Belize Times June 13, 2010

Sunday, June 13, 2010

The

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Belize Times The Truth Shall Make You Free

PUP Leader Serious About Crime Is Mr. Barrow Playing Games?

SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2010

Issue No. 4697

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issue. The People's United Party has already expressed that as the Opposition we are prepared to work with the government in any way we can to address this very pressing issue.”

Prime Minister Dean Barrow seemed just as committed to the collaboration, stating that “…the leader of the Opposition said a long time ago that in fact his party would be prepared to work with the government on any national initiative. This is the national initiative, he has been true to his words and I think this is what the public wants to see, and I think this is what the public will welcome."

And the Prime Minister was right in his entire (Continued on page 35)

On Wednesday, June 9, Prime Minister of Belize D e a n B a r r ow m e t w i t h L e a d e r o f t h e Pe o p l e ’s United Party John Briceno to discuss a meaningful collaboration between both parties in the fight a g a i n s t r i s i n g l e ve l s o f crime and violence in our communities across the country. It was an important meeting, sending a signal to Belizeans that the war on crime transcends political l i n e s. I n a n i n t e r v i e w with the media after the meeting, the leader of the PUP was crystal clear in his resolve – “We have been ver y clear that when it comes to the issue of crime, it affects each and every one of us and that it is not a political

Brutal Murder in Broad Daylight Musical Icon Passes

Andre Trapp - Gunned Down

One suspect apprehended.

It came as a strong message from the criminals to their rival gangs, the government and law enforcement authorities - there is nothing and no one that can stop them from committing murder.

For three weeks Operation Jaguar seemed to be making great inroads in the suppression of violent crimes through increased police and BDF presence. But any sense of security by Belizeans was dispelled in the thunder of gunfire when the latest murder occurred just a few hundred feet from the nation's Supreme Court building with police officers nearby. At around 10:30 (Continued on page 35)

See story on page 35

Is the UDP serious about Crime?

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THE BELIZE TIMES

THE TAIWAN CONNECTION

"Guatemala received no overt military aid from the U.S. Government because the Carter administration had suspended aid in 1977 over the Guatemalan government’s continued violation of its citizens’ human right; in fact, though, the U.S. continued to send military aid to Guatemala steadily throughout the period through third-party proxies, namely Israel and Taiwan.”

TERROR IN THE LAND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT by Virginia GarrardBurnett, Oxford University Press, 2010 Belize’s diplomatic “blind spot” may well be the cozy relations enjoyed between our generous ally Taiwan and our covetous neighbor to the West, Guatemala. Oil, it has been suggested, lies at the heart of Guatemala’s baseless claim to Belize. And now, oil may also stand at the center of an emerging Taiwanese claim to the jewel’s coastal waters.

The Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage, an amalgam of 23 tourism and environmental organizations with aggregate membership that may well number in the thousands, recently demanded of the Barrow administration an immediate ban on offshore oil drilling. Precipitating this ultimatum was the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, where an estimated 100,000 barrels per day, the equivalent of 2,800 gallons per minute, are contaminating the ocean, killing wildlife, suffocating coral reefs and destroying fisheries and tourism. So far, Prime Minister Barrow has stubbornly refused to accede to the Coalition’s request. Why would the PM not consent to at least a temporary ban - a moratorium - on offshore drilling, which several countries including the US, have already instituted in the wake of the Gulf incident?

The answer to this blazing question may pivot on one word: Taiwan.

Recall that on May 19, 2008, the freshly-elected Barrow travelled to Taipei for the inauguration of Taiwanese President Ma Ying-Jeou. Even before his departure, Mr. Barrow announced that Taiwan would be “gifting” the Government of Belize $50m for so-called budget support. This $50m was Taiwan’s congratulatory gift to the new UDP administration, a reward justified by Belize’s membership to that exclusive though dwindling club of 23 nations that maintain diplomatic ties to Taiwan. Belize has since secured additional multi-million dollar loans from Taiwan.

A few months later, in September 2008, a report surfaced in the international press that Taiwan’s state-owned Chinese Petroleum Corporation (CPC) would be signing an agreement with the government of Belize granting CPC exclusive rights to explore some 1,800 square miles of Belizean offshore waters. In the report, a former Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize was quoted as saying that “Belize is the Kuwait of Central America.” This agreement was officially signed by DPM Gaspar Vega in January 2009.When the report of the concession to the Taiwanese surfaced here in Belize, PM Barrow had this to say: “The Taiwanese have been saying to us that they’re ready to go. Maybe what is happening is that the actual physical activity is about to commence but we’ve known for a while that they have their license and are prepared to do offshore exploration which is welcome because not too many private sector companies want to do offshore drilling.”

The Prime Minister’s statements of September 25, 2008 to the effect that drilling was imminent and those he made this week in response to the Coalition’s public plea on offshore drilling simply do not square. Either he did not know what he was talking about in 2008 or he is now deliberately misleading the nation.

Of further interest is the recent and sudden visit to Taiwan of the Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega which took place during the week of May 19, 2010. The visit

by Vega, who signed the exploration agreement with the Taiwanese in his capacity of Minister responsible for petroleum, took place just days after APAMO, COLA and Oceana declared their demand for a ban on offshore drilling. While COLA had first advocated this ban in January of this year, it was on May 11, 2010 that this unprecedented Coalition took shape. There was no advance notice of Vega’s Taiwan trip, which proceeded even though the PM would also be away from Belize at this same time attending CDB meetings.

Is it, as some political insiders have suggested, that Mr. Vega travelled to Taipei to offer assurances that the CPC contract would NOT be altered despite the groundswell of public opposition to offshore drilling here at home? Mr. Barrow has certainly ducked and dodged from the clear cut case for the offshore drilling moratorium put forward by the Coalition. Do contributions from Taiwan outweigh an environmental Armageddon like the one unfolding in the Gulf ? (Quite apart from the Taiwan connection is the recent revelation that the law firm of Barrow and Williams, a firm from where the PM says he “publicly and openly draws a share of the profits,” were attorneys for Princess Petroleum Ltd., another beneficiary of an offshore drilling concession.)

The disaster in the Gulf is proof positive that decades of oil profits can be erased in a single spill. Belize’s coastline is arguably more fragile and more precious than the Gulf of Mexico. Expert simulation models have shown that within just a matter of hours, an oil spill in Belizean waters would wreak irreparable havoc upon our reef and wetlands, wiping out our fisheries and devastating our coastal communities. Quite literally, Belize would never be the same. No amount of Taiwanese money can justify putting in harm’s way the Belize Barrier Reef and the livelihoods and communities of tens of thousands of Belizeans.

For a quick buck, politicians have debased the Belizean passport and allowed hundreds of thousands of acres of prime land to be gobbled up. If the paltry share of onshore oil extraction accruing to the people of Belize is any indication of future profits, then the conspicuous risk of offshore drilling far outweigh the financial benefits. The Gulf is an open and shut case in so far as the environment is concerned.

This UDP administration should implement an immediate moratorium on offshore oil drilling, lifting this only on the basis of the approval of the Belizean public by way of a national referendum.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Opposition Leader Responds to False Accusation by Oceana’s Vice President The Leader of the Opposition is outraged at the comments made by the Vice President of Oceana in Belize, Audrey Matura-Shepherd at a forum held yesterday. Mrs. Shepherd’s stance and statements were openly and clearly politically motivated and it is disappointing that a reputable environmental organization, Oceana, could have been drawn into the political fray by its representation in Belize.

Mrs. Shepherd makes very serious allegations of impropriety and corruption at the very highest levels of the then administration, but does not at any time present any evidence to substantiate her allegation. It is regrettable that Ms. Shepherd’s careless and irresponsible statements will cast undeserved and unnecessary shadows on the careers of distinguished public officers like the late Evadne Wade, Mr. Andre Cho, Mr. Ismael Fabro and others.

The unadorned facts are that a contract for oil exploration was issued to AB Energy in 1998 by then Minister of Science and Technology Hon. Joseph Cayetano. In 2001 that company split into two entities, US Capital and Island Oil, for which individual Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) were signed in continuance of the original contract. In 2003, Island Oil was purchased by Steve Reiley, an American doing business in Guatemala. In 2004 a new PSA was signed with the owner. In 2005, Island Oil applied for and was granted some additional acreage under the existing PSA. All these facts could have been verified quite easily if there was a sincere interest in arriving at the truth. Instead, Ms. Shepherd’s assertions are grossly inaccurate and her bold accusation of treason in the awarding of this contract will have serious legal repercussions on herself and the organization she represents.

It would seem that Ms. Shepherd’s agenda would have the Government of Belize cease and desist from operations with all businesses and individuals with ties to or relations in Guatemala. In April 2010, a Partial Scope Agreement between Belize and Guatemala was ratified.

The Leader of the Opposition urges Ms. Shepherd to treat her role as Vice President of Oceana responsibly and to desist from making irresponsible statements. The issues facing us today, including the issue of offshore drilling or indeed any drilling in Belize must be addressed properly, with integrity and objectivity. It is regrettable that on the occasion of World Oceans Day, the Vice President of Oceana in Belize could not have been less concerned with the state of our oceans, but instead spent her time engrossed in her own petty agenda.

PUP Mourns the Passing of Mister Peters The People’s United Party is saddened by the news of the passing of Mr. Peters, a Belizean icon.

Mr. Peters dedicated his life to the service of our nation through his beloved brukdong music and his Boom and Chime Band helped to put Belizean music on the map. His contribution to Belizean culture, his love for Belize and for music made him one of our national treasures.

The PUP extends condolences to his family and friends and we remain grateful for the life and contribution of this national hero.

May he rest in peace.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

THE BELIZE TIMES

Do the Dean Barrow…

I don’t believe it…in fact, if I didn’t hear it with my own two Dumbo-sized ears I wouldn’t believe it. Hell, no. A couple weeks ago mini-Mugabe was at

Castro head only haad! For months and months now sweaty and his cycling team have been riding the roads in training, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But right behind him there’s

some conference or the other and the subject of his estranged son (the rapper formerly known as Shyne) came up. So the bald fellow who ignored Shyne’s existence for 99.99999% of his life gets up like a proud daddy and says that Shyne is making a song about Belize. I thought to myself – well that’s gonna take a long time cause first the dude’s gonna have to go find out a little bit about Belize.

But anyway, here I was early this week innocently listening to my radio when this lil tune just got my attention. Are you following me here? There’s a new song hitting the streets and I guess it’s the one our Music Ambassador was working on cause the timing is too coincidental.

It’s called Do the Dean Barrow and has something in there bout jumping on the dance floor in your red skinny jeans, jerking up and down and rubbing your head at the same time. WTF! You’ve got to be kidding me. This is too funny for words. Good work Shyne, but wasn’t the song supposed to be about Belize?…

LOL…If Da Noh Soh!

his trusty driver in his all expenses paid by us government ride day in and day out. Lawd bwoy, the people are asking you to stop that nonsense. Why should we pay because you want to get up early and ride on the road? It’s not right. Smelly is so upset because Barrow kicked him in the a$$ that he’s decided to ride across Belize with the SSB and you guessed it, we’re paying so his driver can follow him in the government ride and make sure nobody gets too close to the boss (not that they have to worry too much on that score). Anyway, you know that thing about God nuh like ugly? Well He doesn’t, and we understand that during the ride smelly’s bike just broke, just like that and he had to pull out of the ride. It’s a message from above, Mr. Castro. We suggest you take note…If Da Noh Soh!

The hog & the ‘hallari’…

Well, yeah, we know that smelly dread can behave like a real a-hole most of the time, especially during village council elections when he was out there threatening and intimidating and harassing voters recently. But the thing is

that the hog man ain’t nothing compared to his wife who has been out in full force cussing up people all over the place. In the normal course of things, we’d leave smelly-dread’s wife out of this column because her behavior is his business but she was so all up in everybody’s face behaving like a real idiot that we just had to take notice. Seeing the missus in action kinda made me feel sorry for smelly, actually, and now I can understand why he’s been forced to seek solace and comfort elsewhere and has been caught in compromising positions all over the place (remember the ministerial ID left in a certain establishment on the Northern Highway). I gat yu back, smelly! No more reporting on your misdeeds and back door deals in this paper cause after getting a hefty and unhealthy dose of your wife in action recently, I completely understand…If Da Noh Soh! Haad head dread…

I tell you the truth, this damned nasty

Still no Kendall…

Two weeks into the hurricane season and the idiots in Cabinet still have their fingers in their ears and lips shut tight on the Kendall thing. Two years, Mr. PM. Two years since the bridge washed away and you’ve got nothing to say. For months now I’ve been driving past the site of the million dollar plus fence at the sporting complex and trying to convince myself that I must be missing something…there must be something special about this fence, some button

that makes fireworks shoot out of the fence-posts, some gizmo that makes the fence glow in the dark. Something!

But nope, there’s nothing there. It’s just a plain, ordinary run of the mill million dollar plus fence which is still not even nearly finished after almost a year of construction. But the Prime Minister says he and his government got skills, they’ve got game. Yeah well, here’s a thought…if we get just a lil bit of heavy rains the people down south won’t be able to make the crossing to witness baldy’s skills. That should make miniMugabe get a move on…If Da Noh Soh! The UDP Convention…

I got word late last week that there’s a great big circus coming to town for one show only at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk and its set for August 1.

Nope, it’s not the Circo Hermano Suarez and kids don’t bother scrounging for

loose change to attend. There’ll be no popcorn or elephants or tigers or pretty girls in spandex. The only attractions at this circus will be clowns…a whole lot of clowns. Yup, word is that the date of the UDP Convention is set and it’s going to be very, very interesting. Mini-me was encouraged to back off his quest for the Holy Grail and told that he’s still too wet behind the ears, so he’ll have to settle for the post of Chairman of the UDP which is being given up by the Village People police minister lookalike. The man with

much knowledge of the contraband trade isn’t leaving anything up to chance and started his campaigning in the north early. Just in case, he insisted that the venue be in his hometown. But get this, late reports from out west indicate that the fat clown with the mental and physical agility deficit wants to do his dance in the big top and has told baldy that he paid his dues and wants to be deputy. Last word is that negotiations are underway for the shady fellow way out west to step down and make way, but we’ll see how that goes. All in all, the circus should be an interesting one but definitely not for the kids…If Da Noh Soh! Too late to apologize?

Damn my soft, sensitive side. I swear I’m too sweet for politics. Last week we did a hatchet job on poor, confused Fonso and I kinda feel bad about it. Actually, I didn’t feel at all bad

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until a friend called just a while ago and told me that Fonso was on the point of tears when he read the Belize Times last week. If there’s one thing I hate it’s to see a grown man cry. But like I keep telling shim (oops, I did it again) if you stand in the ring throwing soft jabs you gotta be prepared to get knocked the (enter expletive here) out. For months and months the little pansy has skipped around the ring taking his shots and one of the few times we decided to uppercut the idiot, he swoons and bursts into tears. You know what, I don’t feel sorry for him at all cause as I’m writing this I’m remembering some of the very personal and petty things he’s had to write. Even now I’m being told that he’s on the morning show with a whole lot to say. Bring it on, butt-boy! I can take it. But just to let you know, if just a few little comments made you cry maybe you should back off just a bit if you don’t want us to really get going…If Da Noh Soh! The Big Loser…

I hear big things are happening up north and none of it is good for the man with nothing to offer. From UDP insiders we understand that Nemencio Acosta is on the way out to pasture and will be replaced by Mr. Akierman who is the DPM’s buddy. It also looks like our buddy the electrician has decided he can’t

win again in the Bay so now he wants to run in Corozal Southeast. His seat in the Bay will apparently be contested by the ‘Casino’ Campos who says that although he has done nothing for the town as Mayor he is sure that he can win. Of course he made that claim while he was in the casino under the influence of a little happy juice. I could tell the Mayor stories about that happy juice. Anyway, big things going on up north in the camp of the UDP clowns…If Da Noh Soh!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Focusing on the Real Issues

During my tenure as Minister of Natural Resources and the environment, my work was not only demanding, but enjoyable, especially working with the environmental community in Belize.

Working with the NGO Community to design and implement the National Protected Areas System Plan was one of my biggest achievements as Environment Minister.

For years Belize has been enhancing its reputation as an ecofriendly nation, a reputation earned because of our practices. More than a third of Belize is under protected status and everyone takes pride in the Belize Barrier Reef being designated a World Heritage site.

When I became Minister of Natural Resources there was no plan or national policy guiding the work in protected areas. In devising such a plan, endless debates were held about the amount of protected areas in our country. Some argued that too much of the country was under protection while others said there wasn’t enough. It took more than a year of consultation and negotiation for the NGO community and the ministry to eventually complete a National System Plan.

Fundamental to this plan was the issue of sustainable development. We had to ensure that central to all our decisions were the Belizean people - we have to meet their needs today without compromising the needs of future Belizeans.

As a government, we always had to keep this fine balance between development and the protection of the environment and the Department of the Environment (DOE) was always caught up in the middle of these discussions.

Of the many conflicting issues, one that created many heated discussions was oil exploration in Belize. Before the first commercially viable oil field was discovered in 2005, there was little interest from oil companies, however after that many companies started to express renewed interest in all the available blocks in Belize.

It is during this time that several NGOs started to raise concerns about the exploration for oil in protected areas.

One of the first to raise this concern was the Sarstoon-

Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIIM).

US Capital, an oil company, had a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for oil exploration in the Toledo district that included parts of the Sarstoon-Temash National Park. SATIIM felt that the National Parks Act prevented any commercial activity and they also strongly felt that any discovery of oil in the park could

destroy the ecology of the area.

SATIIM also opined that if any activity were to take place in this area, there must be clear rules of engagement including the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and that it must also be clearly spelt out how the indigenous communities would benefit financially from this activity. I did not stay as Natural Resources Minister until the end of our government’s term and left before this issue could be resolved.

Today the NGO community is expressing serious concern about oil exploration, particularly offshore oil exploration. Feeding off the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the environmental damage being caused as a result of this spill, all Belizeans should be concerned over the potential damage of offshore drilling, especially how a spill could impact our Belize Barrier Reef.

It is however unfortunate that the Vice President of Oceana, a new NGO in Belize, decided to take

Sunday, June 13, 2010 a different approach than having a rational and constructive discussion on the issue of offshore exploration.

Oceana’s Vice President, instead of arguing on the merits of a ban on offshore exploration, decided to make unfounded accusations, spin incredulous stories about the nation’s territorial integrity and impute the character of some outstanding public officers, going as far as accusing people of treason.

