Belize Times 100425

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The

The Belize Times

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Belize Times The Truth Shall Make You Free

SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2010

Issue No. 4690

$1.00 www.belizetimes.bz

The People have Spoken…

UDP Losing Ground!

This coming week will mark the third round of village council elections, in which communities gather to elect one chairman and six councilors to manage their affairs for a term of three years. Although the process has just gotten underway, the UDP’s mediocre propagandists have been spinning their wheels playing political games and claiming that their party now controls a majority of the villages in which elections have been held so far. But rather than presenting a picture of the real truth, the desperation shown by the UDP in promoting an image of total control reveals that after only two years in office, something has gone totally awry.

Villages

2007

2010

Independence Hopkins Placencia Maya Mopan San Roman Lemonal Rancho Dolores Willow's Bank Caye Caulker Sittee River Cattle Landing San Benito Poite

Two week into the 2010 Village Council elections and already a trend is beginning to emerge. With 48 villages already completed it is clear that despite the dominance that the United Democratic Party showed two years ago in the General Elections, the popularity of the elected officials have waned.

The statistics provided by the UDP in their weekly political rag are a complete fabrication, designed to mask the dismal truth being revealed by the election results so far. And that truth is that the UDP from one corner of this nation to the other has become the most despised and scorned entity (Continued on page 35)

From Convict to Diplomat… Victory for Team Belize

A Barrow Success Story!

The decision to make Moses Leviy, or Jamal Barrow or Shyne, as he is more popularly known Music Ambassador of Belize was no doubt the brainchild of Mr. Barrow, the father of Moses/ Jamal/Shyne and the leader of the nation. Notwithstanding the fact that the ‘appointment’ was orchestrated to coincide with Mr. Barrow being out of the country, the move smacks of his trademark nepotism agenda tempered with arrogance and with a healthy dose of contempt and disdain for the opinions of anybody else.

This is no personal attack on Moses/Jamal/Shyne. As has been stated elsewhere in this paper, the youth

means nothing more to us than any other convicted criminal/deportee. He is no different from any born Belizean who went abroad, committed a violent act, served time and was then deported home. Perhaps the only slight difference is that if Shyne had his wish, he would never have returned to Belize. In fact, his attorneys tried vehemently to stop his deportation to our small nation. But this is not about Shyne.

There is no Belize or Belizean serving rationale behind the appointment of Shyne as Music Ambassador. The youth left Belize at an early age and by all accounts became a certified member (Continued on page 35)

Team Belize, who won silver at the COCABA Central American basketball championships in Cancun last year, have had their silver win confirmed by the international Court for Arbitration of Sports (CAS) and will be allowed to play in the upcoming Centrobasket tournament in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on July 5-11.

The Belize Basketball Federation called a press conference at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel on Wednesday, at which BBF president Paul Thompson, and officials Julian Murillo, Alex Ellis and Brads Neal informed Belize that the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland on 20 April, 2010 ruled: 1. T he appeal of the Belize Basketball Federation is upheld.

2. The decision of the 6 October

2009 by the appeal tribunal of FIBA is reversed.

3. Article H.2.3.3. of the FIBA Internal Regulation does not apply to the players Jourdon, Garnett, Allen, Braddick, Burgess, and Stokes.

4. The cost of the arbitration to be determined and served on the parties by the CAS court office shall be borne by FIBA. 5. FIBA shall contribute to BBF’s legal costs and fees by an amount of CHF 8,000.00 (eight thousand Swiss Francs.)

6. All other or further claims are dismissed.

The BBF had protested and appealed FIBA’s challenge of some of the US born Belizean players on the grounds that the Belize constitution recognizes all children born abroad to Belizean parents as (Continued on page 35)

Are YOU Better Off Today?

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The Belize Times

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Questions to Ministers

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Interpreting the Village Council Elections

Two weeks into Village Council elections and already we see the signs of political gamesmanship rearing its head.

When the PUP changed the Village Council Act in 2000 the idea was to give more autonomy to the local communities, encourage greater participation and bring the people of them together so that they could make decisions about the future of their communities.

So how did we g o from empowering a community based movement to press releases about who is winning and who is losing and who da PUP and who da UDP in these elections? While the spirit of the Village Council Act hoped for greater participation and democracy, it is clear it was never meant for these elections to become politicized much less to become a litmus test for the government or the opposition.

By the time the whole process of village council elections are over, more than 190 villages or communities would have held elections.

Included in these 190 of so elections are some villages with more than 2000 voters and communities with 60. Whether the voters list has 2000 voters or 90, the process is the same. A very simple process with strokes on a backboard and numbers on a slip of paper, these elections were never meant to be hotly contested events where political parties and legal advisors hover over the process. There is no Nomination Day, deposits from candidates or any of those rules which govern a general or municipal election. There are no campaign managers and strategists crunching numbers and interpreting data.

In fact in most of these elections it is more of a social event than an election that determines people’s future.

At last Sunday’s election in Trial Far m, one of the larger communities with over 2000 voters, the mood was energetic and for the most part fun. The Party Leader exchanged pleasantries with UDP Ministers; villagers moved in and out of the polls; there was music, political banter and an occasional raising of voices. Both sides dished out a little red meat or blue meat, but in the end it was all in good fun and in the end the winners celebrated and those who were not successful shook hands and accepted defeat with dignity. The winners graciously accepted the mantle and are now settling into their three year term of office.

In the south, in Hopkins, Placencia and other large villages a similar scene played out and just as in Trial Farm, when the strokes on the blackboard were counted and incumbent village councils fell to new blood, the transition was smooth and thoughts are now quickly shifting to upcoming events like lobster fest and village fiestas.

So what is all the hype and spin about? Why is the UDP issuing releases and chairpersons with villages with 60 voters calling talk shows to declare their political allegiance? A lot of this is because of the pressure that is on those UDP ministers who are hoping to score political points with the Prime Minister. When the Prime Minister announced that he will shake up his cabinet, some of his ministers trembled; others saw opportunity knocking. Those UDP representatives with rural communities want to prove to their PM that they still have the support of their people, so representatives like Clear the Land will do anything to show victories, even when some of these communities are saying we want the partisanship out of our village council elections.

With a media that feeds off political news, all this plays well and so the drama will continue, which means that for the next 8 or more Sundays, the fever and the passion to prove their mettle will see more theatrics, more antics and more calls to the talk shows.

When it is all said and done, the one thing that none of these UDP politicians will be able to hide is the continued dissatisfaction being felt by the Belizean people in both the urban and rural communities.

A dissatisfaction that is the result of more burdensome taxes, higher cost of living, and the crime situation which has overtaken our communities. And there is no need for any election to serve as a litmus test on these issues.

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Would the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance please explain the decision to make his son Shyne, who knows nothing about Belizean music, the Music Ambassador of this nation? Can the Prime Minister further say if he believes that it was the right thing to put his son in charge of the nationwide school music program, when his son’s lyrics promote sex, drugs, guns and violence?

Would the Minister of Foreign Affairs please confirm or deny reports that Shyne has been issued a diplomatic passport and is receiving all the perks and the compensation package of a fully accredited Ambassador?

Would the Minister of National Security please state when he will give permission for the Commissioner of Police to reveal the real crime statistics instead of attempting to bamboozle the Belizean people into believing that crime is down?

Hypocrite of the Week

It is almost beyond the comprehension of our selection panel that the Prime Minister of this country Mr. Barrow would appoint his estranged son Shyne as Music Ambassador representing our nation. Whether or not our misguided leader is making amends for ignoring Shyne all his life is of absolutely no consequence to us – this is our country, not his.

While Mr. Barrow is wont to make absolutely ridiculous and ill-thought out decisions without regard for the input of others, the fact is that Belize is not Mr. Barrow’s personal fiefdom to do with as he will. Despite Mr. Barrow’s pretensions and delusions of grandeur, he is really just a low down, dirty hypocrite who is betraying the people who trusted him and reneging on a scared oath he took.

Upon assuming office, Mr. Barrow placed his right hand on a bible and swore to do right by all manner of people without fear or

favour or ill-will. He promised to serve this nation in good faith and work hard for all of us so that we could live better lives. When Mr. Barrow wanted our votes he promised to include us in all major decision-making; he said that it would always be about us. He said that he would do better and lead the moral charge in this nation.

That all sounded wonderful. But now we all know that it was just a pile of hogwash. Mr. Barrow has ridden roughshod over the Belizean people, ignoring the cries of the poor, insulting the unions, belittling the bar association, bashing the public sector and demonizing the private sector.

The only Belizeans who have benefitted from the largess of Mr. Barrow are his wife, his ex-wife, his daughter, his son, his brother, his sister and now his estranged son Shyne. The difference between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ is crystal clear after one glimpse at the Barrow clan and another at the Belizean majority.

The appointment of Shyne as Music Ambassador, for whatever reason it was done, once again exposes the hypocrisy of the man who begged us for our votes and swore to be the best servant of the people we had ever seen. Mr. Barrow has served only himself and his family. The rest of us don’t matter.

THE BELIZE TIMES EDITOR

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Printed & Published By The Belize Times Ltd. #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize Tel: 224-5757

Editor: 671-8385

Roberto Peyrefitte

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Belize Times

If Da Noh Soh…

From Patrick with love…

I hear that two residents who voted in Collet for Patrick Faber died recently. The daughter of one elderly woman went to ask for assistance with the burial expenses. Apparently Patrick

Affairs Protocol vehicle and yes, we paid for the gas. In fact, we paid for the gas in every one of the government vehicles which were out there picking

told this grieving woman that he didn’t kill her mother so he doesn’t see why he has to help to bury her. True story!

In the other instance, the family of an elderly man who died was refused assistance by Patrick and their loved one ended up staying in the morgue for more than 20 days before being laid to rest in a pauper’s burial. These stories are true and are trademark Patrick. The thing is that he treats poor people out here like crap when he himself is living high off the hog and is just back from vacation in the USA. The people won’t forget, little man…If Da Noh Soh!

up UDP supporters on Election Day. Dem things just wrong! Stupid, bloody chancey UDPs. Anyway, the day of reckoning will soon come and you can take that to the bank. And by the way, Easy Glen, a dentist in Orange Walk volunteered his service to fix up that problem for you – just give us a call…

If Da Noh Soh!

The brief tief…

I understand that Mr. Crimson has been round and about behaving like a hooligan and threatening PUP supporters. Looks like Mr. Crimson feels that once he has the backing of Mr. Vega, he can get away with anything and tell anybody anything that comes to his mouth. A little bird asked me to pass on some advice to Mr. Crimson for the sake of old time

friendship – I personally think it would be best if he take that advice and get off his high red horse and remember what he’s all about. The little bird reminded me of an incident in Miami where Mr. Crimson was arrested and convicted for ‘tiefing’ briefs from out of a department store. He got off easy and only served community service but oh the embarrassment. So you see, no matter how arrogant Mr. Crimson behaves when in public, at heart he’s nothing but a common brief tief…If Da Noh Soh! Protocol vehicles again…

It wouldn’t be so bad if taxpayers weren’t footing the bills, but why the hell is the UDP using government vehicles to make the rounds in village council elections. Every one of those idiots by now is a millionaire and can afford to use their own private vehicles so why do they insist on slapping us in our faces with their arrogance? Belize City thug wannabe Easy Glen and the chainsaw man were chauffeured to Orange Walk in a Ministry of Foreign

RGD? All the reds at the village council election in Orange Walk were decked out in bright red polo shirts with a big bold RGD on it. RGD? We just couldn’t figure out what that was. Some of us speculated that the letters stood for Reds Going Down, which seems

appropriate. Some of us figured that our buddy Margarito ordered the shirts and since he is not too bright at the best of times got the letters mixed up.

Then somebody mentioned an attempt to smuggle a bunch of contraband cigarettes with the brand name RGD into Belize through the free zone and the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. Apparently the cigarettes didn’t make it through, but an accompanying bundle of shirts with the brand name emblazoned on them did. Good going, Gapi…If Da Noh Soh! Word of advice…

Be careful Margarito. It’s easy to be brave and push people when you have hired thugs behind you and the Police ready to bow down to your

every whim. Some of the people you push may choose to walk away at that moment, but ain’t nobody afraid of you, stupid! Every action has a reaction, retarded one (oops, sorry Kim) and while you have never been accused of

wisdom, perhaps you should heed this warning…If Da Noh Soh!

Vernon Again…

Reliable information reaching us is that the brother of press secretary Delroy Cutkelvin and UDP insider Vernon Cutkelvin is up to his old tricks. In fact the truth is that he never stopped. Apparently the fellow is now an agent of the Ministry of Lands, wheeling and dealing in San Pedro. A little bird told us that he recently got away with over $100,000 from a couple investors after one of his friends way way up high in Lands assured the investors that their transaction would be handled expeditiously – instant credibility, instant bucks for Vernon.

Same old Vernon! One gentleman from Corozal is still stunned after he lent Vernon his vehicle and the rogue came to Belize City and sold the vehicle. Apparently the matter was reported to the Police but they decided not to touch it. What’s that thing they say about friends in high places?...If Da Noh Soh! Ministerial portfolio please…

Just recently Mr. Castro, also known periodically as Barbie dread or smelly dread (depending on how hot the weather is) paid a visit to his baldheaded boss. Like everyone else, Castro knows that a reshuffle of

Cabinet is a certainty and he wants a piece of the pie. So the dread visited the despot, hat in hand and poured out his heart, claiming that he is one of the few people doing anything at all in the UDP. We understand that Mr. Barrow looked at the fellow and told him that he shouldn’t hold his breath, because there are all those pesky reports of hustling and newfound wealth which are coming up. On an aside, we also just got some juicy info about some bloated contracts for projects being done by Castro (you know what we’re talking about, don’t you hustling dread?) but we’ll save those for another time…If Da Noh Soh! Tourists & Tourists…

Remember the other day when our good friend Gapi visited Goff ’s Caye

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to inaugurate a small palapa hut and bathroom facilities? He spouted some rubbish about tourists and Belizeans being able to enjoy this sparkling gem in the jewel. Well apparently he wasn’t referring to Belizeans…not really. When Belizeans visit Goff ’s Caye they’re not allowed to use the bathroom facilities.

Those are kept firmly locked up, to be opened only when cruise ships arrive.

Imagine that. Seems like they’re always talking about us being tourists in our own country, but there’s us common tourists and then there’re the high classed tourists. When it comes to Goff ’s Caye, we’d better think about finding a convenient bush when the urge becomes too pressing, cause we sure as hell aren’t allowed to use the facilities…If Da Noh Soh! Poor Piggy…

The look on Piggy’s face on Sunday in Trial Farm was hilarious. There he was, grinning smugly between his buddy the electrician minister and the

Venezuelan funds senator when some of the UDP supporters started hollering about hustling and bloated contracts and kickbacks. Suddenly he wasn’t smiling anymore. Apparently the UDP supporters didn’t get the memo stating that they can’t mention kickbacks or hustling when Piggy is around because it is highly embarrassing to him…If Da Noh Soh! New DVD just released…

I hear there’s a new DVD just about to be released straight out of Belize, a sort of self help video. It’s called ‘From Convict to Ambassador in 30 Days: A Barrow Success Story.’

According to sketchy reports, it’s all about how a deported convict became a Belizean Ambassador in just about 30 days flat. There’re a couple problems, though. First, I hear there’s not much of a story line involved and the plot is a little weak. See, this convict/deportee didn’t do anything to earn the honour, so what’s there to tell? And the second problem – there’s a disclaimer attached which states that if your last name isn’t Barrow then the DVD doesn’t work.

Get your copy in stores today…If Da Noh Soh!

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PARTY PAGE PUP is ready in Valley of Peace

The Belize Times

Sunday, April 25, 2010

THE BLUE MACHINE

Diary of Events

EVENT

PUP Think Tanking

DATE

Thursday, April 29

PLACE

Independence Hall

ANNOUNCING

the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of the People's United Party Coming Soon

We Are The PUP

TIME 7:30pm

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Belize Times

UDP Politics as usual

Unacceptable!

The son of the Prime Minister, the gangster rapper known as Shyne or more recently as Moses Leviy, has been named the Music Ambassador of Belize. On Friday our very own Attorney-General and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sedi Elrington stood beside Shyne and told the nation that the young man will be heading NICH’s music program in schools across the nation.

Look, we have nothing against Shyne. He’s a non-entity to us, really. But seriously, has anybody listened to Shyne’s lyrics? The raw, raunchy, explicitly obscene sexual and violent lyrics are his trademark - that’s where he got his fame within a certain clique. But what the hell does that have to do with Belize and Belizean music? Our Music Ambassador should be somebody who promotes and enhances our music, our culture. Shyne has no idea about our culture and our music. This is a bad decision and an insult to the many exception musicians who have dedicated decades of their lives to the Belizean product. And we’re not even touching the fact that Shyne is a deportee who was sent back to Belize after serving almost ten years for a violent crime. What other qualification does he possess? Seriously! How can Shyne be an example to our children when his lyrics promote the same violence and lawlessness which is killing our nation? It is time for this stupid and misguided nepotism to stop.

Diplomatic Privileges…

And why was our Minister of Foreign Affairs so prominent in Shyne’s appointment to Music Ambassador, you may ask, since his portfolio does not include culture? Well that’s because Shyne will actually become His Excellency Shyne, a real Ambassador of Belize with all the perks, just in case you were thinking that the title Music Ambassador was nothing more than an honorary gift. And yes, it seems that one of the perks is a diplomatic passport which basically allows HE Shyne to travel anywhere in the world with all the power of a full-fledged diplomat. Since HE Shyne was not allowed to travel to the USA, the diplomatic passport is a definite must, isn’t it? And remember how HE Shyne was turned back from London a couple weeks ago? Well, his new diplomatic status will ensure that never happens again. See, when the Prime Minister makes this ridiculous moves, people might think that it is sheer lunacy, but sometimes there is a method to the madness.

More of the same…

The bottom line is that Mr. Barrow does not give a damn. This is just another in a series of bad moves which have benefitted the RoBs (relatives of Barrow). The arrogance of Mr. Barrow is such that he has no qualms about doing just what he wants when he wants to and to hell with everybody else. He just rams it down our throats and moves on. On another note, poor Belizeans are wondering how much HE Shyne is being paid for his diplomatic post, and if that salary is different from the one he will supposedly receive as the Head of Music at NICH? People are starving out here Mr. Barrow. Why is it that only members of your family are feeling the sweets?

Margarito’s Way… This last round of village council elections proved once again that Gapi Vega may be a millionaire and a powerful figure in government, but he is nothing but a low-classed thug in reality.

In Trial Farm he strutted here and there with paid muscle from Belize City flanking him. And if the paid muscle didn’t do enough to intimidate, then there was our friend Mr. Myvette close at hand with three officers armed with highpowered weapons guarding the DPM’s every move. The only time Mr. Myvette wasn’t paying close attention, conveniently, was when Gapi assaulted several members of the PUP camp, daring them to make a move so his thugs could deal with it. The play in Trial Farm was so obvious that it would have been funny if the fact that the police department has been so hopelessly compromised wasn’t so tragic. Mr. Vega would do well to remember that his actions when he has both unofficial and official thugs guarding his back may well create repercussions when he does not enjoy so cushy a security blanket. As to our friends at the Police Department, we have nothing more to say, not right now at least.

Still no arrests…

As this is being written it’s been, hmmm, about 7 days give or take since villagers of Nuevo San Juan filed complaints against UDP supporters from Douglas who attacked them last week Sunday after elections were concluded. The attack resulted in a big altercation in which members of both sides received injuries. It took the Police about a day to round up PUP supporters including an elderly retired nurse

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and throw them in lockdown before charging them in Court. Somehow, though, the Police have not been able to get around to picking up the UDP supporters who instigated the brawl. This is one instance where I’d love my friend Mr. Myvette to prove me wrong, to prove that he is not compromised and to prove that he can still do the job he was sworn to do. The thing is as much as I’d love that, it won’t happen.

Things have gone really awry in suga city. Makes me wonder if some rumours being circulated in an anonymous e-mail are as incredible as they seem…

Stick to the facts…

The UDP has come up with an interesting set of statistics out of the village council elections. Apparently they are claiming victory in an overwhelming majority of villages in the first two weeks of elections. Their stats are quite simply a blend of truth, absurdity and blatant lies. At this point let us say that in every village except one in the past two weeks, the UDP has lost major ground. Look at it this way…taking the politics out of it and examining the real performance of the UDP so far, it is crystal clear that the Belizean people are speaking loud and clear, and that’s not good news for the red party. They have lost villages to the PUP and they have lost villages to independent slates. We could do what they are doing and claim independent slates as their own, but the PUP has too much respect for the voices coming out of the different. We say big up to all those, be they PUP or independent who have come out in force to send a strong message to this despotic and myopic UDP government.

