Belize Times July 6, 2014 by Belize Times Press

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

6 JULY 2014 | ISSUE NO: 4902

The Truth Shall Make You Free

www.belizetimes.bz | $1.00

Kidnapping in OW? Former PUP Mayor and Senator missing for 3 days Orange Walk Town, July 3, 2014 Up to press time, residents of Orange Walk town remain on the edge as the search for well-known resident and former PUP Mayor 71 year old Ramon Cervantes Sr. continues feverishly. Cervantes disappeared sometime on Tuesday, July 1st morning, while he visited his cane field located just outside Orange Walk Town along the San Roman road. His vehicle, a Land Rover, was found abandoned near cane fields. The jeepâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back door had been left open, his boots were on the ground and

Ramon Cervantes Sr.

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Crime Out of Control! Minister of National Security Totally Mum!

Samuel Miguel

Malcolm Wagner

Belize City, July 2nd, 2014 There has been nothing but deafening silence from the Minister of National Security John Saldivar amidst a rise in violent crime in Belize City. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as if the lives of our young, black men matter nothing to those in Government. But to the family of the many victims, their worlds have fallen apart and their hearts crushed.

PUP CONGRATULATES HIGH SCHOOL TOP ACHIEVERS

Myron Smith

There has been an increase in the cases of violent homicides. The latest victims were 17 year old Myron Smith, 24 year old Malcolm Wagner and 22 year old Samuel Miguel. Miguel, a resident of West Street, was found lying dead inside an empty lot that is used as parking space on Orange Street around 5:30 on Saturday

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Belize City high school top achievers received special recognition at BYM forum

Faber crashes

into Police mobile Pg. 23

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Crime Out of Control! Minister of National Security Totally Mum!

Continued from page 1

morning. He had stab wounds on his head and face. Police have not been able to find any motives be-

hind Miguel’s murder, but continue their investigation. 17 year old Myron “the saddest” Smith was a bubbly-natured young man

with who had a promising future. Smith was an avid basketball athlete and the irony about his murder is that he was killed on a basketball court on Monday June 30th night. Smith was shot on the court behind the “Complex Building” in the Lake Independence area. He had been seen riding a bicycle towards the area by his father just minutes earlier. As he reached the court, gun shots rang out. Smith

2014 was injured and attempted to run away, but his attackers drew near and fired more shots at him which caught him in the head and arm. 24 year old Malcom Wagner was standing at the corner of Flamboyant and Poinsettia Streets on Saturday evening when a vehicle drove near, and a gunman fired at him. He received gunshots to his back and leg. Wagner survived the attack but died while receiving treatment at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Wagner’s family believes he was lured to his death. They say he became a target of threats ever since he helped to stop a crime. “All the time, from the time he subdue a man out here, he held the man for the police and from that time they are after him. Another time they shoot his hand out by the lane and up to now. He says he is not afraid of them, he was born here at #3 Flamboyant Street and he will die at #3 Flamboyant Street - he says that he will not run from anybody,” said Wagner’s grandmother, Evadney Welch. There was also an attack on a group of men who were socialising inside a yard on Curl Thompson Street in the Port Loyola area on Saturday June 28th. Just before 7:30pm, the men say a man turned up suddenly and fired shots at them. Belize Defence Force (BDF) soldier 23 year old Carlton Augustine was shot during the attack. He sustained injuries on his right abdomen and left arm. While violent crime has been on the rise, there has been absolutely no reaction from the Minister of National Security. No press conference. No new anti-crime measure. No new operations. No worry from the Minister who always has all the answers and the biggest ideas.

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The Belize Times

Established 1957

14 APR 2013

The Truth Shall Make You Free

ISSUE NO: 4840

www.belizetimes.bz

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Dr. Lesbia Guerra Cocom gets the job done! Arenal Village, Cayo District, July 1, 2014 The voters of Cayo West can’t wait for the Barrow Administration to call the elections. The voters can’t wait to rid themselves of one of the most neglectful politicians in Belize’s political history. Despite being in office for three long terms, the UDP’s Erwin Contreras has nothing extraordinary to show as his doing, perhaps except for wealth accumulation. Cayo West has Dr. Lesbia Guerra Cocom, members of the PUP suffered under ContreArenal Village Council and community residents ras. Some say Melchor worked together to do repairs to Arenal street and the special Free Zone at the Before western border get more attention than any of the communities in the area. For example, for many months now, the streets in Arenal have been deteriorating rapidly. Contreras has promised election after elecAfter tion that he will fix them but has failed to deliver. And it’s not like Arenal Village is remotely located. It is only 7 miles from Benque Viejo del Carmen. Take for example the street at the entrance to the village. It got so bad that the road began eating away. Motorists drove on that street at their own peril, as the deteriorating conditions caused terrible accidents and at times claimed tires, ball joints and other parts. Taxi drivers began charging more due to the road conditions. Even residents risked spraining their ankles and injuring themselves some other way when traversing into the village, especially during emergencies. Residents complained loudly. Local farmers said it made it difficult to transport their produce. Luckily, PUP Standard Bearer Dr. Lesbia Guerra Co-

com saw the urgency of doing street repairs in collaboration with the PUP Village Council and the community. Working together, road works equipment began filling and levelling the street to make it passable. Naj and the Village Council have been lobbying for support from the Government, but those efforts have been fruitless. As usual, the Barrow Government is victimizing the people of Arenal for voting a PUP Council. The Barrow Administration and Contreras would rather the commu-

03 3 nity suffer than allow it to progress under PUP Leaders.

call 650-8429

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THE BELIZE TIMES

on the

Southern Belize By Francis W. Fonseca Over the past six weeks I have been visiting communities in Southern Belize along with the four elected PUP Area Representatives who comprise the Southern Caucus of our Party. The Southern Caucus is chaired by the Hon. Oscar Requena of Toledo West and guided by the experienced hand of the veteran politician Hon. Mike Espat. Espat and Requena have formed a special bond of friendship. The young, passionate, militant Requena from San Pedro Columbia and the

PUP NOTICE Municipal Elections – San Ignacio/Santa Elena Towns The People’s United Party is inviting interested applicants for the upcoming San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town Council Elections to submit their applications. A Convention is slated for Sunday, August 24th, 2014. Applications are available from the PUP S ecretariat, Independence Hall, #3 Queen Street, Belize City. C omp l e t e d app l i c at i on s must be filled and returned to t he C h ai r p e rs on and the Secretary General. The non-refundable fee must be submitted to the Secretariat along with the necessar y documentation to complete the application. Deadline for submission is July 18th, 2014.

no-nonsense, focused Senior Minister from PG. From the Stann Creek District we have the humble, respectful, thoughtful Educator Hon. Ivan Ramos in Dangriga, and the hard working, pragmatic and skillful Hon. Rodwell Ferguson from Stann Creek West. There is a sense of unity and purpose in the Southern Caucus that our entire Party can benefit from. There is mutual respect and a clear understanding that their fates and futures are inextricably linked.

