Belize Times January 20, 2013

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The Belize Times

20 JAN SCAN HERE

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Established 1957

20 JAN 2013

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The Truth Shall Make You Free

ISSUE NO: 4028

www.belizetimes.bz

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Justice System in Crisis!

Why the diagnosis is worse than disclosed

Pg. 6

Belize’s Chief Justice Hon. Kenneth Benjamin declared that there is crisis in the justice system during Monday’s opening of the Supreme Court 2013 session

GOB Dodges BEL Bukut,

Consumers Don’t!

Father of the Nation Remembered

Belize City, January 15, 2013 The cost of electricity, provided by the Government-owned Belize Electricity Limited, has increased by 17% effective January 1st. In its original rate review announced last year December, the increase tallied by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), was to affect residential consumers, business and industrial consumers and even the Government of Belize (GOB).

Page 8

Pg. 17

BNTU mobilizes!

Shots fired at former PM’s home!

Page 31

PUP Leader Francis Fonseca, flanked by family, friends and supporters of the Father of the Nation, paying tribute

Pg. 7 FOLLOW US! on the social media

Police are investigating the disturbing shooting of former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Said Musa’s residence

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Private Sector says GOB is emboldening criminal factions Wednesday, January 16, 2013 The Private Sector is gravely concerned about the recent acts of violence in Belize. Although we are less than 3 weeks into the New Year, there has already been a sharp increase in crime, escalating last week with a quadruple murder of men from George Street, and today’s attack against the home of the former Prime Minister of Belize.

The Private Sector calls on the Government and citizens alike for adherence to the rule of law and the protection of our citizenry. We demand that the Government implement measures that are directed at improving the quality of life in Belize and adopts a position of zero tolerance to crime and known criminals.

The Private Sector condemns the Government’s perceived need to negotiate with criminals while the demands of law-abiding citizens for protection and safety are repeatedly ignored. We consider that the Government’s willingness to engage in negotiations with these gang leaders sends a dangerous signal to Belizeans and the international community. We consider that criminal factions have been emboldened by the fact that they can bring the Prime Minister to the negotiation table, while citizens cower in fear.

The Private Sector renews its recommendation that the Government sanctions a wholesale implementation of the Crooks report, rather than the piecemeal implementation of select recommendations. Despite official claims to the contrary, crime is escalating, not regressing. It is therefore imperative that serious and urgent measures are implemented to curb the crime situation so that Belizeans are given a renewed sense of safety and security. This is the time for the authorities to govern, not engage in amicable discussions.

The Private Sector takes this

LOCAL 18 Jan 21 Dec

20 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP makes recommendations to fight crime

opportunity to remind Belizeans that it is integral to the creation of wealth in a country. Measures must be taken to lower the cost of production and the cost of doing business. This will stimulate the economy, which leads to improving sustainable employment and thereby increasing the buying power of our citizens so that they are able to shop in Belize and contribute to the development of our beloved country. This can only be created by an invigorated private sector. Our calls have so far fallen on deaf ears, while criminals are perceived to be sent on vacations and paid extortionist stipends.

On the issues of vigilance, detection and enforcement, our criminal justice system has also been a major contributor to the rampant crime situation. The private sector demands that the Government makes sufficient allocation to the police, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary to ensure that those offices are sufficiently staffed and trained to investigate and prosecute criminal acts. It is only when we can increase our conviction rate that persons will be deterred from engaging in criminal activity.

We call on the government to take immediate and serious measures given the gravity of the situation. We ask that swift action be taken to finally curb this criminal scourge that has besieged our beloved country, especially Belize City. We must move with haste to avoid further erosion of our society. We want to work, we want to be productive, and we want to contribute. Please allow us to do so.

Signed: Kay Menzies, President BCCI; Mark Lizarraga, Business Senator; Arturo Lizarraga, President BBB (Press Release)

20 23 Jan Dec

January 9, 2013 The People’s United Party (PUP) first wishes to offer condolences to the families of all persons who have lost their lives since the start of 2013.

We next call in the strongest terms for the Government and security forces to respond swiftly to the near state of anarchy possibly caused by the further killings of today January 8, 2013 and to bring the current situation under control. Schools have been closed, children sent home and citizens are living in fear.

Our leader, Hon Francis Fonseca stands by to hear from Prime Minister Barrow, and the PUP will do all that we can to cooperate in bringing peace and order to Belize City.

The present crime situation cannot continue and we call on Government to work with all Stakeholders in this national emergency.

Further to the Prime Minister’s Press Conference on January 8, 2013, the People’s United Party offers the following recommendations: 1. 24 hours after the quadruple slayings of four Belize City men, it is clear that too many questions remain unanswered, and there is growing suspicion and speculation regarding the role of the state, and in particular, the Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) in these killings.

We cannot allow this uncertainty to continue and we cannot afford any further erosion of confidence in our security forces and state authorities.

We therefore call on the Government, and in particular, the Hon. Prime Minister to immediately appoint an Independent Commission of Inquiry to fully examine and report within 21 days on the role and involvement if any of the GSU in these

killings.

Every effort must be exhausted to satisfy the Belizean people beyond a reasonable doubt that our security forces have acted and will continue to act at all times in accordance with the law.

2. The Government must not enter into any new Gang Truce arrangement which involves payments of money or other such incentives and compromises to individuals or groups of individuals who have threatened and continue to threaten retaliation, and remain committed to destabilizing our society.

The criminal elements in these Belize City communities must not be offered any protection by those in authority and must be dealt with in accordance with the full strength of the law.

3. There are many good, decent, law abiding residents living in these crime-ridden communities who need and deserve immediate reassurance from our political, religious, and social leadership, that they remain our number one priority in these challenging times.

We must go to them in their communities in a demonstration of national unity to offer this reassurance. (Press Release)

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

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

EDITOR

Alberto Vellos LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams Printed and Published By The Belize Times Press Ltd.

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20 JAN

2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

03 3

Up in Smoke!

Minister Alamilla destroys half a million worth of Rosewood Belize City, January 14, 2013 Minister of Environment and Fisheries (briefly Indigenous Peoples) Lisel Alamilla-Pennil seemed to be practising lessons from a book entitled “Stupid things politicians do” when she decided to cull the media in Toledo for a bonfire of one of Belize’s most precious resources, Rosewood.

Wearing a false sense of pride, after her Ministry seized and confiscated a truck containing illegally harvested Rosewood, Alamilla said she wanted to “send a message”, as she put it, to those responsible for the illegal harvesting. Wanting to send a message, like cursing the wind, and not taking direct action was strange, almost nonsensical, since her Ministry knew who the persons responsible for the Rosewood extraction were. In fact, the Chief Forest Officer Wilbur Sabido reported that the same individuals were caught moving an illegal loot in the same area several weeks ago.

Nonetheless, Alamilla went ahead with her message-sending and set the prized resources on fire. We have seen the video and photo ops showing her pouring lighter fluid onto the wood. As the Minister put it, burning it would hurt somebody’s pocket since the Rosewood, valued at about $500,000, would be destroyed and the owner would not be able to profit from it.

But Alamilla forgot that upon confiscation of the Rosewood, it became the property of the Government of Belize and its export value – half a million worth – could have gone a long way to ease Government’s financial headaches.

She also forgot that poverty in Belize is nearly half the population and the wood could have been used to build a new classroom in Toledo or repair a shoddy home in the Southside of Belize City. Or even sold and used to finance a new oversight project to fight the illegal logging. The Minister seemed too consumed in her vendetta and too hungry for media attention to think outside the box. Instead she burnt the box too!

Since the burning of the Rosewood, Alamilla has been the focus of harsh public criticism. Except for a few environmental organisations, with whom she has connections, no one seems to agree with her actions. The public

Minister Alamilla pours lighter fluid on the confiscated Rosewood, but this was no BBQ

Rosewood valued at $500,000 was destroyed; it could have been used to build a new home or classroom

has been very vocal on morning talk shows, on news interviews, and even on the social media which has seen a groundswell of verbal lashing.

One Belizean, writing on Facebook opined, “Its very stupid burning so much hardwood she could have sold it use the money to buy equipment so the forest rangers can be more resourceful , help use the wood to make school furniture help with house building,but r**s man no burn the wood yrs to grow and hours to burn, nxt thing the hardwood thief burn the forest to give the minister her message not for bze nor for us (sic)”.

Another wrote, “so, if the police seize a car, are they going to set it on fire? illegal cash? set it on fire? proceeds of crime ? set it on fire? i think the minister responsible should put forward her resignation to the prime minister! why wasnt the wood donated or sold to a mill? charities and the poor could have benefited from this wood. this is one of the worst cases of stupidity by an official that’s supposed to help the people, that ive ever seen (sic)” The Minister continues to defend her actions, claiming that distrust in her own Minister employees is another reason she chose to burn the Resources. Several weeks ago, some confiscated Rosewood stored at the Ministry of Forestry disappeared to thin air. It was later traced all the way in China.

As to the persons responsible, officials have named Hilmar Alamilla and Alex Alamilla as being involved. They reportedly use Chinese persons as a front so villagers believe new licenses have been awarded.

But a moratorium bans the logging of Rosewood completely.

Reports are Hilmar Alamilla’s license had been suspended following the first confiscation. With the recent confiscation his logging concession stands for revocation, but the BELIZE TIMES understands that pressure and protection is coming from a very influential politician in Belmopan.

4 04 Citizens’ demonstration planned for Friday Belize City, January 14, 2013 A citizens’ demonstration is planned for this Friday, January 18th 2013 in the downtown area of Belize City.

The demonstration is organised by Phillip “Faada” Henry and other supporters. Faada explained that the action is in response to the high levels of crime and violence in the country, and specifically, in Belize City.

He also said that during Friday’s demonstration, picketing will be carried out against police officers who abuse their authority and take advantage of citizens, as a sign of the community’s zero tolerance for such abuse.

“This is the only way this madness will stop. We need the community to stand up,” said Henry.

The demonstration will start at 9am at the Battlefield Park.

This is the second protest action Henry is taking in just two weeks. Last week Friday he and a supporter, John Brackett, held a two-man walk-through protest on Albert Street. Henry says he expects more support on Friday.

Phillip “Faada” Henry is organizing Friday’s protest

Caye Chaper Deal Gone Sour Belize City, January 10, 2013 Remember the big song and dance Barrow made about the sale of Caye Chapel in his Independence Day address? Well according to reliable source the Qatari group of investors smelt a rat and have pulled out of the deal.

They found out that the UDP Minister they were having discussions with, sold them a development plan which belonged to a Canadian Group.

The Canadian Group developed this plan with the Sheridan Hotel in mind.

The Minister went to Qatar and sold the Qatari Group the same plan for a handsome fee with the Four Seasons Hotel chain proposed as the developers of the project expansion.

When Barrow made his boastful Independence Day speech that Caye Chapel had been sold to multi-millionaires from Qatar, the Canadian Group realized they had been taken for a ride.

It is reported that the Qatari investors have backed out of the deck for fear of buying a law suit.

The Canadians are no longer interested in buying. They realized they cannot trust this Belize Government. Caye Chapel is now back on the open market for sale and the charlatan Prime Minister has egg all over his face.

THE BELIZE TIMES

20 JAN

2013

150 Murders in 2012

The BELIZE TIMES explains its count Belize City, January 14, 2013 There were 150 vicious murders in 2012, the highest ever in Belize’s history.

The Police are yet to release their murder count, but the BELIZE TIMES had been tracking the homicide rate from the start of the year.

With weak policies initiated by the Ministry of National Security, and the UDP Government’s insistence to negotiate with gang members, the country remained in siege as criminal elements ran amok in the country.

The media’s unofficial tabulation has the count at 145, while the Bar Association’s count is 148.

For clarity, the BELIZE TIMES informs readers

that in its count are the killings of Arthur Young, Allan “Boco T” Kelly, 18 year old Kendale Flowers and 22 year old Alexander Mazariegos which we consider as victims of state executions. The other killing is that of Charles Gamboa who was found dead in Dangriga. The Police say no foul play was involved but the victim’s family reported seeing signs of a vicious assault on their loved one’s body.

150 murders in one year is a terrible record.

It also displays a terrifying image of our country, since comparatively; Belize has the highest murder rate per capita in the Caribbean and among the highest in Central America. These are the degrading rankings which the Barrow Administration has our country in.

20 JAN

2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

05 5

Is Belize Falling Apart?

H

istory shows that most countries that fall apart do so not with a bang but with a whimper. They become failed states not in an explosion of war and destruction but by being utterly unable to take advantage of their society’s huge potential for growth condemning their citizens to a lifetime of misery and poverty.

We are seeing this slow grinding process unravel before our eyes as this Barrow Government goes from crisis to crisis, each time the level of corruption and incompetence becomes even more pronounced.

Today Belize is plagued by massive unemployment.

Young school leavers whether from the primary, secondary or tertiary level end up joining the ranks of the burgeoning army of the jobless, neglected masses of frustrated young people.

Because of the breakdown of the family structure in so many marginalized areas of our cities and towns and the overcrowded dehumanizing housing conditions prevailing in these urban areas, especially in Belize City, many children are abandoned to a life of begging and scrounging on the streets. This is the reality.

Meanwhile the Government Ministers live in their own fantasy world, driving their air-conditioned fancy SUVs, totally oblivious to this stark reality. What is worse, from the Prime Minister down, they live in denial and when problems do confront them, they behave like it’s not their responsibility. It’s always somebody else’s concern. “I am not to blame” is the standard mantra. The PUP is to blame, is their old, tired, lame excuse.

Crime has been escalating every year that the UDP has been in office. Since 2008 the rate of violent crimes has shot through the roof. In 2012, 150 murders were committed.

Already for the first 15 days of January 2013, 8 murders have been committed.

The cold-blooded slaughter that took place in the George Street area of Belize City, last Monday night/Tuesday morning, was the tipping point clearly indicating that the criminals have taken over. The reaction of the Prime Minister and his other representative colleagues of the southside of this brutal murder of four men with their throats slashed and their bodies stabbed multiple times, was to meet with the remaining leaders of the George Street gang in the Office of the Prime Minister next to the Cabinet room. No greater recognition could have been given to these alleged criminal gang members than that offered by

the holder of the highest political office in Belize.

The whole scene beggars belief. It is so disgustingly unacceptable that the Prime Minister and his Cabinet have become so beholden to gang members that a paid holiday was arranged for them, transported in government vehicles including the protocol vehicle of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Reports are that ransom money was again paid to them to “hold it down”. This is in addition to the million plus already paid by a government cowed by the gangs unable to deal with the crime situation without bribing the alleged perpetrators. Is this not the greatest incentive for enterprising, jobless youth to join a gang?

This is Mr. Barrow’s carrot and stick failed crime fighting strategy. The carrot is the weekly salary paid to gang leaders to “hold it down”. The stick is to send in the G.S.U. to target the young men in these “crime-ridden areas”.

A law passed by the UDP in 1995 – the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Act has for the first time been implemented with strengthened provisions. Any area of the city and country can now be declared a crime-ridden special area by the Minister. This area can be locked down and cordoned off preventing citizens from moving in or out of the area. In other words, residents of the area can all be put under house arrest, imprisoned in their own homes. The security forces can search any individual, vehicle, home without warrant and can seize and detain. In short, the rule of law and due process guaranteed by the Constitution is being circumvented by the Government all in the name of wielding a big stick.