This is very regrettable, for I believe that the Environmental community in Belize must keep its focus on the issue, which is offshore oil drilling and the exploration for oil in protected areas.

I firmly believe that we need to have a moratorium on offshore drilling to allow for us to have a rational discussion on the future of offshore drilling.

We need to put our resources to work to foster meaningful development, but always in a sustainable manner and always in the best interest of our national development.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

THE BELIZE TIMES

UDP Politics as usual

Charge them all…

The situation where a 15 year old boy was brutally beaten to death with an aluminum baseball bat by another boy is a frightening one. It’s bad enough that there was that amount of rage in the mob which chased and stoned the young student from Independence and it’s even worse that one boy thought nothing of standing over his helpless victim and hitting him in the head and face with a baseball bat. I think the monster who committed the act should be charged for murder and accorded none of the privileges of a minor. He gave up that right when he smashed that bat into the head of a fellow student. I think all the other boys in the group should be hit with serious charges, maybe as accessories to murder. We can no longer continue to hide from the fact that there are monsters among us and we must deal with them accordingly. It was a frightening act and one which will have repercussions in our school system for some time to come.

Imagine the possibilities…

The murder of that young student by another student brings to mind a protest in front of the National Assembly by about 1500 teachers who were pleading for Minister Patrick Faber to reconsider his position on corporal punishment.

Those teachers were claiming that the reality of dealing with today’s students in the classroom setting is far different from the fairy tales woven in story books. The teachers were saying – if not corporal punishment then please give us some alternatives and options in disciplining our students, don’t just leave us hanging here. Recently teachers have been physically aggressed by students and parents of students and it seems that they have no recourse. The Minister does not seem to care and he went ahead and did exactly what he wanted, disregarding the teachers completely. It is not to far a step to imagine an enraged student attacking a teacher, and it is not to far a step to realize that it could have been a teacher lying on the ground covered in blood after being savagely beaten by a student with a bat or other weapon in his hand. It’s a scary, sobering thought. But like with all other important things which do not affect him, we are sure that Minister Faber is not taking notice right now.

The Police again…

My friend Jules Vasquez has a flair for the dramatic but his news story on Joshua Arana was right on the money. Imagine travelling all around the world to countries where you are at the mercy of foreign cultures and foreign people and being treated with courtesy and respect and coming back with no unpleasant incident marring the experience. Then in your own country, your own home being disrespected and brutalized by your own people. The Police need to be put in check. This is by no means a rant against the entire Department, but those persons in uniform who behave in this way must be rooted out immediately.

It is not at all difficult to believe Mr. Arana’s recounting of his experience at the hands of the Police because it is something that happens every day. Just a few weeks ago a gentleman was held down by police officers in Hattieville with an M-16 in his face and brutally kicked all about the head. Police/community relations are already at an all time low. When these incidents happen, the officers involved must be kicked out of the Department immediately. It is the only way that people might, just might begin to believe that the Police are not to be feared and hated after all.

There they go again…

I wrote the previous piece on Tuesday morning and by Tuesday night the news reported that the Police had done it again. The victim this time was a small female who had been punched in the face by a Police Officer. She appeared on the news with her face swollen and bruised and eyes bloodshot.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Elodio Aragon Jr. had just finished an interview in which he gave the

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standard spiel that they were taking the alleged beating of Joshua Arana serious and would investigate and deal with it. Listen big man, here is some free advice.

Don’t just say that you are going to deal with it. Deal with it. I’m not saying to just jump up and act hastily on an allegation, but how long will it take you to talk to the policeman who is accused of the wrongdoing. Talk to him, put him before a quick tribunal if necessary and if he is wrong then get him the hell out of there. Enough of this covering each other crap! Wrong is wrong. Until the Department is seen to treat these allegations with the seriousness they demand and until justice is seen to be dispensed fairly, I wouldn’t advise the powers that be to hold their breaths in this community cooperation think.

This CJ thing…

Though it won’t be confirmed by any release from the Office of the Prime Minister, word from the legal fraternity and within judicial circles is that Mr. Barrow is carrying out what seems to be a very personal and focused attack on Chief Justice of Belize Abdulai Conteh. Apparently the CJ has been told that he will not be allowed to work even one day past his 65th birthday – even if that means that cases which have not been finished will have to start all over again in front of a new Chief Justice, whoever that may be. This is a most unseemly directive from the Prime Minister, especially since Conteh is considered a brilliant legal mind and an eminent jurist throughout the region. We believe that the scribbling was on the wall months and months ago when the Chief Justice handed out a ruling against the Government of Belize in the amendment thing. Mr. Barrow was not happy then, and made his discontent a national thing when he publicly stated that he felt that the ruling by the Chief Justice was wrong. Since then there have been indications that the relationship between Mr. Barrow and Mr. Conteh have been strained, at least as far as Mr. Barrow’s feelings towards Mr. Conteh are concerned. The loss of a justice the caliber of CJ Conteh will have negative repercussions on our legal system which is already teetering. Losing Chief Justice Conteh simply because Mr. Barrow doesn’t like him would be unacceptable….par for the course, but unacceptable.

On the DPP… And at the same time when this Barrow administration is trying to push out the Chief Justice, they are gushing with praises for the Director of Public Prosecutions and seem to have no problem with renewing her contract which has come to an end.

Isn’t anybody concerned that Ms. Cheryl-Lynn Branker Taitt Vidal is regarded in legal and judicial circles as the Director of Nolle Prosequi. Did that little thing slip by somewhere?

Isn’t anybody concerned that it is very likely that this DPP may just have the worst conviction rate of any DPP in recent and not so recent memory? Doesn’t it concern anybody that this DPP has been in the middle of speculation about political manipulation and interference?

Doesn’t anybody care that this DPP has done absolutely nothing to distinguish her office and has not even one solid accomplishment under her belt? I guess not. Apparently it doesn’t matter what the post is – under this administration it’s all about who you know and not what you know.

Come on Audrey…

I wonder if Oceana is aware that their Vice President in Belize, Audrey Matura Shepherd is using the company as a platform to launch her own skewed agenda. On World Oceans Day, Mrs. Shepherd didn’t have a thing to say about oceans.

Instead she launched an attack on the previous administration and in particular on the leader of the opposition. The information she presented was grossly inaccurate and on behalf of Oceana she made some allegations which will no doubt have some very serious legal repercussions.

Although Audrey has never made her rabid political affiliation a secret, there was hope that she would handle her new role in a non-political environmental organization responsibly. She didn’t and she should pay the price for what she will cost Oceana in credibility. Even the Prime Minister has come out publicly to state that Audrey’s perspective is completely false. So there she is, left out in the cold. So much for thinking that she had changed! But while she’s previously been able to get away from the traps set by her overestimation of her own intelligence, things are going to be different this time. You can bet on that.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Sunday, June 13, 2010

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Belizean Legend & Brukdong King: Wilfred Peters Passes

It was on April 15th 1931 that young Wilfred Peters II made his entrance into the world. Four months later on September 10th, the devastating hurricane struck that is recorded in the annals of our history.

So many people lost their lives during that hurricane but Mr. Peters, as he is familiarly known, survived to champion the cause of Bruk dong music. Hib Ahn Lang Shor deh Missa Peters! Hib ahn Lang shor!

Wilfred grew up with his mother and father in a family of thirteen children – seven boys and six girls, he being the second to the last child. They lived in the village of Gracie Rock, a predominantly Creole village until he was twelve years, before moving to Belize City. Wilfred Sr. was a farmer who used to work mahogany before Wilfed II was born and during his earlier growing up years. During the mahogany period Mr. Peters Sr. would be gone to the mahogany camp for a period of three to four months.

He “punched bull” – that is drove the cattle that pulled the old iron weight trucks with the mahogany logs.

Mr. Peters got married at twenty-two. He met Martha through one of her cousins and took one look at her and knew “That was the one”. That union has lasted for fifty seven years until his passing. They have produced fourteen children – nine living, eight girls and one boy. He worked at one time driving heavy machinery for Pommels in Commerce Bight.

Both Mr. Peters’ father and his mother, Dorothy, played the accordion and the guitar.

Listening to Mr. Peters talk about his life with his family transports you back to those nostalgic mahogany days, when the “Bileez Kriol” had no access to radios. During those times families depended on each others’ talents for entertainment which contributed too much fun and laughter, togetherness, and respect for each other. Those were the days of the “bram and the gato”; when $1. could buy milk, flour and bread. When you could buy “a yellow gal accordion from Biddles”.

The way Mr. Peters tells it, in his family “mother, father, brother, sister – everybady play”. They played the guitar and the accordion. After supper in the evenings when Wilfred Sr. was not at the mahogany camp he would play and Dorothy, his mother, would teach the children to dance.

“Ma laan we fi dance” he says. “From di quadrille we laan”. Some of the other dances they did during that time was the mazurka, schottiche and the bolero, and of course the creole version of the punta and the Sambai. Like Peters seh “Nobady neva like punta more than me”. That learning also extended to playing the guitar and the accordion from both his father and mother.

When his father was around, Mr. Peters and the girls would play while his other brothers were away working.

Mr. Peters learned to play music by ear and as he talks about his music he breaks into a catchy little tune and adds some words to it. The creole language is predominantly used in his songs and he makes up his own tunes or he uses the instrumental tunes from past generations and “puts words to them”.

He says many of the tunes were instrumental even before his grandfather’s time. He does not know the origin. Some of the words are written by his brother, for example “Eleven Bukotora Street”, but many of his songs are of his own experiences or experiences of the common man.

It was quite interesting to find out that the popular bruk dong song “Solomon Gi Ahn” was actually an old song that according to him “dehn play da wake wen dehn tel Naacy (Anancy) story an soh”. Mr. Peters relates that in the old days when someone died people would stay up all night around the coffin, and tell stories and sing Sanke (special hymns). To create a break in the story the old version of “Solomon Gi Ahn” would be sung. This is used as a “fattener”. It would end up with Hib ahn Lang shor! (another fattener) and the story world continue. The “Rukutunkutung” is his own creation.

Brukdown music is what Mr. Peters is all about. And as Gina Scott so well describes it, “The term Brukdown may be used to refer to a type of dance, a type of song reflecting usual and unusual events in the life of the common Belizean or a specific rhythmic organization. The instrumentation may be as simple as one guitar providing the harmony, and an ostinato pattern played

by a broom-stick pounded on the floor for rhythmic stability. At the other extreme, a brukdown ensemble may be comprised of guitars, banjo, accordion, double sided goombeh or boom drum and a variety of percussive devices including the scratching of a jaw-bone of an ass with a metal rod and the rattling of a car hub – the din-a ling”.

The Brukdown music truly reflects the journey of the African slave into the mahogany camps of Belize, and it is here where the Boom an Chime band began to take shape as the men made music to entertain themselves during their long stay from away from the family. Mr. Peters Boom and chime Band consists of the accordion, guitar, boom drum, tumba drum, jawbone, base guitar, and the ding a ling (because of the sound it makes). He has twelve people playing in his band.

He worries that if he should die tomorrow there will be no one to carry on his tradition. His music will stop with him, unless the other Boom and Chime Bands continue to play. He feels that young people are too interested in the cassette music and he would like children to learn to play the

accordion. Only his son plays but he is not sure if he will continue with the band.

Mr. Peters’ songs reach the common man. During the September Celebrations, he plays at Central Park and long after everyone is gone, the “street people” hang around dancing and responding and relating to the songs he is singing. They knew him well and the interaction is amazing. It is as if he is playing just for them and the music seemed to take them back to happier times in their lives.

Mr. Peters has performed his brand of Brukdown Music throughout the Caribbean – Carifesta in Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and performed in Cuba. He has performed in the United States, Mexico and in Europe. He was a big hit! He is well known throughout the country of Belize and in some circles is referred to as the grandfather of Brukdown music. He likes to refer to himself as “Di King a Boom an Chime” because as he puts it “I da simply di best wen e come to Boom and Chime Music. I give you the Kin a Boom and Chime. Hib Ahn Lang Shor Missa Peters!

Hib Ahn Lang Shor!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 13, 2010

PLAN RESTORE BELIZE NOT A NATIONAL SOLUTION – PART II

In last week’s edition of this column this writer assessed Government’s response to crime by way of its recent proposal Restore Belize and the accompanying cabinet changes. It was noted that the labyrinth institutional structure that was proposed is an augmentation and duplication of some aspects of the existing Crime Control Council that is enshrined in the legislation. This writer further opined that to meaningfully address the potential benefits of those changes it is imperative that there is some appreciation for examining the economic and social cost of crime in Belize. It is by assessing what is the cost implication of crime that policy decisions can be made that provide for the optimal utilization of limited resources. Therefore, this week this columnist will examine the multifaceted impact of crime and how to assess the cost incurred in the anticipation of crime, as a consequence of crime and the cost associated in responding to crime.

In examining the cost of crime it must be addressed from several perspectives. Firstly there is the cost associated with the anticipation of crime, such as preventative methods that are employed to protect oneself and property, for example increased security services. Secondly, there is the cost assessed as a consequence of crime, this cost can be assessed as the cash outlay for lost of property or cost of prison place, but there is also the intangible cost due to psychological trauma and injury. Lastly, cost is assessed for responding to crime.

This is the cost for the government to provide police services and the cost for utilizing the judiciary system to prosecute criminals.

The aforementioned measurement techniques must be underpinned by a clear understanding of how cost is determined and who bears the cost of crime. Therefore, a scientific methodology must be so established that it encompasses the full and true cost in any assessment that is undertaken. Some key principles must be examined.

In any discussion on the cost of crime, ones immediate interpretation is the consideration of the economic cost of crime. Economic cost is usually understood to mean financial cost – any cost that can be easily quantified and expressed in dollars and cents; for example the value of a stolen car or the cost per day for keeping a prisoner at Kolbe Foundation. However, economic cost is sometimes distinguished differently from social cost or the cost to society that is not easily quantifiable

in cash terms. Crimes such as violence against a person or lost of life have far more intangible cost that is sometimes difficult to reduce to cash terms. Thus, to provide a comprehensive view of the full and true cost of crime, both the economic and social cost of crime ought to be assessed, however this would mean having to place a cash value on physical and emotional suffering which may prove difficult.

A second key principle that must be borne in mind when assessing the cost of crime is the concept of opportunity cost. This economic concept is one that places a value on a resource in its alternative use. Utilizing this principle one is able to value the human, physical and financial resources that would be made available for some alternative use other than crime prevention, detection or prosecution.

In economics the best measure of opportunity cost of a resource is its market value or price.

For example the opportunity cost for purchasing burglar bars for one’s home if $300 is equal to $300 that cannot be made available for food or educational expenses.

Opportunity cost is not always easily measured as there are some resources that have no market value.

For example the emotional suffering a person endures for having to stay indoors at night in Belize City for fear of crime, does not carry a market value, but represents an opportunity cost to the extent that the person would value going out and spending time with family and friends. In the case of government resources, opportunity cost are far easier to determine; for example spending $1M for the operation of a project coordination unit versus investing that $1M in building new classrooms. The opportunity cost can be easily quantified.

Another key principle that must be considered when assessing cost of crime is transfer payments. A transfer payment is the legal transfer of resources from one party to another. Examples of transfer payments are social security payments, social assistance or gambling.

Transfer payments are not regarded as a loss to society but as a cost to society.

In the case of a property crime, property is transferred from the owner/victim to the offender; this is considered an unwanted transfer and therefore must be considered as a cost of crime.

Transfer payments also occur with insurance claims. Potential victims take out insurance policy for their lives and property and pay a premium. Victims of crime who have insurance would receive

monies from the insurance company after any losses they would have had as a result of crime. Therefore, there is a transfer of resources from the potential victims who pay insurance premiums to the actual victims who receive compensation. Another form of transfer payment would be any compensation paid to victims of crime or their families when there is the loss of life or property due to the negligence of the government. Such form of transfer payment does not occur in Belize, but in other countries like the US and UK if the police are found responsible for the death of an individual there is some financial compensation that would be paid. In Belize no such responsibility is taken on board for Belizeans who lose their lives while in police custody or at the hands of the police directly.

Thus, transfer payments are cost that must be accounted for and where they are not being made in the case of the government such consideration must be provided.

Beyond having a clear understanding of the underlying principles that underpins any assessment of the cost of crime, cost can be disaggregated by those who bear the cost of crime. Firstly, there are victims be them individuals, households, businesses, organizations or institutions who face economic costs as a consequence of crime and opportunity cost of time spent dealing with crime.

Secondly, potential victims also bear cost in anticipation of crime by taking measures to reduce risk of victimization, such as security services, alarm systems, insurance premiums and the cost of

government crime prevention activities.

Lastly, society also bears the cost of crime through resources spent to bring offenders and criminals to justice through the use of the justice system which involves the police department, director of public prosecution, magistrates and judges, courts, legal aid, prison and probate services. These are all costs that tax payers bear as they are expenses undertaken by government to provide those services.

By having an appreciation of how the cost of crime can be assessed, the benefits of such an assessment can then be utilized as the basis for developing any crime reduction program. Through the use of cost benefit analysis adequate and meaningful crime prevention program could be assessed and evaluated. In the case of the Restore Belize Plan, it is evident that the full cost and benefit of such an effort has not been clearly conceived. The government has presented an estimate of some $30M to implement this program, however the benefits of such a huge expenditure remain uncertain as well as the source of funding for this effort.

Therefore, when financial resources are limited and difficult to come by, the onus on government is even more so to conduct the level of technical analysis to ensure that the Belizean society will get value for money spent. If the capacity is not resident with government, engaging the academic community would prove beneficial in driving policy development in Belize.

Gwyneth Sydney Nah Comments welcome at GwynethNah@gmail.com

Sunday, June 13, 2010

THE BELIZE TIMES

On Mr. Faber’s Greatness…LOL!

By: Mike Rudon Jr. Sometime last week, when the Prime Minister was doing the reshuffle dance, he made a peculiar comment as regards his mini-me, Mr. Faber. I say peculiar because it struck me as distinctly off. In some sort of explanation for gifting the gentleman with the portfolio of youth, the Prime Minister claimed somewhat nonchalantly that nobody would argue that Mr. Faber has done an excellent job in the Ministry of Education. Hold up there just a quick second, boss. Say again? We need just a little more than that. If we were ever at the point where the word became flesh just because it was issued through Mr. Barrow’s parched lips, it was a long, long time ago.

