Belize Times December 22, 2013 by Belize Times Press

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

22 DECEMBER 2013 | ISSUE NO: 4876

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

Hustling Cyaant Done!!! The Belize Times is investigating what could be the next crushing scandal for the Barrow Administration involving Edmund Castro

Will Barrow Defend Castro Once Again?

PUP ProgressES

Revolution in RHYME

despite UDP Problems

Mayor Kevin Bernard getting the job done in Orange Walk Town

Belize City, December 17, 2013 It has become clear that Prime Minister Dean Barrow has and will continue to put his party’s interest over the interest of Belizeans and the country. His recent handling of the infrastructure projects in municipalities which are administered by duly elected PUP Town Councils is an example of his tyranny. Barrow does the same to communities led by autonomous village councils. It’s his style of governance, one of dangerous dictatorship. The Prime Minister’s decision to assist the Councils with funding for infrastructure

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Francis supports young, radical Poets Page 2

PUP Leader Francis Fonseca gets his copy of the new poetry book autographed

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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Revolution in RHYME Francis supports young, radical Poets By: Alton Humes BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, December 18th, 2013 If bass and rhythmic gymnastics with the force of clearly enunciated English is your flavour, then you would’ve been right at home at the Image Factory today as six young Belizean men (with a push from various local and international backers) launched a new poetry printed collection and DVD entitled, ‘We Gat Sonting fu Seh’. Individually, their names – Kyraan Gabourel (better known as Kyo or D’Assassin), Raheem Phillips (Exodus), Micah Goodin (Mighty Mic), Elizardo Novelo (Z), Stephen Gabb, and Denzel Wade, might not ring recognition in certain ears. (That’s less true of Messrs. Gabb and Wade, who exploded unto the Belizean consciousness through their stint as ‘THE TRUTH’ on Channel 5’s Be the Next Superstar, or of Goodin, who’s known for his activist efforts.) But together, under the tutelage of the Global Parish Project’s local youth organization Youth Voices (Belize City), they are, quite simply, magic. With help from that end, as well as REACH (Research, Education and Advocacy through Social Change) and the Image Factory Art Foundation, the book/DVD was launched and with it, six blazing bright voices to the ever expanding Belizean literary pantheon. The book/DVD was a collaborative effort between Mr. Yasser Musa, of Image Factory Art Foundation, Ms. Jamilla Vasquez (REACH) and the poets themselves. The poets are verbal storytellers, using the spoken word as their carriage and horse, to a far greater goal - awakening the ever-dying conscience of the Belizean people, and of young Belizean people in partic-

ular.

After a brief welcome by Mr. Musa, who told the gathered audience (which included legendary Belizean novelist and writer Mrs. Zee Edgell, ex-Prime Minster and Fort George area representative Rt. Hon. Said Musa, and Leader of the Opposition and Freetown area representative Hon. Francis Fonseca) that there was a delay in available advanced copies of the book/DVD (due to a printing backlog at the Angelus Press, the printers of the book), he admitted that the worth of what the young men brought to him “casted inspiration” to begin working on the process. Ms. Vasquez concurred with that sentiment, saying that the main focus of the project was about “having young Belizean men in the forefront”. After presenting their electric collective piece titled “We Gat Sonting fu Seh” (similar to the book and the launch name), they each gave brief, humbling speeches expressing gratitude for the overall support from their families, friends, fellow YV members, and other supporters. Their individual pieces were tributes to the above, as well as to every collective force, negative and positive, distant past and murky present, that ever melded, moulded and cast them into the present and future poetic powerhouses they are now. It can be said that strength is the power to rise from any obstacle, and certainly these young men are the best example of what the literary future of Belize portends, although we’re highly certain they won’t be the ONLY example. The available advance copies are on sale at the Image Factory and Angelus Press for BZ$25.

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PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca’s New Year’s Message My fellow Belizeans, 2013 has been a year of SCANDAL, CORRUPTION AND GROWING POVERTY in Belize. Thousands more of our fellow Belizeans have fallen further into poverty and hopelessness. With little or no economic growth, thousands of eager young graduates joined the growing number of unemployed. In 2013, once again, the UDP Government offered NO PLAN, NO VISION, NO SOLUTIONS to the very serious challenges Belize faces. The UDP have REJECTED UNITY, REJECTED REFORM, REJECTED ACCOUNTABILITY and instead have DEFENDED and EMBRACED CORRUPTION, NEPOTISM, and THE STATUS QUO. 2013 has indeed been a BAD YEAR for Belize under this UDP Government. BUT WE MUST NOT AND WILL NOT LOSE HOPE! In 2014 we must stand united in our efforts to create a stronger and better Belize. This begins by planting the seeds of change and reform. The PUP will lead this change. We will present to the Belizean people our plan and vision for a more just and equitable society in which all Belizeans have an opportunity to lead a better life and to provide for their families with dignity. We will work with all Belizeans who believe that BELIZE CAN DO BETTER and CAN BE BETTER! Let us enter the New Year, therefore, with a renewed sense of HOPE, CONFIDENCE and PURPOSE. LET US BE THE CHANGE THAT WE WANT TO SEE!! LET US FIGHT FOR OUR COUNTRY!! LET 2014 BE A NEW BEGINNING!! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES! GOD BLESS BELIZE!

