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The Belize Times
Established 1957
14 JULY 2013
| ISSUE NO: 4853
The Truth Shall Make You Free
www.belizetimes.bz
|
$1.00
“Retrograde & Abusive” Belize City, July 11, 2013 The Opposition People’s United Party has described a new legislation which was passed behind the backs of Belizeans by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dean Barrow on June 20, 2013 as “retrograde & abusive”. Statutory Instrument 63 amended the Exchange Control Regulations Act (Chapter 52 of the Laws of Belize) to remove all supervisory and/ or administrative authority of the Central Bank of Belize over any and all transactions with Foreign Bank Accounts operated by the Government of Belize. The S.I. declares that the exemption includes “any transactions in relation to any securities or otherwise, or for any other dealings in
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New Law removes Central Bank oversight of GOB
Police
torture in Belmopan? City of Belmopan, July 10, 2013 29 year old Edwin Paula is in remand at the Kolbe Correctional Facility even though he is bruised and battered and endures severe ear and head pains after allegedly being beaten by members of the Belmopan Police Department. Paula, a resident of the San
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Barrow living in a bubble! The images show the injuries on Edwin Paula
Belize faces Costa Rica on Saturday
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PM “sensed” economy was “humming along”, why doesn’t he ask Belizeans?
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Face of Brass! Sports Minister denies funds to National Team, but shows up for game in Portland
Belize lost to USA 6-1, but refocuses for match against Costa Rica
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OPINION OUT
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Dear Editor, Unconfirmed but reliable report is that there is a Guatemala Flying Pilot school operating in Belize at the Philip Goldson International Airport. The reported cost of this school is something like $60,000.00 US currency. Report is that a Minister’s two children are enrolled in this pilot school. The question many are asking is whether this Guatemala Air Pilot school has been accredited by the Ministry of Education? What role is the Belize Ministry of foreign Affairs playing in accommodating this Guatemalan Air Pilot school to operate in our country? And of course the big one is what benefit’s is the Minister gaining from this Guatemala Air Pilot school for his two children enrolled in this school?? Signed. John Edmond Flowers.
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Dear Editor, I’m fighting hard not to comment and to just observe how far our government will insist that they should not pick up the tab for our national football team in their quest to be the best at the gold cup tournament in the United States at this eleventh hour. The most important asset of any nation is its people. These guys who will represent us are not just citizens of this country, they are the future. To ignore their cry for assistance to perform for our country on the world stage is a travesty. I have never seen any country abandon their youths just because they want to play football at the highest level. The decision to not assist our team the way they should will be a decision that this government will regret for Continued on page 21
How wrong were the PUP spokesmen, Jack?
Frustrated Lands employee writes
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Dear Editor, An article penned by Amandala newspaper Asst. Editor, Adele Ramos last weekend entitled “BATSUB to boost presence in Belize” was very misleading as to the unofficial/official visit/vacation to the United Kingdom by Dean Barrow and his entire family paid for, according to Barrow, by the poor people of this country and Lord Ashcroft’s Conservative Government in the UK. Thanks to the “Morning Buzz” on Positive Vibes Radio morning show on Monday on June 24, 2013, Barrow’s disappearance and secret trip to the UK was exposed. Embarrassed by the exposure, on Tuesday June 25, 2013 the Government Press Continued on page 21
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Dear Editor, Kindly allow me to vent my frustrations about what is happening at the Ministry of Natural Resources & Agriculture (Lands Department) in Belmopan. Not only are the hundreds of customers who visit the place on a daily and weekly basis extremely frustrated with the service and the run around they are given, but also are the staff members. Staff morale at the Ministry is at an all-time low! Now to put icing on the cake they spend huge amounts of monies to enhance the Continued on page 21
weather 13 Jul
14 Jul
15 Jul
2013
OUT
GOB hiding Guatemalan pilot school?
Failed Government
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Dear Editor, I woke up upset, mad and outraged on Sunday morning. First I thought I forgot to pay my light bill and that BEL had cut us out, but on a Sunday? I checked the neighbor and they were out too. They were also mad. Then we found out it was not only us but the whole damn city (did the whole city forget to pay its light bill?). BEL under Dean Barrow’s Government is making Lynn Young’s BEL look like the navy seals and boy scouts. Someone just keeps flipping the on and off switch on us and it’s frustrating. But on a more serious note, how can BEL make 200 million in revenue, yet be 16 million dollars broke? And why are we paying so much to Mexico when Barrow sent Esquivel to negotiate a lower price for us three years ago? What happened to the 17% increase on our electricity bills? Are they serious that they are $16 million in the red? Things under Barrow have gone from bad to worst. So what must we expect of BEL next? Rolling black outs? If Barrow thinks we are ok with that, he’s dead wrong. Give us back our 17% and get on with a better national strategy for energy and power rather than giving our hardearned money to Mexico. Signed, Ashton Humes
12 Jul
OUT
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Black out days are back?
LOCAL
14 JUL
THE BELIZE TIMES
2616Mar Jul
27 Mar Jul 6 17 Feb
Thank the lord it wasn’t Mark Espat Dear Editor, We must be proud of our national football players. Not only did they show great courage in the game against the US powerhouse team, but they proved that they are in the Gold Cup for their country and not themselves. Three of the players, I believe Woodrow West, Ian Gaynair and Andres Makin Jr. rejected a bribery attempt to make them give up on the game against the host team on Tuesday. Our football players are underpaid, and at times, not paid at all. They barely raised enough money to go to the Gold Cup and the UDP refused to help them with the rest of the money they needed. From what I saw on the news, the players rejected possibly tens of thousands of dollars. They didn’t sellout their country. Well, that’s a most valiant act and I wonder how some of our politicians would have handled the situation. I wonder what Boots would have done in if a bag of money sat in front of him. I wonder what Pablo would have done, or Mark King. But one thing I am truly thankContinued on page 21
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The Belize Times
Established 1957
14 APR 2013
|
ISSUE NO: 4840
The Truth Shall Make You Free
www.belizetimes.bz
|
$1.00
serving Belize since 1957 as the longest continuous newspaper. Founder: Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price, People’s United Party Leader Emeritus EDITOR
Alberto Vellos LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST
Chris Williams
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Roberto Peyrefitte Printed and Published By The Belize Times Press Ltd. Tel: 671-8385 #3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize
Email: belizetimesadvertisement@yahoo.com
editortimes@yahoo.com
Exchange rate of One Belize Dollar
United States (USD): $ 0.4974
Barbados Eastern Caribbean (BBD): $ 0.9934 (XCD):$ 1.3421
Euro (EUR) : $ 0.3809
Sterling Pound Guatemala Quetzal CANADIAN DOLLAR CHINESE YUAN Trinidadian (TTD) INDIAN RUPEE (GBP): $ 0.3284 (GTQ): $ 3.8894 (CAD): $ 0.5169 (CNY): $ 3.0522 : $ 3.1870 (INR): $ 29.733
14 JUL
THE BELIZE TIMES
2013
Belize Action’s Cayo march draws crowd
San Ignacio, July 10, 2013 It wasn’t anything compared to the massive turnout in Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District on Friday July 5th, but the crowd that turned out to support the Belize Action’s “Constitution March” in San Ignacio, Cayo District, on Tuesday, July 9th demonstrated that the opposition to the revised Belize Gender policy is intensifying. Some 600 Belizeans participated in the march that started at the Macal River Park to put the issues of morality and Christian values which form a fundamental part of our nation’s supreme
Patrick Andrews
announces PUP candidacy
Belize City, July 11, 2013 The People’s United Party, as the only viable alternative to the failed UDP Government, continues to attract new blood and energy. The PUP is a revolutionary political movement committed to social justice and people’s development. This week, the PUP received the news that former co-host of the popular PLUS TV’s Rise and Shine morning show, Patrick Andrews, who is a member of the Party, announced his interest in becoming a PUP candidate in the next elections in the constituency of Belmopan. Andrews is the son of Cayo political giant Joseph Andrews, who is considered a founder of the UDP. In explaining the reason for joinContinued on page 4
03 3 laws on the spotlight. The crowd walked, drove their cars and trucks and hitched rides on tractors and trailers in a march that moved through the streets of San Ignacio. During the march, they sang, read bible verses and called out for the Constitution to be respected. March organizer, Pastor Scott Stirm, said the march, the third in one week, seeks to let the Government know that our people demand that the Constitution be upheld. “The purpose of it is to stand on top of the words of our constitution which invokes the Supremacy of God that there can only be true freedom of embracing moral and spiritual values - that’s what it’s all about. It’s not a protest, it’s a positive proactive stance and staying on top of those words and all these people are saying that is what we want for Belize,” remarked Pastor Stirm. The Government and church leaders are at odds over a revised national gender policy which gives the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, andTransgender community in Belize greater recognition, legally and socially. Pastor Stirm said the gender policy goes against the core principles of our constitution. The Constitution March moves to Dangriga on July 13th and Belize City on July 16th.
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14 JUL
THE BELIZE TIMES
Patrick Andrews
on the
announces PUP candidacy
Football “Unity” By FRANCIS W. FONSECA National Unity is empty rhetoric in Belize. There are but a few moments in our history that we can point to some semblance of Unity. The death of George Price is perhaps the most recent and clear example of Belizean Unity. We were, for the most part, united in honoring the life and legacy of Belize’s greatest leader and public servant. But, even this, was fleeting. National Independence which came on September 21st, 1981 saw us a deeply divided nation. Some blame politics while others simply say “that’s the Belizean way-we don’t believe in anything”. It’s not like we don’t all get along. Belize is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural country, and we generally respect and care for our fellow Belizeans. Perhaps we have simply not had much to unite around and about. This is why we must acknowledge and appreciate the national outpouring of support for Belize’s
National Football Team. Participating in the Gold Cup is a worthy achievement in and of itself. Our hearts swelled and beat a little faster hearing the Belizean National Anthem played on international TV as our Jaguars prepared to take the field against the mighty US Team. The final score was not as we had hoped and prayed but our pride in our National Team is not diminished. They put up a valiant fight under very difficult and trying circumstances. The PUP supports our National Football Team. Our own financial commitments did not afford us the flexibility to make a worthy and meaningful contribution to the teams travel and participation in the Gold Cup. Individual Representatives and Party Members made their
2013
own contributions. We firmly believe that the Government of Belize and the Belize Tourism Board should have provided 100% financing to the National Team. The returns on this investment would have been ten-fold. A future PUP Government is committed to a full time, fully public sector financed National Football Team operating under the FFB. It is now time for this. So, thank you and congratulations to our National Football Team. If only for a few weeks, you have brought us together and given us something to hope for and believe in…
Continued from page 3 ing the PUP this morning in his last appearance as Rise and Shine co-host, Andrews explained that he believes the PUP has the proper leadership to put the country back in a good direction. Andrews said the PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca listens to the people and has a sound plan for the development of Belize. Furthermore, Andrews added that the constitution of the PUP, which recognizes Belize as a Christian democracy, is compatible with his views of family values and morality. The PUP will be holding conventions to choose standard bearers in constituencies in upcoming months. Belmopan was represented valiantly in the 2012 general elections by Dr. Amin Hegar. Below is Andrews’ press release in which he announced his candidacy. “As a member of the Peoples United Party and a resident of the City of
Belmopan, I, Patrick Jason Andrews, hereby officially announce my candidacy for Standard Bearer, Peoples United Party (PUP), Belmopan Constituency. As I venture into this new phase in my life, I wish to express my sincere thanks to all those who, in many positive ways, supported me in my sixteen-year service in Youth With a Mission, a Christian oriented organization, where I had served on the Caribbean leadership team, cofounded and co-led Legacy Youth Movement and directed YWAM Belmopan. I also thank those who have supported me as a co-host of “Rise & Shine” that is aired on Plus TV. I humbly ask the citizens of Belmopan for the opportunity to serve you and our community. For God and Country, 10th July 2013”
14 JUL
2013
THE BELIZE TIMES
05 5
EDITORIAL The Secret Behind Patrick Andrews
T
here is seismic political activity in Belize. The right wing Judeo Christian talk show host, Jason Patrick Andrews, has declared his membership in the People’s United Party and his campaign to become the Standard Bearer in the Belmopan constituency. Without prematurely marking the final settlement of his launch, we will all agree that this is a volcanic event, and more significant than just notable. For many the conversation will veer into the myopic. The focus will conveniently and mischievously be tossed away from the real issues and quickly decompose into personal or religious propaganda. However, the real issue is the quiet but steady and diligent climb of the People’s United Party and its leader Francis Fonseca back to full political redemption. The sub plot is the discontent of the people of Belize with the current UDP Government and their now exposed pretenses of accountability, credibility and transparency. As this editorial is being written, the morning talk shows are in high swing. The public is knotting its brow and taking stock while trying to contextualize political movement in what should really be “political down time”. We say political down time because for the next approximately eighteen months there are no scheduled elections on the political calendar. This then should be a lull period. So to begin the real conversation of the real story, let us crunch some numbers and unpack what is not as surprising as we would otherwise have guessed. We have said that there is no trivializing of the specific candidacy of Patrick, but that decision is a reaping of the significant strides and back-breaking work of the PUP in the Cayo District. For socio-geographic context, Cayo has the highest concentration of churches per square mile than any other district in Belize. It is also a district with strong political resolve. The numbers bear this out as over the last four general elections the voter turn out averaged at 80.75% for Cayo. This is a staggering figure and is indicative that Cayo voters are involved and active. We forget the resolve of Belmopanese who on November 24, 1999 claimed municipal self-determination by voting in a resounding 68.94% majority to having an Elected City Council in a localized referendum. This polling was a byproduct of the 1998-2003 PUP reform agenda and a bold policy decision to decentralize the levels of political power. The Cayo District would want to lay claim to the title of being the moral and/or religious compass of Belize. They can be remembered as being resolute in support of the PUP reform agendas, which included the Elected Senate. In fact, on February 8, 2008, the Cayo District registered a decisive polling in favor of the PUP proposal for an Elected Senate. In that referendum, each and every constituency in Cayo voted commandingly in favor of the Elected Senate with polling divisions such as Cayo South and West logging “yes” votes of 60% and 70% respectively. What this means is that the people of Cayo enjoy a political culture which is “directed” and “defined” but more so that the DNA of Cayo seems to share common ground with the PUP’s political philosophy. When one crunches the numbers, political history and the electoral trajectory, the loosely expressed propaganda that Cayo is home to the “red hills of Belize” is particularly inaccurate. Those who spin this disinformation, selectively hide behind either the 2008 General Elections or the Town Board elections, which show that of the 16 municipal elections between 1963 to 2012 in San Ignacio/Santa Elena the elections have gone 56.25% to the UDP (9 of 16) while the PUP has enjoyed a 43.75% victory rate. Notable among these are the 1972 and 1978 victories of Joseph S. Andrews, referred to as “little George Price” by political historians. But the General Elections picture, which is a more tempered marker, tells a much different story. For the past twenty years (1993-2013) the race has been much closer with the trajectory pointing blue. In the June 30, 1993 General elections, which resulted in a UDP administration of 16 seats, we note that the PUP clearly won the popular vote. In that elections the records reflect that the PUP secured a whopping 1,776 votes more than the UDP nationally as well as the PUP taking 51.2% of all votes casted. One reason was the fact that in Cayo, of the four constituencies the PUP took two seats, (Cayo South and West), by a combined margin of 440 votes.