But the knee-jerk actions of the UDP administration has failed miserably and the actions of the security forces especially the G.S.U. have served only to build up anger and fear in the community. The police instead of being seen as the guardians of our peace and security have been thrown under the bus by the biggest gang, the big men in Belmopan, and peace officers are now perceived by many as the enemy.

This is the real tipping point when law and order cease to exist. For without law and order there can be no functioning stable society. Without law and order there can be no real economy; and without a real economy the country is doomed to fail.

Is Belize a failed state? We think not. The situation is not beyond redemption. What we do have is a failed government. Change we must.

6 06

THE BELIZE TIMES

Justice System in Crisis! state and the citizenry and the state against the evil lurking in the night was in “crisis”.

After our investigations were completed at the BELIZE TIMES we were convinced that the Chief Justice was being kind in his understatement of the deterioration of the Justice System since the UDP took office in 2008.

We will not rehearse the thirst and clear state of affairs in his address, save to say, that the extent of the “crisis” is severe. One Senior Counsel speaking to the BELIZE TIMES noted that the calendar of casPresident of the Bar Association Andrew Marshalleck es is overwhelming. The Counsel explained that the system Belize City, January 15, 2013 was designed for a time when the murMany Belizeans would view the cer- der rate was in “single digits”. It was emonial opening of the Supreme Court explained that there is not only a clutas little more than pomp and circum- ter and backlog of cases in the Criminal stance, exhibited with a good measure Courts but that the explosion of cases of superfluous pageantry. In most cas- is bound to get worse. es their view would be accurate, as the There are, as was explained, only fraternity of high paid lawyers has a flair four judges who practice criminal law. for the dramatic which is better suited These are Justices John Troadio Gonzafor colonial egos and Shakespearian lez, Herbert Lord, Denis Hanomansingh plays than for the gritty, bloody cement and Adolph Lucas. These judges do all streets of Belize City. the cases which are divided into a three The ceremonies, complete with a month period called “sessions”. The church service designed to absolve the workload is overwhelming for these many sins and neglects of the legal sys- judges and currently Judge Lucas is ill tem and its agents, took place at the which further heavies the load of the Holy Redeemer. It then moved to the judges. cramped Court room of the Chief JusWe are informed that in that sick tice, Kenneth Benjamin. judge’s court room alone there are 33 Comparatively and for context, the new matters which will be added to the new Chief Justice is not as charismatic fifty seven (57) cases not completed. or as grandiloquently palavering as his These cases are added on to the new predecessor, Dr. Abdulai Conteh. Con- cases in a procedure called “traversteh, a Sierra Leonean national who was ing”. There are then almost 100 cases chased from Belize by the UDP Admin- which have not been touched. The matistration in 2010 after he rejected their ters which still languish in the Criminal political interference in the courts and Courts are as old as the year 2002. their persistent victimization of citizens It would be impossible to catch and political opponents. At that time up or finish these cases as we are inthe Bar Association, a traditionally doc- formed that the average murder trial ile and timid bunch, described the Chief takes near two weeks to complete.

Justice’s removal as the “unseemly In order to complete 100 cases in 60 manner in which the tenure of the chief days the criminal justice system would justice has been treated by the govern- have to deal with two cases per day. ment of Belize.”

The crisis is unlikely to see any relief as The last time there was fire works there were 150 murder victims in 2012 at an opening of the Supreme Court whose cases have not even reached was the 2009 opening when then Attor- the Supreme Court as yet. ney General, Wilfred “Sedi” Elrington The next area of crisis is in the ambushed and tongue-lashed the Judi- problems at the Court of Appeal level ciary for being basically over paid, lazy where apparent poor management, adand having the perception of dispensing ministration and planning has left the injustice. That was an anomaly, and in final appellate Court for many Belizeans the subsequent years of the opening in disarray and stagnation. Our inforthere was a relapse to the mundane. mal report is that less than thirty perBut on January 14, 2013, possibly by cent of the cases which were filed for force of circumstance, the Chief Justice appeal have been heard. We note that leaned forward and declared to the na- the Presidency of the Court of Appeal tion that the last defense between the Continued on page 7

20 JAN

2013

Alamilla Confirms UDP Corruption

…admits to failure after 9 months in office

Hon. Lisel Alamilla Pennil

Belize City, January 14, 2013 Minister of Forestry and Environment Lisel Alamilla has confirmed that there is serious corruption in the UDP Government. A frustrated Alamilla told reporters last Friday that corruption under the UDP, and especially in her Ministry, is so entrenched that even after spending nine months in office she has failed to tackle it.

“I am certain that there is corruption within my ministry. The difficulty is proving it,” said Alamilla.

But has Alamilla really been “fighting” corruption in her Ministries of Government? She inherited the Ministries, with all kinds of baggage, from Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega and today it still remains intact as if everything is honky-dory.

No special investigation has been launched. No special inquiries have been made. No major reshuffle. No heads have rolled.

Alamilla was speaking at a media event in which she displayed and destroyed confiscated Rosewood valued at half a million dollars. A moratorium on Rosewood was enacted last year but that has not stopped its harvesting or the exporting.

In fact, there have been numerous confiscations by the Forestry Department recently.

In one incident, Rosewood be-

Hon. Gaspar Vega

ing transported in a Guatemalan truck was confiscated and stored at the Department in Toledo, but overnight it vanished. At another incident, a large amount of Rosewood was intercepted while being carried on the back of a Ministry of Agriculture tractor!

Another incident involved Rosewood seized at the Belize’s exit point– when officials checked a container at the Port of Belize and realised that the supposed “Granadillo timber” was actually illegally harvested Rosewood.

Clearly, these cases expose a complex Government operation involving official arms and agents complicit in corruption and illegal activity.

These agents – from Forestry, Agriculture and Customs and other Departments which have been infiltrated by UDP cronies – operate with the consent of their bosses higher up.

The last confiscation involved logging license holder Hilmar David Alamilla, who was involved in another confiscation of Rosewood several weeks ago. The question is why wasn’t Alamilla’s license, awarded during the Gaspar Vega-regime, not revoked after the first offense? Is it that he has protection? Does it have anything to do with reports that he is a close friend and political associate of Minister of Natural Resources and Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega?

Prime Minister Dean Barrow once admitted to the nation that his Government is incompetent 90% of the time.

Now he can’t deny that there is corruption too. And there is much more than just a whiff Mr. Prime Minister.

20 JAN

2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

Father of the Nation Remembered

Belize City, January 15, 2013 Tuesday, January 15th, 2013 marked the 94th birthday of the late Father of the Nation and great leader of the People’s United Party (PUP), the Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price.

In memory, honour and appreciation of the distinguished legacy of our leader, the Party Leader, the Hon. Francis Fonseca and other members of the party placed wreaths at Mr. Price’s burial site at Lord Ridge Cemetery in Belize City.

The occasion also presented an opportunity for the nation to reflect and remember that despite the turmoil and upheaval facing our country at this time, the foundation of service, selflessness, dedication and pride in our country, as embodied by Mr. Price, must continue to live on in each and every one of us if our country is to progress and move forward in the right direction. He is a true symbol of all things great and of all things Belizean.

The PUP had called on the Government to recognise January 15th as a national holiday, but there has been no response. PUP Leader Hon. Francis has pledged that the next PUP Government will honour Mr. Price’s memory properly.

Throughout the country there were other events remembering Mr. Price. In Orange Walk, the PUP Leaders Hon. Dr. Marco Tulio-Mendez, Hon. Johnny Briceño, Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai and Mayor Kevin Bernard along

with other supporters gathered to unveil a special Price mural on Price Boulevard.

In the City of Belmopan, which was built through the vision of Hon. Price, a special Birthday Memorial Mass was held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral followed by the opening of a photo exhibit entitled “Reflections

of a Hero” and “Man of Purpose and Vision”. The exhibit welcomed over 600 visitors on that day.

Though he has departed from this life, the Father of the Nation will forever live on in our hearts and his legacy will never be forgotten! Happy Birthday Mr. Price! Long live Belize! Que Viva Belice!

07 7 Justice System in Crisis!

Continued from page 6 is Justice Manuel Sosa, who must accept some measure of culpability for the frightening state of affairs in the Court of Appeal.

But the prosecuting aspect of the justice system is in the worst state of disrepair. Our information is that there is a huge exodus of crown counsels. We have been informed that more than three quarters of the staff of lawyers have left the DPP’s office.

Stevanni Duncan who had just won two cases called it quits prematurely and resigned from under the DPP, Cheryl-Lin Vidal. Duncan spent less than a year under Vidal and decided that she no longer wanted to work for the DPP. Counsel Shamilla Williams could not continue to work at the DPP’s office either and left to got the Attorney General’s office. Christophe Rodiguez, who is a fellow country man of the DPP, has fired off his resignation as well. The lawyers leaving the DPP also include Thalia Megan Francis who is also leaving the DPP in short order.

But the list continues, as information reaching the BELIZE TIMES is that the vibrant and aggressive Prosecutor, Trienia Young, is expected to take up a post in the Solicitor General’s Office.

The extent of the departures is rounded out by attorney, Kaysha Grant who has said publicly that after her contract is completed, which is some time this year, she intends to leave the DPP Office.

The effect of the persons abandoning the DPP and her office is beyond worrisome and crisis level as the tsunami of murder case keeps flooding in and the restocking of lawyers means that the level of experience suffers, making the quality and probability of successful convictions, currently at a 3%-4% rate, even weaker.

The BELIZE TIMES called the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution but Ms. Vidal was unavailable.

The true extent of the crisis was diplomatically stated by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin at the opening of the Supreme Court on Monday, but what was not said is that the reason for the disarray, disaster and de-stabilization of the criminal Justice system which is directly attributable to Dean Barrow administration. Their failure echoed silently in the scream of “crisis” by the Chief Justice.

We want justice but that will not be served when the institution which is to give us that justice is broken and in “crisis”. This must be fixed with urgency, political will and competence that is alien to the UDP. God help us.

8 08

20 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Solutions…or

Half-Baked Resolutions?

Contributed by Omar Silva 2012 is dead and gone. Another year wasted with no progress or development; one that has tainted the annals of our history. It will be remembered as one in which Belize was perceived internationally as a destitute country with an irrational government that has brought its people to their knees.

It’s been a year of all glitter at the government level but no beneficial substance to the people. It was a year that subjected Belizeans to the shrewdest cost of living, on the one hand, and the gravest unemployment rate on the other which have pushed us deeper into the poverty-stricken margin. Security wise, the government proved that it can no longer guarantee the safety of Belizeans with the highest murder rate in the country ever, one every three days. Crime and violence have become a norm in what is believed to be gang-related or organized-crime activity but more prominent than ever within our security forces with their acts of brutality and what may be extra-judicial slayings.

Therefore, anxieties persist as we enter 2013 especially because there is no hopeful sign indicating that better is in the horizon. The truth of the matter is that since 2008, it has gotten consistently worse, our nation dragged into economic decline.

Presently, the peak of foreign investment is barely a 10% of what it was prior to 2008. The Barrow Administration crumbled the pillars of economic stability, clouded the investment climate in Belize and triggered

alarm bells globally when he seized control of the privately owned telecommunications company BTL and electricity provider BEL, all in the name of nationalization.

It is precisely because of the lack of foreign investment in the country that we have such a high unemployment rate, a situation that has driven a half of the population into poverty.

It is also true that because there is no injection of foreign investment into the country that the government is faced with the undesirable scenario of not complying with its commitments and non-payment of the Super Bond obligations.

Of course, we have other foreign debt obligations that are not bundled to the Super Bond, including millions in new loans that this government is just adding to Belize’s external debt burden but which they are not telling us about.

Even though going into the 2012 March 7th general election they deceived Belizeans into believing that there will be no new taxes, we are about to pay more in new taxes. At the municipal level, each household will now have to pay a $10 dollars per month on garbage tax to finance the Muni-Bond as if the taxes already paid to the City Council are not enough to run the city. However, we must not forget that they told us they could administer the city and provide more services at a cost less than what the PUP administration did.

As if that is not enough, Mayor Darrel Bradley and his Council with the blessings of the Barrow Administration is seeking to triplicate the cost of doing

GOB Dodges BEL Bukut,

Consumers Don’t!

Continued from page 1 But the news today is that the Government has found a way to dodge a portion of the increase, forcing the PUC to nudge the increase on consumers even higher.

With the election season already gone, the Government feels no remorse in increasing the cost of living on Belizeans.

GOB argued, through a commentary letter, that its portion of the increase be lowered – specifically the rate BEL rate of 64 cents per kilowatt hour for street lights.

GOB said that when the tariffs were reduced in early 2012 – just before the elections actually – the 55 cents per kilowatt hour rate for street lights were not reduced.

GOB claims in its letter that they absorbed the loss, but with the

proposed 9-cent increase the loss would even be greater.

The PUC re-considered and decided to give relief to the Government. But while they got respite, consumers got the ‘bukut’. The PUC revisited the increases proposed on consumers and adjusted it, reflecting a higher increase.

Some of the re-revised changes in the cost of electricity which have been approved by the PUC are as follows: - Social Tariff (0kwh -60kwh): 28 cents to 29 cents.

- Residential Tariff (0kwh -50kwh): 38 cents to 39 cents, (51 kwh-200kwh) 48 cents to 49 cents, (over 200kwh) 51 cents to 52 cents.

- GOB streetlights – 64 cents to 55 cents

business with an outrageous increase in the ‘trade license’. This choke-hold tax will definitely put the fatal-blow to the entrepreneurial spirit, while strangling the peddlers’ chances of making a dollar from their side-walk business.

However, it only gets worse! The price of Barrow’s deception will cut deep into the pockets of Belizeans as government-controlled electricity provider BEL gears up to slap you in the head with a steep increase in the cost of electricity. How can we forget that it was the same Prime Minister Barrow who told us that the principal reason behind the BEL take-over was to make electricity affordable to the average working Belizean man and woman?

Was he lying and deceiving us or was he ignorant and repeating what he was being told?

Belizeans must not forget that it was Prime Minister Barrow who told us that he had successfully negotiated cheaper cost of electricity from Mexico’s CFE with former Mexican President Calderon.

He even named a top level commission headed by his economic advisor Sir Manuel Esquivel to go to Mexico to follow up on what was, according to the PM, already a done deal. Was he deceiving Belizeans, out-rightly lying and setting his UDP up for reelection at the expense of our naivety? The reality from all indications is that the cost of electricity will be hard-hitting in our pockets. Political analysts and cynics alike believe that the Barrow Administration will now use BEL as the goose with the golden egg especially since his government can no longer put its hands in the BTL Cookie Jar as was done prior to the recent CCJ ruling which restrained them in the extraction of funds at BTL as was the norm since their take-over.

However, we must neither forget that the IMF was recently in Belize, and we might just have to get used to new taxes and increases as they may just be the new trend to suit IMF prescriptions.

As we enter the New Year, and we prepare to send our children back to school, parents of students at Belize’s only university UB, must prepare to pay more tuition as Education Minister Faber’s hand-picked board prepares to slap a hefty increase in the cost of studies at UB. It is a fact that the cost of tertiary education in the Mexican State of Quintana Roo, Guatemala, including other Central American countries are almost more affordable and the quality of education in Spanish or the English language is superior to what we are presently getting at Belize’s UB institution. And we don’t hear of any discrimination against Belizeans because they are non-nationals as is the common practice in Belize, especially in the line of tuition.

As we open a new chapter with a new year ahead of us, our resolution must be one of finding a solution to the social issues that all of us have fallen victims to.

