Belize Times April 15, 2012

Sunday, April 15, 2012

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THE BELIZE TIMES

SCAN HERE

SUNDAY April 15, 2012

www.facebook/Belize Times

Issue No. 4791

EASTER BLOODBATH 23 yr. old gunned down on Albert St. BELIZE CITY, Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

By Alton Humes Michael James Garbutt, aged 23 years and a Belizean deportee exiled from the US, was viciously and unrepentantly killed in what

Belize City, April 10, 2012 The gun warfare continued wantonly over the Easter holidays and the bloodshed and grief did not escape the Lanza family of Casaurina Street in the Lake Indepen-

Michael Garbutt’s senseless murder on Holy Thursday was the start of a bloody Easter Holiday weekend, with 4 murders and 9 deaths overall

Gapi gets a 2012 Land Cruiser

Continued on page 4

Choto Brings the Garland Home

See page 12

TOP MODEL

Continued on page 3

UDP spends $300,000 on 3 Gov’t vehicles!!

Belize City, April 9, 2012 In these hard economic times, almost everyone has had to readjust their lifestyle to survive.

Belizean families are forced to stretch their dollars to meet their daily needs. Business owners spend restless nights figuring out how they’ll pinch

Continued on page 3

See page 9

Herman Lanza ripped apart by shotgun blasts

is now a full-fledged spate of violence continuing to spread through the very heart of Belize City, and the country of Belize at large.

Garbutt, who resides in the T Street area of Belize City, was at the family residence just above Dee Dee’s Res-

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Vega’s new luxury ride, a 2012 Land Cruiser, will be paid for by taxpayers

Gangs infiltrate nation’s security strategy Belize City, April 10, 2012 It has become very clear that criminal elements in Belize City gangs have been getting very special and differential treatment from the Barrow Administration. Special job assignments throughout

the districts, special meetings with the Prime Minister where payments in exchange and extortion deals for “peace” are negotiated, and the use of taxpayer’s money to maintain gang members’ lifestyles with

Continued on page 6

Lake I & Cayo

electionS UNDER REVIEW

artist Benjamin Nicholas passes

U.S. increases Visa fees

03 16 19

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Prime Minister Barrow envies the PUP Dear Editor, Many Belizean have been misled by the UDP leadership that former Prime Minister Said Musa created the super bond for all of us Belizeans to pay the 2 billion dollars debt. What Mr. Barrow did not tell us is that the UDP owed 5 hundred million dollars that were included in the super bond! What Mr. Barrow also did not tell us is that the oil company

BNE came to produce oil under Prime Minister Said Musa and the PUP Administration.

We Belizeans should understand that the PUP left for all of us over one hundred million dollars revenue every year from the oil. Although Mr. Barrow tried to divert our attention to the super bond, he depends on the oil revenue left by former Prime Minister Said Musa.

PUP Leader pledges to defend the People’s Will in Freetown April 5, 2012 Release from the Office of the Area Representative of the Freetown Division, Hon. Francis W. Fonseca On April 4th, 2012 the applicants in Supreme Court Claim No. 195 of 2012 were granted leave by the Supreme Court to file an Election Petition in respect of the Freetown Division.

It is now expected that this Election Petition will be filed and heard before the Supreme Court of Belize within the next two months.

While I do not agree with or understand the Courts reasoning for granting leave, I am of course duty-bound and obliged to respect and abide by that decision.

As this matter is now before the Supreme Court, I am restrained in my ability to fully comment on the facts. I however wish to assure the people of Freetown and indeed all Belizeans that it is my intention to vigorously defend the integrity of our election victory in Freetown and the integrity of those individuals in Freetown who have been targeted by the UDP for personal destruction because of their loyalty and commitment to the PUP. I categorically and unequivocally deny any suggestion or allegation of bribery on the part of anyone associated with the PUP Freetown Election Victory.

Our election victory in Freetown was won thru hard work, sweat, and yes sometimes tears contributed by hundreds of good, honest, faithful members and supporters of myself and our great Party.

We will not allow a failed candidate and a few paid UDP activists, seemingly willing to perjure themselves before the Supreme Court, to thwart or undermine the will and destiny of the people of Freetown.

I thank all those across the country for their expressions of support and offerings of prayer. The fight continues!! The work continues!! God Bless Belize!

This oil revenue allowed Mr. Barrow to write-off many home loans and because of the oil money the UDPs were able to squander our money on election campaign. When we feel so good about the write-off we also must know that the PUP oil revenue was the security for the write-off.

The PUP believes in growing the economy while the UDP stifles the economy. Many businesses have closed down under the UDP leadership while money circulated well enough under the PUP. Be the judge my people, the teachers got wage increases under the PUP and the UDP stifled the teachers with high cost of living.

The truth is from 2005 Prime Minister Said Musa left over one hundred million dollars in revenue to secure continuously for money borrowed for the development of our country Belize. And for this, Mr. Barrow envies the PUP. Signed.

Luke Palacio

PUP Northern

Caucus calls UDP’s attacks “mischief”, “malice”

April 11, 2012 The Northern Caucus of the People’s United Party (PUP) expresses its unequivocal support for the Honourable Francis Fonseca, leader of the People’s United Party, in the battle to restore integrity to the democratic and electoral process through the filing of election petitions. It is the belief of this Caucus that those petitions filed by the PUP are the result of clear infractions in the electoral process by representatives of the U.D.P. Any such infraction is an attack on the people and an attack on our democracy and cannot be tolerated in any instance.

In a nonsensical response to the petitions filed by the PUP, the United Democratic Party (UDP) has taken the decision to file their own petition against the Honourable Francis Fonseca in Supreme Court Claim #195 of 2012.

The U.D.P. has produced five (5) of their loyal supporters who claim that they were allegedly bribed by Freetown operatives to vote for the Hon. Fonseca.

The Northern Caucus of the PUP wishes to state categorically that it considers that allegation unfounded and based on nothing more than political mischief and malice. The Caucus is furthermore confident that after due consideration, the Court will find it so.

We stand in support of the Party Leader as he stands to defend the integrity of his clear victory in the Freetown Division on March 7th and the integrity of those individuals who have come under attack by the U.D.P. for their loyalty to our great Party. (Press Release)

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Poor man’s public transportation

needed in Belmopan

To Whom It May Concern A city bus service would really be appreciated in Belmopan, wouldn’t you agree with me?

When you leave your village to go to Belmopan you pay eight dollars round trip, then when you get there it is so far to walk to the offices you have to visit. Sometimes it is raining, sometimes the sun is so hot that when you reach your destination you are either all wet or covered in sweat or just totally tired.

People will not always have $12 to pay for a taxi. Most of the time, we have to walk. Many people in Belize City appreciate those buses that run only for a dollar. Those people could never afford $6 or $7 a drop. Thanks to whosoever came up with the $1 bus, because it helps to save in these hard times.

Once, I watched a lady heading to the hospital. She had three small children crying behind her because they were tired and a young baby in her hand. Please remember it is the poor people who stand in the sun hot waiting to cast their vote don’t forget us. We must think about them. Let’s get a bus service run in Belmopan soon.

Sincerely, Mrs. Gertrude Velasquez

THE BELIZE TIMES EDITOR

Alberto Vellos OFFICE MANAGER

Fay Castillo McKay PRINTING/PERSONNEL SUPERVISOR

Doreth Bevans LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams STAFF REPORTER

Alton Humes TYPIST

Rachel Arana OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed & Published By The Belize Times Ltd. #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize Tel: 671-8385 Email: belizetimesad@yahoo.com editortimes@yahoo.com

Sunday, April 15, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Court to review Lake I & Cayo North East election processes Belize City, April 10, 2012 Two final Supreme Court applications submitted by the People’s United Party, involving the elections in the Lake Independence and Cayo

Herman Lanza ripped apart by shotgun blasts Continued from page 1

dence area. At around 7:30 on Holy Saturday night, Herman Lanza, 32, was on his way to buy at a shop when his killers, described as a large group of youths, accosted him and perforated his body with eight bullets.

Lanza was at home and left saying he would return. He never did. His siblings sat at home and heard a multitude of gunshots. When it was over, Lanza lay mortally wounded. He had been attacked by a group of gunmen who assaulted him with weapons including a shotgun, which was fired at him from close range ripping apart his hands, and causing fatal injuries.

Although the homicide occurred early in the night, no one has stepped forward with information about the killing, and the police have little to go on.

Lanza, who spent more than ten years behind bars for a robbery he claimed he never committed, has been out of prison for about five years and has been living on a low profile, washing vehicles and driving for a doctor.

He was the father of one child.

EASTER BLOODBATH Continued from page 1

taurant and Bar, just after Delta Store on Albert Street on the afternoon of April 4th, 2012. He was there greeting numerous relatives, who came in from the United States just to see him. He stepped outside the restaurant, looking to smoke a cigarette, when a lone gunman appeared from the direction of nearby Simmons Alley, and fired a single shot in his direction, which caught him in the head. What happened next is more conjecture than proven, as the gunman is believed to have stood over Garbutt’s already prone body, and shot him twice more to the head, furthering the chance to hasten Garbutt’s demise.

The gunman then escaped back into the alley after committing his vile act.

The scene right after was heartbreaking as the family rushed outside to find their family member lying dead on the ground. A horde of bystanders had gathered, gawking and in awe of the senseless rush of what they witnessed.

The Police are now searching for the killer, as trying to discern a motive for the shooting.