Southern Belize can be proud of its Leaders. It is this type of unity and purpose that will allow the PUP to form the next Government of Belize and bring development to our rural communities. The next PUP Government will invest in the South and create new economic opportunities in Tourism, Agriculture, and Manufacturing. The South has been abandoned and neglect-

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2014 ed by the UDP for the past seven years. The PUP will deliver better quality education and healthcare. We will make land available to the people of the South, and we will create jobs for Southern Belize. Water and electricity must be provided to those communities which still do not have access to these basic needs. Village and farm roads must be built and maintained. The people of Southern Belize recognized after only four years that the UDP is a failed Government with no plan or vision for Belize’s development and so in 2012 the South voted all BLUE!! The South has already taken the first step. All that is left now is to have their leaders, the members of the Southern Caucus, be a part of the next new PUP Government that will work for Southern Belize. That is sure to come!!

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EDITORIAL UDP SACRED COWS “Overnight is a long time (in politics) and a week is forever” – U.S. Journalist Dan Rather It has been 41 weeks since the Penner immigration scandal broke. It all began with the announcement by the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday September 19, 2013 that Penner was being stripped of his Ministerial portfolio. Considering Dan Rather’s description of what a week is in politics, we can only imagine how tense and unstable the 41 weeks that have passed have been like for Dean Barrow who admitted that a visa/passport scandal could and would “bring down this Government”. Difficult because Barrow has shown us his best theatrics to show that his dolly-house is in order. A strange thing has happened to Barrow ever since the Penner scandal broke. The man who once spoke boldly that the UDP will keep a squeaky clean image and that he would act on the whiff of corruption and that he has a special machete for corruption seems to have lost his way. Barrow has been heard lamenting the actions of his Ministers which he said affects his personal image and reputation. But at other occasions, he defends those Ministers, and even finds new meaning to what every other Belizean would consider barefaced corruption. A strange thing did occur with the Penner scandal. We thought Barrow would have put a stop to it, but he never did. He chose to let it live and breathe, and now it has spread like a cancer eating away the UDP. With only 17 seats in the House of Representative, Penner turned into a sacred cow for the UDP. The UDP cannot afford to lose

Penner, rather, the UDP cannot afford to lose a seat in the House, so even though Penner’s transgressions have been serious, he continues to occupy his space on the ruling Party’s side of the House. Compare this to Barrow’s wicked behaviour towards Hon. Marcel Cardona, who was thrown out of the UDP side by Barrow and forced to sit with the Opposition in the House of Representative simply because Cardona had spoken against what he viewed as serious corruption in the UDP. Yes it is the same Barrow who said he will fight corruption. Penner isn’t the only one living with much ease despite a thick cloud of infamy. Despite being caught red-handed with his hands in the cookie jar at the Belize Airports Authority, Castro walked away with just a slap on the wrist. Castro – another sacred cow! Mark King committed political suicide and embarrassed his party when he said that the UDP police that UDPs are first, Belizeans second and PUPs last. But Mark King is now also a sacred cow! Pablo Marin and his CEO have proven to be incompetent and incapable of properly administrating our health sector but to Barrow, they are also sacred cows. The only lesson the UDPs seem to have learnt from Penner is that Barrow’s rule is fully dependent on their seats in the House, collectively and in this case, more importantly, individually. The UDP has 16 sacred cows in the House under King Barrow. We will be seeing the Master of the Games at his best over and over again, not because he wants to but because it is the only way he will survive and keep a hold of power.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

TEAM JOSE CHACON

2014 Victorious in Belmopan City Council Convention

Number of votes per Candidate: Mayoral Candidate: Jose Chacon: 529 (elected) Noel Avila: 632 (elected) Ruby Botes: 611 (elected) Francis Chan: 598 (elected) William Hernandez: 594 (elected) Anthony Lewis: 629 (elected) Judith Rivero: 579 (elected) Mayoral Candidate: Jorge Flores: 290 Hope Amadi: 342 Inesita August: 329 Coretta Banner: 361 Jose Ico: 343 Margarita Sub: 325 Lawrence Tush: 315 Total Votes Cast: 1024 Number of Spoilt Ballots:1 Number of Rejected Ballots: 10

HAVE HOPE! The PUP will Serve The People

Kidnapping in OW? Continued from page 1 a spraying container with mixed chemicals was nearby. The container’s tube had been sliced through. The family also found what appeared to be remnants of duct tape and coins on the ground. Cervantes’ family members keep holding on to hope that their loved one will be found or returned to them safely. But they are also gripped with fear that it could be a kidnapping. Ramon Cervantes Jr. said that he received a call from his father on Tuesday morning and he knew something was wrong. “I spoke with him; his voice was very exhausted and very weak. That’s not my dad; he has a strong voice. The things that he said were incongruent to his personality. He would never say he is lost somewhere in San Jose. He’ll find his way in and out. That’s the type of person he is. Plus, in one of the conversations, he said that he was with a person. So, I told him to let me speak to the person, and the phone cut off.” Cervantes Jr. said that when he called his father back, he got a different response. “When I called back, he said, ‘Monchi, I’m alone. I’m alright; I’m fine’ But I can tell; I know him,” shared Cervantes

Jr.

The Police are treating the matter as a case of missing person for now. Flyers have been issued throughout the area and Police check points have been posted at various points. Police sources say that several persons were questioned, including employees hired at Cervantes’ business establishment. None of the family members have been contacted by anyone seeking ransom or making threats. Unless the Police get some indication that the case is kidnapping, they will continue treating the case as a missing person investigation. Cervantes is well known and highly respected in the Orange Walk community. He served as Mayor and Senator under the People’s United Party. His son, Cervantes Jr., was recently elected as the PUP Standard Bearer for Orange Walk North division. Cervantes Sr. is a cane farmer and a senior member of the cane farmer’s association. He and his family own various businesses in Orange Walk Town.

Liquor License NOTICES Notice is hereby given that TRICIA BRADLEY is applying for a Publican Special Liquor Licence to be operated at “Mel’s Place”, situate at 318 Mahogany Heights, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that WENDE YAN is applying for a Convenience Store Liquor License to be operated at “L&F Fast Food and Grocery”, situate at #7 Douglas Jones Street, Belize City, Belize District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980. Notice is hereby given that ALBERT JOHNSON is applying for a Restaurant Liquor License to be operated at “The Garden Restaurant”, situate at Mile 30 Hummingbird Highway, St. Margaret’s Village, Cayo District under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Ordinance Revised Edition 1980.

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2014

PUP Leader Attends Huge Rally in Santa Teresa Over 1,000 supporters attended a rally in Santa Teresa Village to support their Area Representative Hon. Oscar Requena and the leaders of the People United Party. They also came out to listen to the PUPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agenda of job creation and economic development.