We must be determined to stand up for the principle that gives us the dignity as proud parents who are able to provide for their families. We must not allow ourselves to be further duped by this government whose only objective during the last five years has been to amass wealth but only for their immediate family and friends.

Only the ‘People Power’ can force the Barrow Administration to stop this madness and comply with the promise of providing a better quality of life for all of us Belizeans that have experienced the crippling effects of un-employment and have been driven into absolute poverty.

We must take a united stand in order to effectively pull ourselves out of this economic abyss or be prepared to fall deeper into poverty.

The time is now…, stand up for something or fall for nothing!

NOTICE

Rumer Business Ltd. and Kalendort Limited (“the Companies”) Notice is hereby given that Rumer Business Ltd. and Kalendort Limited, companies incorporated under the Belize IBC Act (Chapter 270), commenced dissolution on December 19 and 17, 2012 respectively And Mr. Renan Castillo of 9 Barrack Road, Belize City, Belize is the liquidator of the company, and any claims against the company should be forwarded to the liquidator by 30 days from commencement.

Summit Corporate Services Limited Registered Agent

20 JAN

2013

09 9

THE BELIZE TIMES

Christmas Cheer 2012 in Belize Rural Central Belize District, January 5, 2013 The People’s United Party Belize Rural Central Committee ensured during this past Christmas Season that there was Christmas Cheer in Belize Rural Central.

The Committee, led by Area Representative Dolores Balderamos Garcia, first visited Gales Point where an impromptu Christmas Party was held for residents, with the provision of Tortilla Chips and Cheese Dip, as well as Juices and Soft Drinks, and Toys for the children. Area Representative Ms. Dolores also visited elderly residents of Gales Point and distributed grocery hampers to many needy householders.

Later, in the Lord’s Bank, Hattieville and Ladyville areas over 400 plates of Ham and Turkey Dinner were prepared, dished out and distributed to the elderly and needy residents, as has become a Christmas tradition in Belize Rural Central. The Committee, in addition, did not forget the Police in the Ladyville and Hattieville areas, who also received their Ham and Turkey Dinners courtesy of Ms. Dolores and the PUP Committee in appreciation for their efforts all year round.

Along with the Women Inspired for Change Women’s Group of Ladyville and Lord’s Bank, PUP Committee members also visited the residents of the Golden Haven Rest Home in Hattieville, bringing gifts of chocolates and apples and singing Christmas carols for all the elderly residents.

Belize Rural Central Area Representative Hon. Dolores Balderamos-Garcia shared the joy of Christmas in her constituency. In this photo, she provided for those who serve and protect the community.

Hon. Dolores with children of Belize Rural Central

Hon. Dolores spreading cheer and love with residents of Golden Haven Rest Home

The final PUP Committee Meeting of the year also took place in December 2012 shortly before Christmas, with Executive Members and Campaigners enjoying Christmas Music and Greetings, and Refreshments and Drinks at a Gathering/Christmas Social.

Committee members pledged their support to Ms. Dolores for the coming year 2013, who promised to continue her efforts to reach out to all residents and constituents of Belize Rural Central, especially with Village Council Elections coming up in April and May 2013 for all nine villages of the Belize Rural Central.

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20 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

ROUND 2

BARROW’S LEGAL FEES SHUFFLE First it was Lady Lois. Now it’s Brother B’s turn to eat

Brother B’s new life-sized Law Firm under construction

The 2012 Auditor General’s Report disclosed that Dean Barrow paid his brother, Denys Barrow’s law firm more than $1,000,000.00 of public funds in legal fees.

JUST ONE REASON THE UDP WANT TO HOLD A PUBLIC PRIVATE ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MEETING

20 JAN

2013

11

THE BELIZE TIMES

CitCo Audit Exposes Lack of Accountability

Former Mayor Zenaida Moya

Mayor Darrell Bradley

January 15, 2013 The financial statements of an economic or business entity ought to be a true and fair expression of the entity’s financial position at some point in time, and a result of its performance for usually a year. In other words, the financials are in fact a measurement of performance in the use of resources entrusted with the entity. How did the entity put assets to use? How it managed its obligations and consequently enhanced its purpose? The Financial Statements are in fact an instrument of “Accountability”.

But who is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements? No doubt it is those who are responsible for the governance and management of the entity.

The Belize City Council did prepare financial statements for the period April 1st to March 31st, 2012, which were supposed to account for the use of the citizen’s taxes and other resources they entrusted with the Council. But It is only prudent and sensible that financials prepared by management be subjected to examination by an independent auditor to enhance the degree of confidence of the intended users. As is the case with the Belize City Council, the audit is to give reasonable assurance that there are no “material misstatements “ in the financials, such as taxes receivable , debts owing, and the legitimate use of resources, including money borrowed , taxes collected, and subvention allocated from Central Government.

The Council, apparently influenced more by the need to offer municipal bonds to raise capital, rather than its accountability obligation to the citizens, submitted its financials for an independent audit. Unfortunately, the

Independent auditor’s report in brief is an Adverse Opinion of the Belize City Council’s Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2012.

The report effectively characterizes the financials as unreliable - that they “…do not present fairly in all material respects, the financial position of the Belize City Council as at March 31st, 2012 and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended…” The report goes on to say that the net accounts receivable totaling $12,150,428 , made up mostly of taxes, and accounts payable totaling $9,673,914, included in the statement of financial position as at March 31, 2012 could not be verified. Effectively, the report is saying that the taxes owing to the Council, debts owing by the Council, millions of revenue and expenditures in the aggregate cannot be relied on.

This is a serious indictment of the Belize City Council. A flagrant abdication of the Council’s accountability obligation to the citizens for their hard earned money. What is most rank about it is the deafening silence from City Hall, an arrogant aura of impunity.

But, so has it been at the National Level! A cold indifference to accountability, despite the repeated Withholding of Opinion by the Auditor General’s examination of the national accounts, because of lacking sufficient and appropriate evidence to verify millions and millions of dollars of the budget.

Is this Good Governance?

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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 Mortgage made the 10th day of March, 2011, between SHELLMA-DEAN MOSSIAH of Lot No. 50 Westlake, Mile 8 Western Highway, Belize District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in the Deeds Book Vol. 6 of 2011 at Folios 683 – 692, 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 LEASEHOLD INTEREST IN ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 50 situate on the southern side of the Western Highway, Mile 8, Belize District and bounded as follows:- On the North for a total distance of 29.995 metres by Lot Nos. 54 and 55; On the South for 30.995 metres by Lot No. 48; On the East for 14.997 metres by a street; and On the West for 14.997 metres by Lot No. 51, containing 464.832 square meters of land as shown on Plan No. 2042 at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon.

DATED this 6th day of December, 212.

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

12

THE BELIZE TIMES

New Toledo Alcaldes take oath

Toledo District, January 6 2013 On Saturday January 5th, 78 First and Second Alcaldes were sworn at Father Ring Parish Hall, Punta Gorda Town. This ceremony was a momentous event for the 38 Maya villages of the south as their traditional leaders take office to lead them into 2013 and 2014.

Special remarks were made by Mr. Enerst Banner of the Ministry of Rural Development who maintained that the ministry will continue to collaborate with the Alcaldes. Inspector Ernel Dominguez, commanding officer of Punta Gorda Police formation, affirmed that the Alcaldes play a very important role in policing and that the police will remain committed to their partnership with the Alcaldes especially through its Community Policing program.

Attorney for the Maya people, Antoinette Moore, spoke on the topic of Rights. She asserted that as Indigenous Peoples, the Maya communities have a right to exercise their own forms of social institutions such as the Alcalde system. Guest speaker Chief Magistrate Ann

BYM says get tough on crime The National Executive of the Belize Youth Movement sends condolences to the families and friends of all the murder victims of today’s tragic event, as we lament this most violent and horrific start to 2013. We especially would like to send out our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Keino Quallo, former Vice President of the Belize Youth Movement.

The BYM is calling on the government to take necessary measures to protect the citizens of this country and especially the residents of Belize City. We as young members of this society are tired of living in fear of dying, and of losing loved ones to violence.

We urge the government to take all necessary measurements required to upkeep the safety of Belize City residents.

This standing crime situation cannot continue and we call on Government and all branches of the security force to work with all necessary bodies in this national emergency.

Marie Smith congratulated the Alcaldes for taking on the mantle of being custodians of law and order especially in these times when crime is becoming more prevalent. She spoke to the Alcaldes on principles of Integrity, Independence and Fairness. She encouraged the Alcaldes to ‘do right when no one

20 JAN

2013

is looking’, to be ‘free from improper influence’ and to be ‘balanced in their reasoning.’ The Chief Magistrate asserted that incorruptibility must be a bench mark of all magistrates and ‘to be one of the Alcaldes who cannot be bought.’

The President of the Toledo Alcaldes Association (TAA), Mr. Alfonso Cal, gave his report. He pointed out that while the association had many successes, challenges must not be ignored by the new Alcaldes. Mr. Cal pinned partisan politics infiltration as one of the major challenges that has consistently threatened the integrity of Alcaldes. He maintained that Alcaldes carry the will of the people in their respective villages and as such must strive for solidarity and unity. Mr. Cal recognized that Alcaldes have an obligation to the future of the Maya people and that the future holds many more challenges as oil exploration continues on lands that have yet to be recognized as Maya lands by the government of Belize. He also advised Alcaldes to be alert to Guatemala’s claim over southern Belize stating; “as leaders we will need to decide how to participate in the referendum.”

The ceremonial event concluded with the election of new executive officers for the TAA. Mr. Alfonso Cal was re-elected as President with 55 votes and Mr. Domingo She as Vice-President with 19 votes. The new executive also includes Ignacio Sho, Luis Pop, Juan Choc, Sebastian Pop and Regino Hernandez.

The Toledo Alcaldes Association expressed its sincere thanks to everyone who helped to make the ceremony a memorable success. (Press Release)

20 JAN

This Week’s 2013

13

BELIZETIMES SUNDAY JANUARY 20, 2013

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Faces Tough Lawsuit

Shantel • • • • •

Height: 5’ 2” Career Plan: Lawyer Sign: Capricorn Favourite Food: Pasta Likes: Drawing, Travelling, Reading • Lives in Belize City • Fav. Quote: “Life is like an endless wall so you have to be salsa dancer to add a little spice to it”

Photo by Richard Holder

Dancehall artist Sean Paul is being sued by jilted ex Susanne Persson for $80 million. The blond Swede claims that Paul not only had her illegally deported from Jamaica but allegedly drove her to repeated suicide attempts and subjected her to “starvation, homelessness and loss of an ability to generate income,” according to media reports.

The lawsuit, which also names Paul’s record label, Atlantic, and manager, Steve Wilson, includes an illustrated 126-page tell-all document entitled, “Irie Jamboree: My Life in Jamaica as a Jet Set Slave with the Enormous Secret of a Love Affair with Jamaica’s Perhaps Most WellKnown Dancehall Artist.”

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

14 SPORTS

20 JAN

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES

2013

Belize Bank Bulldogs take 1st place in Boom to Manatee Lookout race Manatee Lookout, January 12, 2013 The Belize Bank Bulldogs canoe, which is paddled by the defending Ruta Maya champs Armin Lopez, Daniel Cruz and Amado Cruz, won the 6th annual Burrell Boom to Manatee Lookout canoe race organized by the Belize Canoe Association on Saturday.

The Belize Bank team clocked 1:27:03 to win the $400 1st prize overall and another $150 1st prize in the Male division.

The NICH team, paddled by Oscar Cordon, Efrain and Felix Cruz, clocked 1:27:06 to win the $50 2nd prize in the Male division, while in the Westrac canoe paddled by Jerry Cante, Erwin Cruz and Henner Cruz clocked 1:27:10 to place 3rd overall.

The Oceana canoe paddled by Euken Arnold, Tyreek Thompson and Chris Guydis, clocked 1:27:36 to finish 4th overall.

The “Beat the Burn” team of Andreas Cabb, Ruth Cruz and Keron Cabb clocked 1:32:40 to win the $150 1st prize in the Mixed division.

Paddled by Alfred and Armando Lopez and Byron Cruz UB Black Jaguars – 11th overall, 2nd Intramural division Paddled by Alfonso Lindo, Alfredo Ortega and Hector Bejerano Chaa Creek canoe – 12th overall, 3rd Intramural division Paddled by Juan and Jeffery Carillo and Carlos Landero “Sprouts” – 7th overall, 1st Junior division Paddled by Kenrick, Michael and Wilberto Daniels “Hunter boys” – 16th overall, 2nd Juniors Paddled by Ellis Metzgen, Martin Gideon and Dominique Alvarez Boomers –20th overall, 3rd Juniors Paddled by Matthew Mask of Burrell Boom Methodist Primary School and Jeffrey Seguro “Watt a Ting” canoe - 13th overall, 1st Masters division Paddled by Johnny “Watt” and Michael

NICH won 2nd place Searle and Paul Hyde “Grumpy Ol’ Men” - 15th overall, 2nd Masters division Paddled by Francis Codd, Stanley Bailey and Jerry Wilkens “Meat Eaters” - 17th overall, 3rd in the Masters division Paddled by Chip Brunner, Joe Segura and Joe Fuzy “Print Belize” canoe - 19th overall, 1st Pleasure division Paddled by Rudolph Gentle, Timoteo Vanegas and Javier Alvarado

SJC boys leads high school UB Lady Jaguars won 1st place

football

The UB Lady Jaguars: Jayda Guydis, Louise Rodriguez and Shanice Ferguson clocked 1:38:14 to finish 14th overall and win the $150 1st prize in the Female division, while defending Ruta Maya women’s champs the Police “Peacemakers: Audrey Moody, Jane Usher and Ruth Cruz were 21st place of 22 canoes, to win the $50 2nd prize in the Female division.

Belize Canoe Association has planned two more races in preparation for the gruelling 4-day, 140-mile 14th annual Ruta Maya River challenge to be held over the National Heroes’ Holiday weekend of March 8-11. In the next race the canoes will race upstream from the Haulover Bridge to Burrell Boom, finishing beside Black Orchid Lodge on February 2.

Other finishers: St. Ignatius High School boys – 5th overall, 1st Intramural division

Belize City, January 11, 2013 The St. John’s College boys won back to back games to lead the Central Secondary School Sports Association football competition at the M.C.C. Grounds on Monday, January 11, while Ladyville Technical High School and Excelsior High School boys each posted 5-1 wins.

The SJC boys drilled the Nazarene High School boys 5-0 Monday evening.

Raheem “Hendy” Flowers led the SJC attack outrunning the Nazarene defenders Manuel Acosta, Natrone Humes and Tajohn Gillett to embarrass the goalie Alejandro Zunia with the 1st winning goal. Zunia deflect-

Tarique James scored 2 goals

ed Raheem’s first try, but Raheem picked up his own rebound and booted it back into the net.

When Trevaun Rhaburn and Jorge Diaz broke up another Nazarene attack, Dimitri Fabro fast forwarded the ball to Sydney “Bucket” Bradley who then found Raheem Flowers at center and

Raheem was off to the races again, outrunning the defense to blast in a 2nd goal to lead 2-0 at the half.

Tarique “African” James attacked up the left sideline to score a 3rd goal, then drilled a shot through the defenders that Zunia could not stop, for a 4th goal.

Continued on page 15

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SPORTS 15

THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE

2013

Wesley girls defeat ACC Belize City, January 11, 2013 The Wesley College girls drilled Anglican Cathedral College girls 1-0 with a strike by Shanice Neal on Monday.