The BELIZE TIMES understands most of the victim’s family plan to leave for the United States, with the sad remembrance of this Easter tragedy. Garbutt was buried on Easter Sunday, April 8th, 2012.

North East divisions, were successful as the Court granted permissions for reviews.

In the case of the Lake Independence constituency, PUP standard bearer Martin Galvez applied to the Court for permission to challenge the validity of the UDP candidate, Mark King. In Galvez’ application, the attorneys cite that King was disqualified by Section 58 of the Constitution which states that “no person shall be qualified to be elected as a member of the House of Representatives who…is a party to, or a partner in a firm or a director or manager of a company which is a party to, any contract with the government for or on account of the public service”.

The section declares that the candidate should make known such contracts by publishing it in a newspaper 30 days prior to the election.

King, who according to documents at the Companies Registry, is the proprietor of Brints Security, is the beneficiary of a $135,216 contract signed with the Government of Belize to provide 24-hour security of the Charles B. Hyde building on Mahogany Street, also known as the Complex Building.

The contract between King’s Brint Security and the Barrow Administration was signed on July 27, 2011 for a period of two years.

Galvez’s application states that King contravened section 58 and therefore is disqualified from being the elected representative for the Lake Independence division. Galvez asks that the Court grants a declaration voiding King’s election, which would result in a by-election for the area.

After hearing the arguments, Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin granted the permission on Thursday April 5th.

3 The Supreme Court also granted permission for the PUP’s Cayo North East standard bearer Orlando Habet to file an election petition against Elvin Penner and the March 7th Election Returning Officer Jose Castellanos.

Habet’s attorneys, Senior Counsel Rt. Hon. Said Musa and Anthony Sylvester Jr. argued that the denial of a recount in a hotly contested election in which Habet lost by only 17 votes, and 37 ballots were considered questionably rejected, was wrongful.

They argued that among those rejected ballots, possibly lied enough valid votes that could have given Habet the advantage, and that Castellanos should have allowed for a recount.

Justice Minet Haffiz-Betram saw merit in the argument and ruled that the permission to file an electoral petition be granted.

The BELIZE TIMES understands that the PUP’s three election petitions, against Herman Longsworth in the Albert Division, Mark King in Lake Independence and Elvin Penner in Cayo North East have been filed, and now await setting of dates.

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UDP spends $300,000 for 3 Gov’t vehicles!!

Continued from page 1 through decreasing revenues to meet expenses and keep staff intact. But the politicians in the Barrow Administration don’t seem to be practicing any kind of financial discipline whatsoever.

Documents obtained by the BELIZE TIMES show that since taking office in their second term, spending tax payers’ money recklessly and without restraint has been the order of the day for the UDP. Here are the cold facts: in two days, March 26th and March 28th, the Barrow Administration spent almost $300,000 on three new vehicles for its new Ministers.

One of Mark King’s first decisions as the junior Minister of Gangs was to get a new ride for himself. We understand King had the option of using any of the vehicles used by previous Ministers, but that’s not how a King rides so he chose to buy a fancy SUV for $74,500 that was billed and paid for by the Ministry of Finance with Invoice Number 0018614.

King has been seen cruising mindlessly in his new SUV with a bodyguardlike crew in his dark-tinted vehicle. He was given no major responsibility in Cabinet, he is responsible for one of the poorest areas of Southside Belize City, yet his priority was to buy a new car.

But King’s misdeeds cost taxpayers much less than the real King’s right hand. Gaspar Vega has gained quite a reputation as Deputy Prime Minister. In the north, he is known as the Don. His financial prowess has extended in the past few years with ownership of mansions, large tracts of land, multiple cars and increased personal wealth, and for a man who just a decade ago was fighting the Court to pay a $200 per child maintenance, let’s just say he can do much more now.

Vega has also been constant about one other thing: driving the fanciest, most expensive vehicles your money can buy. Since becoming a member of the House in 2008, Vega has changed vehicles quite often, and it’s not just swapping parts or changing the paint. This UDP Minister changes an entire vehicle and doesn’t get anything less fancy than Land Cruisers and Lexus. And so, with a brand new five-year term in Orange Walk North, it appears its time Vega got a new vehicle: a 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser. It is one of the worst fuel-economy vehicles but when it is your money is paying for the gas the UDP hardly cares. What they care about is the luxury they will be living in at your expense.

The BELIZE TIMES understands the Ministry of Finance has also purchased a new 2011 Toyota Hilux but this isn’t for a Minister. This one is for the new CEO in the Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology, Dr. Colin Young.

Together, Vega and the CEO’s vehicle total to a whopping $225,000 bill paid for by tax payers. Add to that King’s new ride, and the bill increases to $299,500.

Spending so much money on material items, when so many Belizeans can barely afford a basket of basic goods, is like committing a grave financial sin. It’s made cardinal by the fact that it’s the people’s money going to waste. It is in the book of Mark that we’ll find the wise scripture: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God”. Take heed, you greedy, wasteful UDPs.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Kevin Pott & teen girlfriend shot on Mahogany Street BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

By Alton Humes On Easter Monday, April 9th, 2012, officers from the Belize Police Department’s responded to yet another senseless vicious murder in the bowels of Belize City’s Southside.

Police discovered the lifeless body of 22-year-old Kevin Pott, a Belizean Labourer and resident of #6437 Mahogany Street, along with that of 18-yearold Shanice Rowland, a high school student residing at #28 Santa Barbara Street, Belize City, who was hit only once in the chest area, specifically her right breast. Kevin, on the other hand, was shot three times, all deemed fatal: a gunshot wound to the back of the head, a gunshot wound on the right side of stomach and a gunshot wound to the left lower back. He was pronounced dead that night at the Karl Heusner Hospital, while Shanice is still

being treated for her injury at this time.

Both were on Mahogany Street when the shooter, who was on bicycle, rode up to them and fired shots. The gunman is described as a dark-complexioned male person dressed in a white T-Shirt, blue short pants and a blue hat.

The shooting occurred almost in front of Brick City Barber Shop, which is only a stone’s throw away from the Mahogany Street Police Sub-Station.

The shooting has left Kevin Pott’s family in total shock, and abject confusion. No one really knows who would have a ‘beef’ with the young man, who according to his mother Barbara, was employed and only commuted between work and home, with friends, and his girlfriend visiting him at the residence.

Mrs. Pott also told the media that specific Police officers were harassing Kevin some time before, although she’s not fully sure whether that had anything to do with this incident.

Kevin Pott

Shanice Rowland

Sunday, April 15, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Dangerous Curves Ahead!

Word coming out of the UDP hierarchy suggests that the UDP strategy to file an election petition against the People’s United Party Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca comes out of the Barrow/Espat alliance. We are told that it is designed to attack and distract from a lackluster UDP second term which still, after four years, has no solutions to the harsh socio-economic problems affecting Belize, especially Belize City and the Southside.

For example, the UDP is getting away with a huge discrepancy in that the new financial year is already here and Belmopan has still not presented a budget. There has neither been a supplementary budget, which means spending is going on with no kind of accountability and planning whatsoever.

But all of this hoopla, which on an ordinary day would have even gotten Godwin Hulse calling for transparency, is being overshadowed by the UDP’s games. The weak allegation in UDP’s petition is that PUP agents bribed voters, but they seem to be ignoring their deceitful plot to steal the election before all of our eyes. The UDP have still not explained how is it that the UDP candidate in Freetown ended up with over a hundred grand, of taxpayers’ money, to spend on the election in Freetown. Remember that Lee Mark wasn’t the duly elected represented, yet he was granted $40,000 and $50,000 of tax dollars for electioneering. What hypocrisy! The UDP petition simply comes off as cheap political strategy to counter the PUP bona fide petitions in Lake I, Albert and Cayo North East.

Even more sinister is the fact that one of the UDP’s applicants, who swore in an affidavit submitted to the Court that he was bribed to vote in the Freetown Division and that he voted for Lee Mark, is actually a registered voter in the Albert Division. So, how did the UDP get him to vote in Freetown and for their candidate? Of course, the UDP will shove this admittance of fraud under the rug as we understand the applicant has mysteriously removed himself from the case, but it has already been exposed.

We must also expose another important equation. Both Prime Minister Barrow and Opposition Leader Fonseca commented publicly on the matter and the responses show a clear difference in the quality of leadership. Barrow’s response was in his usual condescending I don’t give a damn attitude saying that “nothing will come out of them”, while Fonseca, like a true statesman, said “the matter was before the courts, therefore I have no comments but [I] respect the decisions of the Courts”.

Those two lines show a stark difference in the kind of leaders Belize has. A true Leader Francis versus King Dean.

While the petitions are only at a preliminary stage, one must wonder what would happen if the PUP’s petitions are forced all the way outside of Belize to the Caribbean Court of Justice. If the CCJ would decide in favor of the PUP to hold a bi-election in the Lake I and Albert Divisions, who is there to force Barrow to comply with the Court’s orders? This is the same Prime Minister who used state police and security forces to overrule the Court of Appeals ruling in the matter of BTL’s ownership, and illegally takeover BTL. This is Barrow, the dictator we’re talking about.