What do you mean that nobody would argue that Mr. Faber has done an excellent job in education? There’s plenty that would argue that assertion…plenty, plenty, plenty!

I don’t go to Mr. Barrow’s conferences because I find it difficult to listen to that gentleman for any length of time.

It makes me angry to be fed sugar coated dollops of crap and to watch others slurping it up even though they’re all smart enough to know that it’s all rubbish. But a colleague of mine said that at the last conference one media personality, a host on one of the morning shows asked a question, but prefaced it by agreeing with Mr. Barrow about Mr. Faber’s greatness and brilliance and excellence and exemplary performance in education. I’d like to take this opportunity to challenge that there media personality to present a short list of these great accomplishments in education under Mr. Faber. It doesn’t have to be a long list…in fact it absolutely can’t be a long list. But pray, tell us five things that Mr. Faber has done to further the cause of education in this nation.

The allusion by Mr. Barrow and the misguided media personality to Mr. Faber’s excellence gave me occasion for some serious thinking this past weekend. There I was hanging with the family while my mind was trying to churn out a few of these great things done

by Mr. Faber. The weekend is past, my mind is still hard at work and sure enough, I’m still drawing a blank, a great big zero. All I keep coming up with are arguments to support a belief that Mr. Faber is nothing but an arrogant pig and likely the worst Minister of Education this nation has ever seen. But hey, don’t just take my word for it…let’s check this thing out carefully.

Let’s take just a quick look on the negative side. Mr. Faber is the Minister of Education and should have the interests of all children in this nation at heart. His every focus should be on ensuring that all elements in the education of a child are in place, or at least not hindered. Yet Mr. Faber stood up in the House of Representatives and boasted that since the UDP got into power he has fired single mothers and the elderly, all because they supported the PUP. Yup, he boasted about it, and it’s a matter of public record. Yeah, well those single mothers and elderly who lost their jobs at the hands of Mr. Faber had children in their care for sure. Chances are those children could not afford to stay in school because their caregivers were fired. Chances are they are even now

Visit Us Online at: www.belizetimes.bz

walking the streets fighting to survive, thanks to Mr. Faber. What a great accomplishment, eh Mr. Barrow?

That same Mr. Faber, Minister of Education, fired a school warden with an exemplary record simply because he said she was PUP. He embarrassed and humiliated her in front of his drinking

buddies at Brads when she went begging for an explanation and begging for her job. Her husband lost his life because he protested against this grievous wrong by Mr. Faber and yes, she had four children who were set to go into high school when she was fired by the Minister of Education. The other day a young high school student, the daughter of another school warden who was fired by Mr. Faber, attempted to commit suicide because they have lost their home and there is no money to make ends meet. And there are many stories like this. What excellent work, eh Mr. Barrow? What a great accomplishment

by Mr. Faber!

Not so long ago about 1500 teachers stood in the hot sun in front of the National Assembly Building and begged the Minister of Education to listen to them. They wanted to know why the Minister was riding roughshod over their concerns when they are the ones who must spend hours with our children each day. They chastised the Minister for being arrogant, uncaring and incompetent. I guess Mr. Barrow thought

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that this was one of the Minister’s great accomplishments.

So I ask again…where is all this excellence and exemplary performance?

I challenge anyone, not only the misguided media personality or the deliberately obtuse prime minister, to provide a short list of Mr. Faber’s accomplishments in education. Any analysis should bring the observer to the same point I eventually reached – if Mr. Barrow is so glowingly proud of his mini-me for what he has done to education, then that is the reason where we are where we are today. Serious thing!

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

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 13, 2010

FIU INJUSTICE TO COYE FAMILY

In January 2009 the Coye family was charged in Court for a serious offence.

Their names and images were splashed across the television and print media.

The family of a husband and wife, daughter and son and others were said to have engaged in money laundering of over one million dollars. This was supposed to have taken place at a money gram business in Belize City.

The Financial Intelligence Unit had brought the charges. The boss, an imported American/Belizean nurse was given the lucrative job as head of the FIU. She gave Channel 5 and Channel 7 information which was harmful to the accused persons and then instructed that the Court not grant them bail. The Courts offered bail in the large sum of fifty thousand dollars for each accused person.

Mrs. Coye had for years been a well known florist. After being charged she applied for Court permission to visit Chetumal to buy flowers to sell.

The Court allowed her. She went and returned. Months after, we are told, another accused had examinations overseas and another, a US national had an ill relative in the USA. On different occasions the Court allowed them to go. They went and returned.

The UDP newspaper and radio made sensational statements over this

Melanie Coye

harmless matter. Various statements were made which we are informed are contempt of court for these media to make while a case is before a court for trial. No one in authority chastised the Guardian and Wave Radio.

The head of the FIU is said to have used the name of the Prime Minister to frighten the Courts into refusing to allow Mrs. Coye to buy flowers from Chetumal. Her business was forced to close. The US National was denied permission to visit his ill relative, even though he had done so previously and returned to Belize.

Then a strange incident occurred.

Fultec Systems and Dean Fuller were charged for money laundering in the sum of SIX million dollars. No passport was held and no travel restrictions were imposed. The FIU did not object to bail. It got stranger. The FIU froze the Coyes’ personal bank accounts and those of the other accused persons.

The FIU did likewise for Fultec and Fuller. Fultec and Fuller went to Court and got the accounts released. The FIU refused to follow the guidance of the Court and did not release the Coye family personal accounts. A family member told the Belize Times they have been suffering severe hardships

and embarrassment as a result.

Obvious in all the complaints and instances of unprofessional treatment of the Coye family is the vindictive behavior of the head of the FIU. The Coyes say their case was sent to the Supreme Court from late 2009. When the Supreme Court started trials in January 2010 the Coye names were not on the court register even though they were told to appear. When they returned in April their names were still missing from the court list. The Judge told them he had no record of their case. They learnt that the FIU did not send any information for the trial to be started.

It is now one year and six months since the FIU instructed the Police to arrest and lock up the Coye family and the other employees of moneygram.

None of them can withdraw from their personal accounts. None of them can travel. None of them know when the Head of the FIU will find time from her travels around the world to send the documents so the trial can start.

The Belize Times has also learnt that a certain Police Corporal involved in the case has started displaying wealth – an extension to his house and a new expensive van since he searched the Coye’s office. The FIU needs to be investigated.

claim that you cannot even speak to someone that is considered BLUE for Montero has eyes all around. The feeling of intimidation is mounting and it stinks in the various BAHA departments.

Most of the staff reportedly fear for their jobs and have to walk a thin chalk line.

While all this was and continues to happen, the staff at BAHA is concerned and informed us that they fear repercussions from regional and international organizations and governments on the way Montero is forcing them to run the organization.

It was also reported that Montero

has taken the Marketing Board as his personal business. Importers have to pay undisclosed fees to the marketing board in order to be able to get import permits. They also mentioned that most permits have been stopped and that only a handful is given out to importers from San Antonio, Cayo District. Annoyed BAHA staff claim that Montero used the Marketing Board as its sole supplier of the free goodies used to bribe voters for the Village Council elections. They claim even the black plastic bags used to pack up the goodies were bought through Marketing Board funds.

Marilyn Williams

Through the Grapevine…

Seems as if the great Montero (Xatero-Ratero-Ganadero) is at it again with BAHA staff! Our sources indicate that less than one month ago a new veterinarian with surname (Roaches) was hired by BAHA to replace the lost position of a most-needed by BAHA but forced to retirement director.

Word has it that Montero fired Ms. Amy Roaches the following day after learning that BAHA had hired her.

Also in the bad books is an Admin.

Assistant Ms. Adele Novelo, and one other person from Central Farm and the Human Resource Director at the Central Office in Belmopan. Sources

Sunday, June 13, 2010

on the WALL

THE BELIZE TIMES

s g n i t i Wr

Cal Says: June 8, 2010 at 7:55am thats how the UDP works ? we can only imagine the posibilities,how long do the people of the south have to wait for kendal bridge to be replaced? we already lost 2 tourists during the flooding when the canoe capsized ina the river how many more lives do need to be lost for the UDP GOV'T to do something?

ivan says: June 9, 2010 at 10:50 am THE DEAN BARROW ADMINISTRTION WANTS TO CHANGE THE CHIEF JUSTICE DR.ABDULAI CONTEH,BECAUSE HE WANT TO HAVE ANOTHER JUDGE THAT WOULD OBEY HIS ORDERS? DOES IT HAVE TO BE ABOUT THE MUSA”S CASE? OR BTL’S CASE? OR OTHER CASES AGAINST THE GOV’T – DEAN BARROW WANT EVERYTHING DONE HIS WAY.SO THAT MEANS THERE IS NO JUSTICE NOT EVEN FOR THE CHIEF” JUSTICE”. fatima says: June 9, 2010 at 11:27 am Definition of Tyranny: one man’s rule in the interest of himself only. This is the government under Dean Barrow.

Definition of Totalitarianism: government controls all aspect of an individual’s life, monopolizing power. Uses brutal police actions, and tight economic regulations…This is the government under Dean Barrow.

Belizeans be afraid …be very very afraid.

Fat says: June 4, 2010, at 11:47 am I was disgusted with a comment in the Guardian this week where they feel no attorney will want to defend whoever committed this crime on Rodwell. It disgusted me because Mr. Barrow defended many many drug lords and drug barons who have the blood of the belizean youths on their hands whether it be in a direct or indirect manner. Maybe they should take a look and the Prime Minister’s track record, defending these sort of people. All in all like another commentor posted : Karma…its all about Karma!

Lori says: June 9, 2010 at 10:14 am Police office are not superior to the citizens. I have no respect for them because they have no respectfor us . yet they ask for help to solve crime when they are the ones committing a crime.

The citizens can not use foul language to a police officer they want to charge you. But they can insult you your and family and do nothing no.

Public do not help the police they do not appreciate it. Let them ome out of there pretty office and work for there money instread we helping them solve the crimes . that is why are fat police man. maddyvandijk says: June 9, 2010 at 9:37 am The people already don’t have a lot of respect for the police; now “Operation Jaguar” is following their lead too. If the people start viewing “Operation Jaguar” like they do the police then all hell with break loose.

That specific officer crossed the line, and the rest of his troop did nothing to help the situation.

I say take them off the force immediately. We need positive role models, not idiots above the law.

Melvin: June 8, 2010 at 8:04 am belizeans ALSO needs the cost of living to go down 'NO MATTER WHAT" that was a promise done by the prime minister dean barrow,not increase the 'TAx [KILLA VAT], i Believe belizeans are seing it extremely hard at this present time , can u imajine our country is in 46% poverty,,whats going on? and gapi vega is driving his latest brand new luxury SUV".SHAME. Comments posted on Belize Times Facebook, www.belizetimes.bz, www.channel5belize.com, Party Leader John Briceño Facebook

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 13, 2010

10 year old student killed in highway accident

When 10 year old Zion Belisle left his teachers at Pancotto Primary School in Sand Hill Village and boarded the big yellow school bus at 3:35 last Friday evening to go home just 2 miles away, they never thought that less than 10 minutes later he would be struck dead just seconds after he got off the bus.

Zion had just started to peel a ripe mango and was eating it as he alighted the bus at Mile 18 on the Northern Highway. He walked to the back of the bus

Senior Policeman Out on Bail

Inspector Dennis Lopez

It made headline news when on April 28th Inspector Dennis Lopez shot construction worker, Steven Buckley, 37, in the head as he sat in a vehicle on Guerrero Street with his boss, Marlon Myers. A police mobile patrol, headed by Lopez pulled up and ordered Myers and Buckley out of the vehicle. But before Buckley could get out, he suffered two blasts to the forehead from Lopez's pump action shotgun.

And late last week 42 year old Lopez was denied bail when he appeared in the Magistrate's Court on charges of Attempted Murder, Dangerous Harm and Use of Deadly Means of Harm. No plea was taken from him and he was denied bail because of the nature of the offence. But today when he appeared with his attorney before the Supreme Court, Lopez was granted bail of $5,000. The decision came after the Director of Public Prosecutions, CherylLynn Vidal waived the period for application for bail and Crown Counsel, Yohhahnseh Cave did not object to bail.

Lopez, who was stationed in Belmopan up to early this year, was brought to Belize City to lead in Operation Restore Confidence, which was launched two months ago. Ironically, the mobile operation he was a part of the night he shot Buckley was also a part of that restoration gig. He is set to re-appear in Court on August 3rd.

Dion Skeen - Charged

and decided to run across the highway when a white Hyundai van, coming in the next direction towards Belize City, struck him.

The impact was so severe that the little boy was catapulted into the air and 60 feet away, where he fell face up, fracturing his skull on the paved road. Pieces of the van's left front light were scattered over the highway and the front left side of the vehicle was visibly dented and stained by the mango that the child was eating.

The school bus usually makes

more than one trip to shuttle the children to and from home and school, but that evening Zion was among the children who got on the first trip the bus made. The child was staying with an aunt who teaches in Lucky Strike because his mother is presently in the US. This week Police arrested and charged the driver, Dion Skeen, with Manslaughter

by Negligence, Causing Death

by Careless Conduct and Driving without Due Care and Attention.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

THE BELIZE TIMES

This is Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega’s Brand New luxury Lexus SUV…

Two weeks into the Hurricane Season, and Mr. Barrow claims that his government has no money to replace the Kendall Bridge which was washed away 734 days ago.

What are YOUR PRIORITIES, MR. BARROW…!

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Hold on to the Big Truck!

We all know that the Prime Minister the Honorable Dean Oliver Barrow is all about his family and close personal friends and that everyone else comes in a distant last, even if that person is the United Democratic Party’s most ardent and rabid supporter or a duly elected representative. Hands down, the nation has become his family and close friends’ personal playground.

As the PM, it seems that Mr. Barrow has used his office to become the kingmaker for his son Anwar, his daughter Deanne, and their mother and the First Wife Emeritus Lois Young. At the same time, it seems that his siblings and their offspring such as the recently appointed Court of Appeal Justice brother Denys and the Public Utilities Commission bigwig nephew Kimano and his close personal friends such as the new Police and Public Security Minister the Hon. Douglas Singh have not missed the gravy train either. Oh, how the rich are becoming filthy rich.

In the case of businessman Anwar, it seems that he has become fabulously wealthy on account of his all access pass to the halls of power in Belmopan City and his influence peddling and the leading role that he plays in the running of the cash cow the Barrow Telemedia Limited. Not to be left behind, the still wet behind the ears lawyer Deanne has been stacking up the cash as her mommy dearest’s co-counsel, representing the government in its multimillion dollar civil suits. And of course we can’t forget that she plays at being BTL’s legal advisor three days a week for big bucks.

It must be truly demoralizing being a crown counsel in the Attorney General’s Ministry today.

As for Ms. Young, no one knows if she will ever be able to count the millions of the taxpayers’ hard earned money that she has amassed so far and that she expects to earn as long as her “baby boo” remains the PM. And that is not taking into account the money that she earns from the prominent role she plays in BTL. Moreover, she appears to wield considerable power in the shaping of government policy in particular as it relates to telecommunications and in making appointments to cushy government jobs and the taking away of portfolios from sitting ministers.

And perhaps to atone for the sperm donor role that he has played in most of the life of his son Jamal “Shyne” Barrow or whatever he is calling himself just now, Mr. Barrow has had the gall to appoint him as a musical ambassador, in the process handing over a diplomatic passport and its accompanying sovereign protection. Indeed, it seems that only in Belize would the Head of Government ever think of appointing a criminal deportee who is famous for his misogynistic and violent music to such a high profile position. No wonder we are mistaken for a banana republic.

Therefore, there is no doubt that Mr. Barrow’s failure to make any excuses for his shameless nepotism and his largesse to his family and his close personal friends are the main causes that have a number of the UDP’s representatives, in particular the “fashion dread” the Hon. Edmond “Hog” Castro, the Representative for Belize Rural North, and the Hon. Ramon “Dim” Witz, the Representative for Cayo South, seething and foaming at the mouth. Both men are angry that they were passed over for a ministerial promotion in last week’s Cabinet tinkering.

Given the Hon. Carlos Perdomo’s spectacular failure as the now redundant

National Security Minister, the Hon. Pablo Marin’s outright incompetence as the Health Minister, and the National Emergency Management Organization Minister Hon. Melvin Hulse’s political failure in the recent village council elections, just to highlight a few of the Cabinet ministers’ shortcomings, it seems that both Mr. Castro, the current Works Minister of State, and Mr. Witz believed that a ministry was finally within their reach. After all, both felt that they had given their all in the village council elections to impress on Mr. Barrow that they were deserving of a portfolio.

That is why it must have come as a complete shock to both Mr. Castro and Mr. Witz when Mr. Barrow kept all his “dodo bird” ministers in his Cabinet,

going as far as creating a new portfolio for Mr. Perdomo, and even brought in Mr. Singh who is more comfortable in a skimpy sequined outfit “jumping up” in a carnival road march than at a Police Department passing out parade, and the Hon. B.Q. Pitts who is in his waning years as the new Attorney General into the Cabinet, and they remained as outsiders. In other words, both were spurned by their boss Mr. Barrow.

What a shame. It seems that Mr. Castro had already lined up more “Clear the Land” business entities that perhaps would have been financed from the budget of whatever ministry he would have been given. It is clear that the “Hog” is not satisfied with the cash that is streaming in from his businesses such as the “Clear the Land” cable company and the “Clear the Land” trucking company. Indeed, the Audit and the Income Tax Departments should take a deep look into his personal finances to make sure that he is paying and not evading income and business taxes and into his numerous businesses to determine their sourcing. Let us keep everything aboveboard.

As for Mr. Witz, he was heard around town mentioning that he had picked out a new staff that would accompany him to his plush Belmopan office and talking about all the doors that would be

opened to him as a minister. It is said that he had also picked out the ubiquitous flashy luxury sports utility vehicle that would have served as his ministerial ride. There would have been no more pumpkins for him. In his mind, he was already light years away from the people of the villages such as Valley of Peace who had helped to elect him. He would have no need to socialize with them anymore. He would be on another level.

But while he was heartless to both Mr. Castro and Mr. Witz, Mr. Barrow once again showed that he has no love for the hard working men and women who pay in their taxes religiously into the government Treasury. In these times of skyrocketing cost of living and economic recession, he will force us to pay for new highly paid staff members, plush office spaces, flashy vehicles, and other luxurious miscellaneous items to pamper the new ministers.

