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The Belize Times
Established 1957
The Truth Shall Make You Free
25 AUGUST 2013 | ISSUE NO: 4859
www.belizetimes.bz
|
$1.00
Going with a bang! Audrey Blows the Whistle on Barrow
Belize City, August 22, 2013 Friday August 23, 2013 will be Audrey Matura-Shepherd’s last day in office as the Vice-President of Oceana in Belize. While the Prime Minister and his entire UDP Government will be glad to see the firebrand activist exit the public spotlight as the organization’s most senior official in Belize, Matura-Shepherd has made it clear that she isn’t really riding off into the sunset. Not only is Matura-Shepherd not fading in the dark, but she is also not leaving Oceana without a bang! Matura-Shepherd, a former
Outgoing Oceana VP, Audrey Matura-Shepherd
Pg. 6
FECTAB
OW
teacher commits suicide! Pg. 31
UDP Senator and editor of the UDP newspaper, has exposed a scandalous secret agreement signed by the Barrow Administration with two oil companies in 2009. The Oceana VP, who discovered the controversial agreements only after the Supreme Court ordered the Government to disclose oil exploration documents, said that they are “totally detrimental to the interests of the country”. The documents showed that the then Minister of
smells the rat!!! Norwegian Cruise deal will cripple Belize City tourism
GOB’s negotiator, Godwin Hulse
PAC Reform is Here to Stay! Pg. 7
Belize City, August 20, 2013 Belize City tourism stakeholders, who depend mostly on cruise tourism, have declared their opposition to the recently signed deal between the Barrow Adminis-
Pg.Pg.331
100 DAYS
WITHOUT WATER UDP victimize Sarteneja and Guinea Grass residents
Pg. 31
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OPINION OUT
!
Dear Editor, The behavior of some of the elected representatives inside the National Assembly at the last House Sitting was the most disgraceful and dishonorable I have seen in my life. I was ashamed that I had my teenage daughter listen in, in an attempt to support her aspirations in politics. Instead of feeling inspired by a mature debate of national issues, she was exposed to the most despicable events ever: loud quarrels, verbal assaults, and even the most disgusting chauvinistic behavior and outburst of profanities. I truly could not believe what I was hearing. Do these men remember they are “honourable member” of Parliament in the House of Assembly? I am sure the occurrences caused many people to ask the question: Why do they behave like that? Generally, these forms of behaviour are not totally unusual. House sitting are usually heated. After all, they are for debating matters of national importance. But what took place at the last House sitting was not that…it was an abomination. The member from Mesopotamia Michael Finnegan (I refuse to refer to him as honorable any more) was particularly out of line and deserves to be publicly flogged. He displays behaviors that are at times amusing, but most times psychology professionals would say disturbing. There is a thin line between insanity and sanity, and no sane Continued on page 20
23 Aug
OUT
OUT
Deconstructing Finnegan’s Abnormal Behavior
LOCAL
25 AUG
THE BELIZE TIMES
Norwegian Dügü
!
Dear Editor, It was an insult for the Norwegian representative to attempt to appease our people in their grand scheme by throwing in “wah lee ting” for us, saying that our Garifuna brothers and sisters will be able to “dance” the Dügü for tourist dollars. It exposed the plantation/ peasant mentality that continues to pervade in the minds of some, and suggests to us how gravely those who negotiated this deal failed to represent us, the very Continued on page 20
Open Letter to F.I.U. – Investigate Boots!
!
Dear Editor, After watching the news and listening to the Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) and BTB representatives I am convinced that there is nothing in this for us Belizeans. This is an outright hustle for some big UDP supporters and NCL. What NCL is proposing is that they will have everything on that facility so the tourists won’t have to come on shore. They will have bars, restaurants, duty free shops, and also they will be doing a beach so why would the tourists have to go to the mainland? The only entertainment they can’t have is a natural Maya Ruin and I believe they will construct an artificial one somewhere on that facility. Then the Director of BTB has the heart to say that all villages along the highway would benefit. Ms. Director what do these villages have to show tourists? She mentioned orchard and banana plantation tours. Who would want to come on a ship to visit orchards and banana plantations? Tourists love either the sea or the Maya Ruins. What Minister Hulse should have told us is how much out of the $50 million US will be spent in Belize and how much of that money is going internationally. We need to know. I’ve noticed no changes in the head tax so NCL once again will be getting the bulk of the money. Next question: who owned Harvest Caye and is the Government getting its fair share in taxes? Someone is laughing all the way to the bank.
OUT Paul Rodriguez scolds Belize Action leaders
!
Dear Louis and Scott, Last night, Monday 19th, I think you conceded advantage when Scott apologized for not admitting before that the Gender Policy has “multiple goods”. Instead of doing that, it is much better to continue to emphasize that the Gender Policy seeks to ram down our throats values that are un-Christian and immoral. This is not acceptable to Belize. Villanueva’s argument about love is specious. Nowhere at no time have Christians accepted that Continued on page 20
Signed: Hakeem Bush
25 Aug
26 Aug
OUT Open Letter to F.I.U. – Investigate Boots!
!
Dear Mrs. Marilyn Williams, As a citizen and registered voter of Belize, I write this open letter to call to your attention your fiduciary responsibility as Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit. The institution is set up to investigate, charge and prosecute matters of ill-gotten gains outside of one’s income. I bring to question the business conducted by one Anthony “Boots” Martinez. I call on him to let the records show that his filings with the Integrity Commission, as required by our laws. As I understand it, prior to 2008 Boots owned a single house and was not such a wealthy man, possibly even paying mortgage. Now, this same Boots has paid off his loan, and now owns not one, not two, but several houses including a huge building he is presently building on cemetery road. Is he an overnight millionaire? His spending does not match his income. His money maths has never added up (which includes large deposits at one of the banks). As a believer in accountability and transparency, it is unfair for your office to be beating up on a woman in Seine Bight, seizing her vehicle, her money, making life harder for her and yet you can’t see Boots right under your nose. Open your eyes Mrs. Williams and get on with investigating Boots. Signed, Dylan Garbutt
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2013
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The Belize Times
Established 1957
14 APR 2013
|
ISSUE NO: 4840
The Truth Shall Make You Free
www.belizetimes.bz
|
$1.00
serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper. Founder: Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, People’s United Party Leader Emeritus GUEST EDITOR
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LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST
Chris Williams
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Roberto Peyrefitte Printed and Published By The Belize Times Press Ltd. Tel: 671-8385 #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize
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25 AUG
2013
THE BELIZE TIMES
03 3
FECTAB smells the rat!!!
Norwegian Cruise deal will cripple Belize City tourism Continued from page 1 tration and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) to develop a port in Southern Belize, because it will cripple tourism in the old capital. Today the most outspoken tourism organization, Federation of Cruise Tourism Association of Belize (FECTAB), held a press conference calling on the Government to reconsider the deal. Tom Greenwood ripped apart the NCL agreement saying that it would have many negative impacts. “This entire MOU is not right. It’s wrong in many places. It has made mistakes which could have been corrected if there was proper consultation. The mistakes will cost a lot of investment, it will cost a lot of jobs”, said Greenwood. Greenwood was joined by other FECTAB members such as Yhonie Rosado who said that the hub for cruise lines from central Belize to southern Belize will hurt the economy and pockets of hundreds of Belizeans who depend on tourism. “There will be many Belizeans here in Belize City without a job”, said Yhonie Rosado. Greenwood said that as a result of the Norwegian deal, in a few years the Fort Street Tourism Village which has been the exclusive cruise terminal in Belize City since 2001 would be a supermarket in a couple of years. When Greenwood declared that
the Government/Norwegian deal must be stopped and Rosado “begged” the Government to think it over, one member of the audience suggested that “there should be no begging…this Government needs to be shown a lesson”. FECTAB’s press conference was suspicious reaction to Government’s spokespersons UDP Minister/Senator Godwin Hulse and BTB’s Laura Esquivel who have said on record that not a single cruise ship that currently comes to Belize City will be diverted, international reports on Norwegian’s plans for Belize ominously say otherwise. Greenwood doesn’t trust Hulse and he made it clear when, at the press conference, he publicly asked the now UDP Senator/Minister why he has betrayed the people. Greenwood warned the public that Mike Singh’s involvement in the deal is no good and opted not to say what he thought Singh represented because “ih noh sound good for TV”. FECTAB has genuine reason for concern despite the Government’s “assurances”. Not only have international reports asserted that the NCL plan will divert cruise ships from Belize City, but also that it was the Government’s plan to decentralize cruise tourism. A Miami Herald article reports that Norwegian’s new port “will divert ships from Belize City and is expected to relieve pressure from cruise-ship visits there – something that the Belize government has been calling for”.
According to another report in TravelDailyNews.com, “Prime Minister Dean Barrow has said that Belize needs to decentralise cruise tourism…” To decentralize (obviously one of the PM’s big words) means to divert from one central area. This shift in policy of the Barrow Administration – to take away cruise visits to Belize City – has been kept secret from local stakeholders – the horse and buggy small investors, the handicraft salesmen and women, the hair-braiders and tour operators are in for a major shakedown. More significantly, a reduction in cruise visits to Belize City could also impact the Belize City Council’s revenues, and even the recently launched $20
million bond which the Council had projected to pay back with the $1 tax it collects with every arriving cruise passenger. A reduction in cruise visits means a reduction in revenue collection. Could this lead to deeper financial disaster for the Council? Norwegian plans to develop two recently purchased private islands into their own all-inclusive tourist island. The will include a floating pier, island village with open-air structures on raised platforms, marina, transportation hub for tours to the mainland, a lagoon for a variety of water sports and a relaxing beach area. The island port will not be exclusive to Norwegian, as other Cruise Lines will be allowed to utilize the facility.
4 04
on the NO to MASS TOURISM By Francis W. Fonseca On July 31, 2013 the Government of Belize entered in to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Belize Island Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of Nor wegian Cruise Line (NCL), for the development of Southern Belize as a Cruise Tourism destination. NCL has purchased a 70 acre island, Harvest Caye, three miles south of Placencia, for this purpose. The Developers stated intention is to develop and operate a “Cruise passenger entry Port” as well as a “logistic hub to facilitate the gateway for cruise passengers to access tours on the mainland.”
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THE BELIZE TIMES
The site of the “hub” is yet to be determined. The Government has rightly pointed out the need for investment, FX earnings, and employment. The Government must be conscious of the importance of these contributors to economic growth and development and is right to give ver y serious consideration to this proposed project. I have been consistently critical of the Government’s absolute disregard and dis-
respect for the duly elected Representatives of the South in arriving at their decision to support the NCL Project, but I do not at this point and based on the information available to me, question the Government’s good faith in reaching that decision. I DO NOT, however, agree with that decision.
2013
I agree with those, very likely in the minority, who hold the view that the NCL Project at Harvest Caye has the potential to change the “character of Belize’s national tourism profile from beneficial low impact/ high value eco-cultural tourism to unsustainable high impact/low value mass tourism.” This I find to be in direct conflict with the Belize National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan which is the official policy document for Tourism Development in Belize. I am also very concerned about the potential environmental impact
to be caused by ships, boats, and thousands of visitors to our pristine coral reefs, grass beds and marine life. Belize needs investment dollars and our people need jobs, but we must be smart and strategic in our thinking and planning. We must not put at risk the very product that will likely serve as the foundation for future sustainable economic growth and development. The future of Tourism in Belize, in my view, is low impact/high value eco-cultural Tourism. I say NO to Mass Tourism.