L to R: Hon. Mike Espat, Hon. Ivan Ramos, Party Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca, Hon. Oscar Requena, Hon. Rodwell Ferguson and Punta Gorda Mayor Anthony Fuentes

Young and dynamic: Hon. Oscar & PUP Leader Hon. Francis

Hon. Ivan Ramos addressing large crowd of supporters Party Leader Hon. Francis and young supporter

A true fighter for his people!! Toledo West Area Representative Hon. Oscar Requena

Hon. Francis meeting and greeting supporters at rally

Large crowd of over 1,000 supporters attended Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rally with PUP Leaders in Santa Teresa, Toledo West

HAVE HOPE! The PUP will Serve The People

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9 TOPMODEL 09

ENTERTAINMENT

NEWS Ras Indio

keeps

Ras Indio should be named Belize’s musical ambassador! For several years now, Ras Indio has been Belize’s most visible male reggae artist. He has consistently delivered reggae music, album after album. But more importantly, Ras Indio has kept Belize on the international scene with appearances at dozens of concerts around the globe every year. When Ras Indio stopped by the BELIZE TIMES a couple weeks ago, we asked him how busy his year has been so far and his answer was REAL BUSY! Since March, Ras Indio has been featured in SIX concerts in the United States. Now, that’s big! That’s representation! This weekend, Ras Indio prepares for the highly-anticipated Belize Caye Fest which will be held in Inglewood, California. The event will feature other Belizean artists including T.R. Shine. On July 19th Ras Indio will have a spot on the “Reggae in Los Angeles 2014” Concert that will headline Taurus Riley and also feature Dean Fraser, Blak Soil band and Yellowman. On July 20th, Ras Indio then moves on to San Diego for another concert. Keep representing Ras Indio!

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Location: The Great House Inn, Belize City, Belize District

representing!!

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Favourite Food: Pasta Likes: Travelling, Working Out and Cooking Lives in: San Ignacio, Cayo District Fav. Quote: “Sometimes we are on top, stay humble, Sometimes we are on bottom, stay hopeful”

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

Cor. North Front Steet & Queen Street Belize City

10 SPORTS

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

Nissan Arana

6 JUL

2014

wins 2014 Cycling Road Championship

Nissan Arana wins Elite champ

Belmopan City, June 29, 2014 Team Predators’ Nissan Arana won the Cycling Federation of Belize’s annual national road championship held along the Philip Goldson and George Price Highways over the weekend. Team Sagitun’s 5-time Women’s Cross Country champ Shalini Zabaneh won her 6th road championship, while Team BECOL Uprising’s Zahir Figueroa won the junior race and Team Benny’s Megabytes’ Robert Liam Stewart won the masters category. Elite 1st Nissan Arana – Predators Belize 2nd Brandon Cattouse – C-Ray Road’s Addikz team 3rd Giovanni Lovell – Belize Telemedia team Female 1st Shalini Zabaneh – Team Sagitun 2nd Patricia Chavarria – BECOL Cycling 3rd Kaya Cattouse – Smart C-Ray

Top 3 Females: Patricia Chavarria, Shalini Zabaneh & Kaya Cattouse Masters 1st Robert Liam Stewart – Benny’s Megabytes 2nd Jose Choto – C-Ray Road Addikz 3rd Leroy Cassasola – Belize Telemedia Under 23 Category 1st Giovanni Lovell – Belize Telemedia 2nd Joel Borland – Belize Telemedia 3rd Erwin Middleton – BECOL Uprising Youths 1st Darien Anderson – Smart Juniors 2nd Anthony Marin – Unattached 3rd Patrick Williams – Smart Juniors Juniors 1st Zahir Figueroa – BECOL Uprising 2nd Phillip Mencias – Mando’s Cycling 3rd Delawn Abraham – Benny’s Megabytes

Holy Redeemer girls & St. Martin De Porres boys win basketball champs Belize City, June 27, 2014 The undefeated girls of Holy Redeemer RC School won the national primary school basketball championship at Bird’s isle on Friday, June 27. In the finals the Holy Redeemer girls bounced out the defending champs Sugar City girls 19-17. They were led by MVP Zaria Jenkins who finished with 16 points. Zelita Catzim led the Sugar City girls with 7 points while Aaliyah Leiva had 6 points. The St. Andrew’s Anglican School ended 3rd place after the St. Peter Claver RC School girls forfeited their game. In male championship final, the St. Martin’s boys came from behind to win 3830 over the Hopkins boys. Raheem Baptist led Martin’s with 15 points while Anthony Penate scored 11 points for Hopkins. 3rd place went to the Sacred Heart Primary School boys who squeaked past the St. Peter Claver RC School boys 18-17 with Jerry Guzmal scoring 9 points for Cayo while PG’s Devan Paulino and Tyrelle Garbutt scored 6 points each. National Sports Council’s Joel Wade presented team trophies and individual medals to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners and the Most Valuable Player award to Zaria Jenkins and Tyrece Usher. Female Team Matches: St. Andrew’s Anglican School vs. Libertad Methodist School - 18-8 St. Peter Claver RC School vs. Richard Quinn RC - 13-12 Holy Redeemer vs. Libertad girls - 31-6 Louisiana Government School girls vs.

St. Martin’s boys Georgetown girls - 30-2 Holy Redeemer vs. St. Andrew’s Anglican School - 21-11 Louisiana Government School girls vs. St. Peter Claver RC - 24-9 Semi-finals Holy Redeemer vs. St. Peter Claver RC girls: 13-4 Louisiana Government School girls vs. Andrew’s Anglican School girls - 21-8 Male Team Matches: Sacred Heart Primary School vs. Corozal Methodist School boys - 22-4 Holy Family RC vs. St. Peter Claver RC School - 20-14 St. Martin De Porres RC vs. Corozal Methodist School – 32-5 Holy Family RC vs. Louisiana Government School - 26-12 St. Martin De Porres vs. Sacred Heart Primary School - 27-13 St. Peter Claver RC vs. Louisiana Government School - 14-8 Semi-finals St. Martin de Porres vs. St. Peter Claver RC - 35-21 Holy Family RC vs. Sacred Heart Primary School - 41-14

Top Under 23: Joel Borland & Giovanni Lovell

City Boys Rule SMART Mundialito Belize City, June 28, 2014 Week 9 of the 2014 SMART Mundialito promises an exciting matchup between the 2 undefeated teams: the City Boys and Collet Strikers at the Yabra green in Belize City on Saturday, July 5. In Week 8, Game 1 featured the Ladyville Jaguars in a 1-0 upset of the Hattieville United Youth Sporting Club, on a strike by Trivion Bainton in the 1st half. In Game 2, the City Boys Jrs posted their 6th win: 4-0 against Third World with 2 strikes by Denroy “Bobo” Lopez, one in the 1st half to lead 1-0 up to the break. In

City Boys team

the 2nd half, Lopez, Akeem Sutherland and Kyle Samuels each scored a goal to seal the 4-0 win. In Game 3, the Collet Strikers held the Ladyville Rising Stars to a 0-0 draw. The games between Heights FC vs the Brown Bombers and Carlston FC vs the London Strikers have been re-scheduled as back matches. Week 9 Games, Saturday, July 5 Third World vs. Carlston FC Collet Strikers vs. City Boy Heights FC vs. Rising Stars Ladyville Jaguars vs. Brown Bombers London Strikers vs. Hattieville United

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THE BELIZE THE BELIZE TIMESTIMES

Complex, BWS & Ready Call win in Firms basketball Belize City, June 28, 2014 The Complex Generals deposited a 57-45 win on Infotel. Wilfred Richards led the Generals with 16 points while Marshall Nunez Jr. and Cassian Flowers added 10 points each. Belize City Council edged out the Heritage Heats 57-56. Kenroy Usher ended with 19 points and Densford Bevans added 16 points, while David Macaulay had 7 points and David Rowland 8 points. Belize Water Services edged Belize Bank 62-48. Lindbergh “Prince” Graham led BWS with 15 points. Ready Call won 75-62 over Atlantic Bank. Lennon Lewis led Ready Call with 28 points while Hubert Baptist added 15 points.

