yes, then they need to share their new enlightenment with the public.

It takes but a brief examination to see that Mr. Barrow’s concessions do not at all allay their core concerns. So why did they agree to a trimming of the foliage while the poisonous roots remain?

A Biblical analogy might perhaps make the point. Suppose a clever Caribbean theologian proposes to Pope Benedict at the Vatican or Archbishop Williams at Lambeth Palace that the following amendment be made to the 9th Commandment just to clarify what must be its obvious interpretation:

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, save and except if she is only a common law wife which in any event the Church does not recognize or if thy neighbor is a woman married to another woman under Same Sex Mar-

riage Acts or if thy neighbor is an Atheist and thus can’t properly be considered thy neighbor or any such similar circumstance whatsoever or howsoever arising which makes it plain that thy neighbor’s wife should not actually be considered thy neighbor’s wife.

A wide swath of Caribbean people would support the amendment; an equally substantial portion wouldn’t. In an attempt to placate those opposed, the theologian deletes from his proposed amendment the text that appears in red:

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, save and except if she is only a common law wife which in any event the Church does not recognize or if thy neighbor is a woman married to another woman under Same Sex Marriage Acts or if thy neighbor is an Atheist and thus can’t properly be considered thy neighbor or any such similar circumstance whatsoever howsoever arising which makes it plain that thy neighbor’s wife should not be considered thy neighbor’s wife.

I suspect this would still be unacceptable to both the pope and the archbishop, regardless of how compelling and obvious the argument might be, because one does not lightly tinker with sacred texts and prescriptions.

I cannot join in the heaping of encomiums upon the Church for their supposed achievement in getting the PM to trim the text of the 9th amendment because my frank belief is that they were duped and outmaneuvered by the PM using a simple lawyer’s trick.

I fear the Canon dost protest too much when he plaintively repeats that that they are not lawyers and that we have to trust the PM. Does not the Good Book counsel that trust should be placed in God, not man? The Churches should never have entered the negotiation with the PM unarmed. They should have taken their legal advisor. Unless of course they felt that in God they had the supreme advisor; in which case, He failed them miserA PAID AD ably.

SESNECIL ROUQIL RO61FegSaPNOITACILPPA

Sunday, August 28th , 2011,

Page 17

Barrow Buckles!

Continued from page 1

Marriages Barnabe Esner Carrillo to Morena Guadalupe Ramos Lopez both of Belize City Vincent Anthony Thomas to Sheena Sade Bowen both of Gardenia, Belize Radford Lee Baizar to Jennine Nicole Thompson both of Burrell Boom, Belize Mahlon Nolan Westby to Lucita Rebekah Perez both of Ladyville, Belize Edwin Ian de la Rosa to Michelle Nirvana Rodriguez both of Trial Farm, Orange Walk Marlon Alexander Dominguez to Marely Elizabeth Zetina both of Corozal Town, Corozal Reyes Ramos Ramirez to Silvia Elvira Lopez Castro both of Hattieville, Belize Bartolo Roberto Can of Belmopan City to Irean Dorothy Howe of San Antonio, Cayo Antonio Gomez of Belize City to Inaldi Cardona of Santa Elena Town, Cayo Tito Barrientos to Rosa Dilia Ramirez both of Belmopan City Domingo Tush to Cordita Augustina ical both of Maya Mopan, Stann Creek Elmo Raymond Torres to Magdalena patty Rivera both of Roaring Creek, Cayo Marky Javier Osorio to Sandra Marieza Pott both of Nueva San Juan, Orange Walk Jair Gaspar Valladarez of San Narciso, Corozal to Agnes Tania Peralta of Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk Ricardo Banos to Tanisha Betty Waight both of Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk Jairo Ruben Pacheco to bertha Anali Yanira Alvarez both of San Estevan, Orange Walk Milton Braulio Castillo to Deborah Florence Arzu both of Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk Dennis Rowley to Heidi Noemi de Leon both of Santa Elena Town, Cayo Marlo Rodriguez of San Pablo, Orange Walk to Naiad Torres of Chan Pine Ridge, Orange Walk Epifanio Cal to Leonora Cal both of San Roman, Stann Creek Allistair Donovan Campos to Lillian Marlene Vasquez both of Benque Viejo del Carmen Cayetano Hernande Marmol to Gilberta Garcia del Cid both of Arenal, Cayo Ipolito Chiquin Maas to Francisca Sical Ivoy both of Arenal, Cayo Isaias Jeovanny Reyes to Marcia Elizabeth Chirinos both of Riversdale, Stann Creek Reed-Lee Supaul of Libertad, Corozal to Delma Rosibel Pavon Castro of Corozal Town, Corozal Jermaine Anthony Crawford to Lesa Kristine Garnett both of Belize City Lucildo Tot to Magdalena Choc both of San Roman, Stann Creek Richard James Penner to Evangelyn Rose Kornelsen both of Spanish Lookout, Cayo Dimas Humberto Duarte to Suyapa Manzanero both of Billy White, Cayo Derrick Roberts to Ester Deborah Pelayo both of Roaring Creek, Cayo Clifton Orlando Cuthkelvin to Samantha Carla Williams both of Unitedville, Cayo Domingo Howe to Evarista Luciana Howe both of San Antonio, Cayo Daniel Timothy Horner to Rose Elena Jenkins both of New York, USA

