Belize Times February 17, 2013

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The Belize Times

17 FEB SCAN HERE

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Established 1957

17 FEB 2013

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ISSUE NO: 4032

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz

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Who is Laying the Pipe at BWS? Pg. 8 Union silent amidst string of firings & resignations UDPs Caught in Major Drug Bust!

NO MORE SUPER BOND EXCUSES

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Officials suspect US$1M crystal meth was transported from Belize

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BNTU

branches reject GOB’s salary proposal

Farrakhan re-schedules visit to Belize

FOLLOW US! on the social media

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“What IF the PM is lying?!” ask teachers

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Liberty Children’s Home Director Delfena Mitchell Says Farewell 30 January, 2013 Dear Liberty Children Home’s friends and supporters, I am writing this letter to thank you for your support over the past six years and let you know of my resignation as Director, Liberty Foundation, effective 31 March, 2013.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the children and staff at Liberty and will always be thankful for the opportunity to contribute to Belize’s future – our children. In the nearly six years since working at Liberty, I’ve grown to love and respect each child as I watched their resiliency as they overcame their traumatic past, regain their self esteem, and

began to flourish.

As I reflect over my past six years at Liberty, I’m left with a sense of accomplishment for what I’ve been able to achieve over these short but never dull years at Liberty. With Liberty going into its second year, I established a comprehensive administrative record keeping system for staff personnel and residents, a system to track in kind and monetary donations; and implemented projects such as secure pantry and tracking consumables to eliminate waste and loss. These systems allowed us to function in an orderly manner and maintain documentation of important information needed for audits,

Let’s take the Mayor to Court Dear Editor, Should the Mayor of Belize City Darrell Bradley be taken to Court? The answer is yes, on behalf of all residents who are hurting over his administration which has introduced more taxes to fulfil his ambitions. In fact, even the Minister of Local Government Godwin Hulse is hinting that what the Mayor is doing is illegal.

Mayor Bradley continues to unleash pain on city residents. First it was an increase in graveyard fees, second he increased property tax, third he introduced a garbage tax, and now he wants to deny Belizeans services such as drivers and vehicle license if they have unpaid taxes.

But who will take the Mayor to Court? I can’t, I am a taxi driver who doesn’t even have enough to pay my property taxes in full, because I must first feed and clothe my children and

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THE BELIZE TIMES

pay their school fees. I understand the Bar Association is made up of attorneys, may they can stand against this illegal behaviour. Or maybe Minister Hulse could take the stand for us poor people, but something feels different about him now.

Or maybe it’s really up to us city residents to stand up to the chancey Mayor. But we can’t do it alone. Maybe one of the brilliant PUP lawyers like Anthony Sylvestre, Kevin Arthurs or Dickie Bradley can help us to challenge this in court.

I am certain the Court will rule in favour of what is just – on behalf of the poor and not the Mayor.

It is written that a man’s ambition can stand in the way of his own success. I hope the Mayor follows the advice from an old man.

Signed, Hubert P.

personnel files, and assessing future needs.

Liberty being a charity institution which relies on donations experienced major financial challenges as our donors and funding decreased.

We became so cash strapped that we went through a period in 2009 when we could not pay our staff for six weeks. I led our staff through this difficult time and made the hard choices while taking action to resize our organization. We went from a staff of 44 personnel to currently 21; our monthly operational cost went from $65,000.00 to less than $30,000.00. I implemented projects to cut cost and generated income such as raising pigs and chickens; expanding our vegetable gardens to include a green house; and implemented a water reclamation project which reuses the gray water for the vegetable gardens and greenhouse and for washing down the pig pens.

Noting a lack of public awareness on the work we do at Liberty, I immediately began a media campaign to inform the public of our work and needs by making appearances on television and radio talk shows as well as writing articles for the newspapers. Additionally, Liberty has gained international awareness through my participation in the World’s Forum who on two occasions invited me to present on the work we do at Liberty. Through these efforts a much greater awareness of Liberty work was created and as a result we’ve received more public support.

Under my leadership, planning, and efforts Liberty was able to locally raise $529,578.00 donations in kind or monetary through personal networking, fundraisers, public appeal, partnerships with local businesses, and international organizations.

Through my vision our volunteer program has grown and volunteers who previously worked in exchange for food and lodging now work and pay for their food and board! In the past year alone, I am responsible for over $56,000.00 income generated from volunteers.

Our ever decreasing budget did not allow for repairs and new purchases, yet the children needed new furniture to accommodate

17 Feb

their growing bodies. Through friends and supporters, I was able to raise enough money to purchase new beds, mattresses, tables, and chairs.

Additionally the children now have a large basketball court, tree house, bicycles, and a library equipped with internet access for their use. Our children are proud members of our community who go to school and church, are invited to parties, have friends over to visit. Of all my accomplishments what gives me the most pleasure is seeing the children who come to us bruise and broken bloom in to beautiful, loving individuals. I’ve advocated for our children during weekly or monthly staffing meeting with the Department of Human Service and have had the pleasure of seeing 13 children find new families.

All of this could not have been possible without your help and I am thankful to each and every one of you who cared enough to take action to help our children.

Liberty’s financial challenges continue and although I previously accepted a pay cut, I am not in a position to accept any further reduction in pay, therefore I am submitting my resignation.

I consider it an honor to have worked with the children and staff of Liberty, the experience was invaluable. I wish only the best for the future of Liberty, and hope that the new Director will be able to build in the programs I implemented over the years. I am very grateful for your support in the past and during this time of transition.

Hugs!

Delfena Mitchell

THE BELIZE TIMES serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

Founder: Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, People’s United Party Leader Emeritus EDITOR

Alberto Vellos LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed and Published By The Belize Times Press Ltd.

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Exchange rate of One Belize Dollar

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Cabinet roots out Immigration Director

Ruth Meighan Belmopan, January 12, 2013 With so many scandals rocking the Barrow Administration, one would wonder why it is that the UDP Cabinet has busied itself creating more controversies.

On Tuesday last week, Cabinet issued a directive for the Immigration Director, Ruth Meighan, to be removed from her post as soon

as possible. By Friday of that week, Meighan held a farewell party with her staff but one official not invited was Elvin Penner, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Immigration.

Rumors spread quickly that the reason Meighan was fired from her post was that she wasn’t seeing eyeto-eye with the Junior Minister. Meighan, we are told, didn’t give in easily to Penners’ instructions and this sullied their relations over the past months.

Penner had gotten used to having things his way, despite the numerous scandals at the Immigration Department over missing passports and illegal provisions of visas.

Even the substantive Minister of Immigration Godwin Hulse admitted there was “something” between Penner and Meighan, but

claimed that that something was not the reason behind the removal.

Hulse also lamented her removal, saying they had been working hand in hand and would have preferred to keep her in the Ministry. This gave even greater suspicion for the removal. Why remove a good officer and moreso against the advice of the Minister?

Meighan has been a good steward for the UDP administration. She was the main facilitator of the late evening processing of controversial new citizenship certificates before party political officials carted the “new Belizeans” off to the voter registration offices, prior to the March 2012 elections.

When asked in January 2012 whether the sudden increase in the naturalization process was odd, Meighan responded that it all depended on what “my minister decides”.

BGYEA

plans land demonstration in Belmopan

Nigel Petillo Belize City, February 12, 2013 The Belize Grassroots Youth Empowerment Association is planning a national demonstration on Tuesday February 26th to protest the disrespect shown by the Ministry of Natural Resources to their efforts to empower poor Belizeans with land.

In 2010 BGYEA launched a land distribution programme for Belizeans that identified a portion of arable land along the Continued on page 4

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THE BELIZE TIMES

BGYEA

plans land demonstration in Belmopan Continued from page 3 George Price Highway that had been abandoned by a foreign private owner and assisted Belizeans to access small parcels for housing and farming.

BGYEA declared the area as “Harmonyville”.

But the Ministry of Natural Resources has not always sought harmony with the grassroots group.

While BGYEA was able to obtain lease documents for a first group, a most recent group of prospective landholders were blocked for no reason.

During a press briefing on Tuesday February 12th morning, BGYEA member, Nigel Petillo, said that when the Ministry postponed meetings with the group and eventually alleged that it had lost hundreds of land documents, it was a clear sign that things were terribly out of order.

“Waiting for some of our documents took over 6 months, over 8 months, and we are still here waiting for some documents. They misplaced over three hundred documents that were being processed where our members were asked to bring necessary documentation such as social security copies, fifteen dollars post office stamps and other recommendation letters from BGYEA that were all sent in as a file per individual.

The ministry reported to us that they had misplaced those files. Where did it break down at the Ministry of Lands?” said Petillo.

While Petillo explained that the demonstration to be held in Belmopan is the result of the frustrating run-around from the Ministry, it is also about the difficulties thousands of other Belizeans are facing on a daily basis.

“This is not a BGYEA issue, or just a Harmonyville issue; this is a Belizean issue.This is a national Belizean issue that we’re all faced with, from Corozal, all the way down to PG, Belize City across to Benque. Central American brothers and sisters have been inhabiting land in Belize for decades now.You, me, and every leader in this country are aware of that.

Our resources are being thrown away, given away, and mismanaged by our leaders today. We, here on the panel, at the head table, are asking that the Government put immediate emphasis and put in place a system that all Belizeans could see a fair and just system where we all have access to land,” declared Petillo.

As if listening but to the wrong message, by the next day the Minister of Natural Resources commented on matter.

Minister Gaspar Vega denied knowing of anyone waiting on their documents at Harmonyville.

“I don’t know what they are talking about but as far as I know there is nothing on my desk awaiting for my signature for weeks - not even for weeks,” claimed Vega. And like a grand finale magic trick by Wednesday, Petillo was informed that ALL documents had been signed and were ready for pickup in Belmopan.

BGYEA is not impressed. They have said that the demonstration must go on to underline the injustices that occur within the Lands Ministry. BGYEA invites Belizeans to join them.

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2013

Hon. Joseph Mahmud, Cayo North Area Representative, clarifies media allegations February 11, 2013 It has been brought to my attention that there is a photo circulating on the social media purportedly showing a vehicle owned by me and indicating that this vehicle was used to deliberately run over a young man on Saturday night.

This defamatory story has also been run on the national news stations.

I wish to state here for the record that the information and insinuations are FALSE and completely ludicrous. I am disappointed that certain persons purporting to represent credible media houses continue to circulate that photo and erroneous information on the social media network and otherwise. I think that doing so without even an attempt

to learn the truth or do any sort of investigation is irresponsible journalism.

Even a moderate attempt to investigate the incident would have revealed that at the time in question I was not even present on the scene nor was I in the said vehicle. The resort operated by my family was the venue for a private function and during that event a fight occurred, which was serious enough that Police had to be called in to intervene.

I reiterate that I was not behind the wheel of the vehicle, or even in the vehicle at the time the incident occurred.

The police is carrying out their proper investigation and my family will cooperate fully.

I am disheartened by the attempts

of some persons to use this photo and wrong information for political mischief. The media has bought into that mischief without bothering to do an investigation of their own to verify the facts.

I have contacted an attorney and instructed him to write these media houses and demand a full apology and retraction of the defamatory and slanderous information that was broadcasted. So far one social media site has already published a complete retraction and apology and I await the others to do so.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

UDP DIVIDED: SECRETS OF THE UNTOLD STORY Contributed Belize may be the only country in the world where its Government can still try to dope its population with sedative doses of “political coincidence”. For Belizeans, the downside of our warm, friendly and peace loving nature is that quite often any critical historical or socio-scientific analysis is either swallowed by the stubbornly recurrent priorities of daily living or suffocated by the power structure who thrive on the scarcity of relievable data.

We have been cultured to readily and willingly forgo the tediousness of uncovering the correlations between social, political and religious events especially if that exercise temporarily leads us through a valley whose dark trials are crowded with hurriedly developed conspiracies. Deep scrutiny is extremely important, however, because contemporary Belizean politics is surely not linear in its progression.

As a young Belizean population matures through political puberty, we must be thankful for the information revolution, increased literacy and an unrelenting wave of high stakes issues. Whether it has been territorial integrity, oil explorations, LGBT rights or Constitutional metamorphoses, our people have been forced to shed their naivety.

Healthy socio-political consciousness demands that we recognize that the only constants are that: appearances deceive; conspiracies and political scheming drive history; power, greed, fame, money, and sex account for all and, most importantly, nothing is haphazard.

This brings us to Sunday.

The huffing and puffing will finally come to a destructive climax this Sunday at the UDP Deputy Leader Convention in Corozal. But the campaign and its ultimate consequence has very little to do with either of the ego toting candidates who are fighting to stave off political oblivion.

Honestly, who cares whether Vega or Faber are first or second runners-up in a Party whose very temperament, pragmatism and body language drips with the concession that their political life is steam rolling into Opposition?

Second place boasts no notoriety. This is the cold law of Mother

Nature herself whose fascination is restricted to the fittest and first place medalist. No one remembers who the second place finisher was in any contest, whether it is last year’s Cross Country, Ms. Belize or KTV Latino. It is worse in the “all or nothing” reality of Westminster electoral politics.

To belabor the point, it takes more than a casual interest in local politics to remember who were the Deputies before this Faber and Vega contest and to accurately answer the trivia that Contreras and Finnegan warmed those posts between 1998 and 2003.

So who cares and why all the noise?

Well, in the heavily guarded minefields of electoral politics, misdirection and strategy make the public actions of politicians entirely unreliable. This is normal but when there is meaningless jostling which causes significant political re-alignments, we do take some note.

The behaviour of the UDP appears odd at a cursory glance. Pablo Marin, for example, was seen putting up signs supporting Gaspar Vega on Friday night in Corozal. Now this contrasted with the fact that Marin’s Campaign manager, Roosevelt Blades, is running for Chairman on the Patrick Faber slate is in the very least odd.