BWS’ Charles Armstrong goes for the rim

Heats’ Devon Defour goes up for a lay up

KHMH & BELIZE BANk BULLDOGS WIN INTEROFFICE SOFTbALL GAmES

Kareem Michael, Samira Pott & Daniel Sanchez win Barrow & Williams table tennis championships Belize City, June 29, 2014 Kareem Michael, Samira Pott-Musa and Daniel Sanchez won the top spots when the Belize Table Tennis Association held the annual Barrow & Williams table tennis tournament at the Belize Elementary auditorium on Sunday. Kareem Michael won the Men’s Open: 3-2 against 2nd place winner Nicholas Martin in the finals. After his loss to Yasser Musa, Michael had advanced out of the losers’ bracket by relegating veteran Harold Young to 4th place and Musa to 3rd place. Samira Pott was invincible to win the women’s championship finals: 3-0 against 2nd place

winner Tyola Casimiro. Tyola had advanced out of the losers’ bracket by relegating Therese Dawson to 3rd place and Ardeth Rudon to 4th place. Under-19 champ Daniel Sanchez was invincible to remain the U-19 champ against a field of 32 players. He defeated 2nd place winner Jaylen Nicholson, who had advanced out of the losers’ bracket by relegating Luis Bardalez to 4th place and John Del Cid to 3rd place. BTTA membership director Mrs. Janine Carballo presented individual trophies to the 1st place to 4th place winners in each division.

Belize Bank Bulldogs team

Belize City, June 27, 2014 The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital and Customs/ Central Bank ended their losing streaks in the Belize City interoffice softball competition over the weekend, while the Belize Bank Bulldogs posted their 5th win. The KHMH won 13-9 against Belize Telemedia. Dwayne Willacey led KHMH with 3 runs while Ricardo Hermoso and Roy Briceno scored 2 runs apiece. Kiri Lizama, Floyd Flowers, Andrew Baird, Pauline Bradley, Chris Majarrez and Bobby Usher scored 1 run apiece. BTL’s Nelson Tillett

and Karyl Meighan scored 3 runs apiece, while Tamara Ramsey, Muschae McDonald and Lupito Acosta scored a run apiece. The Belize Bank Bulldogs outlasted Guardian/NSC 14-13. Agnes Lucas and Leonard Linares led the Bulldogs with 3 runs apiece while Shane Pollard and Kenroy Young scored 2 runs apiece, and Tyra Moreira, Norman Middleton, Enid Dakers and Jacqueline Bailey also scored 1 run each. The Customs Central Bank shocked BEL Powersockets: 9-6 and in Game 3, K.H.M.H. also schooled the BWS/Ministry of Education: 18-11.

12 SPORTS

THE BELIZE TIMES TIMES THE BELIZE

World Cup quarter-finals

Expect the unexpected

Fight for soccer’s ultimate prize still a guessing game

6 JUL

2014

World Cup Goal Leaders James Rodriguez (Colombia) – 5 goals Thomas Mueller (Germany) – 4 goals Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 4 goals Neymar (Brazil) – 4 goals Arjen Robben (Netherlands) – 3 goals Robin van Persie (Netherlands) – 3 goals Karim Benzema (France) – 3 goals Enner Valencia (Ecuador) – 3 goals Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland) – 3 goals Ivan Perisic (Croatia) – 2 goals

Argentina star Lionel Messi has shown us just enough magic to make the difference game after game By Nigel Reed, CBC Sports You didn’t need a rocket scientist to predict Brazil, Argentina, and Germany would all reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup. My fourth, Spain, pulled up lame weeks ago. Everyone’s dark horse, Belgium, is galloping along nicely with two big fences left to jump. It always was, and remains, Brazil’s World Cup to lose. The very health of a nation depends on it. Yet the host has ‘won’ only two of its four matches to date. Mexico blanked the Brazilians in the group stage, and Chile gave them all they could handle before a shootout finally settled their Round of 16 encounter. Colombia is next in line. Of the South American contingent at this World Cup it is Colombia that has impressed me the most. James Rodriguez has been its biggest star, but like Messi with Argentina, Los Cafeteros is not a oneman band. Colombia has won each of its four games and looked comfortable in every match. It has conceded just two goals while plundering 11 at the other end of the field. It has creative flair and speed, while 38-year-old veteran Mario Yepes has marshalled his defensive corps with discipline and bravery. There is no doubt in my mind Colombia has all the tools to ruin Brazil’s party. The only question is one of belief. Can coach Jose Pekerman, who led his native Argentina to the last eight in 2006, convince his players they can win on Brazilian soil — an outcome that would plunge an entire country into mourning? In Pekerman’s homeland, the belief is already strong. Argentina has looked anything but convincing at times but ultimately you can’t argue with four straight wins. And you can’t argue that Lionel Messi hasn’t shown up this time. Game after game he has shown us just enough magic to make the difference. Supporting cast The supporting cast has also played its part. Angel Di Maria, in particular, has helped relieve the burden on Messi but the solidity of the backline remains in doubt. Belgium’s Golden Generation will surely pose more serious questions and hope they did not use up all their scoring chances against the Americans. The Red Devils represent an interesting statistic. Despite the early departures of Spain, Italy and England, to name a few, Europe still accounts for 50 per cent of quarter-finalists. France and Germany will need no introduction at the Maracana, a game which will guarantee a European team in the final four. As usual the Germans have progressed but something’s amiss. The well-oiled machine is not firing on all cylinders with a series of laboured performances against Ghana, the US and Algeria. In contrast, French coach Didier Deschamps has brought back a certain swagger to Les Bleus. Karim Benzema is buzzing again, and Paul Pogba is Patrick Vieira’s heir apparent. Finally, the fairy tale. All good things must come to an end, and for plucky Costa Rica — the World Cup’s underdog success story — it surely finishes at the hands of the Dutch. It is tough to imagine Robin van Persie having two quiet games in a row while Arjen Robben has been a revelation. Yet this is a World Cup where the stereotypes have been torn up. Do as I do — expect the unexpected and you won’t go far wrong.

Neymar injured, but will play on Friday Tuesday July 1 2014 Neymar was seen visibly limping as he entered Brazil’s training base yesterday evening ahead of their World Cup quarter-final. The Barcelona star took several knocks in the Selecao’s penalty win over Chile on Saturday. And Marca report that the striker was seen in obvious discomfort as the national team arrived at their Teresopolis training base late on Monday. The 22-year-old has pain in his left thigh and right knee, and is unlikely to do any proper training at all this week. Neymar though, is expected to line up against Colombia in Fortaleza on Friday evening.

Brazil’s goleador Neymar

Alexis Sanchez was impressive in the 2014 World Cup

Arsenal offers Chile’s Alexis Sanchez US$60M deal Arsene Wenger has offered Barcelona US$60m for the Barcelona and Chile star, Alexis Sanchez, with the French manager ready to convince Sanchez that he should go to north London ahead of a number of other chasing clubs, led by Liverpool. After impressive performances for a hard working Chile side, Arsene Wenger, who is in Brazil doinas a pundit for French TV, made Sanchez his No 1 summer target. According to goal.com, Wenger will meet Sanchez’s agent in Brazil this week in a development that is sure to rock Liverpool. Manchester United and Juventus are also being strongly linked with the 25-yearold. Earlier this week Barcelona’s sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta said that they would be willing to let Sanchez go, although it has been widely reported that he would be part of a blockbuster deal for Luis Suarez.