In 1998 the PUP swept the Cayo hills except for Cayo West. That year the PUP took 75% of the Cayo Constituencies with formidable victories in Cayo North, South and Central. This was with an average of 55.35% of the votes cast and a remarkable voter turn out of 91.33% in Cayo. In 2003, the results and numbers were very similar with the PUP retaining three of four seats in Cayo. We must note that there was a decrease in the popular vote in that district which fell from 55.35% to 50.42% of the total votes cast. This, experts explain, is attributed to a significant drop of 10.58% points in voter turn out. Turnout that elections fell from 91.33% to 80.75%. It appears that PUP’s were not turning up to vote. In moving on to the comparison between the 2008 and 2012 elections, those General Elections together with the Belmopan City Council elections are really the litmus tests. These show that PUP made gargantuan steps back to prominence. In 2008 the UDP swept Cayo, winning all six seats but by 2012, the PUP had swung back with astonishing strength by flatly winning two seats, Cayo North and South. These are significant wins as in Cayo North there was a 17% swing. The PUP won 51% of the vote in 2012 compared to only 34.06% in 2008. Again in Cayo South there was a 13.93% turn around in favor of the PUP who garnered 54.9% of the votes in that constituency. Any amateur political analyst will tell you that those percentage point “turn arounds” are exceptional. But the fact that in that 2012 elections, the UDP barely scraped by in Cayo Central winning by the paper thin margin of 44 votes, and in Cayo North cheated their way by less than a percentage point to win by 17 votes is jaw dropping. In fact, the major plummet in Belmopan where the UDP fell meteorically from 55.68% of the votes cast to a dismal 49.53% is exceptionally ominous. Overall, these figures tell us that the UDP fell in the popular vote in Cayo by almost ten (10) percentage points. They fell from an intimidating 57.79% of the popular vote in 2008 to a mere 48.79% of the vote in 2012. Let’s finally look at the Belmopan City Council figures which show that since the back to back terms of pioneer PUP Mayor Anthony Chanona (2001 and 2003) the UDP took two consecutive Belmopan City Council elections with the particularly troubling March 4, 2009 election where the UDP took over 12,000 votes and the VIP out placed the PUP, ranking second with 5,110 votes to the PUP’s 5087. The PUP, however, went back to the drawing board and was able to swing that municipality back into a PUP trajectory by having two successful, young PUP councilors in the 2012 campaign. In fact, both PUP councilors, Juan Carlos Alas and Valeriano “Mr. Val” Nal, (with 2254 and 2340) secured significantly more votes that the once juggernaut Simeon Lopez (with 2018). The equally important indicator here is that the PUP - in these instances - secured almost twice the number of votes than the VIP candidate, Paul Morgan (with 1254). The PUP has been steady, diligent and humble. The numbers show it. As the BELIZE TIMES ends this editorial by numbers, we were drawn to something that Andrews told the media about his decision not to join the Party of his father or the VIP in Belmopan but to try for representative politics under the PUP. This notice is made despite what is the outcome of his bid for both and either Standard Bearer or Area Rep status. But Andrews has voiced a truth of the work that the PUP has been doing when he said: “I believe that [if] we as the P.U.P. adhere to the P.U.P. constitution it is the pathway to development in this country. I have sat and talked with the party leader and I would love to see that vision of the party leader for this country, the vision to open up the P.U.P. for new blood, new vision and new direction.” Again whatever is the final story, the leadership of the PUP must be vindicated to know that the Party is showing significant signs of strength and health as it attracts, new, young, morally guided people into the Party and into its ranks. The PUP is obviously doing a couple of things right and it is bearing fruit that change is on its way. This story is not about Patrick Jason Andrews, it is about the PUP. The enemies of Belize will sling mud at this and spin it and make mischief for the PUP but the BELIZE TIMES believes, after looking at the numbers, that there will be more young, promising and charismatic leaders stepping up soon for the PUP. We at BELIZE TIMES welcome all.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
2013
As BIG as you think you are... House #1
House #2 rented to a Judge, paid for by GOB
House #5
House #3
House #4 Juliet Thimbriel, UDP Senator
House #6 under co nstruction
2012 Infinity valued at $120K
you’re living in a small world MORE TO COME...
14 JUL
2013
PUP calls on withdrawal of S.I. 63 PRESS RELEASE
The People’s United Party and our Representatives on the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representative, Chairman Hon. Julius Espat and Member Hon. Rodwell Ferguson , wish to record our very serious concerns regarding STATUTORY INSTRUMENT NO. 63 OF 2013 signed into law on June 20, 2013 by the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Hon. Dean Barrow. The purpose, intent and effect of this S.I. is to remove all supervisory and/or administrative authority of the Central Bank of Belize over any and all Foreign Bank Accounts operated by the Government of Belize. The Government of Belize including “any ministry or department” is thereby empowered by virtue of this S.I. to open and operate a bank account in any currency, or for conducting any transactions in relation to any securities or otherwise, or for any other dealings in foreign currency, without the knowledge or consent of the Central Bank of Belize. There has been no public explanation offered by the GOB for this retrograde, abusive and arrogant overreach of power which we believe has the potential to lead to abuse and corruption and to expose to risk Belize’s foreign reserve position. The PUP and our PAC Representatives call on the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance to immediately rescind S.I. 63 of 2013 and to restore the lawful authority and oversight of the Central Bank of Belize over Government of Belize Bank Accounts.
THE BELIZE TIMES
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Barrow living in a bubble! Belize City, July 5, 2013 Prime Minister Dean Barrow is living a totally different reality from most Belizeans who are struggling to cope in today’s depressed economy. While the PM flies first class all over the world, Belizeans have been eating noodles and watching their small salaries disappear with the high cost of food. No Belizean, except Barrow, was surprised that the economy continues in a depressed state under the UDP. The Statistical Institute of Belize’s statistics, which were released last week, emphasized just how bad things are: -0.5% growth between January and March. Barrow, who had just returned from an expensive 10-day junket visiting the Queen of England, Lord Ashcroft and other luminaries in Great Britain, was in shock when asked by Channel 7’s Jules Vasquez about the SIB’s latest statistics. This despite him being the Minister of Finance over the
“Retrograde & Abusive” Continued from page 1 foreign currency” of all Government Ministries and departments. This is a very unusual law, with an ambiguous and possibly dangerous purpose. The PUP, which is wide awake and always on guard on behalf of the people of Belize, is very concerned. The PUP members of the Public Accounts Committee, led by Chairman Hon. Julius Espat, have launched an investigation into the recently passed S.I. PUP Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca told the BELIZE TIMES that the Opposition is suspicious of the Government’s latest authoritarian step. “This is a retrograde, abusive and arrogant overreach of power,” Hon. Fonseca told the BELIZE TIMES. He added that he was concerned that without proper Central Bank oversight of the financial undertakings of the Government, it could lead to more abuse of public funds and corruption by the UDP. By law, the Central Bank is tasked to keep an account of all financial transactions, including the Government’s. The Government’s spending is then double-checked by the accountant general and newly revitalized Public Accounts Committee, who review the spending to ensure that it was done properly. But without Central Bank’s supervision of Government’s financial doings outside of Belize, how will keep the greedy UDP’s in check? The PUP is demanding that the Prime Minister withdraws Statutory Instrument 63 and restore the important the authority and oversight of the Central Bank.
PM “sensed” economy was “humming along”, why doesn’t he ask Belizeans last five years. Shouldn’t he know what’s going on with Belize’s finances? “…that doesn’t sound as if it’s anything that we would have been expecting. My sense that the
economy is humming along,” Barrow responded. What hum was that which Bar-
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2013 row was sensing? It couldn’t have been the painful cries of Belizeans who are today hustling all over to find the money needed to put their children back into school. Or it couldn’t be the frustrating sighs of our new graduates who have been unable to find jobs. B a r r o w ’s hum must have been the merry humming of his own family, Denys, Lois, Shyne, Anwar, Kimano, Naima, Leisje and the rest of the Barrow royal clan, who all have been taken care of under the UDP.