Births Juan Carlos and Carlos Humberto to Carlos Enrique and Erla Tzalam nee Morales Janicia Fiona to Calvin and Eleanor Reimer nee Friesen Joash Asher Keith to Keith George and Khandi Alarcon nee Garcia Amy Sophia to Denfield Gilton and Sara Eunice Borland nee castanaza Zi Heng to Zhu Feng and Jian Ya Luo nee Wu Kevaun Doughlas Marlon to Kevin marlon and patricia Cynthia Wade nee Myvett Luo Yu to Lishi and Yeli Chen nee Zhu

Deaths Francisco Alberto Conorquie, 43 Kevin Raymond Middleton. 40 Wilfredo Aguilar, 73 Gurtel Winnibiel Samuels, 85 Devi Bai Kewalram Hotchandani, 85 Juan Ismael Magana, 75

amending the Constitution, will not be capable of being found to be inconsistent with the Constitution. Essentially, the Legislature can pass any amendment to the Constitution that it wishes so long as government in doing so complies with the procedural requirements under section 69 of the Constitution, the amendment must stand.”

The Bar maintains: “The Government has argued that this is a clarification of what it considers to be the correct interpretation of the law. However, the binding decision of the Supreme Court of Belize in Barry Bowen et. al. v. Attorney General does not agree with the Government’s interpretation and various Courts in other countries have also not agreed with the Government’s interpretation.”

As a result the Bar Association said that it was urging “the Government to refrain from amending section 2 and section 69 until such time as a definitive interpretation of the supreme law clause has been determined by the Caribbean Court of Justice, which is the highest court of the land.”

Attorney Godfrey Smith in a column on his blog Flashpoint was not as kind to the churches. In the piece entitled “Churches Drink from PM’s Poisoned Chalice” Smith took issue with the Council of Churches’ President “Canon LeRoy Flowers’ statement on the Open Your Eyes television breakfast show that Prime Minister Barrow had met the Churches ‘more than half way’ in addressing their concerns about his proposed 9th Amendment to the Belize Constitution” since in his view it “simply cannot be supported by the facts.”

Smith argues that “The Churches were “most concerned” about the “conferral of unbridled legislative power to change the constitution”. First, they said that the constitution “properly imposes substantive limitations on the power of the National Assembly to make laws” and that any amendment inconsistent with the fundamental principles of the constitution was ‘beyond the law making authority of the National Assembly’.

“Second, they felt it ‘critical that [the courts] be able to examine the content of amendments to our constitution and not be limited to merely checking to see that the procedural requirements for changing the constitution ... have been met.’

“Thirdly, while they supported that state ownership and control of public utilities be entrenched in the constitution, they didn’t agree with barring the court’s power to inquire into the ‘validity of the acquisitions nor any derogation of the rights of the former owners’”.

Smith concluded that “The Churches should know that even after Mr. Bar-

row’s trimmings, their three points of concern remain - unadulterated - in the proposed revised bill. The bill will still contain the phrase ‘and there is no other limitation, whether substantive or procedural, on the power of the National Assembly to alter this Constitution’ thereby leaving the Churches’ first and second concerns utterly unaddressed and undiminished.

“Second, leaving the phrase ‘that the acquisition of [BTL] was duly carried out for a public purpose...’ in the revised bill again fails to address the concern raised by the Churches in their third point.”

Smith boldly states that “The Churches have fallen short in their responsibility to the public. Of their own volition, they (rightly) waded into the debate on a critical national issue. They publicly expressed three reasoned points of fundamental concern they had with the 9th Amendment. After a meeting with Mr. Barrow, the Churches announced they were now in support of the bill with certain agreed changes. There are changes indeed; but they do not at all mitigate the core concerns of the Churches.”

He further declares that “The Churches have an obligation to explain themselves. Is it that they no longer have the concerns they expressed in their August 8th 2011 press release? If yes, then they need to share their new enlightenment with the public. It takes but a brief examination to see that Mr. Barrow’s concessions do not at all allay their core concerns. So why did they agree to a trimming of the foliage while the poisonous roots remain?”

Smith concludes that he “cannot join in the heaping of encomiums upon the Church for their supposed achievement in getting the PM to trim the text of the 9th amendment because my frank belief is that they were duped and outmaneuvered by the PM using a simple lawyer’s trick.”

