Belize Times July 13, 2014

SCAN HERE

The Belize Times

Established 1957

The Truth Shall Make You Free

13 JULY 2014 | ISSUE NO: 4903

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

UDP

Dean Barrow

Impotent on Crime

John Saldivar

Pg. 6

No ideas, No solutions as violence increases Three men charged for Murder of Ramon Cervantes Sr.

Another

body found!

Pg. 3

Mateo Pott, Angel Cardenas & Noe Gonzalez Avila, all of Trial Farm village

Fourth suspect, the mastermind, on the run

Pg. 23

Sonia Abaca went missing on April 23. 2014

PUP mourns passing of Ambassador H.E. Alfredo Martinez Pg. 3

2 02

13 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

Tour Guide Vexed!

the Police are there to enforce to new rule, they also fail to regulate it fairly with the consent of BTB officials. Gill reported that some favoured tour guides are allowed to

Cecil Gill accuses BTB of favouritism at Fort Street tourist village

Belize City, July 3, 2014 In the 11 years of tour guiding, Cecil Gill has never experienced frustration as he is today, and he says it’s all because of bad administration and decision making by officials at the Belize Tourist Board (BTB).

Gill said that favouritism by BTB officials at the Fort Street Tourism Village is hampering his business which offers scooter tour and taxi services.

Gill indicated that BTB has implemented a new system which prohibits tour guides from soliciting customers at certain terminals from where tourists exit the main FSTV compound. Tour guides, according to BTB’s new rules, must remain under their tents and wait for tourists to come to them instead of aggressively seeking customers.

Gill said the new system is senseless as it is counterproductive to them. He said, however, that the biggest problem is that while

2014 solicit customers at the terminals.

“When one a di tour guide try protest by going to one a di terminals, the Police stop him and tell Continued on page 23

Faber puppet in charge of Gwen Liz Board

Belize City, July 8, 2014 Complaints from several members of the staff and admin-

RETRACTION & APOLOGY BY THE BELIZE TIMES AND ALBERTO VELLOS (EDITOR) IN RESPECT OF HONOURABLE GODWIN HULSE On the 3rd of July 2013 the Belize Times published an article titled “Godwin Hustler??”. In essence the Article made certain charges and negative comments in respect of Honourable Godwin Hulse, Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and National Emergency Management based on an allegation that he had acquired a 100 acre parcel of land in the Darling Area of the Belize River Valley on the 19th of June 2012 (since becoming a Minister of Government).

The Belize Times and Mr. Vellos accept that this allegation is simply untrue and unfounded and entirely retract the allegation and the charges and negative comments which were based on that allegation.

The Belize Times and Mr. Vellos further apologize to the Honourable Godwin Hulse for the adverse Article and any damage to his reputation that it has caused.

istration of Gwen Lizarraga High School have reached our desk regarding the recent appointment of a highly-political person as Chairman of the school Board.

Roosevelt Blades is a wellknown UDP operative from the Corozal District. He was Pablo Marin’s campaign manager in previous elections. Blades was also Faber’s Chairman candidate in the boy Minister’s failed bid to unseat Gaspar Vega as UDP Deputy Leader last year.

Members of the staff and administration of Gwen Lizarraga have expressed concern that their school will become even more politically polarised with such a person at the helm of the critical decision-making body. Faber, it is said, already wields political influence with the school being situated in his constituency.

There are already signs of things getting worst. School officials, speaking in anonymity to avoid victimization, told us that a few weeks ago the school nearly lost a considerable donation of badly needed computers when the administration was told to avoid the donors simply because they were distantly connected with members of the Opposition.

SCAN HERE

The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

|

The Truth Shall Make You Free

ISSUE NO: 4840

www.belizetimes.bz

|

$1.00

serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper.

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

Alberto Vellos LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte

LOCAL 11 Jul

Printed and Published By The Belize Times Press Ltd.

weather 12 Jul

13 Jul

14 Jul

2615Mar Jul

Tel: 671-8385 #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize

27 Mar Jul 616 Feb

Email: belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com

editortimes@yahoo.com

Exchange rate of One Belize Dollar

United States (USD): $ 0.50

Barbados (BBD): $ 1.01

Eastern Caribbean Euro (XCD):$ 1.36 (EUR) : $ 0.37

Sterling Pound Guatemala Quetzal CANADIAN DOLLAR (GBP): $ 0.30 (GTQ): $ 3.94 (CAD): $ 0.56

CHINESE YUAN (CNY): $ 3.04

Trinidadian (TTD) : $ 3.22

INDIAN RUPEE (INR): $ 31.14

13 JUL

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

PUP mourns passing of Ambassador H.E. Alfredo Martinez 9th July, 2014 It is with deep sadness that the Honourable Francis Fonseca, Leader of the Opposition and the People’s United Party mourn the death of His Excellency Alfredo Martin Martinez, Senior Ambassador of Belize to Guatemala.

Fred Martinez was a Belizean who served his nation devotedly through his long years in public office in Belize. He was, during a distinguished career which spanned three decades, Mayor of Orange Walk Town, Senator and Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Minister of Trade and Industry, and our distinguished diplomatic representative to Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras and Jamaica. He was a master of the art of difficult circumstances and his skill and experience were a hallmark of his work as Belize’s Chief Negotiator on the Guatemalan claim.

Ambassador Martinez

Another

body found!

Police find remains of OW woman missing since April 23rd Orange Walk District, July 9, 2014 The Police Department has contracted a backhoe to assist them in excavating the site near to where the body of Ramon Cervantes Sr. was found on Saturday July 5th, following information that there could be more bodies of persons.

So far, one body has been discovered, belonging to Sonia Abaca, who went missing on April 23rd. There have been few details regarding her disappearance. Her husband, Alejandro Perez, reported her disappearance this week, upon learning that the Police were searching for possible bodies in the Honey Camp area.

was an ardent and committed defender of Belize’s sovereignty and was dedicated to ensuring that at all times. Belize was represented at the highest possible level with passion, grace, wisdom and great wit. He will be missed by all who had the honor to know him and work with him.

Our sincere condolences to his wife, Annalisa Agnelli Martinez, his three sons, Carlo, Gianni and Etienne Martinez, and to his extended family and all his many friends and relatives.

03 3

Global Enterprises Inc. # 114,083 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Global Enterprises Limited: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 3rd day of July, 2014; and c) Glenn D. Godfrey & Company LLP whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Third Floor, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator of the Company Glenn D. Godfrey & Company LLP Registered Agent

4 04

THE BELIZE TIMES

on the

SENSELESS VIOLENCE

By Francis W. Fonseca The senseless and tragic murder of Mr. Ramon Cervantes Sr. in Orange Walk sent shockwaves across the nation.

While those waves were felt strongest in the Orange Walk District where Mr. Cervantes worked and lived his entire life, Belizeans in every other part of the country shared in the anger and

PUP NOTICE Municipal Elections – San Ignacio/Santa Elena Towns The People’s United Party is inviting interested applicants for the upcoming San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town Council Elections to submit their applications. A Convention is slated for Sunday, August 24th, 2014.

Applications are available from the PUP S ecretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City.

C omp l e t e d app l i c at i on s must be filled and returned to t he C h ai r p e rs on and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee must be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessar y documentation to complete the application.

Deadline for submission is July 18th, 2014.

disgust at this horrific act of truly senseless violence.

The brutal slaying of a good, decent 71 year old man whose life has been distinguished through service to his family, community, and Country shook even those among us who have become hardened by the crime and violence of modern day Belize.

Maestro Ramon was a well known and respected teacher, a Canero and active member of the Cane Farmers Association, a successful businessman, a former Mayor of Orange Walk Town, a former PUP Senator, and above all else, a good friend and neighbor to all.

We mourn the loss

13 JUL

2014 of this good man and demand justice on behalf of his family and community.

In July 2014 there is too much senseless violence in our beautiful little Belize.

In July 2014 Belize is a nation without purpose or direction. A nation whose Leader is petty, vindictive, and divisive.

In July 2014, all Belizeans share in the collective responsibility of addressing this scourge of crime and violence.

It will require a UNITY OF PURPOSE. Mr. Barrow and the UDP have no interest in unity of purpose.

It is time for us to rid ourselves of this UDP Government.

It is time for a PUP Government of REFORM AND CHANGE!!

13 JUL

2014

05 5

THE BELIZE TIMES

EDITORIAL Populorum Progressio…The Development of People Guest Editorial by Hilairé Bennett The Latin America and the Caribbean regions have been characterised as having the highest level of inequality worldwide. This information was submitted in the 2010 Regional Human Development Report. This of course does not exclude Belize. The empirical social realities make conspicuous this festering phenomenon in this country.

Cutting Poverty by half is the first Millennium Goal set for 2015. Statistics in regard to poverty reflect that the Jewel under the United Democratic Party Government is moving opposite to the Millennium Development Goal targeted in the area of poverty alleviation.

During the UDP’s first term in office the poverty remained stagnant even though this was when the UDP’s “Pro-Poor Policy” was launched. Recently, the poverty indicators show about some forty odd percent and rising relegating the first millennium goal to but a dying dream.

The United Democratic Party under its leader, Honorable Dean Barrow, has proven to Belize and the citizenry that his is truly not “a government for all” when little or no attention to the first millennium goal has been given. The economic gap between the “haves and have nots”, the rich and poor continue to expand.

The benchmark set for this goal would illustrate the government’s political effort in helping the needy, the poor and the downtrodden of Belize. The words of the Opposition People’s United Party can be adjusted to – this government is disconnected from the Belizean reality being lived on a daily basis by Belizean families across our country.