The issue for the PUP, then, is not the strength of the petitions, but the real might of the Courts over King Dean. It is whether Barrow will comply with the Court or defy them as he has done in the past. This is what the PUP Leader and the rest of Belize is now up against, and no amount of passive resistance or peace revolution will move King Dean. It will take a striking militancy in the streets, in the schools, the offices and all over. The election petitions have been filed, we wait, we watch, and we prepare for that call for militant resistance. We must remain awake and wary, there are dangerous curves ahead.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

UDP Mayor Darrel Bradley refuses to listen Belize City, April 9, 2012 “People are telling us that they want us to focus on the core things that really matter to them, streets, drains, crime prevention, and job creation.” – 7News February 17, 2012, Darrell Bradley during Municipal Election campaign.

Going by Mayor Darrel Bradley’s own accord, the UDP Belize City Council after one month in office has been an utter failure and, like wolf in sheep’s clothing, they have deceived the residents of Belize City. Speaking to the media three weeks before the 2012 municipal election, Bradley laid out the people’s needs saying that “they want us to focus on… streets, drains, crime prevention, and job creation”. But pretending to listen was part of the game or mere political campaigning and as shown by the Mayor’s actions and inactions, for the UDP things will continue to be business as usual.

Worst streets, no drains The infrastructure throughout Belize City continues in a terrible state of disrepair. Having neglected road repair and maintenance for six long years, the

Darrell Bradley UDP Council still doesn’t have a clue on how to fix things. In fact, with the rainy season about to begin, residents should brace for much worst as the state of streets and drains will only worsen.

Under Mayor Zenaida Moya the UDP Council had mismanaged its finances to the point that it budgeted a pittance for street maintenance, and nothing for repair. It relied heavily on the Ministry of Works for funding and assistance with equipment. It appears

Gangs infiltrate nation’s security strategy Continued from page 1 little demand for rehabilitation have been some of the benefits granted by the UDP Government.

Between September 2011 and January 2012, the Barrow Administration spent $887,000 to pay gangs for peace in Belize City. Since then, the vicious killing the old capital has not stopped nor slowed down.

Now, here comes news that at the request of gang members, the Police Department is selecting where to transfer and deploy Police officials. Letters have already been issued, directing the sudden transfer of various Police officials, and sources indicate that the decision to move the officers came out of a recent meeting with gang members.

This report was confirmed today when the Minister of National Security John Saldivar issued a release announcing its decision to contain the Gang Suppression Unit from its tactics

against gangs in Belize City. One of the measures to be taken, indicated the report, is that “ground commanders and individuals…will be removed from their specialized units”. This came out of recommendations of a report carried out following the GSU’s alleged brutality of Taylor’s Alley residents on March 21st.

The report finds that the allegations were true, and the actions of the GSU were excessive. As a result, the Ministry apologized to the residents of Taylor’s Alley, even though it also accepted that some of them had embellished their claims of assault.

At a time when the violent crime cycle has become even more vicious, Belizeans feel no more secure with the decisions made by the Barrow Administration. Awarding criminal elements an opportunity to interfere or infiltrate security strategies in any way is the worst security decision ever, and it is only Belizean lives that will suffer.

Apology to Punta Gorda Councillor Fern Guttierez Belize City, April 10, 2012 In its Easter Edition, April 8, 2012, the BELIZE TIMES published a greeting from the Punta Gorda Town Council. In that greeting, a picture of Mr. Bernardo Coc was erroneously published as part of the Town Council. Mr. Coc did contest the elections; however, he was not successful. Miss Fern Gutierrez was successful. We apologize to Mr. Gutierrez, who was duly elected in the Municipal elections on March 7th, 2012, Mr. Bernardo Coc and the Punta Gorda Town Council for the error.

that this dependency syndrome will continue under Mayor Bradley, who is yet to say how he’ll fix streets. Instead, he seems to be waiting on the Prime Minister’s promise that the World Bank will provide a loan for city infrastructure repair. Bradley is all too willing to help Barrow turn Belize into a beggar nation.

What crime prevention?

Since taking office, the UDP has presided over even more bloodshed on the streets of the old capital. Over a dozen shooting murders, multiple stabbings, brutal home invasions and vicious attacks have taken the city by hostage in such a short period. Safety and security is near non-existent, as at times residents have come under assault of our very own security officials that are supposed to serve and protect.

This weekend, holy Easter weekend, there were FOUR murders in the Belize District and SEVEN brazen shootings. Three were cold and merciless murders at the hands of gunmen. The weekend ended and the shootings continued Monday morning, as if the danger alarm had not been sounded.

Not a single crime fighting or social support plan has been proposed by the UDP Council. If it is the people’s priority, then it is your priority Mr. Mayor.

UDP Fires One of the worst sins is to lie. As

Sunday, April 15, 2012 part of their election propaganda, the UDP promised to create jobs. Yet, only 23 days into office they fired 25 workers. In these hard times, who fires hardworking men and women? Who takes away bread from the mouths of men, women and children and burdens them with greater suffering? One of the men is 43 year old Bernard Richards, a father of twelve children. Richards, like his father, worked at the Lord Ridge Cemetery for 23 years, under PUP and UDP. In fact, Richards was so industrious he was promoted to Assistant Caretaker of Cemetery. Yet, he was one among 25 who were on the chopping block along single mothers and fathers. Richards’ termination letter didn’t even contain a reason for dismissal. Simply said, “Please be notified that effective immediately your services…have been terminated”. Cold like that.

It’s been only weeks since the UDP took office at City Hall, but they are already showing how vindictive and cruel their reign will be.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Humor

in UDP Politics!

At this week’s Cabinet meeting the following matters were discussed: 1. That Santino refrains from bringing in any mercenary riders just for a Santino win. Cabinet members felt its time Santino rode himself, won the race and paid himself the money he would have paid a Guatemalan or American to come and beat our local boys. Cabinet also instructed John Saldivar and Herman Longsworth to train with Santi, which caused both to say that they couldn’t because they lived in Belmopan. Mark King refused to provide security, and when Castro offered to provide a truck for Santino just in case he will need it, Sedi said Santi will likely ride in the back of it with a barrel of red bull.

2. Bill was given special permission to take a brief to Cabinet on behalf of Cordel. When in front of the dodo bird crew, Bill explained how Cordel wanted to be Ambassador, but wouldn’t take it, at least not now, as the heat is still on. “But since Cordel noh want it”, Bill stuttered, “uno cu give me”.

3. Sedi filed a report that his media blitz in which he tried to explain the fraudulence behind the official Cabinet release appointing Cordel as Ambassador was a huge success. Sedi then banged the table and declared that this was the last time he would take a hit for stupid mistakes, and said he now has the Ambassador on speed dial, for when he changes his mind.

4. Gapi stood up and questioned why Cabinet didn’t make Chendo an Ambassador after he spent millions in the elections. Just then Faber got up and said “because he is already a royal screw-up”.

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------------------In other news: Mark Espat and Sammy D were seen going at it at the first Bond session. “We got CDB credentials to back up what I say”, so stated Sammy. “And I’ve got the Ramada,” fired back Mark. “Oh I read your reports as Governor of the Central Bank and there were lots of mistake,” commented Sammy D, which caused Mark to snap back “ask yourself, wid all you’ve got why Barrow made me boss over you, Godwin, Fin. Sec., etc, etc. Sammy D then whispered, “Sketel”.

------------------John Saldivar was explaining to a group of kids how Blue is for Danger and Red was for desire. “So why the Fire Truck is painted Red?” asked a youngster. “Because it’s to save homes from burning,” replied John John. “But why don’t bulls like red?” they asked. John John responded, “I believe that it is a myth”. “Well”, asked the kids, “would you stand in the bull pen with your red shirt of desire?” “Hell no” said John John, “that’s too dangerous”.

------------------In his first session of business, the Minister of Foreign Affairs was asked to shine a light on Shyne’s new “Get me a Visa” campaign. He smiled and said, “You know Shyne is an artificial Belizean, and truthfully a Jewish. But somedays he is an upjewish or somedays a downjewish – you take your pick”.

------------------Bill Gates arrived in Belize on Tuesday and almost left an hour after when he got a confidential cable that the Barrow Administration wanted to nationalise his $250 million yacht, the Attessa IV. When a diplomatic spy eavesdropped on the Cabinet meeting, he overheard them plotting and Finnegan reciting his “Captain poem” and asking if it were possible to stretch the Easter holiday weekend to next week. The spy saw Contreras jumping on his chair, saying “Cancun here I come again”.

O

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Duo accused of breaking into Judge’s House BELIZE CITY, Wed. April 11, 2012

By Roy Davis Two men who were allegedly caught red handed inside the house of the President of Belize Court of Appeal, Justice Manuel Sosa, were arraigned on a charge of burglary yesterday in the #1 Magistrate’s Court.

They are Christopher McKoy Jr, 38 and Kent Smith, 44. McKoy and Smith pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that McKoy is on bail for a similar offence, that the evidence against the accused persons is over whelming and the investigation is still ongoing.

Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith did not uphold the objection.

Christopher McKoy Jr,

BELIZE CITY, Wed. April 11, 2012

By Roy Davis Julian Martinez, 32, an auto mechanic of 22 Caesar Ridge Road who allegedly knocked down Deon Spencer, 33, was charged with Manslaughter by Negligence and 3 other offences when he appeared yesterday in the #1 Magistrate’s Court.

The other charges were causing death by careless conduct, driving without due care and attention, and driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol above the prescribed limit.

No plea was taken because the offences are indictable.

Although the prosecution did not object to bail the Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith, denied Martinez bail and remanded him into custody until May 28.