So crime is down, is it?

The claim by Commissioner of Police Crispin Jeffries that crime for the first quarter of 2010 is down 30% made it to the headlines of at least two of Belize’s major newspapers.

We hope that Mr. Jeffries is astute enough to recognize that the exposure on the front pages was not due to any belief that he was telling the truth, but rather recognition of how bizarre a contrast there is between the ‘official’ Police stats and the reality on the streets. According to the ComPol, every single major crime has fallen significantly, including murders and rapes and robberies. We won’t belabor this point because Mr. Jeffries seems stuck in a politically created rut of magic statistics.

Today there was a sad crime reported on the Police sitrep. According to the report, a young woman and her companion were walking along Marine Parade on Monday night at about 11:15pm when they were accosted by three men. They were robbed, then the companion was beat up while the girl was taken a short distance away by one of the men and raped at gunpoint. What caught my attention is the fact that this type of crime has become so prevalent that it barely caught my attention. But Mr. Jeffries says that crime is down 30%. Okay then. Perhaps he could go visit the young woman who was robbed and raped and comfort her with that reassuring statistic.

Free Pass…

At the press conference last week, Commissioner of Police Jeffries disputed reports that he has issued orders to shoot notorious underworld figure Arthur Young on sight. That one we won’t touch because Arthur Young is no saint and neither is any member of the Police Department; certainly not Mr. Jeffries. Let’s just say that after recent events Mr. Young’s allegation is just that much more credible, but we won’t be shedding any tears for him anytime soon. With that said, a curious thing came up at the press briefing. See, the police are looking for Mr. Young in connection with this house which they raided. In that house they found drugs and also special machinery for the creation of sound suppressors, or silencers. The man they found at the house is a known colleague of Arthur Young, who apparently also lives at the house. And the thing is that Ms. Ruth Esquivel, the daughter of the former UDP Prime Minister, is the one who had rented the house, allegedly for Arthur Young.

My point is that if the name of the person who paid rent on a property in which drugs and gun paraphernalia were found was not Esquivel, they would have been dragged into lockdown and forced to ensure the brunt of the law. But Ms. Ruth Esquivel got a free pass, apparently. On this UDP animal farm, some animals are indeed more equal than others.

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It’s been days since the Kendall Bridge was washed away. How much longer must we wait for a new bridge, Mr. Prime Minister?

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The Belize Times

From the Desk of the Party Leader

Earth Day Message by the Hon. John Briceño Leader, People’s United Party 22 April 2010

This past Thursday was Earth Day. For some the day passed as just another day, for others it was a day to reflect on our relationship with our environment. In classrooms all across the country it was a time for our teachers to engage with their students about the wonders of nature and the marvels of our planet.

By now most of us are convinced that our human survival is inextricably linked to the sustainability of our planet; as such our actions should reflect that sense of respect and real love for nature. As Belizeans we have done a lot to raise the level of consciousness when it comes to protecting our marine and aquatic life. We have also put in reserves large portions of our land in the hope that we can leave something for those who will come after us. These efforts are laudable, however more can be done; more should be done.

We can work consciously to raise our awareness when it comes to protecting our environment by keeping our waters clean, our land fertile and our air free from pollution.

On land we must continue to teach each other the importance of our green spaces. Trees provide so much that is important to our livelihood, from the oxygen we breathe to the shade from a broiling sunny day, yet we seem to always be cutting down our trees. We need to change this; instead of cutting we need to plant more trees. Likewise we need to protect our mangroves, they are an indispensible part of our ecosystem and we need to keep our green spaces clean and healthy and protect our forests so that animals can have the space to roam.

Like air, water is life. We are lucky in Belize to have abundant water sources, but we must never waste water, we must keep our rivers clean, minimize pollution, punish those who dump toxic materials into the rivers and lagoons and we must

Visit Us Online at: www.belizetimes.bz & www.pup.org.bz

always keep the banks of our rivers lush with vegetation. All this will help us to minimize air pollution and keep the air we breathe safe.

All of us can do our part; when we walk to the store instead of drive we are helping. When we use the wind and sunshine of a bright Belizean day to dry our laundry instead of using a dryer, we are contributing. When we sit under the shade of tree instead of using a fan, or open a window instead of running the air conditioner, we are doing our part and through these ordinary gestures our efforts yield extraordinary results.

Now I know that at times we take for granted what nature has given to us. Why shouldn’t we; our rivers are still clean, we breath the fresh air on a daily basis, our fruit trees still yield some of the best produce in the world. But that is only on the surface. All the experts will tell you that more is at risk today. We must therefore work harder to minimize that risk, mitigate against further deterioration and build our capacity.

Lately there has been a lot said about the benefits of green

Sunday, April 25, 2010 technology and of a more eco friendly existence. Utilizing technology to cut wastage while at the same time reduce pollution is a good practice.

It can also help with efficiency and more meaningful productivity.

By managing our resources in a sustainable manner, we will guarantee benefits today and tomorrow.

Today more than ever our world is interconnected; our dependence upon each other cannot be overstated.

The actions of those thousands of miles away from our shores can cause irreparable damage to our way of life. What we do here can have a similar effect on those far away.

For this reason each of us must take responsibility for our actions and do our part to protect our planet.

Let us learn what is right, do what is proper and help each other to make our planet safer and our country better and our lives purposeful.

And let us always respect each other and protect our environment.

SPEEDNET COMMUNICATIONS LTD. Project Manager - CDMA Expansion Reports to: Director Network Services Period: May 2010 – December 2010 Location: Belize Summary Description of Project Management Consultancy: To manage, plan and implement Speednet’s network expansion under the guidance of the Director; represent Speednet in discussions with vendor from project layout and start up to successfully delivery and acceptance of equipment and systems in accordance with Contract; to provide regular report to the Director on the status of the project; effectively manage project timetables in a proactive manner; carry out hands on training for installation staff.

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Manage and implement the rollout of the various components of the project (soft switch, MGW, BSC and Base Stations, site acquisition, tower purchases, foundation construction and erections etc) in close consultation with the Director to meet the schedules agreed to between Speednet and the vendor.

2.

Evaluate and make recommendations, where appropriate, regarding the vendor’s cutover plans for the new network to ensure the minimum of service interruptions to customers.

3.

Manage and rollout the Speednet components (site acquisitions, power installations, backhaul acquisition and installation, tower acquisitions and builds and related logistics).

4.

Represent the Director at scheduled project management meetings with vendor to ensure that the quality of work and other deliverables are met in accordance with the vendor’s obligations under the contract.

5.

Represent Speednet’s witnessing the acceptance testing to ensure full compliance with equipment specifications and contract obligations.

6.

Provide regular reports on status and progress of the project in accordance with contractual timetables and attend Speednet Exec meetings to report on the project.

7.

Be proactive in anticipating potential delays and work to avoid or minimize their negative effects.

8.

Travel to the various sites to ensure installations and testing is being carried out according to industry standards and in accordance with the vendor’s contractual obligations.

9.

Supervise those installations that Speednet is responsible for and ensure that they are carried out according to industry standards and Speednet’s obligations under the contract.

10.

Carry out any other duties related to the project that may be assigned to him by the Director.

11.

Be fluent in English.

Qualifications: BSc Engineering with at least 5 years work experience Candidate must possess good project management skills Bilingual in English and Spanish would be an asset Interested persons should send a letter of application along with their Curriculum Vitae and letters of reference by May 7, 2010 to: The Chief Operations Officer Speednet Communications Limited Mile 2 ½ Northern Highway PO Box 1816 Belize City

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Belize Times

The Belize Times Says Goodbye

The shocking news late Monday evening that veteran television reporter, Keith Swift, was found dead inside his bungalow home on Lizarraga Avenue, King's Park has left many of us in the media world and many more numb. He was discovered by his roommate, Mark Bowman, who went home and observed Keith's keys still in the doorknob. He was lying face up on the floor in his bedroom.

The late Keith Swift was just 30 years old and was thought to be in good health, aside from a knee problem he had been coping with for a couple years. The autopsy report certifies that he died from cerebral hemmorhage which led to a heart attack. Forensic pathologist, Dr. Marion Estradabran opined that his death

was immediate.

Keith first started out in journal-

ism in 1998 when as a young 17 year old intern from SJC Sixth Form he was placed at the now defunct Broadcasting Corporation of Belize. That same year after graduation he sought employment at Channel 7 where he remained until the time of his death, except for a brief stint in the US to further his studies. His boss, Channel 7 Manager, Jules Vasquez described Keith as a true professional, a machine that was flexible and sensitive to work on any story, yet "quite animated.�

Aside from the television screen at 6:30 in the evenings, Keith was also a popular sight on Albert Street, where he used to patronize many of the fruit and food vendors or sometimes just to have a conversation

with. He had an engaging style about him, and it worked for him because many of his stories featured the common person on the street. His last story was on Friday, April 16 when he worked on the shooting of Cecil Lewis, Marie Lewis' son on Faber's Road.

Keith will be laid to rest on Friday in Belmopan, the place where he was born in 1979 to Greta Mossiah and former House Speaker Robert C Swift. His funeral service will be held at St. Ann's Anglican Church in Belmopan.

The Belize Times expresses sincere condolences to the family and friends left behind, and joins the rest of the media in saying goodbye to a colleague and friend.

7:00 pm on Saturday, April 10th on the D & E bus heading from San Ignacio to Benque Viejo del Carmen, around 25 passengers and

crew were robbed of their cash and personal belongings by two men, believed to be Guatemalan.

The one with the gun was stabbed

and killed during the commotion and the other with the grenade was kicked through the front door without stealing the items.

Keith Swift

Teen who fell from bus during armed robbery dies

The family of nineteen year old Luisa Carillo is planning her funeral rather than her graduation this week. Carillo was the teen who fell from the speeding D & E bus as two bandits robbed the occupants, one with a grenade, the other with a gun. Luisa had been placed in a coma on Monday, April 12th after she had been transferred from the KHMH to Belize Health Care Partners. She was able at that time to answer basic questions but because her brain was swollen, doctors had to induce coma to take a CT scan and administer medication.

Luisa Carrillo

Luisa was said to be improving significantly when her physician, Doctor Joel Cervantes said the swelling had gone down 20% and when by the weekend she showed even better progress, doctors decided to wake her up. On Saturday she started to take a soft diet and became more responsive with her family in short conversations. At around 7 on Sunday morning Luisa was still giving short answers to doctors but shortly after she said she was sleepy. Less than 2 hours later Luisa had slipped back into a coma, perhaps the result of another brain swelling. Another CT scan was done and this one showed that blood had gathered around the brain stem and has begun to shut off the oxygen flow to the brain.

Doctors performed an emergency surgery to remove bone to allow the brain tissue to swell out. Luisa died at 1:10 Monday morning Luisa would have graduated from 4th form at Sacred Heart College this coming June.

In the armed holdup around

7

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The Belize Times

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Two Children Die in Burning House

Marie Castillo

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news from Higinio, who called her and told her that the house was on fire. Castillo, however, did not believe him until she saw the commotion in front of her house. She also said that when she asked him the whereabouts

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was crushing news for Castillo, who said the last time she saw her son was when he took a bucket inside and closed the door as she left for the wake.

Castillo actually received the

Sheyli Castro

The bizarre discovery of the body of 2 year old Sheyli Castro in a canal in front of her home last week Friday has left cops puzzled and neighbours in shock.

Investigations into the little girl's death are still ongoing and the autopsy on her body has been inconclusive and further investigations will have to be done.

Her body was retrieved from a canal right in front of her home around 11:00 last Friday morning. She was last seen alive around 3:00pm on Thursday afternoon as she played in her humble dwelling off Holy Emanuel Street behind the Complex Building in Saint Martin de Porres area of Belize City. Her grandmother was taking care of her and had just turned her head for a couple minutes to check the stove.

But when she turned back around little Sheyli was nowhere in sight.

The speculation is that the child probably threw something and it fell in the canal and she went after it and tried to retrieve it.

PUP Think Tanking Sessions Every Thursday, Independence Hall at 7:30pm

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Toddler found dead in canal in front of home

Alexander Castillo

of their children he said he didn't know.

Neighbours said they heard a loud explosion, which was a gas tank that ignited after the house had caught on fire. When they went outside to check, a huge ball of flame was coming from the house. By the time the fire truck showed up there was no chance of saving the children or anything inside. Officer in charge of the Dangriga Fire Station, Charles Vernon said it took personnel 15 minutes to control the blaze but the damage had already been done.

Investigations have shown that the fire may have started from an electrical fan inside the living room.

Police have detained both parents pending investigations.

RP AR IS

Two small children, ages seven and four, were burnt to death as they slept inside their small 15 x 15 ft. wooden and zinc home in the Benguche community of Dangriga early Saturday morning. Alexander, 7, and Archangel, 4, were left alone at home by parents who had gone to a wake.

Marie Castillo, 21, the children's mother, had gone first and left the two children in the care of their father, Irecie Higinio, 26, to attend the wake at her grandmother's nearby house sometime after 9:00 on Friday night. But sometime after 2:00am when Marie had not returned home, Higinio decided to go and join her.

He left home and locked the children inside asleep and within 15 minutes, the house was engulfed in flames. It

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Food and Drinks on Sale Bring Your Entir Family!

FR. IAN TAYLOR TRINIDAD W.I.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Belize Times

No Slowdown in Murders

It seems that while the political spin-doctors in the Ministry of National Security continue to wave their magic wands in an effort to make crimes disappear, criminals have not taken a break and lawlessness continues to rule the streets of Belize.

This weekend there were two more murders, both of which occurred in the north of the country. The first victim was Guatemalan Edgar Monteagudo, 21, a cane farmer who was living in Belize for 2 years trying to make a better life for his family.

Monteagudo, whose work permit was about to expire, had just left home in San Joaquin to go pick up his salary, but before that he went by the home of his friend, Jesus Gonzales, 19, who lived on the other side of the village. The youths had become good friends since Monteagudo came to Belize and at around 6:00 Saturday evening, they would fall prey to one of Gonzales' own neighbours, a 16 year old who had developed hatred towards Monteagudo, reportedly because of his nationality. Gonzales claims the accused has, on a number of occasions, expressed words of hate towards Monteagudo because he was from Guatemala. In fact, the

Edgar Monteagudo

minor had even allegedly assaulted Gonzales before with a machete and claimed he did it because he was friends with Monteagudo.

On the fateful evening, the youth came from the direction of the Northern Highway, passed both Monteagudo and Gonzales in front of his (Gonzales') house talking.

But as he reached about 100 feet further, he turned back and started an argument with them. The 16 year old, it appeared, was prepared for his next move because he produced a knife that would later become the murder weapon. He started to fight with the two friends during which time he stabbed both of them, Monteagudo to his chest and Gonzales to his left shoulder. A friend who witnessed the incident tried to help her badly

KARL HEUSNER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Vacancy Public Relations Officer Job Summary:

The Public Relations Officer will plan, develop and conduct the Hospital's overall public relations programs. The employee is responsible for developing public awareness of the Hospital's goals, objectives, plans, programs and achievements, administration of patient grievances and complaints and recommendations for the resolution of any complaint.

Erin Rivero Sutherland

injured friend when she saw him still breathing but by the time he was rushed to the Corozal Town Hospital it was too late. The minor has been charged with murder and is spending his time on remand at the Wagner's Correctional Facility in Hattieville. He is to return to the Corozal Magistrate's Court on May 20.

The second incident occurred shortly after 12:00 on Sunday morning and this time the victim was a 17 year old villager of Orange Walk Town. But the motive of this murder is not as clear cut as the first case. Erin Rivero Sutherland had reportedly just left his girlfriend's house and was going to meet his mother on Sapodilla Street in the Louisiana area to pick up the house key when someone he recognized

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from among a group called him.

Sutherland went over to see what his acquaintance wanted and that was when another member of the group started to pick on him.

The man, who reports say is from Dangriga, attacked an unsuspecting and defenseless Sutherland with a knife.

He suffered wounds to his forehead, the back of his head, chest and abdomen and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Northern Regional Hospital.

Police believe the suspect acted alone in the killing and that he has returned to Dangriga and has since alerted the formation in that municipality.

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE at www.belizetimes.bz ~ POST YOUR COMMENTS ~ VOTE ON ARTICLES ~ VIEW OUR PHOTO GALLERY ~ CHECK OUT A PDF VERSION OF THE PAPER We are the most visited newspaper website in Belize

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BELIZE A.D. 2009 CLAIM NO. 837 of 2009

SMALL FARMERS AND BUSINESS BANK LTD. CLAIMANT

BETWEEN

AND

OMAR AYUSO

DEFENDANT

Duties and Responsibilities: • •

•

•

• •

•

Maintains proactive interaction with patients and visitors on a daily basis.

Plans, develops, conducts or directs public relations and information programs designed to create and maintain a favorable public image of the Hospital Keeps the public informed of the Hospital's objectives, goals, activities, accomplishments and/or current programs and events.

Prepares for publication fact sheets, news releases, newsletters, photographs and any other audio/visual materials.

Prepares monthly reports, special project reports, and other reports as required.

Photograph's events, locations, people or other illustrative activities for the Hospital's use or as requested.

Reports directly to the Training Coordinator and assists the Training Officer in designing and executing employee awareness programs and customer service programs.

Education:

•

•

Bachelor's Degree in journalism, speech, business, communications or public administration, audio-visual or other related field, and/or Specialized education and training in public relations and media technologies.

Government of Belize pay scale 14 - $23,220 x 960 - $41,460

Salary

Work Experience:

A minimum of three years experience in public relations activities at a level of supervisory or individual program responsibility.

Application Process:

Send application and resume along with two references, copy of recent police record, and a copy of valid Social Security Card to the Director of

Human Resources by May 5, 2010.

TO:

Mr. Omar Ayuso #1A San Pedro Street Union Town Area Orange Walk Town Orange Walk District

TAKE NOTICE that an action has been commenced against you in Supreme Court of Belize, Claim No. 837 of 2009 by SMALL FARMERS AND BUSINESS BANK LTD., with registered office situate at Forest Drive, Belmopan City, Cayo District, Belize, for the sum of $30,424.99 plus interest and costs.

AND it has been ordered that service of the Claim Form and Statement of Claim in the said action be effected on you by this advertisement. If you desire to defend the said action, you must, within 14 days from the date of the second publication hereof, enter an appearance at the office of the Supreme Court.

IN DEFAULT of such appearance, judgment may be entered against you.

DATED 21st day of April, 2010.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS Attorneys for the Claimant SMALL FARMERS & BUSINESS BANK LTD.

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The Belize Times

Sunday, April 25, 2010

DECENTRALIZATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT A DEVELOPMENT IMPERATIVE

Last week this columnist examined the role of the major political parties and the importance for the Belizean citizenry to understand the implication and function of the political institutional framework and why political parties cannot be divorced from the process of local government. The point was also made of the importance to the citizenry, both voters and individuals offering themselves for political office to understand the need to address the significant challenge of fostering greater corporation and facilitation between central government and local government.

This general mandate of fostering and promoting community based development through an active participation in the political process seem to be lost on politicians. Furthermore, the outcome of active participation is to elaborate and encourage community based development that seeks to promote an active participation of the citizenry by ensuring that policy development is geared towards pro-poor development and risk management and mitigation. Therefore, this essay will examine some of the benefits of the decentralization of governance in Belize and why it is imperative for further strides to be made to ensure that the development of Belize and her people are driven by those who know best.

Prior to 2000 village councils throughout Belize functioned as ad hoc de facto groups selected under no clear process and functioned in a fashion that did not reflect a meaningful structure of governance.

In 2000 the PUP government heard the calls of the rural communities and driven by a grassroots movement to concretize and expand the free and democratic participation in the political framework, consultations resulted in the significant amendments to the Village Council Act (VCA), Chapter 88 of the Laws of Belize. The main trust of the legislative amendment was to provide clearer guidelines for the functioning and operation of village councils by providing greater autonomy and the establishment of umbrella representative bodies that would provide a voice for village leaders. This saw the creation of the District Association of Village Councils (DAVCO) and National Association of Village Councils (NAVCO). Subsequent legislative amendments provided the regulations for the operation of DAVCO and NAVCO and other amendments sought to address increasing access to funding for village councils under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act. Thus, the strides that were made under the last administration were commendable, in providing the impetus for the decentralization of governance. However, the time

is ripe now for further inroads to be made to ensure that the sustainability and development of policies that are geared towards pro-poor development and risk management and mitigation are so enhanced. This community driven development must be one that seeks to build upon and strengthen communities through a sustainable livelihood approach. However, such an objective could only be fostered if the adequate attention is placed on enhancing the funding capacity for village councils. For autonomy to govern without adequate funding mechanisms is like a shark without teeth.

