Belize Times November 19 2017

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

BARROW & BTL

19 NOVEMBER 2017 | ISSUE NO: 5072

Thursday, 16 November 2017 Prime Minister Dean Barrow has indebted all Belizeans, their children and their children, to another $18.5M US dollars, just a week after the country’s foreign reserves were practically depleted so that we could pay the Ashcroft Alliance USD$78M. This latest judgment is just another loss in a long series of losses by Prime Minister Dean Barrow, whether deliberately or just through incompetence we may never know. What we do know is that where BTL is concerned, the people have had to pay hundreds of

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BELIZEANS LOSE BIG!

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OSCAR DEMANDS PAY FOR TOLEDO ALCALDES

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PUP Demands Transparency in BIL Bubby!

DEADLY RTA KILLS TWO

Mark Leslie

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Myrna Vasquez

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SSB Considers BAA Loan AGAIN!

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19 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

BARROW & BTL NO PAY FOR TOLEDO ALCALDES Continued from page 1

millions for a telecommunications dinosaur. Mr. Barrow explained how it has been worth it to pay more than half a BILLION dollars for a company worth only $100 MILLION. One year after indebting Belizeans more than half a BILLION for this wonderful company BTL, the Prime Minister is now saying that we need to find $96 MILLION to make it even more wonderful. But it is a great investment, he says, because BTL is for all of us. Of course, all of us were not privy to the moves which installed his son Anwar as CEO and made him millions. All of us were not privy to the severance package of over a million dollars after he left. Certainly, all of us did not know that all Belizeans (who own the company) would be let go from the management team and replaced by foreigners, and without a doubt we did not know that we would be paying the new foreign CEO close to $800,000 a year to run the company.

In all this BTL debacle, from nationalization through prolonged litigation to secret settlement, all the select government attorneys including the first wife of the Prime Minister, his brother and his law firm have come up big time. On the periphery through ownership of BTL, Mr. Barrow has managed to enrich select UDP cronies, including his son. They continue to enjoy the BTL bubby even now. And in all this time, Lord Ashcroft has come up big time. He has been paid hundreds of millions more than BTL was worth. Government has paid all Ashcroft’s legal costs and related costs. All in all, the nationalization of BTL has likely been one of Lord Ashcroft’s best investments to date.

There is no doubt that Mr. Barrow will bob and weave and spin this story to his advantage. He will blame the PUP, as he does every time. And he will malign his best friend Lord Ashcroft. And he will attempt to convince us that BTL is worth ten times what Belizeans have been forced to pay for it. The bigger concern of Belizeans, though, should be whether the nationalization of BTL was a carefully orchestrated scheme by the Prime Minister and Lord Ashcroft to enrich themselves, or whether the Prime Minister is as totally incompetent as he appears to be. No matter the answer, Belizeans have lost.

Deadly RTA Kills Two Thursday, 16 November 2017 35 year-old Delmar Ortega, a resident of Santa Familia Village, has been served with a Notice of Intended Prosecution because Police believe that he is at fault for the accident which killed a couple

from Placencia Village. The victims, 48-year-old Mark Leslie and his common-law wife, 48 year-old Myrna Vasquez died shortly after the accident. Mark Leslie’s daughter, 17-year-old Aurora Sanchez, witnessed her dad’s death, and is trying to recover from injuries she suffered in the crash.

WEATHER

LOCAL 16 Nov

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Thursday, 16 November 2017 As we go to press, the Belize Times has been able to confirm that at least 78 Alcaldes of Mayan communities in Toledo West and Toledo East have not been paid their stipends from government since January 2017. First and Second Alcaldes in these communities are responsible for keeping law and order and even act as local Magistrates.

According to Area Representative for Toledo West

The Leslie family told the press that Mark Leslie and Myrna Vasquez went to Belize City to pick up his daughter for a family weekend celebration. Saturday, November 11, 2017, the day after Mark Leslie died, would have been his 49th birthday. His daughter’s birthday was 3 days later. So, the intention was to have one big party for the father and daughter and his long-time friend. The couple rented a Toyota Corolla car to go pick Leslie’s daughter up from Belize City for the weekend.

On Friday, November 10, at around 6 p.m., they were heading back to Placencia.

They never made, however, because they slammed head-on into a GMC Envoy SUV on the Southern Highway, between miles 11 and 12.

Police say that this SUV was being driven at the time by Delmar Ortega and he had several passengers with him. Those passengers included 30 year-old Maria Ortega, 5 year-old Viancey Ortega and 20 year-old Sabido Pimentel. Police investigation indicates that they were driving in the direction of Hopkins Village. They were in the process of overtaking a tractor which had a trailer attached; unfortunately, that’s the same time that the Leslie family was com19 Nov

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Oscar Requeña, the Alcaldes are to receive their stipends every January when they are sworn in, but this year Attorney-General Michael Peyrefitte refused to swear them in or pay them because he claimed they needed training. All Alcaldes have received their training and have since been sworn in by Peyrefitte, but have still not received their stipends.

Requeña told the Belize Times that the Attorney-General swore that he would address the situation

ing in the opposite direction.

The two vehicles had a massive, head-on impact, and the front portion of the Toyota car was completely wrecked. Fire Department personnel had to rescue the Leslie family from the vehicle. After the collision, the Ortega family’s SUV burst into flames and was complete destroyed by a raging fire.

First responders rushed all 7 injured persons to the Southern Regional Hospital, but Leslie and Vasquez died as a result of the injuries they suffered. Aurora Sanchez reportedly told her family that she was conscious for the duration of the accident and she witnessed her dad’s death. His neck was broken by the impact.

Sanchez suffered a broken leg and bruises to her torso from the seatbelt she was wearing. Police have reportedly told her grandmother that her dad suffered more severe injures because he tried his best to save her life by altering the angle of the crash.

All the occupants of the GMC Envoy vehicle survived the accident, and they are recovering at the Southern Regional Hospital. Police reportedly intend to bring criminal charges against Delmar Ortega for the accident and the death of the husband and wife.

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when it was brought to his attention months ago, but nothing has been done. “I am making a special call to the Prime Minister as the elected representative of Toledo West where I represent 28 communities which have first and second Alcaldes…and also on behalf of those Alcaldes from Toledo East...it is time that the Prime Minister look into this situation and ensure that these hard-working Alcaldes who are so important to the communities receive what is due them,” Requeña told us.

Requeña would not comment on whether he feels the withholding of monies is a deliberate move by Government to punish Alcaldes who have been unable to make any headway with GOB in obtaining their land rights declared by the Caribbean Court of Justice. He says he hopes that is not the case. “If the Government can find money to spend on bloated contracts, why is it that they cannot pay the Alcaldes who are really working for the community?”

Requeña asserted.

Each First Alcalde is paid $100 per month as a stipend, while Second Alcaldes receive $50 per month.

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4840

The Truth Shall Make You Free

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Roberto Peyrefitte Printed and Published By TIMES NEWSPAPER LTD. Tel: 671-8385 #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize

22 Nov

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19 NOV

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

PUP Demands Transparency in BIL Bubby!

Thursday, 16 November 2017 Two weeks ago, on November 1, 2017, PUP Leader John Briceño wrote a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber requesting information on Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL). Since that time there has been no response from Faber, not even an acknowledgment of receipt of the letter. Today, as a press briefing, Briceño called out Faber and BIL, explaining that “We want to have all this information because BIL is spending the people’s money, and as such it has a legal and moral responsibility to make all this information available to me as Leader of the Opposition and also to the Belizean people.”

In his letter, Briceño requested copies of all audited accounts of BIL since its inception; a list of all projects supervised and/or financed by BIL since its inception; in relation to each of the said projects, evidence that the projects were submitted to open tender; the names of all companies or persons who were contracted by BIL to execute the projects; copies of all contracts relating to projects supervised by BIL and a statement as to whether they were completed on time, and on budget -

people at BIL will wilfully give us that information. But if we have to go to the highest Court in the land.

If we have to go all the way to the ICJ we are going to go. We are going to press them and we are not going to stop until we get that information.”

CALL

if not, the amount by which they exceeded their budget and completion date; and a list of the names and positions held by all employees of BIL. “Tens of millions of dollars have been spent through BIL. We have been seeing a lot of contracts being given to cronies of the UDP. We have seen that the work is of substandard quality. Streets are breaking up and buildings are not being built to standard. So people are wondering who is BIL. Who is getting the contracts?

How much money is being spent?” stated Briceño.

BIL has been the subject of intense scrutiny lately after the screwup which was the Lake Independence Boulevard was brought into the spotlight. That was a multi-mil-

lion-dollar project managed by BIL, and within months of being completed and launched with much fanfare, the road began to break up and sink. Without a hint of remorse or regret, both the Prime Minister and BIL CEO Cristy Mastry announced that it will take millions more to fix the mess, millions which will come out of taxpayers’ pockets.

So what happens if the information requested is not presented?

Well according to Briceño, “It seems now that everyting has to go to the Courts, because we have a government that has become a rogue government. They do as they wish and they are drunk with power. In many instances they do not follow the rules. I am not certain that the

Message from Hon. John Briceño, Leader of the Opposition

Celebrating Garifuna Culture This weekend we celebrate a part of our rich Belizean Culture, Garifuna culture.

I will make the trip down to Dangriga this Sunday to join in the festivities and to show the appreciation of our People’s United Party to the contributions of the Garinagu to the development of Belize and to our Party.

While we celebrate with our Garinagu brothers and sisters; while we honour the memory of their ancestors through worship, dance and song, let us also remember and be inspired by the victory they won over their own struggles.

Despite being driven from their homeland in St. Vincent, forced to move from place to place, the Garinagu never let go of their identity so that while they were displaced, who they were and what they believe in was never left behind. Thankfully today we see in Garifuna culture all the rich traditions of the past and the prospects for the future.

When you think about it, the resiliency of Garifuna culture and the Garinagu people can be an inspiration to all of us. And we desperately need inspiration in these dark days in Belize. When you think about it, there is so much that can give us reasons to quit, to give up or to lose hope. In the streets of our cities and towns, violence continues to rise. In our government, corruption and dishonesty have become accepted behavior.

Along our borders, Guatemala continues its aggressive actions and our government seems impotent in maintaining our territorial integrity. There is so much uncertainty, so much going wrong.

Yet like our proud Garifuna people, we cannot give up, we must not give in to despair and we have to keep focused on the task ahead. When Chatoyer and the Garifuna leaders of his age were faced with the prospect of slavery, they refused to give in to the despots, they refused to surrender. Instead they left their homeland and made a new home right here in Belize, determined to live their lives as free and proud people.

Today as we face our modern day challenges of bad governance, corruption and mismanagement from a UDP administration that has lost any sense of decency and accountability and from a bunch of rogue ministers drunk with power, we must draw courage from our Garifuna people who, faced with insurmountable odds, never gave up and never gave in.

We must, together, fight for Belize keeping in mind the theme of this year’s Garifuna Settlement Day “Progress Lies in Unity” and join hands as one nation to build a Belize that works for everyone.