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THE BELIZE TIMES 2013 PUP Progress despite UDP Problems Continued from page 1

projects while keeping control of the tendering process and spending of funds, and assigning of political cronies who will oversee the hiring of workers is a slick trick. This is another of the Prime Minister’s deceitful political ploys and clear acts of overreach and abuse. But the petty leadership of one man drunk with power has not stopped progress in the municipalities led by PUP Town Councils. Actually, it has emboldened the will and confidence in our PUP Mayors and Councillors, who are cognizant that the challenge, while more tremendous, is not impossible. That has been the mantra of PUP Mayor Kevin Bernard whose Council has worked tirelessly to bring about significant improvements to the town. Mayor Bernard and the Orange Walk Town Council have had to steer the ship not only through very rough waters caused by the weakened economy, but also against heavy winds which the UDP Government has pretended to be. The Barrow Administration has not offered any form of support for the Town Council, unlike what they did for the UDP Councils that were there before and who enjoyed hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants and funding. Nonetheless, the PUP Council has a record of blazing achievement and, considering the challenges, even more impressive than some of the current UDP Town

Councils who enjoy the backing of central government. The Council has, from its own revenue, repaired streets for which it is responsible. Eight streets have been resurfaced with asphalt through the Council’s 1st Phase of Infrastructure Works at a cost of nearly $200,000. As we go to press, concrete is being poured unto sections of Fonseca Street, a busy intersection in town, which was in terrible conditions after the recent heavy rains. The Council said it took immediate steps to repair this street because of the volume of traffic on it. And that is not the end of the work. Phase II of the Council’s street improvement plan will see another eight streets paved with asphalt in the early months of the new year. This, again, will be done with revenue generated from the Council’s tax collection. It is the tax payer’s money being put to proper use and work. Mayor Bernard and the Council are fully committed to proving that a Council can be by the people and for the people. They are also determined to strengthen their partnership with residents, as evidenced in a recent street upgrade project where the Council has agreed to forego a portion of its tax revenue derived from properties and businesses on the street to pay off a loan which the a

group of business persons and residents on that street are willing to assume in order to pay for the cementing of their street. It is an unconventional way for progress, but very progressive. The record of progress is also visible in the other PUP Town Council-led municipalities. Mayor Anthony Fuentes can boast easily of the work they have done to repair streets and fix culverts and drains. His council’s achievements were also met with no support from Central Government, but with the partnership of the private sector and concerned residents. In Dangriga, the Town Council has never been more engaged and in tune with the needs of the community. Mayor Gilbert Swazo has been a steadfast leader for the people of Dangriga, defending their cause and their rights without flinching, whether it is for jobs, or amenities such as the Dangriga Market. With a UDP Government so corrupt and vindictive, however, the task has been challenging for the Town Council. Nonetheless, the Town Council has buckled down and done it’s progressively. The hard work put in by our PUP Town Councils are small samples of the potential of the PUP under the leadership of Party Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca. Triumphant despite the odds. Focused despite the distractions. Achieving progress despite UDP problems.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

on the

Christmas 2013 By Francis W. Fonseca Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of the year. There is a certain spirit and energy in the air at Christmas time. Perhaps it’s all the bright lights, the decorated show windows, the hustling and bustling in the streets, the red and green apples and grapes, the wideeyed excited children. People seem to have an extra skip in their step and generally we

see a few more smiling faces this time of the year. Like most Belizeans, I look forward to my ham, turkey, rice and beans, and salad. This year will be the first my family will be celebrating Christmas without my Mom who passed away in May of this year. My Mom was an amazing woman who also happened to be an amazing cook so

there was never any debate about where everyone would be eating on Christmas Day. We would all be around Ms. Molly’s (mom’s) table. This Christmas will be a difficult and challenging one, but we will celebrate life and focus on the beautiful memories my mother left us

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with. And of course, we must not forget the true and central message of Christmas: SHARING, CARING AND LOVE. Let us all reach out to those around us, particularly those less fortunate, those who have lost a loved one, those who are battling illness, those who have lost a job or can’t find one, those who have just simply lost hope. Even in these dark and difficult times for our Nation, we must have faith and hope in God, hope in ourselves, hope in our great People’s United Party. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY 2014!! GOD BLESS OUR BELOVED BELIZE!!!