Under the current legislations in place, villages derive their financing through fines and penalties paid in respect of non-compliance with various provisions of the VCA and other bylaws and legislations addressing inter alia; the collection of litter, operation of Water Boards, animal restrictions, maintenance of market stalls and slaughter houses, licensing fees for butchers, liquor licensing and any monies lawfully derived from fund raising activities.

Unlike municipal governments, central government provides no subvention for the operation of village councils. Meager stipends of $50 monthly are provided for village council chairpersons. In the 2009/10 FY monies voted for rural community development was a paltry $186,000 which when shared across almost 200 villages meant less than a $1,000 per village. Through the institutional support provided by the NAVCO village leaders have voiced their need to have central government address avenues to enhance the financing structure of how the councils function in addition to ensuring respect and validity to the autonomy of these local government bodies. The obvious need to have greater facilitation and less marginalization and victimization between area representatives and local leaders has fell on deaf ears.

Although it is evident that the current administration is short on ideas, this writer would opine that the decentralization started by the PUP administration now needs to go further to strengthen and give teeth to the autonomous functioning of these local government bodies.

Some ways in which further reforms could take place would be offered, which this write contends would be greatly supported by the PUP if they were in administration; as their stated position as presented by the leader of the opposition is one of facilitation of local leadership and independent grassroots movement. An area that requires urgent attention firstly is funding. A practical and pragmatic approach to the enhancement of individuals’ asset base is to allow for free and fair access

to land within the communities. The current existence and functioning of a Lots Committee within villages has been an area of direct conflict and contention between village leaders and area representatives.

The spirit of the law must prevail in making certain that local leaders, be them PUP, UDP or independent representatives drive the development and expansion of their communities.

Therefore the intervention by area representatives ought to be addressed by removing the unconstitutional authority that they have a stronghold on. To make sure that this happens, a possible mechanism can see the payment of land rents collected by central government, passed on to the respective communities to finance their development projects.

The VCA also requires strengthening whereby the Minister responsible for Lands must not just consult the village councils, but more importantly seek their approve and support for development of lands and their designation within the communities.

Secondly, the appointment of Water Boards must be apolitical to guarantee accountability and transparency in their financial operations. This can be accomplished by having the village councils appoint for themselves these bodies. Financial sustainability of local government authorities is an imperative to realizing their development goals and objectives, by fostering greater commercial activities by village councils. The NAVCO through its development partners provide for the institutional strengthening of these councils to enhance their management skills.

A government subvention would also contribute greatly to their development efforts; albeit such funding sources must be clearly based on development plans originating from within the communities. The level of facilitation and corporation required between area representatives and local leaders is to provide

support in areas such as security and law enforcement, natural disaster mitigation, enhancement of greater efficiency in the overall governance structure.

The aforementioned suggestions provide but only a snap shot of the direction that government and the political directorate needs to take to providing an avenue that engenders community driven development from the rural people of Belize. Unlike PM Barrow’s perspective, there are no village idiots but rather talented and well educated persons within the rural communities, as many leaders, academicians, professionals and public officials all have origins from rural communities.

Consequently their heritage and return to these communities must capitalize and build on talent that is resident in these communities. For it is only when Belizeans have confidence in the governance structure will their participation be meaningful. Let the voice and the aspirations of villagers be heard and acted upon. Let the election process proceed in a way that respects the growing clamor of villagers to be left alone so that unity can prevail. This will allow for a higher caliber of leadership to emerge that will continue to drive a positive development agenda of meaningful reform. The people of Belize spoke in 2008. They are speaking now; the PUP is listening and their commitment to serve the people is renewed. This foundation philosophy is once again being placed as the cornerstone in all their processes and decision making forum.

Gwyneth Sydney Nah Send comments to GwynethNah@gmail.com

PUP Think Tanking Sessions Every Thursday, Independence Hall at 7:30pm

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the company named

MILDBROSS INTERNATIONAL LTD.� has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 16th day of April, 2010.

Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee Trust (Belize) Limited Registered Agent

Sunday, Sunday,April April18, 25,2010 2010

THE TheBELIZE Belize TIMES Times

TELL BELIZEANS THE TRUTH

A 11

Minister of Natural Resources Gaspar Vega frequently calls on God when he talks about his own so-called honesty and dedication to Belizeans. He claims that his performance in the Ministry of Lands has been exemplary. He claims to always be looking out for poor %HOL]HDQV +H FODLPV WKDW KH GRHVQ¶W ZRUU\ DERXW SROLWLFDO DI¿OLDWLRQ but is guided by his own ‘good heart’ in dealing with land matters.

To listen to him, one would think that Mr. Vega is on the direct track to sainthood.

But Mr. Vega is a LIAR… Belizeans would like to know the truth about these large parcels of land which were given to Vega’s family members and UDP bigwigs: Denny Grijalva John Sydney Usher John Sydney Usher Marlon Fernandez Ronnie Vega Geral Coleman Sydney Wilfred Ritchie Felipe Novelo Veronica Quiros Leticia Hyde Jose Tobar Dianella Castellanos Rosadelia Guy Imer Hernandez

27.58 acres 45.941 acres 99 acres 201.11 acres Lot No. 2 167.05 acres 100.026 acres 284 acres 99.97 acres 86.56 acres 207.494 acres 103.97 acres 101.99 acres 100.07 acres

San Lorenzo Road, Orange Walk Sittee River, Stann Creek Cabbage Hall Area, Stann Creek Iguana Creek Succotz Commerce Bight, Stann Creek Silver Creek Area, Stann Creek Sibun Area, Cayo District Barton Creek, Mountain Pine Ridge Barton Creek, Mountain Pine Ridge Cadena Creek, Cayo District Pine Ridge, San Antonio Pine Ridge, San Antonio Mile 12 1/2 Western Highway

While Vega is taking away land from poor Belizeans, he is giving away large parcels to UDP cronies. There are hundreds of land transactions like these.

Mr. Vega...

You Have Betrayed the Belizean People

12

The Belize Times

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Mariposa'sKid's Corner : e W u F a Belize D g n i t c e t o r Places P e f i l d l i W r ou

Across

6. The forest and savanna areas of this wildlife sanctuary provide a home for a wide variety of animals including gibnuts, black howler monkeys, whitetailed deer, kinkajous, endangered tapirs and jaguars.

8. This marine and wildlife reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site accessible only by boat. It used to be an important trading port to the Maya and is also the ancestral burial ground of Chac Balam.

April 22nd was International Earth Day! What are you doing in your own way to help protect our precious Earth and precious Belize? Remember every action, no matter how small, counts. Reduce, reuse and recycle your garbage, conserve water and preserve the homes of our wildlife…

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

By Brandi Waters

1 People make a lot of trash. Just think about all of the things you throw away each day. There are wrappers from food and drink containers when you eat. There are old newspapers and junk mail at your house. There is trash at your school. There is trash at doctor's offices, banks, and libraries, too. There is so much trash!

2 When most of us throw something away, it goes to a landfill. At the landfill, the trash is buried underground.

We cannot keep burying all of our trash. We make too much of it! We will run out of room to put it all. What can we do? There are three things that we all can do to make less trash. We can reduce the amount of trash that we make. We can reuse things. We can recycle things instead of throwing them away. If we all do these things, there will be less trash going to landfills.

3 It is easy to reduce the amount of trash that you make. Start using a water bottle. Don't buy bottles of water that you throw away. Use cloth shopping bags at the grocery store. Then you won't have to use new paper or plastic bags each time you shop. Try to write on both Down 1. This wildlife sanctuary was first established in 1990 and is well-known for being the sides of a piece of paper instead of only the front side. All of these things will reduce the amount of trash that you first jaguar reserve.

2. This wildlife reserve is located three miles south of the small fishing village of Sartene- make! ja. It covers 22,000 acres of unspoiled, waterlogged jungle, savannah, and mangrove swamp.

3. If you visit this marine reserve you can get up close and personal with sting rays and nurse sharks in Shark Ray Alley.

4. This marine reserve is home to the beach of Hunting Caye which is a nesting ground for the Hawksbill Turtle.

5. This park is named for the Guanacaste (Tubroos) tree which is one of the largest tree species in Central America.

7. This wildlife sanctuary is a favourite for persons who are "wild" about birds. This sanctuary is home to thousands of migratory birds including the Jabiru Stork.

Did you know?

• Each person throws away approximately four pounds of garbage every day!

• One bus carries as many people as 40 cars!

• Most families throw away about 88 pounds of plastic every year!

• We each use about 12,000 gallons of water every year.

• 1/3 of all water is used to flush the toilet.

• The 500 million automobiles on earth burn an average of 2 gallons of fuel a day.

• Each gallon of fuel releases 20 pounds of carbon dioxide into the air.

• Approximately 5 million tons of oil produced in the world each ear ends up in the ocean.

• Earth is 2/3 water. but all the fresh water streams only represent one hundredth of one percent.

• 14 billion pounds of trash is dumped into the ocean every year.

• 84 percent of all household waste can be recycled.

• One gallon of motor oil can contaminate up to 2 million gallons of water so dispose of properly!

Across: 6. Aguacaliente 8. Bacalar Chico Down: 1. Cockscomb basin 2. Shipstern 3. Hol Chan 4. Sapodilla Cayes 5. Guanacaste 7. Crooked Tree

Color Me

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Belize Times

Paying for Past Transgressions?

By: Mike Rudon Jr. The private life of Belize’s Prime Minister is of no concern to us, and even though there are those who would say that for such a public figure nothing is private, I would go so far as to say that it is nobody’s business.

Most avid political creatures have heard the rumours that the marriage between the Prime Minister and his ex-wife, attorney Lois Young was not a pleasant one, to put it diplomatically.

Some people claim it was decidedly unpleasant for Ms. Young, but that’s neither here nor there. Whatever happened between the Prime Minister of Belize and his ex-wife behind closed doors should remain there, behind closed doors.

Upon taking office, Mr. Barrow started bestowing gifts upon his ex-wife. She was recognized with a special award, and the Prime Minister felt so moved that he spent minutes of the people’s time in the House of Representatives crowing about his ex-wife’s absolute ‘wonderfulness.’

She was named the Ambassador to the United Nations, thought to be the most important diplomatic posting available, but to the best of our knowledge is ambassador in name (and salary and perks?) only. She was named Acting Attorney-General, in contravention of the laws of the Constitution, when Sedi Elrington had to leave the country on official business. She was made the Chairman of the Social Security Board, a very lucrative position and was placed on the Board of the new BTL (Barrow Telemedia Limited). And if that were

not enough, the word has gone out that only Lois Young is smart enough to represent government in Court.

At last admission by the PM she had been paid over $1.5million already, not including recent court appearances at the Privy Council or the 20 or so cases for which she is still the attorney on record.

To take nothing from the lady, she is, or was a competent attorney.

Some people believe that judging from recent appearances she is on the downhill portion of a long career.

But giving her the benefit of the doubt, let’s say she’s a good attorney.

Belize is bulging at the seams with good attorneys. Belize is chock full of excellent attorneys. Belize can even boast some damned exceptional legal minds. But not one of them has been showered with the affection and goodwill bestowed on Lois Young by

her ex-husband.

Mr. Barrow claims that she is the only attorney not on Ashcroft’s payroll, but that is such a stupid and outrageous comment that we won’t waste time with it. It’s not like she is being rewarded for sterling service of the Belizean people. Lois Young serves herself first and foremost – show me the money, if you see what I’m saying. Just ask the Mayan people from down south. When Lois was serving her ex-husband in opposition, she was all for their cause. When her ex-husband became Prime Minister and his administration decided to victimize the Mayan people, where was Lois Young? She was right there bashing the Mayans a la Dean. Even the ACB was quickly revealed as the Association Concerned about Barrow’s agenda rather than anything else. As long as Mr. Barrow agenda was fulfilled, Ms. Young was happy.

Hell, her law firm doesn’t even entertain pro-bono work – serving the people my a$$.

Lois Young has served her ex-husband who is now the Prime Minister of Belize. That service has paid dividends.

But even taking her service of her ex-husband aside, Lois Young has been receiving a whole lot of love. And that thing that I said earlier about Mr. Barrow’s private life being private – that still stands, but there’s a proviso.

See, if taxpayer dollars are being used to soothe lotion on any private wounds caused by Mr. Barrow, then it sure as hell becomes our business. If Mr. Barrow is trying to make amends

13

for old injuries caused to his ex-wife by throwing our money at her, that’ is our business. She’s a good attorney, but not that good. And the jury is still out on the verdict of whether she is even a good person. We will not pay to clean up Mr. Barrow’s past mess. It is not right.

If Mr. Barrow wants to sit outside his ex-wife’s window and sing Spanish lullabies that is his business.

Apart from some real entertainment value, that means nothing to us. If Mr. Barrow wants to mount a picture of his ex-wife in a golden frame and place it in his bedroom, that would be weird but it’s still his business. If Mr. Barrow wants to allocate an hour weekly so his ex-wife can lash him with a barbed cord that’s downright creepy but still his business. But if Mr. Barrow is using our money irresponsibly and with abandon to pay for his past transgressions, then that is much more than his business – that is our business, serious business!

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE at www.belizetimes.bz ~ POST YOUR COMMENTS ~ VOTE ON ARTICLES ~ VIEW OUR PHOTO GALLERY ~ CHECK OUT A PDF VERSION OF THE PAPER We are the most visited newspaper website in Belize

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the below companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 8th day of April, 2010.

CUNNINGHAM TRADING SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL INC. TEXPERT INTERNATIONAL LIMITED The Belize Bank Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the following companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the dates indicated:

ALLEYA INVESTMENTS INC. – March 31st, 2010 ANIKA HOLDINGS INC. – March 31st, 2010 MCBAIN LIMITED – March 31st, 2010 SILVER SUNSET WORLD CORPORATION –

April 2nd, 2010 The Belize Bank Limited Registered Agent

14

The Belize Times

Volcano has tourists stuck in Tobago

Passengers booked on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic flights have been stranded in Tobago since last Wednesday, after a cloud of ash spewed from a volcano in Iceland, halting air traffic in Europe.

Acting general manager at the Turtle Beach Hotel, David Hairston, told the Express yesterday about ten or 15 guests were affected at the hotel, while a dozen bookings scheduled from Europe were affected. ’Some guests have (medical) prescriptions that are going to expire today, some guests have medical conditions. Most guests have a limited budget, so they are here, their time overdue, with pets waiting and children or other commitments,’ he said.

Jonathan Cordell, a stranded passenger from the United Kingdom, who is staying at Turtle Beach, said he was due to leave yesterday and had to inform his employer that he was stuck in Tobago. ’The biggest inconvenience is not knowing what’s happening. For example,

my car is parked at the airport in London, paid until today, so whether every hour it’s going to go up, who knows? So that’s inconvenient, my travel insurance was for the length of my stay. We only have a certain amount of money,’ Cordell said.

Passengers at the Coco Reef resort were also affected.

Geoff Andrews and his wife, both of London, said while they were being accommodated at Coco Reef since the volcano blanketed the skies over Europe in volcanic ash, they had urgent commitments at home. ’We are waiting on a flight on Thursday, but I think so are about 500 or 600 other people. So we are keeping our fingers crossed. It is paradise here but on the other hand we have a party for our wedding anniversary organised for Saturday in London, and we are not sure if we would be back in time.’

Sales and marketing manager at Coco Reef Sherry Murray said 40 people at the hotel were affected. She said the hotel was working closely with tour operators in the UK. ’We worked with the other hotels and tour operators in the UK and Europe, to ensure that they are all accommodated until the air space is open. And we really have to wait until we get some more updates, but other than that, it’s about keeping them happy, allowing them to get phone calls into home, and keeping them updated with what’s going on.’

British Airways head office said the company was losing US$30 million a day from its worldwide operations because of the ash, the Associated Press reported yesterday.

SEA RESCUE...Man found after 36 hours; two companions still missing What apparently started out as a weekend getaway for three friends has ended tragically with two men missing and feared dead and another hospitalized from apparent dehydration.

Wayne Adams (above) was fished out of the water after 36 hours at sea. His companions are still misssing and feared dead. Reports reaching the AntiguaSun indicate that the man, Wayne Adams, who is believed to be in his mid to late 40’s, was fished from the waters over 10 miles off the coast of Antigua yesterday morning (20 April.) Further reports are that the man was spotted by two men who were out fishing.

Speaking to the SUN, one of Adams’ rescuers, First Mate, Toby Fuchs said he and his colleague Captain John Watt were about 12 miles North West of Antigua when they cited a red object floating in the water about 10:30 a.m.

"We (Fuchs and Watt) were doing some fishing in the deep. We were looking for birds which is a normal telltale sign of fishes around.

"While there we saw a red object in the water floating about half a mile away from where we were. We went over and we saw it splash. At first I thought it was just something floating, maybe a buoy or a Dolphin that is why we started heading to it (the object) and then as we went up closer the guy (Adams) waived his hand. I was surprised to see it was a human," Fuchs said.

According to Fuchs they (he and Watt) hoisted their fishing lines and pulled Adams aboard by opening the fishing trap door.

Adams is attended to by paramedics

before being taken to MSJMC. (Photos courtesy Toby and Natalie Fuchs)After having pulled Adams on board their vessel, Fuchs said he (Adams) told them how he came to be in the predicament that he found himself in.

Fuchs told the SUN that Adams explained to them (him and Watt) that he (Adams) and two colleagues had journeyed to St. Maarten on the weekend for a fishing tournament.

It was while on their way back to Antigua that his (Adams’) vessel, "Just Whisky" a Wellcraft boat (about 25 ft. in length) encountered difficulties.

Allegations are that the vessel sprang a leak and later sank to the bottom of the sea.

Reports are that the seal around the drive shaft or prop shaft came out causing a hole in the bottom of the boat, which allowed the vessel to take in water before turning over and eventually going under the sea.

"He (Adams) said it was him and two other persons on board. Their boat had

Sunday, April 25, 2010

US military to stand down in Haiti around June 1 WASHINGTON, USA (AFP) -- The US military will end its disaster relief mission in Haiti around June 1, nearly six months after sending in thousands of troops in the wake of a devastating earthquake that killed an estimated 220,000 people, a senior officer said Monday.

Lieutenant General P.K. Keen, the deputy commander of the US Southern Command, said there were currently about 2,200 US troops deployed in Haiti, down from 22,000 in February at the peak of a massive international aid effort in the weeks that followed the January 12 earthquake.

"I expect us to -- on or about 1 June -- to be able to stand down the joint task force," Keen told reporters in Washington.

"We will be able to do that because of the capability that's being built up and has built up by civilian organizations, whether it be USAID's increasing capacity, but, more so, the increasing capacity of non-government organizations that are really running much of the humanitarian assistance efforts within the country."

About 500 US national guard and reservists will remain in Haiti after that,

taking part in disaster relief efforts, he said.

For the moment, the US soldiers deployed in Haiti will focus on moving displaced persons from tent camps to areas that offer greater protection against the onset of the rainy season, he said.

"It’s a work in progress and there’s no mistake that obviously the rainy season and hurricane season is approaching, and living in a tent during a hurricane is not optimal," he said.

Keen said the security situation in Haiti "remains calm" despite isolated incidents of violence.

"This fits in perfectly with our strategy to grow tourism in this country," said John Lynch, director of tourism and chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

"All the destinations that have had it have seen spurts in arrivals immediately afterwards, so there is great value to it," echoed Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett.

Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) President Enrique de Marchena Kaluche announced Jamaica's selection during a press conference at The Jamaica Pegasus on Thursday.

Caribbean Marketplace is scheduled for January 16-18 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, which is still under construction.

CHTA Chief Executive Officer Alec

Sanguinetti said assurances that the centre will be finished in time helped Jamaica's bid.

Bartlett admitted that construction slowed down recently, but said work was now moving at a "good clip" and was slated to be completed at the end of the year.

"I agree that is going to make it tight ... but the critical areas needed for the convention will be ready," he declared.

Sanguinetti said Caribbean Marketplace usually attracted thousands of buyer delegates from around the world "and will leave behind a substantial war chest".

The event was last held in Jamaica in 2005 when it was attended by 1,500 delegates.

sunk and they (Adams and his two friends) were floating on flotation devices (life vests.)

"When we got there (to Adams’ location) the two other guys were nowhere to be found. One of them, according to Adams, is diabetic and the other one is asthmatic. He (Adams) said he lost them –they were split up during the night (Monday evening)," Fuchs told the SUN. According to reports members of the Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard Unit, who were deployed to the scene, found two life jackets floating in open waters, but the bodies of the other two men were nowhere in sight.

Reports are that Adams and his two friends had been in the water since Sunday evening about 6 at which time they made a distress call to the Coast Guard.

Apparently there was some miscommunication and the Coast Guard went to a completely different area from where the vessel went down.