The UDP government’s effort has been concentrated heavily on the holding on to national power and the schemes to consolidate its position. The mindset within the UDP is to extract the resources of the citizenry/taxpayers through corrupt acts to remain in power and grow their own fortunes. For their overall political gain the poor must feel the pain. Within the context of what is taking place, in the present administration poverty and inequality continue to rise.

During the depths of the financial downturn in 2008-2009, the more developed nations view it as vital to bear the financial cost in order to assist the poorer countries (e.g. Belize) to create various “social plans”. The demands by the emerging-market citizens especially the new middle class, for better care for the “poor” and “with evidence that growth is not evenly distributed around the economy there is strong pressure to include those left out”. Seemingly, the sentiment above submitted by Mac Margolis, Welcome to Welfare 2.0 for the World’s Poor, Newsweek, December 2010-February 2011 has gone on deaf ears and has not impacted this

government’s political or social conscience. Poverty and inequality continue to rise.

Along with the developing nations, organizations such as the World Bank, the International Labour Organization (ILO), World Health Organization (WHO), Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have brought into these programs in their attempt to alleviate world poverty. ILO information suggests seventy-two of the social programs exist. Since its inception one program tagged a success is Brazil’s Bolsa Familia (Family Stipend). Subsidies in the form of monies are handed to the needy as supplemental income to the household. The financial assistance has resulted in the growth in income for Brazil’s poorest since 2001 to 6.8 percent, per year.

Nonetheless, caution was given that these forms of social assistance could easily transform into financial quicksand pulling on the public purse. This was echoed

by PUP member for Toledo the Honorable Oscar Requeña in the halls of the National Assembly that Belize’s social programs are not sustainable and furthermore do not promote growth. What would seem to be a charitable program could be forged into a yoke of iron, destroying the very persons they were supposed to help. The poor man, then, has not even a distant hope of ever attaining a suitable level of life for himself and his family.

The UDP Government’s Pro Poor Policy and Southside Alleviation Project continue to be touted as success in propaganda ads, with the World Bank personnel and inner city youth advancing their political agenda. In my opinion, the success of the UDP’s Boost, Food Pantry, and Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT), are but a farce or an imaginary one. Poverty and inequality continue to rise. Recently, an advisor on social policy stationed in Panama indirectly gave the real reason why the implementation of UDP welfare programs have failed to put a dent in the 1st MDG. He stated that in instituting the programs in Belize, there were “Errors of Inclusion” and “Errors of Exclusion”. He then specified that some people who were not qualified for the program got on whilst others who should have been enrolled in the program were left out. This statement by the advisor was tantamount to saying that regulators of the pro-poor social assistance failed to pin-point the right persons – the poorest, the neediest, the elderly, the ill and school children.

The conditions required and the purpose such as having the children vaccinated and keeping them in the classroom is to make them healthy and giving the children a better opportunity to escape poverty through education.

Instead the political broad brush is being wielded and its UDP First and Belizeans After as Minister King callously admitted and Minister Godwin Hulse cemented when he spoke regarding the Norwegian Cruise Line project in the South. An indication of the political vindictiveness was submitted by Honorable Oscar Requeña who said that PUP single mothers in his constituency were being turned away because of their political persuasion. The monies for social assistance are being delivered by political godfathers (caretakers) along with UDP government functionaries skimming off the top. With the election

atmosphere humming, another statement taken from Mac Margolis’ Newsweek article must be considered.

He said “Governments operating cash transfers can too easily turn on the money spigot (faucet) to pump up the recipient rolls at election time. In Brazil, newly-elected President Dilma Rousseff got her highest margin of votes in the poor northeast region where the Bolsa Familia is widespread.”

Evidence has shown that the lack of political conscience and sound governance has contributed to the failures of various countries’ social welfare programs.

Belize’s Pro-Poor policies must focus on making sure that the poorest of the poor and the neediest of the needy are identified and given preference to the services and subsidies these social welfare programs provide. The long-range solution to the problem where the social assistance does not serve the needs of the disadvantaged majority, rather than a relatively politically connected few is having a political voice – a voice for the poor, encouraging them to take their rightful place in the local power structure, and ensuring their involvement in the decision which affect their welfare. The church can be that voice even in an apolitical sense. It was through the church that Labour Unions and Trade Unions were formed in Belize in the interest of uplifting the common man and the impoverished.

The Encyclical Letter March 26, 1967 written to Bishops, Priest and the religious order by His Holiness Pope Paul VI stated: “The development of peoples who are making very great efforts to free themselves from the hardships of hunger, poverty, endemic diseases and ignorance, who are seeking a more bountiful share in the benefits flowing from civilization and demanding that greater value be in fact set upon their qualities as human beings, and, who are constantly giving their attention to greater growth is gladly and encouragingly viewed by the Catholic church”. It is well known to all how seriously the Fathers of the Church described the obligation of the affluent to those in need: “You are not making a gift from your possession”, says St. Ambrose, “but you are returning what is his. For what is common has been given for use of all, you make exclusive use of it, the earth belongs to all, not to the rich.”

Alleviating poverty can be considered an ethical endeavour. However it is also vital to economic growth. Helping the poor can translate in the long term into the necessary human capital needed to grow the Belizean economy. Additionally, in the long term this often disregarded sector of the societal ladder could be well help in paying off the national debt which is $2.161 Billion and growing.

Funding for poverty alleviation continues to become available to Belize through international partners. However the political pandering must stop and the allocation of monies assistance must be distributed fairly. This requires firm management of finances secured for the welfare of the Poor. Poverty must be tackled as a priority otherwise the Jewel could be headed to a social and generational catastrophe.

6 06

THE BELIZE TIMES

UDP Impotent on Crime No ideas, No solutions as violence increases

Leon Burgess Belize City, Thursday, 10 July 2014 The UDP Government, which pretends to always have the answers to everything, has shown that it is morbidly impotent when it comes to fighting crime.

As gun violence, gang warfare and brutal murders escalate throughout our country, and our people live in fear, the Barrow Administration has been cold and cruel with no reaction nor response, as if none of the lives lost or put in danger and the families left in pain and mourning are important to their wanna-be big-time Ministers.

Meanwhile, Belizean life has become virtually consumed with crime and fear. This week, everyone was glued to the television evening news as the horrific murder of humble and hardworking Orange Walk patriot Ramon Cervantes Sr. unravelled in suspense. Add to this the separate shooting murders of 25 year old Leon Burgess and 35 year old Dwayne Hilton, the cruel execution-style killing of 29 year old Davee Dwayne Copius and the murder attempt on 31 year old Edwin “Drive” Flowers that occurred in Belize City between Monday and Wednesday night, which are threatening to leave the old capital under siege as more gang warfare is expected.

VACANCY AAA Security Services Corp.

Ltd. is seeking qualified individuals for the position of Security Guard. Persons must be over the age of 25 years of age, must be able to speak English and/or Spanish and must possess a clean police record.

Must bring along two (2) letters of recommendation.

Any other responsible and competent Government would have shown concern. The Minister responsible for the public’s safety, in this case National Security John Saldivar, would have entered the picture to inform the public of effective steps taken to curb crime and tackle the root causes. Any Leader of Government would hold his Ministers to task.

But not in Belize under the United Democratic Party. Some Ministers, we are told, have packed their bags in preparation to travel to Brazil for the World Cup finals. That another young, black male Belizeans was gunned down means nothing to them. That more bodies of missing persons could be lying in shallow graves as part of a possible ruthless crime ring is meaningless to their lives, it seems.

Belize, once a peaceful haven, is now known as the 2nd most deadly country in Central America. The local and international press has reported widely of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)’s Global Study on Homicide which placed Belize among the top countries where violent crimes are out of control. The study pointed out that Belize had 44.7 homi-

cides per 100,000 citizens in 2012.

Crime is most prevalent in Belize City, in particular the Southside.

The UDP has political control of all Southside constituencies, and each

13 JUL

2014 of their representatives is a Cabinet Minister with powerful portfolios such as Finance, Housing, Education, Youth, Sports and Social Transformation. That the Barrow Administration should have no excuse for failing to bring violent crime under control, except of course, impotence and incompetence.

13 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

WOMAN IN THE HOUSE

By Dolores Balderamos Garcia

Consulting Business Last Friday afternoon Party Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca, along with Hon. Julius Espat and I, met with a representative group from the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the premier membership organization of business and commerce persons/entities. On hand were new President of BCCI, Arturo ‘Tux’ Vasquez, as well as immediate past President Kay Menzies and others from the executive committee and staff of the Chamber.

Once we had wondered aloud why we were meeting at the same time that the Columbia and Brazil World Cup game was on, we got down to a very

cordial and respectful sharing of ideas and views at the Chamber’s request and as an introduction to the leadership of ‘Tux,’ who is a frank-speaking and focussed businessman. We were told by the Chamber members that they had met in the morning with the Prime Minister, and while they did not divulge to us the contents of the earlier meeting, I couldn’t help wondering what PM Barrow would have said to the Chamber members and also what he listened to from them.

It seems clear to me that some seven years into his stewardship of our country it is a little late for the PM to be attempting to condescend, come down to

earth and really heed the calls and cries of business people, who are the backbone of commerce, enterprise, and industrial activity in Belize.

I have gathered the distinct impression that there has been disrespect and disregard for the views of business entities and people, as well as the failure to consult, as the PM and his government go along their merry way with their business-as-usual, couldn’t-care-less, in-your-face imperviousness to the input of others on how we can improve the climate for entrepreneurship and local and foreign investment so desperately needed for jobs, the increase of the tax base, and the growth of the economy.