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EDITORIAL Trick or Treat Christmas

hristmas is here. So is the cold, wet weather. Hopefully, the weather positively affects both the population census and the crime rate. Belizeans will bunker down under thick comforters and blankets, which smell like “camfia” balls. We will think ham, turkey, family, and

liquor. Excess will be the limit, sharing will be the norm, and forgetting will become us, if even temporarily. It will be a great relief to most of us. Belizeans are hard workers. We deserve the holidays. But while the language of the season is exclusively and mandatorily positive, the reality of Christmas cannot miss us and we surely have to translate that message to our socio-political Belize. See, Christmas was about the birth of Jesus Christ, but the reality of Jesus’ hard time birth is that the political, social, religious and spiritual conditions of the world and particularly the Israelites was a dark, gloomy and divided one. In the most pessimistic light, Jesus’ birth had more morbid importance because of his death, which is what ultimately redeems us. We at BELIZE TIMES should say at this point that if you were hoping to read a flowery and glitzy editorial piece where all is “merry, cheerful and bright” then this probably is not for you to digest. We do wish to provide you with food for thought. In so doing we at BELIZE TIMES cordially considered the question “if someone were to describe the Belizean experience of Governance in 2013 using one word what would that word be?” The suggestions were many. Some said “scandal”. Some said “exposed”. Some said “disappointment”. Some, “corruption”. Ultimately, we settled on the word “fake”. Admittedly, the adjective is far too passive and kind in its description of the heavy artillery of scandalous issues, which the UDP rained down on the unsuspecting population. But then after all it is Christmas, so we will be nice. So “fake” it is. Fake. Politically, 2013 was a turning point year for the UDP government. It was a downward spiral. In this year they lost their pretentiously gained “moral authority” to lead. It was the year Belizeans were able to collectively agree that the UDP was not as advertised. They are as fake as the kind of fantasia jewelry that turns green on your neck. Yes, we found out that Dean Barrow’s choice of “superstar saints” were not what they advertised themselves to be. Lisel Alamilla, supposedly a no-nonsense environmentalist, ended up polluting her integrity by refusing to resign even after presiding over a Ministry that she herself classified as toxically corrupt. Godwin Hulse. Godwin Hulse. Where to start? That dude fell further than he had climbed. First, he tried to tell us he was never “independent” and that he was always UDP. Then, the worse scandal of the UDP administration was brewed by Godwin’s own Ministry. Poetic? Yes, fake is the best word. We learnt our health care system is fake. The drugs are fake. The care and treatment is fake. Deadly and fake to the point that 13 real babies died. Pablo Marin is a fake and he is also a mute. We found

out that he makes horrific decisions and is a terminal failure but that he never faces the public. He has no apologies to make. We also learnt that Gapi is real! Not a normal person he is. In fact, none other than Dean Barrow called him out, confirming that Gapi is the master minister of the “hotbed of corruption”. There have been all these fake prosecutions. Denny Grijalva, who is responsible for the bulldozing of a two thousand year old Mayan temple, is laughing through a fake trial. Mark King, who was involved in a shoot out at the Casino, went through his fake and rigged court case. Yellowman, the UDP macebearer, who urinated in public near a primary school and beat up a police officer, went through a fake trial. While Elvin Penner, Eric Chang and Edmund Castro went through fake investigations for their undeniable involvement in this ongoing visa and passport scandal. All fake. As fake as Rudolph the red nose reindeer that flies in the night. Belizeans learnt that Sedi is a fake. He still thinks our border is a fake and there was a fake referendum process. It failed. Since the UDP are thorough, thoroughly fake, we found out that our Immigration system and national identity was being sold as a fake. This includes flags being sold to ships doing illegal things, nationality papers just to get a vote or visas and passports to terrorists and criminals. Belizeans in the city learnt that the “wow” of cement streets was also a fake. The cement street hype really exposed the stupidity and chaos at Citco. There was a fake “master plan”. That fake plan did not include drains. It blocked off major downtown streets and turned the city into an off road obstacle course. The fake illusion of the glory of cement streets was mashed up by the price we pay in gas, damaged parts to our cars and inconvenience. The fraud that becomes this UDP is a queer one. We at BELIZE TIMES realized a funny thing. Dean Barrow and the UDP have used an Orwellian tactic straight out of the book 1984. They started to invent words and create fictional concepts. The UDP created notorious concepts like “home invasion”, “artificial border”, “under deposit”, “ignorant”, “GSU”, “substantive and junior ministers”, “factual guilty vs. legal guilt”, “first lady”, “caretakers” and the big finale “Christmas cheer”. It is so infectious that we at BELIZE TIMES realized that a well-respected NGO innocently sent a press release where they were “rolling out Christmas cheer”. The language and belief of the UDP is that Christmas will act as a resetting of the memory of Belizeans. They believe that the citizens are shallow and that some cranberry sauce, stuffings and black cake can erase 364 days of “wrong”. Come January, nothing will change. Just the UDP’s hope that you will be tricked to think that 2014 will bring a different UDP. A UDP that is not corrupt as 2013, not as insensitive, not as incompetent. The PUP has been steady and certain in its rebuilding. 2013 has been a year of moving from strength to strength. Our Party Leader, Francis Fonseca is real. Our Executive and Deputy Party Leaders are real. Our Senators are real. Our Mayors are real. The PUP is quietly rebuilding its mass. Hubris will tempt some to rush it but the PUP is a Party of substance, of competence, of hope and of service. Most of all the PUP is about “love”. Real “love”. Merry Christmas, Belize. We love you. See you in 2014.