25 AUG
2013
THE BELIZE TIMES
05 5
EDITORIAL
T
FIGHTING POVERTY?
he Barrow Administration’s pro-poor policy can be summed up in three words: FOOD PANTRY and BOOST. Instead of reducing poverty in Belize, this politically-driven policy serves to perpetuate poverty, dependence and blatant discrimination and political victimization. Some UDPs benefit. All known or suspected PUPs, even the poorest of the poor, are excluded. In 2002 a poverty assessment was conducted in Belize. The Report stated that one-third (33%) of Belizeans were considered poor. By 2009 the level of poverty had increased to 42%. In 2007/8, at the end of the PUP term in office, the Human Development Index of the United Nations placed Belize at 80 out of a total 177 nations. By 2011 after four years of UDP mismanagement of the economy, high inflation and rampant unemployment Belize’s Human Development Index had sunk to a new low of 93. Today, two years later, the situation is even more dreadful. Schools will begin classes. For the past several weeks, many poor mothers have been scrambling around, stressed out, trying to find school fees, books, uniforms for their children. The recent I.D.B. report on education tells us that Belize and Belizeans are paying a lot for education and getting little. More youth are outside the school system than in it. The shocking statistics: only 2 out of every 5 children enrolled in primary will complete 8 years of primary education. Less than half of secondary school age children (13-16 years), (only 45%) are attending a secondary school. Of those, one-third drop out. In other words only 30% of high school age children in Belize will graduate from a high school. When it is realized that a lack of education and weak skill levels are major factors that lie at the root causes of poverty, we begin to see a clear correlation between an education system in crisis and a society in crisis. And we begin to understand why poverty in Belize is persistent. Studies have shown that low growth rates in a country are principally explained by low levels of cognitive abilities. On the other hand, education that awakens the curiosity, the creativity of young inquiring minds leads to higher individual productivity and earnings. Education that provides free universal access to all Belizean children from pre-school to at least secondary school with relevant
skills training for our youths in science and technology especially information and communication technology (ICT) is absolutely necessary if we are to break the vicious cycle of poverty and underdevelopment. But it is not only a good education system available to all that is needed. When we stop to think about it and look back in our history, the sound policies of successive PUP Governments from the 60s, 70s and forward through to the turn of the century uplifted thousands of Belizean families out of poverty to a home-owning middle class. Historic PUP programmes of land reform and rural development raised many farming communities to a life of relative comfort and sustainability. Most important in the fight against poverty was expanding people’s choices – the freedom and capability to lead long, healthy and creative lives. Basic human needs – food, shelter, education, health, work and personal security were considered of paramount importance. The right to life and security are among the most basic human rights. Insecurity is both a cause and an effect of mass poverty. In recent years, urban Belize has been plagued by escalating crime and violence which falls disproportionately on the poor living in crime-ridden neighbourhoods. Such neighbourhoods have become overcrowded with a burgeoning population of jobless alienated youth that have become angry, cynical and desperate. A whole generation runs the risk of being lost while decay and decadence eat away at the social fabric of the nation. A real change in direction is necessary. A government that came into office with the promise of good governance, transparency and accountability has betrayed the trust of the people. Belmopan has become the breeding ground for ministerial corruption, patronage of the elite and the cronies and blatant nepotism that awards lucrative contracts to the select few and million dollar attorney fees to family members of the Prime Minister. This corruption is so transparent, it cries out for redress. Meanwhile the poor masses bow and scrape living in fear and paralysis, numbed by the power and might of the dictatorial tyrants who lord in over them. In August 1823 slavery was abolished in the British colonies. In August 2013, a new slavery, a new colonialism grips the independent nation of Belize. And the poor? The new Massa tells them: Tek heart, you will always be with us.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
25 AUG
2013
Going with a bang!
Audrey Blows the Whistle on Barrow Continued from page 1 Natural Resources Gaspar Vega adjusted the terms of the agreement making them more favourable to the oil companies and disadvantageous to Belize. In 2007, the former PUP Government set out the Production Shares for Providence Energy Limited at 15% if the oil company produced up to 5,000. For every additional 5,000 barrels that were produced, Government’s shares increased by 5% so that if 30,000 barrels or over were produced, the shares would increase to 35% and 40%. The UDP, which seems to be intimately wrapped up in bed sheets along with the oil companies, amended those terms, replacing it with a lowered rate of 7.5% if the company produced 30,000 barrels. Matura Shepherd said those were “worst terms” because if the company doesn’t produce 30,000 barrels, Belizeans get nothing. Belize Natural Energy, which has been producing commercial oil since 2005, has produced 5,000 barrels at its peak. In her weekly article published in the Amandala newspaper, she further explored why the UDP’s agreement is disgraceful. “I want readers to know that the final blow to us Belizeans under this secret contract is that under the PUP version the company had agreed to pay us 10% royalty which was to me low, but still more than the 7.5% royalty BNE pays us. However, I cannot explain what could have possessed Min. Gaspar Vega to renegotiate the contract and get us worst terms,” she wrote. The amendments to the agreement for Princess Petroleum Limited demonstrate just how special that oil company is to the Barrow Administration. As a prelude to this special relationship, it is important to note that the Prime Minister’s law firm Barrow and Williams is involved with the company, and the Prime Minister’s law partner Rodwell Williams sits as Secretary in Princess Petroleum. The petroleum law designed by the former PUP Government for oil companies were sensitive to environmental protection. The law requires oil companies to relinquish up to 25% of their explorations blocks at the end of
BELIZE TIMES The fastest selling newspaper in Belize
the contract term. But Princess Petroleum, as we have said, is so special for the Barrow Administration that they have been exempted from this requirement. In 2009, Vega amended the terms of Princess Petroleum’s contract, to erase the 25% requirement with 0%. Matura-Shepherd was shocked at the UDP’s decision, because Princess Petroleum’s land concession included protected areas such as the Blue Hole, Lighthouse
Reef and portions of the Barrier Reef and Turneffe Atoll. Matura-Shepherd has blown the whistle on this blatant and over whelming corrupt deal between her party and the oil companies. The Barrow Administration is yet to respond or at least defend its disgraceful actions. They seem satisfied that Matura-Shepherd is about to leave Oceana and expect her to fade away. But Matura-Shepherd has vouched that even though she
Vega’s special deals with oil companies have been exposed will no longer be at Oceana, she will continue to speak against the UDP’s wrongdoing.
25 AUG
2013
PAC Reform is Here to Stay! 21st August, 2013 Despite growing public support from the Business Community, the NTUCB, and the citizenry, the Office of the Prime Minister today issued a statement decisively rejecting the calls for reform of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The PUP reiterates its absolute commitment to a functioning and more effective PAC comprised of seven (7) members as follows: 2-Government Members 2-Opposition Members 1-Senator-Business 1-Senator-Unions/Civil society 1-Senator-Churches We strongly reject the view offered by the UDP Cabinet that the proposed restructuring of the PAC is inconsistent with the Standing Orders, too expensive, impractical, and in conflict with democratic principles. The PAC is an oversight committee of the House which does not make policy but if functioning can in fact shone a brighter light on our democracy. The Motion presented to the House of Representatives on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 by the PAC Chairman, Hon. Julius Espat, represents a good first step in the direction of a functioning, effective PAC. We repeat our Party’s absolute commitment and willingness to work with the Government and other partners to refine and improve upon this Motion to enable it to gain unanimous support. Cabinet’s assertion of confidence in the current structure and functioning of the PAC is deeply troubling given the very broad and deep consensus on the PAC’s failure to function over some 30 plus years. We now have an opportunity to fix it and the UDP Cabinet has rejected, out of hand, this opportunity. The release from the Office of the Prime Minister provides a true and clear example of Prime Ministerial Governance and overreach with the executive seeking to dictate to the Public Accounts Committee of the House what its agenda should be and how its business should be conducted. The UDP Cabinet seeks to chastise and belittle the PAC Chairman, Hon. Julius Espat, for attempting to do what no other PAC Chairman has done, that is, get his job done. From 1998 to 2008 the UDP chaired the PAC and did nothing but complain and whine at the ineffectiveness of this important committee. Now that the PUP is not only talking, but also acting on its commitment to reform, the UDP has chosen the political low road of personal attacks and intimidation. It is clear that the UDP Prime Minister and Cabinet lack the will to advance this meaningful reform which clearly has the support of the majority of Belizeans. The People’s United Party calls on the UDP cabinet to reverse its decision in this matter and join with us and the Belizean people to enact meaningful PAC reform. PAC REFORM IS HERE TO STAY!
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Progresso Residents Slam GOB for Incompetence Road Project yet to start even though completion date was May 2013 Orange Walk District, August 19, 2013 Residents of Progresso Village are totally dissatisfied with the UDP Government and their bucket of lies. Last week, the Barrow Administration averted a huge embarrassment when they learnt that residents of the community were planning to block passage along the road
and the Pueblo Nuevo ferry, as a show of frustration that the Government has not kept its promise of paving their road. The Orange Walk Town to Progresso Village Road construction project was supposed to have lasted 18 months. The Government signed a contract for works to be carried out along Continued on page 8
Another broken UDP promise!!
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Another legal battle with Aschroft …more money for Brother B & Lady Lois? Belize City, August 20, 2013 THE Barrow government, in an ominous move last week, swooped down with its iron claws and grabbed a prime coastal piece of real estate at Commerce Bight just south of Dangriga. It is land that was in receivership by the British Caribbean Bank (BCB). It has been a part of a longstanding legal battle. No rhyme or reason has been given for this sudden high-handed decision by the government, but to further turn the screws on BCB by revoking a lease. It has prompted reactions of cynicism on the social media and elsewhere in the public forum. The government obviously does not have a plan, much less any immediate plan for the pier at Commerce Bight. However, it says that it wants to build an international port there. It is the most utter foolishness that has come so far from this government. It is expected that a slew of legal entanglements will follow with the Prime Minister’s law firm, or that of his relatives or cronies, representing the government against the Ashcroft Alliance. The government, in its first press release on this matter, announced that the Minister responsible for Ports, “as authorized by Cabinet”, had revoked the lease granted to Port of Belize Limited because of a breach in the terms and conditions of the lease. It claimed that PBL failed to submit a development plan for the development of port facilities at Commerce Bight. But PBL did submit a proposal to the government to develop the port on condition that it could exercise its option to purchase the property before investing in the development. It was an
agreement which was made with the previous government. This did not, for obvious political reasons, make it doable. DID THE PM NOT KNOW OF HIS CABINET’S DECISION? It must be noted that the announcement was made based on a decision by, and with, the approval of the Cabinet. The Cabinet is chaired by the Prime Minister. However, it would appear that, as usual, the Prime Minister, “Papa Barrow” (he asked to be called “Papa” at the last House sitting) did not know anything about the move by the Minister of Works to grab the land at Commerce Bight. This has to be deduced by a subsequent press release in which “Papa Barrow” announced that he “welcomed the decision by the Minister of Works to revoke the lease of Commerce Bight Port” saying that as a result of privatization, the Commerce Bight Port is in a decadent state, hammering on about “unbridled privatization” and how it has affected national assets. This type of verbiage is simply a very caustic smokescreen to cloud the failures of a dysfunctional government by deflecting blame for everything on the previous administration. Reasonable people are tired of hearing the same noise. It was therefore puzzling and unusual for the Prime Minster to have issued such a release, since the decision was taken by the Cabinet which he chairs. It is obvious that he did not accept nor did he approve the press release issued by the Ministry of Works. He wanted his own artificial elevated Continued on page 27
PUP NOTICE
Belize Rural South Constituency Committee
2013
Progresso Residents Slam GOB for Incompetence
Continued from page 7 the 16-mile stretch on July 2011. The physical work was supposed to start in November 2011 and end in May 2013. But two years and two months since the contract was signed, the bulk of the work is yet to begin. Officials from the Ministry of Works held an urgent meeting with residents in Progresso Village last week and provided a pile of excuses in an attempt to quell the anger and forestall plans for a protest. It didn’t work. The residents openly chastised the Government for being slow, neglectful, and for their empty promises. “You said that you were not here to see the gravel, it is a pity that you were not here and you left us alone. Right now all the guys who mine the pit and all the machinery are over eighty days without payment, the water board had to culminate it. Are you all at the ministry level or at the government level that represent us satisfied?” asked a concerned resident. Another resident wanted to know how come heads have not rolled as promised by a former Minister of Works after such a display of
incompetence. “At that signing the minister at that time, Mr. Boots Martinez, said that if this road was not finished in time heads will roll and so far no heads have rolled,” said the resident. The resident forgot to remind those in attendance that it was Boots who in 2008, as Minister of Works, diverted the funds that had already been allotted by the former PUP Government to pave the Orange Walk Town to Progresso Village Road. For political expediency, Boots diverted the money to Albert Street in Belize City. The UDP Minister pulled the plug on the project and it has not gotten off the ground since. Ministry of Works officials admitted that this hare-brained political decision threw the process into confusion and collapse. The funds had been provided by the European Union through the Accompanying Measures for Sugar (AMS) fund. The EU’s funding process is strict and sensitive. A monkey wrench, like the one thrown by Boots into the works, led to chaos. By the time the contract was re-established in July 2011, the road had deteriorated and Ministry of officials were forced to review the construction design for the road. The single decision made by the UDP Government to redirect the funds for the Progresso Road in 2008 is the reason for this disaster.