To Belizeans everywhere, Happy Garifuna Settlement Day!!!

Seremein, God Bless and have a good week.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Questions to Ministers

Would the Member for Queen Square and Prime Minister please say how much money he has personally made from the litigation with the Ashcroft Alliance and from that secret settlement agreement in Miami?

Would the Member for Queen Square and Prime Minister please say why he has still not released the bloated contract for the Faber’s Road project as he promised to do weeks ago?

Would the Member for Queen Square and Prime Minister please confirm or deny reports that Venezuela has refused to provide any more fuel under the Petrocaribe arrangement unless they are given total control of the APBEL office in Belize to handle the logistics of the initiative?

Would the Member for Corozal Bay and Minister of Health please confirm or deny reports that he, former CEO Peter Allen and his suegro Erwin are silent partners in a pharmaceutical company?

Would the Member for Belize Rural South and Minister of Civil Aviation please explain how a contract to Imer Hernandez for $7M to build an airstrip has now been cut to $3.5M? Could he say if he knows whether the additional $3.5M would have gone into UDP coffers to finance the upcoming municipal elections?

Would the Member for Cayo West and Minister of Economic Development please confirm or deny rumours that he has used Belizean taxpayer dollars to pay for the construction of a hammock bridge in Guatemala? If so, could he please say why our money is being used to build a bridge in Guatemala?

Would the unelected Senator and Minister of Immigration please say which high-level names were called recently by Yuanran Zheng, the Chinese national caught with a bogus nationality document? Could he say whether the Immigration Department is investigating those persons or any in Cabinet who may have been mentioned?

SSB Considers BAA Loan Thursday, 16 November 2017 The Belize Times has been able to confirm that the Board of Directors of Social Security are scheduled to meet to discuss the matter of a BAA loan which has already been refused recently after it was not recommended by the Investment Unit. The money, originally $7M, was to have been paid to government’s contractor of choice Imer Hernandez, the nephew of Gaspar Vega. Hernandez, who was recently granted an $8M contract to pave one street in the city, would have gotten that $7M to resurface the Caye Caulker Airstrip.

Even weeks ago when public outcry caused the SSB to pull back from granting the loan, sources inside the Ministry of Civil Aviation indicated that the works to be done did not add up to $7M. Still, the Investment Committee was asked to recommend that loan application by the Belize Airports Authority, which already owes the SSB $16M for the works done to the Municipal Airstrip. On the heels of a House meeting at which that matter was raised by PUP leader John Briceño, the loan was rejected.

But with a wave of his magic wand, or maybe by just say-

ing abracadabra or even just by twitching his nose, Prime Minister Dean Barrow has apparently magically arranged for the loan application to be taken back before the Investment Committee, this time for half the original amount - $3.5M. It has already been recommended, and there is every indication that it will be approved by the Board.

The questions all Belizeans should ask is how a project apparently valued at $7M now mysteriously will cost only $3.5M? If that $7M had been paid for a project which costs only $3.5M, who would have gotten that additional $3.5M? There is widespread speculation that this sudden bounty of exorbitant projects being granted to Imer Hernandez is nothing more than the UDP preparing its war chest for upcoming Municipal Elections. What Belizeans must realize is that when it is the SSB paying out that money, it is our money being used to finance the UDP at a time when all working Belizeans will be forced to increase their contributions because the Social Security Board has said that it is operating in the red, or perhaps it is more accurate to say operating in the RED.

19 NOV

2017

IF DAH NOH SOH!

Fullashiticus…

How rude! I don’t know who came up with this, but I find it very offensive. I swear you people have no respect for my friend Dean Oliver LOL. But awww it does suit him so perfectly, doesn’t it? This amazing man can spin the most amazing tales and there are Belizeans who’ll fall for it every single time. And it’s hard to get angry with him because the expression on his face when he told us that we have to pay another hundred and fifty-six million to Ashcroft was so damned cute. He’s like this little frigging gnome. I figure by the time Dean Barrow hobbles to Placencia to sit his old wrinkled ass down on the beach for good, we’ll probably be in the hole a cool three billion or so, not counting what the UDP will misappropriate to use during the elections.

Don’t you just love this guy? I love him to death. Just saying.

BarrowTelemedia Limited…

Did you know that while the First Son, the golden child, Dean Oliver’s tech savvy spawn Anwar was CEO of BTL, he was gifted (by the company) with a $40,000 watercraft? I mean, yeah, $40,000 is small change for this young millionaire who came up big at BTL while he was there, and whose severance package after a couple years is said to have been well over a million dollars. But shit, REALLY? A jet-ski? I can’t get over the fact that while BTL belongs to us – that’s what Dean Oliver says and I believe it – none of us is getting shit from this company.The only people getting rich are those with the last name Barrow. Serious! It’s like sending you to Li Chee to buy a greasy chicken with steak sauce (with your money) and then telling you that the chicken is yours before sitting down and eating it in front of you. Who the hell does things like that?

Make the Switch…

Damned marketing people forgot to add in the part where you make the switch and finance the UDP’s municipal election campaign without even knowing it. New shipments of phones are now entering the country, purchased for huge sums from BTL’s supplier of choice, Cellular Plus. Thing is, sources say Cellular Plus is part owned by the First Son, so it’s like keeping it in the UDP family. I love family. BTL is for us, so we pay MILLIONS and MILLIONS and MILLIONS to the Barrows and DOB’s friend Michael Ashcroft for the privilege of saying this is OUR company. OUR company then turns around and takes our money and pays the Barrows and friends of the Barrows who then turn around and pay it back to the Barrows and to the UDP. Hell, even I’m confused.

Tangled Web… It’s interesting how things play out in politics. Gapi Vega has become the poster child for corruption and greed in the UDP. The First Son and my new idol, the sweet and sexy woman-magnet Juliet are now controlling things in the Ministry of Natural Resources, raking in whatever was left by the Vegas. But how did this come to pass? Well, the word is that when Gapi was Minister, Anwar was put in check where several very lucrative land deals were concerned.

Anwar went to daddy, and that’s when Gapi was removed from the Ministry. Gapi feels that not satisfied with that, Anwar conspired with his close friend Vanessa Retreage when she became Minister of Lands to find and release land documents which would destroy him. And that’s when a message was sent from the Vega clan to Retreage threatening her and her son. Word to this decrepit scribe is that Gapi also has plans for the First Son, and we don’t mean plans he’ll enjoy. I’m very interested to see how this one plays out.

Dih Plane Land…

I swear tourism is booming in Belize, and it seems that every month there’s a new airline showing up. Hell, even up north residents report seeing planes landing near Carmelita very regularly.Thing is I called the BTB to ask about that new airline which lands up north so I could praise the government on Facebook and they didn’t seem to know about it. Hmmm. That’s strange.

Normally when we get in a new airline we’d haul out the Garifuna drummers and UDP Ministers would show up grinning from ear to ear. Seems that even the US wants to know about the planes landing on that ranch up north, so obviously it’s not bringing in passengers from the US? South America maybe?

Erwin…

See what I love about these damned UDPs…whenever there is work to be done, they do it. Just a few weeks ago, we reported on two hammock bridges in the Cayo district which have been down for a long time – Calla Creek and Branch Mouth. I hated to look at the pictures of little school kids having to risk their lives on the river just to get to school. But BAM, we report it and the UDP jumps into action.Tonight we can confirm that monies have been given to Erwin Contreras to fix the hammock bridge…WAIT! What? The money is not for those bridges? So what is it for? No man. Erwin is going to use our taxpayer dollars to fix a hammock bridge on the Guatemalan side of Arenal? WTF!You’ve got to be kidding me. #sigh

19 NOV

2017

THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL

A CULTURE OF DIVISION Very soon, in municipalities across the country, voting citizens will be asked to choose a team to represent them. In every municipality with the exception of Orange Walk, the UDP can boast consecutive terms in office. And in every municipality with the exception of Orange Walk, there is one theme which binds them – absolute and total neglect, ridiculously dilapidated infrastructure and chronic maintenance problems. In every single one of those municipalities, there are glaring signs of poverty. There are children who cannot afford to go to school. There is growing unemployment. In every one of those municipalities the opportunities which should be available to ALL without fear or favour is reserved for the few privileged UDPs in Cabinet and those whom they anoint.

It is difficult to comprehend that there is a UDP Central Government, since the generally accepted political rule would be that if the same Party controls the municipality and is installed in Belmopan, development is sure to come. It is even more difficult to understand the level of neglect when the hundreds of millions spent through Petrocaribe is factored in, particularly since those monies were specifically loaned to Belize to alleviate poverty. But forget Petrocaribe if you will, and over $400M spent without proper accounting, and reflect for a moment on the fact that Belize produced oil for export. Recently, as with all good things, that bonanza has dried up, but the Barrow Administration for years reaped many millions of dollars from that oil, and our country is worse off today than it was before we struck oil.

Where did all that money go?

In Belize City, the commercial capital of the country, the situation is astonishing and disturbing, quite frankly. The United Democratic Party has controlled the city at the Municipal level for four terms. In one of those terms, Darrell Bradley was hailed as the UDP’s golden boy. A $20M bond was approved, and supplemented with millions more in grants thanks to Dean Barrow and his free hand with Petrocaribe.

And with all those millions, Belize City residents were given cement streets without drains – streets which are already breaking up. Areas which didn’t flood two decades ago now flood after any relatively heavy downpour. Our downtown area is filthy. The homeless sleep on the sidewalks where tourists walk. Streets are in terrible condition.

And for those in City Hall today, the Southside of the city obviously does not exist.

Now that the money is done, the City Council cannot even pay its workers on time, much less maintain rutted streets. That is the reality today. And those very same persons will campaign on their record – Imagine that.

And it is the same in every single municipality except for Orange Walk, where a PUP Mayor and his team have done amazing things without any help from Central Government. But that is an inspirational story for another time. In every single other municipality, the neglect is appalling. In San Pedro, La Isla Bonita, the playground of the rich, there are residents who live on top of garbage, with no electricity or drinking water or toilets. They use pigtail buckets and empty those in the rancid swamp beneath their ramshackle homes. In that municipality, the Council has devoted all its attention to the bigger players, paving a road so the rich can travel from high-end resort to high-end resort in comfort, but forgetting the residents who elected them to serve.

In Benque Viejo, controlled by one of the richest and most senior UDP Ministers and run for consecutive terms by a UDP Council, there are many residents whose homes can only be reached on foot. The streets have deteriorated, the entire town neglected. It is the same in Dangriga, where the UDP Area Representative expanded his home after entering politics so it extends an entire block. The street to his home is being paved. The streets all around have been neglected. In Punta Gorda, the UDP Town Council has done nothing for residents. In fact, that Council has not been able to efficiently deal with even the most basic service any Council must provide – sanitation services. And it is the same all over the country.

It is a story of neglect, and a story of an uncaring Central Government and the uncaring municipal representatives they put in place. But more than that, it is a story which demonstrates the huge chasm between the haves and the have nots.