It would be great if the UDP government would start to listen now because we all depend on the private sector for the initiatives for goods and services that are essential. But I will not hold my breath and hope that there will be serious and sincere changes by this administration.

Instead, in our discussions with Tux and the Chamber representatives, our Party Leader has placed on the agenda our oft-stated commitments to reform of the Public Accounts Committee, our pledge to put in place the thirteenth Senator, and our promise to make significant changes in the Immigration sector and department, among others. We also discussed various other national issues including

07 7 the Integrity Commission, the independence of the Judiciary, Belize’s investment climate, the impunity with which the government and its Ministers continue to operate, the disrespect to opposition elected representatives, and the politicizing by the Barrow administration of virtually all public processes, completely ignoring the law and proper ethical procedures.

Our Chamber colleagues also put squarely on the table the need for political parties with the real WILL to make positive changes, for politicians who will be in public service in a selfless manner and working for the public good, for longer-term planning, for healthy local business initiatives and investment with government support and facilitation, and for continuing education of the public on the definitions and forms of corruption that must be stamped out.

On a very positive note and in concluding the cordial powwow was our PUP Party Leader’s reiterated deep dedication to working with the private sector and to always consult and seek their input as we roll out the PUP’s reform agenda in the Economic sphere, in Governance, and in the Education sector. Only with continued and continual respectful dialogue in consulting the business community can there be real progress.

0 88

THE BELIZE TIMES

13 JUL

2014

13 13 JUL JUL

2014 2014

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

9 TOPMODEL 09

ENTERTAINMENT

NEWS The Re-Introduction:

Belizean artist Mark “Dan Marcus” Johnson, who had become a household name in Belize’s music industry in the late 90s, has promised to make a comeback.

“I am getting ready to come back to Belize for a few performances”, Dan Marcus shared with the Belize Times’ Entertainment News.

Dan Marcus now resides in the United States but has not let go of his Belizean roots or his passion for music.

For several years, Dan Marcus worked on a project titled “The Re-introduction”, a series of 13 mixtape releases now compiled into an album. The music was mixed and mastered by Belizean producer/engineer Darrel “DFlow” Flowers of Brooklyn, New York. The final work was released on June 18th on iTunes and other digital outlets such as Amazon.

He also recently released his self-titled international debut EP album titled “Dan Marcus” under Rebellious Entertainment production.

Dan Marcus is most known in Belize for his work with the Heights A Vibez recording group which started producing music and featuring artists in the 90s.

In fact, Dan Marcus is one of the group’s godfathers, along with Lee Reynolds aka “Fada Lee”.

Niesha • • • •

Height: 5’ 7” Career Plan: Cosmetologist Sign: Virgo Favourite Food: Lasagna

• • •

Location: Admirals Bay Restaurant and Bar, Belize City, Belize District

Dan Marcus

TOP MODEL Clothing and Accessories provided by CATWALK FASHIONS

Cor. North Front Steet & Queen Street Belize City

Likes: Practice makeup techniques, singing and dancing Lives in: Belize City Fav. Quote: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” Follow us on facebook

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

10 SPORTS

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

13 JUL

2014

Belize Bank Blazers win VI Charles Solis Memorial softball tournament

Belize City, July 6, 2014 The Belize Bank Blazers won the Charles Solis Memorial softball tournament hosted by the Belize Softball Federation at the Rogers Stadium on Sunday.

In the championship finals, Belize Bank Blazers and MVP pitcher Ashley Lucas shut out the Esperanza Wolverines girls 5-zip to win the championship.

The Blazers had already shut out the Esperanza girls in game 3, 3-zip, as Sharette Vernon, Jolene Davis and Marsha Wills scored a run apiece off Aludy Hyde’s pitching.

The Belize Bank Blazers had dazzled Lord’s Bank Sunrise 12-1 by mercy rule in the top of the 4th inning. Lucas struck out 5 batters

to give only 1 run as only Stacy Smith came home for Sunrise. Sharette Vernon led the Blazers’ attacks as she and Jolene Davis, Latoya Belisle and Tyra Moriera scored 2 runs each while Marsha Wills, Lisa Jones, Fiona Rivero and Agnes Lucas came home once.

Mr. Rory Solis, son of the late Charles Solis, presented the championship trophy donated by the Solis family to the Belize Bank Blazers, and the Most Valuable Player award to Blazers’ pitcher Ashley Lucas with 3 wins and 2 shut outs.

Other matches Esperanza Wolverines vs. Camalote Blazers - 6-1 Camalote Blazers vs. Lords Bank Sunrise - 11-1 Esperanza girls Wolverines vs.

Camalote Blazers - 7-4

Telemedia scorches

Belize Bank Blazers 7-5 Belize City, July 4, 2014 The Belize Telemedia softball girls upset the Belize Bank Blazers 7-5 when the Belize City women’s softball competition continued at the Rogers Stadium on Friday night.

Lydia Cacho led Telemedia’s attacks with 2 runs off Hortencia Richards’ pitching, as Richards gave up 5 hits and walked 3 batters while the rest of the diamond made 12 errors. BTL’s Beverly Hyde, Norecia Frazer, Barbara Cadle, Martha Rhys and Christine Jacobs scored a run apiece.

BTL pitcher Kenisha Sutherland struck out 5 batters and gave up 7 hits, but the Blazers left 3 runners on base.

Sharette Vernon still scored 2 runs, while Jolene Davis, Kiri Lizama and Marsha Wills scored a run apiece.

The tournament continues on Friday, July 11.

Kenisha Sutherland pitches for a 7-5 win

Belize Bank Blazers

Esperanza Wolverines

Easy Does It outdoes Lords Bank Sunrise in semifinals Lord Bank, July 5, 2014 Lemonal’s Easy Does It cricket club made it difficult for Lord’s Bank Sunrise when they met for the 2014 SMART Harrison Parks cricket semifinals at Lord’s Bank on Saturday.

Easy Does It batted first and Chris Banner led the visitors, scoring 24 runs for the 145-119 win. Herbert Banner hit 2 sixes and a four to score 19 runs, while Mykelt Anthony hit a six and 2 fours to also score 19 runs. Kenroy Reynolds hit 2 fours to score 17 runs before he was LBW, while Aaron Muslar hit a four on the way to scoring 16 runs. Warren Anthony batted 3 fours for 15 runs before he was caught out. Julian Garbutt hit a four for 6 runs to remain Not Out. Sunrise’s captain Edison Parks had taken 3 wickets while Gareth Joseph, Michael Joseph and Joni Chilu took 2 wickets each.

In Lords Bank’s turn at bat, Satish Raamchandan batted 24 runs while Michael Sobers hit 3 fours to score 23 runs. Kevin “Uzi” Flowers batted 10 runs, Conway Jones scored 9 runs, Vinu - 8 runs while Joni Chilu and Percival Joseph batted 7 runs apiece. The Lord’s Bank batsmen were all out for 119 runs.

Game 2 of the series comes up in Lemonal Village on Saturday, July 12.

In the other semifinal series, Crooked Tree Brilliant Cricket Club won both games, taking Game 1 in Double Head Cabbage on June 28 against Excellence Cricket Club. Brilliant was up 102 to 40 in Game 2 when the game ended in controversy. Excellence has lodged a protest, which won’t hold water with the protest committee.

Lemonal’s Mykelt Anthony takes Sunrise wickets

Sunrise’s Michael Sobers scored 23 runs

Sunrise’s Satish Ramchandan batted 24 runs

13 13 JUL JUL

2014 2014

11 SPORTS 11

THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

Scotiabank wins back to back in interoffice volleyball

Belize City, July 5, 2014 The Scotiabank volleyball squad won back to back when they faced Simon Quan Dragons and Central Bank in the Belize District Volleyball Association’s City interoffice competition which began at the Belize Elementary auditorium over the weekend.

On Friday night, July 4, Scotiabank went to 3 sets to prevail over the Simon Quan Dragons. Oscar Arnold, Arthur Neal and Michael Hernandez led the banker’s attacks, spiking offensives at the net on plays set

by Sharmaine Augustus and Libero Robbie Gongora to win the first set 25-15. SQ Dragons’ Nerissa Ramirez, Sherlene Johnson and Alex Quan counterattacked and with team captain Lupita Quan receiving and set-

City Boys & Rising Stars lead SMART

Mundialito playoffs

Frannon Braoster scored 1 goal Belize City, July 5, 2014 The City Boys and Ladyville Rising Stars lead the 2014 SMART Mundialito into the playoffs which start on Saturday, July 12 at the Yabra green in Belize City.

The City Boys will challenge the defending champs Brown Bombers, while Rising Stars will take on the Collet Strikers.

Rising Stars’ Camryn Lozano now leads the league with 11 goals!

Regular season games: Third World vs. Carslton FC - 1-0 City Boys Jrs. vs. Collet Strikers -0-0 Rising Stars vs. Heights FC - 6-0 Brown Bombers vs. Ladyville Jaguars 1-1 Hattieville United vs. London Strikers 1-1

ting the ball, they took the 2nd set 26-24. Scotia won 3rd set: 15-12.

The Central Bank staff also forced Scotiabank to 3 sets. Scotiabank won the 1st set: 25-17, but Central Bank’s Kareem Michael, Bernard Terry and Ed Baptist were not about to go belly up just like that! They seized the win in the 2nd set: 25-23, but they had shot their bolt. Scotiabank won the 3rd set: 15-8.