PUP NOTICE
Pickstock Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Pickstock Electoral Division is scheduled for October 16, 2013 at the Independence Hall. Applications can be picked up from the Secretariat or Mr. Ricardo Castillo, Chairman for Pickstock Committee. Completed applications are to be submitted to Mr. Ricardo Castillo and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package. Deadline for submission is September 16, 2013.
PUP NOTICE
Belmopan Standard Bearer Convention The People’s United Party Standard Bearer Convention for the Belmopan Electoral Division is scheduled for November 3, 2013.
The People’s United Party is accepting applications for members of the Belize Rural South Constituency Committee.
Applications can be picked up from the Secretariat or Mr. Paul Castillo, Chairman for Belmopan Executive Committee.
Application forms are available at the San Pedro PUP office or the PUP Secretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City.
Completed applications are to be submitted to Mr. Paul Castillo and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee is to be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessary documentation to complete the application package. Deadline for submission is October 3, 2013.
Application must be filled and returned to the Secretariat, addressed to the Secretary General by Friday August 30, 2013.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
2013
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 25th day of July, 2008, between JAVIER CASTELLANOS of the one part, and the said SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. of the other part , and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Volume 27 of 2008 at folios 329 – 396. The said SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD. THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO
ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being a portion of Grant No. 396 of 1993 and containing approximately 2.391 acres of land, situate in the Arenal Agricultural Layout, Cayo District, Belize. The said 2.391 acres is shown in Plan 396 of 1993 dated 13 September, 1993 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. DATED this 15th day of August, 2013. MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street, Belize City Attorneys-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
For Sale By Order of the 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 29th day of December, 2009, between PASTOR REYES (also known as JUSTO PASTOR REYES) of Sarawee Village, Stann Creek District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in the Deeds Book Vol. 1 of 2010 at Folios 263–292, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
SCHEDULE ALL THOSE pieces or parcels of land being Lots Nos. 163 and 164 comprising 404.550 S.M. each situate in Sarawee Village, Stann Creek District, bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 24 of 1995 dated 23rd day of March, 1995 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 24 of 1995 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.
DATED this 5th day of August, 2013. MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
25 AUG
FACES & OPINIONS
2013
by Micah Vernon
How’s your summer going and are you ready for the reopening of school?
Hon. Dolores’ community outreach in BRC Gales Point Manatee, Belize District, August 20, 2013 Area Representative for Belize Rural Central Hon. Dolores Balderamos Garcia and her committee continue their outreach as the opening of school in September approaches. Hon. Dolores was Hon. Dolores hands out school bags in BRC in Gales Point Manatee on Thursday August 15th, to meet as she does regularly with residents and to deliver donations of school bags, exercise books and school supplies to many children of the Gales Point community. The schools bags came through the kind contribution of SMART. The attractive school bags were happily received by over 30 children, and areas in the village. Dolores also pledged exercise books and school supassistance for needed repairs to the water plies were delivered to 60 more system and lighting for the Government children. primary school. Hon. Dolores takes this She also visited with Mr. Herbert opportunity to publicly thank Escarpeta who recently buried his wife SMART for the school bags Hortense Escarpeta after over 50 years which bear the positive message of marriage, and with Alice Parks and her “Be SMART - stay in School.” husband Mr. Nacho, who are stalwart In Gales Point the opportunicommunity members in the Gales Point ty was also taken to meet with community. Hon. Dolores and residents village chairlady Ionie Samuels also discussed the need for a bus service and Councillors, to whom she to and from Gales Point at least once a delivered machetes, files and week, and she undertook to ask the Minrakes for the council’s use in istry of Transport about this need. cleaning and maintaining public
Shawn
Summer is going quite fine, reason being I am now the director of Water Walkers International; a place that facilitates growing children with expressive arts. To be honest I am not ready for school, I’ve grown to love what I’m doing and the children around me so it’s hard to leave.
Rakeish
My summer is going bad, due to the need of a job. I hate idling and my phone got locked and I cannot open it. I am ready for the reopening of school because I’ excited to start my course.
Ashton
Summer is boring due to the summer programs catering only to the teens and younger children and it’s the same ones every year. There should be a wider age range because you never stop learning. I‘m not ready for the reopening of school, it’s opening very quickly.
Ricardo
Well, my summer is going very busy with a lot of work but at the same time fun. I am certainly ready for the reopening of school. It’s my last year at SJC and I’m excited to make that large step in life.
Monica
Amazing! I traveled a lot, and went to a lot of places, so I can’t complain. I do believe that I’m ready for the reopening of school. I’m a bit nervous but ready.
Icarus
Summer went well. Didn’t really do anything but enjoyed time with the family and friends. I am ready for the reopening of school. Just looking forward to graduating and starting my journey in life.
Aaron
My summer went great. Had fun and now I’m ready for school to reopen. I’m ready to start a new chapter in my life.
Dana
Kind of boring, but okay! The break from school was needed. I’m not worrying about handing up work or taking quizzes. I’m ready for it to open just to be able to get it over with. In a nutshell school is boring but I need and want my degree.
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PUP builds working partnership with Guinea Grass Village Council Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District, August 22, 2013 On Wednesday 21st August, the Hon Jose Mai and the Hon John Briceño met with the newly elected Independent Village Council of Guinea Grass. The meeting was to discuss the planning and strategic development of the community, in the face of neglect facing the community under the UDP Government. Chairman Jose Hernandez and his councilors shared welcomed the meeting and explained that they are more than willing to work with the Hon Area Representative, the
Taxing Us to Death Belize City, August 21, 2013 After six long years of living under a grossly incompetent UDP government, the people of Belize are on the brink of taking matters into their own hands against King Dean. Teachers were promised a raise that was tagged to a fictional oil find, while Gapi was on the side reducing the government’s share in the pie from 35% to 7.5%. Upon taking office in 2008 Dean Barrow was, and still is, clueless on how to grow Belize’s economy. Bankrupt of any meaningful ideas, his first strategy was to raise GST from 10% to 12.5%. On every street corner, businesses have been closing down, jobs are being lost and children are being raised on a poor, and in some instances non-existent, diet. The Mayor of Belize City thought it would be nice to have better streets but did not explain the fine print that we, the Belize City residents, would have to pay back every cent of his $20 million-dollar mega-bond. As a result, annual trade license fees were tripled, property taxes quadrupled and our drivers’ and trade licenses withheld unlawfully. Immediately before his second term in office, Dean Barrow championed his reacquisition of BEL and promised lower rates. Less than a year later, he delivered quite the opposite – a crippling 17% increase in electricity rates. Dean Barrow does not know how to run or manage a country. His strategy is to tax, tax, tax and on the side, take away a few private companies to benefit his family and friends. Taxation, pain and suffering is not what he promised us. Minimum wage has not been increased to match the rising cost of inflation. One bag of basic groceries is now $100. Continued on page 27
Hon. Jose Mai & Hon. John Briceño meet with Guinea Grass Village Council members
Hon. Jose Mai and the PUP to benefit the residents. The Hon. Mai and the Hon. Briceño explained that the gesture was reciprocal. The PUP will do all in its capacity to assist the village council in improving the Guinea Grass community, including lobbying on their behalf at the National As-
sembly for critical assistance and development projects. The UDP Caretaker, Juan de Dios Moguel, on the other hand, has refused to work with the duly elected Village Council and has announced that he will only work through a UDP committee made up of a selected
few. The Village Council has been carrying out several activities since they were elected. Hon. Mai and the Hon. Briceño applauded the efforts, the vision and the determination of the Chairman Mr. Jose Hernandez and his hard working Councilors.
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THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE
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TOPMODEL 13
ENTERTAINMENT
NEWS Idolly
Saldivar
Miss Idolly Louise Saldivar will represent Belize at the 63rd Miss World Final Contest to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia on September 28. Miss Saldivar is a graduate of Palloti High School. She was a recipient of the Caribbean Examinations Council Outstanding Achievement Award in 2008. Idolly holds an Associate Degree in General Studies from St. John’s College School of Liberal Arts. Idolly is a beautiful model with black hair, dark brown eyes, standing 5ft 10in tall. She enjoys reading, dancing, hiking and sports. Idolly competed and won several medals in long distance track and field competitions during high school and currently plays softball in Belize City Inter-office League. She enjoys playing music; her favorite instrument is a guitar which belonged to her late father. Idolly, an aspiring dentist, serves as an Official Ambassador for the Teens Belize Organization and advocates for various “teen empowerment and development based” platforms where she strives to uphold “The Belizean Inspiration: Nothing More, Nothing Less” motto of the Teens Belize Organization. Idolly participates in fashion Continued on page 20
Location: Old Belize Adventure, Marina and Museum
vies in Miss World 2013
Syrci • • • • •
TOP MODEL Clothing and Accessories provided by CATWALK FASHIONS
Height: 5’ 8” Career Plan: Professional Model Sign: Cancer Favourite Food: Lasagna Likes: Modeling, Dancing, Listening to Music,
• •
Cor. North Front Steet & Queen Street Belize City
Taking Photos Lives in Sana Elena, Cayo District Fav. Quote: “Live and Learn from your Mistakes.”
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14 SPORTS
25 AUG
THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES
2013
Belize wins 2 in CONCACAF U-20 volleyball championships
Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras, August 20, 2013 The Belize national under-18 female volleyball team has a 2-1 record as it won its first two games against Honduras and El Salvador in the Under-20 Central American Championships in Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras.
The Belize girls’ only loss so far was against Nicaragua on Wednesday evening. The team lost all 3 sets but not without a fight: 25-22, 25-11, and 25-21. On Tuesday, August 20, Belize dominated El Salvador 3-1, taking the
1st and 2nd sets 25-18 and 25-18. El Salvador won the 3rd set 25-21, but Belize rallied to win the 4th set 25-23. Sherika Burton led with 17 points from 15 kills and 2 blocks; and Jahshema Saunders added 13 points from 12 kills and she served an ace. Maurissa Williams added 11 points from 6 kills, 4 blocks and serving an ace, while Leandra Betson had 6 points from 4 kills, a block and serving and 1 ace.
Belize dominated against Hondurans impressively, winning all 3 sets of their opening game against the host team: 25-17, 25-13 and 25-20 on Monday. Sherika Burton led Belize’s attack with 14 points from 10 kills, 2 blocks, 2 aces, while Jahshema Saunders scored 13 points, hammering 6 kills at the net and serving 7 aces. Maurissa Williams added 8 points with 4 kills and 4 blocks at the net.
Setter Xiomara Quan served up 4 aces, while Leandra Betson and Kandyce Burn scored 2 points each, and Libero Nayala Tun rotated into the game on to help with serves, receiving and defense. Belize’s lineup includes Leyia Hernandez, Gianna Brown, Balyn Gordon, and Kevanna Sebastian, under the direction of head coach Lupita Quan, assistant coaches Sherlene Johnson and Shelmadine Cacho, and manager Mrs. Sharon Tun. Team Belize rested on Thursday and takes on Panama on Friday.
Iceman vs. Galera, The Rematch
Baby Jaguars impress at U-15 championships in Cayman Islands
Belize City, August 20, 2013 It’s been a long-awaited re-match. Belize’s Mixed Martial Arts athletes will take on Mexico’s MMA fighters in a spectacular re-match on Saturday August 31st. Numerous fights will be featured including the main event, the championship bout between Belize’s Jameel “Iceman” Smith and Mexico’s Alberto Basulcar Galera. Galera will return to Belize, in an attempt to take the belt, which the Iceman won in April of this year when Galera lost by disqualification. The event will be held at the Belize Elementary Auditorium under the auspices of the House of Shotokan Academy.
Belize City, August 20, 2013 Belize bombed Grenada 6-1 in their 4th and final match to finish with a 3-1 record at the first ever CONCACAF under-15 football championships in the Cayman Islands. Mark Samuels scored Belize’s 1st winning goal against Grenada in the 5th minute of play and man of the Match Randy Augustine scored a 2nd goal in the 19th minute. Rene Leslie added a 3rd goal in the 30th minute, while Augustine completed his hat trick with 2 more goals in the 36th and 38th minutes.