But the unnatural alignments which has the controversial political personalities of Dean Lindo and Manuel Esquivel defiantly rejecting Vega and contradicting Barrow is another eyebrow raiser.

Then, how is it that Boots Martinez has cut Patrick’s throat after, as recently as January 2010, Boots was the campaign manager for Faber in his bid for Chairmanship of the UDP? What sorcery has brought Finnegan to tell Barrow he is dead wrong and that Gapi is the wrong man for the UDP? But in addition to the declaration of allegiances, there have been a series of events which are directly linked to the internal high-powered war between Vega and Faber.

First, the students of UB launched a public protest and media campaign that badly rocked Faber in his Education Ministry.

The smear on Faber became filthier when a model student, Micah Goodin, was victimized in his program at St John’s Junior College and public sympathy turned the image of the Minister even more bitterly. In short order, teachers publicly blasted Faber in a mass demonstration, which brought the Education Minister to his knees. These public events are not to be outdone by the onslaught of paid callers who lambasted Faber on the UDP propaganda morning talk show.

Are these coincidences?

Thereafter, and in retaliation, an emboldened BGYEA, headed by Nigel Petillo,

delivered crunching body shots to Vega’s campaign and political image. For context, Petillo has a political past with John Saldivar and his campaign in Belmopan.

Petillo, who now represents a group of “grass roots”/black Belizeans, took up a new and curiously timed vigor to assault Gapi Vega for corruption and mismanagement of the Harmonyville project in Vega’s Lands Department.

This was a double jab because it bolstered the campaign strategy of Faber to appeal to the small man delegate and “black vote” while it resurrected the unforgivable blunder of Vega’s admission of land giveaways to his own family and his elitist appellation of himself as not “normal”.

Then there was the “tip off ” which resulted in the major 2 million dollar drug bust of 45 kilograms of crystal meth in Chetumal where two Belizeans were nabbed. The name of one of the persons charged in the drug arrest was politically linked to UDP politicians, particularly from the north.

So this is the brawl unfolding in a queer and bizarre herky-jerky contest where conventional alliances have been thrown out the window and the entire UDP is about to be smashed up into pieces, again.

Why? Why all of this?

Tuesday’s House Meeting has provided a huge answer and explanation for the otherwise haphazard alliances. Michael Finnegan, got up and said, “It is now time for you [Mark Espat] to join ranks and come on this side and declare your interests.” He issued this call while insinuating that there was the belief of a double welcome to both Mark and brother Jorge Espat.

This is not the style of the Espats, who move in shadows and Hezbollah like guerrilla tactics. Finnegan was “outing” them.

But why?

Sources inside the UDP, have been speaking quite openly that the fight between Faber and Vega is really a fight between Dean Barrow and the die-hard UDP hierarchy. It is reported that Barrow who is handcuffed with a very thin incompetent band of politicians wishes to bring Mark Espat into the UDP through the front door to run in the Albert Division and ultimately for Party Leader. The die-hards have said “over their dead bodies”. This then is the impasse.

Information is that Vega not only controls the finances for the UDP but that he may have made a deal with the Devil, in selling support for Mark Espat’s bid in return for Espat’s undertaking to have him retain his ministerial lifestyle.

It is clear that Gasper Vega has no interest whatsoever in being Prime Minister of Belize. Consider that no one has

ever asked him that question. He is acutely aware that the “files” on him would be a certain bar. What Vega needs is a political buffer, Espat he calculates can provide this.

The political game of Battleship saw its first hit and most recently we saw the hit in the House of Representatives following Finnegan’s declarations. UDP sources have characterized Mark Espat’s mood as desperate and point to Barrow’s preferential treatment of him in both the Superbond team and of recent the Government negotiations team with the Teacher’s Union.

This is no coincidence.

Of the candidates on Sunday, Faber is the surest loser as he has already vacated the powerful seat of Chairman and in the event of a loss in this race, he may be taught a treacherous lesson in respect of the jurisdiction of his Ministerial portfolios. After having licked all the right body parts, Faber is shaping out to be sold for glue shortly with Finnegan being the mole guaranteeing the success of Barrow’s scheme.

Far fetched? Who could have predicted the betrayal of the PUP by “sure seat candidates” in the 2012 elections? Who could have said Espat together with other PUP politicians were making pinky swears with Barrow? The question is what is the full extent of the betrayal and traitor’s deal? Politics is high stakes and big money, no one just walks away, and, as in war, all is fair.

So as Sunday creeps upon us, the losers will become more exposed and the Belizean people will be closer to the benefit of hindsight. In the meantime, Sunday is just a big novela - a scripted soap opera of corruption, greed, ambition and backstabbing.

Sunday has nothing to do with democracy.

The UDP is a mess and we can point to very many reasons why this is so. They are racing to a fiery crash and an irreparable end. Truth is that unlike the PUP who have healed because we have always been a monolithic Party- to which previous exception proved the rule - the UDP has always existed as an uneasy truce between fragment groups of political mercenaries. Barrow has lost his hold over that balance. We call it a “who yoo” egg but in ticking political terms it is simply the beginning of the end.

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17 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

NO MORE SUPER BOND EXCUSES PUP Leader tells Barrow to “Get the work done!”

Belize City, February 12, 2013 For the past five years, the “Superbond” has been used as the UDP’s excuse for not growing the Belizean economy. The Superbond, which was a highly-applauded re-financing of Belize’s external debt with terms that gave enough breathing room for steady sustainable economic growth, became a thorn for the UDP because they lacked competence and allowed the economy to weaken.

With a weakened economy, dwindling foreign investment, and no Government ideas to stimulate growth, the Barrow Administration turned into a malpago Government and had to default on its Superbond payments. This forced them to enter into re-negotiations with reluctant bondholders.

On Tuesday, February 12th, Prime

Mr. Guatemala Belize City, February 5, 2013 In the days of Mr. Goldson and Mr. Price, any politician smooching up to Guatemala would be met with some heavy public tongue lashing and perhaps lynching.

Both national heroes have left us, but we Belizeans still don’t trust Guatemala. So why are the Mayor of Belize City Darrel Bradley and a delegation going on random and unannounced visits to the neighboring country? Worse, why is Bradley giving away the keys to our city to Guatemalan officials as a trade-off for keys to their city?

The City Council spent hundreds of dollars to publish three full pages in last week’s Amandala newspaper showing off that the Mayor was in Guatemala.

The pictures show Bradley hugging up to a bunch of Guatemalan officials and walking the streets and meeting Spanish-speaking residents. One of the pictures also shows one of the elected Councilors, who is a barber by career, shaving off someone’s hair. We are not kidding.

Guatemala believes the lie that half of Belize is theirs. We have a huge territorial dispute. Our soldiers are constantly attacked by armed invaders who encroach unto our side of the border, and thanks to the UDP, our BDF have to defend themselves with rubber bullets. Our xate, rosewood and other resources are stolen and the Guatemalan Government does nothing to stop it.

Was Bradley visiting to discuss an end to the false dispute?

We think not.

Minister Dean Barrow announced that the renegotiations were finally complete, after seven months of a nasty back and forth between his administration and holders of the bonds. It all turned out to be an even more expensive exercise, for which Belizean taxpayers will pay.

Barrow announced that the Superbond, which would have been paid in full by 2029, has had to be extended to 2038.

He also announced that the outstanding interest payment to bondholders had accrued to $76.4m which they negotiated to be “capitalized”.

Barrow pretended that this was a good thing, but in reality it means Belize will pay more. When interest on a loan is capitalized, it means the interest owed is added to the balance, which then means that the balance increases and the next interest pay-

ment will be more since the balance is greater.

Barrow also said that Belize will have to pay $3m of the reported $8m which the bondholders incurred as expenses during the back and forth.

The Prime Minister hurray moments over small savings over a period of time quickly fizzled when he turned to his right and realized that he might now need a renegotiation of new members of his side of the House of Representatives. With his dodo bird bunch, a Superbond renegotiation means very little.

Opposition Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca said the PUP has supported the Superbond renegotiations and welcomes the news of its finalization because at the very least it means the UDP will no longer have the Superbond to use as an excuse.

“Belizeans know that the whin-

ing and crying is over. The Superbond boogieman is over. There should be no more excuses,” the Opposition Leader remarked.

Hon. Fonseca added that he believes the Government could have negotiated better terms if it had not entered talks with bondholders in good faith instead of the bravado stunt the Barrow Administration pulled off last year.

The Opposition Leader also condemned the Barrow Administration for its exclusion of the Opposition and the private sector during the renegotiation process. He reminded the Prime Minister that when the Opposition is overlooked and disrespected, half of the voter population which supported the Opposition in the last election is also disrespected.

“Any leader that disrespects half the population is doomed to failure,” he warned.

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17 FEB

2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

BNTU branches reject GOB’s salary proposal “What IF the PM is lying?!” ask teachers Belize City, February 13, 2013 The members of the Belize National Teachers Unions (BNTU) have scoffed at Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s proposal to consider giving them a meagre salary increase in 2014 if government’s revenues show any signs of life.

The general membership of the BNTU, through their branches, has been meeting to discuss and vote on the proposal as presented by the Prime Minister to their President Luke Palacio on February 1st 2013.

The teachers are doubtful, sceptic and cautious that they are being dealt a bad deck of cards again. Of the four branches where consultations have been held, three have declared their opposition. These branches are Punta Gorda, Orange Walk and Corozal.

The Orange Walk branch which met on Tuesday made recommendations for a counter proposal that is more favourable to teachers. The Belize District branch, which met last week, chose not to vote because they had too many questions but its members expressed general dissatisfaction.

The Prime Minister is trying to pull another of his tricks. The teachers, who have quantified the loss of purchase power due to rising cost of living over the past 5 years at 30%, had demanded just that – a 30% adjustment over the next three years.

But the Prime Minister is not sympathetic to the urgency of the teachers’ plight; not even after he was the one who has kept them waiting for the past five years. The PM looked at a different scenario and proposed different numbers. The PM offered that any salary increase would have to wait until the year 2014, not this year.

Already depressing. Then he made things even bleaker. He added that a pay raise would be contingent on IF there is greater recurrent revenue outturn than this year.

“But what IF the PM is lying?!” asked some teachers at a recent consultation. They remembered when Barrow had sold their Union leaders sweet dreams about a salary increase upon taking office in 2008. The UDP won, but the PM avoided the teachers.

They promised the same thing again in the March 2012 election but again the Barrow Administration turned their backs.

A question that the teachers

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should have asked is what IF the Prime Minister knows that a surplus in recurrent revenue is impossible considering his Government’s perennial difficulties with growing the economy. This year alone the Government is facing a $70 million deficit.

Another IF is what if the Barrow Administration chooses to continue its cronyism and wasteful spending?

The reckless use of taxpayers’ money by the UDP to pay for their misguided takeover of private companies and election gimmicks has saddled GOB

07 7 with unnecessary expenditure.

From the look of things unlike the Public Service Union and Association of Public Service Senior Managers, the BNTU’s democratic process is allowing for a sobering exercise. The union leaders might have suffered confusion after eating a piece of Barrow’s magic cake, but the teachers are not swallowing the Prime Minister’s magic pill.

The BNTU branches will continue their meetings before presenting the results to their Executive Council of Management for ratification. Once the matter is properly discussed, they will prepare a counter proposal and if necessary another trek to Independence Hill.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

17 FEB

2013

Who is Laying the Pipe at BWS? Union silent amidst string of firings & resignations instances of abuse and waste of company resources.

The letters hit hard – naming executive and senior managers, as well as regular employees.

It has made executives nervous and has turned BWS upside down as it was sent to the Prime Minister and also to the spouses and families of those named in the information.

The BELIZE TIMES has Can BWS Chairman Alberto August learnt that these letters surexplain the turmoil at the Governfaced between July and Dement-owned water company? cember 2012 as a form of direct protest against the BWS’ management and the Belize City, February 11, 2013 leadership of the workers’ On Wednesday February 6th union.

We have gathered 2013, four employees of the government-owned water company, Belize that there is some truth to Water Services, were given their come of the allegations.

In response, the company marching papers.

Collin Morrison, IT Support Tech- launched an internal innician; Don Gillett, Senior Customer vestigation, which includService Representative; Charlett Bar- ed the Police Department. nett, Customer Service Represen- Another memo sent by tative; and Mark Menzies, lab tech- the CEO commanded the nician were all fired. All of them are employees to provide inmembers of the Belize Water Services formation to the Police or they would face dire conWorkers Union.

A memo issued out a day after, sequences.

No one was ever on Thursday February 7th by BWS’ Chief Executive Office, Alvan Haynes, criminally finger-pointed stated that the terminations had to do but the company went with “confidentiality of information, ahead and terminated the failure to cooperate fully with the four employees.

Three more workers investigation, including providing left afterwards. false information or withholding inOn Friday February formation”.

This “investigation”, pointed out 8th, also, Marciana McKoy, in the CEO’s memo, was regard- ended her 11 year employing “a number of malicious letters ment when she resigned which contain slander, gossip, and from her post as Customer Service Supervisor while misuse of information”.

The BELIZE TIMES has obtained Michael Novelo, water copies of the “malicious letters” waste technician, was which all carry the signature of the fired.

Another employee, Incompany workers’ Union President, Lorelei Westby, but do so falsely, we formation Technology and Information Manager, Dale are told.

The letters, prepared by an anon- Hulse, resigned on January ymous author, make scandalous al- 21st. We understand this legations against managers and em- resignation was forced on ployees at BWS. It spills out highly him.

The BELIZE TIMES furcontroversial “bedroom business” about who is sleeping with who and ther understands that the inside which office at BWS; political firings and resignation may cronyism that is affecting the effi- all be connected to controciency of the company; and the many versy over the letters.

However, while the February 7th memo alludes that the four firings were the result of the investigation, the letters of termination handed to the employees claim their posts became re-

dundant.

Strangely, the Union representatives have remained silent and paralysed.