14 JUL
2013
THE BELIZE TIMES
Concrete Monuments, Cinderella Mayor The question for Mayor Darrell Bradley is whether he believes he can make a mistake. We bet that he thinks he cannot because he is the protégé of no other than his leader Dean Barrow. Men like Dean Oliver, including Patrick Faber, think they are infallible. They also believe that they can do whatever they want, whenever they want and, as the Barrow likes to say, everyone else can go fly a kite. Faber has learnt that they are not mistake-proof the hard way. But Mayor Bradley is of a different caliber of arrogance. It could be the young attorney in him, which mixed with an election victory (which he won by riding alongside Central Government electioneering, mind you), has clouded his best judgment. Now he thinks he knows it all and he is always right. Like Barrow, Mayor Bradley has thumbed his nose at our Court system. This kind of arrogance is exclusive to these two men, as both men have ignored Court orders and found ways to circumvent rulings as in the case of Barrow and BTL and now Bradley and the court order that allowed Mr. Coye to resume his work at the cemetery. This is all interesting, because as an attorneys, both men know that respect for the Court is imperative. We repeat the words of Audrey Matura-Shepherd’s in a stern letter of caution to the Mayor in May, “Not because the Prime Minister has deemed it okay to be dismissive of court rulings against the Government should you follow that path… you are not above the law”. It seems Mayor Bradley ignores good advice. He has yet to listen to Attorney General and the Minister of Local Government who have said that the Council has no authority to deny city residents’ services such as obtaining driver’s or trade licens-
es if they have outstanding taxes. It may be that when Barrow looks at Bradley, he sees himself, and the sight scares him. Maybe this is why Barrow publicly opposed the Mayor’s interest in running in Caribbean Shores and challenging Santino Castillo. Barrow could not have been surprised when 48 hours later Bradley struck back saying that he has made up his mind to run. As one political pundit put it to us, it was as if big Pharaoh was telling little Pharaoh what to do. Bradley spells trouble for Barrow. And if Barrow isn’t around, he spells trouble for Faber whose thirst for leadership has not vanished. Bradley just comes off cocky, arrogant and stubborn. This is hurting the UDP’s image at City Hall and no amount of concrete streets and monuments he builds for himself will take away from the frustration, pain and suffering of city residents who have been punched in the stomach with increased taxes and a poorly planned city infrastructure project. Maybe Bradley should be allowed to run, so Santino exacts some punishment on behalf of city residents. If the Mayor knows what is good for him, he’ll join the domestique crew instead for the wind is not in his favor up top.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
Belize faces Costa Rica on Saturday
Portland, Oregon, July 9, 2013 The National A Team, the Belize Jaguars, will be hungry for a win when they face the Costa Rican football team on Saturday at 4:00pm, in their second match of the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup being held in the United States. Belize will be looking to turn the tide after a 6-1 loss against the US Men’s National Team in their game-opener on Tuesday night at the Jeld-Wen Field, Portland United States. Belize’s only goal came in the 39th minute when defense player Ian Gaynair connected a header from a spot kick just outside of the 18s marker. Goal-keeper Nick Rimando and the U.S. defenders stood still as Gaynair struck with precision. There were other chances at goal but they did not connect. At minute 13, McCauley almost slipped in a surprise goal on Rimando who misjudged the dangerous ball lobbed from about 300 yards away by our #9 striker. Rimando reacted late and was able to spring to his left and luckily tip the ball away. If he had reacted a minute later, it would have been a most-embarrassing goal, which was headed straight to the V corner. At minute 50 (2nd half), Jimenez tried a shot from out-
Belize fans make their presence felt
The U.S. scored their first goal in the 11th minute and striker Chris Wondolowski proved to be as deadly as they come as he went on to score a hat trick in the game. US superstar Landon Donovan added a goal (penalty) and so did 2nd half substitute Stuart Holden in the 58th and Michael Orozco in the 72nd.
side, but it was too soft and easily picked up by Rimando. At minute 65 McCauley centered the ball outside the US goal, but Tasher was about a foot too short to connect this header. At minute 90, Everal Trapp blasted a shot from just outside the 18s, but it was a few inches too wide.
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6 goals (including a penalty at minute 75) were scored against him, he blocked many others. In the 2nd half, our team kept a strong defense but allowed the midfield and forward players to attack. Belize will now play Costa Rica who defeated Cuba 3-0 in an earlier match at the same venue. And on the Tuesday July 16th, Belize faces Cuba. The winners and runners-up from each group, and the two top third-place finishers, advance to the knockout round. So far, Belize is at last place in Group C, as a result of goal differential (-5). But a win against Costa Rica and a big win against Cuba, could catapult the team in 2nd place and give them another try in the knockout round.
Belize’s Daniel Jimenez takes on Jose Torres
Belize goalie Shane Orio embraces David Trapp
Belize played a very defensive first half with almost all 11 men covering bases in their half of the field. While this strategy worked to stop a barrage of US attacks at our goal, it also gave the US a great advantage, as it meant they started their attacks at half field. This strategy also caused confusion with for our team, and the US team struck at every opportunity against us. Belize’s goal keeper Shane Orio was very busy in the net and while
Belize’s Elroy Smith clashes with Chris Wondolowski
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Makoabi R
x:
If Women Need Love, Men Need….? We stumbled into a most analysis while doing our research into this thing called “Love”. Dr. Susan Biali, a medical doctor and health and happiness expert, has explained that for a relationship between two totally distinct personalities to stay healthy, the parties must remember that while women need love, men need respect. RESPECT? Yes, R-E-S-P-E-C-T, like the title of Aretha Franklin’s 60s hit song. In her analysis, Dr. Biali shared that while attending a marriage conference, the speaker expressed concepts that uncannily described what matters most to men in a relationship. The thing is - men being men - most don’t actually know what they most deeply need from a woman (other than the obvious!) and would not be able to describe or articulate it. But the secret was explained and exposed in our unique culture where “Love” is skewed towards feminine needs and relationship styles. The secret is that the most powerfully romantic card a woman could give a man on Valentine’s Day would not be one that tells him how much she loves him and adores him, but a card in which she tells him how deeply she respects and admires him, how much she appreciates all he does for her and their family.
Here are some tips on how to achieve the most complex task of your husband admiration: You tell him thanks for going to work every day and praise his commitment to providing for you and your family (I know, you very likely go to work, too – as do I – but to men it’s particularly important to have their efforts and dedication acknowledged)
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You ask him to talk about his dreams
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You congratulate his good decisions (and don’t keep bringing up the bad ones)
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You thank him for his advice and knowledge (men love to help and advise)
You honor his authority in front of the children – and others in general – and differ with him in private
You do recreational activities with him, “shoulder to shoulder”, such as watching the football game, going along for a drive, or going camping with him
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For Sale
Relationships, Love Tips & Advice…
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You respond more often to him sexually (I think this one needs no explanation)
What do you all, especially the women, think about this? If the feeling of being deliberately, consciously respectful doesn’t work, then we’ll just have to dig a bit deeper to find out what will. Write us at editortimes@yahoo.com, or find us on Facebook/Belize Times Press and leave a message.
By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 22nd day of August, 2006, between LYNETTE RODRIGUEZ AND CLINTON D. RODRIGUEZ both of Belize City, Belize (Borrowers) of the first part, the said CLINTON D. RODRIGUEZ of Belize City (Surety) of the second part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the third part, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Vol. 31 of 2006 at Folios 231–298, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land containing 691.983 S.Y. and being Lot No. 721 in Hopkins Village, Stann Creek District, Belize , shown and described by Plan attached to the Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 554 of 2006 dated 2nd June, 2006 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. DATED this 26th day of June, 2013. MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
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TOPMODEL 13
ENTERTAINMENT
NEWS
Gerald
Alas
Through our very popular Facebook account, we were united with a unique Belizean artist. Gerald Alas introduced himself to us as “Born in Belize raised in Sweden” and he shared his new single titled “Oh Ah Yeah”. Alas told us his song will “reunite the whole wide world”. Alas’ “Oh Ah Yeah” is a contagiously happy song! It transcends a happy, positive vibe and message that may be the much needed remedy for our troubled world. Whether it will reunite the world is left to be seen, but we are happy to be able to re-united Alas and Belize. We invite Belizeans to support Alas and check out his music by visiting our page at Facebook/Belize Times Press. The song is also available on YouTube: Gerald Alas – Oh Ah Yeah. Belizeans are truly amazingly gifted! Congrats Gerald.
Location: Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel
Belizean-born artist’s new single
Kristie • • • •
Height: 5’ 6” Career Plan: Nurse Sign: Aquarius Favourite Foods: Sea food
• • •
TOP MODEL Clothing and Accessories provided by CATWALK FASHIONS
Cor. North Front Steet & Queen Street Belize City
Likes: Texting, reading, socializing Lives in Belize City Fav. Quote: “Anyone who stands for nothing falls for anything.” Follow us on facebook
visit us at www.belizetimes.bz or Facebook/ Belize Times
14 SPORTS
THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES Excellence win 84-79 over Briliant
Lawrence Banner took 1 wicket
Tuff e’Nuff are 2013 Interoffice Champs
Jorret Jones with a lay up
Kenny Broaster made 47 runs
Belize City, July 5, 2013 The undefeated defending champs Tuff e’Nuff won their 4th interoffice basketball championship in 7 years as they ran over Oceana No Limits: 91-80 in Game 3 of the finals to take the 2013 title at Bird’s Isle last Friday night. With 2 losses in Games 1 and 2, Oceana No Limits was struggling against the ropes as they tried to go to a Game 4. Brandon Rogers wanted it bad enough to score 21 points and 11 rebounds. No Limit’s chances improved as they led 25-21 at the end of the 1st quarter. But Tuff e’Nuff would not let it be. Farron “Far-D” Louriano led Tuff e’Nuff with 25 points, 4 rebounds while Tyrone “Joker” Edwards had 20 points and 6 rebounds. Tuff e’Nuff led 48-45 at the half. Ashton Edwards added 13 points and Densmore Edwards added 4 points. Winston “Air Jun” Pratt and Raul Roches each added 10 points for Tuff e’Nuff to push their lead 71-59 at the end of the 3rd quarter. Tuff e’Nuff captain Rico Black hit a trey and Jorret Jones scored 2pts to punctuate the 91-80 win. It was championship gold rings all round in the awards ceremony after the final game, and we say congratulations.
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DHC Excellence wins cricket finals game 1 Crooked Tree Village, July 6, 2013 Defending national champs Double Head Cabbage bowled out Crooked Tree’s Brilliant 84-79 with 6 wickets to spare in Game 1 of the 2013 SMART Harrison Parks national cricket championships in Crooked Tree on Saturday. Brilliant won the toss and chose to bat first, but the Excellence bowlers sent their wickets flying! Young Jermaine Smith top-scored for the Crooked Tree squad, batting 5 fours for 24 runs. Shane “Bump” Westby batted 3 fours to score 18 runs, but everyone else was in single digits, with 4 batsmen going duck: zero runs. In all including the extras, leg byes
and wides, Brilliant scored only 79 runs all out! Excellence captain Ian Broaster and Marlon “Camala” Nicholas took 3 wickets each, Sydney Martinez took 2 wickets while Orson “Big Dawg” Flowers and Kenny Broaster took 1 wicket each. Man of the Match Kenny Broaster led the Excellence batting 5 sixes and 4 fours to score 47 runs Not Out. Keenan Flowers batted 11 runs also Not Out. Sylbert Martinez added 9 runs, Orson “Big Dawg” Flowers batted 8 runs, and the Excellence batsmen surpassed Brilliant’s score with 84 runs with 6 wickets to spare! Game 2 is set for Double Head Cabbage on Saturday, July 13.
Ladyville Jaguars claw Esperanza’s Gentle Touch 3-2 San Ignacio, July 6, 2013 The Ladyville Jaguars enjoyed a big win at the Norman Broaster Stadium when they toppled the 4-time national champs, Esperanza’s Gentle Touch Girls, 3-2 on Saturday, July 6. Shameika Franklin created the Ladyville girls 1st opening when she lured keeper Myreinne Drysdale out of her goal and into a foul situation in her favour inside the 18-yd box. A penalty was called and Drysdale got an early red ticket to the showers. Left with only 10 players on the field, Gentle Touch defender Eden Gen-
tle donned the keeper’s jersey and stepped into the goal, but she could not stop Shinelle Gentle’s shot which gave Ladyville the 1-0 lead. Gentle Touch won a free kick when Shinelle took down Kim Perez just outside the goal area and Abby Halliday easily beat the Ladyville keeper Imelda Alarcon with her execution to tie the ball game 1-1. The Esperanza girls tried to go on the offensive, but Kara Kisling embarrassed Eden Gentle with a 2nd goal for Ladyville to lead 2-1 at the half. Cynthia Salazar and Continued on page 15
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Lady Rebels & Belize Telemedia tied in softball finals
Ladyville Rebels team
“Pappa Brown” wins Weekend Warriors national road championship
Belize City, July 8, 2013 The Fresca Lady Rebels have tied the Belize City women’s softball championship finals 1-1 by exacting payback from Belize Telemedia in the game 2 of the finals: 6-5 at the Roger’s Stadium on Monday night July 8. Telemedia led 2-1 when Lydia Cacho and Norecia Frazer came home in the 1st inning and only Sharette Vernon scored for the Rebels. The Telemedia pitching fell apart in the 4th inning as Mary Flowers walked 4 batters. Flowers got help from Kenisha Sutherland who relieved Flowers after Doreth Young and Carla Robinson scored to give the Rebels a 3-2 lead. Telemedia continued to hemorrhage runs as Clarencia Jones and Mertell Bailey also came home for a 5-2 lead at the end of the inning.