Alvin Sifontes, who had scored Belize’s first winning goal in Belize’s 1-0 win over St. Lucia, scored a 6th goal in the 73rd minute. Chelon Edgehill scored Grenada’s only consolation goal equalized. Belize ranked 2nd in Group B with 9 points from 3 wins and a 0-1 loss to Guatemala on Sunday, and a goal differential of 10 goals for and 3 against. The Belize boys had run over Jamaica’s young Reggae Boys 3-1 on Friday, August 16. Alvin Sifontes scored his second goal of the competition in the 5th minute for Belize to lead 1-0. Randy Augustine
doubled the lead to 2-0 in the 7th minute and Mark Samuels added a 3rd goal in the 53rd minute. The tournament had 24 countries participating, until the Dominican Republic withdrew. The countries were divided into 4 groups and Belize was in a group B that included St Lucia, Jamaica, Grenada, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic. Only the top team from each group moved on to the semifinals, and Belize did not qualify out of its group as Guatemala led with 12pts from 4 wins. The entire country is proud of this historic achievement from the U-15 National Selection.
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Belize football girls off to UNCAF U-20 football championships Belize City, August 20, 2013 Belize’s Female U-20 Selection left Tuesday for Comayagua, Honduras to participate in the UNCAF U-20 Female Championship. The team lost to host country in the first match 2-1. Representing Belize in Honduras are: Beatrice Alfaro Captain - Santa Elena, Cayo; Erica Vallecio - Independence Village, Stann Creek; Myrenie Drysdale, Independence Village, Stann Creek; Zulma Ortega, Bella Vista Village, Stann Creek; Leonie Fernandez, Independence Village, Stann Creek; Nisha Augustine, Independence Village, Stann Creek; Sabrina Eiley, Placencia, Stann Creek; Corby Rhaburn, Placencia, Stann Creek; Shayama Caliz, Dangriga, Stann
Creek; Naomi Gamboa, Dangriga, Stann Creek; Tyra Hernandez, Dangriga, Stann Creek; Dorlene Salam, Armenia, Cayo District; Anijay Quiroz, San Ignacio, Cayo District; Erica Milligan, Mahogany Heights, Belize District; Kursha Pollard, Belize City; Sophia Diego Caye Caulker, Belize District; Shandy Vernon, Biscayne Village, Belize
District; Gisel Baeza, Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District; Ana Mendoza Paraiso, Corozal District Accompanying the Selection is also Head of Delegation Cruz Gamez, Director of Female Football Georgina Zabaneh Freeman and Physiotherapist Denys Belisle. The Technical Staff which
consist of Team Manager David Griffith, Head Coach Kent Grey, Assistant Coach Tyrone Young and Equipment Manager Edwardo Gongora travelled to Honduras yesterday where they are awaiting the arrival of the selection. Belize is in Group A along with Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.
Bombers & Warriors win Cayo softball
Ports Belize Ltd wins
4th game in Interoffice Basketball
Belize City, August 17, 2013 Ports Belize Ltd posted its 4th back to back win against Courts Belize to lead the Belize District firms’ basketball competition at Bird’s Isle in Belize City over the weekend. On Saturday, Ports Belize Ltd defeated Courts Belize 76-67. Ports’ Lennox Bowman scored 31 points, Vince “Postman” Estrada’s had 29 points, and Ian “AC” Augustine scored 11 points. Court’s Rennon Pandy scored 20 points, Delroy Caliz added 17 points and Tyrone Anthony and Leroy Gentle scored 10 points each. Ports Belize also defeated Telemedia 68-65. BTL’s Devon Lozano had 15 points to lead 16-10 in the 1st quarter. Earl “Bolo” Johnson led Ports with 34 points and 4 rebounds. The tournament continues at Bird’s Isle on Friday night, August 23. Other Interoffice Matches: Heritage Heatz vs. Ready Call - 68-64 BWS vs. PUC Regulatahz - 58-52 Belize City Council vs. Central Health - 84-82
Camalote Village, Cayo District, August 17, 2013 The Belmopan Bombers and the Camalote Warriors enjoyed big wins when the Cayo Softball Association’s senior men’s competition continued at the Denbeigh Fuller Softball Stadium in Camalote on Saturday, August 17 In Game 1, Belmopan Bombers won over Esperanza Royal Devils by a score of 11 runs to 10 runs. The winning pitcher was Dion Guzman and losing pitcher was Jose Hernandez. In Game 2, the Camalote Warriors won 15-14 over the Camalote Rising Stars. The winning pitcher was Jamie Brown and losing pitcher was
Herman Burke. The tournament continues this weekend at the Joan Garbutt Softball Stadium in Esperanza Village on Saturday, August 24 when the Belmopan Bombers go up against Camalote Rising Stars, and Las Flores goes up against Esperanza Royal Devils. 1st Round Standings: Belmopan Bombers 4 wins - 0 loss Camalote Warriors 3 wins - 1 loss Camalote Rising Stars 2 wins - 2 losses Esperanza Royal Devils 1 win - 3 losses Las Flores 0 win - 4 losses
Oceana Strikers drown Belikin 8-6 in softball competition Belize City, August 19, 2013 The Oceana Strikers 8-6 drowned Belikin Stout on Tuesday night when the Belize City Softball Association men’s softball competition continued at the Rogers Stadium in Belize City, August 19. Striker pitcher Charles Solis Jr scored the win against Belikin’s Roy Briceno. The Guardian Bombers walloped Belikin Stout 14-2.
Guardian Bombers’ Winning Pitcher Milton Flores pitched a 14-2 win against Belikin’s Roy Briceno. Milton Flores and his brother Alex Flores each hit a home run and are now leading the league with 2 home runs each. On Thursday, Aug 22, the Guardian Bombers see action against the Dantos, and on Friday, August 23, the Dantos will challenge Belikin Stout.
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PUP 1 DEAN BARROW 0 City of Belmopan, August 20, 2013 Dean Barrow is no Daddy, as he boasted in the House. He is an old do nothing political Grinch in party politics who has stolen the future of the nation’s youth from them. He was elected to the National Assembly as far back as 1984, when the UDP won its first general elections. He has been in the House of Representatives ever since. That is a long period of 29 years for which he should be able to point to some achievements. There is none. He has been a high ranking Minister of Government for 3 terms of office. His legacy and contributions for the betterment of government and politics has been one big, large zero. The man is a hoax. There has been no change and no reform in any of the many government ministries for which Barrow was a Minister. Neither has he made any change in the House of Representatives and its antiquated, colonial rules. Where performance and achievement that benefit Belize are concerned, don’t look to Barrow’s years in government and politics, you will find a big, round zero. The gentleman is a charlatan. What Barrow excels in is talking. He is a consummate talker. You know what they say about talkers. They never do anything. All they do is talk. Empty vessels make the most noise. Ask Finnegan, a pathetic sycophant, if ever there was one. This is not to say that Barrow has not passed laws. Of laws there are plenty. In the 19841989 UDP government Barrow as Attorney General amended the Constitution. (Yes, this dude has been butchering Belize’s highest law from way back then). His two major amendments were to create a local spy organization called the Security Intelligence Services-S.I.S. The other was to give the UDP government authority to sell Belizean passports and citizenship. Barrow’s law firm may have been a major financial beneficiary of this bucket sale of Belizean citizenship to Chinese nationals (yes, Lee Mark Chang, Barrow has been at the service of Chinese money from when you were in kinder-garden). The list of Barrow’s rogue legislations and special interest laws
are a long and ignoble blithe on his shameful political career. When the UDP jumped on the Unions and civil society agitation for reform in 2005, Barrow presented himself as an advocate for change. In preparing his party’s 2008 election Manifesto the talker promised Belizeans, in writing, that he would pass laws to change and improve government and politics. Written in his Manifesto was the promise that Social Security Board, D.F.C and other government statutory bodies would be removed from the control of Ministers and placed in the control of the social partners. No such thing happened. No such laws were passed. Weeks after the 2008 general elections Barrow appointed his exwife to be chairman of S.S.B, the country’s wealthiest statutory body. Political hacks and cronies were all placed in charge of government statutory bodies. The hombre had done the exact opposite of what he promised. Only months ago Barrow passed one of his rogue laws in which he created a new statutory body called Belize Infrastructure Limited-B.I.L and put serving Ministers to be in charge. Funds for B.I.L are monies that belong to taxpayers. A political feeding factory for corruption has been created. Another weirdo law was passed for a National Bank. Who will oversee this strange creature? A junior Minister and political appointees. Is the purpose of this bank is for hustling and bribing voters? Barrow’s 2008 Manifesto promised Belizeans that laws would be passed to “govern all elected officials to prevent CONFLICT OF INTEREST, NEPOTISM and CRONYISM”. Mr. Barrow himself has morphed into the biggest violator. His Cabinet Ministers are merely following his examples. He also promised in his Manifesto to “pass an Unjust Enrich-
ment Act under which Ministers and elected officials can be prosecuted where they are seen to be enjoying visible wealth which their salaries and declared assets cannot justify”. It is 5 1/2 years since that promise and the only thing Belizeans have seen are UDP ministers and elected officials enjoying visible wealth far beyond their salaries. There was also the Barrow promise to “amend the Referendum Act to allow the public to call for referendum.” A law was passed. It was a 360 degrees turn and made it very difficult for Belizeans to ever call for a referendum. A citizens’ attempt to hold referendum on oil drilling at the reef was quashed by the Barrow government. Dean Barrow, political grandfather from the 1980’s has been around so long that his only durable accomplishments are in lies, deception and hypocrisy. He has long outlived his political usefulness. He is the biggest ruination to the nation. He is a form of cervical cancer to the body politic of the country. He is all ego and hubris. Once, as Hon. Francis Fonseca reminded him at last Wednesday’s House meeting, he was derided as ALL GLITTER and NO SUBSTANCE. Now, he is No glitter and No substance. For contrast we point to Hon. Julius Espat. He is only in the House of Representatives for a mere 16 months. As we listened to him Monday night on the Dickie Bradley television show, we saw and heard encouraging signs. Mr. Espat represents the opposition as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. He is also a Deputy Leader. Espat highlighted that the House Committee is unable to function because of its composition in which government Ministers
are the majority. Meetings cannot be called and no accounts examined. He had proposed at the last House meeting that Senators and Social partners be added and made a majority. This proposal was roundly thrown out. By none other than one Dean Barrow. The aging, crotchety, petty person holding on to power through his Ashcroft millions and other unaudited donations. The proposal by the PUP, however, is of signal importance, because since 2008 Barrow’s government has collected and spent 5 billion dollars of taxpayer’s monies without ever having any Parliamentary oversight. This is a national scandal, of significant proportions. Except for Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe, no Parliament in the democratic world has such a sordid distinction. Congratulations Mr. Barrow, you’re right down there with the despots. Why would Barrow not want a functioning Public Accounts Committee? Despite Mr. Barrow’s gross rejection of the PUP’s proposal, the Chamber of Commerce and now the National Trade Union Congress have publicly championed the recommendations. We either want good government and accountability or we don’t. Barrow’s long and disgraceful stay in government manifests exactly what he stands for. The PUP under the visionary leadership of Hon. Francis Fonseca have publicly stated their stand. Reform and betterment. The PUP after 16 months under Francis passes with flying colors. Dean Barrow after 30 YEARS fails miserably.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
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2013
Galen honors Mrs. Jane Usher with Honorary Degree
Hon. Jose Mai with football marathon participants, team Guinea Grass
Hon. Jose Mai supports sports and education in Orange Walk South Yo Creek Village, August 22, 2013 PUP Area Representative for Orange Walk South, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, continues to support sports and education in his constituency. Hon. Mai has assisted many needy children and teenagers with school bags and supplies as the new school year is about to begin. This assistance will help to defray increasing cost of school books and supplies for which the UDP Government is offering no assistance. The families of the children accepted the assistance and expressed gratitude. Hon. Mai also supported the Yo
Creek Village Council who hosted a female football marathon as a fund raiser. The participating teams were Yo creek, Indian Church, Chan Pine Ridge and Guinea Grass. First place was won by Chan Pine Ridge, second place was taken by Guinea Grass and third place was won by Yo Creek. Congratulations to the Chan Pine Ridge Team! The next female marathon will be hosted on September 1st by “Las Pesadas� of Indian Church! All interested teams are invited! Female Football marathons are mainly sponsored by the Hon Jose Mai.
August 22, 2013 On Sunday, August 18th, 2013 the prestigious Galen University honored an icon in the Belizean community, Mrs. Jane Usher, at their 2013 commencement ceremony. At the ceremony, Mrs. Jane, as she is affectionately known, was rec-
ognized for her leadership in the credit union movement of Belize. Today she is the Director Emeritus of Holy Redeemer Credit Union which has grown tremendously with 47,758 members. She was bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the University.