17 FEB

2013

09 9

THE BELIZE TIMES

UDPs Caught in Major Drug Bust!

Officials suspect US$1M crystal meth was transported from Belize Belize City, February 13, 2013 Two Belizean businessmen, who openly supported and campaigned for the United Democratic Party in the northern districts, Ermelindo “Melin” Vasquez of Orange Walk Town and Hugo Cassanova of Carolina Village in the Corozal District, were caught along with six other Mexicans in a major anti-drug sting in neighboring Chetumal, Quintana Roo, on Thursday February 7th 2013.

Melin and Cassanova were busted along with Carlos Cabañas Catzín also known as “the Monster”, the leader of one of Mexico’s most dangerous drug cartels known as Los Pelones that is linked with the deadly Gulf Cartel in Mexico. The men were at Catzín’s residence in Chetumal situated on Benito Juarez Avenue when the Mexico’s Naval Marines carried out the raid.

Also inside the house were five other Mexicans: Nestor Alberto Catzin Cabañas, Luis Juarez Lopez, Alejandro Lugo Courtenay, Fabiola Juarez Lopez and Rosa Patricia Morales Olan.

Security forces found 45 kilograms of the synthetic drugs known as crys-

tal methamphetamine, already packed in 5,000 small packs ready for distribution, inside several refrigerators. The drugs have a value of 11 million pesos (almost BZE$2m).

On Sunday, February 10th, all eight detained persons denied ownership of the crystal meth and claimed to have been arrested illegally.

Officials say the drugs could have been produced in Quintana Roo or smuggled through its Southern border with Belize.

The security forces say they had gotten a tip from an anonymous source that a drug deal was going to take place at Catzín’s residence.

The men will appear before a judge in Mexico’s Sixth Dixtrict Court to learn whether they will face trial or be freed based on their defence.

Security forces say they have a strong, clear cut case against all the persons detained. They have warned against possible acts of reprisals, both in Chetumal and Belize, as a result of the arrest.

But in Belize, the Barrow Administration has kept mum about the arrest of the two men who are known affiliates of the ruling UDP. There has been no official statement on the arrest or whether local authorities will investigate whether the drugs were transported through its borders. There is also no known investigation into the business of these two individuals, Vasquez

who owned a restaurant sports bar, night club and cycling team, and Cassanova who owned a horse racing team and a car rental in Corozal.

Could it be because Vasquez supported the former UDP candidate in the Orange Walk East constituency while Cassanova openly campaigned for the UDP candidate in the Corozal South East Constituency?

While the UDP is embroiled in yet another major drug scandal, the watchful eyes of the United State are keeping a watchful eye on all the goings-on in Belize. Since 2010, the U.S. State Department named Belize as one of the countries considered to be major drug producers or transit routes for illegal drugs.

10

17 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

Do you think that teachers deserve a pay raise?

FACES & OPINIONS

TRACI

BRELEE

Yes, dealing with students isnt an easy job.

Yes, most of the classes funds are left for the teachers’ to cover.

WESLEY COLLEGE

GWEN LIZARRAGA

CHRISTIAN

TAKAKI

Yes, the work hard and some materials that they used comes from their budget.

Yes, they are the ones who educate us. Without them we wouldn’t be educated.

CAANAN HIGH SCHOOL

St. JOHN’S College

TEYCHA

ASHANTI

Yes, they motivate us everyday to come to school.

Yes, they teach us 24 and more. Also students aren’t the nicest people to keep under control.

SADIE VERNON

2013

SADIE VERNON

by Micah Vernon

Halle They are the backbone of our nation, without them we’d be dumb as rocks.

ST. CATHERINE’S ACADEMY

CHELSEA Yes, because they need it for transportation and their work doesn’t end of Fridays.

SADIE VERNON

17 FEB

11

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Union Leaders Eat Cake -

Get Zilch, Nada!

Contributed As the Prime Minister crooned, in B Flat minor, Happy Birthday to George, in the Cabinet room, poor George swooned and began to blush, and even flush. It was beginning to look like a really gay convention, or perhaps just a birthday celebration with cake and all, with Union reps all dressed-up in dashikis and other gay and colourful garb. The invitation to the party was exclusive. It was originally intended to talk shop and to negotiate a pay hike for the thousands of teachers on the government’s payroll across the country. But from media accounts this was almost derailed – again!

Next time around, we have been assured, all the thousands of teachers who had earlier in the week, marched on Belmopan to make serious demands to bolster their meager teachers’ wage, have been promised not only cake, but also lemonade in their next demonstration for a pay hike but only if they agree to march and sing and shout in merry glee. Hopefully this will be soon.

The caricature smiles at the table by the Prime Minister, the Minister of Education, the Minister of the Public Service, the Financial Secretary and other lap-dog officials, was a clear indication that they realized that the Union leaders were duped during the so-called salary negotiations which was trumped by a birthday celebration for George Frazer.

The optics certainly indicated that there was no serious talk about the National Teachers Union’s demand for a long overdue 30 percent pay hike. In fact, it appeared that the Prime Minister derailed the Union representatives who were ill-prepared, or unable to crunch the numbers, after their well respected economic whiz kid, Jose Castellanos, was attacked by the PM’s rabid mutts.

Castellanos, as President of the Association of Senior Managers of

the Public Service, had days before the massive teachers demonstration, punctured holes in the Financial Secretary’s voodoo arguments against any salary increase for teachers. But he apparently got cold feet after he was politically intimidated at the behest of the Prime Minister who later played Pontius Pilate.

The Fin Sec has now become a poster boy for the Prime Minister who now finds it not too difficult to spin the numbers at the bidding of his boss. It is not that he has to. Just behave as a professional Joe! The leaders of the Belize Teachers Union, and the Public Service Union (PSU) which was backing the BNTU, found themselves flat-footed without Castellanos, to lead the numbers war. As a result they brought in George Frazer, a retired BNTU Secretary General and activist to lead the charge. But George is no Castellanos, he is just noise.

Before and after the four thousand strong teachers’ demonstration in Belmopan, there was more than enough bravado to go around from the rostrum: Former BNTU Secretary General, George Frazier, to the government: The figures they are using is a lie… so don’t go out there trying to fool us and the Belizean people…”

“It is a matter of disrespect. It is a matter of trying to take us for fools. We have been negotiating for well over four years. We are showing them where a lot of waste is being done everyday, millions of dollars. The ministers and many others are getting fat salaries and all kinds of benefits. Our people who make up the middle class, we are the backbone of the economy but the government is pushing us down into poverty…we know something must come out of this (demonstration).”

BNTU President, Luke Palacio:”… the teachers have their conviction…no intimidation will stop us. ” Well Luke! What did?

President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), Dylan Reneau anticipating the outcome of a planned meeting with the government on the Friday following the demonstration: “I am looking forward to what will come out of Friday and I am looking forward to the meeting with the PM and other government officials. I am looking forward because come Friday night, as you say, we shall know our next course of action.”

Well Dylan, we di wait!

But after the much anticipated meeting, the Union Leaders apparently had nothing to report. They got caught up in the PM’s birthday party

for George, who did not mind the “waste” on a birthday cake. Luke, George, Marvin (Blades PSU President) what did you negotiate? The teachers want to know.

These Union “bosses” went to this meeting to negotiate on behalf of the thousands of teachers, with demonstratively, very strong support from their members and a bitter taste in their mouths. But the Prime Minister and self-proclaimed “Master of the Games” did a little voodoo and these union leaders emerged instead with sweet teeth from the cake, a carrot and stick mirage as a result of what may have been in the cake and with delusions of diplomacy speaking in tongues like “it was a cordial meeting” and about “concrete proposals” and in a Voice of America special English.

After four years? No! No! No! The Forensic laboratory needs to do an analysis of George’s birthday cake from the PM, as after the party, George was nowhere to be seen nor heard. That’s not like George. Not the George we know. Wasn’t that why he was brought in from the pasture?

After all the vociferous rally demanding from the government a thirty percent pay hike over the next three years, the President of the PSU Continued from page 16

12

17 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

Marion Jones Complex Workers

No Pay & No Job!!

By Herman Patrick The definition of Nepotism is the exploitation of power and authority to provide a job or favor to a family member or friend, even though he/she may not be qualified or deserving. Corruption is the misuse of public power for private gain and Transparency means openness of decisions and actions.

Dean Barrow and the UDP’s came to power in 2008 on those three UDP’s Herman Longsworth got pillars and on the back paid millions for a partial fence, but of the same Unions regular workers haven’t for their that they are now dehardwork nying their just adjustment of salaries and The BELIZE TIMES has been RESPECT. The reality is that in informed by sources that alour little jewel Belize, this is the most $650,000 is unaccountworst Government that Belized for. Report is that the last eans have ever seen. payment to the general workBarrow’s years in power ers at the Stadium was on have been marked with nepothe January 21, 2013 which tism and corruption where his was a late payment. The comchildren, wife, ex-wife, brother, pany still owes the workers sister and close friends have all payment from January 15 to risen to prominence from the January 31 2013. public purse.

While the workers are unThe unfinished and long-decertain about their jobs and layed Marion Jones Stadium on payments, Marin is reportedthe Princess Margaret Drive in ly in the Caribbean Island of Belize City is a stark evidence Trinidad and Tobago (maybe for of UDP’s naked corruption and Carnival?) representing BTL at nepotism. After the killing of some events in that country. a Mexican contractor whose It is also reported that Marin company was employed to also enjoys a two years conbuild the Stadium some years tract with Belize Water Service ago, the contract was given in Belmopan. to one Rafael Marin a current The Marion Jones StadiBTL Executive Manager whose um is no stranger to UDP corqualification is that he said to ruption. Belizean remember be a UDP and is a good friend the overpriced and unfinished of high ranking UDPs. This confence built by Herman Longtract was not put out for tender worth, the now Minister of and Marin was given the conState responsible for Sports. tract despite not having suffiWith a government whose cient collaterals and a reported hallmark since 2008 is corrupbank overdraft. tion and nepotism and has no The problem with the Marregards for transparency, UDP ion Jones and Marin is that cronies will continue to enrich for almost five weeks now, themselves off poor Belizean all works at the Stadium has tax payers and workers like come to an abrupt halt, and the those at the Marion Jones Stasub-contractors have walked dium. Find the money Herman off the site as workers have and pay the workers NOW! been told that “Money Done”.

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 12th day of July, 2004, between REGINA BAIDE of Pomona 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. 22 of 2004 at Folios 5988, 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 Lot No. 2 and comprising 835.844 square metres situate in the New Pomona Village Site, near Mile 11, Stann Creek Valley Road, Stann Creek District, bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 10 of 2004 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 10 of 2004 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 4th day of February, 2013.

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

17 FEB FEB 17

THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE

2013

TOPMODEL 13

ENTERTAINMENT

NEWS

Belize’s

Eljai Relases New Single

With the current glut of reggae and dancehall songs fighting for saturation on reggae music stations, Belizean reggae artiste Eljai has dug deep into his arsenal to unleash the radio friendly hit bound single Gimmie.

Gimmie, an engaging track which brings back the flavour of old school reggae, is equipped with lush instrumentation, thought provoking lyrics and piercing vocals.

In a release to the media, Eljai spoke about his latest project and his plans to promote the new single.

“The song is a joint production between me, Galore Productions and Carl McGregor. I guess with this song, I am trying something new because I love to do songs for the ladies, and Eljai has a mission to unify the masses musically’, Eljai stated.

2012 proved to be a rewarding year for the singer who scored a chart topping single with 24/7. Prior to that, he reached the pinnacle of the charts (Jamaica Music Countdown, New York and South Florida Reggae charts) with the track The Leaders.

He cited his hands on approach to handling his affairs, as a major accomplishment over the past year.

“Over the past year, I decided to take hands on approach to my career.

I am now free to do whatever I want to do because I have full control over my work. That for me is a great accomplishment”, said Eljai.

Born Lloyd McFarlane, the Belize born singer is now based in California, USA. His growing catalogue of singles includes songs such as Don’t Leave and Blessed featuring Capleton.

His most recent album is titled I Know.

Eljai is finalizing plans for a video for the track Gimmie.

Photo Location: Belize Best Western Biltmore Plaza

‘Gimmie’

Monique • • • •

Height: 5’ 3” Career Plan: Masseuse/ Body Therapist Sign: Pieces Favourite Foods: Italian & Lebanese

• • •

CHECK OUT OUR NEW ARRIVALS

Likes: Dancing, Traveling, Swimming, Spending time with family Lives in Belize City Fav. Quote: “Not everyone who wonders is lost”

visit us at www.belizetimes.bz or Facebook/ Belize Times

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14 SPORTS

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES

Wesley girls are central football champs Belize City, February 8, 2013 The Wesley College girls won the 2013 female high school central division football finals 3-0 against the St. Catherine’s Academy girls at the MCC garden on Monday evening, February 11th.

In Game 1 of the finals last Friday evening, February 8, the Wesley girls had struggled to a nil-zip draw with the SCA girls. In Game 2, speedy Shanice Neal and Elisha Bernardez sled the Wesley attacks, but the SCA defenders held them scoreless to the end of regulation.

Jada Parchue almost scored the winning goal for SCA late in the second half, but Wesley’s goalie Latesha Hughes just barely averted that disaster by deflecting Parchue’s shot away from goal. She and Julia Arzu had led the SCA offensive with the help of midfielders but the Wesley defenders would

Wesley’s Shanice Neal & Imane McKenzie

17 FEB

2013

have none of it.

In the 1st overtime period, the SCA defense goofed into giving up a penalty and Erica Milligan converted for a 1-0 lead. Shanice Neal then escaped the SCA defense for a one-on-one with SCA goalie Briany Flowers and scoring in the left corner. Elisha Bernardez then launched an attack and scored a 3rd goal.

The SCA girls had eliminated the Anglican Cathedral College girls 2-0 in a penalty shootout in the semifinals last Wednesday.