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2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

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2014

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

Home Economics The Debt-for-Education Swap Potential By Richard Harrison Belize is classified by the World Bank as “upper-middle-income” with a GDP of US$1.493 billion (2011) and population of 324,100 (2012). “The initiation of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative in 1996 and its later enhancements resulted (or will result) in much of the debt of the 40 countries that qualified being forgiven. As a result, for these countries the debts that may still be available for swaps are to be found with non-Paris Club bilateral creditors and commercial banks who have not yet contributed to the HIPC Initiative. A rough estimate (based on end-2009 figures) is that there may be US$3.8 billion of non-Paris Club bilateral debt and an additional US$9.5 billion of debt within the commercial bank sphere available for swaps. With respect to the small group of other, non-HIPC low income countries and the larger group of lower middle income countries, it is likely that only official bilateral debt would be available for swaps, as most countries would probably not accept relief on commercial debt for fear of losing financial market creditworthiness. Such strong assumptions leads to estimates that there may be US$15.4 billion for non-HIPC LICs and US$207.3 billion for lower middle income countries. The foregoing generalizations allow a very rough estimate of total debt that may be available for swaps. For the 96 countries classified by the World Bank as low income or lower middle income there may be as much as US$236 billion in debt available for swaps. It is important to add that critical development needs remain unmet in upper middle income countries. Debt swaps could also be used to help these countries accelerate their progress towards the Millennium Development Goals.” ~ UNESCO ED-11/EFA/ ME/5REV August 2011 Belize’s national debt stood at US$1.221 billion in 2013, or 75.53% of GDP. Its debt-to-GDP ratio peaked in 2003 at 101.26% of GDP, and since then declined to 80.83% in 2008 (US$1.101 billion)...and then to 75.42% in 2012 (US$1.192 billion). However, these numbers do not include debts re-

lated to nationalization of telephone, electricity and marine registry operations that remain unresolved in the courts. Belize needs to rationalize its debts…so that it can invest more and faster in its development. Debt-for-Education swaps are real opportunities for Belize to achieve this goal. These can be achieved through the issuance of Debt Conversion Development Bonds (DCDB) via the setting up of Debt Conversion Accounts in the Central Bank of Belize. In such transactions the creditor forgives debt on the condition that the debtor makes available some specified amount of local currency funding to be used for specific developmental purposes. The swap of debt in exchange for various debtor commitments has been actively practiced since the late 1980s. It is important to note that debt swaps have been seen not only as a means for reducing the indebtedness of developing countries, but also as a way to provide additional funding for developmental programs in these countries. It is primarily the latter that has led to a recent surge in debt swap initiatives in a wide range of sectors, including education. Belize can structure this effort so that education, sustainable natural resources development, biodiversity conservation and environmental protection/rehabilitation together form the DEVELOPMENT focus of these bonds. This effort must be in conjunction with our national debt management strategy, so that Belize can reduce its debt-toGDP ratio on a programmed basis to below 50% over the next ten years. Belize needs to decide whether the nationalization of utility and marine registry companies are in the TRUE and BEST interest of Belize….or whether it can achieve its “fair share” objective via upgrading its company and accounting laws (the effects of which would be far reaching in the advancement of transparency and accountability). It also needs to decide on the degree of lean on Venezuelan PetroCaribe credit….without compromise to our need to do business with the world community and especially

our principal trading partners. This will improve Belize’s macro-economic profile, creating a much more stable longterm enabling environment for growing investments and jobs at a much faster pace. $50 million per year over ten years of debt-relief would not be overly ambitious. Belize should use these funds to rapidly develop our post-secondary education institutions, especially in science-based studies (including research and development) aimed at sustainable development of our natural marine and land-based resources….so that these institutions can provide services for many more Belizeans and students from countries that participate in these swaps…and allow for cooperation and collaboration with world-class universities and private companies interested in developing the wide range of natural resources available in Belize. Our post-secondary educa-

tion institutions already have a foundation set up for this…. they may need to make adjustments to meet specific economic and social objectives that form a part of any such plan along the lines of this proposal…the design of their “new and improved” curriculum must be a lot more practical and hands-on….with measurable and significant increase in outputs of goods and services from education, research and development initiatives. We must work with international partners, and develop our own capacity and capability, so that R&D products and services are appropriately transferred to market in scale, scope and rate. 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

June 16th 2014

PUBLIC NOTICE The Elections and Boundaries Department hereby informs electors that in accordance with the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9 Part V section 59(1), “transfers from one divisional register to another divisional register” commences on 1st July 2014 and ends on 31st August 2014. The purpose of this annual activity (exercise) is to allow those persons who have relocated from one Electoral Division to another for a period of two months or over and who may wish to transfer their registration into that new division. To facilitate the process, electors are encouraged to bring along their Voter Identification Card or any other picture identification such as: “Passport, Social Security Card or a Driver’s License” and ‘a utility bill’ in the elector’s name to assist the officers in the verification of addresses given. The Elections and Boundaries Department wishes to advise the general public that it is an offence under the Representation of the People Act (ROPA) to give false information for the purpose of been registered/transferred. The Department is also requesting the general public, in particular the “chief occupant” to cooperate with the Registering Officers whilst conducting their investigations. Signed: Francisco G. Zuniga FOR CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICER

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THE BELIZE TIMES

For Sale By Order of the Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., a company duly registered under the Companies Act, Chapter 250 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition, 2000, and having its registered office at Cor. Albert and Bishop Streets, Belize City, Belize, hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Mortgagee under a Deed of Assignment of Mortgage made the 10th day of December, 2007, recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 46 of 2007 at Folios 26 – 42, between SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD (the Assignor) Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. (the Assignee), and the said MAE TILLETT, which said property was mortgaged by the said MAE TILLETT to the said SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD on the 4th day of April, 2002 and recorded in Deeds Book Volume 17 of 2002 at Folios 711 – 764 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. THE SCHEDULE ALL THOSE LEASEHOLD INTEREST IN ALL THAT piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 39 situate on the Southern Side of the Western Highway, Mile 8 Belize District and bounded as follows: On the North for 32.580 metres by Lot No. 38B; On the South for a total distance of 31.986 metres by Lot Nos. 39D & 39E; On the East for 15.008 metres by Lot No. 39A; and On the West for 15.020 metres by A Street; Containing 484.498 Square Metres of land as shown on Plan No. 2042 at the Office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys TOGETHER with all buildings, erections and developments standing and being thereon. DATED this 18th day of June, 2014.

2014 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 Assignment and Transfer of Mortgage made the 17th day of August, 2011, between THE BELIZE BANK LIMITED (the Assignor) SCOTIABANK (BELIZE) LTD., and VINCENT MANGAR JR., which said property was mortgaged by the said VINCENT MANGAR JR. to the said BELIZE BANK LIMITED on the 30th day of March, 2009, and recorded at the General Registry in Deeds Book Volume 9 of 2009 at Folios 559 – 588, 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. THE SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land situate along the Punta Gorda/San Antonio Road in the Village of Elridge, Toledo District. This lot measures on the North side 36.405 metres; On the South 45.779 metres; on the Eastern side 51.549 metres and on the Western side 47.437 metres as shown on plan of subdivision by M. E. Sanchez, Licensed Land Surveyor at Entry No. 11608 Register No. 14 and dated September 12th 2008 and the said lot is numbered 2 on the said plan TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. DATED this 18th day of June, 2014.

