Belize Times 100523

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The

The Belize Times

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Belize Times The Truth Shall Make You Free

Operation Jaguar Kicks Off… SUNDAY MAY 23, 2010

Issue No. 4694

$1.00 www.belizetimes.bz

Carlos Kicked Out?

Money Still Missing at CitCo!

The mess at City Hall seems to be going from bad to worse as for yet another week the Council is trying but without much success to be able to account for monies which market stall vendors have been paying in towards their arrears.

Only last week we heard from City Councillor Kevin Singh, who alleged that the Council's financial records do not reflect any deductions from what market vendors at the Queen's Square Market are claiming to have paid in towards their outstanding balance for stalls. The amount the Council records show for arrears is $174,000 among the 55 vendors. But the angry vendors say they have been doubling up their payments towards their debts,

only to discover that the figure in the books remains the same. Singh said last week that the Council could not immediately say what had happened.

Well the Council issued a press release this week saying that all the monies have been accounted for. But Singh is still not so sure about that because he says he has not been shown any records to corroborate that statement.

This week Singh came out publicly on Channel 5 News, stating - "When I went in and I asked them that question (what happened to the monies) they had no answer for it. They were trying to find out, going through different things.

Now this is what they came up with, that everything is accounted for...we need (Continued on page 35)

The Belize Times has received very credible reports that embattled and battered Minister of National Security Carlos Perdomo will be relieved of his portfolio in the very near future. Those reports have been made even more credible by the very conspicuous absence of Perdomo in Operation Jaguar, which was launched on Monday, May 17. An official release stated that the operation was launched at the direction of the Chairman of the National Security Council, Prime Minister Dean Barrow. There was no mention of Minister of National Security Minister Carlos Perdomo.

According to the release, "the Operation, which will be conducted for a sustained period of time, will (Continued on page 35)

Belizeans Tell GOB

HOLD ON!

As crude oil continues to spill into the Gulf of Mexico, no one seems willing to take responsibility. In the mean time the destruction and the economic cost to the states in the US Gulf Coast could mean billions of dollars in losses to the economies of Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida.

While British Petroleum, the mega oil corporation refuses to accept responsibility for this disaster, the events in the Gulf of Mexico have created an interesting debate here in Belize and has resulted in environmental activists as well as other NGOs going so far as to write the Prime Minister to call for a complete halt on any oil exploration off shore.

In one of its weekly e-polls, Channel 5

asked Belizeans for their views on offshore exploration. The result of the e-poll showed that 86 percent of all Belizeans are against off shore oil exploration.

In an interview on Channel 5, Marc Patry, programme specialist in UNESCO’s Special Projects Unit of the World Heritage Center, said that UNESCO was concerned by the fact that Government had issued licenses for oil exploration in areas that are a part of the Belize Barrier Reef Heritage Site. He said, “There is a policy within the World Heritage convention that World Heritage sites should be off limit to mining and hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation. In that sense we don’t want to see oil exploration or drilling in the water (Continued on page 35)

Are YOU Better Off Today?

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The Belize Times

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Out Spoken

TO PM Barrow From COLA

Is Jaguar Enough?

Last week Government launched a new operation geared at addressing what the Prime Minister now considers to be a crisis in crime. As fate would have it, the week of Operation Jaguar coincided was one of the rainiest weeks of 2010. Whether it was weather or Operation Jaguar, Belize City was relatively quiet this past week.

How do you measure the effectiveness of these operations? Do these operations result in more convictions? Do they cause a sustained lull in crime and violent activities? What follow up measures will have to be put in place to stem this growing violence in our urban centres?

As our town and cities grow, there is increased crime and insecurity.

True, this is not unique to Belize; indeed urban crime and violence is a global concern. At the same time, attacks on businesses and individuals have a negative effect on the success of businesses’ economic stability and hinders social enhancement. In addition to the human suffering inflicted, crime is a major impediment to development.

As the crime rate continues to spiral out of control, we hear of another reduction - that in the area of foreign direct investment. Those in the service industry, especially those who cater to tourists as well as people in the entertainment industry, are hindered by the need to close down early or to finance the high cost of security. With all this affecting the movement of tourists who move around at night, local entertainers, artisans and other entertainment providers are discouraged from initiating or sustaining economic activity because of the threat of crime and violence. All this means that if the Government cannot guarantee the security and safety of Belizean who live in the cities and towns, the nation cannot be expected to move safely along the path of economic and social development.

Murders and violent crimes in addition to being a scare on the national conscience drive a nation into a culture of fear. Crimes such as burglary, robbery, vandalism, shoplifting, theft, fraud and extortion cost businesses considerable revenue each year. In Belize, where most of the businesses are small, crime will cause drastic changes in operation, from adjusting opening hours to raising prices to cover losses and to finance extra security; the cost will have to be borne by an already financially limited consumer.

Operation Jaguar will sweep through the city and some people will be arrested; a few may even end up behind bars. Hopefully if they are a part of the crime culture those caught will go to prison for a long time.

Yet this will not change anything. Today modern cities, many strapped for cash, use innovation and technology to deal with the crime problem.

No longer do they rely on outdated methods to convict criminals - instead they use forensic science and video to catch perpetrators.

Technology and properly trained law enforcement personnel are among the most important parts of keeping cities safer. Of course other cultural practices and norms must change as well. Most cities today are cashless. With the advent of credit and debit cards, few people carry enough cash to encourage a mugger. Likewise, with business mostly cashless due to credit cards and the abundance of cash machines, businesses no longer have large amounts of cash on hand that would cause some to jack an establishment and risk being caught on camera.

It is just not worth it.

Likewise, with the availability of advanced technology, now accessible with a mobile phone, police officers can upload date and distribute to beat cops within minutes of an incident; as such a police patrol doing a routine stop in an area can use the internet to run background checks or receive information on suspected criminals literally minutes after a crime has been committed.

Operation Jaguar may indeed have added to the quiet in the streets for a week, but if the Government is serious about addressing crime and insecurity in our cities and towns then it will require a lot more than a sting operation. It will require a committed, sustained and modern approach to dealing with crime. If the Barrow administration has the will, they will have the support of the people. The trouble is that so far the Government has failed to show any meaningful commitment to dealing with the problem and if they ever do, it may just be too late for all of us.

Dear Hon. Dean Barrow: On January 6th, 2010, Citizens Organize For liberty Through Action (COLA) wrote the Department of Geology and Petroleum to request all relevant information concerning the OPIC concession for the exploration of petroleum offshore. The letter expressed our organization’s concerns of the irreversible impact that an oil spill could have on Belize’s fragile marine ecosystem. At that time our organization was not aware that there were other companies who have been granted concessions. With the kind cooperation of the Director of Geology and Petroleum, Mr. Andre Cho, however, we have been privy to the latest updated contracted maps and Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs).

Our concerns continue to grow increasingly and with the current crisis in the Gulf of Mexico, we have become extremely troubled. In our prior letter we used the Exxon Valdez oil spill, one of the biggest spills in the history of offshore drilling, as our premise. In addition to that, we made reference to the much more recent example of the Australian oil spill that occurred on November 4th, 2009. Regarding that oil spill, it was reported over CBS news that "a crippled deep water oil rig had been leaking millions of gallons of oil into the ocean between Australia’s northwest coast and the islands of Indonesia" for weeks. Attempts had failed to plug the well containing the "fractured pipe 8,000 feet beneath the sea floor" and which was thought to have caused the blowout that claimed the lives of sea creatures and birds alike (CBS Evening News, 2009). COLA has been consistent in using current cases of oil spills such as these to serve as bases for its arguments, which just goes to show that oil spills are by far more prevalent than one would imagine. And in the case of the Australian scenario, environmentalists have gone on the record to say that no cleanup technology in the world will be able to clean a spill that big.

Besides the environmental damages that oil spills have had, they have yielded even more negative impacts that are equally as overwhelming. For instance, it has destroyed tourism industries and has crushed the livelihoods of fishermen. Research has proven that even without oil spills, offshore drilling brings up toxic mud, containing poisonous heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead, and other poisons such as arsenic and benzene and other radioactive materials. Even with the greatest of technologies at man's disposal, it is said that some of these materials are not recyclable and companies are forced to throw them back into the ocean. Since the conclusion of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil, it has further been reported that "chemicals, nuclear waste, and the effluent of urban industrial society has continued to grow...[consequently] causing serious damage to living resources and ecology of the marine environment and to the shores of coastal states".

Environmentalists further claim that oils spills are not the only worrisome hazards to marine life, since there is the possibility of ear damage and disorientation to sea creatures from the actual drilling itself, which might ultimately lead to mass beaching.

Oil rig accidents have caused deaths and injuries. It poses more risks than benefits and we at COLA oppose the exploration of oil in the waters of Belize. We are hereby calling for a moratorium on offshore drilling. We understand the implications of suspending concessions that have already been signed, but our country would not be the first to do so. Costa Rica, for example, has had to revoke licenses that were previously approved.

It is frustrating to know that within protected areas fishing is illegal but the exploration of oil – an activity that can harm the same marine life we claim to be protecting – is within the boundaries of the law.

Protected areas need protection, and it is on this ground that we demand an entirely new system be put into place. As it relates to terrestrial exploration for petroleum we are requesting that a study be done to declare certain portions of Belize’s land as off limits for oil exploration, because of its sensitive ecosystem. Thirdly, we are calling on the government to restructure the ways that concessions are being distributed. In this we mean that before an area can be deemed as “explorable”, an EIA must be done on the location in question and it be further be balanced with a socioeconomic assessment. We must understand first how developments will affect the intended area and its immediate communities and in that way we can avoid the disaster we are presently witnessing in the Gulf. Finally we are requesting that it be mandatory by law that an EIA be done even during the stages of exploration of petroleum terretially. It is imperative that there be more of the public’s participation in the issuance of these concessions. The country belongs to Belizeans and the people need to be given the chance to evaluate the pros and cons of matters as significant as these. A sound decision can only be made, however, with sufficient information.

At the top of all this we are requesting a meeting with you, Hon. Prime Minister, and the Minister of Natural Resources, to further discuss these matters. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely Yours, _______________ Geovannie Brackett (Vice President) 664-3771

THE BELIZE TIMES EDITOR

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Roberto Peyrefitte

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Belize Times

If Da Noh Soh…

Is Esquivel back?

We’ve been pushing and bawling and hollering for the barely coherent and clearly impotent crime minister Carlos Perdomo to get kicked to the curb for the longest time now. Hell, practically the entire nation has been screaming for something to be done about crime. After more than two years and a nation driven to the brink of anarchy, maybe the bald one finally heard our cries from his lofty perch in pampered luxury in front of the sea. This columnist has been reliably informed that poor Perdomo is a goner, though it sure took baldy long enough. And since it is now common knowledge that the combined braintrust of the UDP bunch wouldn’t fill a thimble, we hear baldy is going back into the archives and dusting off no other than Sir Manny. I guess that

knighted gentleman is then supposed to mount the proverbial steed and wield the proverbial broadsword to smite down crime in the streets. This columnist certainly waits with bated breath to see this fairy tale come to life…Sir Manny on a royal steed. This is just too funny for words… If Da Noh Soh! An elaborate scheme…

Since the elections UDP political insiders in the know have been telling us that there was a plan afoot to make the relatively inexperienced Elodio Aragon Jr. the Commissioner of

Police. See, he is the son of an exUDP Minister who put in a lot of work in the last elections, so it was considered payback. So we didn’t even blink when Mr. Barrow concocted this elaborate scheme to make about six officers Assistant Commissioners and of course one of them was the rookie Aragon Jr. And now we hear that he has been put in charge of Operation Jaguar, which will be a very visible show of force in the city. Of course we all know that the operation cannot be maintained but it doesn’t really matter. This will be touted as a notch in Aragon’s belt and he will be given the nudge to the top cop job.

Look out for the announcement… If Da Noh Soh! Hit on Jeffries…

A hit has already been sanctioned

on the current Commissioner of Police Crispin Jeffries. Make no mistake about it – when the dilapidated hosts of WAVE’s talk show start bashing any particular person day in and day out

you can be sure that there’s a sinister plan afoot, and dead sure that it came from the twisted mind of baldy. See, the sissy boy and the idiot with the 20 year old hair and 100 year old face couldn’t find an original thought if it walked right up to them and bit them on the posterior. So since Jeffries is the target of the demented dodo-bird duo right about now, Barrow wants him gone. You can bet on that. It’s all part of the plan to push in Aragon Jr. Hell, think about it. Jeffries has been out of sight and out of mind recently and suddenly Aragon is the man in charge of the operation on the streets. Makes sense, doesn’t it?...

If Da Noh Soh! New UDP hosts?

Now of course, politics being what it is, you would never find us advertising any posts within the UDP in this publication. But I’ve got to say that this one gives me particular pleasure. Word has gone out from the UDP secretariat that there is

a vacancy for two talk show hosts for a daily morning show. They’re not asking too much in the way of qualifications because I think they figure that anything would be better

than the two morons they’re trying to get rid of. Of course you know we’re talking about sissy boy and sissy man.

You may have noticed that they’ve been absent from the airwaves for the past couple days because they’re

in a heap of trouble. Remember we told you that both idiots are known for hustling from business, even from PUP businesses? Well, we set up a sting at Vibes Radio and both fools walked right into the trap. Actually it wasn’t so hard because neither of them is that bright. And of course, we ensure that both of them were caught on candid camera wheeling and dealing. Ayyy, some people!