Guinea Grass stuns San Estevan 4-0 in finals

SJC topples ACC for football nationals bid Belize City, February 8, 2013 The St. John’s College won the 2013 high school central division football finals by outgunning the Anglican Cathedral College boys 3-2 in a penalty shootout on Monday evening, February 11.

In Game 2, Tarique James set table beautifully for Raheem Flowers to tap the ball into the empty goal, only to see Flowers dump his shot over the crossbar. Regulation time ended nil-zip so it came down to penalties.

ACC’s first 2 kickers applied for a pilot’s license and Tyler Luis stopped ACC’s 4th try, so only Sergio Luna and Devaugn “Beckham” Zuniga scored for ACC. ACC’s goalie Aldair Hernandez tried to compensate for his teammates’ errors by stopping 2 penalties, but Dimitri Fabro, Sydney “Bucket” Bradley and Jorge Perez converted to give SJC a 3-2 win.

Last Friday evening, SJC boys had struggled to a 1-1 draw with the ACC boys. ACC had advanced to the finals eliminating the Wesley College boys.

Oswaldo Chan scored Guinea Grass’ 2nd goal

ACC’s Jose Machuca controls the ball

Orange Walk Town, February 10, 2013 Guinea Grass FC upset the league leaders, San Estevan, 4-0 in the Game 1 of the Orange Walk Football Association’s championship finals at the People’s Stadium on Sunday, February 10.

Teodoro and Oswaldo Chan led the Guinea Grass attacks with the help of the Continued on page 15

17 FEB FEB 17

THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE

2013

SPORTS 15

Nazarene High is

undefeated in female softball Lord’s Bank Village, February 8, 2013 National under-19 pitcher Ashley Lucas led the Nazarene High School girls to a 14-2 win over Edward P. Yorke High School girls on Monday, February 11th.

The win put the Nazarene girls in the lead of the central division softball competition playing at the home of softball at Rogers’ Stadium.

Nazarene had also clobbered their arch-rivals, the Ladyville Tech girls 7-2 at the Rogers’ Stadium last Friday evening.

Then they shutout Pallotti High School girls, 28-0.

Other games: Edward P. Yorke High School vs. Wesley College – 19-0 Winning Pitcher Miekah Mohamed Ali E.P. Yorke girls vs. Maud Williams – 7-0 Winning Pitcher Miekah Mohamed Ali Ladyville Technical vs. Maud Williams High – 16-1 Winning pitcher Amber Wade Ladyville Technical vs. St. Catherine’s Academy girls – 5-0 Winning pitcher Amber Wade Wesley College vs. St. Catherine’s Academy – 20-1 Winning pitcher Briana Meighan Wesley College vs. Anglican Cathedral College – 6-4 Winning pitcher Ashaly Alarcon

ACC leads high school softball games

ACC boys

Lord’s Bank Village, February 8, 2013 The Anglican Cathedral College boys, St. John’s College and Nazarene High School boys all enjoyed big wins in the first week of the high school central division softball competition at the Rogers’ Stadium and the Lord’s Bank field last Friday and Saturday, February 9th.

The ACC boys outlasted the Nazarene High School boys 12-9 on Saturday. First baseman Rene Flowers led ACC with 3 runs and Devon Gabourel scored 2 runs, while Nazarene High’s Anfernee Brooks, Bruce Hilton, Jerry Cassasola and Raheem Brooks scored

2 runs each.

Zuniga had also led the ACC boys to a 9-7 win against the Maud Williams High School boys in the opening game of the tournament.

The St. John’s College posted their first win on Saturday when the Maud Williams’ boys forfeited their scheduled game.

The Nazarene boys had blown away the Wesley College 35-4 last week. Pitcher Jerome Carr struck out 6 batters and gave up only 4 runs, while his teammates Anfernee Brooks, Raheem Brooks and Jerry Cassasola each scored 5 runs, and Carr, Alejandro Baptist and Winston Dawson each scored 4 runs.

WES girls beat SCA 20-1

Ladyville Tech girls defeated Maud Wiliams 16-1

St. John Vianney girls & Holy Redeemer boys advance to primary schools softball finals

Guinea Grass stuns San Estevan 4-0 in finals Continued from page 14 midfielders who soon opened up the scoreboard in the 11th minute. Oswaldo Chan headed in the 2nd goal over goalie Luis Cocom’s head in the 29th minute for a 2-0 lead at the half.

In the 2nd half, San Estevan’s Jose Quinonez and Adimael Patt with the help of their midfielders tried, but nothing gelled. San Estevan’s star striker Edwani Munoz who has 10 competition goals and has scored 2 hat-tricks in the semifinals was not in the game. He had been suspended for one game for accumulation of yellow cards and the San Estevan offensive seemed toothless without him.

Then the tenacious Guinea Grass defense and goalie Luisito Cunil shut them down. Hugo Canul drilled home a 3rd goal in the 77th minute and when the San Estevan defenders goofed into giving up a penalty in the 81st minute, Nelson Fortunato converted: 4-zip.

In the under-17 championship finals which preceded the big game, the San Lazaro’s Young Stars struggled to a 1-1 draw with White Eagles of Orange Walk Town. San Lazaro’s Bryan Cawich scored in the 25th minute, but Alberto Godoy equalized for the Eagles in the 56th minute and so it remained until the end of regulation.

Game 2 of the series finals comes up on Sunday, February 17.

16

THE BELIZE TIMES

17 FEB

2013

Diplomat accused of inappropriate behaviour sues for £1million A former diplomat is suing the Government for £1million after he was suspended over false claims he touched the rear of a senior politician’s wife.

Reprinted from the Telegraph (UK)

By Hayley Dixon 1:51PM GMT 12 Feb 2013 John Yapp was posted in Belize when he was accused by politicians in the country of behaving “inappropriately towards women at official functions”.

As a result, in June 2008, despite 37 years service, he was suspended from his post as High Commissioner to the central American nation with immediate effect, and never re-engaged at ambassadorial level.

In particular, he was accused of touching the bottom of the politician’s wife during a party game at a social event, the Foreign Office’s barrister, Alan Payne, told London’s High Court today.

The accusations led to a swift departure just ten months into his three-year posting.

But the allegation turned out to be “unfounded, and scurrilous”, his QC, Jane McNeill, said.

Mr Yapp was left “shell-shocked” when his superiors told him of bizarre allegations and they were ultimately wholly rejected by the Foreign Office’s own disciplinary panel, it was said.

Mr Yapp himself branded the claims “completely ridiculous, nonsensical and untrue”.

The women were rumoured to be Kim Simplis, the live-in girlfriend of the country’s Prime Minister, Dean

Barrow, and businesswoman Lauren Reardon Smith.

Mrs Reardon Smith vehemently denied that she was subjected to any inappropriate behaviour at a charity dinner and dance, and said that Mr Yapp found the women in the country shockingly forward.

But despite the fact that the claims were false Mr Yapp believes that his superiors in London “prejudged” the issue before taking the drastic decision to pull him out of Belize.

“It is his case that he was presumed guilty before being given an

opportunity to comment on the allegations against him - or before the Foreign Office had carried out even the most preliminary investigation to see whether such allegations were worthy of belief,” said Ms McNeill.

The Foreign Office failed to back Mr Yapp as he faced the baseless misconduct claims, she went on, despite being a “loyal and dedicated” diplomat of 37 years service.

The department showed a clear “lack of humanity” in their approach to Mr Yapp’s case after his

Union Leaders Eat Cake -

Get Zilch, Nada!

Continued from page 11 was talking as if that cake really did something to him: “A lot of suggestions and concrete proposals were presented” he said after the meeting. He added “We want to thank the Prime Minister for having this cordial meeting and it was with mutual respect on both sides.”

What the………?

What has that pretense at diplomacy got to do with the price of rice?

Now that the euphoria from the birthday cake has worn off and the hangover gone, it is back to

reality: The cordial and mutual meeting meant the manipulation of Union leaders as pawns. The carrot on the stick mirage has vanished and the concrete proposals amounted to naught plus zero = 0.

Add plus iffy and the teachers are back to square one. The teachers will tell you it is simple arithmetic: 0+0=0. And a fundamental teaching about computers is that garbage in results in garbage out. These Union leaders were hoodwinked, no less than with a cake-garbage out and garbage in.

The BNTU and PSU leaders have been diminished. There has been some collateral damage including Mr.

Castellanos and the thousands of teachers who marched on Belmopan demanding a pay raise may have been betrayed, unwittingly by their leaders. The result is no more pay.

Meanwhile George has been returned to pasture but hoping to be re-invited to another birthday party with cake and lemonade.

Hopefully the next time around, he will be commissioned to sing happy birthday to the Prime Minister but to be accompanied by a symphony orchestra.

How sweet would that be!!!

removal - barring him from contacting friends and colleagues in Belize and delaying the return of his family’s possessions to the UK, the barrister added.

The 61-year-old was put through an internal disciplinary procedure which “broke almost every rule in the fairness book” as well as “resurrecting” stale bullying claims which he understood had been “parked”, said Miss McNeill.

When asked about the allegations in 2008 Mr Yapp said that he believed he had upset someone and that is why the false accusations had been made.

In August that year, the department’s disciplinary panel cleared Mr Yapp of inappropriate behaviour towards women. However, what was said to be evidence of his overbearing management style nevertheless earned him a final written warning.

But Ms McNeill told the court: “We say the pursuit of management style and bullying allegations appears to have been carried out to support the decision that had already been made to withdraw him from the post”.

Mr Yapp, of Tunbridge Wells, says the department’s failure to support him triggered a major mental breakdown, leaving him haunted by lingering symptoms of depression.

In his final years at the Foreign Office, Mr Yapp said he found himself increasingly sidelined and, at times, “ostracised”. He retired in 2011 after 40 years as a diplomat.

He felt no bitterness at his treatment; only a “deep sense of loss”, he told the court.

But he insisted his superiors should have waited to hear “my side of the story” before he was summarily withdrawn from his post on the strength of “bizarre and outlandish” accusations.

Mr Payne suggested there was “clear evidence” that some of Mr Yapp’s staff had felt “bullied” by him.

The ex-diplomat accepted that he was “not Mr Perfect”, but insisted: “The honest truth is that I didn’t bully them”.

The Foreign Office denies claims that it failed to support Mr Yapp, maintaining that the decision to suspend him was reasonable given the serious accusations in the air.

The High Court hearing continues.

17 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Scales of JUSTICE

By Anthony Sylvestre Jr.

Why Mark King should have been remanded!

If a “normal person in Belize” had done and said what the Minister of Gang, Mark King is alleged to have done and said to Police Constable Nelson Ramos, he would have been immediately carted off to prison.

And, he would have gotten some serious licks from the police on his way to the prison; and a lot too, seeing as it is that Corozal is a long way from Hattieville. For which “normal person in Belize” could threaten a police officer, while he is carrying out his duties, and still have his freedom?

Who? But the Minister of Gang clearly is not a “normal person in Belize”, much like his colleague Gapi Vega who coined the phrase. Not at all! A different set of rules clearly applies to King than the “normal person in Belize” who is charged with such a serious matter. Because there can be no sugar coating of the reality; it’s a serious matter to assault and threat-

en a police officer in the manner as King is alleged to have done. And as any person who has been around the courts will tell you, a “normal person in Belize” would not have been granted bail if they were charged under similar circumstances.

The Gang Minister was charged with, among other offences, aggravated assault. This is an offence under section 45 of the Criminal Code. There has been an ongoing and unfortunate situation in Belize for some years now that when a complainant makes a report to the police that someone threatened him

with a firearm, that person is charged with aggravated assault and is denied bail when arraigned in the Magistrate’s Court. The allegations of the Gang Minister threatening the police officer with the words “Ah feel like shoot you with mih gun”, would naturally lead one to the conclusion that King should have been charged with aggravated assault with a firearm and consequently be denied bail when he was arraigned in the Corozal Magistrate’s Court.

King, somehow, was not charged with aggravated assault with the use of a firearm. Instead, he was charged with aggravated assault under section 45(a) of the Criminal Code; that is, assault of a police officer in the execution of his duties. True, the law does not compel the magistrate in these circumstances to deny bail, but

King is not a “normal person in Belize”. This is why mark King should have been remanded (if even for a day) again, who among us can deny that this nonetheless is a serious charge, especially against the backdrop of the ever increasing breakdown in law and order that has beset our so-

17 ciety. And more importantly, that the charge was brought against a Minister of government whose portfolio is that of sorting out the ever increasing gang problem.

When a defendant is arraigned before the court, the court has to consider whether he should be granted bail or not. Routinely, the prosecution objects to a defendant being granted bail on the basis that the offence is a serious one and the person is denied bail. The consensus on the street is that Mark King should have been denied bail because the allegations against him are serious as they involve a police officer in the execution of his duties. The view is that any “normal person in Belize” faced with charges that was brought against him, would have been so denied bail.

Our justice system is premised on the fact that all are equal before the courts; which is to say, that no one receives preferential treatment in the courts. That is why our justice system is depicted as a blindfolded Lady Justice with a scale; impartial and fair to all.

The Mark King case sends a different message to the man on the street. It leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of many about our justice system. It gives the appearance that like Gapi Vega, King is not a “normal person in Belize”. This is why mark King should have been remanded (if even for a day). It would have provided the much needed jolt of confidence in our justice system in a society where law and order continues to wane.

18

THE BELIZE TIMES

17 FEB

2013

THE KING-DUMB

TO

A M

K R

G N

I K

Thanks to Dean Barrow and the UDP, thugs like Mark King are rewarded with mansions that cost taxpayers $7,000.00 a month in rent while the rest of Belize suffers in silence.

