Belize Times December 26, 2010 by Belize Times Press

Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Belize Times

A ‘Barrow’ Christmas SUNDAY DECEMBER 26, 2010

Issue No. 4725

$1.00 www.belizetimes.bz www.pup.org.bz

Snake no deh eat like Turkey

The old saying in Belize that “Christmas and funerals bring their own money” has been made into a lie by this UDP administration. In fact, the only truth in it under this government is that we have seen a lot of death and handpicked UDPs having Christmas all year with the gift of watching Boots, Barrow and Vega pea-cocking with millions of our dollars.

But when our reporters took to Albert Street, Fourth Avenue and Queen Victoria Avenue interviewing the window shoppers on Thursday, they were saddened by the sense of uncertainty and frustration in the voices of the pedestrians. These streets were not as busy as they normally are around this time, and the actual shopping was far from what

Last month we highlighted the crisis the sugar cane industry was facing and the fact that the Prime Minister was completely oblivious to the fact that BSI was in a financial predicament. This happened despite the fact that the People’s United Party and the Leader of the Opposition had for months been predicting the breaking point and imploring the Prime Minister to pay attention, in

this newspaper and in the House of Representatives. On the heels of what seems to be a very temporary respite for the sugar industry, another crisis has reared its ugly head and once again government intervention to date has been nonexistent. The Citrus Industry, like the Sugar Industry, is a private sector enterprise but because of (Continued on pg. 3)

ANOTHER DAY… ANOTHER INDUSTRY IN CRISIS!

the vendors and surely the children are expecting. One woman whose interview we cannot reproduce in its entirety because of the message she wanted to send to “dis set yah”( the UDP Government) is to “…tell them fi hurry up and left. Dey too liad and mean. People wah neva spend dey money wid dis set cause dey no gat none, Mista. We di have mawga season

fi three years now”. Belizeans have a long tradition of reflecting their holiday cheer with elaborate strings of Christmas lights. This is as important to us as the fresh smell of varnish and black cake spilling out into our verandahs. But when we drove around the city, the gloomy and dark reality was that only an average (Continued on pg. 3)

Season's Greetings

Party Leader John Briceño and Deputy Party Leader Carolyn Trench-Sandiford meet with Church Leaders to discuss national affairs.

The Belize Times

Sunday, December 26, 2010

The UDP – No Plan for Economic Growth

The Royal Family

Prime Minister Dean Oliver Barrow’s ire was raised to breaking point recently after billboards featuring his ‘royal family’ were placed in select locations across Belize City. He furiously ordered that the billboards, even those placed on private property, be torn down and burned like heretic material of old. He was offended and personally insulted by the harmless pictorial depiction of life for the Barrows at Christmas time. Apparently the prime minister does not yet understand that the embarrassment allegedly suffered by he and his family because of a simple banner pales and fades to insignificance when compared to the indignity faced by Belizeans who have no idea how they will feed their families today and tomorrow, much less on Christmas Day. There are many examples of the glaring and growing disparity between the select few and the neglected majority, but perhaps the most brazen is offered by the circumstances of the Barrow family. The ‘select few’ of course refers to the prime minister ’s family (including his ex-wife), UDP ministers and their families and very highly placed UDP cronies. And even in this select few, the prime minister ’s family stands on a pedestal. The matriarch of the Barrow clan is the ex-wife of the prime minister. Of that there can be no doubt. Even as a younger, more attractive and feistier first lady has appeared on the scene to add glitter to the prime minister ’s very frequent photo opportunities and public appearances, the second but undoubtedly most important lady has wielded undue influence over her ex-husband’s affections. At last query, Lois Young has been gifted with at least three lucrative postings on select Boards; has received a prestigious but meaningless national honour from her ex-husband; has been named the Ambassador to the United Nations even though she has never done a day’s work at that job and has collected millions of taxpayer dollars from the prime minister because apparently she is the only attorney who is smart enough to represent the government. The fortunes of the prime minister ’s son have also undergone a dramatic transformation since daddy’s ascension to power. Once upon a time he was just a loan shark with little else to qualify him in terms of intellect or skills, but the royal prince is now a real estate magnate and young millionaire. And if that were not enough, the prime minister also hijacked one of the largest private companies in Belize, made his son a genius by royal decree and installed him at the helm. His other son (the one he abandoned), a convicted felon and foulmouthed gangster rapper was not left out in the disbursement of sweets aplenty. Eager to make amends, King Barrow declared this young man the music ambassador of Belize. Every other word in the lyrics of this felon’s music is a f@*@ or a ‘muthaf@#@er ’ and he promotes killing other black youths and shooting the Police and dealing dope and beating up on women, but none of that matters. He is a member of the royal family and the king has declared that he is to be an example to children all over the kingdom. And so it was done. The princess has also received the royal treatment a la Barrow. Pushed to the Bar with indecent haste, the prime minister ’s daughter was almost immediately gifted with a gigantic, enormous plum in the case of the Westerhaven settlement. The amount paid to the princess for her lukewarm work in this case is said to have been in the millions, which would make her the newest Barrow millionaire on record. But there are no limits on royalty, and the King also declared her a legal genius and decreed that she be placed at BTL as a legal consultant and advisor. The so-called first lady, who was vaulted to millionaire status by marriage, seems content to travel and hobnob with the elites in exotic foreign locales. While not accorded the privileges and perks of the queen and matriarch, she is gifted with a place in photo opportunities and that is apparently enough. Every member of the Barrow family has reaped and raped the nation’s sweets, even as the prime minister told us that we were in the midst of an economic recession. Many, many Belizeans have no job this Christmas; many Belizeans will not be able to put food on the table this Christmas; many Belizeans will struggle and toil to make it through to the New Year. But not the royal family - they have no cause for complaints, no reasons to lament. As we come to the close of the year 2010, the People’s United Party takes this opportunity to wish all Belizeans peace and love. There can be no doubt that this is the time that we need it most.

Since the UDP took office in 2008, there has been a contraction in all sectors of the economy, which has led to mass unemployment and no new money circulating in the system. The reality is that this UDP government has failed miserably in stimulating the economy. It can be argued that one of the greatest accomplishments during the ten years when the People’s United Party was in government was to diversify the economy. During 1998 to 2008 there was tremendous expansion in the tourism industry; there was the birth of the aquaculture industry; there was expansion in the agriculture industry, there was the advent of the call center industry; and finally, the establishment of the oil industry, just to name a few. The Importance of Diversification A strong, growing, sustainable economy is the goal of every nation in the world. A sustainable economy enhances a nation’s standard of living by creating wealth and jobs, encouraging the development of new knowledge and technology, and helping to ensure a stable political climate. Having a diverse economy—that is, one based on a wide range of profitable sectors, not just a few—has long been thought to play a key role in a sustainable economy. There is also a link between economic diversity and sustainability, and economic diversification can reduce a nation’s economic volatility and increase its real activity performance. Furthermore, there are metrics that policymakers can use to measure these key economic dimensions and ways that they can promote their nation’s long-term economic health and stability. However, if one was to look at the major economic indicators of our economy, the performance over the last two and a half years have been a dismal failure. There is No Confidence One of the most important facets of an economy is the confidence placed in it by the people who have the money and interest to invest in new and old business. Today, the business community has no confidence in the economic policies being implemented by this government. No matter what this government does, the people of Belize have definitely loss their confidence in this UDP government. What that means is that the economy will not improve any time soon. I guess like Deputy Prime Minister Gapi Vega said, we will have to continue to be beggars.

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Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Belize Times

A ‘Barrow’ Christmas (Continued from pg. 1)

of three houses per street had up lights. This will be a disappointment to BEL and their profit line no doubt. But most Belizeans are “grinching” this Christmas out, spending on bare essentials, even smaller hams or trading their turkey for game meat and a big chicken. Barrow would want the people of Belize to eat corn beef and ramen noodles this year. Most people cannot

even afford to enjoy or as they told us “feel” the Christmas. This is the honest truth. A middle age lady pulling a crying child who had been told he could not get a twenty dollar toy, said she would have to be like Rosalie Williams, the lady who caught the snake between Vernon and Banak streets: “like the lady said: if we can’t eat turkey and ham we will eat snake for Christmas.” The taxi driver that took us around

Belize City, cursed as the “bath-pan and pudding pan” sized potholes slammed at his car wheels. He offered to take us to Belama by the seaside, where he showed us what he called Barrow’s Castle. Shamelessly, it was decked out with lights and filled with laughter. He asked us, “you think he di worry bout we, his bread buttered on every side, people shouldda go outside a fi he house and wait for the crumbs, but you can’t do that cause dey wah chase yuh.” As the butane prices go up and the

mothers worry whether the ham will get a full bake before “gas done”, we know that some people will say things are not that bad out here. But check who those three or four people are, and beware of the unhappy multitude of Belizeans, who know what Christmas used to be and what it should be. We know that the UDP have never been good at Christmases - they are retrenchment and Grinch home invaders, but come on man; at least they can do better than this, just until Government changes.

obvious national importance. The Citrus Industry is now at an impasse, with the growers and the processors in a Mexican standoff. This quandary threatens the very survival of an industry that is the engine of economic activity in the southern region of the country. The Citrus Industry generates approximately $100m in foreign exchange and accounts for at least 10% of employment in the country. Commenting that this situation is one in which he cannot intervene is not only a blatant lie but is also a ridiculous and troubling assertion by

the leader of this nation. Do we need to remind the honorable Prime Minister that he was elected to lead? Do we need to remind him of the many promises he made before elections? Do we need to remind him of his many claims to greatness and abilities which have yet to manifest themselves? The government of Prime Minister Dean Barrow needs to get the growers and the processors in the citrus industry to the table and to ensure that it ends up in a positive sum game. It is imperative that an agreement be reached and the government has the obligation to ensure the viability of this and all industries that have such

a tremendous impact on the socioeconomic stability of the country and its people. Perhaps we need to direct the honorable Prime Minister to the study of economic development to educate him on the importance of government intervention in such vital national issues. Governance is about ensuring that there is industry, employment, enterprise and social cohesion in a country. In the absence of these we are faced with a national community that lacks all the necessary ingredients to grow and develop. Prime Minister – if you are not prepared or able to lead the nation, we suggest you get to packing!

programme for Belize City. While many hurricane victims still have no proper shelter, the Minister has been storing up stockpiles of building materials at his property at Mile 3 on the Western Road, most of which was obtained in bulk purchases from one special hardware store. The selected sub-contractors are provided with additional purchase orders by the Chief Procurement Officer, not the C.E.O. or the Head of Department, but in the person of the porky Senator. Over two million dollars have been spent in total violation of the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act. The transparency and accountability that Mr. Barrow trumpets are nowhere in sight. Discounts on the bulk purchases go straight into greedy pockets. Kick-backs have reached scandalous proportions.

The man who presides over this swamp of abuse and gross irregularities is busy building homes for himself, his friends and cronies. The house on Euphrates Avenue was too near to the “troublesome” constituents in Port Loyola so he builds a spanking new ferro-concrete home on the North-side. In addition he “rents” the Barrow family home on St. Thomas Street. Like Icarus of Greek mythology the boy is flying high with his exotic partner on wings of wax….high up to the sky, soon to melt in the sun, as he comes crashing down to earth. For as the former Prime Minister said in the House on Friday, this scandal will not go away, until this mismanaged, corrupt programme is suspended. The day of reckoning will come when a proper audit is carried out.

ANOTHER INDUSTRY IN CRISIS!

(Continued from pg. 1) their national economic significance government maintains representation on control boards which oversee these industries. Government thus has not only the obligation to intervene and regulate but also has the ability by law to do so. Both these industries have been left to navigate treacherous waters without a rudder and without a harbormaster to provide guidance. The Prime Minister has been unable and unwilling to introduce some direction into these industries to ensure their long term viability despite their

TOO BIG FOR HIS BOOTS

“Mr. Minister, with no pun intended, you have gotten too big for your boots.” Speaking on the Adjournment at last Friday’s sitting of the House of Representatives, the former Prime Minister and Fort George Area Representative Said Musa waded into the Minister of Works, Anthony “Boots” Martinez exposing the mismanagement and corruption taking place in the post hurricane housing programme. Prime Minister Barrow was quite content just to do a flyover following hurricane Richard on October 24. Then he went on television, promising all the hurricane victims that their homes would be rebuilt. Two months later, this Christmas will find hundreds of families still

waiting for the promised relief. The man in charge of the promised reconstruction is the Minister of Works, who in addition to his multi-million dollar budget for roads and bridges, has control of the South Side Poverty Alleviation Project (initiated under the PUP Government), “Housing for the Poor” and the hurricane housing

The Belize Times

Sharing the Gift of God’s Love

In Matthew's Gospel we are told that on the first Christmas more than 2000 years ago, a bright star lit up the eastern sky. This bright star heralded the birth of Jesus and the beginning of the life of a man who Christians believe is the Son of God and the saviour of the world. Of course while he lived on earth Jesus’ mission was that of a teacher and a healer. His pastoral ministry actually lasted only three years. Still his example as a servant and his role as our redeemer give us hope--hope that has and will last through the ages. Like many in Belize, Jesus was born poor, yet his simple lifestyle was one of dignity and humility. His message of peace and love brought joy to Christian believers as well as nonbelievers. Today, this timeless message of God's enduring and unconditional love for all of us provides us with strength and inspiration. Over the past year, especially the past few months, many Belizeans have had reason to despair. Some are still trying to rebuild their lives after the destruction caused by Hurricane Richard. More than 100 families will spend this Christmas missing a child, father, mother or friend, lost to the senseless violence that has gripped our once peaceful communities. And there are those who this Christmas will not be the same because they lost their jobs due to these hard economic times. During this blessed season let us help those who have suffered by sharing the gift of God's love, by giving of ourselves and by sharing generously with those in need. Let us reach out to those who are different from us, yet one in the human family, by living the profound and universal lesson Jesus taught us: that we are to love our neighbours as ourselves. Let us, like Jesus, become true peacemakers, bringing the gift of peace to our homes, our schools, our communities, and our nation. And let us continue to reach out when and where we can to give new hope to the most impoverished. At Christmas time so many of the carols we sing include m e s s a g e s o f l o v e , p e a c e , j o y,

hope, while others speak of our festive cultural expressions of our Belizean Christmas. And so as we celebrate another Holiday Season, let us work to build a future where all people will show meaningful care and love for one another. Let us live together in peace and

harmony so that our children can truly feel the joy of the season and beyond; and where our hope for peace, freedom, and prosperity for all Belizeans can become a reality. La época Navideña es cuando celebramos el nacimiento de Jesucristo y es cuando debemos de compartir con nuestros hermanos menos afortunados. En estos tiempos, cuando el desempleo se acelera y el crimen aumenta hay muchos de nuestros hermanos que no tendrán con que c e l e b r a r y p o r q u e c e l e b r a r. El ser bondadoso, compasivo y humanitario, en estos días festivos, nos hará sentirnos bien al igual que estaríamos siguiendo el ejemplo de nuestro señor. Es también muy importante que nos ocupemos en forjar un futuro donde reine la paz, la

Sunday, December 26, 2010 caridad y el amor al prójimo. Vamos a convivir durante estas festividades en un ambiente de cordialidad para que lo niños puedan aprender lo que es el p ro p ó s i t o v e r d a d e ro d e e s t a celebración. Vamos a celebrar el nacimiento de Jesucristo con gran esperanza y mucha fe en que la paz, la libertad y la prosperidad se hagan realidad para nuestros beliceños. On behalf of my wife Rosanna, my three sons Daniel, Johnny and Andre and on behalf o f o u r P e o p l e ’s U n i t e d P a r t y F a m i l y, h a v e a w o n d e r f u l Christmas and may the joys and blessings of the season bring us peace.

