Belize Times June 12, 2011

Sunday, June 12, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Issue No. 4748

SUNDAY June 12, 2011

Flippin Hulse must go!

Protestors demand Justice!

Bus operators demand a resolution by Friday!

Minister Flippin Hulse (left) is no longer trusted by bus operators in Belize. (Right) BBOA President Thomas Shaw says ‘Hulse must go’

DR. AMIN HEGAR

FOR BELMOPAN

See page 9

BARROW DISSES BELAMA RESIDENTS See page 2

BARROW

BANKRUPTS

BEL

Belize City, June 8, 2011 A majority of Belize’s bus operators have indicated that they no longer recognize Hon. Melvin Hulse as the person in charge of the Transport Industry. A release sent out by the Belize Bus Owners Association today states that they refuse to negotiate with Minister Hulse, who they claim is the root of the problems and chaos in the bus industry.

The Opposition People’s United Party ratcheted up the campaign against Hulse over the weekend when at its National Party Council Meeting, held on Saturday, it approved a resolution callContinued on page 4

Mother & child affected by UDP’s hatred & abuse protest on Tuesday

Protestors marching through streets in Minister Boots’ constituency

See page 25

Aliyah Marin

Tops PSE

UDP’s Economic & Regulatory Policies Force Blackouts!

Belize City, Wednesday, June 8, 2011 In his quarterly press conference or rather tax-payer sponsored political rally, Prime Minister Dean Barrow told the nation that what we have feared for weeks has become a reality. Get ready Belize, because the blackouts are coming. Belize

BELIZE CITY, Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

By Alton Humes The graduation season may be over for most high schools and some tertiary institutions, but for 12-yearold Holy Redeemer Upper student

See page 26

See page 4

See page 13

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 12, 2011

BARROW to BELAMA: YOUR FEARS are UNFOUNDED

PUP’s Gilroy Usher Sr. condemns land hog “Boots” Martinez Dear Sir, I write to condemn the despicable way in which the Government has treated the squatters on Emmanuel Street near the Western Highway in Belize City.

First of all I strongly condemn Minister Anthony “Boots” Martinez’s reference to the squatters on Emmanuel Street as criminals in a recent TV interview. Criminals are people who engage in theft, robbery, burglary, murder, forgery and other similar actions. The squatters on Emmanuel Street are Belizeans of varying ethnic groups, who are trying their best to get a needed house lot to build a house due to government’s total neglect of its responsibility to make land available to the people for such purpose.

Under the command of Minister Martinez the wrecking crew arrived at 4a.m. and gave people only a few minutes to wake up fully and get out of their homes before they used malls and sledgehammers to demolish the walls, windows, doors and roof of their homes on top of their beds, tables, refrigerators, stoves and other household appliances. The heartless destruction of the squatters’ homes was carried out in the presence of their entire families including small children. After the government’s wrecking crew left, scores of squatters were seen guarding their little household possessions in the nearby bushes close to where their homes once stood.

In demolishing the homes of the squatters, the Government totally disregarded due process and consideration for poor people. No eviction order was obtained for the squatters from the court; they were denied ample notice to remove their belongings from their homes before they were taken down (demolished), and in taking down the structures, the wrecking crew broke up the lumber so badly that most of them became useless. To add further injury, Minister Martinez said that no assistance would be provided to the squatters in

whatever form as some families with children slept totally exposed to the elements where their homes once stood, because as far as he was concerned the squatters were all criminals and he doesn’t negotiate with criminals.

Like other landless Belizeans under this uncaring UDP government, the squatters on Emmanuel Street are not asking Barrow and his ministers for the moon and the sky. They are saying to the Government since you claim you need the public land where some of us have been squatting for close to five years when the area was raw swamp, give us a piece of public land beyond the area needed for your project or anywhere else in Belize City and we will be happy because we badly need land to build homes for our families that include many children.

Like his Cabinet colleagues, Minister Martinez (Boots) who views squatters as criminals, has more land than he can handle. Since becoming Minister “Boots” now owns a large track of land at Mile 2 ½ on the Western Highway all the way back to the seaside. Additionally Boots now owns a house and lot on Euphrates Avenue, as well as 4 house and lots in Belama.

The squatters on Emmanuel Street have neither money nor political connections to become land hogs like UDP Ministers.

The best way for any Government to avoid squatting is not by demolishing poor people’s homes with their few possessions inside but by making land available for the people. When the PUP becomes the next government, they will show the UDP the proper way to alleviate squatting by continuing its legacy of making land available for poor people.

Sincerely yours, Gilroy Usher Sr. PUP Standard Bearer Port Loyola

Belize City, June 8, 2011 In 2009, the UDP Government, through the Ministry of Works, indicated its intent to build a highway that would interconnect Belize City Southside and Northside, specifically the Lake Independence and Freetown Constituencies. At the time of the Government’s preliminary announcement, the residents of Belama, especially those living along Chetumal Street expressed great concern and apprehension and rightfully so.

Fast forward to June 2011 and the Government’s plan to construct the said bridge is well underway. A visit to the area reveals that the road has already been cleared out on both ends of the Haulover Creek which sits between Holy Emmanuel Street in the Lake Independence Constituency and Chetumal Street in the Belama Area, Freetown Constituency. And as laid bare before all of Belize on June 1, 2011, the “Holy Emmanuel Squatters” were also cleared out of the area in a most inhumane and demeaning manner becoming only of Dean Barrow and the UDP. The residents of the Belama community have good reason to feel uneasy about the construction of the bridge and this uneasiness is compounded by the fact that the Belama Police Substation remains closed. As a direct result of the latter, the residents of Belama have seen increased burglaries, home invasions, robberies, murders and vehicle arsons.

Consistently, the residents of Belama have maintained that their primary reasons for opposing the construction of the bridge are (1) their fear that the Southside’s culture of crime would become transplanted in their community and (2) building a highway with an interconnecting bridge in the centre of their community would disrupt the peaceful nature and spirit they’ve worked so hard to create over the past fifteen years.

Clearly, the concerns of the residents of Belama have fallen on the deaf ears of Barrow and the UDP

Government. One man who has not ignored their concerns is their Area Representative, the Hon. Francis Fonseca. The ever caring, compassionate and responsible Area Representative he is, the Hon. Francis Fonseca wasted no time in embarking on a series of discussions, both one on one and group with the residents of Belama. Following those discussions, the residents made it abundantly clear that their opposition to the construction of the bridge is unanimous.

Following up on the discussions with his constituents, the Hon. Francis Fonseca, in early April of this year, wrote a letter to the Prime Minister in which he unequivocally expressed and recorded the Belama Community’s strong and unanimous opposition to the construction of the bridge interconnecting Faber’s Road and Chetumal Street. In his letter, the Freetown Area Representative informed the Prime Minister that he had voiced his concerns on the matter of the construction of the bridge to the Minister of Works, Boots Martinez two years ago when the project was first publicized. The Area Representative further explained that at the time, the Minister of Works had committed to consulting with him prior to any decision being taken to proceed with the said project. As the Area Representative goes on to explain in his letter to the Prime Minister, no such consultation has taken place since then and he has not been privy to any information regarding the project.

In a terse four line response to the Freetown Area Representative, the Prime Minister categorically stated that Continued on page 16

THE BELIZE TIMES EDITOR

Alberto Vellos OFFICE MANAGER

Fay Castillo McKay PRINTING/PERSONNEL SUPERVISOR

Doreth Bevans

COLA writes PM Barrow, calls for increased revenues from oil industry Dear Hon. Prime Minister, COLA, supported by a number of taxi associations and bus operators across Belize, is appealing to the government to take all necessary measures to reduce the cost of fuel at the pump.

During the 2008 election campaign, you informed the electorate that your party, when elected, would see to it that that the cost of fuel would not supersede $7 per gallon. I say this not to be negative but to emphasize the point that this is not a new problem, and one of which you are well aware.

COLA and the taxi associations

are making this appeal on behalf of the thousands of Belizeans who are currently feeling the heavy pinch from the high cost of fuel. It is indisputable that with the increase in the cost of fuel has come an increase in the cost of living. Admittedly, the cost of a barrel of oil is beyond your control, but there must be some measures that the government can take to ease the burden on the Belizean man and woman. We are fast reaching the outer limits of what we can afford.

We believe that the windfall tax should be revisited. The revenue you are foregoing from having us wait until a barrel of

oil reaches US$90 before the windfall tax is triggered can be used to help you fulfill your campaign promise. COLA would like to make it absolutely clear that we are not an enemy of the government. We are however a voice for the people at the base of the economic pyramid. The Belizean people would be more than grateful that priority be given to the reduction of the fuel price in an urgent manner.

We would like to thank you in advance for considering our suggestion, and look forward to a favorable response. I can be reached at 631-6286 for any other information or kindly email cola4thepeople@yahoo.com and/or exedos4jah@ hotmail.com.

Sincerely, Moses Sulph President Citizens Organized For Liberty Thru Action

LAYOUT/GRAPHIC ARTIST

Chris Williams

MARKETING/ADVERTISING

Rafael Sosa

STAFF REPORTER

Carla Bradley TYPIST

Rachel Arana OFFICE ASSISTANT

Roberto Peyrefitte Printed & Published By The Belize Times Ltd.

#3 Queen Street P.O. BOX 506 Belize City, Belize Tel: 671-8385 Email: belizetimesad@yahoo.com editortimes@yahoo.com

Sunday, June 12, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Flippin Hulse must go!

Continued from page 1

ing on Hulse’s removal. The PUP’s resolution stated, “Recognizing the serious consequences resulting from arbitrary decisions, lack of proper consultations, and interference by the Government of Belize in the bus industry, the People’s United Party calls on the Government of Belize to immediately remove Hon. Melvin Hulse as the Minister of Transport.”

Bus operators have indicated that

Aliyah Marin

Tops PSE Continued from page 1

Aliyah Marin, the top student in this year’s Primary School Examination (PSE, for short), she’s not just waiting for her upcoming graduation on June 23rd, 2011.

Aliyah Marin seems to share the background most City kids wish they had: a middle-class life with a stay-athome mom, Marlene, as well as a working father (BTL’s Mr. Ervin Marin), and two siblings (UB student Aameerah and fellow Holy Redeemer Std. 3 student, Alyse).

But behind all of that, is a young woman with grace, strength, and possessed of quite steely determination.

Her journey to the top began at the Beginners and Std. 1 level at this traditional Catholic powerhouse, where she placed 1st in both classes. After recognizing her above-average intelligence and taking the kind of risk reserved for high-stakes Hold’ Em poker, her teachers skipped her ahead to Std. 3, where she placed 2nd. But it didn’t stop there; she went on to regain the top position in Standards 4 and 5.

Her PSE preparation in Standard 6 was three-fold: with the encouragement of her parents, she put in the personal study time (worthy of some Dirk Nowitzki-style shootaround training), going to morning classes from January 2011, and attending evening classes at the prestigious (but not well-known) Rojoe School on Coney Drive. She also sacrificed the holy holidays of Christmas and Easter to do extra studying.