Other games: BTL vs. Belize Bank Bulldogs 25-19, 25-21 Central Bank vs. Police - 25-0, 25-0 Belize Defense Force vs. SQ Dragons - 12-25, 25-20, 15-11 Belize Bank Bulldogs vs. Police - 25-0, 25-0

Belize City firms basketball update Belize City, July 5, 2014 The Belize Bank Bulldogs, Central Health Region, Ready Call, Belize City Council and Atlantic Bank all posted big wins in the Belize City firms basketball competition at Bird’s Isle over the weekend.

Central Health Region vs.

Belize Water Services - 83-82 Top scorers: Harris Patten, 21pts; Akeem “Timmy” Trapp, 16pts Ready Call vs. BTL Digicell

Scotia’s Arthur Neal blocks

Scotia Bank team

4G - 75-53 Top scorers: Lewis Lennon, 28pts; Jason Lamb, 11pts Belize City Council vs. Courts - 50-49 Top scorers: Kenroy Usher, 14pts; Keith Pollard, 16pts Atlantic Bank vs.

Heritage Heats - 62-59 Top scorers: Ty Bradley, 26pts; Devon Defour, 15pts Belize Bank Bulldogs vs. Complex Admirals 53-49 Top scorers: Chris McGann, 17 pts; Wilfred Richard, 12pts

Bulldogs’s Terrique Gabb for the rim

Kian Ancona wins open sea swim Belize City, July 6, 2014 Kian Ancona of San Pedro won the first open water free style swim organized by 10-year triathlon veteran Denise Diaz over a modest distance of 350m on Sunday, July 6.

Diaz organized the event to help Belize become competitive in swimming at an international level; this was just the start as it was only the first of 3 planned exercises intended as precursor to the Lionman competition’s 0.9 mile swim.

Ancona clocked

Swimming competitors 6 minutes 25 seconds, while Kent Gabourel who will represent Belize in the triathlon at next month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, was 2nd and karate sensei

Leon Guild was 3rd.

Diaz plans a 2nd competitive swim over a 750m course, half the Lionman swim, for July 27. She invites the participation of not

only those that consider themselves adept swimmers, but all those who may wish to test the waters and their body to the distance.

12 SPORTS

13 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

2014

Top Goal Scorers: James Rodriguez (Colombia) – 6 goals Thomas Mueller (Thomas Mueller) – 5 goals Neymar (Brazil) – 4 goals Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 4 goals Arjen Robben (Netherlands) – 3 goals Karim Benzema (France) – 3 goals Andre Schuerrle (Germany) – 3 goals Enner Valencia (Ecuador) – 3 goals Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland) – 3 goals Robin van Persie (Netherlands) - 3 goals

Argentina to play Germany in World Cup final The South Americans reach Sunday’s final after beating the Netherlands on penalty kicks in the second semi-final

Germany’s Thomas Mueller, left, and Argentina’s Lionel Messi, right, will square off in the 2014 World Cup final

Last updated: 09 Jul 2014 Argentina beat the Netherlands 4-2 on penalties to reach the World Cup final after a dire two hours of defence-dominated football failed to provide a semi-final goal for the first time in the tournament’s history.

Argentina goal-keeper Sergio Romero saved Ron Vlaar’s first penalty then made a superb diving save to deny Wesley Sneijder, allowing Maxi Rodriguez to crash home the decisive kick as his side converted all four of their penalties.

The game was a forgettable one as the Dutch struggled to build any meaningful attacks and completed 90 minutes without a shot on target as Arjen

Robben’s last-minute effort was brilliantly blocked by Javier Mascherano.

Argentina were not much more adventurous and had only a handful of half-chances to their name as, in total contrast to Tuesday’s match when Germany waltzed through a wide open Brazil to win 7-1, both defences were absolutely on top.

In Sunday’s final at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro Argentina will play Germany in a repeat of the 1986 and 1990 finals - the first time the same two teams will have faced each other three times in the decider.

The Netherlands will play Brazil in the third-place playoff in Brasilia on Saturday.

Germany went easy on Brazil in second half of 7-1 World Cup win

Robben’s admits to cheating in Holland’s win over Mexico

Joachim Low’s men already lead tournament hosts 5-0 at halftime in their semi-final and agreed not to humiliate them further in the last 45 minutes

Jul 01, 2014 16:04 Jose Mourinho claims Arjen Robben’s World Cup diving displays prove referees should be able to use technology to make the right decisions.

Robben has escaped FIFA sanction despite admitting he dived in the first half of Holland’s win over Mexico, although the Bayern Munich winger insisted he was fouled

by Rafael Marquez for the clinching injury-time penalty and that he should have had a clear penalty in the first half.

Mourinho sold Robben to Bayern Munich when he was first Chelsea boss in 2007, af-

Jul 09, 2014 22:30 Germany’s players made a half-time dressing room pact not to “humiliate” Brazil ‎during their World Cup mauling on Tuesday, July 8th.

Defender Mats Hummels ‎revealed he and his teammates spoke in the dressing room in Belo Horizonte after storming into a 5-0 interval lead.

They agreed not to ‘show-boat’, and, after their historic 7-1 semi-final win, Manchester United target Hummels explained: “We just made it clear that we had to stay focused and not try to humiliate them.

“We said we had to stay serious and

Mercy me! Hummels (second right) says Brazil’s six-goal defeat could have been even worse

concentrate at half-time. That’s something you don’t have to show on the pitch if you are playing.

“You have to show the opponent respect and it was very important that we did this and didn’t try to show some magic or something like this. It was important we played our game for 90 minutes.”

Brazil were left completely stunned ‎by Germany’s rampant victory but Hummels insists they must repeat their World Cup masterclass if they are to win the final on Sunday.

Hummels and his teammates were praised by their former manager Jurgen Klinsmann.

The current USA coach, who scored 38 goals in 80 appearances for Germany as a player and managed them at the 2006 World Cup, urged Joachim Low and his players to go on and win the tournament.

Klinsmann tweeted: “The best German performance ever in a World Cup! Simply fantastic!

Now get the Cup JOGI and TEAM!”

ter falling out with the winger over his spells on the treatment table.

And the Stamford Bridge chief, who always publicly defended Robben during his three year spell with the Blues, suggested the Dutch flier does go out of his way to con referees - who now need extra help to spot the cheats.

Mexico boss Miguel Herrara claimed Robben should have been dismissed for persistent diving and accused the Munich man and Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca of conspiring to ‘’invent’’ the decisive penalty.

Robben appeals for a penalty during the win over Mexico

13 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

Scales of JUSTICE

by anthony sylvestre

Why the Criminals Fly! The criminals in our midst, it is clear, are confident that they can apply their trade with impunity. The rapes, kidnapping and gruesome, callous murders reported over the past few weeks tell this powerfully. How they barge into homes and people’s lives and rape, steal and kill brazenly.

But as I watched the CEO in the Ministry of National Security giving an interview on Channel 7 on Wednesday night, I began to understand why these criminals fly; why these the murderers and kidnappers and so on and so on criminals believe that they could commit the most heinous of crimes and get away with it. It is because the people in charge cannot be serious.

And this became crystal clear with the CEO of the Ministry of National Security (Col. Lovell’s) response to a reporter regarding the absence of a drug plane which the authorities had seized back in 2010. Somehow, the exchange did not make it to Channel 7’s internet newscast, but it did make Channel 5’s internet newscast. The plane, it was recalled, was seized by the authorities back in 2010 as part of an unprecedented drug bust.

But the plane, it has now been revealed, was sold. Yes, can you dig that? The drug plane was sold.

And Col. Lovell seemed to exude a certain pride in this fact, that the drug plane was sold, presumably, because it was openly sold.

The exchange, as transcribed on Channel 5’s internet went like this: Ret. Col. George Lovell, C.E.O., Ministry of National Security “In terms of as far as my memory serves right, I think it was published and there were open tender that was advertized and it was sold.”

Duane Moody “When did this happen sir?”

Ret. Col. George Lovell “…Quite some time ago. I can’t remember when it was removed but quite some months ago.”

The good Colonel appeared shock that the reporter, Duane Moody, would find this just astoundingly bizarre and crazy. But, I understand Duane’s consternation and why he was constrained to press Col Lovell.

Duane Moody “Sir I’m sorry, I have to go back to this plane…how much was it sold for? Do you know? And who was it sold to?”

The good Colonel’s response was flippant: Ret. Col. George Lovell “I don’t know right now Duane.

I don’t know the details right now, but I am quite certain that my staff can provide you with those details because it was by tender.”

Now, as I said, I understand fully the reporter’s consternation. And perhaps like the reporter, I found myself musing: “So who buys a drug plane, anyway? And for what? Ah mean, wouldn’t the person who bought the plane be endangering their life? What if the original owners wanted their plane back?”

But more importantly, I was thinking out loud, “why would they sell a drug plane that (according to them) is said to have evaded their national security apparatus in the first place and landed in Belize undetected?” To use one of the young people’s lingo these days, “That is just sooooooooo ….. wrong!”

And that is putting it nicely.

And which is why I say Colonel Lovell’s response reveals that those in authority may not be up to speed right now and which is why the criminals (the bad people in our midst) are preying on this and doing what they are doing right now- have us under siege.

For it is true, where there is an absence of leadership, bad people thrive on this, take advantage of this. And

13 just as how it is clear the criminals have us under siege, it is even clearer that there is an absence of leadership in this government and that they don’t know what they are doing.