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Hustling Cyaant Done!!! Will Barrow Defend Castro Once Again

Belize City, December 18, 2013 The BELIZE TIMES has obtained reliable information and is investigating what could be another huge scandal involving no other than the already scandal-ridden UDP representative Edmund Castro. In our possession are multiple copies of cheques which show that Castro has been collecting some serious money from a special account of the Belize Airport Authority. Castro, we must explain, is the Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport. The Airport and the managing body, the Airport Authority, both fall under his Ministry and, specifically, his portfolio. The cheques indicate that Minister Castro appears to be using the Airport Authority as his personal piggy bank. One cheque among many others, which appears on our front page, shows that Castro was paid $4,000 by the airport authori-

ty earlier this year. There are other cheques and we will be exposing the full scale of this scandal very early next year. It is highly irregular for a Minister of Government to be collecting cheques from a Government Department. What were the payments for? Who authorized it? Was the General Manager of the Airport Authority, Kenworth Tillett’s and Chairlady Barbara Miller’s signatures which appear on the cheques forged, or was they fully aware and are part and parcel of the major hustle? How Castro, a UDP Government Minister, has been able to do it, without raising alarm bells, is anyone’s guess. Castro, most Belizeans already know, is no stranger to financial scandals. In 2010, he was kicked out of Cabinet after Prime Minister Dean Barrow learnt that Castro had swindled an American woman of

money in exchange for land which he never delivered. Castro was later forgiven, and brought back into the UDP fold by the Prime Minister. There have been at least two major scandals since then. The sex scandal involving a female Taiwanese protocol officer and the visa hustle allegations, both against Castro. But Barrow has resisted dealing with Castro properly because cutting Castro off from Cabinet would mean that the UDP’s majority would be reduced even more. Barrow has chosen to endure the stink of Castro’s rotting carcass over saving the reputation of his leadership and his party. While the BELIZE TIMES conducts a proper investigation and prepares to put it all out in its next edition in the New Year, we are calling on Edmund Castro to come clean and the Prime Minister to take action. We are also calling on

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the office of the Auditor General and the Integrity Commission to immediately commence an investigation in what is clearly another hustle in the Government. At a time when Belizeans are facing one of the most dreadful Christmas seasons ever, following what has been an extremely difficult year, one can expectedly become totally furious to know that a Minister can dip his hands into the public coffers and in a manner so audacious, hustle taxpayers’ money.

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BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hydeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under and by virtue of a Charge registered at the Land Registry between Trevor Jeffries and the said Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited. HRCU will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule below. ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land containing 717.468 square yards being Block 16, Parcel 1024/1 Caribbean Shores/Belize Registration Section situate at No. 1024 Graduate Crescent, Belize City, Belize District, the leasehold property of TREVOR JEFFRIES DATED the 10th day of December 2013

HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738

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 April, 2002 GARY AYUSO of Lot No. 39A Mile 8 Western Highway, Belize District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 17 of 2001 at Folios 765- 818; and Deed of Assignment and Transfer of Mortgage made the 22nd June, 2009, between Social Security Board, of the first part, Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. of the second part and GARY AYUSO of the third recorded in Deeds Book Volume 14 of 2009 at folios 1317 - 1340; and the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece and parcel of land being Lot No. 39A situate on the southern side of the Western Highway at Mile 8, Belize District, Belize and bounded as follows: On the North for 30.996 metres by Lot No. 37B; On the South for 30.996 metres by Lot Nos. 39B and 39C; On the East for 15.008 metres by a street; and On the West for 15.008 metres by Lot No. 39 containing 465.188 square metres of Land as shown Plan No. 2042 at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. DATED this 5th day of December, 2013. MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Reid The rise of Audrey MaturaShepherd