At the same time, we cannot expect any financial relief from the government which is broke according to Mr. Barrow. But we would not know that by looking at Mr. Barrow’s family and close personal friends. This is just plain ridiculous. What the hell let us all go out and buy our skimpy sequined outfits and hold on to the big truck to see if we can catch Mr. Barrow’s eye. It worked for “Dougie” Singh, right?

Sunday, June 13, 2010

THE BELIZE TIMES

While our Economy is in Recession, Mr. Barrow’s Answer for the incompetence of his administration is to expand his Cabinet.

Now TAXPAYERS will NEED TO PAY A New Minister A New Attorney-General New Office Space New Vehicles w/ Drivers New Staff

The Economy is in Recession, Mr. Barrow.

No More Abuse of Taxpayer Funds

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Two Southside Residents Charged with Rodwell Williams Shooting

19 Year Old PC Charged For Beating His Ex-Common law Wife

Dennis Carr

Akeem Thurton

BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 9, 2010 Two persons, Ricky Valencia, 27 and Akeem Thurton, 18, have been charged in connection with the shooting of attorney Rodwell Williams, 53, the law partner of Prime Minister Dean Barrow.

Valencia and Thurton were charged with attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm. They were arraigned when they appeared in the #1 Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 7.

Chief Magistrate Margaret McKenzie explained to them that she would not take a plea because the offences are indictable. She also explained to them

Sunday, June 13, 2010

BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 9, 2010 Police Constable Dennis Carr, 19, a resident of Euphrates Avenue who Ricky Valencia allegedly beat his ex-common law wife, that the Court could not offer them bail Leonora Rhaburn, 34, and stole her LG because of the nature of the offences. brand cell phone, was charged with theft, She remanded them into custody until August 31.

The incident occurred at around 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 31 in the parking lot of Barrow and Williams, located on Albert Street. Williams was shot once in his abdomen as he went to the parking lot. His assailants reportedly arrived on bicycles and ambushed him in the parking lot. Williams was attended to by a team of 5 doctors and he was flown out of the country. He is still reported to be in critical condition.

aggravated assault and harm. Carr was arraigned when he appeared in the #1 Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 7.

He pled not guilty to the charges and he was released on a bail of $2,500. His case was adjourned until August 25.

The theft occurred on May 24.

Rhaburn reported to the Police that Carr stole her cell phone, valued at $672 from her home. She also reported that Carr attacked her with a hammer because she handed over to Police 2 rounds of .38 ammunition and 2 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Rhaburn said Carr took a concrete block and struck her on her hand with it and then he choked her. Rhaburn was given a medico-legal form and she was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. The doctor who examined her classified the injury to her hand as harm.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

THE BELIZE TIMES

Cable Vision Technician Charged With Aggravated Burglary

Anthony Garbutt

Send your letters to the editor to:

mike_rudon@hotmail.com

BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 9, 2010 Anthony Garbutt, 30, a technician employed at Belize Cable Vision who allegedly entered the house of British soldier C u r l T h o m a s, 2 4 , wa s ch a r g e d w i t h a g g r ava t e d b u r g l a r y w h e n he appeared yesterday in the #2 Magistrate’s Court. Garbutt pled not guilty to the charge.

Magistrate Sharon Fraser offered him a bail of $6,000 on the condition that he does not interfere with Thomas. Garbutt met bail.

T he incident occur red at around 7:15 a.m. on Monday, June 7.

Thomas, who resides at #45 Vernon Street, reported to the Police that he was at home sleeping with his girlfriend when he was awakened by a banging on his door. He said when he looked he saw Garbutt with a machete in his hand. Thomas said Garbutt forced open the door and entered his room and accused his girlfriend of stealing.

Thomas said Garbutt searched a carryon bag which was in the room but he did not take anything.

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Courier Company Driver Charged With Manslaughter in Traffic Death

Dion Skeen

BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 9, 2010 Dion Skeen, 21, the driver for a courier company who resides on Yellowtail Street in Ladyville was charged with Manslaughter by Negligence when he appeared in the #2 Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 7. Skeen was also charged with causing death by careless conduct

and driving without due care and attention. Magistrate Sharon Fraser explained to him that she would not take a plea from him because the offences are indictable. She offered him a bail of $7,000 which he met, and she adjourned his case until July 21. Skeen was represented by attorney Dickie Bradley.

The incident occurred at around 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 4 at mile 19 on the Northern Highway. Police reports are that Skeen was driving a white Hyundai van, travelling from Orange Walk to Ladyville, when he knocked down Zion Belisle, 10. According to reports Belisle had just got off a passenger bus and was crossing the highway when he was knocked down. Belisle received injuries to his head and body.

He died on his way to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

Ladyville Family Charges Police with Brutality

Lettania Choc

BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 9, 2010 Three persons who the Police alleged were involved in an altercation with them were charged with several offences when they appeared in the #3 Magistrate’s Court yesterday. They are Lettania Choc, 24, her commonlaw husband, Delwith Retreage, 31 and her sister, Ecelina Tulcey. Choc was charged with 11 offences which included assault, resisting arrest, harm, damage to property, obstr uction, threatening words and escape from

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lawful custody. Tulcey was charged with 9 offences and they included using threatening words, escape from lawful custody, obstruction, assault, resisting arrest, harm and damage to property. Retreage was charged with using obscene language, assault and resisting arrest. They pled not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate Kathleen Lewis released them on their own recognizance and adjourned their case until July 16. They were represented by attorney Dickie Bradley.

The incident occur red on Saturday, June 5 at Ladyville. The Police reported that they responded to a report of a dispute between neighbors and they became involved in an altercation with the three defendants. But Choc said that they were the ones who were roughed up by the Police. She said she intervened when the Policeman handled her baby and she was beaten in her face by a Police Officer. She has denied that she and her sister assaulted any of the Police Officers and says that they did not damage the Police vehicle.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Police uncover passport, visa racket in Kingston

The police Flying Squad yesterday seized hundreds of passports in a raid on a premises on John's Lane, downtown Kingston, from where it was believed a passport and visa racket was being operated.

Two men, including a deportee, were arrested during the operation which was carried out jointly by the Flying Squad and the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA).

Guns and other items seized in the Corporate Area by members of the police Flying Squad on display at the police unit's downtown Kingston headquarters yesterday. (Photo: Lionel Rookwood) "Hundreds of local and international passports, some with visas; stamps; a computer; as well as other electrical equipment were taken from the premises," said head of the Flying Squad Superintendent Cornwall 'Bigga' Ford, who added that the operation

was carried out about 10:00 am.

"One of the two men arrested was a deportee from the United States, and we believe they were the main players in the racket," he continued, adding that the men's identities are being withheld.

Ford said that no one else was being sought in relation to yesterday's seizure, but that a full investigation has been opened by the police and PICA into the operation.

Yesterday's seizure was the latest of three successful operations carried out by the squad in the Corporate Area since Friday.

On Monday, the police -- with the assistance of the Caribbean Search Centre -seized one handgun, eight magazines, two magazine pouches, two gun holsters, a ballistic vest, and more than 50 rounds of assorted ammunition, which were hidden in an abandoned building on Chestnut Lane, also in downtown Kingston. No one was arrested in that operation.

On Friday, the Fying Squad nabbed an employee of a telecommunications company who they said was found with two pistols and more than two dozen rounds of ammunition.

The weapons were found hidden in the man's motorcar, from which the police said they also confiscated US$647, J$118,000 and some Japanese notes.

Food security, critical importance

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Air J courts Jamaicans in Canada

PRESIDENT and Chief Executive Officer at Air Jamaica, Bruce Nobles, has assured Jamaicans living in Canada that it is business as usual at the airline, since the May 1 takeover by Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL).

"Air Jamaica is still here. The little piece of Jamaica that flies still flies. It is still the best deal in town, still the best Lovebird hospitality and still the most flights to Jamaica," he said.

Nobles and CAL CEO Captain Ian Brunton gave an update on the national carrier last Thursday at the Travelodge Hotel in Toronto, Canada.

Nobles said that the Transition Services Agreement signed between Air Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines on May 1 would see Air Jamaica operating exactly the same during a six to 12-month transition period.

He said during this transition period, the two airlines would work closely to develop a combined airline taking the strengths of Air Jamaica and the strengths of Caribbean Airlines and creating "one larger, stronger, better capitalised regional airline that can provide the kind of product that travellers to and from Jamaica and the Caribbean region can benefit."

Calling the signing on May 1 a "monumental moment," Captain Brunton said it was reminiscent of the West Indies Federation which did its best to "unite the Caribbean."

Captain Brunton gave an overview of Caribbean Airlines (CAL), which was launched on January 30, 2007. He said that the airline had a very "strong balance sheet with no debt at all."

"We are about three times the size we were when we started. Not only are we three times the size, we paid our way all the way," he added.

Nobles said that Caribbean Airlines has assumed full financial responsibility for Air Jamaica; the Government of

Jamaica has a 16 per cent ownership in Caribbean Airlines; and Caribbean Airlines has retained approximately 1,000 employees from Air Jamaica.

He explained that because of the economic losses that Air Jamaica had suffered over the years, it was imperative to divest the airline.

Jamaica's Consul General to Toronto, George Ramocan, urged those present to give their full support and to encourage others to do the same.

"There's no doubt that regional integration is the order of the day, and the advantages that come with that can serve in many ways to advance the cause of the individual countries. I believe that both parties stand to benefit greatly; both countries stand to benefit greatly; and the Caribbean stands to benefit greatly," said Mr Ramocan.

As of July 1, Air Jamaica will increase its services, including an additional daily flight to Toronto. Two free checked bags will also be allowed in economy class and three free checked bags in executive class, plus discounts for seniors and accompanied minors.

The information session was attended by executives from Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica, including Chief of Sales, Will Rogers; Regional Manager for the Jamaica Tourist Board, Sandra Scott; President of the Jamaican Diaspora Canada Foundation (JDCF), Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams; travel agents and representatives from Jamaican community organisations.

FORMER Tivoli Gardens don Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke now faces a nervous wait after Chief Justice Zaila McCalla yesterday reserved her decision on an application for a judicial review of the justice minister’s decision to proceed with the extradition case against him.

Lawyers for Coke on Wednesday made submissions in-chambers before McCalla, challenging Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne’s decision, which followed a nine-month period in which the governing Jamaica Labour Party vigorously challenged the August 2009 extradition request by the United States.

Coke’s legal team has also asked for a stay of the warrant for his arrest, which caused him to go into hiding.

Coke is wanted in the United States on drug- and gun-trafficking charges.

But lawyers for the justice minister and Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn, who represents the requesting state, on Wednesday opposed Coke’s application, arguing that the extradition proceedings should run its course. The lawyers said that the granting of Judicial Review at this time would be premature.

Yesterday, Coke’s lawyers responded to the opposing arguments before the

matter was adjourned to a date “as soon as possible”.

Coke has been on the run since last week’s joint police/military operation in Tivoli Gardens, West Kingston, to apprehend him and to restore order within the community after gunmen mounted booby-trapped barricades at entrances to the community and launched deadly attacks on the security forces.

The barricades started going up after the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court issued a warrant for Coke’s arrest on May 18, a day after Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced, after public pressure, that extradition proceeding would be brought against the alleged drug kingpin.

Golding had went as far as authorising the hiring of US law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips to lobby Washington during its stand-off with Kingston over the extradition request. The move resulted in public outrage and calls for Golding’s resignation.

The case before the Supreme Court does not prevent the police from executing the arrest warrant against Coke, who has managed to elude several attempts by the lawmen to arrest him.

Judge reserves decision on ‘Dudus’ case

OVER 30 farmers from different farmers associations met on the weekend with Minister of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs, Vasant Bharath, to discuss a variety of issues the farmers encounter daily.

The meeting was held at the PCU Conference Room, Ministry’s Head Office, Serpertine Road, St Clair. Farmers came from various associations including the Livestock Association, Beekeepers Association, Ricegrowers Association, Citrus Growers Association and South Cocoa Farmers Association.

Farmers described the meeting, that lasted approximately two hours, as productive. One by one they were able to express their concerns to the minister. Leading the discussion, on behalf of the associations, was president of the Cunupia Farmers Association, Anil Ramnarine.

Amongst the issues discussed were the high cost of fertilisers and insecticides, lack of water reserves, poor infrastructure (roads), lack of labour on farms, poor security in markets and lack of capital.

“The cost of fertilisers and insecticides are too high, one farmer lamented, we have to pay $600 dollars a bag of salts, which is hard.” Another farmer stated that there

was a scarcity of labour on farms because a decent remuneration package is not guaranteed.

Farmers begged Bharath to ask the Agricultural Development Bank (ABD) to be more flexible in distributing loans. Whilst listening attentively to the concerns from the farmers, Bharath warned them that these changes cannot be made overnight.

“We must understand that this is a platform of mutual respect, where co-operation does not mean taking advantage of the ministry...we do not intend to spoon-feed you for any length of time,” he said.

On the issue of the flood experienced last week, Bharath said that for this particular instance, farmers will be compensated for their losses, within a months time. However, after they review the current system for compensation, they expect the time to be reduced to less than a month.

“We are working on a formulae for compensation so we can deliver compensation packages more speedily,” he said.

He also stated that while partnering with the farmers, his ministry intends to provide more incentives for them, as they have become disenchanted with the myriad of problems faced.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Blatter: “Honduras puede Presidente Colom pide a Consejo del MP investigar al sorprender, ¿por qué no?”

Al consultarle sobre el grupo de Honduras, el suizo fiscal general Conrado Reyes respondió: “Es muy complica-

El presidente Álvaro Colom solicitó ayer al Consejo del Ministerio Público (MP) que inicie una investigación en torno a los señalamientos hechos por el jurista español Carlos Castresana en contra del fiscal general, Conrado Reyes.

Un comunicado difundido por la Secretaría de Comunicación Social de la Presidencia (SCSP) da cuenta de que la solicitud la hizo el mandatario por medio de una carta que envió a dicha instancia.

Además, la información detalla que también envió una misiva a Reyes para que se pronuncie sobre las acusaciones que en su contra hizo Castresana al anunciar su renuncia como jefe de la Comisión Internacional contra la Impunidad en Guatemala (Cicig) el lunes pasado.

De acuerdo con Colom, según el boletín de prensa, estos señalamientos “ocasionan gran preocupación por la trascendencia que las mismas representan para el pueblo de Guatemala y la comunidad internacional, lo que afecta el fortalecimiento del Estado de derecho”.

El comunicado agrega que el Gobierno de Guatemala reitera su compromiso de seguir apoyando y fortaleciendo la lucha contra la impunidad y el trabajo de la Cicig en Guatemala, así como su apego al Estado de derecho y al avance en la institucionalidad de la seguridad ciudadana en el país.

Horas antes, Reyes citó a una rueda de prensa para anunciar el envío de una carta a Castresana en la que le solicita que presente al mandatario las pruebas “fehacientes” de los juicios que emitió en su contra, pues asegura que no permitirá la violación de sus derechos.

“En Guatemala ya se está haciendo costumbre condenar a las personas sin las pruebas suficientes que sustenten las acusaciones”, sostuvo el Fiscal General.

Sin resolver La Corte de Constitucionalidad (CC) tiene pendientes de resolver dos apelaciones de auto de amparo provisional relacionadas a la elección del fiscal general.

Una de ellas es en contra de la Comisión de Postulación, en la que se argumenta que no se cumplió a cabalidad con una resolución emitida por los magistrados de la CC, en la que ratificaron el fallo de un juzgado de Primera Instancia Civil.

El segundo es en contra del presidente Álvaro Colom, argumentando que hay una amenaza si el mandatario hace el nombramiento del jefe del Ministerio Público antes de que se resuelvan los procesos. El presidente de la CC, Roberto Molina, explicó que estos “están por resolverse” y también recordó que hay además un recurso planteado contra cuatro magistrados a la CSJ.

Golpe a Los Zeta

La Policía Nacional detuvo al mexicano, José Antonio Hernández López, de 32 años, originario del estado de Tapachula, señalado de pertenecer al Cártel de Los Zeta, y a dos nicaragüenses más, a quienes se les ocupó 14 fusiles AK, tres vehículos y 2,000 dólares al momento que supuestamente realizaban un trasiego de armas.

El operativo policial, que es considerado por la institución como un duro golpe al crimen organizado, ocurrió entre las 10 de la noche de este lunes y la una de la madrugada de ayer en el kilómetro 131 de la carretera hacia El Rama, cuando en un primer momento, la Policía pensó que se trataba de un asalto, pero momentos más tarde los oficiales se percataron de que los detenidos trataban de trasegar 12 fusiles AK, un galil y una M16.

Los detenidos y otro presunto delincuente que logró huir, se reunieron con los vehículos en una gasolinera del departamento de Juigalpa, para luego dirigirse con dirección hacia Managua, pero cerca de una garita policial, ubicada a 800 metros, éstos realizaron el traslado de las armas de un automotor a otro, después fueron perseguidos y detenidos por los oficiales.

Los nicaragüenses detenidos son Manuel de Jesús Machado Cortés, de 47 años, y Nelson Francisco González Cerna, de 35, alias “El Perro Ñato”, originarios de Chinandega y de Managua.

Huyen a hospitales

“El que iba en el carro blanco (“El Perro Ñato”) cogió hacia el lado del Hospital del Papayal (en el municipio de Tecolostote), allí se dio un intercambio de disparos con las fuerzas nuestras, no hubo lesionados, pero hay daños materiales en la infraestructura del hospital, creo que en las puertas, vidrios, cuestiones por el estilo, una camioneta nuestra le impactó un proyectil en el radiador y en el motor”, relató la comisionada mayor Vilma Reyes, jefa de Relaciones Públicas de la Policía.

El mexicano huyó hacia el Hospital Asunción, de Juigalpa, donde fue detenido, mientras que Manuel

Joseph Blatter, el hombre más poderoso del fútbol en el planeta, atendió en EXCLUSIVA a los enviados de LA PRENSA en la víspera del 60 congreso ordinario de la Fifa que se instala hoy en la capital sudafricana. “¿De Honduras?”, preguntó mientras lo requeríamos y sin mucho protocolo habló de la Bicolor. “Si está aquí es porque tiene calidad, está entre las mejores selecciones del mundo y eso ayudará a desarrollar el fútbol en ese país”.