Sure, we have a strong man boss as our Prime Minister who will beat whoever into submission to have his way.

But a leader? Of course not.

Just look at how he is running our country.

I recall when I was a youth between 1993 to 1998, the Prime Minister was then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Everything (including being Minister of National Security). There was, as there is now, a similar national crime wave and in particular, a serious gang problem in the streets of Belize City. And as now, there was no serious or sensible crime fighting response. For this, the Prime Minister was dubbed as being “impotent on crime”. This was around the same time Mr. Hubert Elrington, Senior Counsel, who was his Cabinet colleague, referred to him as being “all glitter and no substance.”

We had hoped then and more so now, that Mr. Hubert Elrington was wrong- for that could only be bad for us all as Belizeans. But twenty years later on, we are in the same position and it seems Mr. Hubert Elrington is after all right. And that is why the criminals fly.

14

Open Your Eyes Port Loyola Residents

By Gilroy Usher, Sr. On June 18th Gregory Dennis Harris posted the following on his Facebook page.

“People of Port Loyola, let us vote out Antony Boots Martinez. What hurt me a lot is I am the Sports Coordinator for that area, and I went to see him to assist me with a summer camp for the youth of Port Loyola. He told me plain ‘no money’, but while I was in Cayo this weekend I stopped in Teakettle village where they were having a Fathers’ Day Tournament, and I saw twelve trophies and medals and three of his workers there.

While at the event I found out that “Boots” sponsored all of those items. People of Port Loyola we need to open up our eyes. I want all who read this please comment on it. Thanks.

So sad.”

That is no ordinary posting on the social media. Mr. Harris deserves praise for being bold enough to provide the residents of Port Loyola with first-hand information about one of the root causes of continuing poverty and hardship in their community - an uncaring Area Rep. Away with those persons, who in their attempt to cover-up the uncaring actions of the Area Representative, told Mr. Harris that he should have kept the information to himself instead of sharing it with the public on Facebook. For exposing this neglect and helping anyone with any sporting event whenever it’s possible, Mr. Harris paid a heavy price. He was fired from his job–heartless victimization for speaking the truth and not strictly adhering to government’s policy of serving the people as empathically stated

by Minister of State Mark King.

Up to June 18 Gregory Dennis Harris was one of the sports coordinators under Restore Belize. In that capacity he organized or assisted with various sporting events in Belize

13 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

City and in a number of towns and villages to enable the youth to use their time in constructive activities. Mr. Harris knows that through sports life skills can be taught to youths from challenging neighborhoods. As a public officer, he saw how the government has limitless money for whatever it decides to do.

Knowing the benefit of sports to the community and the huge bucks at the disposal of the Ministers, Mr. Harris had a right to feel hurt when the Area Representative for Port Loyola told him that he has no money to assistant with a summer camp in the division. You can imagine how even more devastated he felt when he learned that the man, who refused to help with even a dollar for a summer camp in his own division, readily spends hundreds and hundreds of dollars to provide trophies and medals for sporting events over forty miles away from the area he represents.

“Boots” Martinez’s disregard for the residents of his division is not news Belizeans. During the 12 years he has been Area Representative, Boots has repeatedly shown that as far as he is concerned he does not believe that the people of Port Loyola deserve much. This is why Gregory Harris spoke out and shared facts on Facebook that the Area Representative for Port Loyola promotes sporting events “big time” in other divisions but not in Port Loyola which elected him office.

Similarly, while Boots was the Minister of Works for four years (2008- 2012) he gave attention to streets all over the country except those in the area he represents. This disregard for the people who elected him to the House is also the reason why “Boots” Martinez built a few tiny, weak, leaking, and incomplete plycem houses, in which he would not live in even for a single day, for people in the area instead of proper 2 or 3 bedroom concrete houses. Unconcern for the welfare of the residents of his division is the reason why “Boots” Martinez has done nothing to address the terrible unemployment situation in the division especially among single mothers and high school graduates.

Given those facts, Gregory Harris is right when he says, “People of Port Loyola we need to open our eyes.”

Comment on Facebook/gilroyushersr

2014

DO YOU KNOW YOUR SCORE? HAS ANY BUSINESS COMPLAINED ON YOU? VISIT OUR OFFICE AND BRING ALONG YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD. WE WILL CHECK OUR SYSTEM FREE.

CREDIT MASTER SYSTEMS PUTTING VALUE BACK INTO

“Your Word”

#11 DOUGLAS JONES BELIZE CITY TEL: 223-5845/2283

LIVESTER MANAGEMENT LIMITED # 74,960

(“the Company”)

Pursuant to Section 102(8) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that LIVESTER MANAGEMENT LIMITED has been dissolved as at 9th July, 2014 and has been struck off the Register of International Business Companies.

Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC THIS IS TO ADVISE YOU THAT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BELIZE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 2002, SI 110 OF 2002 THAT SPEEDNET COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED OF 2 ½ MILES NORTHERN HIGHWAY, BELIZE CITY HAS APPLIED TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION FOR THE FREQUENCY SPECTRUM AUTHORIZATION TO PROVIDE DELIVERY OF MOBILE VOICE, SMS, AND INTERNET SERVICES TO EXISTING AND NEW CUSTOMERS IN THE COUNTRY OF BELIZE. LOCATION Countrywide

FREQUENCY Uplink Downlink 824 – 829 MHz 869 – 874 MHz

13 JUL

15

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

PUP Builds New Bridge for St. Michaels Primary School, Las Flores

View of old broken bridge (right)

New bridge under construction

8-a-side U-13 Football Cup underway in Corozal North!

San Andres Village, July 8, 2014 The Under-13 8-a-side Football Cup coordinated by the Chairman of San Andres Village Council, Glenford “Choco” Melvin, and sponsored by Tortilleria Chico’s and Corozal North PUP Standard David Castillo got underway on Sunday July 6th 2014 at the San Andres Village Football Field in Corozal.

Three games were featured in the grand opener. First it was San Andres/España who took on Ranchito/Argentina at 2:00PM. Ranchito/ Argentina won 6-4 over San Andres España. Next was San Andres/ France vs. Brazil/San Antonio, which ended 10-1 in favour of Brazil/San Antonio. The final game for the eve-

ning was Ranchito/Costa Rica vs. San Andres/Mexico which ended 10-1 in favour of San Andres/Mexico.

The 8-a-side Football Under-13 Cup is organized for the young people of Corozal for them to be involved in a program that is healthy and positive during the summer season 2014.

This coming weekend will feature 5 matches: 1PM: Paraiso/Alemania vs. San Antonio/Brazil 2PM: Ranchito/Costa Rica vs. San Andres/Espana 3PM: San Andres/France vs. San Pedro/Belize 4PM: San Andres/Mexico VS Belgium/Chan Chen 5PM: PM/Argentina vs. Cristo Rey

Better will come to Belmopan under the leadership of Patrick Andrews

Las Flores residents, children and staff of St. Michaels School in Las Flores, City of Belmopan, now enjoy a new ferro-concrete bridge, thanks to the efforts of the PUP Standard Bearer for the City of Belmopan, Senator Patrick Jason Andrews, and the dynamic support from Team Chacon.

The new bridge replaces the dilapidated and therefore dangerous one where children have been known to be seriously hurt. In spite of repeated requests to the Area Representa-

tive the Hon. John Saldivar, and the UDP City Council, the old bridge remained for many years, representing a danger to the children and community, especially during the rainy season.

The bridge, which cost approximately $7,000.00, was financed primarily from donations in material from the private sector, and labour from the PUP Executive and PUP Mayoral Candidate Jose Chacon, as well as from members of the community of Las Flores. This project proves that with commitment, determination, and the desire to serve the people, many positive things can happen.

This is the first of many projects to come. We ask you to join Senator Patrick Andrews and the PUP 7 led by Jose Chacon in making a positive change for Belmopan. TOGETHER WE CAN…….

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the following companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Registry with effect from the dates indicated:

10th day of July, 2014 -- SUNNY DAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

Chairman Choco & PUP Corozal North Standard Bearer David Castillo make a winning team

10th day of July, 2014 -- WIDE HORIZON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.

Power Point Trust (Belize) Limited Registered Agent

16

13 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

Home Economics The Economic Value of Marine Algae (Seaweed)

By Richard Harrison Belize is blessed with a large area of pristine sub-tropical waters inside the Great Belize Barrier Reef which is fertile for the growing of marine algae.

This food is very low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin K, Calcium and Copper, and a very good source of Riboflavin, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Selenium and Manganese. Seaweed is also one of the few foods that contain all of the essential amino acids. In other words, seaweed is of very high nutritional, energy and health value. Throughout the Caribbean, it is thought to have aphrodisiac effects and promoted in this light.

Seaweed is truly one of the sea’s best gifts. It has been used as food, medicine, fertilizer and as raw material in production of industrial phycocolloids such as Carrageenan, Agar, and Alginate.

The Philippines is one of the largest producers and exporters of seaweed products….mostly for industrial applications. One company, Marcel Carrageenan, boasts capacity to export 160 full-container-loads per month of various seaweed products suitable for application in producing kappa carrageenan, iota carrageenan, agar and fertilizer/animal feed.

Big H, the leading innovator in the beverage industry in Belize, launched STAMINA seaweed drink for its second annual La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge in 1999. It was the first attempt at commercializing seaweed drink, a product which was well known in Belize, but rarely available. The previous year, it had successfully launched the first commercially available Big H coconut water, which is still the market leader, even though many others have started bottling coconut water since then. At the same time it was developing lemon grass tea, long known in our culture as a general health and mood enhancer.