By G. Michael Reid The news that Audrey Matura-Shepherd was elected as President of the troubled Christian Worker’s Union came as a surprise to many. Few saw it coming but probably even fewer has found it objectionable. This Union was down for the count and if anyone can put them back on their feet, it is Audrey. The Christian Workers’ Union was formed in the late fifties following the split of the People’s United Party. Following that split, three of the founding members of the party, Goldson, Richardson and Jex took control of the Belize Billboard and also of the General Workers Union (GWU). Back then, unionism and politics were interlocked. It can be said that the union was the very soil that gave root to politics in Belize. Realizing the need for a newspaper as well as a union, George Price and Nick Pollard established the BELIZE TIMES and the Christian Workers Union. They recruited firebrand Ray Lightburn who at one time, both led the union and edited the BELIZE TIMES. Interestingly enough, today, both those entities are still standing while both the GWU and the Billboard have long faded into the annals of history. At its peak, the Christian Workers Union claimed a membership of over 2,500 members. It was even once a member of the International Trade Union Confederation but withdrew that membership in November of 2009. Over the past decade or so, the CWU has been experiencing much turmoil and membership has waned considerably. In fact, it seemed that nobody really even knew what the membership was except for President Antonio Gonzalez and Secretary James McFoy. Generous estimates put the figure anywhere between six hundred and seven hundred members. It seems

The umbrella organization the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) stepped in however and expelled the CWU from their fold. In a special general assembly convened on Monday, October 28th, the NTUCB voted to expel the Christian Workers Union from their federation. The NTUCB issued a press release which cited two reasons for the suspension: “(1) non-participation in NTUCB activities as required by the Constitution of the NTUCB and; (2) non-payment of affiliation fees”. According to the NTCB, the CWU had not been paying required dues for at least six years. Without the backing of the umbrella group, the CWU had no clout and eventually, Gonzalez and McFoy had to yield to the wishes of the membership. In an emergency congress on Saturday December 14th, Audrey Matura Shepherd was unanimously confirmed as the new president of the Christian Workers Union. The congress was not without controversy however, since the outspoken Deon Pitter was not elected and does not seem happy with the outcome of the voting. Pitter had actually

becomes about you and not about the job.” In will be interesting to see if she will be able to let go of power except for the option of even higher power. Some believe that Matura-Shepherd is using this position as a stepping stone to high political office. Audrey’s popularity is riding high but as popular as she is, make no mistake, she is equally controversial. A few months ago, Matura Shepherd that Gonzalez and McFoy ran the was forced to resign her position as union in a heavy handed and secretive Vice-President to Oceana following but also in a haphazard fashion during controversial statements in a newstheir tenure at the helm. According paper column that she writes. Matuto members, they did not hold elecra-Shepherd’s position is well-known tions and did not present financials as an outspoken critic of the LGBT for over a decade. In 2007, the Police movement. Given that she will now was called into the union when some be representing a union, whose num$18,000 went missing from their cofbers will no doubt swell under her fers. The money was never recovered stewardship, it will be interesting to and nobody was held culpable. see what happens if it turns out that In August of this year, a few mema few of her members turn up gay. bers made a move to remove GonzaCould she then put her bias aside and lez and McFoy from the leadership. represent them in a fair and equitable They claimed that “Gonzalez and Mcfashion? Foy have been too soft in negotiations Audrey also has a history with management of the Port of Belize steeped in politics. Leonardo Da VinLimited (PBL) and have not effectively ci once said, “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you Audrey also has a history steeped in politics. Leonhave been, and there you will ardo Da Vinci once said, “Once you have tasted always long to return.” For Audrey, the sky seems now flight, you will forever walk the earth with your the limit. How long can she eyes turned skyward, for there you have resist the urge to return to been, and there you will always long to flight? Unions are also usually return.” For Audrey, the sky seems now the at the forefront of political uplimit. How long can she resist the urge to heaval. Professor Richard Hyreturn to flight? man once wrote that “Trade unions are not merely economic (or ‘industrial relations’) championed their positions”. At a congiven up his candidacy to endorse Maactors: they are necessarily protagovention at Bird’s Isle on October 26th, tura-Shepherd but was running for an nists in the political arena. Yet if unions the rebels could not muster a quorum executive post. It is left to be seen how are inescapably both economic and and the attempt to remove the duo political actors, the relationship bethis will turn out. failed. Head rebel Deon “Ras” Pitter tween the two roles is complex and Matura-Shepherd revealed in an inhad his name up for nominee but the contradictory, and the priority asterview to Channel Seven that: “I told election had to be called off when less signed to each varies….” Where will them that I am prepared to serve for one than a hundred members showed up. Audrey take the CWU and how long term, I do not believe in holding on to That number fell way short of the rean office forever because you become will she be able to stave off the charmquired quorum which is two thirds of complacent, you become so complaing lure of politics? There will be interthe membership. cent; you don’t become accountable. It esting times ahead for sure!