In Belize City, for example, there are five powerful UDP Ministers who control the Southside. One is Prime Minister Dean Barrow. Another is his Deputy Prime Minister, Patrick Faber. Of course, who can forget the man with the wads of cash in his socks, Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez? And his colleagues Michael Finnegan and Sedi Elrington, both senior UDP Ministers. Understand that the lives of these men have improved almost beyond measure from their time in politics. With the exception of Faber, all are ready to go. And they will go leaving a city which has not benefitted from their time in office. The poverty in every one of their constituencies is incredible. But they benefitted, even Boots Martinez who entered politics a poor pool table repairman and leaves politics a multi-millionaire property manager.

That is the UDP story. That has always been their story. It is time for the residents of our municipalities to start a new chapter. And it starts with Municipal Elections in March 2018.

05 5 en Español

UNA CULTURA DE DIVISIÓN

M

uy pronto, en los municipios en todo el país, se les pedirá el voto a los ciudadanos para elegir el equipo que los ha de representar.

En cada municipio con la excepción de Orange Walk, el UDP puede presumir de periodos consecutivos en el cargo. Y en cada municipio con la excepción de Orange Walk, hay un tema que los vinculan- el absoluto y total abandono, infraestructura ridículamente dilapidada y problemas de mantenimiento crónico. En cada uno de los municipios, hay signos evidentes de la pobreza. Hay niños que no pueden permitirse el lujo de ir a la escuela.

Hay desempleo que se incrementa. En cada uno de los municipios las oportunidades que deben estar disponibles para todos, sin temor ni favoritismo están reservadas para unos pocos privilegiados UDP que están en el gabinete y aquellos a quienes ellos nombran.

Es difícil comprender que hay un Gobierno Central UDP, ya que la regla generalmente aceptada en la política sería si el mismo partido que controla el municipio gobierna Belmopán, el desarrollo es seguro que ocurre. Es aun más difícil de entender el nivel de abandono cuando los cientos de millones de dólares adquiridos a través de Petrocaribe se toma en cuenta, particularmente porque que esos fondos fueron prestados específicamente a Belice para aliviar la pobreza. Pero olvídese de Petrocaribe si usted desea, y los más de $400 M que se gastaron sin contabilidad adecuada y reflexione un momento sobre el hecho que Belice produjo petróleo para la exportación. Recientemente, como todas las cosas buenas, esa bonanza se ha agotado, pero durante años la administración de Barrow cosechó muchos millones de dólares del petróleo, y nuestro país está peor hoy de lo que estaba antes de que se encontrara petróleo. ¿Dónde está todo ese dinero?

En la ciudad de Belice, la capital comercial del país, la situación es francamente sorprendente e inquietante. El Partido Unido Democrático ha controlado la ciudad a nivel Municipal por cuatro periodos. En uno de esos períodos, Darrell Bradley fue aclamado como el chico de oro del UDP. Un bono de $20 M le fue aprobado y esto se complementó con millones más en donaciones gracias a Dean Barrow y su mano ligera con el dinero del Petrocaribe. Y con todos esos millones, los residentes de la ciudad de Belice recibieron calles de concreto sin drenajes, calles que ya se están rompiendo. Áreas que no se inundaban hace dos décadas ahora se inundan después de cualquier aguacero relativamente fuerte. Nuestro centro de la ciudad está sucio. Los indigentes duermen en las aceras donde los turistas andan a pie. Las calles están en pésimas condiciones. Y para aquellos que están en el Ayuntamiento hoy en día, la parte sur de la ciudad obviamente no existe. Ahora que se agotó el dinero, el Ayuntamiento no puede pagarle a sus trabajadores a tiempo, y mucho menos mantener el buen estado las calles que por ahora están llenas de baches. Ésa es la realidad hoy en día. Y esas son las mismas personas que harán campaña en su récord – imagínese.

Y es lo mismo en cada municipio excepto Orange Walk, donde un alcalde PUP y su equipo han hecho cosas increíbles sin ayuda del Gobierno Central. Pero eso es historia inspiradora para otro momento. En uno al otro municipio, el abandono es terrible. En el patio de recreo de los ricos, La Isla Bonita, San Pedro, hay residentes que viven sobre la basura, sin electricidad ni agua potable ni servicios sanitarios. Utilizan baldes y los vacían en el pantano rancio debajo de sus casas destartaladas. En ese municipio, el Ayuntamiento ha dedicado toda su atención a los peces más gordos, allanando un camino con el que los ricos puedan viajar de resorts de lujo a resort de lujo en comodidad, pero olvidando a los habitantes que los eligieron para servir.

En Benque Viejo, controlado por uno de los ministros más ricos y más altos del UDP y por períodos consecutivos a cargo de un consejo UDP, hay muchos residentes a cuyas casas sólo se pueden llegar a pie. Las calles se han deteriorado, todo el pueblo descuidado. Es lo mismo en Dangriga, donde el representante UDP del área amplió su casa después de entrar en la política y ahora se extiende a toda una manzana. La calle a su casa se está pavimentando. Por todos lados las calles han sido descuidadas. En Punta Gorda, el Ayuntamiento UDP no ha hecho nada para los residentes. De hecho, ese consejo no ha sido capaz de tratar eficazmente incluso con el servicio más básico que debe proporcionar cualquier Consejo, los servicios de saneamiento. Y es igual en todo el país.

Es una historia de abandono y una historia de un gobierno central indiferente y de los representantes municipales insensibles que ponen en los ayuntamientos. Pero más que eso, es una historia que demuestra el enorme abismo entre los ricos y los que no tienen nada. En la ciudad de Belice, por ejemplo, hay cinco ministros UDP poderosos que controlan la parte sur. Uno de estos es el Primer Ministro Dean Barrow. Otro es su vice primer ministro, Patrick Faber. Por supuesto, ¿quién puede olvidar al hombre con los fajos de dinero en efectivo en sus calcetines, Anthony 'Botas' Martínez? Y sus colegas Michael Finnegan y Sedi Elrington, ambos altos ministros UDP. Entienda que la vida de estos hombres ha mejorado más allá de lo imaginable durante su tiempo en la política. Con la excepción de Faber, todos están listos para irse. Y se van dejando una ciudad que no se ha beneficiado durante su tiempo en el gobierno. La pobreza en cada uno de sus constituyentes es increíble. Pero se aprovecharon, incluso Boots Martínez quien ingresó a la política como reparador de mesas de billar y deja la política todo un administrador de propiedad multimillonario. Ésta es la historia del UDP. Ésa siempre ha sido su historia. Es momento para que los habitantes de nuestros municipios inicien un nuevo capítulo. Y eso comienza con las elecciones municipales en marzo del 2018.

6 06

ANOTHER BARROW BLUNDER ‘Barrow Must Find Another US$18.5 Million’ – Headline, Amandala Tuesday November 14th, 2017

“Today the United States Supreme Court has decided it will not review a lower court decision which enforced a US$18.5 million London Arbitral award against the Administration of Prime Minister Dean Barrow”.

“According to the bank’s claim, in 2007 GOB entered into a BZ$33 million settlement after UHS couldn’t pay its debt. When GOB failed to make payments the Belize Bank began its proceedings in the London Court of International Arbitration.

However, these proceedings were terminated in January 2008 after GOB and Belize Bank arrived at a settlement.”

“Three months later when the UDP came into power the Bank returned to Court after the Barrow administration filed a law suit in the Belize Supreme Court to nullify the original loan settlement on the grounds it was simply not valid. Since then the matter

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Jorge Castillo is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “CC Meats & Vegetable Distributors”, #1 George Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Mike Heusner is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Belize River Lodge”, Airport Road, Ladyville Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Gail Edwards is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “GMF Place”, # 97 Cor. George & Basra Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

19 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

has been a constant legal battle…”

The Background Facts According to a reliable source in the Belize public service, in 2007 the settlement with GOB and the Belize Bank included the original debt, interest and costs which amounted to no more than US$20 million.

A grant was obtained from the Taiwan Government for US$10 million and this sum was paid to the Bank towards the debt. The Government after intensive lobbying secured another US$10 million grant from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela under the late President Hugo Chavez. This sum was wire-transferred to the Belize Bank’s Bank of America account in the UK. Belize Bank immediately settled the case and a Press Release was issued informing the public.

Out of sheer political opportunism and vindictiveness when the Barrow government came to power in 2008, they tried to get the Venezuelan and the Taiwanese governments to provide some information suggesting that the grants were misdirected. The Taiwanese government confirmed that the grant was for the health project to rescue the hospital from collapse. The response out of Caracas was sufficiently vague for their US$10 million payment to the Belize Bank to be confused with the other grants at the time from Venezuela for Housing and the Marion Jones Stadium even though those grants were sent to the Central Bank.

This gave PM Barrow who was hell bent on persecuting his political nemeses Said Musa and Ralph Fonseca the excuse to have them charged in court for misdirecting the grant funds.

There was absolutely no evidence of misappropriation and the case was dismissed against them.

But Mr. Barrow was not finished with his vindictiveness. He had the Central Bank go against the Belize Bank and take the US$10 million to put at the disposal of his government for a housing give-away to cronies project.

The Central Bank even smeared the career of the then Belize Bank President Phil Johnson and he too was threatened with jail time if he didn’t arrange to release the US$10 million to the government.

Today, some eight years later and millions in legal fees wasted, Mr. Barrow’s political machinations now have the Belizean people liable to pay US$18.5 million for confiscating US$10 million from the Belize Bank.

Another classic example, not unlike the B.T.L. blunder, where the people of Belize have been saddled with having to pay compensation of $557 million plus additional millions in legal costs for a company worth about $100 million.

2017

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, and Sustainable Development NOTIFICATION OF CONTRACT AWARD Financing Institution: Inter-American Development Bank/ Government of Belize Procurement Type: Consulting Services Sector: Water & Sanitation Country of project (or Beneficiary country): Belize Project name: Solid Waste Management Project II Loan/Credit/Grant No.: 3684/OC-BL Contract/Bid No. : 001- 2017/2018 Bid/Contract Description: Consultancy Services for Specialized Engineering Consulting Firm to Perform the Function of Design-Supervising Engineer for the Provision of Complete Design Package; Preparation of Bidding Documents; Assistance in Bid Evaluation and Contract Negotiations; Supervision and Construction Quality Assurance and Quality Control of six(6) Transfer Stations/MRFs and Closures of six(6) Open Dumpsites.

During the selection process for the consulting services indicated above, under the Quality and Cost Based Selection Method (QCBS) the consulting firms listed below submitted proposals. The scores evaluated for the Technical and Price Proposals of each consulting firm, and their final scores follow below.