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Sunday, December 26, 2010

A darn good plan… When I first heard the news that the pool table repairman turned minister of works had gone all the way to Vienna, Austria to sign for some money for infrastructure I’ll admit that my first reaction was extreme embarrassment. Like many Belizeans who have heard the ‘kickback’ minister ramble on in semicoherent, semi-literate fashion,

I cringed to imagine what these distinguished foreign gentlemen in Austria were thinking after five minutes in the company of Boots. Good God, they must have thought, if this man as a minister represents the cream of the crop in Belize, the rest of the ‘natives’ must be a bunch of raving idiots running around naked and living in tree-houses. Imagine that. But after that period of intense shame and embarrassment and mortification I realized that prime minister baldy is a damned genius. If he had sent smart, educated, presentable people to represent the government maybe the people at OPEC wouldn’t have been so generous. By sending Boots and Cadet baldy was sending a message that we need help bad…look at these two – can’t you tell we need all the help we can get. Sheer genius, I said. Man the people at OPEC must have taken one look at Boots and Cadet before their heartstrings were plucked and they started writing checks aplenty. Everyone knows that ‘special’ people always get more attention, and God knows Boots and Cadet are more ‘special’ than most…If Da Noh Soh! Leave Boots alone… I wish at this juncture to express my extreme displeasure with the dastardly duo of Jules and Said. How dare they cast aspersions on the character of Boots? How dare they insinuate that there is something untoward in the handling of the millions placed in the care of this saintly man? The proverbial vestal

virgin could never lie in the same bed as Boots, so pure is he! How could Jules question the disbursement of the $2 million in post-hurricane

The Belize Times

rehabilitation money? So what if nobody in the neediest of areas has received any assistance…that’s not important. Boots said he’s taken care of the money and I’m happy to accept that. And can you believe that Said…accusing Boots of corruption? Who cares if Boots has built six or seven large homes for himself in the city since he was made minister? Who cares if he rents a huge house on the north side of the city? Who cares if his new baby drives a late model fancy ride? If Boots claims that he is still fixing pool-tables on the side and that is how he is able to support his fancy, lavish, luxurious lifestyle, then I’m willing to accept that. So what if the poor in Port Loyola have never benefitted one cent from the prime property Boots seized on the Western Highway and called Port Loyola Housing for the Poor? And if it is true that Boots pockets thousands and thousands of dollars each month from kickbacks and bulk-purchase discounts, so what? Y’all leave Boots alone… If Da Noh Soh! Public Service… Man, when Jules dared to question the ministry of works moron about the $2 million which was supposed to be spent on those Belize City residents who were affected by Hurricane Richard, his eyes opened big like marbles. He looked even stupider than he normally does, and as difficult as that is to fathom, it’s true. The same thing happened when Said lashed him in the House, revealing

that the $2million had been placed in the care of the sweaty, frowsy, sour Senator masquerading as Chief Procurement Officer. Sour, hairy one, you should know that whatever is in the dark will come to light, and sure as hell the real documents showing who got how much money out of the Ministry of Works will emerge early in the New Year, but that’s another story. The thing is that Juliet claims that she wasn’t

paid, but was doing it as a public service. Well she wasn’t lying, was she? She is a member of the public,

after all, and serving herself thus qualifies as public service. And who better to entrust with $2million which is allocated for the poor than the self-proclaimed champion of the poor? Everybody knows that big sweaty is dedicated to the poor – every single time her driver takes her past poverty-stricken areas in either her air-conditioned tinted luxury Mercedes SUV or her airconditioned tinted luxury Infiniti SUV she instructs him to blow the horn… If Da Noh Soh! A ‘Barrow’ Christmas… I’m reasonably sure that prime minister baldy who frequently forgets that he is also the area representative of a constituency called Queen Square, has no idea what is happening in that division. Who can blame him, since the rich fellow is not used to all that poverty and depression? For his own peace of mind his doctors have

advised him to limit his exposure to negative things and that pretty much means that he spends 99% of his time travelling between his luxurious office in Belmopan, his luxurious seafront mansion and globe-trotting. But just so he knows, the people of Queen Square are pissed off right about now. Credible sources tell us that instead of throwing a party for the kids or taking goodies to the needy, the prime minister’s sister sat at home with a few assorted hams and turkeys and called some pre-selected persons to come pick up their hams and turkeys. When they ran out Sista B locked up shop and turned back everyone else...ouch for the residents of Queen Square…If Da Noh Soh! Philloughby’s Folly… The billboards featuring the royal family of King Baldy and crew

were big hits in the city and served as a little bit of comic entertainment during these very hard, bad times. But one man who didn’t find them at all funny was the super-idiot from City Hall, Philloughby. Word is that Philloughby threw a fit when he saw them and took it upon himself

to head out with a crew and remove them. We haven’t been able to figure out if Philloughby was offended by the billboards or upset because he wasn’t included in the royal family…If Da Noh Soh! Christmas dinner… There’s absolutely nobody singing songs of joy and happiness in Corozal right about now. There are no warm feelings, no good spirits, no peace and fellowship. Just ask the dodo-bird electrician turned minister Naco, who held his Christmas parade complete with high-tech float. The idiot thought he could buy the people with glitters and twinkling lights and stuffed toys which he threw to the children on the road-side. After Naco was hit in the head by about six stuffed toys thrown back at him, he decided to cut the parade short. Can’t you understand, stupid? The people are trying to tell you that they can’t eat stuffed toys for Christmas dinner… If Da Noh Soh! Christmas message… And since I’ve been told that I should send the prime minister a Christmas message since he is the leader of the nation and it is a time for greetings and salutations, I’ve got this to offer. I’ve got a big bunch of mistletoe in my back pocket, Dean Oliver. Follow the tradition, why don’t you… If Da Noh Soh!

1013

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

PARTY PAGE

The Belize Times

Over 2,000 parents & children celebrate Christmas in OW Central

Sunday, December 26, 2010

THE BLUE MACHINE

Party Leader John Brice単o held Christmas parties in San Lorenzo Park, Philip Alvarez Park, and San Estevan Village.

Over 1,000 children enjoyed an early Christmas celebration with aspiring PUP Corozal Bay Candidate, Gregorio "Papas" Garcia Jr.

The Christmas Spirit held strong for the residents of Pickstock.

Marshalls Celebrate Christmas at Independence Hall

We Da Blue

Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Belize Times

UDP Politics as usual

Nation in receivership… It is just like the leader of the Opposition said in the House of Representatives last week…if Belize was a business and the prime minister was the CEO, it would be in receivership right now. Our prime minister may be a master of the spoken word and a drama queen to be reckoned with but he has also proven to be an economic dunce. Nobody expects the prime minister to be wonderful at everything…nobody’s perfect. But the real danger lies in the fact that Dean Oliver believes with every ounce of his being that he can do it all and be it all. The fact is that Belize is in the grips of a serious recession and depression. It doesn’t matter one whit what the prime minister says or how poetically he explains it all away. We are in bad shape. The nation is in big trouble. Our unemployment figures are sky high. Businesses are closing down left, right and center. Direct investment in Belize has fallen tremendously. Everywhere we look there is bad news. Nobody is making all this up…it is not just petty political propaganda. This is real. This is what we are facing right now. On Friday when the prime minister was challenged on these statistics and on the fact that his government has been visionless and inactive, he spent a significant portion of time on a personal attack on the leader of the Opposition. But that was it. When all was said and done and the prime minister sat back down to the cheers of the clowns on his side of the House, Belizeans were no better off than before he stood up. He still offered no solution, no hope - no light at the end of the tunnel. This Christmas we wish the prime minister of this nation much maturity in order that he may deal with the real issues instead of using his eloquence in the pursuit of petty taunts and childish insults which are of no benefit to Belizeans. Serious allegations…

Last week Friday the PUP member for the Fort George division and former prime minister made some very serious allegations against minister of works Anthony ‘Boots’ Martinez. Of course, while this is perhaps the first time those accusations of corruption have been made in such a public arena they come as no great surprise to anyone. Anybody with an iota of common sense would be able to examine the private life of Boots Martinez before he became a minister and compare it to the private life of Boots Martinez after he became a minister and the gaping disparity would be obvious. Apparently the prime minister is an intellectual wunderkind and a learned fellow without equal, but when it comes to common sense he comes up far short. After the very pointed accusations of corruption in the House, the prime minister is obligated to launch an investigation into the affairs of his works minister. He is obligated to do an audit of Housing for the Poor, the $2million post hurricane rehabilitation money and the South-side Poverty Alleviation Project. The prime minister needs to investigate the allegations of massive kick-backs and discounts on bulk purchases being paid to his works minister on a monthly basis by at least one major hardware giant in Belize. If the prime minister cannot see what is right in front of him, it will be because he deliberately chooses not to.

Approaching 130 murders… As easy as that, like a thief in the night, the murder rate has climbed up to almost 130 for 2010 with two weeks to go. Last year it stood at 103 and even that was considered unacceptable. Under this UDP administration the statistics show that violent crime has gone up each consecutive year. It is no great leap to conclude that this government must be doing something wrong. The prime minister has offered no solution to crime - not one real, concrete solution! He has rambled on and on about Operation Restore Belize and three months after he launched that operation with much pomp and ceremony Belizeans are still waiting for something, anything to happen. Belizeans are still waiting for increased patrols and additional law enforcement officers on the streets and for safe zones and poverty alleviation projects. The prime minister has proven quite aptly that he is great at concepts and great at presentation but falls down badly somewhere in the translation from words to action. As for the minister of police…well why waste any time on him? He is just a UDP crony who is being paid more than $100,000 a year plus hefty perks to masquerade as the head of the Police Department. While the UDP play games, Belizeans are dying every day. Messed up municipalities…

It’s an old and much used refrain but that doesn’t change the fact that it needs to be said. The pseudo mayor and all her bogus councilors need to be taken out to downtown Belize City and flogged. The faux mayor is being paid an alleged $9000 a month and does absolutely nothing to earn that salary. All councilors are being paid about $1000 every single week and do nothing to earn that stipend. Our entire city is in a royal mess. We don’t have streets with potholes anymore…we have potholes with little bits of street attached to them. And it is the same all over the country. In every municipality from Punta Gorda to Corozal Town the UDP has failed miserably. Streets are in the worst condition they have ever been, drains are in the worst condition they have ever been. Everything is a mess under the UDP. And to top it off, all municipalities managed by the UDP are broke, so it’s not like the people can expect any increased or enhanced services anytime in the future. Belizeans need to start sending a message to these clowns who are attempting to take us for fools. In the New Year let us resolve to demand better governance, to demand service, to demand accountability and transparency. We deserve no less. Season’s Greetings… As we close this chapter for 2010, this columnist takes this opportunity to wish all Belizeans all the very best at this time of year and in the new year to come. It has been a difficult time for all of us, but we have kept the faith despite every obstacle set in our path by this UDP administration. Stay strong, friends…it is only a matter of time before this crowd is sent packing. Peace and love…

The Belize Times

Sunday, December 26, 2010

2010 – THE YEAR OF BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS

As we near the end of 2010 we must take time to reflect on the year that was and in so doing we are able to resolve our hopes and aspirations for the coming New Year. 2010 was a year filled with the greatest bloodshed and much disappointment for many Belizeans. It was a year filled with successes for the choice few. While the majority felt the brunt of the indiscriminate death toll on the young and old; credit was tight on households with unemployment at an all time high and Hurricane Richard wrecked havoc on the most vulnerable Belizeans. Despite these realities on the streets, the economic data on performance showed that the economy recorded positive growth rates, although people’s lives were not better off. To contemplate our achievements as a country and society a quick perusal will start with the economic performance, which at times seem contrary to the realities being faced by our people.