Visit Us Online at: www.belizetimes.bz

Kent Smith

Auto Mechanic remanded for traffic fatality

Martinez was not represented by an attorney.

The incident occurred around 8:45 p.m. on Holy Thursday, April 7 between Miles 16 and 17 on the Western Highway.

According to reports, Spencer, a construction worker who resided in Hattieville, was riding a white racing bicycle in the direction of Belmopan when he was knocked down by a Mitsubishi Montero driven by Martinez that was heading to Belize City.

Spencer received injuries to his head and body and died on the spot.

Deon Spencer

Three lives claimed by Easter weekend drowning BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

By Alton Humes This past Easter weekend brought Belizeans good food, good fun and hot cross buns. But it also brought the unprecedented series of violent murders, and for all those who love the waters, a precipitous spate of mysterious drowning incidents that all eventually and inevitably angled for death, but were mostly under strange and tragic circumstances.

19-year-old Victor John Foreman was swimming near his home in Vista Del Mar Area, Ladyville, on Easter Sunday afternoon, April 8th, with friends, when he apparently swam into what is being described a dredged hole sub-

She offered McKoy a bail of $1,000 with the stipulation that he must post $200 and the balance as a signed surety. She offered Smith a bail of $1,000 as a signed surety.

But before Smith met bail he had to pay an outstanding court fine of $430.

The incident occurred in the evening on Holy Thursday, April 5.

The police reported that they received information of a burglary in progress at Justice Sosa’s house, located at #29 Southern Foreshore.

The police said when they arrived at the house they found McKoy and Smith inside. Nothing was reported stolen.

merged with water, and with dangerous currents, and never resurfaced. His body was eventually recovered with assistance from others nearby, and his mother Teresa is calling on the Government to place buoys marking such features in the area, as they can easily lure the best of swimmers, which Victor might have been, into a dangerous trap.

44-year-old Belizean American, Antoine (Edgar) Tillett, a/k/a ‘Yenkie’, who also died on Easter Sunday while in a canoe at a family day in Placencia Village in the Stann Creek District. But in his case, his family is outraged because they firmly believed he could have been saved had it not been, in their view, due to the ill-preparation of the Belize National Coast Guard and the Police.

As expressed by one of the relatives of the victim, “Where’s the emergency people that comes when something happens? They’re [the Coast Guard] like: ‘We don’t have that here’. Excuse me? What do you mean, ‘you don’t have that here?’”

By most accounts, 41-year-old artist Herbert Moore, from Vista Del Mar, Ladyville, was the ‘best in his arts’ of

diving and snorkeling. Moore was with his Canadian wife, Mary Unger, and two friends known. They were fishing off St. George’s Caye just past an area known as ‘Chicken-and-Head’ on Easter Monday, April 9th, when Daton’s fishing line caught what is believed to be a sea turtle, and Moore, using breathing apparatus (a diving mask and fins), went into the water to untangle the line. He never resurfaced, even as his wife believed he was merely enjoying the water. He was later taken to the KHMH and was pronounced that evening.

There is no word from the Coast Guard on their procedures (or a lack thereof) when going on potential search-and-rescue missions as these turned out to be. Police investigations into all incidents continue at this time.

THE WORLD IS READING

THE BELIZE TIMES www.belizetimes.bz

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BELIZETIMES SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012 THE BELIZE TIMES see full color at www.belizetimes.bz or Facebook/ Belize Times

This Week’s Sunday, April 15, 2012

TOP MODEL Make-Up

tips

By Tania Tanesha If you know you spent too much time under the sun, now you’re back to work with the painful evidence. No worries, here are a few tips on how to treat that nasty sunburn.

Keep cool: 1. Wear loose-fitting clothes, especially cotton and other breathable materials. Polyester and other man-made materials can rub harshly against skin causing irritation.

2. When you’re at home, try wearing as little clothes as possible to allow the skin to breathe and from hurting your skin.

3. Drink plenty of water and sports drinks to rehydrate your body. Chances are your body is pretty dehydrated.

Don’t make it worst 1. Peeling of the skin after a sunburn is the natural process. Little can be done to prevent it, but using soothing lotions like those that contain aloe vera and the natural aloe vera plant can help prevent the itching and keep the skin moisturized.

2. When taking a bath, try not to use soap on the affected area. Soap can be harsh and dry out your skin even more, causing much more discomfort.

You can try taking a bath with soothing green tea or some baking soda. This helps to cool and soothe the skin.

3. If your sunburn was pretty bad and small unbroken blisters develop DO NOT BREAK THEM. Leave them alone.

Do not cover them with a tight bandage.

If they must be covered, try a loose wrapping method. Avoid rubbing the blisters or touching them too much until they have healed. For blisters that have been broken, wash and disinfect hands thoroughly. Do not remove excess skin.

Prevention is better than a cure 1. As long as you’re going to be out in the sun, never forget your sunscreen. Even on a daily basis, sunscreen can prevent the harmful damage of the sun’s rays; reduce wrinkles and sunspots on the skin. Nowadays, foundations in liquid and powder-form come with SPF protection already formulated in their product. How cool is that?

For symptoms of fever, chills, and headaches, take an anti-inflammatory agent such as Ibuprofen. But if these symptoms persist, you should consult a doctor. Don’t let Mother Nature rule your skin’s appearance. Take sun-control and protect your skin at all times for your best face forward all day, every day.

Krista Career Plan: Medical Doctor Sign: Gemini Favourite Food: Ceviche Likes: Modeling, reading, dancing, hanging out with friends • Lives in Belize City • Fav. Quote: “The purpose of life is a life of purpose” • • • •

CATWALK FASHIONS What’s Hip...What’s Hot...What’s Now! Phone: 203-2936 / 620-7481 #148 Cor. Queen & North Front Streets Belize City, Belize

10

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Sunday, April 15, 2012

THE BELIZE TIMES

Student leaders seek paradigm shift Belize City, April 10, 2012 Students at St. John’s College Junior College (SJCJC) are quietly preparing for the important election of their Student Council to be held on April 23rd. With only a few weeks left, the BELIZE TIMES met with two aspiring Council members who shared some of their visionary plans for the school.

18 year old Micah Goodin is vying for President of the SJCJC student council. Micah, a first year student enrolled in the Criminal Justice program, displays strong characteristics of a role model and leader. Micah is not alone, as his team includes candidates for the three other posts: Ruth Rivero running for Vice-President, Shantel Carter vying for Secretary and Leandra Bodden who is contesting the post of Treasurer.

Joining Goodin in his interview with the BELIZE TIMES was Vice-President Candidate, Ruth. The 17 year old firstyear business student also displayed strong, yet humble characteristics. Together, Micah and Ruth discussed their ideas for the school.

The team has named itself “Vision and Voice”, to make it known that their mission is to empower students to become “architects of intelligence”. There was a lengthy discussion on how this would be accomplished, and the ideas

Team Vision & Voice’s, Micah Goodin & Ruth Rivero were many, indicating just how much careful thought Micah and his team have invested.

Micah and Ruth outlined those ideas in core areas: Education, Health, Social integration, Entrepreneurship, Promoting Critical Thinkers, and Security, to name some. Under those general topics fall specific programs such as the introduction of sex and drug education which is non-existent although the prevalence of both are increasing among our youth; a plan to reach out

Bill Gates vacations in Belize

Belize City, April 10, 2012 The world’s second richest man, Bill Gates, is currently vacationing in Belize along with family members.

Gates and his family arrived in Belize Tuesday morning in a super-yacht, the Attessa IV, which moored just off the coast of the Great Barrier Reef.

The BELIZE TIMES understands the party of seven left the yacht shortly after arriving, and were flown by helicopter to Cayo Espanto Private Island Resort. Thereafter, they left enroute to Hol Chan Marine Reserve to enjoy the diversity of Belize’s marine life.

Gates’ super-yacht is a wonder. The 33-foot yacht is considered the largest in North America and the 23rd longest private yacht in the world with a value of $250 million. It can accommodate 36 guests and around 23 crew members. It comes equipped with a helicopter.

The yacht has been cleared to stay in Belize until May 9, and the helicopter has been given permission to operate.

Bill Gates’ super-yacht, the Attessa IV

and include marginalised students injecting a sense of unity and rich participation; promoting youth entrepreneurship and creating an enabling environment to allow students to utilise their skills; starting up a school feeding program to deal with a serious problem many don’t readily recognise as a grim reality at tertiary level institutions; and ensuring better security for students and their property.

“Our group is visionary. We often times end up in debates and healthy

11 discussions before coming to a consensus, and that is healthy. We pledge to challenge the status quo, because only then can real change come,” explained Micah.

Ruth added that while their plans are sombre since they deal with serious issues, they are also mindful that unlocking the potential and creativity of young people must also be a fun process. She said in the plan of action are also ideas to expose the students’ innate and non-intrinsic talents and skills.

“We want to make junior college a place of fun learning. We want students to feel excited about our 6th form,” she said.

One of the ideas is to introduce a television program “SJCJC TV” to provide an avenue for expression and information for the students and administration.

Undoubtedly Micah and his team represent the fountain of ideas and spring of energy that can bring about much needed improvement to the life of students at SJCJC. Already with a proven history of community service and leadership whether it is through his carefully-scripted and passionately-delivered poetry as part of the Youth Voices Belize group, his leadership in the youth-education group A.R.M.E.D., or his work at CYDP, Micah is growing into the kind of community advocate that understands the power of education in the development of positive citizens. His candidacy then becomes an opportunity, not only for himself as a young leader to make a real impact on the lives of his peers, but for society to benefit meaningfully from his young leadership and vision – a scarce resource in our troubling times.