While Smith’s reaction, (he is one of the so-called Ashcroft Alliance attorneys) might be understandably taken as a reflexive biased one, it cannot be dismissed on the basis of its logic. It is also clear that the Barrow administration has blinked and taken the first half a step backwards.

Could the retreat also have been provoked by the questions from the IMF consultants visiting Belize over the past two weeks as part of that body’s annual Article IV consultations? ? What role did an editorial in the Caribbean’s most influential newspaper, the Jamaica Gleaner, which questioned the need for and true intentions of the amendment, play in the administration’s decision to effect a strategic retreat?

Sunday,August 28th, 2011

Page 18

CYDP & Belize Bank Bulldogs win thru to Interoffice basketball finals Belize City, August 19, 2011 The Bulldogs made it to The Belize Bank Bulldogs will take on the Conscious Youth Development Programme in the Belize City interoffice basketball championship finals which begin at the Belize City Center on Wednesday, August 24.

CYDP made it to the finals by eliminating Ports Belize Ltd 72-66 in Game 3 of the semifinals series on Friday, August 19. CYDP’s Earl Johnson had 18 pts, 6 boards and CYDP led 19-13 in the 1st quarter.

CYDP’s Marcel Orosco hit 2 treys to add 15pts, 10 rebounds and CYDP led 30-40 at the half time break.

CYDP’s Andrew “Head” Staine hit 3 treys to add 16 pts, 2 boards for a 51-44 lead in the 3rd quarter.

Ports’ Lennox Bowman had 17 pts, 3 boards while Ian “AC” Augustine shot only 9 pts and grabbed 12 boards. Neil Nicholson hit a trey as he added 11 pts, 3 boards and Marlon Myers added 9 points.

Ports had out rebounded C.Y.D.P. 52-48, but C.Y.D.P. scored 24 pts in the paint as compared to 20 for Ports and they had 19 pts coming off the bench as compared to 26 for Ports. The lead changed eight times, but C.Y.D.P. still had managed to open up a 15 pt lead, and as Jacob “Snake “ Leslie also hit a trey as he added 6pts to seal the 72-66 win.

the finals by a 69-58 upset of Ministry of Education/Alamilla’s Furniture (9-1) in the semifinals.

Bulldogs’ Darwin “Puppy” Leslie had 17 pts, and Rupert Brown hit 2 treys for 20 pts and a 18-11 lead in the 1st quarter. Roscoe Rhys also hit 2 treys to add 12 pts, 2 rebounds for a 36-20 lead at the half.

MOE’s Brandon Rogers had 16pts, 12 rebounds, and Kevin Domingo hit a trey to added 10 pts, 3 boards, but MOE trailed 41-47 by the end of the 3rd quarter.

Bulldogs’ Macario Augustine added 7pts, 9 boards; Kachief Thomas added 6pts, 2 boards and Darren Neal had 5 pts 6 boards for their 69-58 win.

The difference was the Bulldogs’ defense.

MOE’s star Greg Rudon

scored only one trey and was held to a mere 8pts , 6 boards, while John Rudon hit 2 treys for 8 pts, and Wes Mckenzie added 8 pts, 3 boards.

Kevin Lorenzo had 6 pts 9 boards MOE had captured more rebounds 45-42 and more points in the paint: 34-30 but the Bulldogs scored 17 pts

on fast breaks and managed to open up a big lead when they were up. The lead changed six times, but MOE only led by one basket at any point.

Hattieville Heat burns Ladyville Orchids 3-0 Sand

Hill,

August

21,

2011

Hattieville Heat singed the Ladyville Orchids 3-0 in week 2 of the Belize district women’s football competition at the Sand Hill football field on Sunday afternoon.

Jersha Estrada and Deandra Coote led the Hattieville offensive supported by midfielders Irma Dyer, Ashlyn Gordon, Taisha Dyer and Lauren Stevens as they tested the Ladyville defense led by Helen Flowers, with the help of Jacqueline Rivera, Emily Cortez and Dora Hernandez.

Jersha Estrada scored the heat’s 1st goal in the 5th minutes when she razzle-dazzled the ball past the Orchids’ goalie Karina Villanueva, who had comeout of goal to meet Estrada’s attack.

Jersha Estrada soon added a 2nd goal in the 10th minute when she outran the defense to blast in a shot that Villanueva did not have a hope of stopping.

The Orchids’ captain Leida Contreras and Lenny Ayuso tried to get an attack going but were frustrated by the Heat’s defenders Felicia Gillette, Kelsey Pou, Janel Thompson and Sylvanna Barrow, and Erma Dyer added a 3rd goal in the 25th minute when she picked up rebound and drilled the ball into the net to lead 3-0 at the half.