As mentioned above, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) recorded positive growth for the period January to September when compared to the same period in 2009. It can be noted that GDP growth in the 3rd quarter was rather sluggish. This was attributable to a decline in output in the productive sectors of the economy. The sectors of the economy that are the main

source of employment in the private sector all recorded significant decline in output. This was the case for the agriculture, hunting and forestry, fishing, manufacturing and construction sectors. The decline in these areas clearly underpins the high level of unemployment and underemployment being experienced by many Belizeans. Such is the case for both skilled and unskilled workers. Thus, the reality is that economic growth has not translated into an improvement in the livelihoods of the ordinary man and woman. In this climate of low levels of growth

and limited policy direction from Government, the setbacks in 2010 were enormous. For most Belizeans the losses were greatest for those who had to lose their assets, such as businesses, real estate and homes; not to mention the cost of lives. A look back at 2010 saw the many challenges Belizeans were faced with. In the 1st quarter of the year, government released the preliminary findings of the national poverty assessment report for 2009. This revealed that 43% of all households are poor, with a further 14% vulnerable to poverty. This reality revealed that 57% of all Belizeans are either poor or susceptible to becoming poor. Government’s policy response has been dismal to address this critical and deteriorating state of the society. Pro-poor policy and social initiatives only saw a pilot cash transfer program for food items. Such a limited response in Belize City surely did not address the needs of Belizeans country-wide. The 2nd quarter in April 2010 Belizeans were hit with a budget for FY 2010/2011 that saw a harsh increase in GST to 12.5%. The verbosity and wonton disregard, with which the presentation was made, made it quite obvious that the UDP Government continues to have no apathy for the wellbeing of Belizeans. Throughout the year Belizeans have been paying more and continued to sink slowly into the mires of poverty. Throughout the contraction in consumer spending, the unemployment toll kept increasing with businesses going under receivership or simply being forced to closed their doors due to lack of business and supportive government policy. Long standing family owned businesses that have stood the test of time and made noteworthy contributions to Belize’s development were forced to close. Some companies that died in 2010 or are clinging on life support are: Fresh Catch Ltd, Fabros’ Glass Shop, Wood Depot, C r o c l a n d Adventures, and National Transport along with many other small businesses. As the year progressed, while businesses were floundering the level of violent crimes and attack on ordinary Belizeans continued unabated. As at December 2010 the death toll now stand at 126 murders, this record of bloodshed will sure to go down in the annals of Belize’s history as the most deadly year. The losses and tears shed were beyond imagination. Young lives were cut short, innocent children died at the hands of indiscriminate violent attacks; fathers, brothers and sons of Belizean soil were lost; all leaving

behind fatherless children and single mothers as primary bread winners. The dead toll also saw young women being victims to all levels of crime including murder. Government’s response to this deteriorating situation was Operation Jaguar, one without any teeth and sustained efforts at enforcing law and order and restoring confidence. By the 3rd quarter of 2010 Belizeans and Government were rudely awakened by Hurricane Richard that careened across the country leaving nothing but loss and destruction in its path. What Richard revealed was the fact that the poor and vulnerable households were mostly affected and lacked the means and wherewithal to recovery from the lost of their most basis and important asset; their homes. PM Barrow and Government’s response was pathetic and showed little apathy and consideration for the well being and recovery of affected Belizeans. As the end of the year draws near the level of support from Government in rebuilding homes and providing much needed supplies to families remain slow in coming. In concluding, Belizeans saw Government’s performance and record for 2010 reflecting their lack of commitment to the people of Belize and to ensuring that lives were enhanced. Instead, we saw an

economic crisis affecting the citrus and sugar industries and the Corozal Free Zone; with Government only addressing the situations as a means of last resort instead of taking the lead to prevent the crisis situations. Infrastructure development throughout the country saw little being achieved, with road improvement in the north slow in implementation and the Kendal Bridge that links the south still not being replaced. Other major challenges saw Government turn a blind eye to illegal immigration with a proposed amnesty program as a pseudo policy response. As all Belizeans look back at the year that was, the glaring deterioration of our society and the pillars of our democracy continue unimpeded. As we look forward with anticipation to the coming year, the hope is that 2011 will be a better year for all. The expectation is that Government will take its constitutional duty to address the many challenges facing Belizeans so as to provide the quality of leadership that is required to transform our lives. My wish for 2011 is that every Belizean throughout this wonderful land recognizes their true potential in being able to meaningfully contribute to the sustainable development of Belize. Send comments to GwynethNah@gmail.com

PRESS RELEASE COROZAL BILLIARDS ASSOCIATION COROZAL TOWN PRESIDENT ISAIAS LIMA 601-0453

VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER PLAYERS REP. GUILLERMO ARANA RAUL MONTEJO ANTONIO VELASQUEZ 627-7355 671-5699 607-1671

22ND. DECEMBER 2010 EIGHT BALL BILLIARDS TOUNAMENT IN COROZAL; THE GREGORIO GARCIA JR. EIGHT BALL BILLIARDS TOUNAMENT SAW ITS SIXTH WEEK OF ACTION THIS PAST WEEKEND FEATURING MADIS EAGLES VS ALBANILES AT MADIS EAGLES HOME IN CRISTO REY VILLAGE , WHEREBY MADIS EAGLES DEFENDED THEIR HOME BY WINNING BY A SCORE OF 3-2. ON SATURDAY LOS PAPIS VISITED G-1 UNIT AT G-1 UNIT HOME AND THEY ALSO DEFENDED THEIR HOME BY WINNING BY A SCORE OF 3-2 ALSO .THE SUNDAY’S MATCH FEATURE PASADENA VS PURPLE TOUCAN AT PASADENA AND THE WINNER OF THAT GAME WAS PURPLE TOUCAN BY A SCORE OF 3-2. SO AFTER SIX WEEKS OF PLAYONG THE STANDINGS ARE AS FOLLOWS: G-1UNIT LEAD WITH 44 PTS,MADIS EAGLES HAVE 36 PTS,LOS PAPIS HAVE 30 PTS, PURPLE TOUCAN AND ALBANILES ARE TIED AT 26PTS EACH AND PASADENA HAVE 18PTS. . THE COROZAL BILLIARDS ASSOCIATION AND THE ORGANIZING BODY OF THE GREGORIO GARCIA JR. EIGHT BALL TOURNAMENT WOULD LIKE TO INFORM ALL IT FANS AND PLAYERS THAT THEIR WILL BE NO GAMES FOR TWO WEEKS DUE TO THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY BUT RESUME IT GAMES ON FRIDAY 7 TH JANUARY AT 7:OO PM AT MADIS BILLARDS AND COOL SPOT IN CRISTO REY BETWEEN MADIS EAGLES VS PURPLE TOUCAN, THE SATURDAYS MATCH WILL FEATURE ONCE MORE MADIS EAGLES VS LOS PAPIS AND ALSO AT MADIS HOME IN CRISTO REY, NOW THE SUNDAYS MATCH WILL SEE PASADENA VS ALBANILES AT PASADENA HOME AT THAT GAME WILL COMMENCE AT 1:00 P.M. THE COROZAL BILLIARDS ASSOCIATION WOULDLIKE TO WISH IT’S MEMBERS,FANS, AND PLAYERS A MERRY X-MAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011. ISAIAS LIMA PRESIDENT CBA

Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Belize Times

And what a year it was…

By: Mike Rudon Jr. Generally this time of year is reserved for a series of ‘year-inreviews’ put together by different media houses, each with their own particular spin and slant. For example, the people at the Guardian who have taken the concept of ‘singing for your supper’ to a whole new level would claim that this has been a good year for Belize. They would dismiss the many, many crises which rocked this nation as minor glitches. They would refer to the many allegations and reports of corruption, hustling, mismanagement and selfenrichment as just so much political propaganda. They would completely ignore the neglected, the starving, the victimized, the disenfranchised and the abused. They would say that poverty is just a perception and not reality. They would maintain that rising crime is a figment of our collective imagination. They would laud the prime minister as the savior of the nation. They would call him a genius, a saint, a miracleworker and the greatest leader in this or any time. It is difficult to reconcile their masturbation of Mr. Barrow and his own self-deification with the reality which faces us each and every day. It is difficult to listen to the prime minister claiming that this has been the best administration in recent memory; that they have done wonders in the past three years; that all is glowing and golden. It is difficult to listen to the prime minister speak about growing the economy; about robust industries; about creating jobs; about unprecedented development and infrastructure, because nothing could be further from the truth. The simple truth is that every single time the prime minister is granted a photo and video opportunity he reels out a well-rehearsed spool of wonderful, glorious promises. Every time the mumble becomes a rumble and threatens to become a roar, our prime minister talks about paved roads and bridges and infrastructure projects but NOTHING EVER HAPPENS. We’ve been hearing the words that are coming out of his mouth, but that’s about all. Notwithstanding the prime minister’s glowing reports, this has been a terrible year. The New Year threatens to be even worse. In every area, in every sector there has been decline and decay and ruin. If pressed, our prime minister would be unable to come up with even one real, concrete and provable positive in 2010. He could come up with a vast array of ten-syllable words for sure. He could distract you with his gestures and well rehearsed sense of drama without a doubt. He could insult and ridicule you with his scathing wit and make your head spin with his wonderfully acerbic sarcasm. But after all that is said and done, he still would not be able to offer even one real, concrete and provable positive in the past three years. And you know what is truly funny but really not funny at all? Our prime minister has pounced on statistics which indicate a miniscule growth in GDP. He is clasping those statistics to his breast with all the fervor of a longdenied lover. While absolutely nobody has experienced anything which even remotely supports those statistics, that is the prime minister’s story and he is sticking to it. There are many other statistics which the prime minister has ignored, however. In Mr. Barrow’s fantasy world these statistics have no place -

they are unimportant, irrelevant and should be ignored at all costs. There is the bothersome poverty statistic. The latest official report confirms that 43% of Belizeans exist below the poverty line. The report confirms that another 15% of Belizeans are vulnerable to poverty and at risk of joining their neighbours below the line. This is an unprecedented state of affairs and a sign of a nation in crisis. But does the prime minister care? I

guess not, because he doesn’t mention it at all. Then there is that recent education statistic where 30% of school age youth are out of school, many of them because they cannot afford education under the UDP. Maybe the prime minister isn’t aware of these statistics because he hasn’t mentioned it at all. Mr. Barrow’s only mention of education comes when he is masturbating his little minime Patrick Faber and telling the nation

how great he is. And then there’s unemployment which is hovering above 14% and is thought to be much higher. Mr. Barrow has said nothing about this. When the leader of the Opposition brought it up in the House last week as a critical issue, the prime minister sneered and snickered and doused the Assembly with sarcasm, but said nothing about unemployment and certainly offered no solutions. Under this UDP, taxes are the highest they have ever been; unemployment is the highest it has ever been; poverty is the highest it has ever been; cost of living is the highest it has ever been; infrastructure is the worst it has ever been; the stability of our industries has been threatened more than they have ever been; Belizeans have lost homes like never before; businesses have closed down like never before; we have been terrorized by criminals more than we have ever been; our institutions have been tampered with like never before and we owe it all to this UDP administration. What a year this was…Belizeans will not be making the same mistake when general elections are called again!

The Belize Times

Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Belize Times

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Sittee River Village Shaken by Vicious Murder

In November this nation saw one of the most bizarre murders take place in San Pedro. That was the incident that claimed the life of Spanish flight attendant, Maria Antonia Plaza, who went missing and was later discovered murdered on the same day she was supposed to leave Belize to report back to work. It happened on one of the island's busiest streets and not far from where Plaza was staying. Another shocking murder of a foreigner has rocked Belize and this time it was in the south, at the home of the victim in Sittee River Village. Miriam Simi, a 56 year-old retired US national, had moved to Belize and to

Miriam Simi Photo courtesy of Channel 5

FOR SALE By Order of the Mortgagee Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 15th day of July, 1991, between JORGE CASTILLO and TURNIA CASTILLO of 13 Asuncion Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Vol. 14 of 1991 at Folios 1695 – 1718, and the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of three months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 136 comprising of 555.6 square yards situate along the South side of Guyana Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 846 of 2006 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 846 of 2006 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections thereon. (Property now declared under the Registration Section of Orange Walk Town – Parcel 1578). DATED this 7th day of December, 2010.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS

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

the laid back community four years thieves also took cash. ago with her husband, Daniel. Things Aside from the utter state of soured between them and Daniel soon shock and sadness running through moved out of their two-storey house the village, the slow pace of business near the river. Miriam, however, will no doubt also feel the effects guarded herself with two dogs, but on of the heinous murder of one of the Sunday night, their protection was not Sittee River's most loved individuals. enough to save her from the hands of She was said to be a happy, sociable, malicious, vicious killers who forced generous person who always offered their way into the upper back portion her help and sought the residents’ of her house and killed her. What opinions on matters. She hired the worries the residents even more is villagers and promoted tourism in her that the perpetrator(s) must have own way. By contrast, however, she known Simi well, and her dogs must became the victim at the hands of cold, have known them, because they never covetous people - a sharp turn against barked once. She was seen about the the same things she lived for. village on Sunday evening and the Police have detained two persons villagers feel her killer or killers knew for questioning, both of whom knew her movements in order to have had the Miriam Simi. Her husband, Daniel time to cut the screen door on the upper was interrogated, but so far there are flat of her house and lurk somewhere no clues as to who murdered Miriam inside waiting for her arrival. Simi. A daughter is also in the country Her body was discovered shortly to recover her mother's body and after nine on Monday when a man to assist the Dangriga police with she hired made his way over the river identifying stolen items from the house. on his own and went up to the house. (It's interesting to note that the thieves (Normally he would holler for her didn't venture inside the lower flat of Ltd.,goa company registered fromScotiabank the other side (Belize) and she would the house. duly Its door was still locked by dory to get across.) TheAct, sceneChapter when her body under thehim Companies 250 ofwas thediscovered). Laws of Police was grisly, with blood and household have also not recovered anything they Revised and itemBelize, everywhere. She Edition, was lying 2000, on can sayhaving was useditstoregistered murder Simi, but at Cor. and Bishop Belize her office bed naked and Albert some appliances her Streets, face and upper bodyCity, showed severe wereBelize, missing.hereby Police gives believe notice that the ofsigns of bruising. its intention to exercise its

FOR SALE

By ORdER OF thE MORtgAgEE

CPBL's Financial Controller Murdered

power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 3rd day of January, 2005, between MARTHA RAMSEY COCOM of 4350 Faber’s Road, Belize City, Belize District of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) a b o u t 5 0 m i l e s a w a y, a t a r o u n d Ltd., of the other part and recorded f i v e a sath the e n oLand r m a l l Titles y does every Unit in Deeds Book Vol. 1 of 2005 F r i d a yat aFolios n d w a481 s e v-e510, n seen a c o u p l e h o u r s l a t e r. A maid he and the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expirahired at his house was the one tion of three months from the w date h o of d i sthe c o vfirst e r e dpublication his body in i s c a r o n inSthe a t u rSchedule day morning of this notice sell the propertyhdescribed when she returned to collect hereto. h e r p a y. S h e h a d d o n e s o f r o m the night before and saw the

a r h i n g e dmust u p abe g a imade n s t t h in e gate All offers to purchase the saidcproperty but told Police that she didn't writing and full particulars andt hconditions i n k i t s t rof a n gsale e emay n o u gbe h to c h e c k (Belize) b e c a u s e Ltd. she thought that obtained from the said Scotiabank