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SCORE?
VISIT OUR OFFICE AND BRING ALONG YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
CREDIT MASTER SYSTEMS #11 DOUGLAS JONES STREET BELIZE CITY
25 AUG
THE BELIZE TIMES
2013
Scales of JUSTICE
by anthony sylvestre
Daddy Don’t Know! If you were a parent and the neighbours continuously came to report on your unruly, obdurate child, and all you did was to make excuses for your child and kept declaring ignorance of the child’s actions outta road and had one constant refrain “I don’t know about that,” your neighbours would understandably turn on you, get tired of you inevitably, lose respect for you, think that you were condoning your child in his foolishness and taking them for pappyshow with your incessant excuses. There is this story of a certain Daddy who never knows, who protects his children to the bitter end, makes excuses for them and obviously encourages them in foolishness. So the story goes that he was coming from work one day and a little boy in the neighbourhood approached him to complain about his eldest and prized son. “Daddy B, you know Gapito just tek mi top when we were playing? And he tell mi he nuh di give me back because you said he could tek weh he want from anybody.” “Well,” said Daddy B in his most proper Queen’s English to the little boy. “I can’t say or say not that my son Gapito took your,
what is it you called it, top? ...yes, I can’t really say or say not that he in fact and in truth he took your top.” The little boy looked befuddled. “But,” continued Daddy B. “You of course must understand that Gapito is no ordinary child like you or the other children in the neighbourhood. I am sure he has told you this before. And I can vouch for him when he says that. He is no ordinary child, you see. And the quicker you and the kids in the hood understand this, then we will all be able to get along much better, yes?” The little boy was naturally confused and therefore had to ask: “So Daddy B, so I wah get back my top or not?” Daddy B smiled, as he usually does when confronted with these pointed questions, giggled and said, “Well, it seems that you did not quite understand what I went to pains to explain to you in no uncertain terms, a short time ago. Surely, you cannot expect that I will be able to furnish you with an answer at this me. You must at least do the decent thing, and allow me to investigate this matter a little before I can answer that question. But I will be sure to get back to you with an answer at some time.” The little boy was still puzzled. “But sir, what dat mean? I wah get
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back my top?” Daddy B then smiled and walked away shaking his head. The other day was no different for Daddy B. as soon as he was about to leave his gate, a neighbor, who was laywaiting him, called to him. “Daddy B,” she said. “I don’t like to do this but I have to tell you this because I neva know your daughter Liselita was like that.” Daddy B started to cringe. “My daughter give Liselita some school books fi sell fi her,” the neighbor continued. “And you know what? Liselita sell the books and only give mi daughter $50. Ih said dat she could only get $50 for the books. But I see Ms. Sharon daughter with the same books and she said she buy them for $150.00” Daddy B interrupted the neighbor. “So you were not present when this transaction went on,” he asked. “No, I neva di deh but my daughter tell me weh happen.” “Miss, I must cut you off. You come to me with this, charge of bad faith on the part of my daughter and you have no proof. No man, I won’t stand here and listen to this any longer.” “But sir I see yuh daughter wid the books,” she shouted exas-
19 peratedly. “Yes, but you,” Daddy B now started back in his most proper Queen’s English. “You were not a party to the agreement so how can you come to me with these unfounded, baseless charges? No man, I won’t stand for it.” And Daddy B walked off. The neighbor was exasperated and dejected. Just about the same time Ms. Sharon, whose daughter said that she bought the books from Liselita, was coming. The neighbor then began explaining to Ms. Sharon how Daddy B treated her a short while back. “Gial, you have time,” Ms. Sharon said. “You nuh wah get anyway with he if you go complain bout ih pickney. You nuh hear how ih own sista complain to ah bout ih son Gapito and he shame ih sista front ah everybody. Fi he ting dah he neva know what ih pickney deh di do. And ih only like quarrel to.” In Belize we have a Prime Minister who calls himself Daddy who does the same thing- make all sorts of excuses for his children, Ministers of Government. And always, he don’t know!
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THE BELIZE TIMES
PUP bids farewell to stalwart in the north By Roberto Pasos, Chairman, PUP Corozal Bay Executive We are extremely saddened to report the passing away of Mrs. Raimunda Medina better known as Doña Munda. Her journey to heaven represents a great loss to her family, staff, and people Corozal Town. Indeed, Belize has lost an exemplary role model citizen. Doña Munda was a community oriented person that was always willing to assist the needy, non-profit organizations, schools, churches, etc… Like any Belizean citizen she exercised her democratic right to support a political party which she believed is the option to have a better Belize. The political party which she believed in is no other than the People’s United Party. She proved her loyalty and support until the last days of her 80 years of life. She started as a campaigner since the days of the late Father of the Nation Rt. Hon. George C. Price; actively involved in the PUP Women’s Group; voted in all municipal and general elections; and assisted the Party to carry out its social events and political campaigns. One of Doña Munda’s greatest achievements in life was her success as a businesswoman. As an entrepreneur, she owned and managed Chicos Tortilla Fac-
Norwegian Dügü
tory which is considered a premiere producer of corn tortillas in Belize. Since 1984 Chicos has been meeting the demands of this Mestizo staple food. Chicos receives orders from San Pedro, Orange Walk, Belize City, San Ignacio and the entire District of Corozal. Her business stands as one of the cornerstones of the Corozal Community for the service it provides daily to the residents of the North. The People’s United Party Corozal Bay Executive Committee therefore mourns the loss of a valuable community-oriented person and loyal party supporter. May She Rest in Peace.
Idolly Saldivar vies in Miss World 2013
Continued from page 13 shows for various charities including the Saga Humane Society which promotes kindness and preventing cruelty to animals. To promote her humanitarian advocacy, she has been focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness and education among young adults. She has been attending events that focus on HIV awareness and has been documenting the lives of people living with HIV in Belize to create a video documentary and a commercial to educate Belizeans about the importance of knowing their status, prevention against HIV and ways to keep healthy if they are HIV positive. She is also engaged in community development activities in various areas of Belize City.
OUT
Idolly describes herself as, “a determined, hardworking, intelligent individual who strives for success and expects to do great things in the future”. Her motto is “Perseverance and determination equal success”. Idolly Saldivar was the titleholder of Miss Piel Dorada Belize 2011, and placed 2nd in Miss Piel Dorada Internet. She held the title of Miss Belize Costa Maya International 2011. Idolly is also the former Queen of the Bay Belmopan 2008. She made history by becoming the fourth Belizean lady to be crowned Miss Elegance Belize International 2010 and was also chosen as Miss Photogenic. She received over 51% of the celebrity votes cast. Idolly placed 2nd in Miss Earth Belize 2012-2013.
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Continued from page 2 people who will be affected by their decisions. This Norwegian deal stinks. How could they sit there and give up the head tax? Couldn’t they see that this is the same money we could have collected to build the Port? Can’t they see that giving up this tax money will hurt the Belize City Council’s revenue which is needed to pay up the bond? Under Barrow and the UDP, first they gave away boledo, then they gave away the sugar industry, the oil and now this. The real question are: which law firm is representing Norwegian? Is it Barrow and Williams, Barrow and Company, Young’s Law Firm or Lois Young Barrow? What is Mike Singh’s role in all of this? And why were Belizeans boxed out, without the opportunity to buy into this investment and own a piece of the pie. Why are we not hearing from FECTAB, Tom Greenwood, et al in the fight against this great injustice? It seems to me that the Barrow Administration doesn’t see us as anything else but tourism whores. Sincerely, E.B. Arzu
OUT Paul Rodriguez scolds Belize Action leaders Continued from page 2 charity requires them to approve and accept false values and immorality. It is absolutely clear that the Gender Policy is a POISONED CUP. Let us continue to describe it for what it truly is. It is wine mixed with arsenic. It is rice mixed with rat poison. Paul
2013
OUT Deconstructing Finnegan’s Abnormal Behavior Continued from page 2 individual would behave the way Finnegan does inside the National Assembly. No House member uses the language he does, or expresses himself in the crude manner he does. This is not to say that the others don’t cross the line because they do, but he is the worst of them all. Why does Finnegan behave so grotesquely abnormal, especially towards women? Could it be the result of biological factors? Could it be some malformation of the nervous system including damage to the brain or spinal cord which has impacted his sensory receptors and hence also has a negative effect on behavior? Or is it his human thoughts and emotions which now form his abnormal behavior? Some time ago, I read that scientists who study psychodynamics believe that our conscious or unconscious state could impact on memories causing heightened anxiety levels which we control with the use of defence mechanisms. Examples of defence mechanisms could range from creating believable excuses (a husband who comes in late and blames the wife for not calling him to remind him of the time) or displacing emotional feelings (like a boss who takes out frustrations with his wife on colleagues) to projecting negative feelings on to others (such as using foul language and accusing others of behaviour which they themselves are often guilty). The answer may lie in what happened after Finnegan used his profanity in the National Assembly. To my amazement, the members of the ruling side and the Speaker of the House burst into a loud, synchronized laughter. It was all funny to them. Did the Speaker admonish the behaviour and call for an apology? No. Did the Prime Minister apologise on behalf of his party? No. This suggests a lack of concern and a show of support for one who showed outward signs of a serious illness. It seems to me, then, that Finnegan is affected by his social environment. He is to the UDP what the UDP is to him. This is no laughing matter. Signed. A concerned Belizean mother
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Reid Politics is more than just a game By G. Michael Reid “A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody” - Thomas Paine It is becoming more and more obvious that Belizeans are becoming totally disenchanted with the entire political process. Many are resigned to the belief that all we do, in going to the polls, is to change “black dog for monkey”. There are those who swear that they will never vote again and then others still, suggest that the only solution is a third party, preferably made up of GOD-fearing people. At the end of the day, what is abundantly clear is that the status quo is unacceptable and requires drastic and precipitous change. It is broke and we need to fix it. One thing that became painfully clear from last Wednesday’s House Meeting is that Belizeans cannot hope to see anything that even remotely resembles change under this administration. The sad part is that the very change for which we clamor was the platform upon which this government was elected. Accountability and Transparency were to be the pillars upon which this administration was to stand but boy, did we ever get bamboozled! Report after report of blatant corruption has surfaced and not only has the Prime Minister not “sprung into action” as he promised, he appears to be more “sprung” than active. The only time he surfaces is when he needs to defend the wrongdoing of one wayward minister or the other. It is encouraging to see the National Trade Union Congress (NTUCB) now coming forward to join ranks with the Belize Chamber of Commerce (BCC) in calling for a functioning Public Accounts Com-
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inhabit the House. We can do better and we must do better. Recently there is much talk about a third party. As much as I hate to burst anyone’s bubble, this is a long way off. And even if we are able to assemble a team of well-intentioned people, it will require much more than mere good intentions to make this work. What the UDP has found out is that it is much easier to fantasize and to criticize than to make things actually happen. This is mittee. It would be nice to now see why after two terms in office, they the Council of Churches getting on are still locked in “criticize” mode and board. They proved a couple of weeks spent the better part of last Wednesago that they can muster enough day rehashing things that happened support for a demonstration when almost two decades ago. They have they feel strongly enough about an no clue how to make this country issue. How about corruption? This move forward. I do not hold with the goes against everything that the Bimisogynistic view that politics is a ble teaches and certainly if they want “big man game” but certainly nation to support the Constitution, a good building is a “task for giants”. These place to start would be to condemn small-minded dullards are obviously corruption. not up to the task. For politics to work the way it As for a party of GOD-fearing should, all hands will have to get on people, it wouldn’t matter if we deck. We cannot be so naïve as to put together a slate of pastors and think that this system will fix itself. preachers, if we leave the status Neither can we expect that any politiquo in place, we will get the same results. Human beings are rational beings and will use their sense of reaWe must be more concerned with what soning to justify any action. they have to offer the country as opposed The most religious and supposedly righteous individual to what they can do for us personally. When can do wrong and rationalize we do not vote, or do not vote wisely, as to why what they are doing is okay. We must have in we wind up with dodo birds like those place the infrastructure and who currently inhabit the House. We proper mechanism to ensure good governance and can do better and we must do better. deter wrongdoing by whoever is in office. We do not have to continue setcal party, once in office, will make the ensure that politics works the way it tling for the better of two evils. We necessary changes. We need it as a should. We cannot insulate ourselves must put the best party in office manifesto from a party before they from the process and choose not to get in and then demand that they live and make sure that they do not turn participate. A culture of indifference up to their commitments when electevil. I believe that the party that has fertilizes the breeding ground from ed. But we have got to get involved! shown a greater inclination to reform which corruption springs and makes As citizens, we do nothing to is the People’s United Party. Francis abuse of office easy. We must resolve this problem when we remove Fonseca has shown a unique mix of main involved. ourselves from the equation. At some strength and humility. It is not easy We have to vote but when we point, we will have to come to the unto maintain discipline over any group vote we must vote wisely and sederstanding that politics is all about of people but I believe that Francis lect our representatives based on us. This is our business, it is our monhas the character. We the people how they stand on relevant issues. ey that these politicians are spending must get involved and make sure We must be more concerned with and it is our responsibility to ensure that the corrupt ones do not overwhat they have to offer the country as that this system is fixed to benefit all whelm his efforts. We must insist on opposed to what they can do for us of us. It our children that must be edbetter from our leaders but we must personally. When we do not vote, or ucated, our health that must be prosupport them in achieving this. It is do not vote wisely, we wind up with vided for and our safety that must be high time for good governance! dodo birds like those who currently secured! This is why we pay taxes. It is from these very taxes that the little handouts that we accept come from. Politicians do not give money from their own personal slush funds. The hams and the turkeys and the loads of sand and paint etc., come from our own money. When we accept the handouts and payoffs in return for our votes, we become a big part of the problem. We will have to see the bigger picture and put the country’s needs before our personal wants. The fifty dollars that we take for our vote is nothing compared to the millions that we allow politicians to steal when we surrender our loyalty unconditionally. We need to be a part of the solution. The unfortunate reality is that while politics often resembles a dirty game it is necessary to our wellbeing. The country has to be governed and things like education, healthcare and national security don’t just happen, they must be administered. It is our responsibility to ensure that they are administered properly. It is up to us, all of us to be the watchdogs that