List of consulting firms Name and nationality of the consulting firm: Anthony Thurton & Associates Ltd., Belize Technical proposal score: 94.8 pts (weighted: 80.58 pts) Price proposal: US$650,000.00 Price proposal score: 100.00 pts (weighted: 15.00 pts) Combined final score: 95.58 pts Rank: 1st Name and nationality of the consulting firm:

EarthRes Group Inc. in association with Chentec and Young's Engineering Consultancy, U.S.A. and Belize Technical proposal score: 87.99 pts (weighted: 74.72 pts) Price proposal: US$655,040.00 Price proposal score: 99 pts (weighted: 14.88 pts) Combined final score: 89.6 pts Rank: 2nd

Name and nationality of the consulting firm:

IMC Worldwide Ltd., COWI A/S and Chia's Engineering Ltd, U.K., Denmark and Belize Technical proposal score: 90.1 pts (weighted: 76.59 pts) Price proposal: US$ 786,250.00 Price proposal score: 83 pts (weighted: 12.40 pts) Combined final score: 88.99 pts Rank: 3rd

Name and nationality of the consulting firm: Technical proposal score: Price proposal: Price proposal score: Combined final score: Rank:

Antea Group France and Integrated Skills Ltd, France and U.K. 79.3 Not opened. Returned.

N/A N/A N/A

Name and nationality of the consulting firm: Technical proposal score: Price proposal: Price proposal score: Combined final score: Rank:

Geosyntec Consultants, U.S.A. 68.6 Not opened. Returned.

N/A N/A N/A

Any Consultant is entitled to a debriefing to ascertain the grounds on which its proposal was not selected, by making a formal request at the address listed below.

Awarded Bidder: Name of the awarded bidder:

Anthony Thurton & Associates Ltd

Contract Price:

US$710,271.25

Country of Awarded Bidder:

Belize

Scope of the contract:

The main objective of the consultancy is the provision of cost efficient detailed engineering designs and timely execution of procurement services for the construction of six (6) transfer stations and the closure of six (6) dumpsites [Corozal, Orange Walk, Belmopan, Dangriga, Placencia and Punta Gorda] which minimize the potential for visual, nuisance or environmental impacts; and all works, utilities (electricity [from the national grid or solar power], potable water and water for other purposes, [e.g. fire protection], telephone, septic tank or equivalent sanitation system[s]); access roads or upgrades/improvements to existing haul roads to the sites as necessary; selection of equipment, plant and machinery [specify suitable baler and glass crusher] that are in conformance to the technical specifications and standards and that performance is acceptable to the Client.

Date contract signed:

October 17, 2017

UNDB Reference number: IDB08-01/17 Address: Solid Waste Management Authority Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development Attn: Project Director 3013 Bougainvillea Street, Belmopan, Belize C.A. Tel: (501) 802-1527 E-mail: director@solidwaste.gov.bz

19 NOV

2017

THE BELIZE TIMES

Pharmacists Speak Out Against MoH Thursday, 16 November 2017 It appears that pharmacists have gotten enough of the shenanigans taking place in Belize’s pharmaceutical industry and are finally speaking out. Pharmacists and importers alike have been on edge since last year when the Ministry of Health first notified them of expected changes in regulations. Notably, it has proven rather difficult for this particular sector to unite but the fact that they are now mobilizing means that they may have gotten enough.

The Food and Drugs (Registration, Licensing and Inspection) Regulations came into effect on November 1, 2017. On Tuesday November 14, the Belize Community Pharmacist Association (BCPA), formed in May of this year, issued a release asking government to rethink the new regime. The Association cites concerns about quality and reliability of medication. They point

to what’s happening of late that quality medication imported from first world countries like the US, Canada and Europe is being replaced with substandard product from places like Central America which they say may cost more and not

work as well.

Based on the changes, importers and some pharmacists who also bring in medication have to present a different kind of certificate than what the first world countries provide when selling their product. This, says the BCPA, is leading to the unavailability of some medication like that to treat high blood pressure. In fact, the BCPA points to between 30 and 50 items that are currently out of the market for the same reason. There are also the stories shared by those in the public of alternative medication that simply does not work.

While the Ministry has stated that there was sufficient consultation before the Statutory Instrument was implemented, the BCPA says not so! In their release they state, “the statutory instrument was only briefly mentioned at a meeting with distributors held a year ago in November 2016, when three flyers were circulated to importers defining the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Certificates of Pharmaceutical Product

07 7 (CPP) and Certificate of Analysis (COA).

This information session cannot be considered as consultation by any stretch of the imagination.

Additionally, no effort was made to engage the association in the crafting of the regulations. The BCPA executive has met with health authorities only once and on the occasion of that July 25, 2017, meeting with the Director of Health Services to introduce the BCPA and its executives, we subsequently learned that the new statutory instrument had been signed that very day.”

If that sounds like characteristic of this dictatorial Barrow administration, that’s because it is! Also of grave concern to the BCPA is the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) medication and prescription drugs that “are sometimes repackaged and stored under poor conditions” at some supermarkets and corner stores.

But, the Ministry of Health is not properly enforcing legislation in this regard.

Furthermore, the Ministry has neglected to provide the updated list of approved OTCs that was to accompany the new regulations. Without that updated list, the fear is that there will be irregularities and unethical practices with sensitive medication being treated as OTCs. Quite frankly, there is also the possibility of illegal activity being facilitated. The BCPA has been told that the list is being reviewed by the Attorney General’s Ministry but they are referring questions back to the Ministry of Health and that the Ministry is refusing to answer the tough questions.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that is George Ferguson applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Spider Snack Shop”, # 45 Freedom Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Shi Feng Huang is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Lucky Star Supermarket II”, # 83 C.A. Blvd., Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Su Fang Huang is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Shun Feng Supermarket”, #7598 Fabers Road, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Xiao Guang Luo is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “Steven’s Shop”, # 67 Cemetery Lane, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Arjun Woodye is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “The Jerk Shack”, # 213 East Collet Canal, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Alfred Matus is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Mila’s Shop”, # 6587 Matura Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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19 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

TWIN TOWNS READY FOR CHANGE “Producers of World Class Quality Citrus Products”

Lidan Nei Uarani Awanseruni…………..Mabuleida Wamei

Thursday, 16 November 2017 The PUP municipal slate for the upcoming Town Council elections in San Ignacio and Santa Elena has been meeting with the residents of the twin towns on a daily basis.

The Twin Towns PUP 7 are bringing hope to the residents by sharing the diverse and dynamic plans to develop and invest in our Belizean people. During the campaign, the residents have confided in the team by sharing their concerns in their communities. Of the many issues and concerns that the residents have is the lack of employment, lack of educational opportunities and the blatant neglect for their communities.

Many residents of Santiago Juan Layout and Kontiki areas in San Ignacio Town expressed their concern about their road conditions. When the rains came, the team was out in Santiago Juan Layout walking in the muddy streets. A woman explained to us that she has been to the Mayor’s office countless times pleading to them to improve the conditions since when it rains, she cannot enter her yard.

She told us that many children from her neighborhood have to traverse the area on a daily basis to exit Santiago Juan Layout but that there has been no assessment done to carry out any works on her road.

In Kontiki, the team met aban-

doned streets with overgrown grass and piles of garbage. The residents’ main concern was that they need their area to be developed because under this current UDP administration, they have become a forgotten community. Being on the ground means feeling the hardships and pain that struggling single mothers endure by having to work and send their children to school daily. Many families shared that their young children are unable to find jobs, thus making it difficult for the family to make ends meet. A mother of four young sons explained that her husband was laid off work, only one of her sons is employed and the family has a bank loan to pay.

On the campaign trail the team also met many school aged children out of classes because parents are unable to meet school fees. Mayoral candidate Marconi Matus, Elio Pulido, Kevin Windsor, Floyd Lemus, Javier Castellanos, Zoila Palma and Arthur Smith are bringing realistic goals with progressive plans to create employment for the residents of the Twin Towns. Their plans include strategic support programs for students and at risk youths as well as networking systems for single mothers. The Twin Towns PUP 7 is committed to continue with infrastructural development for all areas within the municipality.

Almacena Limited. #147, 569 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Almacena Limited: a) Is in dissolution b) Commenced dissolution on the 10th day of November 2017; and c) Amber F. Bowen whose address is Birchstrasse 82, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland is the Liquidator of the Company.

CILTRUST INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Registered Agent

The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the Citrus Products of Belize Limited wishes all Citrus Growers, our Garifuna Communities and our Fellow Belizeans at home and abroad a safe Garifuna Settlement Day

HAPPY GARIFUNA SETTLEMENT DAY 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 & Transfer of Mortgage made the 21st day of April 2008, between BELIZE MORTGAGE COMPANY 2002-1 (“the Assignor”), SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. (“the Assingnee”) and GLORIA WADE (now GABB) of No. 10 Cor. Landivar and St. James Streets, Belize City, Belize District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the one part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 13 of 2008 at Folios 1243-1270, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 282 situate in the Sandhill Village Extension, Maxboro Area, Belize District and bounded and described as follows: On the North for 30.476 Meters by Lot No. 269; On the South for 30.476 Meters by a Street; On the East for 31.393 Meters by Lot No. 281; and on the West for 31.393 Meters by Lot No. 283; Containing 956.733 Square Meters of land as shown on Entry No. 5146, Register No. 21 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys,TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 27th day of October, 2017.

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

19 NOV

2017

THE BELIZE TIMES

ON THE

MOVE

BACK TO BASICS...

THE REBIRTH OF A CITY!

The PUP Belize Team 11 is on the ground, going house to house and meeting with residents. Everywhere they go the people talk about neglect and abandonment. Under consecutive U.D.P. Councils the Southside of the City has been forgotten. All over the city the infrastructure is breaking up. There is no real employment for our youth, and no opportunities. Parks, playgrounds and basketball courts in the poorest areas of the city have been left untended. The people are frustrated and ready for a change. This team is bringing that message of POSITIVE CHANGE.

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19 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

OPINION OUT DRAINS IN BENQUE ARE THE MAIN SOURCE OF POLLUTION AND DISEASE

“Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

–Henry Ford–

!

The environment of a City or Town is very different from that of rural and natural areas. When it rains over a rural landscape, much of the rainwater sinks into the ground or is evaporated or trans-pirated by trees, crops and other plants.

Urban communities, though, must be designed to live in balance with the local climate and environment whether quite wet or very dry. To achieve this, developers and city planners need to recognize that urban places require appropriate infrastructure for human development.

A well-planned community combines small, medium and large infrastructure. By sustaining naturalized water processes within urban environments, we can reduce the impact of the built environment on our water resources. Ultimately, a proper infrastructure combined with green areas will protect citizens during extreme weather events like hurricanes and flooding, and support healthy urban rivers and lakes.

The Town Councils are the authorities responsible for construction and maintenance of domestic waste and rain-water drains, to protect them from encroachment and pollution. Drain cleaning in Benque Viejo is one of the main duties of the Town Council. Due to the improper management and abandonment, the current situation of drains in Benque Viejo Town is very critical.

TheTown Councils should have infrastructure proposals in accordance with the relevant drains management plan.

The Town Councils should work with the builders to agree on suitable drains management strategies. Neighbourhoods and areas with chronic drainage issues should receive more maintenance attention than other neighbourhoods.

In addition to a regular schedule, new problems identified during rainfall must be immediately investigated and appropriate action taken.

drains here in Benque Viejo Town just one block before the Town Board Building.

Who will return the hundreds of millions of dollars that have been stolen from the people? People are suffering and struggling under the current UDP government that has put us in a deep recession. Jacking up the price of gas will not fix this country’s financial woes. Voting in honest individuals who care about the country instead of their personal pockets will.