El presidente de la Fifa añadió que en este Mundial algún equipo de los no tradicionales puede dar la campanada y convertirse en el caballo negro de la competencia. “Honduras puede sorprender, ¿por qué no? Mis años en el fútbol me dicen que uno no debe descartar nada, cualquier cosa puede pasar. Camerún llegó lejos en Italia 90, Estados Unidos lo hizo bien en 2002 y en ese Mundial, Turquía y Corea del Sur quedaron entre los cuatro primeros”, recordó.

Mientras Blatter atendía a los enviados de LA PRENSA en Sandton City, la zona más exclusiva de Sudáfrica, a su lado pasaban los delegados de las confederaciones que participarán hoy y mañana en el Congreso de la Federación Internacional.

En este cónclave se discutirá y aprobará el informe de finanzas de la institución y los delegados de los cuatro países que pretenden organizar en forma conjunta los mundiales de 2018 y 2022 -España y Portugal, Holanda y Bélgicapresentarán las bondades de sus candidaturas.

do, como todos, pero en el fútbol ya no hay equipos chicos”.

GARANTIZA SEGURIDAD A raíz de la estampida humana el pasado domingo minutos antes del partido amistoso entre Nigeria y Corea del Norte, aquí en Johannesburgo, que dejó diez heridos, la Fifa dijo que no era responsabilidad suya, desmarcándose del incidente.

Al ser consultado sobre la seguridad en los estadios, Blatter dijo que todo está bajo control y garantizó que no habrá episodios violentos dentro ni fuera de las instalaciones deportivas. Al ser apremiado por su apretada agenda, se despidió cortésmente. “Saludos a la gente de Honduras. Ojalá su país juegue un gran mundial”.

UN ADMINISTRADOR DE EMPRESAS QUE REVOLUCIONÓ EL FÚTBOL Joseph Blatter nació en Visp, Suiza, el 10 de marzo de 1936. Se graduó de licenciado en Administración de Empresas y fue un incipiente jugador de fútbol.

Se convirtió en secretario de la Federación Suiza de Hockey sobre Hielo y de ahí saltó como dirigente al equipo de fútbol Neuchetal.

Presta sus servicios a la Fifa desde 1975 y seis años después se convirtió en el “delfín” de Joao Havelange al ser designado secretario general. Sustituyó en la presidencia al longevo dirigente brasileño el 8 de junio de 1998.

Tiene 74 años y quiere seguir al mando del fútbol mundial. Lo consideran el “padre que revolucionó las finanzas de la Fifa” al convertir a esta institución en una máquina de hacer dinero.

Es políglota, habla inglés, francés, italiano y español, y ha humanizado a la federación al liderar campañas a favor de la infancia como “Puro fútbol, pura esperanza” y junto a la Organización de Mundial de Salud, OMS, impulsó el proyecto “Erradiquemos la polio en África”.

Machado fue capturado en el lugar de los hechos. El conductor de uno de los vehículos logró huir y aún no está identificado.

Los vehículos ocupados son: un carro Renault, beige, placas M090911; un automóvil Honda, blanco, placas M085581, y el camión blanco, Isuzu, placas M103455.

Mexicano paramilitar El Subdirector de la Policía, comisionado general Carlos Palacios, aseveró que el mexicano ha ingresado en varias ocasiones a nuestro país por distintos puntos ciegos, y que éste pertenece a grupos paramilitares.

“Esta gente había estado acopiando armas, y la información que nosotros manejamos es que probablemente salían por la zona de El Rama. (Sobre) este señor mexicano, consultando con los órganos operativos mexicanos, hay alguna información que nos indica que está relacionado con algunos grupos paramilitares de México”, indicó.

La jefa policial dijo que desconocen el origen de las armas, pero presume que éstas eran llevadas hacia Honduras donde radica el mexicano,

sin embargo, Palacios dijo creer que el destino pudo haber sido México.

Aseveró que harán un estudio en el Laboratorio de Criminalística para conocer los números de serie, y si las mismas han sido usadas.

Nica fuerte cabecilla La comisionada Reyes aseguró que Manuel Machado es el cabecilla de un grupo de narcotraficantes, y que logró escapar a un cerco policial el pasado 10 de agosto en la comunidad Las Pilas, cerca de la finca arrocera Altamira.

En ese momento, el comisionado general Carlos Palacios, Subdirector de la Policía, afirmó que Machado es el cabecilla de la agrupación dedicada al trasiego de drogas a través del Lago de Nicaragua hacia la isla El Muerto, donde la embuzonaban y posteriormente la sacaban por tierra.

“Nuestros órganos operativos detectaron movimientos de un sujeto de nombre Manuel Machado, un hombre al que han estado investigando en otras ocasiones y que tenía, según informaciones nuestras, una carga (de droga) embodegada en una isla cercana”, expresó Palacios.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 13, 2010

“Going Bananas?”

Funny Bone (Laugh a bit…)

Find and circle the words listed below.

COMEDY CORNY GAMES GIGGLE GLEEFUL GRIN

Puzzled?

Unscramble the tiles to reveal a message.

JOKE MERRY MIMIC MIRTH PLAY PRANKSTER

Riddle Me This, Riddle Me That…

The Wall

Q:If the Jones twins can build

a wall five bricks long and five bricks high in 1 minute, how long will it take them to build a wall ten bricks long and ten bricks high?

A: The first wall has 25 bricks.

Ans: Summer is here beat the heat and drink lots of water.

The second wall has 100 bricks — four times as many. So it will take four times as long — that is, four minutes.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

THE BELIZE TIMES

21

Hurricane Season 2010

Named Storms Alex Bonnie Colin Danielle Earl Fiona Gaston Hermine Igor Julia Karl Lisa Matthew Nicole Otto Paula Richard Shary Tomas Virginie Walter

Family Emergency Supplies

Have these items in your residence ready to use in the event of an emergency: * Flashlights with extra batteries. Keep flashlights with extra, fresh batteries and keep them beside your bed and in several other locations. Do not use matches. * Portable radio with extra batteries. Most telephones will be out of order or limited to emergency use. The radio, including NOAA Weather Radio, will be the best source of emergency information. * First aid kit / first aid skills. Keep your first-aid kit well stocked and in a central location. Take basic first-aid and CPR courses. Keep your skills current. * Fire extinguisher. Your fire extinguisher should be suitable for all types of fires and should be easily accessible. Teach all family members how to use it. * Food. Store a three-day supply of food for each person. Items such as canned or dehydrated food, powdered milk and canned juices can be rotated into your daily diet and replenished on a regular basis. Include food for infants or the elderly, snack foods and items such as a non-electric can opener, cooking utensils, paper/plastic plates and plastic utensils. * Water. Store a 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store in air-tight containers and replace them every six months. Keep a disinfectant, such as iodine tablets or chlorine bleach, to purify water, if necessary. * Extra blankets and clothing may be required to keep warm. Sturdy shoes protect feet from broken glass and debris. * Alternate cooking source. Store barbecue, charcoal, starter and matches in case utilities are out of service. Do not use these methods of cooking within a confined area. * Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members. Have at least a one week supply of medications and foods for infants and those on special diets. * Tools. Have a crescent or pipe wrench to turn off gas and water if necessary and know the location of the shut-off valves. * Important documents should be stored in a waterproof container. Examples: insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. Also, checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards.

Be Prepared In preparing for the Hurricane Season, make plans for action: * Know the hurricane risks in your area. Learn the storm surge history and elevation of your area. * Learn safe routes inland. * Learn the location of official shelters. * Ensure that enough non-perishable food and water supplies are on hand. * Have at least a one week supply of medications on hand. * Obtain and store materials, such as plywood, necessary to properly secure your home. * Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. * Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed of dead wood. * Review your insurance policy. * Determine where to move your boat in an emergency. * Make plans now on what to do with your pets should you be required to evacuate your residence. Public health regulations do not allow pets in public shelters, nor do most hotels/motels allow them.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 13, 2010

City Boys topple Placencia Assassins 2-0 in Super League football

T h e C i t y B oy s r a n o ve r t h e Placencia Assassins 2-0 in Week 9 of the Belize Bank Superleague football competition at the MCC garden in Belize City on Sunday.

The Placencia Assassins were undefeated when they arrived in the city, but they came undermanned, with several usual starters missing in action, including Ashley Torres, Mervin Leslie, Zerrick Torres and Leomar Leslie. This did not stop Leonard Valdez, with 5 goals so far this season, from slipping past the City defenders Mark Grant, Shawn T hur ton, and Tyrone Linares to blast off a left foot shot at goal that forced goalie Charlie Slusher to come up with the save.

Dion Macaulay, Raymond “Killa” Gentle, Jason Young and Tyrone “T-bone” Muschamp were pressing the City Boys’ attacks backed up by midfielders Jack Dawson, Joseph Mohamed Ali and Karim Rivero, but the Placencia defenders Dalton Eiley, Erie Whyte, Jason Kelly and Huber t Neal were holding them in check, until an errant pass by Ja s o n Ke l l y wa s i n t e r c e p t e d by Belizean international striker Deon McCauley, who made no mistake

with his right foot shot to draw first blood for the City Boys in the 28th minute of play.

T- B o n e M u s ch a m p l o o ke d t o make it 2-zip in quick order, but Stephen Lopez in the Placencia goal read the play. Maccaulay set table for Raymond Gentle to have a go, but Lopez denied Killa’s shot. Tyrone Muschamp also got an open look at goal on a pass from Dion Macaulay, but T-bone was not playing onetouch football and missed the cane of a right-away shot. T-bone’s delay in controlling the ball allowed the Placencia defense to cut him off as the City boys held on to their 1-zip lead at the half time break.

Entering the 2nd half, Dion Macaulay looked to make it 2-zip with a shot that Lopez managed to deflect, but the acrobatics were too much for Lopez, who landed badly.

Down at the other end, Leonard Valdez tried for the equalizer, but his ‘soft-pop’ posed no real challenge for Charlie Slusher, who fed the ball out for the soft counterattack, but Raymond Gentle choked on the finish; in his eagerness he sent the ball over the crossbar. Gentle was forced to limp off the field after a

hard crash into Ernie Whyte, who also called for a replacement.

David Robateau replaced Gentle and iced the win with a 2nd goal in the 83rd minute. Also coming off the bench, this year’s 1st division MVP Dalton Cayetano looked for a goal, but his shot was outside the sticks as the City Boys went on to post their 4th win; they rank 4th in the league with 14pts from 4 wins and 2 draws. Placencia ranks 2nd with 18pts from 5 wins and 3 draws.

In other matches ar ound the l e a g u e , S a n Fe l i p e B a r c e l o n a demonstrated all the synerg y in their 4-1 encounter with Santa Elena Synergy F.C. at the People’s Stadium last Saturday night. Victor Morales scored San Felipe’s 1st goal in the 28th minute of play, then the visitors’ Tony Gonzalez drove in the equalizer in the 38th minute to take a 1-1 draw into the half time break.

Coming out strong in the 2nd half, San Felipe bombed 3 more goals on the visitors, with strikes by Oscar Acevedo in the 47th minute, and Har vey Cruz in the 60th and 85th minutes. The sugar city squad ranks 3rd with 16 pts from 5 wins and 1 draw.

In Belmopan City at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium also on Saturday night, Nizhee Corozal stung Cayo South United 2-zip with the winning goal coming from Darnel Mossiah in the 28th minute and Owen Pott put the game on ice with a 2nd goal in the 79th minute.

Hattieville FC now leads the Superleague by a 3-1 win against Belize United F.C., who drew first blood on a strike by Marchall Nunez in the 15th minute of play.

The village squad took over the game when Jarret Davis scored the equalizer in the 25th minute, and Leon “Lem” Jones delivered the game winner in the 35th minute.

Steven Baizer made it 3-1 in the 92nd minute.

The competition continues on Sunday, with Hattieville F.C visiting Santa Elena Synergy F.C. at the Santa Elena Football Field, Belize United F.C hosts Cayo South United at the MCC garden, up north Nizhee Corozal hosts the City Boys United at the Ricalde Stadium and down south will be a big showdown between Placencia Assassins and San Felipe Barcelona at the Placencia Football Field.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

THE BELIZE TIMES

23

Millennium & Gentle Touch draw 3-3 in Female football

The Millennium girls jumped G e n t l e To u ch o f E s p e r a n z a villag e 3-1 before the village girls came back to equalize 3-3 in the national female football tournament at the MCC garden on Saturday.

The Esperanza girls drew first blood when Indira Spain finished the cross to center from a corner kick by Nataki Alvarez, with a right away shot that the city girls goalie Er mine Ferguson could not get a glove on.

The Millennium Girls counterattacked furiously with Sher yann “Baby” Tracy and Lynette Gabourel leading t h e o f f e n s ive, s u p p o r t e d by midfielders K aya Cattouse, Monique Mohamedali, Shinelle Gentle and Adelma Broaster.

K ay a C a tto u s e d el iver ed th e equalizer by finishing a corner kick by Monique Mohamedali in the 30th minute, and Miriam Villamil, coming off the bench set table for Sher yann Tracy to make it 2-zip but the ‘Ranza g oalie Abby Halliday was all over Tracy’s shot. Villamil made amends by finishing the pass from Lynette Gabourel with a shot that Halliday only managed t o d e f l e c t , S h e r y a n n Tr a c y pounced on the rebound and blasted it back into the net for a 2-1 lead at the half time break.

Cynthia Salazar, Nataki Alvarez and Kimberly “Brazilian” Perez led the visitors’ counterattack, b u t g o a l i e E r m i n e Fe r g u s o n p r ove d u p t o t h e ch a l l e n g e, shutting down the ‘Ranza attacks.

Down at the other end, the ‘Ranza defenders, Kendra “Peaches Gentle, Gina Bennett, Monique Godoy, Vashne Gentle and Shamera “Shampoo’ Wade boxed out the Millennium attacks, b u t M i l l e n n i u m ’s m i d f i e l d e r Shinelle Gentle collected the rebound at midfield and sent it right back with a long lob, which Halliday misjudged. The flight of the ball dropped sharply as it deflected off the bottom of the crossbar; Halliday should have got a glove on it; unfortunately it deflected down into the goal to give the city girls a 3-1 lead.

Margarita Aguilar came off the Millennium bench to take over from Monique Mohamedali, and the Millennium defenders Melony Tasher, Shadalee Ho,

K ara Kisling and Sarah Arzu looked to shut down the Ranza girls but Cindy Fuentes razzledazzled the ball around them to blast in a 2nd goal for the visitors.

Araceli Lambey came off the city girls’ bench to take over from Lynette Gabourel, but Ranza’s Kimberly Perez found the gap in the millennium defense to drive in the equalizer 3-3 before the long whistle.

In other games of the league the Pumas of Dangriga won 3-2 over the Placencia Pearls at the Carl Ramos Stadium.

P l a c e n c i a Pe a r l s w i l l h o s t Millennium at the Placencia field on Saturday, while Gentle Touch will host the Pumas in Cayo also on Saturday.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 13, 2010

St Martin’s girls & St Mary’s & Ebenezer boys lead primary schools football

The undefeated St. Martin de Porres School girls lead with 8 wins while the undefeated St. Mary’s boys have 5 wins and the Ebenezer boys had 17pts from 5 wins and 2 draws in the Belize City Primary Schools football competition which continued at the M.C.C. grounds on Tuesday.

Last Friday, the St. Martin de Porres

School girls won over Ebenezer by forfeit.

The 2nd ranked St. John’s Primary School girls have also made the playoffs; they won over St. Ignatius School girls by forfeit on Friday.

The St. Martin de Porres School boys drew 1-1 with Ebenezer School, when Isise Leslie scored for St. Martin’s

while the goal scorer for Ebenezer School was Mellechevon Hernandez.

The St. Mary’s Primary School boys posted their 5th win over St. Ignatius School by forfeit.

The Holy Redeemer School girls also won over Muslim Community School by forfeit.

The Belize Elementary School girls drew 0-0 with the Wesley Upper School girls.

The St. Martin de Porres School boys posted their 3rd win 3-0 over the Belize Elementary School boys on Friday, when Isise Leslie scored 1 goal and Ashton Pitts scored 2 goals.

On Monday, the St. John Vianney School qualified to the playoffs as the no.2 seed from their zone with 13pts from 4 wins and a draw, when they won 1-0 over Trinity Methodist School on a strike by Shemar Moore.

The Queen Street Baptist School boys tied with the Vianney boys with 13pts also by a 2-1 win over the Calvary

Temple School boys; Tyrell Rowley and Devon Gillett scored 1 goal each for Queen Street Baptist while Luis Aranda scored 1 goal for Calvary Temple School.

St. Martin de Porres School boys failed to make the playoffs but won 2-1 over the Queen Square School boys on Monday, when Martin’s Ashton Pitts scored 2 goals while Devaughn Zuniga scored 1 goal for Queen Square School.

On the St. Martin de Porres School girls posted their 8th win 3-0 over the Belize Elementary School girls with goals by Kedidra Tunn, Shanicka Augustine and Vivian Noralez.

The Queen Square School boys qualified to the playoffs as the no.2 seed from their zone with 15 pts from 4 wins and 3 draws; their 4th win was 2-1 over the Wesley Upper School boys. Devaughn Zuniga scored 2 goals for Queen Square School while Jurel Westby scored 1 goal for Wesley Upper School.

SanCas Seven Seas win 3 back to back to back to lead Interoffice volleyball

The San Cas Seven Seas team won 3 games back to back to back to rule the Belize City interoffice volleyball competition, toppling the defending champs Belize Telemedia at the Belize City Center on Saturday night.

The defending champs Belize Telemedia suffered their 1st loss by the interoffice volleyball rookies

BATSUB last Thursday. BATSUB’s Derek Miller, Rushane Murray and Darrel Diaz led the attack to finish plays created by Keisha Martinez to win the first set 25-11. Telemedia’s Jason Lamb, Adrian Mahler and Eros Dawson tried for a comeback, finishing plays set by Emily Turner Audinett and Melanie Blake but

BATSUB dominated the 2nd set: 25-16.

San Cas had won the first game over Brodies Milo last Thursday, taking the first set 25-18 with kills hammered home by Marconi Leal, Raul Arnold and Garfield Dawson on plays set by Sherylee Thurton, Crisel Castillo and Anderson and dominated

the 2nd set: 25-4.

The San Cas team won again on Saturday, handing the defending champs Belize Telemedia their 2nd loss 25-6 and 25-18.