Anyway, they were already in the hot seat when word of that got out, and then to make it worse, on their one appearance this week, both of them went out of their way to back up their bally Creamy from #48 Baymen against a decision made in Cabinet.

Seriously though, I feel for them.

It’s already hard enough for skilled, intelligent people to make a living these days. For them, it’ll be damn near impossible… If Da Noh Soh! Crying Creamy…

How far have the mighty fallen?

Man, we can still remember Crimson Creamy boasting that he was on top of the world on a UDP cloud while his brother claimed to be the bagman and personal friend of the dodo-bird DPM. But now Creamy is crying all the way to the lawyer’s office, since

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all the Ministers he claims to have on speed-dial have been ignoring his frantic calls for help. Things are so bad for Crimson right now that he’s a pariah in the UDP and is damned

near contagious. Just ask Joe and Fonso who came out in his support and were immediately yanked off the air. Ain’t one of the reds going out of their way to help Crimson and we predict that his fortunes will be taking a sudden downturn in the near future, because there are some powerful ministers who think it’s undignified for a convicted ‘brieftief ’ to yield any power in the Party.

Not even his close friend Emil from down the street who loves to gamble and would probably have been one of the regular patron at #48 Baymen is coming to Crimson’s defense, cause blood is thicker than water… If Da Noh Soh!

Hypocrites of the Week

The UDP Cabinet of political and intellectual dunces is not only considered a joke and a farce by many Belizeans, but this week will go down in the archives as this newspaper’s Hypocrites of the Week. Collectively, the Cabinet holds tremendous decision making power in the country, and with that power a tremendous responsibility to the people of this nation. That body of dim-bulbs has taken all our people for fools and is running Belize into the ground.

While so many issues have been hitting Belizeans daily, the Cabinet has remained for the most part blind, deaf and mute. Our people have been faced with a crippling economic recession, rising cost of living, steadily rising fuel costs, education crises, the Kendall Bridge, crises in health and allegations of corruption in almost every department and level of government. Cabinet has said nothing. When our nation was dubbed the murder capital of the world by the Economist, Cabinet said nothing.

As grenades exploded in our streets and Belizeans experienced a new era of urban terrorism, Cabinet said nothing. As our young men were gunned down daily and innocent victims lay paralyzed by stray bullets, our Cabinet said nothing.

Despite week after week of the most stunning revelations of misappropriation

of funds and corruption in the Belize City Council, Cabinet said nothing. Even now the City Council is embroiled in the latest round of scandal and missing money, and Cabinet has said nothing.

So many issues, so much suffering by our people and Cabinet has said nothing.

Instead, every week a sentence or two on a Cabinet release revealed that our Ministers had discussed the latest gala that would be attended by the Prime Minister abroad, or who would be acting in his absence, or World Food Day. Petty nonsense discussed by our Cabinet while our people are bombarded with critical issues.

Now we understand that while our military has had to take to the streets to rein in crime, the discussion in Cabinet was about a liquor license issued to former UDP National Campaign Manager Karim Berges. We understand that while our streets are now filled with BDF soldiers wielding machine guns because our Police Department couldn’t handle the job, our Ministers were fully engaged in jostling over whether Mr. Berges should get a license or not.

Our Cabinet of Hypocrites and fools should be immediately disbanded, because for sure they have done nothing to serve the Belizean people.

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The Belize Times

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Oil might devastate coral reefs

From the Desk of the Party Leader

To Drill or not to Drill?

This week I was invited by Adele Ramos, host of a show on Krem TV, to participate in discussions about offshore drilling along with Audrey Matura Sheppard of Oceana and Geovannie Brackett from Citizens Organized for Liberation Through Action (COLA).

It was a good discussion. Mr. Brackett was passionate about his position against offshore drilling. He provided many examples of countries where offshore drilling had caused untold damage to the people and country. He explained the five-year process the US government goes through before approving a license for oil exploration.

For her part, Ms. Matura was more measured and as a trained attorney, was meticulous in her position calling for a ban on offshore drilling. She cited tourism and economic figures pointing out that Belize has much more to lose with offshore drilling. She also pointed out that Belize has a large coastline community and we are threatening the way of life for thousands of Belizeans including our fishermen.

Ms. Marura went further to state that the Belizean marine life, while among the best in the region, is also threatened by other activities taking place in the area. Her position is that adding oil production would only make the situation worse.

Since the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico a few weeks ago, Belizeans have expressed grave concerns about oil exploration. Belizeans are watching on TV as hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil are spilling into the Gulf of Mexico.

With all its technology and financial muscle, the US government and British Petroleum (BP) have been unable to close off the oil well 5000 feet below sea level and it continues to gush millions of gallons of oil into the gulf.

What horrifies many viewers is the callousness of BP. Despite their obvious responsibility, they are refusing to accept blame and forcing the fishermen that are helping in the clean up campaign to sign agreements that will exempt BP from any financial liability.

I guess the question on the minds of many Belizeans is whether we are prepared to deal with an oil spill the likes of the one currently in the Gulf ? Do we have the technology available to act quickly to prevent these disasters in our waters? Do the oil companies have the financial resources to pay the government or would it be easier for them to declare bankruptcy and leave? Does the Petroleum and Environment Departments have the human capacity and equipment available to properly monitor what’s happening offshore and thousands of feet below the sea?

These are just some of the questions that need to be answered before we can proceed with offshore drilling. But the most important question in the minds of many is, can we gamble with God’s precious gift to Belize, our Belize Barrier Reef ?

The Peoples’ United Party has always felt that God has blessed us with natural resources or “wealth untold”. As such we feel that we must use these resources sustainably and that it must be used to fight our greatest enemy - poverty.

Poverty continues to plague Belize. In the last country poverty assessment, we were horrified to find out that 142,276 Belizeans or 43 percent of our population is considered poor. In middle class families, 90 cents out of every dollar earned is consumed by food and utilities.

We cannot continue this downward spiral for it will only lead to more poverty.

In the PUP’s 1998 manifesto, we declared that if there were oil in commercial quantities, we would find it. We did and today the oil industry has provided $104,688,076.69 to the government. By any measure this is a lot of money. Still many of us believe that we are not getting our just share.

Our first oil field discovery generated lots of excitement and interest in Belize. All our available blocks for oil exploration generated much interest, especially offshore where very little studies have been done. It is in this exuberance that these blocks were contracted out.

Today, two years later, Belizeans are having a severe case of cold feet.

With the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, UNESCO’s announcement of the possibility of delisting the Belize Barrier Reef as a World Heritage Site, the Association of Protected Areas Management Organization (APAMO), COLA, Belize Audubon Society, Oceana condemning offshore oil exploration and a recent channel 5 e-poll showing 86 percent of those responding against offshore drilling, it is time for the Government of Belize to rethink its position.

I believe that until all these questions can be clearly answered to the satisfaction of Belizeans, the Government must stop the exploration for oil in our seas.

Satellite images show it is likely that the slick leaking from a ruptured well pipe will be swept into the Loop Current which would drag the toxic crude to the southern end of the Florida peninsula, where its coral reefs are located. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

MIAMI - FLORIDA'S vast coral reefs could suffer disastrous consequences if they are doused with oil and chemical dispersants from the huge Gulf of Mexico spill, scientists warn.

Satellite images show it is likely that the slick leaking from a ruptured well pipe will be swept into the Loop Current which would drag the toxic crude to the southern end of the Florida peninsula, where its coral reefs are located.

The current then rushes northward off the east coast of Florida.

Residents of the Florida Keys - a chain of small islands at the bottom of the state famous for fishing and diving - were in a panic on Tuesday when tar balls washed up on area beaches. Tests were being carried out to determine whether the tar balls came from

the Gulf spill or were instead waste from a passing ship.

The potential threat is especially dire for the Keys, a spot that attracts divers keen to visit the area's coral reefs, the largest on the planet after reefs in Australia and Belize. Crude oil and dispersants could bleach and kill coral, said Richard Dodge

an coral reef expert at Florida's Nova University. Oil alone is toxic to corals. 'Effects range from heavy mucous production by the coral causing stress, disruption of reproductive tissues, bleaching, and mortality,' Mr Dodge said.

Water dilutes the oil's toxicity, but when chemical dispersants

are used the oil is concentrated in highly toxic droplets. 'Dispersed oils are much more harmful to corals than oil only,' Mr Dodge said. 'This can have an increased detrimental effects on corals because the oil can become more available to coming in contact with the coral tissue,' he said. The amount of damage to the coral will depend on the level of exposure to the oil and dispersants, he added.

Oceanographers said on Monday they believed that once the oil is inside the Loop Current it could take about a week for it to collide with the Florida Keys. -- AFP

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mike_rudon@hotmail.com

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Belize Times

UDP Politics as usual

Operation Jaguar…

The military has been brought into the city to somehow take back control of the streets from the criminals. Some people would say that when the military has to be brought in, that is a sure sign that we are living in a failed state with a failed government. I believe it would be somewhat bad form to immediately bash the operation because let’s face it – law-abiding citizens are so desperate for some solution, any solution that some of us are willing to take some measure of comfort in the heavy military presence on the streets. But comfort or not, very few Belizeans really believe that Mr. Barrow is serious about tackling crime. Very many Belizeans feel that Mr. Barrow is making one of his trademark grand gestures which are really only so much glitter and little substance. The leader of this nation has demonstrated not even an iota of vision or agenda when it comes to dealing with crime. In fact, he has demonstrated a remarkable degree of indifference, especially as regards his refusal to remove Mr. Perdomo despite the cries of the population. I understand that with the new operation in place, soldiers are working 16 hour shifts and the frustration level is already soaring. That is not a good thing. If Mr. Barrow needs to get serious about crime then he will need to start by removing Mr. Perdomo, restructuring the high command and dealing with corruption very high up in the ranks of the department.

Belizeans are not convinced that Operation Jaguar will work, and certain Police officials are already claiming that it cannot and will not be maintained.

The infamous press conference…

Now that Mr. Barrow has made the grand gesture of bringing in the military, political pundits are speculating that the next move will be a press conference with some grand revelation or the other. Some of us believe that Mr. Barrow will think twice about facing the nation again, though, especially after the debacle at the last conference. We’re still waiting for this criminal ring within the department to be exposed and rooted out. One learned attorney claims that it was not so much a criminal ring as ring around the collar. But fun and joke aside, Mr. Barrow never did explain that infamous press conference. According to a local newscast, one of the policemen who was singled out has already been quietly returned to active duty and it is believed that the others will follow suit. Mr. Barrow doesn’t realize that bringing in the military won’t fix the problems within his government or within the police department. I’ve got to believe that the region and the world are taking Belize for a laughing stock as our police force is being operated like our very own version of the keystone kops. But the reality is that crime is no laughing matter.

Our streets are running red.

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Still no Kendall…

This week the announcement went out that the Kendall crossing was covered by about 5 feet of water after some relatively moderate rains. Once again, the South of Belize was completely cut off from the rest of the country. The Ministry of Education spokesperson called in to say that at least eight schools in the area had to be closed because of lack of access. Is there some reason that the Government of Belize is refusing to give priority to a new bridge at Kendall? It’s been two years now and every single time we get heavy rains, the south is cut off. Our hurricane season kicks off in a week or so and I believe I heard mention that it will be a very active season. The reality is that in the event of a disaster, the south will be completely cut off. Doesn’t the government understand that? A new bridge will cost in the region of $4million dollars, we understand, and considering some of the other things GOB has spent big bucks on, we believe that the people of the south should already have gotten their Kendall Bridge. GOB is spending over $1million on a fence at the Marion Jones Complex and the ex-wife of the Prime Minister has been paid probably about another $2million since the UDP took office. Throw in the Prime Minister’s luxury SUV and his Deputy Prime Minister’s brand new Lexus and the people would probably have the cost of their bridge covered. We’ll enter this active season with our fingers crossed and pray that disaster doesn’t hit. If it does and lives are lost, the blame will rest squarely on the shoulders of this UDP government. #48 Baymen…

On the surface this latest rift between Mr. Crimson and the Mr. Perdomo may not seem like that big a deal, but it is. See, the UDP are so messed up that they are turning on each other now. Mr. Crimson wants to open a bar/gaming establishment (in the guise of a conference facility no less). Certain neighbourhood activists have put their feet down, so to speak. Although the Liquor Licensing Board had approved the liquor license, the Minister of Local Government was pressured into revoking it. The players are significant, including Mr. Crimson, the daughter of the Minister of National Security and UDP stalwart Solie Arguelles.

Miss Solie is the mother of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and he and his brothers of I.E. infamy are personal friends of Mr. Crimson. According to the furious carrot top, he has all the numbers of all Cabinet ministers on speed dial, but even that didn’t help him in the end. Trust me - this one will have some repercussions that will bear looking into.

Explain please…

The Police Department very grandly announced that they had captured the man they believe is responsible for the murder of businessman Jason Coombs months ago. They claimed he was hiding out in a safe house in the San Lorenzo area of Orange Walk town. By all indications this was a big break in the sensational case, or at least that’s how it was brought across.

Imagine then the news that this alleged hit-man had been quietly released from Police custody, no fanfare. I think this is one of the things that need to be explained. Belizeans have the impression that the entire justice system is completely messed up. Situations like this do nothing to dispel that notion.