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

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

For Sale By Order of the

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 lot piece or parcel of land being Lot No. 388 comprising of 668.756 Square Metres of land situate in Independence Village, Stann Creek District, bounded and described as shown by Plan No. 355 of 2001 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 355 of 2001 TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and being thereon. DATED this 18th day of June, 2014. MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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 Block No. 27 situate in the Waha Leaf Farm Layout, Stann Creek District and bounded as follows: On the North for 652.34 feet by A Road Reserve; On the East for 1278.95 feet by A Road Reserve; on the Southwest for 846.35 feet by A Road; On the West for 740.25 feet by A Portion of Block No. 6 containing 15.116 acres as shown on Plan No. 1152 at the office of the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys. DATED this 19th day of June, 2014. MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

Reid Checking Ourselves By G. Michael Reid “A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.” - Edward R. Murrow “When the people fear the government there is tyranny, when the government fears the people there is liberty.” - John Basil Barnhill “…he who seeks to deceive will always find someone who will allow himself to be deceived. The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present.” - Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince Political consultant Karl Rove is credited with the 1994 and 1998 Texas gubernatorial victories of George W. Bush. This master propagandist also gets credit for Bush’s 2000 and 2004 successful presidential campaigns. In his 2004 victory speech Bush referred to Rove as “the Architect” who planned and constructed his rise to the highest office in that land. It was said that Karl Rove was a student of Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s minister of propaganda and the man who supposedly wrote the book on deceit. If indeed Rove was student to Goebbels then we would have to assume that our own Prime Minister, Dean Oliver Barrow, is student to both Goebbels and Rove and with some Machiavellian qualities thrown in for good measure. A central theme from Rove’s handbook is a quote attributed to the philosopher Voltaire, that the “masses are asses”. Listening to the press briefings and conferences given by our own Prime Minister, one would have to concede that he has also adopted that philosophy. Barrow’s arrogance and total disrespect for the intelligence of Belizeans is legendary and he puts it on full display in every meeting of the press and appearances in the House of Representatives. His half-cackling and exaggerated gesticulations while

things explained”. The man is good at what he does, but what he does is not good at all for Belize. If there is any good at all, it is that Belizeans are getting valuable lessons in how not to choose a leader. Dean Barrow has revealed himself as a master of deception, “with nothing but contempt for the Jeffersonian foundation of an informed electorate.” We the people must educate ourselves for it lying through his teeth seem intendis said that against such manipulaed to mock the intellectual capacity tion, “Your best weapon is an eduof reporters and members of the cated mind.” public alike. He then lifts another While the PUP has not led passage from the Karl Rove Book of public demonstrations, civil unrest rules, “The receptivity of the great and taken up bricks and stones to masses is very limited, their intelbreak up our cities, much has been ligence is small, but their power done in way of educating people of forgetting is enormous.” One in the way that we should be govneed only compare Mr. Barrow varierned. Attacks on the Constitution ous speeches to realize how heavily have been challenged in court, prohe relies on the people’s tendency posals for reform proposed in the to forget. Lower House and Senate Inquiry Another one of Rove’s strategies called for in the Upper Chamber. employed by Mr. Barrow consistentThanks to COLA, we know that ly is that “The cleverest trick used regular citizens can launch a Priin propaganda is to accuse your enevate Prosecution and while the attempt was struck down on a petty technicalThe UDP’s previous term in government had ity, we saw another private citizen challenge an Area been considered “the worst five years ever” Representative for failure in Belize. This time, they seem intent on to carry out his duties. proving to us that we had seen nothThe UDP’s previous term in government had ing yet and are obviously hell-bent on been considered “the outdoing their transgressions of 1993worst five years ever” in Belize. This time, they 1998. seem intent on proving to us that we had seen nothing yet and are obviously hell-bent to remain ignorant and susceptible to mies of doing themselves what you on outdoing their transgressions of the bullshit. are doing.” We’ve seen this used 1993-1998. The people drove them It is one thing for Dean Barrow against the Unions, against BGYEA out that time and will do so again to treat the Belizean people as assand against the Opposition in the as soon as elections are called, but es but it is another for us to continue House. Mr. Barrow throws stones, we must ensure that never again allowing ourselves to be led in such hides his hand and then assumes are we so duped and be taken for a buffoonery fashion. Belizeans must the role of victim. “They are being such fools. The power of the peotake a deep look at ourselves and rude to me but I won’t reply in ple must always be greater than realize that we are being made the kind”. Who is ruder, more insulting people in power and the governlaughing stock of the region, if not the and quarrelsome than Mr. Barrow ment must be afraid of the people, world. The Penner debacle, the Cashimself? He tried the same trick not the other way around. In the tro misgivings, Mark King designating with Eamon Courtenay, accusing words of Bob Marley, “emancipate Belizeans as second class citizens, him of “sweating fever for Michael yourselves from mental slavery for the nepotistic practices; all smoothly Ashcroft” and representing Ashnone but ourselves can free our transfused, excused, confused and croft’s interest against the Belizean minds”. May GOD bless Belize! given “explanations explanatory of people. While we the people might have forgotten, Eamon reminded us that he, Barrow, was Michael Ashcroft’s chief attorney and “architect” for many years. Courtenay, you see, has a bag of tricks of his own and came back hard at the Prime Minister, prompting a threat of legal action against the current President of the Bar. I wonder if that case would have gone before Justice Awich? The problem is that Mr. Courtenay himself is an accomplished lawyer and has likely read many of the very books that Mr. Barrow has borrowed his tricks from. While you’re looking at monkey, monkey’s looking dead at you! Normally, a person in Mr. Barrow’s position would have a henchman who would do their propaganda for them. Delroy Cutkelvin once played the role but he could not measure up and he himself has fallen victim to Barrow’s treachery and deceit. Mr. Barrow seems to enjoy the game very much and has even referred to himself as “the master of the game”. The game can only remain effective however, as long as the people allow themselves

Well done Lina Huang!