Our people need jobs, long lasting jobs. Benqueños are tired of hustling.

Our people need satisfying jobs that can help them to run to the bank and get a loan to suffice their families with their needs. Hustling does not help to get a loan. Hustling will not build their houses. Hustling cannot provide a decent meal on the table. Hustling cannot pay their bills. Hustling cannot give them a sound education. It is about time we empower our people and support them with better jobs. It is the job of all Ministers and Town Councils to

provide better infrastructure in their municipalities.

We should demand that this Government and a future PUP Government seriously address the drainage issues, sewer issues and more road infrastructure improvements for our town. Let’s fight for those things that will make life better and then yes, lets ensure that the Benque Viejo Bus Terminal is improved, cost of fuel reduced, bus fares standardized, and that better buses worthy of driving be on our roads. As citizens, we need to demand that all Governments present

Jingle Competition Town Board workers should clean drains in Benque Viejo and surrounding areas to facilitate the free flow of water in times of excess rainfall. Unfortunately, Benque Viejo is the only town which sadly depends on its people and private donations for every project, because central government left us abandoned. We could have given many more examples, but we think that these are enough to illustrate that excuses throughout present UDP administration have been a means of staying in power.

The PUP Town Boards prior to 2001 conducted several drain projects around Benque Viejo del Carmen. All these projects started by the PUP were never completed and were abandoned the day the first UDP Town Council was elected.

Town Board workers should regularly inspect culverts and drains to determine which ones require cleaning. Visual inspections of the systems must be done frequently. Once a problem is identified, debris should be removed from the drains. A site might be cleaned at least once a year, with the operation taking a couple hours.

In the years when the PUP was in power, Benque Viejo achieved a steady flow of developments which include reliable drinking water directly to homes, electrification expansions, road development, investment in education and investments in agriculture. All this was made possible through the vision and leadership of the PUP. It is obvious that the progress came to a halt, and even regressed, with the UDP administration.

It is a shame that we still have improper

For Belizean Musicians

Eligibility: Belizean Musicians Jingle should: 1.

2.

Capture anti-corruption themes, such as integrity, transparency and accountability in both the public and private service; but of course, those mentioned are not exhaustive!

Be so impactful that people cannot stop singing it!

Deadline: 30 November 2017 Check out our website www.bz.undp.org for the Competition Rules and Guidelines.

Prizes: 1st: Vacation for 2 persons, 3 days & nights in Cancun, Mexico courtesy of Tropic Air. Two round trip plane tickets and $1063.00 USD towards Room & spending allowance.

2nd & 3rd: To be determined Winning jingles will be played on radio and TV during International Anti-Corruption Week (December 4th – 9th 2017)

Submissions Package: To be submitted to the UNDP office by 4:00pm on deadline. Please note details of the submission package on our website.

Judge and Criteria: Judge: Mr. Yoelvis Medero Lunar, Co-Director, Allegro Music School, Belmopan Criteria: • Originality (25%) - sound, unique approach to jingle-writing • Musical Content (25%) - melody, recall • Lyrical Content (30%) - coherence, ingenuity • Overall Impact (20%) - total effect on an audience

For further details and instructions visit: http://www.bz.undp.org “People often think that they are at the mercy of corruption, and it is just a “way of life.” However, every society, sector and citizen would benefit from getting united against corruption in their everyday life.”

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THE BELIZE TIMES

MY PERSPECTIVE

By Dolores Balderamos Garcia

CONFEDERATES IN BELIZE PART TWO It is probably not a well-known fact of Belizean history that as many as seven thousand Southern Confederates came to Belize (then British Honduras) in the 1860's, but that within a few years, six or seven perhaps, the vast majority of them had gone back, possibly only one hundred were left. This is the second part of a threepart review of the book “Confederate Settlements in British Honduras” by Donald C. Simmons Jr. The United States Civil War was the catalyst that drove these very many immigrants to re-locate to our shores. They desperately wanted to get away from a country that they did not consider their own after the defeat of Robert E. Lee and the Confederation of Southern States by the Union Army.

Upon arrival in our country it was not a bed of roses. Mr. Simmons tells us that the rights and privileges of these foreigners were very much restricted by the colonial authorities.

They could not buy any land at all without the approval of the Crown, and because ownership of land was limited to British citizens, they had to go through a naturalization process first.

However, naturalization turned out not to provide the full protection of British citizenship, since outside of Belize the British government offered no guarantee of protection to the Confederates, nor were they allowed to vote.

But their hostility to the United States government prompted many to stay and to invest initially rather than return to the Republican controlled United States.

Simmons relates that there were two distinct phases of migration of the Confederates to Belize, first from 1861 to 1867, and then from 1868 to 1870.

The first phase was a welcoming one, and the Governor Austin folly of the Icacos Grant took place during this time.

However, in the last three years of the 1860's, the attitude of the white colonists had changed to hostility. Austin's replacement, James Longdon, made it clear to the settlers that they would not be given any special consideration.

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A few monied Southerners had established themselves in business and agriculture, but these were the minority.

And those who couldn't make it, started selling off their belongings to be able to afford the cost of their passage back home to Louisiana or Mississippi, where most had originated.

Race relations in the colony had also become more complex due to the presence of the Confederates. Colonialist racial prejudice was subtler, it appears. But “a majority of Southerners living in British Honduras refused to associate with anyone of even a trace of colour and explained any signs of intelligence on their part as being the result of a strong dash of Anglo-Saxon blood.” Blatant racism was thus alive and well in British Honduras with the advent of the Confederates, who ended up living more in the rural areas in order to keep alive their customs.

They considered English influence to be overbearing, but among those few who stayed, Simmons acknowledges that “ironically,” as he puts it, the goal of racial isolation was lost, and that “most descendants of the Confederates who remain in Belize today are a mix of many races and cultures.”

The book lists various Confederate settlements in the interior of British Honduras in the 1860's. Among them were settlements at Corosal (sic), Victoria, Orange Walk, New Richmond, Manattee, Mullins River, Sittee River, South Stann Creek, Austin City (Point Icacos), Toledo, and Moho River.

The settlers tried to grow cotton but, with Belize's hot and humid climate, all those efforts came to nought. Settlers also had to deal with the flies and mosquitos. Along with some subsistence farming, settlers turned to bananas and other fruits and vegetables, but it was sugarcane that did best.

In the Sittee River area of the South, a Samuel McCutchon established his home at Regalia Estate from 1866 to 1874. At New Richmond, up the Belize River in an area now called Labouring Creek where it intersected with Cut and Throw Away Creek, Methodist minister B.R. Duval built his home, hoping to create an entire community. General Colin McRae settled near Cotton Tree Bank, and because he was wanted on serious criminal charges in the United States, he ended up living the rest of his life in Belize, unlike most of his compatriots. Next week I will talk about the Toledo settlement and Reverend Levi Pearce, the issue of what the farmers did on the issue of labour, and as well military luminary John Wallace Price, who played a pivotal role during the Marcus Canul Mayan raids, before concluding this review of Mr. Simmons book.

19 NOV

2017

Letter to the Editor

CRIME AND VIOLENCE ON SOUTHSIDE BELIZE CITY - IS POLICE INTERVENTION REALLY WORKING? Public Administration & Policy Student University of Belize Dear Sir, I humbly request an opportunity through this medium to add to the ongoing discourse on the issue of crime and violence and its impact on the country, particularly the Southside of Belize City. I am a Public Administration student at the University of Belize, as well as a resident of Freedom Street; therefore, I am compelled to weigh in on this public discussion. Like many others, I long to see a curbing of the murder rate that is affecting the Old Capital. Consequently, I welcome any crime fighting or law enforcement initiative by the Police Department to stem the haemorrhaging of our southside youths. This includes the current intervention efforts being made by the Police. While I join many residents in support of this endeavour, I sincerely believe that a meaningful intervention program should not solely be Police-led or driven. It must also involve upstanding members of our community who truly understand the plight of the marginalized and are able to earn their trust.

Over the past few years, we have seen a number of intervention initiatives aimed at addressing crime and violence. I participated in the Be Loving and Cease Killing (BLACK) March in Belize City and saw it as a very good first step by the Belize Police Department. With the greatest of respect however, I believe that it was nothing more than a ‘wakeup call’. I say this because it certainly did not bring about an end to the bloodshed.

A little over two years ago, on the heels of a triple murder in Belize City, we witnessed the restructuring of Eastern Division. This change saw the return of law student Chester Williams taking over as Commander of Eastern Division South. ACP Williams introduced a new approach to addressing the issue of violence. He engaged young men through their participation in a number of sporting and community activities targeting at-risk youths. One such event was the Peace March held on April 12th, 2017. In an interview with Channel 7’s Jules Vasquez, Williams was asked whether the Peace March was just another initiative, like the BLACK March, that basically failed. Williams’ response was “Yes ahm Jules many things that we are doing have been done before. They are good initiatives, the BLACK marches are good initiatives as well, but what we like about this one is that the participants are only those persons who are affected by the different shootings in the city and it was their idea, they decided that they'll have it. And again, we have representation from every block in Belize City, including those from north side.” I think Jules was right in the point he was making with that question because, despite a months-long ceasefire following that Peace March and other subsequent interventions, the carnage resumed. On April 28th, 2017, News 5’s headline read, “Has the gang truce in the city fallen apart? This month alone, there have been as many as eight murders in the Old Capital…” .

Following Williams’ transfer to the Professional Standards Branch, there has been a sharp, unabated spike in crime and violence on the Southside. This has sparked an open debate on whether Williams’ relocation to a desk job in Belmopan was indeed the right move. While some will agree, many on the Southside will disagree. Williams’ method of intervention inadvertently made targets of persons who were not involved in gang activities. Whenever there is a flare up between the gangs, the Police would wantonly detain persons from both sides and bring them to the table to discuss. The problem is that innocent persons from various neighbourhoods who are also detained in the dragnet could then be singled out by those who believe that they are connected with their rivals, when in fact they may not be involved at all.

While mediation under Williams had its flaws and did not adequately address the violence, I believe that the militarized styled of policing is equally ineffective. Crime statistics indicate that October was one of the bloodiest months on the Southside this year. The police, in an effort to address the problem, initiated Operation Addressing Crime Together (ACT). This operation which seeks to put more “boots on the ground” also has a mediation/intervention component, as Williams returns to the city to head this area. However, the bloodshed continues. In fact, from all media accounts, on the day the operation was launched we saw a murder on Southside Belize City. This situation needs to be arrested post haste. We all can attest to the fact that current Police initiatives are not yielding much fruit.

While I agree that there is need for serious intervention, I do not think that these initiatives should be led by or have any real Police involvement. With no disrespect to Mr. Williams and the trust that the youths have in him, he is still seen by some as an authority figure and this perhaps inhibits meaningful dialogue. Mediation must therefore be led my community leaders and social workers who can gain the trust and confidence of those youths. In addition to mediation, there is a need for adequate social programs aimed at providing young men and women with alternatives to crime and violence. On behalf of

19 NOV

15

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

THINKING OUT LOUD BY: KEVIN BERNARD

By: Mayor Kevin Bernard I would like to take this opportunity first to join my Party in condemning the actions of Guatemala in going to a referendum in their country using a map which shows Belize as part of their territory. It is disingenuous of them, and it is an act of bad faith. I would also like to point out that the actions of the Foreign Minister, Sedi Elrington, continue to be very disturbing.