She related how unflappable she was on those exam days, keeping as cool a head as was possible under any circumstances. And by most lights, it paid off rather well, as she scored 385 of a possible 400 points (roughly 90 to 95%) on the exam.

Her plans are now to apply to either St. Catherine’s Academy or the Belize High School, where she intends to major in Computer Technology (she hopes to become a graphic designer) and extend her dominance to the CXC exams.

Her humbleness might not seem to befit her hard work, but with the excellence of her teachers (particularly her “homeroom” & English teacher, Mrs.

because Hulse was protecting interests, decisions were made which derailed other bus operators. The problems arose ever since Hulse and his Transport Board introduced the idea of zoning. This year, as the idea would supposed have been introduced, operators realised it was all meant to introduce a new operator, but to the detriment of all others.

West Line is the new operator which made its appearance like a thief in the

Alamina, Mr. Cal in Science, Mr. Cab in Mathematics, Mr. Ayala in Social Studies and the staff at Rojoe, including Mr. Jose Acevedo) as evidence, and the continued support of her family, she knows she will continue to succeed, and as far as this reporter is concerned, she does an already struggling nation truly proud.

night. Owned on paper by Sergio Chuc, the BELIZE TIMES exposed last week that the bus company bought its 18 buses from funds received from the owners of Caribbean Tires. Those huge investors are well-connected in the UDP, and are known to have special meetings with UDP Cayo Ministers Elvin Penner, Salvador Fernandez, and Erwin Contreras.

When West Line entered the picture, they automatically displaced the existing Belize Bus Owners Cooperative, who lost runs along the western route. To compensate BBOC, the Transport Board then attempted to displace several bus operators on the northern route. It was a recipe for disaster which sparked for weeks, and then erupted on Friday, May 27th, when bus operators blocked two major highways.

There has been no resolution to the crisis, even though Prime Minister Dean Barrow intervened and negotiated a temporary solution. That solution, say bus operators, was as good as nothing because bus operators continue to be displaced while West Line is allowed to operate.

Today Prime Minister Dean Barrow, who spoke at his quarterly press conference, said he is satisfied with the status

Sunday, June 12, 2011 quo. Barrow even endorsed the “divide and conquer” strategy used by his Government to weaken the bus operator’s movement. He said he was encouraged by meetings between his Deputy Prime Minister and certain bus operators in the north, but made no mention of allegations that bus operators were threatened that if they didn’t attend those meetings they would be pulled off the road.

The BBOA has attempted to bring together all operators under its banner, to ensure better representation, but the Prime Minister exposed his sinister plan, when he encouraged northern operators not to join the BBOA. Barrow knows that if the bus operators remain divided, his political manipulations are more effective.

The BBOA also introduced a new ultimatum to the Government. It is demanding that all West Line bus runs be removed, in order for the runs to return to their original state by Friday, June 10th, or else. The last time the BBOA made a similar demand, it ended with a total shutdown of the transport industry with BBOC buses blocking the Western Highway in Hattieville, the Burrell Boom Road, the Northern Highway just outside Belize City, while northern bus operators blocked two other sections of the Northern Highway.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

t s e Gu

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE BELIZE BETTER Remarks by Mrs Rosanna Briceño at Special Meeting of the PUP, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, 3rd June 2011

I want to talk to you for a few minutes about our country. I am not going to talk too much about politics, after all I am not the politician in the family; I think you know who that is.

Of course at home my husband John and I have a very clear understanding. While I am very proud of his political achievements and his service to our country, in our house there is no Party Leader. He is dad!

Why is it that at home he is dad? Because John and I believe that the most important job we have is that of parents to our three children, Daniel, Johnny and Andre. We believe that strong families build strong neighbourhoods; strong neighbourhoods build strong communities; and this makes for better cities, towns and villages.

This is how we empower Belizean and build Belize, through strong families and communities. Sadly, these days we seem to be valuing families less. We are becoming more and more of a culture of ME instead of WE. The INDIVIDUAL (ME) seems more important than the FAMILY OR THE COMMUNITY. We have to change this and I believe we can change this attitude.

You know, like any husband and wife, when we are together at night, John and I talk a lot about our day, what is happening in his office and in the Party, and yes a lot of times we talk about MY DAY. We believe in supporting each other. At home he is not just a dad, he is also a husband, You betta believe it! (lol) When we talk about our work, many times, the problems are the same. I am the principal of a school in Orange Walk—St Peter’s Anglican.

In our school we have a programme in Special Education. Through this programme we work with kids who have a number of different disabilities.

We tell those children that if they really want to achieve great things; if they truly believe they can and if they apply themselves, there is no limit to where they can go in life. We don’t just say this, we believe it.

When John and I talk about making our country better, I tell him about the parents at our school who come from the villages to volunteer to help with our feeding programme. We talk about teachers who stay behind after classes to help a child so he or she can catch up.

And then I tell him how working together, parents, students and teachers, we have been able to move St. Peters from one of lower achieving schools in Orange Walk to one that is now getting more passes in PSE per students than many of the other schools in the Orange Walk district.

Together we have turned our school around and we have and continue to change the lives of our students. This is what John Briceno and the PUP is trying to do for children and young people all across Belize. When he talks about his plan to “leap forward.” he is looking not only at education, but also at what is possible for everyone.

Why are children still on waiting lists here in San Pedro? Why are classrooms being divided instead of hiring more teachers?

John Briceño truly believes in the Belizean people and what we can accomplish though hard work and opportunity. Of course like any family, he cannot do it alone.

He needs everyone involved in this work. He needs young people with energy and a love for Belize to have a great idea and to not give up on their ideas. John wants our young people in school learning skills that will help to build Belize.

He also wants to see strong families, where parents love and support their children, making sure they are safe. He wants to make sure that all our children can go to school and develop their God given talents. HE wants to see our parents take an active and serious role in the life of their children, from getting involved in the PTA to making sure they have good friends.

Tonight I am here because I was invited and because my husband is proud of the role women play in the PUP. The PUP is the first Party to have a woman as Minister--the late Gwen Liz. The PUP is the first Party to have a woman as Deputy Party Leader in Carolyn Trench Sandiford.

The Executive of the PUP under John Briceno has the largest number of women on the National Executive than ever before. And for the first time, we see that 7 women have stepped forward to offer themselves as candidates for the PUP for the next general elections. When you add this to the number of young people who offered themselves as candidates you see a balanced PUP. You see a Party that is leaving no one behind.

This evening I want all of you to compare what we have been doing in our Party to what the UDP has been doing. While we have been talking about building strong families, the UDP is breaking up people’s homes, and causing children to have to sleep out in the cold. While we have been helping the poor, they have been crippling us with taxes. While we have been showing compassion, they have been abusing their power against struggling Belizeans.

My friends, San Pedro is still La Isla Bonita, it is still a place where opportunities exist; likewise is Caye Caulker. But these two beautiful islands can be so much more.

They will not move forward under the UDP, they have always progressed under the PUP. And so tonight I want you all to look at what unites the PUP in Belize Rural South instead of what divides you.

Think about all your beautiful children who deserve to live and prosper in a good country. Think of your families and their safety. Think of our women and how much they can contribute to our development. And if you care about these things, if you are believe in progress, if you want a future for your children, then the things that divide you will not be important.

What will be important is that progress will only come with John Briceno and the People’s United Party. And together we will make Belize Better.

72 DAYS TO BARROW’S CRUEL PREVENTATIVE DETENTION

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 12, 2011

PUP holds National Party Council meeting Belize City, Monday, June 6, 2011 On Saturday, June 4, the People’s United Party held its second National Party Council Meeting for the year 2011.

At the meeting the National Party Council ratified the amendments to the Party’s constitution providing for the addition of five new posts of the National Execu-

the Rights of the Child; Cognizant of the moral responsibility to stand up for the social and economic right of every Belizean; The People’s United Party strongly condemns the heavy-handed manner in which government authorities forcibly removed innocent children from their beds at 4:00 a.m.

Delegates attending NPC meeting

tive. The five new office holders were sworn in, namely the three Senior Deputy Party Leaders Hon. Cordel Hyde; Hon. Francis Fonseca and Hon. Mark Espat; the Parliamentary Liaison Hon. Florencio Marin Jr. and the Co-chair of the National Campaign Committee Jaime Briceno.

The Party also discussed a number of issues and passed two resolutions, one on the ongoing crisis in the bus industry and one condemning the government for the heavy-handed way in which they destroyed the homes of a number of residents. After listening to the concerns of Party Members and to visitors from the bus industry and from some of the residents whose homes were destroyed, the following resolutions were adopted: RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF BUS OPERATORS Whereas the bus industry is vital to the economic development of Belize; Fully Aware of the indispensible role of the bus industry to the Belizean Commuter; Recognizing the serious consequences resulting from arbitrary decisions, lack of proper consultations, and interference by the Government of Belize in the bus industry: The People’s United Party calls on the Government of Belize to immediately remove Hon. Melvin Hulse as the Minister of Transport.

The People’s United Party also calls on the Government to cease all forms of political interference in the bus industry and to commit to a long term solution to the many important issues facing the industry by immediately making the following decisions: a) to restore permits to the BBOC b) to cancel the permits given to West Line Bus Company c) to agree to implement a 60 day moratorium on any new scheduled routes and return to the routes that were agreed previously RESOLUTION CONDEMNING THE AUTHORIZATION OF ILLEGAL DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE ARBITRARY REMOVAL OF RESIDENTS Whereas the People’s United Party is rooted in the principles of social justice; Recognizing and upholding the rule of law; Acknowledging the respect for human rights and the International Convention on

on Wednesday, 1st June 2011, and the illegal destruction of private property.

The People’s United Party calls on the Government of Belize to fully compensate and accommodate these displaced families for their loss and distress.

Swearing in for Senior Deputy Leaders, Co-Chair of the National Campaign & Parliamentary Liaison officials

Party Leader Hon. John Briceño addressing Party Council members

Sunday, June 12, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

FROM THE DESK OF THE

PARTY LEADER

We Need our Oceans and Seas Wednesday 8th June was World Oceans Day, an occasion when all of us can reflect on the important role oceans play in our sustainable development.

Here in Belize we are lucky that so many of us live near the sea, but for millions worldwide, the only contact they have with the ocean is when they go to the beach for holiday or when they eat fish caught from the sea.

Whether you live in a coastal town like Dangriga or inland in a place like Trial Farm, everyone uses products and eat foods that would not be available if it were not for the oceans. A few examples of such products include shampoos, allergy medicines, toothpaste, yogurt and peanut butter to name a few. All of these carry red algae or “car-

rageen,� which is taken from the ocean and is used to give consistency to these products. In so many ways the oceans are an indispensable part of our lives.

So on Oceans Day we must all take the time to recognize not only the value of the oceans, but also to commit ourselves to their protection. For too long we have used the oceans as a dumping ground for every kind of waste. Our actions have caused damage that will take centuries to repair and have resulted in severe challenges as it relates to our oceans sustainability. These challenges range from the deterioration of the marine environment to a serous reduction in the number of fish in the sea.