The St. Catherine Academy girls struggled to a 1-1 draw with the Ladyville Technical High School girls when the competition continued on Friday. SCA’s last defender Diedra Gill converted a penalty in the 1st half, while Shanice Rhaburn delivered the equalizer for Ladyville in the 2nd half.

SCA on the attack

SJC boys leads high school

San Lazaro & Progreso FC advance to playoffs

football Continued from page 14

Nazarene also found themselves down to 9 men, when both Benjamin Hyde and Eric Lamb got ejected from the game with red cards for foul language; they will have to miss the next game. By then everybody wanted a piece of the action and in the fray, SJC’s star striker Deandre Pitters got sent off with a red card and will have to sit out the next game. Bradley, Fabro, James and Nava were all trying shots on goal and something had to give. Harold Nava connected with a header to finish a cross to center from Sydney Bradley for a 5th goal before the long whistle.

Other matches: SJC vs. Sadie Vernon Technical High – 15-0 Goals by Deandre Pitters (4), Sydney “Bucket” Bradley (1), Harold Nava (2), Dimitri Fabro (2), Tarique “African” James (1), Trevaun Rhaburn (1), Dennis Zuniga (1), Raheem Flowers (1) Ladyville Technical High vs.

Nazarene High – 5-1 Goals by Jervis Myvett, Leon Sedacey, Michel Herrera, Gustavo Salazar, Devaun Rhaburn, Eric Lamb Excelsior High vs. Wesley College – 5-1 Goals by Javan Claire, Kareem “ton-ton” Flowers, Stefan Diego, Tyrone Gabriel, James Fitzgibbons, Juvel Crawford

Cristals’ Albert Cassanova controls the ball Orange Walk Town, January 13, 2013 San Lazaro FC and Progresso FC secured their playoff berths in the Orange Walk Football Association’s 1st division competition, by blow-out wins at the People’s Stadium in Week 9 of the competition on Sunday.

San Lazaro FC bombed Cristal of Orange Walk Town 7-0 in the afternoon.

Cristal was undermanned with only 8 players when they took the field, while San Lazaro was clearly in it to win it! Andres Alvarado drove in the 1st goal past goalie Gustavo Ken after just 3 minutes of action.

Cristal got reinforcements from John Uh and Isra Zetina to bring them up to strength, but Jason Carillo blasted in a 2nd goal to give San Lazaro a 2-0 lead at the half.

After the break, Jason Carillo

scored a 3rd goal to put the finish on a play by Ruviney Carillo. Carlos Jones executed a free kick to score the 4th goal, while Andre Martinez replaced Harris Serrano and added a 5th goal. Team captain Gian Sosa converted a penalty to lead 6-0 and Israel Tillett completed the rout with a 7th goal.

Progresso FC humiliated Carmelita FC in like manner 4-0 in the 3rd game of the day. Armand Chi scored the 1st goal to lead 1-0 up to the break, and Wilfredo Lino added

a 2nd goal early in the 2nd half.

Eduardo Correa switched places with Chi to score a 3rd goal and Hector Carlos added a 4th goal for the 4-0 final score.

San Felipe FC got the easy bye to a 3-0 win when San Francisco FC of Orange Walk town was a no show for their scheduled game on Sunday morning.

Upcoming matches, People’s Stadium, Sunday January 20 New Hope United FC vs Crystal FC at 9AM San Estevan FC vs San Francisco FC at 11AM San Felipe United FC vs Progresso FC at 1:30PM Guinea Grass United FC vs Real Juvenil FC at 3:30PM

Sensei Shihan Ray Kelly presents belt to Solangel Yam

House of Shotokan holds Belts Awards ceremony Almost two dozen students received white and yellow belts signifying their advancement in the sport of karate when the House Of Shotokan Academy (HOSKA) held its 3rd annual belt award ceremony on Friday, January 11, 2013 at the WhitfieldTower on Coney Drive.The belts were presented by Sensei Shihan Ray Kelly, an 8th degree Black Belt, and honour guest, His Excellency David C.K.Wu,Taiwan Ambassador.

16

20 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

GAPI vs. FABER

2013

Third Lap: Race to First Loser

Orange Walk Town, January 5, 2013 The fight for first loser is really on.

The UDP is scrambling around. The latest news out of the hair pulling contest for Deputy Party Leader of the UDP is not as funny but far more expensive.

Sources inside the Gapi Vega camp have leaked the guts of the movement inside the sticky race between Patrick Faber and Vega. The most recent update is that Landy Burns, the defeated UDP candidate for Orange Walk East, is not supporting Gapi. Burns is bitter against Vega. We are told that he blames Gapi for his defeat. Gapi is extremely unpopular in the North and was only saved by a heavily financed election.

Faber then believes he can split the Orange Walk UDP delegates. Remember that the UDP were rejected outright in the last elections in the North. There are only three elected UDP representatives up north. Those are Gapi in Orange North. Corozal North with a narrow surprise win for Hugo Patt, and the clueless Pablo in Corozal Bay. He still has no idea how he beat Papas. None.

So our reports are that PM Barrow was exerting serious pressure to have Gapi Vega not contest the post of First Deputy. As evidence of this the UDP Northern Caucus is monitoring the manner in which the unelectable UDP, Godwin Hulse, has been eating up all the spot light on the instruction of Barrow to the exclusion of Vega.

Barrow was succeeding in placing this demand to prevent Vega from contesting when the Northern Caucus started to scheme in order to have one of their own replace Vega. To lose the First Deputy post to another caucus

Hon. Patrick Faber

Hon. Boots Martinez

Hon. Gaspar Vega

would be fatal to the Northern UDP parasites.

The UDP northern caucus eventually decided to prop up John Saldivar as an alternative to Faber if Barrow was going to prevent Gapi from contesting.

John Saldivar was out of the country at the time. He was supposed to have been in Taiwan.

By December 11, John Saldivar was on Plus TV taking a shellacking for corruption in his Ministry while he publicly declared that he was supporting, guess who, Gapi Vega. How did they get back to that point?

When Patrick Faber went on TV and said that he was going to go to “delegates” and not “parade a bunch of Area Reps, like the oth-

er candidate”, it caught our attention.

Our investigations have shown that Gapi’s camp is going around telling people that he has spent over a half a million Belize dollars, $500,000,000, as of Sunday, December 15, 2012 on his campaign. That is strange, because his campaign has only covered his Cabinet colleagues, caretakers and shakedowns. He has not even started on the delegates as yet.

There is high traffic in Orange Walk, more of the “manila envelope” parade.

The most frequent in the march is Anthony “Boots” Martinez. The dysfunctional Minister of Human Development

has been seen leaving Gapi’s mansion with large manila envelopes.

This manila folder truce played out in December when Boots’ delegates did not show up at Patrick Faber’s dinner held at the House of Culture. Boots apparently doesn’t think it is wise to distance himself from the bankroller.

Lo and behold, even Queen Square didn’t attend, sending shrieks up Faber’s spine. The eleven other Belize District-based constituencies who attended were wondering all night long whether they made the right choice.

Boots probably thinks they did; he can enjoy a bigger portion of the cake now.

City resident terrorized during city shooting Belize City, January 15, 2013 The streets of Belize City are not safe anymore. A female resident of the city was fortunate to escape unhurt after her vehicle was hit during a random shooting in the old capital.

The woman said she was driving into the city, past Lord Ridge Cemetery on Cemetery Road, when she heard the sound of a gunshot.

She then heard her rear window shattered and she sped away.

The woman said the area was poorly lit so she could not see from where the shot was fired. She went directly to the Police Station to report the incident.

She says she will be careful where she drives in the city, and if she could avoid night time driving, she will.

There have been several shootings in Belize City over the last few days.

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20 JAN

2013

17

THE BELIZE TIMES

Live bullets fired on Dean St. residents

Belize City, January 14, 2013 The Ministry of National Security has yet to explain why its security officers put the lives of Belize City residents at risk when they opened fire into a crowd using live rounds.

The crowd of about 150 persons had gathered around an apartment at the corner of Dean and Plues Streets upon learning of the gruesome killing of four men who are well known in the neighbourhood: Leonard “Ghost” Myers, Anthony Perez, Keino Quallo and Albert “Long John” Fuentes. The word spread throughout the city was that the men had been targeted by the Police’s most notorious arm, the Gang Suppression Unit.

As the Police prepared to remove the bodies from the scene, the crowd grew angry and emotionally charged. There were several scuffles between the police and victims’ loved ones and friends.

The Police then deployed its elite Belize Special Assignment Unit, which engaged the residents in a military-style fashion.

Large and loaded automatic rifles were pointed at residents. Police officials carrying guns loaded and locked in their hands, screamed at and shoved away residents.

Albert Fuentes

The more the Police intensified its action, the angrier the crowd got. Violence erupted when stones and bottles were thrown at the Police, which triggered the Police to fire their automatic rifles into the crowd. This caused fear and panic, leading to an unwarranted assault on residents as officers launched an immediate search and raid of residences. Several residents claimed they were beaten during the searches.

At a press conference later that day, Prime Minister Dean Barrow denied that the Police had fired anything but warning shots. Later that day the evening news featured the chaotic events, and showed footage of the Police firing into the crowd.

BNTU mobilizes!

Belize City, January 14, 2013 The Belize National Teacher’s Union is preparing to mobilize. The powerful Union will hold a Special Extraordinary General Meeting in every district this Thursday, January 17th and it is inviting members and non-members to attend and decide what the next courses of action will be.

The Union says it is ready to take the lead on issues affecting the country, starting with the Government’s outright delay in settling the matter of a salary adjustment that was promised by the Barrow Administration in 2008.

Last year, the Unions were duped by the Government into signing a document called a “progress report”. The document contained no substantive information about a salary adjustment for public officers, teachers, police officers, nurses and other Belizean workers. But the Government took advantage of the media opportunity and created a per-

Anthony Perez

ception that they were faithfully “negotiating” with the Unions. This was weeks before preparing the 2013 Budget.

Since then, the Unions have been deafeningly silent, despite an upsurge in unfavourable social and economic conditions. The BNTU is the first to end that silence.

“The union is mobilizing. We are not going to throw stones and hide. We are not going to hide our hand. BNTU will take the lead in the issues facing the country,” said Kathleen Flowers, President of BNTU Belize District.

The meeting will also discuss the economy, the October 13 Referendum on the ICJ, the Government’s use of Social Security funds and the spiralling crime level.

The meeting will start at 1:30pm in every single district. In Belize City, the meeting will be held at the Holy Redeemer Parish hall. Members will be asked to register since voting will take place.

Leonard Myers

Eight days later, there has been no explanation on how the Police allowed the situation to get out of control, who authorised the use of live bullets and

Keino Quallo

whether any Police Officer will be reprimanded for the action.

There have also been no leads on the murders of the four men.

NOTICE Pursuant to Section 10 (3) of the Belize Mines and Minerals Act, Chapter 226, Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000 2003, Denny Grijalva for DeMar’s Stone Company, has applied to the Honourable Minister of Natural Resources & Agriculture, through the Inspector of Mines, Mining Unit; for renewal of Mining Licence No. 3 of 2007 to mine limestone and marl from an area known as Albion Island near San Antonio Village, Orange Walk District. The areas to be mined are described as follows: A. Minister’s Fiat (Grant) No. 400/82 dated December 8, 1982, and more particularly described as 24 acres, 3 roods and 37 poles of land situated at the Quarry Site, San Antonio Village, Albion Island, Orange Walk District, Belize, being bounded and described as shown

by Plan No. 400 of 1982. Area is bounded within UTM-coordinates: Northings 2005288 2005112 2004831 2005008

Eastings 0321600 0321452 0321787 0321935

B. An additional 10 acres within a 30-acres layout situated adjacent to the above-mentioned layout bounded within UTM-coordinates: Northings 2004845 2005066 2005140 2004912 2004889

Eastings 0321606 0321355 0321416 0321686 0321649

The areas to be mined comprise approximately thirty-four (34) acres.

18

20 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

The life of Keino Malcolm Quallo

K

eino Malcolm Quallo was the beloved son of Glenford Allen Quallo and his wife, Jewel Pearl Ruth Patten Quallo of Belize City. He was born on 7 October, 1972 and named by his father. Keino is the name of the famous barefoot Kenyan marathon Olympic champion, Kipchoge Keino. Glen represented Belize in the marathon race at the Commonwealth Games held in Winnipeg, Canada. In his new running shoes, he was soundly beaten by the barefoot Kipchoge Keino and so impressed by this relentless African athlete’s stamina that he publically vowed to him that he would name his firstborn son in his honour. And so he did.

Glen also gave Keino his middle name, Malcolm, in honour of Malcolm X, the defiant, Black Power force who hastened the end of the segregation era in the United States with his incisive brilliance and willingness to tell truth to power—even though it cost him his life.

Thus, Keino Malcolm Quallo was deliberately given the name of Black, relentless and defiant heroes from either side of the Atlantic—one who represented physical prowess, and the other, the moral fibre of his people. So long as his health permitted, he bore his heritage with strength, intelligence, physical grace, empathy, and nobility.

Keino Malcolm was brilliant—perhaps a true genius. As a child of six, he would listen to the soap operas for his mother whenever she had to attend public meetings. She reports her astonishment to hear him recount the tangled soap opera story lines with clarity, and then to do analyses of the principle characters’ motivation. He not only knew what was happening; but also understood human motivation. In manhood, Keino had an astonishing ability to dissect Belizean politics objectively—to look fairly at the strengths and weaknesses of political parties and of politicized individuals. One

Friday, January 11, 2013

By Michael Rosberg, Stepfather

of his most chilling predictions was that Belize would someday match the violence occurring in Jamaica in the 1970s and 80s until the city of Belize would eventually be drowned in blood.

Who would have dreamt that by 2013, that bloody violence would drown him too?

Keino attended Anglican Primary, and Belmopan Comprehensive and a number of other schools. His performance was only outstanding when he had a teacher able to appreciate and provide space for his original turn of mind, his ability to challenge stupidity and illogic, and his need to speak too much truth. And he was a terror in the classroom of any teacher limited to hand-medown ‘truths’ and narrow opinions. Both the Keino stamina and the Malcolm defiance became hallmarks of his complex relationship with the world.

Keino’s bravery was evident on the basketball court where his illuminated understanding of the game, his beautiful athletic form, and his team spirit contributed greatly. And that same bravery was put to the service of the Department of Human Development when he served the population of some of Belize City’s most troubled neighbourhoods.

He knew the streets, and he also knew the tough youth battling for dignity and respect who inhabited them. When the threat of war swelled up between the gangs

of kids in these neighbourhoods, Keino Malcolm was one of those heroic souls who went to them and used his powerful ability, and his gift for tough love, to convince them until the violence was often avoided.

He pushed and cajoled the Department to offer youth the jobs and the skills training programmes he felt they deserved as Belize’s neglected children and as Belize’s future—one he predicted would be bloody without more attention, more love, and more investment by the adult population. He was never satisfied with the tepid responses he received, and frequently stung on behalf of the young people for whom he laboured. He clearly saw that the violence was relentlessly growing, and that the response was so inadequate that his efforts—and those of a few other street heroes like him— were being jeopardized for lack of back-up from the State.

Keino had only one child— Keiana Allana Quallo. Her mother is Verla Henry. Keiana was his dearest possession and he often said she gave him the courage to live. She was everything to him and is a gracious, bright and loving daughter in the last year of high school in Forest Hills, Queens New York.