Creamy & the ACB From way back when the Opposition People’s United Party has maintained that the so-called Association of Concerned Belizeans would have been more realistically named the Association Concerned about Barrow. It was obvious from the beginning that the ACB had been formed to promote Mr. Barrow’s agenda while wearing an insubstantial veil of independence. Creamy himself confirmed this on national television when he proclaimed that as the UDP national campaign manager he founded the ACB. So there you have it – straight from the horse’s mouth.

City Hall Again…

A host on one of the morning shows claimed that the problem at City Hall is one of communication. I’d have to say that I share the sentiment of the other host who almost choked at that bold proclamation.

The reality is that just as how Belize is now a failed state, Belize City is a failed municipality led by a bunch of corrupt, incompetent, scatter-brained politicians who have done absolutely nothing right since taking over City Hall. It seems like every week there is something else wrong at City Hall, and more often than not it involves money missing from municipal coffers. And in addition to what seems widespread corruption, the truth is that this crew has been unable to provide even the most basic of services to Belizeans. As the more rational host stated, Belize City is messed up. There is somewhat of a communication problem, yes, because Mayor Moya has yet to explain to Belizeans about the hundreds of thousands of dollars found missing in the audit report. Mayor Moya has yet to communicate to us if she will repay the tens of thousands of dollars she overpaid herself without authorization. So there is a communication problem, but it’s so much more than that. Our streets are messed up, our drains are clogged, our parks are dilapidated and overgrown and garbage is completely out of control. We are messed up. This crew needs to be kicked to the curb, but first Belizeans would appreciate a little communication from the Mayor about the missing monies.

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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PARTY PAGE

In Stann Creek West PUP won 14 out of 19 Villages

The Belize Times

Sunday, May 23, 2010

THE BLUE MACHINE

Party Leader Tours Toledo

ANNOUNCING

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

We Are The PUP

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Belize Times

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THE CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE AND REGIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

In late 2008 the People’s United Party government of that day sought to introduce the required legislative amendment to have Belize replace the Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as her court of last appeal. From early 2001 the former Prime Minster Honourable Said Musa signed the Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice, however the then opposition failed to recognize the merit of Belize subscribing to this judicial body.

This important organ of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was conceptualized by the West Indian Commission which was tasked with the responsibility of addressing how the region would transition into the 21st Century recognizing the effects of globalization and trade liberalization.

Thus from its conceptualization the functions of the CCJ were envisaged to serve a dual purpose; firstly as the Caribbean’s Supreme Court functioning in an appellate jurisdiction to replace the Privy Council; and secondly as a high court in an original jurisdiction.

This writer will seek to address the later issue and assert the importance for Government to inform of the implications to Belize, as the latest member of CARICOM to make the switch to the CCJ. Most discussions on the CCJ remains focused on its function as an appellate body and the merits and benefits extolled as it replaces the Privy Council; however, its function in an original jurisdiction requires equal attention.

The mission as stated by the CCJ in execution of its function in its original jurisdiction is to “ensure uniform interpretation and application of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, thereby underpinning and advancing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.” It is of utmost importance for Belizeans to understand the function of the CCJ in this capacity. In its original jurisdiction it means any person, legal entity or member state of CARICOM that is aggrieved can take a dispute to the Court. It is there to resolve any dispute arising from benefits or interpretation of the Treaty of Chaguaramas and its subsequent revisions that established the Caribbean Community and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Therefore the Court could deliver judgment on disputes between any CARICOM member country party to the Agreement that established

the CCJ; disputes between any CARICOM member country and CARICOM organs and any application from nationals concerning the interpretation and application of the Treaty. The CCJ is therefore placed as the center piece in the institutional framework that supports the fluid and smooth functioning of the CSME. Such a legal infrastructure is one that will provide the assurances on the unimpeded economic benefits that ought to be accrued from the free movement of factors within and throughout the CSME. The CCJ is thus important in ensuring that the region and member states operate within an investment climate that is attractive and supports the competitive production of goods and services that is deemed a critical aspect of any country’s development policy.

With Government making the necessary steps to incorporate in national legislation the position of the CCJ, they have an obligation to go further in ensuring that the supporting institutions provide the level of education and dissemination of information on the implications to the business community and Belizean nationals overall.

This responsibility falls directly to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and the Attorney General’s Office of International Agreements.

The reality for Belizean businesses is that they must be made aware of the various provisions, requirements and obligations on Government under the CSME. This can only be accomplished if there is a sustained education campaign to make the public aware. The most recent fiasco with investors and fisher folk from Jamaica seeking to establish a processing facility clearly highlight the need for both the public and private sector to be made aware of rights and obligations under the CSME. The principle of non-discrimination and national treatment underpins the core value of the regional integration being fostered. This overarching foundation is to ensure that persons and businesses are not unfairly disadvantaged in pursuing economic benefits within the CSME. Another important responsibility also lies with the private sector with respect to the provision of services. The need to have Mutual

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Recognition Agreements in place for professional services require greater participation and insight from the professional associations such as the Association of Professional Engineers, Association of Architects, Association of Realtors and Real Estate Agents among others that may not be so well established.

Consequently, the private sector also has an important role to play in the education process and this can start with the Chamber of Commerce and Business Bureau.

This writer opines that the most recent passage of the Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Act of 2010 would definitely come to be challenged and questioned by the CCJ sometime in the near future. The far reaching implications of this piece of legislation will by no means find favor with investors from within CARICOM that may choose to look at Belize as a destination for their investment.

As the benefits that ought to accrue under the CSME and the

nondiscriminatory requirement for nationals and non-nationals in the free movement of capital may be incongruous with the position espoused by the Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Act of 2010. Thus, the challenge remains rather pertinent as to how the current administration will ensure that in meeting with its commitment to the CSME that Belize’s investment policy framework is one that remains attractive. It is thus important that in all of Government’s undertakings full consideration is given to the wider implications of national decisions, as Belize’s development may continue to be compromised.

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

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The Belize Times

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Son beats father to death over shilling!

Two men, one 80 and the other 27, were slain in separate incidents in the old capital leading into the payday weekend. The irony of it was that one was killed for a shilling he did not have while the other had just collected his pay but was killed for other reasons.

The first incident took place at around 2:00 pm on Friday at #5 Oleander Street in the Saint Martin de Porres area of Belize City, when Glenford Grant, 25, asked his father, Clifton Grant, for a shilling to purchase a cigarette.

The elder Grant did not have the 25 cents and paid with his life for it because Clifton allegedly put such a pummelling on him as he sat in the family's living room settee, that the 80 year old had no chance of waking up from the coma into which he was savagely beaten.

Besides the two, there was

Glenford Grant

one witness to the incident, the granddaughter of the victim and niece of the accused, a 12 year old girl, who was at home at the time. She has told Police that she was in her room when she heard a loud commotion outside in the hall. After a few minutes the girl peeped out of her room and saw her uncle kicking and punching her grandfather on the floor. The little girl was brave

enough to slip out of the house and run to the nearest neighbour to call for help. Neighbours had heard the commotion as well, but did not think much of it until the little girl ran to them for help.

They rushed over to find Clifton Grant on the floor and breathing laboriously. By the time Police arrived at the scene, the old man was already unconscious.

The fourth person who lives

at the address, the child's mother, Shelly Sanchez, was not at home when the incident occurred. She said that lately her brother had shown signs of stress and that frustration with unemployment had perhaps gotten the better of him.

As for her father, he had not been a sickly man and was considered fairly healthy up to Friday. But his age, coupled with the severe beating to his face and head did not help. He died less than 24 hours later, just after midday on Saturday. Police will charge his son, Glenford with his murder on Tuesday.

Glenford Grant had always had a violent past. In January of 2008 he was arrested and charged with wounding after he punched Sanchez in the mouth during an argument. He was sentenced to 2 years behind bars and was just recently released.

with friends of the attacker and it was during that process that witnesses say the knife was passed to him. And as he stabbed Figueroa, his colleagues kicked and punched Figueroa as well.

When it was over, Figueroa had seven stab wounds, including the one that punctured his heart.

Figueroa had just returned to Belize from the US less than two months ago and had become a man

of God, joining the Seventh Day Adventist Church. He only started working with the Galvez/Schakron business for a little about a month when he was killed.

The man police have charged with his murder is Raymond "Big Tug" Myers Jr, 26, who himself was shot at in 2006. He survived the attack because although he was hit in the chest, he was wearing a bullet proof vest.

Clifton Grant - Deceased

More grief for the Figueroa/Galvez/Schakron families

The second killing took place at around 7:30 on Friday night and while its victim was a younger, far stronger man than the first, his killers, said to be 8 total, were merciless as they beat, and stabbed him 7 times to the face, arms, legs, chest and shoulders. It has also left two families and a neighbourhood grieving for the second time in just five months for someone who fell victim to the same street violence as his friend did back then.

Chris Galvez, 23, was gunned down on December 22, 2009 by one of several men [some of whom were his friends] who had gathered at Pipersburgh Boat Yard off the Western highway at mile 3. But today it is Galvez' friend and neighbour, Francis Figueroa, 27, who had just a month ago picked up employment at Galvez' family business, Royal Wholesale on Vernon Street, who was fatally stabbed.

The incident erupted across the street from the business at around 7:30 that night and ended up right in front of the door. After he was stabbed, Figueroa ran into the yard and up the stairs to the family's house where he was seen bleeding profusely from the stab wound which punctured his heart.

He had already gone home, which is

Francis Figueroa - Deceased

one lane away from his workplace and asked his aunts and grandmother what they wanted to eat. His grandmother, Alice Figueroa says he left home to buy fried chicken as a treat for them.

But Figueroa found himself in front of his workplace engaged in a physical confrontation with someone he knew and served over the counter at the business. Witnesses say there was an exchange of words between the two and the other guy punched him in the face. Figueroa, who was a trained boxer during his years in the US, punched his attacker back and they began to wrestle. But just then a car pulled up

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Belize Times

Police nab alleged gunman in Aubrey Lopez' murder

While close to 2,000 relatives, friends, and well-wishers paid their last respects to slain basketball player and high school teacher, Aubrey Lopez, 30, in Belmopan on Sunday, cops were closing in on one of his alleged killers.

Paul Jex, 22, a resident of #46 Cran Street, Belize City, was whisked off to the Magistrate's Court after a 17 year old who was nabbed in the car along with him told Police that Jex shot Lopez in the head and then stomped him out of the car on Prince Street.

Jex was remanded until June 23 and the minor, who police say cooperated with them in the beginning and agreed to become a prosecution witness, has now acquired an attorney to defend

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same blue Nissan Altima. He recognized the driver who reportedly asked him if he wanted a ride, which he took. But that was when Police intercepted the vehicle and everyone inside. As for the other three, no one knows their whereabouts and it is not certain how airtight the evidence is against any of them.

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Paul Jex

him along with whoever is charged with the crime.

But Jex's family is convinced that Police have the wrong man.

His brother, Elton Jex told the

Aubrey Lopez - Deceased

media this week that his brother wasn’t even at the crime scene when the shooting happened.

When police pulled up Jex was waiting for a taxi and saw the

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The Belize Times

Sunday, May 23, 2010

CENTRAL BANK OF BELIZE

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF COMMERCIAL BANKS LICENSED UNDER THE BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ACT Quarter Ending: March 31, 2010

on s g n i t Wri theWALL Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Belize Times

Terri Says: May 18, 2010 at 12:23pm cant wait for elections, we need a man with vision and leadership skills to move us forward in our country. Johnny is the man and he can

Roger Says: May 17, 2010 at 2:23pm PUP is not about words its about action this is the only party that can bring back belize and run this country and they have proven it!!!!!!we need to bring back PUP in 2012 and 2013 no more imagining the posibility that is just words!!!!!!!! c says: May 18, 2010 at 11:31 am another example of politicians not having a clue of what to do. Where are the promises and solutions? Or do you think you just get elected and that’s it? It is very dissapointing to see such a bunch of incompetents in office!!

NEWARK says: May 18, 2010 at 8:13 am I am so fed up this situation in Belize even though I live abroad because my family still there what is Mr. Barrow doing to help in some ways to stem the tied of killing in this our beautiful country come on do something to help. belizean boy says: May 18, 2010 at 3:16 pm Belizean ppl cant you all see that the government do not care…….When you all going to get it…….they want this … to go on…….I am a getto youth i know wat i am talking about…..the only time u see them is election day…..SOS….belizeans need to save themselves… lonemadaras says: May 19, 2010 at 12:17 pm To be honest with you, I think the whole police squad need fi get some training, unuh. The real skills, tactics, knowledge, are all needed for us to move on. Of course that includes the Government, I believe this will alleviate the phrase “I don’t know at this time”…ediots. The government does not seem to know how to conduct their jobs, nobody seems to care about their livelihood and how it affect others, all they know is that they are getting paid. The prime minister needs to man up and grow some balls and remove neh bally yah from neh post, but he nuh di trip he eat good everynight. The future prime minister needs to be elected from the roots of the city, nuh no pretty boi weh nuh no bout haad time man. This is the only way the individual will actually understand how the system work.

The economy is in bad shape, I think what we really need is aid from other countries (educated personnel) to come in and reform and propose new agendas, cause our Government skills and knowledge are way below average.

Concerned Grigalizean says: May 19, 2010 at 1:30 pm Is this the first time we’re hearing about “Curfew?” NOOOO…why bother stirring this up when we know well that it won’t be properly implemented or enforced. People know the responsible parties da lone talk so they take everything as a joke.