Of course there is always a silver lining; the first is the recognition that

we have to change our behaviour. Most of us are now convinced that climate change is real and that it is affecting our oceans in a very bad way. As a result of this knowledge we are taking the time to do the research and the studies to see how climate change is affecting our oceans and seas. And through this knowledge we are starting to change our behaviour for the better. Also, as a result of this awareness, major world initiatives like the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other agreed treaties that govern, not only how we protect our oceans, but also they have brought us together to agree on how we will meet the challenges and ensure the sustainable development of our oceans and seas.

Through cooperation we have all come to understand that there are three components to ensuring the sustainable development of our oceans and seas namely an environmental, social and economic component.

In Belize, the Caribbean Sea is extremely important to our sustainable development. From an environmental perspective, we must ensure that we do all possible to protect our fragile eco system. Already we must contend with the issue of coral bleaching due to the warm water temperature. There is also the concern of rising sea levels, which could seriously affect our low lying coasts like Belize City, the largest urban centre in our country. Manmade disas-

7 ters such as oil spills and the dumping of toxic waste can kill our fish stock, further damage the reef and seep into our fresh water supply.

From a social perspective, the sea gives life to a number of activities and with so many coastal communities, is at the epicentre of our social life in Belize. From vacationing on the islands, to strolling along the sea for a leisurely walk, Belizeans love for the sea is central to our culture.

The largest single foreign currency earner of our country is the tourism industry. Today San Pedro remains the most visited tourist destination in Belize. From the many cayes to the coastal towns and Cities, the sea including the Belize Barrier Reef, is the main draw for tourists who visit Belize. Add to that the fishing industry and the value of the Caribbean Sea to our economic sustainable and development unquestionably the highest.

We all live in an interconnected world and we share the resources of this plant, this means that our actions can negatively affect someone thousands of miles away from us. If we are to share our oceans with others, that we too must do our part to care for and protect this most valuable resource and in so doing ensure that our oceans continue to provide for us today and for generations to come.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Businessman freed of 60 yr. old accused Murder & of sexual assaulting 9 yr. old Attempted Murder

Charles McKoy

BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 8, 2011

By Roy Davis

A charge of murder against businessman Charles McKoy, 25, a resident of Mile 1 ½ on the Northern Highway, was dismissed yesterday in the #1 Magistrate’s Court at the conclusion of a preliminary inquiry.

Three counts of attempted murder and 3 counts of use of deadly means of harm against McKoy were also dismissed.

Last week McKoy’s attorney, Dickie Bradley, submitted that there was not enough evidence against McKoy to establish a prima facie case. Bradley argued that there was no link between his

client and the shooting incident that occurred around midnight on July 20, 2010 near the traffic light at the corner of Freetown Road and Douglas Jones Street. In that incident, Alexander Murray was killed while three others who were in the Pontiac car with him were injured. The three included Alexander’s brother, Alton Murray, Glenford Martinez and Michael Stevens.

After hearing a reply from the prosecution who conceded that there was no evidence against McKoy to support the charges or murder and attempted murder, Chief magistrate Margaret McKenzie upheld Bradley’s submission and dismissed the charges.

McKoy was left with 2 counts of aggravated assault which it was agreed would be tried summarily. As a result McKoy was taken to the #4 Magistrate’s Court where the charges were read to him.

McKoy pleaded not guilty and he was released on a bail of $5,000. His case was adjourned until June 24.

According to reports, between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on July 24, 2010 there was an altercation on Daly Street between the occupants of the Pontiac car and the occupants of a black pick-up truck. During the altercation the oc-

BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 8, 2011

By Roy Davis

Taxi Driver Godfrey Mortis, 60, who allegedly put a love bite on the neck of a 9 year old girl and touched her on her private parts, was charged with aggravated assault when he appeared today in the #1 Magistrate’s Court.

Mortis pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution objected to bail on the grounds that the offence has become prevalent, that Mortis might interfere with the complainant and that he should be denied bail for his own safety. Mortis did not give a good reason why he should be granted bail.

cupant of the black pick-up truck came out of his vehicle and allegedly fired two warning shots in the air.

Later around midnight on the same day the black pick-up truck was in front of the Pontiac car at the traffic light at the corner of Freetown Road and Douglas Jones Street when shots were fired from another van that was behind the Pontiac car. Alexander Murray, who was in the back seat of the car, was shot and killed.

Godfrey Mortis

As a result, Chief magistrate Margaret McKenzie denied Mortis bail and remanded him into custody until June 28.

The incident occurred on Sunday night, June 5.

The girl reported to the police that while she was at Mortis’ house, Mortis bite her on her neck and touched her private parts.

After the police investigated the report, Mortis was detained and charged.

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Sunday, June 12, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Dr. Amin Hegar

Belmopan for

New PUP Belmopan Standard Bearer Dr. Amin Hegar, Maureen Leslie, John Wade & Lisa Shoman commit to working together to defeat the disastrous UDP

Dr. Amin Hegar takes oath & pledges to restore pride and hope in the city of Belmopan. He is flanked to his right

by Secretary General Rachel Montejo.

Over 1,800 residents voted in support of the PUP’s convention

PUP’s strong women leaders, Maureen & Lisa

Supporters flooded the Belmopan Civic Center to show their support for new standard bearer, Dr. Amin Hegar & the PUP Dr. Hegar greeted by supporter

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Moen Stars take on

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Lady Jaguars in volleyball finals Belize City, June 4, 2011 The Moen Stars eliminated the Ushers Crushers to advance to the championship finals against the defending national champs, the Lady Jaguars, in the Belize Volleyball Association’s 2011 tournament.

The Stars crushed the Ushers Crushers in 3 sets: 25-18, 25-18, and 27-25 with Sherika Burton, Marika Zuniga, Shelmadine Cacho and Precelia Hoare spiking home points on plays set by cap-

Men’ playoffs: San Cas Seven Seas vs. Police:

25-18

25-12

Scotiabank vs. Belize Telemedia Limited:

25-21

BTL’s Emily Audinett

25-14

tain Lupita Quan and Sherlene Johnson. The Ushers Crushers tried for a comeback in the 3rd set as Tanya, Jane, Bobby-Dee and Jamie Lee Usher got in

their own kills and Krystal Jones and Keslyn Lizama served and blocked, forcing the Stars to extra points.

West Lake wins

Smart Challenge Cup Belize City, June 3, 2011 The West Lake boys won the 2011 Smart Challenge Cup 1st Division football championship 2-0 over the Brown Bombers in Game 3 of the finals on Friday night.

Jarret Davis broke through Bombers’ defense to embarrass the goalie with the first winning goal at the M.C.C. Garden. Davis, who was obviously hungry for the win, came back for more with a 2nd goal in the 2nd half.

The Brown Bombers’ Francisco Briceño and Tyrone Muschamp tried to get an attack going with the help of Clinton Jorgenson and Travis Eiley on the wings and Avian “Chic-chis” Crawford and Felipe Alario at midfield, but nothing seemed to jell.

The championship team trophy and individual trophies were presented to the winners after the game. The Bombers received the 2nd place trophy.

Westlake’s Leon “Lem” Jones won the Best Forward award, Briceño collected

Tigersharks

West Lake are champs

the Best Midfielder award and Alexander Belisle of Ebony Lake was awarded Best Defense. Ebony Lake’s Ejoil Burgess won Best Goalkeeper, Bombers’

coach Wilhelm “London” White won Best Coach and Jarret Davis won the Most Valuable Player and Most Goals award.

Mirage Lady Rebels topples BTL

beat Mavericks 84-69, heads to finals

Belize City, June 3, 2011 Defending Belize City women’s softball champs, Mirage Lady Rebels, posted back to back wins in the Belize City softball competition at the home of softball at the Roger’s Stadium in Belize City last week.

The Lady Rebels spanked 11-time champs, BTL, 15-4 on Friday night. The Rebels were up 3-0 when Sharette Vernon, Lisa Jones and Ashanti Anderson came home in the 1st inning. Anderson rounded the bases again in the 3rd inning to lead 4-0, before Lydia Cacho scored BTL’s first run in the bottom of the 3rd.

The Rebels led 7-1 when Lisa, Alphia and Lanisha Jones and Christine Jacobs scored 4 runs in the 5th, then Cacho, Elaine Humes, and Mary Flowers scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 5th to trail 4-8. BTL pitcher, Mary Flowers, struck out 3 batters, but this did not stop Lisa Jones from scoring her 3rd run in the 6th inning. Lanisha Jones also struck out 3 batters, while Martha Cassasola, Vernon, Lisa, Ashanti, Sherette Jones, and all came home for the 15-4 win.

Belize City, June 5, 2011 The San Pedro Tiger Sharks made it into to the “Digicel Ballin for Life” Senior Basketball Championship finals after consecutive wins in the playoffs over the weekend.

Tigersharks beat Maxboro Mavericks 84-69 on Sunday. Gene Myvett led with 25 points and 13 rebounds. The Tigersharks maintained a commanding lead from the 1st quarter through to the end of the game.

Other games: BTL vs. Orchid Blazers – BTL won by default Lady Rebels vs. the Hurricanes

Who will be Tigersharks’ opponent?

UB Jaguars vs. Black Mambas – Monday, June 13

Gene Myvett had 25 points & 13 rebounds

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Lady Rebels

3

Hurricanes

Lydia Cacho scored BTL’s 1st run

Sunday, June 12, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

James Garbutt 7th Day Adventist girls take down Queen Square Belize City, June 6, 2011 The James Garbutt 7th Day Adventist School girls and Muslim Community School girls posted their 1st wins when the Belize City Primary School football competition at the MCC Grounds on Monday, June 6.

Reina Guardado scored the goal for the James Garbutt girls over the Queen Square Anglican School girls.

Queen Square had done better when Kayla Bowen scored 2 goals as she led the Queen Square Anglican School to a 2-0 victory over the girls of Belize Elementary School.

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Other games: Holy Redeemer vs. St. Mary’s

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

1

Holy Redeemer

Belize Elementary School vs. St Mary’s

0

Elementary

1

St. John

0

Queen Street

Goal by Randy Franklin

Salvation Army school vs.

Queen Square Anglican

0

Salvation

0

Elementary

1

0

James Garbutt

Muslim Community School vs. St Ignatius RC

3

Muslim

Nashus girls on the atack

0

St. Mary’s beats Holy Redeemer 4-1

0

Calvary Temple

Holy Redeemer vs. Queen Square

1

Holy Redeemer

0

Queen Square

St. John’s Anglican vs. Muslim Community girls

0

St. John’s

0

0

St. Ignatius

St Ignatius RC vs. Calvary Temple

St. Ignatius

0

Muslim

St. Mary’s vs. James Garbutt

0

Queen Square

St. Mary’s

Christian Assembly vs. Unity Presbyterian

Christian

0

St. Mary’s

Belize Elementary vs. James Garbutt

Game results: St. John Vianney RC vs. Queen Street Baptist

1

St. Mary’s

0

James Garbutt

1

Unity

Goals by Christian Delgado, Carlos Guerra

St. Ignatius vs. Muslim Community School

3

St. Ignatius

1

Muslim

Goals by Keimar Nicholas (1), Sydney Bradley Jr. (2)

Wesley Upper vs. Queen Street Baptist

2

Wesley Upper

0

Queen Square

Goals by Trey Bowden, Frederick Williams

Belize Elementary vs. James Garbutt 7th Day Adventist

1

Belize Elemen.