Keino Malcolm had personal devils with which to contend in the form of a disease that became apparent in his late teens and that

gradually worsened, eventually leaving him without the ability to work. In the worst of these recurring episodes, he would gravitate into tough neighbourhoods and keep the company of some of their toughest youth. Eventually, the growing personal trials and the mounting violence of Belize collided. His struggle to live like a dignified man ended suddenly, violently and bloodily.

Keino, as a child, once attended a concert. His mother reports that he gave his seat to another little boy who had none, and then spent the rest of the evening seat-less and on the floor. That was typical of Keino Malcolm.

He cared for those with less, he gave everything he had. His own world became increasingly tangled and ended prematurely and horribly. But notwithstanding the complexity of his short life—Keino Malcolm still lived up to the glorious name he was given by his father. He was brave and relentless—always meaning to see good come to others and doing everything he could to make it happen.

Keino Malcolm should be an inspiration to those of us from whom he was torn. What he wanted to see improve has not yet been sufficiently improved.

We owe it to ourselves to love Belize and Belizean people as profoundly and honestly as he did. And we owe it to him to elevate our lives and efforts to make Belize the Pearl it should be. If we make this effort, we will never lose Keino Malcolm Quallo—because some of the best of his noble, complex self will be borne by each of us. Today, we scatter his beloved ashes on the sea—the open world he so loved.

But those are just his physical remains. We who saw the beauty of his soul have the ability to keep his spirit alive and carry it with us.

Editor’s Note: The PUP sympathizes with the family of Keino Quallo as we mourn Keino’s untimely death. Keino grew up close to the PUP and at one point was the Vice President of the youth arm, Belize Youth Movement. May he rest in Peace.

20 JAN

2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

Junk Bonds & Barrow’s “mishmash”

The Prime Minister’s option: if you need help, call a friend – call Kenneth Belize City, January 5, 2012 It was not too long ago in the history of the government’s debt that Prime Minister Dean Barrow was shouting from his Opposition pulpit that the then government had defaulted on its debt obligation and was doing some fancy foot-work to soften the government’s external debt obligations.

It now appears that Barrow has not learned the Ali shuffle or perhaps he is being weighed down by his humongous ego. Shouting like a Doomsday harbinger, Barrow seems to have appointed himself as a Saint. It was a self-ordination just in time for the general elections.

These elections were slated for within the next twelve months from February of 2007. He was beginning to imagine all sort of possibilities (his Party’s Campaign slogan for the elections) and was posturing with all sorts of panaceas to fix the country’s ills, real or imagined. By now it appears all were imagined. He is still looking at the mirrors five years after he took office.

Before supporting the previous PUP government’s debt restructuring efforts, which was simply a formula to restructure, or if you will, consolidate, Belize’s external debt, he preached to his Choir: “Belize”, he said at the time, “is the only country in the Caribbean which has found itself in this financial mishmash in which it has not been able to meet its debt obligation”.

But Barrow, as the then Leader of the Opposition, was stopped in his tracks for lying by no other than his future lover and mistress in politics, Mark Espat (Judas is his PUP moniker) who was the lead negotiator for the PUP government in the restructuring of the government’s debt. Or, was he, in reality?

He told Barrow in a debate in the legislature on the consolidation of the debt that his bark was louder than his bite. “Judas” then explained to the then Leader of the Opposition, that on a personal basis “You can’t ask the Bank or the Credit Union to lend you money or to accept a delay in your monthly payments if you are squandering your money. You can’t be partying out the money and then tell the creditors that you can’t pay them”.

Is he now giving his new boss, Barrow and the UDP, that same advice? It was only a few weeks before the general elections in February of

this year that he was bought by them pieces of silver. His defection was a betrayal to a Party that propelled his political career and fortunes. It was also a ruthless move against a man, PUP Leader and Prime Minister, Said Musa, who had brought him up from a hotel clerk, mentored his political career and elevated his status.

We can only hope that if he fails to re-negotiate the “Super Bond” debt repayment schedule that he will not follow the route of his biblical namesake, Judas.

But for a man who likes to appear to be squeaky clean, he received a “Consultation Fee” of reportedly $1.5 million paid to his company Hallmark Consultancy for his betrayal of the party that gave him a career. He was, as a result, assigned

by Barrow to head a team to attempt to re-negotiate this Super Bond with the bond holders - almost five years after. So far they have come up empty handed, despite the make-up of the team which includes “Sabe Lo Todo”(a person who knows everything about everything) the Minister of Immigration, Labour and National Emergency, Godwin Hulse and the endomorph Minister of National Security (who claims to be an Economist) John Saldivar. One of their problems, it must be conceded, is that their boss seems to think that he is a heavy lifter.

At this stage (and while we are hoping that a debt restructuring will be achieved) it seems very unlikely in view of the Prime Minister’s lack of humility, the rampant corruption and greed in his government and its orchestrated policy of keeping people poor and dependent for political reasons if not simply incompetence.

The other gambit that back-fired is that the government did a buffet selection of a recent IMF Report and publicized it for local consumption. The IMF Report said that the economy was recovering and that there was some growth, although not substantial. The bondholders as a result argued that the government has the money to meet its debt.

In reality the national economy is collapsing. For in parallel with any growth there is blatant corruption and lavish consumption by the government ministers. Poverty is on exhibition everywhere we turn. The social fabric is disintegrating and the numbers of crime-ridden havens have escalated and have become extremely dangerous. Ironically,

these are in constituencies such as the PM’s, which is one of the high crime and poverty-ridden areas of the country. It is symptomatic of the state of affairs in the rest of Belize City and the country where poverty and social decay are becoming more and more rampant. The government’s decision, when it came to office to put criminals on their payroll for political purposes and for harassment of non-supporters was unsustainable. This has been discontinued, they say, but there are reasons to be skeptical.

Barrow has now placed Belize in an international mishmash and in a club that includes Liberia which was driven to economic ruin in 2002 by its then President Charles Taylor who now sits in a British prison for war crimes. This nation was drowning in a foreign debt of U.S. $3 billion to international banks and government. The Republic of the Congo has a foreign debt of $5 billion and in Argentina the government defaulted on $81 billion in foreign debt. This has led to the collapse of the middle class in that country.

If Barrow chooses to default on Belize’s external debt, this will not bode well for the future of Belize.

He also owes the former owners of the national telephone and electricity companies for taking away these companies. It is unlikely then, that given these scenarios, there will be any significant investments in the near future. It is no wonder that recently there was a massive rush by young Belizeans to take-up Canada’s invitation to live and work in Canada.

Once the exodus of those seeking a better opportunity starts, it is more than likely to continue.

But there are alternatives that Barrow and his advisor who defected from the PUP may be desperate enough to consider. The Prime Minister is obviously prepared to gamble with the country’s sovereignty by asking the people of Belize to consider taking Guatemala’s claim to Belize to the International Court of Justice.

This is a big gamble. By the same token, it is surprising the PM has not gambled our sovereignty and national debt to international bond holders by making a deal with Vulture Capitalists who are usually allied to Hedge fund firms. A few names come to mind: Jay Newman who is a key figure in this unique field of finance. Dealing in obscure foreign debt is one of them.

There is another, who is even conve-

19 niently located in the Caribbean.

He is a very good friend of the Prime Minister. He is Mr. Kenneth Dart. He has built himself a highly specialized investment scheme for vulture funds. Basically these are loan sharks who may be interested in doing business with failed leaders like Barrow. The catch is that they may be as arrogant and greedy and bombastic as he is and like loan sharks they tend to own you until you pay your debt.

Barrow knows Mr. Dart very well. In 1994 Mr. Dart and his brother moved to Belize and the Cayman Islands and renounced their U.S citizenship. They did this to avoid paying taxes. He then acquired dual citizenship in Belize and Ireland. He then paid Belize to appoint him as their ambassador to the United States. Barrow was Belize’s Foreign Minister at the time. So if Barrow needs to call a friend or a lifeline, Ken is there.

In the case of Argentina’s massive foreign debt, this vulture capitalist, Mr. Dart, bought that country’s sovereign debt for 20 cents on the dollar then forced Argentina to pay him about $20 for every man, woman and child in the country.

He did the same in other countries like Brazil and Turkey - even Russia.

Barrow’s arrogance and incompetence have taken Belize backward from being classified as a middle class country ten years ago to now becoming a beggar nation.

The daily radio and television news confirms this sad state of affairs every day.

Belize’s future is dismal. When will the tolerance of Belizeans expire?

In Memoriam

In loving and enduring memory of Wayne William Wagner, my beloved son, who departed this life two unhappy years ago on Christmas Eve. May God look mercifully and kindly on his soul, and grant him peace, love and everlasting happiness in His kingdom.

Lovingly remembered and always in my heart (Love you son) Marie Wagner

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20 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

MARRIAGES

BIRTHS Born to Hector Roderico Arana and Matilde Arana nee Santos, a girl,

Ashley Dayana Born to Jason Darrel Reimer and Lorna Reimer nee Loewen, a boy,

Ysidro Lyzander Born to Jean Elisee Heureuse and Ajani Erica Heureuse nee Diego, a girl,

Elysia Janeli Born to Omar Javier Rodriguez and Marcia Stephanie Rodriguez nee Lightfoot, a boy,

Amrie Liam Born to Patrick Raymond Rogers and Arlenie Angelica Rogers nee Perez, a boy,

Patrick James Born to Duane Everett Belisle and Ava Marcel Belisle nee Lovell, a boy,

Devereaux Edward Born to Alwyn Allan Burns and Nadera Nadine Burns nee Myles, a boy,

Arthur Ayden Born to Desiderius Samoset Bol and Dominga Bol nee Ical, a girl,

Aleesha Venancia

2013

Michael Evan Finnie, 58, to Dana Vi Daulle Smith, 45, both of Lewisville, Texas, U.S.A. Gareth Anthony Richard Forbes, 30, to Lashanna Devan Sabal, 20, both of Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District Oswaldo Romero Canul, 40, to Irma Alicia Panti, 37, both of San Antonio (Rio Hondo), Orange Walk District Juan Carlos Sosa, 24, of Yo Creek, Orange Walk District, to Wendy Melani Soliz, 21, of August Pine Ridge, Orange Walk District Anthony Sylvester Arzu, 33, to Deseree Laura Patricia Cain, 40, both of Western Paradise (Sunset Park), Belize District Huicong Chen, 28, to Xue Ling He, 28, both of Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District Jacob Luke Chuck Jones, 22, of Santa Elena Town, Cayo District, to Christina Marisbeth Leslie, 20, of Altamira, Corozal District Stanley Roque Burgess, 30, to Cecily Nerissa Cambranes, 24, both of Belize City

Ricky Troy Dyck, 21, to Virginia Plett, 20, both of Spanish Lookout, Cayo District Jason Dominic Fisher, 26, to Candace Michelle Westby, 25, both of Belize City Cordell Charlton Banks, 25, to Lissette Gislane Ordonez, 26, both of Belize City Denis David Edwards, 29, to Tanisha Florence Williams, 24, both of Belize City Delbert James Alvarez, 31, to Melissa Darlyn Elijio, 28, both of Belize City Oliver Herman Solis, 42, to Darlene Marie Gillett, 34, both of Belize City Robert Charles Gonzalez, 34, to Leslie Dianna Nisbet, 33, both of Florida, U.S.A. Julio Javier Sabido, 32, to Tarah Seleene Juan, 32, both of San Ignacio Town, Cayo District Leon Albert Tillett, 41, to Minette Michelle Jackson, 32, both of Crooked Tree, Belize District Thomas Randall Pigg, 48, to Marie Katherine Walter, 28, both of O’Fallon, Missouri, U.S.A.

DEATHS Maud Elizabeth Davis, 82 Douglas Kent Brown, 78 Josephine Mary Frazer, 62 Roy Darrell Waite, 63 Dana Sheree Augustus, 41 Evan Griffith, 73 Delys Albertha Stanford, 69 Opal Joy Gongora, 58 Allen Jermaine Davis, 21 Guillermo Eusebio Valdez, 65 Delmas Alexander Gill, 89 Clinton Irwin Russell, 79 Brandon Javier Cabanas, 23 Edward Hughington Fernandez, 63 Tyrone Radcliffe Simon, 49 Valita Rose Jackson, 54 Orlando Sylvester Williams, 45 Osman Javier Hercules, 39 Osler Wardell Gough, 85 Maud Idolly Pandy, 88 Delroy Emerson Burgess, 38 Jennifer Anderson, 53 Judith Geraldina Alvarado, 15 Felipa Molina, 89 David Alexander Graham, 50 Norris Wellington, McDonald, 77

Maaga season is almost over but for many of us we will be tightening up until Valentine’s Day. Tightening up shouldn’t mean giving up experimenting with new dishes. For the rest of January we will be featuring 3- Ingredient Recipes to suit any budget.

Recipe of the week

Chicken stewed with Orange and Star Anise Ingredients: 1 chicken (3 – 4 pound chicken), cut into 8 serving pieces 8 oranges 8 pieces star anise Instructions: • Using a vegetable peeler, cut wide strips of zest from the oranges, then squeeze the juice from the oranges.

• Salt and pepper the chicken pieces and place them in a wide shallow pan with a tight-fitting lid or a Ziploc plastic freezer bag.

• Add the zest, star anise and orange juice.

• Marinate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.

• If marinating in a container turn the meat so that it has a chance to soak in the citrus flavor.

• Remove the chicken from the marinade and season with salt and pepper.

• Select a large sauté pan or skillet with a tight-fitting lid.

• Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) oil over a high heat and sear the chicken on all sides, in batches if needed, until the skin is nicely browned.

• The chicken should have plenty of room in the pan.

• When the chicken is all browned, put all of the chicken in the pan and pour the marinade over the meat, adding water to cover. Cover the pan, turn the heat to medium-low, and simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Yield: 4 servings.

Taken from: Kitchen Miracles, 500 3 – Ingredient Recipes, Simple and Sensational Recipes for Everyday Cooking, Robert Hildebrand & Carol Hildebrand © 2004

20 JAN

2013

Reid Dying 1,000 Deaths

By G. Michael Reid Fear, then, is not intrinsically bad.

It is when fear is out of proportion to objective risk that it becomes dysfunctional. ~ Mark Warr Terror struck at the heart of Belize City last Tuesday when for the better part of that day, our city was held at siege. Stores closed, schools were let out and downtown Belize City was turned into a virtual ghost town. The interesting thing is that that there was absolutely no reason for this action, or reaction if you will, only the fear that there might have been a reason.

What became obvious last Tuesday was the kind of control that criminals have over our lives. We don’t carry much money anymore, we don’t wear our jewelry and many folks rather stay home and watch television than do a night on the town.

We have become almost a “fortress society” which is a term used to describe “when citizens withdraw from public life and everyday social intercourse is curtailed sharply.” Thank GOD for facebook!

Apparently what happened to us last Tuesday is what criminologists describe as a “fear of crime”. Not to be confused with actual crime, this “fear of crime” is as damaging and detrimental to society as crime itself.

It is believed that “fear of crime” affects far more people than actual crime. A 1967 U.S. President’s Commission on Law Enforcement offered this brief but trenchant observation: “The most damaging of the effects of violent crime is fear, and that fear must not be belittled.”

Of course, this “fear of crime” did not just come upon us without reason; in particular last Tuesday’s extraordinary disquiet. Sometime in the early morning of Tuesday January early 8th, four bodies were found brutally butchered in a house on one of Belize’s main thoroughfares. What caused the trauma was not so much

21

THE BELIZE TIMES

the crime itself, but the fear of other crimes that were expected to follow.