Camalote United still No. 1 in softball Andrew “Pappa” Brown
Warren Coye, 2nd in Category A
their lead to 8-1 in the 4th inning and pitcher Stephen Williams, Gutierrez and Lee Valencia scored in the 5th inning. The game was called by mercy rule when only Shaun Lopez and Kerlin Flores scored for Camalote in the bottom of the 5th. Williams had struck out five batters and walked four, but the rest of the diamond made only 2 errors; Camalote committed seven errors. It was sweet revenge for the Bombers who had lost 6-7 to Camalote in their first encounter when the marathon began the week before. Upcoming game (July 13): Bombers vs. Camalote, Saturday La Flores vs. Esperanza Red Devils
Ladyville Jaguars claw Esperanza’s Gentle Touch 3-2 Continued from page 14 Cindy Fuentes came off the Gentle Touch bench to substitute for Indira Spain and Shannon Gentle, and both squads were down to 10 players when Shinelle got a 2nd yellow card and was sent off with a red ticket. The Esperanza defense gave up a 2nd penalty when Marsha “Ninja” Stevens took down Sara Arzu inside the 18, and again the referee ruled penalty. Again Eden Gentle could not stop the conversion, executed by Kisling to give Ladyville the 3-1 lead. Ethlene Gentle connected to a forward pass from Abby Halliday to drill a 2nd goal past Imelda Alarcon, but that was all she wrote, as Ladyville went on to post the 3-2 big W. Upcoming matches: Toledo Scorpions vs. Dangriga Pumas, Carl Ramos Stadium, Saturday, July 13 Sugar City Girlz vs. Ladyville Jaguars, Ladyville, Sunday, July 14
Triple B’s stings Toledo Scorpions 3-0
Belmopan Bombers upset Camalote 11-3 Camalote, July 6, 2013 The Belmopan Bombers upset the undefeated Camalote men 11-3 in the final after eliminating the Las Flores men 20-2 in the semifinals of the Cayo Softball Association’s men’s marathon at the Denbeigh Fuller Stadium in Camalote Village last Saturday. The Belmopan men led 2-0 when Tyrone Williams and Dion Richards scored in the 1st inning. Camalote’s pitcher Herman Burke scored in the 2nd inning, and he struck out 8 batters, but he also walked 6 batters. Francisco Gutierrez scored for Belmopan to lead 3-1 in the second, and they extended their lead to 7-1 in the 3rd inning. Tyrone Williams extended
Telemedia’s heroine of the week before, Babsy Cadle came home in the top of the 6th and the ball game was tied 5-5 when Cacho and Elaine Humes came home in the top of the 7th inning. Doreth Young drove in the winning run when Martha Rhys fumbled her drive to left field, bringing home pinch runner Kesilyn Lizama. Game 3 of the best of 5 series comes up on Wednesday, July 10.
Felicia Perez
Punta Gorda, July 6, 2013 Belmopan Triple B’s blasted the Toledo Scorpions 3-zip on Sunday, July 7 at the Toledo Union field in Punta Gorda when the 2013 Atlantic Bank national women’s football tournament which continued in its 4th week. Noemi Magana struck Triple B’s 1st winning goal in the 41st minute to lead 1-0 at the half. Iris Centeno scored their 2nd goal in the 69th minute and Magana scored a 3rd goal in the 90th minute. The Scorpions had held the Triple B’s to a 1-1 draw in their first encounter at the FFB stadium.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
VACANCY Belize City, Belize June 17th 2013 VICE PRESIDENT FOR BELIZE
GARIFUNA COLLECTIVE ON TOUR
The largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation, protecting marine ecosystems and endangered species is currently recruiting Belizean applicants to apply for the post of Vice President for Belize. Since establishing a national presence in 2009, OCEANA has achieved important victories, including helping to make Belize the first country in the world to completely ban bottom trawling as well as landmark legal decisions in the effort to protect Belize’s reef and marine resources from offshore oil drilling. But we’ve only just begun. OCEANA is fully committed to helping Belizeans protect our reef and marine heritage for future generations. To join our dedicated, brave and passionate Belizean team, candidates are invited to emailing a cover letter and resume to resumes@oceana.org Continue the legacy. Lead the movement. Apply Today.
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Police torture in Belmopan? Continued from page 1 Martin area in Belmopan, was arrested and detained on June 3rd 2013 by Belmopan Police. He is one of three suspects in an armed robbery which occurred at La Choza Bar in the outskirts of the City of Belmopan. During the robbery incident, one of the patrons was shot dead. But Paula’s family says the Police have the wrong man, and they claim that the Police Officers crossed the line when they used brutal force on their loved one. Paula’s mother, Martha Aleman, visited the BELIZE TIMES with photos of the injuries sustained by her son. She said the injuries occurred while he was interrogated by the Police. Paula’s sister told the BELIZE TIMES that when she arrived at her mother’s house around 11:00am on Monday June 3rd, she was startled to find Police Officers standing guard outside. When she got closer, she noticed that their front door had been forced open and her brother was being held inside. When she asked what was happening, the Police told her to leave. When she insisted to know, the Police pointed their guns at her and forced her into one of their vehicles, threatening that if she didn’t shut up, she would be arrested too, she said. She saw when her brother was dragged out of the house and placed on the back of a Police pick-up, then taken away. Paula’s mother said no one at the Police Station confirmed whether her son was detained, and she didn’t get to see him until Wednesday June 5th, when he was taken to Court. That is when she saw the injuries and broke down in tears. The court ordered that Paula be taken for a medical check-up, which was carried out and confirmed that he had been physically assaulted. The medico form, which listed the injuries as “abrasions to the left side of the face, bruises above the right eye, swelling on the head and blood cloths in both eyes”, classified the injuries as “harm”. But the extent of the brutality was revealed in detail when Aleman got an opportunity to speak to her son. Paula claimed that the Police used an electrical device to shock him while they beat him several times. He also said they handcuffed his hands behind him and while pushing his face up, they covered his nose and poured water on his face, as if trying to drown him. There is also an allegation that the Police threatened to cut his private part with a pair of scissors. All of this, he claimed, was done to force him to admit to being guilty of the crime. Aleman said she has sought the assistance of Belmopan Area Representative John Saldivar, who happens to be the Minister of National Security also, but after ignoring her appeals, he directed her to Superintendent Noel Leal. When she met Superintendent Leal in Belmopan, he promised to investigate the case, but took no official statement from her. “One of these days, God will make sure they pay for what they have done,” said Aleman. “These are false charges against my son. He is innocent and only be-
ing targeted because one police officer has a problem with him,” she added. Office in charge of Belmopan Police Sinquest Martinez has denied the allegations to at least one media house. The photos of the Paula’s injuries were taken while he waited at the Belmopan Hospital for his check-up. The BELIZE TIMES has learnt that the case is being investigated by the Ombudsman’s office. We understand that the Ombudsman also
has fourteen other cases of alleged brutality against a certain police officer stationed at the Belmopan Police Department. On June 5th the Police charged Paula for Murder, Attempt Murder, Dangerous Harm, Used of Deadly Means of Harm and two counts of Robbery, along with 19 year old Manuel Hernandez, 18 year old Rudy Santos and Rasheed Crespo. He court matter was adjourned for Thursday, August 22, 2013.
Medico form certified the injuries as “Harm”
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2013
For Sale By Order of the
Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 28th day of May, 2003, between RAY OGALDEZ of Independence Village, Stann Creek District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Vol. 19 of 2003 at Folios 539–566, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 66B in comprising 311.778 S.M. situate in Independence Village, Stann Creek District, being more particularly shown on a Plan of Survey done by Licensed Surveyor John Hertular registered at the Lands and Survey Department, Belmopan City in Register No. 7 at Entry No. 5793 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. DATED this 4th day of July, 2013. MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
NOTICES TRAFFIGO LTD. (“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 TRAFFIGO LTD. has been dissolved and has been struck off the Register as at 4th July 2013. CITITRUST INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Registered Agent
Gilroy Usher, Sr. challenges Queen Street Baptist Primary School Excerpts from Graduation Speech As a businessman and a parent with a child in Std V at this school, I will be frank in saying that while the students, parents, and teachers deserve congratulations for the years work in molding the children at this school to be law abiding and productive citizens, today Queen Street Baptist School is facing serious challenges. Many of these challenges are as a result of serious shortfalls by some of the students, some of the parents, and some of the teachers at this institution. Queen Street Baptist School has been on the block for over 100 years. It is one of the oldest primary schools in the entire city and country, but today the performance of many of its students is below that of students at schools that have been in Belize City for less than fifty years. Years back, parents moved their children from nonperforming city schools and brought them to Queen Street Baptist School. Today the reverse is happening. More and more parents are complaining that Queen Street Baptist School is on the decline, and some of them are transferring their children to other schools in the city, where the children are doing much better in their school work. In the past this school was short of space for more students. Today, despite a rapid increase in the population of the city, the enrollment of Queen Street Baptist School is hardly growing. Something major needs attention to reverse this trend. I have first-hand experience with Queen Street Baptist School as I was a teacher here for a number of years. When my son Gilroy Jr. got fifty percentile for his PSE at Lake Independence Methodist School I transferred him to Queen Street Baptist School. When he took his PSE that year his percentile was somewhere in the seventies and that was considered average performance for this institution. The highest PSE score at the time was in the high 80s or over 90. Today the highest PSE score for QSBS is 78.5. Graduates, teachers, parents, and school manager, there is no way such performance can be considered acceptable. Queen Street Baptist School must aim to top the PSE and have many scores in the high eighties and nineties among the lower grades. With the co-operation of all the stakeholders this institution can achieve that goal. Parents, you cannot expect your children to get the best possible education if you do not make the sacrifice to provide them with the necessary school supplies, pay the fees that are needed for the running of the school, attend PTA meetings, and ensure that your children do their home-work properly. Students you will not get the best possible education at this school, if you do not co-operate with your teachers in every possible way and put maximum effort into learning your work. And teachers, the students of this school will not get the best possible primary school education, if at any time any of you 1) do not prepare for class properly 2) do not go the extra mile to help your students lean their work, and 3) do not make every effort to cover the assign syllabus for your class. In any school if basic spelling, reading, and math skills are neglected in a class almost every week, the students will perform poorly when they take class exams or their PSE, regardless of how hard all the students’ previous teachers have worked with them. Let’s all learn from the success and challenges of the past years and work together to make Queen Street Baptist School one on the best primary schools in Belize. Once again best wishes to this year’s graduating class. Thank you.
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OUT How wrong were the PUP spokesmen, Jack? Continued from page 2 Office released information on Barrow’s secret trip to his motherland. The release announced that Barrow and his First Lady were in the UK on an official visit where Lady Kim would attend some charity for some unknown Children’s Trust in Belize. The fact is that no one in Belize knew the true reason why Barrows were in the UK until the BELIZE TIMES newspaper exposed the Ashcroft/Barrow airtight agenda. The purpose of Barrow’s visit was to meet with his “old fire stick”, the Lord of Chichester. The news was so big that it became “intriguing” for the Amandala Publisher Evan Anthony Hyde, aka the “X”. X wrote in his weekly article, “Barrow’s extended sojourn in Britain is more than intriguing: it is disturbing.” I wonder who believed X with the little credibility he has. In an interview on Wednesday July 3, 2013, Barrow told his darling Asst. editor that some London backers expressed interest in investing in a deep water port in Belize. (Ah wandah why Ms. Ramos did not ask Barrow who are these “London Backers”?) For goodness sake Adele, don’t you people behind the Zinc Fence know that everyone in Belize knows who owns the Commerce Bright Port in Dangriga? So what are Barrow and his “Old Fire Stick” up to now? Will there be another nationalization of that Port? And what a coincident that the ship with Belize sugar arrived in time to unload along with Barrow’s visit to Tate and Lyle Sugar Factory? Well done “chaps”, good coordination with Barrow’s itinerary. We know who had a hand in the planning! Adele reported that Barrow’s vacation was an “official visit” to the UK, but Belizeans is still wondering why Dean Oliver Barrow didn’t meet with the British Prime Minister or the Deputy Prime Minister if it was an official visit. Who are these officials from the British Government that financed Barrow’s stay at the Royal Garden Hotel, a lofty 5 star hotel in the U K that charges almost $9,000 Belize dollars for nine nights per couple? And what will it cost Belize later”? UNIBAM? Revised National Gender Policy? What did it cost Belizean taxpayer’s for Barrow’s visit that brought back
NADAH to the jewel? In an ideal world Adele, these would have been questions that the free press would ask their leaders. But! This is not an ideal world, “noh” when it comes to Barrow. Barrow’s vacation to the UK, paid for by Belizean taxpayers to meet his “old fire stick” has nothing to do with BATSUB, as Amandala would want Belizeans to believe. Barrow dropped the bombshell on Belizean when he confirmed that he had a “personal” meeting with Mr. Ashcroft, where “they talked about [the] protracted legal dispute Ashcroft and Barrow Administration has been having”. According to Adele, Barrow said “He [Ashcroft] heard that I was coming and asked for us to be able to talk (Look like the Lord has Barrow phone number handily) about the development in terms of the litigation and proposal for possible settlement - so we spoke”. Well, look like Smith, Courtney and Goldsmith just got fired as Ashcroft’s lawyer. Dah who Barrow think eh deh fool? It is my understanding that when Barrow revealed his secret meeting with the Lord of Chichester or as the Amandala once dubbed him “the Englishman who took us for a sucker” (quote Amandala August 30, 2009), the X literally fell off his high stool. Barrow confirmed what the PUP spokesmen have been saying for some time now. Yes Mr. Big Man back there behind the Zinc Fence, there is a Big Game that Barrow and his “Old Fire Stick” is playing with the Belizean people. Check out Channel 5’s news blackout of Dean Barrow’s secret meeting with his “Old Fire Stick” in the UK. Don’t you wonder why? Come on Jack, the PUP are not the enemy. Look how Barrow have you roughing up the PUP leaders week after week because of the hatred you have for the Lord. All this while Barrow is in bed with the Lord, laughing at you while you’re counting pocket money which is really for the poor people of Belize. So in concluding, Barrow has truly been caught with his pants down. It will be no surprise that he will now try to shroud off the Opposition’s exposures of his romance as “absolutely ridiculous”. His tactic of lies and sad excuses since he arrived back in Belize has caught absolutely no one by surprise, maybe, just maybe with the exception of those behind the Zinc Fence who wanted to be sure that it was the PUP spokesmen were wrong. Were we, Jack? By the way, don’t be afraid to publish the results of the Poll where your own readers agree with the PUP that Ashcroft had more than just a shadow role in Barrow’s UK trip. Power to the People. Those that have eyes let them see. Thanks for publishing Signed, Abdul S.