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THE BELIZE TIMES 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 April, 2002 GARY AYUSO of Lot No. 39A Mile 8 Western Highway, Belize District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 17 of 2001 at Folios 765- 818; and Deed of Assignment and Transfer of Mortgage made the 22nd June, 2009, between Social Security Board, of the first part, Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. of the second part and GARY AYUSO of the third recorded in Deeds Book Volume 14 of 2009 at folios 1317 - 1340; and the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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THE BELIZE TIMES The Message of the Angels on that First Christmas: “Fear not for unto you is born in the City of David a Savior Who is Christ, the Lord…” and the skies burst into light filled with the Heavenly Hosts, singing: “Glory to God in the Highest and Peace to His people on Earth.” We come to the last day, the last moment of the year. Not all who began the year have been able to finish it. Of those who finish it, not all finish it happily with their marriages, the assurance of their salary every month, their physical health and strength, their faith and trust in God. But at Christmas 2013 and in anticipation of the New Year 2014, let us remember the message of the Angels - “Fear not!” and let us thank God and praise Him with all our being for giving us what He has so far – “Glory to God in the Highest”, and let us live lovingly and patiently with one another, accepting what we cannot change, changing what we can, and using wisdom to know the difference so that the rest of the Angels’ Message may be fulfilled through us – “Peace to God’s People on Earth.”

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Beth and Tony Zabaneh and family

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THE BELIZE TIMES

THINK ABOUT IT

2013 WAS A BAD YEAR 2013 was a bad year for Belize and its long suffering people. Week after week, month after month, the newspaper carried pages of the sad and heartbroken experiences of families losing their homes and businesses as banks foreclosed on loans that could not be paid. The government had no housing project in place 500 students at S.J.C. evening classes for the summer could not pay tuition and were turned back. A faltering medical system reached historic low when negligence and slackness caused 13 little babies to die in three weeks at K.H.M.H. As usually no one was responsible. The prison population ballooned to 1,639 persons. Over 500 are locked up without bail, awaiting trails for periods of up to 5 years. Over 130 prisoners are foreigners who should be deported. The budget for the prison is now at 13 million dollars each year. There were no increase in scholarships for young people. Financial assistance to the University of Belize has fallen. Fees for students have risen. Public officers, nurses, teachers, Police and Soldiers will enter 11 years without a salary increase or cost of living adjustment. Many Police cannot collect their transfer grant for years. Ministers of Government were given 90 thousand dollars of taxpayers’ money by the Prime Minister under a bogus Christmas cheer programme in which they will allegedly give ham and gifts to some party supporters. Everybody knows the Minister will spend ten and keep eighty. Poverty is around 50% of the population. Belize is now one of the poorest nations in the world. The nation was outraged by a series of serious scandals ranging from a Minister’s drunken brawl and assault, to the destruction of Noh Mol Mayan site, to rosewood hustle, to Police abuse and killings, to Penner, Castro, drug planes, and a vulgar insult by Finnegan inside the National Assembly. Harvest Caye was sold on a tourist/cruise ship monopoly and the sugar industry was sold to foreigners. As 2013 comes to a close the roads and streets all across the country have opened up to six years of lack of maintenance. They are literally falling apart. For Belize City streets, hurricane Darrell struck with an awesome destruction. There has never been anything like this. Never. SINCE WE OWN IT They, they tell us, us poor fools, that we now own B.T.L. And they tell us we are also the proud owners of B.E.L. and the water company as well. We should be so grateful to the pigs who have taken over the farm and are looking after our best interests. The cost of electricity on the farm was increased by a whopping 17 percent in early 2013. And water rates have not gone down. B.T.L is stealing us outright, with every call, with every text. For eleven months we struggle and pay for light, water and phones. As the Leader of the pigs has approved ninety thousand to himself and his Ministers out of his love and generosity, maybe he