He appears indifferent and uninterested whenever issues with Guatemala arise. That, of course, should be no surprise. All of us remember those brave Belizeans from Orange Walk who were kidnapped by Guatemala and taken to Livingston. It was a criminal act on their part. But instead of being outraged, our Foreign Minister and our Government seemed to take the side of Guatemala against our Belizeans and nothing was done. Like me, I am sure that our people have not forgotten.

My position remains the same – it is dangerous to go to the International Court of Justice at this time, with this Barrow Administration and this Foreign Minister calling the shots. They have demonstrated time and time again that the interests of Belize and Belizeans are not priorities. Sedi Elrington has proven that he does not have the capacity or will to defend our territory against the Guatemalan bullying and intimidation strategy going to the ICJ and it is clear that our position has weakened considerably because of the incompetence of those who represent us. We only have to look at the Sarstoon, lost to Belizeans, to know that I speak the truth.

My friends, as we campaign every single day, sitting down with our people in every part of our community, this is one of the issues which concerns them.

They worry about going to the ICJ right now when it seems that Guatemala is able to do anything it wants to us. In Orange Walk, like in every part of the country, our people are fiercely patriotic.

We here in Orange Walk are normal Belizeans who have worked very hard for what we have. We have given our sweat, blood and tears to feed our families, to grow our businesses, to develop our country. And we are not pre-

pared to risk even one square inch.

It is interesting to note too that our people are very concerned about the national issues which plague us. On the one hand I am appreciative of the fact that our residents recognize the work which has been done and is being done in our town, and are willing to support our team in continuing the work.

Our reception has been amazing because our people know that we are serious and responsible workers who love our town and want to see the best for our people. On the other hand, though, I am disheartened to realize just how much our residents are impacted by things out of the control of the Council – like corruption, high taxes, high cost of living, the high cost of education, poor health care, crime and poverty.

So many of our people are still struggling to make a living, to keep a roof over the heads of their families, to send their children to school.

It is a struggle. I’m sure many of you can understand that. And it is through no fault of their own. Our people are workers, but things are getting harder and harder in our community and in the country. I know for a fact that there are many children who are forced to drop out of school to go help in the canefields because when things are very bad it is more important to eat than it is to sit in a classroom. That is the reality. Every single week in the newspapers there are long lists of people who are losing their homes and their properties – pages and pages. Our normal Belizeans are losing the ability to provide a decent living for their families, and it is not their fault. It is because this government has made decisions which have been very bad for us, and we must pay. It is because some of our Ministers used their positions to steal from the public purse, and now we must pay for their mistakes.

I will say here what I say when faced with these questions and concerns from our residents. It is time for a change. It is time for good governance. It is time for the power to be given back to the people. It is time for those who have stolen from us to go to jail, and it is time for what they have stolen from the people to be taken away and returned. I have faith that the People’s United Party will get it right and do right by the people. Join the movement, my friends. It is time.

Forging Partnerships. Impacting Lives

CONNECTED

THE TIME FOR CHANGE IS NOW One of the 2 national heroes for Belize, Hon. Philip Goldson, famously proclaimed that “the time to save your country is before you lose it.” Mr. Goldson who is particularly revered by those in the United Democratic Party must be in shock at what has unraveled under the tenure of Dean Oliver Barrow and his rogue group of Cabinet members over the past 9 years. From the disastrous handling of the Guatemala claim over Belize to the gross mismanagement and abuse of public funds to the increasing cost of living due to the bad decisions made by this government. It is a complete mess.

Dean Barrow and his Ali Baba troupe have betrayed Belize and the level of betrayal stings like no other because they all pledged, both those who were elected and those who were brought through the Senate, to do better, to do differently and to do right by the people of Belize. Each and every week, whether on Facebook, radio, in newspapers or on the national TV stations, one scandal after the next unveils their true colors and level of incompetence and disregard for true change for Belize. And all of the ministers are either silent or nod in approval of these actions with collective responsibility.

It is particularly disappointing when one looks at their record for women empowerment and development. It is practically non-existent.

Dean Barrow and his gang have done nothing to uplift, empower, educate or raise awareness of the many challenges and inequalities women must grapple with to get ahead in this country. Yet, they are all very quick to blame women for lack of action to correct their wrongdoings. Minister Godwin Hulse, the substantive Minister of Immigration, in the hot seat of the Senate inquiry did not mince any words in calling out the Directors of Immigration saying they could have done something to bring persons to account. Directors, who were women but who are accountable to him, got the proverbial “throw under the bus” move. The Prime Minister with the head of Belize Infrastructure Limited did no less. None of these government agencies act in isolation of government or a minister of government.

The Prime Minister and his Ministers of Government are quick to throw blame and throw shade on the women of the Public Service or of public servants in general but never accept the responsibility for the part they as Ministers played in the growing scandals.

Belize cannot continue under this vindictive, corrupt, arrogant and

shameless UDP regime.

It has strong overtones of a dictatorship with absolute power and no regard for transparency, accountability, good governance and fair and equitable access to opportunities. Its actions are making the gap between the haves and the have-not’s widen to unprecedented levels. The behavior and actions of its Ministers have embarrassed Belize on the international landscape. The leadership styles of the Prime Minister and his Ministers and Ministers of State have left the youth of this country disenchanted.

As a country we can do better. We have to and it starts with voting this gang out of office at every level starting with the Municipal Elections on March 7th 2018.

Of the 67 seats available for election in March, the PUP has 18 women representing 26.8% of the total. The United Women’s Group salutes all these women who are bravely contesting the elections. These women bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and skills, which will serve to strengthen the decision making of the councils and the development of the municipalities. Along with their colleagues on their slates, they are determined to start the change with the elections in March. Enough is enough and the time to make the change is now.

It has to be noted that the only municipal council that has not had the corrupt intervention of the UDP central government is the PUP Town Council in Orange Walk Town. Because this is an opposition council, it has received no assistance or help from the government; but it has proven that councils when they are responsibly managed with transparency and accountability do not have to go “cap in hand” to Barrow and his gang. Mayor Kevin Bernard has demonstrated that with responsible management and good governance, a municipality can prosper and do well for its residents.

On March 7th 2018, it is time to tell Barrow and his regime that it is over for them and it is time they get off their high horses because the people of this country have had enough of their lies, deceit, mismanagement, betrayal, corruption and bloated contracts. People are less educated, poorer, unhealthier and more stressed with them at the helm. It’s time to go.

The time for change is now.

Change can start March 7th 2018.

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

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

16

19 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL

WHERE IS THE VISION?

By: Karim Adle

It is an undisputable fact that normal Belizeans are living in hard times within our country. I would like to place emphasis on the term ‘normal’ Belizeans as the privileged UDPs and their cronies are living the movie star life with all the glitz and glamor and as a result they are not feeling the pinch of the masses. High gas prices, high unemployment rates, low literacy rates, a health sector in crisis mixed in with high levels of crime signal the true state of our country and as a result it is safe to say we are living in dangerous times in Belize.

The hard time and the echoing sentiment of those that say we tiyad ah gat nothing have fallen on deaf ears as our government continues to pile on debt on our taxpayers for many more years to come. Our country continues to face tough economic hardships, particularly after the massive 78 million dollar US payment to the Ashcroft group from our foreign reserves. This brings about the question of the competence of our government. As an International Business student I am not fooled by the explanation given by the Financial Secretary as he stated that it will take 2 years to replenish.

Moreover, the two-year replenishment hinges on our country being able to keep safe from any natural disaster that might hit. Now, as this hurricane season has shown, weather patterns are becoming unpredictable and more violent, therefore if God forbid a natural disaster were to hit Belize our country would undoubtedly be faced

with a devaluation and even more economic hardship would come our way.

For me, this brings about another important point. As the Prime Minister recently went to the House of Representatives and passed a bill to enable BTL to borrow funds like any other business can, why was this newly afforded privilege to BTL not utilized in order to pay the original owners of the company?

Why put our country’s foreign reserves and the country’s economic health in limbo when BTL is able to borrow that money and use profits to repay the loan and place no more burden on the backs of Belizeans? Or is the newly afforded ability from BTL only there as a hustling mechanism by Government? They say this is necessary for BTL to upgrade, but is upgrading necessary when many Belizeans can’t even afford these upgrades?

Mr. Government, where are your priorities? Do you not care about them because you cannot hustle when truly improving the lives of these citizens? Sometimes I wonder how the Dean Barrows, Rene Monteros, Omar Figueroas, Alberto Augusts, just to name a few, are able to sleep comfortably at night in their plush bedrooms while Belizeans suffer to make ends meet. Moreover, Mr. Government how do you plan to repay back these loans?

Where are the projects that will stimulate the economy and generate the necessary funds to repay back our foreign debt?

As you continue to acquire loans to support companies owned by your cronies just remember that what goes around comes around, and the sins of today will surely catch up to you in the future. It pains me to see the manner in which Venezuela has ended up but perhaps my biggest concern is that my beloved jewel ends up in similar fashion.

Undoubtedly if we continue with incompetent, irresponsible and arrogant leaders the possibility of a Belize in further ruins becomes more and more possible as every day passes by.

By Brittney Galvez Been held down for so long That you’ve forgotten what it’s like to be strong You’ve been told that you’re not good enough That your life is supposed to be that rough You want things to change but don’t know where to start How could you alone truly make a mark?

Lost all hope for a brighter day Cause you don’t think things will ever go your way Painted on our faces are years of oppression Smiles like pictures that don’t show the true impression But the freedom that we strive for seems so hopeless For no man, woman, or child should ever be homeless What does the Government think when they see people suffering every day?

That it is them who made themselves that way?

No one understands the struggle, not even the pain But how could they watch them and still feel the same?

Democracy is supposed to makes us believe That working together is a solution for Belize But how can we fight when there is no justice?

For inequality was never supposed to be our narrative Strangled by the bondage that’s supposed to unite us For working together doesn’t seem to be our focus But if we can only see someone’s differentiation We will never know what it’s like to be a true nation When corruption happens only a few benefit But we still do nothing to try to end it For the numerous scandals that break every single day Are just reminders of the BILLIONS we still have to pay!

Because the struggle is real for so many We can’t continue to let these issues slide so readily We must speak up and let our cries be heard Because the deafening sound of our problems can no longer be ignored

3Tier IT SOLUTIONS LTD. # 81, 797 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that 3Tier IT SOLUTIONS LTD. has been dissolved as at 9th November, 2017 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

CILTRUST INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Registered Agent

19 NOV

Notice is hereby given that the below company has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the date indicated: SYRIAC HOLDINGS LTD. - November 9th, 2017 Belize Corporate Services Limited

Notice is hereby given that the below companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the dates indicated: Snowbird Limited - November 9th, 2017 FINCREST LIMITED - November 9th, 2017 Suncoast Limited - November 10th, 2017 CRESTWALD INVESTMENTS LIMITED - November 11th, 2017

17

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

ALEMAN, CORDERO, GALINDO & LEE TRUST (BELIZE) LIMITED Registered Agent

Notice is hereby given that Vesper Holdings Limited has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 15th day of November, 2017.