These products were priced at levels that took into account the profitability of the entire production chain, aiming for the higher end of the beverage market, and with an export vision. The value of Big H innovation and creativity to Belize is immeasurable.

It was difficult to find the sea-

weed material itself. I found Mr Godfrey from Placencia village through references, and he was able to supply us with good quality seaweed material, although on an inconsistent basis at the time.

Since then, several others have followed the Big H lead and started producing and selling/ distributing branded seaweed drinks on a commercial basis.

A cooperative in Placencia has also been formed recently, which is focusing on planting and commercialization of seaweed products. Now seaweed raw material is readily available for commercial applications.

Some research and development of the seaweed drinks needs to be done, so that the products are more consistent in characteristics attractive to consumers - color, taste, flavors, palatability, texture, consistency and shelf-life. More marketing is needed to appropriately position the products for the long-term in the high end of the beverage market, so that the nutritional and intrinsic value is reflected in the price consumers are willing and able to pay for the product….and so that a wider range of consumers choose the product as a refreshment on a more consistent basis.

There is no beverage company that is currently offering this product on the world market on a commercial basis and with the entire world moving towards healthier consumption patterns this presents a market environment ripe for exploiting first-mover advantages.

Seaweed drink can be the energy-packed “Ensure” among widely available and consumed beverages. Belize needs to develop its domestic market for this product much more rapidly and find ways, through strategic partnerships, to present various flavors and presentations of this product to the world market.

From the start Belize needs to promote the raw seaweed product of Belize as the choice raw material, given the pristine and relatively uncontaminated state of our marine environment.

The farming of edible seaweeds in Belize also has the potential to boost the fish pro-

2014

ductivity of our seas, given that these algae are a food source for small fishes to grow and reproduce much more rapidly. The flavoring of the seaweed drinks also demands peanuts and other produce of Belize. Hence, the horizontal effects on demand for compatible ingredients and production is real.

My own very conservative estimate of a developed seaweed drinks market for Belize is around $9 million per year… if 75,000 consumers purchase one drink per week at $2.50… with the potential to contribute $2 million in taxes (GST and Business Tax) to government.

Of course, the products need to be made readily available at the various point-of-sale in attractive presentations. The first-mover in the world market for this unique beverage product will surely harvest abundantly.

It can be presented in readyto-drink forms, or in raw material powder form for homes to use in preparing their own drinks.

There are other uses for seaweed as well including, but not limited to, as a substitute for corn starch as a thickener for gravy and as a texture enhancer and to improve the melting point of ice creams.

The government can assist with this development by investing some resources ($0.5 million each year for five years) in the product development and marketing aspects of this industry perhaps through the Fisheries Department and/or the Agriculture Department. If focus is placed only on farming and harvesting and not on raw materials and finished product processing for optimal shelf-life, storage and ready consumer acceptance the entire efforts could be derailed, as farmers become frustrated with holding inventory that does not move to market.

Value-adding opportunities need to be exploited now…. so that the crop goes from the seabed to consumers in the shortest amount of time possible.

Efficiency and effectiveness of the product-market chain are key.

Richard Harrison is a local businessman and investor in the manufacturing and service industries. Mr. Harrison holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from Lancaster University, United Kingdom. Send comments to harrisonbz@yahoo.com

For Sale

By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Charge made the 28th day of December, 2011 between JULIA MARGARITA GODOY of Trial Farm Village, Orange Walk District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, registered as LRS-201115310, and the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of three months from the date hereof 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 REGISTRATION SECTION ANN GABOUREL

BLOCK PARCEL 4 2755

Area: - 696.697 S.M. DATED this 3rd day of July, 2014.

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

13 JUL

2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

Reid Change is coming

By G. Michael Reid The 20th FIFA World Cup is coming to a conclusion and what a ride it has been. For a full month, the attention of the entire planet seemed captive to these 64 matches played among 32 countries from around the world.

The World Cup, which drew record viewers across the globe, was unique in many aspects. For the first time, goal-line technology was introduced which allowed meticulous and immediate review of whether or not the ball indeed crossed the goal line. Each referee had a can of vanishing foam that was sprayed to identify where players could stand and to mark the spot of a free kick. One writer jokingly commented that while “It’s Colombia to the north that’s more readily associated with vanishing white lines, the white spray on the Brazilian pitches has already left an indelible mark on the game, though not on the grass.”

Once sprayed, the foam disappears in under a minute.

Unfortunately our little Belize did not qualify for this big dance but we remain hopeful that sooner than later, our Jaguars will pounce and bounce balls on one these fantastically manicured football arenas. Who knows, one day we ourselves might even have a stadium worth boasting about.

The 2014 World Cup was played in twelve different cities across Brazil in either new or redeveloped stadiums. Brazil reportedly spent some $3.6 billion US dollars on stadium works alone. Five Brazilian cities received brand new football stadiums while stadiums in six other cities were extensively renovated. The Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, which sits in the capital city of Brasilia and was originally built as recent as 1974, was totally demolished and rebuilt. Original capacity was for 45,200 but after renovations, capacity almost dou-

17

declared the only county to meet all five criteria established to measure environmental sustainability.

In 2009, it was declared the happiest place on the planet and was first in the terms of the 2012 Environmental Performance Index. Belize can learn a lot from Costa Rica.

The biggest lesson that Belize can learn from Costa Rica though, is what happened after a recent election in that country. 55-yearbled to 73,000 seats. It was filled old historian and former diplomat to capacity for nearly every game Luis Guillermo Solís was electand notwithstanding protests from ed president and was ushered in those who felt that the governwith an agenda of refreshing new ment was overspending, but it is ideas. One of President Solis’ first certain that the money was mostly decrees was that he did not want recovered. It did not prevent a 7-1 his portrait hung in public offices. shellacking in the semi-finals but According to the new president, Brazil has consistently been at the “The worship of the image of top of the football world. Here we the president is over, at least are, twenty years in the making and under my government”. Mr. Socannot complete our one main stalis also declared that in the future, dium; the joke that we named after commemorative plaques would Marion Jones. Is there any wonder only bear the date that the project that we are nowhere near World was inaugurated and not the name Cup quality? of the administration under which The games of the World Cup it was built. The president told reporters he thought having his name on plaques marking the inauguration Costa Rica is unique in that it has no standing army but of construction projects leads the world in many significant areas. In 2007 it was such as bridges and roads declared the only county to meet all five criteria estabgave people the wrong lished to measure environmental sustainability. idea. According to Solis, In 2009, it was declared the happiest place on “The works are from the country and not from a the planet and was first in the terms of the 2012 government or a particuEnvironmental Performance Index. Belize can lar official.” Costa Ricans learn a lot from Costa Rica. hopes are high that Mr. Solis will bring transparency to the presidency and eliminate CACAF countries and did much to have been held since 1930 and unnecessary spending. Solis told downplay the blanket of corruption while interest in the rest of the the people after the elections that and controversy that existed under world has always been high, the “there is an unquestionable deits former president Jack Warner.

United States seem to finally have mand for change, for things not Costa Rica is a good example for Become full-fledged aboard. CNN, to carry on as they have, and I lize and its excellent World Cup run ESPN and even ABC televised the aim, with the help of God and proves that even small countries can games and rating agencies conthe support of all of you, to bring compete with the big boys in sports. firmed that more people in the Unityou those changes that you’re Costa Rica is unique in that it has no ed States tuned in to the U.S.-Belclamoring for”. My GOD, are we standing army but leads the world in gium match than did for the World ever ready for such a leader. many significant areas. In 2007 it was Series of baseball or the NBA finals.

Again, while our poor Jaguars fell short of qualifications, just about every Belizean had a favorite team that they were rooting for. As a member of Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association (CONCACAF), many Belizeans were cheering on Mexico, Honduras, the US or Costa Rica. Mexico and Honduras fell early but the US and Costa Rica survived to the round of 16.

The USA’s surge and their eventual narrow defeat to Belgium energized the entire region and contributed to a huge surge of goodwill towards CONCACAF nations. Despite a gallant effort however, they could not survive the “group of death” and then, there was Costa Rica!

Dubbed the “surprise package” of the 2014 World Cup, Los Ticos, the little team that could, outdid power houses Uruguay, Italy and England; then sent Greece packing with a 5-3 victory that went to penalty kicks.

While they could not survive to the semi-final rounds, Costa Rica’s success highlighted a rise of CON-

18

THE BELIZE TIMES

13 JUL

2014

Barrow’s draconian gun law strikes again

Alrick Smith

Leon Smith

Belize City, July 9th, 2014 The Barrow Administration’s oppressive bail and firearm law has struck again, this time against an entire family which is still mourning the senseless assassination of their 17 year old loved one.

On Monday July 7th evening, while the family was holding a repast in memory of slain teenager Myron Smith, the Police rushed into their Giles Street home and conducted a search which reportedly led them to an unlicensed 9mm gun and thirteen bullets.

According to the Police, their officers were on normal routine patrol in the Lake Independence area when they saw a male person run from Giles street into an open yard and into an upstairs wooden house. The Police initiated a pursuit immediately and found the male person hiding in the bathroom inside the house. The gun was found, the Police said, following a search of the house.

At home at the time were seven persons – 52 year old Alrick Smith,

47 year old Sandra Casey, 22 year old Leon Smith, 19 year old Tamika Smith, 20 year old Rashida Brooks and two minor male persons – all family members of the murdered teenager.