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THE BELIZE TIMES

could give us poor, long suffering animals a little discount or rebate for the December. CHINA ON THE MOON Chinese are glowing with national pride. Chang’e 3 landed on the moon and will conduct geological surveys for the next 3 months. Only the US and Russia have launched space vehicles to the moon. PRINCESS The great George Price was against it, but it happened anyway. He did not want Belizeans to gamble at the Casino set up inside the Princess Hotel. Mr. Price was wise enough to know the evils of this type of gambling. Thousands of dollars vanish in a few hours. Gambling is an addiction. It is like being a crackhead or alcoholic. The Princess Casino has been wreaking havoc with the lives of Belizeans who go there and become addicted. PUBLIC BUS For commuters using the public buses on the roads, most of them are subjected to unacceptable low standards. Buses continue to be overcrowded and uncomfortable. Despite so-called controls, some bus lines on the western route are overcharging and they continue to speed and park on the road for passengers. Our people deserve better than this. MISS PATNETT She did it. Miss Leah reached 100 years on Friday 13 December 2013. Her family and church members threw a party for her on Thursday night. Just weeks ago she welcomed a great granddaughter. Miss Leonora Harris was married to Patnett and they had one daughter Rita. Miss Leah has lived on Wagner’s Lane from the 1940’s. Everyone loved and respected her and admired how she carried herself. She has an awesome memory of her childhood and her years in Belize City. She remembers everything clearly. Her history and her memory of growing up in Belize is the “good ole days” need to be recorded for the records. We join with her family and friends in wishing her a wonderful 100 birthday and God’s continual blessings. We say nothing about the foul deed that social security did to her. We say nothing. Others should though. MARINA WELCOME When we visited Wagner’s Lane last week who did we see but the one and only Marina Welcome. Marina was visiting her mom, Norma, who was like the American singer/actress, Ertha Kit, in her time. Marina had given her considerable help to Herman Longsworth to become the elected Area Representative for the Albert Division. She wasn’t saying much as the young men expressed anger and frustration with the Area Rep who had not visited since election. There were more outbursts when someone said they all had to go to the Area Rep office to put down their name for a thirty

dollars ham. Another youth said he would support Philoughby who has visited them two times already and was helping with sports. Philloughby also turned up at Miss Leah’s birthday party. Hon. Herman Longsworth stayed away. Marina Welcome will decide who will win the election in Albert. RHENAE NUÑEZ Speaking of strong, dynamic women, we miss the irrepressible Rhenae Nuñez. Rhenae was a former YPF, Youth Popular Front of the UDP back when it mattered. Now the UDP has sold out the young, the old and the in between, and become just another chancy and corrupt third world government, all for itself and cronies. Rhenae is in New York as the proud mother of a gifted and brilliant daughter doing University work in the apple. We are proud of them both and the PUP needs Rhenae to come back before the next general elections. AND WENDY Another power house is Wendy Lewis Castillo. She hails from George Price Village of Hattieville and had helped her husband, Linsford to become an elected City Councilor. She brought in the voters for Hon Dolores to take out Hutchie in the last general elections. Only recently when strange forces were lining up against Arthur Saldivar in his constituency, among his generals to the rescue, he called on Wendy and Linsford who joined up with Salome Samuels to get Arthur through the ring of fire. Arthur now has serious work to do. Village by Village, house by house and face to face. Start now my brother, right now. BEYONCE Beyonce Knowles, the girl who created a new word which is now in the dictionary – bootilicious, has done it again. This time, she has released a new album without saying a word, without any marketing or pre-publicity. Titled “Beyonce” the album just suddenly turned up on itunes last week. It skipped across the oceans and immediately skyrocketed to number one in 90 countries. Girl, you bad. You are the baddest. BREADFRUIT Breadfruit season is here again. Bread fruit has to be an all time tasty and nutritious part of our diet. Ain’t nothing like fry bread fruit with a slight pinch of salt. There is a historic bread fruit tree at the corner of Bishop Street and West Canal. It has stood there and produced breadfruit year after year for as long as residents can remember. CHESTER WILLIAMS Two young ladies, Tasha and Suzie Q. have come across Chester Williams on Facebook. Chester Williams is of course the former Senior Superintendent and future Commissioner of Police. Chester’s story needs to be told. These few paragraphs can’t do it justice. Chester completed primary school and couldn’t make it to college. He kinda forged his age and joined the Police when he was 17 years. He worked hard and diligently, always motivated, always dedicated.