Despite spike in crime, Belama Substation remains closed!

Belize City, April 10, 2012 One wonders whether the UDP can ever get things right. In a recession, they increase the cost of living.

There is a mortgage crisis, and they alThe Belama Police substation is closed for most of the low banks to keep day, every day allowing criminals to prey high interest rates.

There is an increase in crime, yet they keep police stations In fact, they are so blatant, that they walk closed. The latter is the dilemma in the into Police Stations and shoot at Police OfBelama area of Belize City, where an ficers at close range as the case of the Beincrease in incidents of burglaries and lama substation shooting last year. thefts has yet to signal to authorities the We wouldn’t want to think that it’s need to boost security efforts. the Police Officers’ fault that the Belama Instead, the only physical presence substation is closed, and criminals are the Police has in the area, the substation given a free pass. Police Officers only follocated on Chetumal Street, is open for low the instructions of their superiors, and less than 12 hours a day. The substation at the top is Minister John Saldivar, who shuts down by nightfall, allowing crimiwouldn’t even be able to pass a Police nals to roam free. physical exam himself much less come up There is no logic in this thinking. Why with an anti-crime strategy. close the substation at night when that Belama residents ought to turn their is when residents are most vulnerable? fury at Minister John John. One has to Under the UDP’s rein, criminals have wonder whether because he resides in become so brazen that they break into Belmopan he will care less about Belize homes even with persons inside them.

City.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, April 15, 2012

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

The winner takes it all!

Giovanni Choto brings home the garland Belize City, April 8, 2011 Giovanni Choto, of the Western Spirit Galen Eagles cyclists of the Cayo District, has brought home the garland to Belize.

Giovanni not only brought home the garland of roses in the 84th annual Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic he also made out like a bandit with over $25,000 in cash prizes. He won the $5,000 1st prize offered by Bowen & Bowen, and the champion’s trophy from the Belize Cycling Association. He also won a $5,000 prize from the Ministry of Sports if a Belizean won and another $5,000 prize from United Insurance if a Belizean were to win. He also claimed 4 trophies, including the Jeffery O’brien trophy in memory 4x champ Jeffery O’Brien, the Elston Kerr Cup and the Altreith Smith Memorial trophy.

Giovanni won $3,880 as he swept up 23 station prizes heading from Be-

Giovanni Choto wins

Brandon Cattouse won the sprint for 2nd place

lize City to San Ignacio in a breakaway trio with Benny’s Megabytes’ Allen Castillo and capital City Cycling team’s Sherman Thomas. Choto won the $300 prize offered by the San Ignacio Town council and Quality Poultry products at the turn around point at the Columbus Park in front of the San Ignacio Police Station.

Choto and Castillo shed Thomas at Camalote on their way to Cayo, and Choto lost Castillo at mile 61 coming back to sweep the 32 remaining station prizes and clean up $6,000 more in cash plus many other prizes: a cow, a case of assorted Traveller’s liquors, a cellphone, a Hewlett-Packard printer, a Rubbermaid cooler, a marble cake, a jersey, and two gift packages.

No records were broken as Giovanni clocked 6:16:45 on his 140 mile ride. Ryan Baumann of the USA holds the record of 5:40:12, set in 2008.

Byron Pope won 4th & Darnell Barrow won 3rd

How Giovanni Choto did it!

Belize City, April 8, 2011 Some 78 riders had begun the race in front of Leslie’s Imports. Mexican rider Carlos Lopez of the Benny’s Megabytes team had won the first $125 prize at CISCO construction. Allen Castillo of Benny’s Megabytes team took the next two prizes $50 at Prosser Fertilizer at mile 7 and a rum cake at Karla’s Cakes.

Sherman Thomas of the Capital City Cycling Team took the next $100 prize at the Western Paradise junction and Choto took the $100 prize at mile 13 as he, Thomas and Castillo formed a three-man breakaway which departed from the main peloton at Gann’s

farm at mile 14. This trio led the race all the way to San Ignacio.

Working together, they soon opened up a two minute lead on the main group as they shared the station prizes with Choto who won the $250 prize in memory of “DJ Scorpio” Steven Hall at the Hattieville roundabout, while Castillo took a $50 prize from Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia at the Hattieville Police Station.

Thomas took the next prize at mile 20, and Castillo claimed a $25 prize at mile 21, then Thomas took the next $76 prize at mile 25 and a $250 prize at Cheers restaurant and bar. Castillo took the $100 prize at Harmonyville at mile 41 and won the big $500 prize offered by the Belmopan City Council at the city limits and another $200 prize at the Belmopan cutoff, surging ahead to also win the $500 prize at the Garbutt’s Service Station in Roaring Creek,

while Giovanni right behind, took the $150 second prize.

Sherman Thomas fell off the pace and was gradually reeled in by the main peloton at Camalote, and was heard from no more. Choto and Castillo had increased their lead to five minutes or two miles, and raced on to San Ignacio with Castillo taking a $50 prize in Blackman Eddy, another $100 prize at the bus shed in Georgeville, as well as $200 prize offered in memory of Cristopher Chuc, another $175 prize offered by Jose Orellano at the top of the hill at mile 65, and $25 from Mutrie Auto sales.

Choto left Castillo behind at mile 61 when he opened up a seven and half minute lead from the main peloton. By this time, Gian Ochaeta of the Santino’s team and Peter Choto began a chase opening up a two and half Continued on page 12

THE BELIZE TIMES

Khalil Velasquez takes on Francisco Briceno

2012 Cross Country finishers 2nd place –Team C-Ray’s Brandon Cattouse Prizes: $3,000 prize & Altreith Smith Memorial Plaque 3rd place – Team Santino’s Darnell Barrow Prizes: $2,000 & $100 4th place – Team Benny’s Megabytes Byron Pope Prizes: $1,000 & trophy 5th place – Team Santino’s Greg Lovell

How Giovanni Choto did it!

Continued from page 11 minute lead from the main peloton, closing to within five minutes behind Geovanni, who maintained his lead passing the Brick Wall, Ontario villages and on to Mahogany Heights and mile 30.

By mile 22, Donizetti Vasquez, Carlos Lopez and Ernest Meighan were leading an attack that broke away from the main peloton, and Darnell Barrow, Greg lovell and Quinton Hamilton followed working to try to bridge the gap to Geovanni.

But they would never catch him even though Geovanni was within sight only a mile ahead by Mile 9 and heading solo to the finish line.

Team Western Spirits has won the Cross Country twice in a decade: Shane Vasquez in 2006 and now, triathlon champ, Giovanni Choto in 2012.

13

Police & BDF lead Premier League football

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Prizes: $800 & trophy 6th place & 1st Masters – Jamaican-American Anthony Taylor Prizes: $600 & trophy, $275 7th place - Team Depredadores Donizetti Vasquez Prizes: $400 & trophy 8th place – Team Santino’s Quinton Hamilton Prize: $300 9th place & 1st place Under-23 – Western Spirit Galen Eagles’ Peter Choto Prizes: $200, $675 10th place – Jose Choto Prize: $150 11th place - Lionman 3x triathlon champ, Kenroy “Smokes” Gladden Prize: $100 12th place – Team Santino’s Leroy Cassasola Prize: $100 13th place –Team Benny’s Megabytes’ Herman “Hejo” Requena Prize: $100 14th place & 2nd Under-23 – Team D&D Austin Armstrong Jr Prize: $100 & $150 prize rider 15th place – Western Spirit Galen Eagles Shane Vasquez Prize: $100 16th place – Western Spirit Galen Eagles Richard Troyer Prize: $50 prize 17th place – Team Benny’s Megabytes’ Carlos Lopez (Mexican) Prize: $50 18th place & 3rd under-23 – Team Depredadores Edwardo Adrian Lada-Cocom (Mexican) Prize: $50, $75 19th place – D&D team Eduardo Reyes 20th place & 1st place 4/5 Masters –Liam Stewart of the M&M Engineering Prize: $150.

21st place – Western Spirits Team Ron Vasquez 22nd place & 2nd Over-35 Masters – Ernest Meighan 23rd place – Team C-Ray’s Nissan Arana 24th place – Capital City team Erwin Middleton 25th place & 2nd 4/5 Masters – Kenrick Gray Prize: $100 rider 26th place & 3rd 4/5 Masters – Michael “Big Wire” Lewis Prize: $50

Belize City, Sunday, April 1, 2012 The undefeated Police FC and the Belize Defense Force teams are leading the 2012 Premier League football playoffs.

The Police posted their 8th win, 3-1, over San Ignacio United at the Norman Broaster Stadium on Holy Saturday night. National team striker Victor Morales embarrassed the Police goalie Japhet Young with the 1st goal for the Cayo squad in the 2nd minute of play, and the Cayo squad held their 1-0 lead almost to the half, before Andres Makin equalized for the Police: 1-1 in the 45th minute. In the 2nd half, Trevor Lennon scored the Police’s 2nd goal in the 63rd minute, and Lennox “Criminal” Castillo iced the win with a 3rd goal in the 72nd minute.

San Ignacio United is now out of the playoffs, even though they are No. 3 in Zone B with 13 points from 3 wins and 4 draws.