Fuchs said Adams appeared to be very dehydrated and had a few cuts to his legs.

"He (Adams) looked like he was wearing gloves. His hands were white and wrinkled. It (the hands) did not look like he had normal human skin. He could not move his limbs too well and could barely stand up. In order to move he rolled, I guess because he was tired.

Wayne Adams is assisited by paramedics."It was a very sad sight. If

we did not find the guy (Adams) no one would have known they were missing, because his (Adams) friend came when we arrived on shore and told us that he (the friend) knew they were there (in St. Maarten) but he did not know when they were coming back..

"He (Adams) said that 15 minutes before we pull him from the water there was a shark checking him out," Fuchs said.

According to the rescuer, he has seen many strange things in his life while out a sea, but he never thought he would stumble upon a scene as the one he did yesterday.

The boat Fuchs was on came back to land and was docked at the Water Front pier in Hodges Bay next to Sunsail Club Colona.

The police, Coast Guard and members of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were summoned to the scene and Adams was transported to the Mount St. John’s Medical Centre (MSJMC) for treatment. The Coast Guard and the police conducted searches in the immediate and surrounding region where Adams was rescued from, but up to the time of going to press the other two men were still missing and feared dead.

"This was the last thing I ever thought I would have seen while fishing. I saw half a boat but I never saw a live human being floating in the water that far from land," Fuchs told the SUN.

Jamaica to host Caribbean Marketplace 2011

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Belize Times

15

No Political Will…No Hope for Meaningful Change!

At a press briefing on Holy Thursday, April 1st with Prime Minister the Honorable Dean Barrow in attendance and with his concurrence Commissioner of Police Crispin Jeffries declared that the Police High Command had foiled a criminal ring that was masterminded by no less than rogue police officers. He categorically stated that the officers who included an Inspector were behind a string of armed robberies nationwide that had left the people of Belize badly traumatized.

It seemed that Mr. Jeffries’ primary objective and by extension Mr. Barrow’s was to assuage our fears by reassuring us that the Police were not yet overwhelmed by the brazen criminals and the unprecedented lawlessness that had taken a hold of the nation, that they had the capacity to keep us safe outside of our homes over the four-day Easter Holiday weekend, and that it was only the officers and their civilian associates who were the ones responsible for the crime wave that had been spiraling out of control.

But by Tuesday when the country got back to work we found out that Mr. Jeffries had played loose with the truth at the All Fool’s Day press briefing. It seemed that he had played a prank on us but it turned out that the joke was on him. His sensational allegation of the existence of a band of marauding officers led by Detective Constable Jermaine Mangar was turned on its head by both Officer Commanding the San Ignacio Police Formation Senior Superintendent Paul Wade and

Police Press Officer Sergeant Fitzroy Yearwood.

Mr. Wade who is heading the investigations into the Spanish Lookout Scotiabank Branch told the media that the investigations revealed that no officer was involved in the heist that netted the robbers over $300,000 and that resulted in the murder of one of the bank’s security guards. On top of that Mr. Yearwood reported that Police investigators had no evidence linking Mr. Mangar who the Police already had in custody to the Scotiabank robbery. If that were not enough it seemed that the latter had been entrapped by two high ranking officers in a Police sting.

Instead of admitting that he had rushed to a conclusion with less than all the facts, Mr. Jeffries has decided to demonize the media and to treat them as his enemies. Now he who

has always had performances in front of the television cameras worthy of the Academy Awards does not want any turned on when he is around.

Perhaps he does not want us to see how disingenuous he may be at times.

And that would have been the case last week when he held a press briefing to disclose the 2010 First Quarter crime figures.

Mr. Jeffries told the journalists off camera that during the first three months the cases of major crimes that includes murder, rape, and robbery were down by a whopping 30.6%.

Yes, you read right that is not a typo.

But those figures just do not make any sense. His comments alone at the All Fool’s Day press briefing whereby he conceded that the criminals are very brazen and very aggressive and even hinted at extra-judicial killings as a deterrent if they continued to act with impunity dispute them.

To put things into perspective, the nation is not as safe as Mr. Jeffries would lead us to believe. Murders are no longer being committed only at night and among only warring gangs.

Even businessmen who appeared to have no known underworld connections have been gunned down recently for no apparent motive.

While the majority of the murders are committed in South Side Belize City, the killing fields are national. No community is immune or safe today.

Just this past weekend two young men were murdered in villages in the northern districts.

As a result of how unsafe we feel today, we have purposefully altered our lifestyles to diminish the probability that we will become robbery victims or are caught in the middle of gun fire and injured like what happened to a number of primary school students

recently. We avoid driving through known hot spots, refuse to walk alone even in affluent and upper class neighborhoods at any time of the day, install as many security features in our homes as we can afford, and arm ourselves to the teeth. For the most part, we flee to our homes without delay.

Mr. Barrow, if he is not still busy wiping egg off his face left there by Mr. Jeffries’ monumental blunder, should immediately sack him. It is nothing personal against the ComPol; it is just that his record shows that since he took over as Commissioner the Police he has not made any meaningful impact on the fight against crime and has failed to restore our sense of security and as a result of his heavy handed policing methods he has turned many law abiding citizens against the very persons who are tasked to protect them.

But whenever he decides to allow Mr. Jeffries to ride finally into the retirement sunset Mr. Barrow should resist the temptation to name Acting Assistant Commissioner Elodio Aragon Junior as the new Commissioner. That would be a monumental mistake. At this time the ranks of the Police who have been battered by the ongoing accusations of rampant corruption need someone who can inspire hope of better things to come for the Department and not someone who will further divide them.

Mr. Aragon, the son of former United Democratic Party minister Elodio Aragon Senior, is a polarizing figure whose promotion last year decimated the morale of the ranks for its sheer audacity. By leapfrogging the former from the rank of Superintendent to the rank of Assistant Commissioner while passing over three Senior Superintendents for promotion Mr. Barrow showed that he has no reservations over rewarding and promoting favored public officers regardless of years of service and meritocracy.

Whether he stands by Mr. Jeffries or decides to replace him Mr. Barrow has to show that he has the political will to tackle the real causes, both economic and social, that lead many to a life of crime. If not, we will continue to cower in our homes, and pray that we are not the next victims of the criminals preying on the nation. We are all aware that the latter is not doing enough to protect us or to punish the lawbreakers.

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the company named

“DIAFONE LIMITED” has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 17th day of April, 2010.

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

16

The Belize Times

Sunday, April 25, 2010

COURT NEWS 15 Year Old Female Student Three Years for Taxi Driver Found Guilty Of Drug Trafficking Retracts Sexual Assault Report

Bryan Moreira

BELIZE CITY, Wed. April 21, 2010.

Taxi driver Bryan Moreira, 33, charged with drug trafficking for having 11.25 kilograms of cannabis was found guilty of the charge yesterday in the #6 Magistrate’s Court. Magistrate Dorothy Flowers sentenced him to 3 years with the stipulation that the sentence should take effect from July 2, 2009, when he was remanded into custody.

The incident occurred at around 5:30 a.m. on July 2, 2009 between Mile 29 and 30 on the Western Highway. Police constable Roderick Gabourel testified that he was parked on the Western Highway when he saw a vehicle driving slowly coming from the direction of Belmopan.

Gabourel said he saw the right rear door of the vehicle open and a black object was

with

thrown out of the vehicle. Gabourel said he intercepted the vehicle, a green colored taxi car, and the only occupant was the driver, Moreira. Moreira was asked to exit the car and he did.

Gabourel searched him and searched the car but he did not find anything incriminating.

He then took Moreira to the spot where the object was thrown and he retrieved it from where a security guard, Curl Kingston, had hidden it in some bushes off the side of the road. The object was a black traveling bag which contained 11.25 kilograms of cannabis, approximately 25 pounds.

Kingston testified that he was at the side of the road waiting to get a ride home when a green car stopped near to where he was and the driver threw out a black traveling bag. Kingston said the driver told him to put the bag further and he put it in some bushes. But Gabourel saw when Kingston picked up the bag and took it into some bushes. When asked if he had anything to say before sentence is passed, Moreira said his father and his mother are old and his father suffered an attack of stroke. Moreira said he has to help his parents.

Because he had no previous conviction, Magistrate Flowers did not fine and confine him.

jazz vibes

Dolores

every Wednesday night 8pm to 10pm

Vibes Radio 90.5 FM & 102.9 FM

Darwin Rhaburn

BELIZE CITY, Wed. April 21, 2010 A report by a 15 year old female student that she was sexually assaulted

by Darwin Rhaburn, 32, almost landed Rhaburn in prison when he appeared in the #3 Magistrate’s Court on Monday, April 19 and was arraigned on a charge

of aggravated assault. Rhaburn pled not guilty to the charge. The prosecution objected to bail on the ground that the complainant is a minor. Magistrate Kathleen Lewis upheld the objection and remanded Rhaburn into custody until May 15.

But before Rhaburn could be transported to prison the girl recanted her report that on January 15 at Novelo’s Bus Terminal Rhaburn, the gate keeper touched her on her breasts and vagina.

She said she made up the report because Rhaburn had accused her of stealing his cell phone. Rhaburn was taken back to court and the girl’s mother told the court that her daughter did not want any court action.

But Magistrate Lewis did not dismiss the charge. She offered Rhaburn bail of $2,000 which he met, and adjourned his case until May 15.

Fisherman Sentenced To 2 years For Firearm and Ammunition

Lawrence Lino

BELIZE CITY, Wed. April 21, 2010.

L aw r e n c e L i n o, 1 9 , a fisherman of Tibruce Street charged with possession of a firear m and ammunition without a gun license, was found guilty of both charges yesterday in the #7 Magistrate’s Court. Magistrate Ed Usher sentenced him to 2 years for each count with the stipulation that the sentences are to run concurrently. So Lino will only serve 2 years.

T he incident occur red at around 2:45 p.m. on May 7, 2009.

Lino was riding a bicycle on Central American Boulevard when he was spotted by the Police who were on mobile patrol. Evidence that came out at the trial revealed that the Police became alerted to Lino because he was acting in a suspicious manner. Lino began to ride faster when he saw the Police vehicle approaching.

The Police pursued him and apprehended him on Partridge Street.

When the Police searched Lino they found one .22 firearm with 2 rounds of .22 calibre ammunition. Lino told Police that he did not have a license for the firearm so he was taken into custody and charged.

The firearm and ammunition were labeled as exhibits.

In his defense Lino said he found the firear m in a canal on the Northern Highway and he was taking it to the Police Station when he was pursued by the Police and was apprehended. The firearm was modified from having 6 chambers to 8 chambers.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Belize Times

17

COURT NEWS 46 Year Old Woman Sentenced To 5 Years for Burglary

Gwendolyn Young

BELIZE CITY, Wed. April 21, 2010 Gwendolyn Young, 46, who has 7 convictions, one of them for burglary, was found guilty of burglary

Edel Maheia

today in the #5 Magistrate’s Court and was sentenced to 5 years. Magistrate Alber t Hoare who imposed the sentence told Young that he could not fine h er b eca u s e s h e h a s a

previous conviction for burglar y.

Young will also serve time in default of payment of a fine of $250 she got in 2008 for a conviction of theft.

Young burglarized the house of Edel Maheia, 83, located at 92 East Canal Street, around 3:30 p.m. on October 27, 2009. Maheia testified that she was sitting on her sofa when Young came into her house and told her she brought some mangoes for her. Young then told her she wanted to use the bathroom and she went into her bedroom, said Maheia. Maheia said she saw when Young took her purse from under her pillow which contained $500. Maheia said Young also stole the bag of groceries she got from Helpage and her blender.

Maheia said she tried to stop Young by hitting her several times with a broom, but it was to no avail.

Ms. Barbara Savery, 76, who lives opposite from Maheia testified and corroborated Maheia’s testimony up to a certain point. Ms. Savery said she was in front of her house selling pastries when she saw Young enter Maheia’s house. She said before Yung entered the house Young looked at her and told her that she was going to Maheia’s house to get some water.

She said she did not say anything to Young because she thought Young knew Maheia.

She testified that she knew something was wrong when she saw Young coming out of the house with Maheia’s bag of groceries. Young testified and admitted that she went to Maheia’s house but she claimed that she did not steal anything.

Police Constable Jer maine Mangar who was the arresting officer was in court to testify although he was recently released on bail after being remanded into custody on charges of attempted robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Dangriga Plumber Busted At PGIA

Stephen Castillo

BELIZE CITY, Wed. April 21, 2010

S t e p h e n C a s t i l l o, 3 5 , a plumber of Lakeland, Dang rig a who was busted at Philip Goldson International Airport with a substance allegedly used to make crystal meth, was charged with possession of a controlled drug when he appeared yesterday in the #6 Magistrate’s Court. Castillo pled not guilty to the charge. He was released on bail of $3,000 and his case was adjourned until June 18.

T he incident occur red at around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 17. Police reports are that Castillo disembarked from a Delta Airline flight from Atlanta, Georgia and when he was searched a substance was found believed to be Methylamphetamine.

The substance was found in the right pocket of his pants. When weighed it amounted to 2.1 grams.

Castillo was detained and he was taken into custody and charged.

The substance was labeled as an exhibit.

18

The Belize Times

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Belize Times

Insert A A

True Blue……..….

Carolyn Trench-Sandiford Party Chairman “ I da wah PUP Fphram wuomb to tuomb” or “if yo kut mi vein, yo wah si mi blud blue” are common phrases I encounter as Chairman of the People’s United Party, as I travel the country and engage in the work of the Party, and each time I hear it, I feel their passion,

I sense their candor, and I marvel at their strength of conviction. I consider them the heart and soul of the PUP, because their life is the PUP. These are often the foot soldiers, the grass roots of the Party, who unselfishly, willingly and courageously place themselves on the frontline of the revolution, each and every day, in the name of the Party, whether it is in government, or in opposition. They ask for little or no return, rarely receive any substantive benefit, but are usually the ones who feel the pain, the heartache, the pressure and the hardship.

They have accepted this as a way of life, their life, particularly when the Party is in opposition, because they have very little in terms of savings to rely on, as they never really prepare for being in opposition, and are usually the first ones who are singled out for victimization and

oppression by the UDP, when they are in government, and at times, even forgotten by their own Party, when it is the government. Yet they remain true to the blue, despite the fact that their stories are the ones that are often not told.

One such story that imprints my mind, is that of a single mother, who just last week, conveyed to me with tears in her eyes, of sending her children to school without food for two consecutive days, of having no electricity, of desperately trying to find a job. She talks of comforting her children each morning before they go to school, of encouraging them to have faith in God, and in the PUP, as the PUP is their only hope for deliverance. She believes in her Party, and is trusting of her leaders to ensure that once we form the government, we will hold strong and true to the philosophy and values which define us.

As I think of her, I recall when

I filled out my application to formally become a member of the PUP. I wrote my name on the line in the blank space “I, Carolyn Trench-Sandiford, am applying for membership of the Party, because I believe in the Philosophy of the People’s United Party.” I then gave my particulars, including my name, address, contact number and email address.

At the bottom I signed, after reading the portion that says “If my application is accepted, I pledge to work for the achievement of the aims and objects of the peaceful constructive revolution, the principles and programmes of the P.U.P., to abide by the Constitution, discipline and decisions of the P.U.P., to vote and encourage others to vote for all candidates of the P.U.P. in all elections, to pay the dues, and not to be a member or supporter of any political party or any organization whose philosophy, ideology, principles, policies or programmes are contrary to or inconsistent with those of the P.U.P.” I then signed it. It’s a commitment each of us makes, and a promise we are bound to keep. This is imprinted on my mind as well.

Yes, there will always be those who claim to be blue, who wear their colours on their sleeves, while making every effort to detract from the work of the Party, and the revolution, and who claim entitlement simply because of who they believe they are, and because of their monetary contributions to the Party, and yes, this is despite having multiplied their returns. Their concern is about position and future prospects. However, this is not the case of that single mother, and many others like her, that I continue to meet, and dialogue with each day.

Their world is real. It is about survival each and every day.

We must therefore, as leaders, give hope to those who look to us, and point them in the direction we are to journey. At the same time, we should also make every effort to encourage the others to remember the motto of the Party, which is “To Serve the People”. We must make it our duty to remind them of those who have nothing but hope, hope in us, and in our Party and who despite all that they must face, continue to stay true to the blue.

For they see the PUP, as the only solution, as their solution, to the challenges of poverty and crime, of marginalization and exclusion, and for maintaining our national dignity. But more importantly, we must point out to all that the PUP is the people’s party, and it will always have a space and a role for those who are willingly to live by what we sign on to.

For only if we do so can the revolution continue….and only so will we be able to create a NEW BELIZE, which will bring to all Belizeans a better life and a just share of the national wealth……

Insert B B

The Belize Times

PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: PROPERTIES

PRESS RELEASE

Belize City & San Pedro, Belize District; Trinidad Village, Orange Walk District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. The Belize Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo will sell the following properties on the following dates, locations and times: 1.

At No. 511 Corner Mahogany & Tibruce Streets, St. Martin de Porres, Belize City on Tuesday the 4th May 2010 at 9:30 am:

REGISTRATION SECTION St. Martin de Porres

BLOCK 45

PARCEL 511

(Being a concrete building containing 4 small apartments and a concrete/ timber house situate at No. 511 Corner Mahogany & Tibruce Streets, St. Martin de Porres, Belize City, the leasehold property of Mr. Kingsley Morrison).

2.

At No. 296 Freedom Street, Port Loyola Extension, Belize City on Tuesday the 4th May at 10:30 am:

ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 8796 (432.584 Sq. Yd.) situate in the Port Loyola Extension, Belize City, Belize District bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 299 of 1996 attached to Minister’s Fiat (Grant) No. 299 of 1996 dated 8th August, 1996 and entered in the Crown Lands Book (Grants) at the General Registry, Belize City TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being a timber dwelling house and lot situate at No. 296 Freedom Street, Port Loyola Extension, Belize City, the freehold property of Ms. Loretta Jeffords)

3.

At Lot No. 7 Trinidad Village, Orange Walk District on Tuesday the 4th May 2010 at 1:00 pm:

ALL THOSE LEASEHOLD INTEREST IN ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 7 situate in Trinidad Village, Orange Walk District and bounded as follows: On the Northeast for 26.194 metres by Lot No. 8; On the Southeast for 30.480 metres by A Street; On the Southwest for 25.109 metres

by Lot No. 6 and on the Northwest for 30.480 metres by Lot No. 3; containing 781.827 S.M. as shown on Plan No. 1890 at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys together with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house and lot situate in the Village of Trinidad in the Orange Walk District, the leasehold property of Mr. Romel Cowo)

4.

At The Belize Bank Limited Parking Area, Barrier Reef Drive, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye on Wednesday the 5th May 2010 at 11:30 am:

REGISTRATION SECTION San Pedro

BLOCK 7

PARCEL 2948

(Being a vacant corner lot [4,847.72 square feet] situate in the Eiley Subdivision, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, the freehold property of Mr. Jose Raudales)

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO

TELEPHONE: 224-4473

Email: kevinacas@yahoo.com

Sunday, April 25, 2010

(Pomona, 22 April)

Citrus Products of Belize, (CPBL) has received notice of a ruling based on a complaint taken to the Supreme Court last year by the Citrus Growers Association (CGA), challenging the removal of certain CGA appointees to the Board of Directors of CPBL.

CPBL notes that the Courts ruling, handed down this week by Madame Justice Hafiz, basically refused to grant any relief bought by the claimant, CGA and ordered all parties in the case to bear their own cost.

More substantially however, the Court ruled that under the Articles of Association of CPBL, that the said Articles did not apply for the removal of the three Directors - Henry Canton, Frank Redmond and Mike Dunker.

The Judge also ruled that she was unable to rule in favour of the CGA on the removal of these three Directors at this times, as this would serve no useful purpose since the next Annual General Meeting is to be held within the next few weeks and that the removal of the directors, at this time, would create administrative difficulties.

This has been the position taken by Bank Holdings, the Strategic Investor, at a recent Press Conference held in February of this year.

The Judge advised that both parties to the dispute must work together to make suitable amendments to the Articles of Association, the Share Purchase Agreement and the Investment Agreement.

(END)

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Belize Times

Insert C C

Press Release

Victory for CGA and its Members The Court issued its ruling in the case of the Belize Citrus Growers Association Investment Company Limited (BCGAICL) vs. Citrus Products of Belize Limited, Henry Canton, Banks Holdings Limited, Frank Redmond and Michael Duncker. In her determination the Hon. Madam Justice Minnet Hafiz-Bertram found the following: “In my view, the Claimant being desirous of removing Henry Canton, Michael Duncker and Frank Redmond and to replace them with Rosella Zabaneh, Denzil Jenkins and Antonio Zabaneh, had an absolute right pursuant to Clause 9(1) of the Amended Investment Agreement to inform the Directors by the letter dated the 10th day of July 2009 that the Claimant had properly exercised its right to remove them as Directors of the CPBL.” “Accordingly, I disagree with the Second Defendant (Henry Canton) that he was duly appointed by the First Defendant (BCGAICL) as a director of that Company and can only be removed as a director of the Company in accordance with Articles of Association of that Company.”