0

James Garbutt

Fredrick Williams scored Wesley’s 2nd goal

Belize City, June 3, 2011 The St Mary’s Primary School boys is enjoying a winning streak in the 2011 male Primary School Football competition.

In its game against the Holy Redeemer School boys, St. Mary’s Sean Young scored a hat trick as he led the 4-1 win. Naim Wilson scored the 4th goal, while Michael Lewis scored Holy Redeemer’s only goal.

Last Friday, Young had also scored 2 goals in the St Mary’s boys’ 4-1 win over the Belize Elementary school boys. Naim Wilson scored the 3rd goal in the 2nd half and Dominique Mangal scored the 4th goal. Only Romero Caruso scored a consolation goal for BES.

Goal by Jeorge Perez

Queen Square vs. Queen Street Baptist

2

Queen Square

0

Queen Street

Goals by Devin Parham

Salvation Army School vs. Wesley Upper

0

Salvation

0

Wesley

Ebenezer School vs. Central Christian boys

0

Ebenezer

0

Central

St. John’s Anglican vs. Muslim Community

1

St. John’s

0

Muslim

Goal by Jerome Goff

Wesley School player receives the ball

Nashus’ Sydney Bradley scored 2 goals

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THE BELIZE TIMES

BELIZE'S #1 SPORTS PAGE

Kremandala clamps Thunder 87-76, heads to finals Belize City, June 5, 2011 The Kremandala boys advanced to the “Digicel Ballin for Life” under-20 basketball championship finals after winning their playoff series against Thunder over the weekend.

Kremandala cruised to an 87-76 win over Thunder in Game 2 on Sunday. Raheem Gaynair led with 17 points, 17 rebounds while Thunder’s Alejandro Baptist answered with 19 points and 13 rebounds. At the half, Krem’s led 41-35.

Thunder’s Luis Barcelona hit a long trey, but Krem’s Andrew Ortiz and Michael Ryan advanced the score to place Krem ahead 6658 at the end of the 3rd quarter, and right through to the buzzer at the 4th.

On Friday night, Kremandala beat Thunder 78-75.

The finals begin on Monday, June 13, when Kremandala takes on the winner of the Running Rebels – Smart playoff series which begin this week.

Akeem Trapp scored 5pts

Getting back to triathlon basics at ITU Level 1 Coaching Course in Belize Belize became the latest country to host an International Triathlon Union Level 1 Coaching Course when participants from four different countries came to Belize City last week to take part.

The Belize National Triathlon Association hosted the course, with support coming from the Pan American Triathlon Confederation (PATCO) and the ITU. Participants learned about triathlon history, basic physiology, coaching and communication techniques, nutrition, sports psychology, training program planning, coaching ethics, swimming, transition, cycling and running theory all with practical application sessions to create an active learning environment.

The course is designed to help participants learn new information and the techniques to teach triathlon sport information to others, with a heavy emphasis on learning retention.

Course facilitators were Rodrigo Milazzo from Brazil and Gale Bern-

hardt from the USA. Participants from Belize included Aesha Garel, Giovanni Alamilla (BNTA), Jamie Usher (BHS) and Peter Castillo (TCC). Maria Shakira Gooding and Quanah Patino traveled from Trinidad. Felix Molina came from Mexico and Brett Petersen traveled from the USA. Belize High School teacher Jamie Usher received her 4 year Coaching Certificate and shared how her school will be promoting the multisport. “Belize High School participated in the Cocoa Fest Triathlon and did very well completing a Sprint Distance Triathlon. We look forward to entering more teams in the triathlons hosted by the Belize National Triathlon Association. Triathlon passes on great life lessons, course participants learnt the importance of finishing a race, the benefits of ‘safety first’, the necessity for educating yourself on the rules and the rewards of fair play and sportsmanship. The trophies of sports won’t always be silver and gold...finishing is winning.”

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Sunday, June 12, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

This Week’s

BELIZETIMES SUNDAY JUNE 12, 201113

TOP MODEL E-NEWS Tricia Gabourel

Tricia Gabourel is one of Belize’s female artists/entertainers with a powerful voice.

Visit www.Facebook/ Tricia Gabourel

Elephant Man off to Zimbabwe

JAMAICAN dancehall star Elephant Man is the latest international artist to join the great trek to Zimbabwe after announcing a concert in Harare on June 24.

Elephant Man will join a long list of international stars who have performed in Zimbabwe over the last year including Joe Thomas, Luciano, Akon, Sean Paul, Ciara, Fat Joe, Sizzla, Lil’ Kim and Sean Kingston.

Daddy Yankee Sued Over #1 Song, “RompE” Popular reggaeton artist Daddy Yankee is being hit with a lawsuit by a Mexican artist who claims the Puerto Rican spitter stole the hit song, “Rompe.”

David Moser of San Miguel, Mexico filed a lawsuit in United States District Court of the Northern District of Illinois, alleging that he wrote the original version of “Rompe” entitled “Anoche” in 1998.

Moser is seeking a judgment in the amount of $150,000 in damages, as well as profit shares from the sales of “Rompe.”

CATWALK FASHIONS

see full color at www.belizetimes.bz or Facebook/ Belize Times

Congrats to all graduates

Alysha • • • • • •

2011 Graduate of SJC Extension Studying: General Studies, Major in Biology Career Plan: Forensic technician Sign: Sagitarius Likes: reading, watching T.V. Lives in Burrell Boom

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Serious drought Alert! affects the river valley Government kept rural north residents begging for help Belize District, June 5, 2011 For several weeks, Belize Rural North residents have been begging the Ministers of Agriculture and NEMO, Rene Montero and the flipping one, to help the people in the Belize River Valley whose cattle have been slowly dying from lack of food and water. The crisis started in February with the advent of an early dry season, drying up the ponds, wells and vats that the people rely on for water. The problem was compounded over the last few weeks when dead, dried trees and shurbs left behind from Hurricane Richard’s wrath last year, started to ignite, causing numerous forest fires, many of which totally wiped out the pastures where the animals graze.

Their pleas were repeatedly ignored and several weeks ago, only after they turned to the media for help that Government de-

cided to take some action. The Ministry of Agriculture sent out a press release saying that its technical officers were preparing to distribute feed and water to the areas affected by the drought.

This, after neglecting the people for four months/ Those Ministry teams have been giving out hay and water, but the assistance is next to nothing for the people. One villager who has 16 heads of cattle received three bails of hay, which works out to less than two days’ supply of food. Another cattle owner who had over 100 cows on his farm only got six bails. The help was not even enough to feed all his cattle for a day. When he asked Area Representative Edmund “Clear him from Cabinet” Castro to provide a truck so he could purchase feed for his animals in Orange Walk, Castro’s response was a stutter, saying that

resources are limited.

As for the supply of water, not even the school children are adequately supplied to keep wellhydrated. Just this month one of the schools in Lemonal had to shut down for an entire week because their needs were ignored.

Were it not for a fellow villager, the school would probably still be closed up to now.

If Castro, Montero and Mada Fish think that the almost insulting “help” they are dropping off at the villagers’ yards will do the trick come 2013, then everyone would understand why the internet reaction “lol” would be appropriate for that thought.

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BDF conducts battle simulation in Hattieville Gallery Range

May 31, 2011 Prior warning is given to all members of the public that with the authority of the Government of Belize, Belize Defence Force (BDF) will be conducting training exercise at Hattieville Gallery Range in the area of Hattieville/ Boom Road. The training will take place from the 19th June to 17th July, 2011.

The local population should avoid the area and should be aware of the presence of armed soldiers, armed military vehicles, various equipment and aircraft.

There will be occasions when gun fire (Live and Blank ammunition) may be heard along with some loud explosions (Battle simulation).

Local civilians should be aware that there is no cause for concern and this is normal for this type of training. This is an essential training exercise to maintain the high standard of Belize Defence Force personnel.

(Press release)

Sunday, June 12, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 12, 2011

LIAD =UDP = PHILLOUGHBY Belize City, June 7, 2011 Seriously, will someone keep Philloughby, in his straightjacket and to the back of the class?

The boy does not need a dunce hat because he has a head shaped like one and the hat would be redundant. The political nimrod keeps on hogging the television coverage, and in cross-eyed fashion, making sure we pin the tail on his challenged intelligence.

He has insisted that Belize identifies him as having an intelligence quotient under ten.

And the award to the dumbest political idiot ever goes to….Phillip Willoughby.

Philloughby’s superpower had always been his clueless political stupidity, but he is trying a new weapon in his utility belt which is the tried and true intimidation and victimization tactic that is part of the UDP Constitution.

Like a school yard kid finding out who called him a name in the playground, he was caught on tape pushed cameras in the vendor’s faces and dared them to say something against his third person-ness:

“Where is the lady?....

You came to fight with me to make sure that you get your spot in the market yesterday?” In a timid voice, the frightened female vendor quickly said, “It is not me.”

But last night the UDP caricature of a politician did the dumbest thing ever. He tops his own record weekly. The boy lied to a poor woman on live national television. When he did it first, we at BELIZE TIMES were caught off guard. We had to watch the repeat of the news.

He cannot be that ‘liad’ as he made way for Jules to get the shot. But Philloughby lied. “You are not on the media, they are not taping you. Yesterday you came to ask your councilor for your spot inside the market?” Phillip Willoughby is a liar!!

Where is the disciplinary committee of the red band of thieves?

This boy should immediately resign. No big loss but at least it would

show that this bunch of UDPs have a modicum of shame.

Get on national TV and apologize (in the third person if you want) and never do it again. It is one thing to be an idiot but a barefaced liar, misleading people is another thing. Let us see what the “wotless” UDP does. At least Cardona told the truth! Philloughby is the poster boy for the UDP. The UDP just liad!!

BARROW to BELAMA...

Continued from page 2 the fears of the residents of Belama are “unfounded”. Non-verbally, this equates to Barrow flipping the bird to the good people of Belama. Essentially, what Barrow is saying to them is that the burglaries, home invasions, robberies, and recent murder and car arson that have occurred in their community is no cause for concern. This is easy for Barrow to contend as he and his royal family sleeps each and every night under 24-hr. police guard. The residents of Belama, however, are not afforded such luxury and are left to provide for the safety & security of themselves and their families.