FOR SALE Historic Valencia Property For Sale by Hilda Valencia Campo: Building and Lot situated corner Queen Street and New Road. 2 Adjoining lots with parking space at the back. For more information, contact 602-3003, 669-3948 or hildacampo@gmail.com
OUT Failed Government Continued from page 2 many years to come. So why do our leaders of this beautiful nation of Belize don’t want to see our youths succeed? I wonder is it because they have made history in Belizean football by qualifying for the Gold Cup in The United States? Or is it because they are so gifted athletically that they could land a big contract with world class football clubs and make millions of dollars for themselves and their families? Really I doubt it. Is it because these guys could be our true heroes and become role models for our children or is it that our marginalized youths will recognize that there is another way to achieve things in life other than holding a gun. I’m still searching for answers and I would like our government to come forward to explain. I’m in total disbelief and it’s a very embarrassing moment for me at this time to be a Belizean. Win, lose or draw, I am convinced that this team has already made huge strides in a positive direction in the sporting world. Gone are the days when we use to tell our children not to play the sport because there is no future in that. This team has put our country on the world stage in a positive light and that is an achievement by itself. This situation looks so terrible for this government, it’s like they have declared war on our youths who are the most vulnerable group in our population. How about the opposition, what is there position? It would be very interesting to see how they would have handled this. I’m convinced our country is lacking true and genuine leadership. The future is bleak. Why not just dissolve the Ministry of Sports, if this is what we should expect. It does not help anyone. I will never give up on our boys. You have made us as true, proud Belizeans. We believe that you will win. Go Belize. 100% Belizean Joseph Alvarez
Liquor License NOTICE Notice is hereby given that MIRELI ESQUILIANO is applying for Beer Liquor License to be operated at San Lorenzo Housing Site, Orange Walk Town under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.
OUT Thank the lord it wasn’t Mark Espat Continued from page 2 ful for is that it was our true patriots and not someone like Mark Espat who it happened to. Espat is the one-time PUP Albert politician who sold out to the UDP. Today he is a UDP Ambassador and has is being paid handsomely to help the UDP in Government. Just some weeks ago the BELIZE TIMES exposed that one of the Espat buildings on Regent Street was bought by GOB for possibly millions. He is the worst kind of sellout. Now residents of the Albert constituency are suffering with a UDP area representative who lives in Belmopan and is nowhere to be seen in his constituency. I applaud our football players, and thank the Lord it wasn’t Mark Espat. Signed. Betito Paulson
Frustrated Lands employee writes
Continued from page 2 camera system at the ministry solely to try to catch its employees. While I agree that there is a need to clean up the act of the Ministry the persons being targeted are the clerks (including myself). If the CEO and the Commissioner are serious about cleaning up the act of the Ministry they need to start from the top. The irony of the situation is they gave the monitoring job to the Deputy Commissioner who is the daughter of the Minister’s henchman Ms. Gillett. I have been employed here at the ministry for nearly 5 years and the most corruption happens right in the National Estates Officers office, the Deputy Commissioner’s office and the Registrar’s office who just happen to be all from Orange Walk. Now they are trying their best to use clerks or lower level employees as the scapegoats to say they are doing something to get rid of the corruption. I feel this need to write because they sent threats to me through the grapevine that I am next and have boasted that they got rid of other employees namely Myvette, Ferguson, Talbert, to name a few who by coincidence are all black. Signed. Kindly withhold my name because I am a present employee and fearful I will lose the little that I have. CC: Amandala Press, Channel 5, Channel 7
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The 2012 Human Rights Report on Child Sexual Violations
By Dr. Angela Banner Joseph The Belize 2012 Human Rights Report became available for the world to review a few weeks ago. Outlined below is a summary of its findings pertaining to human rights violations that impacted our country’s children. It is amazing to note that the issues that I have been writing about on child sexual abuse (Wake Up Belizeans: The Silent Epidemic of Child Sexual Abuse is Staring Us in the Face, February 23, 2013; National Sex Offender Registry, March 24, 2013; Are Child Sexual Abuse Crimes Underreported, April 21, 2013), and commercial sexual exploitation of children, (Why Did My Mother and Father Sell Me for a Dollar? ARREST HIM!, May 5, 2013) are cited as country violations. The report has validated my concerns about sexual crimes against our children. Belizeans, the world is watching and we must tighten up our laws to protect and safeguard our children. These issues support the need for the NATIONAL SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY and stronger enforceable laws. Without such actions, we will have foreigners and locals run amok, thinking they can violate our children and get away with it. We are better than that. Okay, I must be living under a rock, because I cannot believe that the 2012 Human Rights Report contends that there were “no reported cases in 2012 of sexual abuse against children under age 14.” (p. 16). Cases are reported in the weekly news, yet we had no findings. What the heck is going on, and who is to blame for the underreporting of child sexual abuse? Even one child sexual violation is too many! In the 2012 Human Rights Report for Belize, in the section under Child Abuse, the report noted, “There was no data available regarding the number of cases reported during the year of domestic violence and sexual abuse against children under age 14. In 2011, there were 159 cases of domestic violence against children under age 14 and 63 cases of sexual abuse against children under age 14. In many cases, the government was unable to prosecute individuals for such abuse because the victims or their families were reluctant to press charges.” (p. 16). However, the 2012 Crime Statistics released by the Police Department reported that “Carnal knowledge increased by six from 50 to 56 with the highest number registered in Cayo District.” Also, “35 persons were arrested for the
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56 crimes of carnal knowledge.” I am appalled at the above statements, along with this one, which notes, “Our judiciary will not continue to prosecute a case because the child or parent was reluctant to press charges” (p. 16). A crime is a crime and someone should spend time in jail for the violation of our children. Mentally, children remain incarcerated in their minds for life after a sexual violation. Shouldn’t their molesters get some jail time? What are we waiting for, another crime to occur towards another child? I am OUTRAGED! The report further contends, under the section of Sexual Exploitation of Children, “The legal age for consensual sex is 16. Carnal knowledge of a female child under the age of 14, with or without her consent, is an offense punishable by 12 years’ to life imprisonment. Unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl who is 14 to 16 is an offense punishable by five to 10 years’ imprisonment. The prime minister’s wife, who is the country’s Special Envoy for Women and Children, publicly advocated against sexual exploitation of children.” (p. 17). For the record the legal age for consensual sex with a person is 16 and carnal knowledge is the engagement of a sexual act with a person under the age of 16. Additionally, “There were anecdotal reports that children of both sexes were involved in child prostitution, including what was called the ‘sugar daddy’ syndrome, where older men provided money to young women and/ or their families for sexual relations, as well as possible sex tourism. The law criminalizes the procurement or attempted procurement of unlawful carnal knowledge with a female who is under the age of 18 and who is not a person engaged in prostitution or of ‘known immoral character;’ an offender is liable to five years’ imprisonment. Sex with anyone aged 16 or under is a criminal offense.” (p. 17). Prostitution is illegal at any age in Belize and those who promote, engage or profit from it will be arrested. On June 21, 2013, Commissioner of Police, Allen Whylie, released the comparative crime statistics for the past five months, in which he indicated, “Major crimes are down, compared to the same period in 2012.” However, “Disturbingly carnal knowledge cases more than doubled, with 39 reported between January and May this year, compared to 17 in 2012.” I am not surprised to read that sex crimes towards our children have increased in the past few months. This is because molesters are aware that the laws are lax and that they can get away with the crime. This not a laughing matter. I, along with other advocates, abhor the sexual violation of our children and take these findings seriously. Our children have a human right to live in peace without being molested by predators who harm them. It is a human right responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of our country. This issue should remain in the news like other recent travesties in our country: destruction of Noh Mal, the murder of the 13 babies at KHMH hospital, and the untimely death of those three babies at the hands of their mother. Each case is different, but the magnitude is just as great. What do you plan to do about it? The results are in your hands. You can obtain the PDF copy of the 2012 Human Rights Report at http://www.state.gov/j/drl/ rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/#wrapper Dr. Angela Banner Joseph holds a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Change from the Fielding Graduate University
2013
For Sale By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Mortgage made the 4th day of August, 2005, between ROBERTO COC of Hope Creek Village, Stann Creek District, Belize of one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded at the Land Titles Unit in Deeds Book Vol. 23 of 2005 at Folios 1215–1242, 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. 78 situate in Hope Creek Village Extension, North of Stann Creek Valley Road, near Mile 8.5, Stann Creek District and as bounded as follows: On the North for 22.856 metres by Lot No. 89; On the South for 22.856 metres by 27 feet road; On the East for 33.523 metres by Lot No. 77; On the West for 33.523 metres by Lot No. 76; containing 766.202 square metres of land as shown on Plan No. 2080 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. DATED this 26th day of June, 2013. MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.