“Furthermore, the court cannot help noticing the confusion which was created as a result of necessary amendments that had to be made to the Articles of Association to incorporate the Investment Agreement. The Company, Citrus Products of Belize Limited ought to seriously scrutinize the Articles of Association, the Initial Investment Agreement and the Amended Investment Agreement and make the necessary amendments to the Articles of the Association.”

“Before addressing these provisions, I must consider the argument by the third Defendant (Banks Holdings Ltd.) that his matter should have been submitted to Arbitration pursuant to Clause 30 of the Investment Agreement and so the Claimant (BCGAICL) is therefore precluded from pursuing this claim. In my view, Clause 30 is not applicable to the dispute before the court. The Claimant is therefore, not precluded from pursuing this claim.

The Citrus Growers Association and its subsidiary Belize Citrus Growers Association Investment Company Limited views this as a resounding victory and vindication of the position it has held in this matter. It has the absolute right to remove and replace its directors and it did so by letter on July 10th 2009. In the case of Dr. Henry Canton the ruling is clear that BCGAICL does not have to appoint him and did in fact remove him by letter dated 10th day of July 2009.

Further the Court’s comments on the need to clean up the articles of CPBL is further testament that those individuals who were instrumental in crafting and spearheading the Investment Agreement by not fully and properly implementing agreed recommendations put forward by the Committee of Five has forced the CGA to incur much cost to ensure that the rights of Growers under the Investment Agreement are preserved.

In the case of Banks Holdings Ltd. the Court findings clearly demonstrate that Banks Holdings decision to undermine and not respect the rights of CGA and its members in appointing its directors was contrary to the Investment Agreement. The allegations made by Banks Holdings in the media and in their petition to the Court, that this was a matter for arbitration and that the CGA was going against the Investment Agreement by referring this matter to the Court, was totally rejected. Also Banks Holdings’ comments in the Barbados press that the CGA was acting contrary to the Investment Agreement by removing Henry Canton as a director and taking this matter to the Court is now baseless.

The CGA and its members look forward to continue exercising their rights under the Investment Agreement and to providing the proper governance required to develop both the producer and processing capacity of our Citrus Industry.

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D Insert D

The Belize Times

Sunday, April 25, 2010

UNDP/Agriculture Enterprise Development for Rural Belize Project

TENDER NOTICE Invitation to bid for the procurement of the following food processing equipments:

FRUITS

Cereals

Description

Code

Item

Boiler

Type: Standard Min. Temperature: 300°F Hp: 20 Heating surface: 5.4 m² Minimum pressure: 10 kg/cm² equivalent to 25 psi Voltage: 220 Or equivalent

AED #5

Peanut sheller

Peanut sheller Paddle Or equivalent

Peanut roaster

Type St, output 1/2 HP, 037kw, poles 4, HZ50/60 Roto C Or equivalent

AED #22

Kettle

Type::Double layer steaming kettle Capacity: 40 gallons Or equivalent

AED #6

Peanut mixer

Type – St, frame 80, capacity 14kgs, output 1 HP 075kw Or equivalent

AED #23

Tube type heat exchanger

Type: pasteurizer Capacity: 500 1/hr Or equivalent

AED #7

Centrifuge machine

Capacity: 0.5 – 1 m³/hr GPM: 0.8 Or equivalent

AED #8

Peanuts and grain dryer

Capacity: dry 2000 lbs peanuts Electric engine, Burner Butane Tank, Movable/portable Blower Training and demonstration Or equivalent

Stainless steel table

4’ x 6’ Stainless steel Round edge finished Or equivalent

AED #9

Winnower

Simple machine

Speed Control Or equivalent

AED #25

Cooling Tank

Capacity: 100 – 300 gals Internal paddle, motor and entire system Or equivalent

AED #10

Grains grinder/ hammer mill

Blades of all types Peanuts Or equivalent

AED #26

Food grade Or equivalent

AED #11

Sieve 10mm Or equivalent

AED #27

Thermometer

Sieve

Friendly user Or equivalent

AED #12

Large Impulse Electrical sealer for 300 bags per hour Or equivalent

AED #28

Labeling machine

Sealer

Pulper/juicer

Duplex filter Min. capacity: 500 kg/hr fresh 150 kg/hr end product

AED #13

Grains grinder /hammer mill

Blades of all types Other crops Or equivalent

AED #29

Pineapple Peeler/corer/chopper

3 spear blades and pushers different sizes) Average pineapple: 10.2/18 cm Uniform size and shape Or equivalent

AED 14

ITEM

Washer/peeler for root crop

Batch peeler and washer for AED 15 root crop Speed control, 220 volts, capacity 25lbs per batch Or equivalent

Sealer

Impulse Electrical, Large, Multiple sizes Or equivalent

AED #16

Refractometer – low bricks

Low brix 0 – 50 Or equivalent

AED #17

Refractometer – high bricks

High brix 51 and over Or equivalent

AED #18

Walk-in cooler

Temperature control 16x16x10 Or equivalent

AED #19

AC Unit for bottle room

1800 BTU 16x16x10 Or equivalent

AED #20

Labelling machine

Description

Code AED #21

Easy to use Complete system Cost effective for small farmers Machine-readable symbols, the scanners and Decoders that capture visual images of the Symbologies and convert them to computer- Compatible digital data, and the verifiers that Validate symbol quality One set of supplies and accessories Or equivalent system

AED #24

AED #30

BIDS can be for one item or all items. Bids should be delivered to the UNDP/ Belize Office at the address below during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday and no later than 27th April 2010 at 11:00 a.m.

Items are for a small agroprocessing facility in the Stann Creek District for rural farmers and agroprocessors.

Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked for example “AED Item 5, AED Item 6, AED Item 7 or AED All Items”.

Addressed to:

Environmental Programme Analyst UNDP Belize Constitution Drive Belmopan Phone: 501-822-2688 Fax: 501-822-3364 E-mail: diane.wade@undp.org

Note: Bids must be delivered to the above office on or before 11:00 a.m. on 27th April 2010. Late bids shall be rejected. Please note that if you are not selected, a response will not be given.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Belize Times

19

The Bad & The Ugly

UDP Campaign Manager Karim "The Brief Thief" Berges observing the elections.

Boots Martinez joining the UDP Motley Crew in Orange Walk.

Nelson "Mad Cow" Ayuso up to his usual antics.

The Electrician, Piggy, and Senator Venezuelan Grant observing the election.

Government vehicles were used to ferry UDP voters to the polls.

El Odio right back in the thick of things.

UDP thug Easy Glen was all talk and no teeth.

Dr. Ricardo Fabro of KHMH Commission of Inquiry fame.

20

The Belize Times

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Belize Times

21

Belize #1 Sports Page

Crooked Tree girls and Burrell Boom Methodist boys win Belize district softball champs

The Crooked Tree Government School girls and Burrell Boom Methodist School boys will represent the Belize district at the upcoming national primary schools softball championships to be held by the National Sports Council at the home of softball, the Rogers Stadium in Belize City on Friday, April 23.

In the championship final, winning pitcher Elma Wade led the Crooked Tree Government school girls to a 9-4 win

over Burrell Boom Methodist School girls, collecting 9 hits off the pitching of Boom’s Rebecca Nicholson.

The Burrell Boom Methodist boys, led by winning pitcher Isanny Pook walloped out 5 runs off the pitching of Ladyville’s Jerome Carr to win the boys’ championship 5-2 over the Our Lady Of The Way RC School boys from Ladyville.

In Game 1, the Bur rell Boom Methodist girls advanced to the finals as

they blew away the Belize City champs, the St. Martin De Porres RC School girls: 6-1. Winning pitcher Rebecca Nicholson gave up only one run, while her teammates whapped Gilda Moguel’s pitching to score 6 runs.

In Game 3, the Crooked Tree girls also advanced to the finals by a 17-3 win over the Belize City sub-champs, the Holy Redeemer School girls. Winning pitcher Elma Wade allowed only 3 runs, while her teammates walloped 17 hits

off Tyra Moreira’s pitching.

In Game 2, the Our Lady of the Way boys had moved on to the finals by eliminating the Belize City champs, the Queen Square Anglican School boys: 7-5. Jerome Carr allowed 5 runs, while the Ladyville boys collected 7 hits off Devaun Zuniga’s pitching.

In Game 4, the Burrell Boom Methodist boys got the easy bye to the finals when the Central Christian School boys forfeited their game: 7-0.

Team Belize wins 4 gold at Central American Games

Belize’s athletes won 4 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals at the 2010 Central American Games in Panama.

Jonathan Williams, who has represented Belize at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2007 Panam Games in Rio de Janeiro, won Belize’s 4th gold medal in the 400m hurdles in Panama on Monday, April 19. He had also won Belize’s 3rd silver medal in the male 110m hurdles last Friday.

UB student Kaina Martinez, known for her paddling prowess in the 2009 Ruta Maya as well as her football, softball, basketball and volleyball skills, is the fastest woman in Central

America, running 100 meters in 12.05 seconds to win gold in Panama last Friday. This was not Kaina’s personal best - she has clocked 11.98sec for the 100m, which is still short of the C.A. games record: 11.66 secs.

Kaina also won gold in the women’s 200 metres clocking 24.89 secs. on Saturday, again slower than the C.A. g ames record. She also won the silver in the women’s long jump at 5.45metres Tricia Flores flew 5.97metres on her 3rd attempt to win gold in the women’s long jump last Friday, breaking the previous Games record of 5.66m. She had jumped 5.72m on her first try and 5.75m on her 2nd attempt.

Belize’s national women’s road cycling champion Shalini Zabaneh won Belize’s first medal, silver in the individual time trials last Wednesday but placed 9th in the 66.3 km (42 miles) road race. Two-time Cross country champ Gina Lovell finished 4th. El Salvador’s Evelyn Garcia had to settle for the bronze in the time trial, but she won the gold in the road race, clocking in 1:51:30, while Costa Ricans Marcela Rubiano and Adriana Rojas took the silver and bronze.

Belizean cyclist Eduardo Reyes won Belize’s 2nd bronze medal in the under-23 category in the 143 km road race. He and Greg Lovell did not medal in the individual time trials, which were dominated by Costa Rica. Gregory Lovell finished 5th in the elite category of the road race, which Panama’s Fernando Urena won in 3:39:07 for the

gold. Costa Rica’s Jose Bonilla took the silver and Mario Contreras clocked 3:39:34 as he led the main peloton to claim the bronze.

Reyes was in the peloton and got the same time, finishing 9th overall, but he was 3rd in the under23 category, which Costa Rica’s Allan Morales won and Moises Hernandez took the silver.

Byron Pope of Benny’s Megabytes fame was 4th (11th among the elite) in the under-23 time trial over 39 km last Thursday, while Reyes had finished 9th (18th among the elite).

Last Tuesday, the Belize softball women won Belize’s first medal, bronze when they lost 0-2 to Panama, after losing 1-5 to El Salvador in the semifinals.

They had won 5-1 over El Salvador in their first encounter and had won

twice over Nicaragua before their first loss to Panama 7-10.

22

The Belize Times

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Belize #1 Sports Page

BDF stomp Corozal Shanaiah 8-0 to lead Caribbean Motors Cup football

The Belize Defense Force schooled Corozal Shanaiah with an 8-0 blast to lead the Caribbean Motors Cup football competition organized by the Belize Premier Football League, with 26 at the M.C.C. grounds on Sunday, April 18.

Orlando “Lichy” Jimenez and Lisbey Castillo led the BDF attack, but Castillo got ‘bounced’ by the Corozal defense and Paul Nunez came off the BDF bench to take care of business.

Shanaiah’s Henry Sandoval tested BDF goalie Woodrow West’s reflexes with a left foot shot which sailed over the crossbar. The visitors’ substitute goalie Eiden Williams was also having an attack of stage fright in the Corozal goal, but BDF’s Evan Mariano issued him an early pardon when he missed a shot at point blank range on a pass from U-17 player Denmark Casey.

Paul Nunez made no such mistake when he connected with a pass from Gilbert Swaso to give the BDF a 1-zip lead in the 30th minute. Evan Mariano had beat Williams 5 minutes later, but Asrel Sutherland cleared away Mariano’s shot into the empty goal.

The 1st half was into injury time when Evan Mariano set table for Paul Nunez to drill home a left foot shot for a 2-zip BDF lead at the half-time

break.

The match deg enerated into a nightmare for the visitors in the second half that the Shanaiah squad would prefer to forget. Paul Nunez missed scoring a hat trick when his shot hit the g oalpost and Denmark Casey Jr. also found himself frustrated by the immobile crossbar which spared Williams.

But the visitors’ defense could not survive the repeated bombardment and when Paul Nunez centered to an unmarked Erwin “Bird” Flores, Bird headed it in to lead 3-zip in the 65th minute.

Nunez returned the favor to Evan Mariano, who also connected with a header to lead 4-nil in the 69th minute.

Khalil Velasquez joined the party with a header to finish another play from Paul Nunez for a 5-zip lead in the 72nd minute.

Williams was too easily led as he also headed a ball clear when David Trapp centered the ball into the goal area, but “Bird” Flores was there to head it right back in for a 6th goal in the 75th minute.

Then Shaniah defender Manuel Manzanero goofed in giving up a penalty when he took down Evan Mariano hard, and BDF goalie Woodrow

West got in on the free for all, converting the penalty to make it 7-nil in the 78th minute.

Gilbert “Hoof ” Swaso put his stamp of approval on the proceedings with an 8th goal in the 86th minute to complete the rout.

The San Pedro Sea Dogs drilled Shanaiah 2-zip in front of their home fans at the Ricalde Stadium in Corozal last Wednesday night. Francisco Norales scored the Sea Dogs’ winning goal in the 25th minute and Kenny Witzil sealed the win with a 2nd goal in the 38th minute.

It has not been all peaches and cream for the BDF who tasted the bitter pill of defeat for the first time when they fell 2-0 to Hankook Verdes at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio last Wednesday night. Daniel Jimenez scored the winning goal in the 3rd minute of play and Marlon Meza made doubly sure of the win with a 2nd goal in the 6th minute.

Verdes came up empty when they visited the Paradise Freedom Fighters at the Toledo Union Field in Punta Gorda on Sunday, while Delroy Flores delighted the Toledo fans with the winning goal in the 85th minute.

The Freedom Fighters posted their 5th win over Georgetown Ibayani 2-1

at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium last Wednesday night. Luis Torres drew first blood for Ibayani in the 18th minute of play, then PG’s Wilmer Garcia drove in the equalizer in the 25th minute to tie the game at a 1-1 draw up to the half time break. Again Delroy Flores delivered the winning goal in the 83rd minute.

Ibayani bounced back as they toasted BRC Blaze 2-zip at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium last Saturday night. Karim Peters scored the winning goal on a penalty conversion in the 30th minute and Deon Burgess sealed the win with a 2nd goal in the 90th minute.

FC Belize is No. 2 in the league rankings with 26 pts, though it hardly looked that way as they battled to a 1-1 draw with the San Pedro Sea Dogs at the Ambergris Stadium on Sunday. Olvin Serano drew first blood for the Sea Dogs in the 13th minute of play and the game was about to go into injury time when Jerome “Jaro” James converted a penalty for the 1-1 draw, their 2nd of the competition FC Belize had posted their 8th win 3-0 over BRC Blaze at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium last Wednesday night, on strikes by Delroy in the 35th minute, Jerome Archer in the 58th minute and penalty conversion by Jaro James in injury time.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Belize Times

23

Belize #1 Sports Page

Sparks spank Maria Chang Eagles 54-30 in Digicell women’s basketball The Sparks leads the Digicell “Balling for Life” women’s basketball competition with 3 wins after they spanked the Maria Chang Eagles 57-41 at the Belize City Center on Sunday, April 18.

Sparks’ big center Enid Dakers led the offensive attack with 11 pts in the 1st half, and Sylvia Sankey-Clarke added 3 pts, Darcel James went 3 for 3 from the charity stripe and Claudette Williams hit 2 buckets for 4pts; Kendra Dyer also added 3 pts for a 23-17 lead at the half time break.

Tiffarah Swift could have used the help of Shirley Codd and Abby Halliday as she launched the Eagles counterattack with 5 pts in the 1st half also snaring 5 rebounds. Jennifer Maher contributed 5pts and snagged 9 rebounds, while Bianca Mcfadzean dropped in 2 buckets and Anna Thurton played big D, grabbing 8 rebounds as she added 5 pts.

Dakers scored another 15pts to finish with 26pts as she led the Sparks in a 34-23 blast of the Eagles in the

2nd half. Sylvia Clarke drained in 2 long treys to get 10 pts more and finish with 13 pts. Sheryn Nunez came off the bench and into the game late, but made up for it by hitting 4 back to back to back buckets for 8pts.

Swift finished with 16pts, and Maher had 8 pts total. Bianca added one more bucket as she finished with 6pts, and Earlette Reynolds, Kylie River and Kamisha Swazo each scored one bucket for the Eagles.

Hold On Smart, Truckers & O. Walk Running Rebels win in Digicell basketball

Hold On Smart outlasted the Burrell Boom Celtics 45-44 in the Digicell “Balling for Life” junior basketball competition at the Belize City Center last Friday night while the Truckers posted their 2nd win: 81-48 over Ferrari, and the Orange Walk Running Rebels enjoyed their 3rd back to back to back win 60-55 against the Lake I. Boys on Sunday.

Burrell Boom’s Kyle Pinkard hit 2 treys to give the Celtics a 12-9 lead in the first quarter, but Hold On Smart came back with Jamaal Kelly’s 11 pts and Russel Staine and Elvis Olivera scored 8 pts each to lead 26-15 at the half time break.

The Celtics out gunned the Smart boys who tried to Hold On in the 3rd quarter, as Burrell Boom’s Devon Brown

tossed in 6 pts, and Roman Williams and Christian August each scored 5 pts with Cardinal Lopez good for 4 more to give the Celtics a 35-33 lead at the end of the 3rd quarter.

Smart’s Edgar August and Beresford Codd held on with 4pts each while Lyndon Arnold and Devon Wright each added 3 pts for the 45-44 win.

The Truckers trundled over Ferrari 81-48 on Sunday, Stephen Smith leading the attack with 20 pts to lead 26-13 in the first quarter. Ferrari’s Rodwell Neal answered with 13 pts, but Truckers’ Jaleel Arnold delivered 17 pts more to lead 4329 at the half time break.

Kadeem Tam and Oliver Solis scored 10 pts each to give the Truckers a 68-36

lead at the end of the 3rd quarter; and Ferrari’s Vince Young and Charles Armstrong scored 8 pts each, Dylan Moguel added 4pts and Kaleem Loredo and Malcolm Robateau chipped in 3pts.

Truckers’ Steven Wade scored 12 pts and Dijonne Ramclam and Teryn Roches added 3 each to seal the 81-48 win.

Orange Walk’s Omar Tesecum scored 17pts as he led the Rebels to a 60-55 win. Tesecum scored 3pts in the 1st quarter and Jamaal Harris added 4, but the Lake I Boys tied the score 1111 at the end of the quarter. Alberto Cuellar led the Lake I Boys with 12 pts and Ronald Michael added 11pts as the

Lake I Boys led 27-19 at the half.

Orange Walk’s Michael Martinez scored 14 pts to seize a 41-39 lead at the end of the 3rd quarter; and Hakeem Hassan added 11 pts for Lake I boys.

The Rebels’ captain Randy Usher scored 9pts in money time, while Roger Reneau added 5pts and Marcel Richards tossed in 3pts for the 60-55 win.

24

The Belize Times

Isla de Margarita es utilizada como puente para el tráfico internacional de drogas

A pesar de las acciones de la Guardia Nacional Bolivariana y otros organismos de seguridad del Estado, la isla de Margarita sigue siendo utilizada como puente para distribuir droga en las islas del Caribe.

Una revisión a las cifras y declaraciones recientes de funcionarios autorizados así lo confirma.

El pasado 15 de abril, a propósito del decomiso de dos toneladas de marihuana en Nueva Esparta, el Comandante Nacional Antidrogas de la GNB, Gral. de Brigada Miguel Vivas Landino, señaló que “Esta droga no es para distribución de la región insular. Tenía como destino las islas del Caribe, lo que indica que nuestro territorio está siendo utilizado para el tráfico internacional de drogas”.