Barrow’s heavy-handed firearm law gives the Police the authority to arrest anyone and everyone found within any premise where an illegal firearm is discovered. The Police exercised this power and reportedly detained everyone, carting them off to jail downtown and then to the Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday morning. The bail law, which instructs Magistrates to deny bail for persons charged with possession of illegal firearms for two weeks, added to the injustice against the grieving family.

In Court, the family pleaded not guilty to the charge and claimed that not only was there no gun in the house but that the Police detained Tamika Smith who was not even inside the house at the time. They

Sandra Casey

Tamika Smith

said that it was the young man who the Police had chased who possessed the weapon. Despite the family’s defense the Magistrate, whose discretionary power is removed by the bail law, had The Smith residence to remand the family until August 21st.

Because of the harshness of the law May of this year. As expected, the UDP which has affected many persons includ- Government played political games and ing senior citizens and innocent young rejected the much-needed proposals, people, the public’s outcry for an imme- saying they will take as much time as it diate revision of the law has been loud takes to adequately address the public’s and fierce. concerns. But the question is when?

The Government has ignored those It has been almost 150 days since the calls. The Opposition, on the other hand, lame National Security Minister John has listened and demonstrated lead- Saldivar got up in the halls of the Nationership by consulting with partners and al Assembly to proclaim that the Govformulating revised amendments which ernment has heard the concerns and they proposed to the Government in will do something about it.

13 JUL

19

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

In Remembrance of

RAMON CERVANTES SR.

PUP Orange Walk East Committee

Orange Walk residents at candle light vigil on Wednesday July 9th

Ramon Cervantes Jr. during special memorial service

Orange Walk Mayor Kevin Bernard and PUP Leader Francis Fonseca

Ramon Cervantes Sr. Sunrise July 18, 1942 Sunset July 2, 2014

L to R: PUP Chairman Henry C. Usher, Orange Walk East Area Rep. Marco Tulio Mendez and PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca

20

13 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL

We Have A Choice: Ignoring Divine Intervention

T

he number one argument for atheists when defending their view on the existence or, should I say, the non-existence of God is the evil that exists in the world.

There is an increase in wars, in vicious and inhumane crimes, in drug use and addiction, and the list can go on in creatively darkening terms. If a good and perfect God exists, the atheists and even some believers rage, why do we live in such a fallen world? Unfortunately, I cannot begin to understand the mind of God, and when some tragedies happen, such as an innocent child dying at birth, I experience the same yawning void of ignorance at God’s plans. But what all humans must face is our own hand in the corrupt turn of our world.

So, why doesn’t God just come down and strike all the bad guys down? Or better yet, why doesn’t He turn everybody into a ‘good guy’, then we could all live happily ever after. Well, I must say it is a good thing that God doesn’t strike all the ‘bad guys’ because I am sure the earth would be uninhabited by the time He was finished. We’ve all sinned at one point or other in our lifetimes. As for turning everyone into a ‘good guy’, I’m not too certain how well that experiment would turn out. In the Garden of Eden, I’m pretty sure Adam and his wife were decent, God-fearing people, ‘good guys’. And look how well that turned out for them and the entire human race. See, when God created man, he put a little bug into our DNA that complicates matters just a bit.

This DNA is called ‘free will’. God gave us the choice to love Him, because when love is given freely and from the heart, it is more fulfilling than love that is earned or forced. With this free will, we can choose to obey God’s laws or obey our own.

And God chooses not to interfere. But even if He does, we still have the choice to do whatever we desire. Want proof?

In the first few chapters of Genesis, it describes Adam and Eve’s two sons: Cain and Abel. Cain was jealous because his brother had the favor of God, so Cain’s logical conclusion was to kill his brother. God saw Cain’s countenance and He personally came down to warn Cain, “sin is crouching at your door”.

Even though God paid Cain a little visit, Cain still chose to kill his brother. It was his choice, despite it being the wrong one.

See, we all have a choice. And following God is not as appetizing as doing what we want. Our inherent need for dominion and independence often tugs us towards following our own selfish ambitions rather than paying God any mind. The chaos in the world is the results of our actions. Human beings.

God gave us dominion over the earth and we screwed it up.

Thank God for a new Kingdom that Jesus brought to earth almost 2000 years ago. If you are interested in becoming a citizen, I encourage you to read up the Kingdom’s Constitution (the Bible) and drop in at an official Kingdom Embassy.

Until next week God bless

HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under and by virtue of a Charge registered at the Land Registry between Marion Webster Jones and the said Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited.

HRCU will at the expiration of three months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule below.

ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land comprising 411.11 square yards being Parcel 770, Block 45 in the King’s Park Registration Section situate at No. 2 St. Joseph Street, Belize City, Belize District, TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon, the freehold property of MARION WEBSTER JONES. DATED the 23rd day of June 2014 HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED 1 HYDE’S LANE, BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Phone: (501) 224-5644 Fax: (501) 223-0738

Trica Enterprises Limited # 68,550 (“the Company”) Pursuant to Section 102(4) of the International Business Companies Act, Chapter 270 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, notice is hereby given that Trica Enterprises Limited: a) is in dissolution b) commenced dissolution on the 3rd day of July, 2014; and c) Cititrust International Inc. whose address is 35 Barrack Road, Third Floor, Belize City is the Liquidator of the Company Cititrust International Limited Registered Agent

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the companies have been dissolved and struck off the International Business Companies Registry with effect from the dates indicated:# 28th day of June, 2014 -- BESTEK ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. 28th day of June, 2014 -- Bright Trend International Co., Ltd. 28th day of June, 2014 -- Good Peace Co., Ltd. Power Point Trust (Belize) Limited Registered Agent

13JUL JUL 13

2014 2014

THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES THE BELIZE

REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

NEWS

21

New Orleans ex-mayor jailed for a decade Crimes included accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, money laundering and other corruption offences

Brazil World Cup fans burn buses in Sao Paulo Police ramp up security after violence breaks out following Brazil’s record World Cup defeat against Germany Brazilian fans and protesters, unhappy over Brazil’s 7-1 World Cup defeat against Germany, have taken to the streets of Sao Paulo and burned at least 20 buses, as police ramp up security for Wednesday’s semi-final.

Throughout the night on Tuesday, police and fire services reported several attacks on buses in the South Ameri-

can country’s largest city.

Most were destroyed when a garage full of buses was set on fire in the southern area of Sao Paulo, the Reuters news agency reported.

According to local authorities, at least 20 buses were destroyed and others were damaged.

Meanwhile, Sao Paulo police increased security for the semi-final between

Argentina and the Netherlands.

When Argentina played Switzerland on July 1 in Sao Paulo there were isolated incidents of violence and rioting and police were called in to respond.

“Today our squad has been increased 20 percent because of today’s event and because of the high concentration of people during Argentina’s last game. We boosted our detail and we will conduct ourselves in the best manner possible as we have

in the last days,” Hernane Pereria Melete, the police inspector, said.

Brazil were thrashed 7-1 by Germany in a record World Cup defeat, their first loss at home in 64 competitive matches since 1975.

It was also the first time they had lost by six goals in any match since neighbouring Uruguay beat them 6-0 in the Copa America in 1920.

Somali troops retake presidential palace Soldiers take back presidential compound in the capital Mogadishu after it was stormed by al-Shabab fighters Somali troops have retaken the presidential palace in the capital Mogadishu after al-Shabab fighters forced their way in and exchanged heavy gunfire with soldiers and guards.

After more than two hours of fighting, Somalia’s presidency said on Twitter that “the shameful attack” had been foiled by Somalia’s armed forces fighting alongside African Union peacekeepers.

Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was not inside

the palace at the time of the attack, but the prime minister and the speaker of parliament were, said Captain Mohamed Hussein, a senior police official.

The presidency said President Mohamud and Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed were safe.

Tuesday’s attack started when a car bomb exploded outside the presidential compound.

Gunmen then entered the palace, police officer Mohamed Abdi told the AP news agency.

Police said the fighters, who were armed with grenades, split up into groups once inside and

tried to take control of different buildings in the compound.

In a statement Jen Psaki, spokesperson for the US State Department, said: “Incidents such as this further demonstrate that insecurity in Mogadishu persists, including very real threats from alShabab.

“This is why we continue to support the efforts of the Somali Forces and the African Union to expand security and stability ... These forces stopped today’s attackers and prevented further harm.”

Former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his conviction on bribery, money laundering and other corruption offences.

Prosecutors said the actions for which he was convicted spanned his two terms as mayor, including before and after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city in 2005.

Citing Nagin’s devotion to his family and commitment to helping New Orleans,US District Judge Helen Berrigan said on Wednesday that a shorter sentence than recommended under federal guidelines was warranted.

Nagin was convicted on February 12 of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars from businessmen who wanted work from the city or Nagin’s support for various projects.

The bribes came in the form of money, free holidays and truckloads of free granite for his family business.

Prosecutors said the combined value of the bribes accepted by Nagin, which included personal parties, private jet rides and firstclass airfares for a family shopping trip to New York, totalled more than $500,000.

The charges he was convicted of include wire fraud, conspiracy and tax evasion.

The 58-year-old Democrat had defiantly denied any wrongdoing after his 2013 charges and during his February trial.

Bolivia to allow 10-year-olds into workforce Politicians back new law on child labour, which co-sponsor says will help address nation’s extreme poverty Bolivian politicians have approved child workers as young as 10 years old, under a new law that lays out specific conditions for their employment.

Congress passed the measure by consensus on Wednesday, requiring employers to ensure the physical and mental health of employees, and prevent exploitation.