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Home Economics
Belize, entrepreneurship, revolution & youth By Richard Harrison Revolution is the epitome of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is the taking of action based on having identified where that action can yield potential gains, over and above the potential risks. There have been calls in certain quarters in Belize, for revolutionary change. This call is mostly from those romantic academic thinkers who see that Belize is not moving fast enough towards its potential...that in many cases it is actually moving backwards....and who see the growing and persistent high unemployment, corruption, poverty and crime as threatening to basic freedoms and quality of life in the Jewel. Some of these academics are in their 40’s and older....and some have pointed fingers at the youth of Belize....saying that they are dormant, uninterested and inactive in social, economic and political issues. It is as if they are saying that revolution should come from the youth population....and that they do not consider themselves youthful. Unemployment and under-employment in the youth population may actually be as high as 40% (age 16-22)....certainly much higher than the national rate of unemployment. Most of the youth in Belize today.... were brought up sitting on a couch watching USA inner city gutter entertainment. They identify with hip hop, dance hall, rap, drugs, alcohol, tattoos, piercings, and sexual indiscretion.....in general ragga muffin culture....they refer to each other as hoes, doggie and all sorts of derogatory names...they dance back-to-front or at 6:30...lol....they identify with the signs and symbols of gangsta land....more than they do with the signs and symbols of socalled “constructive society”. Most of the youth in Belize were not made to do chores....they were allowed, and in many cases encouraged, to be disrespectful to parents, elders, teachers and persons in authority. Parents laugh and brag about the level of rudeness of their children...instead of enforcing correction...until when it comes back to haunt them. The youth are cynical, sarcastic and distrustful of the motive and actions of elders in our communities....mostly because so many of us have failed, or are failing....at family life, at parenting, at holding and making progress in jobs or business, at economic progress, at community participation....many of them look up more to the gangstas who make it from corruption, nepotism, drug dealing, contraband, organized crime, etc..... white collar or blue collar crime....it does not matter....just get rich quick!! I usually employ young Belizeans from Belmopan and surrounding villages when we have catering for private functions....and I cannot forget the time when a parent called me to cuss me out....because I required that the young lady wash dishes, mop and clean the
bathrooms. She argued that the young lady don’t even do those chores at home, much less outside. Parents often time will not allow their children to take jobs that require them to do “menial” labor or dirty their hands....they prefer for the kids to sit at home watching TV, waiting around for that “office” job to become available. “I neva send them to school for them to do that kinda work”, is what they would say. Most of the young ladies will identify more with the following poem, than with Rosa Louise McCauley Parks or Maya Angelou: Ima lookin for a thug A true gangsta guy The one who looks all tough But won’t ever make me cry You should be my baby The one that understands And even when his boys are there He’s still like.... Wanna hold ma hands Of course, the story most time ends with her becoming another single mother, with tears flowing down her cheeks for the rest of her life....and her children becoming more ruthless than the father (sperm donor) ever would have dreamed of being. The youth....just like the adults.... are products of their environment and circumstances. They follow example. Many times parents “shelter” their children from their struggles in life....and so the kids do not benefit with learning from their struggles....and are bound to commit the same “mistakes” as their parents. These romantic academic thinkers in Belize are who need to step up to the plate. One should never become too old to think and act youthful....to be entrepreneurial. In these times the example of Nelson Mandela is instructive.....he was born on 18 July, 1918...rose to prominence in the ANC in 1952 at the age of 34.....jailed in 1962 at the age of 44..... released from jail amid growing unrest in 1990, at the age of 72....and became President of South Africa in 1994, in multi-racial elections, at the age of 76. HE....is a good example of an entrepreneur....who never got too old to face the challenges of his times. All respect and honor to him... So....all ‘ole youth’ in Belize.....tighten up. Lead by your good example!!! Stop talking about the need for more entrepreneurship among the youth in Belize.....become the ultimate entrepreneur yourselves....lead your revolution!!! 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
STATUTORY NOTICE OF CREDITORS IN THE ESTATE of NESSIE BURN Deceased of #63 Eve Street, Belize City
NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 36 of the Administration of Estates Act, Chapter 197 of the Laws of Belize that all creditors and other persons having any claims and demands upon or against the Estate of NESSIE BURN, deceased, late of #63 Eve Street, Belize City, who died on the 1st day of February, 2013, and in whose estate Grant of Probate has been granted to ALAN STOLF BURN; should lodge such claims or demands with the said ALAN STOLF BURN c/o MUSA & BALDERAMOS, Attorneys-at-Law of No. 91 North Front Street, Belize City, on or before the expiration of three months GIVEN that at the expiration of the said three months the said ALAN STOLF BURN shall proceed to distribute the assets of the entitled thereto, having regard only to claims and demands of which they shall then have had notice. DATED this 25th day of June, 2013. MUSA & BALDERAMOS Attorneys-at-Law for ALAN STOLF BURN Executor in the Estate of Nessie Burn
STAUTORY NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE ESTATE OF DORA ESTELLA CHANONA Deceased of Belize City, Belize
NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 36 of the Administration of Estates Act, Chapter 197 of the Laws of Belize that all creditors and other persons having any claims and demands upon or against the Estate of DORA ESTELLA CHANONA, deceased, late of Belize City, Belize, who died on the 2nd day of October, 1997, and in whose estate Grant of Administration has been granted to ANTHONY CHANONA; should lodge such claims or demands with the said ANTHONY CHANONA of No. 2 Lamanai Street, City of Belmopan, on or before the expiration of three months from the first publication hereof AND NOTICE IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN that at the expiration of the said three months the said ANTHONY CHANONA shall proceed to distribute the assets of the said DORA ESTELLA CHANONA, deceased, amongst the beneficiaries entitled thereto, having regard only to claims and demands of which they shall then have had notice. DATES this 26th day of June, 2013. ANTHONY CHANONA No. 2 Lamanai Street, City of Belmopan
Administrator in the Estate of Dora Estella Chanona
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Recipe of the week Your little chef will like the idea of making a dish from a far away country.
JAPANESE VEGETABLE NOODLE SOUP This recipe is suitable for little cooks between the ages of 12-15. INGREDIENTS: 64 oz. low sodium chicken or vegetable broth 3 Tbsps. low sodium soy sauce 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger 2 cups bok choy/pak choi, sliced 2 cups mushrooms, sliced 2 carrots, sliced on the diagonal 8 (16 oz.) extra-firm tofu, drained and cubed 6 ounces ramen noodles, fla-
vor packet discarded 4 scallions, thinly sliced 1/2 lime, juiced 1/4 cup cilantro, mint or basil, chopped 6 oranges cut into wedges, for serving DIRECTIONS: Adult: Place the broth, soy sauce and ginger in a large pot over medium-high heat. Bring to
MARRIAGES Eric Sean Lewis, 42, to Shannon Rose Roman, 35, both of Rockwall, Texas, U.S.A. Gregory Zielinski, 42, to Evonne Olano, 42, both of Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A. Steve Guinn Wilson, 41, to Hayley Dawn McComas, 38, both of Sequim, Washington, U.S.A. Chad Marie Christensen, 29, to Jennifer Marie Holland, 32, both of Wayne, Nebraska, U.S.A. Ezequiel Alfonseca Lama, 31, to Maria Llorente Ruiz, 23, both of Malaga, Spain Enda Patrick Geraghty, 30, to Lisa Jane Murphy, 31, both of County Kildare, Republic of Ireland Paul Warren Burton, 53, to Karla Rae Lenert, 55, both of Lee, Illinois, 60530 Sean Kennedy, 43, to Lucy Connie Knudsen, 45, both of New Port Richey, Florida Delmer Dueck, 29, of Belmopan, to Jafit Yvette Gonzalez, 23, of Belize City Jeffrey Allen Blanco, 28, to Carla Elizabeth Williams, 21, both of Santa Familia, Cayo District Anthony Elvis Samuel Lord, 28, to Kimberly Carmen Crawford, 25, both of Belize City
Harry Ali Mesh, 24, to Lucidia Floreri Guadron, 17, both of San Antonio, Cayo District Florentino Kus, 48, of Yemeri Grove, Toledo District, to Dominga Pech, 39, of Mabilha, Toledo District Dale Donald Huebling, 55, to Dawn Marie Schlieve, 52, both of San Ignacio Town, Cayo District Robert Alfred Jex, 75, to Vernice Eleanor Reynolds, 48, both of Belize City Martin Pineda Contreras, 20, to Claudia Eunice Vellos, 24, both of Ladyville, Belize District Henry Manzanero, 23, of Bullet Tree Falls, Cayo District, to Yuri Larios, 23, of Duck Run III, Cayo District Brendan Michael O’Grady, 35, to Julie Anne Payne, 34, both of Dallas, Texas, U.S.A. Bradley Patton Allen Smith, 40, to Summer Layne Glaze, 30, both of Houston, Texas, U.S.A. Vernel Guzman, Sr, 34, to Kathleen Guerrier, 32, both of Belize City Diego Armando Cruz, 19, to Addy Carlita Luo, 17, both of Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District Leopoldo Arguelles, 31, to Juliet Mas, 26, both of San Ignacio Town, Cayo District Troy Lamount Brown, 50, of
a boil. Together: Add the bok choy/ pak choi, mushrooms, carrots, and tofu, stirring after each addition. Cook for about 2 minutes. Together: Add the ramen noodles, taking care to discard the flavor packet. Reduce heat and keep the soup at a low boil. Keep at a low boil for 3 minutes
Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.A., to Josephine Kimara Blease, 22, of Belize City Placido Orlando Zacal, 38, to Aida Anastacia Choj, 24, both of Santa Elena Town, Cayo District Alphius James Rodriguez, 49, of Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District, to Teofila Colon Ramirez, 56, of Corozal Atlántida, Honduras James Patrick McCormick, 39, of Jenson, Michigan, U.S.A., to Anjali Bina Vasquez, 32, of Belize City Francisco Emanuel Concha, 31, to Aida Raquel Moralez, 26, both of San Ignacio Town, Cayo District Armando de Jesus Avilez, 37, to Jenny Melissa Benitez, 33, both of Belize City Nathan Elliott Jaeger, 42, to Marta Dolores Galdamez, 22, both of Valley of Peace, Cayo District Derrick McCoy, 22, to Shanda Beaton, 19, both of Roaring Creek, Cayo District Joseph Perez, 26, to Stacey Buller, 20, both of Belize City Charles Beresford Leslie, 32, to Ycela Patricia Alpuche, 26, both of Placencia, Stann Creek District Woodrow Wilson Gabourel, 64, to Georgia Evelia Brodhurst, 54, both of Belize City Josue Vidal Gonzalez, 23, to Nuria Dominguez, 20, both of San Felipe, Orange Walk District Yuni Mojica, 25, to Rominia Dominguez, 22, both of San Felipe, Orange Walk District Edward Kenneth Magana, 24, to
more, or until the ramen is just cooked. Kid: Add the scallions, lime juice and fresh herbs to the pot. Cook for about 1 minute more, or until all the ingredients are heated through. Together: Divide the soup into 6 bowls, place on plates with the orange wedges and enjoy!
Areni Elizabeth Santos, 20, both of San Felipe, Orange Walk District Camilo Alberto Cruz, 25, of San Felipe, Orange Walk District, to Madileni Tillett, 27, of Trinidad, Orange Walk District Guillermo Chub, 17, to Rosadina Marina Tut, 16, both of Trio, Toledo District Marcus Tut, 23, to Vanesia Aliscia Teul, 16, both of Trio, Toledo District Erideyo Ical, 23, to Elizabeth Sotz, 22, both of San Roman, Stann Creek District Ignacio Coy, 36, to Thomasa Tush, 41, both of Maya Mopan, Stann Creek District Carlos Luciano Reyes, 30, of Maya Beach, Stann Creek District, to Rita Janet Mendez, 22, of Placencia, Stann Creek District Erasmo Gonzalo Montalvan, 46, to Dianelli Harris, 41, both of Cristo Rey, Cayo District Javier Munoz, 41, to Shaneen Aisha Morris, 33, both of San Ignacio Town, Cayo District Eduardo Aguirre, 22, to Nuria Monterroso, 21, both of San Ignacio Town, Cayo District Richard Mena, 27, to Miriam Tzib, 18, both of San Antonio, Cayo District Bernaldo Ortega, 25, to Delvorine Mesh, 20, both of Santa Familia, Cayo District Godwin Chris Junius Smith, 36, to Vonetta Teisha Wallace, 31, both of Unitedville, Cayo District Ovidio Ismael Sacul Ramos, 25, to Rosemy Yamilet Ruiz, 18, both of Arenal, Cayo District
BIRTHS Born to Arturo S.C. Flowers and Sorayda Flowers nee Alferez, a girl, Isari Clair Born to Marcelino Chiac and Elva Sofia Chiac nee Coc, a boy, Carlos Born to David Manaen Emmanuel Sobers and Judy Jasmin Sobers nee Soberanis, a boy, Davyan Xzavier Born to Tyrone Albert Gonzalez and Veronica Melinda Gonzalez nee Green, a boy, Jahron Taesean Born to Jonathan Bartlett Vellos and Gina Mae Vellos nee Sampson, a girl, Gabrielle Arieli Born to Michael J. Medina and Keira Ashanti Medina nee Martinez, a girl, Michelle Evangeline Born to Benjamin Klassen and Maria Klassen nee Harder, a girl, Katharina Born to Hubert Francis Young and Shievaun Sharmaine Young nee Staine, a boy, Kayden Francis
DEATHS Maria Clarita Avella, 51 Kenny Kelvin Caballero, 24 Alfonso Alfred Young, 61 Fabian Pop, 40 Conroy Carmichael Brown, 57 Roy Kerr, 86 Wilhelm Peter Lodge, 83 Marvin Glenford Nunez, 29
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CONNECT THE DOTS See what the ants are carrying connect the dots from 1-27!
A-MAZE- ME!
Help the mother find her way through the maze!
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PUBLIC service
announcements
2013
BRAIN
TEASER
SUDOKU PUZZLE #25/2013
Dara plans fundraisers for feeding program Belize City, July 8, 2013 Ending child hunger in Belize will take an enormous effort from all relevant stakeholders, especially the Government of Belize, but until they wake up and recognize the worsening crisis before us, one man is remaining consistent with his goal of building awareness on the issue. For the seventh year, Joel “Dara” Robinson will be actively involved in reducing child hunger in his community. Dara and his wife operate a kitchen out of their #6 Dunn Street residence, in the King’s Park Area of Belize City, which provides a daily warm and healthy lunch to about 30 children who would otherwise be in school with hungry bellies. Dara, whose motivation derives from his own life’s experiences, has planned two events in August to raise funds and attract sponsorship for the program which runs throughout the year. The first event is the 2nd annual Ride for Hunger. Dara invites cycling enthusiasts, athletes and the general public to participate. Registration is only $5, and the accumulation of the funds raised will help to continue feeding school children through Dara’s kitchen. “Ride for Hunger” will start at 6:30am sharp from in front of the SMART headquarters office on Mile 2 ½ on the Phillip Goldson Highway up to the Boom Road then unto the George Price Highway, into the city and back to Mile 2 ½ on the Phillip Goldson Highway.