En aquella oportunidad, fueron encontrados en un camión que transportaba piedra picada, 112 bultos contentivos de 2.132 panelas de marihuana para un total de 2.008 kilogramos de droga incautada.

Pero al hacer una revisión comparativa de lo decomisado entre enero y abril del 2009 y lo incautado este año, las cifras sorprenden.

En 2009, entre enero y el 15 de abril, se incautaron 79 kilos de marihuana en Nueva Esparta.

Durante el mismo período del 2010, se han decomisado hasta el 15 de abril, 2.642 kilos sólo en la región insular.

Otro elemento que se confirma es que la gran mayoría, sino la totalidad de cargamentos de droga, provienen de Colombia. Así sucedió con el último camión que fue detenido en Punta de Piedras con dos toneladas de marihuana.

“Se encontraron evidencias, como tickets de peajes, las cuales indican que este vehículo venía de Colombia. De hecho, pasó por un peaje en el estado Portuguesa a las 6:06 am del día 12 de abril”, explicó Vivas Landino.

Resalta también que la GNB está utilizando métodos poco convencionales para descubrir cargamentos como el de Punta de Piedras.

El Comandante Nacional Antidrogas de la GNB, contó que en este último caso, los Guardias Nacionales utilizaron lanzas para perforar los bultos de piedra picada que transportaba el camión 750.

Al percatarse de que las lanzas no llegaban al fondo, procedieron a una revisión más exhaustiva que llevó a localizar el enorme cargamento.

La vigilancia de la GNB y otros organismos de seguridad del Estado en Nueva Esparta no baja la guardia, pero el combate es duro, porque Margarita es utilizada como puente para la distribución de drogas hacia las islas del Caribe y otras latitudes.

500,000 obreros afectados por crisis en la construcción

TEGUCIGALPA - La situación en la industria de la construcción es grave, no hay inversión y los proyectos están paralizados, a tal extremo que ha bajado en un 40 por ciento, con lo cual han resultado afectados más de medio millón de obreros.

Así lo lamentaron dirigentes de la Cámara Hondureña de la Construcción (CHICO), luego de asegurar que por ahora no existe una sola empresa dedicada a ese rubro que diga que está ganando.

Después de la industria de la maquila y el turismo, los constructores son los que generan la mayor cantidad de empleos, más de 800,000, en el país, precisó para el caso el dirigente

Miguel Zablah.

En una reciente reunión donde asistieron unos 45 constructores, ninguno de ellos aseguró que está pasando la tormenta, pues todos trabajan en rojo”, enfatizó.

Estamos hablando de 500,000 trabajadores, esa gente tiene que comer, sus hijos también y si no reciben sueldo tendrán que hacer algo, de ahí viene la delincuencia”, advirtió el constructor.

NECESITAN PRESTAMOS Lo primero que deben hacer es otorgar préstamos con intereses blandos para reactivar la industria, porque nadie en la actual situación asumirá deudas, sugirió.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Secuestran a siete personas en hoteles de Monterrey

Integrantes de la delincuencia organizada bloquearon esta madrugada dos de las principales avenidas del centro de la ciudad para luego irrumpir en dos céntricos hoteles en donde privaron de su libertad al menos a unas siete personas, entre las que se encuentra una mujer de origen estadunidense.

Los primeros informes de las corporaciones policiacas estatales señalan que los hechos iniciaron con el despojo a conductores de varios vehículos de una empresa panificadora, una grúa, un camión de basura y un particular.

Refieren que las unidades fueron utilizadas para bloquear el acceso principal del perímetro norte de las avenidas Pino Suárez y Colón, en la zona centro de la ciudad e impedir el apoyo de fuerzas militares al sector.

La misma acción se repitió se reportó en el cruce de la avenida Padre Mier y Garibaldi en el centro de la ciudad, sector donde se ubican los hoteles Misión y Holiday Inn, de donde se llevaron al menos a siete personas, que estaban en estos sitios.

Trascendió que a bordo de unas 10 camionetas de reciente modelo, sujetos encapuchados y portando armas de grue-

so calibre irrumpieron inicialmente en el Hotel Misión, de donde sustrajeron por la fuerza a un huésped.

Posteriormente, en el hotel Holiday Inn, ubicado en la calle de Gabribaldi entre Padre Mier y Morelos, los sujetos sometieron de forma violenta a guardias de seguridad y empleados para plagiar a cuatro personas, entre las que se encontraba una mujer de origen estadunidense.

En la acción, una de las personas privadas de su libertad intentó huir pero sus captores le dispararon y lograron someterla para llevársela al igual que un guardia de seguridad y un recepcionista que también fueron secuestrados, sin que se conozca su paradero.

Paramédicos de la Cruz Roja atendieron en el lobby de este hotel a un guardia herido con arma de fuego, quien declaró a las autoridades que varios sujetos armados irrumpieron en el lugar fuertemente armados y se llevaron con golpes a las seis personas.

Al lugar acudieron policías estatales y militares, quienes se retrasaron debido a los bloqueos de las calles que conducen a estos sitios, iniciando las investigaciones correspondientes. Se desconoce la identidad de los plagiados.

Los hechos ocurrieron en el municipio de Turbaco, en Bolívar. Su esposa, Cecilia Montecardy, resultó herida en el ataque perpetrado por desconocidos, pero se informó que está fuera de peligro.

Martínez, de 64 años pensionado del Seguro Social, fue abaleado a las 10:30 p.m. de la noche de ayer, en un desolado paraje del municipio de Turbaco, a media hora de Cartagena, en Bolívar.

El hermano del ministro de Hernán Martínez Torres fue atacado por sicarios la noche de ayer, cuando se disponía a llegar a su casa, junto a su esposa, Cecilia Montecardy, quien también recibió impactos de bala en un brazo, pero que está fuera de peligro en el Hospital Universitario del Caribe de Cartagena.

El coronel Hugo Casas, comandante encargado de la Policía Metropolitana de Cartagena, dijo que la pareja de pensionados no había reportado amenazas y que el ataque de que fueron víctimas anoche, ocurrió en la Troncal de Occidente, exactamente en el kilómetro 98.

"El Gobierno Nacional ofrece una recompensa de 50 millones de pesos por información que nos permita la captura de quienes cometieron este hecho atroz contra esta pareja indefensa de adultos mayores", dijo Casas a EL TIEMPO.

El cuerpo de Ricardo de Jesús Martínez, a esta hora reposa en las instalaciones de Medicina Legal en Cartagena.

Uribe irá a Cartagena El presidente de la República, Álvaro Uribe Vélez, lamentó el asesinato del comerciante Martínez Torres y dijo que modificó su agenda de hoy para ir a Caretagena a acompañar a la familia.

"Qué tristeza. A la media noche, cuando me estaba despidiendo de la familia del general Joya, entró una llamada donde me contaron que acababan de asesinar al doctor Ricardo Martínez Torres", dijo Uribe a Caracol Radio Manizales.

"Qué dolor,que pena", agregó el Presidente, quien se declaró "descorazonado" con la noticia".

De igual manera urgió seguridad financiera y jurídica, luego de comentar que prácticamente los hondureños viven sumidos en guerras intestinas en el país.

La gente sueña con tener su propia casa, pero tiene miedo de invertir

por la inseguridad reinante a lo largo y ancho del territorio nacional, se quejó.

También Juan Carlos Sikafi coincidió en que el rubro pasa por una de las peores épocas de los últimos años.

Asesinan a hermano de ministro de Minas y Energía de Colombia

25

The Belize Times

Sunday, April 25, 2010

CARLOS PERROTE AND FRIENDS AT THE BLISS APRIL 16th - A REVIEW

by Dolores Balderamos Garcia

I was pleased a few weeks ago when Sheret Perrote called me up and asked if I could do a brief introduction for the upcoming concert by her husband Carlos and his band during Music Week. I had missed his earlier show in December last year, and friends told me that I had missed out indeed.

I was happy, too, to have received a complimentary CD of Carlos' latest effort “Omolewa Osain,” and I have featured it frequently on Jazz Vibes, my weekly Jazz Program on Wednesdays on Vibes Radio; and I returned the favor with an autographed copy for Carlos of “Jazz Sketches,” which Yasser Musa and I had put together and which was launched last September.

“Omolewa Osain,” which means 'powerful mind' in the West African Yoruba language, is a fine production, and it establishes Carlos as Belize's veritable Jazz and music Maestro. Several of the CD's selections are original Carlos Perrote compositions, and all the pieces are very good, featuring a stellar lineup of Belizean musicians.

I therefore could not refuse when Sheret asked, and I'm tickled that I was able to be there last night. I first passed for my Jazz buddy Salim Malik, and we proceeded over to the Bliss. (We grabbed a peek at the beautiful George Gabb exhibition in the rotunda section, having arrived early enough.) At around 7:55 pm we grew concerned, because the Bliss was “peel” for an 8 pm start. But by 8:10 it filled up somewhat, and then came

the first blackout, which delayed the show's start by ten minutes or so.

I could feel my excitement building when Carlos and his friends took the stage. Lynn Young, one of the group's excellent players, must have made a few calls, as the lights had come back. The program was billed as “an Evening of Cugazz Music,” which Sheret had described to me as Cuba – Garifuna – Jazz, and it did not at all disappoint.

The band kicked off with an energetic “Cocoto,” with Carlos every bit the leader. Some bands' leadership is

subtle, but with Carlos he displays immediately that he is in charge. I can tell you that he did not let up for almost two and a half hours, and the time flew. Four pieces into the show the lights went again, and the audience groaned, but Carlos shouted in his Cuban-accented creole “We play!” and the show went on.

Thanks to Dennis Peyrefitte there was some battery-powered light until the power returned, and I can almost say that the selections done during the second blackout were better than those done with full power. I found the amplification a bit loud, tending to drown out the vocals, but that was minor in an otherwise spirited and superb program.

“Watermelon Man,” “Carson Danzon,” “Take Five,” and “Alma Sharett” from the earlier part of the show were all very good. Full kudos to all the musicians, but very special mention to Benoit Coye, who was a man possessed on tenor pan. The pan section, which to me characterizes so much of the band's unique sound, were out of this world, with the experience of senior musician Lynn Young on tenor pan as well and Herchel Armstrong on double tenor and Felecia Zelaya on double second. Special mention to her also, as the only woman musician in the band apart from vocalists Debbie Gilharry and Tricia Gabourel.

It was when Carlos, Lynn and Hershel, all on acoustic guitars, were playing an exquisite version of the Carlos Perrote composition “Lamento Garifuna,” a moving tribute to Andy Palacio, that the lights went out again, such a pity, as this piece could have been the best of the evening.

The rest of the band were not rusty at all, and as Carlos reminded us, all of them read music. The young percussionists from Grace Primary included Keano Chaplain, Keon Blease, Arjah Arana, N'yanik Azueta and Philip Codd. With Carlos' mentorship and guidance they will go far as musicians and artists. Mark Phillips, my great friend and colleague, ably held the guitar position, and Joe Hendrikx was a trooper on the electric bass, working up a sweat with each number and never letting the beat falter. Strong support on the drums came from Elsworth “Cas” Castillo, and Mikael Garcia did stellar honors on alto saxophone.

Debbie Gilharry did the vocals on the Beatles' “Yesterday” and “Time After Time,” the Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman composition. I found her voice a little thin, but there is plenty of talent there, and with some training and practice, I believe she can go places. Carlos' subtle accompaniment on “Yesterday,” with its beautiful chords and flourishes, was a highlight for me, not to mention his incomparable improvisations and powerful melodic runs on the Baby Grand, a fantastic show in and of itself.

Tricia Gabourel did the honors on vocals for “Desafinado,” “The Nearness of You” and “Sokuta Anibbo.” I

thought that the start of “Desafinado” was somewhat inauspicious, but it improved as she went along, and she did well on the standard “The Nearness of You.” The standout selection was, however, the Yoruba “Sokuta Anibbo.”

Tricia outdid herself, and the entire band were swinging full throttle behind her. The audience showed huge appreciation here, and this fed the energy of Carlos and friends.

It was really amusing when Carlos then said to the audience “Too much English,” as he once more charged full speed ahead into “Cuenta Conmigo,” his own composition, with Robert “Capt. Roby” Hoare on the forceful and emotive Latin vocal. Capt. Robyimpressed me as a true musical ambassador, complete with his Belizean flag belt buckle and his high energy salsa vibe. This one had us dancing in our seats.

Rounding out the program were “Little Sunflowers,” “Homage To Andy,” “Cantaloupe Island,” and Sonny Rollins' “St.Thomas.” The “braatah” was Chucho Valdes' “Claudia.” And I cannot say enough about Carlos' leadership, musicianship and boldness of vision. He has almost single handedly brought his band and Belizean Jazz music as a whole into a new era of excellence. These guys and gyals can hold their own among international musicians, and, as Carlos told the audience, all of them are fullfledged musicians – no mickey mouse imitations or mediocrity here.

Carlos is indomitable. The blackout slowed him down for only a split second. And he is indefatigable. His super energy and enthusiasm were completely infectious, and the band members had an easy rapport that comes from practice as well as from the love of what they do. My only regret is that, as Carlos said, the Garifuna drummers were not on the program last night. I think this would have added that dimension of “Belizeanness” and truly unique expression to the band. After all, who else is mixing pan with Garifuna drums?

My tiny criticism would only be that the microphones could have been turned down somewhat. Louder is not better, and the quality of the music spoke for itself. Cuba has imparted many gifts to Belize, and Carlos Perrote is indubitably quite a big one! Last evening's show was lovely.

The main hall of the Bliss was only half full, but I think all in attendance would agree that we had a treat! Carlos and his friends are professional, serious and fun loving at the same time, and they are very versatile. Several of the musicians play two or more instruments, and their commitment to their art is palpable.

“Yuh miss out if yu neva di deh,” but I am confident that this lineup and those associated with the Maestro will grow from strength to strength, and you will no doubt get the chance to see and hear them soon. Grab it!

Send your letters to the editor to:

mike_rudon@hotmail.com

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Belize Times

Sober

Reflections No…No…NO!

By: Mike Rudon Jr. Mr. Barrow really does not give a damn what people think or what they say or how they feel about the things that he does. To those who don’t know him very well, his arrogance is simply astounding. He makes the most ludicrous decisions which cause rightthinking persons to question his sanity (or agenda) and then enfolds himself in a little golden bubble in which he is king and nothing else matters. To those who know him very well, this is vintage Dean. Contrary to what he has stated on several occasions in the House, Mr. Barrow does not admit when he is wrong because he cannot conceive of an instance when he would be wrong.

Mr. Barrow does not take advice well because he is convinced that he is the smartest person he knows and the only one who can dispense advice worth considering. And Mr. Barrow cannot stand to be corrected because he has managed over years to fool himself into believing that he knows everything about everything.

Now if Mr. Barrow were a harmless fellow who lived in a little cottage in the deep woods all by himself, we could pass moments wallowing in pity or minutes discussing his particular psychosis and delusions of grandeur before moving on to more important business. But we don’t have that luxury.

Like it or not, and I certainly don’t, Mr. Barrow was elected king of the land for the next couple years at least, so his pe-

culiarities are messing things up for us in a big way.

On Friday, it was announced that the son of the Prime Minister was officially the new Music Ambassador of Belize and would head the music program in NICH, ‘putting in train the formal music education in our schools and learning institutions.’

My first reaction to the announcement was ‘what the (insert expletive)! How can the Prime Minister do something like that? How can he make his son the musical ambassador of Belize, the man in charge of the music programme in schools, the man who will be an example to our children as they explore their musical talents? His son is a deportee who recently served almost 10 years for shooting off a firearm in a nightclub. Is this the man we want as an example? If we wanted a deportee, couldn’t we just have called Berne?

And then I calmed down a bit and decided to Google this man who will teach my kids appreciation of music. I thought maybe I was just being a bit harsh on Mr. Barrow because I think he’s stupid and petty and dictatorial, which is a pretty dangerous combination. So anyway, I looked at some of Shyne’s lyrics. To give Mr. Barrow the benefit of the doubt I assumed he closely scrutinized Shyne’s lyrics before deciding that the message Shyne was sending out is exactly what our children need to hear.

Need I say more? I would actually include some of Shyne’s lyrics here just to make my point but they are pretty damned offensive. Our Music Ambasssador is heavily into ‘cutting kilos and busting guns.’ He also has a lot to say about ‘bitches and hos.’ His music is all about sex and drugs and guns. And nope, he doesn’t say those things are bad. In fact, Shyne glorifies that type of lifestyle. His music is great if you feel like smacking down bitches and smoking niggaz in your

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26

spare time.

Shyne’s music is every bit as offensive as his father’s decision to make him Music Ambassador. How in the world could Mr. Barrow have foisted his deportee son on our children with not a care in the world? How could Mr.Barrow, after even a cursory look into the lyrics and lifestyle of his son Shyne, believe that he could be a role model for our children? This is absolute lunacy. What can Shyne teach our children about music?

Considering the man who stood as our Music Ambassador before, the appointment of Shyne is an insult to Belizeans and an insult to the name of the late Andy Palacio. Andy Palacio was a legend who played his heart out for Belize on the world stage. What has Shyne done for Belize or for Belizean music?

What does Shyne know about Belizean music? There are many many people

who could have been appointed Music Ambassador. There are many many people who love Belize and love music and could have done so much more for our children.

But instead of that we’ve been given a criminal deportee whose only other qualification is highly offensive music.

Mr. Barrow doesn’t care. He is busy making us pay for his past transgressions.

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NOTICE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE TREASURY BILLS ISSUE NO. 07/2010 Tenders are invited for an issue of Government of Belize Treasury Bills. The amount of the issue will be $18,991,800.00.

The Bills will be issued in denominations of $200, $1,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000, $200,000, $500,000 and $1,000,000, and will be repayable at par 91 days after issue. They will be issued on Wednesday 5 May, 2010 and will be redeemed on Wednesday 4 August, 2010.

Each tender must be for $200 or a multiple of $200 and must specify to five decimal places the amount, which is offered for each one hundred dollars face value of the Bills sought.

Application forms are available at the Treasury and at the Central Bank of Belize in Belize City and at the Ministry of Finance in Belmopan; and when completed they must be forwarded in sealed envelopes addressed to:

TREASURY BILL TENDER CENTRAL BANK OF BELIZE P.O. BOX 852 GABOUREL LANE, BELIZE CITY

Tenders must reach the Central Bank not later than 12:00 noon on Friday, 30 April, 2010.

Successful tenders will be notified by Tuesday 4 May 2010 and will be expected to pay for and pick up Bills allotted them on Wednesday 5 May, 2010.

The Government of Belize reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all tenders in whole or in part.

CENTRAL BANK OF BELIZE

Sunday, April 25, 2010

J. A. Rebel

UP

The Belize Times and progress came to a halt when Junior came into the picture. His people may have forgiven him in the first term he served, but not under this term especially since his government is the ruling party.

There are enough reasons to ask who Junior is serving; who Junior has at heart and where is his priority.

There is enough reason to bring this into perspective because for weeks now we have heard that Junior has received his Venezuela grant money from central government but Belize Rural South has yet to see a cent. This and the list can go on and on. So columnist understands that purchase when Junior talks about being a orders pertinent to the Venezuela son of the soil, it means absolutely grant monies are at a hardware store nothing. He should go to Patty for with a branch in Belmopan for the lessons. She can teach him about supply of building materials for five getting work done. houses for a particular family with What Manuel Heredia did not a Belmopan address. The purchase realize was that when he inherited order, we understand, specifically Belize Rural South from Patty, states that it is for the supply of he got an area that was blooming materials for houses in Belize Rural under PUP leadership; people were South. If the information given to accustomed to seeing development us by a source is true then Manuel and progress. All the development “Junior” Heredia has a lot of serious

Preparing to Fail…

For some time now this columnist has been pointing out that the so called “son of the soil” and the United Democratic Party in Belize Rural South is losing their popularity.

To some extent Manuel “Junior” Heredia has been getting a free ride at the expense of his constituency while feeling that he should be immune from criticism. Since it is difficult to see or talk to Junior, the people of Belize Rural South asked me to convey a few words to the barefoot gentleman. When you do good, Junior, the people of Belize Rural South will be the first to shake your hand and congratulate you, but when you fail to accomplish what you promised, then I will be the first to support the residents of Belize Rural South and any movement that stands ready to remove a lame, shameless, lazy and incompetent leader, YOU for short.

Junior Heredia’s absence on Sunday during the Village Council Elections in Caye Caulker was obvious and his few supporters were disgruntled. Junior was aware that his presence would have pissed off people more so he chose the lesser of two evils and decided to abandon ship. Junior is no fool and he knows that the people in his constituency are waiting for the right opportunity to shame him for abandoning them while he enjoys his glory days.