Shortly after the news broke, numerous shots rang out followed by the frightening wail of many sirens.

Rumors began circulating about other murders being committed; two on Pen Road, one on Albert Street and even a Policeman was rumored to be among the victims. There were reports of mayhem at prison, riots at the main hospital, a robbery at a major school and the targeting of innocent citizens by marauding gang members. What followed could only be described as a blanket of fear being thrown over the entire city.

Facebook was on fire and Belizeans abroad became prayerful, tearful and fearful for their relatives back home.

In the afternoon of that same date, Prime Minister Dean Barrow called a press conference flanked by his newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Commandant of BDF and interestingly enough, Mark Vidal, the head of the Gang Suppressant Unit.

(GSU) It was interesting because Vidal is not known for making public appearances. Vidal was there to dispel rumors that members of his highly trained unit were the ones who carried out the killings.

The Prime Minister started the press conference by disclosing good news and bad news. First, said the Prime Minister was the bad news: The George Street gang was firmly convinced that it was the GSU that committed the gruesome murders.

Then on to the good news: Because of that false assumption, there would be no retaliation and Belizeans could be assured that things would go back to normal. With killings, robberies and other serious crimes having become a daily occurrence, many wondered if normal was really okay to go back to.

The Prime Minister went on to inform us that he had met with the George Street “crew” in his Belmopan office and that they had agreed to leave the city on a “furlough”. He did not reveal how much said “furlough” would cost taxpayers and how much more it would cost for his “crew” to thereafter, “hold it down”.

We do know that the last deal cost Belizean taxpayers well over seven million dollars and turned out to be anything but successful.

The revelation that the Prime Minister had once again met with gang leaders did not go over well and folks were not shy about expressing their opinions. It is said that doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is the true

definition of insanity. Have we not been here before?

According to the PM, the only shots that were fired were from the guns of security forces were warning shots into the air. A Channel Seven video painted a totally different picture, showing security forces pointing their weapons directly into a crowd of irate citizens.

If our security forces are being asked to defend our borders with rubber bullets, why were they using live rounds against citizens? After the showing of the images on television, Belize’s biggest union the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, (NTUCB) felt moved to issue a statement which read in part, “… images of the security forces with guns cocked with live rounds and aimed directly at grieving, protesting citizens followed by obvious shots being fired, certainly spur this perceived loss of confidence.” Confidence in security forces is not perceived, it is lost!

Up to the time of my writing this article, it would seem that the Prime Minister’s plan has given us at least a slight reprieve from the “one a day” murders that we have been experiencing so far this year.

What it has not done is to give any relief to our “fear of crime”. On

the contrary, the Prime Minister’s actions has increased that fear and while Belizeans had no choice but to go back to daily living, there remains a trouble aura of disquiet in the air.

While making people safe is perhaps the most important purpose of government, making citizens feel safe is equally as important since “fear of crime” has such a profound effect on our economy and everyday social life.

To date, no progress has been made in the search for the killer or killers and the more time that passes, the less likely we will ever know what really happened on Dean Street. The families need closure and for sure, our entire city needs some closure to this horrific crime.

The most interesting thing about Mr. Barrow’s press conference is that it revealed a different side of the man. Gone was the swagger and arrogance and “give no quarter, make no apology” despot. He welcomed, at least in words, the offer of the Leader of the Opposition to help.

Instead of the usual conceit, what streamed from Mr. Barrow’s eyes was…well, fear. Whether it’s the same “fear of crime” that the rest of us feel, diffidence or a more poltroon fear, like what happened at the corner of Dean and Plues Streets, we might never know.

SHEN CONSULTING LIMITED (“the Company”) Pursuant to section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and notice is hereby given that SHEN CONSULTING LIMITED has been dissolved and has been struck off the Register as at 23rd December, 2012.

CITITRUST INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Registered Agent

Mediterranean Development Ltd. # 66,448 (“the Company”) Pursuant to section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and notice is hereby given that Mediterranean Development Ltd. a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 18th day of December, 2012; and c) Cititrust International Inc. whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company CITITRUST INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Registered Agent

22

Godfrey Smith

THE BELIZE TIMES

Did Cordel Cross the Rubicon?

Flashpoint

January 7, 2013

By Godfrey P. Smith With a month to go before the general elections of March 7th 2012, Cordel Hyde, the incumbent, undefeated, three-time PUP representative in the Lake Independence constituency, announced that he would not be offering himself for re-election, citing his young son’s cancer. He had written the party’s leader and had spoken to him cordially about his withdrawal.

Three days later, his brother-in-law, Mark Espat, also an incumbent, undefeated, three-time PUP representative for the Albert constituency declared that he would not be offering himself for re-election. Unlike Cordel, he hadn’t bothered to inform his party’s leadership, gave no excuses and, for good measure, stood down his constituency executive committee with immediate effect.

Given the timing of the duo’s resignations, their 7-year history of in tandem undermining of successive PUP leaders and the standing down of their campaign committees (de facto in Cordel’s case), it was difficult not to conclude that their orchestrated joint intent was to withdraw at the eleventh hour, ensuring the defeat of their party.

Had they not withdrawn, their electoral victories were virtually guaranteed. Had they at least endorsed their successors and given them access to their campaign machinery, PUP victories in those seats would have been a distinct likelihood. The Lake Independence seat was lost by a mere 172 votes. The Albert seat was lost by only 227 votes despite the fact that, on election day, Mark Espat was asking his erstwhile supports to stay home or vote UDP. At the end of tally, the UDP had won 17 seats and the PUP 14 seats. But for those two resignations, the PUP would have formed the government.

Within weeks of the UDP victory, Mr. Espat was appointed ambassador and team leader for the re-negotiation of the superbond. Cordel retreated to his father’s newspaper business and, after his son’s death, he quietly began canvassing PUP officials to be returned to the party - a notion that has been met with trenchant resistance by a majority of PUP officials.

Cordel fell under the Svengalian thrall of Mark shortly after Mark’s marriage to his sister (and daughter of the patriarch of the Amandala-Krem grassroots media group), creating the Espat-Hyde political axis. From that point, Mark Espat and Cordel Hyde indeed became “like a joint entity” but with Espat being the senior partner; Espat led and Hyde followed. While Espat was truculent, Machiavellian and eviscerating in dealing with his party’s leadership, Cordel tended to be reticent, measured and restrained. Espat, stern and severe of visage, wore his antagonism like a scout’s badge of honor; Hyde, in contrast, was non-confrontational and easy: the tail being wagged by the dog.

To what extent Cordel was a true believer in the meretricious gospel of Mark is uncertain. Mark’s political idée fixe was always leadership of the PUP. His actions and populist rhetoric were bent to the service of this ambition. But peel away the patina of tirades against the “oligarchy”, and one would find an empty cavity which a Faustian soul once inhabited. The incontrovertible truth is that the Espat political machine was at all times fueled by plenty of cash, begotten of the monied class. Cordel, wittingly or unwittingly, was disciple to a fraudulent creed.

Paradoxically, when leadership was finally offered to him in October of 2011, following the sudden resignation of John Briceño, Mark accepted on a temporary basis only (in order to make his personal assessment of the feasibility of it for him) then, eleven days later he declined leadership. He had calculated (wrongly as it turns out) that the PUP’s chances of winning the 2012 elections were dim and he couldn’t secure the kind of financial commitments he wanted within his set timeframes. Being neurotically riskaverse - to the point perhaps of cowardice - he walked away from leadership and, indeed, the prime ministership of Belize.

By now it must be clear to Cordel Hyde that his brother-in-law, Mr. Espat, has secured himself nicely and in fact always did. He enjoys the perks of foreign travel, ambassadorship and diplomatic status while his junior partner wilts in the wilderness of four long years in opposition: no seat, no recognition, and no money. Understandably, he wants to return to what he knows best, what he is good at: the political life of recognition and benefits.

Those who oppose his return argue that even if his son’s cancer had obliged him to resign, there were things Cordel could have done to help the party like endorsing his successor, televising a message to the electorate asking them to support the PUP and deploying his campaign committee to work with his successor - none of which he did. They see this as irredeemable treachery. To accept him back, they feel, would show the PUP to be wishy-washy, with no core principles, no dignity and set a dangerous precedent; a line has to be drawn even in the shifting sands of politics. These are compelling arguments.

If he is indeed to be accepted back into the fold, it would seem that this would have to be through a gradual process of him starting from the bottom and working his way up to earn the trust and respect of his colleagues through meaningful work to strengthen the party on the Southside.

This article was reproduced from www.flashpointbelize.com

20 JAN

2013

Dangriga Town Council Condemns Actions of Ministry of Local Government Dangriga Town, January 9, 2013 The Dangriga Town Council (DTC) is outraged at the blatant partisan politics and condemns in no uncertain terms the disrespect shown to the DTC by the Ministry of Local Government in the selection of the Liquor Licensing Board for 2013. In October 2012, the Ministry of Local Government requested from the DTC to make its submission of a recommended list of names to serve as members of the Liquor Licensing Board 2013.

The Council conducted its due diligence which included meeting with the residents to confirm if they would be willing to volunteer their service to Dangriga by serving on the Liquor Licensing Board 2013. Subsequently, the DTC submitted its recommended list of Board members to the Ministry of Local Government.

On Monday 4 January, 2013, the DTC received a letter from the Ministry of Local Government informing on the composition of the Stann Creek Liquor Licensing Board 2013. Noteworthy, is the fact that only one person who was recommended by this DTC was approved by the Minister nor did the DTC received any correspondence from the Ministry to indicate that the recommended members did not qualify to be members of the said Board.

While it is the purview of the Minister of Local Government to appoint the members Liquor Licensing Board, the file at the Town Council indicates that the Minister had in the past appointed all the members who were recommended to Boards by previous Councils especially recommendations made by those Councils who were of the same political party.

The Dangriga Town Council deemed the action of the Minister as distasteful as well as disrespectful to the residents and Council of Dangriga. We call on the Minister of Local Government to respect the established precedence and to work closer with the Dangriga Town Council as the Dangriga Town Council pledges to work closely with the Minister of Local Government with the view of moving the culture capital forward. (Press Release)

20 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

Home Economics

We have come full circle.

BEL is still not paid for as yet….and it does not seem like the GOB has the money to make payment… given all its other delinquent obligations.

International creditors have decried the GOB for this expropriation. Some call it illegal…. and many have argued that the very small profits BEL declares, would take over 100 years to make a dent in the liabilities created by the expropriation.

Together with expropriation of BTL, it has crushed our macro-economic financial picture.

The PUC still has say over electricity rates, thus GOB, by regulation can influence/dictate the consumer price of electricity.

WHAT IS THE WAY OUT? I. BEL should be returned to its rightful owners forthwith, with the agreement that all sides withdraw ALL claims and counter-claims that are in any courts, anywhere.

II. Belize should move aggressively to attract the investments required to supply at least 80% of its electricity requirements internally. BUT…these investors will never touch Belice without guarantees…. without laws that will protect their investments for an appreciable period….and without an enabling environment that would allow them to be most efficient and optimally profitable. These investors are there, waiting. We need more than anything, to cherish and protect our national dignity and integrity. We need to stop leaning on Mexico, and participate in a more progressive and mature relationship with our neighbor, based on improved competitiveness and mutual respect for each other’s work and ambitions.

III. Belize should negotiate a VERY special rate with CFE for the 20% it will continue to buy….and get the World Bank to support Mexico with offering this rate….given that BEL will agree to pass this on the poorest consumers in Belize at a special low rate and fixed mark-up pricing. This should be part of their poverty alleviation cooperation program.

IV. No bonafide substantial inves-

Big, Big Electricity Rate

by Richard Harrison Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is the monopoly distributor of electricity in Belize.

The CEO of BEL is Jeffery Locke. The chairman of the Public Utilities Commission is John Avery.

The senior consultant for energy in the Energy Ministry is Ambrose Tillett. Senior consultant to the PM on energy issues, I understand, is John Mencias.

All of these men are friends of mine, who graduated with very high marks in 1982 from my alma mater, Belize Technical College. They were all classmates….who at one time or the other, held important posts in BEL…before it was sold to Fortis. They went on to prepare themselves in engineering degrees, and later in business degrees at the master level. They are some of the best minds I knew Belize to have.

They are collectively responsible for the risks and benefits related to this big, big rate hike. I wish them...and Belice... the best end-results.

The PUC for years did not approve rates increases that were being requested by the FORTIS company ….which insisted that rates needed to be increased to offset their higher cost of operations, especially with increases of carbon fuels. Since this was never achieved, the company ran down its cash reserves, until such point that it started requiring bail-outs by the Government of Belize, since it would not pump any more money into Belize, from its very substantial international reserves…due to the PUC intransigence.

The Government of Belize subsequently expropriated the distribution company from FORTIS, after various rows in the legal courts and the courts of public opinion.

Hike

GOB promised lower electricity rates as a result of the expropriation….which should have been the yield of improved management, and lower requirements to service foreign owners with dividends resulting from profit flows…and lower management fees. They promised to keep the country from rolling blackouts….to keep the lights on!

They argued that BEL in the hands of Belizeans was the best thing after sweet potato pudding.

One of the under-cover justifications for expropriation….is that CFE could not justify giving concessionary rates of electricity to a private firm such as FORTIS….but that it could consider this for the GOB, on a government to government cooperation. BUT….Mexico had advised Belize from way back in 2002, that it would no longer desire to supply Belize with electricity….given that Mexico’s own internal demand was growing rapidly with the expansion of the Mexican economy…and that demand for Mexico’s surplus power was growing in the USA, where they could earn a lot more for their electricity, than exporting it at concessionary rates to Belice. YET… Belice was hell bent on accessing concessionary rates from its neighbor, who has always tried to bend over backwards to help Belice. Beggar-thy-neighbor is what it is called in mafia lingo.

The more public justification was a patriotism bandwagon with no economic nor feasibility under-study offered.

BEL sources over half its electricity from Mexico’s CFE. The balance it sources from BECOL, a hydro-electric facility owned and operated

by FORTIS (the same company from which BEL was expropriated)….from BELCOGEN, a bagasse combustion operation owned by Belize Sugar Industries Ltd, which was bought out last year by a large US sugar company… from Belize Aquaculture Limited, a consortium of local and foreign investors that engages in carbon-fuel combustion generation….and from BEL’s own carbon-fuel combustion apparatus.

% 17

23 tor will touch Belice as long as the long term macro-economic outlook does not improve….as long as we continue to not pay our bills….and as long as our government continues with its intransigent attitude towards foreign investments of all kinds. We need to OVERHAUL our tax laws to create a competitive economy that is production-consumption oriented… not import-consumption oriented as it is currently. This will turn around the economy very quickly and introduce confidence. We need to clean up our record as a country that protects private investment and property. We need to start paying our bills….clean up our record with international creditors….improve our credit rating. This can all happen in ONE year, if the political will and ambition was there.

V. FORTIS, once it regains BEL, would do well to sell shares to many small Belizean investors, so that the interest of the company is broadly hedged. This should be an open trade, so that Belizeans can buy and sell shares at will….the beginning of a stock exchange. BTL, BEL and the commercial banks and insurance companies should be the ones to get this started. It is a win-win formula for ALL. VI. By law….new and more-strict accounting and company laws, rules and standards that prevent armslength deals, excessive management charges and creative accounting that all together negatively impact the end-price of electricity. Earnings from company activities should be made to be more transparent and accountable…and repatriation of fair dividends from investments should be a key facilitation by the new rules of the company and accounting/reporting laws.