UDP - Promoting thug life since 1973

17 FEB

2013

UDP buying votes with land in Xaibe Village Residents given promissory notes which take effect if the UDP wins Xaibe Village, February 10, 2013 On Friday afternoon February 8th, 2013 Hugo Patt, the Corozal North UDP Representative and the UDP slate running for the Xaibe Village Council headed by one Leidy Trimminius held a ceremony of their UDP Cronies in the village giving them promissory notes on land parcel which would be valid if the UDP won the upcoming Village council elections in Xaibe Village.

The problem lies in that the same parcel of lands had already been allocated to people in Xaibe Village by the duly authorized person in the Village to do so, the Chairman of the Village Mr. Danny Tzul. The Village Council Act clearly states that the Chairman is the only duly authorized person who can distribute land parcels in the village. What Hugo Patt did could be alleged to be buying votes with promissory notes of land.

This is illegal and against the

19

THE BELIZE TIMES

constitution. Hugo Patt should know this, but since buying votes and disrespecting the law is the norm in the UDP, this is probably nothing new to him.

The Villagers did not stand for his nonsense and on Sunday 10th February 2013, a large meeting was held with attorney at law Marcel Cardona. Cardona advised them of their constitutional rights and to not be intimidated by the show of police force that Hugo Patt called out to intimidate the Villagers.

Strangely enough it was not Hugo Patt’s signature on the promissory note but one Mr. Vallejos.

So should anything go wrong you know who takes the blame? The Villagers of Xaibe have stated loud and clear that they will not be intimidated by the likes of Hugo Patt and company. Let’s hope Hugo Patt sees the Light and Leave the people of Xaibe Village to handle their own affairs.

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 Mortgage under a Deed of Assignment of Mortgage made the 25th of November, 2005, recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 39 of 2005 at Folios 989 – 1002, between The Belize Bank Limited (the Assignor), ScotiaBank (Belize) Ltd., and MARTINA ARANA (the Mortgagor), which said property was mortgaged by the said MARTINA ARANDA to the Belize Bank Limited on the 21st day of August, 2000 and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Volume 50 of 2000 at Folios 799–836; and the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of three months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto.

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

SCHEDULE ALL THAT the property comprised in and granted by the Crown to Martina Arana by the Minister’s Fiat (Grant) No. 529 of 2000 and entered at the Land Titles Unit in Belmopan in Crown Lands Book (Grants) being the lot numbered 191 containing 766.235 square metres situate in Silk Grass Village, in the Stann Creek District of Belize and bounded and described as shown coloured red on Plan No. 529 of 2000 attached to the said Fiat TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 4th day of February, 2013.

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

20

Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken

• ½ cup fat free milk • 1 tsp. poultry seasoning • 1 cup cornflakes crumbled • 1 ½ tbsps. onion powder • 1 ½ tbsps. garlic powder • 2 tsps. black pepper • 2 tsps. dried hot pepper (crushed) • 1 tsp. ginger (ground) • 8 pieces chicken, skinless (4 breasts, 4 drumsticks)

DEATHS Edward Askew, 84.

Frederick Caractacus Weston, 75.

Gabriel Wilber Dominguez, 36.

Charles Alexander Good, 62.

Rudolpho Orlando Faber, 50.

Harmony Michelle Ann Arzu, 2.

Estella Hidaly Dyer, 73.

Jeffrey Donald Furgala, 35.

Timothy Herting, 63.

Helen Hortence Francis, 73.

Jeffery Louis Flowers, 24.

a few shakes paprika 1 tsp. vegetable oil

Directions • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit • Add ½ tsp. of poultry seasoning to milk • Combine all other spices with cornflake crumbs, and place in plastic bag.

• Wash chicken and pat dry. Dip chicken into milk and shake to remove excess.

• Quickly shake in bag with seasonings and crumbs, and remove the chicken from the bag.

• Refrigerate chicken for 1 hour.

• Remove chicken from refrigerator and sprinkle lightly with paprika for colour.

• Space chicken evenly on greased baking pan.

• Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 30-40 minutes or until meat can easily be pulled away from the bone with a fork. Drumsticks may require less baking time than breasts. Crumbs will form crispy “skin”.

NOTE: Do not turn chicken during baking.

We are turning delicious soul food recipes into “heart healthy” recipes, for the rest of February in recognition of Black History Month.

Born to Boris Miguel Arevalo and Karine Jeraldine Arevalo nee Tun, a boy, Boris Denahi Born to Rajesh Verma and Monica Elizabeth Verma nee Quan, a boy Kaden Born to Jose Ambrocio Avalos and Shermain Dennese Avalos nee Faux, a girl, Yolanda Sabrina Born to Jose Benjamin Lopez and Maria Leticia Lopez nee Novelo, twin girls, Jesica Michelle and Janira Jamileth

2013 • •

Recipe of the week

BIRTHS

17 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

both of Belmopan Abner Amilcar Moralez, 20, to Liliana Adely Morales, 18, both of San Ignacio Town, Cayo District Jacinto Ich, 23, to Lucia Cucul, 21, both of Belmopan Santiago Coc, 28, to TereCarlitos Hernan Cruz, 24, Stann Creek District to Roshan Vianchue GonJose Luis Martinez, 31, to sita Choc, 23, both of Bella Vista, Toledo District gora, 17, both of San Pedro, Yvette Arianni Lara, 28, Romero Antonio Munoz, Corozal District both of Ranchito, Corozal 24, to Leonor Fernandez, Hugo Otoniel Alvarez District 20, both of Belmopan Choc, 19, to Sulmy JeralMarcelo Antonio Carrias, Imer Romel Nas, 19, to Vadine Casasola, 16, both of 44, to Santos Corina Echenessa Guadalupe Manrique, St. Matthew’s, Cayo District varria, 29, both of Belize 18, both of Xaibe, Corozal Anastacio Paquiul, 29, City District to Elvira Rosalina Ah, Jerris Vancy Lamb, 43, to Lorencio Cob, 23, of San 24, both of Maya Mopan, Gina Mae Card, 38, both of Pedro, Corozal District, to Stann Creek District Belize City Edirma Yareli Patt, 24, of Russell Eric Hill, 57, to Efrain Alberto Velasquez, Louisville, Corozal District Sarah Bee Harns, 47, both 34, to Shawn Evanne Oliva, Adrian Alexander Ranof Parker, Arizona, U.S.A. 38, both of Belize City charan, 25, of Ranchito, Elton Delbert Christensen, Carlos Garcia, 25, to Yesse55, to Marsha Rupp, 52, nia Reyes, 29, both of Santa Corozal District, to Lorena Lourdes Magana, 22, both of St. Albert, Alberta, Cruz, Stann Creek District of Corozal Town, Corozal Canada Darwin Eli Perez, 22, District Marlon Estrada Baluyut, of Orange Walk Town, Pedro Emmanuel Arzu, 27, 33, of Manila, Philippines, Orange Walk District, to to Francisca Quinocte, 26, to Ruby Manalangsang DiDelmi Sarai Galdamez, both of Patchakan, Corozal manlig, 33, of Santa Maria, 21, of El Progreso, Cayo District Bulacan, Central Luzon, District Eric Grabiel Yanez, 25, Philippines Placido Orlando Zacal, 38, Emiliano Gregorio Lozano, to Aida Anastacia Choj, 24, of Tarrant, Texas, U.S.A., to Yvone Madis Gongora, 22, of Santa Elena Town, both of Santa Elena Town, 29, of Altamira, Corozal Cayo District, to Patricia Cayo District District Odelia Balan, 24, of San Bernaldo Tzul, 32, to Alexander Angus Phillips, Ignacio Town, Cayo DisAmanda Lucia Catch, 27, 42, to Terese Andrea Wortrict both of Patchakan, Corozal rell, 37, both of Inglewood, Carlos Reyes, 40, to Dinara District California, U.S.A. Escobar, 30, both of Mile Fidel Castro Bo, 28, to Edwin Lincoln Henderson, 24 Hummingbird Highway, Bilma Yovana Yaxcal, 22,

MARRIAGES

31, to Rieshel Aurora Orosco, 25, both of Corozal Town, Corozal District Virgilio Felix Nicholson, 23, of San Narciso, Corozal District, to Paula Lucinda Caliz, 16, of San Pedro, Corozal District Israel Lindford Parham, 40, to Estrellita Marina Rosales, 27, both of San Ignacio Town, Cayo District Johan Friesen, 19, to Helena Penner, 19, both of Little Belize, Corozal District Heinrich Redecop, 26, to Agatha Klassen, 18, both of Little Belize, Corozal District Wilhelm Braun, 19, to Anna Ham, 18, both of Little Belize, Corozal District Diedrich Blatz, 22, to Anna Reimer, 18, both of Little Belize, Corozal District Heinrich Hildebrand, 20, to Justina Krahn, 21, both of Little Belize, Corozal District Gerhard Dyck, 25, to Gertruda Peters, 20, both of Little Belize, Corozal District Cornelius Thiessen, 20, to Sara Klassen, 19, both of Little Belize, Corozal District

”

17 FEB

2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

Reid Wheel and come again

By G. Michael Reid The disagreement between the teachers of Belize and the government seems far from being settled and might yet reach the point of confrontation. The Prime Minister thought he had worked his magic when he was able to win over union leaders with a cake, a song and an empty promise but we have not yet seen the last of this charade. The presentation of the cake was quite a symbol of irony for it seemed that what the Prime Minister was actually saying was to take this to them and “let them eat cake”.

While the union leaders fell goo goo gah gah over the Prime Minister’s charm and serenade, the teachers are demanding more substance.

The cost of living has been rocketing to the skies while the teacher’s salaries stay mired in the mud. Since 2005, these pillars of our society have received no cost of living adjustment and when the government changed in 2008, the unions initiated a new negotiation. Every year since then has been the same cry, but while no “money deh” for salaries, money is found to pay gang members, splurge during election time and afford ministers and cronies some very high living.

The teachers have been far from receptive to the empty promise of “if” brought back to them by their union leaders. IF we have a surplus, IF the economy grows, if we don’t have a national disaster, IF, IF, IF…. it has been said that “IF is the word in the middle of life, that can burden the soul and bring much strife”.

Those union leaders will be sent back to the Prime Minister, who has already made it clear that he will not bend an inch. The teachers themselves are an immovable object and at some point, something will have to give. Mr. Barrow continues

21

demand proper accounting from the government. They have the numbers and the influence to do so.

This is not something that we should be calling for from only from the UDP but from any government that comes into office.

To their credit, the PUP is saying, “Let us put these measures in place, even if it affects us when to repeat that “he simply cannot we come to office”. How can we afford it”. Problem is that the Unitjust give these people our moned Democratic Party is preparing ey to spend and not demand acto hold a massive convention countability? this coming Espat should week.

This be commendThe Prime Minister’s explanation was lame. will take miled. Not only lions of dolIf he was to go off medically, why would that will a worklars and while stop him from advising the unions?

Unless he ing Public Acit is important was at risk of losing his benefits or was counts Comfor the UDP to rent a large going to be forced to continue working mittee hold this government crowd, the with whatever ailment he suffers.

Whatto task but his teachers begovernment ever the threat, it was grave enough lieve that it is also whenever more importcause Castellanos to back off. time they asant for them sume office. to get their raise.

We need a functioning Acey.

As an economist, he was willThe teachers’ big mistake countant General, Public Acing to put it on paper and show might have been to send in their counts Committee and Integrithem all.

This is something that delegate along with others too ty Committee. The information would benefit not only teachers friendly with the government. must be made available for all but the entire public at large.

It is While there is strength in numthese committees to function. high time to cut back on unnecesbers, if everyone is not commitNormally we get promises of sary government spending. ted to cause, it will always put you these things at election time and Member for Cayo South, at a disadvantage. The teachers’ then never hear of them again Honorable Julius Espat has been representative was joined by the until next election. The Prime fighting since taking office for a president of National Trade ConMinister also promised during functional Public Accounts Comgress of Belize (NTUCB) leaders elections that we would have an mittee.

That committee would of the Public Service Union (PSU), Unlawful Enrichment Act. We are be able to put pressure on the and leaders of Association of still waiting.

Accountant General to produce Public Service Senior Managers These are the things that the comprehensive accounts of gov(APSSM). teachers should demand which ernment spending.

The AccounThis might not have been a would get wide public support. tant General has said however, good idea and maybe the teachIf they go to the Prime Minister that there is nothing that she can ers should have decided instead with only their own personal redo because she is not being given to fly solo. First of all, Dylan Request then they will continually the necessary information with neau of the NTUCB has long been be labeled selfish and with no which to form an opinion.

This compromised. Members of the social conscience. Let us once is truly sad and alarming and yet, APSSM make many times more and for all put in place the meanobody seems to be concerned. than the teachers do and are not sures that will hold these minisThe teachers have an excellent as desperate for a raise and the ters accountable. They have been opportunity now, to not only depublic servants are too easily inrunning loose too long. mand their increase but to also timidated; their union is not nearly as strong as the BNTU. The teachers then had only one voice in four and were easily outvoted and overruled. The only hope for the teachers would have been Jose Castellanos, president of the APSSM. He had been very vocal and had stood by the teachers all along. What really happened with Castellanos might always remain a mystery but at the last hour, he was removed and replaced by George Myvette, not nearly the committed and passionate warrior that Castellanos was.

I believe also, that the teachers might have dropped the ball when they abandoned the call for a review of government spending. This was the point that Castellanos was driving home, which might explain why he had to be moved. The Prime Minister’s explanation was lame. If he was to go off medically, why would that stop him from advising the unions? Unless he was at risk of losing his benefits or was going to be forced to continue working with whatever ailment he suffers.

Whatever the threat, it was grave enough cause Castellanos to back off.