But what exactly has made Junior so unpopular so quickly? What has people thinking bad thoughts about him? It is simple - Junior has failed his tourism dependent division, even when he was given one of the most powerful ministerial positions in Cabinet. After two terms as area representative, all the barefoot Minister can boast about is the opening of a BTB office in San Pedro. That is no big achievement for a Minister with a powerful portfolio - you need to do more.

Maybe Junior needs to be reminded of a few things. Thanks to the past PUP government and the leadership of Patty Arceo that Belize Rural South can boast about what it has.

It was under Patty that a brand new Police Station was built in Caye Caulker and San Pedro, a new fire station with new trucks and facilities in San Pedro, new high school and primary school buildings in Caye Caulker and San Pedro, a new polyclinic for San Pedro, new housing projects such as the DFC Area in San Pedro Town, hundreds of house lots for the residents of both Caye Caulker and San Pedro, upgrade of the water system in San Pedro, new airstrip in Caye Caulker, hundreds of scholarships, new schools to accommodate the growing islands

27 explaining to do. So when people are up in arms with Junior Heredia, I don’t blame them because his interests appear to be elsewhere, in Belmopan for instance.

It does not take any particular wisdom to arrive at the conclusion that Junior is all glitter and no substance (remind you of somebody else?). Just the fact that the Caye Caulker Village Council has gone independent as compared to the past UDP Village Council is an indication that Junior Heredia has lost major ground in his division. Kudos to the residents of Caye Caulker for sending a clear and loud message to Manuel "Junior" Heredia to “BACK OFF!” For sure Junior will attempt to come around the newly elected council like a flirty pussycat in full glory! Like the rest of his UDP colleagues who are taking a licking in the election process, the writing on the wall is clear. Since Junior does precious little else with his time, he should not have any problems preparing to fail.

28

The Belize Times

Sunday, April 25, 2010

DISRESPECTING AND TRAMPLING AN INSTITUTION

Contributed by: Management & Staff of UPS It has come to our attention that the Cayo Central Area Representative along with the San Antonio, Cayo Village Council will soon inaugurate a few projects in our village.

However, one of these projects developed for the San Antonio Women’s Group is a grave issue for our community and it deserves attention from the responsible authorities.

Short History of School.

In 1987, five Pentecostal churches had the vision of opening a Christian school in San Antonio. A church member granted land to the churches, the parcel of land was surveyed, the monuments were set in place and construction of United Pentecostal School began. After 4 years of arduous work, the school opened its doors for over 100 primary school children and 6 teachers in 1992. Up to last school year, the school had developed to a capacity of over 200 children with two classroom buildings, a cafeteria and a school garden. However, the school has progressed and has become a highly productive institution in the community without securing land documents for the school compound, a situation characteristic of many schools in this country.

At the end of last school year we received a letter from Mr. Rene Canto, chairman of the village, stating that the fenced school garden (referred to as open lot in his letter) will be officially passed to the San Antonio Women’s Group as recommended by the Minister. Our first response was to write the chairman and council inviting them to a meeting to dialogue and clarify the matter. The chairman never agreed to discuss with us. Then, the chairman invaded the school garden and destroyed almost everything in the area, including fruit trees, mahogany plants, spare furniture/computers, and worst of all, the children’s organic project. And, to make the matter worse, he put up a no entry sign and locked the school garden gates from the children. Then, government workers came and started construction for the San Antonio Women’s Group. The women’s group project, as mentioned in a public meeting by the Area Representative and the chairman will be a slaughter house for chickens. Our next move was to present this issue to Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Lands and to the Area Representative. Also,

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we lodged a complaint (complete package with correspondence and pictures) at the Office of the Prime Minister. All our efforts seem to be futile. Even though personnel from all these ministries acknowledge the gravity of the problem and the vio-

lation of our rights, none of these ministries has been able to intervene and correct the problem.

FINALLY, THE REAL PROBLEMS ARE: 1. It becomes more difficult to educate our children about civic re-

sponsibilities when the actions taken by the chairman are in direct contravention to the Village Council Act. 2. Gardening (agriculture) is an alternative for non-academically inclined pupils and we cannot teach our children that the idea is now farfetched and any such initiative can be destroyed.

3. We educate our children to respect land monuments as required by law and invading our school compound is openly teaching them otherwise.

4. This situation in our school violates our rights because it is an injustice and it is wrong, we cannot tell our children that it is justice and it is right.

5. As long as we are deprived of our school garden, the holistic development of our children in San Antonio is deterred.

Welcome to

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Belize Times

29

United Pentecostal School Our students learned about healthy living and farming, as well as enjoyed working in our school's garden.

Children preparing seed beds

Weeding radish beds

Watering earthworms' habitat

Harvesting radish

Harvesting cilantro

Harvesting cilantro

Special earthworms

Our children loved the garden... that is until the UDP Chairman invaded it and took it away...

'Do NOT Enter' signs placed by the Chair man earthworms dumped

markings for building to go over orange & coconut trees

gates were locked

earthworms boxes & spare fur niture

Lime tree that provided limes to the cafeteria

Heavy machiner y demolishing the children's garden as they painfully watch on...

30

The Belize Times

S

PON DI GULLY

D We told you so E racy.

My colleague Glenn Tillett is right: Barrow is bogus.

After taking us around his favourite thing (the mulberry bush) with his Sixth Constitutional Amendment Act, the Prime Minister now refuses to pass into law his much touted expanded Senate and recall of representative law.

Back in April, 2008, the Prime Minister beat his chest when introducing the then proposed constitutional amendments in the House of Representatives: “These are splendid proposals that the government is introducing and I’m not blowing my own horn. This is the effort, this is the work of the government of Belize, the Cabinet. But the truth is that these are fantastic proposals by way of enshrining the reform agenda and I think all of us that are members of Cabinet, all of us that are members of this party, all of us that are members of the government of Belize can feel extremely pleased with the fact that we are delivering so early on this fundamental commitment to the people of Belize.”

But as Belizeans got to realize after the introduction of those proposals into the House of Representative, not all the proposals were “splendid” , fantastic” nor did they all “enshrine the reform agenda”. Several of the proposals were in fact retrograde. Remember the proposal to lock up people indefinitely (euphemistically called preventative detention); to deny land owners their long established right to royalty in petroleum and minerals found on their land or the lack of job security for Court of Appeal judges?

Through public agitation and public interest litigation in the courts of Belize, these proposals were stopped in their tracks.

But not the proposals for an expanded senate and a recall of representative law. Truth be told, these were and are still “splendid proposals”. There was no one across the country who complained about the proposal to enlarge the membership of the Senate to ensure that the Senators nominated by the Opposition and the non-governmental organizations together constitute the majority. Indeed, a Senate with such a composition would most certainly have seen government’s 2010-2011 budget voted against. The expanded senate proposal then is a good thing for democracy.

So too is the proposal for recall of representatives a “fantastic” proposal.

The thrust of the proposal is that an elected representative would be able to be recalled before the expiry of his normal term of office. The process kicks in by way of a petition for the recall by the members of his constituents. Such a proposal again admittedly fosters democ-

But splendid as they are- they are merely proposals still. The Prime Minister, a couple weeks back, in exercise of powers conferred on him, brought the Sixth Constitutional Amendment into law. He designated the 12th April as the date the law was to come into effect. But he, most curiously, refused to bring into law these proposals for an expanded senate and recall of representatives.

It is really one of those things that make you go “Hmmmmmmmmmmmm!”

He, the Prime Minister, had repeatedly told the Belizean public and the NGOs that he wanted to bring into law the expanded senate and the recall of representative provisions but that his hands

were tied because the Sixth Constitutional Amendment was tied up in court. There are no pending cases in the courts of Belize regarding the Sixth Constitutional Amendment, so what now could be the reason why he doesn’t want the expanded senate and the recall of representatives law to come into effect?

But even that rationale so often given by the Prime Minister that the matter was tied up in court and so his hands were tied is now shown to have been hogwash.

That he is now able to conveniently separate the proposals for an expanded senate and recall of representative from the rest of the Sixth Constitutional Amendment shows that he all along could have done this. As far back as 2008, if he were sincere about enacting an expanded senate and recall of representative law, he could have separated these proposals and passed them separately in the House of Representative. There certainly would have been no dissent or opposition to this move. In fact, this is what the PUP had been demanding that the Prime Minister do from way back then.

But we out here know the real reason why the Prime Minister will never bring the expanded senate or the recall representative law into effect. He knows, firstly, that a flurry of recall petition would be thrown at his UDP representatives. His government would DEFINITELY NOT serve out its five years if this recall of rep-

Sunday, April 25, 2010 resentatives law were to come into force now. What, with this nationwide discontent with the UDP right now. He knows too that he would be in a position wherein none or very few of his legislations would be passed by a senate controlled by the opposition and non-governmental organizations. The NGO’s have shown, most vividly in the budget debate in the Senate, that it will not follow this government down the path of destruction where it seems intent on leading this country. Consequently, the Prime Minister knows too well that he will not be able to have his legislations and motions be rubber stamped in the Senate if the expanded senate were to come on stream.

He then, as is his modus, merely tells the nation that he will not bring them into law. As he so arrogantly told the nation via Channel 7 back on March 24th, “ let them wait”.

The Prime Minister has taken us around a mulberry bush with his touted reform agenda. He hyped up and raised the expectation of just about every Belizean with this expanded senate and recall of representatives proposal. All along he has been saying his hands are tied because the matter is in court. Now that that has been shown to have been a hogwash excuse, he has taken on his bully approach.

To hell with all of you, he is saying; just wait until I am ready. Barrow is bogus; fi real.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Belize Times

Strictly Personal Barrow is bogus!

they visited.

He had never met Dean Barrow but thought that he was a very proud man from what he had seen and heard, and doubted very much that he would ever visit his village.

He described Barrow as having taken over from Manuel Esquivel whom he said he had seen in person in Punta Gorda Town once.

He was hesitant, reluctant even to offer an opinion on Johnny at first but in the meeting with the villagers he was very attentive and asked a couple of good questions.

By glenntillett@yahoo.com Johnny, he finally offered, he had heard I had the opportunity to travel with of and knew he was the Leader of the PUP Party Leader Johnny Briceno on a Opposition. He would wait to hear what he meet and greet trip through several villages had to say before he formed an opinion. in western Toledo, southern Belize a few weeks ago. It was an opportunity to observe the interaction between Johnny and ordinary Belizeans away from the media-centric urban centers and yes, I was curious.

As the fourth leader of the grand old party and at this point a likely next prime minister I was more than interested. In the old capital the PUP is overtly divided and the factionalism has tended to define both the party and Johnny’s image. During the course of a single day I may get as many different opinions on Johnny’s leadership as the individuals I meet. It is a tireless subject for some.

I hardly know Johnny on a personal level, and I am certainly better acquainted with former Party Leader Said Musa who I will always be personally fond of. I have also known Dean Barrow longer and our personal relationship is at this point negligible. The antipathetic feeling may be, as they say, mutual.

It could be argued that under Said Musa’s administration Belize ended up being more polarized than at any other time but I would argue it was hardly mostly his fault. It could be argued also that the PUP that Johnny Briceno inherited was already factionalized and whether it is more so or less so depends on your point of view.

I had no idea what kind of reception Johnny would get from the villagers of what are some of the most remote villages in Belize. I did not even know how to even create a construct from which to anticipate so I just put it aside and decided to just watch.

My first observation is that Johnny was hardly recognized visually, and half the time when he was introduced and identified, he still drew blank looks while the villager assimilated the information. For context I tried to ask a couple of villagers if they knew who George Price, Said Musa or Dean Barrow was. I had a language problem with the three men and one woman I asked in the first village of Dolores.

All four seemed to know who George Price was while two of the men and the woman appeared to know who was Said Musa. Incredibly none of them gave any indication that they knew who I was talking about when I asked in first broken Spanish and then in Kriol if they knew who Dean Barrow or El Primer Ministro was.

In another village I asked a young man who spoke fairly good English, wore more modern clothes, (boots, baggy jeans and a too large T-shirt advertizing a European soccer team), and who rode a motorcycle, the same questions and he knew all three.

He also had an opinion on all three.

He thought Mr. Price was a good man, and remembered seeing him in the village when he was a child. He remembered meeting Said Musa 10-12 years ago when he visited the village, and was impressed that he had come all that way. He said that both men were humble and attentive when

Most good politicians know how to carry on conversations with complete strangers in an easy amicable fashion. It is difficult to tell whether it comes naturally or it is something they had to learn. In Johnny’s case it is clear that being out in the villages and rural areas, talking to the people; particularly farmers, is something he enjoys.

He is very comfortable and after the initial awkwardness that follows the introduction the people respond to him easily. This facility transcends ethnicity, age, gender and from what I saw, even social status.

He is normally good tempered and easy going and it shows. He is approachable and he listens well. And on that day some people who appeared uneasy and even distrustful of the strangers at their gates opened up and invited him in.

That night the party was invited to a traditional Maya meal of Caldo at a home.

To reach the home we had to walk in the dark up hill and down gully and ford two streams.

Our hosts never hesitated to invite Johnny and when we got to the streams it

31 was only then we were told we would have to wade in bare feet through cold running (and rising water) and over rocks that were either slippery or had sharp edges.

They seemed to have presumed that there wouldn’t be any objections and while a few of the City folks in the party balked, Johnny B simply rolled up his pants, took off his shoes and socks and took off across the water and rocks in the dark.

Our hosts and guides didn’t blink or comment. At the time I had to pause and decide whether or not it was wise for me to do the same. Even though I hardly wore shoes as a child, since then I am nearly always shod even when I am at home.

The prospect of wandering around in the dark in a strange place was definitely not appealing but I figured, what the heck, if he could I would.

The meal was delicious and well worth the adventure (I did end up with two small cuts on my feet and a few times I almost fell). Johnny B seemed totally unperturbed by the entire episode and predictably was the last one to leave our hosts’ cottage.

Somehow I can’t imagine Barrow doing the same.

32

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THE PATRIOT

G- Unit Ambassadeur et Plénipotentiaire

As the intoxicating bass speakers thumped into the sweat filled backs of the hypnotized crowd, only the dew water of morning and the foreplay of after party bliss must have been on the minds of Putt Putt patrons. But the ninth of February 2008 was to be no silent morning, as a band of gangsters sprayed the night club Al Capone style, sacrificing as collateral damage a 17yr old female, Deandra Zetina. Deandra was a very pleasant girl. From the spunk in her step and her stringy physic no one would wager that this sickle cell anemia patient would be erased at the opposite end of gun smoke.

And as we think back to the news cast of that date, we try hard not to remember what happened to the clan of urban terrorists who were caught redhanded with the hot bag of smoking nine millimeter pistols. But pssst!!!! Psssttt!!!!!

Just to keep it one hundred, I am gonna inform you that they all got away.

Yap scotch free!!!! It is almost as if they were rewarded for being bold enough to foreshadow the current era of criminal lawlessness and murder under Barrow’s UDP watch.

The truth is that night club shootings, politics and Barrows’ have more common denominators. In fact, on December 27, 1999, what is described as a fracas broke out at a Manhattan nightclub where Jamal “Shyne” Barrow, together with his gang of friends used their “ninas” to shot up the club. In that fiasco, a woman was also shot in the face, tenk God she neva dead. But this felon has also been rewarded.

Jamal Barrow was forced to come back to Belize, less we all forget, this is the last place the boy wanted to be. One hip hop magazine exposed the fact that this was only the second time that he has returned to this little mosquito filled “kinel” side country. Lately he was trying to abscond to the UK and was snubbed in that escape attempt.

Back in the Big Apple, the convict’s attorneys argued long and hard to get Barrow special treatment. Barrow tried every trick in the book including the Torah, fully accessorized with a school boy hair cut, a freshly launched brand name and paid hands from Harvard (or at least the fashion). If I memba right el Gobierno de Belice went so far burning diplomatic favors and sending letters to the Governor of the State of New York, to get around the deportation laws.

So here we are. After full consultation with Yellowman and Hutchy, Barrow appoints his son Jamal Barrow, musical ambassador. Pump the brakes there, boss. Hold up, wait a minute. “Ambasa” what? Stop play, big man. Did you know

that an ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomatic representative of one government to another or to an international organization?

This is no 1.5 million in untendered legal contracts for Lice, or the one shot big-payoff case for Deany, or the apparently biased Court of Appeal Judge appointment, or the jacking of BTL for “lotto And War” to play with. We talking here, as the new dancehall artists say “to the world” ambassador.

Look yah, an ambassador is a formally defined and recognized status under the Congress of Vienna (1815). They are regarded as personal representatives of their whole country. Before the development of modern communications, ambassadors were entrusted with extensive powers and even today they retain the honorable power of being spokespeople for their foreign offices. Long and short, ambassadors are the equivalent of ministers, but not just any minister, a minister of the highest rank with plenipotentiary authority to represent their head of state.

Wow!!!

Now, I am as catholic as everyone else believing in the redeemable nature of the human soul but I don’t understand how come under section 58 of the Constitution, a person is disqualified from being a minister if they are convicted of a “sentence of imprisonment exceeding twelve months”. But Barrow makes Barrow an ambassadorial minister?

Excuse me but didn’t Barrow recently lick down ten years!!!!! Amabassador????

Tell me one more time, this boy has a post that comes with all the trimmings of an ambassador, including a diffran kahlah passport and immigration courtesies like security clearances and paid travels? He is an ex-con, people. Still thinking like one too. In fact the boy is still singing about running gangs and moving “ki’s” and shooting “gats”.

In a recent song this man, who is representing you is saying: “I'm rocking sideways, motherf@#$#r crime pays I need it, I get it, I got it, I chop it, I double the profit and bubble the pockets. I'm living to die. Niggas talk fly till I walk by And pop something. you mother@#$#rs forgot something I'm not fronting. This ain't rap. music. This ain't that.” Yeah, that is the way all our Belizean Ambassadors talk!

My grandmother likes to say “more deh out dan weh deh een.” On the latest track that the self proclaimed gangster for life released on DJ Khalid’s album entitled “All my life”, he appears with notorious foul mouthed rappers like Akon “the illegal alien” and Movado whose visa has just been revoked by Uncle Sam for reasons that we all know. In that song

there are still references to “running with the b’s and the c’s”, (Crips and Bloods gangs?) Boasting in a hard bunk toilet voice about “ducking police”; running streets; living slowly to let us “read in the F.E.D.S.” and no fear “to put a bullet in his skully cap”, wow!!!!! I can see why America is trying to keep these kinds of men out of their country but then there is Belize, here we bless them as ambassadors??? Hmnnnn? Cho, my boy!!!!!

Don’t tell me that he is just the musical ambassador because that is expletively oxymoronic on so many levels. The birthing of cultural ambassadors which has been toxically mutated into Jamal Barrow’s commissioning, is the vision of NICH whose maiden idea has been soiled. In the post Independence period, Belize has had cultural ambassadors to the quality of Joan Duran, Andy Palacio and even Poots “the Titiman” Flores.

Now I am told that Flores who was appointed after the recent change of government did not hold back on Two Cents Cam to verbally flip the bird on the new appointment. In fact Flores, the outgoing ambassador was informed of removal the same way NICH was, which is courtesy of the UDP press office, the Channel 7 Department.

Imagine! A convicted felon is our musical ambassador. Jamal Barrow is no Bob Marley or Bono and not even a shadow of Andy Palacio. In fact, it would be easy to argue that Barrow is the antithesis of a Belize Music Ambassador.

Reading a few of the old blogs and interviews from the expelled rapper reminded me that he has strong convictions about two things. One is that he has utter contempt for Daddy Barrow who he condemns as a cold hearted sperm donor.

And secondly: in various magazines including XXL the boy emphatically views himself as a “Brooklyn artist”, in none of his interviews did I find any reference to Belize. Nope, none!! Hip-hop is as cul-

Sunday, April 25, 2010 turally representative of Belize as blue grass is to the China.

Who is Jamal Barrow in Belizean Music? In American music he is a “godfather” sort of, and that is independent of what rap lord Mr. Fifty Cents says but, on the Belizean music scene no one would use him as an example in the game of Taboo to describe Belizean cultural music. If you ask Tony Wright, he never thought of inviting Jamal Barrow to “Belizean Artists past and present”, real talk.

Speaking of that, this is not like the law where the UDP tell Belizeans unu incompetent so they want to bring foreigners to be Ministers. No, there is a host of faithful, rabid UDP and royal creoles who could do the job. What about high wasted, Jason Guerrero, Bro. David Obe, Lord Rhaburn or Gina Scott? But the biggest loser is Berne. If I were him, I would be vex vex vex!!!!!! Sorry bro, you no name Barrow!!!!

On second thought let me take back all my opposition to Jamal Barrow’s appointment as musical ambassador.

Look at it this way, an ambassador is a reflection of the country they represent.

Right now, Belize is in a gang like dictatorship and a nepotistic rule of Barrow.