The BDF enjoyed their 6th win, 1-0, over the former undefeated FC Belize at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio on Easter Sunday, April 8, when Dion Macaulay scored the winning goal in the 49th minute.

Police FC now has 25 points from 8 wins and a draw, and the Belize Defense Force has 20 points from 6 wins and 2 draws.

Other matches: San Felipe vs. World FC – 3-2 Goals by: Eliazar Itza, Carlos Vasquez, Chistopher Hendricks, Javier Habet (1 goal, 1 autogoal) Comment: San Felipe Barcelona is ranked No. 3 in Zone A with 15 points and need the 3 points from a win against the San Pedro Sea Dogs this weekend to advance. They also need FC Belize, who has 16 points, to lose or draw with Juventus in Orange Walk on Sunday, April 15.

Placencia Assassins vs. Belmopan Bandits – 3-1 Goals by: Luis Torres, Ernie White, Ashley Torres, Ronaldo Alvarez Comment: The Placencia Assassins, who are ranked 2nd in Zone B with 17 points from 5 wins and 2 draws, have secured a berth in the playoffs.

San Pedro Sea Dogs vs. Juventus – 6-0 Goals by: Jesse Smith (3), Francisco Mejia, Ethnie Figueroa, Kenny “Maestro” Witzil Hankook Verdes vs. Paradise Freedom Fighters – 7-1 Goals by: Julio Ayala (2), Julian Maldonado (4), Jose Monroy, Leonard Valdez Comment: This is Paradise Freedom Fighters’ fifth loss at the Marshalleck Stadium on Holy Thursday night. Verdes and the Freedom Fighters each have 6 points, and both are out of the playoffs.

Upcoming matches: World FC vs. Norman Broaster Stadium, Saturday April 14 Belmopan Bandits vs. Paradise Freedom Fighters, Isidoro Beaton Stadium Police FC vs. Hankook Verdes, MCC Grounds San Pedro Sea Dogs vs. San Felipe FC, Ambergris Stadium, Sunday, April 15 Placencia Assassins vs. San Ignacio United Juventus vs. FC Belize, the Peoples Stadium

Perfect Storm wins 8 Furlong at Castleton Track April 11, 2012

By Ladrick “Mad Bull” Shepard Horse race was back at the Castleton Track in Burrell Boom Village on Monday April 9th, 2012. Here are the results: 3 Furlong 1st place – “Jah Bless” of Corozal Stable Jockey: Pressly Rancharan 2nd place – “Wylli” of Cayo Stable Jockey: Emory Baptist 3rd place – “Sangry” of Cayo Stable Jockey: David Smalls 4 Furlong 1st place – “It’s me again” of Gabourel Stable Jockey: Emory Baptist 2nd place – “Diabla” of Duncker Stable Jockey: Alesandro Rodriguez 3rd place – “Chispa” of Bradley Stable Jockey: Manuel Rodriguez 5 Furlong 1st place – “Lady V” of Vasquez Stable Jockey: Erick Martinez 2nd place – “Cherry Bomb” of Esquiliano Stable Jockey – Young Wally 3rd place – “Twinkle Twinkle” of Guy Stable Jockey: Emory Baptist 5 Furlong 1st place – “Lady Anna” of Hulse Stable Jockey: Earl Budd 2nd place “Eclipse” of Rodriguez Stable Jockey: Manuel Rodriguez 3rd place – “Imported Master” of Banner Stable Jockey: Myvette

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THE BELIZE TIMES

In my perspective…

Telephone tapping crosses the line

By Rayford Young In the United States, under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, federal intelligence agencies can get approval for wiretaps from the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, a court with secret proceedings, or in certain circumstances from the Attorney General without a court order.

[3] Under United States federal law and most state laws, there is nothing illegal about one of the parties to a telephone call recording the conversation, or giving permission for calls to be recorded or permitting their telephone line to be tapped. However the telephone recording laws in most U.S. states require only one party to be aware of the recording, while 12 states require both parties to be aware.

It is considered better practice to announce at the beginning of a call that the conversation is being recorded.

The Belize Perspective - Belize Telecommunications Act This was contained in a document published in the Nov 6 2011 issue of the Reporter, as a letter sent by the then Minister of Public Utilities, Information, and Broadcasting to the phone companies that says: “4 January 2011...This letter serves to inform that the Government of Belize intends to accomplish the registration of cellular phone users and equipment and access call records for reasons of national security. These measures are sought pursuant to the powers granted to the Minister of Public Utilities under Section 75 (1) of the Telecommunications Act. “[The company] is hereby advised that it shall require all new and existing customers to register their cellular phone... phone’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, and require proof of identification (Passport or Belize issued Social Security Card only). Furthermore, [the company] is required to capture and store Call Detail Records (CDRs) for a period of no less than 24 months.

CDRs include - the cellular number of caller and receiver - subscriber identity module (SIM) number of caller and receiver - IMEI number of caller and receiver - date, time and duration of call - the result of

the call (whether it was answered, busy etc.) - call type (voice, text) the content of voice mail and text - the location of cell site(s) used to transmit from cell site(s) to cellular equipment used to transmit or receive the call and all applicable data pertaining to foreign cellular phones operating under “roaming”.

My Perspective The Country of Belize has such a small population I’m puzzled why we need this kind of intrusion in our private lives. A phone call or our text messages are so personal knowing that Big Brother might be listening or have access to my conversation or messages is appalling indeed.

The reason given for this draconian law is National Security and the ability to listen in on conversations that might lead to criminal activities. Our population in Belize is so small everyone knows everyone all you need to do is to go to any street corner and you can find out who the thugs are or who are the gang members and drug dealers.

You don’t need a law to register everyone that owns a cell phone or who texts to find this out. This is especially demeaning and degrading to all the law abiding citizens that have not committed a crime in their lives to now have their conversations recorded and listened to by some government hack and should alarm everyone. This is such an over reach by government I’m not sure why this is not discussed or covered in the media more. Are we in this country so timid or fearful of the government that we just sit back and allow them to roam through our messages and phone calls and do nothing? Are we so beaten down? It’s amazing.

In many developed countries there is a special court set up so the government has to show a judge that there’s a reasonable cause to wiretap or listen in on someone’s private conversations before they can proceed. I don’t see the Belize government putting forward any guidelines or safeguards to assure the Belizean public that this practice is for the purpose they claim it to be; and that they won’t use this method to go after their enemies or the opposition. This is where trust comes in. Do you trust your government with your private text messages or telephone conversations? From the silence I guess the answer is yes, and this is a sad day indeed. Another one of our freedoms taken away and we just sat back and did nothing. The silence is deafening...

Rayford Young is a BelizeanAmerican, who currently lives in Michigan, U.S.A. Send comments to rayfordyoung@comcast.net

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Of this and that…

9 Lives Bullets and death descended on Belize. This is despite the Christian Easter weekend. Nine lives are done.

Nine hopes shattered.

For the rest of Belize we get the reminder. It is easier to die in Belize City than to get a “forward”.

Easter was bloody, again. A big Pastor from Plus TV said that Easter is about blood. Jesus’ blood. He said this on TV. Again, I was wrong. Old Father taught me wrong. He said Easter was about the Resurrection.

Easter is not about death. It is all about God’s gift. His gift is of life and life more abundantly.

What is going on with this political televangelist in the nation’s capital? He should be careful. He could gain the political world but lose his soul.

At this pace the church will not go to heaven.

Ministry of Gangs Politicians have really failed us.

Only crime and gas prices go up in Belize.

We should fire the Minster of Gangs. Do not look to the government.

They will not do it. They are a waste.

They are a joke. Remember they created this fool fool Ministry.

Lake I has erupted in gang violence. Brick City is “hot” again. Mark King’s block is awash with blood. All the gang shootings happened in the constituency of the Minister of Gangs.

This is simpleness.

Shame The Mahogany Street Police station should be closed down.

Children and citizens are regularly shot within arm’s reach of that station.

A grandmother was robbed inside her home. She was gun butted while looking at the police station building through her window.

What a thing A truck of full of Police witnessed a shooting on Banak Street. The gunmen took their slow time and rode off.

They went in the direction of the police. The Police men drove right pass the two gun men. They were afraid.

We cannot blame them. The police did not even have sling shots with them.

This is no laughing matter.

Police deserve a raise. They deserve better treatment from the government. They deserve life insurance.

At the very least, they deserve equipment. They have to deal with bad people every day. They do it to protect good people.

We do nothing for them.

Styrofoam Belize is the greenhouse of heaven. Styrofoam is the packaging of hell.

Belizeans love Styrofoam containers. It is used for everything. It is used for fry chicken. It is used for BBQ. It is used for turkey dinner. It is the dog food plate.

It is the worst thing ever. This white piece of devil plastic is really expanded polystyrene foam. It is not biodegradable. It stays around for over five hundred years.

Belize preaches ecotourism. But Belize is addicted to styrofoam. This abomination called Styrofoam is terrible.

It takes 2,593 litres of oil to make just one ton of Styrofoam. That 1 ton turns into 2,055.8 tons of nasty poi-

15

THE BELIZE TIMES

sonous gases. Why are we importing this poison? The environmental tax on Styrofoam should be 470%. This is how much poison comes from it.

In the name of nature, no more Styrofoam.

Edmund Oliver Pennil Edmund Oliver Pennil is a rock. On this rock was built a court. He is big. He is what Seferino Coleman is to Radio.

He is what Sharon Matola is to wildlife.