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The Belize Times

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Habet Challenges Billy White Elections

by this time the word had spread by May 17, 2010 voters and slates around the village Mr. Alberto August and voters decided to come out to Chairman vote later that first scheduled.

Elections & Boundaries 3. A voter, namely Ms. Rosie Commission Grace Garcia, Belizean by birth, Western Highway Registration Number 144105A of Santa Elena, Polling Area 74 A (BillyWhite) and Cayo District c/o Office of the Elections and who served the full three hours of the elections as a 'Scrutineer' for Boundaries Dept. the PUP slate was not allowed to Belize City vote. According to the elections clerk she did not go to stand in Dear Mr. August, Protest On Results of the line to vote. However, Ms. Garcia Village Council Elections for Billy states that Twice she requested to vote from within the polling area White Village, Cayo District.

I hereby submit to you a and she was refused because she Challenge on the results of the was told by the elections clerk that Village Council Elections for the it was already 1:p.m. and that she village of Billy White in the Cayo should have been on the line. Ms. District, held on Sunday May 16, Garcia argued that since she was 2010 as per the Village Council inside the polling station she was (Elections) Regulation, 2009, already inside and would be more in that if she was on the line. She regulation 14.

The reasons for the protest are was still refused to vote. In all polling stations, 'scrutineers' who listed below: 1. The Elections clerk on the are voters within that particular morning prior to commencement village are allowed to stand up and of the elections allowed the vote without having to go to stand chairperson candidates from in any line because they are already both slates to have the option of within the confines of the polling extending the election time from station. Not allowing Ms. Rosie 1:p.m. to 3.p.m. According to Garcia to exercise her right to vote the Village Council (Elections) is in contravention of Regulation 5 Regulations 2009, regulation 3 (1) of the Village Council Regulations states that the Chief Elections (2009) and furthermore is in Officer with approval from the contravention of her constitutional Commission, shall appoint an right as a citizen. Please note that election day and time for every it took the alliance of the People's village. In addition , regulation 3 United Party and, the General (2) states that the announcement Workers Union (GWU) some eight of the date and time so appointed years of Constitutional struggle shall be no less than 21 days to finally achieve Universal Adult before the date set for elections Suffrage in 1954 and so give all and furthermore, regulation 3 (3) Belizeans, not just men and middle states that After dates and times and upper class the right to vote. for village and community council Therefore, no election clerk can elections have been appointed, the and will remove that right from any same shall be properly advertised. Belizean citizen.

4. Our 'Scrutineer', Mr. Ursulo Nowhere in the regulations does it give authority to the Election Guerra and PUP council assigned Clerk to allow changes to date and as agents to witness the counting of the ballots, report that there TIME. 2. At almost 12 o'clock noon, were some four (4) ballots clearly two hours into the voting process, indicating a vote for PUP chairman the elections clerk was then Candidate, Benjamin Cano, that influenced and convinced that he were disallowed/classified as spoilt was wrong in allowing the changes ballots because the vote was cast to the time scheduled for the on the opposite side of the green elections and was again changed paper used for casting the vote from the agreed 3:p.m. to 1.pm. for the chairman position. Kindly This caused much confusion since note that those ballots are in all

other elections considered valid ballots because the intent of the voter is clear. In addition, the vote was cast on the assigned paper and deposited in the right box. The election clerk does not have the right to disallow those ballots even if there was ignorance on the part of the 'scrutineer' or of the agents to the counting of ballots.

5. Immediately following the counting of the ballots for the chairman position, the Election Clerk asked that witnesses look inside the ballot boxes to confirm that they were empty. The first count revealed a tie of 85 to 85 for candidate Cano of the PUP and Padilla of the UDP, respectively.

Suddenly, an additional ballot appeared and the agents were informed that that one ballot would be opened after the ballots for the councilors were counted. The Single "mysterious ballot" was then opened and declared to be a ballot in favor of UDP candidate Padilla, thereby giving him an 86 to 85 majority. We want to know how and from where that One mysterious ballot appeared after the boxes were declared and witnessed to be empty. This can be confirmed with National Association of Village Councils (NAVCO) representatives that were assigned as witnesses to the conduct of the elections.

6. One Election Officer behaved unprofessionally and

could not control his emotions within the polling station so that after the votes were counted and the UDP were told within the station that they were the victorious party, the election officer hugged the UDP chairman candidate and said, "Congratulations, We Won!' This clearly indicates a bias in the results.

7. After informing the Election Clerk Mr. Lisandro Quiroz that we were verbally protesting the results of the election, he, the election officers and the police took the ballot boxes and left the village without proceeding to make a public announcement of the results of the election while the villagers on the outside were not certain of what had transpired and what was his official decree and were thus kept uninformed of the official results. This is in contravention of Regulation 11 of the Village Council (Elections) Regulation, 2009 which states that "having confirmed the results of the election inside the polling station, the Election Clerk shall proceed to publicly announce the results ‌‌" Submitted for your urgent review and anticipated timely response, Orlando Habet (Mr.) Chairman Western Caucus People's United Party

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Belize Times

Practicing What We Preach………

Carolyn Trench-Sandiford Party Chairman The challenge of engendering a culture of adherence to the Constitution of the People’s United Party by ALL our members continues to be an uphill one, but I am committed to it, for I believe in my country, and my party, and the principles and values upon which it says it stands, and I also believe that I must stand for something, for if I stand for nothing I will fall for anything. So should it be for all of us.

The Constitution of Belize is rooted in the Constitution of the People’s United Party. The former was introduced in 1981, when we attained independence from the United Kingdom, while that of the Party, was introduced on September 29th, 1950. Our Constitution birthed both a Party, and the peaceful constructive revolution to create a NEW BELIZE, while the Constitution of Belize birthed the NEW NATION of BELIZE, sovereign, free and independent.

The decision by the National Party Council in September 2009, to reinsert those sections of the preamble of the Constitution of Belize, which was originally the preamble of the Constitution of the Party, but later left out, into the political creed of the Constitution of our Party, is a laudable and necessary step in ensuring the raison d etre, or purpose for the existence of the Party, is at all times inextricably linked with that of the country. It is a marriage for which a divorce can never be an option.

The Constitution of our Party provides for it what the Constitution of Belize does for our country. In both cases, they lay out a set of rules which governs how the Party and

the country should operate. They detail our philosophy [our values and principles upon which we stand as a Party, and as a Nation, in the case of Belize], the objectives, goals and aims which we wish to achieve as a Party, and as a Nation, and the powers, rights, duties and responsibilities of our leaders [National Executive, National Party Council, and the Constituency Executive Branches] and members for the Party, and in the case of Belize, our legislators [House of Representatives, the Senate and the Governor General], the government [Prime Minister, Cabinet and the Public Service], the Judiciary [the courts] and the citizens.

The Constitution also defines the manner in which the rules operate, and dictate what ought to happen in a given situation. It sets out a standard of behavior, processes and procedures, which are regarded as correct, and which are expected to be adhered to by those to whom they are addressed, and upon which one can be judged or evaluated.

These rules facilitate stability, sustainability and continuity of the Party, and the Nation, accountability of the leaders to the membership, in the case of the Party, and to the citizens, in the case of the country, and of members and citizens to the leaders in the party and country respectively.

It contributes to transparency and consistency in decision making, in the interest of all members, or as is the case of Belize, for the public good.

Our constitution is that which binds us as a Party, and as a Nation. It is a dynamic living breathing organism, which from time to time, must be revisited to ensure that it is a reflection of who we are, what we stand for and where we want to go.

The abandonment of the Constitution of our Party has been cited as a major contributor to why our Party strayed from its philosophical moorings, and why we lost the trust and confidence of so many of our members, and the Belizean people.

They were unable to distinguish us, much less define who we are, and what we stand for. This is as a result of not functioning in a manner as is provided by our Constitution. The same is happening to Belize today.

Thus we are challenged to restore credibility to our Party, but to do so, we must reaffirm our commitment

to our Constitution, by abiding by it, not violating or abandoning it, for it is there for a purpose. As leaders and as members, we must also be reminded of Goal 1 of the 6 Goals of the Road to Belmopan Plan of Action. This was approved by the National Party Council, the second highest decision making body of the Party. It states THAT WE MUST AT ALL TIMES LIVE THE PUP PHILOSOPHY. This is what anchors our Constitution and that of Belize.

By doing so, we are sending a signal to the electorate, that they

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can believe in us once again, for we practice what we preach, for it is said, how we operate as a party, is how we will operate as a government. This will indicate that we have returned to our moorings, and will enable us to speak with greater moral force and clarity on the issues and challenges of our Party and Country.

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……

A Public Service Message Courtesy of The Belize times.

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The Belize Times

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Shortsighted Operation Jaguar…

It seems that the Prime Minister Honorable Dean Barrow and his Cabinet colleagues have finally taken their heads out of the sand and admitted that the nation is facing a crime epidemic that has reached “crisis proportions.” At the same time, they took direct aim at the Police Department noting that there is a “lack of confidence” in the Police, who have made little progress fighting the unprecedented wave of violent crimes and who have been wracked recently by accusations of brutality and corruption.

The admission comes at a time when Belizeans no longer feel safe even in the sanctuary of their own homes, much less in the ever increasingly blood soaked streets.

For too long, Mr. Barrow and the embattled National Security Minister Hon. Carlos Perdomo have failed to put a policy and a vision in place to put an end to the upsurge in crime, and now the nation is reaping the poisoned fruits of their utter failure to do that. It seems as though they have forgotten that it is the prime obligation of the government to maintain law and order in the nation.

And perhaps in a last ditch effort to assure the nation that he and his administration can rein in the out of control crime situation that is just now traumatizing Belizeans, Mr. Barrow has all but declared a state of emergency in limited areas of Belize City that have been under siege by the criminals. He has called upon the military muscle of the Belize Defense Force to help the Police in chasing the gunmen off the streets and back into their hideouts. Surely, the point of Operation Jaguar is to take the

ACP Elodio Aragon

pressure off the government that has bungled the crime situation so far.

Operation Jaguar, however, is a heavy handed policing approach that is directly contrary to the community policing model that has the public and the Police working hand in hand to put the criminals behind bars and that has been championed by everyone as the key to curbing crime and violence in society. In fact, it will come as no surprise if it further robs the police of the much needed public support as it will give the officers, some of whom behave worse than thugs, and the soldiers the unfettered power to stop and to search anyone, even the law abiding citizens without justifiable cause.

There is no denying that in the short term, the approach will put a temporary halt to the violence such as the wanton murders, the armed robberies, and the gun battles in the streets, and return some semblance of normalcy to the crime ridden areas of Belize City. However it is short sighted and will not work as it does not offer solutions. On the contrary, it is an admission of defeat by the Police,

who seem to be always reacting to and not preventing crime. Besides, the gunmen will simply lay low with the knowledge that the Police and the soldiers will be unable to sustain their operations indefinitely, and then they will return to the streets with a vengeance.

There is no doubt that Mr. Barrow has traded the constitutional rights of Belizeans for wider public confidence and support. No one can deny that the acts of police brutality will increase during Operation Jaguar, and will serve to tarnish further the image of the Police, who have failed to serve and to protect the public.

We, particularly our children, have learned to fear the Police almost as if they were an occupying force, who clamp down hard on the public. It also seems that they act too often as judge, jury, and executioner. And when they kill, they are rarely held accountable even when they are arrested and charged.

It is clear that the rampant corruption in the Police and their utter disregard for the rights of the public are responsible for corroding their own credibility. And it is safe to say that the lack of credibility paralyzes effective law enforcement, which fosters criminality and further police corruption. Yet, it seems, that corruption and misconduct have worsened in the Police at a time when fighting crime demands greater integrity and efficiency. This is why it is inexcusable that little has been done by either Mr. Barrow or Mr. Perdomo to correct the abuses and the excesses.

The Police are still equipped and trained inappropriately and are

plagued by inept management. Even so, the abuses and the excesses will subside only once ranking officers judge their subordinates and are judged themselves on their efforts to provide sufficient and consistent oversight, appropriate administrative discipline, and when necessary punishment of the perpetrators of abuse. The highest ranking commanders must also hold to account superior officers, who are found to have ignored or tolerated abuses and excesses committed by officers under their command.

It would be fair to say that Mr. Barrow has no viable solution to the crime situation that is only growing worse as it is now spreading to other districts of the nation. But solutions must be found quickly as more and more Belizeans have become increasingly frustrated with Mr. Barrow and his administration and their inability to respond effectively to the serious threats that crime poses to the public. Indeed, the time for talk is over Mr. Barrow. To put it bluntly, you have shown abject leadership, particularly when you have held on to Mr. Perdomo for all this time.

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Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Belize Times

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The Belize Times

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Belize Times

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The Belize Times

Sunday, May 23, 2010

TIVOLI SETS TRAPS FOR COPS Venezuela imposes Electrical wires, other items forex bands as inflation used for deadly ambush

Barbed wires, broken bottles and raw electrical wires are now being used by Tivoli residents as measures to keep out security forces from their community.

Thugs from west Kingston have transformed the area into a battleground and have also brought out their arms in preparation for any form of invasion by the security forces.

"A now yu waa si di place, yu eva watch some real war show and see how di place set up," one thug said. "Di place look like a real war zone, wi ready fi dem man."