Morris had parked it in such a fashion because he might have The murder of US national been drinking. That employee Miriam Simi in Sittee River is now being questioned by was not the only one this Police. nation would see for the week. Morris, not known to A n ALL o t h e r THAT p e r s o n piece p o p u l or a r parcel i n h i s ofa pland p e a rbeing i n t hLot e pNo. u b l i4350 c battles com m u n i t y w a s371.466 f o u n d d square e a d . I t metres comprising the b e t w esituate e n t h ein C P BPort L and the happened over the course of Citrus Growers Association, Loyola Area, Belize City, Belize District, bounded and Friday night and the victim was a key player in the running w a sdescribed H e r m a n asMshown o r r i s , by 4 7 , Plan t h e No. o f 643 b u s iof n e s2004 s a t attached the CPBL, and F i nto a nMinister’s c i a l C o n t rFiat o l l e rGrant a t No. t h e 643 o n l of y F2004 r i d a yTOGETHER he was part of a Citrus Products of Belize special meeting called by the (Property L i mwith i t e d all o nbuildings t h e S t a nand n C rerections e e k c o m pthereon. any in the wake of the Va lnow l e y Rdeclared o a d . H e under w a s s tthe a b b eRegistration d c o m p a n y ' sSection f i r i n g of o f H e n r y m u Queen’s l t i p l e t i mSquare e s a b o uWest t t h e -f aParcel c e C a1096). nton as its Chief Executive a n d c h e s t a n d w a s f o u n d i n t h e O ff i c e r. That meeting, b a c k s e a t o f h i s S a t u r n Vu e . I t h o w e v e r, w a s n o t r e p o r t e d t o is also believed that Morris' have had any "incidents". killer or killers accosted him day 2010. a t hDATED i s h o m e othis n B 7th lue H o l eof S t December, reet i n S a n I g n a c i o To w n , C a y o , because he obviously tried to drive away but didn't reach far b e c a u s e h i s v e h i c l e MUSA c r a s h e d & BALDERAMOS i n t o a p o r t i o n o f h i s g a91 t e . North T h a t Front Street a t t a c k , h o w e v e r, n e v e r t o o k p l a c e i n s i d e , b u t p e r h aBelize p s r i g hCity t i n M o r r i s ’ y a r d a s hAttorney-at-Law e drove for h o m e o n F r i d a y n i g h t . Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. Morris left his workplace,

SCHEDULE

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

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Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Belize Times

Barrow: Channel 5 lucky that GOB only boycotted them

The wanton, vindictive and callous way this UDP regime has been behaving since taking over office has been the topic of many conversations. That vindictiveness reached new levels earlier this month when the government decided that it would “end normal relations” with Channel 5 because the media house had failed to comply with the broadcasting regulation that required it to air the government programme “Belmopan Weekly” as a public service. Channel 5 has maintained that the only such copy of the programme it ever received was indeed aired by the station. Te programme was aired a couple days after its receipt in November. Whether or not the government’s press office sent or delivered any more copies of the programme before or after is not clear, but Channel 5 has been clear in stating that it only received one copy and that copy was aired. Following last Friday’s sitting

of the House of Representatives, two reporters, Patrick Jones of Love TV and Marion Ali of Channel 5, asked the PM to clarify his stance on the dispute between the government and the station since many people were still of the view that the government was way out of line and almost dictatorial in its decision. Even Krem TV, on its WUB Morning Vibes this past Monday made

FOR SALE

By ORdER OF thE MORtgAgEE Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 3rd day of January, 2005, between MARTHA RAMSEY COCOM of 4350 Faber’s Road, Belize City, Belize District of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Vol. 1 of 2005 at Folios 481 - 510, and the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of three months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule hereto.

the issue the topic of its “2 Cents Cam” programme. None of the people it polled supported the government’s decision. Going back to the PM’s comments last Friday, he almost sounded as if he was saying that Channel 5 should feel lucky that he and his fellow Ministers did not apply more pressure on the station. In typical Barrow style he said “I do maintain that I’ll give no personal, individual interview to Channel 5 and that is the position of all the Ministers. And I do maintain that members of the government are not to do it except in obvious circumstances…Channel 5 has been terribly unfair, terribly – when it comes to the way they treat the government – unprofessional. I don’t care about their political agenda, but in the same way as Belize Times and Vibes Radio, don’t seek interviews with us.” Still not clear on exactly how the station violated the broadcasting regulation, Channel 5’s Reporter, Marion Ali, asked the PM again to explain to Channel 5 viewers where the station had so breached the Act. Again Barrow could not be specific. As if he wanted public sympathy for his overbearing decision, he said that “the point was made in one of the releases that was put out that if Channel 5 is in violation of the Act then a complaint should be made to the Broadcasting Authority. Certainly in terms of the refusal initially to air the government programme, to give us the hour that the law obliges Channel 5 to give, a complaint could have been made to the Broadcasting Association. Channel 5 must realize that we are adopting a far softer approach. If you complain to the

Broadcasting Authority, you’re asking for sanctions to be imposed. You’re asking perhaps for the revocation of a license to be contemplated.” Excuse us, Mr. Barrow? Are you telling Channel 5 and all its viewers and fans that they are lucky because you and your regime did not exercise the ultimate “Hitler tactic” of shutting down the station? What an insult to those people! While you couldn’t answer the reporters’ question last Friday, maybe now that you’ve had an additional week to digest the ridiculous decision you’ve made, you should try to prove where the station indeed violated the Broadcasting Act. But you won’t be able to do so because Channel 5 clearly did not breach any regulation. You and your Party are just upset that Channel 5 is indeed an independent station and happens to be among those sober-minded Belizeans who are not afraid to point out your wrongs and take you to task. You also told the reporters last Friday that you’ve directed your Minister of Foreign Affairs to call the Caribbean Broadcasting Union which has offered to help to settle the dispute. You will notice very soon that you will detach yourself from that comment as well, because the CBU, in addition to the many local organizations and other international groups are now starting to see how you think and are left to wonder what else can be expected from you. The noose continues to tighten around the UDP’s collective neck, Mr. Barrow. There’s so much left for your government to accomplish of their manifesto promises and so little time to do it. Channel 5 is not the problem… you and your own government are!

Last Friday’s House Sitting did not end uneventfully and without some moments of entertainment for the media representatives and those tuned in to their radios. One of those moments came when former Prime Minister and Fort George Area Representative, Said Musa shed light on the so-called post-hurricane relief that has been lacking in his division two months after Richard, a category one storm crashed into Central Belize. With his usual sharp candour, Musa said that not one of the 25 applications forwarded to the Minister of Works for assistance for the affected residents of Fort George have received any kind of attention. One of the residents who lives at #12 Fredrick Street suffered major loss when a huge fig tree crashed into their house, splitting a portion of the structure. Musa did not confine his observations to only his division, however. He pointed to the south-

side of Belize City as well, where people were still punishing and waiting for much-needed help. He said there were people even in the Minister’s Port Loyola area that have not seen any kind of assistance. Musa said he also discovered that most of the purchasing for the hurricane relief material is being done from one provider. It is something that Musa matter-offactly said that even the animated character developed for the Benny’s commercial, “Ben the Builder” knows who is providing bulk materials and which contractor is getting the contracts. Mr. Musa also went on to question how it suddenly became the business of the “super heavyweight senator” to meddle in the housing for the poor project. You’d be best advised Senator, to stay in your lane. There is ample time, if you so wish to get in the big leagues, to make your own bid and learn that even grapes can be sour to the taste.

Even Ben the Builder Knows…

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

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 4350 comprising 371.466 square metres situate in the Port Loyola Area, Belize City, Belize District, bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 643 of 2004 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 643 of 2004 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections thereon. (Property now declared under the Registration Section of Queen’s Square West - Parcel 1096). DATED this 7th day of December, 2010.

MUSA & BALDERAMOS

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

The Belize Times

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Patrick Decides to Stay Put…For Now! Sugar Industry Still in Limbo

Last week Sunday’s convention at the Louisiana Government School did not go without incident and while the UDP tried their best to keep things hush-hush, they couldn’t stop the news about their Collet Area Representative and Chairman, Patrick Faber, from spreading like wildfire. It appears that Faber has gotten so full of himself that he does not want anyone to make suggestions to him. His position as Chairman of the Party has obviously propelled him to a whole new level of arrogance. Faber, it is reported, threatened to resign as Chairman of the UDP after he and their deputy leader, Gaspar Vega, engaged in a hollering match in the presence of many people at the convention. It had to do with Vega’s worker, David Alamilla, a known UDP supporter whose name did not appear on the voters’ list. Seeing this, Vega insisted that Alamilla’s name be included on the list and that he be allowed to vote (for businessman, Orlando Burns, who Vega was openly supporting against incumbent Marcel Cardona and pastor, Denny Grijalva). Faber refused to allow Alamilla’s name on the list and that was when sparks flew. It did not end that Sunday. At Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting in Belmopan, Faber threatened to resign as Chairman and agreed to meet with party leader and Prime Minister, Dean Barrow, to make his position clear. While he tried to avoid the issue with the press after Friday’s House Sitting, Barrow was questioned about the outburst and about Faber’s take on the whole picture. He said basically

that Faber, as Chairman, has to make decisions that will not often please everyone, especially when those decisions seem to favour one side over another. While that was not an issue because of the very nature of the game, Faber seems to now be demanding that people tip their hats to him for making those decisions. Face it, Patrick, life is real and it is what it is. This latest incident is just one on a long list that the UDP are known for over the years among themselves. Meanwhile, while the heat was turned up during the convention, over in Cardona’s corner, things were quite cool…so cool that after Cardona lost the race by a huge margin to Burns, he seemed to have disappeared off the radar because he was nowhere in sight at Friday’s House Sitting. Many of his constituents are now wondering if he will make his absence a frequent habit since his days in the area and in the House are now numbered.

Over recent years the local sugar industry has faced some trying times in accessing good markets and receiving good revenues for sugar on the international scene. Coupled with a broke Belize Sugar Industries Limited, shrinking opportunities and inferior quality cane being produced, sugar production in Belize is becoming more and more expensive, with less and less yields per volume harvested. Earlier this month the government facilitated BSI in accessing $10 M in funds to start the new crop and pay cane farmers their third payments after BSI received waivers from First Caribbean and ING International Banks. While that news came as a relief, at least for the time being for the industry, it is no guarantee that it will keep the industry from facing another stormy future. And as far as the government’s abilities go, those seem to have

reached their capacity to stop any looming disaster from impacting the nation. When asked by reporters following last Friday’s House sitting in Belmopan, Prime Minister Dean Barrow seemed to be lost for a way forward or for any permanent solution to the problems that face us. The sugar industry is no different. He told the media that come September of 2011 Belize will find out when BSI has to pay off First Caribbean and I.N.G. In the meantime, some serious courtships have been initiated with other lending institutions, such as Scotiabank and Banco Atlantida. The Taiwanese Government has also given an indication that they could provide a loan to their local counterpart. While those prospects also provide some short-term promise, there is no solution to the bumps that the industry seems to be running into on a more regular basis over the past two years.

The Board, Management and Staff of

Belize Water Services Limited Wish all Belizeans

A Joyous Holiday Season New Year And a

Filled

With Love, Peace and Good Health

All of our offices countrywide will be closed during the Christmas Holidays as follows: CLOSED Friday 24th Dec at 1:00 p.m.

RE-OPEN Tuesday 28th December 2010

Friday 31st Dec at 1:00 p.m.

Monday 03rd January 2011

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Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Belize Times

Accused Robber remanded To Prison

Scott Usher

BELIZE CITY, Tues. Dec. 21, 2010 Scott Usher, 20, a construction worker residing in Mahogany Heights who allegedly stole jewelry from

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Kayla Dennison, 19, was charged with robbery when he appeared yesterday in the #1 Magistrate’s Court. Usher pled not guilty to the charge. The prosecution objected to bail on the grounds that robbery has become prevalent and a message needs to be sent. Chief Magistrate Margaret McKenzie upheld the objection and remanded Usher into custody until January 5, 2011. The incident occurred at around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 15. Dennison, a domestic worker who resides at #120 Neal Pen Road, reported to the Police that she was robbed of her jewelry by a young man. She said the stolen items included a 14 karat gold chain with medal and three gold rings; one of them a graduation ring from Gwen Lizarraga High School. Dennison was shown a rogue’s gallery and based on the information she gave the Police, all mobile and foot patrols were told to be on the look out for Usher. At about 2:00 p.m. the same day Usher was detained by the Police. He was positively identified by Dennison as the person who robbed her in an identification parade that was held on Friday, December 17.

Auto Mechanic Charged With Aggravated Assault

Phillip Samuels

BELIZE CITY, Dec. 21, 2010 Phillip Samuels, 24, an unemployed man residing on Boots Crescent who allegedly committed an indecent assault on Melissa C a r t e r, 2 3 , w a s c h a r g e d w i t h

BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEE

All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. Dated the 16th day of December, 2010. MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

aggravated assault when he appeared yesterday in the #2 Magistrate’s Court. Samuels pled not guilty to the charge. He was offered bail of $2,000 which he met, and his case was adjourned until January 21. Carter, a self employed man of #149 Samuel Haynes Street, Belama Phase I, reported to the Police that at about 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, December 16 she was standing outside of Island Queen Bar on Barrack Road when Samuels approached her and said, “Mel.” She said Samuels then grabbed her cell phone from her hand and she grabbed it back from him. She told Police that Samuels then grabbed her on her right breast and walked away. She said she felt that Samuels had disrespected her so she made the report.

54 Year Old Man Fined $350 for Shoplifting

FOR SALE

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Charge made the 15th day of December, 2007, between ELLEN REYES and ANDRESITA SMITH both of Teakettle Village, Cayo District, Belize (Chargors), of the one part, MARCELINA VANEGAS of Teakettle Village, Cayo District, Belize (Borrower) of the second part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the third part, registered as Instrument No. LRS-200801685, and the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of three months from the date of hereof sell the property being Society Hall – Registration Section Block 24 Parcel 3832.

Douglas Stuart

BELIZE CITY, Dec. 21, 2010 Douglas Stuart, 54, a wood carver residing at #42 G e o rg e S t r e e t w h o w a s c h a rg e d with theft, pled guilty to the charge when he appeared yesterday in the #2 Magistrate’s Court. Senior Magistrate Sharon Fraser fined him $350 and gave h i m u n t i l J a n u a r y 3 1 , 2 0 11 t o p a y. I f h e d e f a u l t s o n p a y m e n t

he will serve 4 months. The incident occurred a t a r o u n d 4 : 3 4 p . m . o n F r i d a y, December 17. Lilly Quan,39, Belizean businesswoman of #24 Queen Street, reported to the Police that while at her store, Simon Quan, a man entered and put something in his pants then walked out of the store. The Police apprehended the man and when they searched him they found a box of Christmas lights inside the front of his pants. Stuart said he was drunk and when he revived he found himself at the Queen Street Police Station.