“The age limit, as defined formally by the Code for Children and Adolescents, is 14 years old,” senator Adolfo Mendoza said after the enactment of the bill, which he co-sponsored.

But the new code allows exceptions, when specific legal criteria have been met, so that children may begin “working for others from age 12, which is allowed by international conventions, and self-employment from age 10.”

The senator stressed that required factors included a voluntary decision from the child to work, consent from the parent or guardian and permission from the public ombudsman.

22

13 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

BELIZE TIMES WEEKLY

SCIENCE & TECH R

E

V

I

E

W

Earth’s Magnetic Field Is Weakening 10 Times Faster Now

By Kelly Dickerson Earth’s magnetic field, which protects the planet from huge blasts of deadly solar radiation, has been weakening over the past six months, according to data collected by a European Space Agency (ESA) satellite array called Swarm.

The biggest weak spots in the magnetic field — which extends 370,000 miles (600,000 kilometers) above the planet’s surface — have sprung up over the Western Hemisphere, while the field has strengthened over areas like the southern Indian Ocean, according to the magnetometers onboard the Swarm satellites — three separate satellites floating in tandem.

The scientists who conducted the study are still unsure why the magnetic field is weakening, but one likely reason is that Earth’s magnetic poles are getting ready to flip, said Rune Floberghagen, the ESA’s Swarm mission manager.

In fact, the data suggest magnetic north is moving toward Siberia.

“Such a flip is not instantaneous, but would take many hundred if not a few thousand years,” Floberghagen told Live Science.

“They have happened many times in the past.”

Scientists already know that magnetic north shifts. Once every few hundred thousand years the magnetic poles flip so that a compass would point south instead of north. While changes in magnetic field strength are part of this normal flipping cycle, data from Swarm have shown the field is starting to weaken faster than in the past. Previously, researchers estimated the field was weakening about 5 percent per century, but the new data revealed the field is actually weakening at 5 percent per decade, or 10 times faster than thought. As such, rather than the full flip occurring in about 2,000 years, as was predicted, the new data suggest it could happen sooner.

Floberghagen hopes that more data from Swarm will shed light on why the field is weakening faster now.

Still, there is no evidence that a weakened magnetic field would

Brain shrinkage during pregnancy - it’s a thing Pregnant? Do you feel your brain is fuzzy?

Changes measured by the Swarm satellite over the past 6 months shows that Earth’s magnetic field is changing. Shades of red show areas where it is strengthening, and shades of blue show areas that are weakening.

result in a doomsday for Earth. During past polarity flips there were no mass extinctions or evidence of radiation damage. Researchers think power grids and communication systems would be most at risk.

Earth’s magnetic field acts like a giant invisible bubble that shields the planet from the dangerous cosmic radiation spewing from the sun in the form of solar winds. The field exists because Earth has a giant ball of iron at its core surrounded by an outer layer of molten metal. Changes in the core’s temperature and Earth’s rotation boil and swirl the liquid metal around in the outer core, creating magnetic field lines.

The movement of the molten metal is why some areas of the magnetic field strengthen while others weaken, Florberghagen said. When the boiling in one area of the outer core slows down, fewer currents of charged particles are released, and the magnetic field over the surface weakens.

“The flow of the liquid outer core almost pulls the magnetic field around with it,” Floberghagen said.

“So, a field weakening over the American continent would mean that the flow in the outer core below America is slowing down.”

The Swarm satellites not only pick up signals coming from the Earth’s magnetic field, but also from its core, mantle, crust and oceans. Scientists at the ESA hope to use the data to make navigation systems that rely on the magnetic field, such as aircraft instruments, more accurate, improve earthquake predictions and pinpoint areas below the planet’s surface that are rich in natural resources. Scientists think fluctuations in the magnetic field could help identify where continental plates are shifting and help predict earthquakes.

These first results from Swarm were presented at the Third Swarm Science Meeting in Denmark on June 19.

When you become pregnant there is a glow to your skin, beautiful rosy cheeks, and a look of contentment in your eyes.

The world is wonderful while a beautiful baby is growing inside of you. As you walk down the street you seem to glide like a queen, happiness is abundant, and only words of wisdom flow from your mouth. That is how we all imagine our pregnancies will be, and indeed there are some women who will have this experience, but for the rest of us pregnancy comes with big challenges.

Most women will attest to the fact that brain fog, forgetfulness and exhaustion can be overwhelming and even debilitating. Often, trying to cope with these unexpected conditions leads to misunderstanding and added stress. For women who had prided themselves on their ability to be organized, hardworking and calm, pregnancy becomes less than glamorous.

What your midwife or doctor may have forgotten to tell you is that your brain is actually shrinking during your pregnancy and that may account for your foggy brain and forgetfulness.

New research conducted by Dr. Louanne Brizendine describes this phenomenon in her book The Female Brain: “Between six months and the end of pregnancy, MRI brain scans have shown that a pregnant woman’s brain is actually shrinking. This may be because some parts of her brain get larger as others get smaller, a state that gradually returns to normal by six months after giving birth.”

Not since puberty have there been so many changes going on in a woman’s brain or body. The ducts in her breasts are growing and forming, her uterus is stretching, and her brain is actually shrinking. Women who were CEOs, attorneys, doctors, or designers are surprised to find that as their pregnancy progresses they feel distracted, forgetful and generally spacey. Not to worry, because within six months after the pregnancy the brain returns to its normal shape and size and scientists “believe the mother’s brain shrinks because of changes in cellular metabolism required for restructuring brain circuits, getting ready to turn some one-lane highways into superhighways.” So all you smart women may even become brighter after your brain has re-structured itself. How will the world handle all these women who become “super-smart” with newly constructed brains? I’m excited to see.

13 JUL

THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

23

Three men charged for Murder of Ramon Cervantes Sr. Fourth suspect, the mastermind, on the run

Ramon Cervantes Sr. Orange Walk Town, July 9th, 2010 Three men, Guatemalan National 22 year old Mateo Daniel Gonzalez, 28 year old Belizean Mateo Pott Jr., and 19 year old Belizean Angel Cardenas, all residents of Trial Farm Village, were arraigned at 5:38 this evening at the Magistrate Court’s and charged for the shocking murder of well-known Orange Walk Town senior citizen, 71 year old Ramon Cervantes Sr. A fourth accused, identified by our sources as Manuel Castillo, is wanted by Police but is believed to have fled the country in an attempt evade justice.

Gonzalez, Pott Jr. and Cardenas were escorted to the Magistrate’s Court under loud howls for justice from a large crowd that had gathered in front of the compound that houses the Police Station and Court. Inside the courtroom, the men were also charged with one count for keeping an unlicensed fire arm and unlicensed ammunition. They were remanded until August 13th.

The crowd outside of the Court was larger today than the previous two days. Residents endured the blazing heat and rain since Monday to witness who were the suspects detained for Cervantes Sr.’s murder.

The Police say one of the suspects led them to the site where Cervantes Sr.’s body was found on Saturday July 5th. The body had been buried in a small grave in an abandoned farm that is accessed through a feeder road along the Honey Camp area of the Orange Walk. The area is notorious for executions.

Reports are that inside the small grave, measuring five feet long by two feet deep, Police unearthed the decomposing body. Cervantes Sr. was found with his hands handcuffed and his eyes covered with duct tape. Police say there were signs of violence on his body, including four broken ribs.

The cause of death according to an autopsy was a blunt force instrument.

Police have remained tight-lipped

about the murder case. Reports that two Police Officers are also under investigation for their roles in this gruesome crime were not confirmed by investigation officials. But at least two have been named and accused of having some involvement, including selling the handcuff which was used on Cervantes Sr. Cervantes Sr., a former People’s United Party Senator and Orange Walk Town Mayor as well as businessman, cane farmer and community activist, went missing last week Tuesday during a routine visit to his cane field located a short distance from Orange Walk Town along the San Roman road.

Ramon Cervantes Jr. said he had received a phone call from his father around 3:30pm on Tuesday July 1st, in which he indicated that he was lost and was trying to find his way out of San Jose Village. He also indicated that he had company, before the phone call was suddenly cut off. Cervantes Jr. said that he

Manuel Castillo, wanted called his father back and asked if he was ok, and his father responded that he ok and was alone. The call cut off again and that was the last time he was heard of.

When the family arrived at the cane field, all they found was Cervantes Sr.’s land rover jeep carrying containers with chemicals and his boots nearby. A used duct tape coil was also found nearby.

Despite the gravity of the report given by the family, the Orange Walk Police refused to classify the case as a kidnapping. They treated the matter as a case of missing person and simply set up check points along certain points of the highway.

According to Dr. Mario Estradabran, the police pathologist who did an onsite evaluation of Cervantes Sr.’s body, the time of death was sometime in the afternoon of Tuesday, July 1st, the same day Cervantes Sr. went missing.

CARTOON

Homeless Belizean bathing in the stagnant drain water next to Queen Street Police Station. Under Darrel Bradley & the UDP City Council AND Under DEAN & the UDP Government!

As Mark King said, UDP first, Belizeans come AFTER!

Tour Guide Vexed!

Continued from page 2 ah fi go weh. When he refuse, dem beat ah up and arrest ah,” shared Gill.

“I want to know what are my rights? Don’t I have the right to employment and to make a decent living,” he added.

Gill said he is very frustrated because he has nowhere to turn to vent his concerns. He opined that there seems to be “a plot to get we out a deh…to try to frustrate we so we leave”.

24

THE BELIZE TIMES

13 JUL

2014