2013

After receiving several promotions for his hard work, he started attending night school. Never stopped passing exams. Then he turned to the law. He passed all the qualifying examinations and was accepted at the University to become a lawyer. The UDP government, whose Prime Minister publicly vowed to fire Chester from the Police Department and was check-mated by the Supreme Court, refused to grant Chester a deserving scholarship. He borrowed and went anyway. Now his picture of a beaming University graduate marching up the aisle to receive his Law Degree with Honors is on Facebook for all the world to note. Chester is now at the Norman Manley Law School completing the mandatory two years course before he can become a practicing lawyer. This is an awesome achievement for a poor humble, Belizean. JULIUS CANTUN Chester’s story of inspiration and the reward for hard work and burning the mid-night oil is duplicated by another Police Officer, also of humble and respectable upbringing. But, only so far. Julius Cantun, we are reliable informed, was unable to proceed to Norman Manley when the UDP government two months ago told him they had no funds for him to continue his legal education. Inspector Cantun also achieved a Bachelor of Law from the University of Guyana and was admitted to Norman Manley. This is meanness of the pettiest kind. Most Ministers and their cronies have children at University on taxpayers’ money. Why can’t a dedicated Police Inspector with an impeccable record get assistance on his last lap of education? The injustices that are done to the ordinary people is just mind boggling. But despair not Mr. Cantun. God is not asleep. Those who oppress you now, will be like nothing in the near future and you shall achieve your goal, God willing. FOUR LETTER WORD POOR is a four letter word. It is a crime to be poor. It is a sin to be poor. To be poor is the worst thing that happens to people in Belize. In Belize, which is no longer a jewel, half of the population are now living in poverty. INDIA The world biggest democracy with one billion, one hundred million population has given the western nations a sharp slap in their faces. The west promotes homosexuality. The Indian Supreme Court last week ruled that sodomy law in India is to remain untouched. Any change is to be done through the Parliament. BOOKS Reading to the mind is what food is to the body. Always find time to read. For the Christmas season, Christians should make a special effort to read about the greatest man to walk on this heart. Find time to read about Jesus in one of the four gospels in the Bible. You will be a better human for doing so. To all our readers, may the great God of heaven and earth bless you and your families and may the message of his son the Christ guide you in everything you say and do. Peace and love and prosperity.

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Liquor License NOTICES Notice is hereby given that JUN MING ZHAO is applying for a Bar and Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Enjoy Bar & Restaurant”, situate at Front Street, Caye Caulker Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that JUN MEI SU is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “T&C Supermarket”, situate at Front Street, Caye Caulker Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that MARTHA ESCALANTE is applying for a Malt and Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Cross Roads Bar”, situate at Ontario Village, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that HILBERTO VELLOS is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “PULSE Entertainment Karaoke Bar”, situate at 7th Avenue, Corozal Town, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that DEBORAH GEGG is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Smokey Mermaid”, situate at 13 Cork Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that ACELA HERNANDEZ is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Cely’s Bar”, situate at Guinea Grass, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “LOS GOSOSOS”, situate at Lover’s Lane, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that BLANCA ESQUIVEL is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Blanca’s Restaurant”, situate at Indian Church Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that ALFRED PICKWOAD is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Nerie’s Restaurant 1”, situate 12 Douglas Jones Street, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that NERIA PICKWOAD is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Nerie’s Restaurant 2”, situate corner Queen and Daly Streets, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that ROSALBA SANDOBAL is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Island Queen”, situate at Caye Caulker Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that ELIZABETH YOUNG is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Fenders Club”, situate at 43 Handyside Street, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that SACHIN PATHANIA is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “R.S. National Restaurant & Bar”, situate at 2 ½

Notice is hereby given that EUSTAQUIA SAMAYOA is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Drunkies”, situate at Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that KNARIK BAGHGASARYAN is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “RK Shop”, Corner Cinderella and Progress Streets, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that MOHADEV MORYANI is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “P&P Supermarket”, situate at Cemetery Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that FIDELINA DE LA CRUZ is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Nuevo Amanecer”, situate at Cemetery Street, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that MARIE YOLANDA ENRIQUEZ is applying for

THE BELIZE TIMES

CARTOON

miles Northern Highway, Belize City, Belize under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Orlando Olivera is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Glady’s Place”, situate at Copper Bank Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Mirtha Blanco is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Miramar”, situate at Sarteneja Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Maria Murray is applying for a Restaurant & Bar Liquor License to be operated at “La Rosita”, situate at Chan Chen Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Talreuja Sulin is applying for a Restaurant & Bar Liquor License to be operated at “Sullen Restaurant”, situate at Sarteneja Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Thomas Sanker is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Sanker’s Shop”, situate at Calcutta Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Regina Amayah is applying for a Malt Liquor License to be operated at “Central Pub & Bar”, situate at Libertad Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Gustavo Cowo is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “New Riv-

er Stop”, situate at Progresso Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Jacklyn Usher is applying for a Malt & Cider/ Beer/ Wine & Alcohol Liquor License to be operated at “J’s Cool Spot”, situate at Carolina Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Jose Lewis Palacio is applying for a Malt Liquor License to be operated at “Bar Palacio”, situate at San Roman Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Ray & Rosa Wagner is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Smuggler Ben”, situate at Consejo Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Toribio Palma is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Mista P Store”, situate at Carolina Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Dorinda Williams is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “William Shop”, situate at Ranchito Village, Corozal District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that Carlos H. Tzot is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Amy’s Shop”, situate at 34 Vernon Street, Belize City, Belize under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. ------------------------------

THE BELIZE TIMES

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2013