By Father Matt Ruhl We all know what a beautiful country we have. We are lucky to live in Belize- a country with majestic mountains, incredible jungles and breathtaking islands. A country where you can be in the heart of the Mayan jungle and in less than 2 hours be lying on a pristine beach. A country where people fly from all over the world to come explore our magnificent reef and marine sites as well as our diverse flora and fauna. Even with all these treasures, though, the greatest treasure Belize has to offer and will ever have to offer is its people. The human resource of Belize is by far the most valuable resource of this country. And yet, it is the most endangered and the most threatened- threatened by poverty, threatened by escalating violence and threatened by a growing apathy for the important values of life. Here at Saint Martin’s, we have had a first-hand view of this growing danger to the people of Belize. Being in the heart of the violence, crime and poverty, Saint Martin’s has had to bury many of its own and has witnessed the decay that threatens its youth. It is easy to become disheartened. But we do not. A wise person once said“Education is the foundation upon which we build our future.” How very true this is. And here at Saint Martin’s, we have clung to this truth and have been pushing for it to be a saving grace, a lifeline - for our parish, for our neighborhood and for OUR Belize. We do not lose hope because we truly believe that education is one of the most vital components to fixing the ills of Belize. Our Saint Martin de Porres School is a work in progress. We see so many areas where we can grow and strengthen so that we can provide a better education for the many students we serve. It has not been an easy task to revamp a school. In fact, it can be very daunting and overwhelming at times. That is why we always feel so revitalized and reenergized when we get amazing news like we did recently. For one of our own- one of our past graduates of Saint Martin’s has gone on to be the Valedictorian of one of the most prestigious high schools in Belize. Lina Huang has graduated from Saint Catherine Academy with the highest honor possible. She is the valedictorian for her graduating class. Lina, we are so very proud of you. We congratulate you for your hard work these past 4 years. We salute you for not letting any disadvantages you may have felt hold you back. We thank you for making our school so very proud. Well-done Lina!! In fact, Saint Martins is proud to say that many of our past students have gone on to do well in their different high schools across Belize. We honor and salute all of you. We thank you for working hard and for believing in yourself. We encourage you to continue in your studies, to continue working hard, to continue to break the cycle. We truly believe that education will be our saving grace. It will not be the only component. We need prayer and we need support and as always we need and have God. But education is a vital part - one that we must continue to promote and strengthen here at St. Martin’s and throughout Belize.

THE BELIZE TIMES

Mexico presents clarinet concert in Belize

Belmopan, Belize, 2 July 2014.The Embassy of Mexico invites the general public to the clarinet concert “From Yucatan to the World” by the Mexican ensemble Páax utia’al iik’ to be held at the Institute of Mexico in Belize City on Saturday July 5th and

at the Embassy of Mexico in Belmopan on Sunday July 6th, 2014. The dynamic ensemble was formed in May 2012, with the main objective to produce chamber music with different instruments. Their repertoire ranges from the Baroque: Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, clas-

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2014 sical: Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, to Romantic, Impressionist, Mexican music and Jazz. The ensemble Páax utia’al iik’, made of five clarinetists will allow the listeners to enjoy a musical journey where they will appreciate the different tones, colors and styles that the clarinet can provide. These presentations are part of the cultural program 2014 of the Embassy of Mexico in Belize. The first concert will take place on Saturday, July 5th 2014, at 6:30 pm, at the Institute of Mexico, located at the corner of Newtown Barracks and Wilson Street in Belize City. The second concert will be held on Sunday, July 6th 2014, at 6:30 pm, at the Embassy of Mexico, located on North Ring Road, Belmopan. Admission for both concerts is free and is open to the general public.

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2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

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THE BELIZE TIMES

2014

BY ORDER OF CHARGEE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL

Playing “Lass”

y teenage daughters try playing ‘lass’ on me every time I catch them doing something that they know will aggravate me or their mother. One day, my wife bought a Ferrero Rocher chocolate for each member of the household, but unlike every other person in my family, I did not rush to eat the fancy chocolate. I believe in waiting until the right moment to truly savor any treat, and so I left the chocolate in the cupboard until ‘The Moment’. That moment finally arrived four days later, and I raced to the hiding place to truly show this Ferrero Rocher who was boss. Unfortunately, I could not find it. I called every member of the family and asked them pointedly if they had taken my snack. Everyone pretended they had no idea what I was talking about and even accused me of eating my own treat and forgetting about it! Humans are not the only beings that play ‘lass’ or act stupid even with their full and capable comprehension abilities. There are several instances in the Kingdom Constitution that display God’s more humorous side. The key difference between when a human plays the part of a simpleton and when God pretends to act ‘lass’ is that God always has a plan for his actions while sometimes, humans are genuinely clueless. Take the well-known account of Cain and Abel. After Cain got upset at his brother and decided to do him in a field, God came down again to talk to Cain. Instead of out rightly accusing Cain of the First Murder, however, God chose to play ‘lass’. He asked Cain, “Where is your brother”. God knew full well that Cain had killed his brother, but chose to pretend as though He did not know to test Cain’s heart. Cain’s response, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” revealed that Cain held no remorse for his actions. God offered Cain an opportunity to repent by playing ‘lass’ and Cain rejected it. But not everyone was so foolish as to not take advantage of such Divine behavior. When God put on skin and came to earth, He grew up as a child in Israel and when He became a man, performed many miracles. The Son of God, Jesus, was walking along the road one day when he heard a blind man calling out to Him. Now, obviously, the blind man had heard of Jesus’ ability to heal the sick and even raise the dead. As He noticed this poor beggar on the street, this conclusion must have come to mind, but instead of healing the man and getting it over with, Jesus asked a rather obvious question. “What do you want?” Hello??? Did Jesus think the man wanted bread or maybe a new robe? The man could have gotten upset and could have answered Jesus rashly. But he passed the test. He showed his true heart through his faith and humility. And he was healed. Whenever we don’t understand what God seems to be doing in our lives and whenever we feel like the circumstances He allows translate into the Creator getting a bit ‘lass’, remember that God works everything to the good of those who love Him. Until next week, God bless

HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED a statutory body formed and registered under the Credit Union Act, Chapter 314 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2000, and whose registered office is situated at No. 1 Hyde’s Lane, Belize City, Belize District hereby gives notice of its intention to exercise its power of sale as Chargee under and by virtue of a Charge registered at the Land Registry between Marion Webster Jones and the said Holy Redeemer Credit Union Limited. HRCU will at the expiration of three months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the Schedule below. ALL offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing to HOLY REDEEMER CREDIT UNION LIMITED from whom full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained.

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

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 30th day of August, 2012 between MARIA SORAIA ROCHES of Hopeville Area, Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District, Belize of the one part, and Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd., of the other part, and recorded in Deeds Book Vol. 21 of 2012 at Folios 67 – 136, the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. will at the expiration of two months from the date of the first publication of this notice sell the property described in the schedule hereto. All offers to purchase the said property must be made in writing and full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the said Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece and parcel of land being Lot No. 100 comprising 549.538 square Metres situate in Hopeville Village, Toledo District, Belize and described as shown on Plan No. 2064 attached to Minister’s Fiat Grant No. 370 of 2010 in the office of the Commissioner of Lands And Surveys in the City of Belmopan TOGETHER with all buildings and erections standing and thereon. DATED this 19th day of June, 2014. MUSA & BALDERAMOS 91 North Front Street Belize City Attorney-at-Law for Scotiabank (Belize) Ltd.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