Along with these items, there are truck tyres, pans, crates and old cars are some other items which the thugs are using to give them an advantage should there be a confrontation with whoever decides to go into the community to look for Dudus. 'wicked pon dem' "Whole heap a truck tyre and bruk bottle and barbwire deh bout di place, di man dem a set up di place a way ... Di man

dem all run electric wire cross some place so whoeva run inna dat yu done know wah reach dem," one thug said.

One known thug also spoke of some new, high powered guns which he has seen.

"Di man dem have some ting dung yah yu si, a show alone nuff people ago see dem gun deh inna..

Some new ting mi a tell yu bout, di man dem naw play...Mek dem run in cause it ago wicked pon dem," the obviously excited character said while chuckling.

He also added; "Man a walk wid all two, three piece (guns). A so di man dem a step. Di man dem have out everything, rifle, handgun you name it..Rite ya now gun deh yah more than man fi fire dem."

When contacted by THE STAR, several high ranking officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force declined to comment on the matter.

However one source from the Denham Town Police Station told THE STAR that the area is tense and it is expected that men from the community are taking up arms. The source however said the police did not have detailed information as to how the men were preparing.

"From the extradition issue first came up we have been hearing talks about them preparing, so hearing this now is not surprising... As for exactly what they are doing we could not say," the source said.

TORTOLA, BVI -- The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) in the British Virgin Islands responded to a report received of a recent oil spill at the Road Town Jetty.

Upon investigation this past Sunday, the response team observed about 350 gallons of diesel floating on the surface of the water resulting in a strong, unpleasant odour in the vicinity.

A joint operation mounted by the DDM with the Fire and Rescue Services Department, Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (Marine Division) and the Department of Conservation and

Fisheries resulted in a four-hour clean up of the area and an investigation into the source of the spill.

The response team used various absorbent pads in the clean-up process despite the rough waters.

The DDM said that any form of oil which reaches a body of water generally creates a sheeting effect on the surface and can cut off the oxygen supply to fish and other marine organisms. Additionally, oil spills can eventually kill marine life since it is a poisonous substance when ingested and can also cause major damage to marine habitats.

The DDM is continuing its investigation into the oil spill.

Oil spill reported in BVI

CARACAS, Venezuela (AFP) -Venezuela's central bank said that from Wednesday it is to introduce currency exchange bands in a bid to shore up its sinking money against the dollar and tamp down on runaway inflation.

The move was part of President Hugo Chavez's efforts to counter what he said was currency speculation he blamed on rising prices that have made basic foods and goods unaffordable for many Venezuelans.

Inflation in the country -- which is oil-rich but forced to import most of its products -- is estimated at nearly 30 percent, the highest in Latin America.

One dollar can buy Venezuelan bolivars at two price points, the official street rate of 2.6 bolivars and an official rate of 4.3 accessible to importers.

While Chavez sharply devalued the bolivar in January, the parallel rate continued to slide and is now at a level far beyond the official figure.

Last week, officials raided unofficial sellers of US dollars for violating a new

law that gave the central bank control of all hard currency deals.

Central bank chief Nelson Merentes told reporters Tuesday that the institution "will fix a band" within which the bolivar can be traded, but he declined to quantify the range.

Money-change outlets were barred from setting rates outside the range, Finance Minister Jorge Giordani added.

UN redoubles efforts to house Haiti's homeless

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AFP) -- The head of the UN mission in Haiti Edmond Mulet unveiled new efforts on Tuesday to provide secure housing to thousands of people made homeless by January's devastating earthquake.

One key component of the UN plan would offer assistance to homeowners, enabling them to rehabilitate houses that might have been damaged but are still basically sound.

"We're in the process of identifying houses that haven't been totally demolished to help the owners make the necessary repairs, so that they will be encouraged to return home and also provide shelter to others in need," Mulet said.

January's quake left more than 1.3 million people in need of shelter and claimed as many as 300,000 lives.

Five months after the quake, several hundred thousand people remain camped out in tent cities and streets in the capital Port-au-Prince.

"After having supplied tents to the majority of quake victims, it's now time to get on with the next phase -- providing more solid and secure homes to people now that the rainy season is here and hurricane season is on the way," Mulet said as he visited an outdoor camp that is home to some 8,000 people on the border of notorious Cite Soleil shantytown.

The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has for months been saying that people in the camps are first and foremost being given the option to return to their homes, where possible, although many are scared to do so because of the risk of another quake.

The 7.0-magnitude quake on January 12 left much of Haiti's capital Port-auPrince in ruins, destroying infrastructure and the seat of government and causing a humanitarian catastrophe in a country already considered the poorest in the Americas.

About half a million people left

Port-au-Prince after the quake, said Imogen Wall, a UN spokeswoman for humanitarian affairs.

"Some of them have come back, some have come back temporarily.

Some haven't come back but are thinking about it as their houses are assessed. We know that a lot of people will never go back," Wall said.

She said about 40 percent of the city's houses are safe, and occupancy rates in those are at about 50 percent.

"Which means people are now feeling able to go back to their homes, which is what we need them to do ahead of the hurricane season," she said. "The camps are not an acceptable or a sustainable solution for anybody at this point."

Efforts are focused now on getting the homeless out of camps in public spaces and into temporary wooden structures that are strong enough to survive the hurricane season, she said.

But finding space to accommodate the new "transitional" housing is difficult, she added.

"This is our key challenge right now. This is a very congested city and transitional shelter needs space," she said.

"Finding the capacity to clear the rubble from where you could put buildings up is also a major challenge."

Adding urgency to the task is that after the quake, many of Haiti's homeless moved to places that are vulnerable to landslides, particularly during the hurricane season, UN officials said.

But resettling them in safer places is "not an easy task," said George OlaDavies, a spokesman for the UN Mission in Haiti.

"We're still looking out for more areas where they could go to for other temporary relocation before permanent or semi-permanent buildings start going up for them to move into," he said. "That is another big challenge."

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Belize Times

BALEAN UN NIÑO DE 9 AÑOS DESDE AUTO EN MOVIMIENTO

Un niño de 9 años se debatía anoche entre la vida y la muerte tras recibir dos certeros balazos, uno en el abdomen y otro en la pierna izquierda, desde un auto negro en movimiento.

El suceso, que entristeció a una familia limonense y llenó de pánico a la comunidad de El Bambú, en esa conflictiva provincia, se produjo anoche a las 8, cuando muchos vecinos, niños, adultos y ancianos estaban en la vía pública.

Vecinos del lugar indicaron que solo alcanzaron ver un vehículo negro, sin placas, de donde recetaron bala a diestra y siniestra, con tan mala suerte que un plomo le dio al niño en el abdomen.

La persona a la que iban dirigidas las balas logró esquivarlas. Se presume que era un ajuste de cuentas por problemas de drogas.

De inmediato los vecinos llamaron a la Cruz Roja y les informaron que la única ambulancia andaba en Westfalia, ante eso deciden trasladarlo en un vehículo particular al Hospital Dr. Tony Facio, adonde ingresó inconsciente.

El ingreso al centro médico lo hizo uno

de sus amigos, quien lo cargaba en brazos con gran esfuerzo, según lo confirman las fotos exclusivas de DIARIO EXTRA. Según trascendió, el pequeño anoche tenía pronóstico reservado por cuanto su estado era crítico, por eso podría ser trasladado en avioneta al Hospital Nacional de Niños, en San José.

Entre la confusión que reinó anoche en El Bambú se especulaba que hubo más heridos, sin embargo al cierre de edición ese dato no pudo ser confirmado.

Constituyen en toda Cuba Asambleas Municipales del Poder Popular

En una fecha sagrada para Cuba, el 19 de mayo, aniversario 115 de la caída en combate del Apóstol de la independencia José Martí, quedarán constituidas en todo el país las Asambleas Municipales del Poder Popular.

La conformación de los 169 óganos locales de dirección, en su su decimocuarto período de mandato, cerrará el proceso de elecciones de 15 mil 93 delegados a ese nivel convocado por el Consejo de Estado a inicios de enero pasado, señala Prensa Latina.

En sesiones solemnes durante el día de hoy también se procederá a

elegir a los presidentes y vicepresidentes de las Asambleas, escogidos por las comisiones de candidatura tras un proceso de consulta para conocer opiniones de los delegados, otras autoridades de los territorios, colectivos laborales y ciudadanos.

Casi la mitad de los delegados de circunscripción han sido reelectos por el pueblo para continuar su mandato por dos años y medio, y destaca también que del total, cinco mil 46 son mujeres, cinco mil 944 tienen la piel negra o mestiza, y dos mil 465 no sobrepasan los 35 años de edad.

Gobierno y FMI revisan Programa Stand-by

El Gobernador del Banco Central, Lic. Héctor Valdez Albizu, se reunió este miércoles 19 de mayo con la Misión del FMI que está en el país para llevar a cabo la segunda revisión del Programa Stand-by y evaluar el cumplimiento de las metas del Acuerdo al mes de marzo de este año.

En dicha reunión, se pasó revista a la evolución reciente de la economía, la cual ha mostrado una recuperación más rápida de lo esperado, en un entorno de estabilidad precios y de la tasa de cambio, ayudada por la rápida respuesta de política monetaria y una expansión fiscal facilitada por el programa del Fondo.

Se enfatizó sobre los niveles importantes de crédito colocados por el sistema financiero al sector privado, y la forma en que el mayor dinamismo económico ha contribuido en la mejoría de los ingresos fiscales.

Además, se destacaron las cifras relativas a la mayor cantidad de inversión extranjera registrada en lo que va de año, así como de la mejoría en la llegada de turistas, y de manera particular, la mejora de las exportaciones del país.

Se comentó además el cumplimiento de las metas del Acuerdo

Stand-by, tanto lo relativo a los criterios cuantitativos como a los criteros estructurales.

Por parte de la Misión del Fondo Monetario Internacional, participaron los Sres. Alejandro Santos, Jefe de Misión y los economistas Geoffrey Bannister, Ali Alichi, Ernesto Crivelli y Raphael A. Espinoza.

Por el Banco Central, participaron además del Sr. Gobernador, la licenciada Clarissa de la Rocha de Torres, Vicegobernadora; Dr. Pedro Silverio, Gerente; Ervin Novas, Subgerente General; Joel Tejeda, Subgerente de Políticas Monetaria, Cambiaria y Financiera; Olga Díaz, Asesora Económica; Frank Fuentes, Asesor del Gobernador; Dr. Julio Andújar, Director de Departamento de Programación Monetaria y Estudios Económicos; Ana Beatriz Rodríguez, Directora del Departamento Internacional y Ramón Rosario, Director de Departamento Financiero.

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Latinoamérica llama al multilateralismo en cierre de Cumbre con Europa

MADRID, 18 de mayo.— La VI Cumbre Unión Europea-América Latina y el Caribe (UE-ALC) concluyó hoy aquí con un llamado unánime de esta última región a lograr una directiva mundial sustentada en el multilateralismo, señala PL. "El multilateralismo representa el método más adecuado para abordar los problemas no solo económicos, sino también de orden político", destacó la presidenta argentina, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, en la conclusión del foro eurolatinoamericano.

Además, la gobernante emplazó al Gobierno británico a respetar las resoluciones de la ONU y retomar la negociación sobre la soberanía de las Islas Malvinas, pedido que fue ovacionado en la magna cita madrileña.

"Por favor, reanudemos nuestras negociaciones sobre las Malvinas, como impone la resolución dictada en 1965 por Naciones Unidas y aún incumplida", exhortó la jefa de Estado dirigiéndose al flamante primer ministro británico, David Cameron.

Advirtió que los dobles raseros generan cada vez más conflictos y contradicciones, e insistió en la necesidad de

que todos los países del mundo queden sujetos a las resoluciones de la ONU. Por su parte, el jefe de Estado boliviano, Evo Morales, abogó por conformar una alianza en un clima de confianza entre la UE y Latinoamérica para defender la vida en el planeta, y reflexionó sobre las causas de la crisis económica internacional, las injustas políticas excluyentes de los inmigrantes en Europa, y la responsabilidad compartida del mundo frente a la lacra del narcotráfico.

En general, la cumbre, con un carácter marcadamente económico y comercial, dio el visto bueno a distintos acuerdos de libre comercio entre la UE y países y bloques latinoamericanos, mientras aprobó una declaración final para impulsar los vínculos entre estas regiones.

En ese último texto, los mandatarios se comprometieron a trabajar en una nueva arquitectura financiera e intensificar la cooperación para resolver las consecuencias de la crisis mundial.

Precisaron que trabajarán por la reforma de las instituciones financieras internacionales para dar voz y voto a los países en vías de desarrollo.

El presidente estadounidense Barack Obama y su contraparte mexicano Felipe Calderón coincidieron el miércoles en cuestionar la ley migratoria de Arizona, tras la reunión que ambos sostuvieron en la Casa Blanca.

"Mantenemos nuestro firme rechazo a que se criminalice la migración y que gente que trabaja y aporta a esta gran nación (Estados Unidos) sea tratada como delincuente. Nos oponemos a la ley de Arizona porque parte de principios parciales, injustos y discriminatorios'', afirmó Calderón.

Obama se mostró más cauto al referirse a la ley, al decir "que tiene el potencial de ser aplicada en una manera discriminatoria''.

El mandatario estadounidense afirmó que su gobierno tomará decisiones sobre esta ley tan pronto reciba una evaluación que encargó al Departamento de Justicia y que debe estar lista pronto, dijo. "Esta ley es un esfuerzo mal canalizado, una expresión mal canalizada de la frustración existente por un sistema migratorio fallido'', aseguró.