Answers for last week’s puzzle SUDOKU PUZZLE SOLUTION #24/2013
Dara said the event is a relaxing way of exercise. Riders are not rushed to complete or compete and are even entertained with a reggae music system leading the peloton. To make it fun, prizes will be raffled. Last year’s event raised about $1,300, said Dara, and it helped to provide several weeks of food supplies. The second event is the 6th Annual Tribute to Lucky Dube, to be held on August 4th. Dara says this year the musical tribute will incorporate Peter Tosh, who is another giant in the history of roots reggae music. The event will feature special music and video presentations from Lucky Dube and Peter Tosh, and also a celebrity line-up of the usual suspects such as Kwame Scott, the Mad Rocka, Ras Buck and others. Dara said the day is focused on uniting Belizeans at a peaceful event featuring reggae music’s best. Funds are raised from the $5 entrance fee. Persons are encouraged to bring a can or two of food items that can be used in the food program. “I am humbled to be able to have these events of the last seven years. I thank those who have supported in the last school year, especially. To some helping may look like a small thing but in reality it goes a long way to keeping children healthy and in school” Dara told us this week. Anyone interested in assisting Dara with any of the two events, or with making early donations can do so my contacting him at 623-3662.
See answers NEXT WEEK
Answers for last week’s puzzle
See answers NEXT WEEK
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BELIZE TIMES WEEKLY
SCIENCE & TECH R
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Selected By Chris Williams
Rice-husks could make much longer-lasting batteries 9 July 2013 by Colin Barras Rice could be fertile territory for battery development. The silica-rich husks left over when rice is harvested are normally turned into fertiliser additives, but there is a better solution. The abundant waste product could be converted into electrodes with the power to extend the lifetime of the next generation of batteries. The lithium ion batteries in today’s electronics usually contain electrodes made of graphite, but efforts are ongoing to switch them for silicon electrodes, which can hold 10 times more charge. This is expected to speed the development of more sophisticated portable electronics and better electric cars. The downside of silicon electrodes is that they degrade even faster than those made of graphite each time the battery is charged and drained, shortening its lifetime. This “capacity fade” is caused by the electrodes drastically swelling and shrinking as the lithium ions circulate
A big step for batteries (Image: Spencer Platt/Getty)
between the electrodes, causing them to fracture. Silicon converted from the silica in rice husks may be able to resist this volume change, says Jang Wook Choi at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in Daejeon, South Korea. The tiny holes in the husk that allow
the rice kernel to breathe should also mean that any derived silicon would also be porous. Its holes could provide places for the ions to reside on the electrodes during charging and discharging, preventing the volume from significantly changing. To find out, Choi’s team chemically
Earth’s 6-Year Twitch Changes Day Length By Becky Oskin Periodic wobbles in Earth’s core change the length of a day every 5.9 years, according to a study published today (July 10) in the journal Nature. Teasing out this subtle cycle, which subtracts and adds mere milliseconds to each day, also revealed a match between abrupt changes in the length of day and Earth’s magnetic field. During these short-lived lurches in the magnetic field intensity, events called geomagnetic jerks, Earth’s day also shifts by 0.1 millisecond, the researchers report. Since 1969, scientists have detected 10 geomagnetic jerks lasting less than a year. Seemingly negligible, these fleeting variations are mighty to those who study the planet and its core. All of a sudden, a planet changes its spin like a figure skater open or closing her arms. The rotational effect helps scientists understand what’s happening inside the Earth’s core. Shifts in the magnetic field also provide clues to the inaccessible iron core. But their source remains a mystery.
Lead study author Richard Holme suspects a shimmy in the solid inner core that drives the 5.9-year cycle, transferring angular momentum to the outer core. But no one knows what causes geomagnetic jerks. “I have no clue,” said Holme, lead study author and a geophysicist at the University of Liverpool in the U.K. “Something is happening at the core-mantle boundary, because you’re seeing the geomagnetic and the rotational effect at the same time, but we don’t know what’s going on,” Holme told LiveScience’s OurAmazingPlanet. What’s up down there? Researchers still actively debate how the fluid outer core produces our planet’s protective magnetic field, which has weakened and flipped polarity many times in geologic history. [What if Earth’s Magnetic Poles Flip?] Scientists believe that gyrating iron fluid generates Earth’s magnetic field, like a giant dynamo. Both yearly and millennial-scale changes in the field have been attributed to the swirling, spinning outer core. Tracking changes in the magnetic field helps researchers create models of how the dynamo may work. “Essentially, we are using the variations as a tracer for flow,” said Mathieu Dumberry,
a geophysicist at the University of Alberta in Canada, who was not involved in the study. Since geomagnetic jerks were first discovered in 1969, researchers have sought to explain and model how Earth’s dynamo produces these quick changes in the magnetic field. Finding a connection with changes in the length of day provides a new way of thinking about the phenomenon, Holme said. For example, the results could help modelers better understand how the core and mantle exchange angular momentum, Holme said. Perhaps electromagnetic friction creates torque, akin to an electric car battery. But the electrical conductivity of the lower mantle (or the ease with which electrical charges flow within it) can’t be too high, or it would cause a delay in the magnetic field responding to the rotational shift, Holme said. Instead, Holme and co-author Olivier de Viron of the Institut de Physique du Globe in Paris saw simultaneous geomagnetic jerks and jumps in the length of day. “We’ve got some ideas, but it’s just me having an amused flight of fancy. I’m a data hound, and I want to propel thinking about this,” Holme said.
converted the rice husk silica – or silicon dioxide – into pure silicon and then fashioned battery electrodes out of the material. It showed no capacity fade even after 200 charge-drain cycles. A synthetic silicon electrode used for comparison had a higher initial charge capacity but faded badly: it began performing worse than the rice-husk electrode after 10 to 15 cycles. It is still too early to say whether the rice husk electrodes can be made commercially competitive – particularly since turning silica into silicon is a high-temperature, costly business. “However, most silicon is produced from similar thermal treatment processes so we should be able to find reasonable competitiveness,” says Choi. What’s more, artificially nanostructured silicon electrodes have been demonstrated in the lab. Choi’s team is confident that its natural alternative is better as it was developed “via years of natural evolution”, they write. But Dumberry is not convinced that the study proves a link between jerks and changes in day length. “In that, it’s not such a strong story,” he said. There is a remarkable correlation between a geomagnetic jerk in 2003 and a length of day change, but earlier links aren’t as strong, he said. Length of day oscillates Other forces also change the planet’s spin. Since Earth formed, tugging from the sun and moon have slowed the planet’s rotation. On shorter time scales, earthquakes, melting glaciers, ocean currents and strong winds, such as the jet stream, can alter how fast the planet spins, shortening or lengthening a day by about 1 millisecond. Holme and de Viron removed these external and planetary effects from five decades of length of day data, exposing the 5.9-year period. They then compared bumps in the cycle, which correspond to sudden jumps in the length of day, with geomagnetic jerks detected since 1969. Dumberry praised the pair’s careful work in extracting the 5.9year signal. “This multiyear length of day signal is the best so far,” he said.
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Kingdom and Belize Football
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he whole country was glued to their television set last night as our national football team played their hearts out in a match against the United States. One of our players scored an amazing goal that caused me to stand to my feet to do a victory dance! We did not win the game as the U.S. team seemed too much for us. At the end of the day we took six goals from them and only came up with one. I listened as the announcer made some observations. He first mentioned that as the Belize team played they kept their eyes on the ball. This was not good. They needed to look up to see which teammate would be best to pass the ball to. See your success in life hinges greatly on that where you place your eyes! In the manual, it tells us as a people to fix our eyes or minds on things above that do not spoil or get corrupted where nobody can steal from us (Colossians 3:2)! A second observation that he brought up was the fact that Belize was playing, for the most part, a defensive game. The ball spent most of its time by the Belizean goal keeper but in the hands of the opponents. This caused rapid fatigue and by the half time the players were more burnt out than they should have been. See, in football although there is a need for good defense, the game is won by scoring goals (a product of being on the offence)! It is then within your best interest to hone your skills in this area. In the manual (Ephesians 6:11-18), it describes an armor that you should put on to be able to fight against the devil, and this armor lacks any covering for your back. Instead the main focus is the sword (Bible) and it is with your ability to use and apply this offensive weapon that you would win the battle. If I would be able to point out one major shortfall that I saw in the game yesterday and even in previous games I have seen Belize play, I would say the need to be able to control the ball without having to look at it. This takes a lot of practice but once the skill is honed it becomes extremely rewarding and not to mention the foundation of a successful football team! To the government of Belize I say let’s get it together. It was embarrassing to have an American announcer point out the difference between the Belize and American team where he said that the Belize team had to have fundraisers to be able to make the match. We deeply need to put more time and effort into our athletes and musicians. Remember in other countries these are million dollar industries creating a spinoff effect for the whole country. I wish Belize all the best on the game this Saturday! Long live Belize! Until next week God bless!
New US Ambassador is no fan of UDP’s Denny Grijalva Belize City, July 10, 2013 On Tuesday, July 9th, 2013 US President Barack Obama nominated retired California Supreme Court Justice Carlos Moreno as the next U.S. ambassador to Belize. 64 year old Moreno will replace Vinai K. Thummalapally, a scientist and entrepreneur who was an Occidental College classmate of Obama and became the first Indian American to hold an ambassadorship. While Moreno’s appointment is already being seen as controversial for his 2009 vote against Proposition 8 which was a referendum seeking to ensure that the laws recognize marriage only as between a man and woman, politically he will also be raising eyebrows. From our research, we can say that the new US Ambassador will be no fan of UDP’s Denny Grijalva. According to an article in the Metropolitan News, Moreno has interest in Mayan archeology. Moreno said he was excited to learn that the country has about 900 Mayan ruins. Well, Mr. Ambassador, make that 900 minus one thanks to Grijalva’s company which destroyed the 2,300 Mayan site, Noh Mul. Moreno, whose career in law spans 38 years, would also not be content that the Government’s prosecution of the Mayan site mauler has been sloppy and slow. On June 27, almost two months after Grijalva’s company equipment was found excavating the site for material used to construct roads in the Deputy Prime Minister’s constituency, charges were laid.
Denny Grijalva
Ret’d US Judge Carlos Moreno
Grijalva, who had accepted responsibility for the destruction of the Mayan site in a press release, pleaded not guilty to the charge of removing earth from an ancient monument without a permit and wilfully damaging an ancient monument.