He is what Althea Sealey is to dance.

He is what Sylvana Udz is to language.

He is the Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord of Belizean court offices.

Edmund Pennil is a legend. He is the backbone of the court in Belize. He is the Deputy Registrar.

Everyone was happy in 2004. The government gave him the Meritorious Service Award. The PUP was in government.

Edmund Pennil is a professional.

He served under the colonial system.

He has served an independent Belize.

His service is unbroken. He is an expert. He is in his prime.

The government wants to put him to pasture. They will not renew his contract. They want to throw him in the garbage. They want to sell him for glue.

Edmund Oliver Pennil has given his life in service to Belize. He should not be disrespected.

What he really deserves is a CBE, OBE or MBE. Dead at 9 Belizeans do not get sick after 9 o’clock in the night. This is what the Ministry of Police believes. This is what the “poco-tiempo “ Minister of Health believes.

There is no medicine at 9:05pm.

Not a single pharmacy is open after nine. Not even at the private hospitals.

The only drugs you can get at 9:05pm in Belize are weed and crack. But for diarrhea, tooth aches, or infections you have to wait until the next day.

Dog eat your supper if your baby is in pain. Better hope that the Vicks and rubbing alcohol holds ‘til morning.

You can get expensive gasoline 24hours.

But you cannot get Tetracycline or Excedrin.

So You Just Come Back I wish you Were more real Now you’re just a red herring Trying hard To prove to us How much more smarter you are How better you are At pretense, extortion, destruction, You try hard Could it be behind your fences There is fear There is envy There is paranoia That Belize discovers the real you And all about you.

Part Time Mayor Darrel Bradley is the shittiest mayor. He is worse than Zenaida.

He got the least number of votes.

He came in last. Every single elected councilor got 20% more votes than this child.

The councilors get a fat stipend.

They are part time.

Mayor is the only full time post.

Darrel Bradley is Mayor. He is still go-

ing to Court full time. So he is mayor part time.

The only full time thing he can do is fire half the staff at City Hall.

This is true wotlissness. $1 Whap Donald Gordon Jr. is an impressive brethren. The streets call him “Banjune”.

Gordon is a black entrepreneur.

He sells “dollar chicken”. You get fried chicken and fries in a brown paper bag for a buck. The ghetto calls it “dalla whap”.

The dude sets up shot on Ceasar Ridge Road. He has his operation inside the relic of the old Rosado bakery.

That bakery had burnt down.

Donald Gordon Jr. is big. He is doing something that “chiney” cannot do. Not even “chiney” sell “dollar chicken” again. He is doing good. This is right smack in front of a “chiney” restaurant.

This is impressive.

William Henry Gates III The big man is here in Belize. He is here for a month. He should do the Barron Bliss thing.

He cannot use any of his computer programs. The internet speed in Belize is causing his equipment to overheat.

It is a shame to have Mr. Microsoft in our country when internet

speed is still as slow as air mail. I hope he never uses the internet here.

Nowhere in the world do they still have 128k internet speeds. Not even Haiti.

Belize is Bootleg Bootlegging is not big business in Belize. It is the only business.

Belize is the only country in the world like this. You cannot go to any store in Belize and buy an original movie DVD, Blue ray or music cd.

This is original pirate country.

This is our history. It remains true today. Belize pirates everything. It is the norm. Dean Barrow goes to Ron G Movies for bootleg movies.

Bootlegging is a “no no” in foreign. You can get fined $250 smackaroos for each DVD. The big movie people are the Motion Picture Association of America. They want to make bootlegging a crime. They want the punishment to be a $1,000 fine plus a year in jail.

Pressure is going to come down on Belize soon. I wonder if they will arrest Barrow first?

Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

A PARABLE FOR TODAY:

The Mom, the Toddler and the Snake

By Paul Rodriguez To Eva a farm is where every family should be raised. Little Adam was born on a bright, sun-shiny day. Seconds after, his dad had wrapped him in a towel and gently but proudly carried him outside to get the feel of nature at its best. The smell of the pines, the aroma of the cashew blossoms wafting all around, the soft mayflower petals floating down on the grass would surely become a part of Adam’s sub-conscious. He would certainly become nature’s man, a composer of great music, a poet or a philosopher.

As Adam grew, he became aware of the bouncy quality of what Mom called grass. Dad had taught him to spread himself out on it, and he would imitate him, adding to his repertoire “pupaliks” and the motions of swimming.

On a fateful day Mom took him along the pathway leading into the bush. But, today she held his hand. The boy felt strange, for he had become used to being without constraints.

His was this beautiful garden he had known all his life. It was gorgeous and everything in it was to be loved, treasured and caressed.

Up the path some twenty feet away a snake slithered from under dry leaves. Adam had never seen one before. In the motion of advancing toward it, his mother scooped him up, but she advanced a little so that the boy could see it better and admire its beauty and its slithery motion through the leaves. She thought they were a safe distance away from the tommy goff and put him down gently holding his left hand. It was his first experience with a snake. Its sliding, slithering motion thrilled him! He broke away from Mom! The snake struck with lightening speed, before mother could grab him and run!

We all know what happened to poor little Adam. He died an hour later!

Cry, Eva! We all cry with you! Too often we have all obeyed touchy- feely sentiments instead of the Law engraved in stone.

Stone seems cold and hard! Many humans prefer warm flesh and adjustable rules.

The tablets are inflexible, they proceed from Omniscience.

Warm flesh and blood grow cold in death- they are oh so temporary, so fleeting, so easily… deceitful?

16

THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, April 15, 2012

“Give me back my son”

Belmopan mother pleads for missing son’s return

BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

By Alton Humes A Belmopan mother is enduring sleepless nights and worrisome days, in fear that the worst may have happened to her son who has been missing for 21 days.

The iconic artist Benjamin Nicholas passes

April 11 2012 The People’s United Party extends its condolences to the family and friends of the great Belizean visual artist Benjamin Nicholas. Mr. Nicholas has been a beacon of creativity and vision for our vibrant Garifuna, culture creating many paintings and sculptures for over four decades. His works are part of our cultural fabric and Belizean identity.

Since the early 1970s right through to Independence and to the time of his death Mr. Nicholas remained a dedicated and committed artist. His art hangs on the walls of ordinary folks across the globe, in our national collection and has been presented as official gifts to countless heads of state and governments.

The life and work of Benjamin Nicholas has influenced several generations of Belizeans. The great body of work he has left behind is a legacy that we must cherish in years to come. His work ethic and artistic longevity is an inspiration to the entire nation.

Visit Us Online at: www.belizetimes.bz

Heledora Cruz visited the BELIZE TIMES today to make a public call to whoever may know of her son, 28-year-old Delvin ‘Peelie’ Galvez’s whereabouts, to assist the family in returning him.

Galvez, a short, muscular, tattooed gentleman described by his ‘grieving’ mother as someone who was friendly to all manner and persuasion of people, has been missing since March 22nd. The story involves high-profile figures in the Belize Police Department, and the ‘stink’ runs to the near top of the current sitting government, but no names can be put out there at this time, for various reasons.

According to Ms. Cruz, “Peelie” was at her home in the City of Belmopan, babysitting 3 children belonging to his late sister while his mother was

at work, when he received a pair of visitors: one Mr. Hyde (believed by the family to be in varied nefarious activities) and another described only as a Hispanic male, who arrived in Hyde’s vehicle and spoke with Galvez. Shortly after, the family says “Peelie” told the next-door neighbor he had to leave and was later picked up by the same Hispanic man. “Peelie” has not been seen or heard from again.

The family suspects that Hyde may have something to do with their loved one’s disappearance. They said Hyde is linked with a prominent member of the sitting Government, and was in a relationship, termed as brutally abusive, with Galvez’s other sister, something which the family insists he was using to even more devious advantages.

The family reported the matter to

Delvin ‘Peelie’ Galvez the Belmopan Police and they say that is when they realized how well connected Hyde was. The family says a Senior Officer who detained Hyde told two subordinates that they were to take a statement from him and not to detain him any further.

But for an already soul-sick and depressed Mrs. Cruz, she’s not interested in anything but the following: getting her son back, alive or otherwise.

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

THE BELIZE TIMES



             

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  

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You could: • Plant a tree.

• Get your family and friends together to do a clean-up of your neighbourhood.

• Set up a recycling centre in your home or school.

• Talk about saving water when brushing your teeth and saving energy by turning off the lights when you leave a room.

         

               

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Sunday, April 15, 2012

17

DAY 2012

Earth Day is almost here, it is celebrated on April 22 every year. It is a day to think about our planet and what we can do to protect our environment; to think about saving water and energy, reducing pollution and recycling.

What good things will you do over the next six days to celebrate Earth Day?

© Disney Kaboose.com

18

THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT HALLELUJIA AMONG POLICE Except for the GSU, most major units are in glee over the results of the inquiry into the abuses of authority investigation.

Former Compol Hughington Williams headed the inquiry.

GSU has taken a beating from the results of the inquiry. Disciplining measures and training are recommended although no criminal charges were suggested.

Some senior officers are to be reassigned.

Respect is due to former Compol Hughington Williams.

BLOODY EASTER The Easter weekend was a bloody one.

Gang revenge claimed at least three murders, while a fourth murder may be woman jealousy.

Three persons drowned at sea, unnecessarily.

And two more deaths came from traffic accidents, one of which was drunk driving.