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Why Teachers are the True Leaders of Our Country
By Dr. Angela Banner Joseph “Compassionate teachers fill a void left by working parents who aren’t able to devote enough attention to their children. Teachers don’t just teach; they can be vital personalities who help young people to mature, to understand the world, and to understand themselves. A good education consists of much more than useful facts and marketable skills.”--Charles Platt Annually, teachers each silently conduct a major self-assessment of how to provide their students with options, encouragement, and awareness of the importance of learning. They tap into the souls of students who are not empowered to learn and teach them that no matter what the students choose to do, they should be the best that they can be. Our teachers are mandated to teach with competence and responsibility. Ironically, responsibility does require competence. Teachers are required to ask probing questions, to be curious, to learn from experience, to strengthen individual critical thinking skills, to reflect, to take responsibility for personal learning, to learn how to become cognitively aware of students’ impediments, and to engage in pedagogy and collaborative learning. However, teachers often get the short end of the stick. Their responsibilities are monumental, especially when they must work with limited resources and improper training. How are they supposed to do the job without the necessary learning tools and skill sets? As a teacher, some of the main goals are to encourage students to thirst for knowledge and to show them the importance of taking responsibility for their own learning. Similarly, administration tells teachers that both they and the students are learners in the classroom, and that both are responsible for the success of the time spent together and the teacher’s professional growth. Teachers are told it is their responsibility to prepare their students for the 21st century but they are offered 1892 resources. Imagine: we live in a technological world and yet we still don’t have computer stations for our children in all schools. I thought that the world was flat, where technology made us all globally equal. How can teachers show their immediate school administrators that they are responsible in the classroom if they lack this necessary teaching tool to keep up with the global community? How are they to prepare courses and empower students to graduate as an active member in the workforce without the necessary training, resources, and adequate compensation? Teachers are further mandated to leave the classroom with a feeling that they had a part in the students’ learning, which includes encouraging students to participate in their own learning and allowing students to challenge themselves as they make the decision to learn. With time, teachers hope they will encourage students to reflect on their personal
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growth. Teachers hope this reflection will enhance the students’ own awareness and involvement as they absorb the complexities of learning. Teachers join the profession for the love of learning and teaching. They need the opportunity to be free and limitless as they engage in new forms of substantive and progressive knowledge in the classroom. They share their great imaginations with their students and they expect their students to do the same as they embrace each subject. Teachers share their personal stories with students so the students will learn about real life experiences and connect with teachers on another level. Teachers engage their students in open dialogues to learn their opinions and allow them to be heard as the teachers successfully improve on the teaching and learning process. Teachers hope that as they open the classroom doors, they will offer students the opportunity to explore new ways of thinking; to participate in collaborative work with colleagues; to experience complex material through new, simplified ways of thinking; and to have an opportunity to be accepted and not marginalized by members of the community: students, teachers, parents, and senior administration. Equally, as teachers prepare for the new academic year, they begin to plan for an uncertain future. Teachers are uncertain about whether they will receive the necessary resources to do their jobs and to improve their teaching techniques and whether they will get a raise. Teachers wonder how to best connect with students, how to prepare students for life challenges, and how to provide students with the best curriculum and required technological tools. Current technology is essential to further students’ intellectual development so they can pass future standardized tests and compete globally. Teachers wonder how to provide their students with the best educational experience. These tasks cannot be done without support and without a strong foundation. Teachers pray that their senior administrators will respect them and their students as they watch teachers use with limited resources to challenge students and inspire the next generation while remaining confident and in control of the class. Administrators can watch teachers encourage the students to do better; teach each student with a unique learning style in a variety of new ways; and do all this with clarity, consistency, and firmness. I close by saying that teachers have one of the most difficult professions on earth and they have a monumental task ahead of them to prepare the next generation. In fact, teachers will help create every future leader and professional in our nation. I pray that teachers will receive support from their senior administrators, adequate resources, and a respectable raise in the new academic year, as they justly deserve. An unknown teacher once said, “Dear Parents: If you promise not to believe everything your child says happens at school, I’ll promise not to believe everything he says happens at home.” Thank you! Dr. Angela Banner Joseph holds a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Change from the Fielding Graduate University
2013
For Sale By Order of the 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 18th day of November, 2008, between LYNDON BAILEY of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in the Deeds Book Vol. 40 of 2008 at Folios 215–244, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being 5.43 acres situate West of the Northern Highway, near Mile 10.5, Belize District, Belize, bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 580 of 2008 attached to Minister’s Fiat (Grant) No. 580 of 2008 dated 18th August, 2008 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. DATED this 16th day of August, 2013. MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
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Home Economics
Lower price of imports vs. Investment & jobs By Richard Harrison Everything that Belize produces can be imported cheaper from abroad. Does that mean that we should stop producing and start importing everything? Sugar and citrus can be imported for around half the price from Brazil……banana and plantain for less than half the price from Honduras and Costa Rica. Should we close down our sugar, citrus and banana industries and start importing? If we don’t produce anything….where will our jobs and income come from? If we do not have income, how will we pay for the cheap imported products? Tourism and services will NEVER employ everyone that needs a job…..right??? In fact most of the services that we enjoy….banking, insurance, ports, airports, roads, bridges…. are there ONLY BECAUSE we have a few industries. Don’t we understand that Belize already imports $1.4 billion…..yet we export less than $0.6 billion? That we are paying for this deficit by sinking deeper in debts every year and running around begging our friends for grants? And that this is why our country is growing in unemployment, poverty and crime….even if a few are rolling in affluence? Allow me to share my experience with the dynamics of pricing…. I started manufacturing multi-purpose cleaners in Belize in 2006. The leading product in the market at the time was a brand FLASH, which is an off-shoot of the “Mr. Clean” brand, and is wholly owned by Procter & Gamble of the USA. This FLASH brand is licensed to a Mexican company, Alen del Norte S.A. for manufacturing and trading in the Mexican market. The brand finds its way into Belize, where it sells around $7 million annually. In 2006, the retail price of a gallon of FLASH was BZ$12.95. I introduced my DANAI brand of multi-purpose cleaner so that its retail price would be $12.75, seeking to take a small share of the market, and not to fight a price war with the leader, which I knew I could not afford. After taking up around 1% market share, the importer started slashing price…..he reduced the retail price to $11.95….I reduced mine to $11.75…..he reduced to $10.95…..I reduced to $10.75…..he reduced to $9.95…..I reduced to $9.75…..he reduced to $8.95…..I reduced to $8.75…..he reduced to $7.95…… and by 2010, the Government of Belize had made such drastic changes to policy that affected my core business formula, that my business had been pushed unto life-support. It is obvious that the importer wanted me out of the market. By his own decision to win by price-war, it was costing him around $3 million in reduced profits annually. I was not the one to gain this $3 million, as my market share barely reached 4%, with 21 full-time employees….it was the Belizean consumers who benefited from these large price cuts. By 2012, the results of the negative effects of Government policy on my entire business forced me to withdraw from the marketplace. Since my withdrawal from the market, the price of FLASH has gone back up to $9.95….and I predict that as long as the status quo remains, the price will continue to rise back towards the $12.95 range. The lower price of the imports was only temporary euphoria….just like crack….it only lasts as long as the local manufacturer is still in the competitive arena. When you kill the local
manufacturer, the importer is free to price as he likes…the price to consumers rises back up….and crack-head “high” of lower import prices wear off…..what is left is a big hangover. BECAUSE….now Belize does not have the 19 full-time jobs….the investment made by the local investor, and the collateral he used to support the investment is in jeopardy….the government is not collecting taxes from the investor that it used to collect….the local suppliers of fuel, parts and other materials, construction and maintenance services, accounting, advertising (TV and radio production, airing, t-shirts, embroidery and promotional materials, trade show promoters, etc) , legal, banking, insurance, trade license, customs, BAHA, border management, brokerage, freighters (land, sea and air), distributors, retailers, courier, telephone, electricity, water, etc….demand for all of these services have ceased. The local materials that we used in our production included sugar, water, papaya, habanero peppers, carrots, onions, spices, honey, coconut and cohune oil, and caramel coloring. We have developed formulas for commercial processing of tomato, rice, beans, craboo, mango, cassava, sweet potato, pepito seeds, coconut, banana, pineapples and annatto. Our potential to put money in the pockets of hundreds of productive families has been erased. Besides that….all the additional investments that the investor was financing from his core business, as a part of his diversification plan, have been paralyzed. If the government policy was biased towards production….instead of to importation…..we could have taken up to 50% of market share within 5 years…..and we would be employing over 60 employees full-time, plus part-time help. We would have invested in expansion and improvement of our factory…developed more products….demanded more local raw materials and supplies from other local producers….exported to regional markets…and brought home some extra cheese. We would have invested in other businesses…..employed and trained more people….demanded more services and supplies…..paid the government more taxes….more social security contributions…. make greater contributions to our communities…..synergized with more local companies so that we grow together….saved Belize more foreign exchange that we have to pay for imports….made our country wealthier, safer and happier. If we would have been allowed to grow our business….in a couple years we would be ready to negotiate brand licenses with major multi-national brands such as Procter & Gamble, Colgate Palmolive, Grace Kennedy, etc., to manufacture their brands in Belize for export to the entire regions where our products can sell competitively or where we have license to market a proprietary brand. This is what Alen del Norte S.A. does in Mexico. Don’t you think that they started on the back streets of Monterrey on 21st May 1949, the same way I started on a back streets of San Ignacio on 8th November 2002? Get real Belize…..grow up…..this is 2013….and you are going to be 32 years old. Richard Harrison is a local businessman and investor in the manufacturing and service industries. Mr. Harrison holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from Lancaster University, United Kingdom. Send comments to harrisonbz@yahoo.com
For Sale By Order of the 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 4th day of May, 2010, between MONICA MARCELLO of Pescador Drive, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in the Deeds Book Vol. 14 of 2010 at Folios 803–830, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land the subject of Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 874 of 1999 dates 11th October, 1999, being Block No. 3 comprising of 10 acres of land situate in the Ten Acre Holdings, Stann Creek District, Belize, bounded and described as shown on Plan No. 874 of 1999 attached to the said Grant. DATED this 5th day of August, 2013. MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
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Recipe of the week The summer vacation is at an end and so is our series of special kid friendly recipes. Hope you enjoyed! Here are two very easy recipes that you can whip up as a snack on weekends during the school term.
Fruity Tooty Cut a tortilla into 6 pieces. Brush olive oil on each side. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve with your favourite fruit salad.