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2013
THINK ABOUT IT
ANOTHER TRIAL FAILS It was not to be. What unfolded in front of their eyes was evidence that the Belize Police had resorted to torture and coercion to obtain a confession from a minor. No professional investigation. No compliance with the constitution of Belize to afford a person in detention his basic rights. The Judge, a very strict, no nonsense justice with wide experience reluctantly ruled that the “confession” statement was improperly and unlawfully extracted. If the justice system was working properly and if the Attorney General’s Ministry and Police Ministry were properly managed we would not have to be subjected to seeing accused murderer after accused murderer walk free. Does the D.P.P, Police Commissioner, Police Minister and Attorney General really believe that persons cold and hardened enough to intentionally murder a human being; will be such a wimp to walk into a Police Station and write out a confession condemning themselves to life imprisonment or a possible hanging. Do they? In fairness to the handful of Police sadists and torturers, they have stopped beating suspects in the face, head and hands. The evidence is too obvious when they go to Court or prison. The rogue Cops use a plastic bag over the head to simulate strangulation and use electronic shocks to private parts. If you hear a suspect has confessed at the Ladyville Police Station, check his chest, ribs and back. He be punched, kicked and stomped repeatedly. If it’s Queen Street C.I.B, get a doctor to see his genitals, cigarette burns and electric shocks. If it’s San Ignacio, it’s whopping with a stick all over the body and feet. If it’s San Pedro Police, they make the person fall off a fence over and over and over again. Ask Boco-T. And the angry murderers, innocent or guilty walk out the courtroom three years after with anger and vengeance in their hearts. And some innocent pedestrian is going to be shot by an angry young man. And the torturers and beaters never answer for F…..ing up a murder trial.” Fowling” up is what we don’t quite mean.
ies into the coffers of the PUP and the UDP. The Bowens, Bhojwanis, Chinese and so on do the same thing. When then Prime Minister Said Musa took over B.T.L from Mr. Ashcroft all hell broke loose in his party. The Lord called in some debts and a so-called G8 was formed against Musa. They almost brought his government down. By the time elections were called in 2008 the open divisions, split, undermining, sabotage and subterfuge was too much for the electorate. For political expediency and to appease certain elements, Barrow did “a Musa thing” but in a different way. He took over B.T.L. but got his party to vote for a legislative acquisition. The Supreme Court has already declared this takeover to be unconstitutional. An appeal is pending. The millions of dollars that Belizeans must pay with interest for all these years of the takeover is a hush-hush subject. It is already over half a billion dollars. And climbing. No wonder the Lord is in no rush- rush to collect. Can a two by four, ten cents Prime Minister of a tiny country take away a multi-million dollar telecoms company from an important and influential British Peer when that person’s party is in government in Britain? Would Foreign Minister William Hague meet with the P.M. and allow a visit with Her Majesty the Queen if Ashcroft was annoyed with P.M.? Would our P.M be feted in Britain if he was not playing along with every requirement of the British, including agreeing to pay Ashcroft every red cent and guaranteeing taking Belize to the I.C.J.? In the final chapter of George Orwell’s book Animal Farm, the pigs who took over a place called “The Manor Farm” had come to be just like their former rulers. They became liars, deceitful, ruthless, and cared nothing for the workers unions and the poor people. They were into luxuries and the rich lifestyles; while the economy shrank, unemployment was at an all-time high, poverty rampant and the people were suffering. It is clear to see, the Belize people will get what the hard-working and trusting Boxer, the horse, got at the end of the book. Orwellian is the word for what is going on. Orwellian. HERE COMES THE SUN
DID THE P.M. MEET THE LORD The Prime Minister of Belize used to work for Lord Ashcroft. This was as far back as when the one was not yet Leader of the Opposition and the other was not yet a Lord in the British Empire. A huge portion of the P.M’s personal millions came from the regular pay cheques of Michael Ashcroft. When the Conservative Party in Britain was in opposition Lord Ashcroft was their Treasurer and single largest financial donor. He took over some 48 or 68 marginal constituencies and became their election guru, general and financier. He played a large part in the Conservative Party becoming the present government of Britain. The current foreign minister of Britain, William Hague is a close personal friend of Lord Ashcroft. It is in the personal jet plane of the Lord that Mr. Hague was flown all over the world to meet and discuss with key international figures and agencies. Lord Ashcroft attended those meetings. Lord Ashcroft, being the shrewd businessman he is, poured huge sums of mon-
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It is summer time in Belize. Although there is no winter, spring or fall. More accurately it is school vacation time in the jewel. This be when all schools are on holidays until late August, early September. What will these thousands of young people do? Mostly nothing, the vast majority will wander their limited world in idleness and unproductive activity. A tiny majority of these young students will attend some form of “summer camp”. But the numbers are way too small. Each year our country misses a golden opportunity to help young people. School can only do so much. The long school holidays provide society with an opportunity to get in a few more quality influence. In addition there is a practical need to counter idleness. That need should include wide spread sports camps and competitions. There should be mass recruiting into the boys scouts, girl guides and recently received sea-scouts. There should be heavy emphasis on teaching music, dancing, drama, singing and
elocution. There should be informed Bible lessons and Sunday Schools. There should be discussions on books, poetry and creative writing. There should be horse-back riding and tree planting. There should be sewing classes and art work. There should be so many things, but six years of the same government has confirmed that such matters are of no interest to our rulers. It is written that where there is no vision, the people perish. It would be encouraging that as the opposition party rejuvenates and reorganizes itself, that it appoint a spokesperson on youth upliftment and task such a person or group to formulate a policy to be implemented with three months of a new government. The downward spiral of Belize has to be halted. HARRISON BARNETT/BOYS BRIGADE Harrison Barnett and his wife Alison are home on a visit from North Carolina, USA. They lived on Wagner’s Lane before migrating to New York City with their children Pat, Harry Jr. and June. Harrison worked for many years at the United Nations when New York was the big apple and everyone loved America and Belizeans did any and everything to get there. If you could get there and make it there, you had it made. Harrison and Alison, a seamstress, designer and decorator were two of the persons that made their contributors to Belize when the young people were in need of guidance and role models. Harrison and the Boys Brigade because synonymous. He was the leader and the driving force behind the Methodist young people movement of which the Boys Brigade became the shinning beacon. The Boys Brigade was the equivalent of the Boys Scout. They were more military like and they had their own marching band. Many an outstanding personality was first groomed in the Boys Brigade of Harrison Barnett. He was a disciplinary and a perfectionist. Commissioner of Police Crispin Jeffries was molded by Mr. Barnett as was Deputy Commission of Police and former Head of the Tactical Unit, Keith Hamilton. If you believe that one man can make a difference you are right and Harrison Barnett was an example of that phrase. When he left Belize, the Boys Brigade did not last for long. It is understood that Harrison and Alison were feted at a special function on Sunday by the Methodist Church on Albert Street, in recognition of their much appreciated contributions. Welcome home Mr. and Mrs. Barnett and we add our congratulations. TOO FAR AWAY Toledo District and its town, Punta Gorda, are too far away from Belize City and the other Districts. It takes 50 miles from Belize City to Belmopan. Another 50 miles from Belmopan to the entrance of the Southern Highway. Another 100 miles to the people of Punta Gorda. That is 200 miles one way. There can be a reduction of 20 miles between mile 30 on the Western Highway and Belmopan. Another reduction of 50 miles between Belmopan and the entrance to the Southern Highway. This is if the so-called “Coastal Road” is used. This unpaved and rough road is 33 miles between mile 30 on the Western Raod and the exit on the Dangriga/Hummingbird Highway.
That offers a savings of 70 miles, one way. 140 miles round trip. With the high cost of petrol and diesel, vision and common sense economics calls for the paving of the coastal road. It is actually the Manatee Road as it does not go along the coast. By coast, the distance between Belize City and Dangriga is only 38 miles. Imagine what it would do for commerce, trading and travelling if we had a coastal road. Imagine how life could be better for our people down South if they could trade and travel with the rest of us who are presently too far. Toledo is cut off from the rest of the country. The current road system is too long and too costly to travel at nine and ten dollars for petrol and diesel. There is a need for a road, true, true coastal road between Toledo and Dangriga and one between Dangriga and Belize City. SOLAR MAKES SENSE There are reportedly 38 villages in Toledo without electricity. Dis is left for Toledo in the year 2013. The government-owned electricity company which collected 193 million dollars from consumers last year (and promptly spent all of it) has no vision to provide power to P. G. In this day and age, as the saying goes, it’s time to utilise solar energy. It is much cheaper than imported lamp posts, electric wires, transformers and such. Let the villagers of Toledo have lights. LOUSY Have you been on the bus lately? Oh my gosh, the buses on the highway are unacceptable. There is no ticket for seat system. You pay and push. The buses are overcrowded. People stand up over you. The heat, the smell, the inconvenience. Belizeans deserve better than this. CHANNEL 7 SHOWS AL JAZEERA A family in Stann Creek says that since Al Jazeera turned up on their channel in December 2012, they have not looked at CNN. In Belize City the local cable channels are all showing Al Jazeera until the US government finds a way to get it off. Al Jazeera is even seen sometimes in First Caribbean’s Albert Street Bank, and Heritage Bank’s Princess Margaret Drive. But guess who is showing Al Jazeera periodically? Local channel 7, Belize City. Channel 7 specializes in Belize news at 6:30 p.m. They have the inside on government and Police news and are a not so subtle staunch supporter of the U.D.P. Once the 6:30 p.m. is over, they turn to overseas rubbish and CNN and other non informative shows. ANOTHER MURDER TRIAL Another murder trial collapses. How much does this make? Forty since the year started. Forty accused murderers walk free, all because the Police continue to F up (by F means foul up). It was the D.P.P. versus Arthur Flowers and Hubert Elrington. One of those unfair, unjust trials in which the accused was deprived of his right to be tried by a jury of his peers. The trial wouldn’t have reached a jury anyhow. The D.P.P. in person was convinced of the guilt of the accused. It was a brutal murder and the family flew from overseas to get some consolation in seeing the accused get what justice required. It was not to be.
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THE BELIZE TIMES
2013
As BIG as you think you are...
Building on Kut Avenue
Building in Belama Ph. 1
Building on Western Avenue
Building on Euphrates Avenue
Building on Fabers Road
Building on Fabers Road Boots Martinez
Building on C.A. Boulevard
you’re living in a small world
14 JUL
2013
Face of Brass!
Sports Minister denies funds to National Team, but shows up for game in Portland al football team? And where did Longsworth learn mathematics? The 2013-2013 Budget book shows that the Ministry of Sports entire budget is $500,000. How can the Ministry develop sports in the country with such a measly sum and a pathetic Minister? The reality is that Longsworth sees little importance in sports as a form of positive development our youth in Belize. If he did, he would have objected to the millions spent on gangs and diverted that money to sports facilities such as the condemned civic center. He would demand more financial support for the Ministry to develop community sports clubs. Instead, he lapped his tail between his legs and accepted the pittance for his Ministry. Pathetic. This kind of Minister of Sports should hang his head low, in shame. Belizeans deserve better. The BELIZE TIMES is now investigating whether Longsworth flied to Portland first class, and whether his ticket was paid for by tax payers. If so, Belizeans should demand their monies back.
The Masters’ Plan doesn’t include Castle Street Belize City, July 11, 2013 There’s been a lot of talk lately about a “Master Plan” for Belize City. Mayor Darrel Bradley claims that in the chaos of building cement streets haphazardly and poorly, and causing major traffic hazard, he is actually following a “blueprint” that is laid out in a Master Plan. Mayor Bradley claims that the Master Plan was approved after a series of consultations with city residents, but no one can remember ever hearing about any plans. So far, city residents have seen the Mayor pouring millions of dollars into a poor city infrastructure project. He is building streets without drains. City residents have found out the hard way what that means when after every rain, the city floods. On Thursday of this week
the Mayor showed up on Wave Radio’s Worst Ting Da Mawning Show and he let out terrible news when he disappointed the city residents, informing them that the Master Plan doesn’t include their neighborhoods. For example, Castle Street has had a serious drainage problem for many years. Whenever it rains, the streets comes under up to two, at times three feet of water. Children have to walk through the unsafe flood to make it to school. A smart City Council should have ensured that any city project includes fixing this major problem, to alleviate the flooding in the neighborhood. But not this UDP City Council. “No sir, Castle Street is not included in the Master Plan,” Mayor Bradley told a concerned caller. So which streets that is badly in need of repair, other than the downtown areas, are included in the UDP Master plan? The answer is none.
CARTOON
Belize City, July 9, 2013 The real stunner in Tuesday night’s game between Belize and the United States wasn’t so much the loss at the end of the 92 minutes of play, but that the Minister of Sports Herman Longsworth had the face of brass to show up at the game after denying the national football team much needed funds. Longsworth, who 13 days ago looked at all Belizeans in the face and basically called the national team “not important” when explaining why his Ministry of Youth and Sports wasn’t providing adequate funding to the team, showed up dressed up in tuxedo and wearing flashy jewelry in Portland, Oregon. Longsworth didn’t even go as a regular attendee. He was showboating on the football field, pushing himself out for the television cameras, with a big plastic smile on his face. Shameful excuses The Football Federation of Belize said it needed $500,000 to ensure the team could participate in its historic Gold Cup entrance. Despite the significance of the moment for our national team, the Government only coughed up a measly $2,600 per team player. The FFB held a telethon, a week after the Prime Minister’s wife held a similar fundraiser and with heavy political infusion from the Government raised one million dollars, but the football team raised less than $120,000. Still Government refused to provide the needed support. “We don’t have the resources to finance every single national team that wants to represent Belize, we can’t do it. “We cannot be spending the majority of our budget on the minority of our citizens,” said Longsworth shamefully on a June 26th interview. Supporting gangs over sports Just one year ago, Longsworth and the Barrow Government seemed to have a different frame of mind. They were spending millions of dollars to pay a handful of gang members in Belize City. The Government made a pact with gang leaders that if their streets soldiers stopped shooting up each other, they would collect a Government paycheck every weekend. The Government spent millions – taken from other Government programmes – to pay about 30 gang members. But the shooting spree never abated. 2012 even saw the most murders ever. The gang payment program lasted, predictably, until after the elections. So what happened to this excuse about not spending the majority of their budget on minority of the citizens? Aren’t the gangs a minority in our country? Or are gang members a priority to Longsworth and the UDP Government over sports and in particular, our nation-
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2013