Obama reiteró la importancia que su gobierno concede a la necesidad de aprobar una reforma migratoria integral, y solicitó el apoyo de republicanos y demócratas para trabajar en un proyecto de ley, que resuelva definitivamente el estatus de aproximadamente 12 millones de indocumentados, incluyendo una buena parte de mexicanos.

El gobierno mexicano ya había emitido el mes pasado un alerta a sus conciudadanos para que eviten viajar a Arizona, cuya ley exige a los agentes de policía que comprueben el estatus migratorio de una persona si existen "sospechas razonables'' de que están en el país sin papeles.

Además, califica como delito estatal el estar ilegalmente en Estados Unidos.

La migración, la seguridad fronteriza y el combate al narcotráfico dominaron

la conversación entre ambos mandatarios, como se esperaba.

"México puede contar en Estados Unidos como un socio pleno'' en la lucha contra el narcotráfico, dijo Obama. "Le daremos el apoyo que necesitan para vencer. Reafirmamos nuestra lucha contra los carteles que han desatado una violencia horrible en tantas comunidades'', agregó.

Al menos 22.700 personas han muerto a raíz de la lucha contra los carteles de la droga que Calderón libra desde su llegada al poder en 2006, y que Estados Unidos ha apoyado con 1.300 millones de dólares contemplados en la Iniciativa Mérida.

La ceremonia de bienvenida a Calderón en la mañana estuvo marcada por breves intervenciones de Obama en español, y de Calderón en inglés.

La relación bilateral actualmente tiene como protagonista al tema migratorio, que ha cobrado prominencia con la aprobación de la ley en Arizona y ante la ausencia de una reforma federal en Estados Unidos, que resuelva definitivamente el estatus de aproximadamente 12 millones de indocumentados, en su mayoría mexicanos.

Calderón cerrará la jornada acudiendo a la Casa Blanca a una cena de estado en su honor.

El mandatario mexicano culminará su visita estadounidense el jueves, cuando pronunciará un discurso ante una sesión conjunta del Congreso.

Presidentes México y EE.UU. cuestionan ley antiinmigrantes de Arizona

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The Belize Times

Sunday, May 23, 2010

PUBLIC AUCTION SALES: SPECIAL INVESTMENT PROPERTIES Monkey River Area, Toledo; Big Creek Branch, Independence Village, Stann Creek District; Riversdale, Stann Creek District

PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT THE PUBLIC AUCTION SALES OF THE PROPERTIES OF MESSRS. NOVA TOLEDO LIMITED AND MESSRS. NOVA LAGUNA LIMITED (formerly LAGUNA MADRE SHRIMP FARMS (BELIZE) LIMITED) scheduled for Tuesday the 1st June 2010 has been postponed. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

KEVIN A. CASTILLO

TELEPHONE 224-4473 E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com

PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTIES Vista del Mar, Belize District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. Heritage International Bank and Trust Limited, Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo will sell the following properties ON SITE on Thursday the 3rd June 2010 at 1:30 pm:

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK Vista del Mar 16

PARCEL 1991

(Being an incomplete 18 – 2 bedroom apartments + 1 – 4 bedroom apartment situate in Vista del Mar, Belize District on 1.07 acres of seafront land, the freehold property of Mr. Frank Speight)

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK Vista del Mar 16

PARCEL 1992

(Being an incomplete 18 – 2 bedroom apartments + 1 – 4 bedroom apartment situate in Vista del Mar, Belize District on .08 acres of seafront land, the freehold property of Messrs. Franklin Pointe Development Company Limited)

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 224-4473 E-mail: kevinacas@yahoo.com

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Belize Times

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The Belize Times

NOTICE

FOR SALE

By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at cor.

Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Assignment Mortgage made the 30th day of December, 2006, registered in Deeds Books Vol. 5 of 2007 at Folios 243 – 264, between FirstCaribbean International Bank (Barbados) Limited (the Assignor) and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., under a Deed of Assignment of Mortgage made the 5th day of July, 2004, recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 21 of 2004 at Folios 1129 – 1122, between Capital Life Insurance Company Limited (the Assignor) and FirstCaribbean International Bank (Barbados) Limited, which said property was mortgaged by Jorge Meliton Auil II and Anna-Marie Auil to the said Capital Life Insurance Company Limited on the 27th day of December, 1995, recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 1 of 1996 at Folios 641 – 690; and the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land containing 0.787 acres being Lot No. 6 a portion of the lands comprised in Grant No. 13 of 1990 situate at Mile 11 on the Old Northern Road, Belize District all as the same is shown on a Plan by G.V. Bautista, Licensed Surveyor dated the 17th November, 1994 the said lot being bounded on the North by Lots numbered 4 and , on the South by the Lot No. 7, on the East by the Old Northern Road and on the West by the remaining portion of Lot No. 3 and being more particularly described as follows: Commencing at a concrete pillar being the northwestern corner of the said lot thence (premising that all bearing and distance are grid) on a bearing of 91°25’45” for a distance of 144.98 feet to a concrete pillar thence continuing in the same direction for a further distance of 200.20 feet to another concrete pillar thence on a bearing of 157°42’33” for a distance of 98.88 feet along the Old Northern Road to a concrete pillar thence on a bearing of 270°23’57” for a distance of 382.66 feet to a wooden post thence on a bearing of 0°03’15” for a distance of 97.43 feet back to the concrete pillar at the point of commencement and which said lot piece or parcel of land is more particularly shown and delineated on a survey plan drawn by G.V. Bautista, Licensed Surveyor dated the 17th November 1994 and recorded at the Ministry of Natural Resources in Belmopan in register No. 8 at Entry No. 2257, TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 11th day of May, 2010.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS

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

Sunday, May 23, 2010

TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC THIS IS TO INFORM YOU THAT PURSUANT TO THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 2002 – S.I. 110 OF 2002, THAT CENTRAL CABLE VISION OF 1062 BLUE MARLIN BLVD., BELIZE CITY HAS APPLIED TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION FOR CLASS LICENSE TO PROVIDE HIGH SPEED INTERNET THROUGHOUT THR COUNTRY OF BELIZE. PUBLIC AUCTION SALE: PROPERTY Vista del Mar, Belize District

BY ORDER of the Mortgagees, Messrs. Heritage Bank Limited, Licensed Auctioneer Kevin A. Castillo will sell the following property ON SITE on Monday the 31st May 2010 at 1:30 pm:

Parcel No.1604 Corner Rock Beauty & Red Snapper Drive, Vista del Mar, Belize District

REGISTRATION SECTION BLOCK PARCEL Vista del Mar 16 1604

(Being a concrete bungalow dwelling house [24’ X 38’] and lot [343.61 square meters] containing 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living/ dining/kitchen/laundry situate at the corner Rock Beauty & Red Snapper Drive, Vista del Mar, Belize District, the freehold property of Mr. Mike Panton & Ms. Barbara Panton).

TERMS: STRICTLY CASH KEVIN A. CASTILLO TELEPHONE 224-4473 E-mail:kevinacas@yahoo.com

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Belize Times

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The Belize Times

Sunday, May 23, 2010

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The Belize Times

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Belize Times

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Sunday, May 23, 2010

J. A. Rebel

UP

The Belize Times

Operation Jaguar

After months of continued and daily public outcry on the airwaves about the crime situation, all the UDP government can do is to launch a police/BDF operation.

When I heard about the so called “Operation Jaguar,” it made me feel like we are living in a banana re public. T his g over nment is clueless on ways to deal with the crime situation and is trying all kinds of haphazard approaches until something works. The bunch of incompetent UDP elected officials can’t be so dumb to not know that Operation Jaguar is just a cosmetic solution to the real issues. Get real Jack; we are living in a real country with real situations, not imaginations and possibilities.

After a very long period of neglect from the Minister of National Security, some of the streets became more of a war zone; guns became the order of the day, grenades, daily murders, assault, robberies and ar med hold ups are all that we hear about on the news. Jules’ televised images on the launching of Operation Jaguar gave a perception that Belize is Bagdad. The only missing images from the so called “Operation Jaguar” are war tanks. From what I saw it seems that operation jaguar will have heavily ar med BDF soldiers with militar y weapon on foot and in vehicles on every street, searching anyone that looks suspicious to them. In addition, the Police by its own admission said that because they are lacking in man power, regular citizens were sworn in as special constables t o c o n d u c t s t o p - s e a r ch e s o n individuals, patrol the streets of Belize City and make arrests if necessary. Is this a joke?

I would be one of the first to admit that crime did not happen overnight; but if crime is ignored and left unattended for a very long period of time, then it becomes manifested even more. Under a PUP government, the citizenry saw murders and similar incidents, but the then government left no stone unturned. The government e ve n h a u l e d i n e x p e r t s f r o m Mexico, through the help of the business community, to process and reconstruct crime scenes and even conduct ballistics testing on recovered murder weapons. The judiciary system was allowed to carry out its duties; the DPP’s office was fully functional; in other words ever ything was working fairly well. Not perfect but fairly good. Never before have our streets been as dangerous over

the past 10 years as they are now.

Yes, there were murders, but not as common as they are now. But the Prime Minister and his Cabinet want us to believe that crime has gone down. Fool deh talk but da noh fool deh listen.

Why are we where we are right now, having to launch Operation Jaguar? The Prime Minister, when leader of the Opposition, through his call for civil disobedient and civil unrest, paved the way for the criminal elements to break loose. Now that he has gotten more than he bargained for, he is clueless on how to bring back calm and stability to this country.

I t wa s t h e U D P g ove r n m e n t which allowed the people to lost tr ust and confidence in both the Police and the entire justice system. It was the Prime Minister that turned the police against the people when he allowed the Head of the Police Department to say that the Police will “shoot to kill.” It was the Prime Minister who allowed his government to enter into agreements with the “head of the gangs” and after the kitty got empty, it is back to crime as usual. I cannot blame the Prime Minister for being frustrated over the public outcry over the crime situation that has put a black eye on his government, but I blame him squarely for selling the electorates a bunch of incompetent and useless elected officials who can offer no solution to the crime problems.

Belize needs more than just a cosmetic solution like Operation Jaguar; Belize needs true solutions.

While it will temporarily reduce crime in Belize City, Operation Jaguar will drive out criminal elements from Belize City who will find no other recourse but to migrate with the criminal minds into other municipalities.

O p e r a t i o n Ja g u a r w i l l m o ve crime from Belize City to other communities. So then we will be back to square 1!

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE at www.belizetimes.bz ~ POST YOUR COMMENTS ~ VOTE ON ARTICLES ~ VIEW OUR PHOTO GALLERY With 2 million hits per We over are the most visited newspaper in Belize month we arewebsite the most visited

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The Belize Times

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Waste Not…Want Not! Mr. Arthur Gill, better known as Pa Gill, who lives in the St. Marin de Porres Area, is a retired plumber and an activist for the poor. Even though he is criticized in the Guardian Newspaper as a ‘skettel serial caller’ I tend to think differently. I find him to be a man with much passion and with technical experience when it comes to the water system within the inner city.

I had the opportunity to meet with him and view his concerns in the area of St. Martin de Porres, Mahogany St. extension. To my amazement, yes indeed there is a vast amount of water literally pouring and wasting at several public water pipes. In effect, what I have observed are flooded streets and overflowing drains.

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

problem. One must ask then, ‘why does the public pay an increased rate for water when so much of it is freely been wasted by going down the drain and flooding the streets?’ It is only fitting for the community to render their support to Mr. Gill who is trying to rectify this matter of great concern.

My encouragement to Pa Gill is to continue to be proactive in matters that are affecting our country and the lives of the people of Belize.

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE

At least three different public water pipes are experiencing the same problem. If the water company does not fix these leaks it would continue to be a waste of valuable water resources as well as being detrimental to the environment and the people who live in the area. I also observed in the immediate area of the standing pipe water leaks that the

drains are extremely” bushy” with wild grass and the water is stagnant. This in turn can create a cesspool for diseases such as malaria and dengue and other infections. Indeed, this can become a serious health issues for the residents of that area.

I believe that the water company has been negligent in their approach to solving this

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

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Belize Times

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FOR SALE 2000 Dodge Ram 4 Door SuperCab Colour: Green

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

FOR SALE 2005 Chrysler 300 4 Doors Grey Car

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

If Barrow and UDP Are Serious About Correcting Rampant Crime And Violence Tell Them Try This - Immediately replace Compol and his Minister with senior, experienced, professional and honest leaders of integrity · Return Police Department to Police Force and Kolbe Prison to Government Prison as a place of punishment. Let Human Rights and Kolbe do all the rehabilitation and employment of inmates. · Immediately start hanging · Immediately get rid of all “rogue cops” and recruit “police men” instead of “untrustworthy young boys” who are connected to criminals and shady politicians and greedy drug-lords · Immediately institute “profiling” of dangerous criminals and publicize all dangerous deportees over all local media. · Immediately institute reliable and acceptable DNA services and provide advanced training to criminal investigators and prosecutors · Immediately insure and guarantee “witness protection and anonymity” and definitely firewall/ insulate the Judiciary, and specifically the Office of the DPP, against political interference and corruption.

Anything Less Than The Above Will Be A Waste Of Time And Energy And Resources.