VII. The PUC should be restructured to be managed by a Board which is mostly formed from private sector users of electricity….tourism representative, production sector representative, residential consumer representative, electricity production investors, etc. The GOB can still have a big say, but consumers are better off protecting themselves within the PUC, than to depend on GOB. VIII. Belize should make appropriations for the Cuban engineer (or other qualified investor) who has the know-how to transform Belize crude into combustible forms for electricity generation, so that most of the carbon-fuel for electricity generation be locally sourced. Stop protecting the international/local mafia that now control our carbon-fuel energy sources. Producers of crude in Belize should be made to sell locally on a special formula that allows electricity generation to be at minimum competitive with Mexico, USA and Guatemala…our principal competitors.

Richard Harrison is a local businessman and investor in the manufacturing and service industries.

Send comments to harrisonbz@yahoo.com

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20 JAN

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

In my perspective What can we learn from the Dean St. massacre?

by Rayford Young ple of this country. They seem like Growing up in and attending a rag tag team that cannot shoot school in Corozal was a joy indeed. straight. Frankly, they remind me I had a great childhood and en- of Barnie Fifer on the old Andy joyed my youth in Corozal - nothing Griffin TV series. How can the pubbut good memories. One of those lic have any confidence in a police memorable events was just about force that doesn’t even have the every evening after school; many decency to wear a clean uniform? of the boys from my school would They look tired. Some look frightwalk to the police station and play ened. Others just look like they’re volleyball. The station had a volley- on something. Let me be clear, ball court and some of the police not all police officers are like this. officers would even There are many join us.

Rubbing fine, dedicated ofshoulders with the ficers serving the Rev. Makey, paspublic with dignity tor of the Corozal and respect. But Methodist School there are those that I wonder how that I attended, was should not be trustmany citian awesome expeed with people’s rience I remember lives in their hands. zens of Belize to this day.

They lack training could drive Back in those and self discipline. days policing was On Monday Janto the PM ofa respectable ocuary 7, 2013 at what fice and meet cupation. The pomany have called lice officers I got one of the most with him? to know in Corozal gruesome and horNot many I’m were professional rific murders the and trustworthy. city has ever seen, certain. But These men carried we witnessed our gang memthemselves with police department dignity and respect in action and it was bers seem to and the communothing to cheer have access nity respected about. We saw an them. I remember unprofessionto the PM. How inept the uniforms were al untrained police can the PM of clean and ironed. force that seemed They had so much confused, unsure of this country starch in them the what to do or how crest was sharp as to close off a crime sit down with a razor blade. They scene. There were criminals and shaved daily with lots of people from hair combed and negotiate with the neighborhood in place. I believe standing around, them?” they had to pass an some shouting at inspection before the police. One lady they could go on even got into an arduty for that day. gument with one That’s the way it was. They did this of the officers. The crowd blamed because they had to earn the re- the GSU (Gang Suppression Unit) spect of the community they were for the murders. One lady said if entrusted to, and they did. You it was her son that was murdered didn’t hear of police officers run- she would shoot one of the offining drugs and involved in crime cers there on the spot. School back then, for the shame they kids and mothers with their young would bring on the police force if babies were walking around at the anyone did anything like that. scene. In the apartment building Today as I watch the police offi- where these murders took place, cers rolling down Central American police and investigative officers Blvd in Belize City in the back of an were walking in the blood and old beaten up pickup truck, packed contaminating the crime scene. like sardines and guns blazing, it is Then the media was allowed in nothing but a disgrace to the peo- the room and they too walked all

over the crime scene. The media was so happy that they had these pictures of blood all over the apartment. This is what makes great television, blood and more blood.

I guess no one thought about preserving the scene for forensic testing. I thought it was normal police practice that you seal off the streets and allow absolutely no one in a crime scene until the forensic investigation was complete.

Then we saw them bring down the dead men in blood-soaked sheets and threw them in the back of a pickup truck and drove off to the morgue. I don’t know who these men are but I’m sure they were somebody’s son, sister, brother, or maybe a father.

Don’t they deserve some dignity rather than their loved ones see them thrown in the back of a pickup truck? Are we so backward we don’t even have a van to transport the dead?

Later that day the Prime Minister the Honorable Dean Barrow held a press conference and as usual we got slick words from him, evading the questions and coming up with clever answers.

The PM was asked if the GSU had anything to do with these murders. You would think a yes or no would be the answer. Instead he said something to the effect that the GSU doesn’t do things like this. The head of the GSU also gave this kind of an answer. We also learned from the PM that the gangs were transported to Belmopan and met with him and he was convinced there would not be any retaliation. We also learned that after the gang members met with him, they were escorted out of the city to an undisclosed location

- that’s why he was certain there would be any retaliation.

I wonder how many citizens of Belize could drive to the PM office and meet with him? Not many I’m certain. But gang members seem to have access to the PM. How can the PM of this country sit down with criminals and negotiate with them? Whose side is he on?

I thought he was elected to serve the people of this country, not to sit down with criminals and give them money and safe passage. Even at his press conference he seemed to be representing the criminals rather than the people. Seems to me once you sit down with these thugs all your moral authority is lost. They might even have the upper hand as they can hold you hostage. If you don’t give them what they want they will threaten to kill innocent citizens. How does a PM get himself in such a terrible situation - this man that claims he’s the smartest and most educated person in Belize. That old statement comes to mind, when you sleep with dogs you catch their fleas.

What can we learn from this awful massacre? Invest in training our police officers so they don’t look foolish, shooting off their guns in the air trying to control the crowd; invest in a modern forensic lab instead of new SUV’s for ministers. Surround yourself with mature, educated people that will give you sound advice. Don’t negotiate with criminals. Giving gang members a weekly pay check is dumb. Even worse is when you don’t know you’re dumb and need help. Instead you think you know it all and keep making the same mistakes over and over. Now that’s dumb.

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

Sunray Enterprise Ltd. # 80, 260 (“the Company”) Pursuant to section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and notice is hereby given that Sunray Enterprise Ltd. a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 18th day of December, 2012; and c) Cititrust International Inc. whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company CITITRUST INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Registered Agent

20 JAN

2013

THE BELIZE TIMES

New Year’s Resolutions At the beginning of January many of our parents made New Year’s Resolutions, but what about us?

Do you think we should make resolutions?

My parents encouraged me to make resolutions as dreams or goals I want to get done this year.

I want better grades in Math, so one of my goals is practicing Math every evening after I do my homework.

If you didn’t make resolutions use the three stars for 2013 to help you!

25

26

THE BELIZE TIMES

What is your gift?

H

appy new year to all. Christmas season has come and gone, and now we have entered a new year. In this year some people may not know it as yet, but they will become wealthy, others will get awards, a few will end up in court, and sadly some will be in the hospital fighting for their lives. Worst of all, some will die, although they have no idea of that happening this year.

In fact, we have already heard of almost a dozen deaths and the year has just freshly begun. Death is not picky. Once he sticks his hand down in that boledo barrel and he pulls out your ticket, it doesn’t matter if you are black or white, short or tall, rich or poor; he is coming.

Well, there is something that death is afraid of, but before I go there, let me go back to the Christmas season. I saw quite an amount of children with grinning faces satisfied with what they received for Christmas, but I also saw a few disgruntled ones who were next to angry for what they received. One child actually began crying and stomped away.

Have you ever gotten a gift that you didn’t want, and it made you upset?

Thing is, although a gift may be free to you it’s not really free. It cost someone something somewhere down the line to get that gift for you.

Now, after you receive that gift it is of very little use to you left in its wrapping paper. It comes to its fullness as you take it out and begin to reap the benefits and pleasures it offers.

I know of no child that left their gift inside the wrapper, just enjoying how it looked. In fact, he or she would probably be so eager that opening the gift before Christmas Day would have made the vacation even more enjoyable.

So the gift is really what’s inside of that beautiful wrapping and although you may have it in your hand or your home, or you may have the keys to it, it is of no value to you until you unwrap it and begin interacting with it.

To begin this year, I would like to remind everyone through this article that you were offered a gift for Christmas! The gift is completely free though it does require some things from you; in the same way, if you have won a house in the lottery and want to live in it, you would have to make the decision to give up living in the area where you are currently abiding and move to the new house!

This gift you were offered is a gift of life, “eternal life”! It’s basically a ticket or better put a visa. In fact better yet, it’s a passport offering you citizenship in another country that is run by a king. This country goes by the name ‘the Kingdom of Heaven’! This whole season of Christmas is a beautiful package all shiny and mouth-watering with a priceless gift inside!

A gift that death is completely afraid of as it holds no victory once this gift has been released in your life!

I challenge and encourage you for this year 2013 to receive the gift you have been offered through the Christmas season. Don’t leave it under the tree in its wrappers as it is of no use to you there!

Until next week God Bless!

20 JAN

2013

Synovial Cysts

By Dr. Francis Smith Synovial cysts are lumps that develop along the tendon or joint of your wrist, hand, knee, ankle, foot and spine. These non-cancerous lumps are usually round or oval and filled with a gelatinous fluid similar to that found in joints. Most often, a person with a synovial cyst cannot recall an incident that precipitated the cyst formation. There may be incipient pain as a synovial cyst forms but usually the pain subsides and the cyst becomes asymptomatic.

Pain and increased swelling may return with activity and the cyst can decrease or increase in size proportionately to rest or increased activity.

Commonly, pea-sized synovial cysts may be found in the fingers, protruding from the synovial tendon sheaths, large ones(about 2.5cm in diameter) called ganglion cyst are found around the wrist joint, and larger ones called Baker’s or popliteal cyst are found around the knee joint (2.5 cm) in diameter. Sometimes the location of these cysts can interfere with joint movement particularly about the knee. Synovial cysts around the knee joint are usually as a result of an underlying problem with the knee joint, such as degenerative osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or a cartilage tear. These conditions can cause your knee to produce excess synovial fluid which can lead to a synovial cyst.

Synovial fluid is a lubricating fluid found in all joints and in synovial membranes (tendon sheaths) which wrap around muscles and tendons. This lubricant helps your joints to move smoothly and reduces friction. When there is constant irritation, over-use, injury or wear and tear, the body produces excess fluid. When this happens in the knee, people in Belize would refer to it as a “water-knee”. This is because the synovial fluid loses its viscosity and becomes more aqueous or watery.

Synovial cysts are usually painless, unless they press on nerves or cause ligaments and the joint capsule to stretch excessively.

They may cause a dull aching discomfort, tingling, numbness or muscle weakness.

Risk factors People with degenerative osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) in the finger joints closest to their fingernails are at higher risk of developing ganglion cysts near those joints. People suffering rheumatoid arthritis usually have huge ganglion cyst on the top of their wrist and hands. Sex and age are also factors. Ganglion cysts can develop in anyone but they mostly occur in women between the ages of 20 and 30. Old and recent joint or tendon injuries, like people falling on the outstretched palm of the hand and basket ball or volleyball finger and wrist injuries, are more likely to develop synovial cysts. Over used injuries like people who indulge in repetitive activities such as piano and guitar playing are also at an increased risk.

Treatment Treatment for synovial cyst may be conservative, minimally invasive or surgical. Conservative treatment involves “doing nothing” if the cyst is asymptomatic, ice packs with oral medication for pain (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen), and needle aspiration with a large-gauge needle then injection of a corticosteroid suspension into the sac to shrink or dissolve it. A synovial cyst in a finger may be ruptured with a needle or spontaneously ruptured, providing relief.

With lumbar synovial cysts, steroid injections into the affected facet joint may be indicated. Minimally invasive techniques involve fluoroscopically guided removal of a cyst, minimally invasive incisions to remove the cyst. Surgery involves bigger incisions to remove large ganglion or Baker’s cysts dissecting the sac from around tendons and joint capsule and following the stalk to its origin then closing the defect in the joint capsule.

20 JAN

27

THE BELIZE TIMES

2013

BELIZE TIMES WEEKLY

SCIENCE & TECH R

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Selected By Chris Williams

End Near? Doomsday

Clock Holds at 5 ‘Til Midnight

By Live Science Staff | LiveScience. com The hands of the infamous “Doomsday Clock” will remain firmly in their place at five minutes to midnight — symbolizing humans’ destruction — for the year 2013, scientists announced today (Jan. 14).

Keeping their outlook for the future of humanity quite dim, the group of scientists also wrote an open letter to President Barack Obama, urging him to partner with other global leaders to act on climate change.

The clock is a symbol of the threat of humanity’s imminent destruction from nuclear or biological weapons, climate change and other human-caused disasters. In making their deliberations about how to update the clock’s time this year, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists considered the current state of nuclear arsenals around the globe, the slow and costly recovery from events like Fukushima nuclear meltdown, and extreme weather events that fit in with a pattern of global warming.

“2012 was the hottest year on record in the contiguous United States, marked by devastating drought and

brutal storms,” the letter says. “These extreme events are exactly what climate models predict for an atmosphere laden with greenhouse gases.” [Doom and Gloom: 10 Post-Apocalyptic Worlds] At the same time, the letter did give a nod to some progress, applauding the president for taking steps to “nudge the country along a more rational energy path,” with his support for wind and other renewable energy sources.

“We have as much hope for Obama’s second term in office as we did in 2010, when we moved back the hand of the Clock after his first year in office,” Robert Socolow, chair of the board that determines the clock’s position, said in a statement. “This is the year for U.S. leadership in slowing climate change and setting a path toward a world without nuclear weapons.”

The Doomsday Clock came into

Sand tsunami pictured striking Australian coast 11 January 2013 Australians sweltering in a record week of catastrophic heat faced another environmental challenge on Wednesday - a wall of sand struck Onslow on the north-western coast of Western Australia.

After gathering sand and dust over land, the storm appeared to crest like a wave as it blew over the surface of the ocean. Tugboat worker Brett Martin was at sea when he captured the image.

Conditions changed sud-

being in 1947 as a way for atomic scientists to warn the world of the dangers of nuclear weapons. That year, the Bulletin set the time at seven minutes to midnight, with midnight symbolizing humanity’s destruction. By 1949, it was at three minutes to midnight as the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union deteriorated. In 1953, after the first test of the hydrogen bomb, the doomsday clock ticked to two minutes until midnight.

The Bulletin was at its most optimistic in 1991, when the Cold War thawed and the United States and Russia began cutting their arsenals. That year, the clock was set at 17 minutes to midnight.

From then until 2010, however, it was a gradual creep back toward destruction, as hopes of total nuclear disarmament vanished and threats of nuclear terrorism and climate change reared their heads. In 2010, the Bulletin found some hope in arms reduction treaties and international climate talks and bumped the minute hand of the Doomsday Clock back to six minutes from midnight from its previous post at five to midnight. But by 2012, the clock was pushed forward another minute.

denly from glassy and flat to a 2-metre swell and 70-kilometre-per-hour winds when the dust storm hit, Martin said. “[There was an] awesome lighting show on the thunder heads once darkness fell.”

Gusts of up to 102 km/h were recorded from the storm, Austen Watkins of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology told Yahoo! Australia.

Despite its stunning appearance, dust storms like this are normal in these parts during this time of year, and Watkins said that the storm is unrelated to tropical cyclone Narelle.

What’s not normal is the record-breaking “dome of heat” currently fuelling wildfires in the country.

Storm-casters are hoping to help people dodge Australia’s fickle weather with “nowcasts” that predict thunderstorms up to 1 hour ahead.