San Cas won a 2nd g ame on Saturday night over First Caribbean, taking the first set 25-16. The First Caribbean hitters Ryan Bennett and Caryl Meighan tried for a comeback, scoring points on plays set by Gina Requena and Kimberly Godoy, but the San Cas crew prevailed 25-20 in the 2nd set.

First Caribbean tasted some success when they won over BATSUB on Saturday, outlasting the military 31-29 in the 1st set. The BATSUB hitters Rushane Murray and Derek Miller made a valiant tr y for a comeback, but First Caribbean also won the 2nd set 25-21.

The Atlantic Bank posted back to back wins over Brodies Milo last Saturday and over First Caribbean last Thursday. Atlantic Bank’s Jermaine Tillett, Boisrand Panton and Melissa Vanzie finished plays set by Shamera Usher and Tanisha Encalada to overwhelm Brodies 25-13 in the 1st set. Ashley Hemsley, Deon Chimilio and Jason Jenkins led the Milo counterattack finishing plays set by Salome Phillips and Adelita Gillett but the Atlantic crew won the 2nd set 25-17.

The Atlantic Bank crew had also prevailed over First Caribbean in 3 sets on Thursday, winning the first set 25-10. First Caribbean came back to take the 2nd set 25-22, before Atlantic Bank took it away in the 3rd set 15-4.

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Grace

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Amazin

God’s Protection is Certain

Each and every morning, we awake fresh with new air in our lungs but many times not with the glee of knowing that God has been by our side for the entire day before and while we slept. We are challenged to return the gratitude for God’s faithful love and protection towards us. We are inspired even further to extend that love and protection to our neighbors.

God’s protection is necessary in fact as David gave praise he noted: If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; 2 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: 3 then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: 6 Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. 8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. (Psalms 124:1-3,6,8) I met this seventeen year old young man who told me that he had been to Kolbe Foundation where he had served a prison sentence for the possession of guns and ammunition, he told me that while he was in his cell he felt lost and closed off from his friends and family. More than everything else though he feared the harm that would come his way from the other prisoners. Then one day an old lady with a big black Bible that almost could not fit under her arm come to him and gave him a flyer with this passage of scripture: Whoever goes to the LORD for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, 2 can say to him, “You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust.” 3 He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. 4 He will cover you with his wings; you will be safe in his care; his faithfulness will protect and defend you. 5 You need not fear any dangers at night or sudden attacks during the day 6 or the plagues that strike in the dark or the evils that kill in daylight.

7 A thousand may fall dead beside you, ten thousand all around you, but you will not be harmed. 8 You will look and see how the wicked are punished. 9 You have made the LORD your defender, the Most High your protector, 10 and so no disaster will strike you, no violence will come near your home. 11 God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go. 12 They will hold you up with their hands to keep you from hurting your feet on the stones.

13 You will trample down lions and snakes, fierce lions and poisonous snakes.

14 God says, “I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as LORD. 15 When they call to me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them. I will rescue them and honor them. 16 I will reward them with long life; I will save them. Psalms 91: 1-16 He said this made him know that he was being protected and that he was then to change his life. God’s protection over our lives is certain especially at times when all around us seems to be growling at us and seem to want to devour us and our love ones. Trust in his God, his love and protection never fails us. Share this promise of protection to someone who is doubt and in need of reassurance this week.

BY ORDER OF MORTGAGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under and by virtue of a Deed of Mortgage registered at the Land Titles Register between Glenford Villanueva and HRCU. HRCU will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule below.

ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED from whom full particulars and conditions of sale my be obtained.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 3451, containing 416.497 Square Yards situate along Allan Pitts Crescent, Loyolaville, Belize City, Belize District, being a portion of land comprised in MINISTER’S FIAT GRANT No. 273 of 1991 dated the 31st day of July, 1991 and more particularly shown and delineated on a Plan of Survey No. 273 of 1991 dated the 31st day of July, 1991 by G.V. Bautista, Licensed Land Surveyor, recorded at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, Belmopan City, Cayo District in Register Plan No. 1703 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of Glenford Villanueva

Sunday, June 13, 2010

THE BELIZE TIMES

On Proms & Priorities…

By: Mike Rudon Jr. A friend of mine recommended I listen to a song called ‘beautiful mess’ and give him my reaction. I don’t think he’ll be asking me to do that anymore.

See, one line in the song goes something like this – ‘What a beautiful mess this is…it’s like picking up trash in dresses.’ Call me politically fixated or demented, but that line immediately made me think about Dean Barrow and his propensity for honey-coating every jagged, bitter, poisonous pill he shoves down our throats. Trash is still trash is

still trash, no matter what fancy ballgowns Mr. Barrow puts on when he dabbles in that trash. Okay, I know it’s not the reaction my friend had in mind, but he asked, didn’t he? Anyway, the image of Mr. Barrow in a fancy dress didn’t make for a pleasant night’s rest, so I decided to do some writing about another event featuring fancy dresses…

I’ve heard that proms for different high schools are happening right around this time. I couldn’t say for sure because I haven’t bought into the prom thing for a while now. Guess you can call me an old geezer, but I find it actually appalling how ridiculous and just plain stupid this whole passing out rite has become. Couples arriving in carriages or carried in by muscle-bound attendants or serenaded by mariachis or walking the red carpet strewn with rose petals. Hell, if I’m not mistaken, one couple actually came in a helicopter a couple years ago. Nothing but a damn ‘papisho’ if you ask me (or even if you don’t ask me)! In my day way, way way

back when, the only thing on our minds was how long we had to stay under the watchful eyes of the chaperones before heading out to undertake other pursuits, whatever they may have been. I wouldn’t have believed that things would have changed so much, but I guess they have.

For the past years, prom has become a circus competition with everyone fighting to win the title of biggest clown. Sorry if this offends, and I’m sure it will, but I’m really pissed off about how much we have allowed a time-honored tradition to become a gaudy mockery. Now it’s all about who can make the most dramatic entrance and who can wow the crowd and solicit the loudest gasps and oohs and aahhhs. Hundreds of Belizeans apparently have nothing better to do than stand for hours wherever the prom is being held, and the paparazzi is no damned better, making the contestants in the big show feel like they’re going something great, something special…that this is something good.

I was having a conversation with a friend the other day and it left me stunned. His daughter was going to prom and just the hair and nails and makeup thing was costing something like $400. I was told by another friend that the in thing now is not to buy dresses in stores but to get them made so that nobody will have the same dress.

She told me that dresses can cost more than $1000 each, depending on the design. Wow. And that’s not even counting the grand entrance. If you want to outdo your friends who themselves are sure to come up with some spectacular fireworks, some big bucks will be shelled out to ensure that you receive your necessary ovation at the gauntlet. It’s a damned expensive affair, people.

I don’t mean to bash anyone, though it may come across that way. I’m just

26 thinking about the pressure which is being put on those who really do not have the money to put it all together.

Yeah, there are those who can shell out the bucks for a helicopter entrance or a fancy speedboat ride up to the seawall in front of the venue. There are those who have no problem coming up with three or four or five or ten thousand dollars to make sure that the little prince or princess has a splendid night. Bully for them.

But what about those who can’t? What I’m saying is that all the hype around prom which has pushed the event out of the expense stratosphere is unfair to those students whose parents can’t afford entrance by carriage at midnight in Cinderella style, with driver and footmen. Can’t blame the students for wanting to be like their friends and wanting to be part of the hype, and can’t blame the parents for wanting to give their kids the world. But it’s just not fair. It leads to people spending their last dollar on a prom night to remember and then eating bread and condensed milk by candlelight because they can’t buy food and have no money to pay the utility company. That crap happens…believe it.

What if we just tone it down a bit when it comes to prom? Yeah, it’s a rite of passage and an important one, but what if we remember that it’s a rite of passage and not a night at the circus with the clowns parading around the ring? What if we bring the respect back into prom and take out the papisho?

Prom isn’t a bad thing…it isn’t. We’ve just made it into a ridiculous thing which is ridiculously and prohibitively expensive. Let’s revisit this thing, people, cause prom shouldn’t be about those fortunate few who can afford the frippery and foppery…it’s about our kids, all of them, taking that giant step into adulthood. Let’s give it the respect it deserves and see what happens.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

THE BELIZE TIMES her profession and the public servants who are fighting hard to build their credibility. I hope that when Nurse Terry is transferred out of Corozal she does not cry victimization.

Now turning to the new Chairman Mr. Bautista (or should I say Teacher Bautista), he turns out to be just another “persona ing rata.” After enjoy the free grants given to him under the PUP to get his education degree, he now has the guts to tur ns around and kick the party that educated him. This is the same dishing out blue notes right, left Tr. Bautista who was allowed and center, I hear. I also wonder to continue teaching under the what Pablo was doing at a very M e t h o d i s t M a n a g e m e n t e ve n well known house in the village. though it was alleged that he was I hear he was using that house as conducting illicit relations with a paying station. It’s a good thing another teacher. I am no biblical the Police didn’t pick that time person but I believe Christians to do one of their infrequent refer to those actions as adultery. searches. And as for Dora (sorry, Mr. Bautista’s adulterous actions I m e a n B o o t s ) , w h a t w a s h e combined with the UDP politics doing in Libertad? For months eventually led Mrs. Luciola West to the streets of Libertad have been leave the Methodist Management in a deplorable condition. I hope after years of service. Mrs. West that with Dora getting firsthand w a s a n O r d a i n e d R e l i g i o u s experience of the condition of Minister in the Methodist Church, the drains and streets, thing will a religion I once held to great look better for Libertad. Now standards. Mrs. West is a woman as for Gabriel, his own UDP of integrity, honesty and most suppor ters wasted no time in i m p o r t a n t l y a g o d l y wo m a n . lecturing him in the presence of But because she called the devil his cabinet colleagues. by his name, the evil plans of But like the local elected the influential UDP Methodist officials who disappointed the members in Libertad eventually people of Libertad, so was the prevailed and had the respectable long time village nurse who had claimed to be “professional” for years. Yes, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I noticed the community nurse, Mrs. Ter r y, campaigning for the UDP inside the polling station area. For a public ser vant to be mingling in the nitty-g ritty of politics is a complete shame. But what makes matters even worse is that Nurse Terry had the guts to be disrespecting and insulting people that share the same community.

Now can anyone tell me how will this disrespectful nurse that was seen and heard uttering things perform her duty to those same people she disrespected?

Nurse Terry has no respect for

Libertad election issues

Over the weekend we witnessed the last round of v i l l a g e c o u n c i l e l e c t i o n s. U p n o r t h , L i b e r t a d wa s t h e l a s t community to conduct local elections to determine who would run the affairs of the village. The last village council officials were elected under a UDP slate which was headed by Gregory Terry. Of course, Terry would not run for re-election since, under his watch, the village assets deteriorated and the affairs of the village were left to the mercy of the elusive Mr. Nobody.

But on Sunday last, even shame at the gross incompetence and total neglect of the UDP wo u l d s t o p t h e i r s u p p o r t e r s and leaders from flocking into Libertad in an effort to save the skin of Gabriel Martinez. In fact at the front lines were senior Cabinet Ministers including t h e B e l i z e Ru r a l S o u t h A r e a Representative Manuel Heredia.

Now I don’t really understand what was inside the calabash head (or in other words Cabeza de lek) of the barefoot minister to show up in Libertad. This is the same Junior Heredia that could not even walk the streets of Caye Caulker in the weeks leading up to and following the village council elections. The bare foot minister has but one village in his constituency and he could not show up to support his UDP slate on Election Day. What a shame! But the barefoot minister was in Libertad the day before and on Election Day and he was

27 West leaving to teach at a Seventh Day Adventist managed school.

While I am tempted to say that Mrs. West moving to teach at an Adventist managed school may well be God’s calling, I felt so disappointed for the treatment she got from a Management to which she dedicated her youth and family.

The reason I bring up the issue of UDP politics in Libertad is merely to point out how the UDP money, power and their control of some religious organizations can screw up the lives of honest and trustworthy people. There will be no positive difference in Libertad under Bautista and the UDP. I just pray the wrath of God does not fall on innocent, dedicated and hardworking taxpaying people of Libertad for the misdeeds of others.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Where is the Heart of Our Unions?

Unlike many other business people, I firmly believe that there is a need for a structured workers’ movement with a mandate to look after the rights and needs of the workers, especially in this era of greed and profits. I probably feel this way because growing up my father was an active union member and I used to accompany him to many of their rallies. What I experienced during those times was a great passion from people who had a common cause and belief and they were willing to fight for it.

What we saw and experienced as a nation and people during 2004 to 2008 was the way of life in the old days.

I prefaced with these thoughts because the major unions in Belize today seem to be sleepwalking.

There are many issues that should be of serious concern for the unions and all Belizeans and yet we have heard nothing from their leaders. The boldest act by the unions in recent times is the stand they made against corporal punishment. I guess the only time we hear from them is when they have a concern that involves them. If the unions in Belize want to stay relevant then they need to begin to seriously look at issues like: crime, the economy, and healthcare, etc. They cannot continue to stick their collective heads in the sand and believe that everything will be all right.

There is a growing discontent by Belizeans regarding the state of our economy, the rise in crime, the breakdown of our social and physical infrastructure, rampant corruption and the tampering with our judicial system. Yet the unions that were so vocal from 2004 to 2008 have been mum.

Their silence is deafening and defining!

Over the last year or so, there has been growing resistance from unions all across Europe.

Take a look at the news and you will see civil servants on strike in Spain. You will also see workers on strike in England and other parts of Europe. With all these union activities around the world, one would hope that our unions in Belize would have become emboldened and more active. However not even seeing their comrades in different parts of the world fighting for their causes has helped to stimulate our unions here in Belize. Either they are too afraid of the elected dictator or they have become so political that they have become paralyzed.

The existence of a strong and effective union movement is a pre-requisite for the growth and development of any nation. Decisions taken through the process of collective bargaining and negotiations between employer and unions

and government and unions are more influential and yields better results. Trade unions play an important role and are helpful in effective communication between the workers (the people) and management of corporations or leaders of government. They provide the advice and support to ensure that the differences of opinion do not turn into major conflicts.

The central function of a union is to represent workers and the best interest of the Belizean people. With that said, it is about time we start feeling you, union leaders!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Sunday, June 13, 2010

THE BELIZE TIMES

Políticas UDP, como siempre

Ponganle Cargos a todos…

La situación en donde un muchacho de 15 años fue agredido brutalmente por otro companero ocasionandole la muerte con un bate de béisbol de aluminio es espantosa. Es bastante malo que había esa cantidad de rabia en la multitud que persiguió y apedreo al joven estudiante de la aldea de Independencia y es incluso peor que un muchacho no pensó dos veces en agredir a su víctima desamparada y golpearlo en la cabeza y la cara con un palo de béisbol. Pienso que el monstruo que cometio el acto debe pagar por el asesinato y ser acordado ningunos de los privilegios de un menor de edad. Él perdio ese derecho cuando rompió con tanta crueldad el palo en la cabeza de su compañero estudiante. Pienso que todos los otros muchachos en el grupo deben darseles cargos serios, como accesorios para asesinar quizá. No podemos seguir ocultando el hecho de que hay monstruos entre nosotros y debemos tratarlos por consiguiente. Fue un acto espantoso que tendrá repercusiones en nuestro sistema escolar.

Imagine las posibilidades…

El asesinato de ese estudiante joven a manos de otro estudiante trae a mente una protesta delante de la asamblea nacional por mas de 1500 profesores que abogaban al Sr.Ministro de Educacion, Patrick Faber para reconsiderar su posición respecto al castigo corporal. Esos profesores demandaban que la realidad en tratar a los estudiantes de hoy en el ajuste de la sala de clase es muy diferente de los cuentos de hadas tejidos en libros de la historia. Los profesores decían - si no el castigo corporal, por lo menos que se nos proporcione algunas alternativas y las opciones en disciplinar a nuestros estudiantes. Algunos profesores han sido recientemente agredidos por estudiantes y los padres de estudiantes y tal pareciera que no tienen mas recurso que resignarse a este deplorable hecho. El Ministro parece no ponerle importancia a este hecho. El simplemente hizo lo que se le vino en gana sin ningun tipo de consideracion hacia nuestros maestros. No está lejos imaginarse a un estudiante enfurecido atacando a un profesor. Es un pensamiento ensombrecedor. Pero como con el resto de las cosas importantes que no le afectan, estamos seguros que para el Ministro Faber este asunto esta de mas en su lista de prioridades.

La Policía otra vez….

Mi amigo Jules Vasquez tiene un instinto para lo dramático pero su historia de las noticias en Joshua Arana es acertada.

Imagínese el viajar alrededor del mundo a los países donde usted está en la misericordia de culturas extranjeras y de la gente extranjera y que es tratado con cortesía y respeto y regresar a su pais sin ningun incidente desagradable que estropee la experiencia. Entonces en su propio país, su propio hogar irrespetado y brutalizado por su propia gente. La policía necesita ser puesto en cintura. Ésto es de ninguna manera una ofensiva contra el departamento policial, pero esas personas en uniforme que se comportan de esta manera deben ser arraigadas hacia fuera inmediatamente. No es absolutamente difícil creerle al Sr. Arana cuando cuenta su experiencia en las manos de la policía porque es algo que sucede a diario. Apenas hace algunas semanas unos oficiales de la policía en Hattieville brutalizaron a un caballero, mientras mantenian una M-16 junto a su cara lo golpeaban brutalmente en la cabeza. El policía y sus relaciones con la comunidad estan ya en deterioro. Cuando suceden estos incidentes, los oficiales implicados deben ser tratados debidamente o darles de baja por el departamento inmediatamente. Es la única manera que la gente puede empezar a creer que la Policia no debe ser temido y ser odiada después de todo.

Ellos, otra vez…..

Escribí el articulo anterior la mañana de martes y por la noche de martes las noticias divulgaron que el policía había hecho de las suyas otra vez. La víctima este vez era una mujer pequeña que había sido golpeada en la cara por un oficial de policía. Ella apareció en las noticias con su cara hinchada y con contusiones. El Comisiónado auxiliar de la policia el Sr. Elodio Aragon Jr., recien habia terminado una entrevista en referencia a la golpiza asestada al Sr. Joshua Arana. Un incidente que el departamento de Policia supuestamente tomaba muy en serio, lo investigarían y se ocuparían de él. Escuche Sr. este es un consejo de parte mia. No diga que se van a ocupar en investigar en base a las allegaciones y que haran algo al respecto. Disiplinen al policía que se acusa de la fechoría. Hable con él, ponganlo ante un tribunal rápido en caso de necesidad y si él es culpable entonces despidanlo. Basta de cubrirse unos a los otros! No es correcto lo que estos elementos de la policia estan haciendo. Hasta que el departamento tome en serio y trate estas alegaciones con la seriedad que exige y hasta que la justicia se empiece llevar a cabo, no Habra cooperacion de la communidad para con el departamento de la policia.