Castellanos suggested that there were lots of ways in which the government could save mon-

22

THE BELIZE TIMES

17 FEB

2013

SEE THEM FIGHTING FOR POWER BUT THEY KNOW NOT THE HOUR Friday, January 11, 2013

By Michael Rosberg, Stepfather

Patrick Faber

• In 2009 Faber called teachers ignorant • Teachers are fed up • Students have had enough

Gapi Vega

• Vega is the Minister responsible for Rosewood extraction and depletion of our rainforest • Vega is not a normal Belizean • He gave his family land, lots and lots of land

BARROW WANTS FABER FINNEGAN WANTS VEGA BELIZE WANTS NONE!!!!

17 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Home Economics

fix

How to the economy!

Part I by Richard Harrison Belize is 31 years into Political Independence. It finds itself in a position where unemployment is over 18%, with an even higher unemployment among the young population. Poverty is over 40%, as more and more the middle-class is being wiped out. GDP growth is below the Latin American average of 3-4% per annum. The weekly newspapers’ largest earnings from adverts come from notices selling off people’s hard-earned assets. Many of the largest investors have gone into receivership, have closed down operations, or have been sold off at cents on the dollar to local and foreign sharks.

A large percentage of working Belizeans are living from paycheck to paycheck, taking short-term loans at scalping interest rates from the many loan-shark services that have sprung up all over Belize.

The municipal and central governments have taken draconian measures to collect their tax revenues, including threat of jail time for hard working citizens. The Government of Belize can’t find the money to pay its debts and running all over the place to beg our foreign friends for debt forgiveness, lower interest rates and extended terms of payment; its budget hinges on life-support from Taiwan. The monopoly electricity distribution company has to resort to large debenture issues at relatively high interest rates to keep its operations going, while raising rates by almost 20% to pay for the expensive debenture credit. The PM is running with palms open to beg Mexico for concessionary rates for its supply of electricity. Families take home less and less groceries every week, as the prices of basic goods have been rising at an unprecedented pace, while real-income falls. The country broke its all-time record for violent crime in 2012, and the beginning of 2013 looks like it will be worse.

The bright spots in the economy are in primary commercial agriculture, tourism and crude petroleum exports. Indeed, had crude petroleum not been found in 2005, Belize would have already defaulted with all the consequences that

come along with that. Crude petroleum by 2010 accounted for over 30% of Belize’s export earnings….non-petroleum exports fell below their 2000 level.

EXPLAINING THE BRIGHT SPOTS The crude petroleum industry, although it has been seeing a decline in production for the past two years, has been the life saver for the Belize macro-economy since 2006. This stroke of luck is a gift from the Almighty, which we are squandering with a formula for profit sharing that is lop-sided in the interest of the concession holders, and against the people of Belize, including the land owners. The only investors in this sector who have had luck so far have paid for their investments many times over.

With a favorable profit-sharing formula, supported by relatively high international market prices for crude….of course these investments will float high.

The tourism industry already accounts for over 30% of the Belize economy….they have enjoyed relative success….because our country has taken on tourism development loans in the hundreds of millions to develop infrastructure specifically for the tourism product. These loans are being shouldered by the general population. At the same time they negotiated that their principal tax, the Hotel Tax, is funneled directly back into their industry via the BTB, to invest in marketing their product, to train and develop their employees, to administer their lobby and industry advocates.

When you don’t have to develop your own infrastructure, most of your marketing is covered by getting back your taxes…your human resource development is largely subsidized…..of course you will float high.

The commercial agriculture primary sector includes the citrus, banana, sugar, rice, corn, beans, poultry, beef, farmed-shrimps and papaya investments. Most of the inputs for these industries are exempt from taxes….and most of the

outputs from these industries are exempt or excepted from paying the GST consumption tax. At the same time, most of these industries enjoy monopoly status on the domestic market, which allows them to price very profitably. If you don’t pay taxes, neither on inputs nor on outputs, as does the other sectors of the economy….of course you will float high.

These three sectors are doing relatively well, because of their favorable arrangements in the economy. They carry less than their fair share of the burden, while the sectors that are not doing so well are the Quasimotos. The sharing of burden needs to be balanced, to be fair to all.

THE JOBS SCENARIO Belize has an estimated 160,000 employable work force.

With over 18% unemployment, Belize needs to create around 15,000 new jobs to ease unemployment to around 10%, over the next four years.

Crude petroleum, with all its export earnings, only provide for around 300 direct jobs….other transient jobs are provided in surveying, road building, water hauling, etc…..however the full time jobs created are minimal. If we were to get another stroke of luck in this sector, with new finds, we cannot realistically expect another 300 direct jobs over the next four years.

Tourism investments are operating at under 50% capacity…… hence they can double their business without another dollar invested….with very minimal new jobs created in the aggregate. If they grow at 6% per annum, they will take another 5 years to fill the current carrying capacity. As tourism in Belize is still very seasonal, many of the available jobs are part-time, with many workers floating all over the country and paying rents, rather than settling in one place and investing in families and homes. Cruise tourism, which already accounts for a major and growing portion of tourism receipts, is very fragile….and can be acutely affected by crime, natural disasters and other risks that can create acute shocks on our economy and jobs. We cannot realistically expect this sector to yield more than 2,000 new jobs over the next four years.

Commercial agriculture investments in the traditional sector of sugar, citrus and banana are trying to stay afloat….even with new investments in sugar, this sec-

23 tor cannot be expected to deliver more than 300 new direct jobs over the next four years. Investments in rice, corn, beans and beef are mostly mechanized with very low labor requirements, and cannot be expected to yield another 500 new direct jobs over the next four years, even if they grow at 10% per annum. The labor intensive papaya and shrimp industries are not expected to ramp up investments in Belize, mostly due to the poor investment climate, and cannot be expected to yield another 300 direct new jobs over the next four years.

The financial services sector in banking, credit unions and insurance can be expected to consolidate for greater efficiency over the next four years, and should not be expected to yield any new jobs over the next four years.

If the history of ICT in Belize can be used to predict what will happen over the next four years, even if miracles happen, that sector should not be expected to yield more than 2000 direct new jobs over the next four years.

Hence the best performers in Belize, given the current formula for the economy, can at maximum provide only around 5,000 of the 15,000 new jobs required.

This article was written by Richard Harrison, who holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from Lancaster University, United Kingdom. This article has been widely circulated among public media and public and private sectors in Belize.

Next week, we’ll publish the second part.

MARRIAGES Franz Wiens, 22, to Elisabeth Redecop, 20, both of Little Belize, Corozal District Bernhard Redecop, 21, to Helena Schmitt, 19, both of Little Belize, Corozal District Patrick Walker, 44, to Peggy Knop, 40, both of Burgstadt, Germany Jose Guillermo Martinez Dubon, 32, to Mayra Suyapa Martinez Villanueva, 27, both of Duck Run I, Cayo District Rudy Koop, 27, to Eva Penner, 23, both of Spanish Lookout, Cayo District

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

In my perspective

What does it take to be a Minister in Belize? Not much

by Rayford Young As I have said many times in this column, growing up in Corozal was a joy.

My childhood experience was a pleasant one. One of the more exciting times in Corozal was when the circus from Mexico came to town. The elephants, tigers, riding the merry- go-round and ferris wheel - just the feeling of the circus in town was wonderful. Then in a week or two they were gone until the next time.

On March 7, 2012 we renewed the contract with another circus but this one was for five years. Yes, we re-elected the government of Prime Minister the Hon. Dean Barrow. Although by a narrow margin, they will be with us for the next 5 years. I was wondering to myself what does it take to be a minister of the government of Belize and do I have the qualifications to be a Minister? Do I have the chops, the experience, the education, the temperament to hold such a prestigious post? Well as I looked at my life and my experience, I concluded that I’m over-qualified. Shocked? I am too.

You don’t need a whole lot of anything to be a minister in this government. You just need some street smarts and to be a loyal follower. Do as you are told and don’t talk back, don’t be upstart, that’s it.

You would think education would be one criterion to be a Government minister. Not so. Some of the current ministers have said publicly that they did not even finish high school and many of them did not even go to college. Well, I did not go to college so I would fit in nicely.

I saw on television one day one of the ministers trying to deliver a speech and he was having a hard time reading.

Well I don’t like reading at all. I get no joy from reading. As a matter of fact I prefer to listen to those books on tape.

Why take the time to read a book when someone can read to you with passion and expression. So here too, I’m qualified to be a minister.

It is well known that our ministers like to drink especially when it’s free from their constituents. Some may even say many of them are drunks. One minister said that he takes a pill everyday to calm him down. Well in my younger years in Los Angeles, California I was a frequent guest at a bar near my apartment and many days I would be there in the morning when the owner was opening the bar and I would be there until it was closed. Here too, I’m qualified.

The owner of that bar told me one day, why don’t you manage the bar for me since you’re here and stay all day. So I said yes. Not a very bright bar owner one might say. We all saw the Minister of State (whatever that is) the Hon. Mark King on our TV sets all this week apologizing for the brawl and tantrum

he showed at the Princess casino at the border in Santa Elena in Corozal. He even threatened the security offers at the casino. Here too, I have that kind of experience since as the manager I engaged in many fights and brawls. So I’m just like Minister King, always ready for a fight. I think I’m well on my way to becoming the next minister of the government of Belize.

One year at my school in Corozal I decided to run for student president not because I was qualified or had any ideas of what to do, but it was my turn.

The other guys were not willing to move aside and allow me to have this post so I called on my boys to rough them up to let it be known that the consequences will be very high if they keep getting in my way. I won that election with no opposition. So here again I’m fully qualified to be a minister because I know how to steal elections.

It is well known that the deputy PM owns a lot of land in Belize. Well I received a pamphlet in the mail many years ago stating that I can have a piece of swamp land in Miami. These were precious land lots which, when sold in the future, I would make millions of dollars. For years I made the monthly payments on this piece of swamp then one day I decided to drive to Miami to see this piece of land. Let’s just say it was a nice drive. Miami is a very nice place, but there was no land. So I have just as much experience in land acquisition as the Deputy PM. For many years I was ashamed and tried to forget the things I did back in those days. As I got older I asked for forgiveness and did my best to be a good citizen. What I didn’t know then is that I was being groomed for the best job of my life being a minister in the government of Belize. As you see I’m just as qualified as any of the current ministers now serving. Reading and speech de-

Liquor License NOTICE Notice is hereby given that Blanca Lopez is applying for a Restaurant & Bar Liquor License to be operated at “Fonda La Estancia”, situate #1 Belize Corozal Road Phillip Goldson Highway, Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

livery was not my strong suite, I was a drunk, I paid people off under the table, I knew how to steal elections, I have land acquisition expertise, I know how to bully and throw tantrums and threaten security officers. I have just as much if not more experience than any of the ministers in office today. I would not need on the job training. So as a junior minister where would I fit in? What would be my job as the new minister?

If we go back to the circus scenario, I would not like the high wire act. I don’t like heights. I’m not a clown. We have enough clowns in this administration already. Oh I know, I would be the guy behind the elephants with a bucket when the circus is marching in their parade through the streets in Corozal. You see as a junior minister I got to start at the bottom. Disseminating BS is where I would start.

This would be really funny if it was not so true. This is the situation in our government today. People without skills or management experience, but have horrific backgrounds that no one in their right minds would hire as a dog catcher much less a minister. Why does the PM seek out the most unqualified, unethical corrupt people to surround him? I guess when you have a bunch of senile yes men around you they will do whatever they are told with no questions asked.

They won’t challenge you. They bring nothing to the table but loyalty to one man - not their country, not to the people but to one man who hired them.

By the way, I did find a way to oust the owner of the bar where I was the manager. I took over his bar just like the PM did with some of those businesses.

I think I’ll run for PM now that I know how to steal away businesses.

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

17 FEB

2013

PUP

condemns GOB’s divisiveness February 11, 2013 On February 7, 2013 the Clerk of the National Assembly of Belize wrote to PUP Members of the House of Representatives and Senate advising that the National Assembly would meet on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13, 2013 for Special Sittings on a “Government of Belize Restructuring Motion.”

That correspondence stated that “the text of the motion will be sent on Monday February 11, 2013”.

The People’s United Party (PUP) wishes to inform Belizeans that this motion intends to deal with the restructuring of the Superbond; however the text of this critical motion has still not been sent to the Representatives and Senators of the PUP as of 3:30 p.m. today.

More importantly, Belizeans have not been told the terms and conditions of this restructuring despite the promise of full disclosure by Prime Minister Barrow made at a Press Conference on the Superbond on January 21, 2013.

Representatives will be expected to vote on a matter that will bind our nation’s financial future without being afforded any opportunity to examine the proposals thoroughly. Belizeans deserve to be told what are the advantages, disadvantages, benefits and burdens of this Restructuring before the matter is put to a vote in the National Assembly. The failure of this Government to disclose to citizens any of the arrangements made with its Creditors is disrespectful and disregards the will of the people. (Press Release)

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17 FEB

2013

25

THE BELIZE TIMES

BLACK HISTORY MONTH WORD SCRAMBLE Can you unscramble the words below?

Use the words in the box to help you.

Suffrage Activist Protest Social Reformer Civil Rights Black History Segregation Oppression African American NAACP 1. Tsivitca 2. yrotsiHkcalB 3. sthgiRliviC 4. naciremAnacirfA 5. egarffus 6. remrofeRlaicoS 7. noitagerges 8. tsetorp 9. noisserppo 10. PCAAN

DID YOU KNOW?

26

17 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

BRAIN

TEASER

SUDOKU PUZZLE #4/2013

Energy

Saving Tips With the ever-increasing cost of living in Belize, and most recently, the crippling, Government-approved hike in BEL fees and rates, more and more Belizeans are looking at ways to save $$$. One way Belizeans can ease the pocket pain caused by the higher electricity rates is by practising Energy Saving Tips. This week’s tips: ‘Wash & Learn’ There are two ways to reduce the amount of energy used for washing clothes—use less water and use cooler water. Unless you’re dealing with oily stains, the warm or cold water setting on your machine will generally do a good job of cleaning your clothes. Switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut a load’s energy use in half.