What is interesting to note is that there are several prominent UDPs who reside in the Belama Area, namely the foul radio show co-host, Joe Bradley, Anthony Michael and former Auditor General under the 1993-1998 Esquivel Administration, Orvin Nicholas among others. Nicholas, incidentally, was the victim of a burglary back in April. In a television news interview, Nicholas stated, “We are concerned because people come through our side to fish and the guys that are fishing you don’t know what they are doing. We are

Continued on page 27

MIGUEL GUERRA Submitted on 2011/06/04 at 10:22pm

I AGREE WITH JOHN BRICENO. I WAS A UDP SUPPORTER, BUT WHAT THE UDP GOVERNMENT IS DOING IS VICTIMIZING THE PEOPLE OF BELIZE. I LIKE THE PUP BECAUSE THEY ARE MORE UNDERSTANBLE PEOPLE. I HOPE THE PUP WILL WIN THE GENERAL ELECTIONS, THE PUP HAS THE COURAGE AND HAS THE FULL ENERGY TO DO THE RIGHT THINGS. THE UDP IS A WEAK GOVERNMENT.

neva again says: June 8, 2011 at 12:05 pm

this crowd can’t even fix the market and we expect them to fix the economy?? Market, butane,sugar, onions, bus industry crisis evrywhere, this crowd is clueless. anon 2 submitted on 2011/06/05 at 2:37pm

Heartless, cold as a reptile, think of all the heinous names you can, and it would not reach halfway in describing the leadership of Dean O Barrow. This gov’t must go!

endo says: June 3, 2011 at 2:21 pm

it’s a shame of what kind of goverment we have does he have a heart it doesn’t seems so how can he leave poor kids on the streets rod says: June 8, 2011 at 12:09 pm

this is what heppens when their is no leadership in the country total chaos occurs and will continue until this useless pm and gov. decide to step down and resign because they are a total failure at their jobs belize has now become a failed state

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Sunday, June 12, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

Strictly Personal Barrow is bogus

- contributed – If I were a “journalist” I would be insulted by an “invitation” to attend one of the Dean Barrow’s so-called press conferences. I simply have too much self respect to be assigned a spot in the back of the room like unwanted paparazzi, behind the special invited “guests”(diplomatic corps, Cabinet ministers, heads of departments) and Barrow’s personal cheering section of specially-connected-tothe-UDP-persons, and other various and sundry party apparatchiks.

Today, Wednesday, June 08, 2011, even Jules Vasquez had to remark that he thought he had been duped into thinking he was attending a press conference only to find out that he was attending a political rally.

And in the back of the room typically are the roving lunatics, UDP partisans whose mission it is to try and “persuade” the working media stiffs to not ask the hard questions.

I often ask myself: Why would I subject myself to that charade?

Give credit where credit is due – Dean Barrow has mastered the use of his bully pulpit and it serves him well. From the protection of the podium he mocks, derides and scorns. He is omnipotent, all-knowing and the paragon of virtue. He is also an accom-

Dean Barrow has mastered the use of his bully pulpit and it serves him well. From the protection of the podium he mocks, derides and scorns. He is omnipotent, all-knowing and the paragon of virtue. He is also an accomplished liar. plished liar.

Today Barrow sought to persuade Belizeans that all is well, and what’s not well is being fixed, and what’s not being fixed will be fixed. He started off on the economy where he assured that he has everything well in hand.

Tourism arrivals, he boasted, are up 3% over last year. He forgot to mention that last year was the second worst year in the past ten, twelve years. The year before, 2009, was the worst since the 1993-1998 UDP administration but who’s counting? Dean boasts that an uptick is great news, and nobody dare point out that is papering over the mildewed and rotting boards of a failing economy.

Typical Dean, he starts off putting his best foot forward. Our mainstay agro-exports are doing just great. All estimates are that we will have a historic sugar cane crop because the TC-TS ratio is down to maybe 8 tons cane to 1 ton sugar. No mention that the Belcogen plant is grossly underperforming, and that

the long drought-like dry has been good for the caneros but terrible news for all the root crop, vegetable and subsistence farmers and livestock producers.

The citrus industry by all estimates is doing just terrific. CPBL is terrific. No mention that the discord in the industry is threatening to completely derail that locomotive.

Next year, not this year, we are going to (finally) export 5 millions boxes of bananas, assuming we escape one of the (predicted) most active hurricane seasons ever.

And hurray, oil production is up because the new Never Delay field is producing a whopping 435 barrels per day. Just great.

Spanish Lookout has fallen off but don’t worry, BNE has just drilled a sixth well in Never Delay that will produce another 30 barrels per day.

On the unintentional comedy scale this would be off the charts if it wasn’t so tragic.

And the cheering section applauds and cheers every syllogistic conclusion. Hurray and yeah, we’re doing well because if you ignore this, and omit to mention that, then this is really great news.

And it would not be a Barrow press conference with remarks on the economy without the presentation of yet another “stimulus” package of infrastructure works.

These packages are all about borrowed monies that, to paraphrase quotes from Barrow when he was in Opposition, our children will have to repay. But no, never mind that inconvenient truth, today he is the Grand Poobah so what??!

But let’s give credit where credit is due, perhaps in some acknowledgement of his previous deceitfulness he only mentioned the superbond twice.

After insulting the media, telling them quite truthfully that not only were they duped but that they are easily duped, he warned BEL that they were next on the hit list. In answer to a question (one of about 6 the media found the temerity to ask) he reiterated the threat.

The headline is that Barrow will rescue BEL. I am sure Stan Marshall and those guys are salivating at the thought. They know that Barrow is about to hand them a blank cashiers cheque. Don’t worry, the taxpayers of Belize will eventually pony up the money but in the meantime, the intervening years, the value on your books is better than the devaluing Belize dollar.

Kudos to Adele Ramos, Marion Ali, Rhenae Nunez, Jules Vasquez and Louis Wade for asking a few questions and braving Barrow’s now patented scornful imperiousness. We know the script by heart by now – it’s time the media got together and flipped the script on Barrow – boycott the next press conference if you don’t get to be front and center and get to ask your questions without the “interference” from the gibbering mob.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 12, 2011

REALITY CHECK! In my perspective…

We bread and buttah gone!

Gone! Gone!

By Carla Bradley Over the past three years, so many of our once blooming industries have either been faced with extreme difficulties, have been sold, or are in the process of being sold and some have even been put to rest as some people would say.

The tourism industry has toppled over, as Belize is becoming more violent, and our operational industry meaning tour guides, tenders etc. have been victimized by big cruise lines with no assistance from GOB. The citrus industry has seen many storms in its path and unfortunately continues to face these issues with no resolution in site. The business sector has taken the full blunt of the storm as many businesses have either gone into receivership or have closed down without notice.

HL’s, privately owned small stores and even food vendors and taco vendors can no longer stand and operate in a country where there is just not enough money circulating.

In the first senate meeting of the year, Senator Godwin Hulse said that the direct foreign investment went from 139 million dollars in 2009 to 13 million dollars in 2010 – a hundred and twenty six million dollar difference, which clearly shows that no one wants to invest in our country. Why, well that is the question he should answer.

The bus industry is now the new victim of this every growing storm and sadly we see no resolution to the problem in the horizon. Some people may understand and some people are blinded until it hits home. Imagine being without food for weeks, running out of excuses to tell your children why you are not able to give them food, or help them financially for a school trip, or school supplies or even diapers, how would you feel?

We must not judge these bus owners for standing up for what they

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believe is right before placing ourselves in their situation.

The squatters, now I am not condoning squatting but I am appalled by the way the situation was handled. At the PM’s quarterly press conference he showed no remorse to what was done, a shame if you should ask me. His hecklers yelled “send them back to Guatemala” when actually these people are Belizeans, and their children are born Belizeans. Of course they don’t matter now but come 2012 and 2013 elections; they will be king and queens because the GOB will want their votes. We are all Belizeans, whether it be born or naturalized as long as we hold that piece of paper saying we are Belizeans. Some of the ministers and other bodies of this current government, members of the private sector, and the ordinary public, were born elsewhere but were raised in Belize and hold a piece of paper because either their parents were born here or they lived in the country long enough to qualify for that piece of paper. So before you pass judgment on these people, ask where did your ancestors come from?

I will not stand for racism, we Belizeans are a mixture, whether it is Mayan, Garifuna, Creole, Hispanic, Indian, Asian etc. we are all Belizeans and this mixture is what makes our country interesting to tourist, our rich diversity of cultures is a great asset and a wonderful thing to boast about.

We need to start listening to the words yapped by these ministers, and not the variety show or circus that they put on. We need to show them that “dah fool dih talk but dah noh fool dih listen.”

Remember their faces, because come election day, they will be knocking at your doors and showering you with hundreds of dollars, but before you smile and take the money, think about the many nights you had to eat bread and salt, or ramen, while they crack back in their leather lazyboy and eat steak and sip wine enjoying the A/C; think about the countless nights you had to explain to your children that you simply don’t have the money to put food on the table; think about the nights where you live in fear because of the escalating crime; think about the nights when you lay in bed hoping for justice for a fallen son, daughter, father, mother, cousin or friend. Think about the life under this current administration.

Why Entertainers and Clowns Cannot Govern

By Rayford Young Recently, two incidents took place in the United States which we should all take note. First, Donald Trump, the Casino tycoon, announced that he will not run for the presidency of the United States of America. When he began, his main platform and criticism of President Obama was that he was not a United States citizen and could not prove he was born in the USA (which you must be in order to be President).

He went on for weeks in this hysteria and even climbed to the top in the polls. This only encouraged him to keep pounding the President on this issue. He also was a master at promoting his reality show on NBC TV and let us all know he was a genius. He used foul language and told us the way to deal with China and our debt situation with them was to call the Chinese President and let him know to knock it off or else. He would do the same with the oil producers in the Middle East. His whole campaign was this kind of rhetoric - no substance, just silly commentary - but a lot of people loved his stance. They thought he was tough and could stand up to the Chinese and the oil producing countries. If it was this easy we all could be president. Governing is not that simple.

Then President Obama released his birth certificate and Donald Trump’s poll numbers tumbled to single digits. He was done. Those who thought he knew what he was talking about saw that he was just another liar trying to cash in on the anger and distrust some have for President Obama. But when the truth was known he was finished.

Second, the former Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger announced he had fathered a child with the maid that worked in their home. The ‘love’ child was born five weeks after his last child was born, by his wife, Maria Shriver Schwarzenegger. Arnold kept this hidden from his wife and the public for the ten years he was in office. Just after his term as governor was finished he told his wife and shortly thereafter they were separated. Arnold’s rise to fame was the movies - Hollywood, the land of fantasy. This is where he liked being and was good at it. But Californians wanted a change and at times when we are desperate we do stupid things. They were sick and tired of the professional politicians so they elected Arnold. His term as governor was turbulent at best and

he accomplished very little. When he finally left office his poll numbers were down in the mid-20s.

The experience of these two men should teach us something - that clowns and movie actors and those that present themselves as tough, moral and spout out simple answers to complex problems, usually cannot govern. Once in office they learn quickly that they have to make a lot of tough and complex decisions and the silly solutions they promoted on the campaign trail are woefully inadequate. Governing is complex. Again, if it was that simple we all could be presidents and prime ministers.

In the upcoming general elections in Belize we have some big, tough decisions to make. The future of our country is at stake. Who will emerge to govern our country in this time of high unemployment, rising crime and inadequate infrastructure? Will we turn to the clowns or the slick talkers or will we keep the political system that has devastated this country? What will we leave our children and grand children - a broken, ineffective system? Lots to think about.

Here is what I would love to hear from the candidates that will be running in the years ahead. See if you agree with me.

1. I would love to hear the next prime minister say he or she will not tolerate stealing or kick backs of the government’s money.

2. Set up an independent prosecutor’s office to investigative all the rumors of stealing and cronyism we’ve heard for all these years. Prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law regardless of who they are. Somebody needs to go to jail.