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The Belize Times

BYGuatemalan ORDER OF THE Security MORTGAGEE

Guard Remanded To Prison

BELIZE CITY, Tues. Dec. 21, 2010

C e registered s a r P o punder , 3 3the , a Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly Guatemalan security guard Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised who allegedly fired a shot at the feet Edition 2000, and having its registered office security at Cor. Albert of another guard, was charged with gives aggravated and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby noticeassault of when he appeared yesterday in the its intention to exercise its power #5 of sale as Mortgagee under Magistrate’s Court. Pop pled a Charge made the 15th day of December, between ELnot guilty 2007, to the charge. Magistrate Albert Hoare explained to him that LEN REYES and ANDRESITA SMITH both of Teakettle t h e C o u r t c o u l d n o t o ff e r h i m Village, Cayo District, Belize (Chargors), of of thethe onenature part, of the bail because MARCELINA VANEGAS of Teakettle Cayo Disoffence.Village, He remanded Pop into custody until January 21, 2011. trict, Belize (Borrower) of the second part, and Scotiabank The incident occurred at (Belize) Ltd., of the third part, registered as Instrument around 6:11 p.m. on No. Saturday, LRS-200801685, and the said Scotiabank D e c e m b (Belize) e r 1 8 . Ltd. G i n will i k a natd e r Cesar Pop Chenedu Anyiwo, 33, a the expiration of three months from the date of hereof sellNigerian the security guard employed by Triple property being Society Hall – Registration A Security, Section reportedBlock to the 24 Police that he was at work at Northern Parcel 3832. OUT OUR CHECK Fishermen Cooperatives at the corner of Victoria Street and North All offers to purchase the said property made Pop in writing Front must Streetbewhen arrived to relieve him. Anyiwo said Pop and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from at www.belizetimes.bz became offended when he asked the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.h i m w h y h e w a s l a t e a n d P o p ~ POST YOUR COMMENTS pointed a small pistol at his feet and fired a shot into the ground ~ VOTE ON ARTICLES in front of him. Anyiwo said he Dated theOUR 16th PHOTO day of December, 2010. ~ VIEW became fearful for his life and he ran into the bathroom and called GALLERY the Police. The Police reported that ~ CHECK OUT A PDF MUSA & BALDERAMOS when they arrived they retrieved VERSION OF THE PAPER 91 North Street a .22Front revolver with 5 live rounds and one expended shell from Pop. Belize City The Police also reported that Pop We are the most visited Attorney-at-Law admitted that for he fired the shot but newspaper website in BelizeScotiabank claimed(Belize) that he Ltd. did it because he was drunk.

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Jury Finds Ochoa Not Guilty Of Murder

Jesse James Ochoa

BELIZE CITY, Tues. Dec. 21, 2010 Jesse James Ochoa, 22, one of two men charged with the murder of Emijidio Orlando Gomez, a.k.a. “Emi”, was acquitted of the charge yesterday in the Court of Justice Adolph Lucas. The jury of 9 women and 3 men deliberated for a little over 4 hours before it found Ochoa not guilty. The second man, Wesley Emmanuel, was freed of the charge about 2 weeks ago when a nolle prosequi was entered because Sergeant Sinquest Martinez, a key witness, was not available to testify.

BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEE

MUSA & BALDERAMOS

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

But Emmanuel was re-arrested and re-indicted for murder. Gomez, who was the side man for Mennonite businessman Cornelius Schmitt, was strangled to death on June 16, 2008. His body was found hanging from a tree with a belt around his neck near to a feeder road off the Coastal Road. Schmitt was shot three times, once in his neck, his back and his abdomen. But he pretended that he was dead and he survived. Ochoa gave a statement from the dock in which he said that it was Juan Aldana who took him in his black car to the Burrell Boom Road where they met Schmitt and Gomez in a truck with a bulldozer. Ochoa said Aldana identified himself as a Police Officer then ordered Schmitt and Gomez into his car at gunpoint. Ochoa said Gomez and Schmitt were driven to mile 31 on the Western Highway then on to the Coastal Road. Ochoa said he did not go with them on the Coastal Road. He stayed at Mile 31. Aldana was never apprehended by the Police and is believed to have fled to Guatemala. Ochoa was represented by attorney Dean Lindo. Senior Crown Counsel Yohhanhseh Cave represented the prosecution.

Strong Aroma of Cannabis Leads to Drug Bust

FOR SALE

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Transfer of Charge made the 24th day of May, 2005, between Development Finance Corporation and Scotiabank (Belize) Limited, registered as Instrument No. 3746/2005, which said property was mortgaged by Roy Rogers Alfaro of No. 51 Church Street, Benque Viejo Del Carmen, Cayo District, Belize to the said Development Finance Corporation on the 21st August, 2003, registered as Instrument No. 6284/2003; and the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of three months from the date hereof sell the property being Santa Elena/Cayo – Registration Section Block 23 Parcel 3242.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Lionel Tillett

BELIZE CITY, Tues. Dec. 21, 2010 Lionel Tillett, 34, an auto mechanic of Corozal Town who was one of four persons charged with drug trafficking for 89.64 pounds of cannabis, pled guilty to the charge yesterday in the #1 Magistrate’s Court. Chief Magistrate Margaret McKenzie did not accept the plea when Tillett first offered it in the morning. She told him that he was faced with a sentence of 3 years and a fine of $10,000 and she adjourned the case until 2:00 p.m. yesterday to give Tillett time to realize what he was pleading guilty to. Tillett still maintained his guilty plea when he was brought back to court and Chief Magistrate McKenzie deferred sentencing until Wednesday, December 29, so that the Police can investigate and determine whether Tillett benefitted from drug trafficking. If there is evidence

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of Tillett’s proceeds from drug trafficking and there are assets, the prosecution will make an application for those assets to be confiscated. The others charged with Tillett were his mother, Joan Tillett, 51; his sister Chrissel Tillett, 27 and Shane Morgan, 33. The charge against them was withdrawn. The incident occurred at around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, December 17. Tillett was driving a brown four door Wagoneer on the Northern Highway heading for Belize City. The occupants of the vehicle were the other defendants and two minors. Tillett was stopped by the Police at a checkpoint at the junction of the Burrell Boom Road and the Northern Highway. The Police reported that when they approached the vehicle they were greeted by a strong aroma of cannabis. They ordered the occupants of the vehicle to exit the vehicle and a search was conducted on them but nothing incriminating was found. They searched inside the vehicle and came up empty. Still not satisfied, the Police took the occupants of the vehicle and the vehicle to the Queen Street Police Station. When the Police searched the bottom of the vehicle they found an adapted compartment which contained 32 packages of cannabis which amounted to 89.64 pounds.

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on s g n i t i r W the

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WALL Sunday, December 26, 2010

Oscar965 says: December 21, 2010 at 10:01 am I Thought that the D in “UDP” stood for Democratic but it seems that the actions of the PM and his party are different. Remember Actions speak louder than words so with the recent actions of the government maybe they should consider changing the D that once, in the past stood for Democratic to Dictatorship Party. The UDP “United Dictatorship Party”!!! I know i am venting my fustations but its just that i always want to right to be able to express myself freely and i don’t like the direction we are heading into. It is a good thing to be faithfull to your party but not to the extent where your personal freedom of expression is monitored, sensored or taken away. MADDYVANDIJK/DEREALIST says: December 21, 2010 at 10:11 am Traditionally Belizeans have long been silent and most went un-heard for decades, times have since changed and the people will no longer be ignored, or silenced. The GOB should be ashamed to call themselves leaders for even in the new age their only method of positive change for Belize is to silent its people. The Government is clearly declaring war between them and the people they swore to protect and lead by silencing them, this will never happened and we as Belizean should cling to this as our birth right privileges. FREEDOM OF SPEECH, WHICH IS OUR BIRTHRIGHT AS BELIZEANS EL CHE says: December 16, 2010 at 9:00 am Why dont belzeans start a revolution to remove dictators,communist ,and criminals with a lawdegree in power?oil revenues is making rich politicians,and family members,thats the reality in belize.recently the government got millions of dollars in loan,and i knew they will start to raise taxes on everything so belizeans can pay back the 30 million dollar loan,the other million loan to fix streets, mr. ok says: December 16, 2010 at 11:36 am Its already expensive to Drive now it wa be more expensive to ride bus. dem di find all kind a way mek the poor people dem feel. el coach says: December 16, 2010 at 5:15 pm ok let’s vote for barrow again??????????? maybe that can make a big difference. He promised too much and i don’ see much difference. ic says: December 18, 2010 at 9:28 am the belize assn of journalists, press assn are controlled by the dean barrow government and they are getting paid for that..like smoky joe used to say”money talks and bs walks”. tanks God dean barrow could not buy the ex -chief justice Dr. Abdulai Conteh, Justice Mottley etc so the CJ’s tenure ended early and justice Mottley had to resign from pressure from the dean barrow govn’t ..HE’S SO CORRUPT that he want to control evryone to be beside him no matta if he’s wrong..just shut your mouth! or else u will know me… and that IS WRONG dean barrow chavez, where is the accountability and transparency that u promised ? Belizeans wake up we cannot continue to be manipulated by this arrogant / ignorant UDP GOVERNMENT.” Al says: December 21, 2010 at 9:14 am Finally America is speaking out against this over controlling dictating PM. He seems to forget that he lives in and is governing a democratic society. He gospel is according to Dean Barrow. Good job Dean you are now numbered in the family of dictators, are you a Hitler in disguise or the Castro of Central America.

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Controversial media-law changes approved in Venezuela

Two measures that critics say will give Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez more leeway to clamp down on opposition voices were approved by the Venezuelan National Assembly. Changes to the Organic Telecommunications Law and the Social Responsibility on Radio and Television Law were passed Monday night. One of the most controversial amendments to the telecommunications law, which would have created a government-run internet hub, had been stripped from the bill earlier. Critics said that a hub could be used as a government filtering tool. As passed, the law classifies the use of telecommunications networks as a "public service," something that could give the government more discretion to regulate the industry. Another change in the law seems aimed at opposition broadcaster Globovision, and could limit its transmission to two areas. The social responsibility media law, meanwhile, was amended to bring internet providers within its jurisdiction. The goal of the law is to establish "social responsibility" in those who provide, television, radio and internet service. The law affects all text, images, sound or context sent or received in Venezuela. The reformed law will split the day into periods, with restrictions on what language, sexual content and violence can be broadcast at certain times. It also explicitly states that no

broadcaster or internet provider can broadcast things that incite hate, cause "anxiety or unrest among the public order," or promote the assassination of leaders. The law states that internet providers must have mechanisms that, at the request of telecommunications regulator, could restrict messages and access to websites that break laws. Providers could be fined if they are found to be in violation of the rules. Supporters of the change say it will bring Venezuela in line with other countries that regulate activity on the internet and protect children, while opposition lawmakers say it sets the stage for government control of the internet. The Miami, Florida-based InterAmerican Press Association also condemned the move. "With the new rules for the Internet, among fines for service providers and the requirement that users not write anonymously or touch on issues that the government might not like, we are witnessing a deep and generalized censorship of news content and personal communications which goes against journalists' and media's right to publish and amounts to contempt of the public's right to communicate freely," IAPA President Gonzalo Marroquin said in a statement. Lawmaker Manuel Villalba, a Chavez supporter in charge of the commission on science, technology and media, said that the passage of the laws demonstrates that the Venezuelan government is committed to freedom of expression. "It is a reform that is perfectly consistent with the law, with the national constitution. It doesn't violate a single right," Villalba said, according to the state-run AVN news agency. "Today, with this approval, the freedom of expression in Venezuela is reaffirmed."

At least 28 people were killed and 52 injured after an oil pipeline exploded in central Mexico, the country's state-owned oil monopoly said. The cause of Sunday's explosion in San Martin Texmelucan, in Puebla state, was under investigation, but preliminary reports pointed to the illegal extraction of oil from the pipe, said Laura Gurza, coordinator for civil protection in Puebla. The situation was under control, but the extent of the damage was still being assessed, Civil Protection Director Miguel Angel Martinez said. The pipe belongs to

Pemex, the state-owned oil monopoly. Some 32 houses were lost in the blast, Martinez said. Pemex said in a statement later Sunday that a total of 115 homes were damaged by the explosion. Video from the scene showed a huge billowing wall of smoke that reached into the sky. Rescue workers could be seen walking through the still-smoldering streets. Thirteen of the people killed were children, the state news agency Notimex reported, citing Gurza. About 5,000 nearby residents were evacuated, officials said, and some 200 were in a government shelter. Oil theft has been a persistent problem for Pemex, and has been on the rise since President Felipe Calderon took office. A Washington Post investigation found that drug cartels were increasingly diversifying into other areas, including oil theft, to the tune of more than $1 billion in a two-year period. Calderon office said the president visited the blast site Sunday to offer his support to victims and their families.

Oil pipeline explosion kills 28 in Mexico

Guatemalan government declares siege to fend off drug gang

Guatemala's government has declared a state of siege and sent hundreds of troops to a northern province where officials say a Mexican drug gang is overtaking towns and threatening residents. President Alvaro Colom announced the 30-day emergency rule in Alta Verapaz on Sunday. The rule allows the military to order anyone suspected of conspiring against the government to be arrested and imprisoned without a warrant, the state-run AGN news agency said. "Starting today, combined forces will retake the streets of Alta Verapaz," a government statement released Sunday morning said. Government data shows cells of the drug gang known as Los Zetas are in the area to protect drug trafficking paths between Honduras and Mexico, "intimidating the population with their heavy weapons and threatening farmers to give up their land for criminal activities," AGN reported. The state of siege also allows the government to place greater restrictions on public gatherings, travel visas and gun licenses, among other things, according to AGN. "The population should be calm. What we are doing is not intended to persecute honest, working people," Interior Minister Carlos Menocal told reporters. Menocal said operations in the coming days would aim to boost regional security, regain control of territory, identify criminal gangs and capture their members. In an interview with CNN en Espanol last month, Menocal said his country needed more help from

the United States to combat cartels, which were increasingly carving out new drug transport paths. "In the end, the large majority of drugs travel through Central America, and the assignment of resources or the financial support of the United States government is not the same as Colombia and Mexico receive," he said. Menocal said clashes between authorities and Los Zetas had notably increased. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration describes Los Zetas as "a group of Mexican military deserters...who have kidnapped, tortured, and murdered -- including beheadings -- of law enforcement officials, innocent citizens, informants, and rival drug gangs." A report released by the Stratfor global intelligence company last week said Los Zetas have also "long been active in human smuggling, oil theft, extortion and contract enforcement." Corruption and violence are high in Guatemala, according to the United Nations, which created a committee in 2006 to investigate those issues there. Carlos Castresana, the former head of the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala, announced his resignation earlier this year because he felt the country had not made enough reforms to its justice system. More than 200,000 people have been killed in the nation since 1970, mostly as a result of organized crime, drug-trade violence and a 36-year civil war that ended in 1996.