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El Asunto de nuestra Justicia Principal…

Aunque no será confirmada por ningúna declaracion de la oficina del Primer Ministro, la palabra de la fraternidad legal y dentro de círculos judiciales es que el Sr.Barrow está realizando lo que parece ser un ataque muy personal y enfocado contra la principal justicia de Belice Abdulai Conteh. Al Chief Justice se le ha advertido al parecer que no se le permitirá trabajar incluso un día más allá de su cumpeanos 65. Aunque ese significa que algunos casos cuáles no han concluyido tendrian que pasar a manos de una nueva principal justicia, quienquiera que este sea. Esto es una decision bastante insensata partiendo del Sr Primer Ministro especialmente puesto que Conteh se considera una mente legal y eminencia brillante através de la región. Creemos que el Sr. Conteh repartió una decisión contra el gobierno de Belice en el asunto de una enmienda. El Sr. Barrow demostro su descontento haciendolo publico cuando le indicó al publico que él sentía que la decisión por la principal justicia era incorrecta. Desde entonces ha habido indicaciones que las relaciónes entre el Sr. Barrow y Sr. Conteh no llevan una relacion muy affable que digamos, por lo menos del Sr. Barrow hacia el Sr. Conteh.

La pérdida de una justicia del calibre de Chief Justice Conteh tendrá repercusiones negativas en nuestro sistema legislativo que esta un tanto deteriorado ya. La perdida de una eminencia como el Sr. Conteh simplemente porque el Sr. Barrow no se encuentra contento sería inaceptable….

Vamos Audry…

Me pregunto si Oceana está enterado que su vice presidente en Belice, Audrey Matura Shephard está utilizando la compañía como plataforma para lanzar su propia agenda sesgada.

En el dia Internacional de los Oceanos, la Sra Matura no hizo ningun comentario a respecto a los océanos del mundo. En lugar ella lanzó una serie de ataques contra la administración anterior y particularmente contra el líder de la oposición. La información que ella presentó era inexacta y a nombre de Oceana ella hizo algunas alegaciones que sin duda alguna tendrán algunas repercusiones legales muy serias.

Aunque Audrey nunca ha hecho su afiliación política un secreto, había esperanza que ella manejaría su nuevo papel en una organización ambiental sin afines politicos de una manera responsable. No lo hizo y debe pagar el precio de lo que ella le costará a Oceana en credibilidad. Incluso el Primer Ministro ha salido públicamente a indicar que la perspectiva de Audrey es totalmente falsa.¡ Y pensar que ella había cambiado!

Pero mientras que ella ha caido en la trampa tendida por su propia inteligencia, las cosas van a ser diferentes este vez. Usted puede apostar a eso.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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LA CONEXIÓN DE TAIWÁN

“Guatemala no recibió ninguna ayuda militar abierta del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos porque la administración de Carter había suspendido la ayuda en 1977 debido a la continua violación de los derechos humanos de sus ciudadanos'; de hecho, aunque, los E.E.U.U. continuó enviando la ayuda militar a Guatemala constantemente a través del período con los poderes de terceras personas, para ser mas exactos Israel y Taiwán.”

TERROR EN LA TIERRA DEL ESPIRITU SANTO por Virginia Garrard-Burnett, Prensa de la Universidad de Oxford, 2010 El punto “oculto” diplomático de Belice bien puede ser las relaciones acogedoras relaciones gozadas entre nuestro generoso aliadoTaiwán y nuestro vecino codicioso al oeste, Guatemala. Se dice por allí que Petrolio yace en el corazón de la demanda infundada de Guatemala a Belice. Y ahora, Petrolio también pueda que se encuentre en el centro de una demanda Taiwanes que emerge en base a las aguas costeras de la joya.

La Coalición de Belice para salvar nuestra herencia natural, una amalgama turista de 23 organizaciones ambientales con membresia agregada que puede llegar a los miles, recientemente le exijio a la administración del Sr. Barrow una interdicción inmediata en la perforación petrolífera costa afuera. La precipitación de este ultimatum era el derramamiento masivo del aceite en el golfo de México, en donde 100.000 barriles estimados por el día, el equivalente de 2.800 galones por minuto, están contaminando el océano, están matando a la fauna, filones coralinos sofocados y están destruyendo industrias pesqueras y turismo.

Hasta ahora, el Sr. Primer Ministro ha rechazado obstinadamente acceder a la petición de la Coalición. ¿Por qué el P.M. no consentiría por lo menos a una interdicción temporal - una moratoria - en la perforación mar adentro, que varios países incluyendo los E.E.U.U., han instituido ya como consecuencia del incidente del golfo?

La respuesta a esta pregunta puede girar en una palabra: Taiwán.

Recuerde que el 19 de Mayo de 2008, el recién elejido Dean Barrow viajó a Taipei para la inauguración del Presidente Taiwanes Ma Ying-Jeou. Inclusive antes de su partida, el Sr. Dean Barrow anunció que Taiwán “obsequiaria” al gobierno de Belice $50m para la ayuda supuesta del presupuesto. Estos $50m era regalo de felicitacion de Taiwán a la nueva administración del UDP, una recompensa justificada por la calidad de miembro que era Belice a ése club exclusivo aunque disminuyente, de 23 naciones que mantienen lazos diplomáticos con Taiwán. Belice ha asegurado desde entonces préstamos adicionales multimillionarios de Taiwán.

Algunos meses más tarde, en Septiembre de 2008, un informe emergió en la prensa internacional que Petroleum Corporation (CPC) de Taiwán estarían firmando un acuerdo con el gobierno de Belice concediendole derechos exclusivas de explorar algunas 1.800 millas cuadradas de las aguas costa afuera de Belice. En el informe, un embajador anterior de Taiwan en Belice dijo que “Belice es el Kuwait de America Central.” Este acuerdo fue firmado oficialmente por DPM Gaspar Vega en Enero de 2009. Cuando el informe de la concesión a los Taiwaneses surjio aquí en Belice, Dean Barrow declaro lo siguiente: “Los Taiwaneses nos han estado diciendo que se encuentran listos para partir. Lo que quizá este sucediendo es que la actividad física real esta por comenzar pero nosotros estamos enterados desde algún tiempo que ellos tienen su licencia y están preparados para hacer la exploración costa afuera que es agradable porque no muchas compañías del sector privado desea hacer la perforación mar adentro.”

Las declaraciones del Primer Ministro del 25 de Septiembre de 2008 sobre el tema que la perforacion era inminente y ésas que él hizo esta semana en respuesta a la súplica pública de la Coalición sobre la perforación mar adentro simplemente no ajustan. O no sabia de lo que hablaba en el 2008 o está engañando deliberadamente a la nación. De interés adicional está la visita reciente y repentina a Taiwán del Diputado Primer Ministro Gaspar Vega que ocurrió durante la semana del 19 de mayo de 2010. La visita por Vega, que firmó el acuerdo de la exploración con los Taiwaneses en su capacidad del Ministro responsable de petróleo, ocurrió los días justos después de que APAMO, COLA y Oceana habían hecho una demanda para una interdicción en la perforación mar adentro. Mientras que COLA primero había abogado esta interdicción en Enero de este año, era el 11 de mayo de 2010 que esta Coalición sin precedente tomó forma. No había comunicación previa del viaje de Taiwán de Vega, que procedió aun cuando el P.M. también estaría lejos de Belice en este mismo tiempo assistíendo a reuniones del CDB. Sera que, como algunos iniciados políticos han sugerido, que el Sr. ¿Vega viajó a Taipei para tranquilizar a los posibles afectados que el contrato de CPC no sería alterado a pesar de la oposición pública a la perforación mar adentro aquí en el país? El Primer Ministro ciertamente ha esquivado la moratoria de la perforación mar adentro propuesta por la Coalición. ¿Las contribuciones de Taiwán compensan acaso un Armageddon ambiental como el que está sucediendo en el golfo? (Aparte de la conexión de Taiwán está absolutamente la revelación reciente que la consejería jurídica de Barrow y Williams, una firma desde donde el P.M. dice que el “dibuja abiertamente una parte de los beneficios,” Firma que también sirvieron como abogados para la Princess Petróleum Ltd., otro beneficiario de una concesión de la perforación mar adentro.)

El desastre en el golfo es prueba suficiente que décadas de los beneficios de petroleo se pueden borrar en un solo derramamiento. La costa de Belice es discutible más frágil y más preciosa que el golfo de México. Los modelos expertos de la simulación han demostrado que dentro apenas de una cuestión de horas, de un derramamiento de aceite en las aguas de Belizean causarían estragos irremediables sobre nuestro filón y wetlands, destruyendo en el proceso a nuestras industrias pesqueras y devastando a nuestras comunidades costeras. Belice jamas sería igual. Ninguna cantidad de dinero de los Taiwaneses puede justificar el poner en riesgo nuestro arrecife y el sustento y las comunidades de diez de millares de Belicenos.

Por un dinero rápido, los políticos han vendido el pasaporte de Belice y los centenares permitidos de millares de acres de tierras que han sido dadas a extranjeros. Si la misera parte de la extracción de aceite terrestre dada la gente de Belice es cualquier indicación de los beneficios futuros, entonces el riesgo visible de la perforación mar adentro compensa lejos las ventajas financieras. El golfo es un caso abierto y cerrado siempre que se refiera al ambiente. Esta administración del UDP debe poner una moratoria en ejecución inmediata en la perforación petrolífera costa afuera, levantando esto solamente en base de la aprobación del público de Belice por un referéndum nacional.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

OFICINAS DEL LIDER DE LA OPOSICION #122 Eve Street Belize City, Belize Telephone 671-8385

El Líder de Oposición Responde a la Acusación Falsa de Vicepresidente de Oceana El Lider de la Oposicion se encuentra muy molesto por los comentarios hechos por la Vice Presidente de Oceana en Belice, Audry Matura, en un foro sostenido ayer. La postura y las declaraciones de Matura están clara y abiertamente motivadas por inclinaciones políticas y es decepcionante que una organización ambiental reputable, como Oceana, se haya dejado arrastrar en la batalla política por su representación en Belice.

La Sra. Audry Matura hace alegaciones muy serias de impropiedad y corrupción en los niveles más altos de la entonces Administración, pero no presenta evidencia alguna para verificar su alegación. Es deplorable que las declaraciones irresponsables ensombrescan innecesariamente las carreras de oficiales públicos distinguidos como el Sr. Evadne Wade, Sr. Andre Cho, Sr. Ismael Fabro entre otros……….

Los verdaderos hechos son que un contrato para la exploración petrolífera fue concedida a la Compania AB Energy en 1998 por el entonces Ministro de Ciencia y Tecnología el Hon. Joseph Cayetano. En 2001 la compañía se partió en dos entidades, US Capital y Island Oil, para los cuales la producción individual que compartía los acuerdos (PSAs) fue firmada en la continuación del contrato original. En 2003, la compañía Island Oil fue adquirida por el Sr. Steve Reiley, un Americano que hacia negocios en Guatemala. En 2004 un PSA nuevo fue firmado con el dueño. En 2005, La Compania Island Oil solicitó y fue concedida una cierta área cultivada adicional debajo del PSA existente.

Todos estos hechos se habrían podido verificar fácilmente si hubiese habido un interés sincero en llegar a la verdad. En lugar, Las aserciones de la Sra. Matura son inexactas y su descarada acusación en cuento a este contrato tendrá repercusiones legales serias para su persona y la organización que Ella representa. Pareceria que la agenda de La Sra. Matura hara que el gobierno de Belice cese y renuncie de operaciones con todos los negocios y de individuos con lazos o relaciones en Guatemala. En abril del 2010, un Acuerdo Parcial de Alcance ( Partial Scope Agreement ) por sus siglas en Ingles, fue ratificado entre Belice y Guatemala.

El Líder de la Oposición impulsa a la Sra. Matura a tratar su papel como vice presidente de Oceana de una manera responsable y a desistir de hacer declaraciones irresponsables. Los problemas que enfrentamos hoy, incluyendo el tema de la perforación mar adentro o de hecho perforar en Belice se deben tratar correctamente, con integridad y objetividad. Es deplorable que en la ocasión del Día de los Océanos del Mundo, la vice presidente de Oceana en Belice no habría podido referirse al tema de nuestros océanos, sino que por el contrario paso su tiempo absorbida en su propia agenda trivial.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Haga lo de Barrow … No lo creo… de hecho, si no lo hubiese escuchado con mis propios oídos tamaño Dumbo no lo creería.

Claro que no! Hace un par de semanas mini-Mugabe estaba en una cierta conferencia y el tema de su hijo (el rapper conocido anteriormente como

Shyne) salió a relucir. El tipo calvo que no hizo caso de la existencia de Shyne por los 99.99999% de su vida se levanta como un papá orgulloso y dice que Shyne está haciendo una canción sobre Belice. Pensé a mi mismo – eso tomara un tiempo bastante largo porque primero el tipo tendrá que conocer un poco sobre Belice. Pero de todos modos, aquí me encontraba yo esta semana inocentemente escuchando mi radio cuando esta consonancia musical atrajo mi atención. ¿comprende usted?

Hay una nueva canción que golpea las calles y supongo que es la canción que nuestro Embajador a la música Belicena acaba de lanzar. Lleva por nombre “ haga lo de Dean Barrow” tiene algo al respecto de saltar sobre el piso en pantalones jeans rojos, moviendo de un tirón hacia arriba y hacia abajo y frotando su cabeza al mismo tiempo. ¡ pero que rayos es eso! Es una broma de mal gusto o que!. Esto es demasiado divertido para las palabras. ¿Buen trabajo Shyne, pero la canción no tenia que haber sido sobre Belice? ¡…

JAJAJA… Si No Es Asi...

El cerdo y el hallari ( escandalosa) … Bien, sí, sabemos que este caballero “smelly” puede comportarse como un cretino verdadero la mayor parte del tiempo, especialmente durante elecciones del consejo de la aldea cuando amenazaba , intimidada

y acosaba a votantes recientemente.

Pero la cosa es que el cerdo no es nada comparado a su esposa escandalosa peleándose y insultando a diestra y siniestra a las personas por todas partes. En el curso normal de las cosas, dejaríamos a su esposa fuera de esta columna porque su comportamiento es negocio del Sr. Smelly pero ella se ha estado comportando como una idiota verdadera que tuvimos que prestarle atencion. Viendo el comportamiento deplorable de su mujer me deja una sensación apesadumbrada hacia Smelly, realmente, y ahora puedo entender porqué lo han forzado a buscar consuelo y confortarse en otra parte

THE BELIZE TIMES

y se le ha encontrado en posiciones comprometedoras por todas partes (recuerde la identificación ministerial que dejo en cierto establecimiento en la carretera norteña). “ te atrape smelly! ¡No más divulgar sobre tus travesuras y repartos de la puerta trasera en esta sección del periódico después de conseguir una dosis fuerte y malsana de su esposa en acción recientemente, comprendo totalmente… Si No Es Asi...

Castro cabeza dura! … ¡Le digo la verdad, este cabeza dura de Castro no aprende! Hace meses que Castro todo sudoroso y su equipo han estado recorrienda las carreteras en entrenamiento, y no hay absolutamente nada de malo con ello. Pero detrás va su chofer incondicional con todos los gastos pagados por nosotros. Oye chico!, la gente está pidiendo que usted pare ese absurdo. ¿Por qué debemos pagar porque usted desea levantarse temprano y pasearse? Eso no esta bien!

Smelly, quien se encuentra que se lo lleva el diablo de enfurecido porque el Sr. Barrow le dio con el pie ha decidido montar a través de Belice en el SSB y usted lo adivino, nosotros estamos pagando para que su conductor pueda seguirlo en el “ride” del gobierno y cerciorarse de que nadie se acerque as u jefecito, ugh! No es que alguien quiera acercarse a el! ¿De todas formas, usted se sabe el dicho que a Dios no le agradan los feos ? Pues es cierto, ah y tenemos entendido que durante uno de de sus famosos paseos se le averio su bici al Sr., cuidado Sr. Castro, puede ser un mensaje divino! Le sugerimos que tome nota!… Si No Es Asi...

Todavía nada…

Dos semanas en la estación del huracán y los idiotas en gabinete todavía tienen sus dedos en sus oídos y los labios sellados firmemente con el tema Kendall. Dos años, Sr. P.M. Dos años desde que el puente fue arrastrado y destruido por las aguas y usted no tiene nada que decir. Por meses ahora he estado conduciendo más allá del sitio del millón de dólares más la cerca del complejo y intento convencerse

que deba faltar algo… debe haber algo especial sobre esta cerca, un botón que logre el lanzamiento de los fuegos artificiales fuera de los postes de la cerca, algún gizmo que haga que la cerca brille intensamente en la obscuridad.

¡Algo! Pero nope!, nada extraordinario!

Es solamente una cerca que costo supuestamente un miilon de dólares que ni siquiera ha sido terminada luego de casi un ano en construcción. Pero el Primer Ministro asegura que El y su gobierno tienen habilidades, tienen todo bajo control. Pues bien, aquí les va un pensamiento… si conseguimos apenas un poco de lluvias, las pobres personas de esa parte del Sur no podrá hacer la travesía para atestiguar las habilidades del Sr. Calvo! Muevase ya Sr mini-Mugabe! … Si No Es Asi...

La convención del UDP… Me informaron la semana pasada que vendrá un gran circo a la ciudad para una demostración solamente en el Estadio del Pueblo en Orange Walk.

Nope, no es el Circo Hermanos y los niños no tienen que empezar a juntar sus centavos para asistir. No habrá palomitas de maíz o elefantes o tigres o muchachas bonitas en spandex.