The Heat got the chance to make it 4-0 with a penalty conversion in the 2nd half, but the kicker missed her shot. The Orchids’ Kenia Villamil and Brenda Cortez were also trying to get on the scoreboard with the help of midfielders Lillian Banegas and Jeselley Tillett and their attacks did test goalie Kadjian Marin, but the heat defenders closed ranks to shut out the orchids and secure the 3-0 win.

Sunday,August 28th, 2011

Page 19

Island Girls drench Ladyville Tornadoes 2-1 Sand Hill, August 21, 2011 Caye Caulker’s Island Girls outlasted the Ladyville Tornadoes 2-1 in week 2 of the Belize district women’s football competition at the Sand Hill football field on Sunday afternoon.

Michelle Andrews and Natasha Young led the Tornadoes attacks, with the help of midfielders Mertell Bailey, Marcelina Mai,Julie McCord and Claudia Martinez, and Mertell Bailey soon scored the Tornadors 1st goal in the 5th minute of play, with a shot to the crossbar that Caye Caulker goalie Maribel Dominguez could not reach.

Lillian Joseph and Anji Lima led the Island Girls’ offensive, with the help of odmidfielderrs Shehady Chan, Irieni Pineda,, Josepha Enriquez and Saira Reyes, but Tornadoes’ defensders Sherrie Gillette, Alma Alarcon, Dawn Bainton and Nancy Bainton held them scoreless until the 26th minutes when the ladyville defenders goofed into giving up a penalty. Lillian Joseph converted with ease to tie the ball game at 1-1, and so it re-

Millennium touches Sand Hill Untouchables 4-2 Sand

Hill,

August

21,

2011

Belize City’s Millennium girls dusted off the Sand Hill Untouchables 4-2 to enjoy their 2nd win of the Belize District women’s football competition at the Sand Hill football field on Sunday afternoon.

Kursha Pollard and Sarah Arzu led the Millennium attacks with the help of Elisha Bermudez and Sharmaine Augustus on the wings and midfielders Sandy Vernon and Kaya Cattouse, and Kursha Pollard soon blasted in the 1st goal past Untaouchables’ goalie Emily Cerpa in the 5th minute of play when she put the finish on a pass from Sara Arzu.

Sarah Arzu soon added a 2nd goal with a left foot shot when she executed a free-kick in the 10th minute, drilling the ball through the crowd of defenders and Millennium girls in the goal area.

Jahkema Meighan put Sand Hill on the scoreboard in the 25th minute with a long lob at goal that beat Millennium goalie Rhoshea Chan as it came in just under the crossbar.

Millennium’s Geanne Cayetano entered the ball game for Elisha Ber-

mudez, while Sand Hill’s Erla Smith took over from Natasha Myvett.

Vanessa Rose and Kristen Fuentes led the Untouchables’ supported by Shenese Rhaburn and Sara Cal on the wings and midfielders Jahkema Meighan and Cherry Lynn Fuentes, but the Millennium defenders Melony Tasher, Kara Kisling, Antoinette Hernandez and Latanya Gamboa frustrated their attacks until Shenese Rhaburn picked up the rebound at the edge of the 30 yd box and blasted in shot to embarrass Rhoshea Chan with a 2nd goal that tied the game 2-2 in the 35th minutes and it was still a 2-2 ball game at the half.

In the 2nd half Sand Hill’s Shinelle Gentle Erla Smith, Veronica Flores and Mercedes Choc held off the Millennium attacks, until a corner kick by Kursha Pollard found Geanne Cayetano, whose right away shot delivered a 3rd goal for millennium in the 55th minute.

Kursha Pollard sealed the win with a 4th goal in the 65th minute, and try as they might the Untouchables could not come back, the long whistle sounded to a 4-2 win for the city girls.

mained until the half time break.

In the 2nd half, the islanders defense of Yvonne Noralez, Vanessa smith, Karen Cadle and Aliny Guzman shut down the Tornadoes attacks, as Camrie Yorke had replaced Maribel Dominguez in goal, The Tornadoes’ Salambu Munnings had been substituted for Nancy Bainton, but the Island Girls also brought in replacements with fresh legs as Stephanie Duarte, Jacqueline Riverol and Kenia Duarte took over from Iriani Pineda, Shenady Chan and Josepha Enriquez and later Roselle Castro enterd the blal game for Aliny Guzman.

These fresh strikers kept Tornadoes’ goalie Emeda Alarcon on her toes, but when Lilian Joseph outran Salambu Munnings, she got off a shot that Alarcon could not stop and the Caye Caulker girls took a 2-1 lead in the 60th minute.

Tornadoes’ Georgette Young and Maria Garcia entered the ball game as they sought the equalizer, but the Island Girls held on to their 2-1 win.

Page 20

Sunday, August 28th , 2011