Keyforce Management Limited Registered Agent

Notice is hereby given that the below company has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the date indicated: REBAK COMPANY LTD. - November 2nd, 2017 BROCAS INVESTMENT S.A. - November 11th, 2017

18

THE BELIZE TIMES

19 NOV

2017

ON THE

MOVE

STRONG & READY IN DANGRIGA

The PUP Dangriga Team 7 is making the bold move to bring a message of real change to a people who have been totally neglected by their U.D.P. Area Representative and their U.D.P. Town Council. The infrastructure in the town is in deplorable condition. There are serious concerns about street conditions and drainage causing unsanitary conditions. It is time for a real change. It is time for the PUP Team

19 NOV

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE; CHATTELS Belmopan Civic Center

Bliss Parade, Belmopan, Cayo District

BY ORDER of the Embassy of the United States of America, Licensed Auctioneer Noel Codd will sell the following chattels at Belmopan Civic Center, Bliss Parade, Belmopan, Cayo District on SATURDAY 18th November 2017 at

Household Furniture Household Appliances Office Furniture TV Plastic Tables Ice Maker Machine Printers Packing Boxes Auto Parts Supplies Portable Generator

Copy Machine Misc. Small Motors Finger Print achine Computer Parts Ice Box Carpets Outdoor Fans Janitorial Supplies Generator Filters Spare Parts

Vehicle [And other attractive items...]

All items will be available for viewing on Thursday and Friday 16th & 17th November 2017 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Belmopan Civic Center, Bliss Parade, Belmopan City.

*** All interested bidders must be 18 years or older and will be required to register using a valid (picture) identification card on the day of the sale. Please note that all Rules and Agreements regarding this sale will be available for those viewing the Lots.

Final viewing will be permitted one hour prior to the sale. ***

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH - [CERTIFIED CHEQUES]

19

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

NOEL CODD TELEPHONE - 677-5184 624-5184 E-mail: noelcoddauction@yahoo.com www.noelcoddinc

Position Vacancy Management Trainee

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd – part of a global network committed to customer satisfaction, employee dedication, shareholder confidence and a leader in the provision of financial services is seeking to hire a suitable candidate as a Management Trainee Officer, within our branch network.

The Management Trainee will be ultimately responsible for contributing to a branch’s overall success by providing customized financial solutions to customers in order to meet their unique needs. You will be responsible to contribute to the provision of human, straightforward and knowledgeable service through daily interactions to create a relationship of mutual trust and confidence with our customers and other employees.

Knowledge/Skills required: • Excellent marketing, negotiating and analytical skills • Strong customer focus • Previous Banking/Financial Services experience would be an asset • Bi-­lingual (preferred) • Minimum Associate Degree in Business Administration or other related fields

We are looking for talented self motivated individuals who can adapt to new concepts and situations quickly to complement our great Sales team.

Applicants must be: • Externally marketing focused • A Team player • Able to operate with minimum supervision • Proud of a proven track record of performance • Mobile within our branch network

If you possess the above qualities/requirements please forward application to:

Human Resource Manager #4A Albert Street P. O. Box 708 Belize City

OR email address: rachelle.reyes@scotiabank.com

Your applications should be received no later than November 30, 2017.

Position Vacancy Business Banking Manager

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd – part of a global network committed to customer satisfaction, employee dedication, shareholder confidence and a leader in the provision of financial services is seeking to hire a suitable candidate as a Business Banking Manager.

The Business Banking Manager is responsible for profitable growth of the Small Business Portfolio while acquiring new relationships and retaining and expanding existing ones. You are required to identify and then satisfy customers’ needs by leveraging appropriate sales tools and products as well as selling skills. You are responsible for meeting negotiated goals, which includes business development, retention and referrals as well as other objectives related to customer service, operational effectiveness and personal development.

Knowledge/Skills required: • Knowledge of business financial statements, reporting and analysis • Working knowledge of the marketplace in which the Bank operates • Excellent marketing, negotiating and analytical skills • Strong customer focus • Previous Banking/Financial Services experience would be an asset • Bi-­lingual (preferred) • Minimum Associate Degree in Business Administration

We are looking for talented individuals to complement our great Sales team.

Applicants must be: • Externally marketing focused • A Team player • Able to operate with minimum supervision • Proud of a proven track record of performance

If you possess the above qualities/requirements please forward application to:

Human Resource Manager #4A Albert Street P. O. Box 708 Belize City

OR email address: rachelle.reyes@scotiabank.com

Your applications should be received no later than November 30, 2017.

20

19 NOV

THE BELIZE TIMES 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 22nd day of May, 2012, between LETICIA WILLIAMS of Independence Village, Stann Creek District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the one part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 13 of 2012 at Folios 889-966, 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.

2017 PUBLIC AUCTION SALE FOR BELIZE DISTICT

Licensed Auctioneer NOEL J. CODD will sell the following properties on Friday November 24th at the places and the time mention below.

On site at 10:00a.m.

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.

All that parcel or piece of land situated in Sand Hill Village, Belize District. Being situated on the Southside of the Salt Creek Road Sand Hill Village, Belize District. The property measures 0.75 acres and it holds three buildings. The main structure is a being used as a residence it has a gross floor of 2,223 square-feet. The main building has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, a dining-room, a living room, a veranda, and a rear deck. The second structure is being used for commercial it has a gross square footage of 3,322 square-feet. The third structure is being used as a single family house hold; with a gross square footage of 840 square-feet. Being the Freehold property of Rosales Enterprise Limited.

On site at 11:30a.m.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land situate at Lot No. 80 (464.393 S.M.) situate in Independence Village, Stann Creek District and bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 55 of 2012 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 27th day of October, 2017.

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

All that parcel or piece of land situated at mile 19 Sandhill Village, Belize District. Being Lot 34, the property holds a concrete building that has a gross floor of 288 square feet. The single family bungalow has one bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, living-room and dining area. In addition there is an adjoining incomplete structure with a square-footage of 270 square-feet. Being the freehold property of Damion Garbutt.

On site at 10:30a.m.

All that piece or parcel containing 1.17 Acres being lot 5 situate approximate 10 1/2 Miles on the Belize Corozal Road. The land only being the freehold property of Noguera Sugarcane Derivatives.

On site at 1:00p.m.

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 7th day of November, 2012, between RIXY GABRIELA RAMIREZ of Santa Cruz Village, Stann Creek District, Belize (hereinafter called “the Borrower”) of the one part and SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LIMITED (hereinafter called “the Mortgagee”) of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 27 of 2012 at Folios 154-221, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 13 situate in Santa Cruz Village, Stann Creek District and bounded as follows: - On the North for 22.860 Meters by now or formerly National Lands; On the South for 22.860 Meters by A Street; On the East for 36.571 Meters by Lot No. 14; and on the West for 36.571 Meters by Lot No. 12; Containing 836.013 Square Meters of land as shown on Plan No. 2178 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys,TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 27th day of October, 2017.

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

All that parcel or piece of land. Being Parcel 731, Block 45, Registration Section Fort George/Pickstock. The property is located along Pickstock Street in Belize City. The street is connected to two major traffic arteries. One leading into downtown Belize City and the other leading north bound leaving the City. The property holds a two-storey concrete building with a gross floor of 1,584 square-feet. The first floor has two open units and a bathroom. The second floor has 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom, a kitchen, living-room and a dining area. Being the freehold property of Lizert Herbert.

NOEL J. CODD

Licensed Auctioneer Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District Tel: Office: 677-5184 cell: 624-5184 Email:noelcoddaction@yahoo.com www.noelcoddinc.com

@Noel Codd Auctioneer

19 NOV

21

THE BELIZE TIMES

2017

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE FOR ORANGE WALK DISTRICT Licensed Auctioneer NOEL J. CODD will sell the following properties on Wednesday November 22nd, 2017 at the time and places mention below On site at 9:00a.m.

All that lot or piece of land located in Louisiana Farm area. Being Lot No. 115, Block 4, Registration Section Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District. This Lot holds a Ferro-concrete one storey building that measures 1,000 square-feet.

The building has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen, a living-room and a dining area. Being the Leasehold property of Rafael Novelo.

On site at 10:30a.m.

All this parcel of piece of land in Orange Walk Town. Being Parcel 1123, Block 4, Registration Section Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District.

This property hold a concrete building which measures 1,282 square-feet.

The building has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living-room, a dining area and a laundry area. Being the freehold property of David Faber.

On site at 1:00p.m.

All that lot, parcel or piece of land situated in Orange Walk Town. Being Parcel 3333, Block 4, Registration Section Orange Walk Town. The property holds an incomplete two-storey concrete building which measures 2,788 square-feet. The concrete structure is 60% complete. The Building contains 4bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living-room, a kitchen and a dining area. Being the Freehold property of Enrique Patt and Nubia Patt.

On site at 9:30p.m.

All those 2 pieces or parcels of land. Being parcels 2110 & 2107, Block 4, Registration Section Orange Walk Town. The property is situate in the New Residential Area of Orange Walk better known as Guadalupe Street. The property holds two building. The main building has a metal side annex 805 square-feet it’s a concrete structure. The second building is a concrete two storey structure. The first floor is used like a basement, the second floor is used as an apartment.

Being the fee simple property of Emilcar Burgos.

All that parcel or piece of land located on No.2 San Francisco Street, Orange Walk Town. Being Parcel 4386, Block 4, Registation Section Orange Walk Town. The lot holds a one and half storey concrete building. Which measures a gross floor of 2,414 square-feet of which 1,530 squarefeet is occupied as a residence. Beling the Freehold property of Jorge Urbina.

On site at 1:30p.m.

On site at 11:00a.m.

All that Lot, Parcel or Piece of Land, in Orange Walk Town. Being Parcel 2946, Block 4, Registration Section Orange Walk Town. The building measures 2,740 square-feet and it holds six bedrooms, two full bathrooms, two part baths, a living-room and dining area. Being the Freehold property of Sunil Talreja.

On site at 10:00p.m.

All that parcel or piece of land in Orange Walk, being Registration Section Orange Walk Town, Block 4, Parcel 1911. The property holds a concrete house that contains four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a dining area.

The building measures of 1786 square feet. Being the Fee simple property of Ana B. Castillo.

All that parcel or piece of land. Being Parcel 103, Block 4, Registration Section Orange Walk Town. The property holds a concrete house.

The building measures approximately 1,200.00square-feet. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a dining area. Being the freehold property of Lucio Alcoser Jr.

On site at 2:00p.m.

All that parcel or piece of land. Being Parcel 4096, Block 4, Registration Section Orange Walk Town. This lot is a large corner, double lot on the main road to San Lorenzo road. The property is just behind the hospital compound.