Quick Laundry Tips • Wash your clothes in cold water using cold-water detergents whenever possible.

• Wash and dry full loads. If you are washing a small load, use the appropriate water-level setting.

• Dry towels and heavier cottons in a separate load from lighter-weight clothes.

• Don’t over-dry your clothes. If your machine has a moisture sensor, use it.

• Clean the lint screen in the dryer after every load to improve air circulation and prevent fire hazards.

• Remove the lint that collects below the lint screen in the lint screen slot of your clothes dryer. If possible use the long nozzle tip on your vacuum to clean.

• Don’t add wet items to a load that is already partially dried.

• Dry two or more loads in a row, taking advantage of the heat still in the dryer from the first load.

• Use the cool-down cycle to allow the clothes to finish drying with the heat remaining in the dryer.

• Periodically inspect your dryer vent to ensure it is not blocked. This will save energy and may prevent a fire. Manufacturers recommend using rigid venting material—not plastic vents that may collapse and cause blockages.

• With Belize’s mostly warm and breezy tropical weather, one should consider hanging clothes outside to cut the use of energy and save on cost. $ Long-Term Savings Tips $ Look for the ENERGY STAR® and EnergyGuide labels. ENERGY STAR clothes washers clean clothes using 50% less water and 37% less energy than standard washers.

When shopping for a new clothes dryer, look for one with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off the machine when your clothes are dry. Not only will this save energy, it will save the wear and tear on your clothes caused by over-drying.

ENERGY STAR does not label clothes dryers because most of them use similar amounts of energy.

See answers on page 30

bus

Across: 1. She would not sit in the back of the

3. Famous author Alice, writer of the acclaimed novel ‘The Color Purple’ 5. Music Louis Armstrong played 6. Boxing legend called ‘The Greatest’ 8. American educator __ McLeod Bethune 10. Harlem or New York, for example 11. Wynton Marsalis blows one 13. Tennis great Arthur __ 14. Abolitionist __ Brown 15. Actor Lawrence of Hollywood films 17. Poet __ Angelou 18. Jackie Robinson’s first position, second __ 19. First African-American Supreme Court Justice 24. Kweisi Mfume is the leader of this organization 25. Reason for many marches 27. Basketball star O’Neal, to fans 30. First name of the black leader who wrote ‘Soul on Ice’ 31. Nickname for musical legend Charlie Parker 32. Music legend __ Basie 33. Place where Motown Records was founded 35. TV star Bernie __ 37. Comedian who had a hit show playing father Cliff Huxtable 38. Popular black magazine 39. First name of 1-across 40. Black History month 41. Baseball’s all-time home run champion Down: 1. Emancipation 2. Famous TV mini-series and Alex Haley book 3. George __ Carver 4. Festival featuring African-American culture 5. Basketball superstar Michael __

Black History Month crossword

7. Legendary gospel singer __ Jackson 8. Speaker who said, ‘I Have a Dream’ 9. Last name of 30-across 12. Former ambassador to the United Nations and mayor of Atlanta 16. Abolitionist who escaped from slavery, Frederick __ 18. Player with a record 73 home runs in one season. Barry __ 20. Basketball legend and businessman __ Johnson

21. She led slaves to the Underground Railroad 22. Founder of the Rainbow Coalition 23. Name for a female opera star, such as Leontyne Price 26. Best-selling musical artist __ Jackson 28. Nickname for 41-across 29. It matched the Union against the Confederates 34. What Halle Berry does 36. Basketball superstar __ Bryant

See answers on page 30

17 FEB

27

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

BELIZE TIMES WEEKLY

SCIENCE & TECH R

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Selected By Chris Williams

Microsoft brings solar Wi-Fi to rural Kenya Using derelict TV frequencies, old-fashioned antennas and solar power, Microsoft is trialling a pioneering form of broadband technology in Africa 13 February 2013 by Curtis Abraham and Paul Marks GAKAWA Senior Secondary School is located in Kenya’s western Rift Valley Province, about 10 kilometres from Nanyuki town. It is not an easy place to live. There are no cash crops, no electricity, no phone lines, and rainfall is sporadic to say the least.

“For internet access we had to travel the 10 kilometres to Nanyuki and it would cost 100 Kenya shillings [about $1.20] to get there,” says Beatrice Nderango, the school’s headmistress.

Not for much longer. Solar-powered Wi-Fi is being installed in the area that will give local people easy access to the internet for the first time. The pilot project – named Mawingu, the Swahili word for “cloud” – is part of an initiative by Microsoft and local telecoms firms to provide affordable, high-speed wireless broadband to rural areas. If and when it is rolled out nationwide, as planned, it will mean that Kenya could lead the way with a model of wireless broadband access that in the West has been tied up in red tape.

Because the village has no power, Microsoft is working with Kenyan

telecoms firm Indigo to install solar-powered base stations that supply a wireless signal at a bandwidth that falls into what is called the “white spaces” spectrum.

This refers to the bits of the wireless spectrum that are being freed up as television moves from analogue to digital – a set of frequencies between 400 megahertz and about 800 megahertz. Such frequencies penetrate walls, bend around hills and travel much longer distances than the conventional WiFi we have at home. That means that

the technology requires fewer base stations to provide wider coverage, and wannabe web surfers in the village need only a traditional TV antenna attached to a smartphone or tablet to access the signal and get online. Microsoft is supplying some for the trial, as well as solar-powered charging stations.

To begin with, Indigo has set up two solar-powered white-space base stations in three villages to deliver wireless broadband access to 20 locations, including schools, healthcare clinics, community centres and

Night-vision rat becomes first animal with sixth sense 13 February 2013 The latest bionic superhero is a rat: its brain hooked up to an infrared detector, it’s become the first animal to be given a sixth sense.

Developed by Miguel Nicolelis and colleagues at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, the system connects a

head-mounted sensor to a brain region that normally processes touch sensations from whiskers.

As shown in this video, the rat’s brain is tricked when infrared light is detected, giving it a new sense organ. “Instead of seeing, the rats learned how to touch the light,” says Nicolelis.

Even though the touch-processing brain area acquires a new role, the team found that it continues

to process touch sensations from whiskers, somehow dividing its time between both types of signal. “The adult brain is a lot more plastic than we thought,” says Nicolelis.

The finding could lead to new brain prostheses that restore sight in humans with a damaged visual cortex. By by-

government offices.

“Africa is the perfect location to pioneer white-space technology,” says Indigo’s Peter Henderson, thanks to governments’ open-mindedness.

Indeed, Kenya has a strong chance of being in the global vanguard of white-space roll-out. While the US has already legalised use of derelict TV bands, it has yet to standardise the database technology that will tell devices which frequencies are free to use at their GPS location.

In the UK, white-space access should finally be up and running by the end of 2013, says William Webb of white-space startup Neul in Cambridge. “White-space trials are also taking place in Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa and many other countries – and some of these may move directly to allowing access without needing lengthy consultations,” he says. In many cases, it has been these consultations that have slowed the technology’s progress.

Microsoft aims to roll out the initiative to other African nations, such as sub-Saharan countries. “Internet access is a life-changing experience and it’s going to give both our students and teachers added motivation for learning,” says Nderango. “It will also make my job as headmistress a little easier.”

passing the damaged part of the brain altogether, it might be possible to wire up a video camera to a part of the brain that processes touch, letting people “touch” what the camera sees.

According to Nicolelis, it could also lead to superhero powers for humans. “It could be X-rays, radio waves, anything,” he says. “Superman probably had a prosthetic device that nobody knew of.”

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Do You Smell Smoke We have acres of beautiful land in Belize. I remember one evening while returning to the city on the western road I could not help but notice dark, thick smoke floating in the sky. As we drove further we could see fire all over the bushes for miles and miles. This fire could have possibly started from a simple can thrown in the grass that reflected the sunlight and heated up a part of the bush. Regardless of the cause, fire has a specific signature and that is: it produces smoke.

We could see from afar the evidence of these fires because of the thick black smoke. A fire is something that is as destructful as it is useful and its purposes span from keeping us warm to feeding us.

We use it to join metal, to clean purify gold, and even to burn garbage.

In the case of humans, fire represents a hard difficult season of testing or challenge that we go through. Everyone has a fire. For some people it is constant sickness, or death of a loved one, or losing a job or a business. Another common fire is that of having your husband or wife or girlfriend leave you for another person. A fire is usually hot and unbearable, bringing a level of torment that leaves you deformed and discolored, leaving behind its trademark smell that we refer to as “smoke”.

In society today we are experiencing various smells of smoke caused by various fires. One of the worst is that of dead beat dads who make children just for the purpose of sex, and then leave them to fend for themselves while running off with other women. These boys are now angry, fatherless and get the only sense of family and acceptance from a gang. The smell of smoke coming from such young men is the resulting violence we see on our streets.

We see young women running around the place looking for someone to love them. They walk around looking for love. Looking for someone to embrace them as a father would and instead they find themselves locked up in an abusive relationship being beaten to a pulp and in appearance you can see the smoke from the fire they have been through.

There are many others who suffer the fatal smoke of suicide. The truth is that every person you meet has gone through some fire and if they haven’t as yet they will some time or the other be facing the fire.

It is normal for a person to smell smoke after experiencing a personal fire, it is normal to be disfigured after being burned severely, but it is quite a huge miracle to pass through one of the worst fires of your life and not be burned or even smell of smoke!

In the Manual, Daniel 3, we encounter three young men who were forced into a fire because they refused to drop their standards and bow down to a king. The fire was so hot that it killed the men who heated it up.

Amazingly these three boys came out unharmed. Let me give you a quick example of someone passing through the fire, getting burned, but not accepting the smell of smoke. I heard one woman rehearsing her experience with her husband who divorced her. Yes, she was hurt, had been through the flames, but this was her choice of response.

“Now I have the whole bed to myself, and I can also now get a full night’s rest as I don’t have to listen to his snoring!”

When we resort to violence, bitterness, and vengeance, we are simply pushing off the smell of smoke, but it is a miracle and strong show of inner strength when we pass through these challenges in life while keeping true to Godly values, and principles of forgiveness, self acceptance and perseverance.

I encourage you that fires will come and smoke will want to stick to you but wash yourself free of this smoke and live life far above your challenges.

Until next week God bless!

17 FEB

2013

Achilles Tendonitis

By Dr. Francis Smith

Pain in the back portion of the lower leg or ankle is usually as a result of overuse, and is referred to by several names: Achilles tendonitis, heel chord pain, insertional tendo-calcaneal tendonitis, Haglund’s deformity, paratendonitis and bursitis.

The tendocalcaneous or Achilles tendon is the band of connective tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneous). It is surrounded by a synovial membrane called the paratenon.

Achilles tendinitis is most commonly present in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs, but occurs as well, in other running sports. It is also common in people, especially middle-aged or older, who play sports, such as tennis or basketball, only on weekends. The injury is caused, because of excessive and repetitive overload (strain) of the tendon.

Symptoms: Pain from Achilles tendonitis usually begins as a dull, nagging discomfort in the back part of the lower leg after running. The discomfort becomes a more persistent aching after increasing the running activity, walking or climbing uneven terrain and jumping. The circulation slows while sleeping and in the early morning the pain may be worse but improves after warming up with mild activity.

If there is a sudden intense pain occurring at the back of the lower leg during a sprint or other running activity, climbing stairs or a simple “push-off” or tip-toeing activity, see your doctor as you may have ruptured the Achilles tendon.

Treatment: Achilles tendinitis responds well to self-care measures. Use the R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method of treatment at the onset of discomfort or pain. You may take the usual painkillers and anti-inflammatories such as advil (ibuprofen) or alleve (naproxen).

While you rest with the limb elevated above your chest, move the injured ankle through its full range of motion and perform gentle calf and ankle stretches to maintain flexibility.

Orthotics can also be useful. A shoe insert or wedge that slightly elevates your heel can relieve strain on the tendon and provide a cushion that lessens the amount of force exerted on your Achilles tendon.

Physical therapy which involves specific stretching and eccentric, strengthening exercises may help to promote healing and strengthening of the Achilles tendon and its supporting structures. The key to the prevention and treatment of Achilles tendonitis is in persistent warming up, stretching and eccentric exercises.

17 FEB

2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

29

Pope’s sudden resignation sends shockwaves through Church

By Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY | Mon Feb 11, 2013 6:02pm EST (Reuters) - Pope Benedict stunned the Roman Catholic Church on Monday when he announced he would stand down, the first pope to do so in 700 years, saying he no longer had the mental and physical strength to carry on.

Church officials tried to relay a climate of calm confidence in the running of a 2,000-year-old institution, but the decision could lead to uncertainty in a Church already besieged by scandal for covering up sexual abuse of children by priests.

The soft-spoken German, who always maintained that he never wanted to be pope, was an uncompromising conservative on social and theological issues, fighting what he regarded as the increasing secularization of society.

It remains to be seen whether his successor will continue such battles or do more to bend with the times.

Despite his firm opposition to tolerance of homosexual acts, his eight year reign saw gay marriage accepted in many countries. He has staunchly resisted allowing women to be ordained as priests, and opposed embryonic stem cell research, although he retreated slightly from the position that condoms could never be used to fight AIDS. He repeatedly apologized for the Church’s failure to root out child abuse by priests, but critics said he did too little and the efforts failed to stop a rapid decline in Church attendance in the West, especially in his native Europe.

In addition to child sexual abuse crises, his papacy saw the Church rocked

by Muslim anger after he compared Islam to violence. Jews were upset over rehabilitation of a Holocaust denier.

During a scandal over the Church’s business dealings, his butler was accused of leaking his private papers.

In an announcement read to cardinals in Latin, the universal language of the Church, the 85-year-old said: “Well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of St Peter ...

“As from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours (1900 GMT) the See of Rome, the

See of St. Peter will be vacant and a conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.”

POPE DOESN’T FEAR SCHISM Benedict is expected to go into isolation for at least a while after his resignation. Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said Benedict did not intend to influence the decision of the cardinals in a secret conclave to elect a successor.