3.

A detailed plan for creating jobs.

4. Fix the roads and the infrastructure. The swing bridge was designed for the 30s - not for the large number of vehicles on the road today. It’s an eye-sore and a danger to the public.

5. Get tough on crime. Outlaw hand guns. Set up an amnesty program to turn in your guns. Anyone with an unregistered gun or who is convicted of a crime using an unregistered gun will face long jail sentences or possibly the death sentence.

6. A plan to streamline government. Stop the crazy spending. We don’t need all these huge gas guzzling government vehicles running all over the country which is costing the tax payers millions of dollars every year.

Now I can vote for someone like that. A clear plan for the country. Send me, or the Belize Times, your “six-point plan” for the Country. Perhaps the next candidates for high office will adopt some of these ideas. Let’s get a discussion going. We really need it. The future of our Country is at stake. Send your comments to rayfordyoung@comcast.net.

Rayford Young is a Belizean-American, who currently lives in Michigan, USA.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

The Next Revolution…… and the Aspirations of the People of Belize

By Carolyn Trench-Sandiford – Deputy Leader People’s United Party - Belize

What is the Belize that our people want to see in the future? This article completes the four part introduction and background to the New Political, Economic and Social Order of the Next Revolution by forwarding the aspirations of the people of Belize as enunciated in Horizon 2030-the National Development Framework for Belize.

Horizon 2030 is rooted in Vision 2025, an initiative of the 1998-2008 People’s United Party government, and embodies the ideas, vision and aspirations of the people of Belize, as derived through a consultative process with a wide cross section of stakeholders. But how does this link to the articles that precede it?

Presenting the Constitution was necessary, as it is representative of our principles and core values and beliefs. These anchor our aspirations for the Belize we wanted to see at the time of Independence 30 years ago.

Independence was a milestone of the journey to create the New Belize, which was to bring to all Belizeans a better life and a just share of the national wealth.

The second article quantified the profile of the people of Belize in 2010 and compared past data with that of the present, to point to changes in the profile of the population over time, emerging trends and the implications of those changes and trends to the future of Belize, and planning for the next revolution. It is a point of reference which can be used to measure achievements.

The National Budget was the third article, for it is the collective ‘cash’ wealth of the people, and while not representative of the national wealth, is the source of funding for meeting the present and future needs and aspirations of the current and next generation. It concluded that the budget is not results oriented, or tied into any statistical data that clearly measure achievements geared at creating the New Belize.

In Horizon 2030, the people of Belize identified three critical issues that currently confront our nation.

The first one is that our Belizean youths are in crisis, because of a deteriorated society. Secondly, that our society is fragmented along ethnic, religious, class, gender and political party lines, and this has contributed to a lack of social cohesion and a weak sense of patriotism, which leads to ineffective use of limited resources.

The final critical issue is the absence of development planning processes that are anchored in both rural and urban communities, are based on inter-sectoral collaboration, and which contain clear monitoring and evaluation processes. These all contribute to the realities of 2011, and if addressed, can have a positive impact on the lives of ordinary Belizeans.

According to Horizon 2030, the vision of the people of Belize is a country of peace and tranquility, where citizens live in harmony with the natural environment and enjoy a high quality of life and where Belizeans are an energetic, resourceful and independent people, looking after their own development.

Their core values and aspirations are that: - Belize is a well-informed and healthy society where children and adults value their multi-ethnic and multi-cultural identity and can showcase multiple cultural and sporting talents; - Belizeans have a collective identity, and are patriotic and proud to be Belizean; - The natural environment is valued and protected as the basis for all economic activity and therefore development planning is based on the principles of environmental sustainability; - Rural communities are strong within a vibrant agriculture sector; - Belizeans are capable of using state of the art technology which they incorporate into productive enterprise.

- The economy is competitive and public policy is well-managed and supportive of entrepreneurs, small enterprise and private sector growth; - Belize has a well-balanced distribution of wealth and resources and modern infrastructure is supportive of economic growth; - The state is respectful of people’s human rights and citizens and visitors respect the rule of law and feel safe and secure; - Democracy is vibrant with citizens fully participating in the de-

velopment process and women performing at the highest levels of political leadership; - A fair, transparent and accountable governance system operates at all levels and in areas of development including: national and sub-national government, the private sector, educational institutions, community based and other nongovernment organizations; - Strong public sector and civil society organizations collaborate effectively and tailor their programmes to meet Belize’s development goals and objectives; and if - Belize engages strategically with regional and international partners in development, Are the aspirations of the people any different from that in 1981?

While territorial integrity, sovereignty and the Supremacy of God are absent in 2011, and certainly cannot be ignored, Horizon 2030 captures the aspirations of the people of Belize in a profound, specific and real way.

While there are similarities to the core values and aspirations of 1981, they differ in many ways.

Firstly, it projects a stronger environmental ethos and underscores the symbiotic relationship between environmental sustainability, economic activity and achieving our aspirations while introducing the role of technology, development planning and decentralization of

19 decision making at different levels of government and geographic location as requisites for improving the quality of life of all Belizeans.

Secondly, it encourages the freedom to express talents, cultural and ethnic diversity, points to the inclusion of civil society as a critical partner in the development of Belize, and recognizes the importance of a more strategic approach to engaging international donors. It also magnifies the need for support for small business, entrepreneurship and the private sector, and emphasizes that democracy requires the full participation of the citizenry and women to be in political leadership.

And lastly and perhaps most importantly, is that the people of Belize want to create ONE BELIZE, not a NEW BELIZE, where a national identity encompasses inclusion, unity of purpose and ethnic and cultural diversity. 2011 is about Belize and Belizeans.

Thus, the Constitution of Belize and our national wealth shall form the basis for achieving the aspirations of the people of Belize. This can only be done through a New Political, Economic and Social Order designed specifically to create ONE BELIZE, Prosperous, United and Free. Next week we will introduce the New Political Order. For comments email carolyntrench@ gmail.com

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Reid

By G. Mike Reid Some people believe that there might be a curse on the administration that is currently running our country while others suggest that it might be a case of straight out obeah. Some suggest it is merely bad luck while others are resigned to chalking it up to simple and outright incompetence. Whatever the case may be, it has plunged our country into a state of utter despair and deep discordance.

As I write, the bus owners are once again meeting to decide on their next course of action and to determine whether they will need to go back to the point of industrial action. A week ago, the country came to a near standstill as disgruntled bus operators brought us to the threshold of outright civil disobedience.

fourth bridge is being proposed to span the divide between north and southside Belize. That divide of course, runs much wider and deeper than geographical as the cultural differences between the two sides remain pronounced and profound. The community in the Belama extension area where the bridge is supposed to land is occupied by mostly working class families, many of whom must leave their homes unattended to attend work and school.

The only Police Station in the area is periodically closed and residents fear that the bridge will allow for easy access to criminal types from the neglected Collet, Queen Square and Port Loyola constituencies.

Mr. Barrow’s crafty and chicane manipulation of the media has been his sole saving grace throughout his ineffectual term in office. Lucrative advertising arrangements funded by Belize Telemedia and Social Security Board have gone a long way toward keeping the media calm on even the most pressing of issues. While the economic crunch has caused cuts in crucial areas of governance, one area that has seen no decrease is in the area of propaganda. While most departments, including Police and schools saw deep cuts in last year’s budget, one department that saw a marked increase was the Press Office. The government continues to fund

Mr. Barrow’s crafty and chicane manipulation of the media has been his sole saving grace throughout his ineffectual term in office.

While inconvenienced, most commuters understood and stood in solidarity with the bus folk, recognizing the unfairness of the situation. Many share the sentiment of Belizean Bus Association (BBA) President Thomas Shaw, who decried the political favoritism shown to new comer and UDP crony, Sergio Chuc. The bus owners were eventually talked and tricked out of their tough stance but are now seeing that no word is bond with this government. The new bus line continues to expand and infringe on existing runs, thereby displacing existing operators. Bus operators are not happy and one can be almost sure that used tires are once again being stockpiled with the only hope being that commonsense will prevail over arrogance. Knowing the UDP way, it is almost asking too much.

The flames from the burning bus tires set last Friday were barely extinguished when other fires were being lit to protest more inconsiderate actions by this government. More than one organization has jumped in to condemn the callous and inhumane demolishing of residences along Chetumal Street South. This is the area where a new road that has been pushed through from the junction of Faber’s Road and the Western Highway to an area near the Haulover Creek. It is the site where a

lengthy and expensive ads in their continued effort to pull wool over the eyes of the Belizean people.

Recently, the Prime Minister himself has taken to the airwaves, producing a bi-weekly narrative called the Prime Minister’s Re-

ports. In the most recent, the Prime Minister took great pains to explain how his government is promoting democracy by allowing Oceana to gather signatures for a referendum on the issue of offshore drilling. According to the Prime Minister, this could not have happened under the PUP. Allow me to refresh your memory PM, this could not only have happened, it did happen. Remember the referendum for an elected Senate? And nobody needed to gather any 17,000 signatures nor was there any requirement for sixty percent of voters’ participation. Mr. Barrow has already made it quite clear that “drill they will” and as we speak, the first of probably many oil drills is already packaged and ready for shipment to Belize. Look for our pristine skyline to be polluted with the presence of a very many of these environmentally hazardous apparatuses in the very near future.

The fact is that in every area, this UDP administration has been a complete failure. The Prime Minister can dress up his presentations with pretty words and fanciful gesticulations but in the final analysis, it is all very empty. Whenever we look at the Prime Minister and compare his words to his works, Hubert Elrington’s insightful comment comes to mind. The man is all glitter and no substance.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Destruction of Belizean Rights, Part II

By Judge Kenneth Gale The Government has released statistic that indicate there are 30,000 children whose families cannot afford schooling through the first through fourth forms. There lies the second problem in respect to creating criminals. A problem that could have been easily avoided or easily corrected. The problem should never have existed.

Belize’s criminals are predominately functionally illiterate children who came from single parent homes with a lack a proper education. These children are placed on the streets at ages as young as 13. They have no means of support. To survive they turn to crime. Those who didn’t have a caring and loving home life join gangs that constitute their home on the streets.

The hundreds of millions of dollars in pseudo loans that were advanced by the Government to friends and cronies, without any attempt to recover the hundreds of millions by either political party, could have educated all of the 30,000 children with hundreds of millions left over. Half of the 30,000 children could have been educated without any outside help. The scam involving school books increases the cost of books to where it creates the great expense that keeps children out of the first through fourth forms.

If the Government would standardize school books, for the first through fourth forms the books average cost, per semester for a student, could be reduced from the approximate $200.00 a semester to as low as $50.00 a semester. Enrolment would be improved to where, without any additional assistance, 15,000 of those children could be educated and not be put out on the street as functionally illiterate children that commence a criminal lifestyle. The children could become productive members of society.

In addition families that were struggling with the cost of keeping their children in school, would have more money to put food on their tables.

The laws of Belize in respect to apprehending criminals are adequate. The problem is the failure to properly prosecute the criminal cases.