The property holds a concreate two-story building. The building measures approximately 3,600 square-feet and it has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, dining and living-room area. Being the freehold property of Marlo Perera.

AT 2:30 P.M. IN FRONT SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. Orange Walk Branch On Wednesday November 22nd, 2017

All that piece or parcel of land containing 1045.045square meters being Lot 648 situated in Trial Farm village, Orange Walk District. Property is vacant lot. Being the Fee simple property of Melbourne Rodriguez.

All that lot, piece or parcel of land being parcel 510/1. REGISTRATION SECTION: SAN JOSE/ SAN PABLO BLOCK: 1 PARCEL: 510/1. The Building is a 2 bedroom bungalow house. Being the leasehold property of Edwin Patt

On site at 11:30a.m.

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2017

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE FOR COROZAL DISTRICT

Licensed Auctioneer Noel J. Codd will sell the following properties on Thursday November 23rd, 2017 at the time and places mention below All that parcel or piece of land in San Jose Village. Being Parcel 618, Block 1, Registration Section San Jose/ San Pablo, Orange Walk District. The property holds two structures. A comfy wooden structure and an incomplete cement structure. Being the Freehold property of Adrian Garcia.

All that Lot, Parcel or Piece of land in San Felipe. Being Parcel 463/1, Block 13, Registration Section San Felipe, Orange Walk District. The building on the property is a concrete bungalow structure which measures 805.5 square-meters.

An incomplete extension is also on the property and it measures approximately 140 square-feet.

Being the Leasehold property of Omar Mejia.

All those parcels or two pieces of land in Tower Hill. Being Parcels 685 and 686, Block 4, Registration Section Tower Hill. The subject lots are cleared and a concrete two storey building measuring 1,800 square-feet sits on the property.

Being the Freehold property of German Cob.

On site at 9:00a.m.

On site at 10:30a.m.

Continued on page 24

All that parcel or piece of land situated in Carmelita Village. Being Parcel 570, Block 4, Registration Section Carmelita, Orange Walk District. The property measures 1024.4 square-meters. It holds a concrete building that measures 522 square-feet.

The building has a bedroom, a bathroom a common area for a kitchen, dining-room and living room. Being the freehold property of Victor Mendez

All that parcel or piece of land situated in Corozal North. Being Parcel 1393/1, Block 1, Registration Section Corozal North, Corozal District. The property holds a concrete two-storey buildng with a gross floor of 2,111 square-feet. The first floor has three bedrooms, one bathroom, a living-room, a kitcken, a dining area, a laundry and storeage room. The second floor has one bedroom, one bathroom, a sitting/ roof patio area. Being the Freehold property of Ravey O Smith.

All that parcel or piece of land. Being Parcel 66, Block 1, Registration Section Paraiso/ Santa Rita, Corozal District. The property is in its natural state. Being the freehold property of Guadalupe Rosado.

On site at 11:00a.m.

On site at 9:30a.m.

All that parcel or piece of land. Being Parcel 131, Block 1, Registration Section Paraiso/ Santa Rita, Corozal District. The property holds a concrete building that measures 2352 square-feet. The building has four bed rooms, two bathrooms, a living-room, a dining-room, a kitchen and a laundry room. Being the Freehold property of Narciso Flores.

On site at 11:30a.m.

All that Lot, Parcel or Piece of land in Orange Walk District. Being Parcel 281, Block 1, Registration Section Ann Gabourel , Orange Walk District. The property is currently in its natural state approximately measuring 25 acres. Being the Freehold property of Santiago Rosado.

All that parcel or piece of land in Yo Creek Village. Being Parcel 140/, Block 4, Registration Section Yo Creek, Orange Walk District. The property holds a one-story concrete building that measures 1,362 square-feet. The family dwelling has 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a kitchen, a dining and a living room area. Being the freehold property of Florention Cal.

All that parcel or piece of land. Being Parcel 417/1, Block 4, Registration Section Yo-Creek, Orange Walk District. The property holds a two-storey concrete building with a gross floor area measuring 1,944 square-feet. The building has 4bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living-room, a kitchen and a dining area. Being the leasehold property of Teofilo Rejon.

All that parcel or piece of land. Being Parcel 511, Block 4, Registration Section Miller’s Bight, Orange Walk District. The property measures 1.307 acres. The land is used for farming. The property sits near the Honey Camp Lagoon, so you enjoy the lagoon’s frontage. Being the free hold property of Felipe S. Baeza.

All that parcel or piece of land. Being Parcel 483/1, Block 1, Registration Section Douglas Rural, Orange Walk District. The property holds a concrete building which measures 1,636 squarefeet. The building has six bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a living-room, a kitchen and a dining area. Being the Leasehold property of Elvia Acosta.

All that parcel or piece of land. Being Parcel 1399/1, Block 1, Registration Section Corozal North, Corozal District. The property holds a concrete building that measures 1056 squarefeet. The structure has three bedrooms, a bathroom, a living-room, a kitchen and dining room area. Being the Leasehold property of Javier Cassanova.

On site at 10:00a.m.

All that parcel or piece of land in Paraiso/ Santa Rita. Being Parcel 177/1, Block 1, Registration Section Paraiso/ Santa Rita, Corozal District. The property holds a two-storey concrete building which measures 2,188 square-feet. The building has two bedrooms, one full bathroom, a living-room, a kitchen and a dining area.

Being the Leasehold property of David Aguilar.

ALL THAT LOT, PARCEL OR PIECE OF LAND, BEING PARCEL # 31 Block 1, PARAISO/ SANTA RITA REGISTRATION SECTION. Building:2 ½ storey with 5,013 sq. ft. with Main:- 2,294 sq. ft 2 Bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, 1 part bath, with kitchen, dining and living room areas and laundry room. Second:2,077 sq. ft. 2 Bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, 1 part bath, with kitchen, dining and living room areas and laundry room. Third:-642 sq. ft. and is used as an additional living room space being the freehold of Ramesh Buxani Co Ltd

AT 1:00P.M. IN FRONT OF SCOTIABANK (Belize) LTD. Corozal Town Branch on Thursday November 23rd, 2017 Continued on page 23

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Continued from page 22

All that parcel or piece of land in Libertad Village. Being Parcel 442/1, Block 1, Registration Section Libertad Village, Corozal District. The property holds a concrete building that measures 957 square-feet. The concrete structure has 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a living-room, a kitchen and a dining area. Being the leasehold property of Enrique Montejo.

All that parcel or piece of land situated in San Andres/ Ranchito. Being Parcel 30, Block 1, Registration Section San Andres/ Ranchito. The property measures 6.19 acres. The property holds two family dwelling. The first concrete building measures 820 square-feet, it has two bedrooms, a bathroom, dining and living area. The second concrete building has four bedrooms, one bathroom, and measures 768 square-feet. Being the Freehold property Marcus Kingston.

All that lot, parcel, or piece of land in Sarteneja being Registration Section Sarteneja Block 3 parcel 604/1. The house contains 2 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, a living, a kitchen and a dining area and comprise of 954 sq. ft. Being the Leasehold property of Jael Cobb.

All that parcel or piece of land situated in Sarteneja. Being Parcel 833/1, Block 3, Registration Section Sarteneja, Corozal District. The land measures 849.30 square-meters. The property holds a concrete family bungalow with a gross floor of 921 square-feet. The building has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen, a living, a dining area, a front porch and a back porch. Being the Leasehold property of Guiermo Rodriquez.

All that lot, piece or parcel of land, in Louisville. Being Parcel 1, Registration Section Louisville, Block 1, Corozal District. The building is 1051 square feet, it has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a living room, a kitchen and dining area. Being the Fee simple property of Saturnino Coba

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land containing 2995 sm being Block1 Parcel 141 San Andres/ Ranchito Registration Section. The Subject Property houses 3 structures. Building No.1 is 1,200sft. and is occupied as a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home complete with kitchen, dining & living room spaces. Building No.2: concrete two storey structure of 1,920sft. Each floor is a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom space each with kitchen, dining & living room spaces. Building No. 3 is aq 1,200sft. structure with floor & walls in place only Freehold properties of Armando Martinez and Ervin Rancharan.

ALL THAT pieces or parcels of land being 1 Parcel 120 containing 50.2 acres Parcel 97 containing 14.798 acres, Parcel 95 containing 62.79 acres and Parcel 86 containing 88.16 acres situated in Libertad Rural Registration Section cane land only being the Freehold properties of Armando Martinez and Ervin Rancharan.

All that lot, piece or parcel being Block 1 Parcel 93 Libertad Rural Registration Section. Land only. Being the Fee simple property of Leonardo Folgarait

All that lot, piece or parcel of land being Block 1, parcels 302 Libertad Rural, Registration Section. Only being land is the fee simple property of Leonardo Folgarait

All that parcel or piece of land situated in Sarteneja Village. Being Parcel 1022, Block 3, Registration Section Sarteneja. The property is a vacant land that measures 888.70 square-meters.

Being the Freehold property of Elton Sosa.

All that parcel or piece of land in Chan Chen. Being Parcel 209/1, Block 1, Registration Section Chan Chen, Corozal District.

The property holds a one-story building which measures 928 square-feet. The building has 2bedrooms, a living-room, a kitchen and 1 outhouse as a bathroom. Being the leasehold property of Lizandro Murray.

All that lot, parcel or piece of land in Libertad. Being Parcel 225, Block 1, Registration Section Libertad Rural. The property is land only. Being the Fee simple property of Leonardo Folgarait

All that lot, piece or parcel of land being Block 1 Parcel 221 Libertad Rural Registration Section. Building is 1410 square feet.

Contains 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, a living, kitchen and family room. Being the fee simple property of Leonardo Folgarait

All that parcel or piece of land. Being Parcel 441/1, Block 1, Registration Section Grants Land, Corozal District. The property measures 743.0 square-meters. The property holds an incomplete two- storey structure.

The building has a gross square footage of 1,286 square-feet. The building comprises of three bedrooms, one bathroom, a living-room, a kitchen, a dining area, a covered entry veranda and a shed. Being the Leasehold property of Rogel Tzul.

All that parcel or piece of land in Chan Chen. Being Parcel 209/1, Block 1, Registration Section Chan Chen, Corozal District.

The property holds a one-story building which measures 928 square-feet. The building has 2bedrooms, a living-room, a kitchen and 1 outhouse as a bathroom. Being the leasehold property of Lizandro Murray.

All that parcel or piece of land. being Parcel 1458, Block 1, Registration Section Consejo Road S.E., Corozal District. The parcel is on Finca Solana Layout, Corozal. The lot has direct access to the street in the town’s network which is connected to the Northern Highway. The property is a vacant lot. Being the freehold property of Ian Glory.

NOEL J. CODD

All that piece or parcel of land being Block 1, Parcel 13, Libertad Rural Registration Section. Land only. Being the fee simple property of Leonardo Folgarait

Licensed Auctioneer Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District Tel: Office: 677-5184 cell: 624-5184 Email:noelcoddaction@yahoo.com www.noelcoddinc.com

@Noel Codd Auctioneer

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