At least 17 people were killed after a bus carrying more than 50 passengers plummeted into a ravine and plunged into a river in Peru, state media reported.

Rescuers were continuing to search for bodies hours after the crash Thursday, Peru's state-run Andina news agency said. Dr. William Osorio told the agency that 20 people injured in the crash were at the Hermilio Valdizan de Huanuco Hospital -- with six of them in serious condition. Police were still investigating the cause of the accident, which occurred on a highway in the central Peruvian region of Huanuco, Andina reported. CNN affiliate America TV reported that the bus plummeted 200 meters into a river. It was traveling at an excessive speed and also carrying animals onboard, the affiliate said.

17 dead after passenger bus plunges into ravine in Peru

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The Belize Times The Belize TimeS

Sunday, December 26, 26, 2010 2010

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26, 2010 26, 2010 26, 2010 Sunday, December Sunday, December

The Belize Times TimeS The Belize

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from the United Democratic Party

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Sunday, December 26, 2010

Connect the dots... then color me

Sunday, December 26, 2010

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Grace

Amazin

Bigger than Christmas With the celebration of the birth of Christ, or Christmas as we conveniently call it, breathes chilly air down our neck backs this December in Belize, we become animated and flood Albert Street or the nationwide shopping plazas. This year I have decided that I will not remind you of the “real purpose of Christmas” because “nearly 80% of the inhabitants of Belize are Christian, with 49.6% of Belizeans being Roman Catholics and 29% Protestants” together with near three thousand Muslims. So we all know the truth that Christmas is not this commercial excess and materialistic panic. You will get no preaching from me as to the date and symbols of Christmas because, in my Bible: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” 1 Corinthians 13:13. Christmas has all three of these great promises of light and, in a childish way, to nitpick at the celebration of God’s message of reconciliation is too distracting to be of much benefit. It may be naïve to approach it this way but that may not be a bad thing. The Bible says: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3. So this Christmas I lay out that challenge for you to embrace your inner child and innocence. Find your kids if you are estranged from them, seek out a feuding family member. Try to give a gift that has immeasurable value but cost nothing. In that vein, I am reminded that Church leaders have singled out asylum seekers, Iraqis and the families of New Zealand's dead miners to remind people that not everyone will have a joyous time this Christmas. Thirteen churches have made separate remarks in a joint statement calling for peace. Archbishop Philip Wilson, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, said Christmas in Australia meant summer and holidays. But elsewhere people were not as lucky. "This Christmas is a time for us to pray that Christians everywhere around the world can celebrate in peace …" he said. Some Christians in Iraq are approaching their grimmest Christmas since the US-led invasion of 2003. "Our Christian brothers and sisters will be celebrating Christmas wondering if their churches are going to be attacked or individuals targeted by violence as they go to mass and visit their families," Archbishop Wilson said. He also highlighted the plight of the families of the 29 men who remain entombed in a New Zealand mine, including two Australians who became trapped 2.5km underground following a methane gas explosion on November 19. "Their Christmas will be a terribly sad and sombre one," he said. "But the great comfort for us who believe in Christ is that what the birth of Jesus offers is the ultimate surety." Commissioner Linda Bond from The Salvation Army said people closer to home would also suffer this festive season. "Sadly, the most joyous season is when we see most of those who are suffering, people who are vulnerable, hurting, lonely, dispossessed and lost. The need is very real and whether it is due to present economic stresses, memories of the past, or anxiety about an unknowable future, for many, Christmas is not a time of rejoicing." Craig Brown, federal coordinator of the Churches of Christ, said some people dreaded Christmas because of stretched finances while others missed loved ones. "For others, any sense of any meaning is drowned in a flurry of activity, crowds and obligatory shopping," he said, adding that people need to remember the true Christmas message. "Christmas reminds us that although we may dread the impending climate crisis, wars, the increasing gap between rich and poor and the sense that in many ways our society is extending credit but limiting compassion, we have still received good news of great joy for all of us... Have a hopeful Christmas.” Belize, Season Greetings, and remember that God’s love is reason for the season.

The Belize Times

FOR SALE By Order of the Mortgagee

Belize Christian Conferences Committee

Over 1000 students from 17 schools were a part of t h i s y e a r ’s “ S c h o o l g u y s & g i r l s ’ E s s a y C o m p e t i t i o n 2010” Conference in Belize City under the theme: “A s p i r i t o f e x c e l l e n c e : Av o i d i n g p i t f a l l s ! ” T h e a s s o r t m e n t of presenters highlighted real-life experiences including from their previous lifestyles and mistakes. The sessions were offered free of cost and took place a t t h e B e l i z e C i v i c C e n t e r, B e l i z e E l e m e n t a r y G y m a n d B i r d ’s I s l e a n d w e r e o p e n t o u p p e r d i v i s i o n P r i m a r y School boys and girls. Guest speakers included Mrs. A n d r e a M c K o y, a t t o r n e y, M r. M i c h a e l S i m m o n s , Businessman, Mrs. Dupe Adegbami, Missionary These presented alongside committee members: M r. & M r s . L o u i s & Ly d i a T h o m p s o n a n d o t h e r d y n a m i c s p e a k e r s f r o m Yo u t h Wi t h A M i s s i o n B e l i z e . Inspirational instruction was given about how to be P a s s i o n a t e a b o u t o n e ’s d r e a m s , p r e p a r e f o r, p u r s u e i t , being patient in the process, position oneself properly t o s u c c e e d , a n d a c k n o w l e d g e G o d ’s p u r p o s e f o r o u r l i v e s . Va r i o u s p i t f a l l s c o m m o n t o y o u t h i n o u r s o c i e t y such as drugs, gangs, overcoming childhood abuse and molestation, idleness, poverty and lack of education, were addressed. An essay competition followed from which the judges chose winning entries and prizes were given to the top place finishers on December 17. First place and best essay overall male/female was awarded to Aleisha L. Bailey of St. Luke Methodist Primary S c h o o l , S t d . V. 2010 Champ Bailey wrote: “The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘pitfall’ as unsuspected danger or d i f f i c u l t y. I n t o d a y ’s s o c i e t y m a k i n g t h e r i g h t c h o i c e s is a very hard thing to do. Many youths are failing to avoid the pitfalls of life which means they’re failing to make the right choices regarding life situations… being in a gang instead of going to school, getting pregnant or having sex at a young age. As a young girl, I believe that if I want to avoid the pitfalls of life, I will need to stay in school. I must be like Daniel and stand strong no matter what situation may come m y w a y. D a n i e l w a s p l a c e d i n a d e n o f l i o n s b u t s t i l l chose to be positive. Many young people are facing “ d e n s ” t o d a y. T h e i r d e n s a r e g a n g s , p r o s t i t u t i o n , r o b b e r y, e t c . b u t i n s t e a d o f b e i n g l i k e D a n i e l w h o chose the positive, they are choosing to stay negative and let life situations beat them up. I have chosen to be like Daniel and stay positive.” Thank you to all the principals, teachers and parents who took the time to coach their students, and Thank you also to our sponsors who came alongside us as we do our part in investing in the future of Belize through mentoring our youth.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Assignment and Transfer of Mortgage made the 1st March, 2005, registered in Land Charges Register (Assignment) Vol. 3 at Folio 10, between The Belize Bank Limited (the Assignor), Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., and JENNIFER JANE USHER (the Mortgagor), which said property was mortgaged by the said JENNIFER JANE USHER to the said Belize Bank Limited on the 29th day of January, 2002, registered in the Land Charges Register (Legal Charge) Vol. 28 at Folio 34; and the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the properties described in the Schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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SCHEDULE ALL THOSE pieces or parcels of land situate at Ladyville, Belize District being Lot Nos. 1, 2 and 3 shown and delineated on a Plan of Survey drawn by Licensed Surveyor, Kenneth Gillett dated 1st February, 2001 and recorded at the Lands and Surveys Department in Belmopan at Entry No. 5566 Register 16 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. Dated the 16th day of December, 2010.

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

NOTICE

The General Public is hereby notified that the People’s United Party will be holding Standard Bearer Conventions in the following constituencies: 1. 2. 3.

Cayo South – January 8, 2011 Stann Creek West – January 22, 2011 Belize Rural North – January 23, 2011

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The Belize Times

Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Belize Times

Sober

Reflections Happy happy joy joy…! people starve. I have seen 43% of our people fall below the poverty line even as another 15% of their neighbours exist on that line. I have seen an unprecedented number of school-age children drop out of school because they simply cannot afford education under this UDP. I have seen many of those children on the streets begging for a dollar so they can buy food to feed their brothers and sisters at home.

By: Mike Rudon Jr. I have been strongly advised that in this last column I should make every effort to be nice. I’ve been told that right about now I should be overwhelmed by warm feelings, overcome by joy and filled with inner peace. Supposedly all these ‘happy happy joy joy’ feelings should be reflected in a column which will inspire Belizeans to join hands and sing Kumbaya and be happy. I understand that I’m even supposed to be nice to Dean Oliver. Imagine that. Just for this last column I’m not allowed to call him a jackass or to make reference to his balls (or lack thereof) or even to call him a megalomaniac, twisted, arrogant, misguided, petty, dictatorial mini-Mugabe. So they want me to be nice and sweet and warm and cheery and chirpy. To paraphrase a little yellow bird from one of my favourite cartoons – they don’t know me very well, do they? I don’t like Dean Oliver Barrow. I didn’t like him last year and I didn’t like him last week and I didn’t like him yesterday. I don’t like him today and I sure as hell won’t like him tomorrow. I’m sorry if that offends the idiots over on that side or the nice people over on our side. Actually I’m not sorry at all – it is what it is. I have spent a large portion of this year listening to our prime minister spout the most ridiculous bits of rubbish and make completely outlandish decisions. I have seen our prime minister make promises with one breath and break them with the next. I have witnessed our prime minister tampering with our institutions as if they were only pawns to be moved at his whim and fancy. I have observed him treat our jewel like a stage on which he is the star and I have observed him treat our jewel like his own personal fiefdom. I have stood by while our prime minister made his gangster-rapper, convicted felon, foul-mouthed hoodlum son the music ambassador of Belize, stating that he should be an example to all the children of the nation. I have noted the affections lavished on Lois by the prime minister to the tune of millions of taxpayer dollars and lucrative postings. And I have watched our prime minister turn the members of his family into millionaires through the most bizarre examples of nepotism I have ever seen. And through all that, I have watched our people suffer. I have watched our

I have seen unemployment soar as businesses have been forced to close their doors. I have seen violent crime scale unprecedented heights – the news just last night reported three more murders. So on one hand I see our prime minister talking so pretty and living so large and on the other I see the glaring results of neglect. On one hand I see the prime minister and his family members enjoying the sweets and on the other I see poor Belizeans who are fighting a daily struggle to make ends meet. On one hand I see Lois cashing a half-million dollar voucher and on the other I see the sanitation worker who makes $150 a week out of a job because the UDP City Council will not pay them. On one hand I see the prime minister’s wife shopping for fancy gifts in Miami and on the other I see the many Belizeans who will barely be able to put food on their tables, much less buy gifts for their children. For the Barrow family this was a great year and this Christmas will be a glorious one with friends like Dom

26 Perignon, Cristal and Moet stopping by. But for many Belizeans there will be no presents under the tree, no eyes lighting up on Christmas morning, no ham and turkey and cranberry and all the goodies. Many Belizeans will go hungry this Christmas. And they tell me I should be nice to our prime minister. Not damned likely. Somebody, God bless his soul, came up with the perfect billboard featuring our prime minister and his royal family. That is what they are, apparently…the royal family. The billboards didn’t last long in the city before the prime minister ordered that they be taken down. I understand that he was very offended and considered it a personal insult. Maybe the prime minister isn’t as dense as I thought. The billboard was meant to be offensive and was meant as a personal insult. And it’s only the beginning. I’d wish our prime minister and his family a merry Christmas, but then I’d probably gag. Let me just say that I wish them many things, but nothing that is suitable for publication here. See…I tried to be nice!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Belize Times

PON DI GULLY Chronicle of a Dictator Part II

By anthony sylvestre My UDP friend, in defence of Dean Barrow’s chancey and petty bullying of Channel 5, sought to compare Barrow to US President Barack Obama the other day. “But even Obama did the same thing,” he said. “Remember when Obama refused to give any interview to Fox television station”. Now I was prepared to give my friend the benefit of the doubt and believe what he was telling me. But my instincts were telling me otherwise- “bwai check dah thing out fi yuself!” And as it turned out, Obama never did such a thing as Barrow is doing to Channel 5. He did not issue a proclamation banning all his Cabinet Secretaries and all representatives of the US Federal government from giving interviews with Fox television. He could never make such a crazy public declaration of war against a media house in the US. What Obama in fact did was to refuse to give exclusive one on one interviews to Fox. And as you may know, Obama had to quickly backpedal from this position and has since given exclusive interviews to Fox reporters. But what is more important though is that Channel 5 can never be likened to Fox television station; nor can Marleni, Ava, Isani, Marian, Delani and the other news personnel at Channel 5 be likened to Bill O’Reilly or Glen Beck or any of Fox’s extreme right wingers. Fox is a television station that deliberately propagates and fuels racist innuendoes and in many instances outright racist statements against Obama; it is a television station which continues to give fodder to lies that Obama is not an American; that Obama is a terrorist; a television station which incites hate against minorities and immigrants. O k a y, s o t h a t w e h a v e n o w cleared up that Barrow is not Obama, and Obama is definitely no Barrow, it brings me to the question: what then is Barrow’s intention in placing this crazy embargo on Channel 5? Barrow says that Channel 5 has been “terribly unfair, terribly unprofessional when it comes to the government”. But what is the evidence of this which Barrow has presented to the Belizean public? Is

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it so because he says so? It is an excellent political stratagem of his which he employs repeatedly and which s eems to work all the time: condemn the perceived opponent, and repeat and repeat and repeat and repeat and repeat the condemnation. Even if not true, a good number of people will believe it anyway. Barrow has not offered anything to show Channel 5’s extreme unfairness and unprofessionalism as Obama in the United States was able to

illustrate with Fox. Obama relied on a Pew Research study which showed that 40 % of Fox’s news stories on Obama in the last six weeks of the election campaign were negative. Armed with that in f o r m at io n , O b am a ju s ti f i ab l y refused to give personal interviews with Fox; he did not and could not dictate to his Cabinet members that they too were to do the same. S o a g a i n , w h a t i s B a r r o w ’s agenda? He exposed his hand last Friday in an interview with Channel 7, though I think he doesn’t care if he did. “Once that is out there we can go back to seeing how we can do business,” he said. In other words, once he has succeeded in irreparably damaging C h a n n e l 5 ’s r e p u t a t i o n a s a n independent and impartial news organ, mission accomplished. When Channel 5 in the future then reports on any transgression of Barrow and his government, Barrow will dismiss that news-story as being biased,

27 with the hope that many people will equally dismiss it - an excellent stratagem indeed. Barrow last Friday in his same interview with Channel 7 characterized his actions against Channel 5 as the “far softer approach”. Can you imagine the man? I shudder to think what would have been the heavy-handed approach. When the Prime Minister of a country and his Cabinet reach the point where they meet, sit, and discuss a news organ and then go on to craft a nasty press release attacking and threatening that news organ, that is more than cause for concern; it is confirmation of a Prime Minister and his government intent on bullying the press; it is confirmation that we are heading down the road of a dictatorship. These events indeed are chronicling the making of a dictator.