The Prime Minister contin-

ues with his plan to change the law to where a witness’s affidavit can be introduced into evidence, if the witness fails to appear in court. He attempts to justify such a procedure. However, there is no justification. Such a procedure is a clear violation of a Defendant’s right to confront and cross examine the witness against him. Such a procedure could lead to great injustices and the conviction of innocent Defendants.

The statement that is taken down by the police, which the witness is requested to sign, may have little resemblances to the facts as the witness had related them. Several years ago I and another witness went to the police station to report a large theft. Each of our statements were taken. Neither of us would sign the statements that were prepared. The statements had little similarly to the facts that has been stated and misstated facts that had been related. At a later date a Belizean business man, of considerable prominence; told me of a similar problem that occurred when he attempted to make a statement to the police involving a crime.

Belize should do as Countries, that respect a Defendant’s right to confront and cross examine the witness against him do. That is, have the witness give his or her testimony before a court reporter at the time of the preliminary hearing. Such a procedure provides the Defendant with the opportunity to confront and cross examine the witness at the time of the preliminary hearing.

Such a procedure lessens the chance of convicting an innocent Defendant and provides a proper foundation to read the witnesses testimony into evidence, if the witness fails to appear at the time of trial. Such a procedure will save lives of witness’s. The Defendant cannot then benefit by killing the witness. His case will end up as a conviction, if the jurors learn that the prior testimony is read into evidence because the Defendant is deceased. In addition the trial will be an early trial that lessens the Defendant’s chance to influence the witness.

Visit Us Online at: www.belizetimes.bz

Sunday, June 12, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Squatters in Heaven?

I have heard it said that progress brings problems. This saying seems to be slowly weaving its way into a proposed bridge crossing somewhere in the Belama extension area! This bridge will be instantly joining two communities which were separated by a river for years. This has its good and bad depending on which ‘lens’ you are looking through! In the world this has happened over and over again. The invention of flying machines, ships, and cars, has basically destroyed the distance between once unreachable nations. In fact I read an article where some people have already put a down payment of two hundred thousand dollars on a space craft that would take them I think to the moon. Now even the distance between the moon and the earth is being bridged by technological advancements!

Let me focus on one aspect of this new development in the Belama extension. All over the news, a couple days ago, was an issue concerning some squatters who were trying out their chances on some pieces of properties next to the new development. Personally I have varying views about the different factors which created this situation. It was most painful, though, to look at the news and see a little child caught in the middle between two hostile adults. She was crying and it moved me as I feared the emotionally impact on her now and in the future.

Squatting is an old technique to hopefully acquire a parcel of land without going through the already set up public system. Especially in Belize, this system seems to be a mess and is even further ‘muddied up’ by politics. Many have successfully squatted and now own the land which was acquired through this process. Since squatting is you giving yourself permission to a piece of land rather than getting it from the government, it may not always turn out successful especially if it is done too far from Elections or (Judgment day).

The big question today is “Can I squat in Heaven?” My answer to you is yes. There are many squatters in the Kingdom of God as we have many claiming to be Christians but living lifestyles that deny their very claim. By the way, Christian means to believe in Christ, and for your information even the devil believes (James 2:19 & Matthew 8:29).

God says He allows everyone to grow together and at harvest time He will separate the wheat from the chaff ! (Matthew 13:30). In other words he will not move the squatters until judgment day!

See the choices you make in life are a good indication of your legal status and legitimacy in the kingdom of God. The big difference is that when judgment day comes, we will not be able to throw a protest or change God’s judgment by a majority or popular decision!

What most people don’t understand is that being in the Kingdom is a legal position. The currency paid to acquire your piece of land is blood, and proof of your legal status is maintained by your decision to live according to the laws or constitution of the Kingdom! A squatter has no papers, no legal right to go on a piece of land. For all they know they may be in the middle of a street or a park that was planned for that area. They may even be on someone’s land! They depend on emotion and politics for security rather than legal evidence.

So my final question to you is this “Should we squat in the kingdom?” No my friend, there is no need to squat. Come get your piece of land legitimately. God wants you to be a part and He wants you to do your part which is to seek first His kingdom and its righteousness and then He will do his part which is to add all these things onto you! You cannot live as you wish on earth, claiming to be a “Christian” then expect that on judgment day God will be sorry for you and accept your squatter’s rights! If He didn’t spare His own Son, how can we get away with rejecting that Son that He sacrificed to allow you to purchase our peace of land! This is your eternity we are talking about. Let’s make no mistake about it. Your opportunity to properly acquire your property has to be done now before it’s too late! I encourage you to contact your nearest KGA (Kingdom Government Agency) or KA (Kingdom Ambassador) and they will assist you to correct your illegal status into a legitimate reality!

Until next week God bless!!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Sunday, June 12, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

en Español

JUNTOS CONSTRUIREMOS UN MEJOR BELICE Comentarios hechos por Sra. Rosanna Briceño Junta Especial Del PUP, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Junio 3, 2011 Quiero hablar con ustedes unos minutos de nuestro país. No voy a hablar demasiado de política, después de todo no soy el político en la familia, creo que usted sabe quién es.

Por supuesto que en casa mi esposo John y yo tenemos un entendimiento muy claro. Aunque estoy muy orgullosa de sus logros políticos y su servicio a nuestro país, en nuestra casa no hay ningún líder político.

Solo papá! ¿Por qué es que en casa es papá? Debido a que Johnny y yo creemos que el trabajo más importante que tenemos es ser padres de nuestros tres hijos, Daniel, Johnny y André. Creemos que las familias fuertes construyen vecindarios sólidos; vecindarios fuertes construyen comunidades fuertes, y esto lo convierte en mejores ciudades, pueblos y aldeas.

Así es como se puede empoderar y construir Belice, a través de las familias y comunidades fuertes. Lamentablemente, en estos días parece que estamos valorando menos a las familias. Nos estamos volviendo más y más de una cultura de “ yo” en lugar de” nosotros”. El concepto INDIVIDUAL (yo) parece ser más importante que la FAMILIA O LA COMUNIDAD. Tenemos que cambiar esto y creo que podemos cambiar esta actitud.

Sabe usted, como cualquier marido y mujer, cuando estamos juntos en la noche, Johnny y yo hablamos mucho sobre nuestro día, lo que está sucediendo en su oficina y en el Partido, y sí muchas veces hablamos de mi día. Creemos en apoyarnos mutuamente. En casa no es sólo un padre, es también un marido, Crealo usted (Lol) Hablamos de nuestro trabajo, muchas veces, los problemas son los mismos. Yo soy la directora de una escuela en Orange Walk-St. Peters Anglican. En nuestra escuela tenemos un programa de Educación Especial.

A través de este programa trabajamos con niños que tienen un número de diferentes discapacidades.

Les decimos a los niños que si realmente queremos lograr grandes cosas, si realmente creen que pueden y si se aplican, no hay límite a donde pueden llegar en la vida. No nos limitamos a decir esto, lo creemos.

Cuando Johnny y yo hablamos de como nuestro país puede ser mejor, le digo acerca de los padres de nuestra escuela que vienen de los pueblos a ser voluntarios para ayudar con nuestro programa de alimentación. Hablamos de los profesores que se quedan después de clases para ayudar a un niño para que él o ella pueda ponerse al día.

Y entonces le digo cómo al trabajar juntos, padres, alumnos y profesores, han sido capaces de convertir a St. Peter Anglican en una de las ,mejores escuelas del distrito de Orange Walk, al ser una de las escuelas de las cuales mas estudiantes aprobaron el PSE. Juntos hemos transformado a nuestra escuela y tenemos que seguir cambiando las vidas de nuestros estudiantes. Esto es lo que Johnny Briceño y el PUP están tratando de hacer por los niños y jóvenes en todo Belice.

Cuando habla de su plan de “saltar adelante”. Está hablando no sólo de la educación, sino también en hacer todo lo posible para todos. ¿Por qué los niños siguen en lista de espera aquí en San Pedro? ¿Por qué las aulas se dividen en lugar de contratar a más profesores?

Johnny Briceño verdaderamente cree en el pueblo de Belice y lo que podemos lograr a través del trabajo duro y la oportunidad. Por supuesto, como cualquier familia, no puede hacerlo solo. Él necesita que todos se involucren en este trabajo. Se necesita gente joven con energía y un amor por Belice que tengan una gran idea y no renunciar a sus ideas. Johnny quiere que nuestros jóvenes en la escuela utilicen sus habilidades de aprendizaje para que ayuden a construir Belice. Él también quiere ver familias fuertes, donde los padres den todo el amor y el apoyo a sus hijos, asegurándose de que estén a salvo y estables. Él quiere asegurarse de que todos nuestros niños puedan ir a la escuela y

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desarrollar sus talentos dados por Dios. Quiere ver a nuestros padres tomar un papel activo y serio en la vida de sus hijos, que se involucren en el PTA (parents, teachers association) por sus siglas en Ingles. Para asegurarse de que tienen influenza positiva en sus amigos.

Esta noche estoy aquí porque me invitaron y porque mi esposo está orgulloso del papel que desempeña la mujer en la PUP. El PUP es el primer Partido en tener una mujer como Ministra – la Sra. Gwen Liz. El PUP es el primer Partido en tener una mujer como vice líder del Partido, Carolina Sandiford. El Ejecutivo del PUP bajo Johnny Briceño tiene el mayor número de mujeres en el Poder Ejecutivo Nacional que nunca. Y por primera vez, vemos que 7 mujeres se han ofrecido a ofrecerse como candidatos al PUP para las próximas elecciones generales. Cuando se agrega esto a la cantidad de jóvenes que se ofrecieron como candidatos ves un equilibrio en el PUP. Usted ve un Partido que toma en cuenta a todos y no discrimina.

Esta noche quiero que todos ustedes a comparen lo que hemos estado haciendo en nuestro partido a lo que el UDP ha estado haciendo. Mientras que hemos estado hablando sobre la construcción de familias fuertes, el UDP está destruyendo casas de la gente, y obligan a los niños a dormir en el frío. Si nosotros hemos estado ayudando a los pobres, ellos los están agobiando con los impuestos . Mientras que nosotros hemos venido mostrando compasión, ellos están abusando de su poder en contra de los beliceños que se encuentran luchando para sobrevivir.

Amigos, San Pedro sigue siendo La Isla Bonita, sigue siendo un lugar donde las oportunidades existen, del mismo modo que Caye Caulker. Pero estas dos hermosas islas pueden ser mucho más.

No van a avanzar con el UDP, ustedes siempre han progresado con el PUP. Y esta noche quiero que todos vean lo que los une al PUP en Belice Rural South en lugar de lo que los divide.

Piensen en sus hermosos hijos que merecen vivir y prosperar en un buen país. Piensen en su familia y su seguridad. Piense en nuestras mujeres y lo mucho que pueden contribuir a nuestro desarrollo. Y si usted se preocupa por estas cosas, si cree en el progreso, si quieren un futuro para sus hijos, entonces las cosas que dividen no serán importantes en comparación a esto. ¿Lo importantes es que el progreso sólo vendrá con Johnny Briceño y el Partido Unido del Pueblo. Juntos vamos a hacer un mejor Belice. Gracias por su atención.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Sunday, June 12, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

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Too much Poverty, Unemployment & Corruption

Protestors demand Justice!