Belize Trade Unions in Crisis By Stanley Lemus The recent saga unfolding in the news about the Christian Union and its internal problems continue to suggest that the Trade Unions in Belize are in crisis, mainly because of the anti labour policy of the UDP government with its gang style methods of divide and conquer. Whilst a lot of blame must be placed on GOB, a great portion must be netted back to our current union leaders.The Trade Union Congress of Belize hastily reacted, suspending the Christian Workers Union, as a reprimand against veteran union leaders Antonio Gonzalez and James McFoy. Should not Dylan Reneau and other union leaders face similar reprimand for their transgressions and sins against all Belizean workers? Reneau has sold out on workers’ rights. In the north, he abandoned the sugar factory union workers’ as they fought a multinational company, aided and abetted by GOB. He watched silently as the compromised BWS Union Leadership conspired to fire its own militant leadership, supported by agents of the UDP who have been installed in the water company. The BEL union was humbled and brought to its knees under the disguise of nationalization and promises. The unions for teachers and public officers were tricked into buying into false hope and promises from GOB, in order to subject them to silence, keeping them from pursuing what is just and due. The NTUCB’s action and inactions must be looked at carefully. They are destroying the labour movement. Those in Union leadership should stop their pretense and come out of the closet. They are agents of UDP.
Liquor License NOTICE Notice is hereby given that XIAO HUI LI is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “A “N” A Store”, situate at 10 Park Street, Orange Walk Town under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Notice is hereby given that YOU QUI CHEN is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Wong Gok Restaurant”, situate at 11 6th Street, King’s Park Area, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
Blend 5-7 slices of pineapple, 1 banana, ½ cup vanilla yogurt, ½ cup ice, and 1/2 cup pineapple juice (we used Natura’s pineapple nectar). Freeze into pops.
TROPICAL FUSION
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Write the time shown on each clock. Write it the “regular way” and the “smart way.” The first one has been done for you.
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2013
BRAIN SCIENCE & TECH BELIZE TIMES WEEKLY
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TEASER
SUDOKU PUZZLE #31/2013
Selected By Chris Williams
Suicide risk could show up in a blood test 20 August 2013 by Sara Reardon Could a blood test predict whether a person is at risk of committing suicide? For the first time, a set of proteins in the blood have been linked to suicidal behaviour. People who commit suicide appear to share a number of biological traits, regardless of any underlying conditions. This hints that suicidal behaviour may be a distinct disorder. To investigate, Alexander Niculescu of Indiana University in Indianapolis and colleagues collected blood from the cadavers of nine men who had bipolar disorder and suicidal tendencies, and nine with bipolar but no suicidal thoughts, and compared levels of all the genes expressed in their blood. Four genes were expressed at significantly higher levels in the blood of people who had been suicidal. Some proteins that these genes code for are known to be involved in stress and cell death. The team then measured levels of these proteins in 42 people with bipolar dis-
Answers for last week’s puzzle SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTION #30/2013
order who had been hospitalised for attempting suicide. People who had been hospitalised more often tended to have higher levels of the proteins. Finally, the team collected blood from the cadavers of a further nine men who had committed suicide without bipolar, and found elevated levels of some of the proteins. Ghanshyam Pandey at the University of Chicago says that the study is unique in that it compares bipolar suicide victims with non-suicidal people with the same condition. But the test will need to be performed on many more patients, he says, as well as on suicidal people who have other disorders such as depression or schizophrenia. Niculescu’s team is now looking for the proteins in more people with a range of underlying conditions, and in women, with the hope of developing a blood test to identify people at risk of suicide.
See answers NEXT WEEK
Answers for last week’s puzzle
See answers NEXT WEEK
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Another legal battle with Aschroft Continued from page 8 platform to hit out at his arch rivals in the Opposition on privatization and in a now persistent attempt to redeem his own miserable track record on governance after being in office for almost six years. His game plan is now to continue to detract from the miserable state of the national economy, the rise in poverty, increase in crimes, the negative statistics and on his administration’s failure to deliver on the rose-coloured promises he made to the electorate when in Opposition. BEGGING INVESTORS WHO WILL NOT COME So hard press is this government for investment, that on the Prime Minister’s recent “royal visit” to England, he was out of character, virtually eating humble pie to attract British investors. They will not come - at least not with the current policies, or lack of policies of the Barrow adhocracy. To make things sound nice, the release on the acquisition of the port at Commence Bight, states that the government will be aggressively seeking “international funding to upgrade the Commerce Bight Port to international standards”. This alone helps to make the point about a lack of proper planning and the absence of policies and direction, except to reverse the hands of time and progress made by previous administra-
tions. For the government to be seeking international funding to make Commerce Bight into a port of “international standards” is a no brainer unless there are developments that will be taking place that have not yet appeared in the government’s crystal ball. But like the government, this crystal ball has proven not to be the best piece of technology that the Prime Minister has on his desk. This hogwash about this “international port” is the biggest amount of crap ever being spun by this administration. It has even broken the Prime Minister’s personal record for hullaballoo. The Commerce Bight “port” is only a pier. It will take a massive investment to meet the ambitions of the government, if they are really serious about this. But where is the blueprint and the feasibility studies for such a development. This is yet another political hoax. While the government continues to apply voodoo economics in trying to borrow the country out of debt, there are more pressing issues that the State must attend but is not. National security and the crumbling infrastructure are but two. Commerce Bight was originally established as a small port in the hay days of the banana industry in the early half of 20th century when bananas were cultivated in what is now the citrus belt of the Stann Creek district and hauled by rail
to Commerce Bight for shipment to the UK. It was subsequently used for citrus exports to the UK and the Caribbean until the Big Creek port was built by the Fyffes Group and the Belize Banana Growers’ Association for the export of bananas to Europe. The citrus exporters are also now shipping out of Big Creek. With the Southern Road connecting Belize with Guatemala as a result of development plans by the previous government before “Papa Barrow” came to power, this also opens possibilities for local exporters in the south of the country to consider the use of the modern Port in Puerto Barrios, Honduras. This would be more cost effective than going in debt to develop Commerce Bight for international trade. GIVING BRITISH CARIBBEAN BANK AN IOU Port of Belize Ltd. (PBL) went into receivership in early 2012 following its inability to service a debt to British Caribbean Bank of about $65 million. The assets of PBL include Belize’s main port, Port Loyola in Belize City, adjacent lands and the Commerce Bight “port”. Knowing this government’s arrogant and hostile modus operandi, it is likely that it will give notice to Private Investment Ltd., the receiver, to take a hike, take control of Port Loyola and then instruct some smart-ass attorney for the government to write British Caribbean Bank an IOU note, which will, over a period of years, be set-
27 tled in Courts while the government stalls in meeting its debt.. It also means that the government will turn again to an international bank to finance the operations of Port Loyola and thus contributing to the building of yet another “super bond” at the expense of tax payers. This minority government is borrowing for everything, even borrowing for time.
Taxing Us to Death
Continued from page 11 This month will see the highest number of parents begging for assistance to pay for their children’s tuition and to buy the essentials, like books and uniforms. There is no light at the end of Barrow’s tunnel, just more darkness and sufferation. Barrow is taxing us to death and while we are busy trying to stay alive, his family is becoming “Oprah” rich from legal fees and executive posts. Belize is in dire need of a leader with vision, one that really cares about progress and development for its people. The time for sweet talk and empty promises is over. Belize needs action. We need Francis Fonseca and the PUP.
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Highway to Hell!
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t’s a well-known rock song: “I’m on a highway to hell!” And it’s definitely a bobble-head inducing beat. Ironically, many people are dancing to the form of this beat one way or the other, happily oblivious to the truth in the statement. Yes. Hell is real. Admittedly, most people, religious or not, would rather believe hell is a place invented just to scare them to salvation and subservience. Unfortunately, there is a hell and millions of people are on a fast track to it. Hell was not created for us humans. Those particular accommodations were exclusive to the devil and his angels who tried to overthrow God’s authority. Unfortunately, knowing he was doomed to a lifetime at the ‘Lake of Fire Resort’, the devil sought out God’s favorite creation, his only goal: to steal, kill and destroy. By convincing Eve, who then convinced Adam, to sin against God, their blood and the blood of all the generations to come out of Adam became tainted. The bridge between God and Man crumbled, and the close intimacy that Adam and Eve shared with God was severed. Consequently, murder, fornication, and idolatry reigned in that time and continue to reign today. In fact, as awesome as technology and innovation have evolved our modern day society, I still find myself shocked at how we humans produce new and creative methods of cheating and stealing and abusing each other. I recently saw the movie Identity Thief, and though it was quite humorous, the underlying theme of thievery and dishonesty illustrated by the innocent-looking antagonist is an example of my point. Just as the woman in the movie eventually landed in prison for stealing identities, so each man must be brought before the Judge and brought to account for his actions. But wait, there’s hope! God knew that we humans have a ‘thing’ for making mistakes. He knew from the beginning of time that we would need salvation. Around two thousand years ago, God stepped into a body suit of flesh and came down to earth. He never sinned and gave himself up as a sacrifice to pay the price for you and me. Through his death, he hammered the boards of that bridge between God and man back in place. Through Jesus Christ, we can escape an eternity of excruciating pain and anguish. For those of you who are right with God, this is for you: Go. Sometimes, Christ-followers get caught up in life on earth and forget the commission Jesus gave: go and preach this message of the Kingdom of God. I want to get to heaven and see all my folks. Don’t you? Remember, the highway to hell is really wide and a lot of people are on it, but call on the name of the Lord and he’ll tow you back to the right path. Until next week, God bless.
25 AUG
2013
Migraines By Dr. John Sosa
A migraine headache can cause intense throbbing or a pulsing sensation in one area of the head, and is commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can cause intense pain for hours to days and be so severe that all you can think about is finding a dark, quiet place to lie down. It robs you of a good quality of life. Migraine headaches often begin in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. Migraines may progress through several stages, for example one or two days before a migraine, you may notice mild changes that signify an oncoming migraine, including: constipation, depression, food cravings, hyperactivity, irritability, neck stiffness and uncontrollable yawning. An aura may occur. These are usually flashes of light. They last from 20- 60 minutes before the headache starts. Less commonly, an aura may be associated with limb weakness. When untreated, a migraine usually lasts from four to 72 hours, but the frequency with which headaches occur varies from person to person. See a doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you have any of the following signs and symptoms: • An abrupt, severe headache like a thunderclap • Headache with fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness or trouble speaking • Headache after a head injury, especially if the headache gets worse • A chronic headache that is worse after coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement • New headache pain if you’re older than 50 Although the cause of migraines isn’t well understood, genetics and environmental factors Treatment Migraines can be treated with two types of drugs: abortive and preventive. Abortive: includes the triptans, which specifically target serotonin. The following drugs can also ease the headache: ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot), Advil Migraine (containing ibuprofen), Excedrin Migraine (containing aspirin, acetaminophen, caffeine), and Motrin Migraine Pain (containing ibuprofen). Metoclopramide (Maxolon) can be used for nausea and vomiting. Preventive: considered if migraines occur frequently, more than once a week. These should be taken daily for weeks or months and include beta-blockers (propranolol (Inderal), timolol), calcium channel blockers (verapamil), antidepressants (amitryptylline, imipramine, other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Prozac, citalopram, etc), antiseizure medication (gabapentin (Neurontin)), topiramate (Topamax), valproic acid. Coping with migraines entails sticking to a treatment plan that works for you, and diet and lifestyle changes. We can reduce physical and emotional stress with relaxation techniques and regular exercise. Get enough sleep every night (8-9 hours) and eat regular meals. Stop smoking, reduce or avoid caffeine and alcohol, and know your headache triggers.
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2013 2013
THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE
Ex pope says “God told me” to resign
REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
August 21, 2013 Former Pope Benedict has said he resigned after “God told me to” during what he called a “mystical experience”, a Catholic news agency reported. Benedict, whose formal title is now Pope Emeritus, announced his shock resignation on February 11 and on February 28 became the first pontiff to step down in 600 years. “God told me to do it,” the Zenith agency quoted Benedict as saying to a visitor to the convent in the Vatican gardens where he is living out his retirement in near isolation. According to the agency, Benedict told his visitor, who asked to remain anonymous, that God did not speak to him in a vision but in what the former pope called “a mystical experience”.