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The Belize Times

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Belize Lions Organization Delegation to the 69th Annual Isthmania Convention is back in the country

The Belize Zone 59 Lions Organization participated in the 69th Annual Isthmania Convention. The delegation of over 25 participated in all the activities at the convention which took place in Puerto Cortez Honduras.

During the opening ceremonies, Belize Lion Zone 59 was received at the convention to a thunderous applause after being absent from the convention for a number of years. At the strike of the Belize National Anthem, Lion Mel Spain of San Pedro Town proudly marched in with the Belizean flag as the audience stud at attention. During the opening ceremonies, International Director Carlos Ibanez explained the importance of keeping the Lionism spirit alive. In an exclusive interview with Reporter Jorge Aldana, Ibanez stated that the struggle to increase the Belize Lions membership is a direct result of the global economic conditions. He went on to explain that like the Belize Lions Organization, many other countries are facing similar struggles to increase its members.

He however congratulated the Belize Lions Organization for being instrumental in bring help and service to its various communities in times of need. In conclusion, Ibanez explained that Belizeans should be grateful to the Lions Organization and he took the opportunity to encourage the leaders and decision makers to continue their support to the organization in Belize.

During the convention, the President of the Republic of Honduras

Porferio “Pepe” Lobo Sosa visited the conventioneers. In his address to the delegations, President Sosa stated that the work of Lionism has impacted all the countries in Central America.

President Sosa further explained that his government has a lot of respect for the work that the Lions organization has shown to his country. He stated that his government and country remains committed to service of the organization and remains committed to assist the Lions Organization in its work. The President, who is 62 years is a past Lions member but said he came out of the club to take on his political duties. He stated however that he plans to return at the end

of his Presidential term scheduled for 2014. The delegations from the different Central American nation however voted for the President to be re-installing as an Honorary Lions Members. After accepting the honorary position and installation, the Head of the Belize Delegation Zone 59 Chairman Valdemar Graniel presented him with the Belize Lions pin along with the other Central American Lions Leader. In speaking with several of members of the Belize Delegation, The President of Honduras explained his appreciation to the Belizeans for giving support to his country’s clubs as they hosted this years’ convention.

As part of his chat with the

Belizeans, President Sosa explained that he will be visiting Belize in a few weeks, more likely in between June or July.

The Belizean Delegation also participated in the hospitality booth were hundreds of visitors had the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the food, drinks, products and music of Belize. In addition, the Belize Delegation also participated in the country display parade from the Municipal Hall to the Central Part in Puerto Cortez. The Belizeans dressed in the different cultural costume as they displayed the country’s ethnic groups.

At the close of the ceremony, Lions Zone 59 Chairman Valdemar Graniel expressed his gratitude to the Isthmania Governors for hosting Belize at this year’s convention. Graniel handed gifts of appreciation on behalf of the people and lion clubs of Belize to the Governor of Lions Organization of Honduras, President of the Isthmania Council of Governors and the Isthmania International Director. One of the direct results of Belize’s participation at this years’ convention is that in August, the Belize Lions Organization will be hosting the International Governor of the Lions Organization Carlos Ibanez for the very first time. The Belize Lions Organization will be preparing a special event for the occasion of the visit since; the country clubs has not seen the visit of an international director for over 5 years. The next Isthmania convention in 2011 will take place in Panama.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Belize Times

Oceana Essay Competition for World Oceans Day

June 8 is set aside as World Ocean’s Day and it is a time to reflect and highlight the importance the oceans have to our existence.

Oceana’s Ocean Day competition promises prizes that will allow the winners to visit Belize’s most famous marine tourist destination.

Oceana is seeking Belizean participants in its 2010 World Ocean’s Day Essay Competition under the topic “Offshore Oil Exploration and Drilling – is it good for our People and Oceans?”

VP for Ocean Audrey Maturashepherd explained that, “the topic was chosen because it is relevant to the national debate on Government’s decision to parcel out our entire marine resources and through the competition not only are participants given a forum to be part of the debate, but it also will serve as a meter of what members or our society are thinking about the situation.”

This first of its kind competition is opened to three categories and a winner will be chosen from each category. The categories are: CATERGORY I – individual/ General (not for those attending school and/or falling in the two other categories. Participant must be at 16 years and older) CATEGORY II - High School – (essay can be written and submitted by an individual student or a group of students - but must be submitted through the school)

CATEGORY III – Tertiary Institution - (could be written and submitted by an individual student or a group of students – but must be submitted through the school) The essay may be no longer than 2,000 words (does not include footnotes and references) and must be in English. Students will be judged on the quality of the relevance of the content to the topic, knowledge and understanding of the topic, the level of research included, how informative it is, the coherence of thought, and the structure of the essay. Quotes and references must be marked throughout the essay and properly cited. Essays can be purely scientific in content or can adopt a policy related perspective

such as economics and development.

No previously published material will be accepted.

Deadline for Submissions is Friday June 4th, 2010 and winners will be announced on June 8, 2010 at Oceana’s Ocean Day forum.

Winners will be alerted a day before.

Prizes for categories are: CATERGORY I - an all expense paid trip for the winner and 9 friends to the Blue Hole (group limit applies) – sponsored by Hugh Parkey and Oceana CATEGORY II – an all day expense paid trip for winner and 24 others (classmates/teachers) or the group plus others to a total of 25 to snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve – donated by Oceana, SEAduced Tours & Elito Arceo; CATEGORY III – Dive or snorkel for the winner and three friends at Whale Shark Zone – sponsored by AVADON Divers; SEA (Southern Environmental Association) and Oceana and one night stay at Laru Beya Resort in Placencia donated by Ian McField for the winner and guests.

All Prizes are valid for one year

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and details of usage must be worked out with the sponsors “I am so pleased and the positive response received from all our sponsors who did not hesitate in anyway to be a part of this educational project which will allow not only the winners but friends and classmates to visit these magnificent marine sites which is such a great part of our Belizean heritage”, said Matura-Shepherd. She added that these sponsors must be recognized for their valuable contribution.

Submissions must be sent electronically and by hard copy and must be in Word format. Electronic submissions are to be mailed to ehernandez@oceana.org and mailed to PO Box 1500 or dropped off at Oceana’s office at #33 Cor. Dean & Regent Streets, Belize City.

Oceana reserves the right to publish and/or make available to the public the winning submissions.

The essay will be judge by a panel of three with expertise in various areas including science and economics. Oceana reserves the right to determine the winner and its decisions cannot be challenged.

To find out more about the competition visit: belize.oceana.org for competition guidelines or follow us on Facebook. Participants can also collect a copy of the guidelines from Oceana’s office at #33 cor.

Dean & Regent Street.

For Further information Contact: Audrey MaturaShepherd 610-0702.

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Desde el Ecritorio del Lider del Partido

¿Perforar o no perforar?

Esta semana fui invitado por Adela Ramos, presentadora del programa de TV Krem a participar en discusiones acerca de las perforaciones de petróleo en alta mar, junto con Audrey Sheppard Matura de Oceana y Brackett Geovannie de Ciudadanos Organizados para la Liberación través de la acción (COLA).

Fue una buena discusión. El Sr. Brackett era un apasionado de su posición en contra de perforación en alta mar. Él proporcionó muchos ejemplos de países donde las perforaciones en alta mar habían causado un daño incalculable a la gente y al país. Explicó el proceso de cinco años ante el gobierno de los EE.UU. por el cual debe de pasarse antes de conseguir una licencia para la exploración petrolera.

Por su parte, la Sra. Matura fue más mesurada y como una abogada entrenada, fue meticulosa en su posición por una prohibición de perforación en alta mar.

Citó el turismo y las cifras económicas señalando que Belice tiene mucho más que perder con la perforación en alta mar.

También señaló que Belice cuenta con una comunidad costera grande y estamos amenazando la forma de vida de miles de nuestros pescadores beliceños incluidos.

La Sra. Matura fue más allá al afirmar que la vida marina de Belice, mientras que se encuentra entre las mejores de la región, también se ve amenazada por otras actividades que se realicen en la zona. Su posición es que la producción de petróleo agregara más y sólo empeorara la situación.

Desde el derrame de petróleo en el Golfo de México hace unas semanas, los beliceños han expresado serias preocupaciones acerca de la exploración de petróleo. Belice está viendo en la televisión como cientos de miles de barriles de petróleo se derraman en el Golfo de México.

Con toda su tecnología y poder financiero, el gobierno de los EE.UU. y British Petroleum (BP) han sido incapaces de cerrar los pozos de petróleo que se encuentran 5000 pies bajo el nivel del mar y siguen brotando millones de galones de petróleo en el golfo.

Lo que horroriza a muchos espectadores es la insensibilidad de BP. A pesar de su responsabilidad evidente, se niegan a aceptar la culpa y están obligando a los pescadores que están ayudando en la campaña de limpieza para firmar acuerdos con BP que los indemniza de cualquier responsabilidad financiera.

Supongo que la pregunta en la mente de muchos beliceños es ¿estamos preparados para hacer frente a un derrame de petróleo de la talla de el que actualmente está ocurriendo en el Golfo?¿Tenemos la tecnología para poder actuar rápidamente para prevenir estos desastres en nuestras aguas? ¿Las compañías petroleras cuentan con los recursos financieros para pagar al gobierno o sería más fácil para ellos declararse en quiebra e irse? ¿El departamento del petróleo y el departamento del Medio Ambiente tiene la capacidad humana y material a disposición para sostener una vigilancia adecuada de lo que está pasando

en alta mar y miles de metros bajo el mar?

Estas son sólo algunas de las preguntas que necesitan ser contestadas antes de que podamos proceder a la perforación en alta mar afuera.

Pero la pregunta más importante en la

mente de muchos es, ¿podemos jugar con el regalo precioso de Dios hacia Belice, nuestra Barrera de Coral?

El Partido Unido del Pueblo siempre ha sentido que Dios nos ha bendecido con recursos naturales o enormes riquezas. Por lo tanto creemos que debemos utilizar estos recursos de forma sostenible y que deben utilizarse para luchar contra nuestro mayor enemigo - la pobreza.

La pobreza sigue afectando a Belice.

En el sistema de evaluación de la pobreza pasado, quedamos horrorizados al descubrir que 142.276 beliceños o el 43 por ciento de nuestra población es considerada pobre.

En las familias de clase media, 90 centavos de cada dólar ganado es consumido en alimentos y servicios públicos. No podemos continuar con esta espiral descendente ya que sólo llevará a más pobreza.

En 1998, el PUP en su manifiesto, declaro que si no hubiera petróleo en cantidades comerciales, nosotros lo encontraríamos, lo hicimos, y hoy la industria petrolera ha otorgado $ 104,688,076.69 para el gobierno.

Desde cualquier punto esto es mucho dinero. Sin embargo muchos de nosotros creemos que no estamos recibiendo nuestra cuota justa.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Nuestro primer descubrimiento en el campo petrolero generó mucho entusiasmo e interés en Belice. Todos nuestros bloques disponibles para la exploración petrolera generaron mucho interés, especialmente en alta mar en lo que muy pocos estudios se han hecho. Es en esta exuberancia que estos bloques fueron contratados.

Hoy, dos años más tarde, los beliceños están teniendo un caso grave de pies fríos.

Con el derrame masivo de petróleo en el Golfo de México y ante el anuncio de la UNESCO de la posibilidad de retirar el arrecife coralino de Belice como Sitio del Patrimonio Mundial, la Asociación de Áreas Protegidas de Gestión de las Organizaciones (APAMO), COLA, Belice Audubon Society y Oceana condenaron la exploración de petróleo en alta mar y Canal 5 en su e-encuesta mostró que 86 por ciento respondieron en contra de la perforación mar adentro, es hora de que el Gobierno de Belice reconsidere su posición.

Creo que hasta que todas estas preguntas se pueden responder con claridad a la satisfacción de los beliceños, el Gobierno debe poner fin a la exploración de petróleo en nuestros mares.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

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Si No Es Así…

¿Esta Esquivel de regreso?

Hemos estado empujando, chillando y gritando para que el poco coherente y claramente impotente ante la delincuencia, el ministro Carlos Perdomo sea echado durante mucho tiempo.

Demonios, prácticamente toda la nación ha estado gritando para que se haga algo sobre el crimen. Después de más de dos años y una nación llevada al borde de la anarquía, tal vez al fin el pelón ha escuchado nuestros gritos desde su lujosa residencia frente al mar. Este columnista ha sido fielmente informado que el pobre de Perdomo será finalmente expulsado, aunque seguro que el pelón tuvo tiempo suficiente. Y puesto que ahora es sabido que el cerebro combinado de confianza

del pelotón UDP no llenaría un dedal, escuchamos que el pelón va a volver a los archivos y desempolvar ni más ni menos que a Sir Manny. Supongo que ese caballero ahora se montara en el proverbial caballo y empuñara la espada para herir al crimen en las calles. Este columnista ciertamente espera con gran expectación para ver que este cuento de hadas cobre vida... Señor Manny en un caballo real. Esto es demasiado divertido para las palabras... ¡Si no es así...!

Un elaborado plan...