Belize City, June 7, 2011 The scorching heat nor increasing intimidation by security officials, hired by the Barrow Administration, deterred protestors from joining a march throughout the streets of Belize City on Tuesday morning, June 7, 2011.

The 200-plus strong crowd organised by the Citizens Organised for Liberty through Action (COLA) and Belizeans for Justice strode through the pot-holed streets of the old capital, shouting “Too much Poverty, Too much Unemployment, Too much Corruption, What do we want? Justice!”

The protest was primarily in response to last week’s brutal force by the Ministry of Works, Police and army personnel against a number of Belizean families who were residing on Government-owned land on Emmanuel Street, in the Lake Independence area. At around 4am, a team of military/Police personnel and a crowd armed with hammers and heavy tools raided the area, and tore down the homes which were erected by the squatters. The families were kicked out on the dirt streets, along with their children.

Since then, the families have continued to remain on the land, using what was left of their broken homes as makeshift beds. Many have been sleeping in the open, seeking cover from the cold and mosquito attacks only by using thin sheets. With the rainy season starting, some have obtained tents, but none has returned to normalcy.

The Melgar family told the BELIZE TIMES that the already hard times have now become unbearable.

“I used to sell clothes and small things for a living, but now I can’t do anything because if I leave the area where I had my house thieves will take everything,” said a single mother of five, Sandra Melgar.

The protestors, having already suffered from physical and emotional abuse, had to withstand further assault as the Minister of Works Anthony “Boots” Martinez accused them of being non-Belizeans. No less than a day later, the squatters including their toddlers, were able to prove that they held

Carmen, a Belizean graduate of ACC, shows the result of the UDP Government’s abuse. Her house was completely destroyed.

Protestors marching through the streets of Port Loyola

PUP Port Loyola Standard Bearer Gilroy Usher Sr. recognises the injustice plaguing the people & is committed to bringing about improvement

Left: PUP Secretary General Rachel Montejo holding up banner “Touch One, Touch All”, (Right) PUP Deputy Leader Carolyn TrenchSandiford in solidarity with poor Belizeans

Belizean passports and birth certificates, to expose that the actions by Government were falsely instigated and rather moved by hatred and arrogance.

But the ire of Belizeans which erupted following the wrath and abuse on Emmanuel Street, is not the only reason behind Tuesday’s protest. High unemployment (1 in every 4 Belizeans), high crime (58 murders so far in 2011), and corruption in Government were also reasons the protestors took to the streets.

As they proceeded through the protest route, selected by the Police Department and which took them through the constituency of the Minister of Works mostly, the protestors were greeted by residents who peered through their windows and doors. One man on Cesar

Ridge Road, on whose gate flapped a dirty and ripped flag of the United Democratic Party, shouted “Yeh man! Dah time somebody stand up to dis ya Barrow Government.”

The protestors also had the support of Opposition officials, such as PUP Deputy Leader Carolyn Trench-Sandiford, PUP Secretary General Rachel Montejo, PUP Port Loyola Standard Bearer Gilroy Usher Sr., PUP Belize Rural North Standard Bearer Arthur Saldivar, and members of the the Orange Walk East Upliftment Committee which supports Hon. Marcel Cardona, who all marched in the protest as well.

The hour-long march was closely guarded by Police personnel. One official in particular, went along to take photos and videos of the entire march.

The protest ended at the Constitution Park where the President of C.O.L.A. addressed the gathering.

“We may not solve things with one march, that’s why we must continue,” he said.

Sulph said COLA and Belizeans for Justice have requested that the Government assist the squatters with land so they no longer have to squat.

He said that if there is no response, further action will be taken.

“I am as the P.M. to show compassion. Mr. P.M. what you may consider a shack, is a mansion to us,” he stated.

COLA and Belizeans for Justice say they will apply for another permit to protest next week Tuesday June 14, 2011 if an acceptable resolution is not found for the families.

Sulph said he would like every Belizean who finds the actions unjust to join the march.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

BARROW BANKRUPTS BEL Continued from page 1

Electricity Limited (BEL) has been forced by the harsh and idiotic policies of this government to default on its debt obligations, and without an immediate government bailout, as much as 70% of the country will be plunged into darkness.

Posturing over how the government had to foot a $2m bill for the month of May, the Prime Minister failed to admit that it is his government-appointed Public Utilities Commission that has BEL and the electricity sector in such a complete mess! Hell bent, as it appears, to shut down BEL, the PUC has taken measures that have crippled the smooth flow of business for the company, stifling any chance of keeping above its debts.

For the past two years at least, BEL has been complaining that the tariffs that the utility regulatory body has imposed on them have stripped the company of any real chance to operate at a profit. The PUC has refused to approve an increase in rates and with the skyrocketing fuel prices, BEL is operating at a loss, buying electricity at almost double what it used to and selling to consumers at .44 per kilowatt hour.

In addition to the May $2m prepayment, BEL had requested that government pay another three months in advance. While the government has

come up with the $4m payment, it might still need to find another $6m to keep the company under the credit limit. That limit will expire in less than two weeks, and coming out of a very long dry season, even the locally-produced hydro power does not have sufficient storage to last beyond that period.

Tax payers will also be on the hook for $10 million for a letter of credit Barrow had given to facilitate BEL’s purchase of power from Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), which supplies BEL with 70% of its energy demands. All payments would then be on a cash basis only, and Barrow has already said that his cash-strapped administration cannot make. But instead of offering solutions, the PM seemed to be goading on BEL, indirectly accusing the company of fudging the books and daring the provider to bring on the blackouts.

Similar to what was done to BTL, the Prime Minister wants to strong-arm BEL, feathering another nest for his family members and political cronies. In an interview last week, Barrow said that the government would not ‘temporarily’ take-over BEL, as is allowed by law for emergency situations. Rather he

made it clear at the press conference that he wants to hijack the company permanently, even suggesting that the company’s stock was not worth the paper it was printed on.

He issued a subtle yet obvious threat to CEO Lynn Young, stating that the negotiations would be akin to the takeover of a bankrupt company.

To add to the problem, BEL’s debts with other suppliers keep mounting. It also owes BECOL, its sister company, $12m for the past 12 months and at the end of this month, it must pay debenture holders interests. The BELCOGEN project at Tower Hill, is also looking for its payments in outstanding arrears. That project, which should have significantly eased the dependency on Mexico, is only producing half of the projected capacity. And diesel power has become so costly that BEL has shut down its Mile 8 (Western Highway) plant for the time being.

Asked why BEL’s parent company does not make a further intervention and take its own company out of this financial bind, BEL’s CEO, Lynn Young, has said that Fortis

Sunday, June 12, 2011 is unprepared to spend any money on a company whose operational functions have been restricted by decisions made by the PUC, which also has a court case with BEL pending. Young says that because of this fact, the lending institutions are not willing to advance the company any funds either unless Fortis or the Government can guarantee the loan.

Analysts say what is required is an amended regulation which would allow for special intervention in times like the present, when other measures can be applied to bail the utility provider out of the mess in which BEL currently finds itself. However, Dean Barrow and his useless cohorts lack the wherewithal and vision to solve this problem. Instead like a cursed talisman Barrow is praying for rain and hoping that the financial mess he has created will fix itself. One thing is for certain, we the consumers will suffer as the hot days and nights of darkness return.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

THE BELIZE TIMES

BARROW to BELAMA – YOUR FEARS are UNFOUNDED Continued from page 16 very concerned about the new bridge.

But it’s something that is necessary so we cannot hinder progress. I hope they move the police station and put it at the bridge foot”. The break-in at the former Auditor General’s home followed the much talked about incident in which a lone police officer stationed at the Belama Police Sub-station was ambushed by a trio of assailants, relieved of his revolver and shot almost fatally. Nicholas must not realize that placing the police substation at the foot of the bridge foot would be useless considering that the substation remains closed.

Barrow and his Minister of Works are moving full speed ahead with the construction of the bridge and they’ve their reasons why they are acting with such haste. Like the bus transportation quagmire they’ve created, the bridge project represents nothing more than a “retirement package” for the boys in Belmopan.

As the BELIZE TIMES understands it, some of those boys have already “cashed out” on the project; though, the bridge hasn’t been constructed as yet. Barrow and the UDP will have Belizeans believe, however, that there is nothing “corrupt” about this.

The fears of the residents of Bela-

ma are well-founded and for the Prime Minister of this country to say to them that the opposite is true is nothing short of an affront to those hardworking, law-abiding citizens. Dean Barrow and the UDP have shown time and time again that they are hell bent on doing whatever they want to do without any regard for consultation with the people of Belize. The residents of Belama should feel comforted by the fact that they have an Area Representative who will stand shoulder to shoulder with them and spare no effort in ensuring that their concerns are heard and respected by this UDP Government.

As the Hon. Francis Fonseca rightly pointed out to the Prime Minister, the bridge is not a priority issue for the residents of Belama. In his letter, Hon. Francis Fonseca states, “If any funds are to be made available for infrastructural works in the Freetown Division, I would recommend that those funds be directed to the upgrade of the streets and drains in Belama Phases I, II and III, the refurbishment of the Belama Police Substation, the reopening of the Belama Health Centre and the Freetown Education & Opportunity Centre and the completion of the Belama Phase IV Land Development Project all of which are priority issues for our residents and community.”

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Humor in UDP Politics!

The psychiatrist for the BBOC, after examining Flippin Hulse over the weekend, confirmed that he suffered from Megolomania complex, which makes him believe that he is a reincarnate of God. The expert analysis also concluded that, more interestingly, he believes that a swarm of killer bees is always chasing him which puts him in the category of “Pretty Crazy”. ………………

This one had to be an all-time classic. Last Friday, in the middle of the bus madness, President of the Bus Owners Association called no other than Hon. Marcel Cardona, UDP Area Representative from Orange Walk East, to convey that PM Barrow had made promises.

Of course, Cardona couldn’t help himself when he blurted out for all of Belize to hear, “And you believe am?” ………………

Have you heard Carnival is cancelled because NICH, the Tenth is cancelled because of Police Commissioner Jefferies, and the BDF is down to half its rations, so we ask what could be worst? That is un-

til we heard the news on Channel 7 that the BDF is out of bullets. ……………….

San Pedro Mayor and her 5 Councillors (excluding former Deputy Mayor Ico who has turned on the UDP) returned from a secret trip to Chetumal recently. The Mayor’s big announcement was the she wasn’t running, which was no surprise because none of the current Councillors are either. After running up thousand of dollars in a tab at the ‘colourful’ club Mi Viejo, the Councillors looked at each other and asked “who weh pay di bill”.

They all looked at the Mayor and said, “Well, good thing she’s still our Queen”. ……………….

Things are so bad under Barrow that a hundred dollar is more like a fifty, and five and ten cents are more like nickels and dimes.

Things are so bad that more Belizeans are living at the dump so much that a shop and a kitchen have opened there. Things are so bad that the other day I saw two pot lickers chase down a rat, kill it and eat it. Life is haada out ya.

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THE BELIZE TIMES

Sunday, June 12, 2011