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The Belize Times

Sunday, December 26, 2010

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The Belize Times

Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Belize Times

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Sadie Vernon boys win national basketball champs

The Sadie Vernon Technical High School boys have won their 2nd National Secondary School Sports Association basketball championship and will be representing Belize again at the 16th CODICADER Central American Students’ Games to be held in San Salvador, El Salvador in September 2011. T h e S a d i e Ve r n o n b o y s triumphed 74-50 over the southern champions, the boys of Georgetown Technical High School in the finals of the national tournament organized by the National Secondary School Sports Association and hosted by the Anglican Cathedral College at the Belize City Center on Saturday, December 18. I n G a m e 1 o n F r i d a y, t h e S o u thern division champs, the Georgetown boys, moved on to the finals with a 75-56 win over the Northern division champs, the New Hope Baptist High School boys. Gilbert Lopez drained in a long trey as he led the Georgetown offensive with 10pts in the 1st quarter. Joel Major, Lenon Cho and Adrian Augustine added more buckets, but Roger Reneau answered with 2 long treys to score 16 pts and give New Hope a 20-18 lead at the end of the quarter. New Hope’s Joel Montejo also drained in a long trey in the 2nd

quarter, but Georgetown’s Lopez, Major and Augustine answered with buckets to tie the score at 31-31 at the half time break. N e w H o p e ’s L e o n a r d J o n e s drained in another long trey i n t h e 3 r d q u a r t e r, b u t L e n o n Cho answered with a long trey and more buckets from Lopez, Augustine and Julian Coc, and the Georgetown boys were up 51-41 at the end of the 3rd quarter. N e w H o p e ’s c a p t a i n R o g e r Reneau finished with 29pts and 11rebounds but he was the only one in double digits. Georgetown’s Gilbert Lopez had 30pts and 17 rebounds, Adrian Augustine had 14pts and 14 rebounds, and Lenon Cho had 11pts and Joel Major 10pts. In Game 2 on Friday, it was double the score, double your pleasure for the Sadie Vernon boys who bit off a 73-34 win over the western champions the Belmopan Comprehensive School boys. Sadie Vernon’s captain Kachief Thomas drained in 6 long treys as he led with 34pts. Sadie Vernon was up 11-10 in the 1st quarter and more buckets from Andrew Ortiz, Lincy Lopez, London Reneau and Frederick Williams put them ahead 27-20 at the half time break. Compre’s Akeem Watters scored 17pts and grabbed 8 rebounds, while Marlon Salazar scored 9pts

and grabbed 9 rebounds. Kachief scored 4 treys for 17pts in the 3rd quarter to give Sadie Vernon a 60-22 lead. Ortiz finished with 11pts and Peter McKoy had 6pts while Lopez, Williams and Ryan Michael had 4 pts each. In Game 3, the consolation game for 3rd place on Saturday, the Belmopan Comprehensive boys won 66-52 over the New Hope boys. Akeem Watters led the Compre attack with 31 pts and 14 rebounds, while Marlon Salazar had 17pts and 6 rebounds. Leonard Jones hit a long trey and Roger Reneau, Joel Montejo and Isidore Arzu added more buckets as the New Hope boys were up 1510 in the 1st quarter. More buckets from Watters, Salazar and Chris Enriquez gave the Compre boys a 29-23 lead at the half time break. Reneau scored 10pts in the 3rd quarter and Leonard Jones added 4pts and Arzu chipped in a bucket for New Hope to lead 40-36 in the 3rd quarter. In money time, Watters scored 14pts more as the Compre boys outshot New Hope 30 - 12. Edward Ireland finished with 7pts while Evan Arana hit a long trey. Roger Reneau finished with 26pts and 10 rebounds, while Leonard Jones had 10pts. In game 4, the championship finals, the Sadie Vernon boys blew

away the Georgetown Technical boys: 74-50. London Reneau and Lincy Lopez hit 2 buckets each in the 1st quarter and Andrew Ortiz scored a lay-up, while Kachief Thomas hit 2 long treys to add 11pts in a 20-9 lead in the 1st quarter. Georgetown’s Gilbert Lopez entered the ball game in the 2nd quarter; while Lenon Cho and Joel Major poured in 6pts each. Adrian Augustine added a bucket, but they were down 21-32 at the half as Sadie Vernon’s Peter McKoy and Andrew Ortiz scored two buckets each. Joel Major drained in a long trey in the 3rd quarter to finish with 11pts, and Gilbert Lopez also had 11pts, but Kachief and Ortiz kept the Sadie Vernon boys on top 45-36 at the end of the 3rd quarter. Kachief Thomas drained in a long trey to added 9pts in the 4th quarter as he finished with 26pts. Ortiz had 18pts and London Reneau had 10pts and Lincy Lopez – 5pts. Georgetown’s Lenon Cho and Adrian Augustine finished w i t h 9 p t s e a c h ; w h i l e Wa s a n i Flores scored 4pts. The A.C.C. principal presented team trophies and individual medals to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. The most valuable player award went to Kachief Thomas.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Belize Times

Gwen Liz girls win 5x NSSSA basketball championships

The Gwen Lizarraga High School girls won their 5th back-to-backto-back National Secondary School Sports Association (NSSSA) basketball championship and will represent Belize again at the 16th CODICADER Central American Students’ Games to be held in San Salvador, El Salvador in September 2011. The Gwen Liz girls won their 5th title at the national tournament hosted by the Anglican Cathedral College at Belize City over the weekend. In Game 1 on Friday, the Southern division champs Delille Academy girls moved on to the finals with a 29-10 win over the Northern division champs the Muffles College girls. The Delille Academy girls out-rebounded the Muffles girls; Glenda Aranda got 6 rebounds and Shirley Castillo grabbed 4 rebounds as they scored buckets to lead 7-0 in the first quarter. Leonie Nunez grabbed 4 rebounds as she and Aranda added more buckets to lead 13-0 at the half time break. Deja Cummings got the Muffles girls on the scoreboard with a bucket in the 3rd quarter, but Ethel Martinez’s 6pts opened the point spread to 19-2 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

The Muffles girls’ finally went to a man-to-man defense and won possession of the ball so Marcela Zaldivar, Chelsea Wade and Negril Crawford could score more buckets. Marcela got 5 rebounds and Negril grabbed 4, but Glenda Aranda scored 8pts to finish with 14pts while Ethel Martinez scored another bucket to finish with 8pts in their 29-10 win. In Game 2 on Friday, the Gwen Liz girls moved on to the finals by a 52-13 win over the Western division champions, the Belmopan Comprehensive girls. Glenda Torres led the Gwen Liz girls with 11 pts in the 1st quarter and Audreana Meighan, Deandra Coote and Kenya Brown added more buckets to lead 18-0 in the first quarter. Compre’s Jerriann Valencio scored a free throw in the 2nd quarter but Torres scored another 10pts, and Meighan grabbed 6 rebounds and Brown added more buckets to lead 34-1 at the half-time break. Valencio drained in a long trey as she added 6pts to the Compre score in the 3rd quarter and Mysha Gamboa added a bucket, but the Gwen Liz girls were up 40-9 at the end of the 3rd

quarter. Glenda Torres finished with 27pts and 15 rebounds while Kenya Brown added 4pts to finish with 10pts and 10 rebounds. Coote and Jaslyn Cadle added more buckets for the 5213 victory, while Valencio scored 2 more buckets to finish with 11pts and 6 rebounds. In Game 3, the consolation game for 3rd place on Saturday morning, the Muffles College girls won 22-6 over the Belmopan Compre girls. Marcela Saldivar and Deja Cummings scored a bucket each to lead 4-0 in the 1st quarter. Marcela added 4pts in the 2nd quarter and Shajira Grajalez scored 4pts more, while Chelsea Wade grabbed 6 rebounds to lead 12-4 at the half time break. Mysha Gamboa and Jerrian Valencio added a bucket each for Compre. In the 3rd quarter, Deja Cummings added 2 buckets and Negril Crawford grabbed 4 rebounds, and she and Noelle Codd scored a bucket each to lead 18-4 at the end of the quarter. In money time Giannie Santos scored the Muffles’ final bucket for the 22-6 win, while Gamboa and Valencio each scored a point from the charity stripe. In Game 4 in the championship final

on Saturday, the Gwen Liz girls won 42-18 against the Delille Academy girls. Gwen Liz’s Audreana Meighan scored the first bucket and Glenda Torres and Kenya Brown added more buckets, while Delille’s Ethel Martinez and Glenda Aranda answered with buckets to trail 5-6 at the end of the 1st quarter. Glenda Torres added 3pts in the 2nd quarter, but Ethel Martinez scored only one bucket and the Delille girls were down 7-9 at the half-time break. The Gwen Liz girls outshot the Delille girls 16-6 in the 3rd quarter with Torres putting up 11pts. Deandra Coote scored 3pts and Meighan added another bucket to lead 25-13 at the end of the quarter. They opened up a 43-18 lead on the Delille girls as they outshot the Griga Dang girls 18-5 in the 4th quarter. The Gwen Liz girls’ defense shut down the Delille girls as Torres grabbed 15 rebounds, Coote grabbed 8 rebounds and Kenya Brown grabbed 5. The A.C.C. principal presented team trophies and individual medals to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. The most valuable player award went to Glenda Torres.

BDF burns Belmopan Blaze 4-0 to lead Caribbean Cup football The Belize Defense Force posted their 10th win in Week 13 of the Caribbean Motors Cup football competition, scorching Belmopan Blaze 4-0 at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio on Sunday. The BDF now leads the Belize Premier Football League with 32 pts from 10 wins and 2 draws. Daniel Jimenez scored the 1st winning goal in the 22nd minute of play and the BDF led 1-0 at the half. In the 2nd half, Jimenez added a 2nd goal in the 48th minute, and Khalil Velasquez made it 3-0 with the BDF’s 3rd goal in the 58th minute. Evan Mariano iced the score with a 4th goal in the 71st minute. FC Belize is No.2 in the BPFL

with 29 pts after their 9th win over Griga United 2-1 at the Carl Ramos Stadium in Dangriga on Sunday afternoon. Dennis Serano struck Griga’s 1st goal in the 30th minute of play, but FC Belize’s Nigerian import Christian Okonkwo equalized the score in the 42nd minute for a 1-1 draw at the half time break. In the 2nd half, Delwin Jones scored FC Belize’s 2nd winning goal in the 48th minute. H a n k o o k Ve r d e s w o n 1 - 0 over San Felipe Barcelona at the Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen last Saturday night. Roy Cano scored the winning goal in the 63rd minute. .The visitors pulled out all the stops to

get the equalizer, but it was not to be. The Verdes defense had locked up shop to hold on to their 1-0 win at the long whistle. The competition continues with Belmopan Blaze taking on F.C. Belize at the FIFA Goal Project

f i e l d i n B e l m o p a n o n S u n d a y, while Hankook Verdes will host the Belize Defence Force at the Marshalleck Stadium on Sunday and San Felipe Barcelona will host the Toledo Ambassadors at the People’s Stadium.

The Belize Times

Sunday, December 26, 2010

DOMINGO 26 de DICIMBRE, 2010

The Belize Times

Issue No. 4725

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The Truth Shall Make You Free

PUEBLO DE SITTEE RIVER SACUDIDO POR VICIOSO ASESINATO

En noviembre de este año este país experimento uno de los asesinatos más extraños que tuvo lugar en San Pedro. Ese fue el incidente que cobró la vida de la azafata española, María Antonia Plaza, que desapareció y fue descubierto posteriormente asesinada el mismo día que se suponía que debía salir de Belice y volver al trabajo. Sucedió en una de las calles más concurridas de la isla y no lejos de donde se alojaba la victima. Otro horrible asesinato de Miriam Simi una extranjera ha sacudido a BePhoto courtesy of Channel 5 lice y esta vez fue en el sur, en la casa de la víctima en la aldea uno de los individuos más quede Sittee River. Miriam Simi, de ridos del pueblo Sitte River. Se 56 años de edad, jubilada y originaria de EE.UU., se trasladó a Belice hace cuatro años con su esposo, Daniel. Las cosas no estaban bien entre ellos y Daniel pronto se trasladó de su casa de dos pisos cerca del río. Miriam, sin embargo, se quedo con sus dos perros que eran sus guardianes pero en la noche del domingo, su protección no fue suficiente para salvarla de las manos de asesinos maliciosos, crueles, que irrumpieron en la parte superior detrás de su casa y la asesinaron. Lo que preocupa a los residentes aún más es que el autor (s) debieron haber conocido a Simi bien, y a los perros también porque nunca ladraron. Ella fue vista en pueblo en la noche del domingo y los pobladores creen que sus asesinos conocían sus movimientos a fin de tener el tiempo para cortar la puerta de tela metálica en el piso superior de su casa y esconderse en algún lugar dentro esperando su llegada. Su cuerpo fue descubierto poco después de las nueve el lunes, cuando un hombre al que usualmente contrataba se abrió paso atraves del río por su cuenta y se acercó a la casa. (Normalmente llamaba por ella desde el otro lado y ella lo iba a buscar con la canoa para cruzarlo.) La escena era horrible, con sangre y artículos regados por todas partes. Estaba tumbada en la cama, desnuda y algunos aparatos habían desaparecido. La policía cree que los ladrones también se llevaron dinero en efectivo. Aparte del estado total de shock y tristeza que atraviesa el pueblo, el lento ritmo de los negocios, sin duda, también sentirá los efectos del atroz asesinato de

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dice que ella era una persona feliz, sociable y generosa que siempre ofreció su ayuda y tomo en cuenta las opiniones de los residentes del área. Ella contrataba a los pobladores y promovía el turismo a su manera. Sin embargo, se convirtió en víctima a manos de gente fría, avara – un contraste irónico en contra de las mismas cosas por las que ella vivía. La policía ha detenido a dos personas para ser interrogados, ambos de los cuales conocían a Miriam Simi. Su marido, Daniel, fue interrogado, pero hasta ahora no hay pistas acerca de quién la asesino. Una hija se encuentra

en el país para recuperar el cuerpo de su madre y ayudar a la policía de Dangriga con la identificación de los objetos robados de la casa. (Es interesante notar que los ladrones no se aventuraron en la parte inferior de la casa, la puerta estaba cerrada cuando su cuerpo fue descubierto). La policía tampoco ha recuperado todo lo que se pudo haber utilizado para asesinar a Simi, pero su rostro y parte superior del cuerpo mostraban moretones debido a golpes.