Belize has become a violent place under Dean, so lyrics of Shyne Barrow in the one hit wonder “Bad boys” like: “ashes to ashes dust to dust, I bang and let your f@#$king brains hang” pretty much sums up the evening news. I take it all back, Jamal Shyne Barrow is the perfect ambassador of music for Belize under the UDP and I am glad that we could have squandered an ambassadorial appointment just so that he could sort out his immigration problems with the UK. In fact let’s make the gang members who killed Deandra ambassadors too. After all we had Vat man knighted and Morgan “the Bombman” was O.B.Ed. So why not? God Save the Queen!!!!!!!!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Belize Times

Políticas UDP, como siempre

!Inaceptable!

El hijo del Primer Ministro, el rapero gangster conocido como Shyne o más recientemente como Moisés Leviy, ha sido nombrado Embajador de la Música de Belice. El viernes nuestro propio Fiscal General y Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores Sedi Elrington estaba junto a Shyne y dijo a la nación que el joven dirigirá el programa de música de NICH en las escuelas de todo el país. Mira, o tenemos nada en contra de Shyne. Es una no-entidad para nosotros en realidad. Pero en serio, ¿Alguien ha escuchado las canciones de Shyne? La letra de sus canciones es lasciva, obscena, explícitamente sexual y violenta, ese es su estilo- que es de donde él consiguió su fama dentro de ese círculo. Pero ¿qué diablos tiene eso que ver con Belice y la música de Belice? Nuestra Embajador musical debe ser alguien que promueve y mejora nuestra música, nuestra cultura. Shyne no tiene idea acerca de nuestra cultura y nuestra música. Esta es una mala decisión y un insulto a los músicos excepciónales que han dedicado décadas de su vida al producto de Belice. Y ni siquiera estamos tocando el hecho de que Shyne es un deportado que fue enviado de regreso a Belice después de cumplir casi diez años por un crimen violento. ¿Qué otras calificaciones posee? ¡En serio! ¿Cómo puede Shyne ser un ejemplo para nuestros hijos cuando sus letras promover la misma violencia y la anarquía que está matando a nuestra nación?

Es hora de que este estúpido y equivocado nepotismo pare.

Privilegios Diplomáticos... ¿Y por qué nuestro Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores tan prominente ha nombrado a Shyne como Embajador de la música?, usted puede preguntarse, ya que su cartera no incluye la cultura.

Bueno eso es porque realmente se convierte a Shyne en el Excmo. Shyne, un verdadero embajador de Belice con todos los beneficios, en caso de que pensaban que el título musical de Embajador no era más que un regalo honorario. Y sí, parece que una de las ventajas es un pasaporte diplomático que básicamente permite que el Excmo. Shyne viaje a cualquier parte del mundo, con todo el poder de un diplomático con todo lo de regla. Desde que al Excmo. Shyne no se le permite viajar a los EE.UU., el pasaporte diplomático es una necesidad definida, ¿no? ¿Recuerdan cuando Shyne fue regresado de Londres hace un par de semanas? Bueno, su nuevo estatus diplomático le asegurará de que esto no vuelva a suceder. Mira, cuando el Primer Ministro hace este tipo de movidas ridículas, la gente podría pensar que es una locura, pero a veces hay un método a la locura.

Más de lo mismo...

La conclusión es que el Sr. Barrow todo le importa un comino. Este es sólo otra en una serie de malas jugadas que han beneficiado a la ROB (familiares de Barrow). La arrogancia del Sr. Barrow es tal que él no tiene reparos en hacer exactamente lo que quiere cuando quiere y al demonio con todos los demás. Él nos lo empuja en nuestras gargantas y se va. En otra nota, los beliceños pobres se están preguntando cuánto Él Shyne se está pagando por su puesto diplomático, y ¿si ese sueldo es diferente del que él supuestamente recibirían como el Jefe de Música en NICH? La gente se muere de hambre aquí señor Barrow. ¿Por qué es que sólo los miembros de su familia están consiguiendo los dulces?

A la manera de Margarito...

Esta última ronda de las elecciones del consejo de aldea demostró una vez más que GAPI Vega puede ser un millonario y una figura poderosa en el gobierno, pero él no es más que un matón de baja calidad en la realidad. En Trial farm se pavoneaba de aquí para allá con músculos de la Ciudad de Belice acompañándolo a el. Y por si los músculos no eran suficientes para intimidar, entonces allí estaba nuestro amigo, el Sr. Myvette con tres agentes armados con armas de alto poder para salvaguardar todos los movimientos del DPM. La única vez que el Sr. Myvette no estaba prestando atención, convenientemente, fue cuando GAPI asalto a varios miembros del campamento PUP, atreviéndose a hacer un movimiento para que sus matones pudieran tratar con él. Lo que paso en Trial Farm ha sido tan evidente que habría sido divertido si no fueran por el hecho de que el departamento de policía ha sido trágicamente e irremediablemente comprometido. El Sr. Vega haría bien en recordar que sus acciones criminales tanto no oficiales y oficiales, aunque ahora tiene vigilándole la espalda pueden provocar repercusiones cuando no goce de tan cómoda manta de seguridad. En cuanto a nuestros amigos en el Departamento de Policía, no tenemos nada más que decir, no en este momento al menos.

Todavía no hay detenciones ...

Mientras esto se escribe han pasado, hmmm, unos 7 días más o menos desde que los aldeanos de Nuevo San Juan presentaron denuncias contra los partidarios de

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Douglas del UDP que los atacaron la semana pasada el día Domingo después de que las elecciones habían concluido. El ataque resultó en un altercado en el que grandes miembros de ambos bandos sufrieron heridas. Le tomó a la Policía menos de un día para reunir a los partidarios de PUP incluyendo a una enfermera jubilada, y los echaron en el encierro antes de acusarlos ante los tribunales.

De alguna manera, sin embargo, la policía no ha sido capaz de moverse a arrestar a los partidarios del UDP que instigaron la trifulca. Este es un caso en que me gustaría que mi amigo el Sr. Myvette probara que me equivoco, para demostrar que no está comprometido y de demostrar que todavía puede hacer el trabajo que él había jurado hacer. Pero tanto como me gustaría, no va a suceder. Las cosas han ido muy mal en la ciudad del azúcar. Me pregunto si algunos los rumores que circulan en un correo electrónico anónimo son tan increíble como parecen ...

Apéguense a los hechos ...

La UDP ha salido con un interesante conjunto de estadísticas de las elecciones de consejo de aldea. Al parecer, están reclamando la victoria en la gran mayoría de los pueblos en las primeras dos semanas de las elecciones. Sus estadísticas son simplemente una mezcla de verdad, lo absurdo y mentira descarada. Están saliendo con la suya, en gran parte debido al hecho de que el Presidente de la Comisión Electoral y Límites Alberto August (un fanático sin arrepentimiento UDP) perpetúa la mentira. Las estadísticas reales se establecerán en otra parte de esta edición, pero en este momento digamos que en cada pueblo, excepto uno en las últimas dos semanas, el UDP ha perdido terreno importante. Mírelo de esta manera... teniendo la política de él y examinado los resultados reales del UDP hasta ahora, es claro que el pueblo de Belice está hablando alto y claro, y eso no es una buena noticia para el partido rojo.

Han perdido pueblos ante el PUP y han perdido pueblos ante grupos independiente.

Podríamos hacer lo que ellos están haciendo y reclamar los independientes como propios, pero el PUP tiene demasiado respeto por las voces que salen de lo diferente.

Mucho respeto para todos aquellos, ya sean PUP o independientes, que han salido con vigor para enviar un mensaje fuerte a este gobierno de el UDP despóticos y miopes.

Así que la delincuencia ha bajado, ¿verdad?

Según la declaración del Comisario de la Policía Crispín Jeffries que la delincuencia en el primer trimestre de 2010 ha bajado un 30% llegó a los titulares de al menos dos de los principales periódicos de Belice. Esperamos que el Sr. Jeffries sea lo suficientemente inteligente como para reconocer que la exposición en las primeras páginas, no se debió a una creencia de que él estaba diciendo la verdad, sino más bien el reconocimiento del extraño contraste que hay entre las “Estadísticas de la Policía oficial “y el realidad en las calles. De acuerdo con la COMPOL, todos los crímenes de gran magnitud se han reducido considerablemente, incluyendo asesinatos, violaciones y robos. No vamos a extendernos en este punto porque el Sr. Jeffries parece estar atascado en un atolladero político creado por las estadísticas mágicas.

Hoy hubo un crimen triste informó el SITREP de la Policía. Según el informe, una mujer joven y su acompañante caminaban por Marine Parade, la noche del lunes a las 11:15 PM, cuando fueron abordados por tres hombres. Ellos les robaron, entonces el compañero fue golpeado mientras que la señorita fue llevada a una corta distancia por uno de los hombres y violada a punta de pistola. Lo que llamó mi atención es el hecho de que este tipo de delitos se han vuelto tan frecuentes que apenas me llamó la atención. Pero el señor Jeffries dice que la delincuencia ha bajado un 30%.Está bien entonces. Tal vez podría ir a visitar a la joven que fue violada y robada y consolarla con esa estadística tranquilizadora.

Pase gratis...

En la conferencia de prensa la semana pasada, el Comisario de Policía de Jeffries el disputa que el allá emitido órdenes de disparar a la figura notoria del bajo mundo Arthur Young cuando lo vean. Eso no lo vamos a tocar porque Arthur Young no es ningún santo y no es ninguno de los miembros del Departamento de Policía, y desde luego no lo es el Sr. Jeffries. Digamos que después de los acontecimientos recientes de la acusación del Sr. Young es sólo mucho más creíble, pero no vamos a derramar lágrimas por él en cualquier momento pronto. Con eso dicho, una cosa curiosa se planteó en la conferencia de prensa. Mira, la policía está buscando al Sr. Young en relación con esta casa que allanaron. En esa casa se encontraron drogas y maquinaria especial para la creación de supresores de sonido o silenciadores. El hombre que encontraron en la casa es un colega conocido de Arthur Young, que al parecer también vive en la casa.

Y es que la Sra. Ruth Esquivel, la hija del ex primer ministro UDP, es la que había alquilado la casa, supuestamente para Arthur Young. Mi punto es que si el nombre de la persona que pagó el alquiler en una propiedad en la cual drogas fueron encontradas no hubiera sido Esquivel, hubieran sido arrastrados y obligados a cargar con todo el peso de la ley. Pero la Sra. Ruth Esquivel obtuvo un pase gratis, al parecer. En esta granja de animales del UDP, algunos animales son de hecho más iguales que otros.

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The Belize Times

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Births

FOR SALE Double lots located on a hill in the Contiki/Maya Vista Area of San Ignacio Town.

The lot is approximately 70 feet x 200 feet. Serious enquiries call 663-6245.

Liquor License Notices Notice is hereby given that Carlos Romero is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “The Wet Lizard”, #1 Fort Street, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Carlos Romero is applying for a Beer License to operate at “The Wet Lizard”, #1 Fort Street, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Prayer To The Holy Spirit O Holy spirit, you who are the fountainhead of all knowledge, who illuminate the pathway which enables me to reach my goal.

You who share your divine gift permitting me to forgive and forget past insults and injustices, and who are always at my side within reaching distance. I desire in this short supplication to thank you for all that you have done for me, and to assure you once more that I never want to be separated from you under any circumstances, no matter what the incentive. I want to be with you, I along with my loved ones, cradled in your unending love. Thank you for your never failing kindness towards me and those I call my own.

(Prayer to be offered for three consecutive days; faith in the Holy Spirit will cause him to respond to your request no matter how difficult the problem might be.)

Publish prayer as soon as request has been granted.

E.E.H

2005 Toyota Prado – Suv Colour: Maroon

Jahston Edward to Livingston and Keisha Juanita Terry nee Bethran Jovaan Arturo to Reynaldo Arturo and Priscell Melinda Pinto nee Concha Shi Ya to Wei Dong and Wen Ling Lai nee Chen Sahana Reeyon Amanda to Dion Fitzgerald and Rosalee Anamarie Banner nee Rhaburn Aryanna Carlita to Caleb Benedict and Kadine Kimara Mendoza nee Kingston Kai Francis to Andrew and Julianne Stockbridge nee Robinson Eleina Gabriela to Edgar Giovanni and Wendy Roxana De La O nee Martinez Thyrese Wayne to Bendamin and Therese Dianne Sanchez nee Ottley

Marriages Jian Bo Huang to Wei Yong Na both of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize Arthur Gray Morgan to Damaris Ann Howe both of Maryland, USA Jose David Galdamez to Ofelia Shack both of Teakettle, Cayo Daniel Charles Cooney to Jessica Grace Grove both of New York, USA Jared Lee Wade to Lisa Renee Petitmermet both of Rhode Island, USA Jeffrey Scott to Michele Darlene McKenzie both of Texas, USA Lucien John Pollard to Sahsil America Perez both of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize Hector Giovanni Flores to Francisca Mileidy Henry both of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize Alvin Parale Perez to Miraflor Salonga both of The Philippines Aristides Alberto Francis of Panama City, Panama to Wendy Patricia Webster of Providence Islands, Colombia Jose De Jesus Lerma Quintana to Arelita Herla Yah both of Santa Clara, Corozal Emory Alex Young to Danita Dianna Kee both of Ontario, Cayo Eriberto Antonio Aguilar both of Valley of Peace, Cayo Jacobo De Jesus Ayala to Maria Elena Gomez both of Cowpen, Stann Creek Carlos Matrgarito Cojon to Norma Sili Obeli Garcia both of Blackman Eddy, Cayo Josue Joel Uh to Zulma Yojana Diaz both of Trail Farm, Orange Walk Ernest Raymond Perez of New York, USA to Rocio Raquel Rugel of New York, USA Clifton Williams to Joy Gale both of Independence, Stann Creek Brian James Vost to Lindsay Elizabeth MacTavish both of Pennsylvania, USA

Deaths The vehicle may be viewed at #169 BelTex Avenue, Belama Phase 1, Belize City.

Sealed Bids can be sent to Mr. T. A. Mendez or Miss. Amy A. Forte at First Caribbean International Bank, Albert Street Branch, Belize City. Telephone 227-7211; 227-7212 ext. 107 & 127.

Angel Benjamin Pott, 28 Keon Emmanuel Young, 22 Matilde Cleopatra Speer, 88 Gavin Andre Deon Sanchez, 30 Gloria Elfreda King, 51 Marjorie Elizabeth Moore, 29

Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Belize Times

The People Have Spoken

(Continued from page 1) in this nation. Two years of a higher cost of living, increasing poverty, higher taxes, victimization, corruption, neglect and incompetence have come at a high cost to the UDP. In the south a backlash against the Hon. Melvin Hulse, the area representative in the Stann Creek West Division has resulted in the UDP losing a number of key villages. Critical among these is Independence, one of the largest communities involved in these elections. Three other villages which went completely against Hulse and the UDP are Maya Mopan, Placencia and Hopkins. The UDP, in control after 2007, was kicked out of these three communities in convincing fashion.

In Orange Walk North, where Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega is the representative, elections have resulted in the UDP winning by far

smaller margins that they did just two years ago. In Nuevo San Juan, which returned a PUP slate last week, voters spoke of the neglect that villagers felt. Many who spoke on condition of anonymity said that issues that influenced their decision to vote against the UDP included victimization, the taking away of people’s lands and the disrespect shown by area representatives for the village leaders.

Some voters in village communities complained about the many unfulfilled promises that so many of these UDP councils made. In areas like Guinea Grass, villagers complained about the condition of the village cemetery, which has been kept in disrepair.

Another issue which is dominating the debate in villages across the country is the matter of village expansion. With so little development in the villages, many of the young men and women

A Barrow Success Story!

(Continued from page 1) of the thug life. He gained popularity through the musical promotion of sex, drugs, guns and violence and the lyrics to all his songs express that in the most obscene and offensive of terms. He was arrested for a firearm related offense and spent almost ten years in prison.

Upon being released he was deported to Belize (not by choice) and recently signed a multi-million dollar deal which means that he will spend most of his time in London or Europe busting out the same lyrics and messages which gained him his early popularity.

In Belize Shyne has lived the high life, first renting out an entire floor of Belize’s largest hotel and then moving into an exclusive luxury penthouse apartment where he now resides. His interaction with Belizeans has been limited to one or two orchestrated

Victory for Team Belize

(Continued from page 1) Belizean citizens. The BBF had appealed the decision to FIBA, but when FIBA’s appeal committee turned down Belize’s appeal, the BBF resorted to take the appeal to the CAS. COCABA officials in Cancun had excluded as ineligible: Keenan Jourdan, Gene Myvett, Marlon Garnett, Kyron Stokes, Dakin Braddick, Charlie Burgess and Herbie Allen. The COCABA officials had initially also banned Milton Palacio and Alex Carcamo, even though FIBA had acknowledged them as Belizeans when they led Belize to the 1998 CARICOM championship.

Belize won a moral victory and set a significant precedent with the CAS ruling. From here on in all Belizean players, whether born at home or abroad of Belizean parents in the United States, Canada, England, Mexico or even Guatemala, are considered as Belizean in terms of FIBA eligibility.

FIBA can’t have been pleased at being publicly embarrassed by the CAS ruling, and has issued a new regulation that henceforth no appeal may go beyond the FIBA appeals committee. In other words, no other appeal in the future, whether from Belize or any other nation, may be taken to the CAS.

appearances at schools and the central prison. That’s it.

And now out of the blue, or more accurately the red, Mr. Shyne Barrow is now a bona fide diplomat, Belize’s Music Ambassador and the man in charge of the Music Department at NICH. He will be responsible for spearheading the music programs at schools countrywide.

The Belize Times is highly skeptical of the appointment of Shyne Barrow.

His music is not Belizean music. He has no knowledge of Belizean music, of the richness of Belizean culture. This paper is skeptical of the reaction from other countries, who upon learning of Shyne’s appointment will Google his music to see just what he is representing.

Andy Palacio was Belize’s Cultural

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leave the village for the urban areas seeking jobs and opportunity.

In some of the UDP strongholds and in communities considered UDP villages, many candidates are opting to run independent in fear running as a UDP would be equal to a defeat. In Placencia, a village historically UDP, last Sunday’s election resulted in an independent slate winning. In Toledo in Big Falls, a similar situation occurred.

In Caye Caulker, the UDP slate was discarded for an independent slate.

Villagers who were once considered to be strong supporters of the United Democratic are abandoning the red and white flags and are running under alternate colours.

At a village meeting in Guinea G r a s s, P U P s u p p o r t e r s p r o u d l y endorsed a PUP slate for the May 16 elections. During their village meeting villagers excitedly embraced their slate and expressed confidence in the PUP. Guinea Grass is known to be a strong UDP village and the home of the UDP

representative Mark Pech.

Speaker after speaker expressed their dissatisfaction with the way d e ve l o p m e n t i n t h e v i l l a g e h a d prog ressed. One villager stated how happy people in the village had been to have one of their own as a representative in the House, only to now be disappointed in Pech, whose only performance in the House is to occasionally sit in the Speaker’s chair.

After two years as area representative, Pech has not been able to bring any significant development to the village and to Orange Walk South.

On Sunday some 46 villages will be having elections all across the nation.

Many of these villages are currently under the management of UDP Village Councils. If the trend continues, by the time the sun sets on Sunday, many of these will change hands and the message for the UDP will be clear.

The message is that after two years, Belizeans are fed up with the UDP and ready to embrace change.

Ambassador and served the post with distinction. He almost singlehandedly took Belize onto the world stage. His accomplishments were many and his legend will live on. He was a man who lived and breathed Belizean music and culture. After his passing, Poots ‘Titiman’ Flores was named the Music Ambassador. He was and is another giant on the Belizean music scene, a son of the soil who has made the promotion of our culture and music his life.

Shyne Barrow can claim no such distinction, no such commitment to Belize, no such familiarity with Belizeans music and culture. The appointment, which seems to have been based only on the merit of the youth’s last name, is a slap in the faces of those all those musical legends who have given and continue to give their lives to Belize.

T he Belize Times has been

reliable informed that Shyne Barrow’s appointment will not be an honorary one. Sources within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reveal that he will be accorded full diplomatic status, complete with a diplomatic passport.

We have not yet been able to verify how much he will be paid or the extent of his compensation package including perks.

Shyne’s appointment comes at a time when local radio stations have been taking the initiative of banning explicitly violent lyrics from the airwaves in an attempt to curb the violence on our streets. So as the nation claims that that type of music is not okay, Mr. Barrow has seen fit to appoint his son, whose only claim to fame are those very same lyrics, as Music ambassador to Belize.

Mr. Barrow will regret this decision, we have no doubt.

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The Belize Times

Sunday, April 25, 2010