High Achievers Forum – Better Education for ALL Belizean Youth! By Alton F. Humes (Freelance Reporter) BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014 Belize’s High School Graduation Season has long since passed, but the ever-present and mounting concerns over the next generation of students who are anxiously preparing for their own journey through the system hangs over like an unpleasant coldfront. But luckily, the High Achievers Forum, held at the Toucan Room of the Best Western-Biltmore Hotel, was a first step to not only begin addressing those concerns, but to make them the top priority for all people, regardless of political or other types of differences. The event was organized by the Belize Youth Movement (BYM), the youth arm of the People’s United Party (PUP). The forum was a cross-section of some of the best, top-rated graduates from Belize City’s top high schools (Nazarene, Pallotti and Maud Williams amongst them), as well as senior Party officials, including attorney and Caribbean Shores Standard Bearer Mr. Kareem Musa, Senator Hon. Anthony Sylvester, Party Chairman Henry Usher and invited guests from other sectors of the society. BYM President Alberto Vellos greeted the gathering and acknowledged all those at the event, congratulating each student for reaching such an important milestone. He was followed by a presentation by SJC Lecturer/ 2014 Belize District Teacher of the Year award recipient Mr. Yasser Musa. Musa, who is also a Founder of the Image Factory Art Foundation, had this gem to pass on to the young students: “the problem with the education system is not money…it is the attitude of those who are in charge”. He added that too many teachers teach from a position of “power and fear” instead of teaching “from Your Heart... teach with LOVE”. When it comes to reading, he put it in terms of the effect it has on social activism: “I never met a person who read books who wasn’t a great contributor to their community.” He closed his uniquely chaotic speech with a potent jab at the Government, demanding that they focus instead on ‘national wealth’ – fulfilling the real-life, day-to-day needs of its citizens instead of focusing on something like the GDP, an idea the Government ought to mull over, but probably never will. Notable businessman and forward thinker Mr. Richard Harrison gave an impressive presentation on “Culture, Education and Social Development”. Harrison spoke on how young people could learn to “have an open mind for a different view”, starting with learning other languages to be better competitors not only nationally, but also regionally and internationally. His presentation underscored a need for urgent review of what we consider culture, education and social development in the country. Harrison advocated that young

PUP Leader Hon. Francis listens as high achiever makes presentation

class of Nazarene High School, gave a brief speech concerning “The Challenges of Student Life in High School”. He spoke candidly of the obstacles he faced and how he went about dealing with them, never losing focus on his goal to be the best student. After an analysis on their high school years which was presented by paired students, PUP Leader and Leader of the Opposition Francis Fonseca addressed the gather-

Yasser Musa

of special tablets that will contain educational material that will eliminate the use of heavy backpacks and expensive books. “We are serious about a new era of politics, a new era of governance that embraces the vision and ideas of the young people of Belize,” remarked Hon. Fonseca. An inspiring closing address was delivered by Micah Goodin, the PUP’s young and dynamic standard bearer for Collet. Goodin encouraged the students to remain active in their communities and to make a difference that could reshape Belize and steer us away from the direction we are currently headed. The event is only the beginning, and is certainly worthy of discussing and even celebrating. We can certainly hope that some useful and important discussion can take place sooner rather than later, with the goal for next year being to make the High Achievers Forum not just bigger and better, but also yield that far-reaching goal of attaining better education for all Belizean youths.

Senator Anthony Sylvestre Jr. and students work on analysis

Richard Harrison graduates, especially those who put in their fair share and are creative, should be ‘better rewarded’ for their efforts. After lunch, Mr. Nephi Pott, the Valedictorian of the 2014 graduating

ing. He commended the BYM for planning the event and said that it’s “something we have to build on in the future.” Hon. Fonseca said that the initiative was particularly helpful to him because he got to speak and listen to the students. “We will be able to better and more effectively carry out our agenda of reform in the economy and education,” he stated. He said that a central focus of the next PUP Government will be to expand the opportunities for learning, minimise the threats faced by our students and ensure that the education imparted is of high quality and relevance to our realities in Belize. Hon. Fonseca spoke of the Party’s goal to merge the digital world and education with the introduction

Party Chairman Henry Usher with BYM President Alberto Vellos

THE BELIZE TIMES

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2014

THE BELIZE TIMES

Minister’s security dogs kill man Faber crashes into Police mobile More taxpayers’ money going to waste Belize City, June 30th, 2014 UDP Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber seems to be absorbed with bad luck. Faber, whose political career has been spiralling down the toilet, is back on the news this week and this time it’s for crashing into a Police vehicle that was responding to an emergency. Faber, we are told, was rushing unto Freetown Road from St. Thomas Street when he crashed into a Police mobile that was responding to a fire alert on Sunday June 29th. Witnesses say the Police mobile had its siren blaring, but that didn’t stop Faber. At the time of the accident, Faber was breaking a Government policy of driving a Government-assigned vehicle during the weekend. He was dressed in a t-shirt and short pants, so he was clearly not on official duties. He was also in serious traffic violation as his vehicle, a brand new 2012 Toyota Prado, did not have any license plates. After the collision, Faber did not stop to check or render aid if any of the Police officers were injured. He quickly sped off, leaving behind his vehicle’s bumper which had been wrenched off by the impact. Witnesses say he appeared to be hiding from the public, but he had already been seen. Moments later, Faber showed up at the Queen Street Police Station, and was caught by news cameras quarrelling with the driver of the Police vehicle. He didn’t stay long there. He was picked up by someone driving a dark tinted Toyota Hilux, which again, had no license plates and rushed away. Faber accepted some responsibility in a text sent to television news stations. He claimed not to have heard or seen any sirens. He also said that he will take on the cost of repairs to the Police vehicle, which we take it to mean that taxpayer’s monies will be used to repair two vehicles. We doubt Faber will learn any lesson from this incident. Next time Patsy, leave the Government-vehicle parked and use your own! Stop wasting taxpayers’ money!

Independence Village, Stann Creek District, June 30, 2014 Minister Joy Grant quickly hired an attorney following the vicious and fatal assault of 23 year old Jeffrey O’Brien by dogs which guarded her house in Independence Village. O’Brien was on a usual trek to his house after going fishing at the nearby lagoon around 11:00pm on Friday June 27th, when he was attacked by up to four vicious dogs. O’Brien, it is believed, attempted to ward off the canines, but he suffered bites and other wounds which left him on the ground bleeding and badly injured. When O’Brien was discovered by a minor, he was rushed to the community Polyclinic, but it was too late as he had apparently bled to death. He had received bites that mutilated his body, almost severing one of his hands. The dogs belong to a property

Jeffrey O’Brien owned by Minister Joy Grant. The dogs are used by her security to guard her house. The canines are normally tied up to prevent attacks, but on Friday night the dogs had been let go because the security left to buy and he was under strict orders to always guard Minister Grant’s home. The family says Grant has not even called to express any form of concern or sympathy for the incident.

When the family attempted to contact her, her driver answered the phone call and told the family that they must deal with her attorney. “Ms. Joy Grant we try contact she…fu she driver answer we that she lef everything in the hands of the attorney…fu weh reason attorney. Attorney noh even know weh happen. The lady noh even know weh happen…she just get the message. These people need to have more caution with these animals. You could never have these dogs running around and not have a proper, secure place,” said the deceased’s uncle, Francisco Garrido. Neighbors say it is not the first time that the same dogs have attacked someone. They shared that it has occurred at least three times, with one of the previous victims having been a senior citizen. Reports are that the Police have detained two of the dogs.

PUP Gets Election Ready! Belize City, June 28th 2014 Another in a series of capacity building training initiatives was held at Independence Hall on Queen Street on Saturday June 28, 2014. Key PUP members attended the one-day Training of Trainers workshop which sought to build the capacity of the Party and prepare key officials for battle. These training initiatives are organised and carried out through the efforts of the PUP Secretariat and Secretary General Mrs. Myrtle Palacio. The workshop was a success! To learn more about future Party activities, contact the PUP Secretariat.

CARTOON

THE BELIZE TIMES

6 JUL

2014