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ditorial La Familia Real

La ira de Dean Oliver Barrow se elevó a punto de estallar recientemente después de que vallas publicitarias con su "familia real" fueron colocados en lugares selectos a través de la ciudad de Belice. Él furiosamente ordenó que las vallas publicitarias, incluso las situadas en propiedad privada, sean derribadas y quemadas como material hereje de antaño. Él se sintió ofendido y personalmente insultado por la representación pictórica de la vida de los Barrows en época de Navidad. Al parecer, el primer ministro aún no entiende que la vergüenza supuestamente sufrida por él y su familia a causa de un simple cartel palidece y se desvanece a la insignificancia en comparación con la indignidad que enfrentan los beliceños que no tienen idea de cómo van a alimentar a sus familias hoy y mañana, mucho menos el día de Navidad. Hay muchos ejemplos de disparidad evidente y cada vez mayor entre la mayoría de unos pocos elegidos, pero tal vez la más descarada es ofrecida por las circunstancias de la familia Barrow. El 'selecto', por supuesto, se refiere a la familia del primer ministro (incluyendo a su ex esposa), los ministros del UDP y sus familias y los compinches d e a l t o r a n g o U D P. Y a u n e n este selecto grupo, la familia del primer ministro se encuentra en un pedestal. La matriarca del clan de Barrow es la ex esposa del primer ministro. De eso no cabe ninguna duda. A pesar de que una primera dama más joven y más atractiva ha aparecido en la escena para añadir brillo al primer ministro cuando se trata de aparecer ante los medios de comunicación y estar ante las cámaras. La segunda dama, sin duda la mas importante, ha ejercido la suficiente influenza sobre los afectos de su ex marido, p u e s t o q u e L o i s Yo u n g h a sido dotada con al menos tres importantes puestos, ha recibido honores nacionales de prestigio pero sin sentido de su ex marido, ha sido nombrada Embajadora ante las Naciones Unidas a pesar de que nunca ha hecho un día de trabajo, y ha recogido millones de dólares del primer ministro dinero de los contribuyentes, porque al parecer ella es el único abogado que es lo suficientemente inteligente como para representar al gobierno. La suerte del hijo del primer ministro también ha sufrido una dramática transformación desde la ascensión al poder de papá. Erase una vez no era más que un prestamista, pero el príncipe real es ahora un magnate de bienes raíces y joven millonario. Y si

eso no fuera suficiente, el primer ministro también secuestro una de las mayores empresas privadas en Belice, convirtiendo a su hijo en genio por decreto real y lo instaló a la cabeza. Su otro hijo (el que abandonó), un criminal convicto y rapero gánster malhablado también estuvo en la repartición de las golosinas de Papi. Ansioso por hacer las paces, el rey Barrow declaró a este joven el embajador musical de Belice. Cada palabra en las letras de sus composiciones musicales de este delincuente es af @ * @ o "Muthaf @ # @ er ' y promueve matar a otros jóvenes de raza negra, dispararle a los policías con armas de fuego, tener tratos con la droga y golpear a las mujeres, pero nada de eso importa. Es miembro de la familia real y el rey ha declarado que va a ser un ejemplo para los niños de todo el reino. Y así se hizo. La princesa también ha recibido el tratamiento real, al estilo de Barrow. Empujada a la barra con una prisa indecente, la hija del primer ministro fue casi inmediatamente dotada de una ciruela gigante, en el caso de Wester Haven. La cantidad pagada a la princesa por su trabajo mediocre se dice que ha sido en los millones, lo que la convierte en la más reciente millonaria Barrow de la historia. Pero no hay límites a la realeza, y el rey también la declaró un genio jurídico y decretó que la pondría en BTL como consultora y asesora jurídica. La primera dama, que saltó a la condición de millonaria debido a su matrimonio, parece contenta con solo viajar y codearse con las élites en lugares exóticos en el extranjero. Aunque no tiene los privilegios y prebendas de la reina y matriarca, está dotada con un lugar en los medios de comunicacion frente a las cámaras y eso es aparentemente suficiente. Cada miembro de la familia Barrow ha cosechado y ultrajado los caramelos de la nación aun cuando el primer ministro nos dijo que estábamos en medio de una recesión económica. Muchos Beliceños no tienen trabajo en esta Navidad, muchos beliceños no serán capaces de poner comida en la mesa en esta Navidad, muchos beliceños se encuentran luchando y trabajando duro para hacerlo a través del Año Nuevo. Pero no la familia real – ellos no tienen motivo de quejas, no hay razones para lamentarse. Al llegar el cierre del año 2010, el PUP aprovecha esta oportunidad para desear a todos los beliceños paz y amor. No cabe duda de que este es el momento en que más lo necesitamos.

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Sunday, December 26, 2010

NOTICE

The General Public is hereby notified that the People’s United Party will be holding Standard Bearer Conventions in the following constituencies: 2. 3.

Corozal Bay – January 30, 2011 Corozal South West – February 6, 2011

All aspiring candidates are asked to send in their applications in triplicate to the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall by 30th December 2010.

NOTICE The General Public is hereby notified that the People’s United Party will be holding a Standard Bearer Convention in: 1. 2.

Collet – January 26, 2011 Corozal South East - January 2, 2011

Sunday, December 26, 2010

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Feliz, Feliz alegria...!

Por: Mike Rudon Jr. Me recomendaron de manera muy atenta que en esta ocasión y que en esta última columna debería hacer todo lo posible por ser amable. Me han dicho que en este momento debería estar abrumado por sentimientos de cariño, alegría y lleno de paz interior. Se supone que todos estos sentimientos de felicidad se reflejen en una columna que va a inspirar a los beliceños a unir sus manos y cantar Kumbaya y ser feliz. Entiendo que por lo menos debo ser amable con Deán Barrow por esta vez. Imagínese que no debo llamarle un burro o hacer referencia a sus bolas (o falta de ellas) o incluso no debo llamarlo un megalómano, trenzado, arrogante, erróneo, pequeño dictatorial mini Mugabe. Así que quieren que yo sea agradable, dulce, cálido, alegre y animado. Imitando a un pajarito amarillo de uno de los dibujos animados que son mi favorito - no me conocen muy bien, ¿verdad? No me gusta Deán Oliver Barrow. No me cayo bien el año pasado, ni la semana pasada, ni el día de ayer! No me gusta hoy día y definitivamente no me caerá bien mañana ni nunca! Lo siento si esto ofende a los idiotas del lado de los rojos o a la gente buena de nuestro lado. En realidad no me arrepiento en absoluto - es lo que es. He pasado una gran parte de este año escuchando a nuestro primer ministro surtir la basura más ridícula de su boca y tomar decisiones totalmente descabelladas. He visto a nuestro primer ministro hacer promesas con una respiración y romperlas con la siguiente. He sido testigo de cómo nuestro primer ministro manipula nuestras instituciones como si fueran sólo peones que se mueven a su capricho y antojo. He observado que trata a nuestra joya como un escenario en el que él es la estrella. Me mantuve como observador mientras nuestro primer ministro hizo que su hijo rapero tipo gánster y malhablado se convierta en el embajador de la música de Belice, indicando que él debe ser un ejemplo para todos los hijos de nuestra nación. He tomado nota de los afectos prodigados a Lois por el primer ministro por una suma de millones de dólares de los contribuyentes y publicaciones lucrativas. Y he visto a nuestro primer ministro convertir a miembros de su familia en millonarios a través de los ejemplos más extraños de nepotismo que he visto. Y a través de todo eso he visto a nuestro pueblo sufrir. He visto morir

de hambre a nuestro pueblo. He visto el 43% de nuestra gente por debajo del umbral de la pobreza. He visto un número sin precedentes de niños en edad escolar abandonar la escuela porque simplemente no pueden pagar la educación en virtud del presente UDP. He visto a muchos de esos niños en las calles pidiendo un dólar para que puedan comprar comida para alimentar a sus hermanos y hermanas en casa. Y he visto como el desempleo se dispara mientras que las empresas se han visto obligados a cerrar sus puertas. He visto la escala del crimen violento sin precedentes – solo anoche las noticias informaron de tres asesinatos más.

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Así que por un lado veo a nuestro primer ministro hablando tan bonito y viviendo a lo grande y por el otro veo los resultados evidentes de abandono. Por un lado veo que el primer ministro y los miembros de su familia disfrutando de los dulces y por el otro veo beliceños pobres que están luchando una lucha diaria para sobrevivir. Por un lado veo a Lois cobrar un bono de medio millón de dólares y por el otro el trabajador de saneamiento que gana $ 150 por semana, y que ha sido despedido de su trabajo debido a que el Ayuntamiento UDP no les paga. Por un lado veo a la esposa de Barrow irse de compras a Miami y por el otro veo muchos beliceños que apenas serán capaces de poner comida en sus mesas, mucho menos comprar regalos para sus hijos. Para la familia Barrow se trato de un gran año y esta Navidad será gloriosa con amigos como Dom Perignon, Cristal y Moet como huéspedes. Pero para muchos beliceños no habrá regalos debajo del árbol, ni ojos iluminados en la mañana de Navidad, o el jamón y el pavo, el arándano y

todas las golosinas de las Pascuas. Muchos Beliceños pasaran hambre en esta Navidad. Y me dicen que debo ser amable con nuestro primer ministro. De ninguna manera!! Alguien, Dios bendiga su alma, se le ocurrió poner la cartelera perfecta con nuestro primer ministro y su familia real. Eso es lo que ellos creen que son al parecer... la familia real. Las vallas no duraron mucho en la ciudad antes de que el primer ministro ordenara que fueran retiradas. Entiendo que él estaba muy ofendido y las consideró un insulto personal. Tal vez el primer ministro no es tan denso como yo pensaba. El cartel estaba destinado a ser ofensivo y fue pensado como un insulto personal. Y es sólo el comienzo. Yo les desearía a nuestro primer ministro y a su familia una Feliz Navidad, pero me mordería la lengua probablemente. Permítanme decir que yo les deseo muchas cosas, pero nada de lo que es adecuado para su publicación en esta edición! Miren... traté de ser amable!

The Belize Times

Sunday, December 26, 2010

The Belize Times

FOR RENT 2 bedroom house, fully furnished located in Vista Del Mar Area, Ladyville Area, Belize District. Call Errol Pratt at 61`0-0787 or 223-0787 for more information. Rooms with cable, water and electricity unfurnished. For more information contact Errol Pratt at 610-0787 or 223-0787 for more information.

LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Yongde Liang is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Mei Xing Restaurant”, #124 Freetown Road, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Dora Aguilar is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Blue Star Bar”, Mile 44 Western Highway, Cotton Tree Village, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Alfred Pickwoad is applying for a Malt and Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Nerie’s Restaurant”, #12 Douglas Jones Street, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Neria Pickwoad is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Nerie’s Bodega Lounge”, Corner Queen and Daly Streets, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Liming Zhu and Shao Hua Zhu are applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Jenny’s II Shop”, #5763 Meighan Avenue, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Gen Wan Lue is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Hong’s Shop”, #46 Victoria Street, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Gua Lan Wu is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Jess Supermarket”, #25 Lord’s Bank, Ladyville, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Deborah A. Gegg is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Smoky Mermaid Restaurant and Bar”, #13 Cork Street, Belize City under the Intoxicating

Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Salvador Marin is applying for a Club Liquor License to be operated at “I and I”, Caye Caulker, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Juanita Banner is applying for a Malt and Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Panchie’s”, Willows Bank, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Alfred Thuraiaiyah (MBE) is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Alfvima”, #28 Queen Street, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Maria Kerr is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “B & S Shop”, Burrell Boom, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Luciano Choc is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Celina’s Bar”, 9 Miles Northern Highway, Ladyville, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Pearlene Westby is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “New Horizon”, North East Sittee River, Stann Creek District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Stanley Francis is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Nellie’s” #40B Queen Charlotte Street, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Myrna Meighan is applying for a Malt Liquor License to be operated at “Myrna’s Cool Spot”, #10 Queen Charlotte Street, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Ishwarlal Nandwani is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Public Supermarket”, #49 West Canal, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Juan Carlos Dussan is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at

“P Market”, #26 Central American Boulevard”, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Juan Carlos Dussan is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “P Market”, 2 ½ miles Northern Highway, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Edwardo Arceo is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Pirate’s Hotel and Restaurant”, Front Street, Caye Caulker, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Edwardo Arceo is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Rose’s Grill and Bar”, Front Street, Caye Caulker, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Jesse Funes is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Shaley’s Liquor Store”, Chapus Street, Caye Caulker, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Deepak Gidwani is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “#5 Regent Street West”, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Carmelo Castillo is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “”Castillo’s Cool Spot”, San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Prayer To The Holy Spirit O Holy spirit, you who are the fountainhead of all knowledge, who illuminate the pathway which enables me to reach my goal. You who share your divine gift permitting me to forgive and forget past insults and injustices, and who are always at my side within reaching distance. I desire in this short supplication to thank you for all that you have done for me, and to assure you once more that I never want to be separated from you under any circumstances, no matter what the incentive. I want to be with you, I along with my loved ones, cradled in your unending love. Thank you for your never failing kindness towards me and those I call my own. (Prayer to be offered for three consecutive days; faith in the Holy Spirit will cause him to respond to your request no matter how difficult the problem might be.) Publish prayer as soon as request has been granted.

S.H.M.

Raymond Robateau Jr.

The Belize Times

Sunday, December 26, 2010