A new leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics could be elected as soon as Palm Sunday, on March 24, and be ready to take over by Easter a week later, Lombardi said.

Several popes in the past, including Benedict’s predecessor John Paul, have refrained from stepping down over their health, because of the division that could be caused by having an “ex-pope” and a reigning pope alive at the same time.

Lombardi said the pope did not fear a possible “schism”, with Catholics owing allegiances to a past and present pope in case of differences on Church teachings.

He indicated the complex machinery of the process to elect a new pope would move quickly because the Vatican would not have to wait until after the elaborate funeral services for a pope.

It is not clear if Benedict will have a public life after he resigns. Lombardi said Benedict would first go to the papal summer residence south of Rome and then move into a cloistered convent inside the Vatican walls.

The resignation means that cardinals from around the world will begin arriving in Rome in March and after preliminary meetings, lock themselves in a secret conclave and elect the new pope from among themselves in votes in the Sistine Chapel.

There has been growing pressure on the Church for it to choose a pope from the developing world to better reflect where most Catholics live and where the Church is growing.

“It could be time for a black pope, or a yellow one, or a red one, or a Latin American,” said Guatemala’s Archbishop Oscar Julio Vian Morales.

The cardinals may also want a younger man. John Paul was 58 when he was elected in 1978. Benedict was 20 years older.

“We have had two intellectuals in a row, two academics, perhaps it is time for a diplomat,” said Father Tom Reese, senior

fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University. “Rather than electing the smartest man in the room, they should elect the man who will listen to all the other smart people in the Church.”

Liberals have already begun calling for a pope that would be more open to reform.

“The current system remains an ‘old boy’s club’ and does not allow for women’s voices to participate in the decision of the next leader of our Church,” said the Women’s Ordination Conference, a group that wants women to be able to be priests.

“GREAT COURAGE” The last pope to resign willingly was Celestine V in 1294 after reigning for only five months, his resignation was known as “the great refusal” and was condemned by the poet Dante in the “Divine Comedy”. Gregory XII reluctantly abdicated in 1415 to end a dispute with a rival claimant to the papacy.

Lombardi said Benedict’s stepping aside showed “great courage”. He ruled out any specific illness or depression and said the decision was made in the last few months “without outside pressure”. But the decision was not without controversy.

“This is disconcerting, he is leaving his flock,” said Alessandra Mussolini, a parliamentarian who is granddaughter of Italy’s wartime dictator. “The pope is not any man.

He is the vicar of Christ. He should stay on to the end, go ahead and bear his cross to the end. This is a huge sign of world destabilization that will weaken the Church.”

Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, secretary to the late Pope John Paul, said the former pope had stayed on despite failing health for the last decade of his life as he believed “you cannot come down from the cross.”

While the pope had slowed down recently - he started using a cane and a wheeled platform to take him up the long aisle in St Peter’s Square - he had given no hint recently that he was considering such a dramatic decision.

Elected in 2005 to succeed the enormously popular John Paul, Benedict never appeared to feel comfortable in the job.

“MIND AND BODY” In his announcement, the pope told the cardinals that in order to govern “... both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me.”

Before he was elected pope, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was known as “God’s rottweiler” for his stern stand on theological issues. After a few months, he showed a milder side but he never drew the kind of adulation that had marked the 27year papacy of his predecessor John Paul.

U.S. President Barack Obama extended prayers to Benedict and best wishes to those who would choose his successor.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the pope’s decision must be respected if he feels he is too weak to carry out his duties.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said: “He will be missed as a spiritual leader to millions.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the worldwide Anglican communion, said he had learned of the pope’s decision with a heavy heart but complete understanding.

CHEERS AND SCANDAL Elected to the papacy on April 19, 2005, Benedict ruled over a slower-paced, more cerebral and less impulsive Vatican.

But while conservatives cheered him for trying to reaffirm traditional Catholic identity, his critics accused him of turning back the clock on reforms by nearly half a century and hurting dialogue with Muslims, Jews and other Christians.

After appearing uncomfortable in the limelight at the start, he began feeling at home with his new job and showed that he intended to be pope in his way.

Despite great reverence for his charismatic, globe-trotting predecessor -- whom he put on the fast track to sainthood and whom he beatified in 2011 -- aides said he was determined not to change his quiet manner to imitate John Paul’s style.

A quiet, professorial type who relaxed by playing the piano, he showed the gentle side of a man who was the Vatican’s chief doctrinal enforcer for nearly a quarter of a century.

The first German pope for some 1,000 years and the second non-Italian in a row, he traveled regularly, making about four foreign trips a year, but never managed to draw the oceanic crowds of his predecessor.

The child abuse scandals hounded most of his papacy. He ordered an official inquiry into abuse in Ireland, which led to the resignation of several bishops.

Scandal from a source much closer to home hit in 2012 when the pontiff’s butler, responsible for dressing him and bringing him meals, was found to be the source of leaked documents alleging corruption in the Vatican’s business dealings.

Benedict confronted his own country’s past when he visited the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz. Calling himself “a son of Germany”, he prayed and asked why God was silent when 1.5 million victims, most of them Jews, were killed there.

Ratzinger served in the Hitler Youth during World War Two when membership was compulsory. He was never a member of the Nazi party and his family opposed Adolf Hitler’s regime.

(Additional reporting by James Mackenzie, Barry Moody, Cristiano Corvino, Alexandra Hudson in Berlin, and Dagamara Leszkowixa in Poland; Editing

by Peter Graff)

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17 FEB

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Oceana Seeks Permission to Appeal Referendum Strike-out Decision

Belize City, February 13, 2013 Oceana et’al has applied for permission to appeal against the decision of Justice Michelle Arana, which resulted in the dismissal of the case against the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) and the Governor General on the basis of a technicality. Claim #255 of 2012 sought judicial review of the decision of the CEO to disqualify 8,047 petition signatures collected as part of the referendum petition drive

by Oceana and the Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage, which asked the Governor General to issue an order for a referendum to determine whether or not Belizeans support government’s decision to allow offshore oil exploration and drilling in our marine territory.

Audrey Bradley and Tom Greenwood joined Oceana in Belize in bringing the case against the Governor General and the CEO seeking judicial review of the decision which

ACROSS 1 She would not sit in the back of the bus PARKS 3 Famous author Alice writer of the acclaimed novel “The Color Purple” WALKER 5 Music Louis Armstrong played JAZZ 6 Boxing legend called “The Greatest” ALI 8 American educator __ McLeod Bethune MARY 10 Harlem or New York for example CITY 11 Wynton Marsalis blows one HORN 13 Tennis great Arthur __ ASHE 14 Abolitionist __ Brown JOHN 15 Actor Lawrence of Hollywood films MARTIN 17 Poet __ Angelou MAYA 18 Jackie Robinson’s first position second __ BASE 19 First African-American Supreme Court

denied Belizean electors a direct say on the question of offshore oil exploration in Belize by way of a referendum. Justice Michelle Arana initially granted the permission sought to take the matter to judicial review. However, the respondents through their new counsels, Denys Barrow and Naima Barrow, applied to have the matter struck out on the basis that the substantial claim was not field within time.

February 2, makes one year since this CEO’s decision to disqualify the signatures was made and as a result to date Belizean have not been allowed an official vote on this issue of great national importance.

“Seeking a referendum on any issue of this magnitude was critical as the government to date does not have a mandate to proceed with offshore drilling from the Belizean population, who are the true owners and beneficiaries of the country’s marine resource,” explained Oceana VP Audrey Matura-Shepherd. “It is

Justice THURGOOD MARSHALL 24 Kweisi Mfume is the leader of this organization NAACP 25 Reason for many marches CIVILRIGHTS 27 Basketball star O’Neal to fans SHAQ 30 First name of the black leader who wrote “Soul on Ice” ELDRIDGE 31 Nickname for musical legend Charlie Parker BIRD 32 Music legend __ Basie COUNT 33 Place where Motown Records was founded DETROIT 35 TV star Bernie __ MAC 37 Comedian who had a hit show playing father Cliff Huxtable BILLCOSBY 38 Popular black magazine EBONY 39 First name of 1-across ROSA 40 Black History month FEBRUARY

still not too late for the government to hold true to their promise and allow the people a voice on this issue, especially now that after denying the people a say via an offshore oil referendum, they are seeking to ask the Belizean population to go out and vote to take the Belize-Guatemala dispute to the ICJ. This is after the Attorney General called our People’s Referendum an exercise in futility.”

It was on March 2, 2012 after the results of The People Referendum showed that 96% of those who voted in this people - driven event said “NO” to offshore drilling, that Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow in an interview said, “I personally would be prepared to support the government sponsoring the referendum to be

held at an appropriate time”. MaturaShepherd says 2013 is the ideal time to deal with all referenda and so as a cost-saving strategy the oil issue must also be placed on the upcoming referendum.

The application to appeal the matter is scheduled to be heard on April 18th, 2013. If the permission sought is granted the applicants will be allowed to approach the Court of Appeal to review the decision of Madam Justice Arana to strike out the claim.

SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTION #4/2013

41 Baseball’s all-time home run champion HENRYAARON DOWN 1 Emancipation PROCLAMATION 2 Famous TV mini-series and Alex Haley book ROOTS 3 George __ Carver WASHINGTON 4 Festival featuring African-American culture KWANZAA 5 Basketball superstar Michael __ JORDAN 7 Legendary gospel singer __ Jackson MAHALIA 8 Speaker who said “I Have a Dream” MARTINLUTHERKING 9 Last name of 30-across CLEAVER 12 Former ambassador to the United Nations and mayor of Atlanta YOUNG 16 Abolitionist who escaped from slavery

Frederick __ DOUGLASS 18 Player with a record 73 home runs in one season. Barry __ BONDS 20 Basketball legend and businessman __ Johnson MAGIC 21 She led slaves to the Underground Railroad HARRIETTUBMAN 22 Founder of the Rainbow Coalition JESSEJACKSON 23 Name for a female opera star such as Leontyne Price DIVA 26 Best-selling musical artist __ Jackson MICHAEL 28 Nickname for 41-across HANK 29 It matched the Union against the Confederates CIVILWAR 34 What Halle Berry does ACTS 36 Basketball superstar __ Bryant KOBE

17 FEB

2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

31 Farrakhan

World-renowned Grill targeted by UDP Chairman

By Mark Paulson Alberto “Betito” Villanueva, the failed chairperson of the Caye Caulker Village Council, appears to have stolen a page out of Darrell Bradley’s book of political victimization.

Readers may recall that late last year Darrell Bradley forced well-known DJ Tambran from his booth at the Commercial Center to make way for UDP crony, Said Perdomo’s Cellular Plus.

Betito, like his counterpart Bradley, thought that it would be cute to play petty, vindictive politics with a proud Belizean establishment that has earned itself international awards and accolades as one of the best restaurants and bars on the island of Caye Caulker – Rose’s Grill and Bar. Since the year 2000 a young entrepreneur by the name of Eduardo Arceo began grilling chicken, pork and game meat from his location on Calle Al Sol. For thirteen years, Arceo has worked tirelessly in expanding his restaurant from a fast food establishment to one that now seats 100 at any given time of day.

In 2004 Arceo applied for and received a liquor license for Rose’s Grill and Bar, which allowed the establishment to sell alcohol and beer to customers, mostly tourists, who travel all the way from Europe just to get a taste of Rose’s succulent seafood, chicken and meats.

In January of this year however, it appears that Rose’s success caught the ire of the Village’s Chairperson, Alberto Villanueva, and with the stroke of a pen he denied the renewal of Arceo’s liquor license on the ground that he would like Arceo to move his grill to the back of his premises, a location which would be a fire hazard and a danger to Arceo’s establishment.

The BELIZE TIMES spoke with Mr. Eduardo Arceo today who stated that he has no doubt in his mind that this is an act of political victimization.

“In thirteen years of run-

ning my business I have not received a single complaint from my neighbors or customers.

What the chairperson does not like is that I do not mince my words. Since taking office Villanueva has done absolutely nothing to uplift the island of Caye Caulker. I do not support Alberto Villanueva – never have, never will and that is why he has a problem with me,” he said.

But Arceo says that he will not take Villanueva’s bully tactics lightly. He has already retained the services of Attorney-at-Law Kareem Musa, who has filed an application for Judicial Review to overturn Villanueva’s decision.

According to Musa, “the decision to deny Mr. Arceo his liquor license is not only fraught with irregularities, but it was also ar-

bitrary, irrational, unreasonable and unjustified”.

Musa says he feels confident that the application will be successful and that the courts will also award damages against Villanueva for the losses suffered by Arceo since being deprived of his liquor license.

For Villanueva his attack against Arceo marks the perfect end to a dismal tenure as Chairman of Caye Caulker Village. Villanueva has made the wise decision not to seek re-election for the post of chairman. And while Villanueva may have secured his fate as one of the worst Chairpersons the village has ever seen, his actions also have far-reaching consequences for his successors, who will now have the unenviable task of cleaning up the legal mess that Villanueva has left behind.

re-schedules visit to Belize

Belize City, February 13, 2013 The BELIZE TIMES has confirmed that Leader of the Nation of Islam, Minister Louis Farrakhan, has re-scheduled his visit to Belize, after cancelling an on-going Caribbean tour in December last year.

According to the local coordinator, Nuri Muhammad, Minister Farrakhan will arrive in Belize on March 4th and will stay in Belize for six days, until March 11th.

Farrkhan plans to hold meetings with several Government officials and carry out public addresses during the visit. He will visit the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition.

Among the public events that will form part of Minister Farrakhan’s visit are an address to Muslims at the jummah service at Masjid Al Falah, a Youth Rally, an address to inmates at the Kolbe Correctional Facility, and a large public address.

Farrkhan’s visit will be his third to Belize. The last one was in 1986.

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2013