Desde las elecciones el UDP y los sabelotodo políticos del partido nos han estado diciendo que había un plan en marcha para nombrar al relativamente inexperto Elodio Aragón Jr. Comisionado de Policía. Mira, él es el hijo de un ex ministro del UDP que hizo un montón de trabajo en las últimas elecciones, por lo que se considera como pago por ello.

atento al anuncio... ¡Si no es así...!

les dije que los dos idiotas son conocidos por presionar empresas privadas, Un golpe para Jeffries ... incluso empresas PUP? Bueno, creamos Un golpe ya ha sido sancionado una trampa en Vibes Radio y ambos para el actual Comisionado de la Policía Crispín Jeffries. No nos equivoquemos al respecto - cuando las huestes de deterioro del show matutino WAVE empiezan a golpear cualquier día a determinada persona, uno puede estar seguro de que hay un siniestro plan en marcha, y las victimas, seguro que proviene de la mente retorcida del pelón. Véase, el muchacho marica y el idiota con el pelo de 20 años y rostro de 100 años de viejo,

tontos caminaron justo en la trampa.

En realidad no fue tan difícil porque ninguno de ellos es nada brillante. Y, por supuesto, nos aseguramos de que ambos fueron capturados en cámara oculta mientras hacían sus tranzas. ¡Ayyy, algunas personas! De todos modos, ya estaban en el banquillo cuando la palabra salió, y luego para empeorar las cosas, en su aparición esta semana, dos de ellos salieron a respaldar a su Bally el lechoso de #48 de baymen contra una decisión tomada en el Consejo de Ministros. En serio, lo siento por ellos. Ya es bastante difícil para personas calificadas e inteligentes ganarse la vida en estos días.

Para ellos, será maldito, casi imposible... ¡Si no es así...!

no pudieran encontrar una idea original, ni siquiera si caminara frente a ellos y los golpeara en la parte posterior. Así que desde que Jeffries es el objetivo del dúo de dementes pájaros-dodo hasta ahora, Barrow quiere que se vaya. Usted puede apostar a eso. Todo es parte del plan para impulsar a Aragón Jr. Demonios, piensa en ello. Jeffries ha estado fuera de Lechoso llorón... la vista y fuera de la mente hace poco ¿Hasta dónde han caído los y de repente Aragón es el encargado de poderosos? Hombre, aún podemos la operación en las calles. Tiene sentido, ¿no? ... ¡Si no es así...! ¿Nuevos anfitriones UDP? Ahora, por supuesto, la política siendo lo que es, usted nunca se encontrará con nosotros poniendo publicidad para ningún puesto dentro del UDP en esta

recordar al lechoso Crimson jactándose de que él estaba en la cima del mundo en una nube UDP mientras que su hermano decía ser el recaudador y amigo personal de el DPM pájaro-dodo. Pero ahora está llorando el lechoso todo el camino a la oficina del abogado, ya que todos los Ministros afirman haber hecho caso omiso de sus llamadas frenéticas en busca de ayuda. Las cosas están tan mal para Crimson en este momento que es

un indeseable en el UDP y es contagioso.

Pregúntale a Joe y a Fonso que salieron en su apoyo y fueron de inmediato arrancados del aire. ¿No es uno de sus atributos de salir de su manera de ayudar a Crimson y podemos predecir que su suerte va a dar un bajón repentino en un futuro próximo, porque hay algunos ministros de gran alcance que piensan que es indigno de un condenado “ladrón de calzoncillos” a ceder poder en el Partido. Ni siquiera su amigo Emil de la misma calle a quien le encanta jugar y probablemente habría sido uno de los cliente habitual en el puesto # 48 de baymen está llegando a la defensa de Crimson, la sangre es más espesa que el agua ... ¡Si no es así...!

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the company named

“GOYABA LTD.” has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Register with effect from the 14th day of May, 2010.

ARIAS, FABREGA & FABREGA (BELIZE) LIMITED

Registered Agent

NOTICE Así que ni siquiera pestañeamos cuando el señor Barrow inventó este elaborado plan para hacer cerca de seis oficiales comisionados auxiliares y por supuesto uno de ellos fue el novato Aragón Jr. Y ahora nos enteramos de que ha sido puesto a cargo de la Operación Jaguar, que será un espectáculo muy visible de la fuerza en la ciudad. Por supuesto todos sabemos que la operación no se puede mantener, pero no importa realmente.

Esto se promociona como una muesca en el cinturón de Aragón y se le dará el empujón al trabajo de súper policía. Este

publicación. Pero tengo que decir que éste me da un placer especial. Palabra ha salido de la secretaría del UDP, para que se produzca un anuncio de vacante para dos anfitriones para el programa matutino diario. No están pidiendo demasiado en la forma de títulos porque creo que la figura de cualquier cosa sería mejor que los dos idiotas de los que están tratando de deshacerse. Por supuesto, usted sabe que estamos hablando del chico afeminado y el hombre afeminado.

Usted puede haber notado que han estado ausentes de las ondas de radio los dos últimos días, porque están en un montón de problemas. ¿Recuerda que

Notice is hereby given that the company named

“ONSTATIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD” has been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies register with effect from the 19th day of May, 2010.

Gen Pro Consulting (Belize) Limited

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The Belize Times

FOR SALE One Toyota HIACE Van, 2005, 4 cyl., seating 15 persons, 168,246 Kilometers, manual transmission, air-conditioned. Askign Price BZ$15,000.00 or o.b.o.

One ISUZU RODEO, 2000 SUV, 4 cyl., seating capacity 5 persons, 47,061 miles, manual transmission, Air-conditioned. Asking Price BZ$18,000.00 or o.b.o.

One ISUZU Trooper, 1999, 6 cyl., seating capacity 5 persons, 106,554 miles, automatic transmission, auto 4WD, Power windows and locks, air-conditioned and CD/Stereo. Asking Price BZ$17,000.00 or o.b.o.

One 25ft. fiberglass Skiff with 70HP Johnson outboard engine, All cables are new, Steering wheel and Helm are new, Light switches and fuses are new and Tilt and trim motor on engine new. Asking Price BZ$15,000.00 or o.b.o.

Interested persons can call 2230555, 610-2213 or 602-6245.

ST. JUDE NOVENA

May the Sacred heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.

St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for us.

St. Jude, helper of the helpless, pray for us.

Say this prayer nine times a day for nine days. It had never been known to fail. (Publication must be promised.)

D.W.

Liquor License Notice Notice is hereby given that Esa Slusher is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated in Gales Point Manatee Village, Belize District under the Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Ianthe Gentle is applying for a Malt and Cider License to be operated at “Gentle Cool Spot”, Gales Point Manatee, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

FOR SALE

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.

H.E.A.

GRAND SUMMER EXCURSION TO MERIDA, MEXICO Leave: 15th July, 2010

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Return: 19th July, 2010

Bus leaves from #6 Alexandria Street Belize City at 5:00 a.m.

Price: $450.00 BZD HOTEL IS INCLUDED For more information contact Ms. Olive at 207-8244

Money Lender’s Notice I, Sharole Saldivar, hereby give notice that I have applied to the Magistrate’s Court sitting in Belize City, for a Certificate to be granted to me under the Moneylender’s Act to authorize me to carry on business as a Money Lender in 2010 under the name “PHOENIX PERSONAL FINANCE CENTER”, SITUATED AT #125 Albert Street, Belize City, Belize District.

By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a Company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 6th day of September, 1999, between Harold Flowers of Liberty Avenue, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, Belize, of the one part and The Bank of Nova Scotia now referred to as Scotiabank (Bank) Ltd. of the other part and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 28 of 1999 at folios 1307 – 1330, and the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of three months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule hereto.

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

THE SCEHDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO ALL THOSE LEASEHOLD INTEREST IN ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 78 situate in Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District and bounded as follows:On the Northeast for 55.712 by Lot Nos. 76 and 77; On the Southeast for 21.002 metres by a street; On the Southwest for 53.644 metres by Lot No. 79 and On the Northwest for 15.522 metres by now or formerly National Lands; containing 1004.65 square metres (1202.56 square yards) as shown on Tracing No. 23 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. (This property is now referred to as Parcel 591 Trial Farm Registration Section – Block No. 4.)

DATED this 20th day of May, 2010.

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

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Belize Times

Operation Jaguar Kicks Off…

(Continued from page 1) target high crime areas in Belize City and is intended to provide safety and security for residents in these areas and restore public confidence in the Government's anti-crime efforts.

It is expected that this Operation will be successful in identifying and disrupting gang activity that is primarily responsible for the violence in the city." Observers have stated, however, that such an operation cannot possible be maintained for any meaningful period of time, and since it does not carry with it any social component, will do little to deal with the causes of crime and will deter crime to some extent only as long as it is maintained.

While there are Belizeans who will be happy to see anything being done rather than nothing at all, those same Belizeans realize that the Prime

Minister of Belize has become well known for showy gestures which in the end mean nothing at all. Those Belizeans well remember the Prime Minister’s last press conference, when he revealed to a grateful nation that there would be no more blatant robberies because through sheer brilliance they had cracked a crime ring and business owners could sleep easy. What a joke that turned out to be.

The conference was bogus, there was no such crime ring to speak of and business owners continue to be the victims of rampant violence. Despite the fact that he stole the limelight to make the bogus proclamation, when the truth was revealed Mr. Barrow was nowhere to be found.

And Belizeans are well aware that for more than two years, Mr. Barrow’s administration attempted to fool the people into believing that crime

was actually going down, despite the evidence to the contrary. In fact, up to last week the top cop appointed

by Mr. Barrow himself tried to tell Belizeans that crime had gone down by an astounding 30%, even when everybody knew better. It was only in the face of a tremendous public outcry that last week Mr. Barrow FINALLY decided to concede that crime had reached ‘crisis proportions’ and that the public had lost all confidence and faith in the Police. Even then Mr. Barrow attempted to deflect blame onto the Police Department and did not concede that people have also lost faith in his government and his National Security minister who is responsible for drafting the policies guiding the Police Department.

Operation Jaguar is nothing more than a band-aid measure, a finger stuck in a dam with 1000 leaks. While the military rules the streets of the city some criminals will go to ground and others will take their violence to the

districts. But what happens in a week or two when government can no longer sustain the operation? It is no secret that the government is broke and does not have the resources to run Operation jaguar indefinitely. Operation Jaguar is nothing more than the brainchild of a man who has no other ideas and no vision; the same man who would not meet with cane-farmers in Orange Walk to resolve an issue, but instead ordered the Police to use all force necessary.

Look how that turned out. The pity is that we all will be the losers when the operation folds, violence once again overtakes the streets and the government is still devoid of a plan.

And on the future of Minister of National Security Carlos Perdomo – the Belize Times has received word from several sources that the Prime Minister is looking to bring former Prime Minister Sir Manuel Esquivel back into the fold to head up that portfolio. We’ll keep you updated on any developments.

they say.”

And while City Hall is trying to clear the air on that matter, one area where there is definitely no doubt that something shady occurred was their tax system, which was compromised when three employees allegedly removed records between November 2009 and February of this year in order to steal the payments, an amount which has

climbed to over $60,000 detected so far.

The Council's Administrator, Dr. Kiran Vanjani filed a report with the Police Department, in which she alleged that Farah Jones misappropriated $30,191.00 and Marvin James $31,265.00 after Keera Ford allegedly manipulated the Council's tax collection system.

The allegation has hit Farrah Jones hard because the kidney patient says losing her job since the discovery was

made has complicated her problems.

She said that she admitted to knowing of the hanky panky and that she accepted $2,000. from Ford to keep quiet about it. Jones feels the duo had ample time to get into the system from her computer while she was on maternity leave last December and then turned around and framed her for it.

Whatever the conclusion will be, Jones and the Council have one problem in common - money matters.

environment (and looking at things as well in the context of signed contracts), government will bear well in mind what you have said.”

Party Leader John Briceño, on the Adele Ramos Show on KREM television stated that perhaps it would be a good idea for Government to take a step back and hold off on all oil explorations at this time to allow for greater scrutiny of the contracts and to see that all the necessary safeguards are in place and that Belizeans can be given every assurance

that something like this would not occur in Belize.

Fortunately the current oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico will not have an effect on Belize’s fish stock or on its immediate environment. With the strong currents flowing in the opposite direction, this spill will continue to move away from Belizean waters. When the spill hits the US coast line however, it will devastate estuaries where fish and other seafood like lobster, shrimp, craw fish and other shell fish are hatched. In addition it could kill off acres of marsh land and wreak havoc on all marine life, which in turn could affect the

food source for migratory birds.

It is quite possible that this disaster could wipe out the billion dollar fishing industry in the Southern United Stages and put at serious risk a tourism industry that is just beginning to recover from the effects of Hurricane Katrina.

Belizean are right to be concerned about the possibility that such an event could occur in Belize, either from an oil tanker or as a result of offshore drilling.

Should this happen, the entire way of life of Belizeans who live on the coast could not only be interrupted, but completely destroyed.

Money Still Missing at CitCo

(Continued from page 1) to take it to a caucus meeting so that we could down with the Finance and Revenues Departments...I haven’t been shown nothing yet that this is actually what they owe and how they owe it...I have to agree with the people. It’s just logical common sense, if you di pay three ten a month then your arrears fi so many years shouldn’t be as high as

Belizeans Tell GOB – HOLD ON!

(Continued from page 1) or on land in the world heritage sites. It’s a pretty clear statement from the World Heritage Committee.”

T he Org aniz ation, Citizens Organized for Liberty Through Action (COLA) wrote to the Prime Minister expressing their concern over exploration licenses granted for offshore drilling.

In responding to COLA’s letter the Prime Minister wrote: In doing the usual balancing act between development needs and the requirement to protect the

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The Belize Times

Sunday, May 23, 2010