28 ARTPAGE

20 JAN

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES

2013

The Art in Craft, DeliciousJam!

By Katie Usher In University, the first book I was assigned was The Story of Art by E.H. Gombrich.

This book presented me with two challenges, the first that the edition which we were assigned was in Spanish, and second was that Gombrich stated that there was a difference between Art (Fine Art) and art (handicraft).

In Belize, it is my belief that that line of distinction is less defined. Maybe, it would be possible to say that it may not even exist. We experience in Belize a rich environment where art envelops both handicraft and the highly revered Fine Art. Thankfully the international contemporary art scene has become a rich mixture of craft as art or art as craft. For example visual artists have begun to utilize ‘craft forms’ to create fine art.

I say this considering several artists who participated in the Landings project. The Landings project featured a series of exhibits with participation of visual artists from Belize, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. One Landings artist, from Mérida, México who works in a similar fashion is Vanessa Rivero. This artist utilized basic concepts of handicraft, with drawing elements, i.e. composition, scale, negative space etc. She generally does large installation pieces where she combines the elements of drawing with media that are not always identified with Fine Art like sewing or tiling. It is not a rare or strange thing. The word art defined by Oxford dictionary states, “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated for their beauty or emotional power.” It states further “a skill at doing a specified thing, typically one acquired through practice”.

Based on the second definition we can see why we say the art of cooking, or the art of public speaking. From these

definitions, two things can be established that art, be it Fine Art or Handicraft requires skill, expression and creativity. And if this is the case, then I dare to say that the only distinction then may be their consumption. In the case of Fine Art it is generally exhibited and sold to museums or collectors, whereas handicraft may or may not be exhibited and has a wider purchase base, or may even be geared solely towards enriching the tourist experience. In the Belizean context, I’d like to highlight two artists who work diligently at their craft. Delisiah and Jaime “Jimmy Jam” Medina are new installments to the art scene on North Front Street in Belize City. These artists create chains, earrings and bracelets right on the spot using all natural materials including conch and wilk shells, corals, that have washed up on the beach, beads, cohune seeds and coconut shells.

The couple had first been working and living in Caye Caulker village, where they said they were inspired by the beautiful beach and friendly island vibes to create excellent pieces. There, Delisiah said, they had a steady income because the tourists were very supportive and constantly looking for exotic-type jewelry.

Definitely the market for their artwork here in Belize City is much smaller than on the island. Still, Jam and Delisiah arrive religiously early to 91 North Front Street every morning, from Monday to Friday, and set up their table with the all-natural treasures. Most times they end up selling their priceless pieces at a minimum to Primary School students who have saved up their lunch money or to the locals.

This does not stop Jimmy Jam. He can be seen Monday to Friday beading chains with his wife on North Front Street.

He has a need to create, so he creates despite the fact that

the market is meager. An artist does after all create because he needs to, not because there is a market or not. For as long as there is something to express and discuss, art will be created.

This brings me to the point I’ve harped on for almost the entire of 2012. Artists need support. Punto final! Artists, Artisans, Musicians, Dancers, Poets and Dramatists! NICH make it happen for 2013. I’m calling you out, because this should be your primary concern. Try to aspire to a pre-2008 NICH curriculum.

Delisiah and Jimmy Jam

Some of the carefully crafted necklaces & earrings

20 20JAN JAN

2013 2013

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

CHINA THE TIMBER HOG?

With last week’s burning of precious rosewood logs and the link between illegal logging and China, this story sparked our interest.

‘GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) — A Chinese stateowned company plans to develop a timber-processing plant for logs it harvests in the

rain forest of western Guyana…

Spokesman Lun Weikang said the company expects to invest about $500 million in the project…Bin Shan is a division of state-owned China Forest Industry Group Company Limited. It has a 272,000acre (110,000 hectare) timber concession in western Guyana.’

JAMAICA OBSERVER, TUESDAY,

CHOLERA RESURGES IN CUBA AFTER 100 YEARS

Since our Ministry of Health is not likely to bring it to your attention. Fifty cases of cholera have been reported in Cuba. One person has died so far. It has been linked to the same strain

possibly carried by Nepalese peacekeepers to in Haiti in 2010. Cholera is endemic in Nepal.

‘Cholera is a waterborne disease caused by a bacteria found in taint-

JANUARY 15, 2013 Food for thought according to the Environmental Investigation Agency China’s demand for rosewood and other precious woods is driving a violent illegal logging upsurge in tropical countries worldwide. ed water or food. It can kill within hours through dehydration, but is treatable if caught in time. It is unusual in Cuba, but recent outbreaks in nearby Haiti have killed more than 7,200 people… On Tuesday, the British Embassy in Havana issued a travel advisory in response to the cholera reports, urging its citizens to take “sensible precautions” and seek immediate medical attention for diarrhea. US diplomats on the island issued a travel warning Monday urging American citizens to follow local health recommendations…’AL JAZEERA, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

RARE-EARTH ELEMENTS FOUND IN It sounds like something out of a Star Trek episode, rare-earth elements… What? It is in your smart phone imagine that and its find in Jamaica is sparking great interest globally particularly in the USA. ‘KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — Jamaica may be able to benefit from newly found deposits of rare-earth elements that are key ingredients for smartphones, computers and numerous other hightech goods, the Caribbean island’s top mining official said Tuesday.

Science, Technology, Energy & Mining Minister Philip Paulwell said Japanese researchers believe they have found “high concentrations of rare-earth elements” in the country’s red mud, or bauxite residue.

China is now the

JAMAICA’S RED MUD

world’s main supplier of rare-earth elements, which are minerals that play a critical role in making products from basic communication devices to high-tech military weaponry. Worried by that dominance, manufacturers around the globe have been spurring searches for other sources that could be profitably mined.

In a statement to Jamaica’s Parliament, Paulwell said researchers from Japan’s Nippon Light Metal Co. Ltd. believe rare-earth elements can be efficiently extracted in Jamaica, where a once-flourishing bauxite industry has fallen on hard times.

Paulwell touted the discovery as a potentially significant boon for the Caribbean island’s chronically sputtering economy.’ ASSOCIATED PRESS, TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2013

NEWS

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FACEBOOK

LAUNCHES GRAPH

Facebook developers are always “cooking up” new ways of improving users’ experience with the platform. Hopefully, Graph will go over better than others.

‘Facebook has unveiled a new search feature which is likely to increase competition with review websites such as Yelp and Google.

‘Graph search’ allows users to gain recommendations and reviews by searching their social connections for information on people, interests, photos and places rather than links to sites available across the internet…

The tool, which was launched on Tuesday, will gradually be available to all Facebook users and marks the popular social networking website’s biggest foray into the online search market…’ AL JAZEERA, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

LOOMING FIGHT OVER US DEBT CEILING SENDS WORLD STOCKS DOWN “Life haad out here” was a constant refrain for many Belizeans in 2012 and 2013 may be no better. We are, therefore, keeping our eyes on the global financial market to keep you alert and aware.

‘BANGKOK (AP) — Japan’s benchmark stock index toppled off a 32-month high Wednesday after the yen’s slide went into reverse…European benchmarks fell in early trading.

Britain’s FTSE 100 lost 0.3 percent…

Germany’s DAX shed 0.1 percent…

Wall Street also appeared headed for losses…The day’s lukewarm trading started in Asia. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.1 percent…Benchmarks in Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines also fell, while Singapore rose.

The U.S. Treasury says it will run out of money to pay all the government’s obligations sometime in February or March if Congress doesn’t raise the current $16.4 trillion limit on borrowing…’ ASSOCIATED PRESS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

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THE BELIZE TIMES

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2013

Liquor License NOTICES Notice is hereby given that Orlando Medina is applying for a Malt & Cider License to be operated at “Slim’s Grill”, situate 24 Miles Phillip Goldson Highway, Biscayne Village, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Hugo Ernesto Moreno is applying for a Liquor License to be operated at “El Jefe Bar”, situate Bakers Street, Orange Walk Town under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Gerrydean Melonie Stewart is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Abba Bar & Lounge”, situate #85 Neal Penn Road, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Ruark Reyes is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Video Karaoke Lounge”, situate #22 San Narciso Street, Orange Walk Town under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Martha Escalante is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Cross Roads Bar”, situate Ontario Village, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Fidelina de la Cruz is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “El Nuevo Amanecer”, situate Cemetery Street, Orange Walk Town under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Alfred Pickwoad is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Nerie’s Restaurant 1”, situate 12 Douglas Jones Street, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor License Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Neria Pickwoard is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Nerie’s Restaurant 2”, situate corner Queen and Daly Streets, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Arthur Laing is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “C&G Fast Food”, situate #8 Tate & Lyle Street, Orange Walk Town under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Gabriel Gallardo is applying for a Pubican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Kali’s Cool Spot”, situate San Estevan Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Emeteria Gongora is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “D 3 Sister Shop”, situate San Jose Palmar Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Roberto Castillo is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Luisa’s Grocery”, situate Yo Creek Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Cristina Moguel is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “D&J Supermarket”, situate #8 Stadium Street, Orange Walk Town under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Solayra Chen is applying for a Beer To Go Liquor License to be operated at “A&K”, situate #7 Dunn Street, Orange Walk Town under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Delfina Copo is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Delux”, situate Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Knarik Baghdasaryan is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “RK Shop”, situate Corner Cinderella and Progress Streets, Orange Walk Town under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Giovanni Smith is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Future Vision Investment Company Ltd./Bacab Eco Park”, situate ¼ Mile Burrell Boom Road, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Acela Hernandez is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Celi’s Bar”, situate Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Dollis Reynolds is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “D Value Shop Center”, situate Carmelita Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Reina Isabel Delcid is applying for a Beer Liquor License to be operated at “Pupuseria Dianita’s”, situate #64 Otro Benque Road, Orange Walk Town under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Alberto Blanco is applying for a Beer To Go Liquor License to be operated at “San Lazaro Gas Station”, situate San Lazaro Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that David Gegg is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “Smokey Mermaid”, situate Tower Hill Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Dora Prado is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Dora Noa Noa Bar”, situate 8 ½ Miles Philip Goldson Highway, Ladyville, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Margaret Nuñez is applying for a Publican Special Liquor License to be operated at “Tropicolada Cocktail Hut”, situate #7 Fort Street, Belize City under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Martha Lorena Barrios is applying for a Beer Shop Liquor License to be operated at “Shop Lorenz”, situate Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Martha Lorena Barrios is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Mi Casa Cool Spot”, situate Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Efrain Campos is applying for a Malt & Cider Liquor License to be operated at “Maya Restaurant”, situate Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Wen Zhan Su is applying for a Shop Liquor License to be operated at “James Shopping Center”, situate #4 St. Joseph Street, San Martin Area, City of Belmopan, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

Notice is hereby given that Russel Moody is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “M&M Restaurant and Bar”, situate in Sandhill, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

20 JAN

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Traffic accident on Phillip Goldson Highway Belize City, January 14, 2013 A traffic accident near mile 7 on the Phillip Goldson Highway on Tuesday evening resulted in the injury of several persons.

Shortly after 5:00 p.m., a Mazda Tribute SUV and a delivery truck for Unicomer collided. The SUV was travelling towards Ladyville, while the truck was heading in the opposite direction. The SUV lost control on the highway and slammed into the rear of the truck.

The driver of the SUV, identified as a female person, and a minor were injured and taken to the hospital for treatment. The persons travelling inside the truck were shaken up for the most part. The truck flipped over on its side and ended up on the side of the highway, luckily not on the side where the river runs parallel to the road.

UDP graveyard hustle?

Belize City, January 15, 2013 The UDP Belize City Council wants to knock poor and hardworking Belizeans out of business. Their latest attack moved from well-known Dj Tam-

bran, to downtown cook Paul Ferguson, to the undertakers and cemetery workers who prepare the burial ground for funerals.

Early this year, the Mayor an-

Shots fired at former PM’s home!

Belize City, January 15, 2013 The residence of former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Said Musa was targeted in a shooting on Tuesday night in Belize City, marking a dangerous extreme in the level of crime in the country.

Hon. Musa told journalists on Wednesday morning that he didn’t realise that his home had come under assault until this morning when he was about to leave for his regular morning gym workout.

“When I went downstairs, I noticed the main door had a hole in it, and when I looked down I saw a small piece of metal on the ground, that’s when I realised that the door had been shot through,” explained the former Prime Minister.

Hon. Musa also checked and discovered that the rear, right window of his wife’s vehicle that was parked inside the yard had been shattered by one of the gunshots.

He indicated that shortly before eleven o’clock on Tuesday night he had gone to bed when he heard the sound of gunshots.

“I walked out of the room and thought that the shots had been fired somewhere in the neighbourhood,” he said.

Hon. Musa’s wife was also at

home at the time.

While the former Prime Minister said the reason behind the shooting is a mystery to him, he did reveal that he and his wife had received death threat phone calls at their work places in December last year.

“We received phone call threats at the law firm and at BCVI. The person just said ‘tell the man give us paper or we will kill Musa and his wife’. The Police were alerted to this and they have been investigating that,” he said.

When asked whether the threats could have involved the law firm’s work with anyone, Hon. Musa said he doesn’t believe so.

He said he believed the threats were an attempt to extort.

Hon. Musa said he was saddened and distraught by the attack, since he has never felt that his safety was at risk. He noted that during the years he served as Prime Minister (1998-2008) he moved around freely throughout Belize, without the need for bodyguards.

His residence in the King’s Park area will now be guarded by Police Officers.

He said he believes the brute force crime fighting measures are inadequate and do not tackle the real problem, which is the root causes of crime.

nounced a new policy which disadvantaged those who are in the funeral business. The Council arbitrarily took control of all work carried out at burial sites.

This action was seen by most as an act of greed and hate. A Council greedy for money and filled with hatred towards anyone trying to make an honest living.

But could there be more to it? Might there be a hustling scheme behind all of this? With people like Easy Glenn and Joe Bradley Sr. one can expect all sorts of schemes, but one suspicious activity

which caught the attention of persons might involve the deputy mayor.

Sources tell the BELIZE TIMES that a Leslie’s Block Factory company vehicle has been seen making regular trips to new burial sites. The purpose of those trips is not known, but Deputy Mayor Dion Leslie’s family does own a block factory on the northern highway.

Could the Deputy Mayor’s family company be financially benefitting from business with the Council? We hope not, for this would go against the City Council’s laws which prohibit any member of the Council from benefitting through any kind of business deal with the Council.

The BELIZE TIMES and its sources will continue to keep a watchful eye.

GSU groomed in region’s deadliest country Belize City, January 14, 2013 If Belizeans ever wondered where the Barrow Government’s rogue police unit, the Gang Suppression Unit, gets its abusive and violent tactics from, it was revealed by a Police agent who appeared on the Dickie Bradley Special show on Channel 5 on Monday night.

The GSU is groomed in the second deadliest country in Central America – El Salvador.

El Salvador falls at 2nd place in the ranking of most homicides in Central America with 66 per 100,000 people. That country is home to some of the deadliest gangs which include the vicious MS13.

Is there any link to the training in that crime-filled country and the fact that the GSU exacts fury on residents, many of whom are inno-

cent and defenseless?

Is there any coincidence that Belize is now at 3rd place, even higher than Jamaica, with the murder rate per capita?

Since the GSU’s introduction to Belize, the crime rate has shot up. 2012 saw 150 murders, many of them were gang related. 2011 saw 128 murders.

2010 had 132 murders. Is the GSU supposed to fight crime or increase crime?

Think about it.

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