It was as if the country was unguarded by adequate security. On Holy Saturday, in Belize City on Central American Boulevard where thousands lined the Boulevard awaiting the arrival of the Cross Country race, three brazen gun men entered a house.

They entered the house in broaddaylight with thousands just sixty feet away and shot at the residents in anger for not locating the victim they sought. That intended victim was not at home so two persons in the house were shot out a bad mind.

There were several other reports which did not make the news. On Holy Thursday and Good Friday gun men were jumping out of cars on Dean Street and other areas searching for rival gang members in hopes of settling scores. No one was arrested.

STILL NO BUDGET In March 2011, the National Assembly passed a law approving the government’s budget for the period 1st April 2011 to 31 March 2012.

The legal principle and the legal position is that the government can only collect taxes from citizens and can only spend tax-payers monies as those which are approved in the budget for the financial year.

Once the financial year ends the government can only proceed with a new budget that is approved by the National Assembly.

Of course, in cases on national disasters and emergencies such as a war, major insurrection, etc. the government has to be allowed a necessary period to be able to submit and get approval for its Budget.

The general election on 7 March is the poorest of excuses for not presenting a budget for approval.

If the government wishes to make major financial or economic or policy changes it can seek approval for a supplementary appropriation or new tax measure.

We submit that even a panades shop, a grocery store, a school or a boutique needs to operate on an approval budget.

How then can the government justify not presenting a proper budget to the people and nation?

CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPION The new Cross Country champion is a Belizean.

Sports fans, and cycling fans country wide were beaming with pride on Holy Saturday after GIOVANNI CHOTO crossed the finish line with ease to become the 84th Cross Country Champion.

Choto is from the Cayo District.

Two of his brothers featured in the top twelve.

Belizeans had become so broken hearted each year with a succession of foreign riders taking their top sporting prize.

Hopefully, Choto’s big win is a harbinger of many more to come. We are becoming a nation of losers and disappointed people in sports as in other areas of our national life. Let’s hope what Choto did on Holy Saturday is the start of a return to national pride in our abilities and our achievements – both large and small.

THE TITANIC On 10th April, 1912, the world’s largest and most luxurious ship set sail on her maiden voyage from Britain to New York.

The Titanic carried 2,224 people.

She was described as unsinkable.

She had airtight compartments below the water line.

My grandfather was 27 years of age at the time (1885 - 1986) and told me the Titanic story more than a dozen times.

The Titanic was travelling too fast in waters infested with icebergs. It was almost midnight on a bleak moonless night on 14 April 1912. An iceberg ripped open the side of the box and within two hours, the unsinkable was sinking in the freezing Atlantic Ocean in the early morning of 15 April 1912.

One thousand, five hundred persons lost their lives. It was the worst maritime disaster ever, barring the wars.

AL JAZEERA Al Jazeera, a reputable news station which was being seen in Belize on CBC by a few Belizeans has disappeared.

We say seen by a few Belizeans because Al Jazeera was at Channel 117 or 114. Who looks at 117? Only those hungry facts and searching for truth.

Belizeans are left inundated by CNN, NBC, etc., which presents only the USA version of events.

Even local cable stations and radio stations in presenting their “foreign news” unashamedly repeat word for word what their newsrooms copy from CNN, including on many occasions what is openly biased and blatant lies.

“Where ignorance is bliss, it’s folky to be wise”.

CHEAP OIL FROM VENEZUELA In our ignorance we cannot understand how our government for the past FOUR years has deliberately turned its back on the offer from Venezuela to get cheap petrol.

For four years our people and our

economy has taken a tremendous beating from high oil prices through the traditional rip-off sources.

Four years of sufferation, high cost of living and a great drag on our weak economy while cheap petrol was available from Venezuela through the special Petrol-Caribe initiative.

If we didn’t know better we would think that there are some in our government who represent Esso, Shell and the American oil interests.

If we didn’t know better.

DISGRACE AT HALF-MOON CAYE When the UDP became government in 2008, Half-Moon Caye still had its tall, majestic Light-house.

This light-house was more than one hundred years old. It was a national monument.

It was terribly neglected. It’s sturdy iron girdles were showing the years of lack of maintenance and its marvelous base, made entirely of bricks from Britain, had been pummeled open by two previous hurricanes. It was crying out for attention.

Waves were beginning to enter the huge opening in its base. Two years ago, the cruel neglect with help from hurricane Richard was too much. The proud, historic light house could not hold up with huge tidal waves surging at its base. With as might crash this piece of our history came crumbling down.

Where she fell, there she lay; testimony to the type of official bureaucrats and politicians who have positions but pay scant attention to their responsibilities. We can only watch our history and way of life, crumbling and falling bit by bit all around us.

The government house on the island is an eye sore. It advertises to all tourists and visitors the type of officials in charge of the country. Here, by the thirty-feet beach on this pristine and unique island, more than a mile in length shaped on two sides like a halfmoon squatting like a large hawksbill turtle less than a five hundred feet from our incredible barrier reef sits an unpainted literally falling down house which we are told is home for the humble light-house keeper.

The pervious light-house assistant, the indomitable “Rooster” has been chased off the island by the high and mighty bosses in his air-conditioned office, who, more than likely has never set foot on Sand bore Caye,

Sunday, April 15, 2012 Northern Caye, Long Caye nor HalfMoon Caye.

Rooster’s sin was that he made coconut oil in his spare time. For crying out loud. How does a little initiative and make-a-five-dollar-extra scheme cause a fixture who been on the island all his life, to be treated so harshly.

MIKE TYSON Mike Tyson could do with a bit of coconut oil making skill from Rooster.

The man who was the youngest heavyweight champion of the world has succeeded in blowing away three hundred million dollars and now has less than three thousand dollar in his bank account and looking for work.

There is something in the Holy Bible about the fool and his money.

34,000 JAMAICANS DEPORTED Between 2000 and 2010, some 34,000 Jamaicans were deported from the USA and Britain back to Jamaica. Yea! Thirty four thousand.

That’s more than half of the population of Belize City.

Which brings up this question.

How many Belizeans have been deported from the USA for the past twelve years?

We Belizeans have a right to know.

Up to the year 2000, some seven hundred Belizeans had been deported to Belize City from America.

What is the figure now?

WORDS OF WISDOM To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to breakdown, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stone together; A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silence and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war and a time of peace Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3

Sunday, April 15, 2012

19

THE BELIZE TIMES

Leron Johnson gunned down on Holy Thursday Belize City, April 8, 2012 The murder rate of this proud government has reached such new levels in Belize that a young man, described as a hard-working, soft-spoken team player at work, was gunned down while on the job. Leron Johnson, 21, met his sudden death just as he finished doing a good deed for someone who had other ideas than telling him thanks for the lift.

Just before 3:00 on Holy Thursday afternoon, Johnson was on a work errand on Custard Apple Street near Faber’s Road Extension when he reportedly stopped to give someone a ride. That was his mistake and he ended up paying with his life because when neighbours realized what had happened, it was too

late. Johnson lay dead on the street, still wearing his helmet, but his blood oozing onto the earth from a single bullet hole in the back of his head. Another had ripped through his abdomen, and his pants pockets were turned out, suggesting that his killer robbed him.

Residents of the area reported that they heard two gunshots, and then saw an ambulance rushing to the scene.

When they came out, they discovered that Johnson, who was near his motorcycle, was not fixing it as they had initially thought he was, but was actually dead.

Johnson was gainfully employed with Cavetubing.com, a tour guiding company.

The police, as is known, have no clues and no suspects.

UDP victimization in San Pedro BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, April 11th, 2012 Having flattened the lives of 25 hardworking workers at the Belize City Council, the UDP’s train of sustained and continued victimization is rolling through a place in desperate need of sustained and well-executed vision: San Pedro Town. The majority-led UDP Town Council voted in a secret cabal of sorts to fire 3 staffers, namely: Gonzalo Alamilla, who worked in the Income Tax section; Mester Acosta, working in Accounts and Trade Licensing and Pablo Kumul.

According to Council source, the firings were a decision reached at a meet-

ing held by the Council. But it appears that other than allegations involving political campaigning and/or affiliations, no real reason has been given by the Council for their dismissal. In addition, the decision to fire was never unanimous because the sole PUP Councillor Wally Nuñez has publicly stated that he never gave his assent to the firings.

The UDP campaigned on the manifesto promise not to fire anyone, regardless of their political stance outside of the Council. But it appears they had NO intention of honoring such a promise.

Leron Johnson

U.S. increases Visa fees Belize City, April 11, 2012 Belizeans applying to obtain a nonimmigrant United States Visa will have to cough up more as the application fee is increasing as of this Friday, April 13th.

The US state Department has announced an adjustment in the processing fees of $40.

This means Belizeans applying will have to pay $320 as part of the application, while still having no guarantee that their applications will be successful.

The increase in fees, according to the US State Department, is meant to support the addition and expansion of the United States overseas facilities and other expenses borne from an increase in visa demand.

Stats that don’t lie There you go again Mr. X, this is your fifth editorial since the start of the UDP’s second term and it is your fifth attack on the PUP, stating that “a majority PUP government in 2012 would also have been a disaster”. Your statement begs us to ask the big question: ‘for whom would it have been a disaster and why?’ But when we saw last week that Cabinet had approved a high-paid job for your son and son-in-law and also the BTL and BEL ads in your 64-page Amandala edition, the answer became clearer.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, April 15, 2012