Navy’s biggest drug bust Monday August 19, 2013 – The British Royal Navy hauled-in its biggest catch of illegal drugs in four years in an operation off Puerto Rico earlier this week. The Royal Navy confiscated cocaine with an estimated street value of US$155.2 million from a speedboat which it subsequently sunk. After a US Customs and Border Agency aircraft spotted the 30-foot boat off the US island territory, a Lynx helicop-
ter from the HMS Lancaster and a high-speed pursuit boat intercepted the vessel and collared the three suspected smugglers aboard. The 1,499-pound stash of cocaine was recovered by Royal Navy divers after the three men threw it overboard. Defence sources said the cocaine was thought to be destined for the United States.
Teachers stage violent protest over education reforms August 21, 2013 As most of Mexico’s 26 million students return to school this week, more than two million remain at home after teachers launched strikes to protest reforms aimed at improving the country’s woeful public education system. The strikers shut down some 24,000 schools in five impoverished states across southern Mexico, including the violence-plagued Pacific Coast
state of Michoacan, in pursuit of a host of demands. Chief among them was a call for cancellation of new federal regulations requiring teachers to take competency exams to be hired and retained. More than 1,500 teachers idled 500,000 other students in the Gulf Coast state of Tabasco to force the resignation of the state’s education minister. Some 20,000 strikers poured into Mexico City to besiege the National Congress and set up camp in the sprawling central plaza, where leaders say they will
stay indefinitely. Hundreds trying to force their way into a session of legislators voting on reforms fought with riot police outside the congress building, smashing cars and injuring 22 officers. The striking teachers say they are being used as scapegoats for the real problem: years of inadequate budgets and endemic corruption that have made Mexico’s among the worst public education systems in the industrialized world.
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New info on Princess Diana death August 19, 2013 London’s Metropolitan police are assessing new information about the deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed in a road crash in Paris in 1997. Scotland Yard did not elaborate on the information, or its source, but UK’s Sky News said it had come from the former parents-in-law of a former soldier and had been passed on by the Royal Military police. The information, which is thought to include the allegation that the Princess of Wales, Fayed and their driver Henri Paul were killed by a member of the British military, will be assessed by officers from the Specialist Crime and Operations Command. The force said in a statement on Saturday night that it was studying information into the deaths that it had recently received and was “assessing its relevance and credibility”. The deaths of Diana and Fayed were further investigated and examined during a 90-day inquest led by Lord Justice Scott Baker at the Royal Courts of Justice in 2007. The inquest jury concluded their verdict as “unlawful killing, grossly negligent driving of the following vehicles and of the Mercedes [in which the couple were travelling]”.
4.1 magnitude earthquake rattles Trinidad Wednesday August 7, 2013 – An earthquake with a 4.1 magnitude rattled Trinidad on Tuesday, but there were no immediate reports of injury or damage. The Seismic Unit of the University of the West Indies (UWI) said that the quake, which hit at 10.56 am local time, north of the Paria Peninsula, was located 10.75° north, 62.13° west, at a depth of 54 kilometers. “This event has been reported to be felt in Trinidad,” the brief Seismic Unit statement said. Officials have warned Caribbean countries to be prepared for a major quake in the future. On July 8, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 was felt in Antigua and Barbuda.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
25 AUG
2013
EDITORIAL Español ¿LUCHA CONTRA LA POBREZA?
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a política pro-pobre de la Administración del Primer Ministro Dean Barrow se puede resumir en estas palabras: Despensa de Alimentos y Boost. En lugar de reducir la pobreza en Belice, esta política políticamente impulsada sirve para perpetuar la pobreza, la dependencia y la flagrante discriminación y persecución política. Algunos UDP’s se benefician mientras se excluyen todos conocidos como o presuntos PUP, incluso los más pobres de los pobres. En 2002 una evaluación de la pobreza se realizó en Belice. El informe indicó que un tercio (33%) de los beliceños eran considerados pobres sin embargo, para el año 2009 el nivel de pobreza había aumentado al 42%. En 2007/8, al término de la administración PUP, el Índice de Desarrollo Humano de las Naciones Unidas puso de Belice a 80 de un total de 177 naciones. En 2011, después de cuatro años UDP, la mala gestión de la economía, la alta inflación, y desempleo rampante, el Índice de Desarrollo Humano de Belice había caído al nivel de 93. Hoy, dos años después, la situación es aún más terrible. Las escuelas están por comenzar clases. Durante las últimas semanas, muchas madres pobres han estado dando vueltas alrededor, estresadas, tratando de encontrar las cuotas escolares, libros e uniformes para sus hijos. El informe reciente del B.I.D. sobre la educación revelo que Belice y beliceños están pagando mucho por la educación y obtienen poco. Más jóvenes están fuera del sistema escolar que dentro de ella. Las estadísticas alarmantes revelan que sólo 2 de cada 5 niños matriculados en la primaria completarán 8 años de educación primaria. Menos de la mitad de los niños en edad de secundaria (13-16 años), (el 45%) están asistiendo a una escuela secundaria. De ellos, un tercio abandona. En otras palabras, sólo el 30% de los niños en edad de escuela secundaria en Belice se graduará de la escuela secundaria. Cuando nos damos cuenta de que una falta de la educación y la los niveles de habilidad débiles son los principales factores que están como las causas fundamentales de la pobreza, comenzamos a ver un clara correlación entre un sistema la educación en crisis y una sociedad en la crisis. Y nosotros empezamos a entender por qué la pobreza en Belice es persistente. Los estudios han demostrado que las bajas tasas de crecimiento en un país se explican principalmente por los bajos niveles de las capacidades o capacitación cognitivas. Por otro lado, la educación que despierta la curiosidad, la creatividad de las mentes curiosas jóvenes conduce a una mayor productividad y ganancias individuales. La educación que proporciona acceso gratuito y universal a todos los niños de Belice
desde pre-escolar hasta por lo menos la escuela secundaria con la capacitación pertinente para nuestros jóvenes en la ciencia y la tecnología, especialmente la tecnología de la información y la comunicación (TIC), es absolutamente necesario si queremos romper el círculo vicioso de la pobreza y el subdesarrollo. Pero no es sólo un buen sistema de educación al alcance de todos lo que se necesita. Cuando nos detenemos a pensar en ello y mirar hacia atrás en nuestra historia, las buenas políticas de los sucesivos gobiernos PUP de los años 60, 70 hasta el final del siglo y como levanto a miles de familias de la pobreza a la clase media hasta de tener una casa. Programas históricos PUP de la reforma agraria y el desarrollo rural inspiro muchas comunidades agrícolas a una vida de relativa comodidad y la sustentabilidad. Lo más importante en la lucha contra la pobreza fue ampliando las opciones de las personas - la libertad y la capacidad de vivir una vida larga, saludable y creativa. Las necesidades humanas básicas - alimento, vivienda, educación, salud, trabajo y seguridad personal se consideraron de suma importancia. El derecho a la vida ya la seguridad son algunos de los más elementales derechos humanos. La inseguridad es a la vez causa y efecto de la pobreza masiva. En los últimos años, Belice urbana se ha visto afectada por la escalada de la delincuencia y la violencia que recae desproporcionadamente sobre los pobres que viven en barrios de criminalidad. Estos barrios se han convertido en hacinamiento con una población creciente de desempleados jóvenes alienados que están enojados, cínico y desesperado. Toda una generación corre el riesgo de perderse, mientras que la descomposición y la decadencia corroen el tejido social de la nación. Un verdadero cambio de dirección es necesario. Un gobierno que llegó al poder con la promesa de buen gobierno, la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas ha traicionado la confianza del pueblo. Belmopan se ha convertido en el caldo de cultivo para la corrupción ministerial, el patrocinio de la élite y los compinches y el nepotismo descarado que otorga contratos lucrativos para los pocos elegidos y el millón de dólares en honorarios de abogado a los miembros de la familia del primer ministro. Esta corrupción es tan transparente, que pide a gritos una reparación. Mientras tanto, las masas pobres se arquean viviendo en el miedo y la parálisis, entumecido por la fuerza y el poder de los tiranos dictatoriales que imponen sobre ellos. En agosto 1823 se abolió la esclavitud en las colonias británicas. En agosto de 2013, una nueva esclavitud, un nuevo colonialismo agarra la nación independiente de Belice. ¿Y los pobres? El nuevo Patrón les dice: No pierdan cuidado, siempre estará con nosotros.
25 AUG
THE BELIZE TIMES
2013
Business Senator questions cost of GOB’s legal battles
Senator Mark Lizarraga
“We remain extremely concerned,” Lizarraga pointed out on behalf of the private sector, “we still do not know the cost of the legal services provided in this case. Is it to be two million, three million, four million, five million?” This is not the first time that the private sector has called into question the Government’s spending. The Barrow Administration outrightly refuses to listen. To bring these cases of blatant nepotism to rest, Senator Lizarraga called on the Government act with transparency and to “put all independent legal services provided to the government to public tender”.
Belize City, August 13, 2013 The Government of Belize’s legal woes with the Ashcroft Alliance has cost Belizean taxpayer’s no less than $5 million in legal fees. For the most part, the attorneys involved in these cases have been the close family of Prime Minister Dean Barrow, including his ex-wife Lois and brother Denys. At last week’s Senate meeting, Business Senator Mark Lizarraga questioned Government’s spending of such large sums of monies for private attorneys when there are legal professionals available within the Government service through the Attorney General and Solicitor General’s offices.
I’m Not Backing Down, says “Faada” Belize City, August 19, 2013 One month ago, UDP mascots Brian “Yellowman” Audinette and Allan “Walletman” Kelly were charged for violently assaulting community activist Phillip “Faada” Henry and Police Officer Wilbert Chi. Yellowman is the second UDP who sits in an official capacity inside the honorable National Assembly who has shown total disrespect for authority by attacking a police official. UDP Minister Mark King had been charged earlier this year for assaulting Police Officer Nelson Ramos at the Customs point at the northern border. The public has lashed out at the UDP’s criminal behavior, but have become very suspicious that justice will be served, especially after Mark King’s case crashed when
the victim police officer dropped the charges suddenly. In an attempt to clear the air, Faada Henry told the BELIZE TIMES that he won’t back down from his pursuit for justice. The attack injured Faada seriously, and perhaps permanently. His medico form, filled out by a medical officer at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, showed that he had swelling on the temple area and supra orbital ridge, as well as his chin. His eyes were blood shot. Since then, he has suffered migraines and has had problems with his vision, with irregular but constant blackout moments. Faada said he has had to go on treatment with medication which has been expensive for him. He pleaded for the community to assist him with financial sup-
OW teacher commits suicide! Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District, August 22, 2013 Orange Walk Police are investigating a possible suicide committed by an Orange Walk teacher on Wednesday night. 28 year old Belizean teacher, Julian Chi, was found hanging from an electrical cord with the noose around his neck inside his bedroom. His dangling body was found by his wife when she entered the room around 11:15pm. She said that 15 minutes earlier, Chi told her he was going to bed and he went into the room. Chi’s wife was startled by the scene. She pulled down the body and loosened the noose while calling her neighbors for assistance. Police do not suspect foul play, but are investigating whether Chi had any motives that would trigger the suicide.
Faada showing injuries port to cover his medical bills. The BELIZE TIMES has learnt that the case against the UDP thugs will come up on August 28th. We will remain vigilant in case the UDP attempts to derail justice.
CARTOON
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100 DAYS
WITHOUT WATER UDP victimize Sarteneja and Guinea Grass residents Orange Walk District, August 19, 2013 Potable water is one of the most basic but essential needs for human beings but several communities in Belize have been experiencing water shortages. This is the case in Sarteneja village in the Corozal District and Guinea Grass Village in the Orange Walk District. This is appalling to report. It is awful. It is 2013. The 21st century. Yet, our communities do not have adequate access to potable water. In the case of Sarteneja, they have had no reliable water system supply for six months ago! Can the Minister of Rural Development Godwin Hulse go without water for a day? The situation has affected the 2,000 plus residents of the northern community. Students, teachers, fisher folk, cane farmers, house wives have had to resort to unsafe water from wells. Residents say their village is being neglected because they chose to support the PUP in the village council elections. The politically manipulated Social Investment Fund has finally responded to their call, although it dragged its feet. In the village of Guinea Grass, the water supply is affected by a faulty water pump. Lightening triggers the pump to cut off and residents spend hours, at times almost half-day, without water or low water pressure. Guinea Grass also rejected the ruling UDP in the recent village council elections. Let’s see if the UDP will be bitter towards them too.
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2013