Las únicas atracciones en este circo serán payasos… una porción entera de payasos. Yup, palabra es que la

fecha de la convención del UDP es determinada y va a estar muy, muy interesante. A Mini-me lo animaron que retrocediera su búsqueda para el Grail Santo y le informaron que es muy inocente para estos asuntos, así

que él tendrá que colocarse para el puesto del Presidente del UDP cuál está siendo dado de alta. El hombre con mucho conocimiento en comercio del contrabando no está dejando nada a la ocasión y ha iniciado su campaña en el norte bastante temprano. Por cualquier cosa, él insistió que el evento se lleve a cabo en su ciudad natal. Pero escuche esto, los últimos informes del Oeste del país indican que el payaso gordo con el déficit mental y falto de agilidad fisica desea hacer su danza a lo grande y le tiene dicho a “Baldy” que él pagara sus deudas y desea ser diputado.

Las ultimas novedades son que las negociaciones van en curso para la salida sombría del compañero del Oeste. De todas maneras el circo debe ser interesante pero definitivamente no para los niños!… Si No Es Asi... ¿Demasiado tarde para disculparse?

Maldigo mi lado suave y sensible.

Juro que soy demasiado dulce para la

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política. La semana pasada hicimos un trabajo bastante penoso para el pobre, confuso de Fonso y me siento un poco mal sobre ello. Realmente, no me sentía en todo mal hasta que un amigo me llamó apenas hace un rato y me dijo que Fonso estaba a punto de las lagrimas cuando leyó nuestro periódico edición de la semana pasada. Si hay algo que odio es ver a un hombre llorar. Pero como le he dicho siempre, si a usted le gusta provocar y asestar golpecitos de nena preparese para lo que le

venga! Hace meses que este caballero bastante frajil ha estado abriendo su boquita lanzando provocaciones sin fundamento y en el momento que decidimos darle un “ tu estate quieto”, le da por llorar y desmayarse. Sabe qué, viéndolo bien no me siento mal por el, mientras que estoy escribiendo estoy recordando algunas de las cosas muy personales y bastante insensatas que él ha escrito. Incluso ahora me están diciendo que él está en el “show” de la mañana con una lengua bastante floja y viperina! Adelante muchacho!Pero te dejo saber, si apenas un pequeño regano te hizo llorar y jalarte de los cabellos, quizá deberías pensarlo y retroceder un poquito porque lo que te viene no te gustara!!....... Si No Es Asi...

El gran perdedor…

Escucho que cosas grandes están sucediendo en el Norte y nada de ello es bueno para el hombre con nada que ofrecer. De informantes dentro del UDP entendemos que Nemencio Acosta va para fuera y sera substituido por el Sr. Akierman que es el compinche del DPM (Deputado Primer Ministro).

También parece que nuestro amigo el electricista ha decidido que él no puede ganar otra vez en la bahía y ahora quiere intentarlo en el sureste de Corozal. Su silla en la bahía será disputada al parecer

por el” Casino” Campos quien dice que aunque él no ha hecho nada para el Pueblo como alcalde él esta seguro que él puede ganar. Por supuesto que él hizo esa declaracion mientras que estaba en el casino bajo la influencia del alcohol.

De todas formas, cosas grandes están sucediendo en el norte en el campo de los payasos del UDP… Si No Es Asi...

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Las grandes realizaciones del Sr. Faber!

En algun momento de la semana pasada, el Sr. Primer Ministro hizo un comentario peculiar en base a su pequeño “ yo” o sea su gemelito, el Sr. Faber.

Digo peculiar porque me pareció una broma de mal gusto y fuera de concepto. Tratando de explicar el porque se le obsequio al Sr. Faber el portafolio de la juventud, el Sr. Primer Ministro declaro con un dejo de nostalgia que nadie puede argumentar el hecho que el Sr. Faber ha desempeñado un excelente labor en el Ministerio de Educación. Pero, un momento por favor! Repita eso Sr. Primer Ministro? Necesitamos algo mas congruente que esa explicación. Si nos encontramos en un momento en donde la palabra se convierte en hecho solamente porque salió de la boca del Sr. Barrow; eso quedo en el olvido. ¿Como que nadie podría argumentar que el Sr. Faber ha hecho un excelente trabajo como Ministro de Educación? Hay muchos, pero muchos que dirían todo lo contrario….

Me causa flojera asistir a las conferencias del Sr. Barrow, escuchar a ese Sr decir una sarta de insensatezes y me molesta de sobremanera ver como todo mundo se traga su cuento de nunca acabar, aunque todo mundo son lo suficiente inteligentes para saber que todo es basura! Pero un colega mío dijo que un anfitrión en una de las demostraciones de la mañana hizo una pregunta, pero lo introdujo conviniendo con el Sr.Barrow sobre la grandeza del Sr. Faber, su brillantez y excelencia y funcionamiento ejemplar en la educación. Quisiera tomar esta oportunidad de desafiar a esa personalidad de los medios para presentar una lista corta de estas grandes realizaciones en la educación debajo del Sr. Faber. No tiene que ser una lista larga… de hecho que absolutamente no puede ser una lista larga. Pero por favor, díganos cinco cosas que el Sr. Faber ha hecho para el futuro de la educación en esta nación.

La alusión del Sr. Barrow y la personalidad equivocada de los medios a la supuesta excelencia de Faber me dio la ocasión para pensar en serio este último fin de semana. Allí estaba pasando tiempo de calidad con la familia mientras que mi mente intentaba encontrar algunas de estas grandes cosas hechas por el Sr. Faber. El fin de semana ya paso, pero mi mente sigue buscando razones para decir que el Sr. Faber trabajo y bastante bien, todavía estoy dibujando un espacio en blanco, un gran cero!. Todo lo que encuentro en mi mente y raciocinio son razones para apoyar una creencia que Sr. Faber no es nada mas que un cerdo arrogante y probablemente ha desempeniado el papel del peor Ministro de Educación que esta nación ha tenido. Pero hey, no tome mi palabra solamente … analicemos cuidadosamente.

Tomemos apenas una mirada rápida en el lado negativo. Sr. Faber es el Ministro de la Educación y debe tener los intereses de todos los niños en esta nación en el corazón. Debe enfocarse en asegurarse de que todos los elementos en la educación de un niño están en lugar, o por lo menos no obstaculizado.

El Sr. Faber en algun moment frente a la cámara de representantes se jactó que desde que el UDP entro en poder el ha despedido a madres solteras y ancianos, todos porque apoyaron al PUP. Asi es, él se jactó de eso, y es una cuestión de expediente público. Esas mismas madres solteras y ancianos que quiza tenian a una familia que mantener y ninos que educar. Esos mismos ninos que hoy por hoy quiza no puedan asistir a la escuela o al colejio porque sus padres fueron despedidos, ninos que quiza caminan las

calles de Belice pidiendo limosna para sobrevivir. Gracias Sr. Faber! Que gran realizacion, eh Sr. Barrow?

El mismo Sr. Faber, Ministro de Educación, se dio el lujo de despedir a una guarda de la escuela con un expediente ejemplar simplemente porque ella

dijo que apoyaba alPUP. Humillandola delante de sus compinches tomados en Brads, cuando ella fue a pedir una explicación y a pedir su trabajo. Su marido perdió su vida porque él protestó contra este mal penoso del Sr. Faber y sí, ella tenía cuatro niños que se encontraban listos para ingresar a la secundaria cuando al Ministro de Educación la despidio.

El otro día una estudiante joven de secundaria, la hija de otro guarda de la escuela que fue despedido por el Sr. Faber, intento suicidarse porque han perdido su hogar y su familia esta pasando una crisis economica extrema. Y hay muchas historias como estas. Qué trabajo excelente, eh Sr. ¿Barrow? Qué gran desempenio del Sr.! Faber!

No hace mucho tiempo cerca de 1500 profesores estaban parados debajo el sol caliente delante del edificio de la asamblea nacional y pidieron al Ministro de Educación que los escuchara. Deseaban saber porqué el Ministro ignoraba

las nesecidades elementales en base a la educacion de nuestros ninos, cuando que son ellos que pasan horas con nuestros niños cada día. Regañaron al Ministro por arrogante e incompetente.

Me parece que el Sr. Barrow pensó que éste era una de las grandes realizaciones del Ministro. ¿Pregunto de nuevo… donde está toda esta excelencia y funcionamiento ejemplar del Ministro de educacion? Desafío a cualquier persona, no sólo a la personalidad equivocada de los medios o al Primer Ministro deliberadamente obtuso, a proporcionar una lista corta de las Realizaciones de Faber en la Educación. Cualquier análisis debe traer al observador al mismo punto que yo tuve la opportunidad de alcanzar eventualmente- si el Sr. Barrow esta tan orgulloso de su mini-yo por lo que él ha hecho por la educación, entonces esa es la razón porque estamos donde estamos hoy. ¡Es asunto serio!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

THE BELIZE TIMES

In Memory of Hon. Basilo Mena Senior Justice of the Peace.

Born 26th April 1951 died 29th May 2010/ Chair man P.U.P. Executive Committee/Paraiso Village, Corozal District.

We are gathered here this afternoon to bid farewell to our brother the Honourable Basilo Mena.

The Honourable Basilo Mena was born on the 26th of April 1951 in the Village of Xaibe. His mother was Seferina Mena and his father was Damasio Alcoser.

Basilio had 3 brothers, Marcelo Alcoser, Rodolfo Mena, and Alberto Mena who is deceased, and 1 sister Clarita Nicholson.

Basilio and Florentina were united in Holy Matrimony and has 3 sons and 2 daughters. Leevan, Anibal, Basilio Jr., Zuemy and Sylvetti.

Hon. Basilio Mena was a teacher for 2 years and worked at the treasury Dept. for 3 years. He was also a Policeman for quite a number of years.

In the 70’s Basilio lived for a time in Chan Chen Village.

There he ser ved as a Village Council Member, then later he became the Chair man of the Village Council. It was under his chair manship that the project to build the present Chan Chen Community Centre started.

The Hon. Basilo Mena also ser ved as Chair man of this Community (Paraiso Village) during his tenure as Chair man the park was constr ucted, one of the best and most beautiful in the Corozal District. The first phase of the Paraiso Government school was also constr ucted.

For his ser vice to the community Basilio was named Justice of the Peace on the 24th April 1993 and on the 15th of Febr uary 2001, he was named a Senior Justice of the Peace.

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the PUP Executive Committee of Paraiso Village.

Don. Basilio also leaved behind 3 daughter in laws- Angela, Esperanza and Teresita, and two son in laws Alfredo and Denbeigh. Also 17 grand children and a host of nieces and nephews.

I sincerely believe that we have lost a good husband, father, grand-father and a good Community Leader.

I admired Don. Baslio for his great commitment towards Up to the time of his death Obtaining our Belizean IndeBasilio was the Chair man of pendence.

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Don. Baslio has now left us, but we must not be discouraged. We should have faith in Jesus’s words to his disciples "Whomsoever believes in me and my father shall have everlasting life”

Send your letters to the editor to:

mike_rudon@hotmail.com

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Sunday, June 13, 2010

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP Leader Serious About Crime

(Continued from page 1) asser tion – the People’s United Party is prepared to work with the government of Belize on ANY issue which will be for the good of the people, and any serious initiative to combat crime most certainly fits into that category. Mr. Barrow was also right when he said that the public would welcome real collaboration between the government and the opposition in the fight against crime.

But the headline story of the UDP’s Guardian newspaper begs the question – is the Prime Minister of Belize serious when he speaks a b o u t a c o l l a b o r a t i o n t o t a ck l e

To d a y t h e B e l i z e T i m e s spoke to the PUP Leader who confirmed that he has yet to consult with his National Executive and PUP supporters on the merits and demerits of the Prime Minister’s crime-fighting plan, which was just handed to him yesterday. According to Briceno, after cursory analysis he has already identified areas of the plan which need to be strengthened or modified, and after consultation will b e p r e p a r ed to p r esen t th e Opposition’s input on this crime fighting initiative.

As we go to press, a notorious gangland figure has been shot dead today in broad daylight and there have already been two related shootings.

T he Police are expecting cer tain areas of Belize to tur n into war zones later today. It would indeed be disappointing and detrimental to the nation if the Prime Minister is up to his usual tricks and is not serious about working together with the Opposition in fighting crime.

I n a n i n t e r v i e w t o d a y, t h e Opposition Leader reiterated – “silly political games cer tainly can play no role in any initiative to alleviate the crime situation which is affecting all Belizeans today. I have committed and will commit my suppor t and the suppor t of the People’s United Party to any meaningful war on crime. That position will not change!”

Trapp had just left the #2 Magistrate’s Cour t and he was walking to his Suburban in the parking lot when his assailants shot him in his chest.

He had himself appeared on a drug trafficking charge, and the case had just been adjourned when his killers, two according to Police,

waylaid him in a car. Eye witnesses say they later saw two men running away from the scene, a claim which has not yet been verified by Police.

One man was caught by Police immediately after but to up to news time they have released no name or additional information.

And while the motive can only be suspected at this point to be gang rivalry, the newly appointed Minister

of Police, Doug Singh says Police are on high alert and he appealed to citizens to do their part by reporting suspicious behaviour in problem areas. Police are also not able to determine whether Trapp's killing is related to another shooting on Mayflower Street which has left Nelson Henry critically wounded with three bullet wounds in his back.

resuscitate him. He was sedated and placed on medication but his struggle to stay alive was not won.

Over the last three months Mr. Pete, as he is affectionately known, held several performances, including in Costa Rica for the swearing in of that countr y's newly elected President. His last performance was in Punta Gorda Town at the Cacao Festival on May 23rd.

Popular for his hit brukdong songs such as "Ramsey Mule B i r t h d ay " , " E l e ve n B o c o t o r a " ,

“Shal eye Baby” and “Solomon Gyah”, Peters for years almost singlehandedly kept the Kriol culture alive through the colourful br ukdong music, dating back to the 50s. Peters was born on a farm and because his house had no radio, his inclination grew naturally into love for the music when he started to play his father's small accordion.

Peters helped to put Belize on the international stage musically, moving from an era of records to cds and along the way, passed on the music to his son, Wilfred Junior, who played with him as the drummer in

Peters' celebrated Boom and Chime Band.

A few years ago he along with two other popular musicians, Paul Nabor and Florencio Mess were honoured when producer K atia Paredes featured them in a video documentar y called "T he T hree Kings" which debuted at the Princess Theatre. It was released just two months ago on DVD. The Belize Times expresses condolences to the family and friends left behind by this musical icon and appreciation for the gifts he gave the nation. His legacy will live on.

of Mexico. Given the number of unsuccessful plans and failed attempts to stop crude oil from gushing out into the Gulf of Mexico, it is clear they are making things up as they go along. It is clear that the US Government had no significant plans in place for how it

license to explore and more so to drill for oil include very specific plans to minimize risk and ensure that a disaster plan is in place.

The devastation being caused from this spill and the behaviour of BP as well as the slow response from the US government is a lesson for Belize. For example, experts in the

would react or what it would demand from its corporate citizen in such an event.

T his is what should be at the centre of the argument that is currently raging in Belize over offshore exploration and or drilling, instead of false accusations and innuendo, the people dominating the conversation should be demanding that government ensure that any consideration for a

United States are saying that as a result of this spill in the Gulf it will take years of work to repair the damage to shorelines, marshes and wildlife. In the water, marine biologists are saying that if oil should reach the reef, it could result in a sudden lack of oxygen, as bacteria that feed on hydrocarbons rapidly multiply. This would kill off the algae and micro-organisms corals need for food.

All of these considerations should have gone into the regulations that govern offshore drilling and specific measures should be in place to ensure that all measures are in place to avoid such an accident as well as measures to immediately address the situation in an effective and timely manner.

On 27 May, US President Obama ordered a stop to virtually all current offshore oil drilling activity. He called for a comprehensive safety review. He acknowledged that oversight had been seriously lacking. The US President also said that offshore drilling would have to remain a part of the United States’ sources of energy for at least the near future.

In his article in the Belize Times dated 23 May 2010 the Party Leader stated, “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.”

Oil can spill from offshore drilling or from a tanker moving onshore oil through Belizean waters. What the Leader of the Opposition is saying is that perhaps we have an opportunity to step back and make sure we have some plan in place to deal with the event of an oil spill.

crime, or is it all just rhetoric which he thinks Belizeans would like to hear. The PM was apparently back to playing his usual political word games in his newspaper only hours after telling the nation that he was committed to working with PUP Leader Briceno. The lead story in the UDP rag suggests that the PUP leader is so awed at the brilliance of Mr. Barrow that he is hanging on to Barrow’s recently presented Operation Restore. T he stor y provides no details or information on how such collaboration will deter rising crime, and in the end comes across as petty political mischief.

Brutal Murder in Broad Daylight

(Continued from page 1)

this morning in front of Brodies Hardware on Regent Street Andre Trapp, 24, the man whose SUV was damaged in the last grenade explosion in January in front of his residence on Caesar Ridg e Road, and who street talk has it is the leader of the South Side Gang (SSG), was shot dead.

Musical Icon Passes

B r u k d o n g f a n s, t h e m u s i c industry and the entire country are in mourning today after the passing of Brukdong King Wilfred Peters.

Peters, 79, was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital on Sunday suffering from a severe heart attack.

Peters was taken to the hospital after he started having difficulty breathing, but as he reached the hospi t a l , h e c o l l a p s e d a n d wa s clinically dead for close to five minutes before doctors were able to

We Need a Plan...

For 54 days oil has been spilling into the Gulf of Mexico, all headed for the Southern Coastline of the United States. Already oil has reached the shore and beaches along the Louisiana coast.

The full impact of the British Petroleum oil spill on the Southern Coast of the US, especially along the Florida Keys remains to be seen.

Hopefully the oil will not reach the Florida coast, for if it does the fragile living coral reef in that part of the gulf will be destroyed. This is one of the largest coral reefs in this hemisphere and so its destruction would have catastrophic consequences, especially for the Atlantic Ocean, the ninth largest body of water in the world.

With the movement of the currents in the Gulf of Mexico, there is no likelihood that any of the oil in the gulf, or any of the toxic dispersants dumped into the Gulf to deal with the problem would reach Belizean waters or the Belize Barrier Reef. This is a relief for all Belizeans, especially for the many who depend on the reef for their sustainability, from those in the tourism business to the people in fishing.

In the case of the Florida Keys, residents are already worried that if the oil should reach their area, it “could be the end of Key West.”

In looking at this disaster, one of the greatest oil spills in history, it will take little to convince people that BP did not have a disaster plan in place for this kind of accident in the Gulf

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 13, 2010